April 2014 Golf Southwest

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Volume 2 Issue 4 | April 2014

Hidden Valley Country Club Championship Golf Country Club Style

Badlands Golf Club

27-Holes of Spectacular Desert Golf

Tuscany Golf Club

Uncork A Truly Vintage Golf Experience

Sky Mountain Golf Course Southern Utah’s Most Scenic Venue.

Mike Malaska:

Tuscany Golf Club is located on the eastern reaches of the valley and offers some of the best conditions found anywhere in southern Nevada.

Lessons from one of the Top Instructors in Golf

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Rules of Golf

G O L F S O U T H W E S T

olf Southwest’s Rules of Golf Quiz is designed to bring to light rules questions that may just come up during your next round of golf, courtesy of the United States Golf Association. After you check out these questions, go to our website at www.golf-southwest.com and check out the answers and while you are there, register for a chance to win some great merchandise or maybe even a round of golf at one of your favorite courses.

— A p r i l

Rules of Golf Quiz for APRIL 2014 G 1. In stroke play, a player removes the flagstick and places it on the putting green near the hole. As he putts and the ball nears the hole, a fellow-competitor removes the flagstick from the green, fearing that the ball will strike it. What is the ruling?

A. There is no penalty.

B. The player incurs a two stroke penalty.

C. The fellow-competitor incurs a two stroke penalty.

2 0 1 4 2. In stroke play, it is not known or virtually certain that

a player’s tee shot is lost in a water hazard. He plays another ball from the tee under the water hazard Rule and then he finds his original ball outside the hazard.

What is the ruling?

A. There is no penalty and the original ball is in play.

B. The original ball is lost under penalty of stroke and distance.

C. There is a two stroke penalty and the original ball is in play.

3. During a stipulated round, a player may wrap a towel around the grip to play a stroke.

A. True B. False 4. In stroke play, a player returns his score card with a total score that is correct, but with a score missing for one hole. What is the ruling?

A. The Committee should allow him to enter the missing score.

B. The Committee should enter the missing score.

C. He is disqualified.

5. Through the green, a ball lifted to determine if it is unfit for play may be cleaned.

A. True B. False

Go to

Golf-Southwest.com To Check Your Answers

3

INSIDE

PO Box 910038 St. George, UT 84791 (435) 865-1680

www.golf-southwest.com

Publisher Kent Danjanovich (801) 231-9838 kdanjanovich@golf-Southwest.com Nevada Sales Manager John Wooge (702) 373-7437 jwooge@golf-Southwest.com Utah Sales Manager Collin Dalley (435) 862-7441 cdalley@golf-southwest.com

2 Rules of the Game 3 Publisher’s Notes 4 Hidden Valley Country Club 8 Dining: Marche’ Bacchus French Bisro 10 Badlands Golf Club 14 Ping Karsten Clubs 15 April Tournament Schedule 16 Tuscany Golf Club 20 Sky Mountain Golf Course 24 Golf Tips: Simple Swing Thoughts 26 Hotel & Dining Guide 30 Mike Malaska: my Favorite Lesson 31 Utah Hotels and Dining

Nevada Sales Steve Mayer (702) 596-3926 smayer@golf-southwest.com Managing Editor Dan Kidder (435) 868-8919 dkidder@golf-Southwest.com Jim Rayburn Staff Writer (801) 372-7980 info@golf-Southwest.com Art Director/Distribution Lisa Deming (435) 865-1681 ldeming@golf-Southwest.com Randy Danjanovich Golf Course Specialist Steve Latimer Golf Course Specialist www.facebook.com/golfutah Become a Fan of Golf Southwest for Fan Only contests and post comments about Golf Utah.

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Golf Southwest is published monthly.

The entire content of this newspaper is Copyright 2014 © All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Managing Editor.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Rayburn Steve Mayer Matt Baird Mike Malaska

Publisher’s Notes W

By Kent Danjanovich

ell, April is here and spring has officially sprung in the west.

In fact, as you noticed when you picked up this issue, so has our transition to GOLF SOUTHWEST. For those of you that have been following GOLF UTAH for the past 10 months, we thank you for your support.

For those of you picking up this publication for the first time, especially those in southern Nevada, welcome and we are excited to be able to bring you a great new Golf publication and hope that you enjoy what we are able to bring to you each month, encompassing the wonderful game of golf.

Each month we will be highlighting up to four courses in Utah and southern Nevada, hopefully bringing you some unique insight on history of the facilities, special opportunities and maybe talk you into visiting a new course that could become one of your regular hangouts.

We are very fortunate to have such great golfing opportunities in our area of the country, including private, resort, public and municipal facilities that are well maintained, offering all levels of golfers the chance to enjoy the sport of a lifetime. Golf is truly a sport for all ages, genders and skill levels.

In this issue, you will find reviews on the Tuscany Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada, Badlands on the west side of Las Vegas, Hidden Valley Country Club in Sandy, Utah and Sky Mountain Golf Course in Hurricane, Utah. This is a great line-up of courses, each very different, but all offering great golf to all those that step foot on their green fairways.

Also in this issue, Mike Malaska, one of the top teaching professionals in the country shares some sage advice, as well as Matt Baird from Riverside Country Club in Provo, Utah. You can also have some fun challenging your golfing rules knowledge with our “Rules of Golf” quiz found inside the front cover.. Then make a visit to our website to check out the answers.

We are a work in progress right now, changing everything over to GOLF SOUTHWEST, but hopefully very soon the confusion will be over.

Don’t miss out on a glimpse of the “Masters” preview, offering a brief hole-by-hole account of what the greatest players in the world will be facing at one of the most recognized golf tournaments in the world, the only major played at the same venue every year.

We are lining up some great prize give-a-ways for the coming months as well, with our last winner, Tim Franchi, reeling in the new Bushnell NEO X GPS Rangefinder Watch. We will have opportunities in our publication, on our website and on our Facebook links, so make sure you check us out every month. Also, you can subscribe to our digital copy of GOLF SOUTHWEST and have it delivered right to your inbox every month, free of charge.

Stay tuned for upcoming issues that will be highlighting wonderful golf destinations from around the world, with the May issue set in the tropical paradise on the Island of Kauai! And again, welcome to GOLF SOUTHWEST and I hope to see on the putting green at your local course soon.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

4 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

Hidden Valley Country Club N

By Jim Rayburn

estled, literally in a valley hidden from most of the Salt Lake County population off the southeast bench on the southern edge of Sandy and on the northern border of Draper is Utah’s only 27-hole country club.

Like many other clubs, Hidden Valley Country Club originated somewhat small, in a different location and has transformed into a much larger golf and social experience than ever imagined by the original founders.

In the early 1920s the club was known as Fort Douglas Country Club and located in the Fort Douglas on private land on the eastern edge of the University of Utah campus.

A golf course was constructed on public land. After more than 30 years of operation, and with the university expanding around the club, the club donated the golf course to the University of Utah. For years it was the place where students, instructors and many Salt Lake residents learned the game of golf. It was one of the easiest golf courses to walk.

In 1957, club members purchased nearly 300 acres on the southeastern edge of Salt Lake Valley for under $400,000 and changed the name of the club to Fort Douglas/Hidden Valley Country Club. William Bell, Jr., an up and coming golf course designer from Pasadena, Calif., was hired to design and build a new 18-hole golf course on the new piece of land.

Bell has since designed several other top golf courses in Utah.

Bell immediately informed members that he believed they had picked an ideal location for a golf course and that the surrounding property would become a high-class residential area. Construction on a clubhouse and the golf course began in 1958.

Hidden Valley opened its original 18 holes in May 1959. A clubhouse was completed later that same year.

From the very beginning golfers who were fortunate enough to play Hidden Valley praised its variety and condition. It’s a traditional course with tree-lined fairways that require every shot in the bag, and accuracy is a must. From the very first day golf at Hidden Valley has been enjoyable.

Today these same 18 holes comprise what is now known at the Valley Course and Lakes Course. Members, in 1979, voted to build an additional nine holes that begin on the bench east of the clubhouse and then work their way down through the edge of the Valley Course below.

Golf course architect William Neff designed the newest nine holes, which opened in 1980 and are called the Mountain Course today.

Distinguished golf course architect Rees Jones has also developed a planned redesign of Hidden Valley for the future – possibly to begin in the next five to 10 years.

“It was nice to get him in here and see what he had to say.

He really liked our golf course and he has some really good ideas,” Hidden Valley head professional Ryan Kartchner says.

Since the very first shovel of dirt was turned, all of Hidden Valley’s 27 holes have been upgraded, improved and modified to provide members with the challenging yet fair golf experience they expect. Having 27 holes also speeds up play and allows more members to get on.

“We don’t have a slow play problem at Hidden Valley, but we might have a fast play problem,” Kartchner says. “All of our members think they should be able to play 18 holes in about three hours.

Having 27 holes really helps us allow members to play at their own pace. You don’t have to play fast but you can if you want to.”

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Today, Hidden Valley Country Club has all the amenities that make it one of Utah’s most prestigious clubs, with all the dining, social and recreational facilities that its members and their families demand.

The Fort Douglas name was dropped in 1997 when members decided to sell the original Fort Douglas clubhouse to the James. L. White Jewish Community Center. A new 44,000-square-foot modern clubhouse was built on the bench above the original 18 holes at the south end of Highland Drive (2075 East) at 11820 South.

Today, Hidden Valley has all the amenities that make it one of Utah’s most prestigious clubs, with all the dining, social and recreational facilities that the members and their families demand.

The club, with a fully stocked pro shop, 27 holes of golf and outstanding driving range, allows a maximum of 446 equity members. Memberships, which allow unlimited golf, are normally available for purchase.

The club offers men’s, women’s and couples leagues, and a junior program.

The PGA staff offers lessons, clinics, club fitting and other golf education. Members of Hidden Valley often organize travel to some of the top golf courses and tournaments in the world. Club members have traveled to golf in Scotland and Pebble Beach, and attend the Masters at Augusta, Georgia.

Hidden Valley Country Club has hosted the Utah Open several times. Al Geiberger (Mr. 59) won the title at Hidden Valley in 1961. The club also hosts an annual pro-am and has been the site for the U.S. Open qualifying on many occasions.

The lower 18 holes (the original 18 holes) have four main features. The greens are smaller than most golf courses,

trees line all fairways, the bunkers are large and most holes have some elevation change.

“If you can keep it out of the trees you can score pretty well. We’re not extremely long, but you need to hit it straight and putt well,” Kartchner says.

The Mountain Course reverses that trend some with wider fairways, oaks trees, more sloping fairways, larger greens and smaller bunkers.

“A lot of people haven’t traditionally felt this way, but I feel the Mountain Course is our best nine,” Kartchner says.

The toughest hole on the Valley Course is probably the first hole, a 450-yard Par 4 that was once a Par 5. Dropping from an elevated tee to the fairway below, the tree-lined dogleg right has a fairway bunker on the left and a bunker on the right that protects the small green.

“I feel, personally, that this is the best hole on our course,” Kartchner says.

The second hole on the Valley Course is another dogleg right hole, though about 50 yards shorter. Pines protect the left side off the tee and thick oak runs down the right, providing an obstacle for those trying to cut the corner. Any approach to the small green that misses left will kick down into a gully below.

A third straight dogleg right greets golfers at No. 3. Again, it’s a shorter hole at 380 yards, but tighter. The green is long and narrow, but protected by a larger bunker on the right side.

Tight is again the issue on the 160-yard Par 3 fourth. Left of the narrow green is a ditch, while oak trees lurk right.

Bomb it off the tee on the Par 5 No. 5 to the wide fairway ahead. If you can hug the right side you’ll have a chance to reach the green in two. But a large greenside bunker lurks on the left side.

The short 310-yard Par 4 sixth is a risk-reward. A drive that carries the trees left will have you green side. Miss either direction, however, and you’ll find trees. An iron or fairway wood off the tee to the right and then a sand wedge approach is the safer strategy. A deep bunker guards the green left.

The uphill 510-yard Par 5 ninth is the Valley Course’s signature hole.

There’s out of bounds to the left, trees on both sides off the tee, a fairway continued on page 6

The finishing hole on the Lakes nine, the uphill, 507 yard Par 5 can definitely be a challenge for members and guests alike.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

6 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l continued from page 5

HIDDEN VALLEY

2 bunker left and two fairway bunkers to the 0 right. Find the fairway, however, and you’ll 1 4 have a shot to go for the green in two. But the

green is elevated and small, and protected by four deep bunkers on the left. Even layup shots are challenging with a bunker about 80 yards from the green on the right side.

The Lakes Course also starts from below the clubhouse. From an elevated tee to the fairway below, No. 1 is a 540-yard Par 5 that bends slightly right. With a gully fronting the green a layup shot is often the smart play. But a large bunker lurks about 80 yards from the green and oak patches abound on all sides of the postage stamp green.

No. 2 is only 135 yards, but it’s all carry over a pond to a small and difficult to putt green.

The fourth hole doglegs right, with a pond and large fairway bunker left and thick oak down the right side. Three bunkers protect the narrow green.

The 400-yard Par 4 fifth is slightly uphill.

Towering trees on both sides will catch any errant drive. Two deep bunkers guard the green.

The Lake’s signature hole is the 170-yard Par 3 seventh. The shallow green sits on the other side of a large pond with two bunkers behind.

“This is the hole people tend to remember when they play here,” Kartchner says.

The 500-yard Par 5 ninth hole curves around trees to the left with a fairway bunker on the right. Again, a reachable-in-two Par 5, but the uphill second shot is to a postage stamp sized elevated green.

The Mountain Course, at least the first few holes, offers a much different flavor. No.1 is dogleg left uphill Par 5 that curves around a slope of thick oak. There is a bunker right off the tee, a bunker right that challenges layup shots, a gully in front of the green and two bunkers in front of the green.

The Par 4 fourth returns back downhill with two small but deep bunkers and several grass

knobs along the left side. Oak lurks on both sides of the fairway and missing the green on either side leaves a very difficult up and down.

The 370-yard dogleg right Par 4 sixth is the course’s tightest hole. The tee shot is somewhat blind to a fairway across a small gulley. Trees protect both sides of the fairway, and a cluster of trees in the fairway right challenges those who want to cut the corner. Two deep and small bunkers guard the left side of the green.

The club’s best Par 5 is the Mountain No. 8. At 490 yards it’s not long, but a pond left comes into play off the tee to the left and tall pines protect the right side. Two fairway bunkers come into play on layup shots, but a shot for the green in two must carry a small pond to a green tucked right next to more trees.

“With us shaving down the mounds that used to be in front of the green, this may be the best hole on the golf course now,” Kartchner says. “We’ve made it so it’s a lot more playable.”

Each 18-hole combination is Par 72. From the

black tees each combination plays to about 6,900 yards. From the blue tees the courses range from 6,300 yards to 6,000 yards. The gold tees play between 5,300 yards and 5,700 yards.

Socially, the club has a full calendar each year with regular events planned and organized by an entertainment committee. The club even has a bowling league. The views of the valley below from the spacious clubhouse are ideal for any gathering.

Scott Rogers is the club general manager and Larry Emery is the course superintendent.

“Larry does a great job of keeping our three courses in top notch condition. The club here is great at making sure he has all the things he needs,” Kartchner says.

Corey Lewis is the clubhouse manager, Jake Barney is the dining room manager and Jayson Bonino is the executive chef.

More information on Hidden Valley Country Club and available memberships is available at www.hiddenvalleycc.com or by calling 801-5710583.

7 G O L F

IT’S NOT WHETHER YOU WIN OR LOSE IT’S HOW YOU GET TO THE COURSE.

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The original 1948 Land Rover was ingeniously designed and engineered for extreme capability and strength. It drove off the production line ready to take on some of the world’s toughest terrain. Today these qualities are as significant a part of what makes a Land Rover vehicle unique as they were over 60 years ago. To experience one for yourself, visit Land Rover Las Vegas for a test drive today.

Land Rover Las Vegas

5255 West Sahara Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89146 702.579.0400 • www.LRLV.com

S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

8 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

DINING

Marche’ Bacchus French Bistro & Wine Shop

By Steve Mayer

T

his famous Las Vegas restaurant is a mainstay for locals and a must go to destination for visitors to Las Vegas. The French cuisine is outstanding, the wine shop overflows with exceptional American and International wines and the tranquil lakeside ambiance is unique in a bustling Las Vegas environment. It is the perfect place to go for lunch, an incredible Sunday Brunch or a romantic evening by the water. Marche Bacchus is the place for you.

Marche Bacchus’ is located in the Lakeside Center of the Desert Shores community in Summerlin, about 10 miles from the Las Vegas Strip.

The restaurant is right on the shore of a picturesque lake, truly the “diamond in the rough” of this desert environment. Once you pass through the unpretentious entrance and are greeted at the host stand, the uniqueness of this establishment is apparent. The impressive wine shop, featuring over 950 labels, is artfully arranged in wooden bins with a large wall chiller full of white wines and sparklers. You are encouraged to peruse the wines or they will assist you in picking the perfect selection to enjoy with your meal and some to take home with you as well! They charge a nominal corkage fee to have your selection while dining and the prices and selection are unparalleled in an off-strip location. They have a wide range of wines, with some great values as well as some huge labels for the aficionado.

This arsenal of great wine and champagne is just one of their feathers, in a cap full of them. They boast a formal dining room indoors, as well as their hugely popular outdoor lakeside seating.

Some of the outdoor tables are in a glass atrium that opens to the lake and others are open air, with misters and fans to cool the daytime heat.

The setting has a distinctly European feel with the lake providing a refreshing romanticism.

They feature live music on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for an added bonus.

I have dined at Marche Bacchus many times in the past 15 years and the owners, Jeff and Rhonda Wyatt, have really kicked it up since they purchased it in 2007. Jeff and Rhonda grew up in the New Orleans area and their passion for food and wine is reflected in the restaurant. The addition of award-winning Master Chef Alex Stratta to their culinary program in 2011 has really put them in the tier top of the best dining establishments in Las Vegas.

Alex Stratta has an impressive resume, earning his Michelin Stars as executive chef at ALEX in the Wynn Hotel. He was also the executive chef at the world famous Renoir Restaurant at the Mirage and most recently STRATTA at the Wynn

Hotel. He is the fifth generation of a family steeped in the restaurant industry.

Alex gained further notoriety as Iron Chef Italian on the popular foodie television show Iron Chef USA. Alex was also a contestant in the Bravo television hit Top Chef Masters. He received the James Beard Foundation award for Best Chef Southwest in 1998.

The menu Marche` is constantly evolving with items to please every palate with French inspired delicacies.

There are three different menus for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, as well as a dessert menu that is sinfully decadent. There are menu items for everyone with a pleasant variety of meat and seafood items with lighter fare and vegetarian and gluten-free items are also available.

A staple on all the menus are the cheese and charcuterie plates. There are three options and are perfect with a glass of wine. My personal favorite is the Bacchus Tasting Plate. This flavor combination includes a house made pate’, several cured meats, imported and domestic cheeses, candied walnuts, mixed olives, cornichons, apple and quince.

The lunch menu features some specialty sandwiches including an intriguing Lobster Salad Croissant and a soup and half sandwich combo. There are a variety of other sumptuous lunch options to choose from to fit your liking.

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As well as the lunch menu there is a Lakefront Special weekday menu. The lunch special offers a soup or salad, choice of entrée (including a vegetarian option), desert choice and complimentary glass of house wine all for $19.95.

The lunch and dinner menus also feature some outstanding appetizers. There is everything from French Onion Soup, Escargot Persillade, Seared Scallops, Seared Foie Gras, to a variety of salads and my new favorite, Charred Octopus. Charred Octopus you say, and I say, yes absolutely! This tender delicacy is braised in Spanish red wine and charred on the outside. It is served with a Frisee salad including chickpeas, tangy Nicoise olives and a Lemon-Sherry Beurre Blanc - Delectable.

On this visit I also sampled the Braised Short Rib Ravioli and Lobster & Rock Shrimp Risotto, which are offered on both the lunch and dinner menus.

The Braised Short Rib Ravioli was served with a Balsamic reduction, crunchy Gremolata, and Horseradish Foam. This paired wonderfully with the Santa Barbara County Syrah I had chosen from their collection. This elegantly rich combination disappeared as quickly from the plate as the wine did from the glass!

The Lobster & Rock Shrimp Risotto was also wonderfully orchestrated, accompanied by Winter Vegetable Confetti, Crème Fraiche and Tarragon Oil. This creamy seafood concoction is really well rounded and I used their excellent bread provided to mop up every drop.

The dinner menu sports some equally delicious entrees. Maple Leaf Duck Breast, Ora King Salmon, Roasted Chicken, Steak Frites, Tenderloin of Beef, Cheddar-Blue Cheese Bacon Burger, a Mussel Mariniere and a Pasta Carbonara. There is also a daily Chef’s Special and Chef’s Seafood Special. There is even an option to add shaved Alba White

Truffles to your plate when in season. They have a short season during the winter and I am counting the days until they are back.

The dessert menu is to die for and is not to be neglected! Trying not to keep glancing at the Crème Brulee or the chocolate Mousse Trio, I opted for the Traditional Bread Pudding. This was phenomenal and served with a Cinnamon Rum sauce and I must say the best bread pudding I have ever had. There is also a great line-up of dessert wine by the glass for your enjoyment.

Last but not least, The Sunday Brunch menu features a wide assortment of specialties and of course there is a fine assortment of Champagne to accompany your selection.

Marche Bacchus is located in the Lakeside Center at 2620 Regatta Drive, Suite #106, Las Vegas, NV 89128. Phone 702-804-8008 They open for Lunch Monday thru Saturday at 11:00am and feature an early dinner from 4:00 to 5:30pm daily. Dinner is from 5:30 to 9:30pm every day and stays open until 10:00pm Friday and Saturday. Sunday Brunch is from 10:00am until 4:00pm every Sunday.

The food is exemplary and Jeff and Rhonda keep pushing the limits with new menu items. Stop by after a round of golf for a little nosh or make it an evening with a delectable dinner. There is a diversity of tasty items and wealth of great wine to keep you coming back for more!

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

10 G O L F S O U T H W E S T

Badlands Golf Club

— A p r i l 2 0 1 4

D

esigned by Johnny Miller with consultation by two-time Las Vegas Senior Classic winner Chi Chi Rodriguez, the Badlands Golf Club is a true desert golf experience, placing a premium on accurate ball-striking. Three distinct nines, Desperado, Diablo and Outlaw combine to give the Badlands 27 challenging holes set against the spectacular Red Rock canyons on the west side of the Las Vegas valley.

The Badlands is the ultimate target golf adventure. It features 27 holes of target style golf and many breathtaking holes that demand accurate golf shots, offering an exciting challenge to both casual and experienced golfers. You may never play another course that offers such dramatic shot values while flowing through the native washes and canyons of its desert surroundings. Every hole can be described as a signature hole. The greens are relatively large and are quick and almost every hole puts you in the position to have to carry the ragged desert to find the fairway and any errant drive is heading for trouble. Many say that you are far better off leaving your driver in the bag!

This is target golf in the truest sense. Your shot-making ability will be thoroughly challenged - both by the layout that features abundant carries over beautiful desert canyons, ravines and washes and by the wind, which is usually a factor to be reckoned when playing this game anywhere in the Vegas Valley.

Four different sets of tees are available so golfers of any level can play the course, with each nine playing at roughly 3,400 yards from the back tees. Which nines a golfer plays on any particular day is determined by the tee time; usually, the earlier tee times are ascribed to Diablo and Desperado, which are the originals (Outlaw was added a few years later). However, with the availability of three different nines, one of the enjoyable aspects of Badlands is that players can get a different golf experience every time they visit the course.

Now let’s delve into each nine, starting with Desperado. The second hole is a dogleg right, 523 yard Par 5. The tees are isolated, like the majority of the course and the hole is lined on both sides by desert terrain.

It really doesn’t help to hug the right side of the fairway too much, because the risk reward just isn’t enough in your favor. No. 2 plays slightly uphill and into the prevailing wind, so a drive down the left side can ac-

commodate even the big hitter. My drive of about 265 yards left me with a second shot in the 260 range. The wash that starts at the tees on the right side cuts across the fairway at about the 120 yard mark to the green.

The fairway picks back up at this point and has two bunkers lurking on the right side. Your approach is to a good sized putting surface, with a depth of about 90 feet. There are no greenside bunkers, as is the case on most of the holes at Badlands, but the greens can be challenging enough with many ridges rolling off of their edges and mild slopes that will definitely keep you on your toes.

The majority of the Par 4’s at Badlands are under 400 yards, all with accuracy at a premium for success, but the 6th hole named ‘The Gulch’ kicks it up a notch, playing at 419 yards while offering plenty of challenge.

Desert and that wash that seems to show itself on almost every hole on the course, again show themselves all the way down the left side of this true target hole. Your tee shot must carry about 180 yards to clear the desert and a drive in the 260 range will set you up for a good look at the green, again perched beyond the wash that cuts back across the hole, separating the end of the fairway at

11

The Queensridge development is seen in the distance and many beautiful homes surround the Badlands Golf Club.

the 290 mark, then picking back up with a small bailout area short and left. But the landing area short slopes back down to the wash, so make sure you hit enough club. A greenside bunker awaits front left. The green is one of the larger on the course, making the sixth one of those holes that will bring a big smile to you face if you can walk away with a par.

Hole No. 7 on Desperado, diabolically named ‘Ricochet’ may be shorter in length at 374 yards, but don’t let that fool you as to its difficulty. From the back sliver of a tee box, you have about a 220 yard forced carry.

The wash again flows down the right side of the tees and cuts across the first time on this hole at this point.

Your target isn’t very much to look at and made even scantier by the fact that a drive over 290 yards will put you right back in the wash at its end. The wash then meanders to the right and then cuts back across to the left in front of the green, which is again long and narrow 5at over 36 paces deep. e The 9th is a great finishing hole for the Desperado nine. This 387 yard Par 4 again requires about a 200 .yard carry from the back tees. Fairway bunkers line the right side and another one guards the left. Of course sthat menacing wash lurks down the right side as well.

There is plenty of length in the fairway to accommodate edriver here, but again accuracy is the key. Your second shot angles back to the right, again leaving you with a carry over the desert to the long, narrow green. A great finishing hole for the first of three challenging layouts.

The Diablo 9 starts next to the driving range facility rand makes a long loop to the southeast, eventually making its way back just below the clubhouse. Again, ,the layout features isolated tee boxes with forced carries and accuracy is definitely the name of the game. t The third hole is a long Par 4, measuring 487 yards efrom the back tees. Your drive requires a carry of about 200 yards, but can accommodate plenty of length off the dtee. Again that dreaded wash lines the right side of the hole the full length, but the third has probably the most sgrass from tee to green on the entire course. A bunker lies in wait at the 270 yard mark from the tee on the left

and if you are able to muster a good enough drive to get it to this point, leaves you with about 220 yard to the green. Two more bunkers guard the approach on the left of the green with the right side dropping back down to the wash. The green is long and narrow, gently sloping from back to front. A very solid and demanding Par 4.

Hole No. 4 is another great Par 4 and the fifth is a great, slightly uphill 228 yard Par 3, but our next featured hole is the Par 4 sixth, titled ‘Overlook’. For those of you that have played this hole, you know how it got its name. As you walk up to the tee, your view is from the edge of a 50 foot drop-off. The fairway angles from left to right with of course, desert surrounding the seemingly sliver of fairway. Length is not an issue for most from the tee as you can air it out as far as 300 yards and still keep it short of the end of the fairway. A

solid fairway wood or hybrid will put you in good position with a second shot in the 140 yard range to the green. A pot bunker guards the right front and a large bunker lines the left side to greenside.

The green slopes right to left and back to front. For the real big hitters, especially in a scramble format, there is a chance to fly the desert on the right to the other side of the small wash that cuts across the fairway at about the 120 yard mark to the green.

Number 8 on Diablo is the longest Par 5 on any of the three 9’s at 551 yards. For most it definitely plays as a three shot hole. The pesky wash starts on the right side of the Championship tee and then cuts to the left and down the full length of the first piece of fairway. It then cuts back across to the right side and then curls back to the left in front of the green. You tee shot can travel as far as 290 yards from the tee and your second must then cover over 260 in the air to reach the green area. I hit 3-wood, 6-iron, wedge and made a 20 foot downhiller for birdie, but this hole is one of those that can play differently every time you tee it up!

The 9th is another of the longer Par 4’s on the course, playing at 473 yards. It offers one of the longest carries from the isolated tees and then the fairway slopes left to right as your slightly uphill approach back across that dreaded wash to reach at least the landing area short and slightly right of the green can be a bear. A greenside bunker guards the right side and the green is 35 paces deep and offers tricky pin placements and angles.

Badlands third nine is named ‘Outlaw’ and is quite different from the other two 9’s. With only hole #3 on Desperado having any water coming into play, holes four, five, six and nine all have water in play, but to compensate for this, Miller and continued on page 12

The Outlaw nine is quite different from the Desperado and Diablo layouts, offering a little bit more grass mixed in with the desert surroundings and also numerous water features.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

12 G O continued from page 11 L F

BADLANDS

S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

Rodriguez supplied a little bit more grassed area in the design, making the Outlaw nine that again makes an oblong circle, but this time to the southwest before returning beneath the clubhouse, the most player friendly.

The third hole named ‘Yucca Point’ is a short, but well-designed Par 4 measuring 341 yards. The key to scoring on this hole is to keep it on the grass and out of the desert as well as the fairway bunkers. The hole forms a slight double dogleg, right-to-left and then back left-to-right. If you have the length from the tee, a drive must fly 245 yards to carry the bunkers on the left. At this point the fairway opens back up and leaves you with under 100 yards to the green. Grass bunkers surround the green that is again long and quite narrow with a ridge in its center forming a tier at the rear.

Hole #6 is another solid Par 5 and definitely reachable in two, but possibly at a price! There is a pond to the All of three of the nine hole layouts at Badlands Golf Club are challenging, right of the isolated tees, but doesn’t come into play. The but the Outlaw nine may be the most player “friendly”! hole doglegs right to left with the first fairway offering plenty of room for a big drive. Your decision then is and homes. There are no greenside sand bunkers, but a bunch of grass ones that whether to have a go at the green which is guarded by ponds both left and right, can cause you some interesting lie possibilities. The green is really deep at 46 paces sandwiching the very deep (38 paces) and narrow green. If you lay it up to the and has two ridges running across it, basically creating three distinct sections.

100 yard mark, be careful of the two bunkers on the left. The putting surface has Believe me, a par here is a great score in deed! plenty of character and depending on the pin placement, can have you scratching The amenities at the Badlands are top notch, with a beautiful clubhouse with full your head as you walk to the next tee. service pro shop, lounge and restaurant, and complete banquet facilities. Badlands Hangman is the name given to the Par 3 eighth a long, tough one at 222 yards also offers heating and cooling units in all their golf carts to ensure a comfortable from the tips. The tees are slightly elevated and the hole is surrounded by desert

The Par 4 sixth, titled ‘Overlook’. For those of you that have played this hole, you know how it got its name. As you walk up to the tee, your view is from the edge of a 50 foot drop-off. The fairway angles from left to right with of course, desert surrounding the seemingly sliver of fairway below.

game during the winter and summer. They also feature a large practice facility with a 16-station driving range and practice balls are included with your green fees. The surrounding desert vistas, featuring views of the Strip in the distance and the Redrock Mountain range to the west, are spectacular.

Badlands Golf Club was definitely named appropriately. The 27-hole course, located in northwest Las Vegas, has harnessed every element of the Nevada terrain, from natural canyons to deep arroyos and natural washes. What might be seen by anyone else as an arid and desolate landscape has been converted into the ultimate golf challenge. But don’t be scared off by the premise – though challenging, Badlands is a golf experience not to be missed, especially for the seasoned golfer.

13 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2

They offer very competitive green fees, in fact the best in town (make sure you ask 0 about their twi-light specials) and you will find their staff very accommodating 1 and helpful. The course is now managed by Par 4 Golf Management, which also 4 includes six other properties in the greater Las Vegas area as well as Bloomington Country Club in St. George, Utah.

Badlands Golf Club 9119 Alta Drive Las Vegas, NV 89145 www.badlandsgc.com

14 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

Ping’s Karsten Line L onger distance comes from precision-engineered loft and club length progressions paired with wide soles and a deep center of gravity. That’s the idea behind PING’s Karsten line. The Custom Tuning Port reinforces the thinner face to increase ball velocity for greater distance and higher ball flights for stopping power. The hybrids offer progressive CG locations, a deep profile and a wide sole to blend with the irons for proper distance gapping and trajectories.

In the 17-4 stainless steel irons, longer distance comes from precision-engineered loft and club length progressions scientifically paired with wide, forgiving sole designs that yield a deep Center of Gravity. The sole geometry positions the CG low and back for higher maximum height while helping the sole glide through the turf for increased forgiveness. The Custom Tuning Port integrates with the sole, which reinforces the thinner face to increase ball velocity for greater distance and maximum height. Made of soft elastomer, the CTP produces a solid feel, an attribute that is often sacrificed in thin-faced irons.

The hybrids have a deeper head profile and a wide sole to blend seamlessly with the irons for proper distance gapping and trajectories. The hybrids’ CG locations are progressive – farther back in

the lower-lofted heads to promote higher launch; they are lower and more forward in the higher-lofted options to reduce spin. Extreme internal heel-and-toe weighting raises the MOI, so you don’t always have to hit it perfectly to get maximum performance.

Additional features: • 17-4 stainless steel irons and hybrids • Long, forgiving irons • Progressive lofts and lengths • High-launching hybrids • Integrated CTP design PING offers a variety of shaft flexes in steel and graphite to meet every golfer’s needs and preferences. Selecting the proper shaft flex for your swing will help you get the most distance and accuracy from every shot. Generally, players with faster swing speeds require stiffer shafts to keep the ball trajectory lower, while players with slower swing speeds will require more flexible shafts to produce a higher ball trajectory.

The choice of steel or graphite shafts is usually based on preferences for weight and/or feel.

Players seeking a lighter overall weight and/or a softer feel in their irons may prefer graphite shafts, while players who prefer a standard weight club with a firmer feel may prefer steel shafts.

The PING Karsten Hybrid Iron Graphite Set are built with distance and forgiveness in mind, so you can consistently get the most possible distance out of your swing. Karsten irons and hybrids combine for a well-rounded performance club set that goes the distance, hits correctly more often and has awesome aesthetic appeal.

Precision Engineered Loft and Club Length Progression Each club has precision-engineered loft and club lengths paired with forgiving sole designs that deliver a deep COG. The result is a highly forgiving club set that helps you achieve maximum height and accuracy with your short game.

Custom Tuning Port Lowers the CG for Optimal Launch Conditions The custom tuning port is placed along the bottom of the clubhead to lower the CG while maintaining a sleek, modern design for your irons. The port reinforces the thin club face for increased initial ball velocity, which increases distance and maximum height while providing a beautiful sound.

• Hybrids Blend Seamlessly with Irons.

• The deep profile and wide sole of the hyrbids blend in perfectly with the irons and allow for greater distance gapping and more appropriate trajectories than a standard iron set.

• Internal Heel-to-Toe Weighting raises MOI. • T h e e x t re m e i n t e r n a l w e i g h t i n g o f t h e hybrids increases the MOI for maximum forgiveness. You don’t always have to hit the ball dead center to get a great shot.

• Sole geometry positions the CG low and back for higher maximum height while helping the sole glide.

• CTP integrates with the sole, reinforcing the thinner face to increase ball velocity for greater distance and max height.

• Hybrids have a deeper head profile and a wide sole to blend seamlessly with the irons.

• Extreme internal heel-and-toe weighting raises the MOI, so you don’t always have to hit it perfectly.

15

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE April 19

UGA/PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

• 1-Man Scramble, Millsite GC • Canyon Hills Ice Breaker 2-Man Scramble, Canyon Hills GC • Golden Spike Amateur, Eagle Mountain GC

April 4-6

• South Utah Open & Pro-Am, SunRiver GC

April 5

April 19-20

• Carbon 2-Man Best Ball, Carbon CC • 2-Man Best Ball, Palisade State Park GC • Icebreaker 1-Person Scramble, Canyon Breeze GC

• Uintah Basin Amateur, Roosevelt City GC, Dinaland GC

April 21

April 11

• Utah Section PGA Spring Meeting & Pro-Pro, Hidden Valley CC

• 2-Man Scamble, Glen Eagle GC

April 12

• Paradise 2-Man Scramble, Paradise Golf Resort

April 12-13

• Fox Hollow Amateur, Fox Hollow Resort GC • April 13 • Sand Hollow 2-Women Best Ball, Sand Hollow Resort GC

April 14-15

• UGA Women’s Spring Open, Sunbrook GC, Sky Mountain GC

April 18

• River Oaks 2-Man Scramble, River Oaks GC

April 18-19

• Glenmore Open & Pro-Am, Glenmore GC

April 21-22

• Rainbow/Peppermill/Montego Bay 1-Man Scramble, Toana Vista GC

April 23

• Gladstan Senior Classic, Gladstan GC

April 25

• St. George 2-Man Chicago, St. George GC

April 26

• Check City 2-Man Scramble, East Bay GC • Stonebridge Amateur, Stonebridge GC • 1-Man Scramble, Green River State Park GC

April 27

• Fore Lakes Ice Breaker Amateur, Fore Lakes GC

April 28

• Ed Kenley Memorial Pro-Am, Oakridge CC

S O • Rainbow/Peppermill/Montego Bay Senior U 2-Person Scramble, Toana Vista GC T H SOUTHERN NEVADA W E TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE S April 3-4 T

April 28-29

• Major - Clark County Senior Amateur, — Boulder Creek GC

April 5-6

A

April 7

l

• Major - Clark Country Amateur, Boulder p r Creek GC i • SW PGA Pro Am, TPC Summerlin • SW PGA Players Series, Highland Falls

April 16

• SNGA Tour – Skills Challenge 1, Eagle Crest GC • April 26-27 • Virgin Valley Amateur, Mesquite courses For Full Schedule See

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16

Tuscany Golf Club T

G O L F By Jim Rayburn

S he best value in Las Vegas golf is actually not in Las Vegas.

O In almost every customer survey, the Tuscany Golf Club in east Henderson, Nevada, just a stone’s U throw from Lake Las Vegas, is considered the area’s best value in golf. The reasons are simple; TusT H cany is half the price of many of Vegas’ upscale courses, but every bit as enjoyable and often found in better W playing condition.

Members of a large golf group that visits Las Vegas every January for a weeklong buddies trip insists each E S year on having Tuscany on their play list. It’s their favorite in Vegas’ golf course bunch.

“We are always in great condition. Our greens are smooth and quick. And the views of the city are aweT — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

some,” says Brian Jones, Head Golf Professional.

So what are Tuscany’s greens fees? Well, it depends on the time of year and the time of day. You may get on for as little as $40 or pay close to $100. But, when compared to other quality courses around Vegas, you will find Tuscany a great bargain. Tuscany caters to groups, events, tourists and the locals.

Tuscany, designed by Ted Robinson and opened in 2003 in conjunction with the adjacent Tuscany housing development, is challenging, yet fair and playable. Though many of the holes are straight away, the variety in shots and in holes never ends. The course rewards good shots and doesn’t severely punish bad ones. The fairways are plush and its greens roll smooth and fast. And the views northwest toward the Vegas strip, which is about a 30-minute drive away, are amazingly stunning.

Robinson feels that the principal objective of good golf course architecture is to create a balance of challenges and strategies that seamlessly range from the extreme to the benign. The most desirable courses inspire golfers of all skill levels, providing designs that are engaging and rewarding from tee to green.

To accomplish their objectives, the Robinson Golf design philosophy is founded on three core elements – Flexibility, Memorability and Natural Beauty – and an inherent quest to incorporate these fundamental golf course characteristics into the spirit of each landscape they embrace. Tuscany Golf Club certainly fits the mold.

Surprisingly, several golf course firms have managed Tuscany over the past 11 years. Also, surprisingly,

Tuscany (the Las Vegas area’s newest course) has remained hungry for customers, which is why its greens fees have remained so reasonable.

Currently, Arnold Palmer Golf Management operates Tuscany and it’s doing all the correct things to attract golfers and generate repeat customers. A new clubhouse was constructed two years ago so the club is now better equipped to handle larger groups.

A fully stocked pro shop and a staff of PGA Professionals serve golfers with any need or of any playing ability. Tuscany has GPS equipped carts, rental clubs, practice facilities and a full-service snack bar and restaurant.

The Tuscany Café is a warm and friendly sports bar with a Tuscan environment for your dining enjoyment.

Stop by before or after your round and relax in the cafe at Tuscany as you enjoy an excellent venue for recounting the days “should haves and what if” golf tales. The Tuscany Café offers you a truly vintage experience, just like the golf course itself. Both designed with their guests in mind, providing comfort and enjoyment combined with excellent service, value and quality.

Benvenuto in Toscano! Enjoy!

In sticking with the Italian wine theme of the residential area, Tuscany’s tee boxes are labeled Verde, Lila, Rossa and Giallo. The Par 72 layout plays at 6,900

yards and has a rating of 72.4 from the Verde tees. The course plays 6,100 yards from the Rossa tees, with a rating of 67.7.

Even at 5,600 from the Giallo tees, Tuscany is a favorite among women because of its fair design and playability.

“Our golf course is challenging for every skill level, but also very playable from every tee box,” Jones says.

Though the fairways are generous, with many sloping toward the middle, more than 60 white-sand bunkers are strategically placed to shape holes and demand accuracy from the tee. The large greens are undulating and fast, but fair and not considered severe in either speed or slope. The greens normally run around 11 on the stimpmeter.

Many of Tuscany’s holes wind through residential areas, yet the course still maintains a feel of desert golf.

Most homes bordering the course are not even noticeable or in harm’s way.

The fairways are comprised of Bermuda grass, as are the fairways during the hotter months. During the offseason the fairways are over seeded with rye grass.

Good lies on the healthy grass are the norm. The playing condition of Tuscany is one reason it’s so high on everyone’s play list.

A round at Tuscany begins with a fairly easy, yet challenging, 375-yard dogleg left, slightly uphill Par 4.

You really can’t miss this fairway and if you get your distance correct on your short approach you should open your round with a decent chance at birdie. The hole has two fairway bunkers right and three bunkers protecting the green. Unless your short game has issues you shouldn’t start with much worse than bogey. There is, however, a false front to the green so make sure to

17 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

The beautiful 13th is a slightly downhill 165-yard Par 3, with a green that slopes back to front with a bunker on each side. hit plenty of club.

The longer hitters can get home in two on the 540yard downhill Par 5 second hole. A large bunker lurks on the right side of the fairway and desert lines the left.

If you can’t get home in two, a layup about 80-100 yards from the green gives you the best chance at birdie.

The 165-yard Par 3 third looks simple enough with only a couple of bunkers guarding the green, but the large putting surface has more slope than the eyes

Superb conditioning makes Tuscany Golf Club a pleasure to play, as seen here on the 424 yard Par 4, fourth hole.

detect. Still, hit a good iron shot and you’ll have another good chance to open the round with a birdie.

Homes to the right of the 400-yard straightaway Par 4 fourth are more noticeable than on most holes, which may be the reason for many tees shots finding the desert area to the left. And even with two greenside bunkers, the main defense on this hole is the sloping green.

The Par 4 fifth is relatively short at 330 yards, but three fairway bunkers tightened up the hole.

With an accurate drive the second shot will only be a wedge or sand wedge. Again, two good shots and it is probable that you’ll have a decent look at birdie.

Hole No. 7, at 440 yards and slightly uphill, is one of Tuscany’s more challenging holes. Four fairway bunkers tighten the hole for the longer hitters and the green is guarded by a large bunker front left.

The eighth hole is 410 yards straight away, but a long bunker lurks down the left side and a deep small bunker is hidden on the right side. Driver may not be the best choice off the tee on this hole.

The narrow green has a large bunker in front and another large bunker behind the green.

Hole No. 8 is only 140 yards, but any tee shot to the right will find a pond and a bunker and palm trees sit left of the green. This green is another challenging putting surface with subtle break on most putts.

The front nine closes with a great dogleg left Par 4 that wraps around a large pond. A fairway bunker sits to the right. Driver is not always the best choice here as well. The more left you stay off the tee, the less club remaining into a narrow green with the pond left and three deep greenside bunkers to the right. continued on page 18

18 G O continued from page 17 L F “This hole requires a great tee shot, and then

TUSCANY

S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

a great approach shot just for a good chance at making a par,” Jones says.

The back nine begins with another fairly benign Par 4. The main defense of the 390-yard slightly downhill hole is two fairway bunkers and one bunker to the right of the kidney shaped green.

The 525-yard 11th is a reachable-in-two Par 5 for the longer hitters. The hole is narrow with a large fairway bunker left and the green is tucked back right behind another bunker.

The tee shot on the 370-yard Par 4 12th requires carry over a waste area to a slightly blind fairway ahead. The waste area extends down the right side all the way to the green. There’s a large fairway bunker on the left side that catches its fair share of drives. The hole then doglegs left to a shallow and sloping green that is protected by front bunkers.

The 13th is a slightly downhill 165-yard Par 3 with a green that slopes back to front with a bunker on each side.

The 14th, at only 400 yards, looks simple enough, but a hill covered with bushes and palm trees to the right tends to catch a lot of drives, as does the desert to the left. From the fairway, the short approach is too a slightly elevated green that is protected by three deep bunkers up front.

Hole No. 15, a 190-yard Par 3, is long and straight with a large green. There’s a bunker on each side of the green. Lag putting seems to be the key to par.

The Par 4 16th, at o n l y 2 8 0 y a rd s , i s reachable off the tee for the bombers. But a clump of trees on the right side and two deep fairway bunkers don’t leave much room for error. The smarter players hit fairway wood or iron off the tees and are still left with only a sand wedge flip to the slightly elevated green, which is protected by a deep bunker front and right.

The real test of length comes on the 510-yard Par 5 17th. If you can avoid the long fairway bunker on the left side and the hill covered with thick bushes on the right, you’ll have a chance at reaching the elevated green in two, but you’ll likely need to run one up on the left side because two deep bunkers protect the right side of the green. A bunker about 70 yards short of the green makes layup shots challenging. The green slopes from back to front.

Everyone’s favorite hole at Tuscany its last. The 410-yard Par 4 heading back to the clubhouse has thick bushes to the right, fairway bunkers to the right, out of bounds and desert left and drops over a hill to a sloping fairway below. If you can manage to hit it straight off the tee you’ll have a mid-iron

The Par 4 fifth is relatively short at 330 yards and offers a great opportunity for birdie. And the views from the townhomes to its rear are breathtaking as well.

approach to a long and narrow green that is tucked behind a pond and underneath a line of palm trees.

Two bunkers sit behind the green and a hill of deep rough right slopes toward the green, but usually won’t spit out errant balls. Any shots that are short or right will find the water. It’s a spectacular finishing hole and one that, whether you tackle it or it tackles you, will make you want to return.

“It’s the best finishing hole in town,” Jones says.

“It demands nothing less than quality golf shots.

And you better make sure you hit the correct club to the green or you’ll find trouble.”

Tuscany Golf Club is located at 901 Olivia Parkway in Henderson, Nevada. For more information on tee times or greens fees, go online to www.tuscanygolfclub.com or call 702-951-1500.

19 G O L F S O U T H W E S T

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20 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

T

Sky Moun tain Golf Course

he picturesque Sky Mountain Golf course has been a mainstay in southern Utah since its inception in 1994. It came onto the scene as the golfing boom in the southwest corner of the state was still at its peak. As with many municipal golf facilities, Sky Mountain was created to enhance the drawing power for travelers considering a move as well as ‘Snowbirds’ looking for a place to call home during the winter months. Housing developments soon joined the earth moving of this rough piece of land and soon, a true diamond in the rough was born.

Sky Mountain Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course owned and operated by the City of Hurricane. It is located in scenic southern Utah surrounded by Zion National Park and the Pine Valley Mountain range as well as red desert splendor in every direction. Sky Mountain Golf Course is set in one of the most picturesque and beautiful locations anywhere in the world.

Designed by Jeff Harden, the creator of many top golf facilities in the west, the Sky Mountain visionary was given a piece of ground, one that was perch above a deep, lava and red rock gorge and asked to work his miracle. To complete the dream of building a course on this location, top soil was hauled in for over a year to cover the rough ground to make the land suitable for planting turf, but Harden knew that it would be worth it when it was all said and done.

As the result of those early dreams, Sky Mountain Golf Course was created and has now offered all those that have visited a golfing experience that is truly something special. Many locations in the world can claim that line, but there is just something very unique about what southern Utah has to offer.

From the minute you park your car in the lot, you feel welcomed at Sky Mountain. Your golf cart is quickly brought to you by a courteous attendant as he helps you load your clubs and points you in the right direction to the pro shop. The helpful staff will then get you checked in and you then head down to the large putting green for a little practice or off to the range for a few warm-up swings. All the while, it is really tough keeping your eye away from the gorgeous scenery laid out before you!

The first hole at Sky Mountain really sets the tone for what the course is all about. Length is not what makes the course tough at only just under 6,400 yards from the back tees, but shot placement and a little magic around the greens is what will have you smiling from ear to ear at the end of your round. Sky Mountain is truly a golf course that is playable for all calibers of golfers.

Hole #1 is a 359 yard Par 4, with its tees starting just below the clubhouse and adjacent to the range and putting green. Your tee shot is from slightly elevated tees and for most, a long iron or hybrid is the club of choice.

Desert lines the right side all the way to the green and a bunker lies situated on the right about 200 yards from the tee. At this point, the fairway quickly rolls down into a grassed swale. Now this is not the end of the world to end up here, but your second shot is then back uphill to the green, making it a very tough shot to judge for distance

Sky Mountain’s Par 4 seventh is one of the toughest holes on the course and the sloping green will require your best putting touch.

21

.Just another perfect spring day at one of the most unique and beautiful golf venues in the west. and somewhat directionally. The green seems pretty flat and receptive, but on closer look, gently slopes right to left with subtle breaks that can have you wondering what just happened as you pick you ball up out of the cut with a three putt. Although birdie would be a great start, par is never a bad score on this starting hole.

The fourth hole at Sky Mountain has been a topic of conversation since its beginning. The hole plays as a straightaway, 392 yard Par 4. Desert lines the left side of the fairway and a small sliver also is present along the right. The next dilemma lies in the landing area as your tee shot, in most cases will be hitting into the hill that forms the right side of the fairway, which then slopes hard to the right rough. If you can fly it over this ‘hump’ you will be able to greatly shorten the hole and end up with a pretty flat lie. But if you don’t have the carry, your ball will either end up on the slope or at the bottom of it on the right side, leaving you with a little extra distance to the elevated green in the distance.

Now for the next dilemma – The Green. The first thing that must cross your mind is making sure you hit enough club. The problem is, if you hit too much club and take the chance of hitting it in the rough behind the green, you will have absolutely no chance of keeping it on the green as you chip back to the putting surface. The green also has a shelf that forms on its back half and any ball that ends up above the hole can spell big trouble and a for sure three putt, if not more! Believe me, there have been plenty of golfers over the years calling this hole about every name imaginable. The good news is, after all these years, a new green is under construction to the left, back in a small pocket of desert that looks to be

The clubhouse sits above the first tee and practice areas and offers a great view of the redrock canyon formations to the north.

a great and welcomed addition to this still tough Par 4.

One of the things I have really liked about Sky Mountain over the years is there willingness to always look for little things to make your experience better. A good example is their tee boxes throughout the course.

Course Superintendent, Jeff Beteag and his crew have spent many hours leveling and grooming the tees and their surrounding areas to give the course that ‘manicured’ look, just one example of that little something special that to shows their pride in the course.

The 7 th is the #1 rated handicap hole on the course, measuring 425 yards from the back tees. Your tee shot is to the east from slightly elevated tees and your target is a seemingly sliver of fairway laid out in front of you.

Desert borders both sides, but the slight hillside to the left helps to keep drives in the fairway and as the hole lengthens out, the fairway actually widens a little bit more in the landing area. Your second shot then leaves you in 140 yard range to the green perched above the pond guarding its front. The large green gives you plenty of room to work with, but as it slopes from back to front offers one of the toughest putting surfaces on the course. Even short putts can make you a little shaky in the knees and par is definitely a welcomed score on the card.

Hole No. 9 is not long at 497 yards from the isolated and elevated tees, but this Par 5 again has plenty of challenges awaiting you. With desert lining the left side from the tee, but knowing that keeping it along its edge gives you the best shot at hitting the green in two, your drive must walk a tight-rope to put you in ideal position. Adding to this chore is the wind that can be pushing you from your back or staring you right in the face. If you are not successful in finding the small, level area mentioned on the left, your ball will more than likely end up in the grassed continued on page 22

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

22 G O continued from page 21 L F swale awaiting in the fairway and to the right

SKY MOUNTAIN

S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

side. If you end up here the hill in front of you totally blocks your view of the green and leaves you with somewhat of a guessing game as to whether you can hit your intended mark in the distance. When you do reach the green, a two put is far from automatic as the green again slopes from back to front and right to left.

Though the front nine gives you some great glimpses of the surrounding, the back nine heads back towards the east and north where the real showcase of beauty lies.

The 11 th hole is one of my favorites at Sky Mountain. This great Par 3 plays slightly downhill from the tee, but at 203 yards from the back tees, still requires one of your best shots of the day. A desert cutout guards the right approach and a pond lines the left leading to the green.

A large bunker is placed between the pond and the green to help you stay dry, but more than once my tee shot has ended up in the bunker because it couldn’t hold the slope of the green and it is agony watching your ball trickle slowly from right to left and then suddenly disappears into the sand. Again, walk away from #11 with a three and you will have won the battle.

Sky Mountain’s fourteenth is another of the tougher Par 4’s on the course, in fact the second most difficult as far as the hole-by-hole rating goes. The hole stretches out to 408 yards from the tips as it sweeps from right to left, doglegging around two bunkers at the turn left and another to the right. If you can fly it 250 yards or so, you can get over the first bunker on the left and have a clear view of the slightly elevated green. The wind can really affect the playability of this hole from tee to green. The green itself is slightly elevated, with a false front and offers a large, rolling surface.

The sixteenth is the start to a good finishing stretch of holes. This 205 yard Par 3 plays straightaway and gently flows downhill from the tees. If the wind is coming out of the south, it may seem like it helps, but it definitely makes it tougher to hold the green. If the wind is coming out of the north, well probably the best wording is “GOOD LUCK”. Two greenside bunkers are positioned right and one left front.

The large green slopes left to right, with the right side dropping down slightly and slowly feeds off of the putting surface.

Numbers 17 and 18 offer some of the most spectacular views you will ever come across and if you don’t pay enough attention to your game, you will find yourself walking off of the

The 18th green at Sky Mountain Golf Course offers one of the most beautiful finishes to a round of golf anywhere in the world.

eighteenth with some great photos, but not quite the scores you were looking for.

Hole #17 is a 383 yard Par 4 that heads back to the west towards the clubhouse. The hole is lined the full length on the right by desert and hill side and the left by houses. A tee shot in the 250 yard range will put you in perfect position for your short iron approach. The fairway doglegs right at this point and also slopes quickly downward to below the green, but is grassed all the way just in case you put a little bit too much on it from the tee. As many of you know, it is best to not leave yourself with a downhill, sloping lie here. Two large bunkers await greenside, one front right and the other back right.

The green slopes pretty hard back to front and if you are not careful, you will find your way down the false front and quickly down the slope and chipping back.

The finishing hole at Sky Mountain is a short, but again sometimes challenging Par 5. Desert and red rock formations border the right side of the 18 th and housing again lines the left. The tees are elevated, giving you an even better view of your spectacular surroundings. The fairway then sweeps down and then slowly back to a subtle plateau at about the 300 yard mark. If you can get you drive into this range, you will have a good look at the green that again sits at

23 the bottom of the gentle slope back down the other side. If the wind is blowing, which does happen on occasion, it will be hitting you coming across from either the right or left, hindering your ability of hitting the green in two. The green is the closest thing to a true tiered putting surface on the course, as it slopes from the top level back down to the front.

A great chance for birdie here, but believe me, you just never know!

Kent Abegglen has been at Sky Mountain for the past seven years as its Head Golf Professional and as mentioned, he and his staff are very accommodating and a pleasure to work with. They are proud of their

G O L F S O U T H W E S T —

course and the unique and fun challenge that it offers all levels of players that pay them a visit.

If you haven’t played Sky Mountain Golf Course, make plans soon to pay them a visit. One thing is for sure, don’t forget to bring your camera!

A new green is being built on the Par 4 fourth and will be welcomed by regulars that have cussed it for years!

A day in paradise just doesn’t get any better than this at Sky Mountain Golf Course.

Sky Mountain Golf Course Kent Abegglen – Head Golf Professional 1030 N. 2600 W . Hurricane, Utah 84737 Phone: 435-635-7888 www.skymountaingolf.com

A p r i l 2 0 1 4

24 G O L F S O U T H W E S T

GOLF TIPS

Simple Swing Thoughts

foundation around your grip pressure. By having the proper grip pressure, you will be able to feel the motion back away from the ball, powered by the connection between your upper left arm and chest. When done properly, the arms, hands and club should be moved by this simple and easy to feel connection that serves as the “leader” of the backswing. A great way to make this work on the course is to use a rehearsal takeaway just before initiating your swing, as I am doing here.

This will give you the proper feel seconds before it counts, making it much easier to get things moving in the right direction.

— A p r i l

hroughout my years of teaching, I’ve noticed that many of my students begin the golf season with too many swing thoughts. I’ve tried to make various positions of the golf swing easier for them to understand, rehearse and memorize, as you’ll see in the following breakdown of the swing into six pieces. By practicing each of these six positions, better iron, wood and driver shots will come your way in no time.

MIDWAY Once the swing has started back properly with a light grip pressure, the momentum of the club should be enough to help hinge your wrists the correct amount, at the correct time. The swing becomes contrived and inconsistent when you try to overdo the proper hinge too early, creating a narrow backswing that’s less powerful. Trying to extend the arms too far for too long will prevent the proper hinge and lead to excessive lateral motion in the upper body, away from the target. The solution is quite simple; maintain the slight bend in your right arm and allow the weight of the club swinging back to hinge the wrist. By doing this, you’ll arrive at the proper position midway in the backswing.

TAKEAWAY When it comes to the takeaway, what we’re really talking about here is the leading motion of the golf swing. And to get things started correctly, save yourself the nightmare of having to compensate for a bunch of early mistakes by starting the club back the right way. Begin your swing by building your

TO THE TOP Once the left arm is parallel to the ground on the backswing, you should have created nearly all the hinge you’ll need. It’s typical to see a bit more hinge in the irons than the driver, as the irons are shorter in length and the club head is heavier (irons are generally at 90 degrees at left arm parallel and the driver a little less).

2 0 1 4 By Matt Baird

PGA Teaching Professional, Riverside CC

T

Driver a little less than 90 degrees at parallel.

Irons at 90 degrees at left arm parallel.

The increase in hinge from this point to the top should be the result of the weight of the club swinging up and over your right shoulder. In other words, don’t try to restrict or increase the hinge; it’ll take care of itself. When it comes to lateral motions away from the target, let it be natural. As a general rule, the head will drift a bit more with the driver than with the irons, with neither moving consciously over the right foot. While there’s a great deal of debate over how centered the pivot should be, go with what’s natural and avoid what feels off balance or contrived and it’s more likely you’ll repeat your backswing. Lastly, unless you’re unusually flexible, allow your hips to rotate to the top of the swing. The right leg can straighten a little from the address position if it makes it easier for you to turn; it isn’t the end of the world and it will give you the potential for more power.

The combination of a big, free turn of the body to the top with limited hand and wrist action is ideal for building consistency. There’s nothing wrong with being a little short of parallel at the top if you’ve cranked up the body turn!

TRANSITION

IRONS

Upper left arm and shoulder lead the takeaway.

Using the hands on the takeaway can lead to problems.

It may sound silly, but the backswing ends by beginning the downswing. Before the arms and club have finished going back, the feet and knees take over as the “leader” and begin the motion back toward the ball. What was wide at the top in terms of the angle between the left arm and club shaft becomes powerfully narrowed as the club resists the change in direction from the backswing to downswing. Allow yourself time at this stage of the swing to gather momentum down into the ball. In other words, Don’t Feel Rushed! When done correctly you will generate the proper angle of attack down into the ball.

If this angle is lost, be prepared for thin and fat shots.

25 the same. The left arm is long while the right arm is still bent, the hips are open and your legs are pushing away from the ground and becoming straighter through impact. With both the irons and the driver, the hands lead the shaft into impact. You will soon begin to notice that your divots will be made in front of your golf ball with the irons and the ball will sound more compressed with your driver off the tee. The good news is if you sequence the swing correctly and keep your hands and arms relaxed, the alignments at impact will be much easier to achieve. You just can’t force it!

Notice my left knee is leading the transition.

DRIVER

Release through the finish.

While the sequence starting the downswing is the same with both the driver and the irons, the goal is different. Unlike with the irons, the bottom of the arc with the driver should be slightly behind the ball. Except for the longest of Tour players, the optimal launch conditions for the driver require it to be hit on a slightly ascending angle. As a result, the sequence starting down is as it was for the iron, but the head and upper body can stay slightly back behind the ball. Feel as if your chin stays behind the ball at impact.

When combined with the more forward ball position when using the driver, the club will be able to work “up” at impact, maximizing distance and accuracy.

With the transition of the downswing with both the irons and woods, try to lead the lower body with the left knee. This trigger will help move your weight correctly into your left side instead of hanging back on your right foot. Try to feel

Under rotated finish.

like you’re trying to hit the ball with the left side of your left knee. This will get your weight moving forward and your left hip firing toward the target. Notice how my knee is leading the downswing and how it is slightly ahead of my left hip. Practice getting your left knee actively working open toward the target like this and you’ll find yourself more on top of the ball at impact.

IMPACT While there are definite differences in the club head’s angle of attack at impact when using an iron or a driver, the relative position of the body is nearly

Correct finish.

FINISH The finish in the picture is typical with many recreational golfers. My body is underrotated and the weight hasn’t moved onto the front foot. Focus on pointing your right shoulder to the target with your right foot up on the tippy toe, the club wrapped around and you’ll be amazed how much better your swing becomes. Working on mechanics is great on the range, but if you’re going to have a couple of swing thoughts on the golf course, make them “light grip pressure and stick your finish position”. This can make all the difference in the final result.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

26 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

The 8oth Masters Tournament T he PGA Tour might have four Majors, but many would argue that one of them stands above the rest and that’s the Masters Golf Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. With its iconic green jacket and long and storied history, the Masters Golf Tournament truly is a tradition unlike any other, as CBS likes to remind viewers at every chance it gets.

Augusta National Golf Club, located in Augusta, Georgia, is one of the most famous golf clubs in the world. Founded by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts on the site of a former indigo plantation, the course was designed

by Jones and Alister MacKenzie and opened for play in January 1933. Since 1934, it has played host to the annual Masters Tournament, one of the four major championships in professional golf and the only major played each year at the same course.

The ice storms that hit much of Georgia in mid-February -- not to mention a freak earthquake that shook the Augusta area on Feb. 14 -- took a heavy toll on one of golf’s most famous landmarks. The iconic Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National Golf Club, suffered major damage during the storms and had to be removed.

That’s right, golf ’s most famous pine tree -which, for decades guarded the left side of the Par 4 17th hole, is no more.

The Eisenhower Tree got its name because the former President and Augusta National member had a famous disdain for it. Apparently, he used to hit the Loblolly Pine, which sat some 200 yards from the tee box, quite often and he famously lobbied to have it removed.

But apparently, the limits of presidential lobbying stop at the gates as club chairman Clifford Roberts overruled Eisenhower ’s efforts, thus linking the president and the tree forever.

The following offers a little peek at each hole at Augusta National Golf Club: No. 1 - “Tea Olive” 445 yards, Par 4 A slight dogleg right with a deep bunker requiring a 327-yard carry off the tee. The bunker now has a tongue in the left side, so anything that barely enters might be blocked by the new lip. The tee has been moved back 20 yards and trees were added on the left side.

No. 2 - “Pink Dogwood” 575 yards, Par 5 A dogleg left that can be reached in two by the big hitters. Fairway bunker on the right comes into play, but it’s difficult to reach the slope, which shortens the hole. The green is guarded by two bunkers in front.

The famous Eisenhower loblolly pine tree at Augusta National prior to its removal.

27 with significant slopes marking the three lev- G els. Getting close to the hole is a challenge. O This hole has not been changed in 31 years. L No. 7 - “Pampas” 450 yards, Par 4 This holes changes likely will get the most attention. The tee was extended by 40 yards and some trees were trimmed slightly on the left side.

The tee shot is through a chute of Georgia pines, played to the left-center of the fairway into a slight slope. The green is surrounded by five bunkers.

No. 8 - “Yellow Jasmine” 570 yards, Par 5 An accurate drive is important to avoid the fairway bunker on the right side. The hole is uphill and features trouble left of the green. There are no bunkers around the green, just severe mounding.

No. 9 - “Carolina Cherry” 460 yards, Par 4 Tee shot should be aimed down the right side for a good angle into the green, which features two large bunkers to the left. Any approach that is short could spin some 60 yards back into the fairway.

Augusta National 10th Hole - Camelia No. 3 - “Flowering Peach” 350 yards, Par 4 One of the best Par 4’s in golf, a hole that hasn’t been changed in 23 years. Big hitters can drive the green, but not many even try because of all the trouble surrounding the L-shaped green that slopes severely from right to left. Most players hit iron off the tee to stay short of four bunkers on the left side.

No. 4 - “Flowering Crab Apple” 240 yards, Par 3 The tees have been moved back 35 yards into the woods behind the third green and the tee is slightly elevated. Should be a long iron for big

A unique rendition of “The Masters” logo.

hitters, fairway metal for others. A deep bunker protects the right side of the green, with another bunker left. Club selection remains crucial because of the deceptive wind. Green slopes to the front.

No. 5 - “Magnolia” 455 yards, Par 4 The hole was lengthened by 20 yards six years ago and the fairway bunkers extended 80 yards toward the green. Bunkers are so deep that players can only see the sky. Green slopes to the front.

No. 6 – “Juniper” 180 yards, Par 3 An elevated tee to a large green with three tiers,

No. 10 - “Camelia” 495 yards, Par 4 A long hole that can play shorter if drives catch the slope in the fairway. It is difficult to save par from the bunker right of the green. The putting surface slopes from right to left. The 10th has played as the most difficult hole in Masters’ history.

No. 11 - “White Dogwood” 505 yards, Par 4 Amen Corner starts here. Tee has been lengthened by 15 yards and more pine trees were added to the three dozen on the right side, tightening

Augusta National 11th Hole - White Dogwood

continued on page 28

F

S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

28 G O continued from page 27 L F the fairway. A 300-yard drive is required to get to the

MASTERS

S O U T H W E S T

crest of the hill. A pond guards the green to the left and a bunker is to the back right. The safe shot is to bail out short and to the right in a swale.

No. 12 - “Golden Bell” 155 yards, Par 3 Perhaps the most famous Par 3 in golf and the shortest hole at Augusta. Club selection can range from a 6-iron to a 9-iron, but it’s difficult to gauge the wind.

Rae’s Creek is in front of the shallow green, with two — bunkers behind it.

A p No. 13 - “Azalea” 510 yards, Par 5 r i An accurate tee shot to the center of the fairway sets l

up players to go for the green. A tributary to Rae’s Creek

2 winds in front of the green and four bunkers are behind 0 1 the putting surface. From tee to green, there are about 4 1,600 azaleas.

No. 14 - “Chinese Fir” 440 yards, Par 4 The only hole on the course without a bunker. Even if the drive avoids trees on both sides of the fairway, the green has severe contours that feed the ball to the right.

No. 15 - “Firethorn” 530 yards, Par 5 The tee has been Augusta National 12th Hole - Golden Bell moved back about 30 yards and to but a pond guards the front and there is the left about 20 yards. A cluster of pines is starta bunker to the right. Gene Sarazen made ing to mature on the right side of the fairway, a double-eagle from the fairway in 1935, making it critical to be straight off the tee. The the shot that put the Masters on the map. green can be reached in two with a good drive,

Augusta National 13th Hole - Azalea

29 No. 16 - “Redbud” 170 yards, Par 3 The hole is played entirely over water and eventually bends to the left. Two bunkers guard the right side and the green slopes significantly from right to left. Pars from the top shelf of the green on Sunday are rare. Tiger Woods’ chip in 2005 made a U-turn at the top of the ridge, trickled to the cup and paused two full seconds before dropping for birdie.

No. 17 - “Nandina” 440 yards, Par 4 The tee has been extended 15 yards and would have made the Eisenhower Tree to the left of the fairway more prominent and 210 yards from the tee, requiring another accurate tee shot. The green is protected by two bunkers in the front.

Teeing off from the tips at Augusta National 18th Hole - Holly

No. 18 - “Holly” 465 yards, Par 4 Now among the most demanding finishing holes in golf, this uphill dogleg right is protected off the tee by two d e e p b u n k e r s a t t h e l e f t e l b o w. Tr e e s get in the way of a drive that strays to the right. A middle iron is required to a green that has a bunker in front and to the right.

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30 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — A p r i l 2 0 1 4

My Favorite Lesson

erous of places. I was determined not to let him ‘win’ by putting me in a position where I couldn’t par. Malaska – Nicklaus Academies’ Bymake Mike Now I didn’t make a ton of birdies, of course, considerWorld-Wide Director of Instruction ing there was little chance of making the ball land and hold the green. I did have a few crazy up-and-downs to shake off, but my determination held firm and before the nine was over, I began to really enjoy the challenge.

We finished the front nine and I put up a 37. “Not bad”, I thought.

We walked back to the clubhouse and sat down. I expected some version of an acknowledgement that I had won the bet. But no such luck. He put it something like this: “Let me ask you, Mike. On the first hole, after I put your ball behind the tree, how excited were you to hit that shot? You see, you were intent on proving me wrong. The shot was hard, true, but you managed to make it work. And again on the second hole, I hooked aren’t playing that well? How great is this game, you way left and again, you managed to make it work.” when the first shot off the tee really doesn’t matter?

“So you’re pleased and excited that you won some We hear so much about hitting it further and hitting sort of bet. But let me ask you this: What would you

By Mike Malaska it harder and longer. But in our misplaced efforts, have done on the first hole, if you’d actually hit your we end up in some crazy places on the course. tee shot where I put you? You’d have been mad – if Well, before the round started, I was with my teacher, But, who cares? Seriously! not furious. But, for the sake of the argument, let’s say Joe Nichols, in the clubhouse. We usually met outside, What’s the difference between the ball my teacher you shook it off. After hitting that lousy tee shot on but for this special lesson, he told me to meet him in hides behind the tree and the shot we hit there in the first, you backed it up with an equally bad tee shot the clubhouse, where he explained that we were going the first place? What is the difference? There isn’t on the second.” to have a playing lesson – and not just a regular playone – certainly not in terms of the next shot. The dif“At some point you’d have gone crazy and broken ing lesson. Today there would be some extra shots ference is in our minds. It’s in our expectations. It’s down mentally. You’d have no confidence in your game involved. So I showed up early, warmed up on the in the fact that we don’t yet understand this game. or your ability to shoot any score at all.” range and then headed on in to find him.

The ball goes where it goes. You just get to hit “So tell me this – what score would you have shot if The game seemed simple enough. “We are going it. What we can all learn is grace in the face of you’d hit every tee shot where I left you? If you’d hit to play nine holes”, my teacher explained, “We’ll tee adversity – and that we can all follow a bad shot a hideous slice on #1, a terrible hook of #2, a buried Images courtesy of the Nicklaus Academy at DragonRidge www.nicklausacademylasvegas.com off on the first hole”. Easy enough. But here came the with that stupid smile I had when I thought I was lie in the fairway bunker on #3? The real bet is this: twist: He was going to pick my tee shot on every hole winning a bet. We can always hit a shot so great Would you still have shot a 37? Tell me yes and you student can feel how their weight should do not realize the and place it anywhere he any wantedplayers – in some diabolical from a place so awful, just for the sheer love of the win the bet”. play move during the game. golfForget swing. spot. I would have a shotimportance at the green, but not that a good their the past. Forget what happened.

So I feet stopped.

And I thought.

And I realized.

And to one. The bet was to see ifin he could place the ball in a Take stance. you the golf swing. Your feethonest, are I had to tell him, Changing my thoughtAs process proved to be the be completely “No”. your regular spot so bad off every tee that I wouldn’t able to breakwithTruth best lesson. It’s the bestyour lesson. Itleft changed my life. if I’d hit a stringbegin of tee shots that bad, by your back swing, bring the only point of be contact thewas, ground 40. At the end, he’d pay me if I won the bet. “Fine”, I Joe Nichols was a genius in that he could give the third hole, I would have been set for an asylum.

I and the platform from which foot back so it is next to the right. Just said, “I’m up forprovide the bet”. you what you needed in your swing, but also in would have been fuming. There was no way I would as you reach the your tophead, of relative your backswing, sound swing isplayed built So, to a getfundamentally back to the story, I was on the first hole, to the game and how it’s played. have those second shots, as difficult as they stuffed behind a treeGolf with only of makinga few step forward to begin the downswing. from. isa slight onechance of only ‘ball and That lesson reminds me of a story Jack Nicklaus were and from all those crazy places and still shot a 37. it to the stick green. I hit the shot with true determination, once toldwith me. Heyour said a shot just creates a new my teacher said,Complete “You did shoot a 37 from swing sports’ (baseball, softball“And & yet”, tennis your normal just to show him and landed the ball close enough to situation with a new set of variable and a new set of all those places.

You really did”. for example) where the athlete does not stance. Notice how difficult it is to ‘spinget up and down. Par! “That’ll show him”, I thought. options – just for you to sort through, pick the best That was the end of the lesson as far as he was coninto swing.

AsJoe with these other out of the shot’ with a proper weight On thestep second hole, I hittheir my tee shot well enough. of what you’ve got, commit to it and hit another cerned. He walked away after I paid him his $10. I picked up my ball andit putis it incritical the deep rough off ofyour the shift.

Use Drill during sports, that feetheare in and I’d guess shotInto until theItgame is over.

In other words, we do knew was right he’d he right the for anyStep left edgesynch of the fairway.

It was on a side hill lie, sloping not go quietly into the one of us. the your practice sessions, and in night. time, a with your body throughout even further left. No joke and I wasn’t laughing – but I Great wisdom teachers.

Glad to share Now shift. you didn’t get to take that lesson.weight But it was shift entire swing for a proper weight proper that is from in great synch will was certainly up for the challenge. it. If my lessons are half as valuable, we’ll get there. such a great lesson, we can all take something from it. use the Step It Drill so that the become second nature.

Hole after hole,IJoe moved my ball to theInto most treachHumility, good. Expectations, bad.

Think for a minute, how well do you play, when you

The Importance of Footwork in the Golf Swing

M

About the author: PGA Professional Mike Malaska is #24 on Golf Digest’s ranking of instructors and is one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100. To arrange a personal session with Mike, call 602.799.7099 or visit www.nicklausacademies.com

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