Southern Arizona Tee Times - Golf Magazine Feb-Mar 2012 by GoGolfArizona.com

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SOUTHERN ARIZONA

February - March 2013 Vol 10, Issue 1

GoGolfArizona.com

Behind the Scenes

Southern Arizona’s inside look at welcoming the Top 64 golfers in the world

SOUTHERN ARIZONA COURSES AWARDED AWGA GEM DESIGNATION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE l l l l

GOLF IN BLOOM AT CASINO DEL SOL KERLEY SETS COURSE RECORD TO WIN FOR CHIP SHOTS THINK, “BLT” TEEING IT FORWARD IN TUCSON

THE NEW 2013 CL CLUB UB CAR MODELS ARE HERE!

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP! C COME E OUR FRIENDL FRIENDLY LY Y OME EXPERIENCE SERVICE ENJOY SPECIAL CLUB SER RVICE VIC AND ENJO Y SPE CIAL PRICING ON NEW CL UB CARS

z $300 Club Car Discount 2013 Models $400 In Accessories with new car z z No Payment for 6 months o.a.c or

12 months Interest-Free Financing TUCSON 4888 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 790-2400

CATALINA 15617 N. Oracle Road Tucson, AZ 85739 (520) 825-7750

GREEN VALLEY 251 W. Calle de las Tiendas Green Valley, AZ 85614 (520) 648-3854

CONTENTS Published by Media Solutions Group, Inc. PUBLISHER

JACQUELINE McABEE jm@GoGolfArizona.com

Assoc. PUBLISHER

JACK TALMAGE jack@GoGolfArizona.com

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

RICK PRICE, PGA rick@GoGolfArizona.com

ADVISORY BOARD LANCE ELDRIDGE ROBIN LANE J.C. McABEE RICK PRICE, PGA JACK TALMAGE MIKE HAYES, PGA ADAM LAZARUS JUDY MCDERMOTT JAY WARREN DAN WICKMAN, PGA

CONTRIBUTORS

COREY BAEHMAN, PGA JUSTIN BUBSER BILL CHRYSLER, PGA LANCE ELDRIDGE AL FISCHER KIM GRIGGS, PGA BEN GORDON ROBIN LANE DON LAY ADAM LAZARUS JUDY McDERMOTT MARK OSWALD, PGA JOE PINELLA CASEY POLVICHAK BRANDON SMITH, PGA MARY ANN SOUTER ARMOR TODD BRAD VOLKER, PGA

GLENDA GROW GOLFHUB THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOVE MOUNTAIN SOL CASINOS

42 Behind the Scenes

Southern Arizona’s inside look at welcoming the Top 64 golfers in the world

49 The Pros Cuisine May Not Be What You’d Think 50 Your Ticket Benefits Our Kids (admission ticket prices) 50 Official World Golf Ranking - Top 64 51 Match Play Tournament Course Map 53 Watch the Pros and Learn How to Practice

GOLD SPONSORS

THE ANTIGUA GROUP ARIZONA WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION CANOA RANCH GOLF RESORT DESERT DIAMOND CASINO GALLERY GOLF CLUB GOLF CARS OF ARIZONA THE HIGHLANDS at DOVE MTN HILTON EL CONQUISTADORE LODGE AT VENTANA CANYON ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB POSTON BUTTE GOLF CLUB THE VIEWS GOLF COURSE TUCSON CITY GOLF TUCSON AND SCOTTSDALE GOLF VACATIONS TUCSON CONQUISTADORES

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SOUTHWEST SECTION PGA Southern Chapter 600 S. ALVERNON WAY l TUCSON, AZ 85711 Phone: (520)290-1742 Fax (520)326-8772 email: southernchapterpga@yahoo.com www.southernchapterpga.com

PRESIDENT: Dan Wickman, Signature Golf VICE-PRESIDENT: Steve Hughes, La Paloma, C.C. SECRETARY: Brent Lingel, Blanchard Golf Course HONORARY PRES.: Mike Hayes, Tucson City Golf

The Southwest Section PGA is one of 41 Sections of the PGA of America, consisting of more than 1,500 members in the state of Arizona and Southern Nevada. The Southern Chapter PGA is the six southern counties of Arizona. The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization, comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Your PGA Professionals are the “Experts in the Game and Business of Golf.”

course reviews

STAFF REVIEW: Poston Butte - Hit The Bulls-eye PLAY AWAY: Gold Canyon: What Most of Us Look For In a Golf Resort

instruction

35 Don’t Waste a Single Minute of Golf 36 Pay Attention to the Details 38 Tempo! Tempo! Tempo! No Matter Who You Are 55 Release Drills to Improve Squaring the Clubface at Impact 57 Putter There 70 The “Love” Grass 75 Putting to Nowhere 76 Quadrant Theory 77 For Chip Shots Think, “BLT”

FORTY NINER COUNTRY CLUB GASLIGHT THEATRE HOTSTIX GOLF NOWGOLFER.COM OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL Qi GONG HEALING INSTITUTE QUARRY PINES GOLF CLUB THE LEGACY GOLF CLUB TUBAC RESORT & SPA TUCSON PARKS FOUNDATION WESTIN LA PALOMA RESORT

SOUTHERN ARIZONA TEE TIMES OFFICE PO BOX 115 l CORTARO, AZ 85653

ABOUT THE PGA

on the cover

CHAPTER SPONSORS

features

13 Great Golf Soon in Bloom at Casino Del Sol Resort! 14 Seven Southern AZ Courses Awarded GEM Designation 18 COURSE MAP & DIRECTORY 22 Teeing it Forward in Tucson 24 We Feel Your Pain in Frost Delays 25 9th Annual Los Otros ‘Five Clubs Only’ Outing Re-cap 32 AMATEUR AL: Are We Lucky or What? 60 Cathy Nelms Named AWGA Representative Of The Year

swspga news

64 PRO FILE: Bobby Gaona, PGA 68 PGA Professionals Capture the Gibson Cup l

19th hole

78 From Rodeo to Golf Classic, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment Shines as Community Partner

79 FITNESS:

What If Everything You Know About Golf Fitness Is Wrong?

80 Antigua - 2013 Performance Golf Apparel 81 HOLE IN ONE: Latest Inductees to the Program 82 AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT: Chuck and Naira Chokel

junior golf

26 JUNIOR SPOTLIGHT: Billy Comeux & Courtney Evanhoff 28 Kerley Sets Course Record to Win 30 Junior Golfers Benefit from Successful Fundraising

ABOUT SOUTHERN ARIZONA TEE TIMES

Southern Arizona Tee Times, official publication of the Southwest Section PGA Southern Chapter, is published bi-monthly by Media Solutions Group, Inc.. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or the SWSSCPGA. Distributed throughout Southern Arizona with 20,000 bulk/on demand print circulation and 11,000 e-subscribers. Copyright © 2013. Printed on 20% recycled (10% post-consumer waste) paper. All inks contain a percentage of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) Standards.

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THERE

iS SUCH A THING AS BEING

TOO CLOSE

This year, your house guests can feel right at home. Vacation Rentals. Fully Furnished. Turn-Key. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends or relatives coming for a visit, sometimes your home isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t large enough to welcome all the people you love. Break the tradition of uncomfortable stays and stressful holidays -- consider the welcoming comfort of a vacation rental instead. Our vacation properties are available year round for special occasions, family reunions, holiday get togethers; and are perfect for any size golf group! This year, rest easy. Your house guests can feel right at home with all the convieniences they left behind; and maybe a little bit more.

Daily (3 night minimum), month to month, 6 months or year-round! FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE SERVICES ALSO AVAILABLE

Northwest Tucson - Oro Valley - Ventana Canyon - Dove Mountain - Foothills - Tucson National

Condos l Townhomes l Houses

Boulder Canyon

The Greens at Ventana Canyon

Situated at the edge of the Coronado National Forest and Catalina State Park, single-level condos slip into the scenery with understated rooflines that barely interrupt the horizon. Open floor plans, spacious bedrooms & closets, assigned carports, community pool, golf nearby.

Resort style condo community with Santa Catalina Mtn Views, three sparkling pools, spa, hiking, biking, upscale boutiques, fine dining and shopping only minutes away. Enjoy golf at the Ventana Canyon G.C. (Two 18 hole Tom Fazio designs, Canyon and Mountain)

The Condos at Vistoso

Perfect In Saddlebrooke

Overlooking the city lights of Tucson and adjacent to The Golf Club at Vistoso. Casitas are spacious and beautifully decorated. Pools, spas, fitness centers, BBQ grills, and breathtaking golf course and mountain views. Numerous outdoor activities.

Brand new vacation rental with great space in a wonderful community! Enjoy all of the amenities of Saddlebrooke when you rent this property like swimming, fitness, clubhouse access and more! This 2 bedroom, den and Guest Casita gives you room to spread out.

Beautiful Dove Mountain

Omni Tucson National

3BR/3.5 BA home located in the gated community of Solano high up in Dove Mountain, lined by the infamous Gallery North course. Perfect for outside and inside entertaining! The backyard is like a resort with Pool & Jacuzzi, built-in BBQ grill and gorgeous mountain views.

Charming 2BR/2BA townhouse with tile throughout except in the bedrooms. Well equipped kitchen and quaint/comfortable living room make this the perfect home away from home. 2 car garage, gated front entrance/back patio with breathtaking unobstructed mountain views.

Sun City Vistoso

Oro Valley Country Club

This 2BR/2BA great home in Sun City in Rancho Vistoso has recently been upgraded with a cozy western theme. The recent addition of all new furniture gives this home an updated look and feel. You will really enjoy staying here and walking out to the golf course!

Bienvenidos…Welcome! Please make this home your own. While this 2BR/2BA is close to all conveniences, you will find that it is truly a peaceful refuge. There are some wonderful aspects of this neighborhood that will make your time here especially unique and enjoyable.

Gated In Rancho Vistoso

3BR/2BA in private 27 home community is professionally decorated, has all new furniture, Jacuzzi and big screen TV. Located within the Rancho Vistoso community less than 2 minutes from The Golf Club at Vistoso, shopping and restaurants, it’s the perfect luxury rental.

Ventana Mountain Estates

Many more properties available. Please call for complete inventory and availability.

Uncomparable breathtaking views of Ventana Canyon G.C., mountains above & below and the city of Tucson from 3 patios & negative edge pool. 4BR/5BA is upgraded with designer furniture, artwork and all the added detail to provide a oneof-kind rental experience.

Kitchenware. Patio or Balcony. Expanded Cable. Local Phone. Wireless Internet.

Ask About Our Discount Golf Rates and Advance Tee Times! Accenture Match Play Packages now available for Feb 18-24, 2013 Reserve your tickets and accommodations now for best options!

520-877-7924

Toll-free 888- 465-3125

TucsonGolf.com/map/tucson/rental info@tucsongolf.com 12450 N. Rancho Vistoso #120, Oro Valley, Arizona 85755

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POSTON BUTTE

BY JACK TALMAGE

southern arizona tee times

COURSE REVIEW

poston butte

hit the bulls-eye

Associate Publisher

Southern Arizona has many great golf courses to offer us, but not so many that we occasionally want to go someplace different. To play a course that is unique to our normal venues without having to travel to Phoenix, or other parts unknown, only to fight the crowds and congestion on the freeways and the fairways. A favorite course I like to visit, and take friends to, is Poston Butte Golf Club in Florence. A short and beautiful drive through some of the back country up state route 79, Florence is midway between Phoenix and Tucson. Under the management of Troon Golf and the watchful eye of Ryan Eckrot, General Manager, Poston Butte is everything you could want in a great golf experience. The course is nestled in the latest Anthem master plan community built by the Pulte Group, and yes, affordable home sites are available but not so close as to be intrusive on play, like so many planned community golf courses. Poston Butte, in my opinion, is the perfect desert style layout….because it really doesn’t have any desert surrounding it. Instead of the usual dense landscape of cacti and ball eating undergrowth flanking the fairways, each hole is defined by red crushed granite. This surface makes it very easy to find wayward balls and what’s even better, be able to play those errant shots without destroying your clubs. Fairways are generous off the tee and well placed bunkers provide aiming points to either attempt a carry, setting up a short iron, or avoid them and leave you a little more length on the approach. Find one of those bunkers on your first shot and you will pay the price. These are not flat old school traps, these can be steep and deep and may even leave you coming out sideways, hoping for bogey at best. Five sets of tee boxes ranging almost 7300 yards from the tips down to 5300 yards at the forward tees provide plenty of choice for all abilities. Once you have arrived safely on the green, the real work begins. The putting surfaces at Poston Butte are as fast and smooth as any greens I have ever played. Even if you can read the break, as some are subtle and some are extreme depending on hole location, you

POSTON BUTTE GOLF CLUB

The #17 par three is an island green that is all carry and has very little collar surrounding the short grass

6100 W. Merrill Ranch Pkwy., Florence, AZ 85232

Ryan Eckroat, PGA General Manager reckroat@troongolf.com Ph: 520.723.1880

postonbuttegc.com

A perfect desert layout that makes it easy to ﬁnd wayward balls and play errant shots without destroying your clubs.

have to figure out the slippery pace before the three putts start to add up…and they can, trust me I know. Both of the nines end with a par 5, leaving you a good chance to win your Nassau match on both sides. Number nine in particular stands out as a great risk and reward hole. A good tee shot will give you a chance to carry the cross bunker on the second shot and leave you a short approach. Miss either of those and pay the price trying to land it on a well bunkered and

undulating green. Unlike a lot of desert courses, each of the holes at Poston Butte are unique to each other, a true mark of good design work. None however are more special than the #17 par three. Like another 17th short hole we all know and love to watch on TV (TPC Sawgrass), this is an island green. I mean truly an island as you have to walk across a bridge to get to the putting surface. At 169 yards from the tips it is obviously all carry and has very little collar surrounding the short grass. You are either putting, or wet and teeing it up for another try! The green looks awfully small when surrounded by water, kind of like a bulls eye looks on a dart board. This year, definitely put Poston Butte on your must play list….it is well worth the trip.

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Golf without limits, the Jack Nicklaus way. Unlimited Golf Packages Starting at $279* Challenge yourself at La Paloma Country Club’s 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. And this Winter, the golf is unlimited! Relax and recharge during your stay with the Red Door Spa, five heated pools including a swim-up bar and 177-foot waterslide, and distinctive dining at Azul Restaurant & Lounge. Then take our complimentary shuttle to Tucson’s premier upscale shopping plazas just minutes away — featuring dozens of restaurants, bars and art galleries. Our Unlimited Golf Package includes:

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U N L I M I T E D

G O L F

Tired of courses that seem to always play the same? Step out of the ‘norm’, and into a memorable and challenging experience that demands your concentration from the moment you step onto the green. Call 520.744.7443 to reserve your tee time, or visit PlayThePines.com to sign up for daily specials.

8480 North Continental Links Drive Tucson, AZ 85743 8 Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

(520) 744-7443

Gold Canyon

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BY JACK TALMAGE, Associate Publisher

southern arizona tee times

COURSE REVIEW

PLAY AWAY

GOLD CANYON GOLF RESORT

6100 S. Kings Ranch Road Gold Canyon, AZ 85219 602 982-9090 www.gcgr.com

WHAT MOST OF US LOOK FOR IN A GOLF RESORT The Superstition Mountains on the East end of The Valley of the Sun are home to the legend of the Lost Dutchman gold mine. Presumably way back in 1870, Jacob Walz, a Dutch miner, found the bonanza gold field that would make him a wealthy man. The motherlode location sadly was lost in his death and since then thousands have been looking for it…unsuccessfully I might add. But today, the legend of lost gold has been replaced by a living legend of golf found at The Gold Canyon Golf Resort. You don’t have to look hard to find this “golf mine”, just take Route 60 east to where the freeway ends and you will have struck it rich!

Gold Canyon: The Resort The resort itself is just what most of us look for in a golf getaway, whether that be with a group of your regular golfing buddies or a romantic weekend with the spouse, on and off the links (wink wink). This is not some overwhelming steel and glass mega resort where if you aren’t wearing a nametag you don’t feel welcome. This is an intimate boutique resort where the staff smiles at you and there is never a line at the desk or the dining room. There are only 84 guest rooms and each is somewhat unique to the rest. Many are more appropriately called casitas as they feature hospitality space, mini-kitchens, and connecting bedrooms. The accommodations are literally sprinkled on the side of the mountain or clustered in little groupings alongside the first fairway of the Dinosaur Course. To enhance the peaceful atmosphere, the rooms are distanced from the parking area, no car doors slamming or diesel trucks idling outside your room. Instead, after checking in at the front desk, an attendant follows you to your vehicle, picks you and your luggage up and takes you directly to your room via a bell cart. Every suite offers plenty of space and all the amenities you require including; large flat screen TV, WIFI connection, wet bar, sitting areas, >>> www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

very comfortable bedding and eco-friendly toiletries. Did I mention that each room has a patio complete with a fireplace to sit by and enjoy after golf cocktails as you watch the sunsets?

Gold Canyon: The Golf Experience Let’s talk golf, for that is what I came for and not to tackle the mountain with pics and shovels in search of that elusive gold mine. Many longtime residents will remember Gold Canyon as having only nine holes back in the early 80’s. Fast forward to today and some creative work by local golf course architect Ken Kavanaugh and the resort now features two outstanding and uniquely different tracks; Sidewinder and Dinosaur Mountain. Sidewinder snakes around the base of Dinosaur Mountain, on relatively flat terrain through natural arroyos and dry creek beds. Native cholla, prickly pear cacti, mesquite and palo verde trees line the challenging twists and turns that will keep you on top of your game. The favorite course among the locals however seems to be Dinosaur Mountain, I imagine it is mostly because of some of the panoramic vistas and dramatic changes in elevation as you play up, over and around the course namesake. On this visit, I was paired up with three of those locals on the Dinosaur. Thankfully so, they made excellent guides and even paid me $2 at the end of the round (thank you Bob if you are reading this). Dinosaur is a par 70 because it plays with six par 3’s. Keep that in mind as you decide which set of tees is best for your game. Looking at the total yardage on the scorecard and the course appears shorter than what you might normally play because of that fact. One of the more interesting design features, at least in my mind, are the “moguls” surrounding many of the greens. Miss your approach and you can get some fun kicks …reminded me of skiing, stay in between the bumps for the best results. Each cart is equipped with a state of the art GPS system providing accurate yardages for every shot and hole location on each green. I quickly learned to take the advice of tour guide Bob and the on board computer when it came to the pins, you have to keep it below the hole…trust me! These greens are as fast as any and while many do not look sloped, you can easily run the first putt off the green. Who would have thought #15 was so hard to read….obviously not me as I got to hit not one but two chips, followed by three putts.

Gold Canyon: Pure Relaxation Dining, like everything at Gold Canyon, is excellence in a relaxed atmosphere. The aptly named Bar & Grille is the perfect 19th hole; cold beer, great views, multiple TV’s to catch some sports, and warm friendly service. Weather permitting (and when does it not in Az) The Ledge is the place to be. An outdoor bar that offers menu items from either The Bar & Grille or Kokopelli dining room with some of the best sunset views you can find anywhere. After buying my companions the obligatory after golf beer, I considered having a signature gourmet pizza delivered from the resorts new brick oven, hot and fresh to my room. Lynne (one of the most friendly and service oriented restaurant managers ever, by the way) convinced me otherwise. Golf is hard work she said…go get a massage at the Spa and come back to Kokopelli later on. OK, if I have to, that was a lot of work on the golf course today (really, did I just say that?). Time for my second rub down of the day, the first being a quick muscle relaxer provided by one of the spa attendants before the first tee. This is a complimentary service provided for every player that really makes the first few swings a lot smoother. The full treatment at the spa however, followed by a quick nap, built up an appetite that could only be satisfied by one of the most tender and juiciest steaks I have tasted in a long time. Lynne served me some desert and coffee by the fireplace on The Ledge and I sat there thinking about what a great day I just had. I wondered if the Dutchman ever played golf. Who needs to find a gold mine, just give me Gold Canyon Resort. 10

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Souther n Arizona’s

Past home of the LPGA tournament. Rolling fairways and dramatic elevation changes.

Original site of the PGA TOUR’s Tucson Open. Short, tight, challlenging par 70.

Think you’re good? Test your ability on a true desert golf course.

Former home of PGA TOUR and LPGA tournaments. Lush tree lined fairways.

Dramatic re-design in 2005 challenges all skill levels. Picturesque, spacious fairways.

CENTRAL

WEST

EAST

CENTRAL

NORTHWEST

Alvernon, North of 22nd

Speedway, West of I-10

Irvington, East of Kolb

Alvernon, North of 22nd

Silverbell, North of Grant

520.791.4161

Now Ope

520.791.4229

520.791.2539

Stop In and See The New El Con Club and Grill at Randolph Golf Complex!

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ing Also Offerng We d d i ! Packages

Open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, the El Con Club and Grill offers great food and drink in a Country Club setting. Open daily for Breakfast and Lunch the El Con Grill also offers live music and appetizers, Tuesdays from 3:00-7:30. For a complete menu, catering and facility rental options, visit www.ElConClub.com

El Con Club and Grill @ Randolph/Dell Urich Offers Line Dance Lessons! Wednesday Line Dances 6:30-8:30pm with Art & Elaine Corral

Beginning Line Dance lessons are offered every week from 6:30-7:30 for $3.00 per person, with additional music until 8:30 so you can continue to practice! New dances taught every week with a review of dances from previous weeks. Join Art & Elaine Corral of the Saguaro Strutters Dance Team to learn the Electric Slide, Boot Scootin Boogie, Good Times, Cotton Eyed Joe, and more.

w w w. t u c s o n c i t y g o l f . c o m

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520.791.5235

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southern arizona tee times

COURSE NEWS

Great Golf Soon in Bloom at Casino Del Sol Resort! BY BEN GORDON

This summer, golf in Southern Arizona will change forever with the opening of Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol Resort. A signature Notah Begay III design, Sewailo (which means “flower world” in the Yaqui language) will be a unique golf experience for guests of the Resort, as well as golfers from abroad. Troon Golf, who manages high-end golf facilities throughout the world, will be managing the golf course. Begay, the only full-blooded Native American to compete on the PGA Tour, is proud of his association with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and looks forward to providing a singular golf experience for players of all levels. “Sewailo, in conjunction with the recently opened Casino Del Sol Resort, is a unique opportunity to showcase the beauty and tradition of the Pascua Yaqui community,” said Begay. “I’m delighted to see this project come to fruition and I’m confident

that the golf course will serve the Pascua Yaqui community for generations to come.” Casino Del Sol Resort, is a spectacular

TROON GOLF, WHO MANAGES HIGH-END GOLF FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, WILL BE MANAGING THE COURSE. place to play and stay unlike any other in the desert southwest. 215 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, including breathtaking views from the exclusive Sky Level, a Conference Center including a ballroom for up to 2,000 guests, five great restaurants including fine dining at the new PY Steakhouse, premium cocktails in the Prema Lobby Lounge, and our unique Spa, Fitness Center and Pool. With over 1,300 slot machines, live Poker, Blackjack, Bingo and more, the action at

Casino Del Sol goes on all night long in a gracious and comfortable gaming environment, under a bright blue sky and a Mediterranean sun that never sets. And, when it comes to dining in style, satisfy the most demanding of palettes with a variety of wonderful cuisine from five unique restaurants. From fine steaks and fresh seafood to Asian specialties and more, Casino Del Sol has it all. Casino Del Sol Resort…where every day is extraordinary and soon, with the opening of Sewailo Golf Club, every round of golf will be extraordinary as well!

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COURSE NEWS

Seven Southern Arizona Courses Awarded AWGA GEM Designation To see the entire list of all 22 statewide recipients of the 2013 GEM Designation please visit www.gogolfarizona.com/AWGAGEM

BY JACK TALMAGE

We have all, at one time or another, asked our friends to recommend a golf course. When they reply that this or that course is a “real gem”, we are not certain exactly what they mean. Their evaluation, after all, is fairly subjective. What in their opinion are the qualities that make it “a gem”? Is it the course condition, the “playability” of the course, the service of the staff, the quality of the cheeseburger and the temperature of the beer, or even something as simple, yet important as, the availability and cleanliness of the restrooms? We all have criteria that we use to judge a golf course and hopefully that judgment is not influenced by how well you played and the score you shot. It is not the golf courses fault that you had a bad round after all. Unfortunately, up until now, there has been no real, unbiased system in place to judge a golf course in the state of Arizona, let alone So AZ. While the advice of friends can be valid, it may not always encompass the things that are important to you. Thankfully, the Arizona Women’s Golf Association (AWGA) has created the GEM program to evaluate golf courses and the total golf experience that can be found at the wonderful facilities that we are blessed with, both here in So Az as well as the rest of the state. GEM stands for “Golf Endorsed by Members”, and while the list is an objective list of courses in Arizona that are recommended by women for women to play, the qualities that make a good golf facility are appreciated by all players. No matter what your gender, I believe that we all appreciate the critical eye and observant ability of women. Guys….you know you agree with this. The ladies know what is best and they are usually, if not always, right!

The Highlands at Dove Mountain

www.thehighlandsatdovemountain.com

Formerly Heritage Highlands 18 Hole Semi-Private Club 4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd. Marana, AZ 85653 520 579-7000

The staff at The Highlands has a focus on treating all members and guests the same, and that means with as much friendly service and attention as is possible. The 250 women members have three groups with a lot of events among them. Interesting to note that 65% of all merchandise sales are in ladies merchandise when at least 65% of all play is male. The shop obviously knows who their best customers are.

The AWGA wanted to develop a system of evaluation to give a public voice to the women who they felt are the keys to successfully developing the women’s golf market, something key to growing the game…an initiative important to anybody who is involved in golf, from players to course operators alike. The term “women friendly” was inadequate. A name was needed that would signify the strength that a recommendation made by the body of women golfers in Arizona would have. It had to be completely objective in how the opinions were gathered. It had to be done in such a way that would objectively compare one course to the other in terms of how women, and subsequently all golfers, felt about their experience playing there. Most importantly, no golf course would be able to earn a recommendation except by providing a great experience, primarily to women golfers.

The Gallery Golf Club www.gallerygolf.com

36 Hole Private Club Limited Daily Fee Play Available 14000 N. Dove Mountain Blvd. Marana, AZ 85658 520 755-2555

The Gallery is a very popular place to play for members and guests alike. The club prides itself on providing what women want and meeting the needs of their very active women’s association. All 220 women members of The Gallery are very proud of their club and it shows at every turn, from the merchandise in the pro-shop, to the locker facilities, to the year round excellent condition of the course.

Haven Golf Course www.havengolf.com

18 Hole Public Course 110 N. Abrego Dr Green valley, AZ 85614 520 625-4281

The Haven, while a public course, treats all guests like they were members of a club. Their motto is “inclusive, not exclusive”. One of the qualities that got the Haven a GEM designation is the instruction available from Ms. Marvol Barhard, a top 100 instructor who has turned many a game around for all her students, particularly the women. 14

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

For a golf course to be included in the evaluation it has to be an active member of the AWGA, which means it must have at least one tee with a current USGA Course Rating for play by women issued by the AWGA. After that, it is up to the course management to provide the elements deemed to be important to women players in particular, most of which are certainly important to every player as well. The evaluation survey can only be taken through the AWGA website, and only by members of the association. The AWGA provides information and a handicapping system for their members, complete with posting access through the association website. Whenever a member posts her score for handicap purposes, she is asked to complete the

The Views Golf Club

www.theviewsgolfclub.com

18 Hole Semi-Private Club 1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Oro Valley, AZ 85755 520 825-3110

The Views, under the direction of LPGA member Kim Griggs, is a very user friendly course that caters to women players. Unlike a lot of desert courses, there are no forced carries off the tee and at just over 5000 yards from the forward tees it provides just the right combination of fun and challenge. In addition to the 18 hole women’s group, there is a very active 9 hole group of ladies that “just wanna have fun” and play a little golf at the same time.

survey. If the score is posted at the golf course she is conveniently reminded to do so via an email sent to her home computer. The survey is a very thorough evaluation with questions designed to target the following areas: • • • • • • • • • •

Customer service; outside player assistance, golf shop, food and beverage. Golf shop merchandise available for women; availability of various sizes and styles. Club House facilities Menu selection in food and beverage outlets Practice facilities Availability and accessibility of restrooms, on and off the course Beauty of design and landscaping The golf course itself, course conditions included Playability, challenge and enjoyment of the golf course Overall value of the experience

A mathematical formula has been devised to apply points gathered from surveys taken. Trust me, this is been analyzed and tested in many ways. Each member can only submit an evaluation of a particular course once every six months, no ballot box stuffing here. There is a minimum number of surveys required to generate a score. The formula is designed so that the golf course’s management can readily affect the results by addressing issues

Omni Tucson National Golf Club www.tucsonnational.com

36 Hole Resort Course Memberships Available and Daily Fee Welcome 2727 West Club Drive Tucson, AZ 85742 520 877-2315

Offering variety with two distinct golf courses; a very traditional layout or a desert course that is not punishing, Tucson National has served as a venue for many AWGA events through the years and the very active women of the club fill every women’s club event. The club merchandise buyer makes sure to involve the ladies in the buying decisions and it is apparent in the quality of the golf shop displays.

30%

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Spacious Luxury Villas with all the comforts s when of home ... on green feoeur guest*! and none of you stay as the stress!

Call to reserve: 888.450.5444 520.393.5700

www.Innatsanignacio.com

*Golf Packages & Discounts Available For: San Ignacio Canoa Hills Torres Blancas Canoa Ranch Quail Creek

Full Kitchens

Green Valley’s Great Escape! Wet Bars

Porches www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

The Arizona Women’s Golf Association

Making Arizona golf better. . . from a woman’s perspective.

USGA P Programs rograms USGA Handicap Administration Course Rating USGA Rules of G olf

Tournaments T ournaments Statewide Tournaments & Championships National Championship Qualifiers O utside Tournament Support

Pla Player yer De Development velopment P Programs rograms Ambassador Program & Join the Fun Scrambles A AWGA WGA Golf Performance Series Junior G olf Grants and Assistance

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Volunteer V olunteer De Development velopment P Program rogram Attracting and Training Tomor Tomorrows Finest

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CCongratulations ongratulations tto o Arizona’s Arizona’s 2013 2012 GEMCCourses. Findout outho how youcan can GEM ourses. Find w you participate thismembers membersprprogram par ticipate ininthis ogram atatwwww.awga.org ww.awga.org. .

Desert Hills Golf Club

www.deserthillsgolfclub.org

18 Hole Private Club 2500 S. Circulo De Las Lomas Green Valley, AZ 85622 520 625-5090

Desert Hills has a wonderful group of members who enjoy playing golf and socializing together at every chance. The club staff makes a point of making their membership fun and friendly. They treat members and guests like very special people. Desert Hills also features one of the largest selection of Ladies merchandise in green Valley.

that generate a less than stellar result on the surveys. The GEM is an annual designation, which should give all courses plenty of time to make some changes. That also provides for seasonal variations in conditions. What this means to the golf course and the golf professionals that operate them is an opportunity to attract the ever growing market of women golfers….and the spouses, friends and children who may accompany them. It is a service provided by their existing female customer base to receive valuable feedback about what they like and what they think can be done to enhance their playing experience at the golf course. Feedback that can consequently improve their product for all players…and who doesn’t want to play the best. As you look at the list, we hope this provides a guide to golf courses that should be on your must play list. It is interesting to note that of the 22 courses that received the GEM designation, 7 are in the Southern Arizona area and 6 more are spread out over Northern Arizona. Not to take away from the great courses and clubs in the Valley of the Sun, but we should be very proud of this fact. There are well over 200 golf courses in metropolitan Phoenix/Scottsdale and less than 50 in Tucson and parts south, you do the math. As a percentage of facilities that are favored by the members of the AWGA, the courses in our neighborhood are way ahead. To me it says the ladies of Southern Arizona really care about their club or the courses they frequent…and they really, really love their golf!

Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club www.ventanacanyongolfclub.com

36 Hole resort Course Memberships and Daily Fee Welcome 6200 N. Clubhouse Lane Tucson, AZ 85750 520 577-1400

Treat your members like guests and your guests like members could truly be the creed by which Ventana Canyon operates. Proud to host various AWGA events in the past, they also have an active group of Ladies with many competitive events of their own. Without question, Ventana Canyon is one of the most beautiful courses in Tucson. Great conditions all year long that are only matched by the views and natural rock formations found on both championship courses. www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

COURSE DIRECTORY

TO THREE POINTS AND WHY

LA CANADA

S hWY OLD NOGALE

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ABR

L DEL SO INO CAM

BI N

CANYON

IN O

BEAR

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SABINO CNYN

Y. hW

KOLB RD.

To Vail, Benson, Sierra Vista, Naco & Sunsites

MAP NOT TO SCALE.

44 45

TUBAC

hOUGhTON RD.

SPEEDWAY BLVD.

ESCALANTE

TANQUE VERDE

CAMINO SECO

WILMOT RD.

CRAYCROFT RD.

COLUMBUS

SWAN RD.

ALVERNON

AND VAIL

ABREGO DRIVE

VAI LR

CYN VEN TAN A

RD. KOLB

SWAN RD.

CRAYCROFT RD.

DE LS

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE

SNYDER RD.

BROADWAY BLVD.

GOLF LINKS

TO SANTA RITA

SAhUARITA ROAD

22ND ST.

NT O CA

FRONTAG E RD.

cle Rd.

Ora AC IE ND A

BROADWAY BLVD.

AVIA TION

To add or update a course listing, email info@GoGolfArizona.com or call 520.792.6650 ext. 116

TO GREEN VALLEY, RIO RICO, TUBAC AND NOGALES

PO MER EN

WEBB

. BLVD

SO TO

V IS COUNTRY CLUB

LA CANADA DR.

LA ChOLLA BLVD.

ChO N

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CAMPBELL AVE.

LA ChOLLA RD.

ShANNON

22ND ST.

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WRIGhTSTOWN

BUTTES

MAP NOT TO SCALE.

RIO RICO

NOGALES H

STAR PASS BLVD.

hARRISON RD.

KI NN

CONGRESS

ExIT 63

TO NACO

CAMINO

SUNRISE

GRANT RD.

5Th ST.

EN TA LR D.

MISSION TWIN

PANTANO

1ST AVE.

DOV

ThORNYDALE

LA CANADA DR.

SPEEDWAY BLVD.

UofA

6Th ST.

ROAD

RIVER RD.

PRINCE RD.

FT. LOWELL RD. GRANT RD.

ST. MARY’S

SUNRISE

ROGER RD.

OD NWO

ESPERANzA BLVD.

YON

IRONWOOD hILL DR.

A CAN

PRINCE RD. MIRACLE MILE

DUVAL

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34 SP EEDW AY BLVD.

LIMBERLOST

ROGER RD.

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RIVER RD.

RUThRAUFF

IRO

E LIN

SAN IGNACIO

A RES

GROVE RD.

SIERRA VISTA

Y SK

SUNSITES

FRY BLVD.

ORANGE

LO CO

IN NT

MAGEE RD

INA RD.

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Ch OD EL LA GO

WY Sh LE

CORTARO FARMS RD.

BENSON

RA N

IER SOLD

OVERTON RD.

CATALINA

VI A

BUFFALO

LINDA VISTA RD.

SAHUARITA . RD

1 19

LAMBERT LANE

NARANJA DR.

1ST AVE.

MARANA

ORO VALLEY

VD. BL

TANGERINE RD

NORThERN AVE

EV NT AIN BO UL

AR D

O EM

TO O VIS S

11 hO RANC

LEB ADD

D. LV EB OK RO

To Tucson VAIL

E RVE

TO CASA GRANDE AND ELOY / AZ CITY

r lo

STONE

an C

ORACLE

To S

GREEN VALLEY / NOGALES

l Public & Semi-Private COURSES p Private COURSES l Photo Gallery & Videos at www.GoGolfArizona.com

BLV D.

KEY:

GEM Designation

Golf Endorsed by Members of the Arizona Women’s Golf Association

TUCSON AREA

24 l ARIZONA NATIONAL

9777 E. Sabino Greens Dr. Phone 520.749.3636 Par 71, Yardage 6776

08 l CROOKED TREE GC @ ARTHUR PACK REG. PARK.

9101 N. Thornydale Phone 520.744.3322 Par 72, Yardage: 6887

29 p DAVIS MONTHAN (BLANCHARD GOLF COURSE)

25 l FORTY-NINER COUNTRY CLUB

21 l LA PALOMA COUNTRY CLUB

12000 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Phone 520.749.4212 www.fortyninercc.com Par 72, Yardage 6630

3660 E. Sunrise Dr. Phone 520.299.1500 www.westinlapalomaresort.com Par 72, Yardage 7088

30 l FRED ENKE GOLF COURSE

09 l OMNI TUCSON NATIONAL RESORT

32 l RANDOLPH GOLF COURSE

600 S. Alvernon Way Phone 520.791.4161 www.TucsonCityGolf.com Par 72/70 Yardage 6863

3965 S. Craycroft Rd. Phone 520.228.3734 Par 72, Yardage 6611

33 l DELL URICH GOLF COURSE

600 South Alvernon Way Phone 520.791.4161 www.TucsonCityGolf.com Par 70, Yardage 6633

8251 E. Irvington Rd. Phone 520.791.2539 www.TucsonCityGolf.com Par 72, Yardage 6567

14 l THE PRESERVE GC—SADDLEBROOKE

27 l DORADO GOLF COURSE

6601 E. Speedway Blvd. Phone 520.885.6751 Par 62, Yardage 3900

10 l EL CONQUISTADOR GOLF RESORT

10555 N. La Canada Dr. Phone 520.544.1800 www.hiltonelconquistador.com Conquistador Course Par 71, Yardage 6801 Canada Course Par 72, Yardage 6713

35 l EL RIO MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE

1400 W. Speedway Blvd. Phone 520.791.4229 www.TucsonCityGolf.com Par 70, Yardage 6418

2727 W. Club Dr. Phone 520.575.7540 www.tucsonnational.com Catalina Course Par 72, Yardage 7262 Sonoran Course Par 70, Yardage 6418

05 l THE GALLERY GOLF CLUB

14000 N. Dove Mountain Blvd. Phone 520.744.2555 www.gallerygolf.com North Course Par 72, Yardage 7435 South Course Par 72, Yardage 7315

11 l GOLF CLUB @ VISTOSO

955 W. Vistoso Highlands Dr. Phone: 520.797.9900 Par 72, Yardage 6932

15 l MOUNTAIN VIEW GOLF COURSE 38691 S. Mountain View Blvd. Phone 520.818.1100 Par 72, Yardage 6728

66567 Catalina Hills Dr. Phone 520.825.9022 Par 72, Yardage 6418

56 l THE GOLF CLUB AT DOVE MOUNTAIN

6501 Boulder Bridge Pass Phone 520.572.3500 www.ritzcarlton.com Saguaro Course Par 36 Yardage 3894 Tortolita Course Par 36 Yardage 3955 Wild Burro Course Par 36 Yardage 3897

28 p ROLLING HILLS

8900 E. 29th St. Phone 520.298.2401 Par 63 Yardage 4146

16 p SADDLEBROOKE CC

64500 E. SaddleBrooke Blvd. Phone 520.825.2505 Par 72, Yardage 6494

19 l PUSCH RIDGE AT EL CONQUISTADOR

10000 N. Oracle Rd. Phone 520.544.1770 www.hiltonelconquistador.com Par 35, Yardage 2788

17 l SADDLEBROOKE RANCH GC

30556 S. Robson Cir. Phone 520.818.6403 Par 72, Yardage 6875

20 l QUAIL CANYON

5910 N. Oracle Rd. Phone 520.887.6161 Par 54, Yardage 2311

34 l SILVERBELL GC

3600 N. Silverbell Rd. Phone 520.791.5235 www.TucsonCityGolf.com Par 72, Yardage 6824

06 l THE HIGHLANDS AT DOVE MOUNTAIN

4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd. Phone 520.579.7000 www.thehighlandsatdovemountain.com Par 72, Yardage 6904

07 l QUARRY PINES GOLF CLUB (Marana)

8480 N. Continental Links Dr. Phone 520.744.7443 www.playthepines.com Par 71, Yardage 6300

22 p SKYLINE CC

5200 E. St. Andrews Dr. Phone 520.299.0464 Par 71, Yardage 6123 Turn the page for additional courses, the I-19 Corridor and map insets.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

36 l STARR PASS

3645 W. Starr Pass Blvd. Phone 520.670.0400 Par 72, Yardage 7008

12 p THE STONE CANYON CLUB

14200 N. Hohokam Village Pl. Phone 520.219.1500 Par 72, Yardage 7307

AZ CITY / FLORENCE

7 l ARIZONA CITY G.C.

13939 S. Cleator Arizona City, AZ 85123 Phone 520.466.5327 Par: 72, Yardage: 6742

60 l TUCSON ESTATES GOLF COURSE

2500 S. Western Way Phone 520.883.5566 Par 58, Yardage 2766

26 p TUCSON CC

2950 N. Camino Principal Phone 520.298.6769 Par 72, Yardage 6954

44 l SAN IGNACIO GC

4201 S. Camino Del Sol Phone 520.648.3468 Par 71, Yardage 6704

41 l TORRES BLANCAS GOLF CLUB

3233 S. Abrego Dr. Phone 520.625.5200 Par 72, Yardage 6978

38 p COUNTRY CLUB OF GREEN VALLEY

55 l POSTON BUTTE GOLF COURSE

6100 W. Merrill Ranch Pkw. Florence, AZ Phone 520.723.1880 www.postonbuttegc.com Par 72, Yardage 7282

77 E. Paseo de Golf Phone 520.625.8831 Par 72, Yardage 6281

42 p DESERT HILLS GC

2500 S. Circulo de las Lomas Phone 520.625.5090 Par 72, Yardage 6464

TUBAC

GREEN VALLEY

43 l CANOA HILLS GC

18 p ORO VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

46 l TUBAC GOLF RESORT

One Otero Rd. Phone 520.398.2211 www.tubacgolfresort.com Par 71, Yardage 6576

45 l CANOA RANCH GOLF COURSE

23 p VENTANA CANYON

6200 N. Clubhouse Ln. Phone 520.577.4015 www.TheLodgeAtVentanaCanyon.com Par 72, Yardage 6907Mtn/6819-Cyn

5800 S. Camino del Sol Phone 520.393.1966 www.canoaranchgolfcourse.com Par 70, Yardage 6549

110 N. Abrego Dr. Phone 520.625.4281 www.havengolf.com Par 72, Yardage 6905

1555 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd. Phone 520.825.3110 www.TheViewsGolfClub.com Par 72, Yardage 6715

This concludes the Tucson area including Oro Valley, Marana, Dove Mountain and Davis Monthan Air Force Base. 20

03 l MISSION ROYALE GC

11 Mission Royale Pkw. Casa Grande, AZ Phone 520.876.5335 Par 72, Yardage 6700

04 l SAN MIGUEL GC

1505 South Toltec Rd. Grande Valley, AZ Phone 520.466.7734 Par 72, Yardage 7183

MAP INSETS

31 l del LAGO GOLF COURSE

14155 E. Via Rancho del Lago, Vail, AZ Phone 520.647.1100 Par 72, Yardage 7206

RIO RICO / NOGALES

47 l RIO RICO CC

1069 Camino Caralampi Rio Rico, AZ Phone 1.800.288.4746 Par 72, Yardage 7119

1794 W. Newell St. Naco, AZ Phone 520.432.3091 Par 72, Yardage 6778

50 l SAN PEDRO GC

926 N. Madison St. Benson, AZ Phone 520.586.7888 Par 72, Yardage 7313

52 l SHADOW MTN.

1105 Irene St. Sunsites, AZ Phone 520.826.3412 Par 72, Yardage 6632

53 l SIERRA VISTA PUEBLO del SOL CC

2770 St. Andrews Dr. Sierra Vista, AZ Phone 520.378.6444 Par 72, Yardage 7074

39 l HAVEN GOLF COURSE

13 l THE VIEWS GOLF CLUB OF ORO VALLEY

26000 Gila Bend Highway Casa Grande, AZ Phone: 1.800.237.4238 Par 72, Yardage 7545

54 l TURQUOISE VALLEY

1401 W. Calle Urbano Phone 520.648.1880 Par 72, Yardage 6610

300 W. Greenock Dr. Phone 520.297.1121 www.orovalleycountryclub.com Par 72, Yardage 6964

02 l FRANCISCO GRANDE RESORT GC

49 l KINO SPRINGS GC

187 Kino Springs Dr. Nogales, AZ Phone 520.287.8701 www.kinospringsgc.com Par 71, Yardage 6500

CASA GRANDE/ELOY

40 l QUAIL CREEK CC

2010 N. Quail Crossing Blvd. Phone 520.393.5802 www.robson.com/quail-creek Par 72, Yardage 7005

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

01 l CASA GRANDE MUNICIPAL GC

2121 N. Thornton Rd. Casa Grande, AZ Phone 520.836.9216 Par 72, Yardage 6353

58 l DOUGLAS MUNICIPAL G.C.

1372 E. Fairway Dr. Douglas, AZ Phone 520.417.7339 Par 71, Yardage 6653

59 l MT. GRAHAM GOLF COURSE

4000 Golf Course Rd. Safford, AZ Phone 520.348.3140 Par 72, Yardage 6573

Attention Golf Shops: Please keep course information up-todate by calling 520.792.6650 or email info@GoGolfArizona.com

Map located on preceeding page

Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top

WWW.GOLFHUB.COM/SWINGERSAZ www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

southern arizona tee times

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COURSE NEWS

Teeing it Forward in Tucson

“

AS THE NAME IMPLIES, FAMILY TEES BRING OUT FAMILIES WHO CAN PLAY FROM THE SAME SET OF TEES FOR AN AFTERNOON OF FUN AND NEW MEMORIES

”

BY LANCE ELDRIDGE

Tee it Forward is an initiative encouraging golfers to enhance their overall golf experience by playing from a set of tees best suited for their skill level and ability. The PGA of America and United States Golf Association have partnered to support and introduce this program. There are at least two golf courses in Tucson adapting this program and welcoming golfers of all skill levels and ages to truly enjoy the game. Golf is in the early stages of rebuilding its core players to repopulate our courses again and this program will help bring those that might not start, or play again, back to the links. The Tee it Forward mentality is for all ages because it focuses on the pure enjoyment of the game; keeping the ball in play and hitting it close(r). I recently played Francisco Grande with my best golfing partner this past summer and we played the Championship of all Championship tees. We wanted to play this course as long as it could be played, based on pure warrior mentality we battled. I hit a couple frozen ropes and still had a three wood and a hybrid into two par fours. Even that hybrid required a little grunt at the end that still proved futile. It was a lot of fun… for one round a year! The next day we played again, but chose the ‘fitting’ set of tees and had much more fun as we were actually winning with 8-iron approach shots and chances at birdies. The day prior, bogey won quite a few holes. I won’t bring into the story how I had to make a 12-foot quad (bogie) to tie a hole. About The

AUTHOR

When I asked Paul Nolen, Head Golf Professional at The Gallery Golf Club, why he was introducing Family Tees to the course, he commented that it was good for golf by bringing in younger golfers, those that are new to the game, or those that may not enjoy the game as much because like me, they weren’t playing the best tees for their ability. Plus, as the name implies, it brings out families who can play from the same set of tees for an afternoon of fun and new memories. Paul told me that this past year he played in some SW Section and Chapter PGA events in the Senior division and enjoyed firing in low irons instead of the longer irons into greens. His overall experience was enhanced because of the course set up. The Gallery is becoming more aggressive to grow the game by adopting a Family Golf Program where kids 15 and under play free after 12pm with a paying adult. Kids also receive free rental clubs and if an adult takes a golf lesson guess what, they also get free instruction! Another local golf course, and part of Tucson City Golf, El Rio, provides tees that are coined as the ‘First Tee Tees’ and pretty popular according to First Assistant Rogers Montgomery. The First Tee tees follows suit of Play it Forward to enhance your overall experience. He said that by

Lance Eldridge

having these tees they are helping younger golfers come out and learn the game like so many of us did on public courses. I wasn’t fortunate enough to play the fitting set of tees when I started. I played the Men’s regulation tees often taking a decent drive and four 3 woods to finally reach a par five. I bet many of you have similar experiences. Jack Nicklaus, Paula Creamer and Dustin Johnson have been Tee it Forward advocates and spokespeople who encourage players to have more fun by playing the appropriate set of tees. Jack Nicklaus was quoted as saying, “We want golfers to know that they can Tee it Forward anytime and anywhere. Average golfers, who are inspired and motivated to play like their favorite Tour players, should not look at where those players tee from, but instead, the results of those tee shots.” Just because you don’t hit it 300 yards off the tee, doesn’t mean that you still shouldn’t have an 8-iron into a short par 4. Let’s help grow this game by providing great experiences to every skill level and make the game more accessible to all players. Ask your local club if they support the Tee it Forward initiative and what they are doing to attract the future of our game. If nothing is currently in place, maybe you can volunteer for the betterment of this wonderful game.

Sales & Marketing Coordinator - The Galley Golf Club

www.gallerygolf.com

Lance Eldridge moved to Tucson, from Phoenix, in 1996 where he helped The Highlands at Dove Mountain open up as part of the golf staff. He then helped open The Gallery Golf Club in 1998 where he was promoted to Assistant Golf Professional under Head Golf Professional Paul Nolen and General Manager Wade Dunagan. After obtaining his Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and spending two years with Madden Media, he returned to The Gallery to the position of Sales and Marketing Coordinator where he works today. 22

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

INTRODUCING ANTIGUA PERFORMANCE HYBRID SHIRTS

www.facebook.com/Antigua | www.twitter.com/AntiguaWear www.antigua.com

We Feel Your Pain In Frost Delays

An unavoidable frost delay at Forty Niner Country Club delayed play during a recent freeze.

BY CASEY POLIVCHAK During the winter months, it is not uncommon for golf courses in and around Tucson to experience below freezing temperatures, forcing golf operations staff to declare a frost delay. This is done to protect the course from certain damage if players and carts were to venture onto the fairways and greens. No one likes frost delays including golfers, the golf course superintendent, and the golf staff, but they are a common nuisance in the desert and something that cannot be avoided. In my experience, especially at Forty Niner Country Club, (a course located along a low lying wash and probably the coldest place in Tucson), the frost delays can be substantial. While members and guests are anxious to play golf, the golf course superintendent is protecting the golf course turf, and the golf staff get caught in the middle of a frustrating situation and try to keep peace. The way this affects us the golfers is that the starting tee times are pushed back in accordance with the length of the delay. The length of delay is dependent on the severity of the frost. Theoretically, whatever the length of the delay is would be the same delay that would affect start times for the entire day. However, this is often not the case because players may cancel, tee times may go faster than scheduled or later tee times may not be filled. This results in the amount of the frost delay time becoming less than it originally started. Golf staff members do their best to keep players informed upon communication with the golf superintendent, but there are so many variables involved on a day to day basis

it is impossible to predict the length of the thawing. A secret that needs to be sharedâ&#x20AC;Śthe golf course superintendents do understand the need to start as soon as possible from the players standpoint, and from a revenue standpoint as well!!! They are the ones that take the blame if grass were to be killed, so keep that in mind and have another cup of coffee or PRACTICE putting if possible. Everyone knows frost must clear off the grass before play can begin, but few people know why. Frost on the grass blades tells us that the water inside the leaves is frozen. Remember that water is the primary component of plant tissue. When this water is frozen, traffic (foot or cart)on the turf causes the ice crystals in the cells to puncture through the cell walls, killing the plant tissue. Little damage is done to the crowns (growing points) or roots if only a light frost appears; however, when the frost is heavy, cell disruption may occur at the crown, thus killing the entire plant. Frost damage symptoms include white to light tan leaves where traffic has passed. With a little bit of understanding of all variables involved, frost delays can be a tolerable thing for all, and before we know it, 100 degree temps will return and we will be wishing for frost delays! Casey Polivchak is the Director of Club Events and Sales at Forty Niner Country Club. He can be contacted at (520)749-4001 or Caseyp@fortyninercc.com

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9th Annual Los Otros ‘Five Clubs Only’ New Years Day Golf Outing was Once Again a Big Success! BY ARMOR TODD

In spite of the fairly frigid morning temperatures and subsequent 90-minute frost delay, upwards of 80 golfers took to the course at the Tubac Golf Resort for this annual exercise in diminished capacity golf. Diminished in the sense of an early morning after a possibly late evening and diminished in the number of clubs available for use. While drivers and putters were in abundance, the choices varied widely from there. Which five would you use? I chose driver, 5 & 9 irons, 60* wedge and putter. And I should have taken my gap wedge…playing from the whites, the distances were always wrong for the 9. Next time! While waiting for the day to warm up, the group gathered in the club house for coffee (Kahlua or Baileys anyone?) and to review the silent auction items displayed. As this is a rather casual event, you do not pay until arrival that morning, so there is no real incentive to play if you decide against it, like because it is 25 degrees outside. Everyone stayed!

southern arizona tee times

COURSE NEWS

The ‘outing’ toured the Rancho and Anza nines, which played beautifully, with rock hard (read basically frozen), very fast greens. Green repair tools were unnecessary! The two man scramble format was a great idea, playing much quicker than a four man format. 64 won it, not bad considering the various ‘conditions’. Event proceeds this year were dedicated to Tubac Together, a committee of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, which is making great strides in mobilizing private support and participation in some selected community enhancements projects. So mark your calendars for January 1, 2014! You can contact Tubac Golf Resort a month or so before for details at 520-3982021. Armor Todd is a resident of Tubac and until recently was the Golf Group Sales Manager at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa. The author of two books on mountain biking and numerous magazine articles on outdoor recreation, Armor now works with wife Patti in their own marketing company in Tubac, Patti Todd Public Relations & Marketing. A 15 handicap, Armor loves playing the courses in Southern Arizona, particularly Tubac and Kino Springs.

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Golf

The parents and grandparents had a big influence on this senior Sabino High School State Golf Champion, Billy Comeaux. They got him started playing golf when he was 13 years old. His father played a little golf but not near as much as Billy’s grandfather, John Hayes. The rest of the family encouraged him to play as well. Thanks to his family involvement and having an opportunity to play golf he quickly picked up the sport and realized that he enjoyed the competitive nature of the game. Comeaux said, “The game is all on you to improve, and if you make a mistake, there is nobody else to blame but yourself.” Comeaux stated, “The main reason I play golf is because I love the sport, and it is also a place where I can let my mind relax and forget about any problems that I may have, just for a little while anyway.” The most memorable and most recent accomplishment in golf for Comeaux came in his senior year playing in his concluding high state golf championship. He took the first-round lead and went on to hold off the rest of the field making a clutch par putt on the final hole to win the Championship by a shot! Being a talented player and a proven winner he plans to continue playing golf at the college level. Comeaux is uncertain at this time where he will be playing college golf, but he says, “I want to continue to play no matter what school I choose; I just want to play golf.” 26

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Spotlight

Courtney Evanoff Sabino High School

Billy Comeaux Sabino High School

Junior

BY RICK PRICE, PGA

The senior from Sabino High School admitted she was becoming a little too good at being a couch potato, so her dad urged her to try playing golf during her freshman year. “My dad, being a very honest man, wondered how he was possibly going to tell me that my swing was awful, but after just a few minutes of me picking up a golf club, he realized he wouldn't have to. He said that my swing had a lot of potential, and I had a natural talent for the game. That is when I was officially hooked” shares Courtney Evanoff. “I love that golf is so challenging”, she states. “There is always one aspect of the game that people strive to master which, I believe, is why it is so addicting. I am still somewhat new at golf, so I really appreciate the difficult task of hitting the ball on the center of the club on every shot! There is no better feeling than hitting that perfect, crisp shot.” Evanoff has a passion for the game and says that she can't get enough of playing golf and really loves everything about the game, especially the scenery and the challenge. She commented that, “People go their whole lives searching and searching for their passion in life, and they never find it. I found my passion, so I am going to hold on tight and never let go.” The proudest moment in golf she has experienced to date was when she played in the 2012 Paralympic girls golf match with an autistic girl as her teammate. They played in an alternate shot event and they finished in first place. Evanoff said, “To see the huge smile on her face was very special to me. Just knowing that I helped create that smile was even better.” Courtney has plans to play golf competitively at the college level and hopes to take it even further than that and eventually play in tournaments with some of the best players in the country. “I know for a fact I will be playing golf for the rest of my life, whether it is competitively or just for fun”, says Evanoff.

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JUNIOR GOLF

Kerley sets Course Record to Win I don’t know what’s in the water or what these kids are eating these days, but they are playing the game of golf like I have never seen. The scores they are shooting at their age are scary good, and they make it look so easy. The annual PING Southwest Junior Invitational at the Tucson City Silverbell golf course, coordinated by the Southwest Section Southern Chapter PGA, played host to this incredible international field of juniors from all over the world, including players from Nevada, New Mexico and as far away as Seoul Korea.

six days a week. Due to their intense training schedule, students are home schooled, and attend actual school only twice a year for testing. They come to Tucson in the winter due to the warm weather, and also to introduce the students to the American way of living. Many of them will most likely attend college in the states, and some have aspirations of playing on the PGA and/or LPGA tours.

After making birdie on the final two holes to set a new women’s course record of 64 in the opening round, Madison Kerley from Chandler, Arizona thought she would have a big lead and could coast to an easy win in the final round. However, it was just the opposite. In close pursuit was Seo Hae Park of Seoul, Korea posting a 67, followed by fellow Academy student, Eun Jin Na’s 69. There were four Korean junior girls and one boy participating in the tournament. The Park Sung Kook Academy of Gunsan CC, coached by golf professional Sung Kook Park, provides students room and board while training them from 10-16 hours daily, 28

In the boy’s division, local junior Ben Bradford fired an opening round 67 to tie for the lead with Sam Engel of Scottsdale followed by three other Tucson juniors, Ryan Tanner, Joey Martinez and Kevin Goldstein, all shooting 69.

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BY RICK PRICE, PGA

The final round became as exciting as any PGA TOUR or LPGA event you will ever watch. Kerley’s lead began to dwindle away before she lost it after making the turn. It wasn’t because she wasn’t playing good, because she was, shooting a 34 on the front nine. However, Park birdied five of the first eight holes to shoot 30 on the front nine, taking a one-shot lead into the back nine. As Kerley teed off the tenth tee she sarcastically commented on Park’s superb performance, “Well, I guess my course record was only good for a day.” Park continued as she birdied the 10th and 14th hole. Kerley, refusing to give up birdied the 12th, 13th and 15th hole to draw even with Park. The record-setting pace, however, cooled off for Park as she made her only bogey since the first hole of the opening round on the 16th, and followed it with another on the 17th hole, opening the door for Kerley to regain the lead. Kerley posted par's on her final three holes en route to a 32 on the back nine, posting a 66 for the day and a two-day total 130 to hold off Park’s 67-65=132. The whole time they were battling it out, local standout Krystal Quihuis was trying to sneak up from behind. Following her opening round 70, it left her with too many strokes to make up. She gave it her personal best, firing a back nine

Annual PING Southwest Junior Invitational

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 T8 T8 10 11 12 T13 T13 15 16 17 T18 T18 20

GIRLS TEAM

Madison Kerley Seo Hae Park Krystal Quihuis Morgan Messick Eun Jin Na Kimberly Tottori Hyo Min Jun Soo Min Choi Ariana Macioce Natassja Meredith Alisa Snyder Kaitlyn Saum GraceMarie Schian Desiree Hong Brianna Vogel Aj Friedman Geraldine Torrellas Sydney Colwill Mikayla Fitzpatrick Morgan Goldstein

Residence

Chandler AZ Seoul Korea Tucson AZ Tucson AZ Seoul Korea Las Vegas NV Seoul Korea Seoul Korea Phoenix AZ Tucson AZ Mesa AZ Mesa AZ Phoenix AZ Tucson AZ Tucson AZ Tucson AZ Phoenix AZ Tucson AZ Phoenix AZ Las Vegas NV

1st Rd 2nd Rd Total

64 67 70 73 69 71 72 77 77 80 78 83 80 79 77 80 82 89 82 84

66 65 65 67 72 73 74 73 73 72 76 73 80 81 84 83 82 77 84 83

130 132 135 140 141 144 146 150 150 152 154 156 160 160 161 163 164 166 166 167

Photos: (Left Page; Top L-R: PING Southwest Junior Invitational Champions Madison Kerley and Eric Ghim. Center: Ben Bradford). Below L-R; David Tottori, Runner up; Kevin Goldstein; Seo hae Park; hennry Cunningham and (middle center, below) Southern Chapter PGA President Dan Wickman (R) with Kimberly Tottori, 13-14 Winner (L).

score of 31, with an eagle on the par 4 15th hole, posting 65 and a 135 total, finishing third. Another local favorite Morgan Messick had a final round 67 to finish fourth at 140. Natassja Meredith shot a 72, moving her into tenth place. The Southwest Junior Invitational Champion Madison Kerley said, “I was really happy to win. The field was as strong as any of the national tournaments I've played in and the win wasn't easy to get. I played the best golf of my life and almost lost it, but I hung in until the end and got it done. When my final putt went in the hole, I took a deep breath and smiled. I knew I had done it, and it is a win I will remember for the rest of my life.” After the tournament, speaking with Seo Hae Park, she said, "This was my first international tournament. It was a great experience, and I am very sad to leave America. I will take what I learned from both my visit to America and the tournament, and use them to push me to be a better golfer. I would like to give special thanks to the

1 2 3 T4 T4 6 7 8 T9 T9 T9 T12 T12 T12 T12 16 T17 T17 T19 T19 T21 T21 T23 T23 T23

BOYS TEAM

Eric Ghim David Tottori Kevin Goldstein Ben Bradford Henry Cunningham Ryan Tanner Joey Martinez Bradley Keyer Sam Engel Chris Meyers J.T. Rodenkirch Jack Snyder Tyler Cooper Dane Allen Tony Miller Trent Terry Benjamin Weinstein Mason Andersen Freddy Moreno Colton Estevez Jonathan Walters Logan Graybill George Vlassis Eric Barna Alec Costello

Residence

Chandler AZ Las Vegas NV Oro Valley AZ Tucson AZ Tucson AZ Tucson AZ Oro Valley AZ Henderson NV Scottsdale AZ Oro Valley AZ Mesa AZ Mesa AZ Tucson AZ Phoenix AZ Tucson Tucson AZ Scottsdale AZ Gilbert AZ Glendale AZ Phoenix AZ Tucson AZ Tucson AZ Saﬀord Oro Valley AZ Phoenix AZ

1st Rd 2nd Rd Total

70 72 69 67 72 69 69 75 67 71 74 73 75 76 76 76 74 74 72 75 77 79 78 80 82

68 66 70 73 68 73 75 70 79 75 72 74 72 71 71 72 75 75 78 75 74 72 75 73 71

138 138 139 140 140 142 144 145 146 146 146 147 147 147 147 148 149 149 150 150 151 151 153 153 153

Southern Chapter PGA for inviting me to experience this tournament, and I hope to be back next year to compete again.” In the Girls 13-14 division, Kimberly Tottori of Las Vegas, Nevada shot rounds of 71-73=144 to beat the runner-up from Seoul, Korea, Hyo Min Jun who shot 72-74=146. As exciting as the girls' division was, the boys ended in a two hole play-off. The leaders after the opening round fell off the lead when Eric Ghim of Chandler rolled in a 50-foot eagle putt from the fringe of the green on the final hole to shoot a 68 and post a 138 total. However, Las Vegas resident David Tottori tied the course record with a 66 to move into a share of the lead. As the final groups finished, Kevin Goldstein found himself a shot back with rounds of 69-70=139. First-round leader Ben Bradford finished in a tie for fourth shooting 67-73=140 with Henry Cunningham’s 72-68=140. Ryan Tanner’s 69-73=142 was good for sixth as Joey Martinez held on to 7th, shooting 69-75=144. Ghim and Tottori headed to the first tee for a suddendeath play-off. After both made par on the first hole, Ghim proceeded to birdie the second hole to win the title. www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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JUNIOR GOLF

(L-R): Rick Price, PGA; Mike hayes, PGA; Dan Wickman, PGA and Dennis Palmer, PGA display donation generated from the bi-annual Benefit.

DAN POHL

DON POOLEY

SARA BROWN

Junior Golfers Benefit from Successful Fundraising

The Tubac Golf Resort & Spa hosted the bi-annual Ricki Rarick Junior Golf Benefit Tournament. Tour professionals such as Dan Pohl, Don Pooley, Tom Purtzer, Ronnie Black, Andrew Magee, Rich Barcelo and Sara Brown as well as local PGA professionals participated in the event and put on a golf clinic for all the participants. Professionals put together a team of three amateurs and one junior with the goal of raising $10,000 for the Southern Chapter PGA Ricki Rarick Junior Golf program. The junior golf program is a great introduction to competitive golf as well as an opportunity for more experienced players to compete. Through these tournament events, they will further their knowledge of the game of golf, learning respect, honesty, knowledge, character building, self-discipline, sportsmanship and many other positive attributes. The program is in its 59th year of generating an unforgettable golf experience for juniors. The program is open to juniors of all skill levels, ages 6-18. For further information about the junior program, you can go to www.tucsonjuniorgolf.com. After the golf clinic and lunch, the professionals and their teams went out to play. The winning team posted a score of -18 under par with the professional of Andrew Magee, junior golfer Krystal Quihuis, S. Magee, L. Lippon and C. Lippon. In second place was the team with professional Don Pooley, junior golfer Ryan Tanner, A. Tanner, T. Sleggreen, B. Hazen shooting -17 under and finishing third was the team Joe Nehls, junior golfer Andy Hunter, A. Moncada, S. Moncada and B. Gibson. The proceeds from the tournament go a long way to help make the program affordable for all the junior golfers. Dennis Palmer Vice President of Golf Operations at the Tubac Golf Resort said, “As Golf Professionals and players of the game, supporting junior golf is a great way to help these young people who will be our future customers in the years to come.” Palmer went on to say, “The event was a huge success! A special thank you to all the golf professionals who participated and to all the players and sponsors that gave so generously! The Tubac Golf Resort & Spa was so proud once again to write a check for $10,000! Please remember to save the date for the 2014 event on December 6th.” 30

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2ND PLACE TEAM

Krystal Quihuis receives trophy for 1st place team

3RD PLACE TEAM

Rich Barcelo

Brian Prouty shows how to hit a long drive.

Eveining festivities included various speakers, a silent auction and dinner.

SAVE THE DATE! THE BI-ANNUAL RICKI RARICK JUNIOR GOLF BENEFIT TOURNAMENT IS ALREADY SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 6, 2014!

Annie Brophy, Sara Brown and Dan Pohl (above L-R) take questions during the morning golf clinic

Ronnie Black and Dan Pohl give instruction to the attendees

Don Pooley giving tips on the short game

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An Enduring Classic...

Are we LUCKY or WHAT?

Golf on a traditional, tree-lined course with magnificent mountain views. Manicured and revitalized to perfection!

BY AL FISCHER, ‘Golf ANYman’

Not long ago I was sitting on the patio with a tall cool one (drink) looking at the mountains and musing about golf and how lucky we in the area are. Let me explain. Now I’m sure there are other places folks would take exception to the following and perhaps with good cause, so maybe you need to be a little bit of a desert rat to fully appreciate what we have. Let’s break it down into three categories: number of golf courses, climate and scenery. One, number of golf courses. Using my latest copy of Tee Times, I count 34 courses in our backyards in the metro area. Expand that area and you can add another 28 courses. Now, that’s 62 golf courses you can choose to play within an easy ride. Oh boy, talk about a kid in a candy store, that’s a lot of choices. Given in those choices are other variables. Do you like to play goat farms or flat courses, wooded or desert, wet or dry and on and on. There certainly are many courses to suit any golfer’s cup of tea. If you can’t find several courses that really float your boat – try dominos. Now, I’m sure there are other cities or areas that may have comparable numbers, but not when you add climate and scenery. Two, climate. If you’re an inveterate golf nut I’m convinced you can play here 355 days of the year. (Note, I’m discounting the rare day of rain, high wind or cold) Don’t know of anyplace else that can make that claim. (Ok, maybe Florida, but I’ll get to that later) Three, scenery. This is a subject that many of us take for granted just because, I suspect, we’re spoiled. All you have to do is be on any of these courses at sunrise or sunset and just stand in the middle of the fairway and slowly turn around and look at the special, spectacular mountains, washes, cactus and vistas. Go to one of your favorite elevated tees and stop to look at probably 50 miles of the SW. So, are we lucky? You bet. If you don’t think so please do move to flat old buggy Florida. Al Fischer represents “Golf ANYMan”: golfers just like you who’s golf adventure has been a fascination and a frustration, a joy and despair. Al’s hope is to give you a thought, a chuckle, or snort as he looks at the game. He welcomes your comments at Al@GoGolfArizona.com 32

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A New Tradition... The Rincon Mountain Grill

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An Enduring Classic…A New Tradition We’re Inviting All of Tucson to Come, Enjoy and Save • $45 for 18 holes with cart any day with the mention of this ad* • Introductory golf memberships starting at just $80 a mo. • Fitness & social memberships for non-golfers • Seasonal memberships

Under new local ownership • Remodeled Clubhouse Public Welcome For membership & events call Casey - 749-4001, ext. 212

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30 Minutes South of Tucson (I-19, Exit 40) For Reservations, Visit www.TubacGolfResort.com or call 520.398.2211

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“This is the best book ever written on the subject.” - Chris Verna, CVT Pro Golf Trainer Tim Clark says, “The Now Golfer will help people reach their full potential on or off the golf course.” “This is a book for golfers...all golfers. Playing golf correctly means playing golf with a cohesive sense of self, which is elevating, enriching, and positive.” - Preston Waddington

“I have seen Preston Waddington work wonders with players in allowing them to play to their ability level.” - Martin Hall, Host of Golf Channel’s School of Golf and 2008 PGA Teacher of the Year

Available Online at Nowgolfer.com and Amazon.com www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

UxÄÉÇz|Çz |á t Uxtâà|yâÄ g{|ÇzAAA

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All these are just part of what we pride ourselves on at Oro Valley Country Club. It’s where everybody knows your name, and people go out of their way to make you feel at home. It’s a tradition, and we plan to keep it that way. Then, add the very best of modern facilities to these traditional values, and you get a very special experience. It’s called ‘belonging’...somewhere unique and special. Now add one of Tucson’s finest, and best kept, private Golf Courses, and you have the perfect recipe for the finishing touches to your Arizona lifestyle. Great golf, a welcoming and friendly membership, a busy social calendar throughout the year, and much more, to give you the very best the private Country Club lifestyle has to offer. What’s more, if you take advantage of our current promotion, belonging has never been simpler, or more affordable. In fact, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.

$7500 Initiation Fee Waived for First 10 applicants That Mention This Ad! Find out more about this limited time, special offer. Call Jeff Kilmer at (520) 547-2148.

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Don’t Waste a Single Minute of Golf BY KIM GRIGGS, PGA

As a golf instructor I have typically focused my teaching on moving forward in the game. For example, how to swing more efficiently, learning better touch around the greens, getting out of bunkers, putting, hitting the difficult shots from bad places and tough lies. Many of my students now are entering the later stages of their lives and quite frankly are not going to try and make it on the Senior Tour or the LPGA Legends Tour, those days and dreams are past them. They are still playing however like they believe one day everything will finally come together and they will have that “perfect round”. I say more power to them! It keeps them on the course and playing the game they have come to love.

USE GOLF TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE AND MAYBE VOLUNTEER TO HELP MENTOR JUNIOR GOLFERS AND INSPIRE THEM TO LOVE THE GREAT GAME OF GOLF!

Although there are many of my former students that cannot play About The

INSTRUCTION

golf any more as their physical condition simply won’t allow it, they still come to the course to see their golf buddies and to share a laugh or two. For many golf was their favorite game and they spent countless hours practicing and playing.

Being the golf professional and instructor at The Views GC for 5 years now, my students have provided me with some insight that I now wish to pass on to golfers of all ages, gender and ability.

AUTHOR

southern arizona tee times

Kim Griggs, PGA

In talking with these former students the common denominator seems to be “I wish I would have focused on having more “fun” playing golf and not so much on my score or what someone thought of me as a golfer. I wish I could have been a better person to play with, had been more friendly on the course and gotten to know better those that I shared so much quality time with. And most importantly I wish I had taken time to look around me! There I was on some of the most beautiful places on earth and I never really saw them. I should have taken in with more reflection the landscape, the trees, the ocean, the desert with its amazing wild life, and the bright blue sky. Instead I was more concerned with the mechanics of my swing, the line of the putt or the triple bogey on the last hole.

The message I received from these fine people is that their time on the golf course has passed and it is too late for them to go back and start over, but it is not too late to say to those of you who are still playing: It is important to enjoy the game of golf and play it with enthusiasm and joy. Use golf to enrich your life and maybe volunteer to help mentor junior golfers and inspire them to love the great game of golf!

Head Golf Professional - The Views Golf Course

www.theviewsgolfclub.com

Kim Griggs, PGA is the Head Golf Professional at The Views Golf Club, 1565 E. Rancho Vistoso Blvd in Oro Valley AZ, and can be reached at 520-825-3110.

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INSTRUCTION

Pay Attention to THE DETAILS like TeeTimesMagazines for news between each issue

BY BRANDON SMITH, PGA

Most flaws in a players’ stroke can be traced back to poor body alignments, faulty aim, or a combination of both. Too often I see amateur golfers practicing their putting, but paying little attention to the details of their setup and aim that can affect their stroke. Run through this checklist and make sure that you have a sound setup that will allow you the ability to get the ball started on line.

YES About The

AUTHOR

Eyes - Often a forgotten element, the positioning of the eyes has a critical role in how we see our line, aim our putter, and execute our stroke. The eyes should be positioned directly over or slightly inside the ball, parallel to the the target line, and perpendicular to the ground. If your eyes are too far inside the ball your aim will tend to the right of the target and the stroke will swing too far to the inside, often causing pushed putts. Conversely, if your eyes are outside the golf ball, your aim will tend to the left and the stroke will have a tendency to swing outside/in, causing pulled putts (second photo). If your eye line is skewed to the right or left of the target line, rather than parallel to it, both your aim and stroke will favor that direction. My best advice is to get one of the many mirror type putting aids that will show you where your eyes are positioned.

Body - Gone are the days of the homemade stances and postures on tour. Watch a telecast today and you will see a more square, homogenous look in putting stances, regardless of the putter used (short, long, or belly). Position your feet, knees, hips, and shoulders parallel to the target line with your forearms parallel to each other. With your body aligned more square to the target line, your putter has a better chance of moving down the line at impact. In the first photo you will see the feet and hips are open, making the right forearm higher. This will force the stroke to move from outside in, causing pulled putts.

Aim - This may be a little difficult to check on your own, so have a playing partner confirm your aim. If your aim is too the right, the tendency will be to swing to the left or close the face excessively. The opposite will be occur with a left aim. Both instances introduce variables in the stroke that are difficult to compensate for repeatedly. Once you have shored up your alignments, pay attention to your routine. Aim the putter head first before setting your body.

TOO OFTEN I SEE AMATEUR GOLFERS PRACTICING THEIR PUTTING, BUT PAYING LITTLE ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS OF THEIR SETUP AND AIM THAT CAN AFFECT THEIR STROKE.

If your putting performance has been deteriorating lately, take a close look at your setup and aim. A slight adjustment may just be all you need to get your stroke back on track and start seeing more putts go in the hole.

BRANDON SMITH, PGA

Head Golf Professional - Lodge at Ventana Canyon

520.390.3464

bsmith@thelodgeatventanacanyon.com www.thelodgeatventanacanyon.com

Since joining the PGA, Brandon Smith has had great success both on and off the golf course. As a member of the University of Arizona’s golf team, Brandon was a PAC10 Academic All-American. His Playing success has continued in the Southwest Section PGA, winning numerous Section and Chapter events including the Southern Chapter Match Play Championship and the PGA Dell Urich Award for low stroke average. He has qualified to compete in the PGA Professional National Championship in 2010, the major championship for club professionals. Brandon coaches all aspects of the game simplifying the mechanics so that you can become a complete player on the golf course. 36

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INSTRUCTION

Tempo! Tempo! Tempo! No Matter Who You Are BY JUSTIN BUBSER

This months tip is one of the most often misunderstood parts of the golf swing “Tempo”. We often hear people say, “Slow it down” or “That was way too quick” referring to our swing typically after a less than fashionable shot. What they are speaking of is our tempo as if there was one perfect tempo that is all inclusive for everyone. Our tip is to find your own tempo and to keep it consistent. I like to think of tempo as the time it takes to complete a full swing. When you look at it in those terms it tells us that tempo is not just the back swing or the follow through. Tempo makes up the entire swing from when you start the club away from the ball to when you are standing nice and balanced holding your finish for the cameras. As far as I’m concerned the most important part about tempo is finding our own distinct tempo. There is no such thing as one tempo for everyone.

Everyone has their own tempo as far as the way they talk, walk, and everything they do. We all know people who are very fast paced like a Nick Price or Anthony Kim. We also know those people who are lucky enough to just cruise through life and their golf swing is no different like a Freddy Couples or Ernie Els. The goal is to find your very own tempo whether it be fast like Nick price or slow and relaxed like Fred Couples. Next time you are on the practice tee try this little drill to help you find your tempo. Warm up as you usually would getting good and loose then take out your 7 or 8 iron and hit four or five golf shots then switch to your driver and hit only one golf shot. More often then not your tempo varies between your driver and the shorter mid-iron when we would ultimately like it to be the same. Do this drill a couple of times switching back and forth from your 7 or 8 iron and driver until you have grooved a consistent tempo into both clubs.

THE LEGACY

Now that you have found your tempo keeping it consistent throughout your entire game is the key. Make your practice swings with that tempo, walk to the ball with that tempo, and keep it consistent. The sooner we can find and become consistent with our tempo the sooner we will have one less thing to worry about in this tricky game of golf. “The goal is to become better at what we do, not to reinvent the wheel.” I hope this tip makes you more comfortable on the golf course as well as lowers your scores. Justin Bubser is the Assistant Golf Professional at the Omni Tucson National Resort and can be reached at 520.575.7540.

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THE LEGACY GOLF CLUB l 6808 S. 32nd Street, Phoenix AZ 85042 l (602) 305-5550 l GolfLegacyResort.com 38

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The Highlands at Dove Mtn

If you are searching for an immaculate well maintained home -this is it! 1552 sf, 2 bedrooms + 2 baths with wood shutters throughout, bay windows, freshly painted w/neutral designer colors, new water heater, new heating & air conditioner, front courtyard & much more! $189,000 MLS#21223014

The Highlands at Dove Mtn

Santa Barbara model w/ 2542 sf, 3 bedroom + den. Fully furnished, turnkey! This property has a tenant already for January through April -- purchase now and you will have a tenant for this season. $327,000 - MLS#21211956

Glenda@GrowTucson.com

520.222.6777

www.GrowTucson.com

Dove Mountain & Heritage Highlands Active Adult Specialist

Gallery & Dove Mtn

Views! Views! of Gallery North Course, Catalina & Tortolita Mtns from 2267sf Gallery Cottage. Stone floors, 4 FPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 2 master suites, wet bar w/wine storage, butt glazed glass, Pella windows, pool/spa & more! Can be purchased turnkey with acceptable offer. Walk to Gallery Golf & Sports Clubs. $599,000 - MLS#21209731

Carmel Pointe

VIEWS of Catalina Mountains from east facing backyard! Great room model w/ 1500 sf, 2 bedrooms + arts & crafts room, 2 baths & 2 car garage. Features include bay windows, all appliances, large pantry & more! Located in gated Carmel Pointe near El Conquistador Country Club. $180,000 - MLS#21228485

The Highlands at Dove Mtn

Lovely Medford model on lushly landscaped homesite. 2089 sf, 2 bedrooms + den has lots of upgrades include wood shutters throughout, extensive ceramic tile flooring, 2 bay windows, all appliances included, extended brick patio & much more. $262,000 - MLS#21227743

The Highlands at Dove Mtn

Rare Butterfield model w/2 master suites. VIEWS of the common area, mountains & golf course from this North facing backyard. Newly painted w/new carpet & extensive 20x20 ceramic tile flooring. $240,000 - MLS#21301193

The Highlands at Dove Mtn

Fabulous views of Catalina & Tortolita Mountains and golf views from this east facing backyard. Located on the 2nd green w/privacy & views! Extended popular Hillsboro great room model, 1866 sf living area, 2 bedrooms + den and lots of upgrades including granite counter tops, fireplace & more! $322,000 - MLS#21228481

Behind the Scenes Southern Arizonaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inside look at welcoming the Top 64 golfers in the world BY JACK TALMAGE

Photography by Rick Price, PGA

Like most players, practice begins before sunrise for Y.E. Yang of South Korea during the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship.

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

The World Golf Championships- Accenture Match Play Championship is without question the biggest event, of any kind, to come to Southern Arizona. It is truly a world class happening! Many of you know what it is like to put together that weekly golf outing with the gang or have maybe been involved in organizing and producing the annual MemberGuest at your club. Well, take that experience and multiply it by a thousand, no make that a million.

Tee Times Magazine thought it would be fun and interesting to explore just what goes into producing this once a year professional golf tournament in our back yard. When you walk through the gates during tournament week (Feb 18-24) at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain, we want you to know and appreciate just what it takes to bring this togetherâ&#x20AC;Ś long before the first ball is ever struck.

Setting the Stage

At least two months out construction crews start to assemble flooring and scaffolding for many tents and structures, among them are 6 sets of bleachers and at least 12 hospitality tents of various sizes and heights scattered throughout the course. The hospitality suites are massive and multi-leveled structures that are designed to hold hundreds of fans. They also must be ADA compatible so elevator lifts and ramps are installed to accommodate every fan. These infrastructures alone can take the longest to build and have to be ready well in advance so they can be finished off with tenting, fixtures, furnishing and equipment. Permits from the Town of Marana and Northwest Fire must also be obtained in advance. Other structures that must be assembled include a few first aid tents, concession tents for serving and seating all patrons, 1 large merchandise tent near the clubhouse, a media village for golf writers and reporters from around the world, a huge volunteer tent for over 1,000 proud volunteers to be able to check-in, eat and relax, as well as train before the event and an uncounted amount of smaller tents for various purposes.

TO: Courtesy of Getty Images / PGA TOUR

In a staging area, that you will no doubt never even notice, a multitude of things are starting to happen in the weeks leading up to the tournament. Trucks arrive every day carrying everything from scaffolding and flooring to power cords, medical supplies, massive amounts of merchandise for logo hungry fans, trash containers, trailers and satellite trucks that will house the TV Production facilities, 200 VIP restrooms (aka port-a-potties), boatloads of food and beverage products for concession tents (17,500 hot dogs, 4,200 hamburgers, 38,000 beers and 26,000 bottles of water) and even more extensive product and serving utensils for the VIP catering in the hospitality tentsâ&#x20AC;Ś they are not eating hot dogs off of paper plates in first class! >>>

Structures are errected on the grounds of the Golf Club at Dove Mountain, months prior to the 2013 World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

During what is called “advance week”, when the golf course will shut down for regular play, everything will start to move out onto the golf course. The PGA TOUR merchandise team essentially builds a working department store in their tent complete with display racks and cash registers. Computer stations and a large screen video TV/scoreboard are set up and tested in the media tent for the scores of reporters from around the world. The TV towers are assembled and placed in locations decided upon by NBC/Golf Channel in correspondence with the TOUR. TV production trailers arrive and are set up, plugged in and tested repeatedly. Eleven video electronic scoreboards are placed around the golf course in easy to read locations, trash containers go out by the hundreds, miles of power cords and television cables are laid down in the desert next to the fairways (who wants that job in the Cholla infested surrounds), over 70,000 ft of rope and 1,750 stakes are laid out and pounded in surrounding every fairway, along with hundreds of gates, 13,000 ft of fencing and over 8,000 ft of barricades.

The Media Center includes state-of-the art equipment for media from all over the world. Local media arrive at the course in the dark every morning for local morning shows.

At night, after the last putt drops, every concession tent, every merchandise area, and every VIP suite, is cleaned and restocked for the next day. There is a crew for general clean-up of the course, fix any down ropes or stakes and to re-fuel the power generators. More trucks arrive with more supplies. The maintenance crew of the golf course is cutting fairways, tees and greens, raking bunkers, watering areas that need it, and making sure the golf course is in the best possible condition for the best players in the world. Hey, where does the blimp go at night?

Taking the Stage

When you go to watch the World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play Championship it is like going to see live theater. You arrive, find your seat, the curtains open and you are instantly involved in the action taking place in front of your eyes. A professional golf tournament, like the theater, is a production but with a much bigger stage and a play that goes on for many days. It does not just happen, because 64 guys decided they wanted to play golf together and booked a few tee times in beautiful Southern Arizona every February. There is a lot to putting on a production of this magnitude that includes a plethera of behind the scenes preparation and hard work that you don’t see. Thankfully, we have organizations like the The PGA TOUR, the Tucson Conquistadores, the tournament volunteers, the golf course maintenance staff, the TV Crews, and a host of others involved in bringing this major event to those live in the theater of Dove Mountain and to those watching at home around the world. Really good theater, like really good golf, is good because of the actors or in our case the golfers. Yes, they have a very grand stage upon which to perform and one that is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world, The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. >>> 44

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

The PGA TOUR merchandising team constructs a full store within the conﬁnes of a tent located just steps away from the main scoreboard.

Every concession tent must maintain inventory for the hundreds of patrons served throughout each day.

Save your long drives for the tee box and make your second car a golf cart!

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Want to sample our lifestyle? www.TheHighlandsAtDoveMountain.com

520.579.7000

But at the end of the day they have to perform and perform well. For unlike the theater or even other golf tournaments, in Match Play not doing so means you don’t get to come back for the closing act, let alone the curtain call. Tee Times Magazine thought it would be interesting for you, the audience, to get an inside glimpse of what happens before the lead characters and their supporting actors, aka caddies, take the stage on tournament day.

Early morning wake-up call is followed by breakfast at the Ritz-Carlton Resort or at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain. Dining Area

They arrive at the golf course well before their tee time via a courtesy car provided

locker room attendant who will also clean shoes, replace spikes, stock the locker with supplies and deliver any last minute messages. Every other year, many of the players are fitted for President’s Cup uniforms the week of the Accenture Match Play Championship.

by Cadillac. Most will spend time at this point in the PGA TOUR fitness trailer warming up and exercising. Many will return here at the end of the day for a work out or perhaps to get an injury worked on. Player services are located outside the Family Dining area and the locker room. Services include a Doctor on call, a PGA TOUR travel agent to make plans for the following week, pick up or send mail and packages, and a concierge service for any other personal needs. The player’s family is invited to breakfast at this area and this is a good chance for the player to spend some time with them before going to work. In the locker room, their names are on the lockers. Balls and shoes are pre-stocked by their sponsors along with the aid of the

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

The first stop is the Practice Range where the player will choose a spot that is then identified with a nameplate behind their station. Players practice with the ball they play and the caddy will make sure those are the balls that are in place. Lee Westwood on the practice range

PhOTO: Courtesy of Getty Images / PGA TOUR

The Players

Player Locker Room

Then a brief walk to the short game area and practice green until it is time for their match.

Hunter Mahan warming up on the range with his caddy.

As the day concludes the player will return to the resort, clean up and enjoy dinner on site or they may dine at a favorite restaurant in Tucson with family or friends. After the round, if it ends on the course, Player transportation picks them up and returns them to the clubhouse. Winners will report to the interview room at the media center, losers will interview outside the locker room. The Tucson Conquistador committee in charge of player evacuation on course is a high stress committee. Will the match end on hole 14? Hole 15? The committee monitors the PGA TOUR rules official radios to know up to the minute how a match stands. Manuevering the player evacuation Cadillac SUVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on course is not an easy task around the players and the spectators. Sometimes the loser might not want to ride with the winner back to the Clubhouse so another vehicle is needed.

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The Caddies

Caddies will typically stay elsewhere and wake up with plenty of time to get to the golf course. Once on site, the caddie area at Dove Mountain in the lower cart area is supplied with sofas, televisions, pingpong tables and catering. Everything is provided from breakfast and lunch to drinks and snacks. Unless they took the bag with them, they go to the bag storage area, pick up their players bag, and then head to the practice range. Once they arrive at the range they set up the bag, make sure the nameplate is

PhOTO: Courtesy of Getty Images / PGA TOUR

For most players, after the round, they return to the Practice Tee to work on results of the day and perhaps spend some time on short game or putting, meeting with more Media or posting on Twitter.

Champion Luke Donald during 2011 press conference

in place and secure the special brand of balls their player uses. Every player uses the same brand of ball on the range that they will play with for their match. The Tiger Woods Nike Ball is one of a kind. Imagine sorting all the balls from the range to make special practice balls just for Tiger. Once the player arrives at the range, you will often notice that the caddy cleans each ball with a towel and tosses it directly to the player, particularly when they are hitting drivers. This is because a ball rolled over on the range will pick up sand that will scratch the face or it can get between the clubface and ball and produce squirrely flights. >>>

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www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

The 13th green at the Golf Club at Dove Mountain holds numerous structures that must bear the weight of spectators and camera crews alike. Shown below are staging areas and structures that represents just a few of the essentials that must be brought in to the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship to make it a successful event.

The caddy stands on the range with his man and gets him whatever club he wants to practice with next, cleaning each as he moves thru the bag. Every player is different, but most start with wedges and progress up through irons and onto woods. Before the round starts it is the caddies responsibility to make sure that the bag is stocked with everything they will need for the day; balls, gloves, sunscreen, raingear, etc. Once on course, you can’t go back for what you forgot. Snacks and beverages are provided on practically every hole but if the player has a special favorite, that too must go in the bag. It is also of prime importance for the caddy to insure there are no more than 14 clubs in the bag. Once the round is underway, the caddy is there for whatever their player wants. Each player/caddy partnership is a little different and it can range from just carrying the bag to helping make right decisions like club selection and reading greens. In the case of inclement weather, the caddie’s role becomes extremely challenging; keeping the player warm and as dry as possible, cleaning clubs needs special attention, gloves need to be replaced, grips must be kept dry, and all the while keeping your player focused on the task at hand. 48

After the round, if the player is advancing to the next stage, possibly that afternoon if it is on the weekend, the caddy will grab a bite to eat and restock the bag with whatever is needed before meeting the player again at the range before resuming play. If the player is through for the day, he must make sure that they are prepared for the next day; clean clubs, review strategies, yardages, etc. At the end of the day, the caddy will replace the clubs in storage (or perhaps pack them up in the case of going home), head back to the hotel and get some well-deserved rest. Tomorrow is another day or perhaps another PGA TOUR stop.

It Takes A Village

Imagine all the moving parts going on behind the scenes of the Championship for the week. Every team affiliated with the event has a job to do. An important job. Somehow it all comes together to create the greatest show in southern Arizona and raise one million dollars for our community’s youth. The Rules officials set up the golf course and deal with any player related tournament competition issues. The TV crews with NBC and The Golf Channel paint the story of the Championship across the globe. They

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

even bring in their own caterer to feed their crew and volunteer spotters. Even the Title Sponsor Accenture is busy entertaining CEO’s all week. They have an entire special events crew coordinating private jet travel pick ups to sightseeing in our Sonoran Desert to simply enjoying the golf tournament and the relaxed settting of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The Tucson Conquistadores work tirelessly selling tickets, meeting and greeting the thousands of spectators and schmoozing with major sponsors in the hospitality tents. The support of our local sponsors with ticket and hospitality sales are the key to keeping this event in Tucson. No event is complete without the thousands of volunteers working on committees; from the largest committee in Marshalls to Player Services, to scoring to transportation to the media room. We also cannot forget to mention the staff with The Golf Club at Dove Mountain and The Ritz-Carlton, the Marana Police Department, Northwest Fire Department, the national and local Media, the Catering company, the trash and port a pottie company, the tent and scaffolding company ... and power, what if we didn’t have power? These organizations are crucial to the success of the event, to

The Pros Cuisine May Not Be What You’d Think BY ADAM LAZARUS

400 lbs. of fish, 20 lbs. of bananas per day, 75 lbs. of rice, 20 gallons of egg whites and dozens of cases of granola bars. It may sounds like feeding time at Reid Park Zoo, but it’s not. It’s just a small sampling of the what’s needed to feed the top 64 golfers in the world the week of the Accenture Match Play Championship. “What many people forget is that golfers are serious athletes” says Executive Chef Michael Press, “they take excellent care of themselves and it’s our job to make food that’s nutritious and, of course, delicious.” Chef Press prides himself on providing these world-class athletes (and their families, agents and entourage) with worldclass cuisine for the entire week of the event. Starting at 4am every morning, the Chef and his team of nine must clean, prep, cook and serve breakfast, lunch and snacks for golfers and VIPs. There’s even a dedicated “fruit-peeler” who spends 3 hours each morning preparing the fruit for that day. “Everyone on the team has their role and we try to execute it flawlessly” says Chef Press. “It’s a long and sometimes stressful week, but it’s also extremely satisfying and can be a lot of fun.”

GOLFERS MAY BE SUPER ATHLETES, BUT THEY’RE ALSO VERY SUPERSTITIOUS TOO, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT THEY EAT AND DRINK

name only a few. We have only scratched the surface of what needs to happen to pull off this major event. Tickets and VIP Sponsor packages must be printed and sold, banners and signage produced and hung in the proper locations, traffic control signs put in place, housing accommodations secured for players, caddies, TV crews, vendors, sponsors and many others. Police officers, fire fighters, and medical personnel must be scheduled and trained, volunteers are coordinated and outfitted for a variety of jobs from crossing guards to walking scorers, to the high tech shotlink laser volunteers, and how and when to hold up the “Quiet Please” signs. The list of what must happen is endless and a well-orchestrated effort by thousands of people must come together. At the end of the day it can only be said that all of the hard work and man-hours lead up to one of the finest produced PGA TOUR events of the season. All this effort is not only for the benefit of the players we all go to see, it is mostly for you, the fans of golf. Enjoy yourself at the World Golf Championships- Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain this February ... and when you see a Conquistador or a volunteer, a cameraman or even the guy emptying the trash, stop and thank them for what they do for us, and all of Southern Arizona.

The World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play Championship is truly an international affair so the challenge is creating healthy and exciting cuisine that is globally inspired. What the players like to eat, especially for breakfast, is dependent on where they’re from. For breakfast, the Europeans enjoy oatmeal while the Asian players prefer rice. Most American golfers eat egg white omelettes, veggies and multi-grain bread. But one thing it seems that all golfers like to eat at any time of day, no matter where they’re from, is white fish. “It tastes great, is packed with protein, vitamins and is especially low in fat” says Chef Press, which allows these lean, mean putting machines to play their very best. According to Chef Press, lunch preferences are a little more personal. Most players take a sandwich with them on the course - each half individually wrapped to keep their hands clean when playing their round. “PB&J is a universal favorite” jokes Chef Press “but there are a few unique orders that keep my team of cooks on their toes.” One popular player routinely requests a sandwich so special that it has maintained a permanent spot on the Cayton’s Restaurant menu. The “Big Easy” is a low-fat chicken salad sandwich made with lite mayo, no onions or celery on whole wheat bread with no crusts and cut into triangles. Golfers may be super athletes, but they’re also very superstitious too, especially when it comes to what they eat and drink. Last year’s winner, Hunter Mahan, ate a tuna melt for lunch just before winning Wednesday’s round. So to continue the winning trend he ate a tuna melt for breakfast and lunch on Thursday…and won again. He ate two more on Friday (and won), two more on Saturday (and won) and then again on Sunday…and won the whole event! If word gets out about Hunter’s dietary dominance in 2012, then Chef Press may have to up this year’s order to 500 lbs of fish; enough to feed the best golfers in the world…or the whales at Sea World.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

Your Ticket Benefits Our Kids

Proceeds from the Accenture Match Play Championship primarily beneﬁt Tucson Conquistadores charities, including The First Tee of Tucson, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA and Pima County Special Olympics and the Southern Arizona Community Sports Center at Curtis Park. Since 1962, The Tucson Conquistadores have contributed more than $26 million to youth organizations throughout Southern Arizona by bringing professional golf to our community. Below are general admission ticket prices for the 2013 Accenture Match Play Championship:

Monday – Practice Round Tuesday – Practice Round Wednesday – First Round Thursday – Second Round Friday – Third Round Saturday – Quarterfinal Sunday – Semifinals,

In advance $25 $25 $50 $50 $45 $35

At the gate $35 $35 $60 $60 $55 $45

$125

$135

Championship & Consolation Matches $35

Weekly Package (Monday-Sunday tickets)

$45

Active, Retired & Reserve Military Tickets Complimentary admission to all active, Reserve and military retirees and their dependents with a valid Department of Defense issued ID. Please present this ID at the gate to gain complimentary admission. You do not need to download a ticket in advance.

Veterans Tickets A limited number of complimentary tickets will be available to all veterans through the Veterans Tickets Foundation. You will need to show proof of your Veteran status through visiting www.vettix.org. These will be available starting in 2013. There will be a small processing fee that will go directly to the Veterans Tickets Foundation.

Youth Policy Children 18 and under will be admitted FREE of charge when accompanied by a ticketed adult (one child per person). Children will have access to grounds and the Walter Hagen Club (with a properly ticketed adult).

Convenient Public Parking General Parking is now located on the northwest corner of N. Dove Mountain Blvd. just oﬀ Tangerine Rd. Parking is $10 per vehicle per day for those without an oﬃcial championship parking pass. Disabled Guests with a state issued license plate or hang tag will follow signs to park in the T2 Parking Lot.

For ticket and hospitality information call 1-866-WGC-AMPC (942-2672) or (520) 571-0400. Tickets may be purchased online at worldgolfchampionships.com Your ticket investment may qualify for a 100% deduction as an entertainment expenses incurred in connection with a charitable sporting event. Please consult with your tax advisor.

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

OFFICIAL WORLD GOLF RANKING POS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

NAME

AVERAGE

Rory McIlroy, Nir Tiger Woods, USA Luke Donald, Eng Justin Rose, Eng Louis Oosthuizen, Zaf Adam Scott, Aus Lee Westwood, Eng Brandt Snedeker, USA Bubba Watson, USA Steve Stricker, USA Jason Dufner, USA Keegan Bradley, USA Ian Poulter, Eng Dustin Johnson, USA Webb Simpson, USA Charl Schwartzel, Zaf Graeme McDowell, Nir Peter Hanson, Swe Sergio Garcia, Esp Matt Kuchar, USA Nick Watney, USA Phil Mickelson, USA Ernie Els, Zaf Bo Van Pelt, USA Zach Johnson, USA Jim Furyk, USA Hunter Mahan, USA Martin Kaymer, Deu Jamie Donaldson, Wal Branden Grace, Zaf Paul Lawrie, Sco Carl Pettersson, Swe Francesco Molinari, Ita Rickie Fowler, USA Gonzalo Fdez-Castano, Esp Nicolas Colsaerts, Bel Bill Haas, USA Robert Garrigus, USA Jason Day, Aus Scott Piercy, USA John Senden, Aus Thorbjorn Olesen, Dnk Matteo Manassero, Ita Hiroyuki Fujita, Jpn Ryan Moore, USA David Toms, USA Thomas Bjorn, Dnk George Coetzee, Zaf David Lynn, Eng Padraig Harrington, Irl Russell Henley, USA Henrik Stenson, Swe Richie Ramsay, Sco Rafael Cabrera Bello, Esp Tim Clark, Zaf Thongchai Jaidee, Tha K.J. Choi, Kor Marcus Fraser, Aus Shane Lowry, Irl Marcel Siem, Deu Alexander Noren, Swe Geoﬀ Ogilvy, Aus Miguel A Jimenez, Esp Bernd Wiesberger, Aut

12.37 8.16 8.11 6.65 6.64 6.19 5.69 5.35 5.25 5.15 5.12 4.99 4.95 4.93 4.78 4.69 4.62 4.54 4.50 4.42 4.37 4.36 4.25 4.25 4.06 3.73 3.66 3.62 3.42 3.40 3.38 3.35 3.34 3.28 3.23 3.03 2.99 2.79 2.78 2.75 2.71 2.66 2.63 2.56 2.55 2.43 2.38 2.28 2.25 2.24 2.18 2.17 2.17 2.15 2.12 2.11 2.11 2.10 2.08 2.06 2.05 2.05 2.04 2.03

Qualification: Official World Golf Ranking as of Jan. 25, 2013. Visit www.officialworldgolfranking.com for weekly rankings.

www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

! g i B n i W

Purchase a Sponsorship Package:

with ticket packs to give away to your clients for an opportunity to qualify to win $1,000,000 dollars and play in the Pro-am.

Pick Your Pack:

$10 for 10 balls / $25 for 30 balls $100 for 150 balls

Amateur golfers will attempt to qualify to win the Million Dollar Hole-in-One contest over 4 different qualifying dates!

During the Hole In One Contest consider joining us for the Feb 11th Pro-Am with an afternoon shotgun start and awards dinner. Complete Pro-Am details and registration available at www.TucsonHoleInOne.com PROCEEDS BENEFIT

HOSTED BY THE CITY OF TUCSON AT THE RANDOLPH GOLF COMPLEX

Mark Your Calendar!

February 14th - 16th, 2013 10:00 am - 6:00 pm February 17th, 2013 10:00am - 3:00 pm Top 5 qualifiers each day move on to the semi-final qualifying round at Dell Urich golf course on Feb 17th at 3:30 pm.

DAILY PRIZES FOR THE QUALIFYING DAYS!

The Tucson Parks Foundation is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization whose mission is assist in improving the quality of life in Tucson through parks that all citizens can enjoy by supplementing the services and facilities provided by the Tucson Parks and Recreation Department. Please help us in our fundraising efforts to improve parks and recreation facilities in Tucson. Become a member and volunteer for the Hole in One contest and Pro am Golf tournament planning committee.

UP TO THE CHALLENGE. WE HONOR THE GAME WITH OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU. A commitment that has made Club Car the global leader in golf and utility vehicles. It drives our passion to deliver the products and services you need to achieve success. Our innovative fleet and mobile merchandising solutions provide the advantage you demand â&#x20AC;&#x201C; while our new Guardian SVC system protects your investment for years to come. Reliable and responsible solutions to meet todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s challenges.

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PhOTO: Courtesy of RICK PRICE, PGA

FEATURE

Tiger Woods warms up during a practice round at the 2012 World Golf Championships Accenture Match Play Championship

Watch the Pros and Learn How to Practice BY LANCE ELDRIDGE

When the World Golf Championships Accenture World Championship Match Play comes to Tucson, or any high-level golf event you attend, watch how the professionals warm up on practice round or pro am days. Those are the days professional golfers will spend very focused time on the range and you will see what real practice is all about! Although they may be chatting it up, or look like they are just going through the motions, it is very focused. Before I begin, let’s say you have two hours free on a Saturday afternoon alone with your clubs, and a bad taste in your mouth from your last round. Maybe you smothered a few drives that never got higher than 30 feet high, or you completely lost your touch and recorded four three putts. On the front 9! How are you going to practice? Whenever I’ve had a round I can’t leave behind, I typically jump on the first opportunity to go to the range and practice my fundamentals (with that club) and grind. But I recently learned something…that, more than likely, may not be enough. I don’t have a coach, but we can always create one. How do you ‘create’ a coach??

Tour Pros obviously don’t just go out and pound balls or roll ball after ball in the hole from five feet. Like we do. They have a coach and props to help them fine-tune the mechanical elements of the swing. You will see shafts stuck in the ground or along some line to help them get ‘lines’ down. They take some practice swings to feel the elements of their swing and then let it fly. Mechanics are to be worked on prior to the shot with set up and practice swings. Create your ‘coach’ and let him/her help you prior to your shot.

Another thing professionals always do is play to a target. This might sound obvious, but have you ever teed it up and looked to a fence at the end of the range and tried to bomb it on the fly? Or pulled out your 5-iron and aimed at a double green 185 yards away? Pick a specific target, go through your routine and try and put it with 10 feet. This is the time you can work on the actual flight of the ball; high, low, running, stopping and fade or draw. When you pick a specific spot, sometimes this will force you to shape your shot where as just hitting a shot won’t. Even when pros hit a 4-iron, watch how close together they land. Here are some practice routines from some professionals that showcase highlyfocused practice and routines:

•

Nick Faldo – simulates an entire round, never hitting the same shot twice as if he was on the last round of the U.S. Open

•

Cristie Kerr – three balls on the green with a chalk line and club to force a straight path

•

Paula Creamer – starts with putts from 10 feet working back to 40 foot lag putts

•

Steve Stricker – one of his routines is to make one ‘rehearsal’ swing and then hit. Repeat.

We don’t make our living playing on a professional tour or have hours available to work on our game, but we can make improvements by how we practice. Even if you only have a couple hours available in the afternoon, make it count. Allow yourself some time at the next golf tournament by visiting on a Monday or Tuesday when the professionals are getting in some valuable practice time. This may not be the most glamorous time to watch them, but like our own practice time, this is what really counts. Play well. Have fun. See you on Monday at the tournament.

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INSTRUCTION

Use These “Release Drills” To Improve Squaring The Clubface At Impact. is the right hand too much on top of the grip), you will not be able to rotate the forearms or hands due to the position of the hands on the grip. Start with a good grip which includes light grip pressure and has the grip in your fingers at the base of your palm. You should see two knuckles on the left hand and the tips of your fingers on your right hand when the club is positioned correctly in your hands. Lighten your grip pressure to the point that you feel the tension in your forearms and shoulders go away. Now you are ready to work on some “release drills”.

BY MARK OSWALD, PGA It is required to have the clubface square at impact to hit straight shots. Below are some drills to help you improve your release and timing that will improve your ball flight and solidness of impact. Before we work on drills let’s look at the grip. The grip is a key to being able to square the clubface at impact. If you’re gripping the club too tight, you will not be able to rotate your forearms and hands due to excessive pressure and tightness. If you grip is too weak in position, (for the right handed golfer this About The

AUTHOR

MARK OSWALD, PGA

Drill #1, Hit 2 Tees: Position a tee inside of the ball and outside of the ball. These tees should be positioned square with your clubface. The tees should be spread out just enough that you can hit one tee on the heel of the clubface and one on the toe. The goal is to hit the ball and each tee at the same time. If you are coming into impact with a closed clubface you will hit the tee outside the ball with the toe of the clubface prior to hitting the inside tee. If you are making impact with the clubface open you will contact the inside tee first. The tees create a good visual image of what you want at impact and gives you instant feed back. This is also a good practice swing drill without hitting any balls. Hit both tees together and the clubface is square. Drill #2, Toe up, toe up. To release the clubface or rotate the forearms and hands you will need to have the proper backswing position as well. During the backswing you will take the club away from the ball with your shoulders and forearms rotating around your chest. If you do this without a club in your hand watch your palms as they rotate around your body like the door on a hinge. This is the proper rotation and position to allow you to rotate on the downswing.

Oro Valley Country Club - General Manager

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PRACTICE WITH THE HALF SWING AND USE THE HALF SWING TO GET YOU BACK ON TRACK WHEN YOU ARE OFF. With the club in your hands make this same hinge like rotation and watch the toe of the club. About half way back the toe of the club is facing the air, bring the club down from here, continue turning and stop about half way through after impact. Again you will find the toe of the club facing up. Take some practice swings with this half swing. Take the club up stop and look at the toe is it pointing up or over your target line with a closed or open clubface? After taking the club back and forth stopping at the top and finish, make some practice half swings and feel the club and your forearms rotate squaring the clubface. Next hit some shots continuing with the half swing. Feel the club rotate, toe up, come down squaring by impact and rotating toe up at the finish. If you are doing this correctly and in the correct timing sequence you will hit the ball with a square clubface. If the ball is going right the club is open at impact, if the ball is going left the clubface is closed at impact. These are two great drills for working on the proper rotation and release thus squaring the clubface for impact. Use half swings to create the motion and feel you need. Practice with the half swing and use the half swing to get you back on track when you are off. Work on squaring the clubface and you will improve not only your direction but also improve your impact and increase distance.

moswald@orovalleycountryclub.com www.OroValleyCountryClub.com

Mark Oswald has been a PGA Member for more than 24 years (since 1987) - He has worked with all levels of golfers, from first time beginners to touring professionals, over 25 years of offering Professional Golf Instruction. Mark has managed several clubs in Arizona including the Hilton El Conquistador, The Golf Club at Vistoso, Prescott Country Club and Great Eagle Golf Club and is currently the General Manager at Oro Valley Country Club.

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INSTRUCTION

BY BILL CHRYSLER, PGA As I am writing this article, thousands of my peers are assembling in Orlando, Florida to attend the Annual PGA of America Trade show. Being a Golf Pro in the desert Southwest makes the trek across county in our “season” pretty difficult but I have been lucky enough to have attended in the past. This event is over the top in both the sheer number of golf companies that attend and the colossal shrines the major manufacturers construct and the star power they recruit to show off their wares. I remember walking thru Titleist’s booth the year they introduced the Pro V1 and meeting Cory Pavin. It is at this event that all of the major manufacturers unveil their new line of products for the upcoming year. The buzz for 2013 is all about the Drivers. Lower spin, perimeter weighting, better adjustability and flashy colors will dominate TV screens and pages of golf publications for the next three months. Hit it farther and straighter, the dream of every golfer…In light of that I thought I would go “against the grain” so to speak and talk about putters.

that are sure not to disappoint. Being impatient in my pursuit of par or better, I have made a personal observation about putters based on nothing but paranoia and circumstantial evidence.

Putter There

I HAVE MADE A PERSONAL OBSERVATION ABOUT PUTTERS BASED ON NOTHING BUT PARANOIA AND CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE

As much as we hate to admit it, we all know that putting is the most important part of the game. To shoot par on a standard par 72 course, ½ of your shots are supposed to be putts. If you want to know why touring pros shoot such low scores look at how many putts they average. The average tour player takes under 28 putts per round. I average 33. If one of my 22 putters worked better and I could average 28 putts per round I would be vying for the Southern Chapter PGA Player of the Year award. Searching for that putting magic has done one thing, it has made me an expert on putters. Now that the USGA has more narrowly defined a legal putting stroke I will focus on

About The

AUTHOR

conventional putters and not clutter the discussion with long or belly models (although they are still legal for a little while longer). Being a coinsure I have found one fact about putters: Like everything else, you get what you pay for. I’m not a millwright or a caster, so I don’t know why it is, but the top of the line putters made by Titleist (Scottie Cameron), Nike (Method), Odessey, Ping and Taylor Made (Rossa) are true precision instruments

Bill Chrysler, PGA

#1: Putters must be punished for a poor performance. If one of my putters starts to let me down, it seems to perform better after a few months of a “time out” in the corner of my garage. Some of my best putting rounds have come after one of these time outs… Which leads to a tale of caution; you can’t capitalize on this retraining of the putter if your punishment is too severe. Unfortunately in my younger years a few of my old putters may have been lightly tossed toward an inanimate object (tree) or into a large body of water (lake)…Now after growing older and wiser I realize they were cast off with lots of good putts left in them. All joking aside, in my opinion, if you are golfing year round in Arizona you need to own a minimum of two putters. Here is my reasoning. This time of year, when the greens are either dormant or overseeded, they are much faster and have much less grain than in the summer when the Bermuda is lush and full. Faster greens with little to no grain require a much shorter stroke that relies heavily on feel. Slower greens with grain require a much firmer stroke to keep the ball on line and stop it from falling off around the hole. For feel and control a lighter, blade-like putter is generally thought of as the right fit as evident by the predominance of this style of putter on tour where the greens can roll as fast as my tile floor. For the slower, grainier greens of summer a heavier, mallet-style putter is a better fit. The moral of the story is don’t be afraid to try out different putters for different conditions or just to jump start your short game. It is one area of the game where sometimes it is the club and not the swing.

General Manager - Hilton El Conquistador Country Club 520-544-1800

bill.chrysler@hilton.com www.hiltonelconquistador.com

Bill Chrysler, PGA, is the General Manager of the Hilton El Conquistador Country Club in Oro Valley, Arizona. El Conquistador is the largest club of its kind in Southern Arizona featuring 45 holes of golf, 31 tennis courts, a state of the art work-out facility, two pools and the La Vista Restaurant and Garden Café. Bill was elected to PGA Membership in 1996. Before coming to Tucson Bill spent several years as a head golf professional in Bellingham Washington before transitioning into full facility management in 2001. Bill Joined the Hilton team in 2010. www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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WOMEN’S GOLF

BY MARY ANN SOUTER What does it take to be chosen as AWGA Rep of the year? It takes great communication skills, a positive attitude and a strong desire to represent the AWGA to members of the club. Cathy Nelms stood out for this award not only for her effective ability to be an advocate for the AWGA but also because she accomplished this in her first year as an AWGA Rep. Cathy’s humble response was, “I was really shocked to hear the news since I was new in this role but I went to the AWGA Rep meetings and did the things they suggested. The AWGA offered so many ideas and I just followed up on them.” These qualities coupled with her ongoing enthusiasm made her the best choice for this prestigious award.

Cathy Nelms Named AWGA Representative Of The Year Cathy Nelms, AWGA Rep from Quail Creek LGA, earned the award because of her consistent leadership in making their members aware of what’s available to them on the state level. Cathy quickly passes along information and coordinates with their Publicity Chair and Junior Golf Programs Chair to ensure the news is heard throughout the membership. “I try to help our members feel more connected to and interested in the AWGA,” Cathy said, which is exactly the type of person who is successful in this position. She added that many of the women were not familiar with the AWGA so she saw an enormous opportunity to introduce them to many new benefits and events and the ladies responded wholeheartedly.

representative, where she has further encouraged regional play. And as a member of their Handicap Committee, she attended a recently held GHIN workshop to better understand the conversion and to help their members when needed. Cathy and her husband, Dan, moved to Green Valley seven years ago. Although she retired from the banking industry and started seriously playing golf again while still living in California, Arizona’s warmer climate seemed much more appealing for retirement years and golf. “Golf is an easy way to meet people when moving to a new community,” she said. So she immediately joined the Quail Creek LGA and now plays golf four times a week! She regularly plays with her ladies group, friends and her husband. And when she talks about vacations, she enjoys golf on the Santa Fe Trail courses in New Mexico but would like to play the Robert Trent Jones course in Alabama too. So when we ask what qualities gave Cathy Nelms the edge to be chosen as the AWGA Representative of the Year – the answer lies in her communication skills along with her dedication to the job and her cheerful disposition in keeping club members informed. When you love golf, it shows in all that you do. And Cathy has shown her passion for the sport and the satisfaction it brings in sharing it with others.

“I felt like this was a job I could do and do well,” she said. And she was right! Dreama Fumia, QCLGA President, described Cathy as calm and competent and eager to do a good job. She praised Cathy’s ability as a strong leader and credits her for approaching the QCLGA Board to vote to approve travel expense compensation for State Medallion winners to encourage participation. “During Cathy’s term, our members have become more interested in the State Medallion and in competing at the state level,” she added. Cathy is also their Southern District Women’s Golf Association

Congratulations, Cathy, on a job well done! The AWGA appreciates your support and your enthusiastic willingness to serve.

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Pro File Bobby Gaona, PGA

Southwest Section Southern Chapter

“IF YOU WORK REALLY HARD ON YOUR GAME AND HAVE THE DESIRE TO BE AS GOOD AS YOU CAN, IT’S POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS. EVEN SO, YOU MUST HAVE GOALS AND BE WILLING TO PUT INTO THE GAME WHAT IT REQUIRES.”

TUCSON’S

GOLFING ICON, PGA Professional Bobby Gaona added to his litany of life struggles and to his golf game, receiving one of the biggest blows when he was diagnosed with Lung cancer on December 21, 2012.

BY RICK PRICE, PGA

This PGA pro has some amazing stories that span over his 70 years living in Tucson. He just recently celebrated his 74th birthday, and he can still shoot under par golf, and his age, regularly. Gaona was born in Oracle, Arizona and lived in the small town of Tiger just outside of Oracle. His family moved to Tucson when he was 3 years old. While growing up in Tucson he started learning golf when he was 12 years old by watching members at the El Rio Country Club, while he was caddying. He said, “My brother Jimmy and I would sneak on the course

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together to watch the pros play when the Tucson Open was held at El Rio.” He played in the Ricki Rarick junior golf program in the 50’s, was a part of two team state titles and won the state high school championship his senior year at Tucson High school. He had scholarships offered to him to play at the University of Houston and the University of Arizona. However, he made good money working nights at Hughes Aircraft during high school and he decided to keep working instead of going to college. He commented, “That was a big mistake.” Bobby won the Tucson City Amateur in 1962 & 1970. “I would

Presented By

play in a golf tournament and party every night.” He said, “If I played good everything was fine, but if I played bad it was ok too because my justification for playing poorly was because I was drinking.” Gaona said, “I was always preparing myself for an excuse if I played bad.” He commented on the fact that he would hear people say, “This guy could play well if he didn’t drink.” If the drinking wasn’t bad enough he then started gambling. He would gamble away his paycheck and it got to the point where he couldn’t hustle people anymore. Using the old analogy, he would have to steal from Peter to pay Paul. It all finally caught up to him and escalated to the point of trying to break into a liquor store, setting off the alarm and getting caught on the roof. He was given probation and because of his golf reputation, it received front page local news. His gambling debts forced him into bankruptcy in 1967, which fueled his drinking problem even more. When Gaona reflected back on one of his golfing highlights, he tells the story of qualifying for the 1968 Tucson Open and shooting a 31 on the front nine of the opening round, finding himself on top of the leader board with none other than Arnold Palmer. After teeing off the back nine, the crowd of spectator’s started to grow. He said, “I never had an experience like that before. The moment of glory was great, but I just couldn’t handle it.” He finished the day with a 74 and went to the bar feeling sorry for himself. The following day shot a 75 and missed the cut. Gaona finally turned professional in 1973 with opportunities of sponsorship to go play on the PGA TOUR, but then his past came up, and being labeled as a partier, pretty much put an end to any possible sponsors. His drinking problem finally came to end when he woke up and didn’t know where he was. He said, “I remember seeing my

Bobby Gaona with Hank Ravenell, PGA

wife Eva crying.” That morning he called Alcoholics Anonymous and went in for a meeting. After attending a few more AA meetings he developed the willpower to quit drinking in April of 1979. He said, “I just finally decided to quit because it was destroying my life and everyone around me.” He made a modest living as a teaching professional, playing in the local PGA events and coaching the Pima Community College golf team, which he did for 16 years until resigning, to play on the Senior Tour. In 1987, Gaona had the experience of a life time, qualifying for the U.S. Open at the age of 48 years-old. With very low expectations, he did not play well, which he was fine with. However, he had received a letter from his caddie Chico that had a profound impact on him. The letter was from a spectator who was a friend of Chico’s. He said, “Tell Bob I was inspired by his efforts. In fact, the Open was a real eye-opener for me. It really put golf into perspective. I have much more respect for the game.” Gaona was given another opportunity in his golfing career as he turned 50 and was eligible to qualify to play on the Senior PGA Tour. However, to this point his life he had been filled with such good intentions but with lack-luster results. Would this be different, is he prepared and had he really changed? It appeared that things finally turned around for Gaona, qualifying for the Senior Tour and playing for a number of years in the early 1990’s with career earnings over $500,000 from posting some top ten finishes. He commented on playing the Senior Tour that it didn’t bother him playing in the lime light. However, he always felt like he was playing with his back against the ropes, having to fight and scratch for every opportunity and dime he made. He would enjoy playing in the Pro-ams with the sponsors and helping them with their game. www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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He said, “They really appreciated the help and if the team played well it helped me make some extra money.”

Bobby with his wife Eva

After playing on the Tour for a while he had a different impression of some of the other professionals. He was pretty disappointed in how they would treat the sponsors and spectators. He made a huge effort in trying to take care of his Pro-am partners and sponsors during the event. Gaona said, “The sad thing to me was that it appeared if you really want to make it to the top of the Tour you had to be selfish, or at least the ones that were at the top seemed to be selfish.” He worked for a short time with a golf psychologist while on the Tour, and she told him that a lot of the professionals she works with focus on clearing their mind of outside situations and problems in their lives to play better golf, but she said none of the other players have any problems compared to you. Gaona said, “I always thought of the tournaments I lost and why I lost them, hoping that it would help me not to make the same mistakes again. However, looking back I probably should have thought about more of the positive results.” After the Senior Tour, he went on to win the 1999 & 2000 Arizona Senior Opens and the 2000 & 2001 New Mexico Senior Opens.

unfulfilled. However, his friends remind him that he did what he wanted to do and that was to play professional golf, and he should be proud of what he has accomplished. After 74 years of wisdom, Bob Gaona has some words of advice. He spoke recently at the Ricki Rarick junior golf fundraiser event recalling stories of his junior experiences from 60 years ago like they were yesterday. He made mention of a funny story qualifying for a tournament on the east coast, as he had never traveled outside of Tucson. He said that Mr. Rarick told him he would take care of everything, get him to the tournament and pay for his expenses. Well, what the young Gaona didn’t know was that it would take him and his brother five days to get there by bus, and five days on the bus to get back home. Gaona says to the junior golfers, “If you work really hard on your game and have the desire to be as good as you can, it’s possible to achieve your goals. Even so, you must have goals and be willing to put into the game what it requires.” He said that, “I had no one pushing me to play; I just had the passion to play the game.” He also stated, “Parents play a crucial key to the success of the junior golfer in supporting their efforts.” He commented that his wife Eva was great with their four boys Bobby, Michael, Richard & John Paul, always taking them to junior golf events.

After making the $500,000 on the Tour, he tried to put it to One of Gaona’s most important points of our conversation good use but with some bad together was that looking investments and family back over his life; he really problems, the money was soon Bobby with Dan Pohl at the 2012 Ricki Rarick Fundraiser wanted to emphasize how Tournament at Tubac Golf Resort spent. Gaona’s roller coaster life important it is to plan for has hit another one of those dips the future. He said, “I as financial troubles now plague always lived by the motto of, him with a possibility of losing his Live for Today and Enjoy home to foreclosure, his wife Eva Today, and I did not prepare was recently ill, one of his sons is for the future.” “ Now at my in jail, and now his bout with age that motto would make lung cancer. His pension with the sense”, he said, “ however, Tour is about to expire and he I’m not prepared to enjoy doesn’t know how he will make it today.” on Social Security. Jokingly, he He stressed how important mentioned, “I buy a lottery ticket friends were, and especially occasionally hoping maybe my to have the right kind of luck will change.” He said, “The friends. pastor at church reminds me that God is faithful, he will not allow Gaona conquered his battle you to be tempted beyond what with drinking earlier in his you are able, but with the life, which now leads him to temptation will also make the face his next biggest victory way of escape, that you may be in life, his battle with cancer. able to bear it.” Well, he Just for the record, if you certainly has been tested and has have not met this endured to this point. gentleman, you will never find or meet a kinder and As the time in our life sneaks up pleasant person than Bobby on us, for some it is a reminder Gaona. of opportunities lost and dreams www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

phoenix valley tee times

SWSPGA

Top L-R; Jim Kirwan, Rich Elias, Brandon Smith, Dave Simm, Ryan Eckroat, Don Littrell, Paul Nolen, Rick Price. Bottom L-R; Steve Hughes, Derick Demsinsky, Josh Brown. Not shown; Chris Dompier

PGA PROFESSIONALS CAPTURE THE GIBSON CUP BY RICK PRICE, PGA

The game of golf is hard enough as it is in perfect weather. When it’s cold, windy and raining it can bring a whole other set of challenges -- as it did for the 18th Annual Gibson Cup Matches. The top Southwest Section Southern Chapter PGA professionals and the Arizona Golf Association’s Southern Arizona amateurs compete against each other in a match play format promoting competition between the associations. The La Paloma Country Club again hosted this long standing friendly competition. The first day’s format consisted of Four Ball matches; two players from each team paired together playing their best ball against the other team. The final round consisted of single matches where scoring was based on a point system, (1) point for the low front nine, (1) point for the low back nine, (1) point for the overall low eighteen hole total. 68

After the first round team matches the professionals held an 11-7 lead over the amateurs. However, after last year’s collapse in the final round for the professionals, no lead was a certain victory. This year the professionals seemed determined to win the Cup back. In the earlier senior division matches, they extended the lead to 19.5 to the amateurs 11.5 points. The final eight single round matches, were going to be the determining factor on whether the amateurs would come from behind as they did last year. However, the cold weather appeared to keep the amateurs at bay as they could not heat up their putters to make up the lost points. As the final matches were concluding they just could not make up any ground on the lead the professionals had established. The amateurs were coming off an extraordinary come-from-behind win last year, but had to relinquish the Cup back over to the professionals this year, with the professionals winning 32-22.

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Cyrus Whitney, AGA The history of the matches has the professionals leading the series (11-7) after winning the 18th Annual Gibson Cup matches. The name “Gibson Cup” is in honor of long time local PGA club professional and University of Arizona Golf coach, John Gibson.

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18th ANNUAL GIBSON CUP MATCHES DECEMBER 15th-16th, 2012

Round 1

Round 2

La Paloma CC

Southern Chapter PGA vs. Southern Arizona AGA

PROFESSIONALS Four Ball Matches Brandon Smith / Rich Elias Josh Brown / Kevin Crawley Chris Dompier / Don Littrell Paul Nolen / Ryan Eckroat Steve Hughes / Jim Kirwan (S) Rick Price / Dave Simm (S)

TOTAL

POINTS ½ 1½ 3 3 2½ ½

vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.

Single Matches Rick Price (S) Steve Hughes (S) Dave Simm (S) Jim Kirwan (S) Ryan Eckroat Don Littrell Derek Deminsky Rich Elias Josh Brown Paul Nolen Chris Dompier Brandon Smith

½ 3 2½ 1½ 2½ 1 2 2½ 0 1 2½ 2

vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs. vs.

Note: (S) Senior

TOTAL

OVERALL TOTAL

AMATEURS

Scott Smith / Tom Sweigart Pat Geare / Greg Cesarek Grant Cesarek / Derek Laporte Jeremy Defalco / Erik Nielsen Tom Beach / Jim Smith (S) Ben Crebbs / Cyrus Whitney (S)

POINTS 2½ 1½ 0 0 ½ 2½

Cyrus Whitney (S) Tom Beach (S) Ben Crebbs (S) Jim Smith (S) Scott Smith Derek Laporte Greg Cesarek Pat Geare Grant Cesarek Erik Nielson Tom Sweigart Jeremy Defalco

2½ 0 ½ 1½ ½ 2 1 ½ 3 2 ½ 1

TOTAL

OVERALL TOTAL

Don Littrell, PGA

Rich Elias, PGA

Dave Simm, PGA

Brandon Smith, PGA

Pat Geare, AGA

Tom Sweigart, AGA www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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INSTRUCTION

Weight forward and shoulders almost level

Hinge the wrists quickly to create a steep swing

The “Love” Grass BY BRAD VOLKER, PGA

Since many facilities in Southern Arizona no longer overseed their entire course, golfers are not only left with beautiful green tees, fairways and putting surfaces but also patchy, fluffy, dormant Bermuda grass around the greens. This brown mess is affectionately known in some circles as “Love Grass” because if you get in it you are …... in trouble. If you don’t

About The

AUTHOR

Weight shifted left and re-hinge wrists

know the real reason it’s called “Love Grass” ask some of your golfing buddies and they will likely be able to educate you. Being able to properly execute a shot from the “Love Grass” is not that difficult and it will alleviate your fear and anxiety. Most amateurs will hit too much grass behind the ball and not move it very far. Others will hit the middle of the ball and send it screaming across the green only to be left with a similar shot from the other side. Eliminating these bad shots requires a steep angle of attack on the ball with a

high lofted club. At address keep your shoulders as level as possible but lean more weight over the left side of your body. As you begin your backswing rotate your shoulders and hinge your wrists very quickly producing a steep backswing. During your downswing, shift even more weight to your left side and release the hinge you created in your backswing and re-hinge your wrists on your follow-through. When properly executed, the club will attack the ball on a steep angle, miss the dormant Bermuda grass behind the ball and pop the ball up in the air landing safely on the green.

BRAD VOLKER, PGA Director of Instruction - The Highlands at Dove Mountain 520.579.7000

volkergolf@gmail.com www.volkergolf.com

Brad Volker has been a PGA member since 2004. He has over 10 years of teaching experience and has worked with players of all skill levels. Brad has worked as an Assistant and Head Professional at various clubs in Missouri before moving to Tucson. Brad has been at The Highlands at Dove Mountain since moving to Southern Arizona in 2009.

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INSTRUCTION

Legendary golfer Harry Vardon once noticed that when he played late in the day and the light faded, his putting actually improved. The reason his putting improved under these adverse conditions is that the less he relied on his vision, the more he relied on his sense of feel as the ball left the putter face. Also, since he could not clearly see the cup, he was not as focused on his target, which was in the future. His diminished vision enabled him to stay present and as a result he had a heightened sense of feel. “Putting to nowhere” allowed him to reach the somewhere he desired.

LEGENDARY GOLFER HARRY VARDON ONCE NOTICED THAT WHEN HE PLAYED LATE IN THE DAY AND THE LIGHT FADED, HIS PUTTING ACTUALLY IMPROVED ...

Here is a drill to help keep yourself in the present and “feel” your putts. Situate yourself about ten to fifteen feet from the cup. Try a few putts from that distance to get a sense of your swing. Now, try a few putts from that same distance with your eyes closed! Since your visual orientation is gone, you are left with only your sense of feel and touch. Feel how far the ball goes. Open your eyes to check your results. Try it at various distances. Without a visible target you end up “putting to nowhere”, but the resulting improvement in “feel” allows you a better sense of speed and distance.

PUTTING TO NOWHERE BY DON LAY

There has been a great deal of emphasis put on the physical aspects of putting. There are long putters and short putters, putters with fat grips and putters with high tech club faces that look like space ships. There are putting aids sold in magazines and television, ranging from the practical to the bizarre. There are instructional videos

and books galore on the subject of swing mechanics. But one look at a professional golfer in action tells you that swing mechanics and high tech putters don’t guarantee good results. That is because putting is so outcome oriented, and that projected outcome inevitably lies in the future. A golfer cannot have his mind in the future and experience the same sense of touch and feel that he could experience if his mind were in the present.

This is a great way to improve your putting game. Excerpt from “The Now Golfer: The Psychology of Better Golf”, by Dr. Preston Waddington and Don Lay. Available for purchase at www.nowgolfer.com Don Lay is the co-author of “The Now Golfer: The Psychology of Better Golf”, with renowned psychoanalyst Preston Waddington. Don is a former touring and teaching tennis professional. His students include the Kennedys, the Shrivers, Oleg Cassini, Peter Grace, Cliff Robertson, and Jimmy Buffett. Don’s career on the tennis court, along with his background in psychology, has made him a lifetime student of how athletes learn, and how best to communicate this process. Don can be reached by email at donlaynow@gmail.com or visit www.nowgolfer.com.

Kino Springs Golf Course - Nogales Arizona

An inspiring layout enjoyed by locals and remembered by guests!

This winter, take the short and scenic drive south and enjoy some of the best greens in Arizona. After golf, step back in time and enjoy casual dining and cocktails in the historic Stewart Granger Ranch House.

For Tee Times Call (520) 287-8701

187 Kino Springs Dr. Nogales, AZ 85621 www.kinospringsgc.com We welcome regular Group Outings. Call for special rates and arrangements. www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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INSTRUCTION

Quadrant Theory

BY COREY BAEHMAN, PGA The Long Game

Good ball striking makes the game more predictable. If you never stray too far from the fairways and greens, you are not likely to incur penalty strokes to play shots from under trees or from terrible lies. Hence, you are not likely to take those triple bogeys that send a round into a tailspin. It is a great goal to try and improve the consistency of your shot making, but striking the ball better does not make you a complete golfer. Nor does good ball striking guarantee that you will shoot a low score. I would like you to work on improving your ball striking, but doing so should only take up part of your practice time. There is much more to the game of golf than making a good shot. There are three other areas you need to spend time on for you to get better.

Covered Patio and Expansive Yard

Wall of Windows to Golf Course & Mtn Views

Short Game The short game is the feel part of the game and involves the chipping, pitching, putting, and bunker shots. To be able to score, you need to be proficient in these areas. You need to be able to get up and down when you miss the green, whether you are in the rough around the green or in a green side bunker. You also need to be able to make those putts for par or to break your lowest score ever. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s definitely the area where you can cut strokes off your game the quickest.

Course Management It is about knowing your own game and what you are capable of doing. It is about making the correct decision while on the golf course. It is plotting out a game plan similar to the way a chess master plans his or her next moves in advance. Pre-shot routine helps you to obtain the same routine every time. This has a great deal more to do with the outcome of the shot than you would ever imagine. It is about making the right decision if you are behind a tree and deciding whether to knock it back into the fairway or to thread it through a needle to advance it toward the green.

Mental Game This is important when you are playing in a big match or tournament. This involves your mental frame of mind during a round, as well as relaxing before and during a round. It is also about breathing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; learning how to take a deep breath to calm yourself down. It is also the mental outlook of the game. If you look at the greatest players of the last fifty years, Palmer, Nicklaus, Player, Trevino, Watson, Norman, Faldo, Price, Woods-could anyone begin to suggest that any of these golfers play the game without an enormous strong mental approach? All of these golfers have thrived when the pressure was the greatest. Corey Baehman is Head Golf Professional at La Paloma Country Club, 3660 E. Sunrise Drive in Tucson, AZ. in Tucson, Arizona. An active member of the Southern Chapter of the Southwest Section PGA, and a member of the SWSPGA Board of Directors, he began teaching golf instruction in 1997. To contact Corey, call 520-299-1500 x7803, or the La Paloma Golf Shop 520-299-1500, or visit www.lapalomacc.com

ExquisiteLive HometheInlife Tucson Country Club you desire ... Live on a prime golf course lot with amazing mountain views in prestigious Tucson Country Club Estates! Stunning, SW Contemporary boasts walls of windows integrating the outdoors in with a beautiful 2-way indoor/outdoor fireplace as the centerpiece, gourmet kitchen and romantic Master Suite! High ceilings allow for wonderful wall space to display art. Open and bright, this versatile floor plan features 2 Master Suites, guest quarters and full attached Guest House, perfect for family, guests and live in 4BR/7BA parents. Circular driveway, 4 car 5064 SF Split BR Plan garage and room to add pool. 2 Fireplaces Zoned A/C EXQUISITE and PRISTINE!

Shown By Appointment

Rick Rarick Owner/Agent 520.661.1070

$1,297,000.00 4% commission offered to buyer's broker

Great Room, Off Kitchen Family Room 76

You would take the percentage shot and put it back into play. All this helps to reduce the amount of big number holes you have in a round. Also, it is knowing when to lay up or go for the green when there is water to contend with.

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INSTRUCTION

For chip shots think, “BLT”

PhOTO: Courtesy of RICK PRICE, PGA

You should try and put at least 70% of your weight on your lead leg. Finally, Tilt the shaft forward so that the butt of the club is pointed 1-2” in front of your belt buckle. By putting yourself in this position, you will help promote a descending blow on the golf ball which will promote ball contact first. Feel like the arms are swinging the club and the wrists stay stiff or straight throughout the swing. You also want to make sure your lower body stays very quiet during the stroke. The less movement you make, the easier it is to make solid contact with the ball.

BY JERRY BELLEW Do you struggle around the greens? Are you looking for a proven method to help lower your scores? Do what I do and think “BLT”! I know what you are thinking, “You want me to think of a sandwich?” No! “BLT” is an acronym that I have used for many years with my students. It helps them create the proper set up position to hit successful chip shots. BLT means… Back, Lean & Tilt. Golfers that use the “BLT” method have seen there scores drop significantly in a short period of time. Chipping is defined as a shot that you play around the greens that has minimum air time and maximum roll. In order to hit this type of shot you have to get your self in the proper position. Here’s how I get my students into that position: When setting up for a chip shot, start with your feet together and the ball in About The

AUTHOR

CHIPPING IS DEFINED AS A SHOT THAT YOU PLAY AROUND THE GREENS THAT HAS MINIMUM AIR TIME AND MAXIMUM ROLL. IN ORDER TO HIT THIS TYPE OF SHOT YOU HAVE TO GET YOUR SELF IN THE PROPER POSITION. the middle of your stance. From there I want you to take your lead foot, (left foot for right hand and right foot for left hand), and step forward 1-width of your shoe. What this does is put the ball Back in your stance. Next step is to Lean your weight onto your lead leg, (again, left leg for right hand and right leg for left hand).

JERRY BELLEW

To make sure that the swing is consistently the same length, I like my students to put an alignment rod, or a club from their bag on the ground to measure the length of their swing. By keeping the swing the same length and pace you will build one swing around the greens and be able to use various clubs to adjust for distance control. A key factor in hitting good chip shots is acceleration. You must keep the club head moving through contact to have success with this shot. I tell my students to try and make a sound with the ground as it brushes the ground like you are “lighting a match”, this helps keep the club accelerating through the ball, which will get the ball airborne enough to get it on the green and rolling towards your target. Give the “BLT” method a try and I guarantee you will eliminate those chipping woes in the rounds to come.

Assistant Golf Professional - Poston Butte Golf Club

520.723.1880

www.PostonButte.com

Jerry Bellew is the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Poston Butte Golf Club at Anthem Merrill Ranch in Florence, Arizona. Jerry graduated from the Golf Academy of America in 2005 and has been an instructor here in Arizona since his graduation. He joined Troon Golf in May of 2010 after 41/2 years at Camelback Golf Club. Jerry can be reached at 520.723.1880 or visit http://www.postonbutte.com. www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

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19th HOLE

From Rodeo to Golf Classic, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment Shines as Community Partner 2013 Desert Diamond Casinos Golf Classic THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013 5:30 PM – Pre-Registration & the Nike Golf Store Poolside at Desert Diamond Casino Hotel 7350 S. Nogales Hwy, Tucson, AZ

FRIDAY, MARCH 22, 2013

8:30 AM – Shotgun Tee Off Omni Resorts Tucson National 2727 W. Club Dr, Tucson, AZ

For more information, contact: Deena Mattias 520.342.2926

While the rest of the country is still shaking off winter’s chill, here in Tucson we’re enjoying the sunshine as we host major outdoor events throughout February and March. Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is also shining as a community partner, stepping up to deliver excitement for all ages and giving back to Southern Arizona. As a major sponsor of the Tucson Rodeo & Parade, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is celebrating the 88th anniversary of the event with a special rodeo weekend concert at the Diamond Center on Feb. 23. Featuring country music star Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, the allages show is a fantastic way to wind down a week of rodeo events. The Kix Brooks concert wraps up a busy February for Tucson and for Desert Diamond Casinos, which is also sponsoring two of Southern Arizona’s biggest sports events: Major League Soccer’s Desert Diamond Cup and the World Golf 78

Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship at Dove Mountain. Heading into March, however, Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment will be gearing up for another major event to give back to the community. The 10th Annual Desert Diamond Casinos Golf Classic will be held on March 21 and March 22, raising funds for charities on the Tohono O’odham Nation. The two-day event will feature good food, great golf, and amazing raffle prizes. The Golf Classic Kickoff Party starts at 5:30 p.m. on March 21 at the Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel, including pre-registration and the Nike Golf Store. The tournament’s shotgun tee off begins at 8:30 a.m., March 22, at Omni Resorts Tucson National, followed by an Awards Luncheon and a raffle with thousands of dollars in prizes. Tournament participants who register before March 11 can receive a special $69 hotel room rate for an overnight stay at

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

Eduardo Zapata 520.342.2916

the Desert Diamond Casino & Hotel. If you’re interested, register early! The Golf Classic has sold out quickly every year. This year’s beneficiaries include the Tohono O’odham Community College, a fullyaccredited two-year college that serves students across Southern Arizona; Tohono O’odham Cultural Center & Museum, a state-of-the-art facility that promotes understanding and respect for the O’odham way of life; and the Baboquivari Unified School District, which provides K12 public education for the children of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Whether it’s bringing world-class entertainment to Tucson or raising funds for local charitable organizations, February and March are Desert Diamond Casinos’ time to shine as a community partner. To find out more about Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment and get information on the best deals in town, visit www.ddcaz.com.

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19th HOLE

What If Everything You Know About Golf Fitness Is Wrong? BY JOE PINELLA

Conventional Western fitness training usually consists of various kinds of muscle training coupled with some form of aerobic fitness. Cutting edge fitness researchers now suggest that a paradigm shift is underway. They even say the traditional anatomy texts are wrong! The pictures of the human body showing muscle, bone and connective tissue are inaccurate, leading to a misunderstanding of the way the body moves, the best way to train, and the best way to prevent injuries. The revolutionary new idea? The importance of fascia in movement and fitness. Connective tissue! If you’ve never heard of fascia, or never considered it worthy of a second thought, you’re not alone. Fascia has long been disregarded as the passive, messy stuff that covers the muscles and joins muscle to bone or bone to bone. In fact, it is a single unified sheet, like a silken body suit under your skin, which covers and connects every muscle, every bone, every organ in your body from the tip of your tongue to the bottom of your

"INCLUSIVE, NOT EXCLUSIVE"

feet to the top of your head. It has more sensory nerve connections than muscle. It is as involved in proprioception and balance as the brain. It is stronger than steel and can give more power to a golf swing than the most powerful muscles. It is vitally important to fitness since most golf injuries are injuries to connective tissue, not to muscle or bone! The coming revolution in fitness is training the fascia to be stronger, more elastic and more resilient. In training fascia, very different principles apply than working muscle (for either strength or flexibility). For example, fascial meridians are trained as a unit, never in isolation. Repetition, e.g. with an exercise machine, is counter-productive. And “No Pain, No Gain” is absolute nonsense. Of course, practitioners of Eastern healing and martial arts have known this for centuries. In my program, Qi Golf, we use traditional QiGong techniques to strengthen the fascia while building

muscle strength and aerobic capacity at the same time. Qi Golf helps re-program habitual, long term body-use patterns, including injury compensation patterns, which are locked into place by the fascia. Once healthy whole body movement patterns are re-established in the fascia, specific movement patterns that make you a better golfer can be reinforced. Training the fascial system with QiGong while training golf-specific movement patterns helps repair and prevent injury, and builds integrated whole body fitness. This latest paradigm shift in fitness is really four thousand years old! QiGong Fitness for Golf is taught by Joe Pinella, a forty year QiGong practitioner, who used this art to overcome paralysis after a broken neck. It can work miracles for golfers too! To contact Joe call 520.343.3523 or visit www.http://qigonghealinginstitute.com

Play The Original Green Valley Golf Course

A traditional tree lined course offering some of the best conditions and value in Green Valley. Play the 18 hole championship course or practice your short game and get some exercise on the walking only Tortuga executive nine.

OverPar Grill open for breakfast and lunch.

For Tee Times Call 110 North Abrego Drive

(520) 625-4281

Green Valley, AZ

The Haven Instruction available from a top 100 instructor PGA and LPGA Marvol Barnard.

SINCE 1961

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19th HOLE

Antigua Introduces Great New Colors, Performance Fabrics and Standout Styles For Spring 2013 The Antigua Men’s 2013 Collection takes new color palette a step bolder and brighter for their Spring 2013 collection. The new pop color palette that Antigua introduced last season has expanded to include six invigorating colors: Lapis, Margarita, Apple, Melon, Phlox, and Zest. “The reaction to and acceptance of the direction we are taking with the new color palette has been extremely strong,” shares Sean Gregg, lead designer for Antigua. Lapis is a brilliant hue of the more traditional blue, a color grouping that merchandizes well with items that are already in a golfer’s wardrobe. Margarita is a neon take on lime, and is paired with a variety of neutral shades such as Steel, Silver and White. This color offering is expected to become a best-seller for this next season, as Sean Gregg noted that “The dominant color in the market overall is currently lime green, and our Keylime color sold out in every style last season.”

button placket, under collar, and on the cut-and-sewn cuffs. The Torrent polo, as do all the Performance polos features Desert Dry™ moisture management technology.

were developed with finer yarns to create ultra lightweight knits in textures and in flat jerseys and interlocks that update the hand, drape and appearance of the traditional polo.

Apple green is a perfect color group for those who want a little more tradition in their pop color and is merchandized with the color Navy blue to create a vibrant contrast color story. The color Navy was brought back into the performance color palette this season with the intention of having a bright accent color paired with it.

By using the finest denier yarns available, Antigua has achieved super soft, super lightweight fabrics that provide the same coverage as other poly knits, but allow for faster wicking, additional breathability and less restriction in movement.

Zest is a lemon-drop yellow, as another fast trending pop color and included in this seasons one of the brightest pop colors in the collection. Zest is subtly used to accent the smokier color shades in this new collection, such as Black, Steel and Silver and as a contrast accent color on collars, cuffs and plackets. New Performance Fabrics: This season, new performance fabrics

Margarita is also used as an accent to Black, for example. The Torrent polo looks exceptional in Black accented in Margarita and Smoke as contrast stripes on specifically the 3-

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Desert Dry™ Technology is created exclusively for Antigua to absorb and wick moisture quickly & evenly to achieve the most efficient evaporation possible to keep golfers comfortable and dry. Desert Dry™ XTRA-LITE (D2XL) is a combination of Antigua’s exclusive Desert Dry™ moisture wicking feature combined with specially constructed ultra-light fabrics for maximum wicking performance and optimum comfort.

Tee Times Magazines Hole-In-One Program

Tee Times Magazines provides individuals who make a Hole-in-One on any Arizona Golf Course with a FREE customized bag tag and Hole In One certificate to commemorate the achievement. To qualify, a hole in one must be witnessed by at least two people and reported to the golf shop for certification by the pro within 2 weeks of the occurance at www.gogolfarizona.com/submit-hio. Individual recipients cannot submit their own Hole-In-One for recognition. Congratulations to the following Southern AZ inductees as of Jan 20, 2013:

Dan Sturmon Omni Tucson National Golf Resort

Sonoran Course 2013-01-14 - Club Used: 5 iron Hole No: 17 : 141 yards, par 3

Anthony Marksch Hilton Tucson El Conquistador

Conquistador Course 2013-01-06 - Club Used: 6 Hole No: 3 : 163 yards, par 3

Meridith Schrader Age: 65 The Gallery Golf Club

South Course 2013-01-06 - Club Used: Driver Hole No: 14 : 150 yards, par 3

Richard Modos Saddlebrook Golf Club

Saddlebrooke Nine 2013-01-01 - Club Used: 250 hybrid Hole No: 6 : 170 yards, par 3

Italo Lampignano The Views Golf Club

Clayton Magill Age: 52 Dell Urich

2012-12-07 - Club Used: 8 iron Hole No: 9 : 153 yards, par 3

John Andersen Age: 60 The Gallery Golf Club

South Course 2012-12-06 - Club Used: Hole No: 16 : 140 yards, par 3

Doug VanDyck The Highlands at Dove Mountain 2012-12-05 - Club Used: Hole No: 12 : 140 yards, par 3

Ed Ferber Country Club of Green Valley

2012-12-05 & 12-03 Club Used: 8 iron Hole No: 11 : 161 yards, par 3 Twice in the span of 3 days!

South Course 2012-11-30 - Club Used: 3 wood Hole No: 3 : 132 yards, par 3

2012-12-19 - Club Used: 9 iron Hole No: 5 : 126 yards, par 3

2012-11-28 - Club Used: 8 Iron Hole No: 3 : 130 yards, par 3

Catalina Course 2012-12-17 - Club Used: Hole No: 12 : 165 yards, par 3

2012-11-25 - Club Used: 9 iron Hole No: 6 : 138 yards, par 3

Ray Spellman Omni Tucson National Golf Resort

John Behrens The Highlands at Dove Mountain 2012-12-16 Hole No: 7 : 140 yards, par 3

Scott Barr The Views Golf Club

2012-12-13 - Club Used: 8 Iron Hole No: 3 : 143 yards, par 3

Jim Black The Highlands at Dove Mountain

The Golf Club at Dove Mountain was designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Solid strategy, variety, fair shot values and distinctive bunkering all contribute to the desert charm of the three nine-hole layouts. Enjoyable for guests of all skill levels, this signature course is host to the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.

Jerry Rickard The Views Golf Club

Ruben Ruiz Age: 48 Randolph Golf Course

FOR TEE TIMES CALL (520)572-3500 TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DESERT SOUTHWEST GOLF MEMBERSHIP CALL (520)572-3550

David Horr Age: 74 Dell Urich Golf Course

2012-11-20 - Club Used: 5 Wood Hole No: 11 : 137 yards, par 3

Dr Ferd Kirchner Age: 82 Skyline Country Club

2012-11-20 - Club Used: 6 iron Hole No: 13 : 135 yards, par 3

Jean Molitor Saddlebrook Golf Club

2012-12-12 - Club Used: Hole No: 7 : 141 yards, par 3

Catalina Nine 2012-11-16 - Club Used: 7 iron Hole No: 6 : 115 yards, par 3

2012-12-09 - Club Used: Hole No: 6 : 83 yards, par 3

2012-11-16 - Club Used: 8 iron Hole No: 5 : 143 yards, par 3

Sandi Rabrich Arizona National Golf Club

THE GOLF CLUB AT DOVE MOUNTAIN.

Lynn Allen Age: 66 The Gallery Golf Club

2012-12-21 - Club Used: 3 Hybrid Hole No: 12 : 180 yards, par 3

Ralph Welter Age: 65 Randolph Golf Course

THE ULTIMATE DESERT GOLF EXPERIENCE

Lou Fisher Age: 56 Dell Urich

EXPERIENCE OUR SIGNATURE COURSE WHEN YOU STAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON, DOVE MOUNTAIN www.GoGolfArizona.com l Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine

AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT Chuck and Naira Chokel

BY ROBIN LANE

chuck

Growing up in Shaker Heights, Ohio; Chuck was a caddie at the local country club in his early teens. He would hit balls, talk to his buddies and wait to take a loop. Chuck claims his swing was not fashioned after any one golfer, he is a bit of all those he watched and admired growing up. Chuck watched videos and read books about golf to improve himself and his game. Golf was one of many sports that Chuck played growing up. He also enjoyed swimming and baseball. All of this led up to becoming an Ironman Triathlete. Chuck and his wife Naira have been married for 13 years and compete regularly in triathlons. He's finished nine ironman events including the Hawaii Ironman twice in 2005 and 2006. Chuck attended Williams College in MA and put himself thru night school at the University of Chicago for his Business degree. He joined a fast growing Insurance company and remained there for 23 years. Golf was corporate outings and not very regular while here worked his way up to CEO of a Fortune 500 company. In 2000, Golf Digest named Chuck one of the top golfing CEOs…Number 30 on the list!

Chuck has many fond memories of the game he loves. Chuck was playing Pebble Beach a few years back. On the 18th hole, he hit a really good drive and a great 3 wood shot. There were 5000 people on the edge of the fairway cheering him on as he hit the par five green in two! Those people were actually taking a break from the dog show also going on at Pebble, but to Chuck, they were fans!! In the mid 1970's, Chuck was visiting Hilton Head, SC at the time the Harbour Town PGA golf tournament. The caddie master was looking for additional caddies the first day. Chuck volunteered and because of his caddying experience, was assigned to Andy North. Even though Andy missed the cut, it was a great couple of days on the bag again. Chuck lives and plays golf at Stone Canyon golf club here in Tucson where his home overlooks the 7th green. Make sure and wave as you pass the house to let him know you understand his love of the game.

naira

Naira was raised in Andover, Ohio by her Latvian folks. She has a strong work ethic and a great physical routine because she grew up on a dairy farm, helping the family take care of the land as well as all of the animals, including milking the cows! Her strength and competitive nature serve her well in golf and in life.

About The

AUTHOR

ROBIN LANE, AWGA

Chuck bought Naira her first set of clubs from Wal-Mart. He wanted to see if she took to the game. She did and declared she did not need any fancy outfits or shoes; she just wanted to learn to play the game. Her husband was her coach and gave her instruction, but she caught the bug on her own. She insists that if you have a basic pair of black pants, a golf skirt or capris, any collared shirt and comfy shoes, you are good to go. It’s not about how you look; it’s about your love for the game. The rest just comes!!! You can think about outfits later… Naira has been playing for more than five years now and the love of the game shows whenever the subject of golf comes up. She golfs here in Oro Valley AZ at her home course of Stone Canyon and at her summer home course of Wentworth by the Sea, in New Castle, NH. Last year being around a 36 index, she now holds a handicap of 24.8. Naira and her husband Chuck golf together when they are not training for and/or competing in Ironman triathlon competitions. Yes, Ironman! An Ironman Triathlon is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile (42.2 km) run, raced in that order and without a break. That’s 140.6 miles of fun. Ironman events have a strict time limit of 17 hours to complete the race. For training, Naira and Chuck sign up for shorter races most every weekend leading up to the big race. In 2005, both Naira and Chuck finished the Hawaii Ironman World Championship in Kona, HI, within the 17 hour limit but in the dark, with just the light of the moon to guide them in. Chuck repeated this quest in 2006. Saying Naira is fit is an understatement. Golf is just for fun according to her. The first few times she golfed,the 18 holes seemed to take forever. Now she is the first in her group to volunteer to play more however confesses that her swing sometimes resembles Charles Barkley! Naira will tell new golfers to just come out to play and have fun…do not overthink it! People love to help others learn the game or improve… Receiving pointers from Susan, Naira’s golf pro at Stone Canyon or pointers from her caddie at Pinehurst this past summer were helpful to her game, but she insists that you have to love the game first. At the end of the day, Naira will raise a glass (of water?) with us to the spirit of the game we love!

Arizona Women’s Golf Assoc. - President

800.442.2942

robinlane@comcast.net www.AWGA.org

Currently President, a member of the Executive Committee and for the AWGA, Robin was elected to the AWGA Board of Directors in 2008. Accountable for all forms of communication to 25,000+ members with a primary goal of community outreach, Robin is an avid golfer who continues to serve our golf community on a daily basis. Robin hails from Tennessee, relocated to Tucson with her husband Tommy in 2003, and resides at The Gallery. She is a member of the Southern Arizona Tee Times Advisory Board and the "voice" of AZ golf for Women on the AZgolf Radio, NBC1260am and 96.1FM and active in the Regional Affairs Committee of the USGA.

Amateur Spotlight is brought to you by the Arizona Women’s Golf Association (AWGA). The AWGA is dedicated to supporting amateur golf. If you are considering taking up the game of golf, the AWGA can be a strong resource for those who are looking to make a few connections to get them headed in the right direction. 82

Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com

otography Photo: J and L Ph

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Southern Arizona Tee Times Magazine l www.GoGolfArizona.com