PRO VOLUME 43 | ISSUE 4 | FALL ISSUE 2016
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
Bringing Home The Bacon
KENNY PIGMAN, 2016 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPION 1
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Just Playing Through 2 0 1 6 R AV4 HYB R I D | 34M PG c ity
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2 01 6 EPA- est im a t e d m i l e a ge . A c t u a l m i l e a ge m a y v a r y.
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CONTENTS
PARTNERS
05 SCPGA PARTNERS
CAL STATE OPEN
24 GAZZOLO ETCHES NAME IN
LISTING
HISTORY
SCPGA SPECIAL AWARDS
WOMENS CAL STATE OPEN 25 SHE’S THE REAL DEAL
CALIFORNIA PGA SPECIAL AWARD HONOREES
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
“A” GAME
THE PRESIDENT
DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT
MEMBERSHIP
QUALIFIER
06 THE 2016 SOUTHERN
PROFESSIONAL-LADY 27 THE “B” TEAM BRINGS THEIR
07 THANK YOU FROM
28 DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT REGIONAL
08 ALL THINGS MEMBERSHIP
RYDER CUP
NEVER FORGET
SECTION REPORT 10 PULLING TOGETHER
29 AN EXPERIENCE HE WILL
COVER STORY 12 KENNY PIGMAN CAPTURES
OC SENIORS ASSOCIATION 31 OC SENIORS CELEBRATE
SCPGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 15 ARE YOU VALUABLE? MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP 16 THE LAST MAN STANDING SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP 18 MR. CLUTCH
ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP
SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
19 CROWNING CROWELL 20 REVIEW THE
CANDIDATES
PRO-ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP 23 BACK TO BACK CHAMPS
50 YEARS
TEACHER’S FORUM 32 THE TROUBLE WITH GOLF INSTRUCTION
JUNIOR RYDER CUP 35 SCPGA JR TOUR MEMBERS
MAKE JR RYDER CUP TEAM
CHAPTER CORNER 37 NOTES FROM THE
FIVE CHAPTERS
TOURNAMENT RECAP
38 SCPGA TOURNAMENT RESULTS
SECTION NOTES 39 NOTES FROM THE
SCPGA OFFICE
STAFF HIGHLIGHT MARSHALL GERLACH Marshall Gerlach was introduced to the game of golf, like many, from his father. Growing up in Gig Harbor, Washington, he did not play a lot growing up, spending most of his after school hours playing baseball and basketball. However, starting when he was 13, he began playing in the annual “Twin-vitational”, a tournament just for twins, at the nearby Horseshoe Lake Golf Course. Marshall has a twin brother Brandon who currently lives in Encinitas and works for TaylorMade. It wasn’t until 2007 that Marshall realized a passion for the game and began to consider golf as a career. That passion was realized after Marshall began caddying at the newly built Chambers Bay Golf Links. Fast forward four years and Marshall found himself enrolled at the Professional Golfers Career College in Temecula. While in school Marshall was working with the SCPGA’s Junior Tour and landed a full time position as a manager after graduation. He now works in the section’s Tournament Department and among other things, runs the section’s AAA division. When Marshall isn’t working he enjoys playing golf, rooting for his home town Seahawks, and enjoying the SoCal landscape! scpga.com
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10Things TO K N OW. . .
1. Did you know attending the Ryder Cup is a PGA member benefit? Plan for the 2018 Ryder Cup and bring your family! 2. Not only ask why, say why! 3. In 1960, Arnold Palmer won the Masters and United States Open and finished 2nd at the Open Championship and went on to win that event in 1961 at Royal Birkdale and defended his championship with a win in 1962 at Royal Troon. 4. Our Section Partner providing financial support to our tournament program, G-MAC, is short for Graeme McDowell. 5. In 2004, Mr. Palmer was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 6. The 2017 Southern California PGA Professional Championship will be held at Santa Maria Country Club. 7. Recently crowned Safeway Open champion Brendan Steele is from Idyllwild. 8. The SCPGA Junior Development Tour is available for those kids who would like to enjoy an introduction to competitive golf. 9. Our own Paul Levy took the seat as PGA President in New York City this month. 10. Alison Curdt and Nick Kumpis recognized by Golf Digest as Best Young Teachers in America, 2016-2017!
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ABOUT US
PRO
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA VOLUME 43, ISSUE 4 2016 FALL ISSUE THE PROGRAM IS PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
PRESIDENT | JOHN MCNAIR, PGA JC RESORTS VICE PRESIDENT | TODD KEEFER, PGA WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB SECRETARY | TONY LETENDRE, PGA FIRST TEE OF ORANGE COUNTY HONORARY PRESIDENT | JASON TAYLOR, PGA LORENA OCHOA FOUNDATION
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 ROBIN SHELTON, PGA SEACLIFF COUNTRY CLUB
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS SUSAN ROLL, PGA CARLSBAD GOLF CENTER
STEVE PLUMMER, GCSAA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF SERVICES
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES DESERT | KENDALL PALU, PGA CATHEDRAL CANYON COUNTRY CLUB
INLAND EMPIRE | STEVE ADAMIAK, PGA THE LEGENDS GOLF CLUB METROPOLITAN | MIKE VAN DER GOES, PGA TPC VALENCIA NORTHERN | MARK WILSON, PGA NORTH RANCH 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 | DEREK SPRAGUE, PGA MALONE GOLF CLUB VICE PRESIDENT | PAUL LEVY, PGA TOSCANA COUNTRY CLUB SECRETARY | SUZY WHALEY, PGA SUZY WHALEY GOLF 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 TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR | MAX DESPAIN MDESPAIN@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF DIRECTOR | KEVIN SMITH KSMITH@PGAHQ.COM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | BREANNE MITCHELL BMITCHELL@PGAHQ.COM MEMBERSHIP MANAGER | SHARON CURFMAN SCURFMAN@PGAHQ.COM PARTNER RELATIONS MANAGER | NICOLLE QUICK NQUICK@PGAHQ.COM FINANCE MANAGER | KRISTY CUSTER KCUSTER@PGAHQ.COM FOUNDATION MANAGER | MATT GILSON MGILSON@PGAHQ.COM MEETINGS & EVENTS MANAGER | ARIANA GOMEZ AGOMEZ@PGAHQ.COM HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER | TAYLOR VERMILLION TVERMILLION@PGAHQ.COM TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR | STEPHEN MONDAY SMONDAY@PGAHQ.COM TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR | MARSHALL GERLACH MGERLACH@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | TRAVIS CUTLER TCUTLER@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | EDDIE RODARTE, PGA ERODARTE@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | JAKE ELLISON JJELLISON@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF MANAGER | BRENT JOHNSTON BJOHNSTON@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR | BRYCE SEIVER BSEIVER@PGAHQ.COM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & GOLF IN SCHOOLS DIRECTOR | JUNKO SUZUKI, PGA JSUZUKI@PGAHQ.COM GOLF IN SCHOOLS TERRITORY MANAGER | ANTHONY LEONE ALEONE@PGAHQ.COM JUNIOR GOLF ASSISTANT | AMBERLYNN DORSEY ADORSEY@PGAHQ.COM
PGA OF AMERICA STAFF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL MANAGER NIKKI GATCH, PGA 760.534.1370 | NGATCH@PGAHQ.COM
EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT
KEN FERRELL, PGA 951.894.5024 | KFERRELL@PGAHQ.COM
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA 3333 CONCOURS STREET 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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T HA N K YOU TO THE FO L LOWING COMPANIES FOR SUPPORTING T HE G OL F P R O F E SSIO N A LS OF THE SOUTHERN CALI FORNI A PGA !
PARTNERS
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SECTION | SUPPORTING PARTNERS
SECTION | PRODUCT PARTNERS Official Radio of the Southern California PGA
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NATIONAL | PARTNERS
JUNIOR GOLF | PRESENTING PARTNERS
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FOUNDATION | PARTNERS
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SCPGA AWARD WINNERS
The 2016 Southern California PGA
Special Award Honorees
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Robin Shelton, PGA SeaCliff Country Club
HALL OF FAME Terry Wilcox, PGA Bob Husband, PGA Max Bayha, PGA (posthumously) HONOARY LIFE MEMBER Kevin Heaney SCGA Executive Director TEACHER OF THE YEAR Alison Curdt, PGA Wood Ranch Golf Club BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD Joe Grohman, PGA Navy Golf Course HORTON SMITH AWARD Shawn Cox, PGA Grand Del Mar ASSISTANT GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Sheldon Callahan, PGA Lomas Santa Fe Country Club PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD Geoff Dean, PGA PGA West
CLUBFITTER OF THE YEAR Erik Horve, PGA Tustin Ranch Golf Club
MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR, PUBLIC Jerry Dremel, PGA Admiral Baker Golf Course MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR, PRIVATE Terry Beardsley, PGA Eldorado Country Club MERCHANDISER OF THE YEAR, RESORT Bill Crist, PGA The Journey at Pechanga PLAYER OF THE YEAR Michael Block, PGA Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club AAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kenny Pigman, PGA Goose Creek Golf Club THE FOLLOWING WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT THE CEREMONY: President’s Award Women’s Player of the Year Women’s Apprentice Player of the Year Senior Player of the Year Super Senior Player of the Year
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD Heidi Richardson, PGA Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
JOIN US FOR THE SCPGA
Club Car Annual Meeting MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2016 RANCHO BERNARDO INN 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive San Diego, CA 92128 ranchobernardoinn.com SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 7:00am Registration & Breakfast 8:00am Annual Meeting & Election 11:45am Pinehurst Championship 11:45am AAA 2017 Kick-Off Event 6
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ATTIRE Men: Coat and Tie Women: Business Attire MSR Up to 4 MSR meeting credits and 2 MSR education credits Two spots are available on the SCPGA Board of Directors. Voting will take place during the SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting as well as the Absentee Ballot available on scpga.com.
VISIT SCPGA.COM TO SIGN UP! scpga.com
Thank You from the president
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Southern California PGA President, John McNair, PGA I author my final article for the PROgram Magazine with great reflection, not only as your president, but also for the years I served as an SCPGA board member. I want to extend my deepest appreciation for allowing me to serve as your President, including the centennial year of the PGA of America. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and for you as SCPGA President the past two years, striving to achieve greatness for our Section and membership. I believe we can look back over my term and see success, specifically from the implementation of our SCPGA/TGA Golf in Schools Program. It provides golf in an after-school setting, with the option for PGA professionals to instruct classes, which in-turn produces incremental income. Another success to mention is the SCPGA’s fully integrated education and player development programs. They provide numerous options and avenues for PGA professionals to improve, ultimately benefitting themselves and their facilities. Strategically and operationally, systems have been put in place that exhibit our fiduciary responsibility to the Section with financial, tournament, and player development programs. Our mission remains to increase incremental business at your facilities, and as mentioned earlier, provide comprehensive education and member benefit programs to you. As your President, I am very proud of the SCPGA’s extensive list of programs. The Section offers education at either no charge or a minimal fee, provided non-PGA attendees are also invited to avoid inurement issues. Some of our programs provided at no cost include Catalyst and LaunchPad Webinars, One-on-One Workshops, Section Meetings, and Cracker Barrels. If you take advantage and participate in these opportunities, it will save you direct dollars. Another opportunity available for PGA professionals is the SCPGA Link Program, which drives customers to you for golf instruction at your facility. The Section also promotes PGA scpga.com
professionals through SCPGA media channels including scpga.com, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram. The Section also advertises through Southland Golf Magazine, California Golf Magazine, and the SCGA via scga.org Directory, SCGA TV, and FORE Magazine. However, we are not done. Why? For the future growth of our business and additional employment opportunities for PGA members, the Section must continue to grow the game throughout all of California,
Addis, who have a great deal of energy and passion for you, our game, and our business. I can not thank each of them enough for their contribution to our effort during my presidency. I can honestly say that we are in such great hands for years to come with Todd Keefer as the incoming President, Tony Letendre as Vice President, and Robin Shelton as Secretary. Their commitment and involvement to the game, our section, and engagement with the membership is remarkable and I look forward to
SCPGA Secretary - Tony Letendre, SCPGA Vice President - Todd Keefer, SCPGA President - John McNair, PGA President - Derek Sprague, SCPGA Past President - Bill Hulbert
specifically in the Southern Region. We must take advantage of all educational opportunities that are out there to benefit us, and make us the best we can be in the challenging world of the golf business. We must remain engaged with our fellow PGA member, customer, facilities, and community to work toward success and to stay relevant in the business. I am very proud that the Section is in a great position through our player development programs and opportunities for all stages of the game. Our robust education, as mentioned above, allows PGA professionals the avenues to obtain their required MSR credits. Our investment account with Canterbury Consulting is in excellent condition and we are well protected for the future. We are also fortunate to have our outstanding staff, led by Tom PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
working with them as the Honorary President. Thank you to all of our Committees, Past Presidents, Officers, and Board Members for all your efforts, guidance, and encouragement. I owe a lot to Jason Taylor for pushing me to be more involved in our Section and Jeff Johnson for mentoring and leading me through the officer chairs. The thing I enjoyed most during my time on the Board and as an Officer has been the friendships that have formed and will continue for years to come. Serving as President has been an amazing experience. I appreciate all the support and for that, I thank you all. John McNair, PGA, is the Southern California PGA President, and Vice President at JC Resorts. John can be reached at jmcnair@jcresorts.com 7
MEMBERSHIP
All things membership!
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES & UPDATES WITHIN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
NEWLY PGA ELECTED MEMBERS Adam Bauman, PGA; Evan Biundo, PGA; Brian Campbell, PGA; Heather Colby, PGA; Steven Donar, PGA; Brandon Hagy, PGA; Jack Klein, PGA; Jeffrey Massa, PGA; Sung H, No, PGA; Paul O’Brien, PGA; James Robinson, PGA; Xander Schauffele, PGA; Benjamin Slobodien, PGA
NEWLY REGISTERED APPRENTICES Scott Andersen, Katelyn Anderson, Branden Augustus, Edward Bocanegr Jr., Timothy Boomer, Kody Carrillo, Andre Chiddick, Nicholas Gajefski, Ryan Keith, Dong Gun Kim, Jason Koh, Jae M. Lee, Scott Martinez, Frank O’Brien, Danielle O’Keefe, Jesse Powell, Nicholas Ruiz, Joshua Sanchez, Ted Shankle, Kevin Sheriff, Andrew Steiner, Raymond Teran ll, Ian Whiting, Jennifer Yoo and Zhao Zhao.
NEW PGA HALF CENTURY CLUB MEMBERS Patrick Rielly, PGA – Past President of the PGA of America
NEW PGA QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS Gregory Casagranda, PGA Cindy Kelliher, PGA Andy Gaither, PGA
DECEASED Jerry Anderson, PGA; Arnold Palmer, PGA; Tom Morgan
WELCOME WAGON Erik Brown, PGA Perry Dotson, PGA Joseph Glander, PGA Daniel Griffin, PGA Kelly Jensen, PGA John McComish, PGA Michael Reed, PGA David Stewart Dean Tonneslan, PGA Austin Westphal Daniel Wickman, PGA 8
Northern California Indiana Northern Ohio Northern California Midwest Section Pacific Northwest Northern California Southern Texas Northern California Pacific Northwest Southwest Section
MOVING UP
Sungmin Ahn, PGA Skylinks Golf Course
A-13
Nicholas Becks, PGA Meadowlark Golf Course
A-13
John Birchard, PGA Marrakesh Country Club
A-4
Brian Bohlig, PGA Annandale Golf Club
A-1
Stephen Boyland, PGA Palm Royale Country Club Antonio Chavez, PGA Yucaipa Valley Golf Club Steven Donar, PGA Fullerton Golf Club
NEWLY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS GABRIEL ALTSHULE, PGA
Successfully completed the requirements for A-1 becoming certified in Instruction A-13
JAMES CLAY, PGA
Successfully completed the requirements for A-13 becoming certified in General Management
JOHNATHAN FLEMING, PGA
Perry Dotson, PGA Mt. Woodson Country Club
A-1
Johnny Eusebio, PGA Brea Creek Golf Course
A-13
Joseph Glander, PGA The Club at Morningside
A-4 Successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in Player Development
Jonathan Goglia, PGA Hacienda Golf Club
A-1
Stan Gonzales, PGA The Golf Club of California
A-13 Successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in General Management
Jeffrey Hastings, PGA Dos Lagos Golf Club
A-13
Rick Johnson, PGA Boulder Oaks Golf Club
A-1
Michael Jones, PGA City of San Diego Golf Operations
A-13
Chris Kaczke, PGA Wood Ranch Golf Club
A-1
Frank Luchowski, PGA Soboba Springs
A-4
Daniel Marvosh, PGA Terranea Resort
A-1
Todd Massucci, PGA Palm Royale Country Club
A-4
Mark Range, PGA Antelope Valley Country Club
A-13
James Robinson, PGA Mission Hills Country Club
A-4
James Ruhland, PGA Balboa Park Golf Course
A-1
Steven Schaller, PGA Rancho Las Palmas Country Club
A-13
Justin Stelzer, PGA Rancho La Quinta Country Club
A-1
Tate Stull, PGA The Crossings at Carlsbad
A-13
Dean Tonneslan, PGA Antelope Valley Country Club
A-4
Seung H. Yoo, PGA Sierra Lakes Golf Club
A-1
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Successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in Instruction
NIKKI GATCH, PGA
SEAN KELLER, PGA
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The following are members who recently attended a Membership Orientation at SCPGA Headquarters
Southern Califo EVAN BIUNDO
Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club A-8 To spend every minute of my career in an environment I love, helping others enjoy the great game of golf.
JONATHAN FLEMING
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo A-12 I became a PGA Professional so I could share my passion with others. It is an honor and privilege to be part of such an amazing association and I look forward to doing my part in growing this incredible game for years to come. scpga.com
BRANDON FOX
Glen Ivy Golf Club A-1 Running a company, moving up in a corporate way, in a sport that I thoroughly enjoy.
LILY GARCIAKUROTOBI
Industry Hills Golf Club A-6 I have a passion for the game of golf. I love teaching kids and adults, and want to reach out to as many people I can to grow the game. I love to see and hear my students improve their game and as a person.
ANDREW LARKIN
UCLA A-12 Continue my growth as a coach and a teacher of the game.
MARISSA PATTERSONEGNER
Indians Wells Golf Resort A-8 To be able to teach others about the game of golf and to provide enjoyment for others to grow the game.
RYAN PRIOR
Redlands Country Club A-8 To further my career in the golf industry, couldn’t imagine being in any other industry.
ERIC SMITH
Desert Willow Golf Resort A-8 Love the game of golf, and being able to make a career was something I could not pass up.
SAVE
the DATE
NOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
AAA NORTH/SOUTH CUP MATCHES November 14-15 | Indian Wells Golf Resort MEMBER ORIENTATION November 15 | SCPGA Headquarters CATALYST WEBINAR November 16 | GoToWebinar WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP November 16-17 | Wood Ranch Golf Club INLAND EMPIRE CUP MATCHES November 19-20 | Champions Club at Retreat, Goose Creek Golf Club SUPERINTENDENT-PROFESSIONALMANAGER CHAMPIONSHIP November 21 | Tijeras Creek Golf Club
JEFF LARSEN
La Costa Resort A-8 I made a career choice in golf for quality of life reasons. To be around people on a daily basis with common interests is appealing and rewarding.
MONTA SOKOLOVSKA
California Country Club A-1 To be part of something bigger, be able use resources to grow the game and business.
APPRENTICE ORIENTATION November 22 | SCPGA Headquarters SR: JOE ROBINSON MEMORIAL November 28 | Jurupa Hills Country Club SCPGA PRESIDENT’S DINNER December 4 | Rancho Bernardo Inn
CONOR LAVIN
Riviera Country Club A-8 I love to teach, enjoy meeting people in golf - members, guests, professionals, clients, etc. Like to manage/run golf facility in the near future.
STEVE PARK
Rustic Canyon Golf Course A-8 I have the opportunity to spread the joy of golf to the general public. My passion and belief revolves around achieving excellence in the mind and body connection. Golf offers an opportunity to exercise this along with a continued appreciation for nature, and I’d like to share my experiences with others. scpga.com
JACKSON VANCE
Desert Willow Golf Resort A-8 To grow the game of golf and share my passion with others.
CODY VUKOVICH
Mile Square Golf Course A-6 Growing up, the game of golf taught me many valuable life lessons and I wanted to help grow the game that has given me so much over the years.
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SCPGA CLUB CAR ANNUAL MEETING December 5 | Rancho Bernardo Inn SR: INDIVIDUAL STABLEFORD CHAMPIONSHIP December 7 | Alhambra Golf Course HONORS CUP MATCHES December 11-12 | La Quinta Country Club WOMEN’S TEAM MATCHES December 15-16 | Mission Hills Country Club DESERT CHAPTER: ANNUAL MEETING December 20 | TBD
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PULL IN G TO GET H E R By Southern California PGA CEO/Executive Director, Tom Addis III, PGA
The golf business is a very complex industry due to the various departments at each golf facility and how they each fit together as a whole. The golf industry is no different with the many golf courses, organizations, manufacturers/ suppliers, developments, different charities and associations. Due to the complexity of our business and the different pieces, it is essential
feel our relationship with these associations and organizations is important for the continued growth of the game through player development and marketing to bring more golfers into the game and retain more golfers in the game which in-turn benefits everyone. A very good example of associations and organizations working together is the California Alliance for Golf, an advocacy group supported by the Section to monitor California State legislation and other
and serve as a watchdog group for legislation such as taxation, fees, water and the like. CAG and allied groups also provide the funding for a statewide economic and environmental report that has been distributed in 2008 and 2013. The relationship the SCPGA enjoys with the Southern California Golf Association is a top priority for our Section and the opportunity to work with the SCGA for the betterment of the game and the growth of the game throughout
Aloha Section
everyone pulls together for the success of our game and sport. It’s for this reason, I’m going to point out the associations that are so integral to the golf business and the sport. Golf has so many associations such as our own SCPGA: PGA of America, PGA Tour, LPGA, GCSAA, USGA, PWGA, WGANC, NGCOA, CMAA, NCA, ASGCA, GCBAA, AGM, CAG, CGCOA, SCGA, WSCGA, OCSGA, NGF, EWGA, AJGA, LOGF, FCGT, TGA, SDJGA, VJGA, NCJGA, TWLC, VCJGA, NCGA, NCPGA, SDCWGA, IAGA, NCAA, WGF, CTLF, NAGA, NAAG, NAIA, GAA, PGCC, PGMU and many, many more. We 10
initiatives that might impact golf and recreation business. CAG, as it’s known, is comprised of the Southern California Section, the Northern California Section, the SCGA and the NCGA along with the California Golf Course Owners Association, the SoCal Municipal Golf Association, the SCWGA, the California Golf Course Superintendents Association, Club Managers Association, California Turf and Landscape Foundation, the Pacific Women’s Golf Association, the Women’s Golf Association of Northern California, for example. CAG and the SCPGA provide lobbying assistance in Sacramento PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Southern California is critical. We are a huge supporter of the SCGA Junior Program (formerly known as Youth on Course), the golf course access program many of you participate with to bring kids to your golf courses for a max $5 fee and $2 practice ball fees. We will coop programs and the re-designed Norwalk Golf Center with the SCGA such as bringing our Junior Development Program, TGA/SCPGA Golf in Schools and Neighborhood Golf to the newly renovated 9-hole short course. We are very excited about the alliance with the SCGA in Norwalk and look to work together scpga.com
in future programs. Each year the SCGA staff and the SCPGA staff get together for a strategic session as do the SCGA Executive Committee and the SCPGA Executive Committee. We also share the popular Honors Cup Matches where the SCPGA’s top twelve compete in a Ryder Cup style match with the top twelve from the SCGA every other year. We also enjoy the same type matches with the Women’s Golf Council of Southern California (consisting of the WSCGA, Desert Women’s GA, SDCWGA and the Women’s Public Links Golf Association) and the Section’s top women professionals each year. Another alliance is with the NCPGA and the biannual California Cup Matches that were first played in 2015, the opposite year of the Honors Matches. Others who have created alliances so important to the game
SECTION SCGA Junior as referred REPORT to above, the Future Champions Golf, the AJGA, the San Diego Junior Golf Association – known as the forerunner of all junior golf programs in the U.S.; the Junior World, the World Stars of Junior Golf, the North County Junior Golf Association, the Valley Junior Golf Association, the Santa Barbara Junior Golf Tour and the Ventura Country Junior Golf Association all working together whether it being sharing players, sharing dates or running qualifiers for each other. Southern California is one of the more successful regions in the Country for junior golf and we’re all very proud of the opportunities here in Southern California. The SCPGA also works very closely with the junior associations in Northern California and around the West to
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Northern California
Orange County Seniors Golf Association
are the LPGA/USGA Girls Golf; the Masters, USGA, PGA of America for Drive, Chip & Putt; the World Golf Foundation and the First Tee that includes organizations such as the USGA, the PGA, the CMAA, the PGA Tour and the LPGA; the National Golf Foundation and the National Golf Course Owners Association and their boards of directors that also include representatives from the major golf associations, golf facilities and golf management companies. Another example, we have a number of junior golf programs in Southern California including our very successful Junior Tour, the scpga.com
provide playing opportunities for boys and girls, especially in team events that have become so popular in golf. All in all, just like any successful team, our allied groups working together will provide for success in the field and keep our game and business alive and hopefully our PGA professionals and their facilities prospering in the future. Tom Addis, 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. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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COVER STORY
KENNY PIGMAN CAPTURES SCPGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The Southern California PGA Professional Championship added a new name to the list of Champions at TPC Valencia on September 12-14 with Kenny Pigman, PGA, taking the honors doubling the winning margin over the field to win the coveted Championship. Pigman, of Goose Creek Golf Club, separated himself from the field with three impressive rounds under par posting 70-66-70 for a 54-hole total of 206 (-10) and a five shot victory. TPC Valencia was a true Championship test having only six players finish under par. The cooler weather and winds hung around for the duration of the event but the ever-changing conditions didn’t alter Pigman’s charge. Kenny’s second round of 66 gave him separation heading into the final 18-holes and he didn’t slow down, getting off to a fast 12
start in the final round birding four of the first eight holes. This strong start allowed Pigman to put it into cruise control on his closing nine, finishing with a final round of 70. Pigman was a birdie machine tallying 18 birdies through the 54-holes competition, having a streak of five birdies in a row in the second round. Brian Smock, PGA, and Michael Block, PGA, were chasing Pigman and applying the pressure down the stretch, but it was too little too late, even after Pigman bogeyed the final two holes of the Championship. Block, of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, had a final round of 66 (-6) to tie low round of the Championship with Pigman and finish at 5-under par (7273-66). This would put Block tied for second with Coronado’s Smock, who carded a final round of 69 (71-71-69) to finish at 211 for the three days. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Pigman, who has been a PGA Member for only 14 months, participated in just his second Section Championship. In his first showing last year at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club, Pigman finished tied for 27th. Using that experience topped with sheer talent, Kenny showed up for the main event this year to etch his name along with some of the greats in Southern California golf being the 91st Champion. With this victory, Pigman earns an exemption into the 2017 PGA TOUR’s CareerBuilder Challenge hosted at PGA West in La Quinta. The Section Championship also serves as the National Qualifier for the PGA Professional Championship which will be hosted at Sunriver Resort in Sun River, Oregon next June. Pigman along with ten other Professionals will represent Southern scpga.com
Brian Smock, PGA
California at that Championship. Those Professionals who successfully qualified are: Pigman; Smock of Coronado Golf Course; Andrew Larkin of UCLA; Jon Fiedler of Las Posas Country Club; Chad Sorensen of Buena Vista Golf Course; Alan Scheer of Steele Canyon Golf Club; Scott Heyn of Oakmont Country Club; Bruce Nakamura of Aviara Golf Academy; Steve Holmes of Westlake Golf Club and Blair Harkins of Rolling Hills Country Club. Block, of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, had previously qualified for the Nationals with his Top 10 finish at this year’s Championship and as the 2015 PGA Professional Championship Champion. Congratulations and best to luck to these SCPGA Professionals! Congratulations are also in order to Petra Cole, who made a hole-inone during round two! A very big thank you goes to the host facility, TPC Valencia. General Manager Mike van der Goes, PGA,
Petra Cole makes Hole-in-One! scpga.com
who was instrumental in the success of the Championship. Thank you to their entire staff and TPC Valencia membership for being so welcoming and for opening their doors. A special thanks goes to CGCS Course Superintendent Sean Moore and his entire crew. Also, thank you to the Rules Committee and Announcers who volunteered their time and assisted in the Section Championship: Ron O’Connor, PGA, Gary Albin, Lee Wortman, Tom Wallace, Keith Reinking, Gary Wilson, Bob Lowe, Robin Shelton, PGA, Todd Keefer, PGA, Andy Thuney, PGA, Tom Addis, PGA, and Steve Frank. Finally, thank you to all the partners that made the Section Championship possible: National Presenting Partners MercedesBenz, Club Car, OMEGA, National Supporting Partners PGA TOUR, TaylorMade, Nike, Titleist and
Past Champions Dinner
Section partners Pepsi, ForeFitness, GMAC Apparel, Sterling Cut Glass, Impact Canopies and JaniKing. Their continued support is essential to the success of the SCPGA Championship.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -10, 206, $11,000 T2 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -9, 211, $6,350 T2 Brian Smock, Coronado G.C.,-9, 211, $6,350 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
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Are you Valuable? What are you really worth to your facility?
PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
By PGA Player Development Regional Manager, Nikki Gatch, PGA Of course you are valuable! The argument could be made that the PGA Professional is one of the most valuable assets a facility has. PGA Professionals at a facility have the best opportunity to engage with their customers and members, help them with their golf game, and drive revenue to their facilities! But are you taking advantage of that opportunity to engage? Utilizing player development principles is one of the best ways to engage with your customers. Did you know that according to a survey, the top three priorities golfers have are*: #3: SHOOT THEIR LOWEST SCORE #2: HIT MORE GOOD SHOTS, AND LESS BAD SHOTS #1: HAVE FUN WITH FRIENDS What person at your facility can help your golfers achieve what they’re looking for? IT’S YOU! THE PGA PROFESSIONAL! So many of you continue to create and provide outstanding programs at your facility. We have seen tremendous growth in player development programming across our Section, both in the adult sector and in junior golf programming. One key to a successful player development program(s), and one that unfortunately gets overlooked, is MEASURING and COMMUNICATING your success. It’s vitally important to know the impact your programming is having on the overall business of the facility. Have rounds increased? Has revenue increased in food & beverage, merchandise & equipment sales, or potential new memberships? This information is extremely powerful and of great importance. Think of the impact you could have if you shared with your Supervisor, Board of Directors, Management Company, etc., that your player development efforts not only increased lesson revenue, but also had an impact on the overall increase in rounds and revenue at the facility! Now that is value, and that is proving your worth to the facility. Again, not all employees have the ability or opportunity to showcase their value in this way – take advantage of that! And the PGA has the tools to help you with this. As we near the end of another year, scpga.com *Survey conducted by Retail Tribe 2015
now is the perfect time to utilize the REVENUE SCORECARD to evaluate and celebrate your successes from this year and identify opportunities for growth. This is a great tool to help you emphasize the impact player development can have on your facility. This tool has proven to be valuable for many professionals in validating their influence at the facility, to helping them negotiate an increase in
salary, and in justifying the need for additional staff. I encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the process. This can be completed on PGA.ORG. After inputting data related to your programs, you will receive a summary of the revenue generated, including all ancillary outlets as a result of your efforts. We also have created a Player Development Business Plan in order to help you properly plan your player development programming for the upcoming year. We forecast and budget for all areas of the operation, why not in Player Development? So take advantage of the resources and tools that are available to you. Evaluate and celebrate your success this year, set a plan and goals for 2017, and DEMONSTRATE YOUR VALUE! Nikki Gatch, PGA, PGA Development Regional Manager at the PGA of America for Southern California and Aloha Sections. Nikki can be reached at ngatch@pgahq.com. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Chandler Withington, Head Golf Professional
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MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
2016 SCPGA Match Play Champion, Steve Holmes, PGA
THE LAST MAN STANDING Since its inception, the Match Play Championship has been one of the premier events on the SCPGA Tournament Calendar. Being crowned Match Play Champion is synonymous with words such as greatness, grit and determination. On July 11, thirty-two talented SCPGA professionals stepped onto the first tee at Pauma Valley Country Club with history in mind. They all wanted to be the lone survivor and hoist the coveted Match Play Trophy high in the air, knowing that they had accomplished something special. The first day was comprised of the morning round of 32, followed by the round of 16 in the afternoon. The lower seeded players, or favorites, (based on 2015 POY points) had no trouble moving on in the morning matches. The only “upset” in the morning was number 25 ranked Andrew Larkin, PGA, taking down the number eight-ranked veteran Chris Starkjohann, PGA, 3 & 1. The afternoon matches saw much of the same, as the majority of the favorites moved on to set up some exciting day two matches. The quarterfinals began promptly at 7:30am the next day and were highlighted by good story lines in each of the four matches. Match one saw 2014 SCPGA Section Champion Ryan Kennedy, PGA, versus 2015 SCPGA 16
Section Champion Chad Sorensen, PGA. This match saw Sorensen prove why he is such an outstanding player, and the current Section Champion, by winning his match 4 & 3. Match two was reining SCPGA Player of the Year Michael Block, PGA, against his buddy Kenny Pigman, PGA, who said to Block, “he was coming for him in 2016.” The “young gun” Pigman showed that his game is top notch and defeated Block 2 & 1. Match three placed the wily veteran Gary Sowinski, PGA, against Don Littrell, PGA who, along with Block, was coming off of a strong finish in the PGA National PGA Professional Championship in New York. Even though Sowinski is almost twice Littrell’s age, he proved that age is just a number by winning the match 5 & 4. The final match of the morning was the defending Match Play Champion Jamie Puterbaugh, PGA, against the proud UCLA Bruin Steve Holmes, PGA. Holmes was victorious over Puterbaugh by a score of 7 & 6. After the quarterfinal matches were complete, only four PGA Professionals still had match play life: Holmes, Sowinksi, Pigman, and Sorensen. They could taste victory, but knew there was still a lot of golf left against some great players. The first semifinal match pitted Holmes against Sowinski, and after a PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
back and forth battle, it was Holmes that moved on after winning the match 2 & 1. The second semifinal match consisted of the up-and-comer Pigman against Sorensen. After a birdie barrage on his scorecard, Pigman was able to advance to the final against Holmes, winning 4 & 3. The stage was then set for an all-star final match between Holmes and Pigman. The momentum of the match was clearly in favor of Holmes, who took a one-up lead after 9 holes. The lead then doubled to two holes for Holmes after Pigman double bogeyed the tricky 10th hole. Pigman was then able to claw back by carding three birdies on the next seven holes. This birdie barrage by Pigman led to Holmes standing on the eighteenth tee with a one up advantage. As Holmes was standing over his tee shot, he knew that playing conservatively would be his best option to win the match, but that thought process all went out the window when he hooked his tee shot into the practice range. This opened the door for Pigman, and with a winning par, the match moved to extra holes. The nineteenth hole of the match, a 532-yard, par 5, showcased just how important the short game is. After belting two shots, Pigman’s ball found the green side bunker while Holmes was laying three near the putting surface. Pigman stepped into the bunker, dug in and swung hard – unfortunately the golf ball did not come out. He was forced to hit the same shot again, this time his ball barely snuck out of the bunker and onto the fringe. Pigman then hit a phenomenal chip shot next to the pin, and tapped in for a bogey. This opened the door wide open for Holmes; and after hitting a quality pitch shot, all that was left for glory and the win was a three foot putt for par. When the ball found the bottom of the cup, Steve Holmes claimed the trophy and the title of 2016 SCPGA Match Play Champion. Thank you to the partners of the event: PGA TOUR, Sterling Cut Glass, and Pepsi. A special thank you to host PGA General Manager Paul Devine, Course Superintendent Doug Rudolph, and the staff at Pauma Valley Country Club for their generous hospitality. Thanks to SCPGA rules officials Ron O’Connor, PGA, and Keith Reinking for volunteering their time and rules expertise at the championship.
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SENIOR SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
MR. CLUTCH
The Southern California PGA kicked off its 2016 Championship season with the Senior Section Championship on August 22nd and 23rd. This year’s event, held at the scenic Rustic Canyon Golf Course, had a field of 82 accomplished Senior PGA members vying for the title of Champion, their name etched into the prestigious Joe Robinson – Roy P. Denney Perpetual Trophy, and a spot into the Senior Professional National Championship. The Championship buzz was in the air on the morning of the first day. As the players arrived they were treated to personal stretches, massages, and fitness tips on the driving range from one of the event’s partners, Fore Fitness Golf. The participants were also treated to ice cold Aquafina water and Gatorade on the first and tenth tee boxes from product sponsor, Pepsi. These individualized fitness sessions and electrolytes in their body seemed to be the key for great golf, as 24 players were able to post rounds of even par or better for the first round. However none was better than PGA Professional Paul Dietsche, of Redlands Country Club, who carded an impressive 68 (-4), which included an eagle and three birdies, to hold onto the overnight lead by one shot. The second, and final, day of the Championship was action packed as each player in the field knew that they must make a move, to not only become Champion, but to also earn that coveted invite into the Senior PGA 18
Senior Section PGA Professional Champion, Gary Sowinski, PGA
Professional Championship. The final grouping of Paul Dietsche and Gary Sowinski saw the most action of the day as both players went back and forth for the lead. After nine holes, Dietsche held a one shot lead but stumbled on the final holes to open the door for Sowinski. On the 18th tee box, both players were tied for the Championship lead, making the event a two player race on the final hole. Both players hit great drives down the middle of the fairway and both found the green on their second shots setting themselves up for pressure putts to take the Championship. Dietsche was the first to play and left his birdie chance woefully short. After seeing this, Sowinski knew that this was his opportunity and calmly drained his 15foot birdie putt to post a two day total of 139 and become the 2016 Section Senior PGA Champion! Congratulations and well deserved Gary! Congratulations to the following 10 PGA Professionals who earned an invitation to represent themselves, their club or their affiliation and the SCPGA at the 2016 Senior PGA Professional Championship: Gary Sowinski (The Hodges Golf and Learning Center), Gregory Casagranda (The Hodges Golf Learning Center), Mike Mitchell (Hideaway Golf Club), Paul Dietsche (Redlands Country Club), Mickey Yokoi (Long Beach State University), Mike Fergin (Mesa Verde Country Club), Jon Fiedler (Las Posas Country Club), Alexander Valentine (Travel Leader La PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Costa), Jim Detrixhe (Riviera County Club) and Barry Mahlberg (Stadium Golf Center). Thank you to the partners of the 2016 Senior Section Championship: PGA TOUR, Mercedes-Benz, Yamaha, JaniKing, Fore Fitness, and Pepsi. The SCPGA and participants in the field greatly appreciate your partnership. A special thank you to Rodney Scott, PGA, and the staff at Rustic Canyon Golf Course. The golf course was in great condition, and each staff member went above and beyond to provide outstanding hospitality. Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the following SCPGA rules officials who donated their time and rules expertise to the Championship: Lee Wortman, Tom Wallace, Gary Wilson, and Ron O’Connor, PGA.
SENIOR SECTION PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Gary Sowinski, The Hodges Golf Learning Center, -5, 139, $1,700 T2 Gregory Casagranda, The Hodges Golf Learning Center, -3, 141, $833 T2 Mike Mitchell, Hidaway G.C., -3, 141, $833 T2 Paul Dietsche, Redlands C.C., -3, 141, $833 scpga.com
ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP
CROWNING
CROWELL
Southern California PGA Assistant Champion, Jerry Crowell, PGA
61 Assistant Golf Professionals took the trip to Orange County to test their skills at the gorgeous El Niguel Country Club, playing for the title of 2016 Southern California National Car Rental Assistant Champion. Each participant had their sights set on having their name engraved in the perpetual trophy and punching their ticket to the 40th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship at the PGA Golf Club’s Wanamaker Course in Port St. Lucie. The first round of the Championship began promptly at 8:30am, and many of the “young guns” in the field came out of the gates quickly. Names such as reigning AAA Champion, Michael Nimtz of The Crosby, and nearby PGA apprentice, Lyon Lazare of Aliso Viejo Country Club, were shooting up the leaderboard as they hunted down birdies, and the occasional eagle, that was available on the course. When the dust settled after the first round, 14 players posted a score of even par or better to set up an exciting finish to the Championship. The second round saw much different results, as the coastal winds began to pick up. These conditions didn’t bode well for the “young guns” in the field as they started to slip down the leaderboard. However, the more experienced players found the breeze a perfect complement to their golf game. Players such as Bobby Nickell of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Ross Marcano, PGA, of Barona Creek Golf Club began to post some solid numbers in their afternoon rounds. However, it was one of the oldest players in the field that was able to light it up the scoreboard in round two. At age 51, Jerry Crowell, PGA, of scpga.com
Goose Creek Golf Club, went on a rampage posting an impressive bogeyfree final round of five-under par 67. This score, along with his first round score of 72, gave him a total of 139, which was enough to be crowned the 2016 National Car Rental Southern California Assistant Champion. Congratulations, and well played Jerry! Congratulations also go to the following PGA Apprentices, who will join Crowell in representing themselves, their clubs, and the Southern California Section at the 40th National Car Rental PGA Assistant Championship: Michael Nimtz of The Crosby, Lyon Lazare of Aliso Viejo Country Club and Bobby Nickell of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. Thank you to the partners: National Car Rental, Cleveland/Srixon/XXIO, and Section partners Sterling Cut Glass, and Pepsi. A special thank you to host PGA Professional Craig Plumley and the entire staff at El Niguel Country Club. Thank you to the following SCPGA rules officials who donated their time and expertise – Gary Albin, Lance Wrobel, and Ron O’Connor, PGA.
ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Jerry Crowell, Goose Creek G.C., -5, 139, $1,000 2 Michael Nimtz, The Crosby, -4, 140, $625 T3 Lyon Lazare, Aliso Viejo C.C., -3, 141, $400 T3 Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -3, 141, $400 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
PGA OF AMERICA GLOBAL EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM Golf is truly a global game, and the PGA of America is making sure its members are positioned to help grow the sport around the world. The PGA of America has partnered with Colt Mackenzie McNair (CMM) – the leading executive recruitment specialist in golf markets outside the U.S. – in an effort to support PGA Professionals in finding and securing international employment opportunities. Of the more than 33,000 golf facilities in the world, approximately 45% are in the U.S. CMM has recruitment expertise in areas of the world that account for 47% of the remaining golf facilities: Europe (22%), the Asia Pacific region (20%), Africa (3%) and Latin America (2%). There are also roughly 500 golf course projects underway internationally – many based on resort or real estate projects – that would likely benefit from the expertise of PGA of America Professionals. Nearly half of those golf projects are concentrated in India, China and Vietnam. Insuring your CareerLinks Profile is set up to receive international postings: Your Career Links profile matches your experience and qualifications to Career Links job notifications. Be sure to continually update your CareerLinks profile with your new work experience and skills. Your likelihood of matching a posting increases by doing so. To edit for international postings: • Log into PGA.org and click into the Employment page • Scroll down and click on CareerLinks Profile, then Edit Profile • At the bottom of the page under the drop down box, click on item #10- relocation preferences. On that page, #4 asks what countries you are interested in receiving postings for. Click on those interested, then Save Responses • You might review #8 also if you speak a foreign language and click and save any that are applicable. PGA Professionals who are interested in learning more about global employment opportunities can log on to PGA.org/employment for additional information. There you can read interviews conducted with PGA professionals working abroad, facts and information about specific countries, and view videos about living abroad. Please let me know if I can further assist you with your questions on global opportunities for PGA professionals. Ken Ferrell, PGA, PGA Employment Consultant at the PGA of America for the Southern California Section. Ken can be reached at kferrell@pgahq.com and 951.324.3665 19
Review the SCPGA Board of Directors Candidates The following PGA Members are running for two At-Large 2016-2018 Southern California PGA Board of Directors positions. Voting will take place December 5th 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
Daniel Adkins, Trump National Golf Club As a college student at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, I enjoyed being a part of the PGM Student Society Executive Board. I served one year as the Social and Community Service Chair and the following two years as the Representative of my respective class level. It was a great experience to be a part of the future of our PGM and ensuring that we only looked forward and improved upon how and what things we did in the past or currently. It also allowed me to become connected with many other students in the other classes due to interactions for events as well as assisting them if they had any additional questions or concerns at any time. I would enjoy the opportunity to do the same for the SCPGA as a Board Member to be alongside some of the best PGA Professionals in Southern Cal making an impact on the game and business of golf. This is an opportunity to learn and stretch my abilities to a higher level by being more involved with my fellow Board Members and the Southern California Section.
Randy Chang, Journey at Pechanga, Talega Golf Club I have been a PGA golf professional for over 20 years and in the golf business for over 30 years. I’ve served on the Board of Directors at the Chapter level both in the Metro Chapter and currently on the Inland Empire Chapter board as Apprentice Chairman. I have served the last two years on the section board as a director at large and feel like I’m just getting started in making some significant contributions to our section members and apprentices. What I have learned from getting involved and working with the professionals that have influenced and built what we have today, has lead to a successful career as a PGA professional. I am in the position now and have the time to give back to the industry that has given me so much. 1995 SCPGA Junior Golf Leader of the Year, 1998 SCPGA Section Merchandiser of the Year, 2002 Aloha Section PGA Teacher of the Year, 2003-2004 Top Teacher in the Aloha Section 2004 Nationally Recognized Teacher by Golf Digest 2005 Top Teachers in Southern California by Golf Magazine 2009 SCPGA Metro Teacher of the Year, 2010 SCPGA Section Teacher of the Year, 2016 Youth Player Development Award, Golf Channel Academy Instructor. I was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, graduating from the University of Portland with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management & Philosophy. I played for my college golf team on scholarship for three years. After college I turned professional and played on various mini tours in Southern California and Canada. I have worked within the golfing industry as a Head Professional, Director of Golf, General Manager, and Teaching Professional/ Custom Club Fitter for the first 15 years of my career. Currently, I own and manage multiple golf schools throughout Southern California and Hawaii.
THE SCPGA HEADQUARTERS IS AN OFFICIAL DROP-OFF SITE
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Derek Hardy, Life Member Active I have been a member of the PGA since 1958. I served on the SCPGA board of directors from 1998/2001. I served on the board of directors of the Carolinas from 1979/02. I have also served going through the chairs, finally becoming President of the Metropolitan Chapter. I also was an officer in the NCPGA chapter. I served 18 years on the faculty of the PGA Business Schools. I have won many awards in the chapters, also Teacher of the Year, Horton Smith Award, Bill Strausbaugh Award for the SCPGA Section. I won the Horton Smith award for the Carolinas Section. In 2009, I won the National Award for Horton Smith Award. I have served on many chapter and section committees including chairman of some. As you can see, I have a large resume of service to the PGA of America. I am semi-retired now, so I have lots of time and experience to dedicate to the board for wherever they wish to use me. A wise old man would be a good fit for our section. I still have the desire to serve and I would deem it a privilege to serve again.
Eric Mitchell, Anaheim Hills Golf Club 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 as well as the Metro Chapter Board. 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 the golf industry is shared with all the great golf professionals throughout our amazing SCPGA section. What I was taught very early in my career was this business is not just about what we can gain through our ample avenues of benefits. Rather it is more about what we can give back to our business, industry and our fellow professionals. I have been given the gift of some very influential mentors who have pressed the importance of service and mentorship. These values are the backbone of my approach for my career. Through these principles I have found my calling, which is serving our section in various ways by offering my time as well as being a mentor to those future professionals coming behind me. If I were told just a few years ago I would become involved in educating others and becoming a mentor to apprentices, it would have been a surprise. Now, however, it has become something I truly enjoy doing. This service resonates so passionately with me because it brings the entire purpose of our profession to full circle. We receive, if fortunate, mentorship from the great past professionals who have already been where we are heading. With this, we change into the professionals needed to serve today and provide excellence to our industry. Finally, we share that gift with those who are following behind ourselves. It is such an exciting process of knowledge and skills being carried on for generations past, present, and future. With this, I proudly send in my intention to run for our SCPGA Board of Directors. I look to take this amazing opportunity given through serving in this capacity to propel what’s needed for opening doors to our future generations of professionals to come. Thank you very much.
Kendall Palu, Cathedral Canyon Country Club It has been an honor to serve as the Desert Chapter Representative on the Section Board for the last two years. With my term ending, I am now seeking your support for election as an At-large Director. In 2009, my wife Alicia and I moved to the Desert to be closer to my twins who lived in Temecula. Today, my daughter is a freshman at UC Santa Cruz. My son is attending Palomar College and works guest services at Desert Princess. Also in 2009, I was elected to the Board of Directors as Awards Chair. I have served terms as Secretary, Vice-President and most recently President. As a board member, I have tried to be an advocate and voice for the Desert Chapter at what I believe to be the best section among the 41 sections. My career started at Pebble Beach Company where I worked for eleven years. Prior to moving to the Desert, I was employed in the Colorado Section for three years. I am currently on my second stint as Head Professional with Cathedral Canyon Golf Club in Cathedral City. I truly love serving on the Board of Directors and feel that I still have much to contribute. I have seen the dedication from our current board members that we as section professionals have for the game of golf, our community, and our brand. It would be great pleasure to serve and help our brand the next two years as a voice to not only the Desert Chapter, but our entire membership in SCPGA Section. scpga.com
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PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP
KBS EDUCATION CENTER KBS EDUCATION CENTER
EARN MSR CREDIT EARN MSR THROUGH CREDITKBS BACK TO BACK CHAMPS THROUGH KBS 2016 SCPGA Professional-Assistant Champions, Chad Sorensen, PGA & Alan Sorensen, PGA
The 2016 Professional–Assistant Championship carried on the legacy of being one of the most popular tournaments on the SCPGA calendar. Being held at the gorgeous Mission Hills Country Club; the event was chalked full of outstanding partner giveaways and contests, delicious IN-N-OUT burgers, a fishing contest, and most of all, a fun and laid back environment. The first day of the championship saw 180 players ascend onto the grounds of Mission Hills Country Club. However before the birdies could be marked on the scorecard, the players were treated to a meet and greet with a few of the partners of the event and a cheeseburger on the driving range. Promptly at noon the players with their clubs, sunblock, and lots of cold beverages to combat the wicked heat kicked off the first round on both the Pete Dye Challenge Course and Dinah Shore Tournament Course. The conditions for Round 1 were conducive to great scoring opportunities, as there were over 500 birdies made on both courses. This equated to great team scores, but none was more phenomenal than the defending champions, PGA Professionals Chad and Alan Sorensen, score of 58. The Sorensen brothers carded 12 birdies and an eagle to hold a 3 shot lead heading into the final round. Following Round 1, the third annual fishing derby took place on the lakes of Mission Hills Country Club. Participants were casting their lines for an opportunity to win a fishing excursion donated by Dana Wharf, and some fantastic prizes by Bass Pro Shops. After an hour of fishing; the biggest fish, at 18”, was caught by Ross Marcano, PGA followed by a 16” fish caught by Jim Gormley, PGA. scpga.com
For the second, and final, round of the championship, each team did what they could to chase down the dynamic brother duo, but the Sorensen’s would not let off the gas pedal. They continued their extraordinary play by penciling in 10 birdies on their card, to coast to a 5 shot victory. Congratulations to the 2016 SCPGA Pro-Assistant Champions: Chad and Alan Sorensen! Also, congratulations to the three PGA professionals who recorded an ace: Troy Ferguson, Paul Guerra, and Toby Todd. Troy Ferguson won an Ireland golf bucket list trip by Garmany Golf, and Paul Guerra’s won lifetime club shipping by Caddy-X. Thank you partners: KBS Shafts, Cutter & Buck, Ahead, Garmany, Caddy-X, Evolve, Pepsi, Bass Proshops, NYX, and Dana Wharf. A special thanks to Jim Robinson, Nicholas Thron, and the staff at Mission Hills Country Club for their hospitality. Finally, thank you SCPGA rules officials: Ron O’Connor, PGA, Keith Reinking, Terry Startzel, and Ryan Slater.
PRO-ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Chad Sorensen, Alan Sorensen, Buena Vista G.C., -23, 121, $1,644 2 Michael Block, Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -18, 126, $1,094 T3 Michael Block, Chris Lungo, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -16, 128, $747 T3 Scott Heyn, Logan Scott, Oakmont C.C., -16, 128, $747 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Susan Roll, PGA KBS Advisory Board Member 2014 Bill Strausbaugh AwardRoll, Recipient Susan PGA Ray Cutright, PGA KBS Advisory Board Member KBS Advisory Board Member 2014 Bill Strausbaugh 2014 PGA Golf Professional Award Recipient of the Year
Ray Cutright, PGA
KBS Advisory Board Member 2014 PGA Golf Professional of the Year
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CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN
TO R Y IS H IN E M A N S E H G A Z Z O LO E TC
The 117th California State Open Champion wasn’t decided until David Gazzolo’s ball found the bottom of the hole for par on the 72nd hole to win by one stroke at Bear Creek Golf Club. Gazzolo, of Riverside, stayed robust throughout the final round posting a 2-under 70 to overcome a two stroke deficit leading into the day with plenty of players also making a charge and challenging late. Gazzolo had a scoring average of 68 over the four days with rounds of 70-68-64-70 and a tournament total of 272 for 16-under par to be crowned the 117th California State Open Champion. Zane Thomas of Las Vegas was leading entering the final round by two strokes over of the field, but stumbled right out of the gate double bogeying the first hole of the day. Thomas battled after the slow start to string together seven pars and a birdie in his front nine of the final round. Standing on the tenth tee, and the 64th hole of the Championship, Thomas and Gazzolo were knotted atop the leaderboard each at 15-under par, setting the stage for a thrilling back nine in the State Open. The Par 5 11th is where the movement began, as Gazzolo gave himself some cushion and took the lead when he poured in an eagle for a three shot swing as Thomas carded a bogey on the same hole. Thomas finished the 24
final round with a 77 to finish fifth in the Championship. Tyler Torano of Chula Vista made a charge and found himself in the mix late, rallying with three birdies on his final nine holes to fire a final round of 67 for a four day total of 273 (72-6965-67). Torano’s tournament total of 15-under par was the clubhouse leader allowing Tyler to watch Gazzolo, who at the time had a three stroke lead, close at Bear Creek’s final holes. On the 16th hole, 156 yard par 3, Gazzolo slipped with a three-putt double bogey putting him only one stroke clear of Torano, keeping it interesting and forcing him to par the final two closing holes to be victorious. Gazzolo collected himself after the near disaster on the 16th and calmly parred the 17th and then found the green in regulation on the 18th. Leaving his final putt as a tap in for victory, Gazzolo hung on with the strong finish to win the 117th California State Open. David Kim of Buena Park emerged in the final round carding a 65 to jump up the leaderboard and capture low Amateur honors. The UC Irvine sophomore posted rounds of 72-73-7265 for a strong six under 282 four day total. Lee’s low round of the final day, 65, placed him for a T11 finish overall. Michael Block, PGA, of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club had a nice showing, finishing in third place with rounds of 68-71-66-69 for a total of 14 under 274 for low PGA Professional honors. After Block’s strong performance in the State Open, he hopped on a plane as he was in the field at the PGA Championship at Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey. For the first time in its storied PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
history, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Bear Creek Golf Club hosted the California State Open with a field of 149 participants each hopeful to etch their name next to past Champion greats such as Walter Hagen, Roger Maltbie and Kirk Triplett to name a few. The challenging Par 72 championship layout was matched by championship conditions throughout the week in the ever challenging house that Jack built. Once hosting some of the first PGA TOUR Skins Games, Bear Creek Golf Club was the perfect setting for the California State Open. Thank you to Bear Creek Golf Club and their membership for being such gracious hosts. The opportunity to open their doors for the week is greatly valued by the SCPGA. We also thank the product partners in Pepsi, Impact Canopy, and Sterling Cut Glass. Great appreciation goes to the Rules Committee for the extended hours they kindly donate during the week to better the game: Ron O’Connor, PGA, Lee Wortman, Gary Wilson, Keith Reinking, Gary Albin, Terry Startzel, Jim Anders, and the great starter on the first hole Steve Frank. The SCPGA is excited to announce that the California State Open will return to Bear Creek Golf Club in 2017.
CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN 1 David Gazzolo, Riverside, -16, 272, $13,500 2 Tyler Torano, Chula Vista, -15, 273, $9,900 3 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -14, 274, $6,800 scpga.com
WOMENS CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN
CALIFORNIA
WOMEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
20
16
She’s The Real
DEAL
The Southern California PGA, along with presenting partner Carlsbad Golf Center, were proud to conduct the inaugural Women’s California State Open in 2016. The event was held on October 12th and 13th at the beautiful Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, and saw a field of 65 women from all over the country tee it up with dreams of being crowned the first ever Women’s California Open Champion, hoisting the hardware, and earning a coveted exemption into the Arizona Women’s Open. The Championship was set to begin at 7:30am the morning of October 12th, but Mother Nature had other plans. As the contestants were registering for the event, so was the fog. The visibility was so poor in the morning that a fog delay went from a measly 30 minutes to an eventual 3 hour delay, which prompted the start to be moved to a shotgun at 11:30am to accommodate all participants. With such a delay it would be easy for many of the players to be thrown off their game, but these women proved that they were just as strong mentally as they are physically by posting some impressive scores on day 1. However, no one was better than the young amateur, Jr. Ryder Cup player and SCPGA Junior Tour Member, Alyaa Abdulghany of Newport Beach. Fresh off her appearance of representing USA at the Junior Ryder Cup, she was able to card an impressive round of 65. Her flawless round included a stunning 7 birdies, and no blemishes on her card to hold a two shot lead heading into the final day. The contestants were repaired based scpga.com
2016 Women’s California State Open Champion, Alyaa Abdulghany
on their day one score, and returned to Morongo the following morning for the final round. Thankfully the fog did not appear, and play was allowed to begin as scheduled at 7:30am. Each woman stood over their first tee shot and knew that they had work to do to chase down the talented teenager, Abdulghany, and they knew that they would have to post some impressive numbers to even have a chance. Abdulghany was also aware that everyone in the field was gunning for her, and that she couldn’t let her foot off the gas, and she didn’t. She cruised in her final round to post 69, which saw her pencil in 5 birdies on the card, to post a two day tournament total of ten under par 134. Her score was not only good enough to be crowned low amateur, but also the Overall Champion of the event. Congratulations and great playing Alyaa! Congratulations also is order to Alison Curdt, PGA, who fired a two day score of 143 (-1) and place in solo 11th to claim low SCPGA Professional honors. Last but not least, congratulation goes to Kim Welch of Sherman Oaks who made an ace on the eighth hole on day #2! Thank you to the partners of the inaugural event: Carlsbad Golf Center, Callaway Golf, Tracy Lane Foundation, PGA Professional Mark Wilson, and Titleist. This event would not have been possible without the support that was provided. Finally thank you to Morongo Golf Club for opening their doors and being so hospitable for the inaugural event. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Kim Welch makes Hole-in-One!
WOMEN’S CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN 1 Alyaa Abdulghany (a), Newport Beach, CA, -10, 134, $0 2 Jennifer Hahn, Henderson, NV, -9, 135, $1,850 3 Kim Welch, Sherman Oaks, CA, -7, 137, $1,550 *Amateur players are not eligible for purse to maintain amateur status 25
Distances to front/center/back of the green Distances to hazards Pin placement GPS tracking Legal for tournament play
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PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
scpga.com
PROFESSIONAL LADY CHAMPIONSHIP
PAST PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
Andy Thuney SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PRESIDENT 1986-1987 By Southern California PGA COO, Jeff Johnson, PGA
THE “B” TEAM BRINGS THEIR “A” GAME
2016 Southern California PGA Professional-Lady Champions, Michael Block, PGA & Jillian Braverman
The home of the SCPGA, Industry Hills Golf Club, proudly hosted the 2016 National Car Rental Professional-Lady Championship. This year, thirty-nine PGA Professionals and apprentices each brought out one of their most skilled ladies at their facility for a fun day of golf and camaraderie. The teams all wanted to walk away with the Championship trophy but each knew that it would take quite the team effort in the tricky Pinehurst format. At exactly 9 AM the teams were led out to their respective starting holes on the Eishenhower course by the always helpful Industry Hills Staff. The course was in fantastic condition, leading to a “birdie barrage” by many of the teams in the field. However the teams of Michael Block, PGA, and Jillian Braverman of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and Jim Detrixhe, PGA, and Akemi Khaiat of The Riviera Country Club were able to find the most birdies on the course, and were both able to post a score of five under par 67. The impressive play by both teams forced a playoff for the overall champion and The Block/Braverman team, or the “B Team”, was able to continue their birdieing ways by making a 4 on the tricky par 5 first hole. Their final birdie was enough to crown them the 2016 Champions. Congratulations Michael and Jillian! scpga.com
Thank you to the partners of the event: National Car Rental, Fit Fix Studio, Golf Buddy, and Pepsi. This event would not have been successful without your partnership. A special thank you to Golf Buddy representatives Doug and Karen Campbell for their time and donation of product at the event. The Campbell’s and GolfBuddy ran a closest to the hole contest for both professionals and amateurs for a chance to win one of the latest GolfBuddy products. Congratulations to Joe Grohman, PGA, and Janice Dooley who were the lucky winners! One final thank you to the golf staff, course superintendent, and Food and Beverage staff at Industry Hills Golf Club. As usual the hospitality provided was outstanding.
PROFESSIONAL-LADY CHAMPIONSHIP T1 Michael Block, Jillian Braverman, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -5, 67, $1,250 T1 Jim Detrixhe, Akemi Khaiat, Riviera C.C., -5, 67, $1,000 T3 Raj Samra, Kathy Kurata, Friendly Hills C.C., -4, 68, $750 T3 Joshua Young, Christine Amendt, Las Posas C.C., -4, 68, $750 T3 Alison Curdt, Hannah Ruelas, Wood Ranch G.C., -4, 68, $750 PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
It is of course widely known that Andy Thuney is a gifted Golf Professional, speaker, and all around swell guy. He always conveys a casual manner, a quiet consideration for others Andy Thuney, PGA and an intelligence we simply couldn’t do without. Hacienda Golf Club was a treasure from the day the first tee ball was set in motion and imagine this, Andy served as the Head Professional for a quarter century. In a remarkable evolutionary line of succession beginning with Perry Gail for goodness sake, the great Howard Smith, Harry Pressler, Bill Parker and get this, one of the greatest amateurs of all time, George Von Elm. Andy served as our Section President from 1986-1987. Members and guests always appreciate and remember kindness and service above self. That would be exactly why Andy lead for 25 years. Now imagine the Golden Age of architecture in Southern California and the 1920’s. George Thomas, William Bell Sr., Willie Watson, and the remarkable golf course creations of the time that are revered today as though it were then, and then imagine Alphonso Bell, the founder of Hacienda Golf Club and Bel Air Country Club hiring Willie Watson to design Hacienda. These names should be on the screen saver of every Apprentice in our Section as to never forget what had come before… Thomas, Watson, Bell, Bell Sr., Thuney, Pressler, Von Elm, Smith (Four-time Golf Professional of the Year), Parker and Gail. Jeff Johnson, PGA, Southern California PGA COO. Jeff can be reached at jjohnson@pgahq.com. 27
DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT
DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT
R E GI O N A L Q UA L I F I E R
By Drive, Chip & Putt Championship writer, Brian Robin This keeping it in the family routine isn’t supposed to happen in golf, where greatness often gets lost or transformed into mere goodness in the generational DNA and a family affair simply entails spending time with your siblings and parents at the neighborhood golf course. That memo never made it to the storied Riviera Country Club, the Pacific Palisades, Calif., course that played host to the Drive, Chip and Putt Western Regional. On a sunny, Southern California fall afternoon less than two miles from the Pacific Ocean, winning your age group seemed to be in the genes. While special things tend to happen at Riviera, the place Ben Hogan made his Alley and where the likes of Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, Billy Casper, Tom Watson and Fred Couples made repeated trips to the winner’s ceremony at the annual L.A. Open, what happened at Saturday’s Western Regional was truly one for the family album. Literally. Three of the eight age-group divisions were captured by siblings of past Finals competitors. Two of those: Girls 7-9 division winner Kristina Xu of Claremont, Calif., and Girls 12-13 division winner Nalani Sam of Anaheim Hills, Calif., are the younger sisters of previous Finals winners, Kelly Xu, the 2014 7-9 division winner, and last year’s Girls 12-13 winner Kayla Sam. To put this into perspective, consider how rare it is to get one offspring to the finals. They have to navigate a minefield of local, sub-regional and regional qualifying against golf prodigies equally as driven, equally as talented. They have nine shots, nine – three in each discipline – where one bad shot anywhere along the way could end the journey. When Kelly Xu won two years ago, she opened a door that not only got her to New York for media appearances with 2014 Masters Tournament winner Bubba Watson, but a door that got her
QUALIFIED
FOR DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT FINALS BOYS BOYS BOYS BOYS
7-9 Carter Gaede 10-11 Liam Hartling 12-13 Evan Chien 14-15 Mason Quagliata
GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS
7-9 Kristina Xu 10-11 Lucy Yuan 12-13 Nalani Sam 14-15 Megan Ahmadi
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SOURCE: DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT CHAMPIONSHIP
a round of golf with Augusta National member and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at the Stanford Golf Club. That opportunity came courtesy of Rice learning about a comment Xu made about wanting to play with her. That door hasn’t opened yet for Kristina, who didn’t get to accompany her sister to Augusta National because, as her mother Tong Zhao put it, “She had to earn her way there.” Which Kristina did, by winning all three disciplines and besting her closest competitor by 47 points. “She’s going to have a lot of fun,” Kelly said about her younger sister. “We compete against each other a lot. We have putting contests and she’s always trying to prove herself against me. My face is hurting from smiling so much. I’m very proud of her.” When Kayla Sam won the Western Regional in 2015, she didn’t win any one discipline. So already, Nalani has her sister 1-down on that front. Nalani captured both the driving and chipping disciplines en route to 143 points. Kayla has her sister all square in the celebrity sighting department, getting a meet-and-greet with surprise guest Justin Timberlake. “He was very nice. We took pictures and we did putting and got autographs,” Kayla said of one of her enduring memories during her Finals trip last year. The other? “It looked like the Masters course, they cut it one-by-one with scissors. I kind of wanted to sleep on the grass,” she said. Then, there was Evan Chien of Irvine, Calif., who won the Boys 12-13 division. Last year, his sister, Leigh, qualified in the age 7-9 division, while Evan didn’t get out of local qualifying. This year, the two traded places, with Leigh in the role of unwilling, but supportive spectator. “When I went with her, it’s a really great experience. I’d like to come back,” Evan said. “When I made it here, I realized most of it is luck. Everyone has their good and bad days and it’s only nine shots. If you’re on the golf course, you have 72 shots. Here, you only have nine shots and if you hit one bad and it’s like permanent.” PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Wayne Chien, Evan and Leigh’s father, said the only thing permanent was his sense of wonder and surprise at having two kids qualify for the Finals. He said while Leigh’s trip in 2015 was “really kind of unbelievable” because she was going up against Kelly Xu, having his son qualify this year “was a little bit surprising.” Joining Xu, Sam and Chien at Augusta National next April are fellow age-group winners Carter Gaede (Boys 7-9) of Manhattan Beach, Calif., who posted a winning score of 112; Liam Hartling of Redlands, Calif. (Boys 10-11/117); Mason Quagliata of Scottsdale, Ariz. (Boys 14-15/143); Girls 10-11 winner Lucy Yuan of San Diego (109) and Girls 14-15 champion Megan Ahmadi of Westlake Village, Calif., who racked up the top score in the region with 161 points. All of the Western Regionals winners are first-time finalists; none of them had seen the grounds of Augusta National outside of the two who joined their siblings there. To a person, most of them said it hadn’t sunk in yet, but besides Nalani Sam’s desire to use Augusta National’s lush fairways as an impromptu mattress, there’s another endorsement. “I heard my sister tell me they have good food there,” Kristina Xu said. scpga.com
AN EXPERIENCE HE WILL NEVER FORGET By: Nick Ciarletta, SCPGA Junior Tour Member & second place winner of the SCPGA Ryder Cup Raffle The Ryder Cup is passion. It is a passion that is so intense that it is difficult to describe without experiencing it firsthand. While it was not the first PGA event I had ever attended, I could never have been prepared for the atmosphere that was the Ryder Cup. There was an electricity that was palpable miles away from Hazeltine National Golf Club. My first hint of the intensity of this event was hearing the ecstatic cheers of fans emanating from the first tee as the golfers were introduced, a roar that was unlike anything I have heard at a sporting event, and we were still a mile away from stepping through the gates. The passion and desire came from players and fans alike, and only intensified as you made your way around the course. Thousands of golf fans dressed in elaborate attire that celebrated American and European culture were the norm. I felt ridiculously underdressed for the occasion. Compared to the fans who were dressed head-to-toe as Revolutionary War Minutemen (complete with cardboard muskets), my Team USA cap and Ryder Cup backpack barely registered on the true fan scale that my Dad and I created to classify outfits. By the time Sunday’s Single Matches rolled around, the passion and emotions were at a fever pitch. The U.S. fans sensed a victory that had eluded them since 2008 and European golfers were complaining about our collective scpga.com
behavior being undignified, but the golfers themselves had become more demonstrative with every birdie made. Perhaps the clearest signs of the passion of the Ryder Cup that I witnessed came from the U.S. Team MVP, Patrick Reed. In the first Sunday singles match, Patrick was pitted against Europe’s best Ryder Cup player, Rory McIlroy. Being the first of twelve matches, the battle between these two amazing golfers would set the tone for the day, a fact that the two captains clearly recognized. For Sunday, we had positioned ourselves on hole number eight, a medium length par three, sitting directly across a small water hazard with an unobstructed view just left of the green. We strained to see their tee-shots, as the crowd had built and was thick along the sides of the fairway. As expected, both Patrick and Rory hit the green, however McIlroy was considerably farther from the hole than Reed. After the extended evaluation to prepare for the long putt, Rory sank a seventy-footer and in the heat of the moment and proceeded to display an over-the-top exuberance, wildly taunting the gathered crowd as Patrick and the millions more watching at home. Though the putt was very challenging and he benefited from a bit of luck, Rory was able to walk away with a birdie and what seemed like a potential victory on the hole following a mediocre tee shot. Patrick, feeling the pressure, knew PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
he had to sink his putt for the match to continue as all square. With a calmness that was undoubtedly shored by his previous day’s play, he sank the putt and served McIlroy a heaping serving of “in your face” humility, mimicking some of the same gestures Rory had made in his celebration. As they walked off the green to the deafening howls of U.S. and European fans, the two golfers respectfully fist bumped, knowing that both had risen to the challenge. Not a single fan remained seated; we were all yelling, clapping and high-fiving, knowing that just saw a little bit of history. After a few moments, we sat down, let out a collective sigh of relief, and realized that we had less than ten minutes to recover until we would see the next pairing. Indeed, it was going to be one crazy filled day. I will admit that I have fantasized about having a career as a professional golfer. As I have only been playing competitive golf for less than three years, I knew that such an idea is a long-shot, if not down-right ridiculous. However, after attending the 2016 Ryder Cup, I have been reinvigorated and have a renewed passion and stronger desire to achieve this goal. I hope I have an opportunity to attend another Ryder Cup in the coming years. And maybe, just maybe, to be a player for Team USA, waving to the red, white & blue emblazoned crowd as they roar at the first tee when they mention my name. 29
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA “
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“Supporting The PGA Professional & Their Facility”
ABOUT THE LINK PROGRAM “LINK” connects PGA Members & Apprentices with new potential customers. Introduce your new customer to what you and your facility have to offer.
WHY SHOULD YOU PARTICIPATE? Gain Exposure As a PGA Professional |
Added Revenue To Your Facility
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HOW TO GET INVOLVED Register Online
Schedule Lesson
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Player Contacts Via Phone or Email
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30 Minutes To Grow The Game
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SCPGA LINK PROGRAM? |
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JSUZUKI@PGAHQ.COM
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|
CONTACT: JUNKO SUZUKI, PGA
(909) 994-5263 scpga.com
ORANGE COUNTY SENIORS GOLF ASSOCIATION
CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH GOLF INSTRUCTION
The Orange County Seniors Golf Association (OCSGA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a senior men’s golf club in Orange County. Founded in 1966 by Cecil Crew and Tom Davidson, two members of Yorba Linda Country Club, the OCSGA is a group of mostly retired professional men that has been promoting first-class golf and unmatched camaraderie for the
OC SENIORS ASSOCIATION
Roy Khoury Fitness is a personal training studio in Newport Beach, offering expanded servicing focusing on health, movement and Golf fitness. OCSGA - Hawaii, 1972
The face of Golf is changing! To be a competitive golfer nowadays you must be ATHLETIC as well as SKILLED on the golf course. Roy Khoury a Titleist Performance Institute, Level 3 Certified Golf Fitness Instructor has been involved in the fitness industry for the last 15 years focusing on injury prevention, strength and conditioning for athletes of all fitness levels. "My goal is to help our athletes move well so they can have a solid base of strength and power, and address the physical skills needed to be great golf athletes.”
Orange County Senior’s Golf Association - The Greenbrier
past 50 years. Today, comprised of nearly 200 members from several private golf country clubs and public golf courses throughout Orange County (and contiguous counties), OCSGA hosts nine local tournaments per year at some of Southern California’s premier private golfing venues. In addition to the local events (typically held on Monday mornings), OCSGA also hosts two 5-day travel tournaments and one 3-day local travel tournament per year. Recent past destinations include The Greenbrier, The Boulders in Arizona, Banff Springs in Canada, The Grand Del Mar in Del Mar and the Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad. In 2016-2017, the OCSGA travels to the Chateau Whistler in Vancouver, the Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii, and the Lodge at Torrey Pines. scpga.com
Although primarily an organization of gentlemen golfers, spouses and significant others are invited to join (and play golf) on the travel trips and at the annual Christmas Holiday Scramble, a gala event that includes couples’ golf, entertainment, and a formal dinner held each year at a local prestigious country club. OCSGA also designates one local tournament each year to benefit the SCPGA Junior Golf Foundation. Last year our silent auction and other fundraising yielded nearly $16,000 in donations to the Foundation. If you are interested in learning more about the club and membership requirements for joining the OCSGA, please contact Joanna Mergelmeyer, Office Administrator, at (714) 8709343 or ocsga@la.twcbc.com. PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Roy’s Studio is located at 3700 Campus Dr, Suite 100 in Newport Beach, CA. CURRENT PROGRAMS OFFERED INCLUDE: 1 on 1 Golf Fitness for Men, Women and Juniors (by appointment only) • Functional Movement Screen • TPI Body Swing Connection Assessments • TPI Strength, Speed and Power testing • K-Vest • Focus Band Junior Fitness Programs • Spaces are limited so please call to reserve your space
Roy Khoury, is a partner of the Southern California PGA. Roy can be reached at 562.316.6766, royfkhoury@ gmail.com or roykhouryfitness.com 31
PGA MEMBER
Spotlight ALISON CURDT, PGA WOOD RANCH GOLF CLUB
Growing up in St. Louis, MO, Alison Curdt, PGA Master Professional, started golf after her father put a club in her hand at age 7. Growing up in an athletic family, sports were destined to be in her future, and she accomplished her goal of playing collegiate golf on a full scholarship when she accepted an offer to play at Florida State University. During her PGM training, she interned at The Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage and learned about teaching from Director of Instruction, Barry Clayton, PGA. She was offered a position to return once she completed college and in 2004 she packed up her car and moved out to Palm Springs to begin working in the golf industry. Teaching was her favorite part of the operation and she knew she wanted to specialize in that niche, however a rampant fire in 2006 burned her condo to the ground and she was left with no belongings except the clothes she was wearing. All golf memorabilia, clubs, clothes, and every possession she owned was destroyed. She moved briefly back home to St. Louis and gave up playing golf and teaching to figure out what was to come next. For some time she suffered from depression and grieved the losses from her trauma, but her inner fire to keep going and start over persevered. She decided to move back to California and in 2006, arrived at GolfTEC in El Segundo to reignite her teaching career. Sherwood Country Club soon recruited her to be their Head Teaching Professional and First Assistant and she spent nearly seven years building her brand and fine tuning her teaching skills. In 2014, she opened her own teaching business and bases it out at Wood Ranch Golf Club. Based on her personal journey of balancing work, life, and competitive golf, Alison attained a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology in 2013 and became a licensed psychotherapist. She is continuing her studies in her doctoral work and currently runs a private practice where she works with athletes on attaining peak performance states and balancing life issues that may impact performance. “Working with athletes in a holistic way, by understanding the interaction between life and sport, is a rewarding component of my teaching and coaching business.” 32
TEACHERS FORUM
THE TROUBLE
WITH GOLF INSTRUCTION By Sycuan Golf Resort PGA Director of Golf, Bob Madsen I would like to talk about two things that are terribly wrong with golf instruction. One of the troubles with golf instruction is that there is too much of it. Golf instructors, for decades, have had to compete with golf magazines for their student's attention. Now we have the magazine content. Plus, we have YouTube, instructional DVD sets, subscriptions on the web, and The Golf Channel to compete with as well as the commentators on TV. Not to mention amateurs coaching each other pretty much after every shot. Note: Rules of Golf issue. All this available instruction amounts to data overload. Most golfers do not need more information, but LESS. I know. I spend most of my time removing golf instruction not giving it. Confusing amounts of poorly grasped--and/ or undesirable-concepts, like "Keep your head down!" are flat ruining players chances of playing carefree golf filled with joy and trust. Instructors need to get better at coaching students in such a way that the learner can be clear and certain. Specifically, relieving students of swing thoughts rather than continually loading them up with more. Now, whether the teaching professional is willing to admit it, another issue is the over eager instructor. He or she really does want to help, but confronted with any PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
desperation on the student's part, the teacher can easily panic a bit and be lured into giving too much information. One thing that will help ease this situation is for both the student and teacher to remain completely calm. Any hint of panic is a lesson killer. The teacher and student also need to agree that it is often desirable to work on only one thing at a time, that neither will get sidetracked off the content of the lesson, and that the instructor WILL keep things simple. Let’s think in terms of a piano lesson. The teacher warmly and thoroughly delivers the lesson and the prescribed homework. The learner knows exactly what to do
and why. The student then does the homework over an agreed upon amount of time. It might be hours, days, weeks or even months. There is no drama. There is no panic. Just lots of learning and hard work. I hope this little article helps us all get a little better. Bob Madsen, PGA, is the Director of Instruction at Sycuan Golf Resort. Bob can be reached at Bmadsen@ sycuanresort.com. scpga.com
A L W A Y S
scpga.com
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D R I V E N
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Rick Sigel - President rick.sigel@leavitt.com Gary Sigel - Vice President gary.sigel@leavitt.com Greg Twiggs - Vice President gregtwiggs@leavitt.com
JUNIOR RYDER CUP
SCPGA JR TOUR MEMBERS MAKE JR RYDER CUP TEAM Each year twelve of the top ranked junior golfers in America are presented an opportunity to experience golf in a way that they will never forget. Just like the Ryder Cup, the Junior Ryder Cup gives juniors the chance to put their skills to the ultimate test while representing their Country. The Southern California PGA is privileged that two out of these twelve, phenomenal, junior golfers representing team USA belong to the SCPGA Junior Golf program. Norman Xiong, alumni, and Alyaa Abdulghany, current Toyota Tour Cup member, earned their spots through their finishes at the Junior PGA Championship. Norman took first
Jordan Speith, Rory Mcllroy, Hunter Mahan, and Lexi Thompson. In the past victories have been back and forth but team USA has been playing strong, winning the last four Junior Ryder Cup matches over 8 years. This event has taken place all over the world at some of the most prestigious courses. The 2016 matches took place September 26-27 at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, MN. Of the 12 players on the American team, nine were ranked Top 10 nationally, so it came as no surprise that team USA secured the victory over Europe. Team USA finished the matches up 15 1/2 to 8 1/2, etching their names into the history books over two-days of matches
place by two strokes and Alyaa came in second. Alyaa, when asked about what that finish meant, responded, “I knew I had to make sure I was playing my best. This has been my goal all summer and I am super excited and honored.” Norman, when asked the same question said, “I was sick all week and after I made that putt on 17 I knew that I made it. I was and am really excited.” This stellar play solidified their spots and showed them that hard work truly does pay off. The Junior Ryder Cup was established in Europe, circa 1995. The first team consisted of a fifteen year old Sergio Garcia. As the event grew in popularity, other big names followed. Names like,
consisting of Foursomes, Mixed Four-Ball and Singles. Though this event is very competitive, it is also meant to provide an unparalleled player experience. What they will learn and gain from this experience, the people they will meet, will be irreplaceable. This event provided all of these kids the opportunity to add another page to their memory book. A page, years from now, they will look back on. A page they will share with their loved ones. A page that will shape their golfing careers forever. On the behalf of the Southern California PGA and the United States of America, we thank Norman, Alyaa, and Team USA for bringing home the cup!
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SUCCESSFUL 2ND ANNUAL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP The 2016 Southern California Junior Amateur Golf Championship was held at the beautiful Industry Hills Golf Club, home of The Southern California PGA. This tournament was the 2nd Annual Championship, co-hosted by the SCPGA and SCGA for the purpose of uniting the best junior golfers in the Southern California region. Showcasing 188 of the top junior golfers, day one was a scramble for position atop the leaderboard. With a split tee start at 7:30am, the boys were set to play the Eisenhower Course, while the girls were on the Zaharais Course. After the conclusion of round one, the leaders were as follows: Boys division, Steve Sugimoto of San Diego led by five strokes after firing a 66 with four birdies, Girls division, co-leaders Rose Zang of Irvine & Casey Syal of Los Angels, both shooting a -1 par 70. Playing the same courses as the first round, a split tee start beginning at 7:30am awaited the players. Placing third in the boys division was Griffin Pace with a two round total of 143. Finishing in second place was Connor Nelson posting a 142 for 36 holes of play. Finally, the boys champion was Steve Sugimoto, shooting an impressive two round total of 66 & 74 for a total of 140. Sugimoto maintained a day one lead after firing a -5 under round one of 66! In the girls division, Kayla Sam came out strong in round two, carding four birdies en-route to a total of 146, landing Sam in third place for the event. Fresh off of a second place victory at the 2016 Corey Pavin Invitational, Amari Avery was playing some outstanding golf. Avery was scratch during round one with an even par 71. Avery followed that up with 3 birdies in round two for a 74, landing Avery in second place with a two-day total of 145. Lastly, Briana Chacon was playing steady golf round one, carding a smooth 74, following that up with a very strong second round -3 under 68. That sealed Chacon’s first place finish, 36 holes of even par, 142! Thank you to host facility Industry Hills Golf Club and special thanks to the Southern California Golf Association for co-hosting this wonderful event with us for a second year! 35
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CHAPTER CORNER
Desert Chapter
The Desert just finished a successful summer series of golf. Many professionals had the opportunity to relax and enjoy some great golf. The Desert chapter is gearing up for a new season. Golf courses are in the midst of over seeding and preparing for an influx of seasonal golfers. What's new: Due to the water rationing in the state of California, all golf courses are under restrictions as to how to use water. Many golf courses have converted over to desert landscaping which uses much smaller amounts of water. Desert chapter just played host to the 2016 Nike Golf Fall Teaching Summit at Desert Willow Golf Resort.
Inland Empire Chapter
The Inland Empire Chapter rocks! We hope this communication finds you, the one's you love and your business doing amazing. Since last communication the Chapter has hosted many successful events. We want to thank all of the professionals and apprentices that have taken time out of their busy schedules to participate. We also want to thank each facility and staff members for a job well done in hosting the events. Lastly, thank you to all the volunteers and rules officials for donating your time and efforts in making each event memorable and efficient. Below are the top-finishers in our most recent events: Spring Meeting & Four-Ball Jurupa Hills Country Club 1 Shannon/Mallory 2 Fisher/Pigman T3 Clevenger/Adamiak T3 Pritkin/Baer T3 Wasco/Crowell T3 Yellam/Cross Pro-Scratch Victoria Club 1 Pigman/Green 2 Yellam/Hernande T3 Fisher/Taylor T3 McDonald/Kummer
Stroke Play -5 -4 -2 -2 -2 -2
$600 $375 $37.50 $37.50 $37.50 $37.50
-6 -4 -2 -2
$450 $325 $175 $175
Summer Meeting and Triple Play Championship at Champions Club at the Retreat 1 Pigman/Bridges -15 $450 2 Chang/Mallory -7 $275 scpga.com
Chapter Championship Goose Creek Golf Club 1 Dietsche T2 Pigman T2 Crowell 4 Bridges 5 Hastings
-3 $2500 +2 $1750 +2 $1750 +3 $1200 +7 $1000
The Chapter would like to officially welcome Kenny Pigman to the Board of Directors for the Chapter. We are excited to have Kenny as part of the team. If any of the Board of Directors can assist you with anything please do not hesitate to contact any one of us. Finish the year strong!
playing alongside some true patriots. Our sponsors are doing their part by donating money and their time to fund college scholarships for children whose parents have been injured or killed in military training or combat. As Major Ed and Dan Rooney from Folds of Honor constantly remind us, Freedom Isn't Free," stated PGA General Manager Eric Lohman. The event is tentatively scheduled to return to Monarch in the fall of 2017.
San Diego Chapter
Northern Chapter
Josh Young and Jon Fielder score -8 to take home the Summer Meeting and Scramble Championship held at Las Posas Country Club earlier this summer. Jayme Backos, PGA Apprentice, took champion honors at the Chapter Championship held at Rustic Canyon Golf Course by firing a -7 for 36 holes in August. Chad Sorensen and Alison Curdt tied for second at -5. The Rancho/ Santa Maria Pro-Am was a success, contested over two days, and hosted by Mike Valdez and Mike O’Keefe. Special Award nominations are being collected and accepted till November 7th. General meeting and annual Pro-Assistant will be held 11/7 at Rancho Maria Golf Club.
Metropolitan Chapter
On October 7th, 2016 Monarch Beach Golf Links and PGA General Manager Eric Lohman were fortunate enough to host the 2nd Annual So Cal Folds of Honor Pro-Am presented by Sizzler. The event, a sell out, featured 30 five player teams showcasing a SCPGA Apprentice or Member. The event raised over $35,000 (funds are being tabulated at the time this article was written and might increase with last minute donations) and Mr. Chi Choi, a PGA Assistant at Monarch Beach shot 68 to win $1,200 and also was the sole golfer to birdie the 11th hole to win the only skin, a $500 skin provided by GolfBoard. Additional sponsors included, but weren't limited to Club Glove, Pepsi, Sysco, Budweiser, Bushnell, Travis Mathew, Johnie O, Callaway, Titleist, Ping, Nike, Electric and Oakley. "What a great event, cause and day. To have 30 of our fellow professionals PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
The Board Members of the San Diego Chapter celebrated the PGA’s One Hundred Years at our Summer Meeting. We celebrated the PGA’s Centennial by offering everyone in attendance several custom items designed with the PGA Centennial Logo. A money clip from Creative Concepts, a t-shirt donated by Ted Cantor and Ryan White of LinksTee, an A Flex Hat donated by John Suveges with Imperial Headwear and personalized bag tags donated by Erik Wolk with Total ID Solutions. We also honored all the Quarter Century Members and the nine Half Century Members in our Chapter. Quarter Century Members: Max Anderson, James Burkhart, Bob Bellesi, Scott Bentley, Mark Braman, Dick Carmody, Ken Cherry, Al Citroën, John W. Clark, Peter Coe, Rex Cole, Brian Collett, Chuck Courtney, K C Timothy Crandall, Ron Cropley, John Darling, Glen Daugherty, Joe DeBock, Donald Emerick, Michael Flanagan, Bob Gelesko, Buzz Gill, Gary Glaser, Bill Goree, Gary Griggs, John Haggerty, Bob Husband, Tom Hust, Tommy Jackson, Michael Jick, Scott Johnson, Don King, Justin King, John Klein, Terry Langohr, Phil Machamer, Bob Madsen, Scott Mahlberg, Paul Marchewka, Denny Mays, Michael Mitzel, Paul Moher, John Osborne, Rick Peters, Randy Peterson, Lloyd Porter, Ronnie Pritchett, Kip Puterbaugh, Phil W. Rodgers, Susie Schneider, John Schroeder, Jeff Silverstein, George Slingerland, Gary Sowinski, Michael Spayd, Chris Starkjohann, Bill Stutzer, Alexander Valentine, Bill Westherlund, Walter L. Willows, Tom Wilson, Tom Wischmeyer, Fred Wood, Ron Yarbrough, Thomas Speck Half Century Members: David Mancour, Tag Merritt, Joe Zakarian, Don Collett, Bill Hartley, Chuck Jones, J. Craig Williamson, Warren Reidy, Glenn Stuart 37
TOURNAMENT RECAPS
Tournament Results
AAA PINEHURST June 16 | Goat Hill Park 1 Cavin McCall, Steele Canyon G.C., Raj Samra, Friendly Hills C.C., -6, 58, $700 2 Michael Mendoza, Pauma Valley C.C., Kyle Mendoza, South Hills C.C., -4, 60, $500 3 Wade Morris, Scholl Canyon G.C., Michael Noyes, Stoneridge C.C., -1, 63, $350
AAA VIA VERDE September 22 | Via Verde Country Club 1 Raj Samra, Friendly Hills C.C., -6, 66, $500 T2 Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -4, 68, $333.33 T2 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -4, 68, $333.33 T2 Chris Lungo, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -4, 68, $333.33
WOMEN’S STROKE PLAY SERIES July 11 | Wood Ranch Golf Club 1 Alison Curdt, Wood Ranch G.C., +1, 73, $180 2 Bari Brandwynne, Los Angeles C.C., +3, 75, $135 3 Petra Cole, Torrey Pines G.C., +6, 78, $100
SENIOR 2-DAY HIGH DESERT October 12-13 | Antelope Valley & Crystalaire Country Club 1 Paul Dietsche, Redlands C.C., -5, 139, $400 2 Al Valentine, Travel Leaders La Costa, -3, 141, $300 3 Eric Evans, Royal Vista G.C., E, 144, $200
SENIOR 2-DAY NORTHERN July 26-27 | Santa Maria Country Club, Rancho Maria Golf Club T1 Tim Parun, Life Member Active, -7, 137, $350 T1 Chuck Minderd, Golf Made Easy, -7, 137, $350 3 Ron Skayhan, Hillcrest C.C., -5, 139, $200
THE LONE SURVIVOR
INLAND EMPIRE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP September 3-5 | Oak Valley Golf Club, Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, Goose Creek Golf Club 1 Nathan Clark, Upland, CA, -8, 207 2 Chad Hambright, Lake Elsinore, CA, -5, 210 T3 Brandon Tsujimoto, Pomona, CA, -4, 211 T3 Sam Engel, Northridge, CA, -4, 211 WOMEN’S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP September 20 | Monarch Beach Golf Links 1 Alison Curdt, Wood Ranch G.C., Petra Cole, Torrey Pines G.C., -10, 62, $400 2 Kim Falcone, La Jolla C.C., Kari Sur, Palos Verdes G.C., -5, 67, $225 3 Jackie Karzarian, Monarch Beach Golf LInks, Heather King, Coronado G.C., -4, 68, $175 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA SUPER SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP September 21-22 | South Hills Country Club 1 David Alvarez, +2, 146, $400 2 Robert Smith, +6, 150, $250 3 Rod Linville, +7, 151, $175 38
18 women signed up to participate in the SCPGA Women’s Match Play Championship seeking to be crowned champion. After three months of tough matches at various courses around the Section, fourteen women were sent home and only four remained, Reina Rogers, Petra Cole, PGA, Julie Wells, PGA, and Jacqueline Kazarian. They were treated to the semifinal and final matches at Aviara Golf Club. The first match of the semifinals pitted the defending Champion Rogers against Cole, and after a back and forth match, it was Rogers who moved on to the finals with a score of 2 & 1. The second match in the semifinals was star studded; as the 2015 Women’s Player of the Year, Wells, took on the 2015 Women’s Apprentice Player of the Year, Kazarian. The match, however, did not live up to expectations, as Wells came out of the gates strong and dominated from the beginning. Her stout play guided her into the finals with a score of 7 & 6. The final match for the trophy and honor of being named champion was set between Rogers and Wells. The competition was so fierce between the two that the match was forced to go extra holes, and with a par on the 20th hole Wells was able to close the door on Rogers and become the 2016 SCPGA Women’s Match Play Champion! PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
THE SCPGA TEAM CAPTURES THE CHALLENGE CUP
The first two days of August saw the heated, but friendly, rivalry continue between the seniors of the SCPGA and the NCPGA at the 17th Annual Challenge Cup Matches. Since the inception of the matches in 1999, the SCPGA has a winning record of 9-7, and was looking to reach the double digit win total this year. The SCPGA was well represented by the following 24 PGA Professionals: Tom Sargent, Paul Marchewka, Andy Thuney, Fred Wood, David Foster, Jerry Wisz, Jon Fiedler, Mark Fernando, Jim Ley, Jim Ruhland, Al Valentine, Lee Harlow, Eric Redd, James Barkhurst, Mike O’Keefe, Eric Evans, Ron Skayhan, Tracey Bowles, Paul Dietsche, Jack O’Keefe, Bob E. Smith, Jim Petralia, Tom Barber, and John McFarland. After day one at the gorgeous Santa Maria Country Club, host of the 2017 Section Championship, the four ball format proved to be a better fit for the NCPGA Team. The SCPGA “Big Guns” got smoked by NCPGA losing the first five points and being down 0-5. The Super Senior matches came in next, including host Jack O’Keefe, securing the first 2 points for the SCPGA, followed by 3 other solid performances to finish the day at a 5-7 deficit. The venue and format changed for day two, and at the stunning Rancho Maria Golf Club the individual matches and quest to hoist the cup began early in the morning. Both veteran and rookie players were the first out, Super Seniors in the middle, and the “Big Guns” out last, hopefully to bring home the cup! SCPGA made up the two point deficit through the first 12 matches to pull even with NCPGA, and then winning three of the final four matches, and excitingly the final two matches to pull ahead and capture the “Cup” with an 18 1/2 to 17 1/2 final in dramatic fashion. SCPGA rookies to the “Cup” Matches and Past Presidents Thuney and Sargent were both victorious in their Individual Matches debut, while NCPGA Executive Director and rookie Chris Thomas was victorious in his debut. Thank you to host PGA Professionals, Michael Valdez at Santa Maria Country Club and Michael O’Keefe at Rancho Maria Golf Club. Special thanks to John Anderson of Antiqua Sportswear, Jay Clancey of Pukka Headwear, and E-Z-GO for their annual sponsorship of the event. scpga.com
ONE-ON-ONE WORKSHOPS PHASE ONE: The first phase of the SCPGA One-on-one professional workshops is still available! Learn how to market you and your business! This includes Marketing Strategies & Tools, Website Development/Design, Social Media, Email Marketing, and Database Management. AAA TEAM ANNOUNCED The following players have earned a spot in the annual North/South Cup Matches. 12 assistants/ apprentices will go head to head against NorCal PGA on November 14-15 at the Indian Wells Resort. 1. Kenny Pigman 7. Tyler Pritkin 2. Bobby Nickell 8. Steven Bendt 3. Cavin McCall 9. Thomas Chu 4. Raj Samra 10. Michael Mendoza 5. Chris Lungo 11. Lyon Lazare 6. Jayme Backos 12. Matt Parkovich
PHASE TWO: The second phase is also available, new Head Professional Workshop. A group of PGA member consultants from throughout the Section is available to mentor and consult. A head professional and their staff or an aspiring head professional may take advantage of this program, selecting five of twelve practices including tournament sales; tournament operations, sales and marketing, retail; membership sales; personnel management practices; tee control and pace of play; outside services; golf car fleet management; instruction; equipment fitting and interviewing and resume writing. * Both programs are available at no charge to PGA professionals as well as their staff and non-PGA members.
KEENAN BARBER ELECTED SECTION PRESIDENT OF THE SCGA NOTES Keenan Barber, a retired cardiologist and member of Mission Hills Country Club, was elected president of the SCGA at its Annual Meeting. He succeeds St. Mark G.C. member John Morello. "The SCGA is moving in a very positive direction. We know there are challenges in golf but because of the people in this room, we're in great hands," said Barber. "It's my honor and privilege to be in this position. I'll embrace this role." Joining Barber on the SCGA Executive Committee are Vice President Jon Bilger of La Jolla Country Club, Secretary Chris Wilson of Lakeside Golf Club, and Treasurer Fred MacFarlane of Industry Hills Golf Club. SHOW YOUR SUPPORT OF THE SCPGA FOUNDATION The Southern California PGA Foundation works to provide grants, scholarships and equipment for underprivileged juniors.
WELCOME NEW APPRENTICES TO THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA!
ANNUAL SCPGA BOARD RETREAT Steve Adamiak, Joe Grohman & Andy Thuney captured the turkey at the Annual SCPGA Board of Directors & Past Presidents Retreat. The champions are photographed with Southern California PGA President John McNair. SCPGA/NCPGA BOUNDARY CHANGE A new boundary line between the Southern California PGA and Northern California PGA has been established. The following is the new boundary: The new boundary would be a line from Beatty, Nevada, including Porterville, to the intersection of California State Highway 33 and California State Highway 41, then continuing with a line from the intersection of the 33 and 41 to the intersection of State Highway 58 and U.S. Highway 101 then a line extending from the 58 and 101 intersection to the intersection of Kern Avenue and State Highway 1 and from that intersection a line through the intersection of Ramona Avenue and S. Bay Blvd. in Baywood Park to the Pacific Ocean. Any questions in regards to this change, please contact the Section Office. scpga.com
If you are interested in assisting our mission, please contact Matt Gilson at mgilson@pgahq.com.
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@SCPGA | @SCPGAJRTOUR FACEBOOK POLL: Did you attend the 2016 Ryder Cup USA at Hazeltine National Golf Club? Tell us your experience! #RyderCup #ThxPGAPro
Branden Augustus, Nick Badel, Scott Davis, Robert Faber, Cory Gladstone, Kyle Kumagai, Anthony Leone, Rachel Levi, Travis Ordonez, Jinchul Park, Ben Smith, Mark Weitz, Chris Yoder, Chris Jones PROGRAM MAGAZINE FALL ISSUE
Justin Doyle: It was an amazing experience that every fan of Golf should try to do once in their lifetime. The level of play by both the U.S. and European teams was astounding, and the environment created by 50,000 fans on the course at one time is second to none. This was my first time, and I’ll certainly be back again! 39
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Kevin Vitale, CCM-General Manager/COO Baltusrol Golf Club
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Baltusrol has been one of the world’s preeminent golf clubs for over a century. To sustain that level of excellence, they rely on partners that value continuous improvement as much as they do. That’s why they chose the E-Z-GO ® TXT when the vehicle was first introduced, and why Kevin Vitale continues to choose it today. By combining refined features with industry-leading reliability, Baltusrol knows the TXT adds an exceptional ride to every round. See Baltusrol Golf Club’s story at EZGO.com/GetReal For more information contact: Mike Cross - Territory Sales Rep. 760.936.7530 / mcross@textron.com
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