PRO VOLUME 44 | ISSUE 4 | FALL ISSUE 2017
MICHAEL IS A
BLOCK-STAR
2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW DRIVE2
T H E E A SY C H O I C E W H E N L U X U RY, P E R F O R M A N C E A N D VA L U E M AT T E R .
©2017 Yamaha Golf-Car Company
At Yamaha, the best golf cars just got better. Our new lineup of cars is now more beautiful and luxurious than ever before. The new Drive2 comes equipped with the comforts and conveniences today’s golfers demand, like an improved automotive-inspired dash that is 34% bigger with built-in slots for range finders and mobile devices, no-slip storage compartments, and optional USB ports to stay powered up and connected during every round. The Drive2 lineup also features modular body panels, new colors, and performance-tuned suspension for the smoothest ride on the course. With innovations like these, it’s no wonder Yamaha was rated #1 in customer satisfaction, customer support, and reliability.(1) The Drive2. Another reason why Yamaha is the easy choice. Visit MayTheBestCarWin.com to schedule a test drive or for more information go to YamahaGolfCar.com
For factory-direct service.
LOGAN FONDREN, PGA District Sales Manager - Southern CA (714) 264-0823 lfondren@ymmc.yamaha-motor.com (1) Golf Car Fleet Study Conducted by Golf Datatech, L.L.C., 2015. YGC funded the research study conducted by Golf Datatech, L.L.C.
CO N T E N T S
PARTNERS
05 SCPGA PARTNERS LISTING
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
FALL & WINTER STAYING HOT!
2017 SCPGA AWARDS
AWARD WINNERS
MEMBERSHIP
06 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
07 ANNOUNCING... 2017 SCPGA
08 ALL THINGS MEMBERSHIP 11
OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
TEACHER’S FORUM
THROUGH EDUCATION
PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE GOLF
CALIFORNIA GOLF SUMMIT
22 FINDING YOUR VOICE
25 AND THEN THERE WAS ONE... 28 TWO DAYS OF WORLD CLASS INSTRUCTION
CLUBSFOREYOUTH FOCUS FOR SCPGA FOUNDATION
SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP 14 ALAN SORENSEN NOTCHES HIS FIRST SENIOR DIVISION VICTORY
LEADERSHIP COLUMN
29 WITH TIME, COMES OPPORTUNITY
JUNIOR GOLF 30 SCPGA JUNIOR TOUR 2017
SUMMER TRAVEL TEAMS
DRIVE, CHIP, & PUTT
CHIP & PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP
SCPGA TOURNAMENTS
ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS
CHAPTER CORNER
SECTION NOTES
31 THE ROAD TO THE 2018 DRIVE,
ASSISTANT’S CHAMPIONSHIP
15 KENNY PIGMAN BEATS THE HEAT AT THE NATIONAL CAR RENTAL ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP
PREPARE FOR ELECTION
20 REVIEW THE SCPGA BOARD
SECTION REPORT
COVER STORY 13 MICHAEL IS A BLOCK-STAR
MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
16 THE 2017 SCPGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONS
EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION 18 WHAT DOES YOUR CARD SAY?
32 TOURNAMENT RESULTS 35 GCSAA, CAG
37 NOTES FROM THE CHAPTERS 38 NOTES FROM THE SCPGA
1 0 T H I N G S YO U N E E D TO K N OW •
Our ClubsForeYouth program is now nationally recognized
•
Paul Levy will complete his first year as PGA President in November
•
The PGA of America Annual Meeting will be in Southern California in 2018 to honor Mr. Levy
PGA Professional Shay Blechynden is featured in the October issue of PGA Magazine
•
The 2017 California Teaching Summit at Virginia C.C. was soldout with 300 attending
PGA Career Services has expanded from 10 to 18 consultants across the country
•
The 2nd California Cup Matches with the SCPGA and the NCPGA is in December at the Valley Club
•
Our Section has awarded 21 scholarship this year to deserving junior golfers
•
Kyocera Documents Solutions West is a new Presenting Partner for Section events
•
Junior League Golf has seen a 100% increase in participation in the past three years
•
•
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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ABOUT US
PRO
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA VOLUME 44, ISSUE 4 2017 FALL ISSUE THE PROGRAM IS PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
PRESIDENT | TODD KEEFER, PGA WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB VICE PRESIDENT | TONY LETENDRE, PGA PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS CAREER COLLEGE SECRETARY | ROBIN SHELTON, PGA AMERICAN GOLF HONORARY PRESIDENT | JOHN MCNAIR, PGA JC RESORTS
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
RANDY CHANG, PGA JOURNEY AT PECHANGA & TALEGA GOLF CLUB
JOE GROHMAN, PGA NAVY GOLF COURSE SCOTT HEYN, PGA OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB ERIC LOHMAN, PGA MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS ROB OOSTERHUIS, PGA SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB DEREK HARDY, PGA LIFE MEMBER
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS SUSAN ROLL, PGA CARLSBAD GOLF CENTER
ALISON CURDT, PGA WOOD RANCH GOLF CLUB
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES
DESERT | MICHAEL HOLYK, PGA MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTRY CLUB
INLAND EMPIRE | STEVE ADAMIAK, PGA THE LEGENDS GOLF CLUB METROPOLITAN | VIC PLACERES, PGA OLD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB NORTHERN | MIKE VALDEZ, PGA SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTRY CLUB SAN DIEGO | BILL GOREE, PGA LIFE MEMBER ACTIVE
PGA OF AMERICA EXECUTIVES DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR SCOTT ASHWORTH, PGA ALOHA SECTION
OFFICERS & CEO PRESIDENT | PAUL LEVY, PGA VICE PRESIDENT | SUZY WHALEY, PGA SUZY WHALEY GOLF SECRETARY | JIM RICHERSON, PGA TROON CEO | PETE BEVACQUA PALM BEACH GARDENS
|
BREANNE MITCHELL
SCPGA SECTION STAFF
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CEO | TOM ADDIS III, PGA | TADDIS@PGAHQ.COM COO | JEFF JOHNSON, PGA | JJOHNSON@PGAHQ.COM
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP MANAGER | SHARON CURFMAN SCURFMAN@PGAHQ.COM
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | BREANNE MITCHELL BMITCHELL@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF & COMMUNICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR | BRYCE SEIVER BSEIVER@PGAHQ.COM
FOUNDATION
FOUNDATION MANAGER | MATT GILSON MGILSON@PGAHQ.COM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & GOLF IN SCHOOLS DIRECTOR | ANTHONY LEONE ALEONE@PGAHQ.COM
TOURNAMENTS
DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS | MAX DESPAIN MDESPAIN@PGAHQ.COM TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR | STEPHEN MONDAY SMONDAY@PGAHQ.COM
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PARTNER RELATIONS MANAGER | DAVE KUHN DKUHN@PGAHQ.COM
MEETINGS & EVENTS
MEETINGS & EVENTS MANAGER | ARIANA GOMEZ AGOMEZ@PGAHQ.COM
JUNIOR GOLF
JUNIOR GOLF DIRECTOR | KEVIN SMITH KSMITH@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | TRAVIS CUTLER TCUTLER@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | EDDIE RODARTE, PGA ERODARTE@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | BRENT JOHNSTON BJOHNSTON@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | AMBERLYNN DORSEY ADORSEY@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF ASSISTANT | TYLER MILLER TAMILLER@PGAHQ.COM
FINANCE & HR
FINANCE MANAGER | KRISTY CUSTER KCUSTER@PGAHQ.COM HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER | TAYLOR VERMILLION TVERMILLION@PGAHQ.COM
PGA OF AMERICA STAFF REGIONAL LEAGUE MANAGER NIKKI GATCH, PGA 760.534.1370 | NGATCH@PGAHQ.COM
CAREER CONSULTANT
KEN FERRELL, PGA 951.894.5024 | KFERRELL@PGAHQ.COM
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA 3333 CONCOURS BUILDING 2, SUITE 2100 ONTARIO, CA 91764 PHONE 951.845.4653 | FAX 951.769.6733 SCPGA.COM | SCPGAJRTOUR.COM
THE PROGRAM IS DISTRIBUTED FREE TO MEMBERS AND AFFILIATES OF THE SCPGA FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE ARTICLES AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS PUBLICATION ARE INFORMATIONAL AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF THE SCPGA. THE SCPGA ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR CLAIMS MADE FOR OR BY ANY PRODUCT IN THIS PUBLICATION WHETHER REPORTED OR ADVERTISED. REPRODUCTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE SCPGA IS PROHIBITED.
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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TH AN K YO U TO THE F O L LOW IN G COMPANI ES FOR SUPPORTI NG TH E G O L F P R O F E SSI O N A LS O F T HE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA!
PARTNERS
SECTION | PRESENTING PARTNERS
SECTION | SUPPORTING PARTNERS
SECTION | PRODUCT PARTNERS ® Official Radio of the Southern California PGA
NATIONAL | PARTNERS
JUNIOR GOLF | PRESENTING PARTNERS
JUNIOR GOLF | SUPPORTING PARTNERS
JUNIOR GOLF | PRODUCT PARTNERS ®
Morrisette:Morrisette
10/5/11
10:46 AM
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FOUNDATION | PARTNERS
Orange County Seniors Golf Association
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
MAKE GIFTING AN EXPERIENCE
INCREASE REVENUE OVER $100,000 ANNUALLY
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
FALL & WINTER STAYING HOT! By Southern California PGA President, Todd Keefer, PGA
Group Outings and Tournaments Rounds Unique Gift Options and Mobile Shop Meets Any Budget No Order Minimums | Short Lead Times No/Limited Sizing Items Always Delivers "Wow" Factor Focusing on non-golf gifts increases Pro Shop Sales
New Member & Corporate Gift Solution Reward New Members | Referrals with Custom Welcome Gift Box VIP Gift Solution for Members We Host Happy Hour For Club Members and Give Each Attendee a Gift Box Incremental Revenue for Club/Pro Great Amenity for Club Members
Unique Pro Shop Experience Jim Ireland (949) 677-0205 jirelandua@gmail.com BirdieBox.com 6
PHOTO SOURCE: PGA OF AMERICA
The Southern California Section continues to move on to the fall and winter season with no cool-down for activities. We are one of the busiest, if not the busiest, Sections in the PGA with our many member activities, junior golf and player development activities throughout the year. Speaking of member activities, our first California Golf Summit kicked off at Virginia Country Club on October 23rd and 24th with the leadership of Jamie Mulligan and the VCC staff, the SCPGA Teaching Committee, SCPGA staff and the Summit sponsor, TravisMathew. The two days provided a unique and rewarding experience for everyone attending. We were privileged to have speakers including Eddie Merrins, Sean Foley, Mark Blackburn, Amy Alcott, John Cook, Dr. Tim Brown, James Sieckmann and host Jamie Mulligan. The first day of the Summit, the inaugural class for the California Teaching Hall of Fame was inducted and Monday night everyone enjoyed a festive gathering thanks to our partner TravisMathew. Another unique and first-time program in the SCPGA is the new ClubsForeYouth Program, designed to distribute new sets of golf clubs to high school girl’s teams and their team members in need of equipment. To this writing, we will distribute 200 full sets as we continue through the end of the girl’s golf season in 2017. Next year, the Section will provide equipment to both the girls and the boys teams throughout the CIF in Southern California. Thanks to Wilson Sporting Goods for partnering with the SCPGA on this great program to help sustain girls golf and provide the impetus for the girls to stay involved with our great sport. The perpetual ClubsForeYouth Program will require continuous funding and we appreciate, very much, contributions to help sustain the program. Along with Wilson Golf, we have garnered great support from Friends of Golf, LA84 Foundation and other individual donations. Thank you! Later this year, at our annual PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
President’s Dinner at Newport Beach Country Club, we will present our 2017 Award Winners (page 7). We will also honor a special LPGA professional, Shirley Spork, one of the founding members of the LPGA. Congratulations to all and we look forward to presenting you at our Presidents Dinner at Newport Beach Country Club in December. Another feature of our year, and continuing through 2018, is our focus on mentoring and the influence we, as PGA professionals, have in the golf industry. Influence, not only in our community and with other golf organizations and businesses, but also in mentoring our fellow golf professionals. Our apprentices, for example, need support and influence from their supervising and managing PGA professional regarding the details of our working business – every day! Our apprentices, and sometimes our fellow PGA professionals, need someone to lead them to success by providing advice and setting an example through their leadership at their own golf course or facility as well as with the PGA of America. We as PGA members, must engage with, and encourage our fellow professional to engage, our business and those surrounding us in our business. The engagement makes us better because we will understand and be involved every day for the betterment of the game and the PGA professional. The SCPGA will be as busy as ever this fall and winter, join us! Todd Keefer, PGA, is the Southern California PGA President, and General Manager/COO at Wilshire Country Club.
Questions? Ask the President Is there something on your mind? Send a comment or question to todd@wilshirecountryclub.com. You are the most important asset we have and your opinions and questions matter. scpga.com
Announcing...
2017 SCPGA AWARDS
The 2017 Southern California PGA Award Winners Awards to be presented at the Annual SCPGA President’s Dinner hosted at Newport Beach Country Club on December 3, 2017.
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
ERIC LOHMAN, PGA MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS HALL OF FAME
JEFF JOHNSON, PGA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA HALL OF FAME
BILL HULBERT, PGA PGA TOUR SUPERSTORE - IRVINE HALL OF FAME
FRANK BEARD, PGA LIFE MEMBER
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER
TOM BARBER, PGA GRIFFITH PARK GOLF COURSE TEACHER OF THE YEAR
BOB MADSEN, PGA SYCUAN RESORT
ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
ERIC MITCHELL, PGA ANAHEIM HILLS GOLF COURSE
HORTON SMITH AWARD
TONY LETENDRE, PGA PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ CAREER COLLEGE
BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD
ERIC LOHMAN, PGA MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR, PRIVATE
MARIANNE HUNING, PGA BEL-AIR COUNTRY CLUB MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR, PUBLIC
ALAN SCHEER, PGA STEELE CANYON GOLF CLUB
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR, RESORT
ERIK WILSON, PGA THE GRAND GOLF CLUB
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
KENNY PIGMAN, PGA GOOSE CREEK GOLF CLUB
AAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR
RAJ SAMRA
FRIENDLY HILLS COUNTRY CLUB
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
STEVE ADAMIAK, PGA THE LEGENDS GOLF CLUB
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD
JOE GROHMAN, PGA NAVY GOLF COURSE
CLUBFITTER OF THE YEAR
TO BE ANNOUNCED: WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR SUPER SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR WOMEN’S AAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR PRESIDENT’S AWARD
CHRIS LESSON, PGA DEL MAR GOLF CENTER
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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MEMBERSHIP
All things membership!
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES & UPDATES WITHIN THE SCPGA SECTION
NEWLY PGA ELECTED MEMBERS Travis Britt, PGA; Rea T. Chang, PGA; Andrew Kramer, PGA; Laura Luethke, PGA; Zachary Zukmann, PGA; Patrick VerSchave, PGA
NEWLY REGISTERED APPRENTICES Darren Bradley, Scott Cherry, Patrick Diaz, Timothy Hart, Duane Hewlett, Thomas Kummerfeld, Blake McPherson, Jesse Powell, Kyle Robinson, Aaron Stilton, Justin M. Smith, Tom Son, Jonathan Soto, Patrick Strandemo, Jae Suh
NEW PGA HALF CENTURY CLUB MEMBERS Lee Martin, PGA
NEW PGA QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS Linda Cook, PGA; Michael Davis, PGA; Robert Deruntz, PGA; Matt Easterbrook, PGA; Kelly B. Jensen, PGA; Dean Mayo, PGA; Tom Pernice Jr., PGA; Tom Riker, PGA
IN MEMORIAL PGA Apprentice John Gorski passed away on July 26, 2017. Northern California PGA Executive Director Chris Thomas passed away on October 24, 2017.
WELCOME WAGON Denise Boutin North Florida David Cahill Minnesota Scott Cherry Pacific Northwest David Conforti, PGA Middle Atlantic Ryan Darland Southwest Ryan C. Davis Southwest Erik Evans, PGA New Jersey Mark Hayden, PGA Northern California Shawn Lasher, PGA Southwest David Lee, PGA Pacific Northwest Gary Nutt, PGA South Central Micah Partridge Nebraska 8
MOVING UP
Wade Berzas, PGA Knollwood Golf Club
A-13
Stuart Black, PGA Terranea Resort
A-1
John Cochrane, PGA Toscana Country Club
A-13
David Conforti, PGA Palos Verdes Golf Club
A-13
Ben Dobbs, PGA PGA West – Private Course
A-13
Adam Farino, PGA Friendly Hills Country Club
A-9
NEWLY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS
MARISSA PATTERSON-EGNER, PGA General Management & Golf Operations
JEFF BRUMMET, PGA Golf Operations
JAKE WIESE, PGA Golf Operations
GREGORY LAKE, PGA Player Development
ERIC CROWLEY, PGA
Player Development
Christopher Ferguson, PGA San Juan Hills Golf Club
A-13
Andy Gaither, PGA Black Gold Golf Club
A-14
ORIENTATIONS
David Hartley, PGA Alisal – Ranch Course
A-4
Mark Hayden, PGA MCAS/Miramar Memorial Golf Course
A-13
Derek Lane, PGA Rolling Hills Country Club
A-4
The last of the four scheduled Member Orientations for 2017 was held at the Section Headquarters on October 3rd, with 11 members attending. SCPGA Members are required to attend an orientation within 1 year of attaining their membership in order to retain playing privileges.
David Lee, PGA Palm Desert Country Club
A-13
Brett Massingham, PGA Strawberry Farms
A-1
Tom McCray, PGA Laguna Wood Golf Club
A-13
Charlie Peterson, PGA Toscana Country Club
A-4
Joseph Reilly, PGA Black Gold Golf Club
A-1
William Shouler, PGA Desert Winds Golf Club
A-13
Michael Skala Boulder Oaks Golf Club
B-13
Phil Vigil, PGA Palm Desert Resort Country Club
A-13
Scott Wasco, PGA Dove Canyon Country Club
A-4
Peter White, PGA Avondale Country Club Peter Wininger Twin Oaks Golf Course PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
The last of the scheduled four Apprentice Orientations for 2017 was held at the Section Headquarters on October 18th. SCPGA Apprentices have a three-month grace period to attend an orientation. After that time they will be suspended from play until they have attended an orientation.
A-14 B-4
MSR CYCLE ENDS JUNE 15, 2018 We are in the last year of MSR Cycle 15A which ends as of June 15, 2018. Currently there are 762 (25%) of the SCPGA Members who have not yet recertified. MSR credits must be met for both categories; PGA Required and Total MSR by June 15, 2018. Failure to meet the complete PGA Required and the Total MSR requirements by June 15, 2018, will result in the member being reclassified to Class F as of July 1, 2018. Members classified F on July 1, 2018 will need to earn the deficit credits plus an amount equal to the deficit prior to the end on MSR Cycle 16A to avoid being dropped from the active membership rolls.
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WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS
Southern California
STEVEN AYALA
Braemar Country Club A-8 I love the game of golf and all that it represents. I also wanted to help grow the game and help teach juniors who are the future of this great sport.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN REASON OR MOTIVATION FOR BECOMING A PGA MEMBER?
CODY FRANKE
Desert Willow Golf Resort A-8 My main motivation is to teach, mentor, and aid in the process of growing the game, in addition to instilling all the joys that golf provides, while inspiring future golfers.
ROBERT KRASEMANN
Rolling Hills Country Club A-8 To continue growing the great game of golf. I am especially motived to inspire youth to learn and improve.
STU BLACK
BRIAN HUGHES
PAUL O’BRIEN
TRAVIS BRITT
LYNDA JENSEN
BENJAMIN REITER
MICHAEL R. CAHILL
CHRIS JONES
JAMES SCHACHT
THOMAS CHAE
LEONIA (LEO) KIM
RONNIE VALERIO
TOWER CHANG
ANDREW KRAMER
JUSTIN ZILE
The Links at Terranea A-1 Golf is a sport that can be played for a lifetime, so I’d like to expose the game of golf to people the way my grandfather did to me.
Brentwood Country Club A-8 My main reason for becoming a PGA Professional stemmed from my passion for the game. I now wish to help grow the game by becoming a PGA Professional.
Cahill Golf Schools A-8 The PGA represents the finest and ethical professionals in golf. It’s an honor to be considered among the members of the PGA of America.
Monterey Park Golf Course A-6 I found myself happy holding a golf club, especially on the course, and I thought teaching golf would be great. I want to deliver the joys of golf to anyone I instruct!
Tustin Ranch Golf Club A-6 To become and be viewed as an expert in the game of golf. It’s been a lifelong goal of mine to become a PGA member, being raised in a family of Professional golfers. scpga.com
The following members recently attended a Membership Orientation at SCPGA Headquarters.
PGA WEST - Greg Norman A-1 To help people enjoy the game by teaching them how to become a better player.
Toscana Country Club A-8 I have enjoyed working in the golf industry for the past 30 years. Interacting with many different people while developing great relationships along the way.
Hillcrest Country Club A-8 I have a strong passion for the game and the business of golf. My father motivated me to become a PGA Member with his passion for golf.
El Cariso Golf Course A-8 PGA is my retirement plan. I love teaching/playing golf and I wanted to spend all of my time at the golf course!
Los Serranos Country Club A-1 Playing and growing the game I love.
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SeaCliff Country Club A-8 To stay involved and grow the game.
Indian Wells Golf Resort A-8 I would like to grow interest and participation in the game of golf by introducing innovative ideas to make learning fun.
Mesa Verde County Club A-8 For the love of the game.
Tustin Ranch Golf Club A-8 Because of my love for the game I want to grow and educate future generations about the sport.
Desert Willow Golf Resort A-8 Grow the game of by making golf rounds more enjoyable through player development.
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ClubsForeYouth
SECTION REPORT
FOCUS FOR SCPGA FOUNDATION
By Southern California PGA CEO/Executive Director, Tom Addis III, PGA
“The Mission of the Southern California PGA Foundation is to provide all those who might benefit, especially youth, with opportunities to acquire sustainable life skills and values obtained through the game of golf.” Recently, the decision was made to enhance the SCPGA Foundation and thus the creation of a new board of directors. Their renewed purpose is to provide the means for continued personal achievement, while sustaining interest in the game of golf. The game delivers many life enhancing values for Southern California’s youth, all tying into the above mission of the SCPGA Foundation. Since its establishment in 1997, the Foundation was primarily engaged in scholarships for graduating high school seniors and alumni in addition to providing financial aid in the form of grants for our less-fortunate juniors to have the opportunity to participate in our Junior Tour program. These two initiatives remain firm in the purpose and the necessity for our Foundation and in addition we also provide financial support for Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Special Olympics in Southern California, CIF scholarships, First Tee programming, Golf in Schools and other organizations player development programs.
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Our Foundation Board is comprised of community leaders such as Frank Talarico as the chair, John McClure, Matt Knabe, Bob Cluck, Sal Cimbolo, Kurt Schuette, and PGA members Kevin Martin, Susan Roll, Mark Wilson, and Tom Sargent along with SCPGA officers Todd Keefer, Tony Letendre, Robin Shelton and John McNair. They are focused on providing the support needed to work within the Mission of the SCPGA Foundation. The Board desired a program that is of a high impact, and unique to retain kids and provide the impetus for girls to enjoy the game and to learn the value of competing in a sport or activity throughout high school and into the future. A unique and major program for the Foundation, ClubsForeYouth was developed and implemented to provide full sets of golf clubs to high school girls golf teams in Southern California. The Foundation initially identified over 100 schools having girls golf teams with team members needing equipment. Research concluded the girls were using a mix of golf clubs or limited clubs in their golf bag or had no equipment at all. The SCPGA partnered with Wilson Golf and committed to an initial allotment of 200 sets of women’s clubs to distribute to the various high school girls team players. We thank Wilson for their interest and support of the effort for ClubsForeYouth, and contributions from the LA84 Foundation, Sal Cimbolo and the Friends of Golf, and the Henry Brunton Golf Academy. The first 100 sets were distributed to 14 high schools in Riverside, PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
San Bernardino, Orange and Los Angeles Counties. The next 100 sets were distributed prior to the end of the girl’s season this year. In Southern California, the girls season is in the Fall and the boys season is in the Spring thus the Foundation Board has also committed to provide sets of clubs to boys high school teams and team members in need beginning in the Spring of 2018. The SCPGA Board of Directors, the Foundation Board of Directors and the SCPGA staff are very excited about the new ClubsForeYouth program and what it means to high school and youth golf and their individual values now and into the future.
Tom Addis III, PGA, is the Southern California PGA CEO/Executive Director and Past President of the PGA of America. Tom can be reached at taddis@pgahq.com. 11
With integrated technology, industry-leading service and an unrivaled distributor network, we strive to be your most loyal business partner. We would like to thank all of our club professionals, and we look forward to seeing you in Orlando at the 2018 PGA Show.
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COVER STORY
MICHAEL IS A BLOCK-STAR
The final round of the Southern California PGA Professional Championship concluded at Bermuda Dunes Country Club with Michael Block of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club being crowned as the 92nd Section Champion! After two days and 36-holes of golf in the desert heat, the field was cut to the top 60 plus ties, with the cut line falling at 151, seven-over par, and 64 players making it into the final round. In the final grouping of the day was Paul Devine (-5) of Pauma Valley Country Club, Brian Smock (-5) of Coronado Golf Course, and Arroyo Trabuco’s Michael Block, three strokes behind at (-2). With some ground to pick up, Block had a tough break early on the second hole when a putt ricocheted off the hole liner, costing an early stroke. Using this hiccup as pure motivation, Block rose to the occasion and carded four birdies to finish out the front nine. Making the turn, Devine had a two-shot lead over Block, but this did not shake the steady hand of Michael, going on to mark two more birdies on his card heading to the 18th tee box.
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Simultaneously, Alan Scheer of Steele Canyon Golf Club made a late charge up the leaderboard, carding a final round of four-under, placing him in second place at the finish with a five-under 54-hole total of 211. That meant Block carried a one-shot lead staring down the fairway on the par five, 18th hole. Rising to the occasion, and finishing in true champion fashion, Block birdied the final hole with a gallery of spectators looking on, etching his name into the record books as the 2017 Champion. An all around class act, Michael Block commented on his rounds saying, “I played well and I knew that today I needed to go out and have a great round. I had to reach deep to catch Brian (Smock) and Paul (Devine), especially because they are such great players and they had a threeshot lead on me. I also knew I needed birdies in order to make it happen.” Low round of the day went to Alison Curdt of Wood Ranch Golf Club posting a six-under, 66, earning her one of ten spots into the 2018 PGA Professional Championship in Seaside, CA. She will be the first female to represent the Southern California PGA at this prestigious Championship. In addition, Alison recently qualified for the 2019 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. The Southern California PGA is extremely proud to announce Michael
PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Block as a first-time victor of the Southern California PGA Professional Championship! The top 10 players advancing to the PGA Professional Championship, June 17-20, 2018 at Bayonet Black Horse in Seaside, CA, are Alan Scheer, Alison Curdt, Paul Devine, Barry Mahlberg, Grant Strobel, Greg Casagranda, Thomas Chu, Mike Mitchell, Chris Starkjohann and Rick Garboski. In addition, Block, winner of the 2015 PGA Professional Championship, Smock, and 2016 Section Champion Kenny Pigman – due to their top 20 finishes in the PGA Professional Championship last year, had already earned an exemption into the 2018 PGA Professional Championship, making 13 the number of SCPGA Professionals to represent the section. Thank you Bermuda Dunes Country Club hosting the Championship: Perry Dickey, PGA General Manager, Brian Garlington, PGA Director of Golf, Chris Hoyer, Golf Course Superintendent. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sept. 11-13 | Bermuda Dunes Country Club
1 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -7, 209, $12000 2 Alan Scheer, Steele Canyon G.C., -5, 211, $8000 T3 Alison Curdt, Wood Ranch G.C., -4, 212, $4833.33 T3 Paul Devine, Pauma Valley C.C., -4, 212, $4833.33 T3 Brian Smock, Coronado G.C., -4, 212, $4833.33 13
SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
ALAN SORENSEN NOTCHES HIS FIRST SENIOR DIVISION VICTORY Alan Sorensen, PGA - 2017 Southern California Senior PGA Professional Champion
Players earning exemption include:
The Southern California Senior PGA Professional Championship returned to Oak Valley Golf Club with a field of 83 players vying to qualify for the Senior PGA Professional Championship. Alan Sorensen, PGA, went wire to wire to win the Championship posting rounds of 65-71 for a two-day total of 136 (-8). Paul Holtby, PGA, made a run on the final nine carding a 33 but was one shot shy from Sorensen and finished with 68-69 (-7) for the tournament. Ten members represented Southern California PGA in the Senior PGA Professional Championship at Desert Mountain on September 28 – October 1.
Tim Parun Jon Fiedler Paul HoLtby Paul Dietsche Jerry Crowell
Alan Sorensen Scott Mallory Barry Mahlberg Chris Starkjohann Gregory CasagrandA
Thank you to Yamaha for their support of the Senior Section Championship and to their representative Logan Fondren for being onsite the two days. Thank you to Oak Valley Golf Club and PGA Professional Paul Hjulberg for once again hosting the SCPGA. Congratulations to Alan and those who represented the SCPGA at the 2017 Senior PGA Professional Championship.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP August 21-22 | Oak Valley Golf Club
John Powell, PGA 14
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1 Alan Sorensen, Buena Vista G.C., -8, 136, $1450 2 Paul Holtby, Golf Development Complex, -7, 137, $1000 3 Chris Starkjohann, Life Member, -6, 138, $725 scpga.com
ASSISTANT’S CHAMPIONSHIP
KENNY PIGMAN BEATS THE HEAT AT THE NATIONAL CAR RENTAL ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP Kenny Pigman, PGA - 2017 National Car Rental SCPGA Assistant Champion
have earned exemption into the 41st National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship, which will be held on November 9th-12th, 2017 at the PGA Golf Club (Wanamaker Course) in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Players earning exemption include:
Kenny Pigman Kyle Mendoza The Southern California PGA hosted 61 PGA Apprentices and Assistants at South Hills Country Club for the 2017 installment of the National Car Rental Assistant PGA Professional Championship. Temperatures were hot, but the scores were low, especially during the first round for Chris Lungo of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Nick Badel of Virginia Country Club, both firing a round one score of five-under to take the 18-hole lead. Heading into the second round, Kenny Pigman of Goose Creek Golf Club fired up the afterburners, carding seven birdies, and finishing with a round two, 67. Pigman was not phased by the triple digit heat, finishing with a nine-under, 135 total. Also tied for first after regulation was Kyle Mendoza of South Hill Country Club forcing a playoff on the first hole. Pigman claimed the title of National Car Rental Southern California Assistant Champion after outlasting Mendoza on the first playoff hole. Congratulations Kenny! Additionally, the top four finishers scpga.com
Jayme Backos Patrick Strandemo
A special thank you to our tournament partners: National Car Rental, Cleveland/Srixon/XXIO, Pepsi, Sterling Cut Glass, John Deere, & GolfAdvisor! Thank you to host facility South Hill County Club, and Director of Golf Michael Jack, PGA. The course was in outstanding condition, and the staff was extremely friendly.
NATIONAL CAR RENTAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA ASSISTANT’S CHAMPIONSHIP
August 28 | South Hills Country Club
1 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -9, 135, $1030 2 Kyle Mendoza, South Hills C.C., -9, 135, $725 3 Jayme Backos, Rustic Canyon G.C., -6, 138, $575 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP 2017 SCPGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPION MICHAEL BLOCK, PGA
THE 2017 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONS AUGUST 1-2, 2017 THE CROSBY
2017 SCPGA AAA MATCH PLAY CHAMPION RAJ SAMRA
For the first time, all of the SCPGA Match Play Championships held their final matches at one golf course, The Crosby in Rancho Santa Fe. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CHAMPIONS FROM EACH DIVISION: MICHAEL BLOCK, PGA Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Section Match Play Champion
2017 SCPGA WOMEN’S MATCH PLAY CHAMPION SARA OVADIA
RAJ SAMRA Friendly Hills Country Club AAA Match Play Champion SARA OVADIA River Course at Alisal Women’s Match Play Champion RON SKAYHAN, PGA Hillcrest Country Club Senior Match Play Champion PAUL WISE, PGA Hillcrest Country Club Super Senior Match Play Champion
2017 SCPGA SENIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPION RON SKAYHAN, PGA
2017 SCPGA SUPER SENIOR MATCH PLAY CHAMPION
PAUL WISE, PGA
PGA HOST PROFESSIONAL: The Crosby General Manager Brian Addis, PGA The Crosby Director of Golf Jason Brustad, PGA 16
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or THE PRO V1 AND PRO V1x. The Pro V1® and Pro V1x™ are the most technologically advanced golf balls in the game. Both provide exceptional distance, consistent flight, Drop-and-Stop control and long lasting durability. This along with unmatched quality, golf ball to golf ball, dozen to dozen. Comparing models, the Pro V1 has a lower flight and softer feel than the Pro V1x. So whether you choose the total performance of the V or the X, you are making the best choice for your game.
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©2017 Acushnet Company
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EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION
What Does Your Card Say?
By Southern California PGA Career Consultant, Ken Ferrell, PGA
If you missed the article under the Player Development section in the September issue of PGA Magazine by Monte Koch, former Regional Player Development Manager, now Employment Consultant for the Pacific Northwest, it’s worth a read. Monte connected the stats on the back of a baseball card to accomplishments stated as a professional. It’s pretty easy to read those stats and see who is good. It also makes it easy to compare one player to another in the same position. In reality, the back of a baseball card is a snapshot look at the success of the professional. As Monte shared...
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a snapshot similar to the baseball card of our accomplishments; one we could use to retain our jobs, improve our compensation, and negotiate when offered new opportunities. There is good news, we have one called the Revenue Scorecard which is available on PGA.org. Keep in mind though, your Revenue Scorecard does not come out in an annual pack, you have to complete it yourself, then use the tool to promote your accomplishments. 18
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Another valuable article in the September issue was written by another Employment Consultant, Jonathan Gold who serves sections in the Northeast. Two items in his article were especially important points. First, you are an investment, not an expense to your employer. So ask yourself, does your employer know their return on investment from your services? Second, Jonathan mentions that a PGA professional in one of the sections he serves implements three new initiatives each season and has done so for the past 30 seasons. This would impress any employer, especially if the professional can tally the results of successful programs and the value they bring to patrons and the business. By the way, questions I often hear in the interview room to candidates are: what new programs have you developed and what were their results? If those programs failed, what plan of action was in place to re-design them? Always be proactive at your facility as status quo creates unemployment. While we might think employers know we are a catalyst to successful business, make sure your stat card is up to date and that you are promoting your great accomplishments. Your PGA Employment Consultant can assist you with this if need be. My thanks to Monte and Jonathan for their words of wisdom to help make PGA professionals the best they can be. Ken Ferrell, PGA, is the Career Consultant at the PGA of America for the Southern California Section. Ken can be reached at 951.324.3665 and kferrell@pgahq.com. scpga.com
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REVIEW THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES
The following PGA members are candidates for the two At-Large 2017-2019 Southern California PGA Board of Directors positions. Voting will take place on December 4th during the SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting or through the absentee ballot on scpga.com
*Must be an active PGA member in good standing, meeting the requirements of eligibility to vote in an election.
JEROME ANDREWS
As a Certified PGA Member in Coaching and Teaching I would like to be part of a team that provides world-class educational curriculum, seminars, forums and training to PGA Members and Apprentices so they are equipped to best help all golfers, attract new golfers and grow the game. The foundation of my passion for teaching and coaching began in 1977, at the age of eight, when I started working on my own game with David Leadbetter. Experiencing how David’s teaching and coaching evolved was extremely fortunate. Lessons through the years with David helped me to compete nationally on the AJGA and play in college at the University of Southern California where I graduated with a BA in History. Upon graduation, my teaching career began as the Assistant Men’s Coach at USC. Managing daily practice, tournament qualifying and teaching some of the younger players helped me realize my passion for coaching and teaching and the joy for helping people. After USC, I transitioned to the David Leadbetter Golf Academy at Lake Nona and Championsgate where I mentored under David and was certified as a Senior Instructor. The opportunity to frequently be in the video room and observe David teach and coach some of the best players in the world like Nick Faldo, Nick Price, Ernie Els, Tom Watson, Greg Norman, Seve Ballesteros and countless other PGA Tour Players along with corporate players, college players and juniors was priceless. Watching these players prepare for major championships, observing their daily routines of practice, conditioning and play, and learning situational short game shots proved invaluable for my coaching and teaching. The knowledge, insight, and experience gained from learning, coaching and teaching on a daily basis for nearly eight years at the David Leadbetter Golf Academy had a profound impact on my ability to help any player of any ability get results and have fun doing it. While teaching at Nantucket Golf Club, Annandale Golf Club, Centennial Golf Club/Altadena Golf Course, Spring Creek Golf Club and Greensboro Country Club, club-fitting and club sales, practice ball sales, professional shop sales, member rounds and tournament rounds increased. Certain segments like club sales and junior golf participation significantly increased. A positive buzz, created from members taking lessons, turned into members socializing and utilizing the facilities more often. Professional staff members taught more lessons and became better teachers and players by participating in teach-ins, individual discussions, and lessons. Facilities also utilized my experience teaching on various media platforms to market new programs and initiatives. These marketing efforts attracted new golfers and new members. If you believe my background and experience would be a fit I would appreciate meeting with you. Thank you for your time and consideration.
JOE GROHMAN - NAVY GOLF COURSE
For the past three years during my time on the board, I always have made representing the best interests of the section membership first and foremost in all the board meetings and events. I am very proud to be a PGA Professional and I care very much about the direction of, and the people in, our Association. It has been an honor to represent the section membership while on the Board of Directors these past three years and if given the opportunity I will continue to do my best in doing so.
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SCOTT HEYN - OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB
Being a PGA Member is not just something you are, it is something that is part of you that you live every day. I received my membership in 2004, and since then I have tried to be involved and be an active part of this organization. I believe in being a leader, that is the goal I try to set for myself, as well as the kind of environment that I try to create for other PGA Professionals whether it be in the Section or at the facility that I am a part of. I have had the honor of being a part of this great Section and my local Metro Chapter for over 15 years. I have served in multiple capacities on various committees for each level. Within the Metro Chapter I have been a member of the Board of Directors for the last 8 years, I completed a full term as the President of the Metro Chapter in 2015. Most recently I was honored again to be brought back as the current President of the Metro Chapter after the position open due to a Chapter change for the previous President. On the Section level I have served on multiple committees including the tournament committee, the budget and finance committee. During my time as Chapter President I also served as the Chapter Representative to the Section Board of Directors. After completing my term as the Chapter President I was grateful to have been elected by the membership to the Board of Directors as an at large member. I am very proud of the strides the latest Board has been able to make for the organization and the membership. I am motivated to continue to serve as I feel the institutional knowledge that I have obtained in the first few years on the Board has prepared me to deliver even greater results to the membership. I have been so lucky in my time as a PGA Member, and the organization has given me so much. I hope that you will allow me the opportunity to continue my service to the SCPGA Section Board of Directors. I look forward to the opportunity and the challenges!
ERIC MITCHELL - ANAHEIM HILLS GOLF COURSE
I am the 1st Assistant Golf Professional at Anaheim Hills Golf Course in Anaheim, California. I have been a PGA member since June of 2015. Currently, I serve on the SCPGA Apprentice Committee, Communication Committee as well as the Metro Chapter Board Secretary. In addition to these services, I am the facilitating mentor for the LaunchPAD program designed to assist current level 1 apprentices through their PGA PGM portfolios. I have also earned my U.S. Kids coaching certification. My passion for being a golf professional has and will always revolve around mentorship and service. These two areas are the very foundation to which we conduct our careers. As we grow people help mentor us along the way and from there the drive to give back begins. Currently, I am enrolled in the 2017-18 Class of the PGA Lead program. Through this, we learn about the power of diversity and inclusion. I hope to take these principals and empower the next generation of our golf professional to take the reigns to carry our section into the future. I truly feel the more diverse our Board becomes the better we can be as a whole. With this, I proudly send in my intention to run for our SCPGA Board of Directors. I personally have seen the advantages of serving and how rewarding this can be towards a career. I want to be the face of a new generation of those who serve proudly and give those my age the courage to take a leap forward in their careers.
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PGA MEMBER
Spotlight
SPENCER CODY, PGA | PGA WEST Spencer was born in Ontario, OR and comes from a proud Oregon Ducks family. His family moved to Reno, Nevada as a youngster and he was an avid baseball player. As a freshman, before baseball season, he tried out for his high school golf team and to his surprise, made it… a natural! His father, a three-sport collegiate athlete, was hoping that Spencer would play baseball. He made the decision to stay in golf and never looked back. After high school, Spencer attended University of Reno studying architecture. After two years, he transferred to UNLV. Spencer decided he wouldn’t be a collegiate golfer, but concentrate on his studies and the business of golf. Spencer was a full-time student and a full-time employee at Revere Golf Club.
During his time at the club, Spencer began his journey to PGA membership. Like many professionals starting out, he started in the cart barn and worked his way to Head Professional. After nine successful years at the Revere G.C., Spencer moved to help open a new club - Sewailo Golf Club, a part of the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, AZ. In 2016, Spencer made the move to California to become the Head Professional at The Club at PGA WEST. As of January 2018, Spencer will become the new Director of Golf. Spencer thrives on helping others and works tirelessly to support his team. He has a strong desire to connect with his membership and to create great golf experiences at PGA WEST. His philosophy is, if you care for your team and they are well equipped and informed, the results will speak for themselves. Spencer loves outdoor sports, offroading and spending time with his wife Ruthie and their newborn, Oakley Ann. Spencer makes the trip every year to the Masters in Augusta and hopes to keep the tradition going! 22
TEACHERS FORUM
FINDING YOUR VOICE THROUGH EDUCATION By Southern California PGA Teaching Committee Chairman, Billy McKinney, PGA
When I first came out of college, thought I had it all figured out regarding the golf swing. As a young apprentice, my post-teen conviction actually helped me get quite a few students since some people are attracted to authoritative teachers. They didn’t hang around long and I remember feeling frustrated with so many of those who couldn’t follow my surefire model. Being an avid reader of everything golf, I took to the magazines to find what the latest instruction was. I threw it all at them without much success. How could we humans be so stubborn? Maybe there was more to it than my information about The Swing. My first head professional, John Haggerty, started encouraging me to go to education seminars. Again, having it all figured out already, I found this insulting to my intelligence (hubris)… until, of course, I did go watch the likes of Jim Flick and Carl Welty present to the San Diego Chapter. This opened up my eyes (even though I hated to admit it). I couldn’t wait to get back to the lesson tee to help my people. And it did help! It really wasn’t so much that their information was different, but the way in which they presented it. They were consummate professionals who had established their voice long ago. Something clicked in me and I have been hooked on seminars ever since. Every time I go to one, I recognize that I get a few more tools in my arsenal that could save more people. One of my teachers, Ben Doyle, said “if golf was swimming, they would all be drowning.” I was getting more life preservers in my boat from every encounter with golf legends. As the years rolled along, a huge library of actual books, thousands of hours lurking and participating in forums, dozens of seminars, hundreds of conversations and rounds with top teachers, I now realize that I only have a fraction of what I need to know to really help the most people possible—funny how that is typically the case for thinking folks. My time spent with my students is now more about awareness, exploration, experiencing, and discovery, where before it was a more rigid engineering experiment. While I can still go that route as an ‘Impact Engineer’, I recognize PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
that the majority of what I do is the art of developing the joy of golf and connecting with people, deepening their own relationships with the game. I can’t express enough how enriching it is attend all forms of seminars. They are available at the chapter level, online with the Catalyst series, and of course, the two annual SCPGA summits. This year’s summit was held at Virginia C.C. with tons of star power, including Sean Foley, James Sieckmann, Amy Alcott, John Cook, Eddie Merrins, and our magnanimous host, Jamie Mulligan. You’ll be a better teacher, player, and professional by attending summits. You’ll find your own professional voice. “If you think the price of education is expensive, try ignorance.” - Anonymous Billy McKinney, PGA, is the SCPGA Teaching Committee Chairman and a Teaching Professional at Marbella C.C. Billy can be reached at billmckinneycare@gmail.com.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING SCPGA MEMBERS RECOGNIZED BY GOLF DIGEST AS THE BEST TEACHERS IN CALIFORNIA (2017-18): DAVE STOCKTON, Stockton Golf DAVE PHILLIPS, TPI BRADY RIGGS, Woodley Lakes G.C. PHIL RODGERS, The Grand G.C. KIP PUTERBAUGH, Aviara G. Academy GREGG MCHATTON, Vista Valencia G.C. JAMIE MULLIGAN, Virginia C.C. DON PARSONS, Don Parsons G. Instruction BRUCE NAKAMURA, Aviara G. Academy CHRIS SMEAL, Stadium Golf Center MIKE WILSON, Tradition G.C. CARL WELTY, The Grand G.C. JAMIE PUTERBAUGH, Aviara G. Academy DAVID WRIGHT, Wright Balance Golf BOB KNEE, Aviara G. Academy DALE ABRAHAM, Bighorn G.C. DEREK UYEDA, The Grand G.C. EDDIE MERRINS, Bel-Air C.C. BILLY MCKINNEY, Marbella C.C. RYAN KENNEDY, Kennedy G. Academy GLENN DECK, Pelican Hill G.C. BRYAN LEBEDEVITCH, PGA West G. Acad. scpga.com
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AND THEN THERE WAS ONE... As the PGA Junior League Regular Season came to a close at the end of July, 33 teams entered into the Southern California-Aloha Sub-Regional post season play with their All Stars. The SCPGA was represented by 29 teams, and the Aloha Section was represented by four teams. For the month of August, and into early September, teams battled it out in a single elimination tournament to see who would advance to the Western Regional. We welcomed the Aloha Section champions from the Oahu Private League into the final eight, and although they were not victorious in their match, it was a huge step in having them involved in the post season for the first time!
The Monarch Dunes/Blacklake PGA JUNIOR team emerged victorious, LEAGUE GOLF and great strides were made in advancing and promoting the 16U Division. Captain Kim Schilling summed it up best, “I almost lost them (16U juniors) early on, but we managed to keep them engaged with the hopes of a Post Season match. They hung in there with the understanding that new programs take time, perseverance, and support in order to grow. Hopefully word will get around about this post season match and spark some interest in more 16U teams next year.” At the Western Regional at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco, the San Diego County League made a valiant run at advancing to the National Championship for the second time, but ran into a very strong Santa Teresa team from San Jose. The two teams tied for the best record after the fourteam round robin over the weekend, at
PGA Junior League Team - San Diego County League #1
On September 9, our final two teams met in the Championship match, the San Diego County League #1 (SDCL1), captained by John Mason and Jackie DeWald-Mason of Encinitas Ranch, and the North LA League #2 team, captained by Josh Young (Las Posas C.C.) and Leo Lee (Spanish Hills C.C.). The event was hosted at Industry Hills Golf Club, Eisenhower Course. Players were treated to an outstanding facility, and the SDCL1 team emerged as the winners, advancing to the Western Regional at TPC Harding Park in San Francisco. On the same day, for the first time in the Section, we conducted a post season match for the 16U Division, with two teams competing on the Babe Course at Industry Hills. The Bear Creek/Murrieta Valley team, captained by Kim Schilling, and the Monarch Dunes/Blacklake team, captained by Billy Gibbs enjoyed a great day of camaraderie and competition. scpga.com
2-1, along with the Washington County Team from Oregon, but the tie was broke by total points (flags) earned over the event, with Santa Teresa ending up on top by a margin of 1.5 points. Santa Teresa will be one of eight teams advancing to the National Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, AZ on November 15-19. A big congratulations to all Captains, teams and players on another great season of PGA Junior League! Captain registration for the 2018 season will be open in late November, and I’m certain you will be pleased with all of great improvements we have in store! Nikki Gatch, PGA, PGA Regional League Manager for Southern California, Northern California and Aloha Sections. Nikki can be reached at ngatch@pgahq.com. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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CALIFORNIA GOLF SUMMIT
CALIFORNIA GOLF SUMMIT
TWO DAYS OF WORLD CLASS INSTRUCTION
The Inaugural California Golf Summit presented by TravisMathew hosted a sold-out audience of 300+ PGA professionals at the immaculate Virginia Country Club in Long Beach. Formerly known as the Fall Teaching Summit, this re-branded teaching event saw two days of world class golf instruction seminars, both indoors, and outdoors. The largest SCPGA teaching seminar to-date had an impressive lineup of speakers including; Eddie Merrins, PGA, Sean Foley, Mark Blackburn, PGA, Jamie Mulligan, PGA, Amy Alcott, John Cook, Dr. Tim Brown, and James Sieckmann, PGA. Day one featured a unique Hall of Fame luncheon honoring notable PGA teachers from Southern California into the inaugural California Teaching Hall of Fame. The CEO of Virginia Country Club, Jamie Mulligan, and staff played an integral role in the development and execution of this year’s summit and was hands on in all aspects of the event. The attention to detail was noticed by all in attendance, due to a rhythmic transition between speakers from the clubhouse to the far end of the facility, the experience was a memorable one for all. In attendance were professionals from every SCPGA Chapter, as well as attendees from Aloha, Southwest, and Northern California Sections. A special thank you to TravisMathew for their support and dedication to the 2017 California Golf Summit.
Sean Foley
Jamie Mulligan, PGA
Mark Blackburn, PGA
John Cook, Amy Alcott
Eddie Merrins, PGA
Dr. Tim Brown
Front Row, L to R Bob Harrison Sr., Alan Ochiai, Jamie Mulligan, Tim Miskell, Randy Chang, Eddie Merrins, Alison Curdt, Carrie Jena, Erik Horve, Brady Riggs Back Row, L to R Zach Allen, Glenn Deck, Gregg McHatton, Marc Minier, Kip Puterbaugh, John Mason, Don Parsons, Roger Gunn, Larry Brotherton, Jim Petralia, Derek Hardy
James Sieckmann, PGA
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LEADERSHIP COLUMN
SPECIAL
PAPER STOCKS An in you spirin to th g com view ee dge binati s fr om of th on o f eve ry h e Paci challe n ole , Sa fic Oce ge an db ndp an. eau ipe Wit ty r is hb 11 tru 10 rea as cha ly a thta mp me ion kin Clu mo ship bhou go rab 18 se golf le e cean a b xpe 12 rien nd mo rings unta ce. in
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WITH TIME,
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Pac ific Oce an
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Throughout my career, I knew that I wanted to be a GM of a private club. I thought that was the place where my gifts and talents would be most utilized. I had a mentor of mine tell me “Take the job, that will give you the next job, that you want.” I had worked at high end private Clubs my whole career, and then found myself as the General Manager of public municipal golf course in Pomona. I was used to seeing giant Clubhouses, feeling ocean breezes, and perfectly maintained landscapes. I was in culture shock on my first day at the Club. Trash in the parking lot, dirty bathrooms, and a line eight carts deep on the first tee. I woke up the next morning and saw Pomona on the news for a violent crime. As my wife and I would say – I was used to asking people to tuck in their shirt, and now I had to ask people to put on a shirt. Next to my golf course was the intersection of three freeways and right next to the 17th hole was a car racing drag strip; and right next to the 16th hole was an airport-landing runway; and right next to the 15th hole was an airport diner. I was ready for the challenge – I saw so much opportunity. So much potential; and so much impact to be made. After about a year, our team had made a dramatic turnaround and guest satisfaction, co-worker retention and financial performance had jumped through the roof. I then began to think about my next career move. How would I get to a private club? How would I get out of Pomona… Then it dawned on me… there would be serious competition to be to the general manager of a private club. scpga.com
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COMES OP PORTUNITY By Southern California PGA Secretary, Robin Shelton, PGA
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Working for a corporation, I assumed that all of the public golf course general managers wanted to be the general manager of a private club. I then assumed that department managers of private clubs would also want to become general managers. Very quickly I realized that short-term success would not be enough to become to the general manager of a private club. Based on my assumptions, I calculated I was going to have to stand out against one hundred sixty of my industry peers. Getting out of Pomona and getting to my next career goal was going to require something special and something that would make me stand out. As you think about your next career move and achieving your goal – how will you stand out and be special among the competition to land the job? There will be many people who want to advance their career like you. How will you be different? How will you ‘get to’ the next level or ‘get out of’ your current situation. And… truth be told… my time in Pomona at Mountain Meadows Golf Club was the most rewarding and fulfilling time of my professional career. I was able to have so much impact and create an incredible team. All of the thoughts and situations were true - I just wanted to be at a private club and hope the story and mind-set can help in achieving your next goal. I would recommend to anyone to lead a ‘turnaround’ to make his or her mark and dramatically affect change.
Robin Shelton, PGA, is a PGA Master Professional, CMAA member, PGA Regional Manager for American Golf Corporation and the General Manager at SeaCliff Country Club. Robin can be reached at rshelton@seacliffcc.net. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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JUNIOR GOLF
S O U T H E R N C A L I F O R N I A P G A J U N I O R TO U R
2 0 1 7 S U M M E R T R AV E L T E A M S
MARY CAVE CUP
JUNIOR AMERICA’S CUP
JUNIOR AMERICA’S CUP
SYCUAN GOLF RESORT 1st Place | August 7th-9th Serena Chon, Lauren Gomez, Serena Sepersky, Katie Stribling PING & COBRA PUMA
THE HOME COURSE 2nd Place | July 24th-27th Tyler Guo, Adam Matteson, William Mouw, Alexander Yang TRAVISMATHEW & PING
REFLECTION BAY GOLF CLUB 1st Place | July 31st - August 3rd Angelina Kim, Brianna Navarrosa, Mary Shin, Rose Zhang PING & COBRA PUMA
OAK VALLEY CUP OAK VALLEY GOLF CLUB 1st Place | July 6th-7th Ethan Barnes, Christopher Chomyn, Guy Clauss, Kamille Dimayuga, Leila Dizon, Griffin Pace, Ryan Ruaysungnoen, Serena Sepersky, Nadia Susanto, Khameryn Utu, Kate Villegas, Johnny Walker COBRA PUMA
EDDIE HOGAN CUP
NORTH/SOUTH MATCHES
NORTH/SOUTH MATCHES
RIVERSIDE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB 1st Place | August 11th-13th Ashwin Arasu, Edwin Kuang, Darren Lin, Tommy Stephenson TRAVISMATHEW & PING
BEAR CREEK GOLF CLUB 1st Place | August 6th Sam Butler, Mason Greene, Harrison Kingsley, Edwin Kuang, Dylan Menante, Cameron Sisk, Parker Sisk, Michael Sarro, Jack Solis, Raymond Navis TRAVISMATHEW & U.S. FOODS
POPPY HILLS GOLF COURSE 2nd Place | June 25th Amari Avery, Mack Bailey, Anna Dong, Cameron Lee, Taylor Ornelas, Sienna Scibird COBRA PUMA
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
scpga.com
THE ROAD TO THE
2018 DRIVE, CHIP, & PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP
DRIVE, CHIP, & PUTT
TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE WESTERN REGIONAL QUALIFIER The Southern California PGA wrapped up its Drive, Chip, & Putt qualifying schedule at the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla. For eight competitors, the long Road to Augusta has entered its final stretch. Over the course of the summer, the Southern California PGA conducted a total of 16 local, regional, and sub-regional qualifiers.
JOIN US AS A VOLUNTEER OR BECOME A HOST FACILITY IN 2018! Contact Anthony Leone at aleone@pgahq.com scpga.com
PHOTO SOURCE: PGA OF AMERICA
COLE KIM
SCPGA JR. TOUR MEMBER
10-11 DIVISION
ANNA FANG
KAI HIRAYAMA
SCPGA JR. TOUR MEMBER
12-13 DIVISION
KATE NAKAOKA
LOGAN GONZALEZ
VICTORIA ROMNEY
ELKIM BUMACOD
MACKENZIE MCREE
14-15 DIVISION
The qualifiers spanned regionally from El Caballero Country Club in the San Fernando Valley, to Sycuan Resort in San Diego County. With a staggering 3,000 participants, the Drive, Chip, & Putt competition really stimulates participation and attracts junior golfers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Some facilities utilized the opportunity to hold pre-competition Drive, Chip, & Putt Clinics, where PGA Professionals would walk through different aspects of the competition including technique and strategy with their students.
7-9 DIVISION
AUGUSTA BOUND
SCPGA JR. TOUR MEMBER
PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
31
SCPGA TOURNAMENTS
Southern California PGA AAA DIVISION
PINEHURST CHAMPIONSHIP July 27 | Red Hill Country Club
1 Joshua Rider & Patrick Strandemo, The Santaluz Club, -4, 68, $800 T2 Steve Tanis, Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy, James Moreno, Hideaway G.C., -4, 68, $450 T2 Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -4, 68, $450 PROFESSIONAL-ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP
September 25-26 | Mission Hills Country Club
1 Pete LaCoursiere & Nathan Williams, The Plantation G.C., -15, 129, $3000 2 Michael Block & Chris Lungo, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -14, 130, $2200 T3 Jerry Wisz & Mickey Yokoi, Alhambra G.C., -13, 131, $1400 T3 Paul Holtby & Rick Garboski, Golf Development Complex, -13, 131, $1400 Pete LaCoursiere and Nathan Williams of The Plantation Golf Club are crowned the Professional – Assistant Champions after an impressive second round. LaCoursiere and Williams got hot in the second round to jump up the leaderboard carding a 11-under par 61 to go along with round one’s 68. The two-day total of 15-under par 129 was one stroke clear of the field and team of Michael Block and Chris Lungo. Congratulations to Hide Yoshinaga and Michael Block for each winning trips across the pond provided by Garmany Travel. Congratulations to Jim Higgins on his Ace on the #6 hole of the Pete Dye Challenge Course. Jim now wins the HoleIn-One Pool that is over $1,100! Thank you Mission Hills Country Club PGA Head Professional Rodney Silvagni, members and staff for hosting along with all the generous partners that supported the event.
WOMEN’S CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN
October 11-12 | Morongo Golf Club
1 Brianna Do, Lakewood, -9, 135, $1800 2 Karah Sanford, Escondido, -5, 139, $1250 T3 Kim Welch, Sherman Oaks, -4, 140, $837.50 T3 Sandy Choi, San Diego, -4, 140, $837.50 Brianna Do is crowned the Women’s California State Open Champion with rounds of 65-70 for a 36-hole total of nineunder par, 135. The Lakewood, CA, native was four strokes clear of the field and Karah Sanford’s two-day total, 139. Do, the UCLA Alum, led the pack after 18-holes firing an impressive bogeyfree round of seven-under par. Nipping at Brianna heels was Karah Sanford of Escondido, who carded a bogey-free round of five-under par. Going into the final round, a total of 12 players were sitting at even par or better. Brianna continued her great play carding a one-under on the front nine, keeping a three-stroke distance from Sanford. Do stayed steady on the back nine posting a two-under par 70. Playing solid was second place finisher, SCPGA Junior Tour Alumni Karah Sanford, who posted a two-day total of five-under par, 139. Low Amateur honors was awarded to Victoria Smith of Wildomar, posting a two-day total, 142. Thank you to PGA Director of Golf Henry Liaw and staff at Morongo Golf Club for hosting the event and to our partners, Carlsbad Golf Center, Pepsi & Haus of Grey.
WO M E N D I V I S I O N STROKE PLAY
June 27 | The Santaluz Club
1 Erika Ilagan, SeaCliff C.C., -5, 66, $300 T2 Bari Brandwynne, Los Angeles C.C., +3, 74, $162.50 T2 Ronnie Valerio, Tustin Ranch G.C., +3, 74, $162.50 INLAND EMPIRE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
September 2-4 | Goose Creek Golf Club, Morongo Golf Club, Oak Valley Golf Club
1 Edwin Kuang, Murrieta, CA, -4, 211 2 Han Seop Lee, Chino Hills, CA, -4, 211 3 Cullen Brasfield, La Quinta, CA, -2, 213 32
STROKE PLAY
September 7 | Palos Verdes Golf Club
1 Erika Ilagan, SeaCliff C.C., +1, 71, $300 2 Alison Curdt, Wood Ranch G.C., +1, 71, $200 3 Bari Brandwynne, Los Angeles C.C., +4, 74, $150 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
AAA CHAMPIONSHIP
October 2 | Bear Creek Golf Club
1 Kyle Mendoza, South Hills C.C., -4, 68, $800 T2 James Holley, Simi Hills G.C., -4, 68, $510 T2 Matthew Rassier, Golf Swing Prescription, -4, 68, $510 The 2017 AAA season came to end on October 2nd, with the AAA Championship presented by Maui Jim. Bear Creek Golf Club played host to some of the top AAA players in SoCal and 18-holes was not enough to crown a winner, as three players headed into a playoff to determine the champion. Kyle Mendoza of South Hills C.C., James Holley of Simi Hills G.C. and Matthew Rassier of Golf Swing Prescription, GolfTEC – Rancho Bernardo all finished the day at -4 (68). On the first playoff hole, Mendoza and Holley each had birdie putts, and Mendoza was the one to sink his putt and secure the victory. The event also was the last chance for players to earn AAA Player of the Year points. All year, there was a battle between Bobby Nickell of Arroyo Trabuco G.C. and Raj Samra of Friendly Hills C.C.. Samra had the lead going into the championship, and when the scorecards were tallied, he remained in first place to secure the AAA Player of the Year award. Thank you to Tim Gardner, Kim Schilling, PGA, Superintendent Paul Brown and the entire Bear Creek G.C. staff for hosting the event. Thank you to AAA presenting sponsor, Keith Achman and Todd Howerton with Maui Jim for coming out to cheer on the players. scpga.com
Tournament Results SENIOR DIVISION
FOUR-BALL STROKE PLAY
HIGH DESERT 2-DAY
1 Jeff Cross, Victoria C.C., Paul Dietsche, Redlands C.C., -25, 119, $1000 2 Jim Ley & Don Parsons, Twin Lakes G.C., -22, 122, $800 3 Jim Petralia, Life Member, Paul Wise, Hillcrest C.C., -21, 123, $700 4 Bob Silver, Old Ranch C.C., Mike Reehl, Santa Ana C.C. -20, 124, $600
TEAM Jim Petralia, Life Member, Michael Marshall, Goodlife Consultants, Mark Range, Antelope Valley C.C., 254, $675 FIRST PLACE YOUNG Mike Mitchell, Hideaway G.C., -6, 138, $350 MIDDLE Jon Fiedler, Las Posas C.C., -3, 141, $400 SUPER Paul Wise, Hillcrest C.C., -4, 140, $475
June 27-28 | River Ridge Golf Club
October 11-12 | Antelope Valley & Crystalaire Country Club
UPCOMING
tournaments
SR DIVISION: PLAYER’S CHAMPIONSHIP Nov. 8-9 | Morongo Golf Club WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP Nov. 15-16 | Avondale Golf Club PROFESSIONAL-LADY CHAMPIONSHIP Nov. 20 | Palos Verdes Golf Club ANNUAL MTG & PINEHURST CHAMP. Dec. 4 | Newport Beach Country Club WOMEN’S CUP MATCHES Dec. 7-8 | Mission Hills Country Club CLUB CAR AGGREGATE SERIES FARMERS INSURANCE OPEN January 8 | El Camino Country Club CLUB CAR AGGREGATE SERIES GENESIS OPEN February 5 | Hacienda Golf Club
ANNOUNCING THE...
2017 CAL CUP TEAM The 2017 California Cup Matches will take place December 13-14 at The Valley Club in Montecito. The SCPGA will compete against the NCPGA at the bi-annual matches. The teams are comprised of the top 8 points leaders from each section. The SCPGA team consists of:
CHALLENGE CUP
August 7-8 | Santa Maria Country Club Rancho Maria Golf Club
NORTH 15, SOUTH 21
Congratulations to the 2017 SCPGA Senior Challenge Cup Team, who claimed victory against the NCPGA at the Annual Senior Challenge Cup. With a two-day score of 21 to 15, the SCPGA team was able to once again come home with the hardware. Congratulations & way to represent the SCPGA!
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA SUPER SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP
September 19-20 | South Hills Country Club
1 Gary Sowinski, Hodges Golf & Learning Center, -4, 140, $775 2 Paul Wise, Hillcrest C.C., -1, 143, $550 3 Bob E. Smith, Life Member, +7, 151, $400 scpga.com
In his first showing as a Super Senior, Gary Sowinski, PGA of The Hodges wins the Southern California Super Senior PGA Professional Championship with a two-day total of 140, four-under par. Just a week into now being eligible for the 65+ Super Senior division, Sowinski cashed in and put two stellar rounds together of 69-71 at South Hills Country Club to win the Super Senior Section Championship by three shots. Paul Wise, PGA of Hillcrest Country Club finished in second place and under-par for the tournament with rounds of 73-70. Gary Sowinski is now the first player to win both the Senior and Super Senior Section Championships. Big thank you to South Hills Country Club, its members and PGA Professional Michael Jack for kindly hosting the event for the second consecutive year. Finally, thank you to Rules Official Ron O’Connor, PGA for once again dedicating his time officiating. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Kenny Pigman Goose Creek Golf Club Michael Block Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Chris Gilley La Quinta Country Club Steve Holmes Westlake Village Golf Club Vinnie Poncino San Clemente Golf Course Jamie Puterbaugh Aviara Golf Academy Alan Scheer Steele Canyon Golf Club Brian Smock Coronado Golf Course CAPTAINS: Jim Gormley Palos Verdes G.C., Mark Wilson Oakmont C.C.
2017 AAA CUP TEAM The SCPGA seeks to retain the AAA North/ South Cup for the 2017 year. The Annual Matches will be played in Copperopolis at Saddle Creek Resort. The 12-person team to represent the SCPGA against the NCPGA is: Raj Samra Friendly Hills Country Club Bobby Nickell Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Chris Lungo Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Kyle Mendoza South Hills Country Club Kenny Pigman Goose Creek Golf Club Matthew Rassier Golf Swing Prescription Alex Hird North Ranch Country Club Michael Mendoza Pauma Valley Country Club Lyon Lazare Aliso Viejo Country Club Steve Tanis Lorena Ochoa Golf Academy James Moreno The Hideaway Jayme Backos Rustic Canyon Golf Course CAPTAIN: Robin Shelton American Golf 33
BETTER, FRESHER & A WHOLE LOT FASTER.
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©2017 JIMMY JOHN’S FRANCHISE, LLC ALLISSUE RIGHTS RESERVED. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL
scpga.com
ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS
CALIFORNIA BMP COMMITTEE MAKING PROGRESS ON STATE LEVEL MANUAL The California Best Management Practices Committee under the direction of the California Golf Course Superintendents Association is making progress on a state level BMP manual. Best Management Practices (BMPs) provide golf course superintendents, facility owners and managers, golfers, communities and government agencies with a framework for a sustainable approach to golf course management. The California BMP committee was formed in the spring and quickly went to work issuing an RFP for a thirdparty consultant to assist with overall project management and completion of the project. Five third-party consultants responded to the RFP by the July 7 deadline and now a subcommittee made up of representatives from each of the state’s GCSAA chapters is evaluating the proposals and will be awarding the contract in October. The California BMP committee is chaired by Gary Ingram, CGCS, Metropolitan Golf Links. Other members include Jim Abate, TPC Agronomy; Jim Ferrin, Sun City Roseville; Pat Gross, United States Golf Association; Ali Harivandi, University of California Co-operative Extension; Josh Heptig, County of San Luis Obispo; Jeff Jensen, GCSAA; Craig Kessler, Southern California Golf Association; Tennessee McBroom, Montecito Country Club, Rancho San Marcos and Sandpiper Golf Clubs; Jim Schmid, The Lakes Country Club; Terry Vassey, Old Ranch Country Club; Kurtis Wolford, Cherry Island Golf Course and Vince Zellefrow, El Camino Country Club. Irene Cline, executive director of the California GCSA, Central California GCSA and Sierra Nevada GCSA is overseeing the administrative needs of the committee. Once the BMP manual is completed, it will be published online in an editable format that superintendents can access and make specific to their facilities needs and local regulations. For more information on the project, visit gcsaa.org. scpga.com
The Alliance’s Board of Directors conducted a day-long soul searching session August 30 in an effort to clarify its mission and establish some organizational goals. WITH RESPECT TO “MISSION” THE BOARD COALESCED AROUND THE FOLLOWING: • Purpose: To advocate, support, and advance golf in California. • Identity: The united voice for golf in California. • Vision: To unify all segments of golf to develop resources and advocate for the betterment of the game in California. • Mission: To advance the game by serving as an advocate for golf before the public, legislative bodies, governmental agencies, and media, while promoting the economic, environmental, and numerous communitybased benefits the game of golf provides. WITH RESPECT TO “ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS” THE BOARD RESOLVED TO PURSUE THE FOLLOWING IN THE NEXT 15 MONTHS: • Develop a sustainable funding mechanism based upon the Alliance’s basic value/service proposition; • Develop a general membership plan to go along with its institutional membership plan; • Underwrite another California Golf Economic/Environmental Impact Report with aspirations for breaking it down into 7-11 separate regional reductions thereof; • Begin executing the Sacramento Bill Tracking & Response Protocol developed over the summer; • Begin the process of developing an administrative staffing plan; • Update business plan; • Market GCSAA’s Best Management Practices Plan upon its release in 2018; and • Develop a communications strategy to better promote and position the Alliance as the “voice of the game” in California. Golf’s statewide advocacy alliance set a high bar for itself. Here’s hoping they reach it. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
3
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35
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CHAPTER CORNER
Desert Chapter
The Desert Chapter had a hot summer with lots of great golf events. We had eight golf tournaments from June - September. Highlights were the Chapter Championship held at Bermuda Dunes Country Club and at Mission Lakes Country Club, the Senior Chapter Championship. Brian Hughes of PGA WEST, Greg Norman, was our tournament champion with a two-day score of four-under par, 140. In second place was Mike Mitchell of the Hideaway Golf Club with a two-day total of two-over par, 146. Mike Mitchell was our Senior Chapter Champion at Mission Lakes C.C. with a twoday total even par, 142. Mike won in a playoff against Geoff Dean of PGA WEST, Private. In addition to our staple events, we also conducted the Summer Series, sponsored by the Golf Fix. Congratulations to Kenneth Pineo for shooting a six-under par 66 at the September 6th event at the Classic Club. To close out the summer was the ProPro Scramble at Tamarisk Country Club. Congratulations to the teams of Barry Clayton/Joe Johnson and Neil Finch/Butch Sheehan, both with a score of 59, 13-under par to tie for first place. THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOR HOSTING EVENTS AT THEIR COURSES THIS SUMMER: • Perry Dickey, PGA - Bermuda Dunes C.C. • Greg Garlington, PGA - Bermuda Dunes C.C. • Robert Duncan, PGA - Mission Lakes C.C. • Spencer Cody, PGA - Club at PGA WEST • John Birchard, PGA - Marrakesh C.C. • Shane Ponchot, PGA - The Hideaway G.C. • Jeff Brummett, PGA - The Lakes C.C. • Greg Rubino, PGA - The Classic Club • Kyle Kelly, PGA - Tamarisk C.C. On the horizon is our Annual Meeting in December. We are looking forward to seeing all our members and apprentices.
Inland Empire Chapter
Hello and Welcome from the Inland Empire Chapter. We have had an exciting year and are looking forward to next year. We in the Inland Empire are always trying to improve and make things better. As you may remember, this year started with the long awaited rainfall that we all needed, problem is we got it all at once but survived it, now Southern California as well as Northern California is undergoing one of the worst fire events in recent history and we hope everyone is doing well afterwards. The PGA is here and available to help out if scpga.com
needed. If there is a problem and you need help, please contact any of the Chapters or the SCPGA. We just finished our Annual Meeting in the I.E. at the beautiful Lake Arrowhead Country Club, special thanks to Tim Miskell, PGA and his Professional staff for making it a great event. OUR ANNUAL AWARD WINNERS WERE PRESENTED THEIR PLAQUES AND THE LIST WAS IMPRESSIVE: Scott Mallory, PGA - Merchandiser of the Year Michael Marcum, PGA - Clubfitter of the Year Tony Letendre, PGA – Horton Smith Award Paul Dietsche, PGA – Bill Strausbaugh Award Randy Chang, PGA – Player Development Award KiKi Garcia, PGA – Youth Development Award Frank Yellam, PGA – Assistant Professional of the Year Henry Liaw, PGA – Teacher of the Year Mark Williams, PGA – Golf Professional of the Year We would also like to recognize SCPGA Junior Tour Member Matthew Huo as our scholarship award winner for the year 2017. His was the winning essay about what golf means to him and was awarded a $250 scholarship to be used in his college endeavors. As this year comes to an end and next year is on the horizon we are grateful to our Board of Directors and look forward to a new year and new things to learn. One final note, our Annual I.E. Cup Tournament just completed and for the first time in nine years, the professionals were able to tie the event. It was a 9 to 9 tie with the Amateurs retaining the cup till next year. So till then, we wish you Happy Holidays to you and yours and begin to get GOLF READY for next year.
Metropolitan Chapter
There is a lot to talk about with the Metro chapter this season. The chapter is very proud to announce Michael Block of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club as the 2017 SCPGA Professional Champion. He represents the Metro area well through his tremendous play and contributions to our section. We also were honored to have the California Golf Summit inside the Metro Chapter at historic Virginia Country Club in Long Beach, hosted by Jamie Mulligan, PGA and his staff. Most importantly we want everyone to save the date for our Fall/Winter Meeting being held on November 13th at Valencia Country Club. There will be multiple spots available for the Metro Board. We would love to have some of our best and brightest begin their path to service. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Northern Chapter
The Chapter Championship was held at the Victoria Lakes Course at River Ridge Golf Club on Monday, July 17th. Alex Hird is our 2017 Chapter Champion earning the victory in a sudden death playoff over Rick Garboski. Steve Holmes was one stroke back posting a 36-hole 138, and Scott LaBare and Alan Sorensen tied for 4th place. We held a special education opportunity on Monday, October 16th at River Ridge Golf Club. PGA Professionals Lee Martin, Jon Fielder, Paul Holtby, & Don Parsons influenced our members on their expertise on the golf swing. The Pro-Assistant and Annual Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13th at Rancho Maria Golf Club. This is one of the highlights on our tournament calendar as well as the event where the Chapter Board will honor and present the 2016 – 2017 Special Award Winners.
San Diego Chapter
The San Diego Chapter Coaching Summit on August 29th was a great turnout with over 60 participants. Thanks to Shawn Cox for hosting the event at the Grand Golf Club. Our two outstanding presenters, Bill Harmon and Dave Stockton, each donated two hours of their time to speak with us, we are very grateful for their generosity and teaching insight. Blast Motion was the key sponsor for the Coaching Summit, they gave a very informative one-hour seminar on their new technology and also donated a free motion sensor to one lucky participant at the seminar. Congratulations go out to Brian Smock for qualifying to play in the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow, Brian is also our Chapter Stroke Play Champ. Our Senior Stroke Play Champion is Chris Starkjohann, shooting a fantastic round of ten-under par at Steele Canyon Golf Club. Our Team Championship winners, played at The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, are Michael Griffin and Jeff Munak. This year’s Match Championship was held on September 5th at Aviara Golf Club in Carlsbad. Our Semifinalists were: Monte Harris vs. Josh Haynes and Tim Parun vs. Alan Scheer. Harris and Scheer advanced to the finals. In a back-and-forth match all round, Alan Scheer eventually came out on top 2 & 1. The San Diego Cup matches (pitting our PGA Professionals versus a strong amateur field) will be played at Rancho Bernardo Inn on November 4th and 5th. Our Annual Meeting is scheduled for November 13th at Vista Valley Country Club. 37
SECTION NOTES
TEE IT FORWARD FEATURED AT IRONWOOD COUNTRY CLUB By Ironwood Country Club Head Professional, Mike Oberlander
Ironwood Country Club is a 36-hole Private Member-Owned club in Palm Desert. Ironwood’s two courses are both well thought out as relates to getting players to Forward Tees. Our South Course boasts eight sets of tees that range from 7,256 yards to 4,757 yards and the North Course has 5 sets of tees from 6,088 yards to 4,455 yards. At Ironwood we have an average of 44,000 rounds played annually. We boast extremely active Men’s and Ladies golf programs. Our Men have wrapped their arms around our Tee It Forward program as they play and post 23% of their rounds from forward tees over the year. We just completed our 2015 Men’s Member-Guest Tournament and it served as a great example of being inclusive to players of all ability. We had 63 two-man teams entered and divided them into three flights, these flights were based on the team’s total combined indexes. After splitting the field into flights we contacted each team and gave them the choice of staying in their flight and playing the tees for that flight or moving to another flight and playing from those flight’s tees. Our A Flight was team indexes 0-21.9, B Flight 22.0–28.7 and C Flight 28.8 and up. Flight A played our South Course White Tees and North Course Blue Tees, Flight B played South Orange Tees and North Course Copper Tees and Flight C played our South Green Tees and North White Tees. If a team in the B Flight wanted to tee it “Backward” into the A Flight they were limited to the maximum team index total of 21.9 (We did this so the team would not have an advantage in the net competition and each player’s index was adjusted proportionally to arrive at the team maximum total) and if a B Flight team wanted to tee it “Forward” into the C Flight they could – staying at their same indexes. With the three flights playing from different tees we used our B Flight tees as the base tee and adjusted each flights indexes based on this course rating (Per USGA recommendation). So our A Flight players received an additional one stroke, B Flight players remained the same and our C Flight players received two fewer strokes – all based on the difference in the course rating of the tees played. Why did we go to the trouble? 38
Players were able to compete from the tees they wanted to play from and we were able to award an Overall Champion Prize. The Overall Gross was limited to coming from the A Flight (Any player/ team moving forward to a shorter set of tees, as the B and C Flights did, would have had an advantage so they were ineligible for Overall Gross) but our Overall Net Champion was able to come from any Flight. They were able to come from any flight because we had adjusted indexes per the USGA recommendation for players competing against each other from different tees. We were able to field more teams and involve more players in the event and the Overall Prize.
SCPGA SEEKING JR. COACHES The SCPGA is seeking part time golf coaches who have a passion for golf and love working with children. The SCPGA has partnered with TGA Premier Junior Golf, a corporation which operates a nationwide after school enrichment program that uses golf as a vehicle to help children grow and achieve success on and off the golf course. We bring golf to the school campuses and introduce the game to students in hopes to create lifelong golfers. • Run introductory golf programs • 5-10 hours/week, must be available afternoons • $35-$50 per class, MSR credits available to PGA members • Locations throughout North County San Diego and Orange County. REQUIREMENTS: • Experience working with children (teaching/coaching groups of children) • Ability to communicate program details with parents and school administration • Capable of setting up/breaking down equipment and storage of equipment • Have reliable source of transportation • Basic golf knowledge • Enjoy working with children in a fun and safe environment CONTACT ANTHONY LEONE aleone@pgahq.com | 714.552.4872 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
CHRIS THOMAS, PGA YOU WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED
We are saddened to inform you that PGA Member & 15-year Northern California Section Executive Director Chris Thomas passed away suddenly and tragically. Chris was 54 years old and is survived by his wife Selina and two daughters, Tara & Taylor. Chris was a husband, father, leader, PGA Member, and a true friend to all of us. He impacted our lives in so many ways and we are truly heartbroken. Let us now come together to support his family. We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
STAFF HIGHLIGHT TRAVIS CUTLER The youngest out of six children, Travis Cutler was raised in a closeknit family in Arcadia. He excelled in all sports but found his love in soccer. At 16, his talent was nationally ranked as he was recruited to the US U-17 National Team. However, the decision was made to finish out high school instead of moving across the country; a decision that still makes him wonder “what-if.” Not long after, his friend took him to the range igniting a new spark. The only previous experience he had with the game was with an old set of his father’s clubs that had crusty grips. The family house had a large persimmon tree in the back where he would take swings at the fallen fruits with, believe it or not, persimmon woods. Like many, he was immediately hooked on the game and never looked back. He has tried his hand at a few different careers over the years, but something was still missing in his life. In the fall of 2014, he began working part-time with the SCPGA Junior Tour and after a few months, transitioned into a full-time position with the SCPGA. He truly enjoys working with kids and has found a passion in his role as a Junior Golf Manager. scpga.com
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