Talking Golf: 2013 Courier Golf Guide by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

Get in the swing

Playing games

In with the new

Dressed to the tee

There are a number of training tools available today to help golfers improve their swings and their scores. Check out a few of the options ...

Golfers have creative imaginations when it comes to the games within the game they have developed. Let the games begin.

Each golf season brings with it a variety of new equipment designed to shave strokes off that handicap. Find out what’s new this season.

What’s appropriate attire on the golf course these days? What’s popular, what’s trending and what’s out of style? Get the fashion scoop.

Page 3

Page 8

Page 12

Page 15

PAGE 2

2013 GOLF GUIDE

THE COURIER

www.wcfcourier.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Short game is the key to improving your score â&#x2013; Most shots in a round come from 90 yards or closer to green By DOUG NEWHOFF doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com COURIER FILE PHOTO

Local pros say chipping and putting are biggest keys to consistently better scoring.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody wants to hit that driver and see it go 800 miles ... If somebody comes to me and wants to get from 90 to 85, we would spend a lot of time on their short game. â&#x20AC;? Greg Mason Area golf pro

Everybody loves a big hitter, right? Maybe not, if that big hitter is your golďŹ ng partner for the day and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the only thing he or she has to contribute. Most local golf pros will tell you that the best way to get more satisfaction out of your round or improve your game is by concentrating on the shots you hit from 80 yards and closer. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everybody wants to hit that driver and see it go 800 miles,â&#x20AC;? says Greg Mason, the PGA pro at Waverly Golf Course and owner of G3 golf. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think if more people would work on 30, 40, 50 yards in, that would improve their

game the quickest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If somebody comes to me and wants to get from 90 to 85, we would spend a lot of time on their short game. Another thing that happens is that when somebody works on their short game, their grip gets a lot softer. While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working on your short game, you can still work on how you hold the club, how you stand, how you address the ball ... Hopefully, it will help them with a lot more things in their game.â&#x20AC;? Mike Schuchmann, owner of Waterloo Golf Headquarters and the new co-owner of Cedar Valley Golf Center in Waterloo, has never forgotten some of the lessons he learned from the legendary Jack Nicklaus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had the pleasure of spending a very short period of time with him, had dinner with him numerous times and then he did some clinics for his Golden Bear Tour and one at a private club for members,â&#x20AC;? Schuchmann relates.

$1000* off LASIK Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the hole without your glasses on?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing I always remember him telling everybody, and it has always stuck in my mind. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over half of your golf shots in a round are from 100 yards in. If you think about it, if you go shoot a 70 or 72 in a round, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used your driver maybe 13 or 14 times and you might have 30 putts. Then think about how many times you got up and down and how many wedges you hit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a 6-inch putt or a 300-yard drive, it still counts as one shot.â&#x20AC;? At Waterloo Golf Headquarters, Schuchmann sees a lot of customers who can shave strokes off their games by simply putting more useful clubs in their bags. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If they had those scoring clubs and lower wedges in their bag instead of that extra wood, that would save them way more strokes,â&#x20AC;? he explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of mid- to higher handicaps donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the right mix of golf clubs in

their bag. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got too many long clubs and not enough short clubs.â&#x20AC;? Schuchmann, an accomplished golfer himself, has seen the correlation between his short game and his scorecard. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every time I play in a tournament and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m fortunate enough to win, I look back and I got up and down four out of four times or whatever when I really needed to. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the key.â&#x20AC;? John Bermel, PGA pro at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls and the head coach of the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s golf teams at the University of Northern Iowa, agrees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It would deďŹ nitely be chipping and putting, especially coming out of the winter,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The faster you can get that ball in the hole, the better chance youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got. I think chipping and putting really give people ďŹ ts in the spring around here because they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done it for so long.â&#x20AC;?

Golferâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Massage Reduce fatigue

Avoid injury

Focus your round in 2013!

Improve your round in 2013!

Mauer Eye Center is offering

$1000 off LASIK April 1st â&#x20AC;&#x201C; May 31st

Starting at just $55

Imagine the possibilities with LASIK Call 433.3000 to schedule a no-cost consultation. *$500 per eye. May not be combined with other offers or redeemed for cash value.

Call 233.2000 to reserve your service time.

mauereye.com 319.433.3000 | 319.233.2000 dvinemedicalspa.com 2515 Cyclone Drive, Waterloo, Iowa 50701

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

www.wcfcourier.com

2013 GOLF GUIDE

PAGE 3

THE COURIER

Training tools help golfers get swing of things ■ Benderstik, Momentus, Medicus all can help improve swing By DOUG NEWHOFF doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com

Pick any sport and you have no doubt heard the old adage that champions are made during the offseason. Golf is no different. The work done in your basement, garage or on the practice range ultimately determines how you will fare on the course. Local golf experts John Bermel, Greg Mason and Mike Schuchmann suggest three basic training tools that are all but guaranMATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor teed to improve your swing and Among the most popular swing take a few strokes off your game. training devices on the market Bermel, a local PGA pro at today are the Momentus weighted Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in driver (left), the Benderstik (center) Cedar Falls and head coach of the and the Speed Stik (right). men’s and women’s golf teams

at the University of Northern Iowa, teamed with Waterloo native and nationally renowned golf instructor Mike Bender to invent the Benderstik. It’s an inexpensive tool ($19.95 retail) that can be used nearly anytime and anyplace and offers immediate feedback as you swing. Basically, it features a softball-sized head on a ﬂexible shaft that can be positioned in multiple areas to ﬁne-tune most of the mechanics involved in swinging a golf club. “The best part about it is that you can use it without actually hitting golf balls,” notes Bermel. “It really helps you get your swing in the right direction. You can put it right on your head so your head doesn’t move when you’re hitting. You can position it so your hips do the right things. You can set it up so you have to hit underneath it to improve your downswing. It just

tells you so much about your swing.” Greg Mason, PGA pro at Waverly Golf Course and owner of G3 golf, also does a lot of teaching. His favorite training tools are clubs manufactured by Momentus Golf. Both the driver and iron models (approximately $79.95) are heavier than standard clubs and evenly weighted throughout the clubshaft. That extra weight generates momentum during the swing that in turn helps carry the club through the proper swing plane while also creating muscle memory that will transfer to swinging standard clubs. “This time of year, it’s good to train your golﬁng muscles and stretch them out a little bit,” Mason explains. “When Narvy (Don Narveson) was alive, he used to have people swing an old broom. The Momentus has a reminder grip, too, and because

it’s heavier, you can’t screw up your swing.” Schuchmann, owner of Waterloo Golf Headquarters and an accomplished golfer, stocks the Benderstik, Momentus and Medicus hinged drivers and irons at his store. They all have their place depending on an individual’s particular needs. “The Momentus builds muscle memory, and if you can repeat muscle memory, that works,” he notes. “The Medicus works on the swing plane. I like the idea where you can swing something and see the results.” Instructional videos can help improve the average golfer’s game, as well, although some tend to get too technical for the average golfer. “Lou Guzzi out of Philadelphia has some real nice video out there,” says Mason.

See TRAINING, page 4

67$< ',1( 3/$< Lodging, Meals & Golf Packages In the Amanas

Escape to an Old World Weekend

GOLF PACKAGES Monday-Thursday: $50 per person Friday, Saturday & Sunday: $60 per person Includes 18 holes of golf and cart

Stay at the Colony Oaks Condominiums Dine at the Ox Yoke Inn® Play at the Amana Colonies Golf Club

1-800-233-3441 or online: oxyokeinn.com

154.95 PER COUPLE Taxes Included

Includes One Room for Two Adults for One Night. Two Meals each for Two Guests at the Ox Yoke Inn®.

Call Today for a Free Brochure and Reservations

Choose from Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner or Sunday Brunch.* Colony Oaks at the Amanas Amana Colonies Golf Course 451 27th Ave, Middle Amana

4420 220th Trail Amana

*Bar service, appetizers, soup, sides, dessert and gratuity not included. Cannot be combined with any coupons, specials, discounts and group prices.

Gift Cards Available.

PAGE 4

THE COURIER

TRAINING Offseason work can make big difference on golf course From page 3 “He keeps it simple and doesn’t get too complicated with any aspects of chipping or putting or a full swing. Lou’s videos are a little shorter and to the point, like 2- to 4-minute videos versus those half-hour videomercials where you almost get bored with it.” Schuchmann says video has its place, but there’s no substitute for immediate feedback when ﬁne-tuning your golf swing. “I think video can be good just for educating you on some of the fundamentals, but when you get a teacher who is usually working with touring pros and is trying

to relate to someone who is a 15 or 18 handicap, his lingo probably isn’t going to correspond to your language. “My personal opinion is that it helps the most when you can get out there and physically do it. “I think for a lot of people, it’s hard to take what you see on TV or on video and apply it on the course.” Bermel says the best video is that which analyzes your own swing. “What I use is an I-Pad,” he explains. “There are apps you can get for like $2 that let you ﬁlm the swing and draw lines and see exactly where you’re at. It’s amazing how it works. Once they get a look at it and you kind of know what they’re doing or not doing, I can see how fast they get better.”

Speaking of golf ... “They call it golf because all of the other four-letter words were taken.” Raymond Floyd

New Greens and Bentgrass Fairways for 2013

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Got wind? Turn it into an ally ■ Make most out of headwind holes, cash in on tailwinds By CARSON TIGGES carson.tigges@wcfcourier.com

Wind is a force of nature. As such, it shouldn’t be challenged. Windy conditions on the golf course are commonplace, especially in the spring, but if you try to make the wind play by your rules, problems only get worse. The old adage “when it’s breezy, swing easy” holds true. Even if you’re staring uphill to a pin 450 yards away with the wind in your face, trying to overpower the conditions does no good. “When it’s windy, people think they have to swing harder. But that will only put more spin on the ball and send it off line,” said Adam Miller of Centennial Oaks

Golf Club in Waverly. “It really puts a premium on ball striking and hitting on the middle of the club face.” Miller is in his ﬁrst year as the golf pro at Centennial Oaks, but will soon learn to deal with the wind as the course is one of the most wide-open links-style courses in the area. That’s all part of knowing the course you’re playing and setting a plan of attack before the ﬁrst swing. Mike Menke, the general manager of Fox Ridge Golf Club in Dike, says to simply take Mother Nature’s good with the bad. “Before you play your round, it’s good to plan out which holes you can be aggressive on,” said Menke, whose home course is also in wide-open spaces just off Hwy. 20. “For some, you have to accept that you’ll make a bogey. Then play more aggressive when you’re downwind.” As Menke pointed out, having the wind at your back is a strong

possibility almost every time out and maximum distance can be achieved. There is a time to be aggressive, a time to back off, and it should be mapped out in the clubhouse before heading to the ﬁrst tee. Part of that process is club selection and making adjustments to that part of the game. Equipment is as key as ever, and how a breeze affects a ball in the air plays a big role in club selection. “That part of it definitely affects how you go about the day and your thought process,” said Menke. “With all the different driver technologies, you make adjustments with your clubs before you tee it up that day.” On the other end of the spectrum, a headwind will also serve to knock balls down if one starts to get away. The breeze may be unforgiving at times, but learning to play on its schedule can turn it into a force that can be reckoned with.

Beaver Hills Country Club 8230 Beaver Hills Drive Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Call for Membership Specials. www.beaverhills.com. • Main: 319.266.1975 • Pro Shop: 319.266.9172

Join Now

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

www.wcfcourier.com

2013 GOLF GUIDE

PAGE 5

THE COURIER

More women are mixing business, pleasure on course ■ Golf provides valuable chance to network, stay in touch with game By JIM NELSON jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com

COURIER FILE PHOTO

Golf has become a valuable opportunity for networking and doing business for Cedar Falls’ Jenny Graeser (far left), shown here during the 2011 Women’s State Amateur at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo.

Doing business on the golf course isn’t a new concept. It has probably been done for as long as the game has been around. But a new trend has seen more and more women using golf as a way of conducting their business. Waterloo native and former Waterloo West state champion

Jenny Graeser, now the campaign director for United Way fundraising, agrees. “Two-hour meetings on the golf course ... it’s a great tool and one that has kind of opened doors for me,” Graeser said. “With my job, I do deal with a lot of business owners and business leaders in the community, and golf is a huge way I do networking,” Graeser added. “I run a golf tournament as a fundraiser. Golf is a skill that allows me to hang out on the golf course, do business, and it is something I really enjoy, as well.”

See WOMEN, page 6

1749 Golf Course Blvd • Independence, IA 50644

319-334-6576 Tournament Schedule for River Ridge

Our fee schedule, which allows access to all four Lizzy Rose golf courses:

18 Holes $22 9 Holes $14 18 Hole Cart $24 9 Hole Cart $14 Operated by

Family Membership $650 Single Membership $495 College $200 Junior $100

April 27 May 4 June 1 June 5-8 July 6

2 Person 18 Hole Ryder Cup 9am $15/player 3 Person Best Shot 10am $15/player 4 Person Best Shot 9am $15/player Jr. Golf contact neiowajrgolf@gmail.com for information Firecracker Open 18 holes/cut for top 12 ($600 to Champion) 8am $30/player Aug 17 4 Gal Best Shot 9am $15/player October 19 River Ridge Chili Open (11am shotgun $25/player food included) 4 Person Best Shot Tournament entrees do not include guest fees or cart fees. Tournament guest fees are $10/player (Does not apply to Lizzy Rose Members). Cart fees will be as posted.

New Member Special Receive gift certiﬁcate equal to the cost of your cart shed rent, cart lease, or trail fee. Call for more details!

PAGE 6

2013 GOLF GUIDE

THE COURIER

WOMEN

The World’s No. 1 women’s golfer, Stacy Lewis, brought that to the forefront two weeks ago when she donated $50,000 of her winnings from the LPGA Founders Cup to the program. Numbers in girls’ high school programs in the Cedar Valley are currently strong. Waterloo West has more than 20 girls out for golf, while Cedar Falls has a programbest 40-plus out this year. “I try to make it a fun experience for all of them,” Cedar Falls head coach Megan Youngkent said. “That is from our No. 1 player to the girls who might never see the

Numbers are strong in metro girls’ golf programs From page 5 Getting more women to use golf as a tool in business or pleasure also has its challenges. Primarily, Graeser says, the level of priority golf takes in a women’s life tends to decrease as career and family responsibilities eventually take precedence. “I have seen a huge dropoff in women my age, mid-20s and upper-30s, which is the prime age of settling down and starting a family,” Graeser said. “Running the kids around makes golf become second ﬁddle. The only chances former teammates of mine have to get out is maybe somebody remembers they played college golf and they get asked to play in a best-shot or fundraiser.” Graeser adds that golf is a sport that is a lot like riding a bike, noting that women always can come back to the sport. Graeser also believes there are more opportunities to get young

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

women and girls involved in the game, including the resurgence of the Waterloo Junior Golf Association, which under the direction of Tom Berg and several former local standouts including Abby Bermel, will be holding free clinics this spring for junior golfers and a weekly tournament series. In 2013, WJGA membership will

include the Waterloo Leisure Services junior morning pass, which allows juniors to play Waterloo’s three city courses on weekdays for no additional green fees. For more information, go to the WJGA website at www.wjga.org. Another initiative to get girls involved is the LPGA-USGA Girls golf program.

Open p to the Public

Call 319-827319-827-1152 Annual Membership Family $650 • Senior $625 Single $525 • Senior $500 Junior $175 Cart Sheds Available. Membership includes playing priviledges at River Ridge in Independence and Edgewater and HIckory Grove Golf Courses in Oelwein.

9 Holes $15 $18 $15

18 Holes $18 $21 $25

www.jesupgolf.com Operated by

Unlimited Play $23 N/A $30

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013 state meet. “Golf is good to learn and is a lifelong skill.” Waterloo West senior Lucy Dahl sees golf as something she can share with family. “My dad got me into it, and it is something that we can do together and have fun doing it,” Dahl said. Youngkent agrees. “It can be a family sport,” Youngkent said. “A mom and dad can’t participate with their kids on the basketball or volleyball court or football ﬁeld, but they can go play golf.” Taking Junk Off The Streets For 36 Years! Because We Care!

Pro Taylore Karle of Scottsdale, Ariz., competes during last year's Waterloo Open at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course.

Jesup Golf Course

Green Fees Weekdays Sat/Sun/Holidays Cart Rental

www.wcfcourier.com

• Member of IAR - Iowa Automotive Recyclers We Pay $$ For Junk Cars, Scrap Steel • Pick up available in Tri-County area

945 Lowell Ave., Waterloo (319) 232-0704 or 877-232-0704

Jesup Golf and Country Club 2013 Schedule of Events Date

Title

April 21 May 11 May 26 June 1 June 15 June 23 July 13 July 16 July 23 July 28 Aug 24 Sept 21 Sept 28 Oct 20

4 Person Best Shot $15/Player 10am Senior 2 Man Best Shot $15/Player 12pm (50+) 2 Person Ryder Cup $15/Player 9am 3 Lady Best Shot $15/Player 10am 2 Person Best Shot $15/Player 9am 2 Couple Best Shot $15/Player 9am 4 Person Alternate Shot $15/Player 1 pm 4 Gal Best Shot $15/Player 1pm 2 Person Senior $15/Person 12 pm (50+) 2 Couple Best Shot $15/Person 1 pm 3 Person Best Shot $15/Player 9am 2 Man BIG MONEY Best Shot $25/Player ($800 to Winner!) 10am 2 Man 27 Hole Ryder Cup $15/Player 10am 4 Person Maid Rite Open $20/Player (Food Included) 11am

Tournament entrees do not include guest fees or cart fees. Tournament guest fees are $10/ player (Does not apply to Lizzy Rose Members). Cart fees will be as posted. Trail fees will be $5.

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com

PAGE 7

THE COURIER

REGISTER TO WIN GOLF PASSES FROM ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS [WINNERS DRAWN AND CONTACTED BY PHONE FRIDAY, APRIL 19.] Beaver Hills Cresco Country Club Fox Ridge Golf Course Gates Park Hampton Country Club Hickory Grove Golf Course Irv Warren Country Club

Jesup Golf & Country Club Parkersburg Legend’s Trail River Ridge Golf Course South Hills Stanley Taylor Memorial Park Sunnyside Country Club Town & Country Golf Club

Mail entries to: Golf Pass Giveaway, c/o The Courier | P.O. Box 540 | Waterloo, IA 50704

Name Address City

State

Daytime Phone

Zip

E-mail Address

Are you a Courier subscriber: _____ Yes _____No

www.waterlooleisureservices.org/golf

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, April 16

GATES PARK

820 East Donald Street Waterloo, IA 50703 (319) 291-4485

SPORTS

PARKS

IRV WARREN MEMORIAL 1000 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 234-9271

FORESTRY

GOLF

SOUTH HILLS

1830 East Shaulis Road Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 291-4268

YOUNG ARENA

NO INCREASE IN GREENS FEES FOR 2013

PAGE 8

THE COURIER

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Games within the game help level the course ■ Golfers have plenty of creative ways to increase stakes By DOUG NEWHOFF doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com

Not everybody plays golf at the same level. That doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a rewarding day on the course, regardless of the numbers on their scorecard. It’s all about the games within the game. When there’s something at stake that doesn’t have anything to do with your ﬁnal score, one well-placed chip shot or curling, 20-foot putt can make your day and make even a 20handicap a valuable member of a foursome. Golfers have come up with dozens of ways to level the playing ﬁeld and create both camaraderie and competition on the course. From Skins to Greenies,

Seven-Up, Lone Wolf, Camels and Snakes and Vegas, there are plenty of ways to get everybody’s competitive juices ﬂowing. Let the games begin. Skins has been around forever and is fairly straightforward in most applications. Golfers team up or compete individually with a predetermined reward for winning a hole. If there’s a tie on a hole, that reward carries over to as many holes as it takes for somebody to claim the “skins.” So, if the stakes are $1 per golfer or $2 per two-person team each hole and nobody takes a hole until the 10th, the reward would be signiﬁcantly greater. Greenies is a game that is settled on the greens with points awarded to whomever is closest to the pin, hits the longest putt, needs the fewest putts and posts the low score on the hole. Seven-Up is somewhat similar with seven available points on

“Vegas is one of those games where the stakes can get up there pretty quick. But believe it or not, it seems like it always evens out in the long run.” Mike Schuchmann Waterloo Golf Headquarters owner

each hole. The Lone Wolf game forces participants to make some decisions and take some risks and can be played individually or in teams. A random system is used to determine the “wolf.” The wolf then tees off and faces a decision. If you’re playing as teams, the wolf waits until each of the other golfers tees off and announces after each tee shot whether or not he or she wants that golfer as a partner. Or, he or she can determine up

front to go it alone against the rest if the format is individual play. If the wolf or the wolf’s team wins the hole, everybody else pays up. If not, the wolf pays up. Usually, after three holes, the process starts over with a new “wolf.” Camels and Snakes is all about the short game. “Camels” are shots that land in a bunker. “Snakes” are three-putts. If you hit into a bunker and don’t get up and down, you owe everyone else in the group. If you three-putt, you owe everyone else. Thus, if you hit a good sand shot but still need three putts to hole out, you must pay up. Vegas is a bit more involved, but has become a popular twist on the grand old game. If you’re playing in a foursome, everybody tosses their golf balls into the air. The two that land closest together determine the teams, and everything is handicapped to level the playing ﬁeld.

BRING IN YOUR SCORE CARD FOR A FREE COCKTAIL ON US

BUY 1st DRINK AND THE 2nd ONE IS FREE

Let’s say Team A records a 4 and a 5 on the ﬁrst hole, while Team B records a 5 and a 5. Team A’s Vegas score is 45, and Team B’s score is 55. Team B lost by 10 points, and since it didn’t cover par with its two 5s, it owes double. Adding to the stakes, any time a team doesn’t cover par, its score is reversed. That means if Team B wins on a par-3 with a 3 and a 6 for 36 while Team A posts a 4 and a 7, Team A must reverse its score to 74. Thus, the difference grows to 38 points (or dollars!). Some groups apply that twist throughout the round, while others reserve it for individual holes when they wish to “press” their luck. “Vegas is one of those games where the stakes can get up there pretty quick,” notes local golﬁng expert and tournament veteran Mike Schuchmann. “But believe it or not, it seems like it always evens out in the long run.”

Let Us Be Your 19th Hole!

311 Main Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613

319-277-8111

www.thepumphaus.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

www.wcfcourier.com

2013 GOLF GUIDE

PAGE 9

THE COURIER

Local golfers have surprising range of pro idols ■ Woods, Mickelson, McIlroy not among favorites of locals By JIM SULLIVAN jim.sullivan@wcfcourier.com

The birdie putt rolls crisply into the cup on the 18th green, and your ideal round of golf is about to end. Tugging on your slacks, you bend over and pick up the ball. Then, after taking a brief second to enjoy the bright sunshine, you turn to the golfer standing nearby. You walk over and shake the hand of ..... Who? That’s the question we asked a few people in the golf community. It was phrased this way: “If you could play one 18-hole round with any golfer, living or deceased, who would it be and why?”

McIlroy, either. In fact, the answers varied widely from person to person. And not every golfer mentioned could be called a household name in the 21st century. Take Patrick Flanagan, the head boys’ golf coach at Waterloo Columbus. For his ideal 18 holes, he picked Moe Norman as the partner. Moe Norman? Moe Norman, who died in 2004 at the age of 75, was an underground legend of sorts. A native of Kitchener, Ontario, Norman won 55 times on the Canadian Tour and he didn’t have a high proﬁle south of the border. That said, Norman’s swing drew raves AP FILE PHOTO from stars like Sam Snead. The legendary Jack Nicklaus is one of a number of pros named by local Said Flanagan, “I have read a golfers when asked whom they would most like to play golf with. couple of books about him in the last year and have met a couple It can’t be called a surprise end hacker. Somewhat sur- of pros who knew him personally that nobody nominated Joe the prisingly, no one selected Tiger and loved listening to the stories. Neighbor or their favorite week- Woods or Phil Mickelson or Rory “Moe was probably the best

ball-striker ever, and to watch him play the game for 18 holes would be a wonderful gift. He had the swing ﬁgured out unlike anyone else.” Kristian Einsweiler, the girls’ golf coach at Columbus, opted for a man from a bygone era who is much better known in the United States. “I would play with Bobby Jones,” said Einsweiler. “Not only because he was a master of the game, but he also played the game with a high level of integrity. It’d be hard to ﬁnd a better ambassador of the game, or role model for young golfers.” Items like character and integrity also played no small part in the choices made by Mike Schuchmann and Brandon Rogers. Schuchmann nominated Jack Nicklaus, but he’s actually met the Golden Bear.

See IDOLS, page 12

Town & Country Golf Club Grundy Center

LOVE GOLF, but HATE paying high price memberships and waiting for tee times? Then come to Town & Country Golf Club in Grundy Center. Here are some of the reasons we think you’ll love our course: • Beautiful 9 hole, 3,337 yard golf course with watered fairways, 4 sets of tee markers, and water hazards

• 30 minutes from Cedar Falls/Waterloo, 20 minutes from Hudson • Clubhouse with kitchen and deck seating

• Relaxed atmosphere, with available tee times • Friendly staff

Check out our OUT OF TOWN membership rates! • Associate Membership: $155* • Single Membership: $200* • Family Membership: $300* • Cart Shed Rental: Starting at $85* for the YEAR! *Sales tax not included

S Sound too good to be true? Come check us out and play a round – if you decide to join, we’ll apply your green fees to the cost of a membership! Interested? Call us at 319-824-3712 or check out our website at www.tcgolfclub.com Int

NE IOWA FEATURED GOL GOLF COURSE

LOCATION

PHONE NUMBER

WEBSITE INFORMATION

HOLES

GREEN FEES WKDAY WKEND PRIVATE COURSE

COUR LENGTH

Beaver Hills Country Club

Cedar Falls

319-266-1975

beaverhills.com

Cresco Country Club

Cresco

563-547-2374

golfcrescocountryclub.com

$25.00

5,85

Edgewater Golf Course

Oelwein

319-283-3258

golfoelwein.com

$14.00+

$22.00+

N/A

Fox Ridge Golf Course

Dike

319-989-2213

golffoxridge.com

$38.00

$42.00

6,80

Gates Park

Waterloo

319-291-4485

waterlooleisureservices.org

$18.00

6,38

Hampton Country Club

Hampton

641-456-3256

hamptoncountryclub.com

$30.00

$32.00

2,75

Hickory Grove Golf Course

Oelwein

319-283-2674

golfoelwein.com

$14.00+

$22.00+

N/A

Irv Warren Country Club

Waterloo

319-234-9271

waterlooleisureservices.org

$18.00

6,19

Jesup Golf & Country Club

Jesup

319-827-1152

jesupgolf.com

$15.00+

$18.00+

N/A

Parkersburg Legendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trail

Parkersburg

319-346-1284

legedtraildevelopment.com

$10.00+

3,31

River Ridge Golf Course

Independence

319-334-6576

golfoelwein.com

$14.00

$22.00

N/A

South Hills

Waterloo

319-291-4268

waterlooleisureservices.org

$18.00

6,65

Stanley Taylor Memorial Park

Hudson

319-988-4159

N/A

$4.00+

1,61

Sunnyside Country Club

Waterloo

319-234-1707

sunnysidecountryclub.com

Town & Country Golf Club

Grundy Center

319-824-3712

tcgolfclub.com

PRIVATE COURSE

$15.00+

N/A

6,80

3,33

Your online source for area golf

OLF COURSE DIRECTORY COURSE LENGTH (YDS)

CART RENTAL

GPS

CLUB RENTAL

SCHED. TEE TIME ONLINE

RESTAURANT

SNACK BAR

N/A

Yes

5,858 (18 holes)

$21.00

Yes

N/A

$14.00

Yes

6,800

$14.00

Yes

6,389

$16.00 (1/2 Cart)

Yes

2,750

$12.00

Yes

N/A

$14.00

Yes

6,194

$16.00 (1/2 Cart)

Yes

N/A

$15.00

Yes

3,313

$7.00+

Yes

N/A

$14.00

Yes

6,653

$16.00 (1/2 Cart)

Yes

1,613

N/A

6,800

$15.00

Yes

3,337

$14.00

Yes

ea golf information:

Maps of area courses

DRIVING RANGE

LESSONS

Area Tournament Schedules

Articles

And more

PAGE 12

THE COURIER

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

Clubs take another big swing for 2013 season ■ Adjustable drivers one way golfers are taking strokes off handicaps By NICK PETAROS nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Draw, fade, clubup, club-down, golf is a game of endless options. Golfers can be control freaks at times — playing a sport with choices that can

IDOLS Who would you most like to play a round of golf with? From page 9 “To win as many majors as he has and to have that balance,” said Schuchmann. “He’s been between being very successful running a golf business and

drive its participants crazy while also fueling the challenge they desire. Prior to taking a swing on the ﬁrst tee, there are more options than ever at a golfer’s disposal. According to those in the golf business, the trend of adjustable drivers isn’t a fad that’s going away anytime soon. “Almost every company has an adjustable driver of some sort,” Waterloo Golf Headquarters

owner Mike Schuchmann said. “You can take it and change the loft from whether it be 8 all the way to 12 degrees. “You’re really buying one driver that has 100 different options on it. ... “On a windy day, if you want to take that thing down to 8 degrees (of loft) and hit it low, you can. Then if there’s days where it’s hot and the course is dry and you want to hit it high and let it

bounce, you can take the thing up to 10 1/2.” From pros to amateurs, the ability to change a club without having to return to the golf shop has become an asset. “Rickie Fowler was just saying out in Arizona he took his driver because the air is thinner and he cranked the loft on it from a 9 to 10 1/2,” Schuchmann said. “You can do that with a screw and a little wrench and move it.”

Adjustable drivers have allowed club ﬁtters to carry less inventory. “It has kind of become a norm,” Sunnyside Country Club golf pro Travis Aanes said. “For our business, it’s a little bit easier because you don’t have to stock as many products because the driver is so adjustable. It’s the same with ﬁttings, too.”

winning majors and raising ﬁve kids and staying out of the press. There’s never been any negative press about Jack Nicklaus. He’s just a stand-up guy.” Rogers, the golf expert at Scheel’s Sporting Goods, went with one of Nicklaus’ peers and close friends. “I’d really want to golf with Arnold Palmer,” said Rogers.

“He’s just very classy — a very genuine guy. He did a lot for everybody, and he was a good face for golf.” Andy Devine, the pro at Irv Warren, went with Ben Hogan out of admiration for his game and his competitive ﬁre. “He was probably one of the best ball-strikers who probably ever lived,” said Devine. “He was

so competitive. I read about him playing a tournament at Pebble Beach and when he got done a guy came up to him and said, ‘Congratulations.’ Hogan said, ‘Thanks very much and how did you play?’ He’d just played with him. “He got into his game so much and didn’t let anything bother him. He just played.”

One of the women who played the game and played it well got the nod from Kelly Nelson, the girls’ golf coach at Waterloo West. “I would love to play a round of golf with Annika Sorenstam,” said Nelson. “I always enjoyed watching her play and I think I could learn a lot from her. She did amazing things for women in golf.”

See CLUBS, page 13

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

CLUBS Adjustable drivers expand options, reduce number of clubs From page 12 While rules mandate clubs can’t be adjusted during a round, the adjustability of fairway woods allows golfers to designate the loft that best ﬁts a course, potentially eliminating a wood from the bag. “We can help the consumer and the golfer play better golf because he or she doesn’t have to come in now and buy a driver, 3-wood, 5wood, hybrid,” Schuchmann said. “You can eliminate a couple clubs and put a wedge on the back end where you’re going to use a wedge a lot more than you are that 3wood or 5-wood.” While TaylorMade has made a splash with its white drivers, other companies have been expanding the color scheme, as well. Cobra has blue, orange, red and gray options, while Nike’s new driver is red. “If you put the same shaft into all these clubheads and get ﬁt for the same loft, they’re probably

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com all going to go within five yards of each other,” Schuchmann said. “But you’re going to be looking down on that driver and it’s got to look good to your eyes.” One iron that has been creating a buzz is TaylorMade’s “RocketBladez,” which has a small groove cut into the sole of the 3-through7 irons intended to promote faster ball speed and a higher flight that lands on a quick stopping angle. “It’s going to be kind of fun to see what happens with those,” said UNI head golf coach and Pheasant Ridge pro John Bermel. The competition amongst manufacturers continues to create plenty of options for consumers in the market for new clubs. “I’ve been here 15 years and I’ve said it before, but this is definitely hands down the best line of equipment I’ve ever seen across the board from all these companies,” Schuchmann said. “There’s not a lot of people beating down the door to buy one specific product. ... “Now there’s so much good equipment out there, we never know what we’re going to sell.”

The great putter debate ... ■ USGA’s decision on long putters could impact many players By NICK PETAROS nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — Late last fall, golf’s governing bodies proposed a rule change that sent unsettling ripples among a community of players who have become accustomed to using long putters. This spring, the United States Golf Association and The R&A is expected to make a ﬁnal decision on the proposed rule that would prohibit strokes made with a club or hand gripping the club held directly against the player’s body to establish an anchor point. “Throughout the 600-year history of golf, the essence of playing the game has been to grip the club with the hands and swing it freely at the ball,”

PAGE 13

THE COURIER

JOIN NOW!

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

Today’s golfers have a variety of putter styles to choose from. USGA Executive Director Mike Davis said in a statement on the organization’s website. “The player’s challenge is to control the movement of the entire club in striking the ball, and anchoring the club alters the nature of that challenge. Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing

by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring the club.” It’s no surprise that the anchoring rule, viewed as targeting long putters such as the belly putter, has already made an impact on sales. The proposed rule change wouldn’t go into effect until Jan. 1, 2016.

See PUTTERS, page 14

That’s all it takes to become a member! Make Legend Trail your second golf home in 2013. Join for just $99 for the entire year when you present a membership card from any other course in lowa.

Experience the Cedar Valley’s best kept golf secret! ● New ownership and management ● New Executive Chef Nathan Woodley’s expansive menu ● New Club Car golf Carts ● New cash tournament golf events ● New apparel and equipment in the golf shop ● New daily fee rates & golfing packages

Call today to sign up for the Legend Trail Grand Opening 4-man best shot-April 27! 9:30 AM Shotgun start! 206 6th Street Parkersburg 319-346-1284 www.legendtraildevelopment.com

PAGE 14

THE COURIER

PUTTERS USGA’s decision on anchored strokes could have broad impact From page 13 “Our long putters are kind of scaring people,” said Mike Schuchmann, owner of Waterloo Golf Headquarters. “Somebody is not going to want to spend $200 and then two years later they’re going to ban it. They ﬁrst started talking about it in August or September, and that really put a hitch in the sales of the longer belly putters.” Northern Iowa golf coach and Pheasant Ridge golf professional John Bermel can empathize with those wanting to keep the long, anchored putters as a part of the game. “That’s a tough one because I used one for seven years,” Bermel said, addressing the long putter. “If it was such an advantage for everybody, everybody would be doing it. I don’t know what they’re trying to accomplish by banning them.”

Bermel says he went to a long putter because it allowed him to ﬁnd the sweet spot on a more frequent basis, but has since gone back to a more traditional putter that he found allowed better distance control. “The longer one, I just didn’t feel comfortable with the longer putts and putting into the wind,” Bermel said. Schuchmann says the long putters are also popular among golfers looking to correct a technical breakdown. “They’re really trying to take out the wrist, the yips, the break when your hands get discombobulated from your body,” Schuchmann said. “When you get that all together at once, it’s just a pure triangle stroke. What you’re really trying to do is anchor it to get the shoulders and take the wrist and hands out of it.” Other than switching to a long putter, golfers are now using more oversized grips to eliminate the wrist motion. “We’re gripping probably 50 percent of all the putters that we sell into a bigger grip because

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com

it takes your wrist out of it,” Schuchmann. “It gives you a little more feel and it gets your shoulder putting.” When choosing to use a more traditional putter, the major decision is between the standard blade versus the mallet head. “The mallets being a bigger head are going to have more forgiveness on them than a blade style,” Sunnyside Country Club golf professional Travis Aanes said. “For most people, that’s better because you don’t have to hit it in the sweet spot every time. ... Blades really haven’t changed much at all, but the mallets have gotten bigger with more graphics on the back which help with alignment.” Much of the putter decision is comfort and personal preference. “We still carry a lot of blade putters,” Schuchmann said. “There’s some people that really like that blade that couldn’t go to something that big. Personally, after putting with a bigger mallet, it’s tough to go back

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013 ting stroke. “If they keep the rule the way it is without changing it, you’ll see a lot of people with the longer style putters,” Aanes said. “It’s just kind of a comfort thing.”

Speaking of golf ... “I have a tip that can take ﬁve strokes off anyone’s game: it’s called an eraser.” Arnold Palmer

COURIER FILE PHOTO

Gene Elliott uses a long putter on his way to victory in the 2011 Waterloo Open Amateur Division. to the blade just looking at it aesthetic-wise.” Aanes also believes there is still a market for the long putters — especially if the USGA and R&A were to allow the anchored put-

“It took me seventeen years to get 3,000 hits. I did it in one afternoon on the golf course.” Hank Aaron

2013 Host of the Relay for Life Tournament July 26th, 2013 2005 Iowa Golf Course of the Year Among the premiere 9-hole courses in Iowa, the Hampton Country Club golf facility in Hampton, Iowa features 3,176 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 37.

MONDAY SPECIAL

The Hampton Country Club opened in 1920. Angie Harper is the General Manager. HCC offers a lounge, restaurant, clubhouse p rentals and practice facilities.

UNLIMITED GOLF AND CART FOR

3000!

WO-040112022

1620 Country Club Lane, PO Box 314, Hampton, IA 50441 Phone : 641-456-3256 E-mail : angie@hamptoncountryclub.com www.hamptoncountryclub.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

2013 GOLF GUIDE

www.wcfcourier.com

THE COURIER

PAGE 15

Dressed to the nines: a look at golﬁng fashion ■ Television has big inﬂuence on what golfers want to wear By JIM SULLIVAN jim.sullivan@wcfcourier.com

If Tiger Woods is wearing a black shirt on Saturday, someone will buy it on Monday. Mike Schuchmann has seen it and sold it. Not long ago, Schuchmann noted that Woods was wearing a black Nike golf shirt during the third round of a tournament. When he opened Waterloo Golf Headquarters less than 48 hours later, he had a customer and she had a question: “Do you have that shirt that Tiger wore?” she asked. Schuchmann, the owner of Golf Headquarters, said he did. Then she bought three of them for her family.

“It’s whatever the guy on TV is wearing,” said Schuchmann. “We have a lot of that.” Schuchmann added, “There’s still a love-hate relationship with Tiger, but he still pushes the needle. He really does.” So Woods and his competitors on the PGA Tour, stars like Ricky Fowler or even Bubba Watson, are trendsetters when it comes to golf attire. In a sense, they are also setting the rules for what to wear and what to avoid. The days of white shirts, ﬁrmly-knotted ties and plus-fours are largely gone. There is a sense of informality about golf that didn’t exist in the past, especially on the public courses. As Andy Devine, the club pro at Waterloo’s Irv Warren put it, “Golf, for many years had the aura of being an elitist sport. The last 50 years, what’s trickled down is it’s more of a casual

pay attention to what’s fashionable. And country clubs still have rules. At Sunnyside, for instance, collared shirts and slacks or khaki shorts are a must. No denim or basketball shorts or t-shirts. The women may wear sleveless shirts along with capri pants and those khaki shorts. But women can’t wear denims, either. Golfsmith.com, an online store, reminds its customers that the game still has an “unspoken etiquette.” That means collared shirts and long pants. Or to put it another way, it’s what you see the professional players at the Waterloo Open wearing. “There’s no denim out there,” MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor quipped Devine. Fashionable attire on the golf Said Brandon Rogers, the golf course has taken on a new look in expert at Scheel’s Sporting recent years, such as this outﬁt at Good in Cedar Falls, “When I Waterloo Golf Headquarters. ask questions, I tend to ﬁnd that game anymore.” people who go to country clubs That said, plenty of golfers still are a little more over the top.

They buy a little more outﬁts, I would say, versus someone who needs something to go out with a bunch of guys. They’ll go with the regular polo and maybe like black khaki shorts.” As the 2013 season approaches, golfers are buying. Bright shirts are in. Orange, a favorite of Ricky Fowler, is popular, but so are colors like baby blue, pink, purple and lime green. Slacks made by companies such as Nike and Puma attract customers. For the casual golfer, plaid shorts are coming off the shelves. There’s also a trend to more casual shoes — a tennis shoe look. Women are turning to an item called a “skort.” That’s a combination of skirt and shorts. Then there’s this — white belts.

See FASHION, page 16

Stanley Taylor Memorial Park Golf Course 251 DALE DRIVE HUDSON, IA 50643

319-988-4159

2013 GOLF GUIDE

PAGE 16

THE COURIER

FASHION

Cedar Valley Golf Center has big plans

Pro golfers set trends for casual player’s attire on course From page 15 “White belts are definitely back,” said Schuchmann. “You can’t go to a golf course and not see a white belt. Hats — the flat bill hats are coming back. The old trucker hats with mesh are popular again. “It’s crazy, You kind of see everything coming in a cycle.” Sales are already heating up. “I think this year is going to be good,” said Rogers. “We just want to keep fresh and make sure we have the new stuff people come in and want.” Added Schuchmann, “If you watch the guys with an obvious presence on TV — like the Golf Channel — people see what they’re wearing. Our clothing sales, I would say, in the last five years have quadrupled. It used to be about five or eight percent of our sales. Now clothing sales, accessories, is at least 30 percent of our business.”

www.wcfcourier.com

SUNDAY, MARCH 31, 2013

■ New owners looking to make numerous upgrades By DOUG NEWHOFF doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com

WATERLOO — The work has just begun at the former All-Golf Center on Ridgeway Avenue in Waterloo. New owners Mike Schuchmann, George Cooley and Brent Dahlstrom have big plans for the property they purchased last year, which includes a nine-hole golf course and a popular driving range. When the doors open this spring, it will have a new name — The Cedar Valley Golf Center. “We know how important that has been to the Cedar Valley to have that, and we want to make it even better than it has been,” said Schuchmann, who also owns Waterloo Golf Headquarters.

MATTHEW PUTNEY / Courier Photo Editor

The former All-Golf Center on Ridgeway Avenue in Waterloo is under new ownership that has major expansion plans in mind. “Fortunately, I have the ability and know-how to do it, and I also have great businessmen with me in Brent Dahlstrom and George Cooley who love the game and know how strong the game is in the Cedar Valley area.”

That group purchased the 26 1/2-acre property from Greg Mason. They’ve already taken out the dilapidated miniature golf course and replaced a couple of rundown buildings. “We’ve got numerous ideas and

plans,” said Schuchmann. “In the near future, we will have indoor, heated hitting bays where you’ll be able to come year-round and hit balls. “Brock Mulder is moving back to the area, and he’s going to be our resident pro. He’ll bring all the knowledge and stuff he has from the Hank Haney golf schools and incorporate that back here so we’ll have a full teaching center out there.” A grand opening is planned for May 17 and will include a Demo Day where customers can test equipment from most major manufacturers. Unlimited golf for $5 will be offered that day. Other prices and packages include an unlimited individual range and golf pass for $225, a family unlimited range and golf pass for $399.99, unlimited daily golf play for $16, or a 9-hole round for $10. A limited number of carts will be available for rental.

Cresco Country Club Watered tees, greens, fairways, and even the roughs Driving range available, pro shop, senior tees available 9 Hole Course of the Year 1988 Superintendent of the Year 1995 Clubhouse Manager Scott Butikofer Superintendent Rich Bahr

Tournament Schedule: ● May 11 3 Man Best Shot ● June 14 Seniors 2 Man Best Shot 50 and Up ● June 16 Men’s Invitational ● July 7 Couples Big Cup Best Shot

● August 18 3 Couple Team Best Shot/Alternate Tournament ● September 8 3 Man Best Shot ● September 22 1 Person Big Cup Best Shot ● October 12 Soup’s On 2 Person Best Shot

Cresco Country Club, 22005 115th Street, Cresco IA 52136 ● 1-563-547-2374

www.crescocountryclub.com

GOLF OELWEIN New Member Special Receive gift certiďŹ cate equal to the cost of your cart shed rent, cart cart llease, ease, or or ttrail rail ffee. Callll for for more more details! details!

1432 1 4 32 Q A Ave. Ave ve Oelwein, IA

1509 1 5 09 O Outer uter Road Oelwein, IA

319-283-3258

319-283-2674

Membership includes playing privilege at River Ridge in Independence and Jesup Golf Course. 4 great courses for the price of 1!

www.golfoelwein.com See our website for tournament information, junior golf, membership application, lessons, and driving directions.

Operated Operated b by y Chris Black, PGA Professional

www.golfoelwein.com

CANCER CARDS WELCOME

Full Service Pro Shop - Lunch Served Daily - Banquet Facilities - Great Food - Family Atmosphere - Public Welcome

"Big Time Golf Small Town Iowa"

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE 2013: Serving Breakfast $6 Senior Scramble Mornings

FOX RIDGE DIKE, IOWA Senior Scramble: S

4 Person Best-Shot:

4 Person Best-Shot Championship:

8:00 AM SHOT-GUN COST: $25

SUNDAY JUNE 16TH 9:00AM SHOT-GUN COST: $55 PER GOLFER

SUNDAY AUGUST 11TH 9:00AM SHOT-GUN COST: $100 PER GOLFER