Golf Southwest October 2014 Digital Edition

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Volume 2 Issue 10 | October 2014

Soldier Hollow Golf Course One of Utah’s Best

ALIANTE GOLF COURSE

Gary Panks At His Best

TPC LAS VEGAS

Elegance in the Desert

CEDAR RIDGE GOLF COURSE Red Rock Splendor

Hole 14 is the Silver’s shortest Par 4 at 365 yards with a green that is bordered by a pond right and long. The 15th is a 190-yard Par 3 that curves around a pond. There’s bailout room left, but nothing but water right.

Mike Malaska: Fitness pg. 20

2 G O L F

Rules of Golf

Rules of Golf Quiz for OCTOBER 2014 G

S O U 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 H 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 W while you are there, register for our digital copy of GOLF SOUTHWEST and a chance to win some great merchandise or maybe even a round of golf at E one of your favorite courses.

S T

1. A player’s ball lies on a path that is covered with wood chips. He removes some chips and then properly takes relief under the obstruction Rule. What

— is the ruling in stroke play?

O A. There is no penalty. c B. There is a one stroke penalty. t C. There is a two stroke penalty. o b e 2. Parts of immovable artificial objects which lie out of bounds are r considered to be obstructions.

A. True 2 B. False 0 1 4 3. A player’s ball, played from the tee across a water hazard, lies

in a bunker behind the putting green. He plays a stroke from the bunker and the ball comes to rest in the water hazard in front of the green. What is the ruling?

A. He may drop a ball in the bunker at the spot where he last played.

B. He may drop a ball within two club-lengths of where the ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard, not nearer the hole.

C. He must take relief under the water hazard Rule, dropping a ball on the tee side of the hazard, playing his next stroke across the hazard.

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

A. True B. False 5. Which is correct regarding a player’s stance in a bunker?

A. He may kneel on a towel to take his stance in the bunker.

B. He has addressed the ball when he takes his stance in the bunker.

C. He may not knock down the side of the bunker with his foot in order to get a level stance while playing his ball that lies through the green.

Go to

Golf-Southwest.com To Check Your Answers

3

INSIDE

2 3 Publisher’s Notes 4 SOLDIER HOLLOW GOLF COURSE 8 ALIANTE GOLF CLUB 9 Tournament Schedule 12 DINING: CENTRO WOODFIRED PIZZERIA 15 GOLF TIPS: PGA TOURACADEMY 16 TPC LAS VEGAS 20 MIKE MALASKA: FITNESS 22 TOP TEN GOLF STATES 24 2014 SHRINERS OPEN 27 NIKE VAPOR IRONS 28 CEDAR RIDGE GOLF COURSE Rules of the Game

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

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Publisher Kent Danjanovich (801) 231-9838 kdanjanovich@golf-Southwest.com Associate Publisher James Olsen (702) 994-0879 jolsen@golf-southwest.com Nevada Sales John Wooge (702) 373-7437 jwooge@golf-Southwest.com Utah Sales Manager Collin Dalley (435) 862-7441 cdalley@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

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.

S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

A

Nevada Sales Steve Mayer (702) 596-3926 smayer@golf-southwest.com

Steve Latimer Golf Course Specialist

Publisher’s Notes

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jim Rayburn Jean Luc Mirpoix Mike Malaska

G O L F

lot has happened in local golf the past couple of months in both Utah and southern Nevada. And more is on the way this month as TPC Summerlin prepares to host the Shriner’s Hospitals for Childrens’ Open the week of October 13th – 19th. Actually, the festivities begin on Friday, October 10th with the Las Vegas Golf Hall Of Fame ushering in the whirlwind of events that will eventually end with a special “Tough Day Event” on Monday the 20th.

You can view a schedule of events in this issue, so why not set aside some time to support this wonderful cause and take in some great golf along the way as the world’s finest compete in the first stop on the 2015 FedEx Cup schedule.

Yes, I did say the 2015 schedule! The FedEx Cup is set up to go to the best PGA TOUR player that year, with a huge emphasis on golfers bringing their best in the playoffs. In 2014, there was no better fit than Billy Horschel.

Horschel saved his best for last this season, winning the BMW Championship and the Tour Championship in consecutive weeks to collect the $10 million prize and clinch the FedEx Cup title. Chris Kirk edged out probable ‘Player of the Year’ Rory McIlroy for second place, with journeyman Jim Furyk finishing fourth and Bubba Watson rounding out the top five.

Another big event took place last week on the other side of the pond as 24 of the best players in the world were vying for bragging rights in the 40th Ryder Cup. Since we went to press before the conclusion of the event, you are on your own for the results, but I am sure that most of you were glued to the matches and hopefully cheering on the American Team to victory!

With all of the fall preparation completed as we slowly move into our late fall and winter months, the courses of southern Utah and Nevada are in their best conditions of the year, so I hope that each of you will be taking advantage of this, my personal favorite time of the year.

Our highlighted courses in this issue are Soldier Hollow and Cedar Ridge in Utah and TPC Las Vegas and Aliante Golf Club in Nevada. All are great venues and should be on your list of courses to play in the near future. We are truly blessed with a wide variety of golfing opportunities and I hope that not only are you taking advantage of the opportunity to play, but that you are also introducing the great game of golf too youngsters and other newcomers who will help to continue building the game into the future.

I hope to see you on the putting green soon! KD

4 G O L F

Soldier Hollow Golf Course

S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

In its first 10 years, Soldier Hollow has already hosted numerous qualifying events, multiple state high school golf championships and five Utah State Amateurs.

By Jim Rayburn

W

hen talk first began of Utah hosting the Winter Olympics, everyone recognized that the Games would leave behind a legacy of winter sports facilities.

The benefits of new ski jumps, cross-country skiing courses, bobsled runs and ice rinks for use by Utah residents and Olympic hopefuls for decades to come was obviously part of the deal. But few realized that Utah’s only national championship caliber golf course would grow from the Olympic movement as well.

Once Olympic officials picked the Soldier Hollow site on the hills west of Midway in Wasatch County for construction of a cross-country skiing venue, Utah State Parks officials began to realize that Soldier Hollow’s new winter sports infrastructure would be a perfect companion for additional summer activities.

Specifically, State Parks officials were looking to accommodate the overflow demand for golf at Wasatch Mountain State Park Golf Course, which had already gone through two expansions, first with an addition of nine new holes and then the addition of another nine holes, completing their 36-hole facility.

A feasibility study indicated that 36 holes at Wasatch and the expansion of the clubhouse there, just wasn’t enough to handle the demand. So, State Parks officials thought it made sense to construct another golf course a few miles south of Wasatch

on state-owned land at Soldier Hollow.

After going through two expansions at Wasatch, state officials believed it also wise to ensure that a new golf course at Soldier Hollow would meet the golf demand for decades to come. Constructing 36 holes of golf was less expensive than building an 18-hole course and then adding an 18-hole course later.

As Soldier Hollow hosted the cross-country events at the 2002 Winter Games, across the street to the north, state parks officials and renowned golf course designer Gene Bates were busy staking out what would eventually become one of Utah’s top golf venues.

Construction began on Soldier Hollow Golf Course only two months after the 2002 Winter Olympics had ended. The 36-hole facility opened for play in July 2004.

“Most likely, had it not been for the Olympics coming to Utah, the land where Soldier Hollow Golf Course now sits would probably still be alfalfa fields,” Soldier Hollow head golf professional Chris Newson says.

In its first 10 years, Soldier Hollow has already hosted numerous qualifying events, multiple state high school golf championships and five Utah State Amateurs. Eight years after Soldier Hollow opened it gained national attention by hosting the 2012 U.S. Amateur Public Links.

“Being selected multiple times to host championship events says a lot about the caliber of the golf courses. It means that our facilities are top notch, that our courses are in great condition and that the courses are fair yet challenging. When a golf course host a national championship like the U.S. Public Links, that’s a pretty good endorsement that we have a golf course that people

really should want to play,” Newson says.

In keeping with the Olympic theme, Soldier Hollow’s two 18-hole layouts are named the Gold and Silver courses, respectively. The Gold Course, which runs mostly higher up on the hillside, is the more difficult by design of the two. The Silver Course mostly runs on the east and lower part of the Soldier Hollow hillside. Both offer spectacular views of Heber Valley, Mount Timpanogos and Deer Creek Reservoir.

Soldier Hollow’s two 18-hole layouts, 4,200-square foot clubhouse, restaurant and reception area make it the perfect choice for corporate events.

5 G O L F S O U T H W E S T —

Soldier Hollow, with few tall trees, is parklands-style golf with a lot of slope, with a mix of links golf traits that makes it a unique golf experience. Some holes go a little uphill, some a little downhill and some across the slope. Some holes require carry over a canyon. There’s an elevation change of several hundred feet from the bottom of the two courses to the top. Only a few holes along the bottom are flat. Both courses roll over and around the knobs, hills and dips of the natural terrain.

Soldier Hollow’s biggest defense is the tall grasses that border each fairway. On any stray shot it’s easy to lose a ball or face one of those British Open type recovery shots. Hitting the ball straight is essential.

There are no bordering fairways that will come to the rescue, just fescue.

“If you roll off the fairway even a little bit the grass is going to get you,” Newson says. “Even though it’s kind of fun to hit out of that tall grass a time or two,

it’s pretty hard to make pars from that stuff.”

Soldier Hollow also has more than 150 bunkers that help shape its holes. Its greens are large, but not over undulating or difficult to read.

“When you hit the greens you usually have putts that you feel confident in making, so there are some birdies out there. But you can also have a lot of very long putts,” Newson says.

Soldier Hollow’s fairways and greens are very mature for the course’s relatively young age - one reason why Soldier Hollow has hosted so many tournaments.

The greens also are very consistent throughout the course and the golf season in how they roll. The speed doesn’t change much from day to day. The course conditions also tolerate a lot of play. Superintendent Steve Moulton and assistants Nathan James and Casey Mifflin keep the courses well-manicured.

“We have great greens. That’s one thing that golfers

Hole No. 4 on the Gold course is only a 365-yard Par 4, but has four fairway bunkers to avoid and two greenside bunkers.

O c t o always notice. Everyone loves to play a golf course b that has quality putting surfaces,” Newson says. e Each course has five sets of tees. The Gold r

Course, considered the “championship” course, plays at just over 7,700 yards from the back tees with a rating of 75. From the white tees it plays at 6,100 yards with a rating of 68.3. The Gold Course has narrower and more undulating fairways than the Silver Course and has more holes that require carry over trouble. Natural scrub oak comes into play along the course’s top side.

The Silver Course, at 7,300 yards from the back tees and 6,000 yards from the white tees, is a little more forgiving and has more tame greens. The Silver is rated 74.2 from the back tees and 68.5 from the white tees.

“You can pick how much golf course to bite off. You can shorten it up as much as you want or stretch it out. There’s a lot of variety from hole to hole and you’ll have to hit every club in your bag.

And when the wind comes up you’ll need to get a little creative in shaping your shots,” Newson says.

Each nine starts and loops back near the clubhouse.

The first two holes on the Silver Course offer good chances to open with a birdie. Hole No. 1 is a 400-yard downhill Par 4, with a fairway bunker on the left side. You’ll most often have a wedge or short iron approach.

The second hole is a risk-reward downhill 510yard Par 5 with a pond right off the tee. A deep bunker protects the front of the green, which slopes left to right. Eagles are more common on this hole than any other on the Silver Course.

Hole No. 6 on the Silver is a slightly uphill, 527yard Par 5 with two deep fairway bunkers to avoid off the tee, another about 100 yards from the green and a large bunker protecting the green in front.

The ninth hole is another risk-reward Par 5. Playing uphill and at 528 yards, the longer hitters are tempted to try to carry a pond with their second shot to the shallow green above. For any chance continued on page 6

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6 SOLDIER HOLLOW

G O continued from page 5 L F of getting home in two the tee shot must hug the S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

left side. Two fairway bunkers come into play and there are four treacherous bunkers protecting the green in front. The safest bet is to layup to the right and put trust in your wedge game.

The back nine on the Silver Course starts with another risk-reward Par 5. Playing downhill at 540 yards, driver is not the club of choice for many off the tee with the fairway ending about 300 yards away. Many hit iron or fairway wood off the tee and then decide whether to lay up left or try to carry a pond and bunker in front of the green.

Hole 14 is the Silver’s shortest Par 4 at 365 yards with a green that is bordered by a pond right and long. The 15th is a 190-yard Par 3 that curves around a pond. There’s bailout room left, but nothing but water right.

“This is probably the neatest looking hole on the Silver, with the water in front and Timpanogos in the background,” Newson says.

The Silver finishes with two Par 5s over the final two holes. No. 16, uphill at 550 yards, is a threeshot hole. The uphill 18th plays only 470 yards, but the hazard dissects the fairway about 250 yards off the tee. To get home in two requires carry over deep vegetation to an elevated and shallow green.

Most chose to layup to the left, where they’ll have a wedge shot in.

The nines on the Gold Course were reversed for the U.S. Public Links and the change has become permanent. The upper nine is now the front nine.

The first real good chance for birdie comes on the 520-yard Par 5 third, which climbs slightly uphill and doglegs left. Deep grass hugs the left side and a large bunker lurks right off the tee. Two deep bunkers protect the green in front and to the left.

In keeping with the Olympic theme, Soldier Hollow’s two 18-hole layouts are named the Gold and Silver courses, respectively.

Holes four, five and six all require carry off the tee. Hole No. 4 is only a 365-yard Par 4, but has four fairway bunkers to avoid and two greenside bunkers.

“Most golfers think this is the funnest hole we have,” Newson says.

The fifth is an all-carry 178-yard Par 3. The sixth tee is the highest point on the golf course and presents a somewhat blind shot over a canyon. A 400-yard Par 4 that can be stretched to play over 500 yards, it’s rated as Soldier Hollow’s toughest hole.

The seventh is a 180-yard Par 3 that drops more than 100 feet in elevation. Hole No. 11 is the only

hole where a stand of tall natural trees comes into play. To reach the dogleg right 526-yard Par 5 in two you must either carry the trees or curve your drive around them. The hole also has six fairway bunkers to avoid.

The 536-yard Par 5, 16th is almost a copy of the third hole, except there are three more fairway bunkers to avoid. The Gold finishes with a tight 420yard Par 4, which begins from an elevated tee to the fairway below that has out of bounds left, a fairway bunker right and a pond right. The hazard meanders in front of the green, so the second shot is all carry.

With 90 holes of golf in the Heber Valley, Soldier Hollow’s typical customer is the out-of-town golfer.

Soldier Hollow attracts golfers from Summit County, Utah County and every city along the Wasatch Front as well.

Soldier Hollow’s two 18-hole layouts, 4,200-square foot clubhouse, restaurant and reception area make it the perfect choice for corporate events too. Capable of handling more than 350 golfers at a time, Soldier Hollow hosts at least one corporate event per week during the summer months and sometimes as many as five per week.

The Soldier Hollow Grill, operated by Rob Edwards, is considered by many to be the top golf course snack bar in Utah.

Soldier Hollow has all of the typical golf course amenities — carts, a driving range and a large practice putting green. Newson and assistant pro’s Jon DeBoer and Joel Grose all are available for lessons.

Greens fees are $33 for 18 holes, with discounts for seniors, juniors and children. Cart rental is $14.

A season golf pass is $900.

For more information or to book a tee time call 435-6547442 or go online to www.soldierhollowgolf.com.

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE UGA/PGA Tournament Schedule October/November 2014 October 1

• Schneiter’s Bluff Two-Women Best Ball/Alternate/Scramble, Schneiter’s Bluff GC

October 3

• Schneiter’s Bluff 2-Man BB/Alternate/Scramble, Schneiter’s Bluff GC

October 4 • • • •

Old Mill Amateur, Old Mill GC SunRiver Amateur, SunRiver GC Green River Fall 2-Man Scramble, Green River GC Round Valley Red-White-Blue 27-Hole 2-Man Best Ball, Round Valley GC

October 10

• Sky Mountain Couples, Sky Mountain GC

October 11

& Women), Southgate GC • The Ledges Amateur, The Ledges GC

• Old Mill 2-Person Scramble, Old Mill GC • Dixie Red Hills Amateur, Dixie Red Hills GC • Sunset View Delta 3-Man Scramble, Sunset View GC • Millsite Monster Mash 4-Man, Millsite GC • Sky Mountain Four-Ladies Challenge, Sky Mountain GC

October 15

• Toana Vista Tombstone Open Halloween Shootout Men & Women, Toana Vista GC

October 18

• Stonebridge Monster Mash, Stonebridge GC • The Ranches Monster Mash, The Ranches GC

October 4-5

October 18-19

October 5

October 19

• Moab Senior Amateur (Men & Women), Moab GC • Riverside Country Club Amateur, Riverside CC

• UGA 4-Man Team Championship, Moab GC • Nibley Scary Duck 2-Man Scramble, Nibley Park GC

October 24-25

• Sunbrook 2-Man Best Ball/Scramble, Sunbrook GC

October 25

• Nightmare Scramble, Palisade State Park GC • Lakeside 2-Man Scramble, Lakeside GC • TalonsCove Halloween Smash, TalonsCove GC • Green River Fall Amateur, Green River GC

G O L November 7 • Southgate Washington County Amateur (Men F S O U November 7-8 T • SunRiver Invitational (Utah Section PGA H Schedule), SunRiver GC W E November 15 S • Green River 2-Man Best Ball, Green River GC T

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

Southern Nevada Schedule (SNGA)

November 1

• Stansbury Turkey Shoot 2-Man Scramble, Stansbury Park GC

—

O c • 2- Day Virgin Valley Amateur, Casablanca GC ot b October 8 e • SNGA Tour – Painted Desert, Painted Desert GC r

October 4-5

October 22

• SNGA Tour – Badlands, Badlands GC

October 30-31

• MAJOR – Las Vegas City Senior Amateur, Las Vegas GC

November 1-2

• MAJOR – Las Vegas City Amateur, Las Vegas GC

November 11-13

• Nevada Open, Casablanca GC

November 15-16

• 2-Day Nye County Open, Mountain Falls GC

October 28

• Sunbrook Ladies Invitational Two-Women, Sunbrook GC

7

For Full Schedule See

www.Golf-Southwest.com

2 0 1 4

8 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

Aliante Golf Club A liante Golf Club burst on the Vegas golf scene in December of 2003 and has been receiving rave reviews ever since. This memorable 18hole championship course was designed by Scottsdale-based Gary Panks Associates. Gary Panks has a long-standing reputation for designing golf courses that enhance the environment, create value and provide an enjoyable experience for golfers.

Aliante is an exciting and challenging course that stretches more than 7,000 yards from the back tees.

The presence of the meandering arroyo that comes into play on 14 holes causes the golfer to feel slightly elevated, providing interesting contours and unique playing lies and angles. The course is highlighted by two water features, generous landing areas and strategic use of trees that are not commonly found in most desert courses, such as Pear and Purple Locust.

True to his design philosophy, Panks has once again

fashioned a golf course that will challenge the expert to utilize every club in the bag while providing an enjoyable experience for the novice golfer.

Aliante Golf Club is located in the Del Webb master community of Aliante and is owned by the City of North Las Vegas and operated by Troon Golf. The club boasts an inviting clubhouse that features a well-appointed golf shop, grille, bar and an event patio with views of the golf course and surrounding mountains.

As for the course, the front nine meanders through hundreds of pear trees and shrubs that frame many holes, while the back nine traverses numerous plantings of Mondale pines and purple locust trees with their bright color splashes. A running theme for the mostly-level course is a groomed arroyo on virtually every hole. An arroyo often runs along or across the Bermuda fairways and sometimes cuts in front of or behind the tee boxes or Tiff-eagle greens, which are small to medium - in the 6,000-square-foot range

- with moderate to fairly severe undulation.

The course has been in top notch condition regardless of the time of year if you have had the chance to visit, especially since Troon has taken over the management.

This golf course was a difficult challenge for Gary Panks in that he had to design a course that would meet the needs of a large customer base. With the Del Webb Community on site he had to take into consideration the aging population that would be frequenting the golf course.

There are only 7 holes on the golf course that feature bunkers in the landing area of the tee shot. This absence of fairway bunkers allows the average golfer the chance of getting the ball near the green on their second shot, even if they hit a poor tee shot. This also helps the pace of play a tremendous amount.

After a little warm-up on the range, the starter fills you in on facts about the course and any special happenings

Gary Panks has done a wonderful job of creating a golf course that is playable for golfers of any skill level. Although this is not a true desert golf course, it has some unique characteristics that make it a memorable experience. Although it has that desert feel, it doesn’t have the isolated tees and greens of many of the courses in the Vegas area.

9 of the day. You are then escorted to the first tee to start your round. Four sets of tees are available to accommodate all skill levels.

The first at Aliante is a straightaway Par 4, measuring 386 yards from the back tees and offers a good chance of starting out your round with a birdie. The second steps it up a notch as it stretches out to 472 yards from the tips. This doglegging left Par 4 is lined on the left by desert terrain and homes, but offers plenty of landing area for your tee shot. OB also lines both sides of this long The fourth is a good looking, shortish Par 3, measuring 155 yards from the Par 4. There are no bunkers back tees all the way down to 100 yards from the fronts. All tees require throughout, but length and you to carry the arroyo that spans almost to the front of the green. Four accuracy are a must as you bunkers surround the green that banks back to front. The large green can approach the raised green, test your putting skills for sure. which slopes left to right

and back to front. If the wind is coming out of the south, par at No. 2 is a great score.

Hole No. 3 is a 555 yard Par 5 that plays basically straightaway. The driving area is wide, but blind past about the 250 yard mark, with the arroyo cutting across the fairway at about the 300 mark. The second shot is a little bit out of range for most of us, as the approach slopes up to the green, which is deep and somewhat narrow. The putting surface then slopes slightly up to its back half with a false front on the right. If you can keep it in play, birdies can be had.

The fourth is a good looking, shortish Par 3, measuring 155 yards from the back tees all the way down to 100 yards from the fronts. All tees require you to carry the arroyo that spans almost to the front of the green, with a wooden bridge leading you adjacent to the green. Four bunkers surround the green that banks back to front, but the bunker center-front gives the illusion that it doesn’t. The large green can test your putting skills for sure.

A great finishing stretch to the front nine awaits at holes #7 - #9. No. 7 is a 448 yard Par 4 that slowly

Luxury awaits you at Aliante Casino + Hotel + Spa. With upscale accommodations, tempting restaurants and thrilling entertainment, why not make it part of your golf getaway when visiting exciting Las Vegas.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2

continued on page 10 0

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10 ALIANTE

G O continued from page 6 L F bends from left to right, with one lone bunker greenS O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

side. Your second shot is often into a quartering wind from the south with the aforementioned bunker awaiting right-front. The green slopes quite a bit back to front and right to left, helping to make the seventh a very solid Par 4.

The Par 5 eighth is a very reachable 526 yard dogleg right with two bunkers on the right at about the 250 yard mark. If you are not facing too much of a headwind, avoiding the bunkers guarding the entrance to the green are your only obstacle in having a go at an eagle. If you do stray off of the tee or on your second shot, you may have to deal with the arroyo that runs the full length of the hole on the left. The green is slightly elevated, but offers a large putting surface the leans left to right with a catch area left and back.

Your finishing hole on the outward nine plays as a 403 yard Par 4 with the clubhouse as its backdrop as well as the Aliante Resort in the distance. There are no fairway bunkers, but two are visible greenside, left and right. The fairway again slopes down and then back up to the green that angle left to right.

Another great birdie opportunity that you need to take advantage of.

The eleventh is the first of two great Par 5s on the back nine. Your tee shot requires about a 160 yard

carry over water to reach the fairway that is doglegging right to left and is lined on both sides by homes. A lone bunker lurks on the left at the 266 yard mark from the tee. The next bunker is placed again on the left 80 yards short of the green and three more bunkers, one left and two right, await greenside. The green is slightly elevated and very respective to incoming shots.

Length and accuracy are the challenge you will face at the thirteenth, a 233 yard Par 3 that will test even the best of players. A bunker guards the front-left of the green, so you need to make sure you hit enough club to clear it or you will be facing a tough up and down.

No. 14 is next up and rounds out the Par 5s at Aliante Golf Club. Playing at a manageable 540 yards from the back tees, the fourteenth doglegs right to left from the tee with fairway bunkers present left at 255 yards and right 300 yards at its turn. The fairway then gently slopes downward past the bunkers. A small arroyo cuts across the fairway about 80 yards short of the green on your second shot, so you better make sure you have got enough left in the tank to clear it or you must back off a little and lay it up for a short approach. The fairway picks back up past the arroyo and slopes up to the green. Bunkers guard the left and right entrance to the deep green that raises up to its center and then slightly away to the back right portion while leaning left to right.

It seems that most modern courses have one short Par 3 to offer during a round and Aliante is no exception. The fifteenth is a cute, 135 yarder that gives you the percep-

tion that you are hitting from elevated tees, but in reality, the tees are at green level and the arroyo that you must carry gives it the illusion. Greenside, five bunkers pretty much surround the putting surface which is large and deep as it angles from right to left. The green is unique in the fact that it slopes slightly down to its center then rises back up at its rear, forming a subtle tier that gently slopes left to right.

The seventeenth is one of the more scenic holes on the course. Not overly long at 420 yards from the tips, the hole slowly swings from right to left with a wide landing area from the tee. The fairway gently slopes up to level at about the 250 yard mark from the tee and water comes into play starting 90 yards from the green on the left. There is a large bunker short left as you approach the green, just over the pond and another back, center. The green is large with gentle slopes throughout. Two accurate shots will have you in good position for a possible birdie attempt.

No. 18 at Aliante is a great finishing hole. This 428 yard Par 4 has only one fairway bunker located on the left about 285 yards from the tee. The right side is wide open and is bordered by the 10th hole. A solid tee shot will leave you around 150 yards into this long, narrow green. The only concern with the second shot is to clear the arroyo that cuts across the fairway and in front of the green. A greenside bunker guards on the right as the green angles left to right around that bunker.

Gary Panks has done a wonderful job of creating a golf course that is playable for golfers of any skill level.

Your finishing hole on the outward nine plays as a 403 yard Par 4 with the clubhouse as its backdrop as well as the Aliante Resort in the distance.

11 G O L F

The Par 5 eighth is a very reachable 526 yard dogleg right with two bunkers on the right at about the 250 yard mark. If you are not facing too much of a headwind, avoiding the bunkers guarding the entrance to the green are your only obstacle in having a go at an eagle.

Although this is not a true desert golf course, it has some unique characteristics that make it a memorable experience. Although it has that desert feel, it doesn’t have the isolated tees and greens of many of the courses in the Vegas area.

The practice facility features an expansive driving range offering an all-natural grassed tee area, putting green, chipping green and practice bunker. The Golf Shoppe offers a full line of apparel and a great selection of equipment for locals and visitors alike.

Adjacent to the Golf Shoppe you will find the Mondell Pine Restaurant, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with enough menu options to satisfy every appetite. Whether it’s just a quick bite before or after the round or a leisurely meal, you’ll find great service and stunning views, including an uninterrupted look at the Sheep Mountain Range.

And, the Event Pavilion outside the Grille is the perfect place for gathering after a group event, special occasions and even wedding receptions.

If you haven’t visited Aliante, you are missing out on

S O U T H W E S T — O c t o an outstanding golf course and much more. It is a b e perfect complement to the community and with the r

Aliante Resort just a few steps away, everything you need for a great day in Las Vegas is at your fingertips! 2 Aliante Golf Club 3100 West Elkhorn North Las Vegas, Nevada 89084 702-399-4888 www.aliantegolf.com

The seventeenth is one of the more scenic holes on the course. Not overly long at 420 yards from the tips, the hole slowly swings from right to left with a wide landing area from the tee. There is a large bunker short left as you approach the green, just over the pond and another back, center.

The green is large with gentle slopes throughout.

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12 G O L F

DINING

Centro Woodfired Pizzeria

By Jean Luc Mirpoix

W

S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

Centro General Manager Jim Twitchell and Owner Mark Baruffi

hile Cedar City, Utah is known for its scenic vistas and world class Shakespeare Festival, it is not known for outstanding eateries. However, in the midst of this desert of culinary desolation, shines a single glimmering gem; Centro Woodfired Pizzeria.

Based upon a fusion of Napolitano style woodfired pizza and New York style cooking techniques, Centro’s method of cooking has been classified by the New York Times as American New Wave cuisine. Centro Woodfired Pizzeria is one of the most reviewed restaurants in Cedar City, with write-ups in the Los Angeles Times, and Salt Lake Tribune, and an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars on Yelp.com, Urbanspoon.com, and Tripadvisor.com.

The secret to Centro’s success lies in using the highest quality ingredients, old style woodfired pizza oven, and comfortable and tastefully appointed décor. Owner Mark Baruffi and General Manager Jim Twitchell worked tirelessly to bring a destination eatery to downtown Cedar City, that would offer a much more upscale dining experience than a typical traditional pizzeria.

“We wanted to include a better product, and the experience of the woodfired pizza oven, sort of a dinner and a show experience, as well as something different than what people expect of from a pizza restaurant,” said Baruffi.

And while the food is fantastic, it is not your typical pizza fare, and may not be what children are expecting when they hear the word pizza.

That being said, Centro is suitable for the entire family, and some of the staunchest patrons come with their children.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of woodfired pizza, the experience is a lighter, thinner crust on the bottom with a billowing airy outer crust. Because it is cooked in a brick oven, upon a stone, next to an open fire, certain black spots, or leopard spots, will be present on the crust. These dark spots are normal and part of the woodfired pizza experience. Additionally, many factors can effect how the pizza cooks, from humidity, to am-

13 bient temperature, to how hot the wood burns. These factors make each visit a unique experience and provide a variation of flavor and texture with each pie.

Walking into Centro, one is struck by the homey rustic décor, reminiscent of a midtown loft apartment. Smooth jazz and light classic rock play softly from the speakers, and antique Edison style light bulbs offer a warm orange glow.

In the center of the main dining room is a large pizza preparation area, so you can watch the artisan pizza makers hand craft your meal, before placing it in the glowing hearth of the woodfired pizza oven.

Before we dive into the amazing food, I want to make sure to mention one of the most important aspects of the dining experience – the service. Each server at Centro is attentive without being overbearing. They are polite, courteous, helpful, and chipper. Hardly does your ice clink in your beverage and they are at your table with a fresh refill. Our particular server for this visit was Amanda, and she was of the most stellar caliber we have experienced in quite a long while. Each server we observed was equally as attentive.

To start our dining experience, we opted for a plate of Centro’s Arugula and Prosciutto salad. The fresh and flavorful arugula was topped with paper thin shaved prosciutto and a well aged Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The prosciutto was lightly salty and lightly smoky and added a good counterbalance to the slightly sour and tangy lemon basil dressing. This salad serves two to three people easily.

Also in the insalata arena was the newest salad, a red grape and Gorgonzola individual sized offering. This red grape and pan fried pancetta salad is served on a bed of fresh crisp romaine leaves and hearts and drizzled with a buttermilk based dressing, heavy with clumps of flavorful Gorgonzola cheese. This lighter cousin to bleu cheese is less salty and less odorous then its French relative.

For an appetizer, we sampled the bruschetta, a crusty garlic baguette topped with chopped tomato, garlic, and basil, and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. The tomato was amazingly fresh and offered that fresh and crisp natural flavor of these delightful love apples that is so sought after in Italian cuisine.

The light fresh chopped garlic was an accent to the basil and tomato without strangling the other ingredients. The Balsamic reduction provided the flavor of a Modena sunrise; a most excellent way to segue into the main course.

Centro offers a wide variety of toppings for their pizza, and have paired specific ingredients based upon how they mingle together, into several The Red Grape and Gorgonzola or the tangy Arugula and Prosciutto salads will surely get your taste buds prepped for the piping hot pizza to follow.

recommended specialties. You may request your pizza with whichever toppings you desire, but these specific pairings are offered to make ordering easy and best showcase the fresh, high quality ingredients and flavor pairings.

In addition to their regular offerings, Centro runs regular specials, often providing a venue for locally sourced meat and produce, and these limited run treats can sometimes steal the show from their regular menu items.

On our visit, we sampled one pizza from the regular menu and one from the

The rich fresh garden taste of the bruschetta offers just the right balance of sweet basil and tangy garlic enhanced with the zest of a balsamic reduction.

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S O U T H W E specials board, to get as wide an assortment as possible. Each Centro pizza is S a 12-inch pie, sliced into 6 generous slices, and can comfortably feed two and T

may be stretched to feed three.

Our first offering was a fig and prosciutto pizza with Fontina cheese from the specials menu. As the pie was delivered by our ever attentive server, Amanda, the sight of the fresh fig slices gently baked into the fluffy yet thin crust was the first to catch our eye. The sweetness of the figs offered the ideal counterpoint to the shredded thin prosciutto, which lent smokiness to the entrée. All of this rested on a bed of melted and gooey Fontina cheese, giving it almost a creamy fondue texture. Each bite left long strings of amazingly flavorful melted goodness on our chins.

The next pizza was the Sopressetta, from the regular menu. Centro spares no expense by using Creminelli Sopressetta, the highest quality Italian saCentro’s pizzas are 12-inches in diameter and can comfortably feed two to three people. The Sopressetta (top) features delicious Italian salami.

The Fig and Prosciutto offers creamy Fontina Cheese.

lami, for this pizza. The tanginess of the meat on a bed of aged mozzarella and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses are bathed in a light and airy tomato sauce. The sauce lent its gentle acids to the crispy Sopressetta for an ideal flavor experience.

As we dined, we sampled a glass of their Iron Gate Winery Tempest wine, a blended red, from the neighboring winery. This excellent wine was the perfect companion. The Tempest is medium dry, smoky with hints of cabernet and mild Earth notes, and provides a full-bodied and deep flavor profile. Centro offers an impressive wine list, as well as a wide variety of local and national micro-brewed beers as well as your standard imported and domestic bottles and drafts.

For desert, we ventured into the exotic. Centro offers only two deserts, and being adventurous, we sampled both. The first was a bit unsual – vanilla gelato with sea salt, olive oil, and a balsamic reduction. Now, before you turn up your nose at such an odd pairing, I have to say it was not only one of the most interesting deserts I have ever tasted, but it was magnificently delicious. The creamy custardy gelato exploding with fresh vanilla beans provided a sweet base for the tangy balsamic reduction. The sea salt enhanced the sweetness of the gelato and balsamic vinegar, and the olive oil bound all of the flavors together with a neutral earthiness. While the gelato is also available with more traditional caramel, chocolate, or raspberry sauce, I highly suggest you give this unusual continued on page 14 variation a try.

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14 CENTRO

G O continued from page 13 L F The last desert is their Nutella Piegato, their pizza S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

dough filled with rich hazelnut and cocoa cream, folded like a calzone and baked in their woodfired oven, and drizzled with even more Nutella. Long a staple of European dining tables, Nutella is finding a strong following here in the States. It is a delicious topping by itself, but something miraculous occurs when it is heated. The woody deliciousness of the hazelnuts, blended with the gooey and rich chocolate flavor, e x p l o d e f ro m within and overwhelm the taste buds. This rich desert was the perfect finish to our amazing dining experience.

Overall, no detail was overlooked. From the chilled glass bottles of water, to the handsome décor, to the excellent and cheerful service, to the amazing food, fresh ingredients, and pleasant atmosphere, Centro made us feel comfortable and Centro offers an impressive selection of imported and domestic beers and fine wines, including this local offering from Iron Gate Winery, located right in Cedar City.

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V The gelato with sea salt, olive oil, and balsamic reduction was a dream on the tongue. The Nutella Piegato offered an amazingly rich encore to the delicious hot crispy pizza. at home. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining at high tops or regular tables, and even provide a dining bar with a view of the street.

Cedar City, Utah has much to offer to the traveller looking for beautiful scenery, as it is the gateway to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, and Cedar Breaks National Monument. It also is known as Festival City for the various festivals and events that are ongoing throughout the year. Cedar Ridge Golf Course offers 18 holes of regulation play and you can read more about that on page 28 of this publication. After you finish on the links, make sure you head downtown to Centro Woodfired Pizzeria and bring every bit of your appetite, because you will need it.

Centro Woodfired Pizzeria 50 W . University Blvd. (Center St.) Cedar City, UT 84720 (435) 867-8123

oted the “Local Favorite” for several years the Las Vegas Paiute Tribal Smoke Shops offer the largest quality selection of tobacco products in Nevada! Premium and generic brands line the shelves at their two locations. Shop both the ‘downtown’ and ‘northwest’ Smoke Shops to find your favorite brand at low prices and with no hidden costs.

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GOLF TIPS

15 G O L F

PGA TOURAcademy T he philosophy of the TOURAcademy is built upon the concept of a total game experience (i.e., full swing, short game, and on-course instruction; club fitting; fitness). This experience is designed to improve every facet of the student’s game in a safe and nurturing environment.

Foundation The information that we gather from Touring professionals and other resources is what makes up the foundation of our teaching philosophy at the TOURAcademy. It is not one person’s opinion, but rather, a collection of opinions based on observing the very best players in the world every day and also taking into account the latest science on the golf swing.

Building-Block Approach Building a better golf swing is much like mastering English in grade school—you don’t advance to 8th grade English class without first passing 5th, 6th and 7th grade English. There’s a logical progression to learning that takes place.

Each step you take builds on the previous one.

This “building block approach” is the template we use at the TOURAcademy to help our students develop a more complete game.

TOURAcademy Instructors Each TOURAcademy Instructor is a carefully selected career-teaching professional certified to the exacting standards of the TOURAcademy brand. Certification requires a commitment to the “Standards of Excellence” and a demonstrated level of expertise in instruction, fitness and club fitting.

TOURAcademy Tip Correct Your Sequence for More Consistency

Have you noticed while watching the PGA TOUR how far the ball travels with seemingly little effort? Granted, these players are the best in the world and are graced with tons of talent, but the secret really lies in sequencing the body

S O U T H W E S T —

and golf club in such a way as to maximize the body’s ability to generate clubhead speed.

Let’s start with the backswing.

Too many golfers have overactive lower bodies when swinging to the top of the swing. The next time you watch a PGA TOUR pro make a backswing, watch how passive their lower body remains.

• The backswing should start with the arms and club.

• Then, the shoulders turn.

• And finally, the lower body engages – in that order.

• Simply put: The lower body moves in reaction to the upper body turning.

• On the downswing, the correct sequence is the opposite.

The pros will start the transition from the top of the backswing downward with a lateral shift with the lower body. As this happens, the upper body stays back behind the ball and, in most cases, does not move forward at all until after impact.

On the other hand, most amateurs laterally shift the upper body and torso toward the target to start the downswing. This move is disastrous.

It is why 90 percent of golfers swing out over the preferred plane and slice their drives. This is one of the biggest differences between amateurs and professionals across the board – the correct transition from top of backswing to impact.

Work on the correct sequencing to the top of the swing and starting down; and you, too, will start to experience more power with less effort.

With eight permanent locations (and more to

come)—plus a unique traveling academy, TOURAcademy on the Road—the TOURAcademy is the nation’s most prestigious source of golf instruction programs. Whether you’re a beginner or aspiring TOUR player, we’ll help you improve your skills and enhance your enjoyment of the game. For more information about booking your unforgettable golf experience at the PGA TOURAcademy at TPC Las Vegas call 888-877-9193.

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16 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

TPC Las Vegas A

s most golfers know, there are numerous golf courses in the Las Vegas area, but only at a select few can you enjoy a true PGA TOUR experience, such as the one offered at Tournament Players Club (TPC) Las Vegas. Formerly known as TPC at the Canyons, not only does the course have a new name, it also offers a more enjoyable experience.

With 18 holes beautifully sculpted out of the desert amid views of Red Rock Canyon to the west, TPC Las Vegas is primed to become one of your favorite venues – if it isn’t already.

The Par-71 TPC Las Vegas features holes created with the most impressive elements of the Nevada landscape, such as deep canyons, ever-present wildlife (the course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary) and natural desert washes and arroyos.

Though the course spans over several hundred acres, much of the original land was preserved in the course’s creation, leading to a setting that comes off much more natural and striking than any other desert golf courses in the area.

The real challenge on many of the holes is the elevated greens whose sides are usually protected by bunkers and rolling grass swales. The greens at TPC are mildly undulating, medium-speed and are as receptive as any in the Las Vegas valley. Just as you would expect at a PGA TOUR course, TPC Las Vegas maintains excellent conditions all year round, unlike any other in the area.

And the amenities at TPC Las Vegas are as highquality as the holes; the clubhouse offers banquet

facilities, a nationally rated golf shop and a fine dining, country club-style restaurant, appropriately named The TPC Grille. A snack bar is also available as you make your way from the front nine to the 10th tee.

With its impressive views, excellent service and prestigious reputation, TPC Las Vegas appeals to locals as well as visitors from around the world. TPC Las Vegas is a course that gets better every time you play it.

“Whether it’s for a round of golf or just to hit balls at the practice facility, I can always count on having a great experience at TPC Las Vegas. This is made possible by the staff who understand and excel at customer service.” – PGA Tour pro and Las Vegas resident, Charley Hoffman There’s a reason TPC Las Vegas has been called “desert elegance:” Designed by Bobby Weed and Raymond Floyd, this 7,063 yard design capitalizes on the beautify of the surrounding mountains and canyons and the glamour of the Las Vegas skyline to make one of the most stunning golf courses in Sin City.

TPC Las Vegas - which, until recently, was named TPC at the Canyons - is a marvelous test of golf that has improved dramatically with time. When it opened in 1996, it had a reputation, even among PGA TOUR and Champions Tour players, as a monster. But TPC Las Vegas has matured nicely and good shots are clearly rewarded.

The epitome of a good golf course is one in which a player can shoot his handicap when playing his average game. And by that standard, the TPC Las Vegas more than excels.

There’s a reason TPC Las Vegas has been called “desert elegance:” Designed by Bobby Weed and Raymond Floyd, this 7,063 yard design capitalizes on the beautify of the surrounding mountains and canyons and the glamour of the Las Vegas skyline to make one of the most stunning golf courses in Sin City.

TPC Las Vegas is the type of golf course that makes it critical to pick the proper set of tees, because designer Bobby Weed strategically placed them to suit a player’s skill levels. The course gets more benign as you move forward on the tee boxes, not only because of the distance, but also because of the angles he created. The more adept players are going to have more obstacles to carry over and more decisions to make about where to place the ball.

One of the great things about this course, though, is that it requires you to hit about every club in your bag.

For those who like to bang the driver, the fairways are a generous width, as much as 50 yards wide on some holes. But to play your best on this course, you’re going to have to be able to think-hit your irons as well as your driver. And there are numerous challenging chip shots around the greens as well.

This is a course that will test all aspects of your game.

It’s first rate in terms of service, conditioning and playability. And, because there have been numerous PGA TOUR and Champions TOUR events conducted on it, you can try some of the same shots that the biggest names on the professional circuits have faced. TPC Las Vegas served as host of the Champions TOUR’s Las Vegas Senior Classic from 1997-1999 and the PGA TOUR’s Shriner’s Hospitals for Children Open from 2000-2006.

A true test of shot-making skill, the TPC Las Vegas golf course can challenge even the most seasoned of golfers, but remain playable for even the most novice of players. The lush greens weave through a scenic desert landscape of arroyos and barrancas over several hundred acres. The golf course plays at an elevation of between

17 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r

The lush greens weave through a scenic desert landscape of arroyos and barrancas over several hundred acres. Beautiful homes and the luxurious JW Marriott also give added flavor to TPC Las Vegas’ surroundings.

2,000 and 2,500 feet, allowing you to get about 7-10 yards extra distance in the high desert. Your putts will pick up some speed breaking away from the mountains and mostly everything breaks toward the Stratosphere Resort and Casino on the Strip, which you can see in the distance from certain points on the golf course.

The service you receive at TPC Las Vegas is evident the minute you pull up to the curb. An attendant checks your tee time and unloads you clubs for transport to your awaiting cart. The locker rooms, TPC Grille and pro shop are all located just a few steps away and again, the well organized and courteous staff will quickly have you on your way to the expansive practice facilities, which include plenty of tee area, chipping greens with practice bunkers and a large putting green, all adjacent to the first tee.

The course layout is such that it is tough to not talk about all of the holes, but for the sake of having enough room in this article, I will try and highlight a few of the most outstanding, such as the second titled “Canyon”, a dazzling 196 yard Par 3, perched above a 50 foot drop-off to the desert landscape below. With swirling winds at times affecting both direction and distance, I found that the elevation drop really didn’t affect my normal club selection for the distance. The green then sets on the other side of the arroyo. The putting surface is deep, nearly 44 paces as it gently slopes back to front with a bunker centered on the right side.

Next we come to the 466 yard Par 4 third. The isolated back tees play some 90 yards longer than the rest of the tees and requires about a 230 yard “Carry” to grass over the arroyo. Your second shot then plays slightly uphill. The cart path cuts back across the

2 0 fairway about 50 yards short of the green as a bunker 1 is then placed 20 yards short of the green on the left. 4

Another is found greenside, left and back. The green falls off, front-left and again at the center-rear. The green is again quite deep as it slopes back to front and right to left. Par here is a pretty good score from the tips.

No. 4 is the first of only three Par 5s at TPC Las Vegas, so you better take advantage of a good scoring opportunity. At only 544 yards from the back tees, “Temptation” plays slightly downhill and if you manage to avoid the two bunkers (starting at the 270 yard mark) and also the waste area on the right and left of the fairway, you will then be faced with a pretty straight forward second shot at the green if you want to

“Red Rocks” is the title of the Par 4 tenth, as water buffers the tenth and eighteenth fairways.

continued on page 18

18 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r

The twelfth “Natural Cave” is the shortest Par 3 on the course at 145 yards from the back tees. A unique hole that requires one of your most accurate shots of the day.

TPC LAS VEGAS

2 continued from page 6

0 1 make a go at it in two. The biggest obstacle awaiting is 4 a large bunker, dead-centered in front of the green, but

openings are available both left and right to the slightly elevated green. Three more bunkers then guard the green, with one on the left and two at the back that will catch most shots that are a little too hot coming into the green. All of these bunkers offer a tough up and down, challenging your skills.

With the beautiful JW Marriott hovering above, you then make your way through the wash, heading back up to the fifth tee. Along the way, a rest stop awaits, with not only restrooms, but also an Ice & Water station, a truly “cool” amenity!

The demanding Par 5 sixth, titled “Lone Mountain” for the mountain peak in the background to the west, is a true three-shot design measuring out to 604 yards from the back tees. The holes’ design is pretty much

straightaway, but eight bunkers as well as numerous waste areas give it a meandering appearance. The first of those bunkers is part of three that line up on the left side, starting 225 yards from the tee, with a large waste bunker past the third, some 300 yards out.

The best play for most is then a long iron or hybrid, leaving yourself in that 140 yard range to the green.

There are bunkers both right and left in the landing area, so placement is very important as this landing area also sits on somewhat of a plateau in the fairway, affording you a great look at the green. The putting surface is then almost 40 paces deep, gently sloping left to right its full length, with greenside bunkers right-front and center-left.

“Desert Wash” is the title of the 458 yard, Par 4 eighth. The tees are elevated, with a short carry required from all teeing areas. There is plenty of room on the left from the tee, with two bunkers awaiting on the right side, starting at the 230 mark. Big hitters may have to contend with a waste area on the left

AN OASIS FROM THE EXPECTED

TPC LAS VEGAS

some 320 yards from the tee. The second shot is then slightly uphill to the green, which is protected on the entrance on the left by a bunker 30 yards short and another greenside. A small pot bunker lurks on the right-middle. The green is quite deep and somewhat narrow as it angles slightly right to left. A very good hole and to walk away with a par will have you smiling ear to ear.

A great tool in helping throughout your round is your Visage GPS System, which will heighten your golf experience by maintaining proper pace of play, preserving course conditions, providing unparalleled access to yardages and other information vital to managing your round at this and other PGA TOUR facilities. And since TPC Las Vegas is a continuous layout in design, the cart path from the ninth green next brings you by the Midway Grille to pick up a quick snack and a cold drink, which you can order right from your cart, before heading to the back nine.

“Red Rocks” is the title of the Par 4 tenth, as water

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19 buffers the tenth and eighteenth fairways. Your tee shot is from slightly elevated tees to a fairway that is slowly doglegging right to left. An arroyo starts past the pond on the left and a long waste area awaits on the right, starting at about the 270 yard mark. The hole from this point plays uphill to the green, while two fairway bunkers, one on the left some 70 yards short and then another in the center of the fairway, about 50 yards short making your club selection critical and it’s not a bad idea to hit one extra club. A large greenside bunker also awaits on the right side of the then elevated green, which gives the illusion that it gently slopes from front to back.

Holes #12 - #15 are the TPC Las Vegas’ rendition of Amen Corner. The twelfth “Natural Cave” is the shortest Par 3 on the course at 145 yards from the back tees (a new tee box is being added that will increase the length from the tips to about 170 yards). A deep arroyo lies ahead, forming a peninsula-look for the green. Two small bunkers are then placed left-front, with two larger ones back-left and -center. A ridge running through the middle of the green separates it into two levels. A unique hole that requires one of your most accurate shots of the day.

Your tee shot at the 439 yard thirteenth is one of the toughest, visually of the round. That deep arroyo that cuts in front of the twelfth green continues along the right side of the fairway here, all the way to the green. The angle of the tees have you hitting into a fairway that is cut left to right, giving you the option of cutting off as much on the right side as you dare.

Actually, there is plenty of room in the landing area to the left, but that will also leave you with more yardage to the green on your second shot. There are two

fairway bunkers on the left as the hole swings right, but only come into play for the big bombers from the tee. Another of those deceiving bunkers lies 50 yards short of the green on the left, with two more greenside and another behind the green to help keep shots with a little too much juice from going into the arroyo. The green is quite receptive and forms a second level to its rear. Beware of the false front if the pin in up front. “Death Valley” is definitely a hole that can add a few shots to your score!

Now you arrive at “Gorge-ous”, one of the shortest holes at TPC Las Vegas, but also one of the prettiest.

That pesky arroyo continues up the right side of the tees and works its way parallel to the fairway and then jets across in front of the green. Something less than driver is the club here, with a tee shot in the 200 yard range leaving you with a short iron to the green, but the kicker is, the tee shot is blind from the back tees.

A little local knowledge helps a bunch here, as your target is the church steeple in the distance. The green is then wide, but still one of the smallest on the course, as the low point on the left side raises as it moves to the right. A great design in a shortish Par 4.

TPC Las Vegas truly offers a wonderful golf experience, in fact it is one of only a few PGA TOUR golf courses that can be played by the general public.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o As you approach the 612 yard Par 5 fifteenth, an- b other of the Ice & Water stations await, quenching your er

thirst before you take on this true, three shot monster, which is also the high point on the course. “Headed Home” does just that as it points you in the direction of the clubhouse and hopefully with a little tail wind at your back! The arroyo again presents itself on the right to greenside, but there is plenty of room in the landing area if you keep it to the left side, avoiding the bunkers on the right starting at the 200 yard mark. The fairway then narrows way down in the 220 yard range to the green, so make sure you hit enough club on your second shot, hopefully leaving you an approach in that magical 120 yard range. Your third shot is then still a little nerve racking, as bunkers await left and right at the green’s entrance and your angle will still have the arroyo on the right lingering in your thoughts.

Well as you can see, TPC Las Vegas truly offers a wonderful golf experience, in fact it is one of only a few PGA TOUR golf courses that can be played by the general public. And if you book a golf package and stay at the beautiful JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa adjacent to the course, you can enjoy preferred tee times and personalized service that is unparalleled anywhere in the west. Add the availability of their TOUR Academy instruction facilities, an award winning Pro Shop, their special Players Privilege Program and you soon will see why the TPC Las Vegas experience is so extraordinary.

TPC Las Vegas is located within the nation’s largest master-planned community of Summerlin and is just minutes from the world-famous Las Vegas strip. In fact, with the PGA TOUR’s Shriner’s for Children’s Open the week of October 13th – 19th at the nearby TPC Summerlin, why not make plans today to support the tournament and while you’re at it, call and set aside a tee time for a round at the beautiful TPC Las Vegas.

Believe me, you will be glad you did.

TPC Las Vegas 9851 Canyon Run Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89144 702-256-2500 www.tpc.com/tpc-las-vegas.com

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20 G O L F

FITNESS

Swing Like You Swing ness – It’s about uniqueness. There are things Byweek Mike Malaska – Nicklaus Academies’ If you watch the tour closely from everyone has to do, but within that frameto week, you will see many personal swings work, there Director is a lot of room for individuality.

World-Wide of Instruction making plenty of money. If the ideal swing Evaluation Evaluation is done from the front and the side. When you look at a player with this matrix, you can see their body falls out of these positions. Are they tilted forward or backward? Are their hips level? Are they ro t a t e d f o r w a rd o r b a c k ? A re t h e k n e e s pointing in or out? When the body deviates from its 90-degree angle, we’re uncovering compensations.

The bigger question is, why are you compensating?

There could be a reason for it. The compensation could be there to override a physical issue to allow your body to swing. Ideally, the more you maintain those 90-degree angles and that ‘postural integrity’ the better the body should work.

“As a golfer, the most effective exercises for preventing injuries are stability, mobility, balance drills and bridges”

The Importance of Footwork in the Golf Swing

S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

By Mike Malaska

“Without an understanding of the body, you miss the point of how people swing individually”

Balance Prevents Injuries Once you have an understanding of your was the only swing for everyone, we would abilities, you can create an exercise routine then need to fix almost all of the tour players. that will help prevent injuries. As a golfer, With all the technology out there and all the the most effective exercises for preventing itness and Athletic Personality kinesthetic awareness, we are understanding injuries are balance drills and bridges. (A There are four stages of fitness. The how the body creates and maximizes force. note from your doctor: Before starting any of stages are awareness, injury prevenImages courtesy of the Nicklaus Academy at DragonRidge www.nicklausacademylasvegas.com So if you’re just trying to create speed, there’s these exercises, ask your physician if you are tion, conditioning and performance. a way your body can do it.

When those forces capable of performing the activities) The first and most important part of fitness any players do not realize the student can feel how their weight should are created, the body’s ability is maxed out. is an awareness of who you are. You should move golf Balance swing.to Your Golf Game importance that their feet play For every force that goes out, there’sduring an equal the Bringing be able to evaluate what you can and canin the golf swing.

Your feetone arethat comes back.

Take your regular Asofyou and opposite Balance isstance. a function four systems – not do physically, based on your history of If you’re not careful, you’ll focus just on mobility, strength, proprioception the only point of contact with the ground begin your back swing, bring your left and vesphysical activity. force and not on control.

The body won’t tibular. Initially, the most important is vesThereand are many tour players who don’t from which provide the platform foot back so it is next to the right. Just be able to handle the forces coming back. tibular. Most people spend very little time follow the perfect model of fitness or swing. a fundamentally sound swing is turn built reach top of this your backswing, These into injuries. as Noyou question that the developing system – yet it is one of the However, all the tour players sequence from step forward to begin the downswing. from.

Golf is one of only a few ‘ball and they generate more speed, however, there most important in balance.

Dr. Bob Donatelli the ground to the knees to the hips to the are several considerations to make: is an expert in this field and has helped me Complete your swing with your normal stick sports’ (baseball, softball & tennis mid-back. Then they fire the shoulders, arms • Is this the most efficient way to produce understand its importance. and thefor club.example) where the athlete does not stance. Notice how difficult it is to ‘spinthis speed?

From step player into to player, there is a variance in their swing. As with these other of the shot’Balance with Drills a proper weight • Is this speed easy to out duplicate?

Is this the rotation needed to swing. One should take sports, it critical your feet areway in for an individual shift. Use the Step Into It Drill during the best to generThese are single leg balance drills, where into consideration theisforce from thethat ground ate power? you stand on one leg, then rotate your head your practice sessions, and in time, a synch with your body throughout the up. A few parts of the swing are universal, but • Is this approach a lasting option or will or eyes in different directions. many are individual.

By focusing universal weight shift. proper weight shift that is in synch will entire swing for aonproper it break down quickly?

Bridges help to stabilize the hips and the concepts, youIcan start to understand what use the Step Into It Drill so that the become second nature.

In conclusion, the swing is not about samelower back – adding strength, so this area can works for each one of us as an individual.

F

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

21 ity w i l l t a k e p r e s s u r e o f f o f o t h e r p a r t s o f t h e b o d y.

A s a r e c o m m e n d a t i o n , “The most important single improvement you a n y t h i n g y o u d o – h o w y o u can make is to drink more water. Most people walk, taking the stairs inare chronically dehydrated. Major signs of s t e a d o f t h e e l e v a t o r, s i t t i n g o n a p h y s i o - b a l l a t y o u r d e s k dehydration are lack of concentration, muscle o r w a t c h i n g T V – c a n h e l p fatigue and muscle tightness. These are also the d e v e l o p m o b i l i t y.

I f y o u w o r k o u t a t t h e factors that occur under pressure on the golf gym, spend some time on course and in your daily life” the treadmill walking backw a r d s a t s l o w s p e e d . We t e n d t o d e v e l o p e v e r y t h i n g i n t h e f r o n t o f game at a competent level. These activities were o u r b o d i e s a n d w e f o r g e t t o d e v e l o p t h e first shown to me by Al Vermeil. He has been b a c k – t h e g l u t e s , h a m s t r i n g s a n d l o w e r one of my mentors in the fitness and training b a c k m u s c l e s . J u s t p l a i n w a l k i n g b a c k - industry for years. wards can also help.

Mobility of the spine is one of the most imW h a t ’ s t h e m o s t o u t s t a n d i n g e x e r c i s e portant factors to gain and maintain relative to f o r y o u r g o l f g a m e ? T h e b a c k s t r o k e i n swinging a golf club. These exercises are some swimming! beginning activities to help enhance this critical A s a g e n e r a l r u l e , i f y o u a d d m o re m o v e - mobility. ment to your life, you’ll be amazed how m u c h b e t t e r y o u c o n c e n t r a t e a n d p l a y.

Mobility of the Spine and Lower Back protect itself from any rotational forces. Putting “Mobility of the spine is one of the most All of these mobility exercises should be done more movement into our everyday life helps. i m p o r t a n t b e n e f i t s f ro m f i t n e s s , re l a t i v e t o slowly and held for one minute in each position.

In addition, you should learn basic nutrition. swinging a golf club” Holding the position allows the body and the muscles to adjust: Shoulder, side, hand/leg opposite and superman bridges • Thoracic Spine Stretch • U p p e r S p i n e Rotation • U p p e r S p i n e Floor Twist • Press Up • Foam Roller ExLaying on back with pillow tension under shoulders • S i d e - t o S i d e Counter Rotation Strengthening Your Hips Mobility Activities All of these exercises are illustrated in Mike’s The next important exercises are hip strengthOver my career, I’ve been fortunate to be new book, “I Feel Your Pain: Let’s Make Golf eners. This is best developed using rubber introduced to some of the best people in the Uncomplicated”. bands. Anything that can be done to create fitness industry. They have helped me undermobility in the mid-thoracic back is critical- stand the priority list of activities that most E v a l u a t i o n o f F i t n e s s developing the ability to twist. This mobil- people need in their daily lives to play this Once you have an idea of your day and your habits, make small changes – for example, use a physio-ball to sit at your desk for three to five minutes, t h r e e t o f o u r t i m e s a d a y. Ta k e t h e s t a i r s i n s t e a d o f t h e e l e v a t o r. F o c u s on how you walk. Add a glass of water before every meal.

As you have success with these small steps, gradually add more to your program. The key is that the program is accessible and easy enough for you to d o e v e r y d a y. I f i t r e q u i r e s g o i n g t o the gym or taking an hour out of your d a y, t h e c h a n c e s b e c o m e l e s s a n d l e s s for success.

Again, it’s better to start small and gradually add exercises once you have been consistent.

Standing with arms extended, balancing on one foot

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

22 G O L F

Ten Best Golf States G

olfers are familiar with the traditional lists of top courses and destinations, but how do the 50 states stack up as golf locations based on their populations? Using the most recent census estimates, Golf Digest has created a ranking of the best golf states based on the number of great public golf courses per capita. Only courses that rated four stars or above in Golf Digest’s Places to Play were counted and private clubs were not included. Some of the states in the top 10 shouldn’t come as a surprise, but others surely will as they take the place of bigger population hubs like California, which boasts the most highly-ranked public courses with 154, yet is only No. 43 on this list. So what does it all mean? Well, if you’re an — average golfer living in one of these states, consider yourself lucky.

S O U T H W E S T

O c t o b e r

3. NEVADA

Courses: 37; Population: 2,643,085

1. HAWAII

Courses: 41; Population: 1,295,178

2 0 1 4

There’s not much rolling of the dice when it comes to selecting a quality golf course in this state. Highlights include the spectacular, 5-star Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, TPC Summerlin, Wolf Creek and Tahoe, home of the largest annual celebrity golf event.

As if it wasn’t enough living in a tropical paradise, residents of Hawaii are the most blessed when it comes to available great courses.

Notables include Princeville Resort (Prince -- 5 stars) and Kapalua (Plantation), where the PGA Tour’s season-opening event is held.

4. MICHIGAN

Courses: 137; Population: 9,969,727

2. SOUTH CAROLINA

Courses: 84; Population: 4,561,242

A somewhat overlooked region due to the lack of a consistent PGA Tour presence and a shortened golf season, Michigan actually lays claim to having more 5-star courses than any other state: Arcadia Bluffs, Tullymore Golf Club and Timberstone Golf Course. It also has far-and-away the most 4-star courses on this list, as well as the largest population.

Considering the Palmetto state is home to three of the golf world’s most popular hubs (Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head and Kiawah Island), this lofty ranking should come as no surprise. Harbour Town and the Ocean Course, site of the 2012 PGA Championship lead the way with ratings of 5 stars.

5. WISCONSIN

Courses: 71; Population: 5,654,774

8. NEBRASKA

Courses: 17; Population: 1,796,619

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

Another northern state that boasts multiple 5-star courses in Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run (River). Don’t be too distracted by the Straits’ innumerable bunkers that became the story of the 2010 PGA Championship to notice the Cheese State’s 69 other 4-star-or-above tracks.

The unique and exclusive Sandhills Golf Club garners most of the state’s attention, but Nebraska features 17 other great courses that are open to the public, plus the stunning new Dunes Course at The Prairie Club. Expect to see plenty of red apparel at Wilderness Ridge (4.5 stars), home of the University of Nebraska’s golf teams.

6. COLORADO

9. ARIZONA

Known more for its ski resorts, Colorado quietly has 57 4-staror-above courses, as rated by Golf Digest’s Places to Play guide.

That group is led by the Broadmoor Golf Club (East -- 4.5 stars), which is No. 4 on Colorado’s Best In State list.

The mecca of desert golf, the Grand Canyon state has 72 highlyranked public courses, including TPC Scottsdale, home of the PGA Tour’s Waste Management Open. Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia has the distinction of being the state’s lone 5-star course.

7. VERMONT

10. NORTH DAKOTA

Our first real surprise on the list comes in the small package of the second-least populated state in the country. The renowned Equinox Resort & Spa features the Gleneagles Golf Course among its numerous outdoor activities.

What’s more shocking than the third-least-populated state making this list is that it barely edged the country’s least-populated state, Wyoming. Yellowstone-esque beauty can be seen at Bully Pulpit Golf Course and there are deals to be found. Can you play Edgewood G.C. in Fargo for under $30? Yah, you betcha.

Courses: 57; Population: 5,024,748

Courses: 6; Population: 621,760

Courses: 62; Population: 6,595,778

Courses: 6; Population: 646,844

— O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

24 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

2014 Shriners Hospitals for Children Open T he Shriners Hospitals for Children Open has been a Las Vegas tradition since Fuzzy Zoeller won Las Vegas’ first PGA TOUR event in 1983. Beautiful weather, exciting events and activities, 144 of the best professional golfers in the world competing for the $6.2 million dollar purse and of course, the mission to support the world-class pediatric hospital network offer countless opportunities for fans and players alike to start their own traditions.

At last years’ event, Webb Simpson birdied two of his first three holes on Sunday, separating his self from the field for a six-stroke win, his first since the 2012 U.S. Open. Simpson closed with a five under par 66 capping a great week at 24-under par.

Tickets for Las Vegas’ official PGA TOUR event are on sale now. Part of the FedEx Cup regular season, the weeklong charitable tournament is held at the masterfully designed TPC Summerlin, where guests can escape into an oasis situated within the natural desert and surrounded by the Las Vegas skyline and Red Rock Mountains while cheering on their favorite PGA TOUR professionals.

The sophisticated nightlife experience of Hyde Bellagio takes over the Hill a luxurious 10,000-square-foot pavilion overlooking the 16th, 17th and 18th holes. This extravagant VIP atmosphere is open to the public with premium food options and cold beverages including wine and spirits. Daily tickets and ticket packages for the 2014 tournament can be purchased online at www. eventbrite.com/e/shriners-hospitals-for-childrenopen-tickets-11780159775?aff=Ticketdatabase or by calling 702-873-1010.

The following is a list of new and exciting happenings at this years’ event:

L a s Ve n t a n a s Lounge

1st Tee *Enjoy front row seats of the first tee on this viewing platform. Visit Friday through Sunday for happy hour specials.

Hyundai Sonata Social Lounge

15th Green, Viewing Platform *Post, tweet and share photos from one of the most exciting viewing platforms on the course.

The Hill, a luxurious 10,000-square-foot pavilion overlooking the 16th, 16th Green, Viewing 17th and 18th holes is the place to be throughout the tournament.

Platform The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame will honor the *Kenny and Mr. Lee of Lee’s Discount Liquor deep history of golf in Las Vegas when four new bring their sense of humor to the Lee’s Shank Shack. inductees are enshrined during the 2014 Night of Check in daily to see what they are pouring each Induction at The Hill at TPC Summerlin on Friday, day.

October 10. For the third consecutive year, the event

Lee’s Shank Shack

No Par BAR

17th Hole *Cheer for birdie and jeer for bogey! Visit No Par BAR and enjoy Coors Light specials found nowhere else on course.

Hyde on the Hill

The Hill *The sophisticated nightlife experience of Hyde Bellagio takes over The Hill, creating an extravagant VIP atmosphere that continues long after the sun sets.

Zappos.com Fan Experience

18th Fairway by The Hill *Bring the family to the Zappos.com Fan Experience and enjoy the 9-hole miniature golf course.

Fan Enhancement Zone

Webb Simpson along with some of his biggest fans celebrate after his win in 2013.

Driving Range *Twin Peaks takes over Oktoberfest serving ice cold beer and traditional German fare. Patrons are encouraged to visit the Golfsmith and Fidelity swing nets to improve their swing and portfolio.

The Quicken Loans Long Putt Challenge will test your short game skill.

is the first official event of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. The new inductees include longtime amateur Frank Acker, Golf Magazine Top 100 teacher and PGA of America golf professional Mike Davis, deceased PGA of America professional John Difloure, who many consider to be the father of Las Vegas golf and LPGA Tour veteran Stephanie Louden.

“This is the perfect way to kick-off PGA TOUR week in Las Vegas this year since we are asking our fans, players and sponsors, ‘What’s your tradition?’ as it relates to our tournament,” said Adam Sperling, tournament director of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

“The Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame Night of Induction is a very popular part of the week. The new and previous inductees are responsible for so many golf traditions in southern Nevada that we are honored to host them for such a special and memorable evening.” The mission of the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame is to celebrate and bring awareness to players, administrators, benefactors, groups, instructors, teams and other worthy golfers who have served the game of golf in Las Vegas in a positive and meaningful way; whether through performance on the course, volunteerism, financial support, promotion or other dedicated service. An additional aspect of the mission is to help reveal Las Vegas as a great golf destination and has done this by hosting international media at the home exhibit. The museum-quality exhibit in the clubhouse of Las Vegas National Golf Club features an in-depth Las Vegas golf time line, historic photos and a special area honoring the Las Vegas Founders Club that features the official trophies used by Las Vegas’ PGA TOUR and Champions Tour events. The museum is open and free to the public

25 during regular Club hours. A 16 person committee made up of Las Vegas golf professionals, media, amateur association leaders and Hall of Fame members, oversees the voting process.

More information about the Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame can be found online at www.lasvegasgolfHOF.com.

G O L F

what’s your tradition?

S O U T H W E S T

Schedule of Events:

Friday, October 10th Las Vegas Golf Hall of Fame 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Sunday, October 12th Goodie Two Shoes Foundation Rockin’ Walk hosted by Shriners Hospitals for Children Open 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM *Registration Required Monday, October 13– Course Closed to Public PGA TOUR Professional Practice Rounds Clark County School District Day 9:00 AM-2:30 PM Charley Hoffman Foundation Pro Am *For Information, Contact info@charleyhoffman. com

#HangingWithTheGuys

#GirlsDayOut

—

New enhancements this year:

HYDE ON THE HILL INTERACTIVE FAN ZONE OKTOBERFEST THEMED BEER GARDEN GOLFSMITH SWING NETS QUICKEN LOANS LONG PUTT CHALLENGE LAS VENTANAS VIEWING PLATFORM HYUNDAI SONATA SOCIAL LOUNGE LEE’S DISCOUNT LIQUOR VIEWING PLATFORM NO PAR BAR ZAPPOS.COM FAN EXPERIENCE AREA

Tuesday, October 14- Course Closed to the Public PGA TOUR Professional Practice Rounds Kick Off Your Heels Women’s Day Luncheon 11:00 AM-1:00 PM; The Hill Championship Pro Am Draft Party Hakkasan Nightclub at MGM Grand 6:00PM-9:00PM Wednesday, October 15 Championship Pro Am Tee times approximately 7:00AM-8:40AM & 11:30AM-12:50PM Web.com Small Business Summit 9:00AM-12:00PM; The Hill *Registration Required Thursday, October 16 First Round Professional Competition Tee Times Approximately 7:00 AM Senior Day presented by Las Ventanas Patrons ages 55 and older receive complimentary entry to the course.

Friday, October 17 Second Round Professional Competition Tee Times Approximately 7:00 AM Military Appreciation Day presented by Bonefish Grill Spectators are encouraged to wear patriotic apparel.

Saturday, October 18 Third Round Professional Competition Tee Times Approximately 8:00 AM continued on page 26

#FamilyFunDay

#SHCOVolunteer

2013 Champion Webb Simpson

October 15-19, 2014 TPC Summerlin | Las Vegas, NV A Las Vegas Tradition Since 1983

/ShrinersHospitalsOpen

@ShrinersOpen

@ShrinersOpen

ShrinersHospitalsOpen.com

O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

26 SHRINER’S OPEN

G O continued from page 27 L F Family Fun Day presented by Las Vegas Review

Journal

S O Sunday, October 19 U Final Round Professional Competition T Tee Times Approximately 8:00 AM H Las Vegas Day presented by Pandora W Awards Ceremony Immediately Following Play E on the 18th Green S Toast the Champion Celebration in The Hill T — Monday, October 20

Tough Day Challenge

O 7:00AM Shotgun c 12:30PM Shotgun t o b Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives e every day through innovative pediatric specialty r

care, world-class research and outstanding medi-

2 cal education. Their 22 locations in the United 0 States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care 1 4 for children with orthopedic conditions, burns,

spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Currently, Shriners Hospitals for Children cares for over 400 children in Southern Nevada.

For more information, visit shrinershospitals-

The sun shines bright as thousands of spectators gather to support the great endeavors the PGA TOUR makes at the Las Vegas Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. forchildren.org. Make it a point to get out and support this great cause at this years’ tournament, October 13th – 19th at beautiful TPC Summerlin.

More information about the tournament can be found online at www.shrinershospitalsopen.com or by calling 702-873-1010.

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27

Nike Vapor Irons Family B uilding a better iron starts with listening to the voice of the athlete. At Nike, their meticulous process of collecting insights and implementing feedback from the world’s best athletes has been the driving force behind the development of the Vapor Iron Family and Modern Muscle.

“Vapor is incredibly important to the Nike brand,” said Rob Arluna, Nike Golf’s global golf club business manager. “What Vapor means to Nike is that it’s our pinnacle expression of innovation and you’ll see it across a wide variety of our products. It’s the pinnacle expression and with that there is generally one goal: to manage weight.”

“In some categories like a baseball glove, shoes or soccer boots, we’re trying to create the lightest and fastest product in the market. We use the Vapor franchise as that product name. In clubs, we are not trying to necessarily create the lightest clubs as much as we are trying to manage the weight extremely precisely to deliver efficient impact on the golf ball. This, the Vapor line, now represents our pinnacle brand.”

Since Rory McIlroy used a Nike MM Proto 2-iron at the Scottish Open and at Royal Liverpool during his victory at this season’s Open Championship, there has been speculation about what MM stands for. We now know it stands for Modern Muscle, an overarching design philosophy focused on weight distribution that runs throughout the Vapor line.

Nike Vapor Pro Irons In the Vapor Pro muscleback blades, the story focuses on positioning more weight toward the toe of the club.

The story begins with tiny slugs of tungsten that were secretly positioned in the back of Tiger Woods’ Nike VR Pro Blade irons. Those pieces of

tungsten, weighing between 5- and 8-grams each, shifted the center of gravity (CG) in Woods’ irons slightly more to the toe side, directly into the middle of the hitting area, offsetting the weight of the hosel. Don’t look for a tiny weight in old photos, because each was embedded into the back of the club before the chrome was applied, making it invisible.

Andrew Oldknow, Nike Golf’s senior product designer, said, “Our goal was not to give Tiger a new version of his old clubs, it was to give him a better version.”

There is no tungsten in the Vapor Pro irons that become available to the public Oct. 31 (left-hand clubs will be available Nov. 28). They are forged from 1025 carbon steel for soft feel, but the CG position has been shifted to mimic Tiger’s irons by removing mass in the heel area and repositioning it in the toe section.

“What we also found is that by thickening the body (in the toe section), we reduced vibrations in the top-toe area, which made a better-feeling product and made it sound different, which made it perform better,” Oldknow said.

He went on to say the Vapor Pro irons, with True Temper Dynamic Gold shafts, produce about 1.7 yards more distance and feature a moment of inertia (MOI) that is 10 percent higher than the VR Pro Blades they replace. But make no mistake, these are designed for fast-swinging elite players who want to maximize control and feel. The clubs are not intended to be as powerful or forgiving as the other models in the Vapor line.

Nike Vapor Pro Combo Irons The Vapor Pro Combo irons blend two different types of clubs to create a single, playable set. Nike said that past Pro Combo sets were designed more

for better players, but the company insists this set fits perfectly between the better-player Vapor Pro and the max-game-improvement Vapor Speed irons.

“This is by far the most technically advanced Pro Combo we’ve ever made,” Oldknow said.

“We really tried to bring the art and the science together in this.”

The Pro Combo 3- through 7-irons are designed with a spring steel face to help create more ball speed. Their bodies are 1025 carbon steel with a pocket cavity that houses a RZN insert. The insert material is very similar to the resin material used in Nike’s RZN golf ball cores. In the Pro Combo irons, the resin dampens vibrations and allows for 45-grams of discretionary weight to be shifted to the toe area, once again putting the CG location precisely where Nike wanted it.

The 8-iron through Attack Wedge in the Pro Combo set are muscle-cavity clubs made completely from 1025 carbon steel. They are designed to enhance feel and help golfers achieve more accuracy and control.

While the launch angle and spin rates have not changed, Nike claims the new Vapor Pro Combo irons are about 5-yards longer than the VR Forged Pro Combo irons and have a 17 percent higher MOI, making them more stable as well.

Nike Vapor Speed Irons For players who want to maximize distance and forgiveness, Nike introduced the Vapor Speed irons. Nate Radcliffe, Nike Golf’s director of engineering, said, “When we thought about what we were trying to do with this product, it’s about distance and speed, as the name suggests.”

The long irons (3-7) are hollow-bodied, woodlike clubs. Internal weight has been shifted to the back and toe areas to move the CG position down and away from the hitting area. This promotes a higher ball flight and more forgiveness.

The long irons also were given a forged, NexCOR face design (like the face in the Covert 2.0 woods) that is 2.7 millimeters thick in the center and 2.2 millimeters thick around the edges.

Nike calls the two posts found on the back of the clubs Fly Beams. They are designed to make the back of the club more solid, allowing the face to flex more efficiently at impact.

The 8-iron through Attack Wedge are less focused on distance and more geared to enhancing feel. They feature a large RZN insert, like the insert in the Pro Combo long irons. It dampens vibrations and enhances feel on approach shots.

“One of the things that we’re really proud of is when you look down at these short iron, they have a traditional blade profile,” Radcliffe said. “What we’ve done, in working from the blades out and working with Tiger, is apply that to our gameimprovement products.”

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

28 G O L F

Cedar Ridge Golf Course

S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

C

Cedar Ridge Golf Course is located against the red hills on the east bench of Cedar City. It plays to a par 73 with five par 5s offering plenty of scoring opportunities. The course has three sets of tees for golfers of all different playing abilities. Cedar Ridge also features a full practice facility with driving range, putting green and chipping green adjacent to the clubhouse.

edar City, with a population of 29,000, is the largest community in Iron County and is located at the mouth of Coal Creek in southcentral Utah. Its elevation is 5,800 feet above sea level and it lies in a semi-arid part of the state with 10,000foot mountains to the east and a vast desert area to the west. The following is a little history about the area, past and present.

Settlement began on November 11, 1851, with the arrival of a group of 35 men from Parowan, 20 miles northward, to establish an iron works. They were organized and traveled in two militia companies--a foot company and a cavalry company--under the direction of Henry Lunt Small cottonwood log houses were built fort-style at the western base of the hill. The settlement was given the name of Fort Cedar because of the abundance of

trees which were called cedar trees, although they are actually junipers.

The boxes from the wagons were removed and used for temporary shelters while small log homes were constructed from the trunks and large limbs of cottonwood trees as well as float material found along the creek bottoms several miles to the west. As the log houses were completed, families were brought from Parowan. In the meantime, the wagon boxes served as a temporary fort. Later, a site for the fort was selected nearer the proposed blast furnace, at the present city park, which was to have been a company town, but was not developed.

When Indian difficulties threatened, the location of the fort was questioned as the nearby hill gave the Indians a decided tactical advantage. Also, as more and more iron workers arrived, the fort became too small.

The first hole at Cedar Ridge, the 490 yard doglegging left Par 5, is also one of its most recognizable and talked about.

A new and larger site was selected on the south bank of the stream adjoining the old site to the southwest.

This was partially occupied in the early months of 1853 by those who wanted to move and by new arrivals.

With the outbreak of hostilities with the Indians in July 1853 (the Walker Indian War) a forced evacuation of the entire fort was made in two days to the new site.

The northeast part of the new area, which was a halfmile square, was enclosed within a wall, leaving some of the lots on the west and south outside the wall. It was completed in January, 1854. Interstate Highway 15 now bisects this old town site.

Two years later (June, 1855), another site, closer to the blast furnace and out of the flood plain of Coal Creek, was surveyed and occupied at the suggestion of Brigham Young. This is the present site of Cedar City.

Beginning with the demise of the iron works in 1858, the town’s economy became agrarian in nature although iron mining continued strongly through World War II and into the 1980s. The coming of the railroad to Cedar City in 1923 exposed Utah’s national parks to the world of tourism and Cedar City was promoted as the “gateway to the parks.” The railroad also provided an outlet for the products of the iron mines. Currently the city’s economy is based on tourism, agriculture, some mining activities, some industrial and spaceage complexes and Southern Utah University with an enrollment of over 7,000 students. The college was founded in 1897 as a branch of the State Normal School (University of Utah). In 1913 it became a branch of the Utah State Agricultural College of Logan. In 1968 the state legislature transformed it into a four-year college of liberal arts and sciences with elementary and

29 No. 3 is the first of four very good Par 3s at Cedar Ridge. Needless to say, bogey just may be considered par at the third.

secondary teacher education programs. On January 1, 1991, it attained university status and its present name.

As in many areas in Utah, golf also helped to bring the little town of Cedar City to life and really helped to expose all of the great recreational and cultural opportunities throughout its surroundings. Today, golf is still a big part of the community, as old timers, kids and everyone in between have the opportunity to partake of this great game and all it has to offer.

Cedar Ridge is home to the Southern Utah Universities Men’s and Women’s golf teams as well as the teams from Cedar and Canyon View High Schools.

Men’s and Women’s associations have great followings and their junior programs have always been at the forefront in helping to develop new golfers for generations to come.

A big part of the golfing legacy at Cedar Ridge Golf Course is directly tied to the unending efforts of Mr. John Evans, who retired in 2013 after over 20 years of giving everything he had to the betterment of not only golf, but of service and unconditional commitment to the community. One of his many assistant professionals that have tutored under him, Jared Barnes, now serves as Cedar Ridge’s PGA Professional and continues on in the footsteps of his mentor today.

The tale of Cedar Ridge Golf Course can really be broken into two 9-hole golf courses. The original nine was completed in 1962, the first golf course to open in the Cedar City/St. George region of Utah. After a little bit of digging, the best I can come up with is that Keith Downs and Ernie Schneiter Sr. collaborated on the design. After years of talk and planning, the second nine opened in 1991, under the design efforts of John Evans. A few changes were again made about a dozen years later to accommodate new housing projects surrounding the back nine and that brings us to present day Cedar Ridge.

Today the Cedar Ridge course is still a popular stop for golfers from around the state and of course it’s “golf crazy” residents. It hosts a hand full of Utah Golf

Association events as well as many corporate groups.

And you may not find another course anywhere that offers the opportunity for fundraising for just about every cause imaginable that help not only deserving individuals, but also the needs of many wonderful groups from throughout the area.

Cedar Ridge Golf Course is located against the red hills on the east bench of Cedar City. It plays to a par 73 with five par 5s offering plenty of scoring opportunities. But as many have learned, it can also jump up and grab you at any time. The course has three sets of tees for golfers of all different playing abilities. Cedar Ridge also features a full practice facility with driving range, putting green and chipping green adjacent to the clubhouse.

The first hole at Cedar Ridge is also one of its most recognizable and talked about. With the 490 yard Par 5 doglegging hard left in front of you, you must decide in a hurry just how much of the corner you want to try and cut off in your quest of leaving yourself with a relatively short second shot to the green. The problem is, OB lines the left hillside and sage rough lines the right, making that decision an even more important one.

Even the most seasoned veterans of Cedar Ridge walk away from the tee shaking their head at times and then continue to the next tee a shot or two down to their playing partners.

Your approach is then to a large putting surface, with a cement drainage ditch cutting across in front of it.

And oh by the way, make sure you ‘Ring the Bell’ as you hit your second shot and start to make your way to the green. The green is relatively flat, but because of its size, can give players a run for their money in their quest at starting the round out under par.

The second is a straightaway, 400 yard Par 4. Desert terrain lines the fairway both left and right from the tee, but there is really plenty of grass to navigate as well.

The entrance to the green narrows about 85 yards short of its rising, elevated position. Your second shot is then to a green that can be deceiving as to its pin location and the fact that it is somewhat rounded, often kicking balls off of its surface, requiring players to use a little extra touch with a delicate chip shot.

No. 3 is the first of four very good Par 3s at Cedar Ridge. Although the green is set just slightly above the tee box level, everything in between slopes downward, turning your tee shot into a full carry in order to make the putting surface, some 200 yards away. You will be faced with a very tough flop shot if you leave it short or to the left. A large bunker guards the right side of continued on page 30

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

30 CEDAR RIDGE

G O continued from page 29 L F the large, wide green that of course slopes back to S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

front. Needless to say, bogey just may be considered par at the third.

I wish I had more time to talk about all of the holes at Cedar Ridge Golf Course, as each has its own special characteristics and is memorable, both for good and sometimes bad reasons. Well OK, here are just a few quick comments – The Par 5 fourth again offers a somewhat blind tee shot as it falls in elevation from the tee and doglegs hard to the left, again forcing you to make a decision on how much to cut off of the corner. The fifth has always given me, along with many others fits over the years, mainly because of the tough little green that can have you shaking your head after a three of four putt. And the 205 yard Par 3 sixth, although playing slightly downhill and seemingly wide open, still requires you to hit a solid tee shot or be faced with a daunting up and down for par.

Although the seventh is actually one of the more docile holes on the course, I have always liked this hole. At 380 yards from the back tees, length is not the biggest obstacle for sure on this doglegging right Par 4. A large knob covered with sage and junipers sits on the right side at the turn, just sitting there and glaring at you and whispering, “Go ahead – see if you can knock it over me!” If you can, a sand wedge

approach is all that will be left. But if you don’t make it, your score will start to add up very fast, believe me!

The seventh is one of those holes where plenty of birdies are carded, but also plenty of “X’s” as well.

As you can tell, I have a special place in my heart for the many older golf courses in the state. I grew up playing them and really appreciate the early designers and the small towns and their citizens that put plenty of blood, sweat and tears into building them. It that respect, Mr. Downs, Schneiter, Evans and probably many others used a lot of imagination in creating Cedar Ridge GC, offering challenging obstacles and deception in their quest of offering an experience that is playable for all.

Holes eight, nine and ten are again each challenging in their own ways, with No. 8 one of the longest Par 4s on the course at 430 yards, then the ninth and tenth holes, two of the shortest at 355 and 350 yards, respectively, with all again offering up plenty of birdie opportunities, but also trying your patients at times.

The next hole that we just ‘have’ to talk about is the beautiful Par 3 eleventh. Now I know that it says on the scorecard that it is 170 yards from the back tees, but for some reason, it definitely doesn’t play like it. Well OK, some of the reason lies in the fact that you are hitting from tees hovering nearly 100 feet above the green. The green appears to offer a dart board backdrop, but even though it does slope back to front, many putts that you are faced with on this large green don’t seem to break quite as much as you would first think. And then of course, some will literally sweep left or right. A truly

wonderful Par 3.

The twelfth again keeps in form with the somewhat blind and doglegging Par 5s of the front nine, as it sweeps from left to right, but again offers a great opportunity for birdie and many eagles. The thirteenth is another great Par 3 as it plays uphill to the green, again leaving you to guess just a little on the pin’s exact location at times. And then there is No. 14, forcing you to take a little off of your tee shot and then requiring one of your most accurate second shots of the day to a wide green that angles right to left and offers a tough test of your putting abilities.

Now we come to the fifteenth, a long Par 5, again doglegging left to right, lined on both sides of the fairway by sagebrush roughs offering a little blindness at the turn, even though you are playing from slightly elevated tees. With the hole stretching out to 600 yards from the back tees, you would think that you have no way of reaching the green it two, but with the hole playing downhill the full length and remembering that you are playing at about 6,000 feet above sea level, two big hits can get you there at times. Once there though, the large angling right to left green is guarded on the left by a large bunker as the putting surface slopes gently back to front and right to left.

Holes 16, 17 and 18 are three of the holes that were altered when the new housing developments were started a decade ago, but really when you look at these three finishing holes, just between you and me, I like them a lot better than the originals, with each offering formidable

The next hole that we just ‘have’ to talk about is the beautiful Par 3 eleventh. Now I know that it says on the scorecard that it is 170 yards from the back tees, but for some reason, it definitely doesn’t play like it. Well OK, some of the reason lies in the fact that you are hitting from tees hovering nearly 100 feet above the green.

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

The twelfth again keeps in form with the somewhat blind and doglegging Par 5s of the front nine, as it sweeps from left to right, but offers a great opportunity for birdie and many eagles. obstacles as you head back to the clubhouse.

Well there you have it – my review of one of my favorite small town courses in the west. And the golf course is not the only reason to make a visit to the little town of Cedar City, Utah. Southern Utah University is the home of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, which provides an important economic and cultural infusion to the area. The professional quality of the plays produced each summer, employing talented professionals from all over the United States, has become well known around the world. The Festival won the 2000 Tony Award for outstanding regional theatre.

The University also sponsors the Utah Summer

Games, a sports festival involving some 50 different sports. Other festivals include the Groovefest American Music Festival, the Neil Simon Festival, The American Southwest Classic Film Festival, The Great American Stampede, the Cedar City Livestock and Heritage Festival, July Jamboree, the Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire and the Paiute Restoration Gathering, among others.

Cedar City has thus also become known as Festival City, USA. So, if you haven’t made a visit to this little slice of heaven in southern Utah, make it a point to put it on your calendar soon. And don’t be afraid to give the

— O c t o pro shop a call to see if they have anything special go- b ing on, otherwise, just show up with your clubs and er

play a round. No tee time is needed and I guarantee 2 you will have a memorable experience.

Cedar Ridge Golf Course Jared Barnes – PGA Professional 200 E. 900 N. Cedar City, Utah 84721 435-586-2970 www.cedarcity.org

No. 13 is another great Par 3 as it plays uphill to the green, again leaving you to guess just a little on the pin’s exact location at times.

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32 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — O c t o b e r 2 0 1 4

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