PRO VOLUME 44 | ISSUE 1 | YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE 2017
2016 Golf Professional of the Year
Robin Shelton, PGA awarded highest honor
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA
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CONTENTS
05 SCPGA PARTNERS LISTING
PARTNERS
16 MICHAEL MAJOR, PGA
PGA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
CHAPTER CHALLENGE
ELECTED SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PRESIDENT
06 MESSAGE FROM THE NEWLY
17 METRO CHAPTER WINS! TEACHER’S FORUM 19 BALANCE!
07 INTRODUCING THE 2017
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AAA NORTH/SOUTH CUP MATCHES
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
21 SOUTH DOMINATES TO TAKE
BACK THE CUP
MEMBERSHIP
WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
COVER STORY 10 THE 2016 SOUTHERN
CHAPTER CORNER
FIVE CHAPTERS
TOURNAMENT RECAP
08 ALL THINGS MEMBERSHIP
CALIFORNIA PGA PRESIDENT’S DINNER
PINEHURST CHAMPIONSHIP 13 THE BASH BROTHERS
22 THE WISE ONE
23 NOTES FROM THE
24 SCPGA TOURNAMENT RESULTS
HONORS CUP MATCHES 15 SCPGA/SCGA HONORS CUP
SECTION NOTES 26 NOTES FROM THE
MATCHES
10Things TO K N OW. . .
1. The Ryder Cup will be contested in France in 2018 for the first time. 2. The SCPGA was formed in 1924 and the first president was Jack Malley from Annandale Golf Club. The first Section Champion was Dick Linares from Municipal Golf Links in Long Beach. 3. The SCPGA office has a wonderful library of golf books for your use. 4. Scott Ashworth, from the Four Seasons Lanai, is the District Director for our District 11 that includes the Aloha PGA, the NCPGA and the SCPGA. He sits on the PGA Board of Directors as our representative.
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SCPGA OFFICE
5. If you are a PGA member, do not forget to put the PGA professional logo on your resume! 6. The SCPGA staff is here for you! Contact them with any questions you have or simply to say hello! 7. PGA Members Junko Suzuki and Eric Mitchell were selected from Southern California for the PGA Lead program. 8. SCPGA will host a total of 17 Drive, Chip and Putt qualifiers this year including the Western Regional Finals. 9. SCPGA is allies with TGA in order to bring golf enrichment classes to schools. 10. Lizette Salas was inducted to the SCPGA Junior Golf Hall of Fame.
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ABOUT US
PRO
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA VOLUME 44, ISSUE 1 2017 YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE THE PROGRAM IS PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PUBLISHER AND EDITOR
SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS
PRESIDENT | TODD KEEFER, PGA WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB VICE PRESIDENT | TONY LETENDRE, PGA PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS CAREER COLLEGE SECRETARY | ROBIN SHELTON, PGA SEACLIFF COUNTRY CLUB HONORARY PRESIDENT | JOHN MCNAIR, PGA JC RESORTS
AT-LARGE DIRECTORS
RANDY CHANG, PGA JOURNEY AT PECHANGA & TALEGA GOLF CLUB
JOE GROHMAN, PGA NAVY GOLF COURSE SCOTT HEYN, PGA OAKMONT COUNTRY CLUB ERIC LOHMAN, PGA MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS ROB OOSTERHUIS, PGA SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB DEREK HARDY, PGA LIFE MEMBER
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS SUSAN ROLL, PGA CARLSBAD GOLF CENTER
ALISON CURDT, PGA WOOD RANCH GOLF CLUB
CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES
DESERT | MICHAEL HOLYK, PGA MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTRY CLUB
INLAND EMPIRE | STEVE ADAMIAK, PGA THE LEGENDS GOLF CLUB METROPOLITAN | VIC PLACERES, PGA OLD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB NORTHERN | MIKE VALDEZ, PGA SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTRY CLUB SAN DIEGO | BILL GOREE, PGA LIFE MEMBER ACTIVE
PGA OF AMERICA EXECUTIVES DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR SCOTT ASHWORTH, PGA ALOHA SECTION
OFFICERS & CEO PRESIDENT | PAUL LEVY, PGA TOSCANA COUNTRY CLUB VICE PRESIDENT | SUZY WHALEY, PGA SUZY WHALEY GOLF SECRETARY | JIM RICHERSON, PGA WHISTLING STRAITS GOLF CLUB CEO | PETE BEVACQUA PALM BEACH GARDENS
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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 ADMINISTRATOR | 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 !
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Message from the Newly Elected Southern California PGA President By Southern California PGA President, Todd Keefer, PGA It is an honor to serve our PGA Section and I greatly appreciate the extraordinary support of my friends and fellow Professionals in my role as President. I am very grateful to our Board of Directors and to Honorary President, John McNair, for his exceptional leadership during his term and I plan to keep the momentum going! Last month, we celebrated the 10th Annual Chapter Challenge at the beautiful Pelican Hill Resort. Many thanks to the PGA Host Professional, Dirk Willis, and his team for making us feel so special. Additionally, we truly appreciate John Ashworth and the Linksoul Team for supplying the uniforms for each of the Chapter Teams! Metropolitan came up with a big win this year and stopped the winning streak that San Diego has held for the past five years! As we focus on the upcoming year, the theme of “engagement” has our attention to make sure we are connecting with you, in your Chapter and at your Club. Our goal over the next couple of years is to help promote you, each other, and our game! At our board meeting in December, we launched the Mentoring Committee in an effort to better “connect” and invite colleagues back into the game and profession we all enjoy. That is part of the reason we are all here, correct? Because we love the game! While in the earliest of stages, the Mentoring Committee, chaired by Eric Lohman of Monarch Beach Golf Links, will be working on concepts that will utilize current programs like our Oneon-One programs along with ideas from our chapters to help enhance our ability to support one another. We all have individuals that have helped us along the way at different times in our careers. Whether at the beginning, end or somewhere in between, we all benefit from having others to share ideas, test theories, and explore our 6
Todd Keefer, PGA at 2016 Club Car Annual Meeting
“crazy” ideas. I am excited about this committee as they will start by working closely with each of the five chapters. Another area of focus will be our teaching summits. Working with co-chairs, Bill McKinney and Randy Chang, this committee will be focused on elevating and taking teaching experiences to new heights. The goal of this group is to ensure that all 1,700 of us become better PGA golf instructors, resulting in exponential growth to your business and ultimately increasing your impact in the local golf community. We are fortunate to have great resources in our area and I hope that you will plan to attend both the Spring Teaching Summit on April 17th at The Callaway Performance Center and the Fall Teaching Summit on October 23rd at Virginia Country Club with PGA Host Professional Jamie Mulligan. Another great opportunity to enhance your skills will take place at the annual Golf Industry & Business Summit on March 13th at the Riverside Convention Center. The headliner this year is two-time Major winner Johnny Miller who will be sharing some great experiences from his time on the PGA TOUR and from the broadcast booth. Other presentations will feature Henry Delozier of Global Golf Advisors, Troy Sacco from American PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
Golf, Max Gromberg of the California State Water Resource Board, and Gregg Patterson of Tribal Magic & “recovering” general manager from the Beach Club in Santa Monica. These Summits are ideal opportunities to enhance your knowledge and leadership skills while growing your team by exposing them to these educational experiences. Each one of us has the opportunity to be the Most Valuable Professional at our facility…. it takes energy, passion and commitment. I assure you that our Section will be here to help in your pursuit to deliver what few others can do… to connect through golf and through a sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. A big shout out to PGA Members Kenny Pigman, Alison Curdt, Chris Gilley, and Michael Block for representing the very best of us in their respective PGA TOUR events… really awesome to see you out there playing with the best in the game! As I have shared with many of you… I am here to serve you and open to making sure that we remain connected to each other and this great game! Todd Keefer, PGA, is the Southern California PGA President, and General Manager/COO at Wilshire Country Club. Todd can be reached at todd@wilshirecountryclub.com scpga.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Introducing The 2017 Southern California PGA Board of Directors
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Todd Keefer, PGA President Wilshire Country Club
Rob Oosterhuis, PGA At-Large Director Sherwood Country Club
Tony Letendre, PGA Vice President Professional Golfers Career College
Derek Hardy, PGA At-Large Director Life Member Active
Robin Shelton, PGA Secretary SeaCliff Country Club
Randy Chang, PGA At-Large Director Journey at Pechanga Talega Golf Club
John McNair, PGA Honorary President JC Resorts
Eric Lohman, PGA At-Large Director Monarch Beach Golf Links
Scott Heyn, PGA At-Large Director Oakmont Country Club
Alison Curdt, PGA Independent Director Wood Ranch Golf Club
Joe Grohman, PGA At-Large Director Navy Golf Course
Susan Roll, PGA Independent Director Carlsbad Golf Center
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Steve Adamiak, PGA Inland Empire Representative The Legends Golf Club
Vic Placeres, PGA Metropolitan Representative Old Ranch Country ClubCalifornia Southern
Bill Goree, PGA San Diego Representative Life Member Active
Mike Valdez, PGA Northern Representative San Luis Obispo Country Club Southern California
Michael Holyk, PGA Desert Representative Mountain View Country Club
Questions? Ask the President Is there something on your mind? Send a comment or question to todd@wilshirecountryclub.com. You are the most important asset we have and your opinions and questions matter. 7
MEMBERSHIP
All things membership!
EMPLOYMENT CHANGES & UPDATES WITHIN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
NEWLY PGA ELECTED MEMBERS
MOVING UP
NEW PGA HALF CENTURY CLUB MEMBERS
Tracy Bowles, PGA Santa Maria Country Club
A-1
Antonio Chavez, PGA Palm Desert Resort
A-13
Jeremy Clevenger, PGA Pauma Valley Country Club
A-1
Spencer Cody, PGA PGA West – Private Course
A-1
Paul Cox, PGA Westin Mission Hills Resort
A-1
Michael Cripe, PGA Marriott’s Shadow Ridge Resort
A-1
Thomas Fowler II, PGA Woodhaven Country Club
A-1
Chris Frame, PGA Red Hill Country Club
A-1
Harley Hylton, PGA The Crossings at Carlsbad
A-1
Bryan T. Jones, PGA Candlewood Country Club
A-1
Eric Julian, PGA Monarch Beach Golf Links
A-1
COMPENSATION SURVEY
WELCOME WAGON
Timothy King, PGA Los Angeles Country Club
A-1
Kevin Casby, PGA Illinois Zachary Casey, PGA Northern California Aaron Caverley, PGA Michigan James Chang, PGA Northern California Eric Conroy, PGA Minnesota Paul Cox, PGA Southwest Donald Devantier, PGA Michigan Justin Freudenburg, PGA Colorado Kim Kleinle, PGA Philadelphia Evan Mitchell, PGA Pacific Northwest Clayton Madden, PGA Rocky Mountain Michael Murphy, PGA Illinois Robert Newbill Pacific Northwest Amy Nordeen, PGA Colorado Robert R. Robinson Colorado Gary Tamietti, PGA Northern California Dirk Willis, PGA Wisconsin
Kim Keinle, PGA Caliente Springs Resort/Driving Range
A-2
Phil Lopez, PGA El Caballero Country Club
A-13
Angel Martinez, PGA Indian Palms Golf Course
A-1
James Spadoni, PGA Tustin Ranch Golf Club
A-13
Mike van der Goes, PGA Saticoy Country Club
A-13
The PGA requests your participation in helping to ensure that one of our Association's most powerful employment tools remains effective for you and other PGA Professionals. By completing the 2017 Compensation Survey by March 31, 2017, you can receive up to two (2) Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits. MSR credit is automatically applied upon completion of the survey with a summary of your responses available for your records. In an effort to continuously improve the survey experience for our members, we have streamlined many areas. Ideally, this will direct you to only answer questions that are relevant to your position. As a reminder, all survey responses are treated confidentially with results being reported only if there are five or more responses. To ensure your confidentiality, results continue to be shared in an aggregated format and not by individual. Your participation is key to ensuring that our Section's compensation information is valid and meaningful. Your support of this important PGA initiative is greatly appreciated.
Steve Lyons, PGA; Colin McMahon, PGA; Andrew Vosburg, PGA; Cody Franke, PGA; Trey Johnson, PGA; Christopher Jones, PGA; Leonia Kim, PGA; Elias Ruelas Jr, PGA; Ezekiel Schwartz, PGA; Koby Stauffer, PGA
NEWLY REGISTERED APPRENTICES Stephen Allen, Zachary Ashman, David Bronsteen, Scott Cherry, Dan Ebright, Nicholas Gajefski, Matthew Grace, Alex Hird, Emmanoel Javier, Blake Lapham, Jacqueline Mata, Timothey Medina, Sara Ovadia, Nicole Prichard, Kevin Sheriff, Jaekwon Shin, Stephen Shumaker, Zachary Ziembo
NEW PGA QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS Rick Danruther, PGA; Andy Gaither, PGA; Scott Mallory, PGA; James Spadoni, PGA; Roger Teel, PGA
ORIENTATIONS APPRENTICE February 22 May 23 August 23 October 18
MEMBERSHIP May 10 August 1 October 3
All Orientations are held at the SCPGA Section Headquarters. Call or email Sharon Curfman (951.845.4653, scurfman@pgahq.com) to reserve your spot today! 8
Andrew Warren, PGA The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe
Rex Cole, PGA & Terry Wilcox, PGA
A-1
Dirk Willis, PGA Pelican Hill Golf Club
A-13
Hide Yoshinaga, PGA Valencia Country Club
A-4
Bryan Addis, PGA The Crosby at Rancho Santa Fe
A-13
DECEASED We recently lost PGA Members Randy Reznicek, Jim Christie, Don Collett and SCPGA Honorary Life Member Tom Morgan. PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
NEWLY CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS ANDREW LARKIN, PGA
Successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in Instruction.
JOHN CUMMINGS, PGA
Successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in General Management.
HAE YOON JUNG KIM, PGA
Successfully completed the requirements for becoming certified in Instruction.
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WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The following are members who recently attended a Membership Orientation at SCPGA Headquarters. What is your main reason or motivation for becoming a PGA member? Southern California
RODNEY SILVAGNI
Mission Hills Country Club A-1 To better educate myself in the industry I love. My passion for growing the game is in alignment with the PGA.
JIM ROBINSON
Mission Hills Country Club A-4 To continue my growth as a professional by gaining the knowledge provided by the PGA of America. Also to join the network of professionals to help grow the game of golf.
STEVEN DONAR
Fullerton Golf Course A-13 To help grow and improve the game that I love.
HEATHER COLBY
Sea ’N Air Golf Course A-8 My life dream was always to become a PGA member. My motivation was to pass down my knowledge to future golfers and share my passion.
HEATHER KING
Coronado Golf Course A-8 Share my passion and experiences for the game.
ADAM BAUMANN
Newport Beach Country Club A-8 It gave me a path to a fun and rewarding career in the game I love. Getting to know and helping people is a passion of mine, that this career allows me to do.
KIRK MATSUMA
Wright Balance Golf Schools A-6 I love sharing this life long passion with everyone. Creating excitement in a game that can be played for a lifetime.
ERIC NELSON
The Vintage Club A-8 To help people realize how enjoyable the game of golf can be and get more people involved.
RYAN SUNG NO
SAVE
the DATE
NOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION
APPRENTICE ORIENTATION February 22 | SCPGA Headquarters CRACKER BARREL March 1 | Classic Club FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP March 6 | Valencia Country Club GOLF INDUSTRY & BUSINESS SUMMIT March 13 | Riverside Convention Center AAA STROKE PLAY March 15 | Stoneridge Country Club SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPEN March 21-23 | Industry Hills Golf Club PROFESSIONAL-SCRATCH CHAMPIONSHIP March 27 | Annandale Golf Club LEE TREVINO & DAVE STOCKTON FIRESIDE CHAT March 31 | PGA WEST SENIOR-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP April 10 | TBD
Urban Golf Performance A-6 I love the game and want to grow the game and golf business.
WOMEN’S TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP April 11 | Aviara Golf Club
COLIN TUCKER
PRO-OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP April 24 | Bermuda Dunes Country Club
The Vintage Club A-8 I joined the PGA because I love sharing the joy this great game has brought me with others.
Southern California
SPRING TEACHING SUMMIT April 17 | The Callaway Performance Center
WOMEN’S STROKE PLAY SERIES 3 May 2 | Heritage Palms Golf Club PATRIOT PRO-AM May 8 | Toscana Country Club
STEVE LYONS
Twin Oaks Golf Course A-8 To help grow the game and bring my vision, attitude, and passion to help motivate people to stay involved in golf! scpga.com
BENJAMIN SLOBODIEN Rancho San Joaquin Golf Course A-6 To help grow the game of golf by coaching and to help people enjoy the game of golf I love. - Fairways & Greens PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
MEMBERSHIP ORIENTATION May 10 | SCPGA Headquarters CRACKER BARREL May 10 | SCPGA Headquarters
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COVER STORY
The 2016 Southern California PGA
President’s Dinner
Robin Shelton, PGA with Tom Addis III, PGA at 2016 President’s Dinner
ROBIN SHELTON, PGA 2016 GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Robin Shelton is one of the most accomplished and decorated golf professionals in the industry. Some of his qualifications include: a double major from UC San Diego, MBA from Pepperdine University, PGA Master Professional, and one of only two professionals in the PGA of America who are certified in all seven disciplines through the PGA Certified Program. He also holds certifications through the Golfing Machine and the Titleist Performance Institute. Shelton currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Southern California PGA and works as the General Manager for American Golf Corporation at SeaCliff Country Club. Professionally, he is most proud of his accomplishments in helping others discover and achieve their potential. He and his wife, Joyce, live in Mission Viejo.
SCPGA HALL OF FAME Max Bayha, PGA (posthumously) Nelda Bayha accepts award 10
SCPGA HALL OF FAME Bob Husband, PGA Bellagio Road, LLC
GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Robin Shelton, PGA SeaCliff Country Club
SCPGA HALL OF FAME Terry Wilcox, PGA Life Member
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER Kevin Heaney SCGA Executive Director
PRESIDENT’S AWARD Susan Roll, PGA Carlsbad Golf Center
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TEACHER OF THE YEAR Alison Curdt, PGA Wood Ranch Golf Club
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 DEVELOPMENT AWARD Geoff Dean, PGA PGA West
HORTON SMITH AWARD Shawn Cox, PGA The Grand Del Mar Golf Club
BILL STRAUSBAUGH AWARD Joe Grohman, PGA Navy Golf Course
ASSISTANT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR Sheldon Callahan, PGA Lomas Santa Fe Country Club
YOUTH PLAYER DEVELOPMENT AWARD Heidi Richardson, PGA Encinitas Ranch Golf Course
WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR Alison Curdt, PGA Wood Ranch Golf Club
SUPER SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR Bob E. Smith, PGA Life Member
AAA PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kenny Pigman, PGA Goose Creek Golf Club
WOMEN’S APPRENTICE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Reina Rogers River Ridge Golf Club
SENIOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR Gary Sowinski, PGA Hodges Golf Learning Center
PLAYER OF THE YEAR Michael Block, PGA Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club
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THE BASH BROTHERS
PINEHURST CHAMPIONSHIP
2016 Club Car Pinehurst Champions Kenny Pigman, PGA & Michael Block, PGA
The SCPGA finished off 2016 with one of the more popular events on the calendar, the Club Car Pinehurst Championship. This year’s event, held on December 5th in conjunction with the Annual Meeting, saw a field of 49 teams navigate their way around the quaint, but challenging Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Course. Each team vying to step into the winner’s circle for the final time in 2016. The field for the final event of the year was stacked full of great players, and because of that some potent teams were put together. Players in the field included the likes of: PGA Professionals and defending champions Chris Lempa and Petra Cole, and 2016 Match Play Champion Steve Holmes and his partner, fresh off his victory at the short course tournament, Andrew Larkin. However, no team was able to keep pace with the deadly duo of PGA Professionals, Michael Block and Kenny Pigman, now known as the Bash Brothers. On paper this team looked to be unbeatable, especially when it is highlighted that Block is the 2016 OMEGA SCPGA Player of the Year and Pigman is the 2016 SCPGA Section Champion. This hard hitting duo were out to prove that alone they are great players, but as a team they are virtually unstoppable… and they did just that. They were able to card an impressive eight birdies to one bogey to post a seven-under, 65. Their score was good enough, by one shot, to find themselves hoisting a trophy yet again, and being named
champions of another SCPGA event. Congratulations to the 2016 Pinehurst Champions; Michael Block and Kenny Pigman! Congratulations also goes to Rick Johnson, PGA, of The Rancho Bernardo Country Club. Johnson won himself a bucket list trip to Ireland thanks to Garmany Golf. After receiving his certificate, Johnson excitedly said, “that’s all I wanted to win all day!” Thank you to the Section partners of the event: Club Car, Golf Buddy, Golf Scorecards Inc., Electric, Kenwood, Turfhound, Garmany Golf & Travel, Caddy X, Crystal Plus, SCNS Sports Food, and Pepsi. A special thank you to Bryon Penfield, PGA and the staff at Rancho Bernardo Inn. Everyone from the golf shop staff to guest services to the snack bar crew were top notch and the hospitality provided was tremendous. One final thank you to SCPGA rules officials Ron O’Connor, PGA and Keith Reinking who dedicated their time and services to ensure that the event was a success. CLUB CAR ANNUAL MEETING & PINEHURST CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -7, 65, $2,800 T2 Jeff Munak, San Diego C.C., Eric Riehle, UCR, -6, 66, $1650 T2 John Mason, Encinitas Ranch G.C., Barry Mahlberg, Stadium Golf Center, -6, 66, $1650 T2 Michael Griffin, Fairbanks Ranch, Logan Scott, Oakmont C.C., -6, 66, $1650
Official Radio of the Southern California PGA
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THE HEART OF A LYON
This year, in an effort to encourage apprentice participation at the Annual Meeting, the AAA division ran an inaugural Annual Meeting/AAA Kickoff. With 2017 POY points up for grabs, the inaugural event was a roaring success! 35 apprentices attended the meeting, the largest attendance to date by far, and 26 participated in the AAA Kick-Off at The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo. The course was in terrific condition, playing a modest 6,391 yards on the scorecard, but the small and fast greens would be sure to demand precise iron play! A third of the field shot even par or better with some familiar faces in red figures including 2016 North/South Cup participants Chris Lungo (-1), Michael Mendoza (-1), Tyler Pritkin (-2), Bobby Nickell (-3), and Lyon Lazare (-4). Lyon’s four-under par 67 got him into a playoff with Mike Fergin, PGA, and it was a thrilling one! Both players birdied the first playoff hole, par five, hole 18, as Fergin with his back against the wall rolled in a 15 footer to keep his hopes alive. They each parred the next two holes, and again Lyon put the pressure back on Fergin by nearly holing his greenside bunker shot for eagle on the short par four, 11th (fourth playoff hole). But again Fergin seemed to thrive on the pressure and rolled an 18 foot birdie putt into the hole to extend the playoff. After Mike narrowly missed a 40 footer up the hill, the stage was set for Lyon to slam the door shut. He lined up a 15 foot birdie putt, gave it a confident stroke, and with about 3 1/2 feet to go, Lyon walked it right into the hole! Thank you to Jim Nicolaisen, PGA Head Golf Professional, and his staff at The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo. Thank you to Maui Jim for their continued support as the Presenting Partner of the SCPGA’s AAA division. AAA KICK-OFF 1 Lyon Lazare, Aliso Viejo C.C., -4, 67, $525 2 Mike Fergin, Mesa Verde C.C., -4, 67, $450 3 Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -3, 68, $375 13
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Supported through PGA REACH, impacting lives through golf.
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HONORS CUP MATCHES
SCPGA/SCGA HONORS CUP MATCHES 2016 Honors Matches, SCPGA and SCGA Teams
The 6th Bi-Annual Honors Matches was recently contested at the historic and scenic La Quinta Country Club as the Southern California PGA faced the Southern California Golf Association in a friendly two days of matches. The two teams, made up of the top 12 players from each Association, showcased the top PGA professionals and top SCGA amateur golfers in Southern California. The match play format includes four-ball matches contested on day one followed with singles matches on day two, with each match worth three points (a point for the front nine, a point for the back nine and a point for the overall match). This year the 2016 SCPGA team included members Chi Choi, Thomas Chu, Eric Evans, Steve Holmes, Chris Lempa, Tim Parun, Kenny Pigman, Ron Skayhan, Chad Sorensen, Gary Sowinski, Chris Starkjohann, Paul Wise and Captained by Past President John McNair. The SCPGA was also pleased to have Mr. Pat Rielly serve as the Honoree during the matches in which he was recognized. Day one of matches found the SCGA taking the early lead 10-8 in scpga.com
Chi Choi, PGA
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the Four-Ball Matches, with thrilling matches throughout the day. With the second day singles and a total of 36 points on the board, the Honors Cup was there for the taking for both Associations. The Amateurs went on a birdie borage in the Single Matches and separating themselves from Team SCPGA. With the strong showing in the singles, the SCGA took back the Cup winning total of 35-19. This is the fifth time in six years that SCGA has retained or captured the Cup. La Quinta Country Club, and Host PGA Professional Chris Gilley, were a pleasure to work with and served as an excellent site for the coveted Honors Matches. A big thank you to the Club and all staff and members for graciously hosting the 6th BiAnnual Matches. Another thank you to Cutter & Buck who supplied SCPGA uniforms for the matches. Finally, thank you to the Rules Committee who continue to donate their time to better the game! Congratulations to all team members for your tremendous play to be a part of the Honors Cup Matches and congratulations to the SCGA on their 2016 victory. 15
PGA MEMBER
SCPGA WOMEN CAPTURE THE CUP
Spotlight MICHAEL MAJOR, PGA TORREY PINES GOLF COURSE
Michael Major was born and raised in Scottsdale, Arizona and was introduced to golf by a friend who was playing golf in the mini tours. He now works as the caddie master at Cypress Point Club. After being introduced to the game, he started working part-time at Torrey Pines Golf Course in Outside Services from 1989 to 1994. He then went on to work in the Torrey Pines G.C. Golf Shop from 1994 to 1997. An interesting fun fact about Major is that this is the only golf course he has ever worked for. “I kind of feel like Tony Gwynn who played his whole career for the SD Padres, a one team playing career.” In 1996, Major entered into the PGA program followed by becoming a full time staff instructor in 1997. Major received his Class A Member on April Fool’s Day in 1998. Next in his career, from 1998 to 2001, Major held the position of Junior Golf Camp Director and Junior Golf Director. Major is now the Lead Staff Instructor at the Torrey Pines Golf School. He is also actively involved in SDPGA by serving on the SDPGA Chapter Board as the former Junior Golf Chair and the current Education Chair. At Torrey Pines Golf Course, he gets to see and interact with a variety of golfers on a daily basis. This not only includes local golfers, but movie stars, professional athletes, touring professionals, and even the President of the United States (twice last year). Major has taught a range of different 16
2016 Women’s Cup Matches Michael Major, PGA with Rickie Fowler
golfers as well. Some of his more notable clients are John Lithgow (movie star), John Smoltz (Atlanta Braves Pitcher), Wolfgang Puck (Famous Chef). He recently also had the opportunity to have Rickie Fowler on his lesson tee. “No I didn’t get to give him any of my expertise… he was getting fit with the Cobra techs and I happened to let him use my office that day.” Major is happily married to Jonina for 28 years with three children, Chaz, Cruz, and Blaiz. The entire Major Family has worked in the golf business at Torrey Pines Golf Course at one
Michael Major, PGA - Junior Camp
time or another. Major comments, “I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many everyday golfers and have been so grateful I get to service them and their game of golf in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I’m also so grateful I get to work in a profession surrounded by the greatest people in the business and to serve, associate and play side by side with these fine wonderful casts of characters I’ve come to know as golfers and golf professionals.” PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
Congratulations to the following eight players who represented the SCPGA proudly and were successful in defending their title at the Women’s Cup Matches: Alison Curdt, PGA (Wood Ranch Golf Club), Reina Rogers (River Ridge Golf Club), Petra Cole, PGA (Torrey Pines Golf Course), Bari Brandwynne, PGA (Los Angeles Country Club), Julie Wells, PGA (Julie Wells Golf), Kim Falcone, PGA (La Jolla Country Club), Lehua Wise, PGA (Hideaway Golf Club), Erika Ilagan (SeaCliff Country Club) The 6th Annual Southern California Women’s Cup Matches between The Southern California PGA Section and The Women’s Golf Council of Southern California was held at Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage. The two-day event started out with two foursome matches and two fourball matches on the first day. Team SCPGA dominated sweeping up all four matches with a 4-0 lead into the second day of Singles Matches. The Women’s Golf Council of Southern California came prepared for Singles Matches, however, Team SCPGA continued on from the first day and swept seven out of eight matches to retain the cup for the sixth year in a row with a final score of 11-1. We enjoy playing with the Women’s Golf Council of Southern California every year – there are always good memories and laughs shared. We look forward to 2017!
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AHEAD SUPPLY COMPANY for the softer side of life
METRO CHAPTER WINS!
2016 Chapter Challenge - Metropolitan Team
The 10th Annual Southern California PGA Chapter Challenge returned to the scenic Pelican Hill Golf Club in Newport Beach. The Metropolitan Chapter wins for the third time with a team total of 335 (-20) and a mere two stroke victory over the San Diego Chapter. The winning team members for the Metro Chapter are Michael Block, Chi Choi, Bobby Nickell, Vinnie Poncino, Blair Harkins, Mark Madson, Scott Heyn, Jacqueline Kazarian, Joe Grohman, Jim Razzeto, Ron Skayhan and John Lee. The Four-Ball team event features a total of 12 participants from each of the five Chapters that make up the Southern California PGA Section. Each team consists of eight participants 50 years of age & younger, three
participants of 51 years of age & over, one apprentice and one female. The low five of the six team scores are used. Congratulations Team Metro! Big thank you to Linksoul for providing each participant with a team polo and Pelican Hill Golf Club Host PGA Professional Dirk Willis and staff for their continued support in the Chapter Challenge!
10TH ANNUAL CHAPTER CHALLENGE 1 Metro Chapter, 335 2 San Diego Chapter, 337 3 Inland Empire Chapter, 343 4 Northern Chapter, 345 5 Desert Chapter, 349
Represented in So. California by San Diego Team
Northern Team
ED BUDZ
phone: 951.595.0268 email: EdB@aheadhq.com
IAN HILL
phone: 617.699.9153 email: Ian.Hill@aheadsales.net
WWW.AHEADWEB.COM Inland Empire Team
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Desert Team
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17
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA “
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Balance!
TEACHER’S FORUM
By SCPGA Teaching Committee Co-Chairperson, Randy Chang, PGA
PAST PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
Skip Whittet SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PRESIDENT 1986-1987 By Southern California PGA COO, Jeff Johnson, PGA
WHAT I CAME AWAY WITH DURING THESE TWO INCREDIBLE DAYS OF LISTENING TO THE BEST OF THE BEST IS: 1. We need to make sure we balance the technical with the application as well as the physical and mental aspects of the game. 2. Look to focus on a specific part of the game such as, juniors, elite players, developmental/ beginners, short game, putting, disabled/handicapped, women, distance, mental, fitness, etc. And, be the leader and the best at it. There is definitely a LOT of great technical data that can measure the physical aspects of the golf swing that should change the way we talk and teach. I came out of the summit with my head spinning and needed to take an Advil. Ground forces, lateral forces, rotational forces, gravitational forces
and finding out that the swing is NOT an actual circular motion. I believe we need this technology and information to help take away doubt and back up what we are saying as instructors and coaches to attain confidence among who we teach. But, at the same time, our students are bombarded with too much technical information that I seem to spend a lot of time in my lessons explaining what is being communicated out there through all of the media outlets. The goal is BALANCE, not only in the golf swing mechanics, but how and what we teach. Technology is important but simplicity is the key.
“
The goal is BALANCE, not only in the golf swing mechanics but how and what we teach. Technology is important but simplicity is the key.
“
I just got back from the 2017 PGA Teaching and Coaching Summit in Orlando and would encourage all PGA Professionals and Apprentices to attend one of these in the future!
Fitness and flexibility is crucial, but mental discipline and focus is of the essence. So, find a specialization in the teaching field, figure out how to simplify the technical data, balance your life, and you’re on your way to a very successful career as a PGA teacher and coach. You can start this journey by attending the SCPGA Teaching and Coaching summits at Callaway Headquarters in the spring and Virginia Country Club in the Fall. Randy Chang, PGA is the Director of Instruction at Randy Chang Golf Schools, Journey Golf Academy at Pechanga Casino and Resort, Aloha Academy of Golf at Talega Golf Club. He is also the SCPGA Teaching Committee CoChairperson. Randy can be reached at randychangpga@yahoo.com.
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In the spirit of remembering the past and embracing the future, I can think of no more progressive and yet historic Past President having served our Section, with such commitment, than Skip Whittet. Our PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 1980 and inducted in our Hall of Fame in 1993 Skip has been, and remains a constant presence representing all that is good about our Section and the game of golf. In addition, Skip was crowned our Senior Section PGA Professional Champion having claimed that title in 1991. An expert in administering and applying the Rules of Golf. Skip spent 15 years working with the PGA Champions Tour following a wonderful career of 15 years as the Head Golf Professional at the venerable Oakmont Country Club. Serving the Board of Directors and countless committees while providing guidance and wisdom for so many younger professionals, we say thanks Skip Whittet. Thanks for a life well lived and the kindness you have always conveyed.
Jeff Johnson, PGA, Southern California PGA COO. Jeff can be reached at jjohnson@pgahq.com.
STAFF HIGHLIGHT JAKE ELLISON Jake was born and raised in Gig Harbor, Washington where he picked up golf at the age of 16. Like most of us, the first time the clubface and ball danced in perfect unison, he was hooked. Jake immediately started taking lessons at his local driving range which he later began working at. He acquired knowledge through his swing coach, Danny Gibbs, about Professional Golfers Career College. After an immense amount of research, Jake decided to move down south in pursuit of his passion. Jake worked part time for the SCPGA on the weekends whilst attending school during the weekdays. He went on to graduate from Professional Golfers Career College, with honors, in April of 2016. A month later he was brought on to our fulltime staff as a Junior Golf Manager and could not be more grateful. 19
South Dominates To Take Back the Cup
AAA NORTH/SOUTH CUP MATCHES
SOUTH DOMINATES TO TAKE BACK THE CUP SCPGA AAA North/South Cup Team
This time last year the SCPGA’s 12 best AAA players piled into a van and headed North to Hunter Ranch expecting another fun week of golf and returning home with the cup that had made its home at the Southern California PGA Section office nine of the last ten years. Unfortunately the North had other ideas and laid a shellacking on the South to the tune of 16 to 8. Needless to say, that left a sour taste, one this prideful bunch was not interested in sampling again! The South Team was loaded with talent, returning four members from last year’s team and slew of new talent eager to make their mark! Camaraderie and chemistry seemed strong with this group and you got the sense at the pairings dinner on Sunday night that it was going to be a different outcome this time around! The tournament was off to a competitive start Monday morning at the beautiful Indian Wells Golf Resort. Through nine holes the South Team was down in four of the six matches but managed to scratch and claw their way to 3.5 to 2.5 lead in the morning scpga.com
Four-Ball. Then began the afternoon Foursomes and the South Team put their foot on the gas! Perhaps the most impressive nine hole stretch of the tournament was turned in by the team of Raj Samra and Cavin McCall who shot a blistering seven-under par 30 on their front nine in alternate shot, eagling the first two par five’s in route to a 7&6 victory. The South as a whole really showed their depth in this format winning 5.5 of a possible six points to take a commanding 9 to 3 lead heading into Tuesday’s Singles matches. The morning came and the South picked up right where they had left off… clearly with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove after last year’s loss. They narrowly missed out on setting the record for the largest victory in the cups history but were plenty satisfied with their 17.5 to 6.5 victory in this year’s cup matches! Thank you to Joe Williams, PGA Director of Golf and Randall Carney, PGA Tournament Director for hosting this year’s North/South Cup Matches. Also, thank you to Jim Ireland and Tim PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
Wilkinson of Under Armour for not only donating this year’s uniforms for the South Team, but for coming out to watch and support the team! Thank you to Brian Gonzales and Steve Rice from Club Glove for donating custom towels to both teams, and to Dee Dee Lasker from Golf Pride Grips for donating new grips to each member of the South Team. Lastly, thank you to all that participated in the AAA this year and helped make it one of the most successful years to date and congratulations to the top 12 that earned their way on this team with a great year of golf! Kenny Pigman (2-1), Bobby Nickell (2-1), Cavin McCall (2-1), Raj Samra (2-1), Chris Lungo (3-0), Jayme Backos (1-1-1), Tyler Pritkin (1-1-1), Steven Bendt (2-0-1), Thomas Chu (2-0-1), Michael Mendoza (3-0), Lyon Lazare (3-0), Matt Parkovich (2-1).
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WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP
The Wise One
the wise one The Southern California PGA crowned its final individual champion of 2016 at the Women’s Section Championship on November 16th and 17th. This year’s event was hosted at the spectacular Wood Ranch Golf Club, and had a field of 17 talented SCPGA women members battle it out with one another to claim the proverbial crown. The first day of the Championship was set up for low scoring, as the conditions of the course and the weather were near perfect. Although there was only one woman, Lehua Wise, PGA, who was able to take advantage of the perfect day and post a round in red numbers, a four under par round of 68. Her round did not start as she had hoped, with a bogey on the first hole, but she turned on the “burners” and carded six birdies to one bogey for the remainder of her round. With the score of 68 (-4) in the books, Lehua had a lead of five shots heading into the second, and final day, of the Championship. The second day of the Championship, or “bring it home day,” as some people call it, saw opposite weather conditions than day number one. Mother Nature decided to make it difficult for the 22
Women’s Section Champion - Lehua Wise, PGA
ladies, as wind gusts blew upwards of 20 miles per hour. That did not intimidate day one leader, Wise, as she was able to back up her strong play on day one with a solid round of 74 (+2) on the challenging final day. Her two day score of 142 (two under par) was enough to be crowned Champion by an impressive seven shots over defending Champion, and host PGA Professional, Alison Curdt, PGA. Great playing, and congratulations to the 2016 Southern California PGA Women’s Section Champion; Lehua Wise! Congratulations also to following players in the field who played well enough to place in the money; Alison Curdt, PGA; Erika Ilagan; Petra Cole, PGA; Danielle O’Keefe; Bari Brandwynne, PGA; Laura Luethke; Yumi Chung, PGA. A big thank you to the supporting partners of the event; Tracy Lane Foundation, Callaway Golf, and the PGA TOUR. On the first day the participants in the field were given a Tracy Lane Foundation logoed handbag, and were also treated to a buffet lunch and presentation by the Tracy Lane Foundation and Callaway PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
Golf. The field was also a recipient of prize money graciously donated by the PGA TOUR. Thank you to the product partners of the event; Sterling Cut Glass and Pepsi. The SCPGA and participants in the Championship greatly appreciate your support and partnership at the premier event on the Women’s Division calendar. Thank you to Wood Ranch Golf Club, and PGA Host Professional Alison Curdt. The course was in phenomenal shape and the hospitality provided by the staff was outstanding. One final thank you to SCPGA Rules Officials Gary and Diane Wilson, and Steve Beardsley. They donated their time and expertise to ensure that the championship was a success.
WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP 1 Lehua Wise, Hideaway G.C., -2, 142, $1100 2 Alison Curdt, Wood Ranch G.C., +5, 149, $800 3 Erika Ilagan, SeaCliff C.C., +10, 154, $650 scpga.com
CHAPTER CORNER
Desert Chapter
The Desert PGA is in full swing! In spite of January producing some significant rain fall, our winter visitors are arriving everyday and golf courses are filling up. The PGA TOUR was in town for the CareerBuilder Challenge held at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club. Phil Mickelson competed and was acting Ambassador for the event. Adam Hadwin from Canada scored a tour record of 59 and finished 19-under par. Hudson Swafford won the CBC with a 20-under par final score. During the CareerBuilder Challenge week, Desert Charities hosted the Coachella Valley Golf Industry Summit. There were several panels of experts. The discussions included Player Development. We heard from Nikki Gatch, PGA Regional Player Development Manager. We also heard the discussion of the health of the Private Club industry and how we as professionals are making strategic changes to accommodate a new generation of golfers. We heard from experts like Bill O’Brien, VP of Operations at Troon Golf to Z Gordon Davidson, an expert in Real Estate Development. Lastly, we heard from Craig Kessler, the government affairs director of the SCGA in regards to our water Task Force and efforts being made across the valley to save water on consumption. Congratulations to Eric Redd for winning our Annual Chaparral Pro-Am with a one-under par, 59. Upcoming events are the Desert Match Play and the Marakesh Pro-Am.
Inland Empire Chapter
Happy New Year and welcome to the Inland Empire Chapter. As I write this article, the Inland Empire is almost underwater. We have been blessed to receive almost eight inches of rain in the month of January, I am sure it is impacting everyone’s tee sheets but rain was needed, it would be nice to spread it out a little though. Special thanks to Scott Wasco, PGA, for getting our tournament schedule out in a timely fashion and we are looking forward to scpga.com
a great year of participation from all the Members. Please check the SCPGA website for details and sign up, we need you. Help wanted, many of you may not know but our Board lost Jeremy Clevenger, PGA, to Pauma Valley Country Club as the new Head Golf Professional. He will be missed but we wish him every success in his new role. There are open positions on our Board and we are looking for candidates. If you are interested, contact any Inland Empire Chapter Board Member. Finally, join me in congratulating Kenny Pigman, PGA, he made the cut in the PGA TOUR CareerBuilder Challenge in La Quinta. If any of you watched, you also noticed that Kenny had the long drive on the 18th hole of 305 yards, right in the middle of the fairway. Well done Kenny, keep up the good work!
Metropolitan Chapter
2016 proved to be very successful and accredited year for the SCPGA Metro Chapter. As we drew the year to a close, we saw the swearing in of our next SCPGA President, Todd Keefer, PGA of historic Wilshire Country Club located in the heart of Los Angeles. In addition to this, the Metro Chapter was well represented by having the 2016 SCPGA Golf Professional of the Year awarded to Robin Shelton, PGA, MBA of SeaCliff Country Club in Huntington Beach. Shelton is a multiple award winner in the Southern California Section and well deserved of this prestigious honor. Metro Chapter members also awarded at the 2016 President’s Dinner include Joe Grohman receiving the Bill Strausbaugh Award, Erik Horve recipient of the Club Fitter of the Year Award, and Michael Block, 2016 SCPGA Player of the Year. To wrap up 2016, the Metro Chapter has seen some changes made to its board of directors. We sadly see the departure of Mike van der Goes, PGA as he is now the General Manager at Saticoy Country Club. We congratulate him on the new position and will be missed as a representative of the Metro Chapter. With this, we are proud to say that Scott Heyn, PGA of Oakmont Country Club in Glendale has accepted the position as interim President for 2017. Vic Placeres, PGA of Old Ranch Country Club will PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
continue to serve as Vice President. In addition, Eric Mitchell, PGA of Anaheim Hills Golf Course in Anaheim was sworn in as the incoming Secretary, as well as Robert Handy, PGA, of Mile Square Golf Course and Daniel Adkins, PGA, of Trump National Los Angeles in at-large positions. With these changes we are very excited for the coming year and looking forward to a terrific 2017.
Northern Chapter
2016 Northern Chapter Year in Review delivered the following Champions for our Major events: The River Ridge Pro-Pro Scramble Champions were Rick Garboski and Paul Holtby. The TaylorMade Four-Ball Champions at Santa Maria Country Club were Rick Garboski and Jon Fiedler. Our Chapter Championship at Rustic Canyon was won by Jayme Backos. The Rancho Maria Golf Club Professional Facility Champions were Paul Holtby and Rick Garboski. The top three in our points and money lists were third place Paul Holtby, second place Jon Fiedler, and first place Chad Sorensen. This resulted in the Northern Chapter 2016 Player of the Year for a second consecutive year being Chad Sorensen. Congratulations to Chad and all the Chapter Champions as well as a sincere thanks to all of our members for making the time to play in events. We are looking forward to having a fun and competitive 2017 tournament year and many successful stories along the way.
San Diego Chapter
We had our first event played Jan. 20th at Mount Woodson Golf Course. This was a stableford format won by Gary Sowinski. Our first Board meeting was held on Jan. 31st with several topics including event schedule and yearly sponsors. Our next event will be on Feb. 20th, a four-ball format held at Bernardo Heights Country Club. Our second Board meeting will be on Feb. 28th, setting up our Spring Chapter meeting on March 20th at Twin Oaks Golf Course. Our April event will be April 3rd, a Pro-Am at Shadowridge Country Club. 23
TOURNAMENT RECAPS
Southern California PGA Bobby Nickell, PGA, Andrew Larkin, PGA
PRO-PRO SHORT COURSE SHOOTOUT November 2, 2016 Emerald Isle Golf Course 1 Andrew Larkin, UCLA, Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -6, 48, $300 2 Tim Parun, Life Member Active, Fred Wood, Oceanside G.C., -5, 49, $150 3 David Anderson, Premier Caddie, Nikki Prichard, Arrowood G.C., -3, 51
SENIOR PLAYERS DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP November 9-10, 2016 Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon FIRST PLACE YOUNG Paul Dietsche, Redlands C.C., -2, 142, $1000 MIDDLE Jerry Wisz, Alhambra G.C., +3, 147, $825 SUPER Paul Wise, Hillcrest C.C., E, 144, $950
Chris Gilley, PGA
CLUB CAR AGGREGATE SERIES - FIO January 9, 2017 Bear Creek Golf Club 1 Chris Gilley, La Quinta C.C., -3, 69, $830 2 Jamie Puterbaugh, Aviara Golf Academy, -2, 70, $670 T3 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -1, 71, $482.50 T3 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -1, 71, $482.50 Chris Gilley, PGA of La Quinta Country Club stamps his ticket into the PGA TOUR’s Farmers Insurance Open winning the Club Car Aggregate Series - FIO. Gilley posted a victorious round of (-3) 69 at Bear Creek Golf Club to earn the honors of teeing it up in the PGA TOUR event hosted at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Congratulations to Chris on earning the exemption and playing in his second PGA TOUR event, the 2017 Farmers Insurance Open.
Michael Block, PGA
CLUB CAR AGGREGATE SERIES - GO February 6, 2017 El Caballero Country Club 1 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -2, 69, $1000 2 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., E, 71, $800 3 Paul Holtby, Golf Development Complex, +2, 73, $650 Michael Block, PGA of Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club outlasted the rainy and challenging conditions to earn an exemption into the PGA TOUR Genesis Open with his victory at the Club Car Aggregate Series hosted at El Caballero Country Club carding a two-under par 69. With this win, Block will appear in his ninth PGA TOUR event in addition to his three Major Championship appearances. Best of luck to Michael as he represents the Southern California PGA next week at The Riviera Country Club in the Genesis Open!
USGA: NEW LOCAL RULE AS OF JANUARY 1, 2017 The USGA and The R&A announced the introduction of a new Local Rule that eliminates the penalty when a ball is accidentally moved on the putting green. The Local Rule will be available for any committee in charge of a competition to use starting Jan. 1, 2017. It will be adopted by the USGA and The R&A in all of their championships, qualifying competitions and international matches. “Eliminating this penalty responds to the concerns we have heard from both golfers and committees about the difficulties in applying the current Rules when a player accidentally causes a ball to move on the putting green,” said Thomas Pagel, USGA senior director, Rules of Golf and Amateur Status, said. “This change is a good example of the type of Rules modernization changes we hope to implement after completing our fundamental review of all of the Rules. We are looking for ways to improve the Rules by making them easier to 24
understand and apply.” David Rickman, executive director – Governance at The R&A, said, “For the past several years, as part of The R&A and USGA’s Rules Modernization initiative, we have considered the penalty for a ball that is accidentally moved on the putting green. Both Rules Committees agreed that it needed to be changed and decided that in this particular case it was important to act now, through a Local Rule, rather than wait for the next overall set of revisions to the Rules of Golf.” The Local Rule has been welcomed by all of the major tours worldwide, and the PGA Tour, European Tour, LPGA, PGA of America and the Masters Tournament are among the golf organizations that will implement the Local Rule for all future events, beginning Jan. 1, 2017. If a committee wishes to introduce this Local Rule, the following wording is recommended: “Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1 are PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
modified as follows: When a player’s ball lies on the putting green, there is no penalty if the ball or ball-marker is accidentally moved by the player, his partner, his opponent, or any of their caddies or equipment. The moved ball or ball-marker must be replaced as provided in Rules 18-2, 18-3 and 20-1. This Local Rule applies only when the player’s ball or ball-marker lies on the putting green and any movement is accidental. Note: If it is determined that a player’s ball on the putting green was moved as a result of wind, water or some other natural cause such as the effects of gravity, the ball must be played as it lies from its new location. A ballmarker moved in such circumstances is replaced.” For more information, including explanatory diagrams, videos and a detailed question-and-answer document, please visit usga.org/2017localrule. scpga.com
Tournament Results Sun Lakes Team
SUPERINTENDENT-PROFESSIONALMANAGER CHAMPIONSHIP November 21, 2016 Tijeras Creek Golf Club 1 Al Vallecrosa, Mark Burchfield, Sean Vance, Monty Elkins, Sun Lakes C.C., -18, 126, $2000 2 Joe Grohman, Phil Duris, Jose Madrigal, Anthony Kim, Navy G.C., -16, 128, $1500 3 Kevin Bailey, Mark Madson, Lance Sabella, Michael Tidik, Lakeside G.C., -13, 131, $1200
SENIOR JOE ROBINSON MEMORIAL NOVEMBER 28, 2016 Jurupa Hills Country Club FIRST PLACE YOUNG Eric Evans, Royal Vista G.C., E, 70, $200 MIDDLE Eric Redd, The Golf Event Company, -1, 69, $200 SUPER Jim Dennerline, Heroes G.C., +1, 71, $187.50 SENIOR TEAM Jim Dennerline, Heroes G.C., Mark Fernando, Coronado G.C., Philip Soulanille, Horsepower Golf, 129, $525
ELEVATE YOUR GAME Men’s Golf Collection
ALISON CURDT QUALIFIES FOR KPMG WOMEN’S PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
KENNY PIGMAN PLACES T58 AT CAREERBUILDER CHALLENGE
Alison Curdt, PGA
CareerBuilder Challenge - Kenny Pigman, PGA with supporters
Kenny Pigman, PGA Assistant Professional at Goose Creek Golf Club played in his first PGA TOUR event, the CareerBuilder Challenge, January 18-22, 2017 held at La Quinta Country Club, PGA WEST Stadium Course, and Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course. He finished T58 with a fourday total six under par, 282. Kenny received exemption into this event as the Champion of last September’s Southern California PGA Professional Championship held at TPC Valencia. On Saturday, Kenny made the cut on the cut line at -5. He posted all four rounds under par for the week of the tournament with his two best days on Friday and Saturday posting rounds of two under each day. His T58 finish was better than the likes of 2012 US Open Champion Webb Simpson and 2015 Open Champion Zach Johnson. scpga.com
Alison Curdt, PGA, of Wood Ranch Golf Club, qualifies for the 2017 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship! She recently competed in the Women’s PGA Stroke Play Championship and placed second with a three-day total of one-under (215). Karen Paolozzi won the championship but had already qualified for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. This allows Curdt an exemption into the 2017 event. It will be held June 27-July 2 at Olympia Fields Country Club in Olympia Fields, Illinois. Congratulations to Alison and good luck in the Championship! We know you will represent the Southern California PGA well and are excited to watch you play in the Championship.
ED BUDZ San Diego, The Desert & Orange County C: 951-595-0268 F: 951-972-4412 ed.budz@cuttersales.com
LORI BRENDLE Central California & Los Angeles C: 562-225-9133 lori.brendle@cutterbuck.com Available at pro shops and fine golf retailers.
www.cutterbuck.com
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2/3/17 11:43 AM
2017 CHAPTER PRESIDENTS
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DESERT: Michael Holyk, PGA Mountain View Country Club mholyk@mountainview-cc.com INLAND EMPIRE: Mark Williams, PGA MGW Development, LLC mawill33@hotmail.com METROPOLITAN: Scott Heyn, PGA Oakmont Country Club scottheyn@gmail.com
graduation from USC in 2011, Salas began her professional golf career and hasn’t missed an LPGA TOUR season since. Notable victories include a first place finish at the 2014 Kingsmill Championship as well as her participation in the 2015 Team USA Solheim Cup victory.
SCPGA FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEWLY FORMED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
NORTHERN: Carl Van Vallier, PGA Olivas Links Golf Course cvanvallier@kempersports.com SAN DIEGO: Bill Goree, PGA Life Member Active bgoree1@gmail.com
SCPGA ALUMNI LIZETTE SALAS RECEIVES JUNIOR HALL OF FAME AWARD
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LPGA TOUR professional, Lizette Salas, received the “Junior Golf Hall of Fame” award during the annual Southern California PGA Junior Tour Banquet of Champions on Saturday, January 21st, 2017, at Mile Square Golf Course in Fountain Valley. Junior Hall of Fame Members have contributed to the positive growth of junior golf within the Southern California region, in addition to achieving both personal and professional success. The SCPGA inducts individuals who reinforce the values and morals embodied by the PGA of America, therefore, this honor is not necessarily awarded each year. Salas will be included among Southern California’s golf greats such as, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Billy Casper, Bill Bryant, Amy Alcott and many more. Salas, who is a current LPGA TOUR member, was in attendance to receive the HOF award. Born and raised in Azusa, Salas played extensively on the SCPGA Junior Tour before committing to the University of Southern California. Upon her PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
As the 2017 year opens, the SCPGA Foundation is proud to announce their newly formed Board of Directors. Board Members will bring tremendous experience and leadership to ongoing philanthropic initiatives geared toward local youth. SCPGA Foundation’s Board of Directors will work together and network with current and prospective donors and supporters nationwide. They will have an active hand in generating proceeds and support for the Foundation through a specific set of events, networking leads, initiatives, and overall guidance. “These fourteen men and women are true leaders in our community and we’re very fortunate to have each and every one of them willing to assist us over the next several years,” said Tom Addis, PGA, the Executive Director and CEO of the Southern California PGA. “The SCPGA Foundation’s philanthropic efforts have provided endless opportunities for thousands of youth throughout our state, and I am grateful to be assisting such a compassionate organization,” said Frank Talarico, President and CEO of Goodwill of Orange County and Chairman of the SCPGA Foundation. The following individuals will be serving a three-year term on the SCPGA Foundation Board of Directors: Frank Talarico (Chairman), Tom Sargent, PGA, John McNair, PGA, Todd Keefer, PGA, Tony Letendre, PGA, Robin Shelton, PGA, Mark Wilson, PGA, Susan Roll, PGA, Matt Knabe, Bob Cluck, Kevin Martin, PGA, John McClure, and Kurt Schuette. For more information, please visit contact Matt Gilson, Foundation Manager, at MGilson@pgahq.com or 951-845-4653. scpga.com
GRAA TOP 50 AWARDS
PRIVATE RANGES: Big Horn Golf Club The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe The Grand Golf Club PUBLIC RANGES: Black Gold Golf Club Desert Willow Golf Resort Journey at Pechanga Oak Creek Golf Club Tustin Ranch Golf Club Trump National Golf Club, LA STAND ALONE RANGES: Carlsbad Golf Center Del Mar Golf Center Golf Development Complex, LLC River Park Golf Center Stadium Golf Center & Batting Cages
TOM ADDIS III, PGA RECEIVES 2016 CGCOA FOR THE GOOD OF THE GAME AWARD The California Golf Course Owners Association (CGCOA) awarded the SCPGA’s Executive Director/CEO, Tom Addis III, the 2016 CGCOA For the Good of the Game Award. This coveted honor is presented to an individual who has worked tirelessly in support of player development programs and initiatives that help shape the future of golf in a positive way. Addis was presented the award at the 2016 CGCOA Annual Meeting & Awards Ceremony held recently at Summitpointe Golf Club in Milpitas, California. “Tom’s ongoing contributions to the game of golf span both deep and wide,” said CGCOA Awards Committee Chair Emmy Moore Minister, “which makes this honor quite appropriate and well-deserved.”
Tom Addis III, PGA with David Kramer
scpga.com
SECTION NOTES
2016 FUTURE CHAMPIONS TOUR TOP 25 ELITE JUNIOR GOLF COACHES Congratulations to the following Southern California PGA Teaching Professionals awarded by Future Champions Golf: ALAN OCHIAI Oak Creek Golf Club
BRADY RIGGS Woodley Lakes Golf Club CHRISTOPHER SMEAL Stadium Golf Center DEREK UYEDA The Grand Golf Club DON PARSONS Twin Lakes Golf Course ERIK HORVE Tustin Ranch Golf Club
IT’S TIME TO SIGN UP FOR DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT
The Drive, Chip and Putt Championship aims to help younger generations begin their lifelong connection with golf by providing a fun, interactive platform for participants of all skill levels. This free youth golf development initiative welcomes boys and girls ages 7-15 to participate in separate divisions in four age categories and focuses on golf’s three fundamental skills. Participants who advance through local, subregional and regional qualifying in each age/gender category earn a place in the National Finals, which is conducted at Augusta National Golf Club the Sunday before the Masters Tournament. Registration for the 2018 Drive, Chip and Putt Championship is now open on drivechipandputt.com. Children ages 7-15 (as of April 1, 2018) can be signed up to participate in one of 13 local qualifiers across Southern California! PROGRAM MAGAZINE YEAR IN REVIEW ISSUE
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO GOLF COURSE MANAGEMENT The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, with funding from the United States Golf Association and PGA TOUR, has released a Best Management Practices (BMPs) digital template that will provide golf course superintendents, facility owners and managers, golfers, communities, and government agencies with a framework for a sustainable approach to golf course management. As the golf industry continues to face critical issues such as water management, nutrient management, pest management, energy efficiency, wildlife preservation, and continued pressure from government agencies and activist groups to reduce inputs, the implementation of agronomic and environmental BMPs will be key to the future of successful and profitable golf course operations. The template is flexible, allowing states to implement their own BMPs taking into account state specific regulations and environmental concerns. A California BMP would provide the following: • Professional Commitment • Community • Partnerships • Cost Savings • Knowledge • Growth of the Game • Risk Management The California Golf Course Superintendents Association has proactively raised funds and a committee of allied golf representatives has been assembled that will work with industry consultants and state regulators to complete and implement a BMP that will respond to future threats and ensure our industry’s continued license to conduct business. For more information on GCSAA’s goal of implementing BMPs in all 50 states by 2020, visit the website at www.gcsaa.org.
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