Golf Guide 2014 by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

TEEING IT FORWARD GOLF GUIDE 2014

WATERLOO COURIER I 3. 23.14

Travis Youngblut puts some body into his swing while teeing off during the 2013 Waterloo Junior Golf Championship at Irv Warren Memorial golf course in Waterloo last July. BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Youth movement

Future of golf starts with youth

DOUG NEWHOFF I doug.newhoff@wcfcourier.com

year ago, the Waterloo Junior Golf Association had one foot in the rough. The organization that for years has helped develop and serve youth golfers throughout the Cedar Valley needed to shape a shot to put it back on the fairway. Under the leadership of Tom Berg and Marianne Christensen, the WJGA is back in the short grass and rolling toward the green. “I couldn’t have been happier,” said Berg, who returned as the WJGA’s executive director after a 10-year hiatus and surrounded himself with a staff that shares his vision. “When you dive into something like that, you don’t really know what the outcome is going to be.” That outcome was significant. WJGA membership increased from fewer than 50 members in 2012 to approximately 140 last summer.

See WJGA, page 6

Page 2 2014 Courier Golf Guide

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Sunday, March 23, 2014

METRO GOLF COURSE CAPSULES Beaver Hills Country Club

Par: 72 Length: 6,848 yards Pro: Brad Clark Location: 8230 Beaver Hills Drive, Cedar Falls Phone: (319) 266-1975 Notes: A private, parklandstyle course built on rolling terrain that features uneven tree-lined fairways, dozens Brad Clark lies, of sand bunkers, and water that comes into play on the first five holes. Players will find new fairway grass, remodeled greens and pricing specials this season.

Pheasant Ridge

John Bermel course.

Par: 72 Length: 6,730 yards Pro: John Bermel Location: 3205 W. 12th St., Cedar Falls Phone: (319) 266-8266 Notes: A demanding public course featuring tree-lined fairways and fast greens with numerous sand bunkers and water hazards. Complex also includes Walter’s Ridge 9-hole

Location: 1844 W. Ridgeway Ave., Waterloo Phone: (319) 236-1010 Notes: This venue features a par-3 course with an average length of 125 yards per hole. The longest hole is 175 yards, and the shortest is 90 yards. The complex includes a large driving range.

Gates Park

Par: 72 Length: 6,839 yards Pro: Nate Lubs Location: 820 E. Donald St., Waterloo Phone: (319) 291-4485 Notes: This majestic, mature, 18-hole course has many tree-lined, bluegrass fairways and water hazards Nate Lubs that come into play on several holes. Sand or grass bunkers guard every bent grass green.

Irv Warren Memorial

Cedar Valley Golf Center

Par: 27 Length: 1,134 yards

Andy Devine

Par: 72 Length: 6,194 yards Pro: Andy Devine Location: 1000 Fletcher Ave., Waterloo Phone: (319) 234-9271 Notes: Built in 1908, this public, 18-hole course has its share of mature trees, bunkers and water hazards that come into play on a couple of holes,

Hunter Beck reacts as his shot slides past the hole during the 2013 Waterloo Open Amateur Division at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo.

but it’s great for beginners. Irv Warren hosts the Professional Division of the annual Waterloo Open each July.

Red Carpet Golf

Par: 72 Length: 6,557 yards Pro: Ed Dolan Location: 1409 Newell St., Waterloo Phone: (319) 235-1242 Notes: A semi-private course, Red Carpet features a variety of hazards that come into play on many holes. The Ed Dolan greens are undulating and challenging, as are several of the bluegrass fairways. Built in 1920, Red Carpet features more than 30 sand bunkers.

South Hills

Par: 72 Length: 6,950 yards Pro: Monte Meyer Location: 1830 E. Shaulis Road, Waterloo Phone: (319) 291-4268 Notes: A hilly course with numerous trees that can alter shots, plus a handful of hazards. The greens are Monte Meyer water undulating and fast, while the bluegrass fairways range from tight layouts to wide-open.

TIFFANY RUSHING

Sunnyside Country Club

Par: 72 Length: 6,736 yards Pro: Travis Aanes Location: 1600 Olympic Drive, Waterloo Phone: (319) 234-1125 Notes: A private, 18-hole championship layout that is well-bunkered with more than 30 sand traps and features water that comes into play on at least 11 holes.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com 2014 Courier Golf Guide Page 3

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The Cedar Valley Golf Center is a completely overhauled driving range and par 3 executive course. Our golf amenities are perfect for the avid golfer, weekend warrior, or first-timers. With a range of offerings from golf clinics to demo clubs to annual family memberships, we want to provide you with the best opportunity possible to improve your golf game. Stop by or visit us online to learn more today about the Cedar Valley Golf Center and how we can get you one step closer to the perfect swing!

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Page 6 2014 Courier Golf Guide

wjga

Program expansion develops new talent From the cover

“They did a heck of a job increasing participation and the excitement around junior golf,” noted Nate Lubs, PGA professional at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo. “It’s the best buzz I’ve seen in a long time, which is really neat.” Berg and his staff knew what needed to be done. “Once we got in there and got some kids there, we just figured we had to reprove ourselves,” Berg continued. “I think we succeeded, due in large part to the kids we hired to do the hands-on stuff. “However many people you get, you want it to be a great, high-quality experience for them, and you want them to feel like they are where they belong. I think that had a lot to do with our success. I think we’ve got a pretty good base we can build on now. We can do a lot of things better, but we tried not to bite off more than we could chew last summer.” The WJGA’s Mini-Tour was expanded to include nine 18-hole golf courses in the area. That number will increase to 10 this season with the addition of Centennial

Oaks in Waverly. “We have always had a goal of giving our junior golfers the opportunity to play every 18-hole golf course within a reasonable driving distance,” noted Berg. “With the addition of Centennial Oaks, the WJGA Junior Golf Mini-Tour now includes all 10 public and private 18-hole courses within 30 minutes of the metro area.” The WJGA will also debut its new “Get Better Faster” talent development program this summer. The goal is to help serious junior golfers take the next step in their development by matching them with an area PGA professional who will provide one lesson per week for eight weeks. The three-part program, which is for WJGA members only, includes instruction, practice and play with low-handicap amateur golfers who have volunteered to play golf with the program’s participants and offer advice and guidance. Cost of the program is $50. “What I see over and over is kids who love the game of golf and playing a little bit, they get somewhat better as they go, but very few get any systematic golf instruction,” said Berg. “A lot of them kind of plateau. Those are the kids we’re aiming at ... those who love to play and want to get better. “We think this program can help our

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BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer

Trevor Heinen, left, watches Matthew Sternhagen putt during last July’s Waterloo Junior Golf Championship at Irv Warren Memorial golf course.

high school programs, too. There’s a little gap there we think we can fill that nobody else is filling. “Golf is a game you are probably not going to stick with if you don’t reach a certain level of confidence. You really start enjoying it when you start playing well.” At the same time, the WJGA hopes to reach out to boys’ and girls’ high school

Sunday, March 23, 2014

programs throughout the Cedar Valley to let them know about the “Get Better Faster” program and encourage their golfers to get involved. Berg said WJGA membership will remain at $30 for the 2014 season. That includes two free clinics, the Mini-Tour and the Waterloo Junior Championship at the end of the summer. Financially, the WJGA also moved forward last season. “The Cedar Valley Sports Commission helped us with some funding, as did the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa,” said Berg. “I think our responsibility is to get away from that kind of help as quickly as we can and become selfsupporting. “Jim Miller took over our fundraising this winter and was pretty successful. The community support is there, and that will allow us to increase membership gradually without over-reaching. We don’t want to grow it so fast that the quality slips. “Whatever we are doing, we’ve got to do it right, do it well and do it first-class so every kid who comes gets a great experience.” For more information about the WJGA or its new “Get Better Faster” program, visit the organization’s website at www. wjga.org or the WJGA Facebook page.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com 2014 Courier Golf Guide Page 7

Cedar Valley fertile ground for prep golfers Junior programs, local pros benefit high school programs NICK PETAROS nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

COURIER FILE PHOTO

Cedar Falls High’s Megan Brewer tees off during a 2012 dual meet against Grundy Center at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Falls.

Patrick Flanagan’s Waterloo Columbus golf teams have authored the latest chapter in what has been lengthy run of success for high school golf in the Cedar Valley. Waterloo West’s 10 boys’ state championships and Columbus’ eight boys’ titles each rank among the state’s top five. Columbus has been to state each of the past five years, winning championships in 2012 and 2013. West’s most recent title came in 2008, while its first was in 1950. From two-time state medalist Jack Rule of West in the 1950s to four-time state champion Jon Tink of Waterloo Christian to last year’s state medalist Jack Conway of Columbus, numerous

2011 team title. Flanagan believes the type of success found locally is no accident. “It’s a really nice situation for junior golf in this valley,” Flanagan said. “I think the success can be directly attributed to the club pros that have been in the area. They’re extremely helpful, extremely welcoming and they always have time for our high school golfers. “The Waterloo Junior Golf Association also has a huge impact. They play that in the summer and that gives them a competitive tournament every week and they take full advantage of it.” BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer West boys’ golf coach Josh Barta Aplington-Parkersburg High’s Ian Muller worked as a former assistant golf pro stands ready to move the flag as Waterloo at Gates Park and says he has also been Columbus’ Jack Conway attempts a long impressed with the time the city’s pros putt on the 15th hole at Gates Park during have dedicated to instructional clinics, a sectional meet last May. along with providing affordable access individuals have also climbed to the top to youth golfers during the summer. Flanagan has noticed not all prep golf of the state podium. The tradition extends to the girls’ teams enjoy the accommodations that game where West’s Andy Cohn won the are received locally. first two girls’ state titles in 1956 and ‘57, and most recently Cedar Falls won the See Prep, page 8

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Prep

Mental toughness cited as key to teams’ success From page 7

“I’ve seen situations where pros were not that friendly to high school teams and there are some teams around here who struggle to find a place where they’re welcome,” Flanagan said. “Some teams in the WaMaC quite frankly didn’t have as good of a setup as we do.” When it comes to building a championship team, Flanagan points to dedication and drive as two key components. “The high school season is actually very short,” Flanagan said. “I’ve never asked a kid to change his swing over the course of the season. That goes on over the summer. “As far as building a championship team, you’ve got to have kids that love the game. We’ve been to state the last five years in a row and it’s because I’ve had six guys who really love the game. If they’re not

at practice, they’re at the range at Sunnyside, or they’re at the range at South Hills and they’re hitting balls and they’re playing a lot of golf, and that’s what it takes.” Barta said much of the work during practice comes from near the green. “Golf is a process, it’s not a game where you get good overnight,” he explained. “Where it counts is your short game. When the season starts, you’ve got to be ready to go. You want guys out there practicing and playing as much as they can in the summer and spring. But you don’t want them to get to the golf season and they’ve played way too much golf.” Flanagan points to mental toughness as another key to success. “It’s the attitude of the kids,” the Columbus coach said. “They have had such a great attitude the last four or five years. Whenever they’ve gotten into a rough spot, they’ve reacted perfectly. I haven’t had to ask anybody on my team to work harder and that’s huge. I have had to ask them to work differently, but I’ve never had to ask them to

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work harder.” While larger programs are typically working with varsity golfers who’ve received some formal training from a local golf professional, Grundy Center is an example of a small school program built from the ground up by its coaches. Grundy Center has won 12 girls’ state championships and two boys’ state titles since Rick Schupbach took over the girls’ program and Dennis Dirks the boys’ program in 1990. Schupbach points to a strong relationship with the Grundy Center Town and Country Club located behind the school as part of the foundation for success. The two coaches share similar philosophies and started a junior program for children from fourth to eighth grades that feeds into their high school teams. The Grundy Center high school golf program runs co-ed practices with the boys and girls teams split directly in half. Dirks will work on the short game near the clubhouse, while Schupbach can be found working with golfers on the driving range. “The girls are intermixed with

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TIFFANY RUSHING / Courier Staff Photographer

Taylor Roberts of Cedar Falls tees off during the 2012 Metro Girls Golf meet at South Hills Golf Course in Waterloo.

the boys so I think that really helps with intimidation and them not being intimidated when they play,” Schupbach said. While Schupbach said he feels like he was traveling on a dirt road when the team won its first title in 1991, that has since evolved into a super highway with a strong blue-

Sunday, March 23, 2014

print for success. “They get some intense instruction, put some time and effort into it, they start to see some improvement,” Schupbach said. “When they see that you paint a picture for them and you can show averages of golfers that have come through before and where their averages were as freshmen and they end up being an all-state golfer or an allconference golfer or played on a state championship team. “You’re not any different than them. You have to stay with it. ... We really use the history of our program and try to convey what has been done before you and try and bridge that to the future.” Regardless of whether or not an athlete goes on to contribute to a championship team, a lifetime skill remains in their golf bag. “You’re going to have a game that’s there for a lifetime,” Schupbach said. “Coaching a sport that you know can cause great joy for them in life and be a way in which their family can spend quality time together is very rewarding. I think it’s one of the overlooked aspects of the game of golf.”

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2014 COURIER GOLF GUIDE

PAGE 9

It’s never too late to become a golfer

 Even those who take up game late in life can succeed JIM NELSON jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com

Have you ever driven past one of the local golf courses and thought it would be a fun sport to take up, but are too afraid to start or take a lesson? Area experts say there is no age that isn’t a good time to take up the game. “Golf is an awesome tool for life and business,” two-time Iowa state women’s amateur champion Jenny Graeser said. “The number one thing about golf that I was told when I was little is there is never a time to be too young or too old to play. “You can play it forever and it doesn’t have to be a competitive thing, it is also leisurely. It is whatever you want it to be.” Graeser said that it is the responsibility of every avid golfer to encourage others to learn golf and to help them understand the

rules and etiquette so it can be enjoyable for all. “You don’t have to be a scratch golfer to enjoy the game,” Graeser said. “And I don’t have to play with other scratch golfers to enjoy golf. Golf is open to all skill sets.” Getting started is as simple as buying or borrowing a set of golf clubs and heading to a course. Pros at all of the public and country club courses readily give lessons for a small fee, and there are two golf ranges in the Cedar Valley. But it all starts with the basics. Beaver Hills Country Club professional Brad Clark says it starts with the GASP — grip, aim, stance and posture. “It’s what we teach our junior golfers,” Clark said. “Golf is such a game of millimeters and if you do it the wrong way to start off ... everybody should be able to perfect those things. Most people don’t take the time to be precise about those things, but if you do it will help you in the long run.” Sunnyside Country Club pro Travis Aanes says there is nothing wrong with starting slow and gradually building up

from the range to playing a few holes, to nine holes and then to a full 18-hole round. At Sunnyside, Aanes holds clinics where it is as basic as it gets. They begin on the range with a quick 30-minute lesson and then proceed to the course where they start at the green and work out. “We work on the things around the green and move back,” Aanes said. “From putting to chipping to short approach shots and on out. It is a gradual process until they get comfortable with each part of the game.” Many courses tailor to beginning golfers, as well, with forward tees. Almost all courses now have four or five different sets of tees from the black (pros) all the way up to tee boxes for seniors and ladies. “Don’t be afraid, be comfortable and

play the tees or distance you feel most comfortable playing,” Graeser says. As far as lessons, Aanes and Clark say working with later-in-life golfers is fun. “Actually, it’s probably easier to teach someone new to the game than somebody who has been an avid golfer,” Clark said. “Players who have played 20 or 30 years have developed a lot of bad habits. “It’s more difficult for an avid golfer to try to change late in life.” “It’s definitely easier to work with beginners because you can start with the basics and go forward,” added Aanes. “There is a good chance if we can get the basics down, the new golfer is going to be successful.”

Join us for the 81st Annual Cedar Valley Jaycee Greater Waterloo Open Classic! July 16th-20th

The Youth Golf Clinic program is offered to any child under the age of 17. It includes golf instruction from several professionals from this year’s Open field. The Youth Clinic includes a free lunch and door prizes. The Pro/Sponsor event will be held on Thursday at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course at Byrnes Park. This event consists of approximately 60 teams that include one professional and four sponsor players. Winning teams in each flight will be awarded with gift certificates to the Irv Warren Memorial Pro Shop, while the professionals are awarded cash prizes. The amateur tournament, which begins on Friday, July 18th, showcases all three of Waterloo’s public golf courses. All participants play a qualifying round at Gates Park Golf Course and South Hills Golf Course on Friday and Saturday. Amateurs are awarded gift certificates to one of the three local Pro Shops. The professional tournament will be a three day event, starting on Friday, July 18th! 192 professional golfers from around the world will tee it up with their sights set on the $55,000 first place prize. Competitors will either play Friday morning/Saturday afternoon or Friday afternoon/Saturday morning.

For more information, or to register, please visit www.waterlooopen.com or contact the Cedar Valley Jaycees at info@waterloojaycees.org.

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LOCATION

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Cedar Valley Golf Center

Waterloo

319-236-1010

cedarvalleygolfcenter.com

$8.00

Edgewater Golf Course

Oelwein

319-283-3258

golfoelwein.com

$14.00+

$22.00+

Fox Ridge Golf Course

Dike

319-989-2213

golffoxridge.com

$38.00

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Waterloo

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Hampton Country Club

Hampton

641-456-3256

hamptoncountryclub.com

$30.00

$32.00

Hickory Grove Golf Course

Oelwein

319-283-2674

golfoelwein.com

$14.00+

$22.00+

Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course Waterloo

319-234-9271

waterlooleisureservices.org

$18.00

Jesup Golf & Country Club

Jesup

319-827-1152

jesupgolf.com

$15.00+

$18.00+

Legend Trail Golf Course

Parkersburg

319-346-1284

legedtraildevelopment.com

$10.00+

River Ridge Golf Course

Independence

319-334-6576

golfoelwein.com

$14.00

$22.00

South Hills Golf Course

Waterloo

319-291-4268

waterlooleisureservices.org

$18.00

Sunnyside Country Club

Waterloo

319-234-1707

sunnysidecountryclub.com

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Articles

Page 12 2014 Courier Golf Guide

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Sunday, March 23, 2014

It’s a fact: Drive for show, putt for dough Learning your way around the green a key to good scores CARSON TIGGES carson.tigges@wcfcourier.com‌

If you thought golf was a game of hitting a ball, think again. Somewhere between 1/3 and, if things don’t go well,½ of the strokes on your way around a golf course shouldn’t be hit. It’s what happens on the green that matters, and the right approach can pay off on the scorecard. “First of all, the thing I tell my students, you never hit the ball in putting. You roll the ball,” said Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course professional Andy Devine. “Once they get the concept of that, it turns into a whole different idea for them of what they’re trying to do on the putting green. It’s not so much a hit to where they hit through the break. “It’s a whole different mindset. Putting

COURIER FILE PHOTO

Emily Leibold lines up a putt on the 13th green during the 2013 Waterloo Junior Golf Championship at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course. is a game within a game.” It really is a game within a game. The motion a golfer uses with a putter is completely different than that of any other club in the bag. “Once we tell them how to roll the ball, all of a sudden the ball will take the break of the green, the speed of the green,” Devine added. But therein lies the problem — sometimes the ball taking the break and speed of the green is where it all goes wrong. There is a very specific line a golf ball

must take to get from Point A to Point B. Even when the concept of rolling the ball is nailed down, finding the right line, the right break and the right speed is the other half of the battle. “If you’re an airline pilot and, man, you know how to fly that plane perfect. But you can’t read a compass. And you don’t have GPS. What good is it? You’re never going to land where you want to land,” said Monte Meyer of South Hills Golf Course. “I work with people all summer, and

they want to know ‘where should my hands be? Where should my head be?’” Meyer said. “That is all important stuff, but if they don’t know where the line is, none of it matters.” So where does one begin to sort it all out? High school physics class is a good start. A ball will travel the path of least resistance, and gravity dictates much of that. Understanding the science is one thing, applying it to the putting stroke is the next step. “A lot of it is knowing when to start looking. When you’re 100 yards from the green and driving up, if you’re not looking at that green complex and the way it’s shaped and thinking where would the water flow off that green, then you’re missing it,” said Meyer. Unfortunately, there is no cheat sheet. The scorecard will list yardage from tee to pin, and there are markers on the course to help you select clubs, but it is every man for himself when the ball hits the short grass.

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www.wcfcourier.com 2014 Courier Golf Guide Page 13

Adjustable drivers creating a buzz this season Manufacturers develop unique technology to aid golfers NICK PETAROS nick.petaros@wcfcourier.com‌

Bertha is back for Callaway, while TaylorMade has a driver sliding into the hands of PGA touring pros. Adjustable drivers occupied all 12 slots on Golf Digest’s 2014 hot list for the first time as manufacturers continue to adjust center of gravity options to give consumers a way to custom fit the right launch angle for their game. Callaway’s new Big Bertha and Big Bertha Alpha drivers have been out on the market for only a few weeks. It marks the first time since 2007 Callaway has unveiled a driver with the Big Bertha name that first resonated with golfers when the oversized driver was introduced in the early 90s. “The Big Bertha driver was $499 in

made them the company they once were.” The new Callaway drivers coincide with the company’s move two years ago to bring in former Adams golf CEO Chip Brewer. “Chip Brewer took Adams golf from nobody really knowing what Adams golf is to a huge company,” Schuchmann said. “TaylorMade bought Adams golf, and Callaway hired Chip Brewer. “I know Chip personally and he is going to turn Callaway around. They’re coming. They’re innovative, they’re aggressive, they’re coming out with some great things.” TaylorMade’s SLDR driver is generating buzz in 2014 after the company released it to pros last summer and it became the No. 1 driver model on the PGA Tour. The club has moved the center of gravity to the front of the face instead of the back and provides BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer options to change trajectory. What’s more user friendly is a sliding chamber on the Mike Schuchmann, owner of Golf Headquarters in Waterloo, displays some of the new club head with an adjustable weight that’s drivers available to golfers this season. clearly labeled with settings that can be ’90, ’91, and people were buying it right Schuchmann said. “Now they went back locked in from fade to draw. and left, you couldn’t keep it in stock,” to that name. Here we are 20-some years See Clubs, page A18 Waterloo Golf Headquarters owner Mike later, and they’re going to back to what

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Make Legend Trail your second golf home in 2014. 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! ● Chef Nathan Woodley’s expansive menu, including seasonal options ● New 2014 Golf Carts ● New cash tournament golf events ● New apparel and equipment in the golf shop ● New daily fee rates & golfing packages

Call Legend Trail today to save your spot in this year’s season opener “2 Peron-2 Cup Best Shot Tournament” on May 17th! 9:30 AM Shotgun Start!

1403 Highway 57 Parkersburg 319-346-1499 www.legendtrailgolfandgrill.com

Page 14 2014 Courier Golf Guide

www.wcfcourier.com

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Unwritten rules important for everyone Pros encourage golfers to keep game moving JIM NELSON jim.nelson@wcfcourier.com‌

The official USGA rule book can trip up even the most ardent golfer. Although there are only 34 rules in the USGA rule book, there are more than 100 sections and subsections of those 34 rules. It would take the mother of all cram sessions to memorize them all. On occasion, it even fouls up a good round or two for some of the PGA’s best. Just Travis Aanes ask Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson or Woody Austin. Area golf pros don’t expect golfers to know all the USGA’s rules or follow them to the letter when playing on a local course. But the pros do expect players to respect the course, respect other players and follow some general unwritten rules.

Among the biggest pet peeves of many avid golfers is pace of play. There are those who are out for a leisurely round of golf and another faction who want to play at the pace of a John Force dragster. So when is the right time to allow another group to play through? It depends on the situation, according to local pros Brad Clark at Beaver Hills Country Club and Travis Aanes at Sunnyside Country Club. “The most convenient time is like on a par-3 or on the tee box rather than trying to wave them through while in the middle of the fairway,” says Clark. At the same time, however, Clark says golfers should, and pros will, factor in how busy the course is on a particular day. “It really does depend on how full the course is,” Aanes said. “We’re going to give priority to foursomes and if you are a one or twosome, there has to be some expectations.” “If we have a full schedule of tee times and the course is full and a one or twosome wants to play a quick nine, that’s not going to happen,” added Clark.

Clark’s point? If one foursome waves a faster group through, most likely there are four or five other foursomes right in front of them. One way to help with pace of play is to be diligent on how much time you spend looking for lost balls, how much time you address a putt or how many practice swings you take in the fairway. There is an actual rule on how much time is allowed to search for a lost ball — five minutes. “The rules of golf say five minutes,” Clark said. “But if you’ve spent three or four minutes and haven’t found it, you’re not going to find it. We’d like to see you drop one and yes, technically, it is stroke and distance, but drop one and play on.” How many practice swings are appropriate? Clark says one or two practice swings on the course are all that is needed. “The purpose of the practice swing is not to perfect the swing but just to get loose,” Clark said.

COURIER FILE PHOTO

Ricky Hearden hits his ball out from under See Rules, page 15 a tree during the 2013 Waterloo Open.

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Sunday, March 23, 2014

www.wcfcourier.com 2014 Courier Golf Guide Page 15

Rules

Respect course and fill your divots From page 14

On the green, when addressing a putt, both pros say there is no need to look at a putt from more than one or two angles. In fact, 40 seconds is a general rule of thumb. “Be ready when it is your turn,” Aanes says. “Study the putt while others are taking their turn.” “I don’t see the benefit of looking at a putt from both sides. It is overkill,” Clark adds. “Especially for the weekend golfer. Take a look at it from behind, get over it and go.” While pace of play is a major issue, two-time Iowa state women’s amateur champion Jenny Graeser points out that something just as important is respecting the local courses. “There are a lot of rounds played on our courses,” says Graeser, who grew up playing at Irv Warren, Gates and South Hills. “In order to maintain our great facilities, there are some things we need to keep in

mind ... replace your divots, fix your ball marks and pick up your trash. “And if it is wet out there and you are not a walker, keep the golf carts in the rough so everybody can enjoy the course all summer long.” Replacing divots and fixing ball marks can be issues. Is there a time when a golfer shouldn’t replace a divot? How many ball marks do you fix on a green? In general, the pros say always fix your ball marks on greens. As for divots, there are two rules of thumb. “I’ve seen courses approach it both ways,” Aanes said. “Personally, I like divots to be filled with sand and seed because it is easier for the grass to grow back. Some see it differently, however, and say replace a divot with as much turf as possible so if someone lands on that spot they are hitting off turf rather than sand.” As for repairing ball marks, this is a labor of love for professionals. “The general rule is to fix yours and at least one other,” Aanes said. “I see it differently. If I’m not putting I’m fixing more ... I’m fixing as many as I can.”

GateS Park

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

Golf can be good business CARSON TIGGES carson.tigges@wcfcourier.com‌

Troy Love, a senior sales associate at Advanced Systems, has never gone to the golf course with contracts in hand and a pen in his pocket. He goes to build relationships, interact with those of similar interests and, of course, play golf. Yet somewhere along the line, ink has met paper. When Love started playing with a group of 18 at Beaver Hills Country Club, three of them were current customers. Today, that number has grown to 15. “I’m not there to build business, it just happens,” said Love, who is on the course up to 40 times per year. “Now I’ve invited 20 people to play golf every Thursday afternoon. That builds upon what I already had.” He’s certainly not alone, and there’s no secret about the conference room qualities that can be found on the links. Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course professional Andy Devine has seen countless groups of current or potential business partners head to the first tee. And he has a pretty simple reason for why they keep coming back. “It’s hard to get a client or business person into an office where you can really mix with them for four hours. You can on a golf course,” said Devine.

irv Warren MeMorial 1000 Fletcher Avenue Waterloo, IA 50701 (319) 234-9271

“You have their undivided attention for four hours. That’s invaluable.” Keith Hamer, a financial adviser at Stifel Nicolas, has even more reasons he spends time hitting a ball around a field. “So many of the people that are clients like to play golf. It’s something they want to do, and a way to say thank you,” said Hamer. Of course, there’s a dark side to it. While fun at times, golf can be a difficult and frustrating game. Can a terrible golf game actually wreck a potential business deal? Possibly. “Golf also shows a lot of personality in people when they’re out there. Some people are so competitive, they get so mad out there, it’s not good and blows contracts for some people,” said Devine. “I’ve seen that happen.” As they say, practice makes perfect and, with golf, practice won’t necessarily make perfect, but can raise it a notch above embarrassing. Driving ranges are filled with business people out to make themselves — or at least have the appearance of being — serviceable on each of the 18 holes. “I do that because I’m not real good at golf,” said Hamer. “I don’t want to embarrass myself and make it uncomfortable when I play. I want to make it enjoyable.”

South hillS

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

eservices.org/golf www.waterlooleisureservices.org/golf

River Ridge Golf Course Steeped in deep tradition, River Ridge golf course has been around since 1906. Originally called the Wapsipinicon Golf Course, the layout features three sets of tee boxes for a fun, but challenging golf experience. Mature trees line many of the holes. Renovations to aid in flood control have resulted in four new greens and additional holes. River Ridge is the annual host of the Firecracker Open, and has a wonderful resort-style restaurant in the Okaboji Bar and Grill. 1749 Golf Course Blvd. ♦ Independence ♦ 319-334-6576 ♦ www.golfoelwein.com

Jesup Golf & Country Club Jesup Golf and Country Club opened in 1967 by a group of local entrepreneurs who wanted a social club with a golf course attached. While the clubhouse has gone through renovations and additions, the golf course is still today in its original layout. This fully irrigated, 9 hole, Par 36 layout, features tree lined fairways, well protected bent bluegrass mix greens, and deceptive length. Jesup Golf and Country Club is perfect for a quick 9, your company outing, or your reception! Jesup Golf and Country Club also has a fully stocked pro shop, and offers golf lessons to beginners, intermediates, and pros. 530 North St. ♦ Jesup ♦ 319-827-1152 ♦ www.golfoelwein.com

Edgewater Golf Course Built in 1921 and redesigned in 2004, Edgewater Golf Course offers family friendly golf with multiple tee locations for all skill levels. The course has a nine hole layout that wraps around beautiful Lake Oelwein, as well as a driving range. With smooth putting surfaces, fully irrigated fairways, fun mounding around the greens and inverted grass bunkers, Edgewater is constantly maintained to provide the perfect golfing experience. The greens use beautifully maintained Bentgrass and the fairways include both Bluegrass and Bentgrass. When you are finished at the range or on the course, stop by the End of the Trail restaurant for a relaxing postgame meal. 1432 Q Ave. ♦ Oelwein ♦ 319-283-3258 ♦ www.golfoelwein.com

Hickory Grove Golf Course Built in 1965, Hickory Grove Golf Course is a long and strong course with multiple tee locations for all skills. It has large undulating greens and is well bunkered. The back tees provide the perfect setting for some championship style golf. Hickory Grove is a recipient of the Nine Hole Golf Course of the Year, and provides one of the most versatile playing greens in Iowa. Hickory Grove has nice gently rolling fairways and greens. These ideal greens use Bentgrass, while the fairways use Bluegrass. Come enjoy some time outdoors during a summer day and be sure to find some time during the fall when the colors add even more to the experience! 1509 Outer Rd. ♦ Oelwein ♦ 319-283-2674 ♦ www.golfoelwein.com

Page 18 2014 Courier Golf Guide

www.wcfcourier.com

Putt

clubs

From page 13 Bobby Jones said golf is played on a fiveinch course — the distance between your ears. It’s certainly the case while putting as golfers try to decipher what their eyes are seeing. It’s a skill game and taking time to hone that ability can pay dividends. “A lot of it is experience. Out here on this golf course, I’ve been here 17 years, I don’t have to read the greens as much. I know what it’s going to do,” said Devine. “We have many players out there that are the same way. The people who come out for the first time, it’s a little tricky. Once you learn it — uphill, downhill, sidehill — then it becomes a lot more fun.” It can be argued that being able to do this can be the difference between a good golfer and a great golfer. Being good with the short stick could potentially take a stroke off every hole when compared to another golfer with similar ability but average putting skills. “Absolutely. Look at Zach Johnson,” said Meyer. “He hits a long ways, people say he doesn’t hit it very far, but we’d all like to hit it like Zach. But the way Zach wins is the putter.”

From page 13 “They’ve made it quite a bit more user friendly,” Cedar Falls Scheels golf manager Cameron Fatterlee said. “It started with the SLDR, opposed to in the past where you had to be able to know how to move the weights around in order to be able to make the club work. They’ve made it easier for the average golfer to be able to move the weight correctly in that it’s labeled.” Fatterlee says companies have been looking toward less spin and more carry out of drivers this summer. “There’s an emphasis on lofting up, specifically with TaylorMade,” Fetterlee said. “In the past, you may have BRANDON POLLOCK / Courier Staff Photographer hit a 9 1/2-degree driver, this year the big emphasis is to try a 10 1/2-degree Among the new adjustable drivers available to golfers this year is Calloway’s Big driver.” Schuchmann said other drivers Bertha Alpha. recently released with some buzz club head size, the center of gravity is behind them include Ping’s I25, the one of the options manufacturers have Nike VRS Covert and Cobra Bio Cell. With USGA regulations in place to been adjusting to find optimal distance. “Everybody kind of knows everylimit a spring-like effect for golf balls off the face of the driver, along with the body’s technology,” Schuchmann said.

Reading the greens can improve putting

Companies tinker with distance, drive

Sunday, March 23, 2014

“They’ve got to move weight around to try and get more miles per hour ball speed to pick up distance. They do that with shafts and adjustability in the club head. That’s the only way you can do it because the face thickness on the driver can only be so much, they’re moving weight around and using different materials to try and help out.” As far as irons go, TaylorMade came out with a new look last year by putting a speed pocket into the blade of its clubs. That pocket has been adjusted this year to increase speed off the face of the club. “It’s nothing as revolutionary as last year when they first introduced it, but there’s some slight modifications to it to improve it,” Fatterlee said. In putters, Odyssey continues to offer interesting visual alignment aids, including its contrasting striped Versa White/Black/White putter as one of the more eye-catching sticks on the market. A new concept hitting the shelves as far as golf balls are concerned is Bridgestone’s hydro core technology. The golf ball manufacturer is literally incorporating water into the core formulation process to make the core softer and the outer layer firmer for reduced spin and longer distance.

"Big Time Golf Small Town Iowa" TournamenT Schedule 2014: FoX rIdGe dIKe, IoWa

Senior Scramble: 8:00 am ShoT-Gun coST: $25 Includes Green Fee, Cart, Lunch, Drink No Reservation Needed Show Up By 7:45 AM Two Person Best Shot 50 and Over Dates: may 6th - 20th June 10th 17th 24th • July 8th 22nd 29th august 12th 19th 26th September 9th 16th 23rd • October 7th

4 Person Best-Shot: Sunday aPrIl 27Th 9:00am ShoT-Gun coST: $55 Per GolFer Info: Includes Prizes, Green Fee and Cart, Members $20

4 Person Best-Shot: Sunday June 15Th 9:00am ShoT-Gun coST: $55 Per GolFer Info: Includes Prizes, Green Fee and Cart, Members $20

1 Pin 2 cups 4 Person: Sunday aPrIl 13Th 9:00am ShoT-Gun coST: $55 Per GolFer Info: Includes Prizes Green Fee and Cart

4 Person Best-Shot: Sunday July 13Th 9:00am ShoT-Gun coST: $55 Per GolFer Info: Includes Prizes, Green Fee and Cart, Members $20

Call Fox Ridge to sign up anytime at 319-989-2213 • www.golffoxridge.

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Archery Tag ™

1 game 3 games 10 games One hour party (M-Th) One hour party (Fr-Sun)

www.wcfcourier.com 2014 Courier Golf Guide Page 19

$7.00 $18.00 $50.00 $150.00* $200.00*

*$8 .00 per additional player *Mobile rental of Archery Tag ™ equipment is also available. Please call 319-232-9384 for details.

Batting Cage:

1 Token* 5 Tokens* Team Rental 1/2 hr Team Rental 1 hr *1 Token = 15 Pitches

$1.50 $7.50 $15.00 $25.00

Limit One Coupon Per Attraction, Per Person, Per Day

Miniature Golf:

$7.00 1 Round $4.00 Children 12 and under Half Price Second Round

Go Karts*:

1 Ticket 3 Tickets 10 Tickets

$7.00 $18.00 $50.00

Jumping Pillow:

All Day Wrist Band Season Pass

*Drivers must be at least 7 years old AND 46” tall. Maximum weight 200lbs. Passengers must be at least 4 years old AND 42” tall. Passengers must ride with drivers at least 16 years old.

$4.00 per person $20.00 per person

$20 Off an Archery TagTM Party

Driving Range: $5.00 $7.00 $9.00

Small Basket (approx. 45 balls) Medium Basket (approx. 80 balls) Large Basket (approx. 110 balls)

Limit One Coupon Per Attraction, Per Person, Per Day

It’s Not Just Your Grandfather’s Club Anymore Sunnyside Country Club Limited Memberships Available

• Full Family Golf: $280 per month* • Junior Family Golf: $165 per month* • Social, Swim, Tennis: $150 per month** • Clubhouse Dining: $100 per month *First 50 new members to enroll in either Full or Junior Family Golf will receive an annual single cart pass. **First 50 new members to enroll in Social, Swim, or Tennis membership will receive a 4 person family pass for the 2014 season to Lost Island Waterpark.

1600 Olympic Drive Waterloo, Iowa 50701 319-234-1707