TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine June 2015 issue by TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE Magazine

JUNE 2015

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Contents Our Mission — To Promote Golf 365 Days a Year.

Features

E ver y I ssue

From the Editor ............................................................ 6 KC Golf Course Guide & Location Map ............. 20 - 21 Tap-Ins Golf News ...................................................... 28 Lake of the Ozarks Course Guide ........................... 34 Branson Course Guide ............................................. 38 Charity Golf Tournaments ........................................ 40 Golf Stores, Private Courses & Driving Ranges ..... 42

28 30

44 Cover Photo:

This month’s cover features the new and first ever KC Women’s Golf Coalition. The coalition is a group of KC area female golf professionals working within the golf industry who have joined forces to promote and grow women’s golf locally.

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

(Photo by Bill Cromwell)

June 2015

New KC Women’s Golf Coalition to Host Unique Women’s Golf Clinic.

Reflections — THE MAHON’S – Truly a Golfing Family. KC Golf News —

Rugged Finishing Holes Will Test Watson Challenge Field.

14 Golf Tip — Visualization Increases Performance.

KC Golf Headlines —

New Golf Equipment Profiles — Driver and Fairway Sizzlers!

Photo of the Month Contest — WIN FREE GOLF

Take Your Best Shot at Guessing the Photo of the Month.

Tournament News —

How To Make Your Charity Tournament A Home Run! (part two)

Golf Course Profile of The Month —

Shawnee Golf and Country Club Making Waves.

Junior Golf Tip — Kids Just Wanna Have Fun!

Tap In’s News — Midwest Section PGA to hosts Drive, Chip and Putt Qualifying for 2015. Bid on Golf This Month in the Rounds 4 Research Auction. New Golf Stuff —

Bushnell’s New NEO Ghost GPS a Best Seller!

Fitness Focus — Where Is Your Weakest Link? Classic Golf — A New Deer Creek Golf Club. Harold’s Tall Tales —

Are You Different From the Typical Golfer?

Plus More Good Stuff Within These Pages — Enjoy!

Become a “Fan”and Watch For News & Our Free Golf Contest.

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From the Editor

Bill Cromwell, Editor-in-Chief

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE™ Magazine

une already, wow, where did spring go? I’ve played quite a few rounds already this year, but it seems like I’ve barley grooved a swing since the winter layoff. Fortunately, our winter was mild; I don’t think I had to shovel snow more than a few times and that could have been broomed-off. In fact, I played more this winter than last, but June already — time to get golfin’ more often, before that cold stuff returns.

During May, I played on a few of those marginal 55-60-degree golf days. You know the type, drizzling, overcast and very windy, requiring layers of clothes and a spare hand on the hat. It seemed I never warmed enough to shed a layer and free up the swing.

We normally play the blue tees, but on this particular day, one of our group said, “This 30-mile-per-hour wind is brutal, let’s just have fun and move up to the white tee.” I’m wearing all these clothes and winter gloves on both hands, with my hat’s chinstrap cinched down tight, so when a guy says, “Let’s move up and have fun” — I’m in! Up-wind holes played 50-75 yards longer at times — hit 3-wood 150 yards once, and barley reached the green. Don’t laugh; I normally hit a 3-wood 225 — that’s how windy it was.

Downwind holes (there weren’t many) were fun, and we could let-itrip, but still, even then, we had to be careful not to leave ourselves with the hardest shot in golf — a 60-yard wedge. Driver was not always the best option off the tee. Instead, on these holes course management was a smarter game, so I choose a club off the tee that would position me at a yardage that gave me a favorite iron in-hand for approach shots to the green.

What we discovered that day was, it really doesn’t matter what tees we play from — we still had to hit good golf shots. Sure, the driver remained in the bag more often, but still, we had to hit good shots from tee, to green, to hole in order to score well.

Golf should be fun and we had fun that day — from the up tees. I think, too many believe golf is about smashing 300-yard drives, and yes, that certainly feels great, but how good are you from 150 yards to the hole. Even when we hit booming drives landing middle fairway, 90% of our scores tallied happen from 150 yards to the hole.

Yep, it’s June and with warmer temperatures the ball should fly father, so I’ll be playing the blues again with my low-handicap opponents. But, if it’s a warm windy June day and someone says, “Let’s move up and have fun” — I’m in! Tee it forward, have fun and find your perfect day on a golf course this June.

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TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Kansas City’s Longest Running Monthly Golf Magazine

Tee TIMeS GOlf GuIde™ Inc.

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2196, Independence, MO 64055 Corporate Ofﬁce: 816- 878- 4509 Publisher, Bill Cromwell, Editor-in-Chief Ad Placement and Article Request Editor@TeeTimesMagazine.com

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Creative disigners. Graphic Arts, Photography, Bill and Victoria Cromwell Roving Course Analyst: Mike Hull field Ambassador: Deanie Olinger

Visit our online e-magazine at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com. Our Team of the Best Contributing Golf Writers in KC

Alan Hoskins — Lead Feature Writer John Baccala — Professional Golf Course Profiler Joe Bauer, Teaching Pro — Monthly Golf Tips Bert Benjamin — Equipment Reviews & Clubfitting Tips Harold Hatch — Tall Tales and Feature Stories Paul Hooser, PGA — Monthly Golf Tips Sally Krystyn, LPGA — Monthly Golf Tips Janine Young — Golf Fitness Contributer GCSAA — Superintendents’ Corner

Association News features: Kansas City Golf Association (KCGA) – Monthly News MWGA – Monthly MWGA News Brad Demo, Director – Midwest Section PGA News Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) – News

Tee TIMeS GOlf GuIde MAGAzINe offers a monthly Kansas City Edition that is distributed throughout the entire KC Metro area, Lake of the Ozarks and Branson, MO. Found at nearly 500 locations including public and private golf courses, driving ranges, golf stores, restaurants, sports bars, resorts, hotels and many other select locations. In addition, the magazine is offered online as an inter-active E-magazine at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com. © Tee TIMeS GOlf GuIde™ Inc. 2001 through 2015. All Rights Proprietary & Conceptual designs Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this publication’s contents is strictly prohibited.

Notice: The editor reserves the right to reject whatever material does not ﬁt with the vision or intent of this publication. Advertising is accepted at the discretion of the publisher and does not imply endorsement. The contributing writers, staff or owners of TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE™ Inc. cannot be held liable for hardship or losses incurred due to content associated with this publication or website. Written views and information expressed in this publication belong to the writers and do not reﬂect the sentiments or editorial opinion of the publisher or staff. We cannot be held responsible for scheduling, prices, rate changes or the occasional typographical errors.

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June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

by Victoria Cromwell,Managing Editor

KC Golf Headlines

New KC Women’s Golf Coalition Will Host Unique Women’s Golf Clinic

KCWGC members from left: Sara Mitchell, Chiropractor & Assistant Coach Park University Women's Golf; Maureen Farrell, Director of Instruction OPGC & St. Andrews; Jacque Madison, KCGA Director of Club Services; Anna Ricket, Indian Hills CC - Merchandiser/Buyer; Melissa Lewis, KCCC - Merchandise/Golf Shop Manager; (center) Sally Krystyn, LPGA Class A Teaching Professional Shadow Glen, The Golf Club; Kristen Samp, Head Pro Lawrence CC; Rheanne Etken, GM Lawrence CC; Penny Hickman, Head Pro Cypress Ridge GC; Liz Smart, Teaching Professional - OPGC & St. Andrews GC; Janine Young, Owner, Elite Golf and Fitness. (Not present) Wendy Brandt, Golf Shop Manager/PGA Apprentice Mission Hills CC; Jennifer Clark, Assistant Golf Professional St. Andrews; Julie Roberts, GM Minor Park; Debbie Shatzer - Hallbrook CC -Merchandiser/Buyer/ Golf Shop Manager. (Photo by Bill Cromwell, Publisher)

he new KC Women’s Golf Coalition will host a unique women’s golf clinic taught by all female teaching professionals. The KC Women’s Golf Clinic, on October 19 at Shadow Glen, The Golf Club, offers female golfers of all skills levels, including those new to golf, the opportunity to experience an all-day golf clinic with an emphasis on health and wellness. The mission of the clinic is to promote women’s health and wellness though the game of golf and encourage new females to participate in the game. The KC Women’s Golf Clinic is the brainchild of the new KC Women’s Golf Coalition, a group of Kansas City area professional women working in the golf industry who share the vision of collaborating to promote and grow women and girls’ golf in the KC area.

Sally Krystyn, LPGA Class A Teaching Professional at Shadow Glen, The Golf Club, organized the ﬁrst meeting of what would 8

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

soon become the KC Women’s Golf Coalition in January of 2014. Krystyn said, “A lot of us work in a male dominated industry, so for us it is nice having the camaraderie between all of us as a group, but we would also like to grow women’s golf and girls’ golf through clinics, events, information and media to encourage more people to get involved in the game. At the ﬁrst meeting, I said, we can do a lot more as a group than we can as individuals and that’s kind of our purpose. We know we can impact the community more as a group than we can as just one person trying to reach a couple of people at a time.”

The mission of the KC Women’s Golf Coalition (KCWGC), currently comprised of 16 members, is to grow women’s and girls’ golf in Kansas City and the surrounding areas and to give back to the community by helping and empowering women to achieve their personal, health and wellness, career, ﬁnancial, recreational or other aspirations. “We are all getting together, growing the game, sharing ideas to grow women’s golf, whether it be young girls

starting at age ﬁve or new golfers at age 65. If we can help each other out, help our community and grow the game, then that’s why we are here,” said Maureen Farrell, Director of Instruction at Overland Park and St. Andrews golf courses. Every KCWGC event held will give back to a local or national women’s charity.

Participants attending The KC Women’s Golf Clinic will receive breakfast, lunch, a networking reception and complementary gift bag, which will include a shirt and hat or visor. Attendees also receive on-course and personalized small group instruction with an LPGA or PGA female teaching professional to elevate their golf game to the next level. In addition, Janine Young from Elite Golf and Fitness and her staff will provide golf-related health and wellness instruction.

“There will be instructional stations up on the range in the morning for new golfers and beginners,” said Krystyn. “They will be learning proper putting, chipping, pitching, full

“We are all getting together, sharing ideas to grow women’s golf.”

swing and golf fitness at the instructional stations, while the more experienced golfers are out on the golf course in the morning. Then everyone will come in, have lunch, hear the keynote speakers and then the groups will flip flop. The beginning golfers will be out on the golf course with their pro and the more experienced players will go to the range for afternoon instruction. The entire time you are going to be with your own female professional. The purpose of the on-course time is not just to play, but to get on-course instruction from your professional and learn how to manage your game better on the golf course.”

The clinic begins with registration and breakfast at 7:45 a.m., and ends with a networking reception with hors d’oeuvres and drinks from 4:30–5:30 p.m. The cost per attendee is $400 and beneﬁts The Women’s Intersport Network for Kansas City (WIN for KC) and the Rose Brooks Center. “This event is also a charity event to raise money for WIN for KC and Rose Brooks Domestic Violence Shelter, so a portion of the registration fee will be a tax deductible charitable expense,” said Krystyn.

The KC Women’s Golf Coalition gather for a group meeting discussing plans for the upcoming October womens golf clinic. (Photo by Bill Cromwell) Sponsorships are available. “We are looking for sponsors for the event,” said Krystyn. “There are all levels of sponsorships available, from donations of time to gifts you might want to include in the gift bag, and all the way up to $10,000 for the title sponsorship, which includes 12 spots in the event. So, if a corporation wanted to sponsor, they could send 12 of their female employees to the event, plus they will have all the main banner space, and we may even tie their logo into ours as a Title Sponsor.”

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The KCWGC plans to explore more opportunities to grow women’s golf. KCWGC member Jacque Madison, Director of Club Services at the Kansas City Golf Association (KCGA), is running an open event called The Prairie Invitational, June 30 to July 1, at Staley Farms Golf Club, and the KCWGC is trying to help her grow that event for women’s golf, as well.

“We started the Prairie Invitational last year,” said Madison. “We felt that there was not a

real great avenue for quality competition in the Midwest for women of all skill levels, so this event was launched. It beneﬁts the girls’ performance initiative, which is also the arm that the Midwest Section PGA’s Kansas City Golf Foundation and the KCGA use to promote girls golf throughout the area. Proceeds from the tournament help to fund us taking a group of girls to the Northwest Arkansas LPGA Championship where they get to interact with some of the players. This is designed to be an event where amateurs can participate and grow in that competition, and then there is an open division for elite amateurs and professionals to participate in as well, and they play at collegiate or ladies professional yardage. We are really just trying to bring everybody together, have a great time and then, as we start to grow, the participation will springboard some other things into that event as well.” For more information, visit www.kansascitygolfer.org.

Information and a link to the registration page for the October 19, KC Women’s Golf Clinic may be found at www.facebook.com/ KCWomensGolfClinic. June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Reﬂections by Alan Hoskins

Grand Summit Golf & Country Club

THE MAHON’S — Truly a Golfing Family Affair

All three siblings have enjoyed success in the game of golf

any a golf professional has claimed to have been raised in a golf course pro shop. For the Mahon family with four competitive golfers and three card-carrying PGA and LPGA members, it’s no exaggeration. “I wasn’t a week old and was sitting in a pro shop,” says Charlie Mahon, the head professional at Staley Farms.

that began in Fort Smith, AR, and continued at Emporia Country Club, Oakwood, Leawood South, Deer Creek and ﬁnally Staley Farms where he’s the head golf professional. Called “The Best Course in the Northland” by one Northland publication, Staley Farms is one of the Great Life KC courses.

“I had a baby’s bed in the pro shop, so I could babysit him,” conﬁrmed his father, also named Charlie, and the general manager and Class A PGA Professional at Grand Summit Golf & Country Club. (For the purposes of this story, the elder Charlie will be referred to as Mahon, his son as Charlie.)

Two daughters would follow, three years apart. Courtney was just three years of age when she got her start in the game, while younger sister Mallory remembers, “I was real itty, bitty. One of my ﬁrst presents was a golf club with my name on it.”

Thus, born one of Kansas’ most successful golf families.

A two-time all-conference selection at Dodge City Community College, Charlie played two years at UMKC before beginning a pro career 10

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Whether you go north or south, there’s a Mahon working as a head professional — Charlie Jr. (left) at Staley Farms and his father, Charlie, at Grand Summit in Grandview.

Daughter Courtney, a three-time winner of both the Kansas and Missouri women’s amateur championships, was a standout at the University of Arkansas. Now the lead instructor for the Tour Striker Academy in Phoenix, Courtney won a Futures Tour event in Phoenix in 2013, and she continues to play the Cactus and Futures Tour in the off-season. Her father’s passion for the game encouraged her to become an elite competitor and coach. She has studied under multiple accomplished top ranked instructors including Martin Chuck, Aaron Olson, Stan Thirsk and her lifelong coach, her father. Engaged to be married in September, she’s also been named one of USA’s 10 most beautiful women in golf instruction.

Daughter Mallory, a state 5A-6A high school champion and Kansas Women’s junior champion while at St. Aquinas in 2004. She played three seasons at Missouri State in Springfield before stepping aside to pursue a master’s degree. Now a speech pathologist in Springfield, she’s working on a doctorate in speech language pathology while assisting in planning a golf performance program for patients at the hospital where she’s employed. “I rarely play now, but I bought my husband a set of golf clubs, so I’ll have a golfing partner,” she says.

“It was neat watching them go through high school and college golf and all the travel that www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

went with it,” says Mahon (dad), who just celebrated his 35th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mary Beth.

Growing up in Omaha, Mahon never doubted his future. “I always knew I was going to be a golf pro,” says Mahon. It all started in 1962 when at age 11, his dad put him in the caddie program at Omaha Country Club. “We would play as many holes as we could on Monday mornings and then go to a public course for another 18,” remembers Mahon, who won the caddie championship as a junior in high school.

a better short game instructor in the city. He [dad] is very good at explaining things, why the ball ﬂies the way it does and what’s needed to make the golf ball ﬂy in a better trajectory.”

“He’s inﬂuenced every part of my life,” says Courtney. “He didn’t teach me just golf, but a lot of life lessons. He truly loves what he does. He’s done a lot of teaching and has the communication skills to get points across. He’s been at different clubs and each time the membership has become a part of our family. He wants members to enjoy their golf experience as much as they can.”

Mallory (left) and Courtney. Country Club is a semi-private club located just off 71 Highway and 150 in Grandview, MO. “It has so much great character and changes every day,” says Mahon. “With ﬁve sets of tees, every hole is different, every hole is challenging.” With a membership of 350 at Grand Summit, many local golfers, don’t realize it’s open to public play with no restrictions. “At one time, play was limited to once a month, but that’s been lifted,” says Mahon.

Courtney Mahon had her favorite caddie, her father, Charlie, carrying her bag last September in the LPGA Symetra tournament played at Firekeeper Golf Course near Mayetta. A graduate of the University of NebraskaOmaha, Mahon began his now, 53-year-long pro career as an assistant at Lakeshore in Omaha. He then became the head pro at Lake Creek in Storm Lake, IA, remaining for ﬁve years, and then seven years at Meadowbrook in Rapid City, SD. He returned to Omaha at Eagle Run remaining there four years, and then moved to Kansas in 1995 to serve as head pro at Lake Shawnee and Forbes public courses in Topeka where he ran junior programs for upwards of 200 youth each summer. After 10 years there, “We had a desire to move to the Kansas City area,” says Mahon, who took on his present position as general manager and head pro at Grand Summit Golf Club in 2004. Mahon’s biggest fans are his children. “I probably didn’t always listen, but I always learned,” says Charlie. “There’s probably not

Truly a family with a life-long passion for golf.

(Photo courtesy Mahon family album.)

“He’s a wonderful coach and a wonderful dad and has balanced both so well,” agrees Mallory. “One of the things I always admired is his ability to teach golf to anyone by using terminology everyone could understand, something that I try to do in my career today. He also taught patience and pushed us to be good, ethical golfers/people, to follow the rules and be good sports.”

Mahon is perhaps one of the friendliest head professionals and general managers you’ll ﬁnd anywhere. He loves the game of golf, the golf industry, and takes great pride in making his members and guests feel at home when visiting his club.

A sister course to Shawnee Golf & Country Club owned by Lindsey Management Company, Inc with corporate ofﬁces located in Fayetteville, AR, Grand Summit Golf &

Charlie and Mary Beth Mahon recently celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.

June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

KC Golf News

by Alan Hoskins

Rugged Finishing Holes Will Test Watson Challenge Field

Robert Streb may not be able to defend title in 9th Challenge at Mission Hills June 12-14.

f the 2015 Watson Challenge goes down to Mission Hills’ ﬁnal three or four holes, the winner will have earned the prestigious Kansas City championship.

“Probably the toughest ﬁnishing holes in the city,” says Bryan Norton, a Mission Hills member who won the 2014 Kansas Amateur at his home course on the way to sweeping Kansas Golf Association Player and Senior Player of the Year honors. “The last four holes can be round wreckers,” agrees Mission Hills head professional Jeff King.

week of the Challenge. “I’m not qualiﬁed for the U.S. Open,” says Streb, who will try to qualify in Memphis June 8, the day after the annual Memorial Tournament hosted by Jack Nicklaus. The U.S. Open will be played the week following the Watson Challenge in Chambers Bay, WA. “I hope he’s not here because that means he’s in the U.S. Open,” says Watson. “I’d really like to defend and play Mr. Watson, but it’s all up in the air,” says Streb, who has had a big year since winning the Watson Challenge. Ranked as high as 13th in the FedEx standings this spring with earnings of $1.8 million, he got his ﬁrst win on the PGA TOUR in the 2015 McGladery Classic last November. He and wife, Maggie, are also the parents of a new 4-month-old baby daughter named Catherine.

Streb won the 2014 Challenge with a closing performance that may never be matched. Only two strokes separated the top 11 players going into the final 18 holes before Streb left the field far behind. He birdied on five of the first six holes, and again on the 9th, and then birdied six of the last nine holes for a course record 8-under par 64 and a tournament record 208, which was also 8-under par. Watson finished with a final round of 5-under 67 for a second place tie at 213 with professional Zac Gavlak and the tourney’s low amateur, Jon Troutman.

Tom Watson (center) will have plenty of contenders in the 2015 Watson Challenge, including (from left) KCGA Amateur of the Year Michael Greene, 2014 Kansas Amateur champion and KGA Player and Senior of the Year Bryan Norton, defending Watson Challenge champion Robert Streb and Midwest PGA Section Player of the Year Tyler Dunn. (Photo by Alan Hoskins) Tom Watson, who will seek his 6th Watson Challenge championship in the 9th annual event to be held at Mission Hills, June 12-14, does not disagree. “On 16 and 17, I have to play within my limits and not let my stupid ego get in the way,” says Watson. “No. 17 [463 yards] is very tough because you’ve got a very long second shot over water to a green that can be hard to hold. And, No. 18 [558 yards] is a bear with out-of-bounds on the left, and a narrow fairway and blind second shot. The kids [other competitors] can get there in two, but I can’t. A year or two ago, the kids were hitting the ball 30 yards farther than I do, now it’s 50 yards.” While No. 15 is the shortest par 4 at 334 yards, it’s downhill from the tee and then over Brush Creek to an elevated green. “It’s all about the hole location,” says King. “It’s a two-level green very sloped from the back with a false front and is one of our harder greens to read. No. 16 and No. 17 are both 460-yard par 4 holes where you’re happy to make par and move on. Both are demanding off the tree with long approach shots, plus Brush Creek runs the length of No. 17 and can come into play. No. 18 is a tough ﬁnishing hole and will test the ﬁeld.” Whether or not PGA TOUR regular Robert Streb defends the title he won last year remains up in the air and may not be decided until the 12 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Watson said he will play two practice rounds prior to the Challenge, one to get re-acquainted with the course and one to formalize his plan for playing the course. At 6,454 yards, Mission Hills is the shortest of the nine courses hosting the Challenge and has only two par 5 holes, but more than 80 bunkers. “Every time I drive past the course, I see how great the bunkers look,” says Watson. “They’ve got the best bunkers in town.”

It was at Mission Hills that Watson got his start on a Hall of Fame career highlighted by eight major championships. “I was eight years old when my grandmother brought me to Mission Hills for a junior golf day,” recalled Watson. “At the time, they had an assistant named Stan Thirsk. We had a little competition, chipping and putting, and he said he saw this kid who had such good balance and that kid was me.” He also played the course as a junior. “The hot dogs were the most important — we’d get them at the turn.” The First Tee of Greater Kansas City will again be the benefactor of the tournament, which has raised more than $400,000 in its ﬁrst eight years.

The Watson Challenge is open to public viewing. Watch Tom Watson, one of golf’s greatest, and the best KC area golfers play at an historic and beautiful golf club. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased from the KCGA ofﬁce at 8330 Melrose Drive in Lenexa or at the gate. Youngsters 17 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.kansascitygolfer.org. O Footnote: Streb ﬁnished T4 (12-under) at the Wells Fargo Championship on May 17. He is playing well currently, so there is a good chance Streb will be playing the U.S. Open. www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

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Playing Better Golf

by Joe Bauer, Go-Low Golf Academy

Visualization Increases Performance

he average golfers’ most overlooked aspect of every golf shot and one that helps to separate the professionals from the weekend-warrior is the ability to visualize every shot in their mind before they swing the club. As an instructor who has played countless rounds of golf with players of all skill levels, I can say, without a doubt, that this step is overlooked by the majority of high handicap players and is probably costing you countless strokes.

We have all been guilty of not taking enough time to properly prepare mentally for a shot, and we have all suffered the consequences of our poor decisions. No matter what shot you are hitting, you will always perform better if you have a plan. For example, before professionals hit a shot, they see the shot in their mind, doing exactly what they want it to do and going exactly where they want it to go. They are seeing the trajectory of the ball, where it lands and where it ends up before they make their swing. Watch them closely and you will see many of them actually close their eyes and take deep, calming breaths during the process.

Far too many amateur golfers fear the results of a bad shot — even before they pick a club to swing. Thinking this way puts all the focus on the negative and nothing good comes from negative thoughts. Good golfers have the ability to simply acknowledge the trouble while conﬁdently focusing on their target and the execution of a good golf swing.

pace of play. Visualization can be accomplished very quickly — then hit the shot before doubt or another thought creeps in.

This mental preparation should be present on every shot, from your driver to your putter and every club in between. It only takes a few seconds to go through the entire process, making it a routine. Not all golfers can hit a 300-yard drive, but, with a little practice, we all have the ability to visualize and prepare for our shot just like the best players in the world.

The phrase “prior planning prevents poor performance” was handed down to me as a child, and, through the experiences that life gives you, I know most Keegan’s unique visualization of the good decisions we make pre-shot routine. Scarry! in life come after some thought — golf is no exception. Visualize your shots ﬁrst and, one day, you’ll be hoisting the trophy. O

Prior planning begins with looking at the broader picture. Start by observing the layout and shape of the hole, and then, how you plan to approach it. Once you have developed a strategy for the hole, you’ll want to visualize your shot from the tee to your fairway target, or fairway to green target. This allows you to decide what club is the best to achieve the shot you just mapped out in your mind. During your visualization process, be realistic (play within your skills) and make it a shot that you are conﬁdent that YOU can pull off and not one you saw on TV.

This is U.S. Open month (June 15-21), as you watch the Open, pay attention to the pros’ pre-shot routine — you will see the visualization happening with every player before every shot. Now, I’m not encouraging you to take as long to hit your shot — always be mindful of your

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

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D river and F airway S izzlers! New Golf Equipment

by Bert Benjamin, a Top 100 Clubfitter

ell, the golf season is in full flight and the hint of summer’s hot sizzle in the air. But, is your golf bag restocked with the sizzling hot new golf clubs? If not, these fairway sizzlers may be just the ticket to get you firing the lowest scores of your golfing career.

Over the last few years, adjustability in woods and even some hybrids has swept the golf industry. For the great extent, most manufacturers offer players the ability to “dial-in” their club for their specific swing needs. If properly fit for the club, it’s a wonderful thing. If not, you may never get the full benefit of such clubs.

Here are a few options for “Non-Adjustable” clubs from Callaway and TaylorMade for you to consider when building your bags’ arsenal of weapons. We will address other excellent choices from other outstanding brands in future articles. For now, I encourage you to give these strong performers a close look.

Callaway XR fairways:

I have noticed two key bi-products of adjustability manifesting with many customers during our ﬁttings. They are additional weight and decision-making doubt.

Adjustability – A “Weighty” Issue: The most obvious issue we deal with is that of weight. All those weights, screws and setting devices can typically add signiﬁcant heft to the golf club, and that usually adds extra weight in the heel of the club, which tends to make the club more draw bias. That’s great for people who slice, but can be less than wonderful for those players who hit it left already. Somehow, that additional weight has to be taken into account when designing and ﬁtting the club.

Because of the length and size — a driver is the easiest to “move” weight. However, it’s a different issue when we address fairway woods and hybrids. One thing is for sure, not all players are suited for heavier clubs and swing weight. For many players, launch and distance can be compromised if the club is too heavy and likewise if too light.

doubt and decision Making: Because of the nature of the game we play, doubt in your clubs can manifest itself after a number of bad shots. Its effect on deciding when to adjust your club can pose signiﬁcant decision-making issues. Do I have the club on the right setting? When is the time to change the club to accommodate my swing (or swing faults)? What should I do with the settings on the club when my misses are inconsistent? Should I seek out professional ﬁtting help to make the right choices for my swing? It can be a lot to think about, and thus creeps in doubt.

Non-Adjustable Woods – A Return to Simplicity? While many players enjoy what adjustability can offer, we get plenty of requests for “less complicated” choices. There is signiﬁcant player feedback during ﬁttings that some adjustable clubs simply are too heavy. And, we are now getting an increasing number of requests for non-adjustable clubs. There’s that doubt again — it’s no wonder!

With the exception of Titleist, whose woods and hybrids are adjustable, to attract a larger segment of customers, most company’s offer both adjustable and non-adjustable choices. Non-adjustables are also less pricy. 16

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Callaway says, “The XR is built for outrageous speed from everywhere. It offers a new Forged Hyper Speed Face Cup (up to 36% thinner) and a larger sweet spot for greater distance and forgiveness.”

What our staff testing shows: ● Extreme ball speeds may dictate going up in loft (consider 4, 7, 9). ● Non-adjustable — slight draw bias. ● Neutrally weighted Pro model available offers penetrating ﬂight. ● Great combination of distance and launch. ● Shaft ﬂexes hold true ● Superior turf interaction Our final Verdict: Better than the hype! Callaway XR Fairways MSRP: $229.99

www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

TaylorMade AeroBurner and AeroBurner TP driver:

TaylorMade says, “Our fastest and most aerodynamic driver. The AeroBurner driver features an advanced aerodynamic shape designed with a rounder toe, raised center crown and new hosel ﬁn to deliver maximum distance, and its new and improved Speed Pocket increases the size of the sweet spot and reduces spin.”

“AeroBurner does not have an adjustable hosel because of the size of the new Speed Pocket, which extends across the entirety of the sole for even better performance, especially on mishits. The speed pocket also creates more face ﬂexion that causes shots to launch higher with less spin — a key to creating the optimal launch conditions that lead to longer drives.”

The AeroBurner driver measures 460 cubic centimeters and comes in lofts of 9.5, 10.5, 12 and HL. Its stock shaft is Matrix’s RUL-Z 60 (S, R, M and L ﬂexes, X-Flex is custom only), and it has a standard length of 45.75 inches.

Our final Verdict: Aeroburner fairways are for the player looking for lightweight effortless power. These lightweight clubs more than deliver on the performance promise.MSRP: $279.99- $299.99

TaylorMade AeroBurner Mini driver:

TaylorMade says, “The Mini Driver is made for speed! New aerodynamic shape with a shallow face, raised center crown and new hosel fin. The Speed Pocket increases the size of the sweet spot and reduces spin. The Mini Driver offers improved playability due to its larger hittable face area and decreased overall size of 253cc. Its’ new matte white finish, black PVD face, and linear AeroBurner crown graphic make alignment easy. Built with the new lightweight Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 shaft and TM Speed grip. The TP model designed with a longer hosel, flatter lie, and more open face angle and built with a Matrix Ozik White Tie 70X4 shaft and Lamkin UTx grip.” What our staff testing shows: ● Solid feel at point of impact. Launch is easily achieved. ● Player feedback is that the club is light and easy to hit. ● For some, a non-traditional solution to age old consistency issue.

A TP version of the AeroBurner driver has a longer 0.335-inch diameter hosel that accommodates TaylorMade’s TP shaft offerings. The stock TP shaft offering is Matrix’s Ozik 6X4 White Tie (X, S and R).

What our staff testing shows: ● General feedback is that the club feels light – yet few comment how long the club is (45.75”). ● Ball speed tests out among our top performers. ● Quicker tempo or high swing speed players will be better served by the AeroBurner TP. ● Lie angle is slightly ﬂatter on TP to help the driver play with less bias. ● It’s lack of adjustability does not seem to be a barrier to player demand.

Our final Verdict: Players looking for a light driver that provides high ball speed with increased launch will deﬁnitely want to give the AeroBurner a good look. TaylorMade Men's AeroBurner. MSRP: $369.99 - $399.99.

TaylorMade AeroBurner and AeroBurner TP fairway Woods: TaylorMade says, “Made of speed: fairway woods that provide driver-like launch conditions. The AeroBurner fairway features an advanced aerodynamic shape designed with a shallow face, raised center crown and new hosel ﬁn to deliver maximum distance, and its new and improved Speed Pocket increases the size of the sweet spot and reduces spin.

What our staff testing shows: ● Players are surprised by its lightweight, yet powerful performance. ● TP models should be considered for quick tempo players. ● One of our top performers, it will be in a lot of golf bags this year.

Our final Verdict: While not for everyone, the Mini Driver is solid and easy to hit. Those struggling with their driver should consider giving this a real test. Aeroburner Mini Driver MSRP: $279.99

As I said in the beginning of this review, only performance matters! Professional fitting will help you get the most out of your outstanding choices of new equipment. At the end of the day, we find that our customers simply want what works best. Performance should be the final determinant when selecting what should go in your bag. As a “Top 100 Fitter” nationally, I am grateful that my customers wouldn’t have it any other way. Until next time when we look at the new Hybrids — keep swinging!

June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Where’s Bogie

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June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Kansas Cit y Are a G o lf Co u rse G u ide

Tee Times Golf Guide™ STRONGly ReCOMMeNdS VeRIfyING INfORMATION WITh The COuRSe yOu WANT TO PlAy.

Many of the courses listed here now offer Dynamic Pricing, which ﬂuctuates throughout the day. This guide reﬂects average daily rates. For best rates, we suggest visiting course websites. We rely on golf course management to submit any change to the rates listed below. It is not our intention to provide any incorrect information. Rates Can & Do Change Without Notice To Us. Rates Posted Are Non-Binding & Only a Reference Guide.

(In Season)

RATING

      NEW

  

Below is a list of Kansas City area public golf courses where you can ﬁnd Tee Times Golf Guide™ Map # & M ISSOU R I

South East Area

1. Adams Pointe G.C.

Phone

816-220-3673

1601 RD Mize Rd

816-229-8103

1600 NW Circle Dr.

2. Drumm Farm G.C (9 hole)

816-350-9900

5. Teetering Rocks G.C.

816-356-1111

3 Blue Springs G.C.

6. Stone Canyon G.C.

816-228-3333

7b. Unity Village G.C. (9 hole)

816-251-3582

7. WinterStone G.C.

South Kansas City Area

816-257-5755

12040 E 86th

22415 E 39th St

291 Hwy & Kentucky Rd

1901 NW Blue Parkway

Blue Springs

Independence

Zoysia

Blue Springs

Unity Village, MO

Pleasant Hill

816-540-5225 816-318-0004 816-761-9445 816-761-9445 816-523-8601 816-942-4033 816-966-8111

16. Shamrock Hills G.C.

816-537-6556

18. Heart of America Golf Academy

816-513-8940

17. Swope Memorial G.C.

19. The Golf Club at Creekmoor

North of The River Area

816-513-8910 816-331-2621

21601 E State Rd P 4200 Bong Ave

11215 Holmes Rd

14204 St. Andrews Dr 3161 S 291 Hwy

6900 Swope Memorial Dr 7501 Blue River Pwky 1112 E 163rd St,

33rd & Paciﬁc

816-630-3731 816-781-4152

24. Paradise Pointe/The Posse 816-532-4100 25. Paradise Pointe/The Outlaw 816-532-4100 26. Hidden Valley G.C.

816-580-3444

28. Shiloh Springs G.C.

816-270-4653

816-470-2582 816-407-7242

30. Tiffany Greens Golf Club 816-880-9600

18212 Golf Course Rd 18212 Golf Course Rd 800 W 184th St

902 Wollard Blvd

14750 Fairway Ln

8905 Shoal Creek Pkwy

6100 NW Tiffany Spgs Pwky

43. Iron Horse Golf Club 44. Oak Country Club

45. Overland Park G.C.

46. Painted Hills Golf Course

913-681-3100

785-748-0600 913-724-4653 913-780-5976 785-966-2100 913-856-8858 913-829-4653 913-685-4653 913-583-3503 913-897-3809 913-334-1111

913-856-7235

49. St. Andrews Golf Course

913-897-3804

50. Sunﬂower Hills G.C.

51. Sycamore Ridge G.C.

52. Tomahawk Hills Golf Club

53. Canyon Farms Golf Club 54. Trails West Golf Club

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

N/A

$42 (wd)

$16 to walk

$48 (we)

$31 w/Cart

$45 (wd) $55 (we)

w/fee w/fee

YES No

w/fee

Yes

131

$44 (wd) $48 (Fri) $52 (we) $14 (9h) & $18 (18h)

$7/10

w/fee

Yes

Grandview

Blue Blue

Lee’s Summit

Zoysia

Kansas City

Zoysia

Kansas City Raymore

Zoysia Zoysia

119

$17 (wd) $22 (we)

$13

Yes

119

$20 (wd) $25 (we)

$13

Yes

27 72 72 70 72 71 72 35 72

6043

106

6888

136

6761

121

5560

105

1497 6763 6354 6310

$23 (wd) $31 (we)

$13 $14

N/A

$12 (daily) $10 (junior/senior)

132

$40 (wd) $50 (we)

w/fee

$33 (wd) $37 (we)

w/fee

$25 (wd) $32 (we)

$15

119

$25 (wd) $35 (we) $21 (wd) $25 (we)

114

$23.50 (wd) $28 (we)

N/A

$15 & $16 - 9-holes

6274

128

7406

145

2287

$17 (wd) $22 (we)

$65 (wd) $75 (Fri-Sun)

$16 $15

Liberty

Blue

6476

19808 Country Rd. H

St. Joseph

Zoysia

6395

Smithville

Blue

Smithville

Zoysia

Richmond

Zoysia

Kansas City

Zoysia

Lawson

Platte City

Kansas City Liberty

Blue

Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia

72 71 72 72 72 71 71 71 72 70

Yes Yes No

$14

Yes

W/fee

Yes

$14

Yes

127

$22 (wd)

$25 (we)

$15

Yes

117

7018

132

6702

119

133

$18 (wd) $23 (wd) $29 (wd) $29 (wd) $14 (wd)

$23 (we) $27 (we) $31 (we) $31 (we) $18 (we)

$18 $15 $17 $17 $12

6967

136

$32 (wd)

$47 (we)

W/fee

6983

136

$58 (wd)

$67 (we)

W/fee

$55 (we)

w/fee

6530

Yes

$26 (we)

6223

6977

Yes

$22 (wd)

121

6470

Yes

117

6553

7016

Yes

125 133 126

$21 (wd) $58 (wd) $45 (wd)

$25 (we) $68 (we)

$11

w/fee

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

816-580-3444 800 W 184th St Lawson Blue 72 6702 119 $17 (wd) $19 (we) $12 Yes Red = Look1800 For Course AdDr Within These Pages. RatesZoysia listed can72 change only. Yes 7092& are 141a non-binding $50 (wd) reference $60 (we) guide19 785-842-1907 Crossgate Lawrence

47. Prairie Highlands G.C. 48. Smiley’s Golf Complex

Yes

N/A

$35 (wd) $45 (we)

Cart Fee

913-782-1323 913-721-2727 913-592-5292 913-631-8000 913-529-2234 913-651-7176

June 2015

DeSoto

Bermuda

5976

141

Kansas City

Zoysia

6993

133

7000 W 133rd St

Overland Park

1250 E 902 Rd

Lawrence

4605 Clubhouse Dr

9801 Falcon Valley Dr 12524 150 Road

15810 S Gardner Rd 16445 Lackman Rd

Basehor Lenexa

Mayetta KS Gardner Olathe

15400 Mission Rd

Leawood

12501 Quivera Rd

Overland Park

8800 Scott Dr

7101 Parallel Pkwy

14695 S Inverness St 10195 Monticello Terr 11099 W 135th St

122nd St. & Riverview 21731 Clubhouse Dr 17501 Midland Dr

18145 W 87th St Pkwy 306 Cody Ave

Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia

Bentgrass Blue Zoysia Zoysia

Desoto

Blue/Rye

Kansas City

Zoysia

Olathe

Zoysia Zoysia

Lenexa

Blue/Rye

Kansas City

Zoysia

Overland Park

Zoysia

Spring Hill

Bentgrass

Lenexa

Zoysia

Shawnee

Fort Leavenworth

Zoysia Zoysia

72 72 71 36 72 72 71 72 66 70 70 72 60 70 72 72 71 71 71

6870 6984 7036 3336 7500 6165 6875 6889 3918 6446 5914

137 130 126 126 137 118 131 140

121

7055

150

7001 6003 7011

6188

N/A

Yes

w/fee

$27 (wd)

$53 (we) $56 (we)

$29 (we)

$65 (wd) $75 (we)

$25 (wd) $35 (we) $18(M-Th) $24(F) $34 (we) $58(wd)

$72(we)

$25 (wd)

$32 (we)

$50 (wd) $15 (wd)

$25 (wd)

$28 (wd)

115

$22 (wd)

121

w/fee

$42 (we)

$43 (wd)

132 137

Yes

$26 (wd)

$32 (wd)

$34 (wd)

6345

w/fee

119

132

$65 (we)

$23 (wd)

113

$13

$55 (wd)

101

7036 3402

(18-holes) $15 (wd) $20 (we)

$27 (we)

w/fee

Yes

w/fee $16 w/fee

Yes

w/fee

Yes

$15

Yes

None

$35 (we)

$14

$44(wd)

$53 (we)

w/fee

$57 (wd)

$67 (we)

w/fee

$28 (wd & we)

Yes Yes

$16

$19 (we)

$32 (we)

Yes

w/fee

$32(we)

Yes

w/fee

$40 (we) $60 (we)

$16 $13

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Red Color Indicates Course With Advertisements In Magazine.

12601 Hollingsworth Rd

41. Gardner Golf Club 42. Heritage Park Golf Course

Kansas City

Zoysia

913-933-0523

40. Firekeeper Golf Club

Zoysia

Kansas City

7909 Wyandotte

39. Falcon Valley G.C.(9 hole)

Kansas City

Zoysia

7000 NE Barry Rd

913-301-3000

38. Falcon Lakes Golf Club

w/fee

2397

6752

7021

Zoysia

33. Burning Tree G.C. (9 hole) 36. Eagle Bend Golf Course

124

133 144

Excelsior Springs

816-781-3636

35. Dub’s Dread Golf Club

w/fee

e ng Ra YES

7200

Zoysia

1201 E Golf Hill Dr

31. Liberty Hills Golf Club

34. Deer Creek Golf Club

e Prime Season Rates op Weekday (wd) Weekend (we) Sl 131 $44 (wd) $47 (Fri) $57 (we)

816-271-5350

27A. Hidden Valley G.C. 32. Alvamar GolfCourses Club Kansas Area

4236

6856

Blue/Rye

Kansas City

22. Fairview Golf Course

29. Shoal Creek Golf Club

7121

Belton

8200 Hillcrest Rd.

11100 View High Dr

925 N Lightburne Rd

27. Shirkey Golf Club

Blue

Zoysia

Kansas City

816-781-6522

23. Hodge Park Golf Course

Blue

Pleasant Hill

11100 View High Dr

20. Cardinal Hill Golf Club

21. Excelsoir Springs G.C.

Bentgrass

r Pa

STAR RATINGS ARE BY AREA & VOTED BY READERS. Forms available at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com 20800 E 215th St

13. Hillcrest Golf Club

6537

Zoysia / Blue

816-380-4920

12. Fred Arbanas G.C. (18 hole)

Kansas City

10. Country Creek/Hoots Hollow 12. Fred Arbanas G.C. (9 hole)

Zoysia

Blue Springs

Pleasant Hill

11. Eagles Landing G.C.

Independence

21601 E State Rd P

9. Country Creek/The Quarry

Bentgrass

Fairways

816-540-5225

15. River Oaks Golf Course

15400 E 34th St

s rd Ya 6938

City

8. Country Creek/The Rock

14. Minor Park Golf Course

Address

Golf Courses: Please Email Rate Changes to: Editor@TeeTimesMagazine.com

169

28 STAR Ratings are voted by readers, course raters and are for Overall Course Conditions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Fairways, Greens, Rough, your experience with Customer Service, and Clubhouse all factoring into the overall rating. All Ratings Can Change Each Month and Are Rated by Area Listed. Fair, Good, Very Good, Excellent, One of the BEST in area at Present!

169

See Star rating details and form online. download form at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com.

7 2

3 1

13 69

45 41

5 7b

169

Make your Tee Times fRee at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

How To Make Your Charity Golf Tournament A Home Run

Part Two

by TJ Blankenship Metro Golf Event Consultants

ast month, we discussed an overall view of the golf tournament industry as a whole. Over the next several months, I will break down hole-by-hole tips and expert advice on how to create a successful golf outing, or if you already have a golf tournament, these tips could help you take your event to the next level!

hole #1 deﬁning your Purpose — First, ask yourself, should you do a golf tournament and why? Hosting a golf tournament is not for everyone and there is a lot of work involved; however, when done right, they can be a great source of awareness and income for your organization. ● Probably the most important question I ask right from the beginning is, “Do you have a committee?” This is one of the most crucial elements to the success — golf tournaments are not a one-man show. ● The second most important question to ask yourself is, “Do you have or know golfers?” Without golfers and without a strong committee you are setting yourself up for failure. ● Next, do you have a clear goal? Deﬁne the purpose of your event. What are you trying to achieve? Are you fundraising, networking, entertaining, looking for exposure? ● How much money are you trying to raise? Where is the money going? All of these questions need to be answered before you make that decision to move forward.

hole #2 Timeline — The absolute minimum time you should spend planning any golf event should be no less than six months. One year prior is the best option to begin planning your golf tournament. This will give you time to organize your committees, set your date and secure your event location. Plan more time to design sponsor packages and start selling. The ideal committee should consist of at least six to twelve members — ideally, sales and marketing people with golf knowledge. If you do not have enough people on your committee, then the few who are working will burn out from too much work and too little time. Conversely, when you have too many people nothing seems to get done, as no one can agree on the ﬁnal decisions. In future issues, we will explore this subject more in depth.

hole #3 The Budget — This might sound a bit elementary as you read this, but do not spend more than you project making! Believe it or not, this can be one of the biggest issues we see within charity golf tournaments. Most rookie tournament planners do not have a budget for their event. You must research all your sources of potential revenue outlets and plan for your expenses. Your golfers registration fees should cover all the expenses 22

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

of your tournament. Sponsorships and revenue collected the day of the event through contests, donated auction and rafﬂe items are the key to your proﬁts. If you actually want to make money for your charity, you must budget properly and stay within the budget. I have included be a very simple budget plan as an example to help get you started. Remember this does not have to be complicated if you plan and organize properly. Budget example: Income Source

(Note: These are only approximate figures.) Quanity

Minimum

Maximum

Major Sponsors

one to three

$1,000

$3,000

Golfer Fees

100 -144

$150/player

$15,000 - $21,600

Rafﬂe Sales

200 - 400

$5/per ticket

$1,000 - $2,000

Donated Items

$1,000

$2,000 +

Minimum

Maximum

$1,000

$4,000

Title Sponsor

Hole Sponsors

one

10 - 18

Mulligan Sales

100 -200

On-course Games

2 -3 holes

Auction Sales Total Income

estimated expenses example: Income Source Quanity

Green Fees @ $50 ea. 100 - 144

Printing/Marketing Advertising Food & Beverage

100 - 144

Goodie Bag Gifts

100 -144

Prizes other than donated Rafﬂe Sales

Miscellaneous

$500 $10

$300

$24,300 $5,000

supplies

$5,000

$5,000 - $9,000 $1,000 - $2,000 $600

$45,200 $5,000

$15/person

$1,500 - $2,100

$500

$1,000

$25/person

200 - 400 $5/per ticket

Total estimated expenses

Estimated Proﬁt

$5,000

$300

$11,250

$13,050

$2,500 - $3,600 $1,000 - $2,000 $1,000

$17,410 $27,790

TJ Blankenship is a fund-raising expert. The owner at Metro Golf Event Consultants LLC of Blue Springs, MO. Providing your organization the education and training you need to take your golf tournaments to the next level. Helping to improve and change the non-proﬁt and fundraising world with the newest and freshest ideas one golf tournament at a time. Contact TJ Blankenship at 816-519-6737 or email to tj@metrogolfevents.com. www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

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June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Profiled Course of The Month

Shawnee Golf and Country Club — Making Waves with Floater Balls

by John Baccala, Golf Course Profiler

The 18th at Shawnee Golf and Country Club, a challenging ﬁnishing hole. Photo by John Baccala

ucked away in western Shawnee, just west of K-7 off Shawnee Mission Parkway, is Shawnee Golf and Country Club — one of the most interesting and fun courses I have ever played. This 27 hole layout is the “twin brother, or sister,” depending on proper golf course gender etiquette, of the Grand Summit course in Grandview. Both country clubs feature identical clubhouses and apartment homes bordering the course. However, while the terrain and elevation changes found at both courses is somewhat similar, you will see a difference as soon as you hit the range.

“We have the only aqua driving range in the Kansas City area,” said Larry Hadden, Shawnee’s general manager and PGA professional. That’s right; you hit range balls into the water, aiming for floating flags 50 yards apart. “We use floater balls and rely on the wind direction to round up the balls for retrieval,” he said. “The floater balls show accurate ball flight and give nice feedback to the golfer.” Hadden said the floater balls really only lose about 10 percent of a normal golf ball’s carry distance. For those of you range-hounds who normally target the 16-year-old driving the ball picker, I apologize in advance. But, it is unique and I am happy to report, I didn’t lose another ball in the water the rest of the day! 24

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Shawnee Golf and Country Club opened in late summer 2001 and is owned and operated, like Grand Summit, by Lindsey Management Company. However, company founder Jim Lindsey originally made a name for himself on the gridiron, not the fairways and greens. He was an All-American Running Back on the 1964 National Championship football team at the University of Arkansas and went on to play in the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings. He was on the Vikings team when the Chiefs beat them in Super Bowl IV. Following football, Lindsey pursued a career in real estate and ultimately, golf. His son Lyndy is the course architect — and he did quite a job!

Each of the nines are distinct and each has a name. Holes one through nine, named Clear Creek for a creek that meanders through almost every hole. Holes 10-18, Heartland Hills, features some pretty distinct elevation changes and maybe the hardest hole in the city (more on that later). Holes 19-27, named Chapel Creek, is nestled in a residential setting. “It’s a shot shapers nine,” Hadden said. While there are differences in each nine, there is one similarity. When you reach the green, you do not want to be above the hole.

“There are lots of tiers and slopes to them,” Hadden exclaimed. “Almost every hole, from one to 18, has some sort of slope, so posi-

See Golf Specials and Past Issues Online.... w w w.TeeTim es Magazin e. com

tioning your approach shot below the hole gives you a huge advantage. On the first nine, most of the greens slope back to front, so you definitely want to leave the ball short of the flag. “Putting will be your biggest challenge.”

It’s not just the greens you’ll ﬁnd challenging at Shawnee. There are numerous elevation changes throughout the course. Holes like the uphill par-4 4th and the downhill par-3 5th may make you overthink your shot. Don’t!

“Off the tee, No. 4 looks intimidating to most golfers,” Hadden said. “It’s all carry, but there is plenty of room for error. Hitting your approach, the elevated green can make club selection a challenge.” Remember to leave the ball below the hole.

“My tip on No. 5, hitting from an elevated tee, is take less loft and keep the ball low off the tee,” he said. “Why hoist the ball way in the air when you’re already 50 feet in the air to start?”

The back-nine starts with back-to-back par 5s. The tee shot on 10 is straight uphill (“It’s the toughest tee shot on the course,” Hadden said.) and there’s trouble left and right of the fairway, but a good tee shot, especially for long hitters, can result in a birdie opportunity. The par-5 11th is the number one handicap hole on the course. “It can be tough on bogey golfers, but a birdie or eagle hole for scratch players,” he said. Then, there’s the long par-4 17th — it’s no wonder many golfers think it’s the hardest par 4 in the city.

“Without a doubt, it’s [17] the signature hole on the course,” Hadden said. This 430-yard hole (410 yards from the white tees) features a nearly 90-degree dogleg-right to an elevated, three-tiered green.

The par-5 11th is the number one handicap hole on the course. It can be tough on bogey golfers. Through the years, Hadden said several changes have been made to the 17th to make it more “player friendly,” but depending on pin position, this hole can be brutal. “If the pin is on the back tier and you don’t hit a good shot, it can put you in a fetal position,” he said. I can see why. I almost cried when I was putting this green. “It is one of the toughest holes you will ever play,” he said. “But, I love the hole because it honors a great par and awes when someone gets that rare birdie.” Needless to say, but as you can probably assume, the ﬂat stick will make or break your round at Shawnee. More often than not, reaching the green in regulation isn’t the hard part — it’s ﬁnding the bottom of the cup.

“Your speed control must be spot on if you want to two-putt and make those short breakers,” the Shawnee pro said. “There is room for error tee to green, but there is no room for error with the putter.” Like Grand Summit, Shawnee is also open to limited public play. Public golf fees Monday - Thursday are $64 and Friday Sunday $75, which includes cart and ﬂoating range balls. Memberships start at only $140 monthly and includes cart, range, green fees, pools and use of the facilities’ ﬁtness center. Guest of member fees are $45 and $55. More information about memberships and public tee times can be found at www.ShawneeGolfCC.com or call 913422-8357.

Hadden said Shawnee’s 27 hole complex allows golfers to play nine holes in two hours or less and playing the different ninehole course combinations gives the golfer a different look few other courses can offer.

Shawnee Golf Clubs inludes numerous elevation changes throughout the course like the uphill par-4 4th hole. www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

Don’t believe him. Come out and give Shawnee Golf and Country Club a shot — especially the range. Otherwise, you’re all wet! June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun!

Junior Golf Tips

by Sally Krystyn, LPGA

hy do most kids play sports? Here are their top ﬁve answers in order of importance: fun, friends, ﬁt in, feels good and good at it. Golf is usually not even close to making the list of sports or activities in which kids want to participate. Why is this and how can you help encourage children to play this great game?

The ﬁrst suggestion for making golf FUN is to get kids actually playing the game golf or play golf games. Too often kids are stuck on the range — beating ball after ball after ball. After about ten minutes, most kids become bored hitting balls. After another ten minutes, they will start hating “golf” and another ten minutes later, they will hate you for making them play golf. Kids learn best by actually playing. If you cannot get your child on the course, then make sure you are playing fun games with them on the practice facilities.

Junior programs that integrate games and on-course time into the instruction will help keep kids coming back. Golf is frustrating enough — please do not make it boring as well.

Create teams and competitions whenever possible! One of the top ﬁve reasons kids are playing other sports is because their friends are doing it. Making teams help develop friendships and gets kids learning how to work together to accomplish a goal. Encourage kids to bring a friend to golf classes or out to play.

Instruction should focus on the fundamentals — do not get technical. Here are “The Big Three” body fundamentals: posture, hold or grip and pivot or turning motion. “The Big Three” set-up fundamentals are: aim, align and ball position. Get kids to think about balance and their energy going to the target. There is no need to get more complicated than this until kids can master these things. In addition, please do not ever say “Keep Your Head Down!” This is the number one bad piece of advice given.

Give kids specific goals to accomplish and reward them when they achieve their goals. Goals can be set for specific skill development (putting or chipping), knowledge about the rules, etiquette and scoring. Also, integrating fundamentals, movement skills and fundamental sports skills goals would be helpful as well. Next month’s article will address some of these topics. The last suggestion to make golf more FUN for kids is to find a coach who you and your child want to be around. Good junior golf coaches love kids and it will be obvious.

Follow some of these suggestions and be ready for your child to ask you “When can we go out to play golf again, that was FUN!?”

It is so very important for juniors to play golf on a course as it gets them learning to score while having fun. Teeing distances should be scaled to how far they hit the ball, so they can see success at an early stage. Let them tee it up closer to the green at ﬁrst and move back as they improve/learn. Kids should get used to making birdies, pars and bogeys, not twelves and ﬁfteens. Move to the next hole when they’ve hit six to eight shots. Not only will this be more fun, but also kids will quickly learn scoring happens around the green.

If your junior’s driver carry distance is 100 yards (total distance might be around 120 with roll) then par fours should be played between 145 and 196 yards. If your junior’s driver carry distance is 140 then par fours should be played between 194 and 266 yards. U.S. Kids Golf has a great chart about how to set up a model course for different carry distances with a driver. (See chart on right.) 26

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Sally Krystyn is a LPGA Class A Teaching Professional at Shadow Glen, The Golf Club. She is a U.S. Kids Certified Coach and earned Top 50 teachers Honorable Mention in 2014. Sally is Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified Level 3 junior coach, Level 3 Golf Mechanics, and Level 2 Power Coach. She is K-Vest 3D Level 2 Certified. Contact her at golfwithsally@gmail.com or 913-909-0224.

See Golf Specials and Past Issues Online.... w w w. TeeTim es Mag azin e.com

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TAP-INs

Local Golf News

Rounds 4 Research – Bid on Golf Rounds at KC’s Best Golf Courses this June and Support Turf Research he Heart of America Golf Course Superintendents Association (HAGSCA) is once again proud to participate in the Rounds 4 Research campaign. So, who is the HAGSCA, and what is Rounds 4 Research?

The HAGCSA is a professional association of the men and women who maintain and care for your Kansas City area golf courses. Members of the HAGCSA include superintendents, assistant superintendents, students, equipment/chemical and fertilizer sales professionals, and educators who all work to make Kansas City area golf courses more beautiful and playable for you.

Rounds 4 Research is an initiative launched in 2012 by the Environmental Institute for Golf (GCSAA’s philanthropic organization) designed to offer golf rounds donated by local public and private golf courses for online auction to the golﬁng public. The proceeds from these auctions can only be used to support turf research at local universities.

There were more than 40 of the top public and private golf courses in Kansas City and surrounding areas offering rounds in the 2014 auction, raising more than $5,000 to support turf research. This year, there are even more fantastic KC area golf courses offering rounds up for bid. With your help, we’ll reach our goal for this year’s auction, doubling 2014 and raise $10,000.

Ultimately, the benefactors of the investment of these funds are golfers and golf facilities. Course operators in the past have benefited from research through increased efficiencies due to innovative golf course management programs, such as, new turf-grasses that fight disease pressures, resist wear and tear and extreme weather conditions, and improved products that are more effective and safer for the environment. you can join the bidding in the 2015 Auction, June 8 – 21. This is a great opportunity for area golfers to get some good deals on golf rounds at some of KC’s very best golf courses, while helping support this initiative and keep courses and the game of golf remaining strong and viable. Simply visit www.rounds4research.com to learn more and enter your bids. The HAGCSA is proud to once again be part of this important program.

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Steve Wilson, CGCS, HAGCSA President.

June 2015

enter your Junior Golfer in the 2015

drive, Chip and Putt Championship Qualifying Win a Spot In The National Finals During The Masters at Augusta!

The 2014/2015 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship winners.

n partnership with the Masters Tournament, USGA and PGA of America, the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship was established to create this event, whereby boys and girls, from age 7 to 15 could participate in qualifying events. Junior golfers will have a chance at making it to the National Finals in Augusta, GA, which will be held the Sunday prior to the 2016 Masters Tournament.

The 2015 Drive, Chip and Putt qualiﬁers will be held at Twin Oaks Country Club, Springﬁeld, MO on June 25, Creekmoor Golf Club in Raymore, MO on July 9, and Fred Arbanas Golf Course on July 20. Tiffany Greens Golf Club in Kansas City, MO, will host the SubRegional on August 6.

Approximately 17,000 youngsters had opportunities to qualify in the ﬁrst year, which began with local qualifying at courses throughout the country and continued with regional qualifying. The winners from the boys and girls divisions in each of the four age divisions earned a trip to Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters Tournament.

Drive, Chip and Putt is for any youngster, no matter their skill level, who wants to enjoy a unique golf experience. We strongly encourage parents to register their youngsters today and tell their friends that this type of fun golf competition can create lasting memories. For questions about event times or more information about local qualifying, contact the Midwest Section PGA at 816-229-6565. To register your junior golfer (ages 7-15), visit www.DriveChipandPutt.com and make sure to tell your friends about the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship so they can register their kids and join the fun!

HAVE News About Your Golf Course? Then Send It To Us!

Simply submit your news to: Editor@TeeTimesMagazine.com. www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

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June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Bushnell’s New NEO Ghost — New Golf Stuff

A BEST SELLER

by Bill Cromwell, Publisher

ushnell’s January release of its new NEO Ghost GPS Rangeﬁnder has been a huge success, as they continue to ﬂy off store shelves. “The NEO Ghost has been one of our best sellers over the past few months” said Monty King, manager of Bushnell’s two Kansas City area outlet stores. “As soon as we get a new shipment in, they are sold out just as quick. It’s been that way for our outlet stores and other retailers nationally. It’s a great product, easy to use and with the larger yardage numbers on the display, it’s very quick to read.”

The NEO Ghost comes preloaded with more than 30,000 courses, so ﬁnding a course you play is simple — they’re all in the unit for you.

The NeO Ghost pocketsized, easy-to-use golf GPS features:

● Preloaded with over ize Actual S 33,000 courses. ● No downloads and no membership fees ever. ● Auto Course Recognition and Auto Hole Advance ● Easy-to-read Front/Center/Back Distances ● Hazard/Layup Distances (up to 4 per hole) ● Long Battery Life — play three rounds between charges ● Includes a Multi-Function Clip & USB charging cable

The NEO Ghost is offered in four colors — black, charcoal, neon green and white. Bushnell offers it at a very affordable retail price of $129.99, which is likely why they’re in such demand. O The Bushnell factory Outlet Stores are at 8500 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, KS, 913-310-0783 and 445 NW Murray Road, Lee's Summit, MO, 816-525-2220. Bushnell products are available at most namebrand golf retailers. For details about Bushnell products or a list of retailers, visit www.bushnellgolf.com.

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It provides simple measurements to the front, center and back distances of the green — along with up to four hazard/layup distances per hole. Additional features include auto course and auto hole recognition, shot distance calculator and long battery life. (I’ve played three rounds before it needed charging.) The NEO Ghost includes a multifunctional clip that allows for increased accessibility and convenience during play — clip it on your belt, slip it in your pocket or golf bag. It’ s compact and ultra-light.

“Many features excite golfers about the NEO Ghost, most importantly the high-quality GPS technology packed into such a small, lightweight rangeﬁnder,” said King. “The NEO Ghost provides golfers with the correct distance information they need to choose the right club and target the pins.” 30

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

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TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Where Is Your Weakest Link?

Tee Times Fitness Focus

ne of my favorite training methods is simple to learn and uses only body weight and gravity as resistance. They are safe and effective for all ages and level of players.

If you have inefﬁciency in your movement pattern — a golf swing fault — you will eventually end up stressing a body part excessively, and/or not being a consistently good ball striker.

Here are two very important points to consider: 1. Are you training enough to handle the mechanics and strength requirements to maximize the efﬁciency of your movement? This is important as we develop and, especially, if we are attempting to relearn movement patterns. 2. Are you training harder than your strength and mechanics can support?

Overtraining will create neural stagnation with deﬁcits your body cannot recover. In the simplest terms, you might be as strong as a horse, but if it hurts to lift your arm, which does not weigh all that much relatively, over your head, be real — you have a weak link. I know plenty of guys that can bench press the room, but cannot hit the ball out of their own shadow. These are usually the people with the shoulder issues, and, more often than not, they will tell you that it does not hurt while swinging the golf club — it just hurts after swinging it 100 or 150 times.

Functional strength training should include integrated ﬂexibility work including joint integrity work, body-work, machine-work, free-weightwork and endurance-work. These are all integral components to creating a balanced athlete prepared for performance. The following exercises incorporate integrated ﬂexibility, joint integrity training techniques and target the weak link areas we see most frequently.

Shoulders/Rotator Cuff Prayer Palm Presses — This exercise helps develop flexibility in the wrists and strength in the rotator cuff. Start with your hands out in front of your chest, palms pressed together, fingers extended, and elbows out parallel to the floor. Now press each hand against each other, keeping your elbows parallel to the ground. Finally, pressing your hands together, make big rotations with your forearms forwards and backwards, three times in each direction.

Core/low Back Supermans’ — This exercise helps you with flexibility in your shoulders and spine and strength in your core. Lying face down, start by extending your left arm and right leg. Then lift your right arm and left leg, and then both your arms and legs at the same time. You can vary the pattern in which you lift — arms first then legs or legs first then arms. Repeat five times with each movement. 32

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

by Janine Young, Golf Fitness Contributer

hip/Si Joint figure 4 hip lifts — This exercise will build trunk and core stability. It really targets the glute medius. Lying on your back with your legs straight out, cross your right foot over your left leg and place it just outside your left knee. Give yourself a quarter turn to the left and lift your butt off the ground with your left foot. Repeat ﬁve times and then switch to the other foot.

Knees Accordions — A great way to develop knee stability and overall balance in the lower body. Start with your feet and knees wide apart and your back parallel to the ﬂoor. Next, take both elbows and place them on the insides of the knees. The hands should be in a prayer position directly in the middle of the knees. Begin the drill by squeezing both knees directly together as hard as you can for a count of three. Next, begin to accordion walk your feet inwards — both toes come in, then heels come in, etc., until the feet are approximately armpit width apart from one another.

foot/Ankle Circuit exercise Ankle Windshield Wipers — This drill will help to gain mobility and stability in the ankle joint. Sit in a chair that allows the upper leg to be parallel to the ground. Next, make fists with both hands and put the fists together between the two knees, so that you create a knee-fistfist-knee chain. Keep the feet directly under the knees then lift toes and forefoot off the ground. Now turn both feet to the right as far as possible, and then back to Supermans’ the left as far as possible. The ankles will resemble the motion of windshield wipers on an automobile. Make sure to anchor the heels as the center of rotation not allowing forward or backward movement. Perform this drill in a slow and controlled manner. Do these exercises and you’ll be on your way to a healthier and better golf swing.

Janine Young and the Elite Golf and Fitness team is among the leading golf performance professionals featuring the only 3-D Diagnostic Studio and Training Facility in the Midwest. For more information call 913-226-7092, or visit www.elitegolfnﬁtness.com. Located “inside” 68 Inside Sports at 11301 W. 88th St. Overland Park, KS 66213. www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

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TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

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2015 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE™ City

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W/fee

Yes

W/fee

Yes

ttgg-06/15

● ●

STAR Ratings Can Change Each Month Depending On Course Conditions — For Details See Rating Form at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com — complete and return yours! 2. Bear Creek Valley GC

573-302-1000

Rt. 42

4. Eldon Country Club

573-392-4172

35 Golf Course Rd

6. Lake Valley Golf Club

573-346-7218

2B. Deer Chase Golf Club 5. Indian Rock Golf Club Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated Not Rated

7A. The Cove Golf Course

7B. The Ridge Golf Course

573-346-6117

573-372-3023

573-365-8532 573-365-8544

8A. Tan-Tar-A The Oaks GC

573-348-8522

9. Old Kinderhook Golf Club

573-317-3573

8B. Tan-Tar-A Hidden Lakes 9-hole 10. Sycamore Creek GC

11. Osage National Golf Club 12. Rolling Hills Golf Club

14. Redﬁeld Golf & Country Club

573-348-8490 573-348-9593

770 Deere Chase Rd State Rd O

Linn Creek

Bermuda

Laurie

Bermuda

Lake Ozark

Bermuda

Eldon

Hwy 54 & Lk Rd 54-79

Camdenton

170 Seasons Ridge Dr

Lake Ozark

State Rd HH

1524 State Rd KK

1524 State Rd. KK Lake Rd 54-80

1270 Nicholas Rd

573-365-1950

400 Osage Hills Road

573-498-0110

Hwy 54 & 17 Junction

573-378-5109

Osage Beach

13986 Country Club Rd

Osage Beach Osage Beach Camdenton

Osage Beach Lake Ozark Versailles Eugene

Bermuda Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia

Bermuda

Bentgrass

6544

6335

6567

72 72

6451 6416

129 125 121 136 130

6432

134

6855

137

35 72 72 71 72

3015 6078 7150 6392 6720

$49.50 (wd) $64.50 (we) $47 (wd)

$56 (we)

$47 (wd)

$55 (we)

$41 (wd) $60 (wd) $69 (wd)

$46 (we) $69 (we) $95 (we)

$64 (wd) $79 (we)

W/fee W/fee

$72 (wd) $95 (we)

W/fee

123

$42 (wd) $52 (we)

125

W/fee

$69 (we)

$55 (wd)

$30 (9 holes) $42 (18)

121

W/fee

N/A

145

W/fee

$70 (wd) $89 (we) $38 (wd) & (we)

$39 (wd) $48 (we)

W/fee W/fee

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No

W/fee

Yes

W/fee

Yes

W/fee

Yes

Tee Times Golf Guide STRONGly ReCOMMeNdS VeRIfyING INfORMATION WITh The COuRSe yOu WANT TO PlAy.

Many of the courses listed here now offer Dynamic Pricing, which fluctuates throughout the day. This guide reflects average daily rates. For best rates, we suggest visiting course websites. We rely on golf course management to submit any change to the rates listed. It is not our intention to provide any incorrect information. Rates Can & Do Change Without Notice To Us. Rates Posted Are Non-Binding & Only a Reference Guide. Golf Course Management: To Update Your Rates — Please Send Changes To: Editor@TeeTimesMagazine.com. (We only accept email rate updates/changes with verifiable contact information.)

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

A Must Play While at The Lake The Most Affordable Green Fees at the Lake ONLY $47 w/cart Weekdays!

The Golf Club at Deer Chase is the Lake area’s Newest Public Golf Course in a Private Setting. Play our Roger Null designed 18-hole public course that features generous fairways and large multi-tiered well-maintained greens. Conveniently located between Camdenton and Osage Beach. From Hwy, 54 turn on Hwy. A for 3.4 miles. Then right on Lowell Williams Road for 1.5 miles. We’re on the left.

Call: 573-346-6117 ● Toll Free: 866-633-3771 770 Deere Chase Road, Linn Creek, MO 65052 │ w w w. d eerC h as eGo lf . co m See Our Online Magazine... w w w.TeeTim es Ma gazin e.com

www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Get The Best Golf Deals!

50% OFF

Golf Deals

Play KC Area Golf Courses and Get Golf Products at Up to 50% OFF!

Visit www.GoGolfingDeals.com and Get Your Deal Today! TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

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Custom Logo Feather Flags ONLY $149

Custom Logo Golf Pin Flags Perfect for Hole Sponsors

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plus first order setup fee.

Feather Flags • Banners • Golf Pin Flags • Window Film • Vehicle Graphics & More!

Making Your Business Noticeable and Tournament Memorable!

Call Alan Lednovich at 816-255-2792 or 816-304-7101

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Where Golfers Stay at The Lake... Ranked #1 of 7 Specialty lodging in Lake Ozark, by TripAdvisor.com

B o o k Yo u r L a k e Golf Trip Now!

Stay & Play Golf Packages — The Best Rates Available at The Most Conveniently Located Waterfront Resort at The Lake.

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4180 Holiday Shores Drive  Osage Beach, Missouri 65065  w w w .H o liday ho re sRe r t .co m25 www.TeeTimesMagazine.com January 2015 TEESTIMES GOLFso GUIDE

Branson Golf Course Guide & Map

6 4

1 7

LedgeStone Golf Club IN-SEASON

Course Rating

STAR RATINGS ARe By AReA & VOTed By ReAdeRS. Golf Course Star Rating Forms available at www.TeeTimesMagazine.com Map # - Branson Area

800-225-6343

Hwy 65 @ Branson Creek

3. Ledgestone Golf Club

417-335-8187

1600 Ledgestone Way

417-334-4838

4. Pointe Royale Golf Club

866-334-4477

6. Thousand Hills Golf Club

417-336-5873

5. Payne Stewart Golf Club

Not Rated

Address

1. Buffalo Ridge Golf Club 2. Holiday Hills Golf Club

Not Rated

Phone

7. Top of The Rock Golf Course 8. River Cut Golf Course 9. Deer Lake Golf Club

417-337-2963

800-225-6343 417-891-1645 417-865-8888

City

Hollister

s ay irw a F Zoysia

r Pa

Zoysia

2380 E Hwy 76

Branson

Bermuda

142 Clubhouse Dr

Branson

Bermuda

Branson

Zoysia

100 Payne Stewart Dr 245 S Wildwood Dr

612 Devil's Pool Rd

2850 W Farm Rd 190 5544 W Hwy 266

Branson Branson Branson

Springﬁeld Springﬁeld

Zoysia Zoysia Zoysia

Bermuda

Prime Season Rates

s rd Ya 7036

e op Sl

Weekday (wd) Weekend (we)

6891

113

132

$60 till noon $46 after noon

$89 (till 1 p.m.) $75 (until dusk)

7324

N/A

$94 (until 11 a.m.) $104 (until 11 a.m.)

N/A

$175 (18 holes) $135 (9 holes)

68 70 72 64

6501 6501

125

7066

134

1330

7001

2015 TEE TIMES GOLF G

128

5111

27 72

133

UIDE™

128

$99 (wd)

$110 (we)

$54 (wd) & (we)

$59 (wd) & $45 (after noon) $39 (wd) $35 (wd)

$48 (we) $42 (we)

Cart Fee

W/fee

e ng Ra Yes

W/fee

Yes

W/fee W/fee

Yes No

W/fee

Yes

W/fee

Yes

W/fee

Yes

W/fee W/fee

Yes

Inc. Conceptual Designs & Reprint Rights Reserved.

Tee Times Golf Guide STRONGly ReCOMMeNdS VeRIfyING INfORMATION WITh The COuRSe yOu WANT TO PlAy.

Many of the courses listed here now offer Dynamic Pricing, which fluctuates throughout the day. This guide reflects average daily rates. For best rates, we suggest visiting course websites. We rely on golf course management to submit any change to the rates listed. It is not our intention to provide any incorrect information. Rates Can & Do Change Without Notice To Us. Rates Posted Are Non-Binding & Only a Reference Guide. Golf Course Management: To Update Your Rates — Please Send Changes To: Editor@TeeTimesMagazine.com. (We only accept email rate updates/changes with verifiable contact information.)

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

Stay & Play Golf Packages Available

Open to Public

    

Playing to a Par 64, the course has 9 par 3’s, 8 par 4’s and one par 5. www.ThousandHills.com

www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

Pro Shop 1-877-262-0430 or 417-336-5873 245 South Wildwood Drive  Branson, MO Located Directly Behind The Grand Palace

June 2015

TEE TIME SPECIAL

TWO Golfers

Only $79.99 Cart Included.

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New - Design for 2020 Golfer Breathtaking Views Group Friendly More Accessibility Faster Pace of Play More Fun!

(After 11 a.m.) Not valid with other offers. Offer Expires 07/03/15

For Tee Times Call 1-877-262-0430 or 417-336-5873 Thousand Hills Golf Resort

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Join The Fun in These Charity Golf Tournaments

June 7, Sunday The 7th Annual dWMG Tournament at Shamrock hills Golf Club. On October 1,

2008, we lost a dear family member, Dan Webb, in a tragic car accident. May of 2009, Danny’s family established the 1st Annual Dan Webb Memorial Golf Tournament (DWMG). Danny was an avid dog lover. The golf tournament is a charitable event with proceeds used to help to rescue homeless dogs and provide assistance for animals in Eastern Jackson County, MO and costs associated with surgeries and/or medical fees owners are unable to afford. This three-person scramble begins with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Fees are $75 per golfer or $200 per team (prepaid). A skins game is available at checkin. Dinner and awards following golf. Sponsorships are available. For more information, see Facebook page @Dan Webb Memorial Golf Tournament. Prepay is appreciated. Make checks payable to DWMF and mail to: Jeff Webb, 3607 S Delaware Ave, Independence, MO 64055.

June 7, Sunday 12th Annual Scramble for freedom Golf Tournament at Royal Oaks Golf Course at Whiteman Air force Base. Want to make a difference in the life of a veteran? Tournament sponsored by the West Central Missouri Veterans Assistance League. All proceeds will enhance the lives of the 200 veterans living at the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg. This four-person scramble begins with registration at 9 a.m. and a shotgun start at 11:30 a.m. Fees are $220 per team and includes lunch, 18 holes of golf and a golf cart. The first place prize is $400 for each flight (up to 3 flights). Space is limited to 36 teams. This is a wonderful chance to make the dreams of our veterans come true. Hole sponsor and golf sponsors are also needed. For more information, call Latisha Koetting, director of volunteer services, at 660-4294661 or visit www.valwbg.org.

June 15, Monday drive Out hunger Golf Tournament lakewood Oaks Golf Club to beneﬁt Coldwater's No Hungry Kids Program. Satisfaction of knowing you helped feed a chronically hungry child! Four-person scramble, 10 a.m. check-in with 11 a.m. shotgun. Teams or individual entries are welcome. Great prizes for 2 ﬂights. Contests include Hole-in-One, longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt. Lunch before and dinner during prize announcements. For more information contact Cathy Counti 816-3652225, Cathy@askCathy.com.

We List Charity Tournaments FREE email your tournament info as seen here to VP@TeeTimesgg.com before the 10th of the month to make upcoming issue.

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

Carg o for Kids

June 19, friday fourth Annual Cargo for Kids Charity Golf Tournament at drumm farm Golf Club. 100% of golf tournament proceeds go to fund the Cargo for Kids backpack stuffing initiative, which benefits homeless students in the Independence School District. A backpack filled with required supplies for a high school student costs over $100. Four-person scramble. Entry fee per team is $400 or $100 per player. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with shotgun start at 9 a.m. Plenty of oncourse contests, lunch and awards ceremony after event. Please register online by May 15, at www.cargoforkids.com. For more information, contact Melissa Rhoades at 816-350-6138, or email at info@cargolargo.com.

June 20, Saturday fore4Thor 7th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament at dub's dread Golf Course to beneﬁt his three daughters' college funds. Thor Rodenbaugh, 37, died unexpectedly on November 11, 2008 after a routine local anesthetic shoulder block procedure prior to rotator cuff surgery. He was an 89 Raytown South High graduate and held the position of General Manager for Schatz Distributing, a KCK Anheuser-Busch Distributor. He was the best dad, loved his girls, and the pride he had for his family was contagious. Thor had the unique ability to bring people together and this tournament characterizes his love of the game, his love of people, and his skill at having fun! Format is a four-person scramble. Registration begins at 11:30 with shotgun start at 1p.m. Cost is $340 per team. Entry Deadline is June 1. After June 1, fee is $400 per team. Entry fee includes: green fee, cart, dinner, door prizes and beverages. Rafﬂe items include a Smart TV, Budweiser items and more. Silent Auction will also be held. You can visit Thor's website to register at www.Ask4Thor and see the Fore4Thor tab. If you prefer, send your team registration by mail with payment before June 1, to Chris Rodenbaugh, 11501 E 62nd St, Raytown, MO 64133.

June 27, Saturday The Ricky Mcdaniel Memorial Golf Tournament at eagle's landing Golf Course, Belton, MO. Registration for this four-person scramble is at 7 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 8 a.m. The cost per golfer is $100 for 18 holes of golf with cart, lunch, prizes and contests with prizes — longest drive, closest to the pin, most accurate drive, and a putting challenge. To register, call Willie Jackson 816-2173522 or Ronald Proctor 816-524-8404. Make checks payable to Swope Parkway Church of Christ. No checks will be accepted on the day of the event. Send payment to: P O Box 24831, Kansas City, MO.

July 16, Thursday The 13th Annual Grain Valley eagle Golf fundraiser at Adams Pointe Golf Club. All proceeds benefit GVHS Activities, the GV Eagle Booster Club and the GV Education Foundation. Registration, Lamar's donuts and coffee at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. Four-person scramble with two flights. All inclusive entry fee of $100 per player includes golf w/ GPS, range balls, goody bag, two mulligans, entry into putting contest and several on-course contests, two drink tickets, raffle tickets, lunch and Prizes. Sports memorabilia and gift card silent auction after golf. Sponsorships available. For entry forms or sponsor information, go to www.gveaglenation.com, contact Jerry Vaughan at jvaughan@gvr5.net, or call 816-8475006 x1015.

July 14, Tuesday The 2014 Kansas City Swingers Golf Association's (KCSGA) Annual loch lloyd Invitational Golf Tournament. The Annual Loch Lloyd Invitational Golf Tournament funds the Al Mosley Scholarship Fund. Format is Four-man Best Ball. Check-in: 11 a.m. Shotgun start at 12 noon. Entry fee is $130 per golfer or $520 per four-golfer team. Fee includes green fee, golf cart, beverages and awards dinner. Individual and team awards and prizes will be awarded. This year KCSGA will partner with the Black Health Care Coalition (BHCC) at the 2014 Loch Lloyd Scholarship Golf Tournament. You can register and donate online at www.thekcsga.org. For more information about the event, call Charlie Jackson, 913-908-6821.

HOLE-IN-ONE Insurance 1 ACE

Metr oG ol f E vents. com Cal l 816-519-6737 TJ Blankenship, Owner

www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

PLANNING A GOLF TOURNAMENT?

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June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

R A N G E S , P R I VAT E C L U B S & G O L F S T O R E S Find TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE™ Magazine at any of the locations listed on this page and many more.

Practice Facilities

hIT A BuCKeT... PlAy BeTT eR

Missouri Ranges

Adam's Pointe Golf Club

816-220-3673

1601 R.D. Mize Rd., Blue Springs, MO

heart of America Golf Course & Academy 7501 Blue River Rd., KC, MO 816-513-8940

dRuMM fARM GOlf CluB 816-350-9900 15400 E. 34th Terr., Independence, MO eAGleS’ lANdING GOlf COuRSe 4200 Bong Ave., Belton, MO 816-318-0004

family Golf Park 816-228-1550 1501 NE 40 Hwy, Blue Springs, MO

fRed ARBANAS GOlf COuRSe 11100 View High Dr., KC MO 816-761-9445 hodge Park Golf Course 816-781-4152 7000 NE Barry Rd., Kansas City, MO

MARTIN CITy SPORTS COMPleX & Robin Nigro Golf Academy 816-942-0505 1 West 135th St., Kansas City, MO

PARAdISe POINTe GOlf CluB Eddie Hall, PGA 816-532-4100 18212 Golf Course Rd., Smithville, MO Peculiar Golf & learning Center 22115 E. Outer Rd., 816-779-0001 (71 Highway at the Peculiar Exit)

ShOAl CReeK GOlf RANGe 5757 NE 96th St., N. KC, MO 816-734-9595

TIffANy GReeNS GOlf CluB 5900 NW Tiffany Springs Pkwy. 816-880-9600 Kansas City, MO

Kansas Ranges

falcon lakes Golf Course 913-724-4653 4605 Clubhouse Dr. Basehor, KS Canyon farms Golf Club 913-888-4894 18145 W 87th St., Parkway, Lenexa, KS

Smiley’s Golf Complex 913-782-1323 K-7 & K10 Hwy’s, Lenexa, KS.

Kansas City Metro Area Private Country Clubs

(Where You Can Find TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE™)

Alvamar C.C.

Brookridge Golf & Fitness

785-842-2929

913-648-1600

Country Club of Leawood 913-491-1313 Grand Summit Golf & CC 816-331-3978 Hallbrook C.C. 913-345-1011

Indian Hills C.C.

Kansas City C.C

Lake Quivira C.C.

Lakewood Oaks C.C.

Lawrence Country Club

Leavenworth C. C.

Loch Lloyd C.C.

Nicklaus C.C. Lions Gate Milburn C.C.

Mission Hills C.C

Shadow Glen G.C. Oakwood C.C.

Shawnee Golf & C.C. Staley farm C.C.

The Duce at The National C.C. The National Golf Club

Twin Pines Country Club Wolf Creek Golf Links

913-362-6204

913-362-8103

913-631-7577

816-373-6886

785-843-2938

June 2015

dick's Sporting Goods (Independence) 816-350-0089 Bolger Square 17730 East 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055 dick's Sporting Goods (North Kansas City) Zona Rosa New Urban Retail Center 816-436-3524 8665 NW Prairie View Road, Kansas City, MO dick's Sporting Goods (liberty, MO) Liberty Triangle Shop Center 816-407-1111 1890 College Street, Liberty, MO

816-322-1022

913-432-1224

Home of The Robin Nigro Golf Academy

913-402-1000

913-722-1085

913-764-2299

816-761-3670

913-422-8357

816-734-3839

816-505-4279

816-741-0634

816-380-5818

913-592-4020

May 2015

Photo Contest was of

Teetering Rocks Golf Course

The famous Hole #3, Par 3

The Winner Ralph Bigham

Flemington, MO. 65650

Wins Two Rounds of Golf at Old Kinderhook Golf Club

See Page 18 For This Month’s Photo and Email Your Guess. You Can’t Win If You Don’t Enter!

at w w w . Te e T i m e s M a g a z i n e . c o m

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

dick's Sporting Goods (lee's Summit) 816-525-3006 Summit Woods Crossing 1600 NW Chipman Road, Lee's Summit, MO 64081

dick's Sporting Goods (South Kansas City) 816-363-1198 Ward Parkway Mall 8600 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO 64114

913-351-6626

See This Magazine Online

Missouri Golf Stores

Martin City Sports Complex

816-941-9000

1 West 135th Street, Martin City, MO www.robinnigrogolf.com (Robin Nigro Golf Academy)

Paradise Pointe Golf Shop 816-532-4100 (Eddie Hall, PGA) 18212 Golf Course Rd., Smithville, MO www.paradisepointegolf.com

Kansas Golf Stores

dick's Sporting Goods (Merriam, KS) 913-432-3945 Merriam Town Center 5600 Antioch Road, Merriam, KS 66202

dick's Sporting Goods (Olathe, KS) 913-254-9196 North Ridge Plaza 15280 West 119th Street, Olathe, KS 66062

dick's Sporting Goods (Leawood, KS) 913-661-0200 Town Center Plaza 11801 Nall Avenue, Leawood, KS 66211

edwin Watts Golf 913-491-4653 6824 W 119th Street - Overland Park, KS 66209 www.EdwinWattsGolf.com

Golf Galaxy 913-905-0274 8510 West 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223

lake Ozarks Golf Stores

dick’s Sporting Goods at OSAGe BeACh 573-302-7470 (Lakeview Pointe Shopping Ctr.) 4635 Osage Beach Parkway, Osage Beach, MO 65065

Golf Club Repair

Golf Md Clubs & Repair 913-663-5050 11231 S. Strang Line Rd Suite B., Lenexa, KS 66215 www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

The The Best Best Golf Golf Value Value In In KC. KC.

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June 2015

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

Classic Golf

A New Deer Creek Golf Club

Words and photography by Bill Cromwell, Publisher

“See it in a different way”

The scenic par-4 10th.

here’s a management company in town with a mission to reinvent Deer Creek Golf Club, a public facility in Overland Park, KS, back to the future as one of KC’s foremost golf courses.

Eagle Golf of Dallas, TX, began operating in 1984, and today manages approximately 63 municipal, public and private facilities throughout the United States. It reacquired Deer Creek as of January this year. Deer Creek is under the new leadership of General Manager Chris Fink (photo below) who some will remember for his time at Adams Pointe Golf Club. Fink left Adams Pointe in 2006 for a management position with Eagle Golf in Dallas, where he remained until his return to Deer Creek.

Eagle Golf managed Deer Creek from 2007 through 2012, followed by several different management companies. Fink says, “We’re thrilled to be back. Our number one goal is to bring this course back to great conditions and create an unrivaled customer experience. We have to get this course back on the map as one of KC’s best places to play.

“We don’t believe the majority of golfers realize that this is a public golf course designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and it is only one of two he designed in Kansas — the other is private.”

Jones once said, “Deer Creek is one of the Best 10 Golf Courses I have ever built.” Jones, in a career spanning more than four decades, has designed more than 270 golf courses in more than 40 countries on six continents. He designed Chambers Bay where the U.S. Open will be played this month, so it’s a great time to play Deer Creek and experience world-class course design. 44

TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE

June 2015

“We want people who have not been here recently to come back to Deer Creek and see it in a different way,” said Fink. “The consistency of play and course conditions are the priority right now.”

The revamping of course conditions began with the hiring Chris Benisch as the new golf course superintendent. Benisch was formerly at Meadowbrook Golf Club — a course always know for great conditions. Hired along with Benisch is the new assistant superintendent Jay Ballard formerly at Old Kinderhook.

Fink said, “While the course is not completely where we want it to be, we are working hard to get it there. We have two excellent guys who know how to maintain a golf course to a high standard, so we feel good about golfers returning here and seeing the changes as we move forward this year.” The course is not extremely long at 6,811 from the back tees and the middle tees are very manageable. The 18hole par 72 course stretches through densely wooded areas with winding creeks lining nearly every hole, which can be challenging for those who hit right off the tees. With cleverly placed landing zones and bunkering, along with the frequent use of doglegs or the creek-lined fairways, golfers would be wise to match their length to the right tee box and not let ego rule the day.

One of my favorite features to the course is the doglegdesigned holes, which force you to think your way through each shot; meaning driver may not be the best option off the tee. Rarely will you ﬁnd doglegs in the design of newer courses. For most of the course, the wooded terrain hides the residential areas giving you the feel of serenity. One distinctive feature to the course is all the bridges you’ll cross throughout the layout — it could have been named “The Bridges Golf Club.” www.TeeTimesMagazine.com

One of Fink’s favorite holes is the par-5 6th playing at 552 yards from the tips, or 490 from the gold tees (blue at many courses). “It’s an uphill dogleg-left where you can go for it. You can hit driver off the tee if you cut the corner over the bunker. From there, the green can be reachable in two for a possible eagle, or you can play it safe and hit 3-wood off the tee landing it between the two fairway bunkers, and with a good layup shot, it’s a possible birdie,” said Fink.

The course’s most notable signature hole is the par-4 3rd hole. It’s the number one handicap hole and plays 422 yards from the tips or 383 The par-3 15th hole plays 207 yards from the gold tees. The fairway is narrow with from the tips. Tee shots must carry the a creek running down the left side. It can be creek fronting the green. tough to keep tee shots in play with a driver. Smart golfers decide what yardage is their best distance for their second the middle of the fairway, and the water is reachable for long hitters shot and choose a club from the tee that will get them to that distance off the tee; however, the tee shot is all risk-reward. If you do manage from the green. The green is fronted by a creek and rock wall, so to hit a drive up close to the creek, the green is reachable in two, but it conﬁdence in your second shot (approach shot) is critical or you could won’t be easy. Bunkers surround a green sloped dramatically from back get wet! to front. If the pin is to the back of the green, you will have a tough approach shot awaiting you. In all, it’s one of the best ﬁnishing holes “I have had to change the entire culture here in terms of service,” around. explained Fink. “We will always have a beverage cart and service our guests at the highest level. We want golfers to feel like they are at a resort course and play at a fair green fee rate every time they play here. We are still building a great team, and they will be held accountable to providing great service.”

The back nine kicks-off with the par 4 that runs along Metcalf Avenue, which even non-golfers driving by are familiar. Teeing off from an elevated teeing ground, there is no bailout area for mishits. Most golfers wisely choose fairway clubs from the tee and target the widest landing area to avoid Metcalf on the left and a creek on the right. The green is not any easier — a two-tiered green can be mayhem to those who don’t land good approach shots.

The par-3 15th is also a signature-type hole and a proverbial kneeknocker. Stretching to 207 yards from the tips, tee shots have one place to land — the elevated green, or else! A creek and stone wall just short of the green with two bunkers on the right and one on the left will eat any wayward shots. If you are going to bail anywhere on this hole — just over the green is the only option.

The par-5 18th is a great ﬁnishing hole to a fantastic course layout. It, once again, features a creek, but this time, it’s running right through

Superintendent Chris Benisch and his crew working on resodding areas and improving course conditions.

Fink says, “We do well on golf tournaments, corporate events and host 65 to 70 wedding receptions per year. We have two large banquet rooms, which hold up to 240 guests. The beautiful Deer Creek clubhouse overlooking the course makes a great place for weddings, parties and corporate meetings. Mulligan’s Grill is also a great place to hang out after a round of golf.” Deer Creek is one of those public golf courses that should be played frequently. Like other classic Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designs, this one gets more intriguing each time it’s played.

“This is our growing year, and we are looking for our new staff to prove themselves. We want our guests to feel good about where they just played — from the moment they pull into the parking lot to the time they leave. We want them to feel like they’ve just experienced a different Deer Creek and will want to come back again and again,” said Fink.

Bridges are common throughout deer Creek like this on the dogleg right par-4 5th hole.

For more information, visit www.DeerCreekGC.com or give them a call at 913-681-3100. June 2015

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Are You Different From the Typical Golfer?

famous quote from one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novels was “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different than you and me.” Most of us discovered that fact a long time ago. But, how about the “can't wait to tee it up” local golfers — are they different than you and me? In an effort to find out, I recently asked a series of questions to approximately 80 KC golfers. Here are the results. Where do you fit in?

first, I asked the participants if any of them have thrown a club in anger while playing during the last five years? ● 32% said, “yes” they have and usually feel bad afterword. They wanted to stop, but said, it was hard to do.

2. What percentage of the golfers interviewed spend at least 1/2 their practice time putting and chipping? ● Only 31%, which again proves, we just can't convince ourselves an 11-inch putt scores the same as a 250-yard drive.

3. I have been cruelly teased for supposedly buying a new driver every year. Do others do that? ● 84% of the participants in this survey quietly admit they have bought at least one new driver during the last five years. This makes me feel better.

4. Do golfers care about pace of play or playing “Ready Golf?” ● 82% of the participants said they always try to play “Ready Golf” and try to encourage other members playing in their group to do the same, often without success as some players still feel hitting out of turn is rude golf. 5. What would you rather do first thing in the morning?

Harold’s TALL Tales by Harold Hatch

● 82% of the golfers interviewed said they would get up at 6 a.m. to play golf rather than 9 a.m. to mow their lawns, saying, “That was an easy question to answer.”

6. Have you taken a golf lesson from a PGA Instructor during the last five years? ● Only 17% said they have. That explains slow play! Is there a message here?

8. Losing your temper playing golf is never a good thing. Do you lose your cool while golfing? ● 78% of our KC golfers admitted that during the last five years. They say, they have lost their temper and cursed loudly during a round, but did refrain from throwing a club. Hopefully, there were no children, preachers or refined ladies groups near.

9. Would you ever sneak off from work or home to play golf? ● 65% of the participating golfers said they definitely keep their golf clubs in their car trunk during the golf season — always ready to play, especially when their boss (or spouse) leaves for the day. It’s an addiction, this game. 10. Do golfers play on when lightning is near? ● 74% of our local golfers said they always leave the course when they see lightning flashes in the area. Reportedly, Lee Trevino once learned this lesson the hard way. Ouch!

11. Would you rather play golf with your best golfing buddies, or your wife, your husband or significant other? ● 90% of our both men and women golfers, without hesitation, said my best golfing buddies! I thought this question would result in a 50/50 tie— nope! Wow!

12. Have you made a hole-in-one yet? ● 58% said they had and it was witnessed.

A beautiful course designed by A. W. Tillinghast. Championship 18 Hole Golf Course

Raise your right hand, please (Me to). ● But, don’t feel bad for yourself 42% are still hoping.

13. Do you eat, sleep and dream — golf? ● 84% of our local golfers admitted, after thinking for a few minutes, that they are truly addicted to the game of golf. The addiction usually started as the golfers approach their 40th birthday and intensifies near retirement. Game of a lifetime you know!

14. Do you or have you thought about playing in a golf league? ● 74% of our golfers participate in a golf league during the season. This is a good thing and higher than I predicted.

15. Do you always feel confident teeing your ball up on the 1st hole, thinking you are going to have a really good round? ● 68% of the golfers said they do get the feeling, but it’s often gone by the 3rd hole. Keep the faith my friends.

finally, I asked the male golfers interviewed if there was a great course nearby would they play (or have played) golf during their “Honeymoon” if their bride said, “Go ahead and play golf if that's what you want to do.” ● 83% of our brave golfers said they would play, if I promised not to reveal any names. ● For you newbies to marriage, remember the, “If that's what you want to do” part of your bride’s answer? That’s a trick answer. Never, I repeat, never “do what you want to do” on your honeymoon. Instead, buy your new bride a set of clubs — she’ll ask you, “Can we go golfing!” Nevertheless, remember question 11 in the future.

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