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Bruce Cook Editor
Greetings!
With our March cover featuring Retief Goosen swinging his way out of a sand trap, the Bay Window is dedicated to supporting the 2023 Hoag Classic at Newport Beach Country Club. On the ensuing pages we shall share all the information required to inform readers about the tournament, hopefully assisting in delivering an amazing live experience on the course for golf enthusiasts attending the Hoag Classic March 15-19.
For those who are loyal monthly readers of Orange Country’s longest published magazine, you know that as editor I endeavor to write an opening message that provides a bit of substance to balance all the style this classy magazine displays covering Newport Beach life. Our golf issue permits another opportunity for me to do so.
This month’s message is direct: nothing matters more than health. Without health, an individual has nothing. In an esoteric existential view, our community as a whole requires a foundation of health to flourish.
The 2023 Hoag Classic directs significant proceeds benefitting Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital. Money that is vital to the health of the community, and all of us it serves. Without Hoag, Newport would have no future. We are invested literally, figuratively, and financially, in the wellbeing of this institution that is the “beating heart” of Newport Beach, South County, all of Orange Country and far beyond local borders.
While cheering for outstanding athletes and partaking in the beauty of the Newport Beach Country Club course and the camaraderie of neighbors and guests lining the fairways and filling the hospitality tents, we are strengthening the community bond with the life-affirming mission of Hoag. In doing so, we are honoring and supporting the outstanding doctors, nurses, technicians and staff that serve this society with the highest of standards, often with considerable selflessness and always with dedication and compassion.
Permit me to dedicate this March issue of Bay Window Magazine to all of them, all of the Hoag family who do so much for each of our families every day, every year, always.
Enjoy the issue. Come to Newport Beach Country Club and share in the special golf experience live if you are able. And remember, every dollar raised and donated to Hoag counts.
Respectfully,
Bruce Editor
Hoag Classic 2023 Welcome Letter
Dear Members and Guests,
As the exclusive PGA TOUR Champions event in Orange County, we eagerly welcome back the Hoag Classic to Newport Beach Country Club beginning March 15-19. Attracting a field of professional players that rival any major championship in golf, the 2023 tournament will feature exciting competition among golf legends such as Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer, KJ Choi, Mike Weir, Steve Stricker, David Duval and 2022 Champion Retief Goosen who will be back to defend his title.
On Wednesday, March 15 and Thursday, March 16, the Legends Pro-Am, presented by Konica Minolta is the first event of tournament week open to the public. Attending these days gives fans an opportunity to catch golf legends in a more relaxed environment before the competition begins.
The Hoag Classic Championship weekend will officially begin on Friday, March 17, presented by City National Bank. On Saturday, March 18, we will honor current and former service men and women with Military Appreciation Day presented by CoreLogic. To show our collective appreciation for their service to our nation, on this day all active duty, military reserve, national guard, military retirees, and veterans will receive complimentary admission for themselves and one guest.
The final round of competition will take place on Sunday, March 19, when attendees ages 18 and under will receive complimentary admission for Student Day presented by Kingston Technology. The day will also feature an Autograph Arena where all students can get their favorite players’ autographs.
Attracting more than 60,000 guests every year, this incredible tournament would not be possible without the support of the event’s many volunteers. Each year, more than 800 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds generously donate their time and energy to ensure the Hoag Classic runs smoothly. We are also grateful for the tremendous support of all our sponsors this year.
For more than 70 years, Hoag has been unwavering in its mission to provide compassionate, world-class and state-of-the art health care. Proceeds from Hoag Classic will benefit our ongoing efforts to fulfill our promise, always with the health and wellness of our Southern California community in mind.
As golf champions prepare to tee off, Hoag pledges to be a steadfast champion for Orange County’s health and wellness.
We look forward to seeing you on the course!
Robert T. Braithwaite President & CEO Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Blue Skies Ahead
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THE HOAG CLASSIC 2023
LEGENDS PRO-AM, PRESENTED BY KONICA MINOLTA
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 & THURSDAY, MARCH 16
The Legends Pro-Am is the first event of tournament week open to the public. Attending these days gives fans an opportunity to catch golf legends in a more relaxed environment before the competition begins. Shotgun starts at 7:30 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Come out and enjoy the beautiful day with your favorite PGA TOUR Champions before official tournament play commences on Friday.
OPENING ROUND OF THE HOAG CLASSIC, PRESENTED BY CITY NATIONAL BANK
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
Kickoff Hoag Classic Championship Weekend beginning Friday, March
17. This is the perfect day to get out of the office and enjoy the start of the tournament.
MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY, PRESENTED BY CORELOGIC
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
All active duty, military reserve, National Guard, military retirees, and veterans –and one guest each – will receive complimentary admission with food and beverage. Proper military ID required. During the final rounds on the 17th and 18th holes the 2023 military honorees will be recognized and celebrated. After play concludes, join us on the 18th hole for the charity presentation as we continue the tradition of donating to military causes including the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. For more information and to
register, visit HoagClassic.com/events/ military-appreciation-day/
STUDENT DAY, PRESENTED BY KINGSTON TECHNOLOGY
SUNDAY, MARCH 19
Attention all parents and grandparents, enjoy the thrilling final round of the Hoag Classic with the entire family. All students, age 18 and under receive complimentary admission to the Hoag Classic. (Students 11 and under receive complimentary admission Wednesday – Saturday.) In addition to Student Day, The Hoag Classic and Hoag Hospital thank Kingston Technology for funding $70,000 in scholarships.
Upon conclusion of play, join in the celebration of the 2023 champion and a successful end to the Hoag Classic on the 18th green.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Bring your friends and family for a weekend filled with championship golf and much more! There is something for everyone to enjoy as you watch your favorite PGA TOUR legends tee up at Newport Beach Country Club. Here are a few attractions you don’t want to miss:
FAN EXPERIENCES
Bring your friends and family for a weekend filled with championship golf and much more! There is something for everyone to enjoy as you watch your favorite PGA TOUR legends tee up at Newport Beach Country Club. Here are a few attractions you don’t want to miss:
HOAG EXPERIENCE LOUNGE
Stop by the Hoag Experience Lounge at the Hoag Classic to enjoy a wellness bar with beverages and healthy recipes from Hoag Executive Chef Davis Cruz, along with fun activities, photo opportunities and giveaways.
KINGSTON AUTOGRAPH ARENA
Meet-and-greet some of your favorite players and get their autographs at the Kingston Autograph Arena. On Sunday, the area will be exclusive for kids only.
MESSAGES FOR MILITARY BOARD
Say “Thank you” to our local military
members by stopping to write a message on our military board located by the main entrance.
CITY NATIONAL BANK LOUNGE
Located between the 10th and 18th holes, enjoy the City National Bank Lounge (open to the public) for complimentary tastings of Foley Family Wines and receive a free Hoag Classic hat.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY - FUTURE COMES STANDARD
Come and see the ultimate in the future of utility and electrification at the Ford Fan Centers, located by the 1st Tee and also between the 18th Fairway and 10th Fairway.
CORONA PREMIER PAVILION
Stay and hang for a while at the Corona Premier Pavilion while watching your favorite PGA TOUR legends tee off on the first hole.
MAESTRO DOBEL LOUNGE
Fill the hill on the signature 17th hole and watch the action while enjoying Maestro Dobel. Smoothness Mastered.
THE TURN BAR, PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA
Stop by, take a seat, and grab a refreshing beverage before you make the “turn” to explore the back nine and follow your favorite players.
CATCH THE HOAG CLASSIC ON THE GOLF CHANNEL
WAYNE AIRPORT
FLIGHT DECK, PRESENTED BY JOHN
Enjoy prime seating on the 10th Tee as players begin the back nine championship holes.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 3:00PM – 5:00PM PST
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 1:00PM – 4:00PM PST
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 1:00PM – 4:00PM PST
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
PRESENTING SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
Balboa Bay Resort
Charles Schwab & Company
Cox Business
Fidelity Investments
Hoag Orthopedic Institute
Los Angeles Chargers
McCarthy Building Companies
Newport Beach Country Club
RightSourcing by Magnit
SCI Lighting Solutions
2023 Hoag Classic Expected Field List
2022 CHAMPION RETIEF GOOSEN RETURNS TO DEFEND HIS TITLE IN NEWPORT BEACH
ALLENBY, ROBERT
AMES, STEPHEN
APPLEBY, STUART
AUSTIN, WOODY
BARRON, DOUG
BEGAY III, NOTAH
BROADHURST, PAUL
CEJKA, ALEX
CHOI, K.J.
CLARKE, DARREN
COOK, JOHN
COOPER, BRIAN
COUPLES, FRED 2010 & 2014 CHAMPION
DALY, JOHN
DAWSON, MARCO
DIMARCO, CHRIS
DUKE, KEN
DURANT, JOE
DUVAL, DAVID
ELS, ERNIE 2020 CHAMPION
ESTES, BOB
FLESCH, STEVE
FUNK, FRED
FURYK, JIM
GOOSEN, RETIEF 2022 CHAMPION
GOYDOS, PAUL
GREEN, RICHARD
HAAS, JAY 2007 & 2016 CHAMPION
ERNIE ELS - 2020 CHAMPION
RETIEF GOOSEN 2022 CHAMPION
FRED COUPLES - 2010 & 2014 CHAMPION
HUSTON, JOHN
JAIDEE, THONGCHAI
JANZEN, LEE
JOBE, BRANDT
KARLSSON, ROBERT
LANGER, BERNHARD 2008 CHAMPION
LEHMAN, TOM
LEONARD, JUSTIN
LYLE, SANDY
MAGGERT, JEFF
MAYFAIR, BILLY
MCCARRON, SCOTT
MCKENZIE, DAVID
MEDIATE, ROCCO
MONTGOMERIE, COLIN
O’MEARA, MARK
O’NEAL, TIMOTHY
PAMPLING, ROD
PAREL, SCOTT
PAVIN, COREY
PERNICE JR., TOM
PETROVIC, TIM
QUIGLEY, BRETT
SAUERS, GENE
SHORT, JR., WES
SINGH, VIJAY 2018 CHAMPION
SLUMAN, JEFF
STRICKER, STEVE
SUTHERLAND, KEVIN
TOMS, DAVID
TRIPLETT, KIRK 2019 CHAMPION
VERPLANK, SCOTT
WEIR, MIKE
YANG, Y.E.
DARREN CLARKE
DAVID DUVAL
BERNHARD LANGER
JIM FURYK
KJ CHOI
MIKE WEIR
OC’S ONLY PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS
EVENT RETURNS TO NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB FOR ANNUAL HOAG CLASSIC
The Hoag Classic, Orange County’s only PGA TOUR Champions event, returns to Newport Beach Country Club on March 15 to 19, 2023 as golf legends compete for the $2 million purse.
Each year, the event attracts a field of professional players that rivals any major championship in golf. Defending champion and World Golf Hall of Fame member Retief Goosen, alongside other major champions and legends of the game including Darren Clarke, Fred Couples, David Duval, John Daly, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh and Steve Stricker are all expected to compete in the 2023 tournament.
The Hoag Classic is televised domestically on the Golf Channel and internationally in over 145 countries and territories on PGA TOUR television partners overseas. This wide exposure for the community provides benefits that are immeasurable, and the positive light shed on Orange County residually impacts the businesses and individuals who reside here. With more than $20 million in total charitable proceeds raised throughout its history, the tournament is one of the most successful philanthropic events on the PGA TOUR Champions.
For tickets, the schedule of events and player field updates, visit HoagClassic.com. We look forward to seeing everyone March 15-19!
RETIEF GOOSEN 2022 CHAMPION
SCENES FROM HOAG CLASSIC 2022
Hoag Classic Tickets
Any One Day Grounds Tickets
$30.00 per ticket.
For grounds access into the tournament on one day of choice Wednesday , March 15th - Sunday, March 20th. For information on VIP tickets please contact Gus Scheidemann at GSheidemann@hoagcharitysports.com
Ticket Information
General admission tickets to the Hoag Classic are only available for purchase electronically. No physical tickets will be available at the admission gate, however, online sales will continue through each day of the tournament.
2023 HOAG CLASSIC—PARKING MAP & SHUTTLE SERVICE HOURS
A - L O T ( P a r k i n g P a s s R e q u i r e d )
Monday Sunday One Clubhouse Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
B - L O T ( P a r k i n g P a s s R e q u i r e d )
Saturday & Sunday ONLY
1200 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
D - L O T ( P u b l i c P a r k i n g $ 1 5 )
Wednesday Sunday 1331 Back Bay Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
E - L O T ( P u b l i c P a r k i n g F r e e )
Saturday & Sunday ONLY
600 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660
N - L O T ( P a r k i n g P a s s R e q u i r e d )
Friday Sunday ONLY
800 San Clemente Newport Beach, CA 92660
S - L
Saturday &
1 Corporate Plaza Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
R I D E S H A R E / T A X I D R O P - O F F & P I C K U P :
)
The Hoag Classic encourages the use of rideshare or taxi services to/ from the event. When utilizing these services, please use the following address for all drop - offs and pick - ups and be sure to enter off of Granville Rd. as Clubhouse Drive is closed to the public.
1100 Newport Center Drive Newport Beach, CA 92660
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- Seller of 3212 Broad Street, Newport Beach
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Call me anytime at 949-375-3037, or email me at annie.clougherty@compass.com and I look forward to hearing from you.
Surpassing 25 Years of Community Support through Hoag
Throughout its history, the Hoag Classic has generated millions of dollars benefitting Hoag and other local charities making it one of the most philanthropic events on the PGA TOUR Champions.
For more than 25 years, the annual tournament and proceeds have benefitted many of Hoag’s institutes including the Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Hoag Women’s Health Institute, Jeffrey M. Carlton Heart and Vascular Institute, and Mary & Dick Allen Diabetes Center.
This year a portion of the tournament’s net proceeds will again continue to go toward expanding Hoag’s programs and services that help bring access to world-class health and
wellness to our community.
In addition to Hoag, tournament proceeds have also been contributed to more than 50 local charities. Other current charitable initiatives include support of local military charities on behalf of Military Appreciation Day, presented by CoreLogic. Military causes include the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Navy Memorial Foundation.
Thanks to the generosity and vision of Kingston Technology and in partnership with the Hoag Classic, Hoag employees are advancing their education, bettering their lives, and elevating the level of excellence Hoag provides to our community. Each year the Hoag Employee Scholarship Program has
awarded $70,000 in scholarships to deserving employees at Hoag, who without programs like these, may not be able to have the same opportunity.
The community has benefited from the economic impact of the Hoag Classic as well – to the tune of more than $35 million per year. The annual tournament fills hotel rooms, restaurants and businesses during the competition, and thanks to television broadcast on the Golf Channel in the U.S. – and internationally on PGA TOUR television partners overseas – the exposure for the Orange County community provides benefits that are both incredibly positive and immeasurable.
For more information, visit Hoag.org.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
Presented by
MARCH 18, 2023
NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB
The Hoag Classic is proud to host the 7th annual Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 18th. Since its origin in 2015, the event has grown into one of the highlights of tournament week. On this day all active duty, military reserve, national guard, military retirees and veterans receive complimentary admission and food service for themselves and a guest.
Each year the Hoag Classic selects individuals who have distinguished themselves within our country and community and honors those heroes publicly on the 17th and 18th holes in between the final groups. These individuals are then added to the Colonel Norman G. Ewers Military Wall of Honor, which pays special tribute to our honorees in perpetuity.
The tournament also donates to military charities. Our partnering organizations include the M arine Corps Scholarship Foundation and the Blue Angels Foundation and the United States Navy Memorial. In 2022, the tournament donated over $75,000 to our partner organizations. Each year the program continues to grow with the support of our many corporate partners.
8:00AM 2:00PMEND OF PLAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Gates Open
Public recognition of the 2023 Honorees on the 17th and 18th Green in between professional groups
Charity presentation on the 18th Green following play
The Hoag Classic is proud to support the following military organizations:
Rory McIlroy, the youngest winner of the US Open in 2O11, began his swing at age 2.
The Hoag Classic PGA Tour Champions will be held in March 2O23 at the Newport Beach Country Club. The resort like feel of Newport Beach makes it one of the best places to live in Orange County. Whether you are buying your dream home or looking to get the greatest return on your real estate investment, Sharon Grimes offers the experience and record-sales to guide you through the buying and selling process.
PRESENTING PARTNERS
STUDENT DAY
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 , 2023
Student Day is an annual tradition that takes place during the thrilling final round of the Hoag Classic. It’s a special day to enjoy with the entire family. All students (age 18 and under) receive complimentary admission. Kids 11 and under receive complimentary admission Wednesday – Sunday.
ATTRACTIONS
All kids are invited to grab their hats and tee flags and head over to the Kingston Autograph Arena Located near the Clubhouse to grab their favorite players' signatures!
THE FIRST TEE OF ORANGE COUNTY
Interested in getting your child involved in golf? Be sure to visit with the First Tee of Orange County to learn how to get started
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Rising To Meet The Challenge
Newport Beach Country Club Welcomes PGA Tour Champions Experiencing A Totally Renovated Course For The 2023 Hoag Classic March 17-19
By Randy Youngman
Even though Newport Beach Country Club is the longest-running host venue on the 50-andover PGA Tour Champions, the 2023 Hoag Classic will present a distinct new challenge for all the returning pros teeing it up in Newport Beach from March 17-19. That includes Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Bernhard Langer and Retief Goosen—all World Golf Hall of Famers and past Hoag champions—because none of the tour pros in
the 78-player field have played the course in tournament competition since it underwent extensive renovation last spring, shortly after Goosen won the 2022 Hoag Classic.
It is not a new course, but the improved and rejuvenated Newport Beach Country Club is strikingly different from the classic, tree-lined course designed by legendary architect William P. Bell that opened in 1954 and later was upgraded by other architects in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
In what NBCC General Manager Robin Shelton called a “once-in-a-lifetime kind of project,” Orange County architect Casey O’Callaghan, NBCC course superintendent Scot Dey and Shelton oversaw the most recent and dramatic changes over 80 days from April to June, continuing a course-improvement project that had begun a few years earlier while the $44 million state-ofthe-art clubhouse was under construction.
“It’s going to be really exciting to see how the Champions Tour players enjoy the new golf course,” Shelton said in January. “The feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m looking forward to hearing the feedback from the tournament players.
“The improved golf course should create both more playability and challenge for the PGA Tour Champions players, with bunkers being added and repositioned, that will create more options and test the skills of the players.”
As of early February, none of the Champions players in the 2023 field had tested the changes, though Jeff Sluman “drove around the golf course toward the end of construction,” according to Shelton. Couples, a Corona del Mar resident and twotime Hoag champion, was expected to test the new setup before the Hoag Classic.
PGA Tour player Beau Hossler, an Orange County native, has played the renovated course, as has Arroyo Trabuco head professional Michael Block, the PGA of America’s newly crowned 2022 PGA Professional Player of the Year.
“I think it was a fantastic renovation that has put some teeth into the course,” Block said after playing in a recent Southern California PGA Section event. “The new bunkers that were renovated by Casey O’Callaghan are placed beautifully.”
Among the changes, which Shelton stressed were collectively intended to make the course “more challenging for the good player, but also more playable for the everyday member”–
• The course is 203 yards longer from the back tees (6,821 yards, up from 6,618), with the 5th, 12th, 13th and 14th holes lengthened by adding new tee boxes.
The new 5th hole has been lengthened from 435 yards to 466 yards and converted from a par-4 to a par-5 on the scorecard, adding a stroke to par, from 71 to 72. It will be up to the Champions tour officials whether it is played as a par-4 or par-5 in the Hoag Classic.
It will also be up to the Champions officials if the new back tees on the par-3 13th (195 yards, up from 171) and par-4 14th (475 yards, up from 403) will be used in the tournament.
• More than 20 new bunkers have been added on the course, some old bunkers have been removed, and other bunkers have been relocated to landing areas that have changed in recent years because of improvement in equipment technology.
Last year’s tournament course had 63 bunkers; this year’s features 85 bunkers, which Shelton says should “make for a great new challenge” for the Champions pros. (Truckloads of firm new sand also were brought in to fill the bunkers.)
• Three greens were completely rebuilt— No. 13, No. 15 and the signature par-3 17th—with distinct tiers and steep slopes eliminated from the middle of these greens. There were also green extensions built on Nos. 1, 5, 10 and 14, allowing for new hole locations.
• All of the tee complexes were rebuilt, reshaped and resodded with Kikuyu grass (replacing the existing Bermuda grass), and many of the teeing grounds were lowered to make them more easily accessible.
• A number of aesthetic changes also were made, including eliminating some concrete cart paths, clearing a number of trees to open up vistas and picturesque view corridors, and adding new landscaping and colorful flora to enhance the natural beauty along the course.
“I think we made a lot of improvements to the golf course that I think the tournament players will really like,” Shelton said.
Whether the Champions pros embrace all of the changes remains to be seen.
“They’re professionals; I’m sure they’ll have their opinions,” said Jeff Purser, longtime executive of Hoag Charity Sports, which runs the tournament. “My guess is, the ones who play well will like the changes; the ones who play poorly won’t like them.”
Overall, Purser termed the course renovation a “vast improvement” to NBCC’s setup and aesthetics.
As always, Purser expects a stellar field in the 2023 Hoag Classic, starting on St. Patrick’s Day, a little later than usual in March on the PGA Tour Champions’ schedule because of the addition of a new West Coast event—The Galleri Classic at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage (March 24-26).
“I’ve always lobbied for later March dates,” Purser said. “It’ll be a great two-week swing
for the guys. It’s going to be terrific.”
The Hoag Classic, which for 23 years was known as the Toshiba Classic and has been played at Newport Beach Country Club since 1996, has become known for attracting the best fields and biggest crowds, as well as for establishing itself as one of the biggest philanthropic success stories on tour (more than $23 million raised for local charities).
As usual, there will be a handful of World Golf Hall of Famers in the field, led by former Masters champion Couples, a local fan favorite, plus two-time U.S. Open champions Goosen, Els and Lee Janzen. The trio of U.S. Open champions happened to be in the final threesome a year ago, when Goosen holed a bunker shot for eagle on the first hole of the final round on the way to an 8-under 63 and four-shot victory.
Three prominent names will make their Hoag debuts this month—Steve Stricker, the hottest player on the Champions tour; Justin Leonard, the 1997 British Open champion; and Notah Begay, a TV golf commentator better known as one of Tiger Woods’ Stanford teammates and best friends.
Stricker won the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai—his 12th Champions title in 48 career events.
This year, a new course awaits all of the PGA Tour Champions pros.
Oceana…Protecting The World’s Oceans
OCEAN CONSERVATION ADVOCATES GATHER IN NEWPORT BEACH FOR A DINNER RECEPTION AT NEWPORT HARBOR YACHT CLUB WITH OCEANA CEO ANDY SHARPLESS AND CELEBRITY AMBASSADOR AND ACTIVIST TED DANSON DISCUSSING PROJECTS AND INITIATIVES PROTECTING OCEAN LIFE WORLDWIDE IN 2023 AND BEYOND.
Ted Danson, Oceana Board member and Karen Cahill, SeaChange Co-Chair
Louis and Laura Rohl
Jeff Sherwood, Valarie Van Cleave, Oceana Board member and SeaChange Founder and Chair Emeriti, Valaree Wahler
Ted Danson, Gena Reed, Valarie Van Cleave, Carol and Dennis Berryman
Ted Danson, Oceana Board member
Elizabeth Wahler, Oceana Board member and SeaChange Co-Chair
Debbie and Paul Naude
Andy Sharpless, Oceana CEO
Dance Thrives At The Center
SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS PRESENTS A WORLD OF DANCE PROGRAMS FOR ALL ARTISTIC
LEVELS AND PURSUITS
Whether you’re a beginner ballerina or are searching for adaptive dance classes, Segerstrom Center for the Arts has dance available at every level. Committed to fostering a longtime love of the arts, the Center is home to two dance schools: The American Ballet Theatre William J. Gillespie School and Studio D: Arts School for All Abilities. Here, students ages 3-18 receive technical ballet training by caring instructors who cultivate their students’ passion for dance. This world-class instruction in classical ballet offers unrivaled opportunities for training and nurturing future generations of dancers while furthering the development and evolution of dance. Students at ABT Gillespie have the opportunity to participate in a variety of performances at the Center and can even audition to dance alongside Principal Dancers in American Ballet Theatre’s The Nutcracker each winter. Through their standardized National Training Curriculum, The ABT Gillespie School
provides students with the highest quality of ballet instruction, and as a result, many students have gone on to perform with ballet companies across the country.
At Studio D, classes are specially designed to fit a variety of physical and cognitive needs, creating a tailored environment that allows students of all abilities to explore creativity. From ages 4 and up, students have the opportunity to exercise, engage with their peers and develop an appreciation for the arts through music and movement. Ranging from Musical Theatre to Dance & Music, all classes are capped at 10 participants to ensure that instruction is personalized, and each class is led by two professional teaching artists and a licensed occupational or physical therapist. Snaps, silent applause and high fives are provided in abundance, as well as regular emotional checkins, creating a positive learning environment for the students. Trained volunteers are also a part of every class, supplying an additional layer of
support and encouragement. For some students, a Studio D class is their first time trying a new dance move or learning proper vocal warmups. Studio D celebrates the interests of students and creates a space for all to thrive and discover art in its many forms.
While some parents may think their child is too young to begin dance, starting at a young age teaches children important skills that will integrate into all parts of their lives as they grow. In addition to learning the first elements of physical dance steps, young dancers learn social skills like how to be good listeners, take direction, pay attention and be considerate of each other. Beginning dance at a young age introduces children to the joy of dancing and teaches them correct technique while making it fun. Through this, the Center hopes to instill a lifelong passion for learning and creating.
To learn more about the dance schools at Segerstrom Center or how to support them, visit scfta.org.
Living The Good Life
Coastal O.C.’s Most Sought After Address
The Balboa Bay Residences, originally constructed and debuting in 1968 at the height of the midcentury modern era, remain today as the premier address on the Newport Harbor. Modernized to current state-of-the-art standards for exceptional living, the residences offer sweeping vistas of the bay and harbor, top of the line appointments and finishes, and unparalleled amenities.
With four towers offering units ranging from ultra-spacious studios to luxury penthouses in addition to one, two, three-bedroom homes and very special corner suites with wrap-around exposure, the residences at Balboa Bay are the choice of Southern California’s most discriminative citizens.
For more information and a private tour, please contact leasing director Laura Bryan at 949-630-4379.
Yes...You Too Could Be Living The Good Life At 1221 West Coast Highway.
The Life Savers Foundation Of Orange County Debuts
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR LIFE SAVERS, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
BY CAROLE PICKUP / PHOTOS BY CHRIS DARNALL
On the night of Thursday, January 19th, 2023, Life Savers Foundation was born! A newcomer for sure and the only one of its kind in Orange County, it will make many people aware of the need to help living organ donors by providing them with financial assistance related to lost wages, lodging, travel, medical appointments and more.
On everyone’s table were folded packets that provided statistical information on the need for organ donations: 106,032 men, women and children are presently on the national transplant waiting list; 17 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant; every donor can save 8 lives and enhance over 75 more.
The inaugural event was a beautiful party. Guests mingled while getting food and drinks, chatting and meeting some new friends. The color
choice of the evening attire for most was black and white. A few faux furs were seen and perfect for the chilly night. Everyone was definitely “in style… their style,” and looked great.
Jerry Mandel and his band added upbeat, peppy music, opening up with “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” The beautiful voice of Bruce Cook was a real highlight and of course he was the whole reason for all this.
Five years ago, we held the same type of event for one reason and one reason only: to get a kidney for Bruce. Everything was free because we needed a kidney for him and, thanks to Heidi Miller, we got one! This time however, we need the good ol’ green money to help future donors. Revenue is starting to come in to build our Foundation thanks to all of you. In fact, the party raised an impressive sum approaching $400,000.
Thank you, thank you Life Savers committee.
All of them worked so hard for months and gave up their precious time to make this special inaugural party possible. The success would not be possible without their effort.
As the Founding Chair, please join me in sincere thanks to Heidi Miller, co-chair and organ donor, Bruce Cook, John Wortmann, John Huffman, Jerry Johnson, Noel Hamilton, Kathy Hamilton, Alyssa Smith, Rick Weiner, Pam Selber, Catherine Thyen, Sosy Hachigian, Diane Modini, Aaron Trent, Melanie Hertrick, and Dick Pickup all of whom turned this goal into reality.
Now the work begins in earnest to help find and fund donors’ expenses in order to save the lives of people in our community in need of a transplant. What an amazing 1st birthday!
To learn more about Life Savers Foundation please email heidimillerkidneydonor@gmail.com
Devon and Kevin Martin with Pastor Jason Smith
Aldy Jerney, Tammy Cluck, Pam Selber, Linda Smith, Kathy Hamilton, Mickey Lares, Noel Hamilton
Jared Miller, Anne Wortmann, Devon Miller Mardo and Seyda Ayvazyan
Noel Hamilton, Anne Wortmann, Kathy Hamilton, Kristy Ward, Kevin Martin
Jerry Johnson, Dave and Marilyn Wooten, Anne and John Huffman, Robin Shelton
Makena Martin and Carole Pickup
Wing Lam and Heidi Miller Sharon and Gary Grimes
Catherine Thyen, Rhonda Clark, Char Armstrong
Michael Nason, Vikki Vargas, Heidi Miller
Barbara and Kurt Nelson
Meshell and Nelson Holdo Dan and Allison Carracino
Carole Pickup and Heidi Miller
Susan Kruger and Alison McCormick
Donna Bunce
Beverly Kelly, Cindy Kelly, Joy Bradley
Taylor Traub, Suzy Zigner, Kelly Lam
Patricia Truman, Heidi Miller, Nancy Daley, Vanessa Silvan
Cary and Marie Van Raes, Sosy and Paul Hachigan
INSIDE THE RARIFIED WORLD OF NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB
Robin Shelton CCM, PGA Master Professional General Manager
Newport Beach Country Club
Dear NBCC Members,
I have been fortunate enough to travel the country and play at many of the highest-ranked golf courses in the country. I am very certain and very proud to say that Newport Beach Country Club is one of the best clubs in the country. Our total club experience is extremely rare.
It is not lost on me that everything that we have here at the club is so special and I hope to never take NBCC for granted.
This month, we will host the Hoag Classic for its 26th iteration from March 17-19, continuing our role as the longest uninterrupted host site on the PGA TOUR Champions.
The PGA TOUR Champions players represent major players and legends of the game as well as the best golfers in the world in the current era. To make a living, they travel and compete at many of the best courses and tournament venues in the world. Competitions take place everywhere from Hawaii to Morocco, at courses ranking in the Top 100 and other major championship venues.
If you ask the majority of the PGA TOUR Champions players, you’ll find that the Hoag Classic is their favorite tournament of the year. The pristine course, the sunny weather, the elevated clubhouse, the city of Newport Beach, the coastal vibe—it all adds up to produce a top tournament.
The Hoag Classic now raises more than $1 million annually for Hoag Hospital, totaling over $21 million since the inception of the tournament for a local hospital that does so much good for our community.
As much as I enjoy our club, it is not lost on me that the best players in the world feel the same. These top touring professionals are so excited to spend a week at NBCC. Of all the places they travel to throughout the year, our club remains one of the favorites. On top of that, the tournament does a wonderful job of supporting an incredible cause, raising both funds and awareness for our local hospital.
I hope this year you’ll come out to watch some amazing competition with the greatest past and present players and, like me, be reminded what a special club we have by the tournament experience, player feedback and charitable support.
All the best, Robin Shelton
March Calendar
Game Day
MEMBERS GATHERED AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB TO WATCH THE BIGGEST FOOTBALL GAME OF THE YEAR, THE SUPER BOWL, WITH SNACKS AND DRINKS.
Giant TV setup for Super Bowl Sunday
William Hendricksen, Scott Cunningham
Kristen and Tom Chadwell
Sosy and Paul Hachigan
Gino and Ana Stumpo
Super Bowl squares
Ryan and Kristina Rattet, Ted Fike, friend
The Rattet and Fike Kids
Danielle Sayer Director of Membership
Hello Members,
Ahh, spring is finally here! The days are getting longer, and we all find ourselves with a little extra sunshine to spare. If you’re looking for ways to spend your daylight windfall, you’ve come to the right place.
The Hoag Classic returns to Newport Beach Country Club from March 17-19. This tournament attracts a field of professional players that rivals any major championship in golf. Known as the most philanthropic tournament on the PGA TOUR Champions, the Hoag Classic is highly regarded for its profound history of giving.
Each year, the tournament raises funds for Hoag and other local charities, totaling more than $20 million in its history. Through the annual Military Appreciation Day, the tournament also funds local military organizations, which, in years past, have included the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation, the Blue Angels Foundation and others.
Additionally, the event fills local hotel rooms, restaurants and businesses during tournament week, providing an enormous influx of dollars into our economy. One study determined the economic impact of the tournament on Newport Beach and surrounding Orange County communities to be almost $30 million. We look forward to seeing you at the Hoag Classic in support of our community.
Please help me welcome our newest members to the NBCC family:
PHILLIP & GINA BROWN
Phillip is executive vice president with Majestic Realty Co. He specializes in developing commercial properties in the western United States. Gina is a chiropractor, fitness instructor and soon-to-be acupuncturist. She has owned her own business for the last 20-plus years and enjoys helping people with their health, nutrition and fitness goals. Phillip and Gina live in Corona del Mar and are looking forward to meeting new friends at NBCC.
THE RATTET FAMILY
Ryan is a senior vice president at Rimrock Capital Management where he specializes in mortgage-backed securities. Kristina is the mother of their three boys and freelances as a web developer and graphic designer. Wesley, 8, and Zachary, 6, attend Harbor Day School while Vaughn, 4, is in preschool at Newport Coast Child Development Preschool. Together, they live in Newport Beach with their three dogs; they enjoy travel, leisure and an active lifestyle as a family.
THE TSAO FAMILY
Steven is vice president of Miven where he manages the investment portfolio of the family office. Yeshin serves as a trustee of the family foundation and works closely with the family to give back to the community. Together, they have two children: Luke, 4, and Matthew, 1. The Tsao family resides in Newport Beach.
THE SHAH FAMILY
Ashish is an anesthesiologist and pain medicine physician. He is the co-founder of Synergex Med, a statewide pain management practice. Siddhi is an international trade advisor for the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center. Their daughters, Saira, 5, and Ayla, 3, both attend Fairmont Schools. The family enjoys traveling, movie nights and getting outdoors. The Shah family resides in Orange.
Solving the Mystery
AMATEUR SLEUTHS TRIED THEIR HARDEST TO CRACK THE CASE AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB’S MURDER MYSTERY EVENT.
A night full of suspense
Murder Mystery fun
Looking for more clues
Searching for clues
Officer of the night
Renee and Brenda Kelly
Top suspects in the Murder Mystery
Top Five
NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB’S DIRECTOR OF INSTRUCTION CARLO BORUNDA REVEALS FIVE SKILLS THAT EVERY GOLFER SHOULD BE SURE TO PRACTICE.
BY ASHLEY RYAN
Practice makes perfect, but, when it comes to golf, it can definitely be hard to know where to focus your attention. There are so many skills and techniques that require fine-tuning.
According to Carlo Borunda, the director of instruction at Newport Beach Country Club, there are five areas where you can really enhance your game: short-range putting, bunker play, pitching, fairway wood tee shots and a pre-shot routine. “Each of these five skills play an important role in helping the golfer improve and maintain consistency,” he explains.
Here, Borunda offers more details on how to improve each of these pivotal skills.
BAY WINDOW: What are the five key skills every golfer should work on to lower their handicap?
CARLO BORUNDA: I believe that building confidence in five fundamental golf skills can be beneficial for every player. These abilities include short-range putting, bunker play, pitching, fairway wood tee shots and a pre-shot routine.
BW: Why is short-range putting one of the essential skills?
CB: The statistics tell us that professionals on the PGA Tour make 88% of their putts from inside 10 feet, yet they only average 40% from this distance. This information serves as a reminder of how challenging golf can be the farther away you are from the hole. Improving your technique from short range is the simplest way to lower your score, because it is one of the few skills in golf where strength or club head speed aren’t required for improvement.
BW: Why is the sand bunker shot so difficult to execute?
CB: For the average golfer, the sand bunker shot is one of the most confusing golf shots. This is the only stroke in golf where
Find more fairways by choosing a more lofted fairway wood or hybrid for your tee shots.
Improve your club face control by successfully putting a golf ball down a yardstick in this short-range putting drill.
you are instructed to ignore the golf ball and concentrate on the sand surrounding it. Keeping this in mind, I encourage my students to practice without the golf ball, which allows them to better understand the fundamental concept of splashing the sand out of the bunker. Once they have gained some confidence in making consistent contact with the sand, they can add the golf ball to the practice session.
BW: What can golfers do to improve how they practice their pitching technique?
CB: The basic pitch shot is much lower in ball flight than most people imagine. Keeping this in mind, golfers would benefit from learning to visualize a lower ball flight for many of their pitch shots. By visualizing and practicing a lower ball flight, golfers will learn a more consistent technique of ending their swing balanced onto their lead side. This type of finishing promotes a more solid, compressed contact with the golf ball. The high trajectory pitch shot is rarely required, but it is readily accomplished with two easy changes. First, the golfer should add a more lofted wedge. Second, they can move the golf ball further forward in their stance, comparable to where a fairway wood would be played.
BW: How can golfers find more fairways with their drives?
CB: As previously stated, more loft on the golf club produces more backspin. Backspin is a crucial element in keeping the ball in the air longer and promotes a straighter ball flight. This is the main reason I suggest you learn to use one of your more lofted fairway woods or hybrid golf clubs to find more fairways as you play a round of golf. The extra loft on these clubs also allows you to swing with greater confidence, resulting in some of your longest drives.
BW: Why does the pre-shot routine play such an important role?
CB: Golfers frequently overthink and play with too many conflicting swing thoughts. A solid pre-shot routine boosts your playing confidence by eliminating most of this confusion. “Every Shot Must Have A Purpose,” written by Annika Sörenstam’s coaches, is one of my favorite books to read. The authors, Pia Nilsson and Lynn Marriott, advocate the straightforward idea that your practice swings and/or preparation should happen before setting up the golf ball. Although not hurried, the time spent at the golf ball should be minimal to prevent indecision. Make it a point to frequently rehearse your routine until you can perform the decisionmaking process and actual golf swing in a timely manner.
Standing at the edge of the bunker and splashing the sand out will help you get a feel for the sand. Draw a line and hit the same point several times to improve the location of your club’s contact with the sand.
BW: Are each of these skills equally important or are some more crucial than others?
CB: The key to success is to give yourself the time to improve at each skill. Make sure you are mindful in how you prepare and practice, so your habits are good for your game.
BW: Anything else to add?
CB: Remember that you should pay attention to how you train or practice. As you improve, add more skills to this list. I advise you to consider how adding one may impact other elements of your game before doing so.
Tournament Action
GOLFERS HAVE COME TOGETHER IN A NUMBER OF RECENT COMPETITIONS, INCLUDING THE MEN’S AND LADIES’ TEAM PLAY EVENTS AND THE ANNUAL MARY K. BROWNE.
Gross Champions Debbie Fleming and Isako Takada
Ladies’ Team Play
Men’s Team Play
Overall Champions Kristen Chadwell and Jennifer Thomas
Gal Pals
AHEAD OF A NIGHT OF ROMANCE WITH THEIR VALENTINES, LADIES AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB MET UP TO HONOR THEIR FRIENDSHIPS DURING THE PROPERTY’S GALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION.
Macaron-making with Chef Donovan
Girls’ night out
Nancy Johnson, Elizabeth Koobie, Barbra Riggs
Tatum Cain, Stacy Evatt, friends
Mixology with Andrew Cichon
Tina Salvucci, Kate Shoemaker
Jamie McConnell making macarons
Brooke Ledger, Lauren Maehler, Ashley Carlton
Creative Cuisine
THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE TEAM AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB PUTS TOGETHER IMPRESSIVE LINEUPS, ENSURING THAT MEMBERS HAVE VARIED CULINARY EXPERIENCES WHEN DINING AT THE PROPERTY.
BY ASHLEY RYAN
Dining at Newport Beach Country Club never gets boring. From special events to themed dinners throughout the week, the culinary program is at the top of its game, regularly revamping its menus and hosting special events.
According to Sarah Sanchez, director of food and beverage at NBCC, the club is about “more than just food and service.” It’s “a place [that] you can call home,” she adds. Read on to discover more about the team’s culinary offerings, holiday celebrations and beyond.
A WARM WELCOME
Stop in any night of the week—except Mondays, when the club is closed—to enjoy an array of fare that spans cuisines and cultures.
• Taco Tuesday (Tuesdays): Grab a margarita and some tacos every Tuesday at
NBCC. Or, opt for something a little different, as there are plenty of fiesta favorites included in this Latin-themed night. The family-centric dining includes a buffet with shrimp fajitas, meats like carnitas and carne asada, a salsa bar, chile verde, street corn, house-made tortillas, churros and more. “This is a place to bring co-workers, enjoy dinner with friends or even sit at the bar and enjoy the mariachi duo singing and playing around the restaurant,” Sanchez says.
• Burger Bash (Wednesdays): Build your own burger during this customizable dining experience. Mouthwatering options include double hamburgers, chicken breast patties and even swordfish steaks to use as a base. “Enjoy beer specials and crispy fries or onion rings with every order,” she adds. And don’t forget to swing by the sundae station to end
the night with some ice cream.
• A la carte (Thursdays through Saturdays): A chef-curated menu is offered later in the week, giving guests the chance to choose from a variety of options while still feeling at home in the NBCC clubhouse. Sanchez deems it “a more personalized experience that helps create memories for members and their guests alike.” Options include dishes such as steaks, pork chops, scallops and Chilean sea bass.
• Little Italy (Sundays): This cultural evening is always a hit with families, couples and friends at the club, bringing a taste of Italy to NBCC. “Reserve your table to dine on our terrace while you listen to the jazz duo that plays every Sunday night,” she notes. Diners can start with a family-sized salad, buttery garlic bread and an antipasto platter before heading to the made-to-order
pasta station, where they will select the type of pasta they want as well as the sauce and toppings. Finish the meal off at the dessert table, which offers Italian classics: cannoli and tiramisu.
MAKING MEMORIES
Beyond traditional dining, NBCC hosts a number of special events for members that allow them to make memories and new friends along the way.
• Wine Dinners: The club has revamped its wine dinner series, which now features a new winery or label each month, highlighted in tandem with a carefully crafted menu from the culinary team. Andrew Cichon, NBCC’s sommelier, helps create these perfect pairings. “Our wine dinners are the best way to showcase both great wine and delicious dishes that display our culinary team’s talents,” Sanchez explains. Check the club calendar for more information on which wineries will be featured next.
• Big Wine, Small Plates: One of the biggest and most popular events of the year, this wine-centric experience, which is held each fall on the Oasis Lawn, allows guests to sample varietals from more than 200 different vineyards while enjoying live music and light bites. “End the evening with drinks and dancing with some of your closest friends here at the club,” she suggests.
• Holiday Events: Throughout the year, NBCC hosts a number of special events and, if there’s a holiday, NBCC is likely celebrating. “Whether it is the skydiving Easter Bunny, the flower cart for Mother’s Day or our picnic-style concert for Labor Day, we have something the whole family will enjoy,” Sanchez says. These coveted events are always popular, so she also recommends making reservations in advance.
PRIVATE PARTIES
Even with all of the weekly themed dinners and celebratory events, NBCC saves space for private parties as well. Anyone looking to host a small get-together can turn to the club for their needs. This more customizable dining experience is ideal for parties of 10-19 and features a three-course menu designed for lunch or dinner. These tailored events can be held for birthdays, retirement parties, wedding and baby showers or even just for fun.
In Shape in Spring
BIANCA GILLETT, DIRECTOR OF FITNESS AND RECREATION
AT NEWPORT
BEACH COUNTRY CLUB,
REVEALS WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO START WORKING ON YOUR SUMMER BODY IN THE SPRINGTIME.
BY ASHLEY RYAN
With Southern California’s endless sunshine, it’s nice to be in shape all year long— but getting bikini ready by summertime is especially appealing, as you prepare to spend days lounging by the pool or on the beach.
Well, get prepared to start training for that summer body this spring. “It takes time for the body to adapt,” says Bianca Gillett, director of fitness and recreation at Newport Beach Country Club. “Most well-designed training programs … [last] about six to eight weeks. That is because the body has [to adapt] … to the imposed demands that’s been placed on it.”
Over that six- to eight-week period, she explains, the program will become easier to do. You will have a better understanding of the exercises, have increased your weight load and should already be seeing results by the end of it—whether that’s weight loss, muscle gain or even both.
“Too many people make the mistake of thinking they can just be really strict two weeks before summer,” she explains. “But, unfortunately, that isn’t enough time to reach goals or really unhealthy habits will get formed to rush weight loss.”
Gillett recommends starting early instead, and says that there are three main areas to focus your attention on: exercise program,
nutrition and recovery. Read on to discover how to build each of these into your weekly routines.
EXERCISE PROGRAM
There are three main workout routines you can opt to incorporate. One is cardio, another is weightlifting and the third is a combination of both.
“If you want to see the scale go down, then cardio is the way to go—along with a caloric deficit diet plan,” Gillet adds. “And if body composition—decreased body fat percentage— is the goal, then weight training … is the plan [for you], along with a caloric deficit.”
A cardio-heavy workout routine can
check off a number of boxes, from losing weight and improving cardiovascular health to running a faster mile or long distances. Weight lifting, on the other hand, can help you gain lean muscle mass, become stronger and produce more power. Combine the two to get the best of both worlds, with better performance and improved physical fitness.
“Everyone should be building muscle for strength, functionality and longevity, and everyone should be doing cardio for cardiovascular health,” Gillett notes. “Also, endorphins come from both types of workouts and endorphins are the happy hormone, which everyone could benefit from.”
DIET & NUTRITION
Nutrition is just as important as the workouts you’re doing, so you’ll want to develop a healthy meal plan to help keep you on track.
“What we put in our body either fuels and enhances us, or makes our body work harder than it needs to,” Gillett says, noting that eating a lot of processed foods or sugars can lead to adverse health effects. “If we eat organic whole products like protein, veggies and … complex carbs, our bodies work more efficiently, which keeps us living a lot longer with less diseases due to less inflammation of the body.”
Don’t worry about what time you are eating healthy ingredients, she says. Focus instead of getting adequate amounts of protein, vegetables and healthy fats each day. She also says to stay in tune with your body: If eating before a workout helps you, go for it, and if not, don’t worry about it.
“Regarding physical goals, nutrition is the most important factor. You can’t outtrain a bad diet,” she explains. “It is too difficult to burn that many calories through exercise.
Regarding sport performance, eating healthy just helps you excel, Gillett adds.
RECOVERY
The final thing to focus on when trying to get your summer body in shape is recovery.
On rest days, when you’re not working out at all, do something to comfort your muscles, like a light walk or easy yoga routine. Meditation, stretching, massages or full-on spa days can also help, while Gillett says that soft tissue work with a foam roller or massage gun can also speed up the amount of time it takes for your muscles to recover.
“If you keep working out with no rest, then the muscles keep breaking down without rebuilding and that can lead to ‘wear and tear’ injuries where the muscles get so broken down [that] they can’t do their normal function or stabilization—and that’s usually when injury occurs,” Gillett explains. “Overtraining also affects muscle definition. If the muscle can’t rebuild, then the new muscle—aka definition—can’t happen.”
So, make sure to start an active workout routine, pair it with a nutritious meal plan and don’t forget the recovery. You’ll be summer ready before you know it.
You have to be at a caloric deficit to decrease body fat percentage and scale weight.”
Being Together
NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERS ROYCE AND TRACEY SHARF SHARE HOW THEY MET, WHERE THEY LIKE TO TRAVEL AND WHAT THEY ENJOY MOST ABOUT THE CLUB.
Every so often, the editors of Bay Window send out a questionnaire to one of the esteemed members or employees of an International Bay Clubs property to gain some insight into their lives. These nine questions allow our readers to learn something new about old friends, or discover somebody they have not met before. For this issue, we’re getting to know Newport Beach Country Club members Royce and Tracey Sharf.
BAY WINDOW: Where and how did you meet?
ROYCE AND TRACEY SHARF: We first met as young kids at Tustin Hills Racquet Club. Later, we both attended Foothill High School. We were just close friends … until we started dating after graduating college— Tracey [at the] University of Arizona and Royce [at] UCLA. We have now been married for 32 years.
BW: How long have you been members of NBCC?
RS&TS: In 1996, we decided to move off the peninsula and focus on starting a family. We bought a home in Irvine Terrace. Literally the first week that we moved in, we walked across the street and joined NBCC as 32-year-old junior members. Over that 27-year period, we have seen the club in all its different stages. It is from that perspective that we are uniquely impressed and appreciative of the amazing transformation to the spectacular venue that NBCC is today.
BW: Tell us about your family.
RS&TS: We have two daughters. Siena is 24 and Sydney is 22. Siena works at a real estate investment firm and will be marrying her fiancé, William, in November of this year. Sydney is getting her master’s in education at the University of San Diego. We also have a 1½ year old sheepadoodle named Gus who brings our family abundant joy.
BW: What are your favorite things about NBCC?
RS&TS: First, the amazing staff work [hard] … to provide a world-class private club experience. We also marvel at the maintenance and condition of the course
(thanks to Scott and Scout!). We enjoy our deep friendships, tournament competitions [and] kid’s camps; our daughters each started taking lessons with Carlo when they were 5 years old. The girls went on to play on the NBCC Junior Golf team. Sydney also played on the Corona del Mar High School varsity golf team and really enjoyed having NBCC as her home course. Every employee, from Lilia to Carlo, made her feel special.
BW: How is your golf game?
RS&TS: Tracey, Siena and Sydney each have lovely games. Royce hopes to get there someday.
BW: What are your favorite vacation spots?
RS&TS: We have been fortunate to enjoy many travel experiences as a family; [however,] we do have three favorite spots. First and foremost, we spend every summer at our lake cabin [at] Enemy Swim Lake in rural South Dakota. The Sharf family has been in that area since Royce’s greatgrandfather, Ole Halverson, homesteaded there from Norway in the 1880s. Royce and the girls have been there every summer of their lives and Tracey has done the same since the 1980s. For those who have never experienced lake life, it is incredibly special. This summer, there will be a total of 27 family members together on the property. We also frequently travel to Cabo [San Lucas in Mexico] and have enjoyed some amazing family experiences on Parrot Cay in … Turks [and Caicos].
BW: What does your family do for fun?
RS&TS: In addition to travel, our family likes to golf, boat and just be together as much as possible.
A Triumphant Return
PGA GOLF
PROFESSIONAL JERRY SWEET-WILLIS
LEFT THE GOLF BUSINESS AFTER YEARS OF WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY, BUT HAS SINCE FOUND HIS WAY BACK, NOW LANDING AT NEWPORT BEACH COUNTRY CLUB.
BY ASHLEY RYAN
After working his way up from first assistant to head golf professional to general manager of the Trilogy at La Quinta golf course and retirement community out in the Palm Springs area, Jerry Sweet-Willis had a change of heart, pivoting away from the golf industry completely. The year was 2014, and he accepted a position as operations manager of an 880-room
hotel and its signature restaurant—but not in Southern California. His new job would take him overseas, all the way to the town of Cabinda in Angola, Africa.
After a few years away, Sweet-Willis pivoted once more, this time returning to the industry he’d once loved. “I missed the family feel and friendliness you get at a country club,” he notes. Working at GOLFTEC, a club fitting and
golf instruction company in Brea, brought him back into the industry before he accepted a position at Newport Beach Country Club in fall of 2022. His decision to head toward the coast was based heavily on those already running the local club. “Robin Shelton and John McCook have vast experience, and I wanted to learn from the best,” he explains.
Starting at NBCC in October, Sweet-Willis already has nearly half a year under his belt as one of our PGA golf professionals. He is tasked with teaching golf lessons, working the first tee and marshaling the course to ensure that the proper pace of play is kept. With this position, he has plentiful interaction with NBCC members, which he says is his favorite part of this new role.
“The best part of my job is our members,” Sweet-Willis says. “I’ve worked at many clubs over the years, but have never been treated better than here.” But, he adds, “the most challenging part is trying to remember so many names.”
Aside from the members, Sweet-Willis says he enjoys coming to work because of the vibrant spirits of his team. “I’m certain that I have found my dream job at NBCC,” he reveals. “I’ve never worked at a club where so many co-workers are truly happy to be at work. It’s wonderful for the ‘new guy’ to be in such a great environment.”
Always looking to excel, Sweet-Willis says he hopes to continue to improve as a person in 2023. Outside of work, he and his wife enjoy fine dining paired with great wines as well as traveling and spending time with their pets—their dog, Molly, and their cat, Jasmine—in their Whittier home.
As he continues to explore all that NBCC has to offer its employees, from the views to the amenities, he hopes to continue to build relationships with all of the club’s members. “To the members I’ve already met, thank you for your kindness,” he adds. “To those of you I haven’t met yet, I look forward to meeting you soon.”
Jerry Sweet-Willis
THE HOST OF THE COAST IN NEWPORT BEACH SINCE 1948
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Bill Blaine, Michelle Barto, Bruce Cook, Cory Cosenza, Mike Granja, Noel Hamilton, Wayne Harvey, R.J. King, Kory Kramer, Mark Larson, Kevin Martin, Joe Moody, James Papazis, Richard H. Pickup, Todd Pickup, Jane Rivera, Ryan Tomalas, John Wortmann, Jack Wright, Dr. Daniel Yanni
HONORARY GOVERNORS
Douglas K. Ammerman, David Banta, Richard Bertea, Robert C. Clay, James Doti, Robert W. Howard, Michael Nevell, Michael D. Stephens, Herbert Sutton, Catherine Thyen, Ethan Wayne, David C. Wooten
HONORARY GOVERNORS DECEASED
William C. Adams, Harold Ayres, Harry Axene, Joey Bishop, Guy Claire, Nick Doolin, Arden Flamson, George Gaudin, Senator Barry Goldwater, Dr. Frederick Grazer, Robert Guggenheim, Sam Gurley Jr., William Hadley, Richard Hausman, Gavin Herbert Sr., Clement Hirsch, Mary Lou Hornsby, Norman Kendall, John Killefer, Robert Lynch, Roger Miller, Richard Nabers, John J. McNaughton, R.J. Marshall, Arlis B. Parkhurst, Theodore Robins Jr., Jim Slemons, E. Morris Smith, W. Reed Sprinkel, John Wayne, Dorothy Yardley
Leticia Rice General Manager
Balboa Bay Club
Dear Members,
The luck of the Irish must be upon us because it is March 2023, and we are all excited for the return of the Hoag Classic. I know Robin Shelton, General Manager at Newport Beach Country Club will make all the visiting PGA players and their families feel at home as they descend on Newport Beach for what will surely be another epic week of PGA Tour Champions golf right here in our backyard.
The Hoag Classic is one of the most philanthropic events on the PGA Tour Champions thanks to the support of the community and the hard work of Jeff Purser and his team. For over 20 years this event has brought some of the best golfers in the world to Newport Beach, including Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Vijay Singh, and local favorite Fred Couples. This year will see returning 2022 Champion, Retief Goosen on a quest to become only the fourth professional to win the tournament twice. Will he do it or will we see a new champion emerge? Best way to find out is to make your plans to be part of the action. Tournament play begins on Friday, March 17th and all the tournament information can be found, as always, right here in your Bay Window Magazine.
I know this is our annual golf edition, but just in case golf isn’t your game we have plenty of entertainment for you here at the club. Start the month off with St. Patty’s Bingo Night on Thursday, March 9th, or get ready for our red carpet celebration as we enjoy all the drama of the 95th Annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 12th. Feeling lucky or just like enjoying a great night out with your fellow members? Then join us on St. Patrick’s Day, Friday, March 17th in Members Grill for all your St. Patty’s favorites!
I look forward to seeing our members at this year’s tournament and at all the great events we have in store for you at the club.
We thank you for your continued support and look forward to welcoming you at your home away from home.
Leticia
H HAPPY HOUR
3:00 – 6:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
H HAPPY HOUR
3:00 – 6:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
March Calendar
TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
H CHARCUTERIE & WINE WEDNESDAY 5:00 – 9:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
H BOOT CAMP CLASS 9:00 – 10:00 AM
LAWN
LIVE MUSIC 6:00 – 9:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
H BOOT CAMP CLASS 9:00 – 10:00 AM MEMBERS LAWN
H LIVE MUSIC 6:00 – 9:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
H LADIES BUNCO
H CHARCUTERIE & WINE WEDNESDAY 5:00 – 9:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
H ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION 5:00 – 8:00 PM
H All events subject to change
SATURDAY
7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 9 27 26 23 24 28 5 6 1 2 3 4 25 H HAPPY HOUR 3:00 – 6:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL H HAPPY HOUR 3:00 – 6:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
29 30 31
EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CHECK THE CLUB’S ONLINE CALENDAR FOR THE LATEST UPDATES.
SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN SUNDAYS
4:00 – 8:00 PM
1st Course
House Salad
Baby Greens, Cherry Tomato, Cucumbers, Shaved Carrots, Croutons, Choice of Dressing
2nd Course
Southern Fried Chicken
Three Pieces Fried Chicken, Yukon Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Collard Greens, Corn on The Cob Biscuits & Honey Butter
3rd Course
Blackberry Cobbler
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Cinnamon Sugar Crust
28.00 ++
KIDS
CHICKEN DINNER SPECIAL
1st Course
Sliced Watermelon
2nd Course
Fried Chicken Breast, Mash Potatoes & Gravy, Corn on the Cob, Biscuits & Honey Butter
3rd Course
Hot Fudge Sundae
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Hot Fudge, Whipped Cream, Nuts, Cherry
14 dollars ++
March
WEEKEND BRUNCH
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MEMBERS GRILL
Enjoy Chef Jacob’s fabulous Brunch on the Bay. All of your favorite specialty items including Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict, Huevos Steak Rancheros and Crispy Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles. Kids will love Captain Crunch French toast, delicious Belgian Waffles and Buttermilk Pancakes hot off the griddle! Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949.630.4290.
FIESTA TACO TUESDAYS
TUESDAY, MARCH 14 & 28 • 5:00 – 9:00 PM
MEMBERS GRILL
Live Mariachi music and great Margarita specials, paired with Chef Jacob’s delicious menu items! Taco Man Station featuring: Carne Asada, Chicken or Fish Tacos, Seafood Ceviche, Tijuana Caesar Salad, Enchiladas, Dessert Station and more. Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949.630.4290.
ST. PATRICK’S THEME MOVIE NIGHT BUCKET!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8 (AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP
BETWEEN 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
This winter, gather your family for a movie night
at home with your very own pre-made Movie Night Bucket. This month will feature a special St. Patrick’s Day Theme. The kids will love it. Order your Family Movie Night Bucket today by calling the Club Desk at 949.630.4120. Supplies are limited, so please call early to reserve yours. Movie Night Buckets are for Members only, compliments of your Club. One bucket per family, please.
ST. PATTY’S BINGO NIGHT
THURSDAY, MARCH 9 • 6:00 PM • BAY VIEW ROOM
Come catch the luck of the Irish with a full hour of festive, fast-paced Bingo games and great gift card prizes. Join us for great snacks, Bingo prizes and lots of fun. 6 cards max per person. Guest policy in effect. 48-hour cancellation policy in effect. Includes one Bingo card. Additional cards can be purchased for $1. Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949.630.4290.
OSCAR NIGHT AT THE CLUB
SUNDAY, MARCH 12 • BEGINNING AT 3:30 PM
MEMBERS GRILL
Join us in the lounge for the 95th Annual Academy Awards. Enter on the Red Carpet to enjoy complimentary appetizers and great cocktail specials. Grab yourself a ballot and complete by 5 pm to compete against fellow Members to win great prizes! For more information or reservations, please call 949.630.4290.
CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT MEMBERS GRILL
FRIDAY, MARCH 17 • LIVE MUSIC 5:00 – 8:00 PM
We are serving up Chef Jacob’s delicious St. Patty’s Corned Beef Menu Special for Lunch and Dinner! Enjoy great Beer and Irish Whiskey specials throughout the day. Erin go bragh! Ask your server for details. Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949630.4290. 48-hour cancellation policy in effect.
LADIES BUNCO NIGHT
MONDAY, MARCH 20 • 5:30 – 7:30 PM • LIBRARY
Join us again for the fast-paced dice game of Bunco. House wine and snacks included. Bring $12 cash for game buy in, all monies awarded at the end of the games. Even the biggest loser can come home the biggest winner! Space is limited. A Members only event. 48-hour cancellation policy in effect. Reservations required, please call 949.630.4120.
April
WEEKEND BRUNCH
EVERY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MEMBERS GRILL
Enjoy Chef Jacob’s fabulous Brunch on the Bay. All your favorite specialty items including Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict, Huevos Steak Rancheros and Crispy Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles. Kids will love Captain Crunch French toast, delicious Belgian Waffles and Buttermilk
Pancakes hot off the griddle! Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949.630.4290.
MARCH MADNESS FINAL FOUR
SATURDAY, APRIL 1 AND MONDAY, APRIL 3 MEMBERS GRILL
Celebrate March Madness watching your favorite basketball teams compete as you dine in the lounge or up close at the bar. Happy hour available throughout the game.
SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN NIGHT
SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 16, 23 AND 30 • 4:00 – 8:00 PM • MEMBERS GRILL
Chef Jacob’s all-new Southern Fried Chicken Night is delicious! Start off with a Fresh House Salad with your choice of dressing, then enjoy an entrée of three pieces of Fried Chicken, Yukon Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Collard Greens, Corn on the Cob and Biscuits with Honey Butter. Top it all off with Blackberry Cobbler, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and a Cinnamon Sugar Crust! Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949.630.4290.
SPRING THEME FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT BUCKETS!
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 (AVAILABLE FOR PICK-UP AT THE CLUB DESK BETWEEN 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM)
Gather your family for another fun movie night at home. Complete the experience with your very own pre-made Movie Night Bucket. Order your Family Movie Night Bucket today by calling the Club Desk at 949.630.4120. Supplies are limited. Movie Night Buckets are compliments of your Club. One bucket per family, please.
CHILDREN’S EASTER PARTY FEATURING THE WILDER SHOW!
SATURDAY, APRIL 8 • 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
MEMBER LAWN
Enter a world of fantasy as you meet Peter Rabbit and friends at our Easter Wonderland. Experience a fun-filled day with Disney characters, crafts, games, balloon twisters and an amazing juggling and unicycle show featuring the return of the crazy antics of Mark Wilder! Oh yeahhh! And, of course, you can get your picture taken with the Easter Bunny! A Members only event. No walk-ins. Parents must always stay with children. Reservations required, please call 949.630.4120.
EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH ON THE BAY
SUNDAY, APRIL 9 • 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
MEMBERS GRILL
Executive Chef Jacob proudly prepares delicious Easter brunch offerings of Prime Rib of Beef, Smoked Salmon Lox, Appetizer Station, Omelet Station, Raw Bar Station, and of course, Delicious Desserts and Specialty Treats. Live Music. Every child will receive a delightful Easter Basket and a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Seating is limited. 48-hour cancellation policy. Cancellation policy of $25 per person in effect. Reservations required, please call 949.630.4290.
EASTER BRUNCH IN THE RESORT
SUNDAY, APRIL 9 • 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM GRAND BALLROOM
Join us in the Resort’s elegant Grand Ballroom for Executive Chef Prabeen’s spectacular, all-you-can-eat Easter Brunch buffet, featuring live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Share this holiday with family and friends and feast on extravagant displays of cuisine including antipasto, omelets, eggs benedict, Kid’s station, seafood display, sushi bar, specialty stations, delicious desserts and more. 7-day cancellation policy in effect. Please call 949.645.5000 with your member number to make a reservation.
FIESTA TACO TUESDAYS
TUESDAY, APRIL 11 & 25 • 5:00 – 9:00 PM MEMBERS GRILL
Live Mariachi music and great Margarita specials, paired with Chef Jacob’s delicious menu items! Taco Man Station featuring: Carne Asada, Chicken or Fish Tacos, Seafood Ceviche, Tijuana Caesar Salad, Enchiladas, Dessert Station and more. Reservations required, please call Members Grill at 949.630.4290.
DRYBAR 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
THURSDAY, APRIL 20 • 4:00 – 6:00 PM
IN THE CLUBHOUSE
Join us for an evening to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of our very own Drybar. Enjoy Champagne and Charcuterie, special anniversary priced products and dry styling, music, raffles and more. RSVP by calling 949.630.4512.
LADIES BUNCO NIGHT
MONDAY, APRIL 24 • 5:30 – 7:30 PM • LIBRARY
Make reservations quickly to join us for the fastpaced dice game of Bunco. This event sells out
quickly. House wine and snacks included. Bring $12 cash for game buy-in, all monies awarded at the end of the games. Even the biggest loser can come home the biggest winner! Space is limited. A Members only event. 48-hour cancellation policy in effect. Reservations required, please call 949.630.4120.
GRGICH HILLS ESTATE WINEMAKER DINNER
THURSDAY, APRIL 27 • 6:00 PM RECEPTION, 6:30 PM DINNER • BAY VIEW ROOM
A delightful evening featuring the fine wines of Grgich Hills Estate, one of the few wineries to produce pure, organically farmed and healthy grapes from five beautiful vineyards located in the Napa Valley region. Using biodynamic farming without pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers, they are now harvesting more flavorful grapes, resulting in better wine. Grgich Hills wines are 100% Estate grown, produced, and bottled and have been enjoyed since 1977. Make your plans now to join us for a delectable evening of Chef Prabeen’s culinary delights paired with the fine wines of Grgich Hills Estate. 72-hour cancellation policy in effect. Reservations required, please call 949.630.4120.
MOMMY AND ME PRINCESS FAIRYTALE TEA
SATURDAY, APRIL 29 • 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM & 12:30 – 2:30 PM • BAY VIEW ROOM
Enjoy the Chef’s un-traditional tea sandwiches and sweets, served with princess juice for the kids. Hear enchanting stories from every child’s favorite princesses, take pictures with our special guests and children will enjoy making their very own magical crafts. Adult pricing includes house Champagne. A Members only event. No walk-ins. Reservations required by calling 949.630.4120. 72-hour cancellation policy in effect.
Belonging To A Genuine Community
LONGTIME STAFF SET A STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE AT BALBOA BAY CLUB
BY SELBY GILLETT, DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP
Last month, the Club and Resort bid farewell to a member of the team who has been with the property for 29 years. An absolutely integral part of the operations here and a true gentleman who will be greatly missed. We wish him all the best in his retirement.
I bring this up here though to comment on how truly remarkable I think it is that this is a place where team members are a part of this team, this family, for so long. The gentleman who retired is not an anomaly here. Each month an internal memo is sent out with a list of the anniversaries for team members that month. Tenures of 15+ years are nearly as common as tenures of 5 years or fewer. Amazing, yes, from an employment standpoint, but even more wonderful for our members and guests. This Club has done an incredible job of creating a community that extends beyond member to member to a community where the staff are also an essential and valued component. I remark on the unique community here frequently, but only because I hope to remind us all to not take that for granted. The facilities we have to offer here are terrific, the location is without compare, but it’s the people that makes this place what it really is. Thank you for being a part of that community.
Wishing you and yours a happy spring!
Please
join me in welcoming:
MARCIE EDWARDS:
“I am looking forward to meeting new friends, working out in that great gym, and lazy summers just watching the boats go by.”
Selby Gillett Director of Membership
Meet Stephania Veziris
OUR NEW MEMBER EVENTS SALES MANAGER JOINS THE TEAM
Iam so thrilled to introduce to you the Club’s new Member Events Sales Manager, Stephania Veziris. From helping you plan the perfect bridal shower, corporate meeting, or even just an intimate birthday dinner in Members Grill, Stephania is your go-to girl! Let’s get to know her a little better!
SELBY GILLETT: Stephania is such an unusual, fun name. What’s the story behind that?
STEPHANIA VEZIRIS: My parents named me after my grandfather who was born and raised in Greece. Our Greek culture is very important to us. My grandfather’s name was Stefanos, so my parents named me Stephania.
SG: Let’s start with the basics – Where did you grow up/go to school/study?
SV: I grew up in Northern California and went to school at Sonoma State University. I studied Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations.
SG: What got you interested in the hospitality industry?
SV: I had a passion for working with people and organizing events. I planned events at my university and really enjoyed seeing the outcome of people having a good time at the events that I helped put together.
SG: You’re new to the Club team but not new to the property. Can you tell us a little bit about what your previous position was prior to becoming the Member Event Sales Manager?
SV: Before I came to the Club side, I was working as the General Manager’s assistant on the Resort side. I got to know everything about the Resort and the operational side of it, including learning all the rooms and venue spaces.
SG: What are you most excited for with your new position?
SV: I am excited to get to form unique relationships with members and help put together all different kinds of events while making it a stress-free experience for them.
SG: Do you have a favorite trend for events, past, present, or up and coming?
SV: My favorite trend for events would have to be when people use unique centerpieces at tables. I attended a wedding once where the flower centerpieces had fish in the water!
SG: What is your go-to Blend, A+O or Members Grill order?
SV: Blend is my go-to spot. I really enjoy the overnight oats from there and a classic Vanilla Latte, iced.
SG: Anything else you’d like our members to know?
SV: I really look forward to getting to know each of you and I am here to assist in any way that I can.
Stephania can be found Monday-Friday in the membership offices. She can also be reached by phone at 949-630-4312 or by email sveziris@balboabayclub.com.
The Art Of Impersonation
A
NIGHT OF REVELRY AS THE EDWARDS TWINS BRING FAMOUS FACES TO LIFE IN THEIR CELEBRITY MUSICAL REVIEW AND COMEDY SHOW AT BALBOA BAY RESORT
James & Karen Stover-Stewart with Larry Parker
Erika & Robert Goe
Marc & Holly Forsythe, Lisa & John Spierings
Michael & Kim Henn
Rick & Irma Farrell
Governor Noel & Kathey Hamilton, David Reed
Jay & Angela Schwanz
David & Sara Cox, Jay & Ellen Rasch
Terry Petty & Date
John & Katherine King
Tammy Tran, Mike Murphy, Jenn Murphy, Hayley Bakhtar, Ray Bakhtar
Arlynne Pollard & Allen Cardoza
E. Virginia Foster & Arthur Hammons
Christine Craig and her Sister
Kimberly Law & Jeffrey Carrillo
Nelson & Meshell Holdo, Carrie Lynn Jackson, Deborah & Scott Ellsworth
Modern Living
A STYLISH TWO-BEDROOM BAYFRONT HOME DESIGNER FURNISHED TO THE LETTER WELCOMES NEW RESIDENTS SEEKING COMFORT AND CONTEMPORARY STYLE AT THE BEACH.
PICKLEBALL
Balboa Bay Club now has TWO pickleball courts available for reservations! Bring your own equipment or we can provide paddles & balls. Call the Recreation Department to make a reservation at 949-630-4414
PERSONAL TRAINING
Personal Training sessions available with our 3 staffed trainers! Find their bios at www.balboabayclub.com under the Recreation tab. To inquire or book sessions call Director of Recreation Ashley Pitcock at 949-630-4420
MARINE FLOWER PEPTIDE FACIAL
Dive deep into ageless results with the magic of marine flowers! This revitalizing treatment combines sustainably sourced algae extracts with potent botanical peptides and other organic ingredients to support collagen production and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for more rejuvenated, lifted, firmer looking skin.
50 MINUTES
$175
Please call 949.630.4772 to reserve.
CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. AN 18% GRATUITY WILL BE ADDED TO EACH SERVICE. Valid from March 1-31, 2023
Marina Dutton General Manager Balboa Bay Resort
Dear Guests, Members and Visitors,
At Balboa Bay Resort, we are continuously striving to provide healthy options that incorporate wellness and a healthy lifestyle. This month at Blend, we have launched our new seasonal menu including some tasty, healthy options like the Waldorf Salad, Whole Grain Salad and Curry Chicken Lettuce Wrap in addition to a new Tuna Melt, Teriyaki Chicken Wrap, Cuban Sandwich and Roast Beef Panini.
As the weather warms up, we look forward to welcoming CAZ Training Club back for outdoor classes on the Bayfront Lawn. CAZ Training Club specializes in HIIT Workouts at their Newport Beach location. Balboa Bay Club Members and Resort Guests are invited to experience their high-energy classes for free starting in April. In the meantime, be sure to visit the fitness center to enjoy the Peloton Bikes and the Mirror in addition to weights and cardio machines.
March 12 marks the start of daylight savings time, when we get to enjoy an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Fun fact: did you know the first country to implement daylight savings time was Germany in 1916 during a time when they were trying to save energy costs during WWI? Most of Europe followed suit with the United States of America finally adopting this practice in 1918.
Enjoy your extra hour of daylight and the beautiful outdoors in Newport Beach!.
Marina
March Calendar
30 29 31
M A R C H P R O M O T I O N S
Get lucky shopping!
March 1 - 17
Draw a coin from the pot of gold to receive a prize:
10% off entire purchase
15% off entire purchase
20% off one item
25% off one item
30% off one item
Free Voluspa Mini tin
Balboa Bay Club Members may combine prize with Member discount for one item
Restrictions apply
SIP + SHOP
Enjoy refreshing libations as you shop the latest styles!
Every Monday 3pm - 5pm Bayfront Boutique
From The Golf Course To The Main Course
DINING TIPS FOR GOLF LOVERS FOLLOWING THE HOAG CLASSIC
BY LANA SILLS
Host the ultimate viewing party to bring a little Hoag Classic Golf to your table. Sprinkle some tees and balls around a turf runner and add a couple of old golf trophies. A DIY moss bowl is the perfect golf green for a few balls. Build a charcuterie offering with various cheeses, skewered meats, fruit and fig jam. Add a platter of Mediterranean noshes… hummus, olives, cucumbers and naan dippers. And the “Piece de Résistance” for your golf party is a pecan coated pimento cheese ball served on a silver platter. For something sweet,
an assortment of cake balls in red velvet, lemon and white chocolate, all coated in white chocolate to resemble golf balls. Birdie Shots of butterscotch pudding and Baileys topped with some Heath Bar crumbles make the final round even more exciting.
To step up your game, get fancy with a wheel of Parmesan. It’s truly the gift that keeps giving. And it makes for a beautiful serving platter. And, a leg of Jamón always impresses and can be enjoyed for weeks. Order a whole ham, the stand and all for your golf party. And, for a winning celebration, make
my Bourbon Soaked Grapes…place grapes in a container, cover with bourbon and soak overnight. Skewer two grapes on a white golf tee and serve.
From the golf course to the main course, all great tournaments are centered around the Augusta National. Want to create a taste of the Masters? Serve up some of the traditional food classics that you can make at home–quite simple sandwiches such as the Master’s famous pimento cheese, egg salad or the chicken salad on a brioche bun. Inspired by the azaleas that bloom in the spring and summer all over the
city, recreate the pink colored Augusta Azalea Cocktail of freshly squeezed lemonade and grenadine served with vodka.
Ready for a spring golf trip? Have some unfinished business on a certain golf course?!? Here’s some food inspiration from some of the best: Hilton Head Island has unbelievable quality golf and great food. Iced oysters in Bloody Mary mignonette, Southern fried chicken, lobster ravioli in a lobster, basil and cognac sauce and eggplant cannelloni share the spotlight with the “must play” list.
To cap off a perfect day, the “19th Hole” (the enduring social activity with good food and drink and beautiful views) is best with signature Bloody Marys, crab cakes, Andouille sausage quiche, coconut shrimp po’boys with apricot sauce and jicama slaw, lobster BLTs and great brews. Great golf resorts offer culinary adventures that can satisfy any palate. The best golf food is almost as much a part of the playing experience as the view from the 19th hole…you remember it.
And what better way to enjoy your favorite game with your family than at a miniature golf course. My research suggests Pelly’s Mini Golf at the Del Mar Golf Center, Del Mar, CA…have fun while learning about the ocean on two 18-hole mini golf courses featuring life-like marine animals, designed in cooperation with the Surfrider Foundation at Scripps to not only entertain, but also educate participants about one of the world’s most precious resources: the ocean. Definitely one of the best mini golf courses in America to date and it’s not too far from Orange County!
Un-fore-gettable golf puns are loved by golfers…Joke #1: Golfer to caddie: “Why do you keep looking at your watch? I find it very distracting.” Caddie: “It’s not a watch, sir – it’s a compass.”
Joke #2: Noting that her husband looked more haggard and disgruntled than usual after his weekly golf game, his wife asked what was wrong. He answered, “Well, on the 4th hole, Harry had a heart attack and died. It was terrible! The entire rest of the day, it was hit the ball, drag Harry, hit the ball, drag Harry!”
May your golf party be a Hole In One and may your next round be only Birdies.
PIMENTO CHEESE BALL
Using a stand mixer makes this Southern favorite one of the easiest appetizers to make. Prep time is 15 minutes and chill time is 1 hour.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
8 ounces softened cream cheese
4 ounces diced pimentos
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper
splash Worcestershire sauce
Toppings (to roll the cheese ball in):
3 ounces chopped bacon
1 cup chopped toasted pecans
2 tablespoons chopped chives
1 teaspoon paprika
Mix all the ingredients in your stand mixer until well mixed. Turn out the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Pull up the edges of the plastic wrap and twist so that all of the cheese is inside and begins to form a ball. Use a combo of twisting the plastic wrap and your hands to form the cheese into a ball. Place it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour
so that it becomes firm. Using a fork, mix the topping ingredients and spread them out in a solid layer on a piece of wax paper. Remove cheese from fridge and roll the ball over the toppings. You might need to roll more and press in a bit to get the covering you like. I like a good heavy covering. The contrasting crunch with the creamy cheese is what it’s all about!
SANDWICH HACKS
This is your guide to reinvigorate the sandwich for your Sub, Hoagie, Ham and Cheese, Turkey or Roast Beef. Careful construction is key. Neatness counts. Flavor and satisfaction is a beautiful thing.
Miso Mayo provides an umami kick and is super easy—Season your mayonnaise with miso paste and hot sauce.
Giardinera is an Italian relish of pickled vegetables in vinegar or oil. It’s a versatile condiment; I also like pickled red onions and pickled banana peppers.
Use Sliced Meats like Mortadella, Bologna’s aristocratic cousin. Applewood Ham, smoked turkey breast and prosciutto, sliced to the perfect thinness make for the perfect sandwich. Hollow Out That Roll or Ciabatta and get rid of some of that bread. It creates an imbalance between the filler and bread and is less likely to spill out the sides.
Fairway Views by Barclay Butera
BY CHRISTINE PHILLIPS FOR BARCLAY BUTERA INTERIORS
For style icon Barclay Butera, designing homes in golf course communities has increasingly become in-demand! And even though the general atmosphere is sporty and relaxed, there are still plenty of requests for elegant, fresh traditional interiors. Crisp white walls with rich warm wood trim set the stage. Butera uses
his signature mix of textiles and patterns, glamorous light fixtures, and classic silhouettes to romance each home. The stunning views are left unobstructed, the soaring ceilings and sweeping vistas are highlighted with massive windows and unfussy window treatments. The end result, is a sophisticated, magnificent hole-in-one!
For information about interior design services, please contact Jennifer Gordon at 310.994.4235
WWW.BARCLAYBUTERA.COM
Building On The Dream
THE EVOLUTION OF A CORNERSTONE OF THE NEWPORT COMMUNITY
BY MATT MORRISON
Vision. Extraordinary vision.
Ken Kendall had more of it than maybe even he realized when he first imagined a first-class social club along a junky stretch of beach on the north end of Newport Harbor. In the mid 1940s, nobody beyond a pair of optimistic real estate speculators and maybe the second James Irvine himself reckoned then all that Newport Beach could really be.
At the time, in the wake of World War II, the City was a little-known coastal playground that essentially shut down over the winter. That’s what it had been for most of the 40 years since Newport Beach was incorporated in 1906 (with a population of just 206). There was little infrastructure and no industry to speak of; seasonal recreation, a bit of sport & commercial fishing, plus the remnants of a small military
ship building boom during the war years.
A couple decades earlier, when Mr. Irvine deeded the original 26.5 acres of harbor property to the City of Newport Beach (11 acres were later parceled out to the Boy Scouts of America), his vision was only what he didn’t want to see; the Irvine Ranch boss gifted the land with an informal understanding that it would not be used for industrial purposes, but for people to enjoy.
By 1946 (population approx. 8,000), the military had pulled out leaving behind a smattering of abandoned shacks used as Army Air Corps barracks along the unkempt beach. That’s what developers Tom Henderson and Hadd Ring looked upon when they recognized all the potential. City government leaders, desperately in need of expanding the municipal
tax base, were eager to lease out the property. Enter Mr. Kendall. A southern man from a prominent family, his inherent fortune did nothing to inhibit his ambition. Bicoastal, wellconnected and possessing powerful charisma, Kendall was living in Los Angeles on a stack of business successes when Hadd Ring sold him a weekend home on the Newport Peninsula. Kendall mentioned he might want to start a private club, an accomplishment he’d previously enjoyed decades earlier on Long Island, New York. He was certain residents would want more to do in their leisure time beyond the beach and boating. And he wanted to foster community. When Henderson and Ring introduced Kendall to the neglected stretch of sand they’d been eyeballing, that concept of what would soon become the Balboa Bay Club was set in motion.
Editor’s Note: This is the next installment in a series of articles throughout 2023 celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the Balboa Bay Club. Much of the research is reliant on the 1984 publication ‘HOST of the COAST’ by James P. Felton.
It was Kendall’s astute 360-degree vision, tireless energy and charismatic personality that made it happen. To begin, his group shrewdly enlisted the support of James Irvine. The prominent social club would be the cornerstone of a carefully conceived upscale community, one in which the Irvine Company would gradually sell many, many new homes. By the time the City solicited bids for the lease in 1947, Kendall had properly researched the important government regulations and lobbied all the critical stakeholders. His diplomacy was spot-on and no details were left to chance. He was awarded the contract over two other proposals bidding to construct hotels, restaurants, boat slips, fishing lodges, and service stations. Kendall took over the lease precisely 75 years ago in March, 1948 and the BBC was born.
On an operating budget of $2 million, cleanup of the property began immediately and
construction began two months later. While recruiting initial backers among his friends and neighbors at $1,000 a pop, Kendall himself started selling memberships for $100 out of a hamburger stand at the property on the edge of Pacific Coast Highway. More productively, he called on his many corporate and well-heeled connections from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Pasadena and beyond to join his upstart club. His early BBC associates did the same. Kendall’s enthusiasm was infectious and the capital was raised. Within months, members were enjoying camaraderie and entertainment around a snack shack and makeshift dance floor at their new club quickly under construction.
In the early formative stages, Kendall’s vision included a swimming pool as one of the first amenities to compliment the new clubhouse and restaurant. Many wondered why he insisted on a swimming pool so close to the beach. The
wisdom was soon evident as the pool became a focal point for social activity, events and entertainment. The pool, boat slips, and the first tennis courts fostered sporting activity that so many members continue to enjoy to this day.
Ken Kendall’s legacy as founder and the first president of the BBC is indelible. He set a precedent of excellence in every facet of his vision, including recreation, philanthropy, commerce and civic pride. Under his leadership, the BBC blossomed as one of the finest private clubs on the west coast and indeed the nation. Members and guests have included US presidents, international royalty and Hollywood legends. He established this magazine, The Bay Window, in 1951 and it remains the longest continually published monthly magazine in Orange County.
After seven years at the helm, with a lifetime of achievement in his wake, it was time for Mr. Kendall to enjoy his sunset. In 1955, he announced he was stepping down as President and Director of his beloved Balboa Bay Club. He sold his controlling interest to one of his many trusted business associates, the wealthy Texas insurance mogul Clint W. Murchison. Mr. Kendall enjoyed his retirement until he passed away in 1962.
In future installments of this series, we’ll spotlight the continuing growth of the BBC, its character and impact on Newport Beach under subsequent owners and management.
It’s interesting to imagine what the Balboa Bay Club might be in another 75 years. Perhaps it’s impossible to predict with the unknown evolution in our culture and technology. But it could be safe to say that whatever the BBC will be on the brink of the 22nd century, it will be solidly entrenched in the very foundation established by its founder and first president, Ken Kendall.
The Job Growth Conundrum
TO UNDERSTAND THE REAL GROWTH IN JOBS, EXAMINE PART TIME V. FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT
BY IVAN ILLÁN
If you’ve heard about the latest jobs report released from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for January 2023, it was likely accompanied with some positive cheer. Payrolls increased by 517,000 to start the year, which was significantly higher than the monthly figures seen since August 2022. But don’t get too excited. Unfortunately, what doesn’t get explained is whether those jobs are full-time or just parttime jobs. Most of the job growth over the past year can be attributed to part-time jobs, not full-time jobs, which has declined. Such a dynamic has been seen in previous economic cycles that have preceded recessions, including 1981, 1990 and 2008.
So, what’s the big deal, isn’t job growth good no matter what its type? Not necessarily. A change in employment modality from fulltime to part-time could indicate a waning confidence for companies to maintain fulltime employees when more flexible part-time workers could meet the operations’ needs for productivity. This reduced confidence could be directly attributed to things business owners and C-suite executives are witnessing firsthand. Factors like increased inventories, higher production costs, higher acquisition costs and higher transportation costs are confidence killers.
If the type of job growth isn’t enough to indicate an economic headwind, then the fact that wage growth has been smothered by inflation would add insult to injury. Real wages have been decreasing from early 2021 through yearend 2022. Therefore, not only have companies shifted their preference toward part-time workers, but all workers have seen less take-home income net of inflation. If this dynamic continues, which has been alluded to by Fed officials and other economists, companies are preparing for more layoffs (or pivoting to part-time workers) while those same workers are faced with the challenge of being squeezed budgetarily.
I mentioned previous recessionary periods in the opening paragraph. Between November 1979 and August 1983, part-time employment grew 16.3% while full-time employment grew only 3.45%. From November 1989 through December 1992, part-time payrolls grew 5.30% while full-time fell -0.24%. Lastly, part-time employment increased 10.7% from November 2007 through December 2010 as full-time employment declined -8.7%.
Recently, between February 2022 to January 2023 part-time job growth has been up 6.2%, as full-time has lagged with just 0.35% growth.
As businesses evaluate their financial condition as it relates to weathering an upcoming economic storm, payrolls are an area of acute interest. Maintaining productivity while reducing costs is a natural pursuit for more capitalist enterprises. As the unemployment rate increases from its recent low, it may be sourced to reductions in full-time payrolls before part-timers are ever impacted. Said another way, a company’s pivot from fulltime to part-time payroll preference would be in line with previous economic cycles that preceded recessions.
From Generation To Generation
GOLF IS A FAMILY TRADITION
BY ALEX CHAZEN
I’ve written about how I believe that golf can provide all of the insight that you truly need in order to know about a client or business associate. I’ve written about how golf can be like my yoga – providing me with calm and centering when the world around me gets a little too crazy. I’ve even written about golf as a means for reminding you all about the importance of reviewing your insurance coverage.
But this year, as the biggest names from the PGA Champions Tour come back to Newport Beach for the Hoag Classic, if you will indulge me, I want to write about the passing of the game of golf from generation to generation. It will surprise nobody that golf is an old game. The invention of the “modern” game of golf predates both basketball and American football by 300 years and the sailing of the Mayflower by about 120.
For me, the game begins with my grandparents – my dad’s dad is said to have hit his first hole in one and given up the game at the end of that round. But we used to have putting contests in his office every time I visited him. My mom’s parents both played until they passed, and I was fortunate enough to take multiple golf trips with them. My
wife’s grandparents also played, and I was lucky enough to be able to play a round with her grandmother before she gave up the game, and to be able to have her grandfather’s putter alongside my grandfather’s putter in my bag to this day.
My dad put a golf club in my hands as soon as I could walk, and I do not remember a time where there weren’t children-sized golf clubs around the house. He sent me to golf camp when I was younger so that I could be qualified to play on the Los Angeles golf courses before the normal age requirement of 16. My kids, in turn, had the ubiquitous Fisher Price plastic golf clubs before they could walk.
But this past summer, our daughter really got into the game, and asked for lessons and her own set of clubs. She went to a golf camp, and to a few sessions of a clinic. She started to understand the game, and as a reward, we found some time this fall where we could go out on the course together, to play a few holes just by ourselves.
I had always known that for my dad or my grandparents, playing golf with me – as opposed to with their friends – was always a “sneaky” way to get me alone, and to be able to talk without the pressure of other family members, or other friends around to hear. But I hadn’t given it much thought until from the seat next to me in the golf cart I heard, “Dad, can I tell you something?” In that moment, it all made sense. The money spent on the incredible courses and lessons and camps and clubs and balls – so many balls (I was not a very consistent player in my youth) – was worth those few hours on the course. The opportunity to get a kid away from their screens and friends and activities, alone on the course, with nothing to do but play and talk, really changes everything.
This fall, we lost my grandmother (who went by G.G. with our kids because she was “too young to be a great grandmother”). We were out of town for Thanksgiving. Before heading home, to help comfort the family and help with preparations and arrangements, I went out on the course to try and clear my head. To talk to my grandpa through his putter again. And our daughter looked at me with those eyes that only a daughter can give to her father and asked to come with me. And right after she made a beautiful chip shot onto the green, she turned to me and said, “G.G. is clapping for that shot.” In that moment, I knew she understood, and I knew that the game was being passed to her. Later, when we were cleaning out my grandmother’s condo, I found her putter, brought it home, and placed it in my daughter’s bag.
Do I think I have the next Annika Sorenstam living in my house? No. But you better believe that I will be taking her out for as many rounds of golf as she’ll let me. Enjoy the tournament!
Alex Chazen is a partner with Lorber, Greenfield & Polito LLP. He can be reached at achazen@lorberlaw.com.
Weighing In On Body Shaming
THE GREAT WEIGHT DEBATE AND POLITICAL CORRECTNESS
BY DR. MICHAEL BRANT-ZAWADZKI
Shortly after becoming first lady in 2008, Michelle Obama became convinced that both Malia and her sister Sasha needed to slim down. She replaced whole milk with low fat milk, banned sugary drinks, monitored meal portions and fast food became a memory. Shortly after, she launched a government “war” on overweight kids…Her husband signed an executive order to combat childhood obesity, aiming to eradicate it in a generation.
As of today, that war failed. Body shaming has “woken,” and political correctness flipped it to “body positivity”– to the point that at the 2023 Grammys, singer Adele was body shamed for LOSING weight–must be those Lizzo fans. Forget the term Plus Size: JC Penny’s recent ad campaign states “Fat Girls Can Do Whatever They Want.” This change may reflect the business revenue opportunities
offered by the continued rise in populational obesity. The CDC now reports that over 4 in 10 US adults have obesity, as defined by body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, vs less than 3 in 10 in 2000.
Today, doctors are being urged to drop the term obese and use “excess body mass index” to avoid stigmatization. Yet one of the first things they ask when coming for a visit is to step on the scale, because obesity’s impact on health is known. Follow the science: Obesity dramatically worsened COVID’s impact. It predisposes to cardiovascular disease including heart disease, hypertension and stroke, type 2 diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders and some cancers. Society “shames” smokers, partly because they increase health care expenses, it’s proven that weight loss improves one’s health, and can lower societal health care expense. Let’s not re-write science to fit ideology or marketing strategies. Let’s agree. Obesity worsens health and increases health care costs for everyone.
Yes, losing weight is hard. Evolution trained our bodies to protect us from starvation, hence losing weight is not just food calories in, activity calories out. Our body regulates its weight through a “Set Point” keeping one’s weight within a certain range. Unfortunately, this tends to adjust to one’s highest weight. When we start to lose weight, our metabolism slows down to maintain the set point, elevating, hormones that promote hunger, while hormones that make you feel full are suppressed. Studies show that hunger hormones which increase during a diet never revert. Thus, yo-yo dieting is common. Clearly, weight stigma is detrimental to self-image, and even one’s mental health and therefore can be counter-productive to weight loss. Obesity implies laziness, lack of will power, bad hygiene and unattractiveness. Shame isn’t motivational for weight loss: Studies show weight discrimination causes stress leading to overeating, and weight gain. Weight is complex: a mix of genetics, environment, behavior and biological factors. Body “positivity” has its benefits. There is
a range of defining a “healthy” body. However, the focus should remain on overall health. Statistically, diet and exercise only have a success rate of 5-10%. Managing weight loss is a team sport, It requires nutritional and psychological support, with medical supervision and even procedural intervention. Specially trained experts, in obesity medicine and bariatric surgery now exist, There’s no “magic bullet.” Each aspect of weight management is just one tool in the toolbox. Healthy diet and physical activity may not be sufficient, medication, devices such as gastric balloons and surgery all have a role. New medications both oral and injectable can help patients lose 5-20% of their total body weight. Research shows that even a 5% weight loss improves health. But medications should be thought of as a “for life” treatment. If stopped, the weight comes back. Balloons can easily be placed into the stomach, simulating a full stomach with smaller meal portions. Bariatric surgery is also a great option for selected patients interested in safe, durable weight loss, The two most common being a sleeve gastrectomy–where an outer constrictive material is wrapped around the stomach to promote satiety, and gastric bypass. This reduces the size of the stomach and passes food more distally into the intestine, altering digestion and absorption. With both, 60-70% of excess weight loss can be expected.
But a significant portion of even those patients will regain weight if not supported. A key factor in achieving successful and durable weight loss is working with a multidisciplinary team of experts, including dieticians, psychologists, medical bariatricians and surgeons to find the best fit for each individual patient. Such a team is available at Hoag’s Digestive Health Institute, with Doctors Adrian Dobrowolsky and Katie Blevins leading the bariatric surgery service, expert gastroenterologists providing endoscopic balloon placement options and obesity medicine specialists managing medication. Yes, fat people can do anything, except lead healthier, longer lives.
Collegiate Golf 2023
TRANSITIONING FROM THE CAMPUS COURSE TO THE PGA & LPGA
BY RYAN G. COOK
If golf is your sport and you want to play competitively at the collegiate level, then you need to go to a top-ranked Division 1 NCAA school with the best athletes and coaches in golf. Considering that the PGA and LPGA Tour is the goal for many men’s and womens’ college golfers, the Tour’s new streamlined process of getting there comes as good news overall.
The PGA Tour has recently established the Tour University division, a program aimed at strengthening the path to the PGA and LPGA Tours. This is great news for college golfers who aspire to play competitively on the professional circuit. The Tour University division comprises developmental tours such as the Korn Ferry Tour, Mackenzie Tour (PGA Tour Canada), PGA Tour Latinoamérica, and PGA Tour Series-China.
The program also rewards college athletes who honor their commitment to their teams. To be eligible, a player must play on the NCAA Division I level and complete a minimum of four years in college. The top five finishers
NCAA DI MEN’S TOP 30
1. Vanderbilt
2. North Carolina
3. Florida
4. Georgia Tech
5. Arizona State
6. Texas Tech
7. Oklahoma State
8. Illinois
9. Oklahoma
10. Texas
11. Tennessee
12. Stanford
13. Pepperdine
14. Auburn
15. Arkansas
16. Florida State
17. Texas A&M
18. LSU
19. Georgia
20. Wake Forest
21. Notre Dame 22. Ole Miss 23. Virginia 24. Alabama
from the PGA-LPGA Tour University Ranking List, which is based on the player’s finish at the NCAA Championship, will receive some PGA-LPGA Tour membership and be exempt into all open, full-field events from the week after the national championship through the end of the Tour regular season. They will also be exempt into the Final Stage of that year’s Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament. Finishers 6-15 will secure membership on one of the international tours for the current season and a spot in the Second Stage of the Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying Tournament. The PGALPGA Tour has also partnered with the World Amateur Golf Ranking, run by the USGA and R&A, to compile the ranking list. This means that a player’s amateur record will finally play a role in their journey to the Tour. The rankings will consider the final two years of a player’s college career, but they won’t appear on the ranking until the start of their fourth year in college. Events that count towards the Official PGA-LPGA Tour University Ranking List include NCAA Division I men’s and women’s
25. East Tennessee State 26. North Florida 27. Oregon 28. Duke
29. Arizona
30. Washington
TOP 10 MEN
1. Gordon Sargent, Vanderbilt
2. Michael Thorjbornsen, Stanford
3. Calum Scott, Texas Tech
4. Ludvig Aberg, Texas Tech
5. Ben James, Virginia
6. David Ford, North Carolina
7. Cole Anderson, Florida State
8. Jonas Baumgartner, Oklahoma State
9. Cole Sherwood, Vanderbilt
10. Derek Hitchner, Pepperdine
NCAA DI WOMEN’S TOP 30 1. Stanford 2. Oregon 3. Wake Forest 4. South Carolina 5. UCLA 6. Arizona State
7. Oklahoma State
8. LSU 9. USC
golf events and official PGA-LPGA Tour events, such as the Masters, U.S. Open, and the Open Championship. The first Ranking List was unveiled summer of 2020-21 college golf season and updated each week during the season.
The PGA-LPGA Tour University program will allow players to remain amateur and still receive guaranteed starts. In this case, a player must declare in writing to the PGA-LPGA Tour within three days of the final Ranking List being released and may participate in events as a non-member. While it’s too early to tell if the emergence of the new ranking will put more focus on the top college golfers and keep them in school for 4 years, I believe this is a great move by the PGA Tour and will prove to be advantageous for the up-and-coming stars of the next generation and their pathway to the PGA Tour.
To be the best that you can be, you need to be sharpening your athletic skills with other top golf athletes. Here are rankings for the best college golf programs that should be at the top of your list:
10. Texas A&M
11. Florida State
12. Auburn
13. San Jose State
14. Virginia 15. Michigan
16. Texas
17. Georgia
18. Arkansas
19. Florida
20. Ohio State
21. Kentucky
22. Texas Tech
23. Ole Miss
24. Arizona
25. Pepperdine 26. Alabama
27. Baylor
28. Duke
29. TCU 30. UCF
TOP 10 WOMEN
1. Rose Zhang, Stanford
2. Ingrid Lindblad, LSU
3. Amari Avery, USC
4. Rachel Kuehn, Wake Forest
5. Rachel Heck, Stanford
6. Carolina Chacarra, Wake Forest
7. Hannah Darling, South Carolina
8. Benedetta Moresco, Alabama
9. Emilia Migliaccio, Wake Forest
10. Cynthia Lu, Oregon
