AZ Golf Insider - October 2019

AZGOLFINSIDER Fall 2019

20/20 VISION Waste Management Phoenix Open is gearing up for yet another big run

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AZGOLFINSIDER Inside this issue

FALL 2019

FEATURES

22 COVER STORY: WMPO STARTS NOW | By Dave Gilbertson

Some new elements and old haunts that are under construction.

14 19th HOLE: TOP THIS! | By the AZGOLF Insider Staff

A UNIVERSITY CHAMPIONSHIP Golf Course in the Heart of Phoenix

Topgolf aces food and beverage service with a dose of fun at four Arizona locations.

16 FRONT NINE WITH MARK CURTIS

| By the AZGOLF Insider Staff Love of sports, ‘great escape’ of golf drive Channel 12’s marque anchorman.

18 TROON TRANSITION | By Tom Mackin

Founder Dana Garmany transitions into the chairman’s role, freeing him up to write, play music and enjoy life. Plus, a conversation with his successor, new CEO Tim Schantz.

40 BIGGER, BETTER BRANSON | By Alice and Danny Scott

The golf just keeps coming at Big Cedar Lodge, with Tiger Woods’ creation the latest.

14 ARIZONA GOLF ASSOCIATION NEWS

28 ARIZONA GOLF CROWNS MAJOR CHAMPIONS

32 JGAA, FIRST TEE AND LPGA-USGA NEWS 35 RULES AND HANDICAPPING 38 ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

40 DEPARTMENTS

8

A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | By Ed Gowan The Arizona Golf Association has a great ride planned for 2020.

10 MEMBERS ONLY

| By the AZGOLF Insider Staff Local products, places and things you need to know about.

12 SPIRITS OF THE GAME

| By the AZGOLF Insider Staff Seasonally inspired local Oktoberfest brews to quench your thirst.

26 WHAT’S NEW IN THE GAME

| By Gary Van Sickle Feeling groovy about PING’s new Glide 3.0 sand wedges.

27 GOLF FITNESS | By Adam Swanson Core exercises that save your back and lead to longer drives.

36 MOVERS & SHAKEUPS

| By Bill Huffman Southern Arizona’s little dusty golf trail is taking some major hits these days.

44 OUT OF BOUNDS | By Joe Passov Arizona golfers say goodbye to more old friends.

6 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

10

Grand Canyon University proudly presents the Grand Canyon University Golf Course masterfully redesigned by the renowned

ON THE COVER The 16th, 17th and 18th holes at the TPC Scottsdale — the closing stretch of the Waste Management Phoenix Open — have some changes for 2020.

architect John Fought. The course is a plush parkland oasis of green fairways and mature trees nestled in the heart of

To read AZ GOLF Insider online, visit azgolf.org.

Phoenix. GCU Golf Course invites local players and visitors of all levels to a one-of-a-kind affordable golfing experience.

TALK TO US! Send a letter to the editorial staff of AZ GOLF Insider and we may publish it in the next edition. E-mail letters to BackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com. www.azgolf.org

5 9 0 2 W. I N D I A N S C H O O L R O A D | P H O E N I X , A Z 8 5 0 0 3 G C U G O L F. C O M | 6 2 3 - 8 4 6 - 4 0 2 2 18GLF0056

From the Executive Director

By Ed Gowan

Filling in the blanks for 2020

AZGOLFINSIDER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS PRESIDENT. .................................................................Mike McWilliams VICE PRESIDENT ...............................................................

Bill Burgesser EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS VICE PRESIDENT .............................................................Bob McNichols PRESIDENT.............................................................................

Mike McWilliams 1ST VICE PRESIDENT .................................................................Bill Burgesser SECRETARY ......................................................................Michelle Cross 2ND VICE PRESIDENT .....................................................................BillBrown Phipps TREASURER ............................................................................Tim

W

e have talked about 2020 before, and it is time to fill in some of the blanks -- the expectations the USGA and the AGA have of golfers in the coming year.

The changes that the integration of the AGA and the AWGA have engendered will help clubs manage handicapping, course rating and member services more efficiently. Other changes include the USGA’s new Rules of Golf, the World Handicap System to be implemented Jan. 1 and the new GHIN software for clubs. There is additional new software from the AGA, including personal score-reporting, membership and stats applications. For club managers and club secretaries, the management tool MyClubhouse will make managing groups of golfers much easier.

We are planning educational meetings, seminars and webinars later this year and next to expose more of these programs to everyone. These can be found at AzGolf.org under the tab LEARN; click on Seminars.

On the marketing side, take a look at our Member Benefits and Member Advantage programs under the PLAY tab on AzGolf.org’s home page. It’s our intention to expand publicity and information for all programs and opportunities. Each opportunity presents value for the majority of golfers, even non-members who will have access to some programs. Please take a moment to see what will be of benefit to you and give us your feedback.

The newly created Golf Alliance is an important addition for all golfers.

The Golf Alliance, which is an effort of all nonprofit golf associations, will initially address the proposed water restrictions and drought contingency planning by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. All golfers should become aware of the issues and possible 8 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

SECRETARY ................................................................................Bob McNichols TREASURER ........................................................................................Tim Brown

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Vera Ciancola, Barbara Fitzgerald, Ed Gowan, Mark Jeery, Jerry Hu, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS TimBrown, Hulscher, Mike Kane,Vera LeslieCiancola, Kramer, Ann Martin, ScottBarbara McNevin, Tim Bill Burgesser, Michelle Cross, Fitzgerald, Ed Gowan, Mark Mary Jeery, Jerry Hu, Hulscher, Mike Suzy O’Hara, Judi Polidori, Pomroy, John Tim Souza Kane, Leslie Kramer, Ann Martin, Scott McNevin, Bob McNichols, Mike McWilliams, Suzy O’Hara, Judi Polidori, Mary Pomroy, Juna Rowland, AGA STAFF John Souza

impact on golf courses. If the collective golf interests aren’t mobilized to defend golf, others will be looking to acquire the industry’s water rights, or at least reduce usage. The critical factor is that over the last 30 years, Arizona golf has done more with water conservation than any other entity. If more is asked, many courses simply won’t be able to stay in business. All golfers should have an interest in the Alliance’s political and research efforts. There will be information soon on how everyone can participate at his or her own level.

Membership renewals with the standard discount for early subscribers will begin this month. The contact at the AGA is now Susan Woods, assisted by Sharon Goldstone. We all will miss Betty Saltzgiver, who retired recently. Betty’s friends should know that she is a happy homeowner just south of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The AGA is expanding travel offerings within the U.S. with a series of smaller opportunities, including our regular Mayan Palace events (see last-minute opportunities for Oct. 26-27). We’re also looking ahead to two options around the 150th Open at St. Andrews, July 15-18, 2021. Information and reservations will be available this November with two differently priced groups. This is an opportunity unlike any other event, one that’s a guaranteed bucket-list winner. n

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ............................................................ Ed Gowan CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER ...............................................Mary Pomroy AGA STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR....................................................................

EdFinger, Gowan STAFF ...........................................................

Anj Brown, Le Ann CHIEF OPERATING Michelle Evens, TimOFFICER Eberlein,..................................................Mary Brianna Gianiorio, Paris Garcia, Pomroy STAFF......................................................................Anj Brown, Ann Finger, Sharon Goldstone, Erin Groeneveld, Vivian Kelley, MikeLeMason, Michelle Evens, Jim Franko, Paris Garcia, Sharon Goldstone, Derek McKenzie, Robyn Noll, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods Erin Groeneveld, Vivian Kelley, Mike Mason, Derek McKenzie, PARTNERSHIP CONTACT...........................................Chris Montgomery Robyn Noll, Betty Saltzgiver, Alex Tsakiris, Susan Woods NATIONAL ADVERTISING ....................................Brian Foster PARTNERSHIP CONTACTCONTACT .............................................

Chris Montgomery NATIONAL CONTACT .................................... Brian Foster USGA P.J. ADVERTISING BOATWRIGHT JR. INTERNS........................Kylie Shoemake .............................................................................................Gillian Vance *Denotes independent contractor

THEAZGOLF AZGOLFINSIDER INSIDERSTAFF STAFF THE PUBLISHER .........................................................................Mark Nothaft PUBLISHER.....................................................................................Mark Nothaft EDITOR-IN-CHIEF .........................................................................Bill ...............................................................Bill Human EDITORINCHIEF Human DESIGNER............................................................................Carl Bezuidenhout DESIGNER..................................................................Carl Bezuidenhout AGA Thies AGAEDITOR EDITOR.................................................................................Lorraine ............................................................................Anj Brown SENIOR EDITOR ................................................................................John Davis SENIOR EDITOR ...................................................................... John Davis REAL ESTATE EDITOR ...................................... Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell REALEDITOR ESTATE EDITOR ................................... Gremlyn Bradley-Waddell FOOD ................................................................................Carey Sweet FOOD EDITOR ......................................................................

Sweet GENERAL ASSIGNMENTS ..........................................................Carey Je Heisner PHOTO EDITOR .........................................................................

Jane Zarzynski GENERAL ASSIGNMENTS ....................................................Tom Mackin SENIOR .......................................................Dennis Scully PHOTOPHOTOGRAPHER EDITOR .................................................................Jane Zarzynski SENIOR ........................................................WadeScully Moran SENIORPHOTOGRAPHER PHOTOGRAPHER ..................................................Dennis CONTRIBUTORS .......................... Ed Gowan, Lorraine Thies, SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER .................................................. Wade Moran Scott McNevin, 5om Mackin, Joe Passov, Cori Matheson CONTRIBUTORS ..................................................Ed Gowan, Steve Anj Brown, ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER ........................................

Copas ErinFor Groeneveld, McNevin, Tom Mackin, Joe Passov, magazineScott inquiries, backspinmediagroup@gmail.com Cori Matheson, Gary Van Sickle

BACKSPIN MEDIA GROUP ADVERTISING GRAPHIC DESIGNER .....................................Steve Copas PRESIDENT.......................................................................................Bill Human For magazine inquiries, backspinmediagroup@gmail.com GENERAL MANAGER ................................................................Mark Nothaft BackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com

OfďŹ cial Ball of The Arizona Golf Association.

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AZGOLF Insider, is published four times a year by the Arizona PRESIDENT ..........................................................................Bill Human Golf Association.

It .........................................................Mark is supported by members’ dues,Nothaft utilizing GENERAL MANAGER $5 per member per year. We welcome all editorial submissions, BackspinMediaGroup@gmail.com including letters, but assume no responsibility for the loss or damage of unsolicited material. They will not be returned unless AZGOLF Insider, isbypublished four times a yearstamped by the Arizona Golf Association. accompanied a self-addressed, envelope.

Views It is supported by members’ utilizing per member per year.

We welcome expressed within these dues, pages do $5not necessarily reflect the all editorial letters, but assume no Arizona responsibility opinions of submissions, the editorsincluding or official policies of the Golffor the loss or damage of unsolicited They will be returned Association.

No part of this material. magazine is not intended as unless an accompanied byofa self-addressed, stampedpublication, envelope. Views expressed within endorsement any equipment, videotape, golf these pages do not entity. necessarily of the editorsmay or oďŹƒcial course or other Noreflect parttheofopinions this magazine be policies of thefor Arizona No part publicity of this magazine is intended as an reproduced use Golf as Association. an advertising, or endorsement endorsement equipment, publication, videotape, course orInsider other entity. item withoutof any written approval of the AGA.golf AZGOLF is No part on of thisa magazine may be basis reproduced use as an advertising, publicity or offered subscription for for $12.95 annually.

Individual endorsement without written approval of$5thetoAGA. is oered copies may beitem obtained by forwarding the AZGOLF addressInsider below. on a subscription basis for $12.95 annually. Individual copies may be obtained by forwarding $5 to the address below.

Arizona Golf Association 7600 E. Redfield Rd., Suite 130 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (602) 944-3035 www.AzGolf.org www.azgolf.org

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If what you really need is a new putter altogether, consider the new TaylorMade TP Patina Collection that features a bronze-copper hue. The TP Patina Collection features a thick, 5-mm aluminum Pure Roll insert that has incredible sound, solid feel and purer roll characteristics. Adjustable sole weights afford golfers the opportunity to dial in their perfect swing, while a premium patina finish reveals accents along the edges and sole to create a clean, unique look. The traditional blade-style head of the Juno model (shown) provides added confidence at address when a skin is on the line.

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< Start celebrating

Inspired by the 2019 Solheim Cup team uniform, The Firecracker Collection from women’s designer Jofit allows you to feel comfortable and confident whether playing 18 or hanging out at the clubhouse. A flattering Midnight Mock top meets a flowy skirt with Jofit’s Big Star Print to create an ultra-flattering duo. Meanwhile, the eyecatching Mina skort remains one of the most functional and comfortable pieces in your wardrobe, especially when paired with the piped long-sleeve Mock Star print.

Get a room

When your friends and family start trickling into town as the snow accumulates in the northern Plains, tell them to get a room! Or at least have them get a room and take advantage of the generous Golf Package at the Arizona Grand Resort and Spa, which includes a round of golf, a golf course-view Premier Suite, club rentals, $25 dining credit and happy-hour pricing in the Lobby Bar with scorecard. Come see why Golf Digest awarded Arizona Grand a four-star “Best Places to Play” and Top-50 Service Facility.

Breakthrough Golf Technology’s new Stability Armlock putter shaft leaps ahead with an advanced multimaterial design and geometries never before used in a putter shaft. The Armlock Stability features a steel core wrapped with a highly twist-resistant outer graphite wrap that reinforces flex and quells rigidity with a face that’s squarer at impact for improved accuracy and solid feel. A lower launch delivers a more predictable roll, resulting in better distance control.

Available in lengths from 37.5 to 46 inches. USGA and R&A approved.

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Rates start at $279 per night per person • arizonagrandresort.com

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> In the bag

Hit the course island-style with the sleek, cart-friendly Palm Passport golf bag from iconic purveyor of laid-back cool, Tommy Bahama. The 35inch bag features supple faux shearling to protect clubs, as well as six zippered openings that include an extra-large pocket to store golf balls. A mesh slip keeps your glove or tees in place, while a strap allows for easy transportation.

The Bahama bag weighs about 11 pounds (empty) and includes a utility hood and strap that states Made in the USA.

$850 * tommybahama.com

10 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

< Think like a winner

Most sportsmen realize the line between good and great performances can be a matter of grit and what occurs between the ears. In a truly groundbreaking exposé about professional golf, Michael Calvin and Thomas Bjorn, captain of the 2018 European Ryder Cup team, capture the distinctive nature of golf, and the principles and philosophies of players who dominate the world rankings in

> Pocket caddie

With unprecedented access to the European Tour players and in-depth interviews with the European Ryder Cup team, Calvin reveals a sport that operates entirely within the finest margins of excellence.

Max insole for high rebound and responsive cushioning, ensures that every step will be as comfortable as the last. The synthetic mesh fabric upper provides enhanced breathability and modern look, while the TRU outsole provides steady grip regardless of the terrain. This comes in handy whether dealing with morning dew or a sandy arroyo. Either way, your feet will stay dry with protection from the Dri-Lex Moisture Management system.

Slope, distance, break and green speed are all accurately taken into account with the all-new Putt Line feature within GolfLogix’s game-changing on-course app. The longanticipated update to the innovative app shows the exact read for distance and line, taking the guesswork out and allowing users to see exactly where to aim their putts.

With one simple swipe, everyday players can now access the same information Tour pros have. One notable addition allows golfers to determine how fast the ball will roll and how hard they need to hit the putt to reach the hole. Time to sink more putts!

$28 • changinghands.com

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“Mind Game: The Secrets of Golf’s Winners.”

> Goo-Goo for GOGA

Comfort remains tantamount on the course, and Skechers Men’s GO GOLF Max shoes, built with an Ultra Flight midsole and GOGA

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FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 11

SPIRITS OF THE GAME

By AZ Golf Insider Staff

< Hop into autumn

Don your best lederhosen and bring your foursome to one of our favorite local beer-centric traditions — the 2019 Four Peaks Oktoberfest at Tempe Town Lake, Oct. 11-13. One of the Valley’s biggest parties also is one of the best with eight top-notch Four Peaks varieties served, including the seasonal Oktoberfest, a Vienna-style lager with elegant malt flavor, a kiss of herbal hops and a light finish.

Authentic live music, beer garden, and tasty bratwurst, sauerkraut, hot pretzels and German potato salad complete the experience.

Admission is free • FourPeaksOktoberfest.com

> Double P marks fall

Local brew fans also know the season is upon us when Four Peaks’ hallowed Pumpkin Porter makes its annual appearance.

Revered throughout the Southwest, this frightfully tasty porter combines all the things that make a great pumpkin pie: nutmeg, allspice, ground clove, a little ginger and pumpkin. Drink one “Double P” and you know fall has finally arrived in the desert.

$9 for six-pack • FourPeaks.com

> Blinded by the light

It’s about time Arizona brewers created an eminently drinkable, lower alcohol beer seemingly made with golfers and outdoor activity in mind: Arizona Light from Huss Brewing Company.

This distinct, 110-calorie, 4.02 percent alcohol brew delivers on crisp domestic taste with a refined craft quality, perfect for that Friday morning tee time with your crew. Substitute Bud, Miller or Coors for something local and delicious.

$16 for 12-pack • HussBrewing.com

Where to buy These selections and others are available at fine wine and spirits retailers like Total Wine & More, BevMo and AJ’s Fine Foods Valley-wide.

12 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

> Spicy, but not hot

Fate Brewing Company in Scottsdale may only be available in person or in growlers to go (yes, there are no bottles or cans), but you’ll want to sample the Arizona brewery’s Hatch Chile Gatos, a Southwest-inspired masterpiece and a gold-medal winner at the 2018 World Beer Cup. The 4.8 percent alcohol cream ale presents a huge chile aroma without the heat and is just dreamy with carne asada after a humbling round at nearby Starfire Golf Club in Scottsdale. Fate also has additional locations in Tempe and south Scottsdale.

Prices vary • FateBrewing.com www.azgolf.org

THE 19TH HOLE

By AZ Golf Insider Staff

Everybody seems to be having a good ol’ time at Topgolf (left). And why not? Life is good with decadent burgers, Golfbag cocktails (below) and maybe a hole-in-one or two.

TOPGOLF AZ FEATURES FUN F&B AT 4 LOCATIONS

F

or those of us who can’t seem to get enough of our favorite pastime, you’ll want to add Topgolf to your golfing mix — especially as a 19th hole or festive lunch or brunch option. The four locations in Arizona — Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tucson — certainly are loaded with lots of potential “hang time” around food and beverage for you and your golf buddies.

The golf-themed entertainment centers combine the energy and thrill of a nightclub or high-end sports bar with the data collection and scale of a custom club fitter with a multi-tiered practice range, complete with target greens. Some even draw 14 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

followings, like the Jumbo Pretzel Board ($21).

Let us preface this by saying the charcuterie-style meat and cheese plate stuns at first blush. It’s massive.

Atop a wooden pizza board sits a plate-size, fluffy, chewy, salty soft pretzel piled high with Genoa salami; jalapeno sausage; prosciutto; pepper Jack and Cheddar cheeses; candied pecans; plump red grapes, blackberries and apple slices; a horseradish Dijon; and Pabst Blue Ribbon cheese

sauce. This monument to meaty, yummy, salty-sweet goodness reaffirms all that is right and good and, well, downright delicious — even if it does come with some major-league calories.

The menus are the same at all Topgolf locations in Arizona, so Reilly says whichever venue you choose, consider two brunch favorites — Carnitas Benedict ($10) and Acai Superfood Bowl ($10.50).

The Superfood Bowl can provide or replenish fuel www.azgolf.org

COURTESY TOPGOLF

COURTESY TOPGOLF

COURTESY TOPGOLF

Topping the brunch menu at Topgolf is the Carnitas Benedict (above), which is a Sonoran spin on a classic Southern sandwich. All of the Topgolf locations in Arizona — Gilbert, Glendale, Scottsdale and Tucson — offer brunch every Saturday and Sunday.

reserves, depending when consumed, with generous amounts of juicy strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, bananas and sliced kiwi all drizzled with agave syrup, plus granola nuggets, chia seeds, sliced almonds and toasted coconut over a pool of refreshing acai purée. So good.

So is the Carnitas Benedict, a Sonoran spin on a Southern biscuit sandwich or pulled pork sandwich, where two flaky buttermilk biscuits are topped with slow-cooked, chile-cumin shredded pork and a fried egg; drizzled with pico de gallo and tomatillo salsa; and dusted with zippy Mexicanstyle queso fresco and fresh cilantro. This dish makes us want to book our next round in Los Cabos, Mexico.

We’re also big on TopGolf’s decadent burgers, which range from the Classic ($10.50) to the exotic Piggyback ($13), which incorporates the meatiness of the Classic with crispy porchetta (Italian pork roll), pickled bell peppers, Cheddar cheese sauce and leaf lettuce on a pretzel bun.

Burgers are paired with fresh, salty fries or tater tots, or a side salad may be substituted for a slight up-charge. www.azgolf.org

COURTESY TOPGOLF

TOP THIS!

comparisons to the social aspects of bowling without the greasy food, scary shoe rentals and “The Big Lebowski” references.

For those who remember Fiddlesticks Family Fun and its driving range in Tempe, take heart, Topgolf is nothing like it. Families are welcome, but this isn’t kiddie stuff.

Topgolf is decidedly fun, fresh, sophisticated and the kind of place golfers go after a round to settle bets (and maybe bet some more!), savor a cold drink, a good meal and a few laughs.

“Our guests come in for a variety of occasions, some to play, some to dine, and some are here for both,” says Glendale location sales manager Nathan Reilly. “Our food selection is amazing, and our gameplay is technology and fun at its finest, whether you need to get away from your desk to take a couple of swings or you’re looking for a great food spot to watch the game. We’ve got you covered.”

A few dishes have become popular, Reilly says, maybe even developed cult-like

COURTESY TOPGOLF

COURTESY TOPGOLF

A Jumbo Pretzel Board (below), a massive charcuterie-style meat and cheese plate, keeps the patrons happy (right) at Topgolf.

It does take some time deciding what to order at Topgolf since the menu tops 20 pages. The best move here is to start with some drinks and an appetizer or two, while the rest of your group swings away.

The Golfbag cocktails ($16) are a ton of fun, but big and best shared. The hardest part is deciding who takes the golfbag-shaped mug home. Better order two!

The Pineapple Punch also packs a punch with its ample doses of Captain Morgan Original Spiced and Malibu Coconut rums, Monin-brand ginger syrup, pineapple juice and lemonade. Easy to drink and delicious.

Topgolf also offers a thoughtful selection of local brews on draught like the White Ale and Kilt Lifter from Four Peaks and Hefeweizen wheat beer from San Tan Brewery. Tall Blonde from Barrio Brewery, Rupture IPA from Odell, Black Butte Porter from Deschutes, Moonjuice IPA from San Tan and others are available in bottles and cans. Prices average $6 per pint or bottle, pitchers are about $20.

While you’re cooling off with a cold one, and perhaps not ambitious or brave enough for the pretzel board, try snacking on fresh and creamy homemade Guac + Chips ($7.25) with

fresh salsa, or the bright and flavorful Hummus plate ($9), which is made in roasted garlic style with an aromatic chimichurri herb drizzle, grilled pita bread, fresh cucumber slices and pickled veggies. We would eat this for lunch anytime and wash it down with a Tall Blonde from Founders Brewery.

All four Topgolf locations in AZ boast easy access, especially the one in Glendale, which sits near State Farm Stadium. Sounds like the perfect place for some hang time prior to a Cardinals game. n DETAILS

Topgolf Four Arizona locations 6101 N. 99th Ave., Glendale (623) 218-2243 9500 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale (480) 240-2402 1689 S. SanTan Village Pkwy., Gilbert (480) 240-1282 4050 W. Costco Place, Tucson (520) 284-5047 TopGolf.com FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 15

FRONT NINE

MARK CURTIS

COURTESY OF KPNX 12 NEWS

‘GREAT ESCAPE’ Love of sports, golf drive Channel 12’s anchorman

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political coverage, including the most recent presidential inauguration.

Still, “golf is my great escape,” reflects Curtis, who has established deep local roots with wife Abby and their three children, all of whom have attended Arizona State.

“I am a desert dog and have made a habit of going out in the summer at about 1:30 in the afternoon,” he said.

“People, especially my wife, think I am crazy. But at 1:30, there are very few people on the course and you can usually get around in about three hours. I would rather do that than wake up early and play in four hours.

Curtis said he’d love to play in the Waste Management Phoenix Open Pro-Am someday. If not, we can always catch him on the evening news.

16 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

What was your introduction to golf?

Funny question! I actually started playing shortly after I got married. Started learning out at the old Pima Golf course in Scottsdale and used to always run into Alice Cooper out there.

1

How do you describe your game today? What are your strengths and areas of improvement on the course?

I am a once-a-week guy. I am passionate about the game and get upset when I don’t play well. But I have also become much more realistic about my game. I have broken 80 a couple of times, but usually shoot low- to mid-80s. I don’t hit it very long, but then again I don’t take a big swing. I have gotten to the point where I would rather sacrifice distance and keep it in play. I work with Justin Creighton over at the Biltmore and he has really helped me.

I am pretty happy with my putting since I switched to the belly putter.

How often do you play and do you have a favorite local course?

I play the Arizona Biltmore a lot and love both (the Adobe and Links) courses … also have a Talking Stick card and play there quite a bit.

Love Grayhawk and TPC Champions.

Those are all in my regular rotation.

5

Any out-of-town favorites?

I have played Torrey Pines South and thought it was beautiful. I am originally from the Washington, D.C.,

6

KPNX 12 News anchor Mark Curtis and his son, Blake, enjoy a moment together at Half Moon Bay in California.

news and when I play. I have to keep my emotions in check for both!

Being a well-known local figure, you have probably played with other notables. Do you have a favorite golf celebrity experience?

Years ago I had a chance to play with John Elway in a tournament at Orange Tree. I was a big fan and was relieved when he turned out to be a great guy. The guy you want him to be! I hope to tee it up with Fitz (Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald) one of these days. I think that would be a blast!

8

area and got on TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, which I also enjoyed. I think the most fun I have had was a golf trip to San Francisco where I played Half Moon Bay, the Ocean Course, and was blown away. Pebble Beach, Bandon Dunes and Scotland are all on the bucket list!

Are there parallels between your golf game and being a newscaster?

Ha! I suppose the biggest parallel would be that I am a pretty emotional guy. Both when I read the

7

Have you ever played in the Waste Management Phoenix Open events?

If not, would you like to?

Never have but would love to. I think I would be pretty nervous so might need a little liquid courage before hitting the first tee. But, yes, I would LOVE to experience that! n

9

2

CHANGE OF

E S R U CO

What’s your best score, and have you ever had an ace?

Best score was a 78, but I have never had an ace. My son did (have a hole-in-one) and I was there to see it. So I am just as happy with that!

3

COURTESY OF MARK CURTIS

hen he’s not presenting the day’s news, interviewing guests, broadcasting from a fabulous international locale like the Olympic Games or riffing with co-anchor Caribe Devine, you might find longtime Arizona newscaster and passionate golfer Mark Curtis working on his game at the Arizona Biltmore, Grayhawk, TPC Scottsdale or Talking Stick Resort.

“Those are all in my regular rotation,” said the KPNX Channel 12 News stalwart, whose name often is included in the annals of memorable Arizona newscasters like Kent Dana, Bill Close, Mary Jo West, Cameron Harper, Patti Kirkpatrick and John Hook, also an avid golfer.

That buttery voice and trademark mustache belie the serious journalist, who first cut his teeth in Arizona sports and KPNX from 1980 to ’87 before stints in Minneapolis and St. Louis, covering the Minnesota Twins’ World Series run and calling games for St. Louis University basketball.

Thankfully, Curtis returned to Arizona and Channel 12 in 1995, first covering sports before moving to the news desk in 2004. He told The Arizona Republic in 2014 that his favorite moment until then was “broadcasting from the Diamondbacks clubhouse the night they won the World Series.”

The 13-time Emmy winner has covered five Olympic Games and has been closely involved with the station’s

say they are awesome. I used to say it’s the painter not the paint brush, but now I believe there is something to the paint brush. I mentioned earlier that I have started rolling a belly putter; it is an older model — SeeMore — and I put a longer shaft in it like many golfers. I will put it away when it starts misbehaving.

But for now SeeMore is my friend! As for balls, I rotate between the Pro V and the Volvik. I have been playing the green ones, and I like it because they are easier to find on those rare occasions when it goes where it isn’t supposed to go. Ha-ha!

COURTESY OF MARK CURTIS

THE

Golf in Tucson means a break from the average links.

Challenge your game on daring desert layouts or hit it long on fairways that host the champions.

Whatever your style, Tucson has it in the bag.

Find Your Course at

VisitTucson.org/Golf

Tell us about what’s in Mark Curtis’ golf bag, and what is your go-to club when you need a really good shot?

I recently started playing the PXG Super Game Improvement clubs, and I will

4

Curtis plays regularly with friend Ken Clark at Camelback GC.

www.azgolf.org

www.azgolf.org

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 17

Troon’s Garmany transitions into chairman’s role, freeing him up to write, play music and enjoy life

By Tom Mackin

18 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

www.azgolf.org

COURTESY OF TROON

S

cottsdale or Kansas City? In 1989, a 31-yearold Dana Garmany was mulling job offers in those two cities.

At the time, Garmany, who was born in Michigan but moved to Fort Payne, Ala., when he was 8 years old, was the general manager and director of golf at Woodward Country Club in Birmingham. He decided to head west and become director of golf at a new course called Troon North being built in what was at the time a somewhat remote part of north Scottsdale.

And the rest is golf industry history.

“It was kind of a blind move,” recalled Garmany. “With young kids at the time, I was either going to move right then or stay put for a couple of years. It was now or never. I looked at both jobs but decided to head to Scottsdale. Shortly afterwards things fell into place to help me start Troon.”

www.azgolf.org

COURTESY OF TROON

NEW DAWN FOR DANA

Garmany used Troon North to transform the high-end, daily-fee side of the golf industry and spent the next three decades leading a company that now provides management services at more than 460 locations in 45 states and 33 countries. This past April, he was named chairman of Troon, passing the president and CEO reins over to company veteran Tim Schantz.

“I really conditioned myself pretty well to the change,” Garmany explained. “I miss walking through the doors and saying hello to people, but if I do that too much now it disables Tim’s ability to be the leader here.

And he is the day-to-day leader.”

Countered Schantz: “He’s way more polite than he needs to be about coming in now. He’s addicted to texting and email like I am, but beyond that we are really good friends. It’s worked out great.”

In his new role as chairman, Garmany works on mergers and acquisitions, runs company board meetings, and does public speaking on behalf of Troon.

“I get credit for what a lot of people at the company have done over the years, which is the perfect situation for me,” he said with a laugh. “Their hard work got me a lot of credit.”

Garmany certainly deserves plaudits for seeing a gap in the golf marketplace back in the early 1990s, when TPC Scottsdale was the only high-end public game in town.

“Some media from the Midwest wrote at the time that public golf in Scottsdale was like herding cattle: seven-minute tee times and just turning people through,” said Garmany. “We knew people traveling out here from the Midwest were probably club members, so we said let’s make everything inclusive — range balls, yardage book, bag tag, and 10-minute tee-time intervals. That’s where people started calling it ‘member for a day,’ but all it really meant was that we weren’t going to nickel-and-dime people all the way through the clubhouse.”

The concept was wildly successful from the beginning, shocking its owners who at the time considered the course just a small part of an overall real estate project.

“The most dollars generated per square foot in the history of the business were probably at the original

Why wouldn’t he smile? As the founder of Troon, Dana Garmany has driven his company to the top of the golf management industry, with over 460 locations in 45 states and 33 countries.

“He always looked at the finest, minute details all the time and took very detailed notes.”

— Tom Weiskopf

2,000-square-foot-trailer that served as the clubhouse at Troon North,” recalled Garmany. “The course was incredibly popular from the start.”

Troon North owners asked Garmany to take on more responsibility in managing operations, and the course eventually became the flagship property of his fledgling company, followed by management deals at Legend Trail Golf Club in Scottsdale in 1992 and then The Ridge at Castle Pines in Colorado.

Hundreds have followed since.

Tom Weiskopf who helped to create numerous Troon-managed courses, including both layouts at Troon North, credits Garmany with a laser focus on things most people never thought about.

“He always looked at the finest,

minute details all the time and took very detailed notes,” said Weiskopf. “He would always ask me a lot of questions.

Hell, I couldn’t answer half of them.”

Ripples from the success of Troon North spread across public golf instantly, both in terms of customer service levels and agronomic standards, even if the latter might have gone over the edge at times, according to Garmany.

“It was probably too good,” he said, recalling the hand-cutting of grass around sprinkler heads with scissors.

“But everybody started doing more in that area and we created a system that brought everybody along. When I first came to Scottsdale, 50 percent of the product was in lousy shape -- winter or summer. Today you look around town and, while you may see some courses struggle during transition periods as you lose the rye grass, basically they’re really good. Golfers talk. If you’re in bad shape, it’s really hard to recover from that.”

Garmany and his team have also helped drive changes on the private club side of the business, notably with the easing of dress codes in recent years to accommodate a changing demographic.

“When I first moved here, there were 15 to 18 restaurants where you had to wear a jacket,” said Garmany. “The last white tablecloth restaurant in Phoenix was Mary Elaine’s at The Phoenician FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 19

After training with Garmany, Schantz takes reins at Troon

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few weeks after assuming the president and CEO role of Troon this past April, the enormity of his new responsibilities hit Tim Schantz one morning when he opened his laptop.

“If I had 50 emails waiting for me every day before I took this role, now it’s at least 150,” he said. “And with a lot of questions about things I’d had never touched before in my previous role. Now my day is never the way I plan it to be generally.”

The transition into the leadership role was made easier in two ways: Schantz, a 55-year-old Kansas native and attorney, has been with the company since 1998, and he worked closely with company founder Dana Garmany over the past year to prepare for the new role.

“As much as I used to be Dana’s confidant, it’s apparent to me now what we would discuss was just 40 percent of what was coming across his desk,” said Schantz. “How he prepared me was less tactically about the job— I think he felt confident I could do it, especially being surrounded by a lot of talented people here – and more focused on how he got the best out of people. It’s the job of a manager to manage to the other person’s strengths.”

Schantz also had some built-in advantages as a long-time Troon employee.

“I feel like this company is pretty successful at what it does and has stuck to its knitting,” he said. “The advantage of having a new

Tim Schantz leader who has been here for a long time is I know all the players and don’t need to tear the whole place apart. I believe we’re in the right business and we’re doing it the right way. But we can always be better.”

Part of that improvement as of late has been multiple, high-profile acquisitions of other companies, including one whose home office is just a quick walk from Troon headquarters at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale.

“For us to buy OB Sports was a big deal in Arizona,” said Schantz. “That’s been really rewarding for us. They were competitors but sort of friendly competitors, so there was a natural fit.

I have a lot of respect for Phil (Green), C.A. (Roberts) and Orrin (Vincent). I’m very impressed with their team, so we’re excited about that combination.

I think it’s really going to bear fruit for us.”

Despite the splashy additions, Schantz isn’t losing sight of Troon’s core business.

“Nothing else happens, none of the ancillary or complementary business opportunities that Troon creates as an organization happens, without the core business of third-party

20 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

management of golf and golf-related hospitality,” he said. “We go in and convince people that rather than do it themselves, or hiring someone else to do it, they should hire Troon.

Let us deploy our platform and system, at whatever level they want, and then hold us accountable to manage it at the level they want it managed.

“That’s the business.

And the business has gotten big enough now where we can do other things. But you have to pay attention to the core business.”

Schantz says he’s committed to the role he needs to play at Troon for the next five to 10 years.

“There’s a bunch of other people who have been here as long as I have,” he said. “And there’s another generation of future leaders behind them. I’m committed to being the conduit to that next generation so that the company ends up sustaining itself over time and remains a real force in golf.”

One thing he hasn’t changed is his office at Troon headquarters.

Rather than moving into Garmany’s corner spot, Schantz decided to turn it into the Dana Garmany Conference Room.

“There’s only one Dana Garmany who sat at that the desk and I didn’t want to be the person sitting there,” he said. “I like my office. He’s the founder of the company and nobody ought to be in his office.”  TOM MACKIN

(which closed in 2008). We redeveloped a lot of food and beverage guidelines for clubs we work with. Some places doubled in revenue because (the clubhouse) became a hangout for people after golf.”

One change Garmany would like to see happen next involves rolling back the golf ball.

“The example I like to use is if tomorrow the baseball got super hot, and people were hitting home runs, would you go build 32 new ballparks?” he said.

“Of course not. But that’s what we’re doing in golf.

“It’s the craziest thing I’ve ever seen.

For golf to be healthy we’ve got to find a way to make 6,500 yards viable for most all of us. Just roll the ball back a bit and we could go out and take these 7,600yard courses to 7,000 yards to save the club money. Architects would keep working by shortening courses. We’d end up having less grass and using less water, too. There are a lot of reasons to do it.”

During his three decades of running Troon, Garmany has received countless honors. He was named the Most Powerful Person in Golf multiple times

by Golf Inc. Magazine. Earlier this year, he received The Anser Award, created by the Southwest Section of the PGA and PING to recognize individuals who have made significant and impactful contributions to the game.

He is a member of the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.

But these days he spends more time looking forwards than backwards.

Although he sometimes does wonder what would have happened if he headed to Kansas City for a private club job rather than Scottsdale.

“I don’t think Troon would have happened as quickly,” Garmany said. “It was hard, because when I was building the company up, I was essentially taking every penny I had and hiring people while not paying myself much.

“But that’s the price you pay to have it the other way later on. We needed bodies, talent and depth back then. I had studied a lot about the hospitality industry; looked at hotel models. I based Troon on that, especially the staffing aspect.”

Sustained success over time is something not many people can do, Weiskopf noted.

“It shows that Dana’s philosophy fundamentally always works. www.azgolf.org

I’m glad I’ve had the chance to work with him and for him, and to know him. He’s the best at what he does.”

And Weiskopf offers this testament to the man he’s known for 30 years.

“I remember when he called me about switching nines on the Pinnacle and Monument courses at Troon North,” he said. “He asked me what I thought.

I told him, ‘Dana, you know more about that than I do.’ He said the only reason he was doing it was it worked better functionally. I said go for it.

“A lot of people wouldn’t call you.

Sometimes I find out about changes to courses I’ve done after the fact. He would always call me. I’ve done about 70 courses all over the world, and not always do I get those kinds of calls.”

Garmany, now 61, has more time for hobbies these days, including writing and music. He has played with multiple bands.

“I’ve written some short stories but haven’t written the novel yet, which is my big goal,” he said. “I might publish a book of short stories someday. I haven’t yet faced that wakeup moment of having little to do.”

WW 2019 7.25x4.875.qxp_. 9/10/19 3:12 PM Health issues have impacted

COURTESY OF TROON

Following the founder

For Dana Garmany, it all started at Troon North Golf Club in Scottsdale (shown here).

Garmany’s perspective over the years, including right now as he battles prostate cancer. “When I first had cancer in 2008, I sort of flipped the switch and it became my ‘Aha’ moment,” he said. “I thought, I’m wasting time and energy on things that I have no control over.

“I’m a morning person now. I want to see every sunrise and I can’t waste Page 1 another great day. When you’re first

diagnosed, you think why me and all that.

After a few days though, you realize that’s a deep hole and I’m not going there.

But I feel like I beat that one and with the prostate cancer I have now, I don’t think it’s going be the end of me.” n Tom Mackin writes golf for numerous national publications, including Troon Golf & Travel. He lives in Scottsdale.

The Wigwam Golf Club is home to three incredible golf courses, including the challenging, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed Gold Course. Experience the Gold Standard of Arizona golf today!

623.935.3811 WIGWAMGOLF.COM

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FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 21

COVER STORY

PEOPLE’S

HOW TO GET YOUR TICKET

OPEN

All children 17 and under are free all week with an accompanying adult.

First responders and active, reserve and retired military — and a guest — are admitted free and are also welcome to enjoy complimentary food and beverages at the Patriots Outpost. General admission tickets are $45 for Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, while Friday and Saturday tickets are $60. All patrons are admitted free on Monday and Tuesday courtesy of Ford Free Days. For tickets and corporate/hospitality information, visit www.wmphoenixopen.com/tickets for their enthusiastic following, they’ll tell you the same thing: to support local charities. Last year, The Thunderbirds raised more than $13.2 million — the largest single-year donation in tournament history — thanks to proceeds from the 2019 WM Phoenix Open. The money goes to a wonderful cause, being distributed to more than 150 Arizona-based charities.

The Thunderbirds have now raised more than $147 million since the first event in 1932, and more than $81 million since 2010, when Waste Management became title sponsor.

“Giving back to children and families in our communities is what it’s all about,” said this year’s chairman, Tim Woods. “We’re always extremely proud when we make our charity number announcement, but what’s even more special is to know we’ve broken our charitable giving number every year for the last eight years.

“It’s a testament to the public involvement around our event, and we’re grateful for the support of the community, our corporate partners and especially our title sponsor, Waste Management, so we can continue to achieve our goals to help Arizona children and families.”

When it comes to fans, no event attracts them like the Waste Management Phoenix Open

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22 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

Whether it’s the roars from the wild and crazy 16th hole (top) or just getting an autograph from Rickie Fowler (above) or a selfie with Phil Mickelson (left), it’s hard to beat the Waste Management Phoenix Open.

The 2020 tournament is set to tee off Jan. 27 through Feb. 2.

It will mark the 85th anniversary of the WM Phoenix Open, making it the fifth-oldest PGA Tour event in the world and the Valley’s premier, must-attend sporting event of the season.

If you ask The Thunderbirds why they build what amounts to a small city surrounding a desert golf course every winter www.azgolf.org

THUNDERBIRD PHOTOS

The massive skyboxes on the 18th hole of the TPC Scottsdale (top) are a superb spot to watch the finish of the Waste Management Phoenix Open. Still, everybody wants to be at the fun-loving 16th hole (above), where a good time is had by all.

THUNDERBIRD PHOTOS

eginning in 1932, and played out each January aside from a few years in the late 1930s and early ‘40s when our country was at war, the Waste Management Phoenix Open has lived up to its moniker as “the Greatest Show on Grass.” The same can be expected in 2020, when the sponsoring Thunderbirds add a few new twists and thrills to an already awesome lineup and setting.

And, yes, construction at the TPC Scottsdale already has begun for 2020.

Fans can only hope the ending is as heart pounding as this past year, when the WM Phoenix Open — carrying the legacy of three straight years of sudden-death playoffs — came down to the wire once again. It certainly had a happy ending as Rickie Fowler took top honors after a roller-coaster ride on Sunday. Fowler squandered a fiveshot lead before regrouping for his fifth PGA Tour victory.

Over the years, the WM Phoenix Open has hosted millions upon millions of people, and if you talk to any one of them, they’ll tell you it’s a one-of-a-kind event full of celebrity sightings, great food, better weather and, of course, some of the greatest golfers on the planet.

One reason for the incredible success of the WM Phoenix Open is, year after year, The Thunderbirds strive to improve the tournament to keep the fan experience new, fresh and exciting, especially for the general admission fans. This year, the public venue on the 12th hole will get yet another makeover, increasing in size once again and offering arguably the best golf-watching experience at TPC Scottsdale.

www.azgolf.org

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 23

COVER STORY

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he Thunderbirds always seem to be breaking the mold. For the first time, an Arizona soldier and current member of the Arizona Army National Guard has been named tournament chairman of the 2020 Waste Management Phoenix Open. Lt. Col. Tim Woods will lead The Thunderbirds in the planning and execution of every facet of the 2020 event.

An Arizona native, Woods is a graduate of Brophy College Preparatory and the University of Arizona. He is co-owner of Farmer Woods Group, a full-service 24 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

COURTESY ARIZONA NATIONAL GUARD

Highflying hero Lt. Col. Tim Woods will be tournament chair in 2020

It all comes to a conclusion at the panoramic 18th hole (above). Unless, of course, you stick around for the Coors Light Birds Nest (right).

still be plenty of things to see and do at TPC Scottsdale all week long. Many PGA Tour professionals will play morning practice rounds on Monday and Tuesday of tournament week. And thanks to Ford — the official vehicle sponsor of the WM Phoenix Open — all guests receive free admission to the festivities on Monday, Jan. 27, and Tuesday, Jan. 28, as part of Ford Free Days courtesy of Arizona Ford Dealers.

Other notable events during tournament week include the R.S. Hoyt Jr. Family Foundation Dream Day, where local elementary school children can watch a trick-shot golf show, learn the fundamentals of the game of golf and take part in a Q&A session with sports stars and community leaders. Also on Tuesday is the San Tan Ford Special Olympics Open where Special Olympians participate in a friendly putting competition with a who’s who list of celebrities and professional athletes.

Wednesday brings the incredibly popular Annexus Pro-Am, where superstars from all walks of life play TPC Scottsdale with

Tim Woods is the Waste Management Phoenix Open’s tournament chairman for 2020.

He has 20 years of experience in the U.S. military.

insurance brokerage firm providing risk management resources for a wide variety of businesses, as well as personal asset protection for individuals. An active Thunderbird since 2011, Woods lives in Phoenix with his wife, Bianca, and two sons, Henry and Peter.

“I’m extremely proud to have earned the respect of my fellow Thunderbirds and I’m truly humbled knowing they have placed their trust in me as tournament chairman,”

Woods said. “I pledge to help carry on our unique and impactful traditions within both the professional golf and charitable giving arenas, along with a continued effort to cultivate the special relationship we enjoy with our title sponsor, Waste Management.

“The Thunderbirds organization is one of the finest volunteer hosts on the PGA Tour. We genuinely appreciate our players, fans and sponsors who’ve supported this one-of-a-kind event over the past 84 years.”

In addition to his full-time career as an insurance professional, newly promoted Lt. Col. Woods is a commissioned officer and Black Hawk helicopter pilot in command in the Guard. Woods entered military service in 1998 and, along with his various peacetime assignments, completed two combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom between 2005 and 2010.

Woods is currently assigned as the Brigade Operations Officer for the 98th Aviation Troop Command headquartered at Phoenix Papago Military Reservation and maintains aircraft proficiency, flying multiple training missions monthly. www.azgolf.org

PGA Tour pros. And the Phoenix Suns Charities Shot at Glory closest-to-the-pin contest — also on Wednesday — gives Annexus Pro-Am participants a chance at $1 million for a charity of their choice should they make an ace on the famed 16th hole.

Starting on Wednesday as the sun sets on the Annexus Pro-Am and continuing past third-round action on Saturday, the Coors Light Birds Nest brings the party across the street to a four-night music concert series. It is simply amazing how “the Nest” has evolved from a small tent for a few hundred people to one of the largest and most anticipated music events of the year featuring some of the nation’s hottest artists from all genres of music.

“You could spend all week at the WM Phoenix Open and never see the same thing twice. There’s just so much to do,” Woods said. “There’s a ton of excitement in Scottsdale during the early months of the year, but in our opinion, none more impactful or fun than the People’s Open. We can’t wait to see what the 2020 tournament has in store.” n This article was submitted by Dave Gilbertson of Communication Links, a marketing and public relations firm located in Scottsdale. Gilbertson has been a member of the Thunderbirds for 22 years and currently has Life Bird status.

THUNDERBIRD PHOTOS

Patrons also will notice a brand-new venue on the west side of the 18th hole, mirroring the double-decker structure built for the first time last year on the east side of the finishing hole. Additionally, in between No. 10 green and No. 17 fairway, a new, two-story structure will be built to house hundreds of general admission fans with food, drinks, shade and a groundfloor look at TPC Scottsdale’s always-thrilling, drivable par 4.

“When you organize an event of this stature, you don’t have time to rest on your laurels. That’s why we continue to put fan experience first and foremost with everything we do at the WM Phoenix Open,” Woods said. “We want to make sure that the single, general-admission ticket can create an unbelievable experience for our fans. At the end of the day, it’s the thousands of fans who make this tournament what it is. We can’t thank them enough.”

Of course, PGA Tour golf Thursday through Sunday is the main attraction of the WM Phoenix Open, but there will

www.azgolf.org

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 25

WHAT’S NEW IN THE GAME

GOLFSTRETCH

By Gary Van Sickle

Core exercises for better back, longer drives

26 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

The TS grind, or Thin Sole, is used by skilled players such as Tour pros. The sole is narrow, as the name implies, and it doesn’t have much bounce, which top players prefer. The WS, or Wide Sole, expands in the toe section to help less skilled players and is especially good for getting out of bunkers.

The fourth iteration is a reimagining of the classic PING Eye-2 wedge. Clarke ran some old Eye-2 wedges through a 3D scanner, then used modern technology to update it. At address, he said, the new club has the same profile and sole design of the original Eye-2.

“We’re really excited to bring it back,” Clarke said.

The Glide 3.0 wedges have a suggested retail price of $160 per club with steel shafts, $180 with graphite.

Pricey, but plenty affordable if you want to get your groove back. n

www.azgolf.org

Dead bugs

Lie on your back with your arms extended to the ceiling directly over your shoulders. Bend your knees directly above your hips at a 90-degree angle. Pull your navel toward your spine and press your lower back into the mat to engage your deep core.

Extend your left leg and right arm out to even with your body line making sure your back doesn’t come up off the ground. Return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite arm and leg. Try to do at least 10 repetitions per side.

COURTESY OF PING

U

sing sand wedges with Using the V worn-down grooves is not markers, I figured smart. It’s like driving on out how far I hit bald tires. I never do the shots when I shorten latter but I plead guilty to the fourth my grip to each one. In degree of stupid on the former. the past, I merely estimated I’m not sure, I think my last that choking down an inch took off new wedges were born when 10 yards. Thanks to the grip markers, George Bush was president. my numbers are more precise. I’d Recently, I finally wised up and tried share them but as science-loving Tour PING’s new Glide 3.0 sand wedges. player Bryson DeChambeau says when It was laughable how much better pressed for details on his methods, my chips and pitch shots stopped “That’s proprietary information!” on greens. At times, I looked as if The higher-lofted Glide 3.0 wedges I had the skills of a Tour player. also have an extra half-line of scoring It means nothing, but it was below the clubface for that extra ounce nonetheless sweet when I chipped in of spin. It can’t hurt. Another cool on the second hole when I broke out innovation is PING’s Hydro Pearl finish, the Glide 3.0 wedges which allows the and then holed a 45-yard ball to spin more PING Glide 3.0 sand wedges pitch shot for an eagle in wet conditions. the next day at a different PittsburghPING Glide 3.0 wedges come in four area course. Yes, I hit my share of models, called grinds. The SS (what I’m clunkers, too, so fresh grooves can’t playing) is the standard one-hat-sizefix everything. But I did enjoy some fits-most model. It has a low leading renewed confidence in my wedge game. edge and a moderate amount of bounce Glide 3.0 wedges weigh 15 grams — that’s a measure of how much the less than their Glide 2.0 predecessors. leading edge digs into turf or sand.

PING took weight out of the grip, shaft and head. This could be a new trend.

Two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson has an unusually light swing weight in his PING wedge, for instance.

“On shorter shots around the green, a lighter system allows players to be more aggressive,” said Jacob Clarke, the PING engineer who designed the Glide 3.0 system.

The new PING Glide I enjoy the three V-shaped 3.0 sand wedges markers on the bottom half of the come in four models, Glide 3.0 grips. The grips, by the called grinds. way, are longer than usual so you can choke down farther before you reach metal for short shots. Ingenious!

COURTESY OF PING

How I got my groove(s) back

A

s someone who works on a professional level with golfers of all abilities, ages and fitness levels, I spend hours each week helping clients improve the strength and flexibility of their back and abdominal muscles. For the money, there’s no more important set of muscles in golf than those that make up our body’s core.

Not only can a strong core keep you pain-free, improved core strength also adds distance to your drives and iron shots.

Here are three of my favorite exercises to work your back and abs. This trio hits each area of your midsection while addressing all the planes of motion activated each time you swing the club. Doing the exercises regularly will help you rotate with more power and make sure you don’t lose the posture necessary to strike the ball with great force and consistency.

Side bridge dips

Lie on your side with the elbow closest to the ground tucked beneath your shoulder. Extend the foot of the top leg past the foot of the bottom leg.

Bridge your hips off the floor as high as you can, until you feel your internal oblique engage. Now lower your hips without touching the floor. Repeat for at least 10 reps per side.

This group of exercises will help you drive the golf ball more like Tiger Woods without having four back surgeries like the 15-time major champion. Keep in mind, however, that building a stronger, more stable core is a multi-step progression. As babies, we learn to roll over, then crawl, then kneel, then finally stand. Training the deep core is no different. Be consistent, challenge yourself and you will get there. n

www.azgolf.org

By Adam Swanson

Resisted ball twist

Get into a kneeling position with your arms wrapped around a mediumsized physio ball. Grab the handle of a training machine or a heavy resistance band using the outside hand. Keeping your spine and chest very tall, rotate across your body away from the machine or the band’s anchor point.

Use a weight that challenges you, but don’t lose posture or form. Repeat for at least 10 reps per side.

If you want to learn more about warm-up exercises, or book an introductory session at Golfstretch, visit www.golfstretchtherapies.com or call Adam Swanson at 480-269-1119.

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 27

AGA NEWS

TOURNAMENTS

AGA NEWS

Superstition Mountain comes up big

AWARDS

“I’ve always wanted to win the Arizona Open, being born and raised here in the state.”

— Charlie Beljan

28 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

AGA

H

ats off to Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, which hosted three of Arizona golf’s biggest tournaments this past summer to rave reviews.

The events included the 95th Arizona Amateur Championship in early August, which was won by Texas teenager Evan White; the Women’s State Amateur Match Play Championship in mid-June, where Siripatsorn Patchana prevailed; and the 76th Arizona Open, where part-time PGA Tour player Charlie Beljan of Mesa was the winner the week after the AZ Am had been played at Superstition Mountain.

That’s right, Superstition Mountain G&CC did triple duty. The private golf club that is nestled into the mountains of Gold Canyon also is believed to be the first Arizona club to ever host the AZ Amateur and the AZ Open backto-back. The Lost Gold Course was used for the AZ Amateur, while the Prospector Course hosted the Women’s Match Play and the AZ Open.

Mark Gurnow, the general manager at Superstition Mountain said having so many big-time events in one summer “taxed the staff pretty heavily, especially doing the Amateur and the Arizona Open back-to-back.”

“But our staff came through brilliantly, especially our superintendent, Scott Krout, and his crew,” Gurnow reported. “The courses

Texas teenager Evan White was the last man standing at the 95th Arizona Amateur at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club, which earned him the Kachina trophy.

“The AGA has such a great network of volunteers, and that’s a big deal when you’re trying to give these types of events the attention they deserve.”

— Mark Gurnow

all looked great for the competitions.”

Gurnow also praised the Arizona Golf Association’s loyal legion of volunteers.

“The AGA has such a great network of volunteers, and that’s a big deal when you’re trying to give these types of events the attention they deserve,” said

Gurnow, who has been at Superstition Mountain for the past six years.

“Seriously, (the AGA volunteers) have taking care of business down to a science. And we even had a couple of our members who joined them.”

The action, of course, was fast and furious for all three events. White, who is a 19-year-old sophomore on the golf team at Texas State, started his unlikely run in the AZ Amateur as the No. 39 seed in the Nicklaus bracket, which was a little coincidental since Jack and Jackie Nicklaus built the Lost Gold course.

“I ended up making the cut by four (strokes), and that was huge for my confidence,” said White, whose closest encounter among his six matches came in the third round, where he squeaked by Matthew Bruley, 1-up.

White faced Paradise Valley’s Tyler Kertson in the final, and it was all even through 15 holes until White made birdies at the 16th and 17th holes to win, 2 and 1. That included a 30-foot putt at the 17th hole that clinched the match. www.azgolf.org

“I was in shock for a second,” White said. “I was like, ‘did that really happen’? ” White had beaten Scottsdale’s Prescott Mann in the semifinals, 4 and 3, while Kertson crushed Trevor Lampson, a senior on Grand Canyon University’s golf team, 8 and 6. At No. 3, Lampson had been the highest-seeded player to reach the semifinals. Medalist honors in Monday and Tuesday qualifying went to Caleb Ramirez, a former Ohio State player who lives in Blythe, Calif.

In the Women’s Match Play, Patchana emerged victorious after a four-day grind.

She sat comfortably as the No. 5 seed after stroke play, and defeated Alexis Linam in the finals, 2 and 1.

The battle began on June 11 and finished June 14, with the victors emerging from three divisions.

Liz Waynick finished off her Senior Division finals match by defeating Kim Eaton, 3 and 2. The team title went to the mother-daughter duo of Donna Pateck and Nancy Mosher.

This event was unique for the AGA as 2019 was the first time a Team Division was introduced to the tournament.

As for the qualifying round for the match play, a young player who is no stranger to women’s golf in AZ, Mikayla Fitzpatrick, carded an impressive 5-under 67 to earn the No. 1 seed.

Beljan, a former high school standout at Red Mountain High School and a onewww.azgolf.org

AGA

White, Patchana, Beljan prevail in major AZ events

Siripatsorn Patchana prevailed in the Women’s State Amateur Match Play Championship at Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club in mid-June.

time winner on the PGA Tour, barely held off Zach Smith of Phoenix in the Arizona Open, winning by a stroke to capture the $16,000 first prize. Beljan got better every day, shooting rounds of 3-under 69, 66 and 65 for a 16-under total.

“I’ve always wanted to win the Arizona Open, being born and raised here in the state,” said the 34-yearold Beljan, whose resume also includes a victory in the 2006 Arizona Amateur, when he was a junior at the University of New Mexico.

The top amateur in the event was Scottsdale’s Michael Feagles, who finished two shots back of Beljan in third place. Feagles is a junior on the University of Illinois’ golf team.

Finishing fifth was Jesse Mueller, the general manager at Grand Canyon University Golf Course in Phoenix and a former Arizona State standout.

Gurnow said the only downside to hosting all three majors was that his golf staff worked so hard on the courses that no one made the cut in the Arizona Open. That included director of golf Matt Brooks, assistant pro Matt VanCleave and, well, Gurnow himself.

“I’m just an old guy, so I felt pretty good about my (7-over) 151,” Gurnow said with a laugh. “But the two Matts are both really good players. In fact, Matt VanCleave just won the SWPGA Assistant Championship this week (at We-Ko-Pa) -- by six shots!”

But would Gurnow do it all over again?

“Sure, we’d do it again, although maybe we’d limit it to one course instead of two because of all the prep work,” Gurnow said. “But we love giving back to the game, because golf has been very, very good to us.” n FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 29

ARIZONA NEWS

ARIZONA NEWS

TOURNAMENTS

Tickets Fore Charity has raised $1.47 million

M

embers of the Arizona Golf Association can create a win-win situation with the Junior Golf Association of Arizona when it comes to the upcoming Charles Schwab Cup Championship. The prestigious PGA Tour Champions finale is scheduled for Phoenix Country Club on Nov. 6-10.

If you are an AGA member and plan to buy tickets for the event, a portion of your cost can be earmarked for the JGAA as part of the event’s Tickets Fore Charity program. For information on how you buy your tickets and contribute to the JGAA, a 501(c)3 charity, go to www.schwabcuptfc.com, select the charity drop-down box, and click on the JGAA or the charity of your choice before making your purchase. The program has raised $1.47 million for local charities in the past nine years. Plus, charities get to split a bonus pool of $20,000 with $12,000 of that going to the winner. Last year the JGAA finished third ($2,000).

The Thunderbirds will return to sponsor free admittance to spectators on Wednesday of the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. Starting Thursday, daily tickets will be available for $30 with weekly passes going for $75. Fans 18 years and under are admitted free all week with a ticketed adult. The youth policy applies only to daily tickets and excludes access to private hospitality venues.

Last year’s tournament was won by 34-time PGA Tour winner Vijay Singh, 30 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

AGA COURTESY OF PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS

Schwab Cup tickets can benefit JGAA

GRANTS

The Sahuaro girls’ golf team (shown here) participated in the Build-A-Team program in 2018. A total of 11 teams have received grants this year.

Build-A-Team awards 11 grants for 2019-20 In a league of his own, Bernhard Langer captured his record fifth Charles Schwab Cup title last year at Phoenix Country Club.

who posted a career-best 10-under 61 in the final round for a four-shot victory. The event also awarded its season-ending Charles Schwab Cup trophy to Bernhard Langer for a record fifth time. Five other players have won the Charles Schwab Cup two times, including Scottsdale’s Tom Lehman, since the event was created on the PGA Tour Champions in 2001.

“Momentum has continued to build since our move to Phoenix Country Club in 2017, and our attendance continues to reflect the extraordinary support we receive from the community,” said Executive Director Tiffany Nelson.

“This tournament prides itself on providing an affordable, memorable experience for new and returning fans to witness legends of the sport compete for the ultimate prize at one of the game’s premier venues.”

Returning this year is the Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers (CBCB) Lounge ticket. This package offers an upgraded experience for fans, including a VIP viewing area with premium food and beverage for purchase. Weekly passes are $250 for the CBCB Lounge located on the 12th green. Just as cool, a new ticket enhancement at the lounge is that your CBCB ticket also includes one free burger and a free beer.

All active duty and Reserve, military retirees, and their dependents also receive free entry all week.

Military ticket includes access to the Birdies for the Brave® Patriots› Outpost hospitality chalet presented

by United Rentals. The Outpost is open Thursday through Sunday of tournament week and is located adjacent to the 13th green. Complimentary food and beverages are provided.

Tickets are complimentary but a $1 verification fee per military individual does apply. The link for military tickets is https://birdiesforthebrave2. sheerid.com/schwabcup-2019/.

For an upgraded experience, the 1899 Club provides guests with exclusive access to the historic Phoenix Country Club clubhouse. The 1899 Club, with its indoor/outdoor seating and great views of No.1 and No. 10 tees, the practice green, and the 18th green from the clubhouse veranda, is truly a member-like experience. A four-pack of tickets, which includes four (4) tickets per day (Thursday – Sunday), is available for $5,500. The 1899 Club also provides on-course access to a second hospitality venue that showcases incredible golf views of multiple holes, most notably the par-3 15th, which features a dramatic tee shot over water. n www.azgolf.org

Started in the fall of 2012 by the Arizona Women’s Golf Association, the high school girls’ golf Build-A-Team program was designed to powerfully and positively impact participation in golf as a team sport by girls in Arizona high schools.

The AWGA, which has since integrated into the Arizona Golf Association, saw a need because most Arizona high schools did not have thriving girls’ golf teams populated

by experienced teenage golfers. This realization propelled the AWGA to not only create the Build-A-Team program, but to commit financial resources to support the program since its inception. To date, the AWGA has awarded $84,500 in grant funds to 27 Arizona High schools.

The high school girls’ golf Build-A-Team program is now administered by the AGA, but the AWGA’s fundraising efforts provide the financial resources and annual grants to support the Build-A-Team program.

This year, the group has awarded 11 Arizona high schools with grants of $2,000 each for the 2019-2020 season. Of those 11 schools, two are new to the program.

High schools awarded grants include Agua Fria, Chandler, Desert View, Gilbert, Marana, Mesa, Metro Tech, Mountain Ridge, Paradise Valley, Sahuaro, and Shadow Mountain.

The grant funds are provided directly to the schools and are used to purchase instruction, equipment, uniforms, and travel for high school girls’ golf teams that would not otherwise exist without the grant program. n

AGA Member Offer

Wickenburg Ranch Golf & Social Club, Wickenburg, AZ

More than 25 Arizona courses to choose from! Purchase the 2020 Arizona or National Troon Card and use promo code “AGA100” to receive $100 off.* For more information, please visit TroonCard.com. *

Valid through 01/31/2020 - New Troon Cardholders only

www.azgolf.org

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 31

ARIZONA NEWS

ARIZONA NEWS

JUNIOR GOLF

JUNIOR GOLF

Summerhays claims U.S. Junior Am

I

n mid-July, Scottsdale resident and JGAA member Preston Summerhays packed two incredible wins into a two-week span. He set the record for being the youngest two-time winner of the Utah Men’s State Amateur, and a week later he captured the U.S. Junior Amateur.

Last year in the Utah men’s Amateur, Summerhays, then 15, broke the 101-year-old record as the youngest to win. This year he set the record as the youngest two-time winner at 16, breaking the mark set by his uncle Daniel in 2000 and 2001 at age xx.

“The entire day I was thinking attack, attack, attack and just make as many birdies as possible, and that’s what I did,” he said in an interview with the Deseret News. “That was the mentality all day, just get birdies, birdies, birdies.”

The following week in the US Junior Am, Summerhays finished tied for 10th in the stroke-play competition before winning matches against 32 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

Takafumi Shimoji of Japan (4 and 2); Michael Brennan from Virginia (1 up); Akshay Bhatia of North Carolina (1 up); Austin Greaser of Ohio (2 up); and Joseph Pagdin of England (4 and 3).

In the 36-hole final at the prestigious Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, Summerhays faced Bo Jin of China. The match swung back and forth leading up to the last nine holes at all-square.

Summerhays went on a run with two birdies on 10 and 11 to go 2-up.

“I think just to get that momentum going on the last nine, that was a huge part of the match,” Summerhays said. “But it clearly wasn’t over yet.”

Jin let a great opportunity to level the match get away on No. 16, but he had another chance on No. 17, where Summerhays faced a difficult approach from the rough over trees.

“It wasn’t a terrible lie, and I had 174 (yards) to the pin,” said Summerhays.

“Going downwind, downhill, it really didn’t play 174; it played 145 to the front edge. I was like, I could get a pitching wedge over that tree and land it front edge (of the green) and roll it back. I hit it great, and it ended up going to eight feet (of the cup).”

Jin gave his birdie putt an aggressive run, but missed his par attempt to leave the door open for Summerhays

to win with a birdie, which he swept in for the championship.

“That’s just a shot of a lifetime at the right time in the biggest tournament,” Preston’s father, Boyd, said about his son’s incredible approach on No. 17.

“He’ll never forget that, and it’ll give him confidence when he’s in a tough spot.

When he hit it, I texted my wife and said that was the greatest shot of his life.”

No doubt the entire Summerhays family soaked up the victory. Preston even took a moment to Facetime Tony Finau, who works closely with Boyd on his game. As the two spoke, it was hard to tell who was more excited.

“I’m so proud of you, man,” Finau told the youngster. “I’m getting chills just talking to you. How’s it feel to be a champ? All your hard work and dedication is paying off.

This is just the beginning, bro. I’m so happy for you, man. I gotta take care of my job tomorrow now.”

“My ‘uncle’ Tony plays on the PGA Tour,” Preston said. “He’s always been great to me. I’ve played hundreds of rounds with him and been able to kind of feed off what he’s doing, what I need to do better in my game to get to his level.”

Summerhays becomes the third Arizona resident to win the tournament in recent years. Charlie Beljan won in 2002 at Atlanta Athletic Club and Philip Francis won in 2006 at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club in California.

In local JGAA tournaments so far this year, Summerhays has two wins, a second-place finish, two third-place finishes, a fifth and two other top-10s.

Preston has played in more than 40 JGAA tournaments since beginning in the Boys 10 and Under division back in 2012.

“On behalf of the JGAA, we congratulate Preston on his incredible play from local JGAA events to the biggest stages in junior golf,” said Scott McNevin, executive director of the JGAA. “We look forward to continuing to provide Arizona juniors like Preston with a place to compete and grow their skills and love for the game.” n www.azgolf.org

THE

BEST

CASUAL

IN

DINING

COURTESY FIRST TEE OF PHOENIX

COURTESY USGA

Preston Summerhays is the third Arizonan to win the U.S. Junior Amateur, following Charlie Beljan (2002) and Philip Francis (2006).

There were a lot of happy faces among the participants in this summer’s 100-Hole Putt-A-Thon that benefited The First Tee of Phoenix. In total, 60 participants — 30 adults and 30 chapter members — competed in the festivities.

The First Tee teams up for fundraiser

T

his past summer, The First Tee of Phoenix hosted its second 100-Hole PuttA-Thon Celebration at the Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix.

The event, which brought together participants spanning the entire First Tee family of staff, board members and volunteers, raised more than $32,000 for the chapter.

“We’re thrilled with the turnout and the monies raised for our chapter,” said Herman Lewkowitz, board chairman of The First Tee of Phoenix. “Bringing people together around the game of golf and teaching our young people life lessons through fun activities is something in which we take great pride in. This event embodied everything our chapter represents.”

In total, 60 participants — 30 www.azgolf.org

adults and 30 chapter members — took part in the festivities, playing 100 holes created from 20 holes cut out of a single green. Players played each hole five times. Staying true to The First Tee of Phoenix core value of accountability, each participant was asked to set a goal to solicit pledges toward the campaign.

Prizes were awarded for the top fundraisers along with lowest total score and most holes-in-one.

“We’re extremely thankful to our staff, volunteers and supporters who helped put on this event to raise much-needed funds for our chapter,” said Kevin Terry, executive director of The First Tee of Phoenix. “But more than that, we’re so very proud of our members, the young men and women of our communities, who stepped up and helped our chapter continue its success.”

Annual membership to The First Tee of Phoenix is just $100. The First Tee of Phoenix also accepts equipment and membership donations. Sign up by visiting www.TheFirstTeePhoenix.org, or by calling (602) 305-7655. n

MESA, AZ CHANDLER, AZ SCOTTSDALE, AZ CHARLESTONS.COM FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 33

ARIZONA NEWS

RULES & HANDICAPPING

GIRLS GOLF

COURTESY LPGA-USGA GIRLS GOLF COURTESY LPGA-USGA GIRLS GOLF

COURTESY LPGA-USGA GIRLS GOLF

n BY CORI MATHESON

In all, 24 very lucky girls (top) took part this summer in the third annual National Girls Golf Camp at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa. That included LPGA-USGA Girls Golf director Cori Matheson and “World Long Drive Marshmallow Championship” winner Adriana Sanders (right). Another cool event that was a huge success was the second annual Girls Golf Bazaar, where the girls brought in used gear and clothing to swap for new/newer gear and clothing.

Y

es, girls still play golf in the Arizona heat. This is an answer to a question that we get asked all the time.

Indeed, the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix program engages girls ages 3 to 18 in year-round programming throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Our summer offered empowering opportunities that included the Mother-Daughter tournament, PING Father-Daughter, Stars & Stripes Stroke Play event, the second annual Girls Golf Bazaar (clothing swap), and an entertaining guided practice session held indoors at Van’s Golf Shops. Lastly, August wrapped up with the third annual National Girls Golf Camp.

Even with heat advisories, busy schedules and summer traveling, the girls bring their best. One of the program’s largest events is the PING Father-Daughter tournament that takes

34 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

place annually around — what else? — Father’s Day. Over 120 daughters and dads turned out at the TPC Scottsdale Champions Golf Course in June. The girls play a modified alternate shot with an adult male partner. It gives us a chance to welcome our parents/partners and show them what a tournament is like.

July showcased the second annual Girls Golf Bazaar. This is a cool event where girls can bring in any of their golf items that they may have outgrown and swap out for other donated goods!

What’s even cooler is seeing the golf community contribute donations to the event to make a huge “store” for the members to come and shop for free! The Bazaar was a huge success.

As mentioned above, summer ended with a very special nationally supported event. The Phoenix chapter hosted the third annual National Girls Golf Camp (formally Girls Golf Academy) at

Longbow Golf Club in Mesa on Aug. 31 through Sept. 2. The event, which was limited to 24 girls in order to enhance the experience, included a USGA rules workshop, a visit from a new hat inventor (VIMHUE), a PING fitting, on-course play, learning sessions with some of Arizona’s best LPGA/PGA instructors and so much more. At camp, the girls also conducted the second annual “World Long Drive Marshmallow Championship” (not an official event) as an energizing activity.

This event brings us all so many laughs and so much joy. These girls are troopers and we all survived and thrived through several of the hottest days of the year.

There are some fun event opportunities in store for the fall.

More information can be found online at www.girlsgolfofphoenix.org. n Cori Matheson is the director of the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf of Phoenix. www.azgolf.org

So you think you know the rules? 5

I

n the 2019 iteration of the Rules of Golf, we saw many changes and were introduced to quite a bit of new information. However, Rule 3 reminds us that, at the core, in our game not much has changed.

Rule 3 covers the three central elements of all golf competitions: • Competing in match play and stroke play.

• Playing as an individual or with a partner as part of a side.

• Scoring by gross scores (no handicap strokes applied) or net scores (handicap strokes applied).

3

1

Player A is 175 yards from the hole in the desert with a difficult shot next to a bush. Player B is 130 yards from the hole in the fairway. Player A waves to Player B and tells him to go ahead and play. Player B plays his shot to the green. In which form of play is it acceptable to agree to play out of turn.

a. b. c. d.

2

Match play Stroke play Both It is never permissible

The player’s ______ score for a hole or the round is his or her total number of strokes (including strokes made and penalty strokes).

a. b. c. d.

Gross Tournament Net None of the above

www.azgolf.org

In which of the following situations is the player disqualified?

a. Player A had a score of 5 on hole No. 3, but on the returned scorecard (that was signed by both player and marker), there is a score of 6 recorded for that hole. b. Player C accidentally kicked his ball in the fairway while setting his bag down.

He properly replaced the ball; however, he was unaware of the one-stroke penalty that should have been applied according to Rule 9.4 and returned his scorecard without including that penalty.

During a conversation at lunch, he became aware of the penalty and reported this to the committee. c. Player B returns a scorecard with a total gross score of 83 and a net score of 73, the course handicap correctly recorded on the scorecard is a 12. d. Player D returned a scorecard with a score of 3 on hole No. 12 when her actual score was 4.

Test your knowledge on the central elements of our game in the short quiz below.

Answers: 1. c; 2. a; 3. d; 4. c; 5. b; 6. a; 7. e; 8. a

LPGA-USGA Girls Golf beats the heat

4

In which form of play is a player permitted to concede the opponent’s next stroke?

a. Both stroke play and match play b. Stroke play only c. Match play only d. Neither stroke play nor match play

By Erin Groeneveld

After completing the fifth hole, Player A tells Player B she had a 5, resulting in a tie on that hole.

After Player B hits her tee shot on hole No. 6, Player A tells her she mistakenly reported 5 as her score on the previous hole, she really had a 4. In which form of play does Player A receive the general penalty?

a. Stroke play b. Match play c. Neither stroke play nor match play

6

Player A’s ball is in the fairway, and when he removes a leaf, the ball rolls forward approximately 6 inches. In which form of play does the player incur a 1-stroke penalty?

a. Both stroke play and match play b. Stroke play only c. Match play only d. Neither stroke play nor match play

7

In match play, a player may concede the opponent’s

8

In stroke play, the player is responsible for the following:

a. b. c. d. e.

Next stroke The hole The match Only a and b a, b and c

a. Ensuring the hole-by-hole scores entered by the marker on the scorecard are correct b. The addition of the hole-byhole scores for the total score c. The addition or subtraction of any handicap strokes in a net competition d. Both b and c e. None of the above

Erin Groeneveld is the Director of USGA Programs – Education & Training – for the Arizona Golf Association.

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 35

MOVERS&SHAKEUPS

By Bill Huffman

Southern Arizona loses some hidden gems

36 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

This is a photo from better times, as the fairways and greens are no longer alive at Turquoise Valley Golf Course near Bisbee. The club opened in 1908.

shooting Sue Ridgeway, a former owner of the course. “But everybody in Bisbee who loved to golf loved Turquoise Valley.”

Ridgeway’s family line, which also included the Hughes and Newell families of Bisbee, had always had a stake in the course and, in fact, donated the land to the city in the 1930s. According to the deed, Turquoise Valley, which also was named Warren District Country Club (then owned by Phelps-Dodge Mining) and Bisbee Country Club (when the city owned it), always was supposed to be a golf course as decreed by the families. But the city eventually grew weary of the bills and changed the deed when it sold the course for $480,000 to Canadian Pete Lawson, who added nine holes designed by local pro Dick Atkinson. Several other owners came to the fore before the last owner, a local named Bruce Kuenhnle, sold it to Lewis.

Atkinson, who created the course’s most memorable hole — the 747-yard, par-6 15th, nicknamed “the Rattler” — said it was a crying shame that such a vital part of his community no longer exists.

“I went by the course the other day, and I got choked up,” said the 88-year-old Atkinson, who played

on five Goldwater Cup teams and lists his other golf claim to fame as “going to school with Doc Graves (University of Missouri).”

Atkinson said he is so devastated by the demise of Turquoise Valley that “I’m hoping it’s only in a coma, and not dead, because the nearest course for us to play is 30 miles away.”

The same fate befell rustic Rio Rico Golf and Country Club a year ago. Faced with mounting bills, this terrific tract designed by RTJ in 1971 and the namesake resort were going to go to the highest bidder. According to the Nogales International, New Mexico-based Heritage Hotels asked $2.5 million for the resort, which was opposite the course on the west side of the I-19, and $1.5 million for the golf course. They got $730,000 for the course, and the resort simply closed.

The photos that accompanied the news story of Rio Rico being sold were heartbreaking. Taken by local resident Lynne Nelson, who lives above the course, one depicted a tractor plowing up the fairways while the other showed an aerial shot of the destruction, with all of those old, gorgeous trees that once www.azgolf.org

COURTESY OF RIO RICO GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

I

once had a colleague who referred to it as “Arizona’s dusty little golf trail,” that stretch of wonderful courses that ran south of Tucson, from Green Valley to Tubac to Nogales to Sierra Vista to Bisbee. Legendary types like Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Red Lawrence left their marks along this truly off-the-beaten-path stretch that now is paved by Interstate 19 and Arizona Highway 82.

That the revered RTJ and Lawrence, aka “the Desert Fox,” would create golf courses in such remote locations was a testament to the beauty of the region.

With the Tumacacori, Santa Rita and Mule mountains making for incredible backdrops and a mellow climate, and river valleys like the Santa Cruz and San Pedro adding ambience, this was one magnificent place to tee it up.

Sadly, this dusty little trail has taken some major hits in the past two years, the most recent coming at Turquoise Valley Golf Course, which closed June 4. The RV park next door remains open, but who cares? Arizona’s oldest continuously running golf course that opened in 1908 is no more.

Turquoise Valley and its 350 acres were sold for a mere $200,000 to a Tempe land baron named Joseph Orme Lewis. The new owner promised the locals in a town meeting that he would invest “millions” into the course, and then promptly shut it down two weeks later. Yes, the 111year run was over for TVGC, and no one could do a thing about it.

“The course never made as much money as it took to run it,” said straight-

COURTESY TURQUOISE VALLY GOLF COURSE

Turquoise Valley is latest, but Rio Rico also no mas

lined the fairways heaped into piles for burning, bulldozed into oblivion.

Over the years, playing through them had meant everything to some golfers.

And in my mind, that stretch of holes up and over the mountain on the front side (later the back side), from No. 5 through No. 8, were as pure and as wild and as free as any I’ve ever played.

Turquoise Valley and Rio Rico were not the only courses “dusted” along the corridor. Believe it or not, Kino Springs, the former 5,200-acre Yerba Buena Ranch once owned by the late actor Stewart Granger, also is closed for business these days, although they have opened for the winter season the past two years. Designed by Lawrence, whose Arizona resume also includes prestigious Desert Forest Golf Club in Carefree, Kino Springs is very cool, especially a visit to the on-property ranch house, where such notables as Elizabeth Taylor, Jean Simmons, Ava Gardner and John Wayne were frequent visitors. In fact, “the Duke” lived right next door on a small 500-acre spread.

And several of the holes at Kino Springs are smack dab along the U.S.-Mexico border. Hopefully, it will return to a full-time operation at some point.

rather than most rounds of golf that exceed four hours — and it’s a win-win.

Barr is the third element of winwin-win. He is a whirlwind. He grew up in Texas, where he couldn’t play golf because of segregation. But he persevered, attending Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where he picked up the game while earning degrees in psychology and sociology.

“I knew I wanted to work with people, and in golf, I use both (majors),” he said with a chuckle. “I started at Encanto, where I got my PGA certification in 1973, and I’ve been at it ever since.”

Barr worked with American Golf for 21 years, helping the company’s underachieving properties to get back MOVERS on track. For the past 10 years, he had Not all is gloom and doom when it been the director of career development comes to running smaller golf courses. for the Golf Academy of America.

And the little guy can still make it, “My goal is for El Mirage to be the says Fred Barr, the new pride of Glendale,” he said of the general manager at El Mirage layout that opened in 1999 and Golf Course in Glendale. includes four par 4s and five par “It’s a little sleeper, but 3s. “Our motto along those lines we’ve been getting the word is: Never be satisfied with good out,” said Barr, who took when better is available and over in January and ushered even excellence is possible.” in a busy spring at the Barr is doing his best to Fred Barr nine-hole facility owned by make El Mirage “a neighborhood Phoenix businessmen course.” And it doesn’t hurt that he’s Roy Fernandez and just a few miles from State Farm Jim Gwinn, who lease Stadium, where the Cardinals play. the actual land from “We try to keep it affordable. the City of Glendale.

That’s one of the keys to golf these “We’ve got the turf days,” he said of El Mirage, where in great shape thanks green fees range from $10 to $16 to our superintendent and it costs $7 for a replay.

Thomas Berk and his Barr also is dealing with a crew. We took out some course closure, too, as rival Glen trees so you could see Lakes closed in March, the city the course, and, man, selling it off for development. is it looking better. So “That’s another reason we’re now we’re concentrating trying so hard to raise the standards on meeting golfers’ around here — we’re the only nineneeds, maximizing hole course left in the city, and one their expectations, of the few left in Metro Phoenix,” and helping them with he said. “It hasn’t happened fast, their challenges.” but we’re slowly but surely winning Wow, that sounds over the Glen Lakes people.” like a winning formula.

Indeed, El Mirage and Fred Barr Add in the time element are an upbeat story for troubled times Rio Rico Golf Course once was a thing of beauty, the creation of — it takes less than two in the golf industry, especially in legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, who built the course in 1971. hours to play El Mirage the world of smaller courses. n www.azgolf.org

The dusty little R.I.P. list goes on. The Canoa Hills Golf Course in Green Valley is now a park, literally.

Fortunately, neighboring San Ignacio shut its doors only to open them again.

In the town of Nogales, which forms the corner of the dusty little trail, as I-19 feeds into AZ 82, they lost the border town’s little nine-hole municipal called Palo Duro Golf Course.

Yep, like Ridgeway asserted, the green fees don’t cover the expenses, and so it seems carnage must follow.

Still, I’m hoping that Atkinson might be right, that we’re all in a coma and that someday “Arizona’s dusty little golf trail” springs back to life.

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 37

ARIZONA NEWS

ARIZONA SCOREBOARD

AGA MEN’S TOURNAMENTS

AZ Mid-Am Championship Talking Stick June 7-9 Martin, Michael .....................69 Hoops, Bryan .........................71 Thomas, Chris ........................70 Candelaria, Abe .....................68 Ignoffo, Jim ............................68 Brown, Rusty .........................70 Lieberthal, Jim .......................72 O’Donnell, Sean .....................73 Holmes, Mitchell ...................73 Laughlin, Christopher............70 Tjeerdsma, Ryan ....................72 Barrett, Jordan.......................68 Foote, Jarrett .........................69 Walicki, Adam .......................71 Wiemiller, Aaron ...................70 Escobedo, Josh ......................70 Natarajan, Shankar ................69 Frazier, Zac .............................73 Howard, Brett ........................70 Melka, Michael ......................74 New, Jeff ................................76 Berren, Scott ..........................73 Reinhardt, Ben .......................73 Wagner, Mike ........................72 Hall, Gerard ............................69 Henry, Wade ..........................74 Cesarek, Grant .......................73 Goldin, Curtis .........................76 McDougall, Matthew ............73 Powell, Matt ..........................79 Wommer, John III ..................73 Welle, Paul .............................75 Mitchell, Murph.....................76 Henning, Jack ........................77 Neils, Matt .............................75 Elliott, Ted ..............................79 Augustyniak, Andrew ...........74 Brown, Robert .......................79 DelBrocco, John .....................75 Christianson, Blake ................72 Ellenburg, Frank ....................77 Levitt, Mike ............................77 Good, Johnse .........................75 Virgin, Eric..............................76

68 68 67 71 73 70 68 69 70 71 70 72 74 74 72 74 73 70 73 73 67 72 73 74 73 73 74 72 77 73 73 72 74 75 70 72 75 71 72 79 73 73 75 74

68 66 70 69 67 69 69 69 69 71 70 73 70 68 71 70 72 72 73 69 74 72 71 71 76 71 73 72 71 69 75 75 73 72 81 75 78 77 81 77 78 78 79 79

205 205 207 208 208 209 209 211 212 212 212 213 213 213 213 214 214 215 216 216 217 217 217 217 218 218 220 220 221 221 221 222 223 224 226 226 227 227 228 228 228 228 229 229

Falcon Amateur Falcon Dunes June 21-23 Flight 1 Thomas, Chris ............................. 68 Barnetche, Hector .......................70 Lawson Jr., Michael .................... 66 Wiemiller, Aaron ........................ 68 Holmes, Mitchell ........................ 72 Lin, Frankie ................................. 72 Wagner, Mike ..............................70 Wommer, John III ........................70 Kertson, Tyler .............................. 73 Yoo, Jimin ................................... 68 Nilsen, Reece .............................. 73 Candelaria, Abe ...........................71 Schwab, Matthew .......................71 Goza, Cody ...................................76 May, Russell .................................78 Strang, Cooper ............................ 77 Cooper, Zackary .......................... 77 Nam, Mason ............................... 77 Sandland, Cam ........................... 84 Medina, Carlos............................ 80 Flight 2 Meissner, Tom............................. 68 Howell, Camron...........................71 Benton, Jeff ................................. 72 Harris, Neil .................................. 73 Kellaney, Kenneth........................74 Hansen, Eric .................................71 Lancaster, David ..........................74 White, Evan .................................71 Brown, Rusty ...............................75 Nierman, Camden ...................... 73 Terry, Justin................................. 73 Mitchell, Murph...........................75 Lucidi, Joe ................................... 73 Hay, David ................................... 73 Gomez, Matthew ........................74 Bradford, Ben...............................82 Lanning, Scott .............................82 Flight 3 Johnson, Allan .............................69 Roche, Bud ...................................71 Marin, Mark ................................ 73 Blau, Tim ......................................75 Lavochin, Aleksey........................76 DelBrocco, John ...........................75 Kemp, Carson...............................74 Ellenburg, Frank ......................... 73 Gregory, Kevin .............................75 Landen, Brent ..............................76 Apps, Marc ...................................76 Butts, Austin ............................... 80

65 64 69 69 68 68 71 72 69 75 71 74 76 71 71 78 80 81 74 82 67 68 67 70 69 73 70 74 70 74 74 73 76 77 76 68 81 74 72 75 73 72 74 76 78 76 75 78 77

133 134 135 137 140 140 141 142 142 143 144 145 147 147 149 155 157 158 158 162 135 139 139 143 143 144 144 145 145 147 147 148 149 150 150 150 163 143 143 148 148 148 149 150 151 151 151 154 157

Bennett, Roland ..........................76 Decof, Lee ....................................83 Burnett, Jimmy........................... 84 Fullinwider, Cody........................ 85 Kelber, T.J. ................................... 89 Flight 4 Obryan, Mark .............................. 73 Bastian, Jordan ............................79 Evans, Chad..................................76 Bain, Wyatt ..................................81 Engler, Jeff ...................................78 Chilton, Mitch ............................. 80 Perreault, Cory ............................ 80 Kryger, Brad ................................ 84 Kryger, Cole..................................92 Weaver, Bill ................................. 96 Janiszewski, Travis.......................91

ARIZONA NEWS 84 77 80 84 82 79 73 77 75 79 77 81 83 82 90 98

160 160 164 169 171 152 152 153 156 157 157 161 167 174 186 189

Southern Amateur Pueblo Del Sol July 13-14 OPEN DIVISION Duce, Briggs ................................ 64 Candelaria, Abe ...........................70 Benton, Jeff ................................. 72 Harris, Neil ...................................74 Wiemiller, Aaron .........................79 Wright, Rj.................................... 77 Miller, Mal ....................................78 Rutelionis, Vytas ......................... 77 Comolli, Charlie ...........................76 Haberern, Michael .......................78 Gentry, Chris ............................... 77 Alleman, David ............................83 Jacobson, Bruce ...........................82 Bradford, Ben...............................82 Ortiz, Julio ....................................83 Duce, Greg ...................................81 Gomez, Matthew ....................... 85 Kelber, T.J. ..................................102

72 69 76 76 71 73 73 76 78 76 78 75 78 78 81 86 NS NS

136 139 148 150 150 150 151 153 154 154 155 158 159 160 164 167 NS NS

MASTERS DIVISION Tjeerdsma, Ryan ..........................75 Gregory, Kevin .............................75 Krasniewicz, Arthur.....................76 Mentjox, Jonas ............................83 Banner, Jeff ..................................82 Feliciano, Jose............................. 80

71 76 83 76 83 86

146 151 159 159 165 166

SENIOR DIVISION Wood, Cal ................................... 72 Apps, Marc ...................................75 Hernandez, John ........................ 77 Cabral, Carlos .............................. 85 Harston, Marcus ......................... 88

78 79 77 77 85

150 154 154 162 173

LEGENDS DIVISION Blair, Jack .....................................71 Blau, Tim ......................................69 Mitchell, Murph...........................71 Elledge, Karl ................................ 72 Bailey, J.P......................................79 Ellenburg, Frank ......................... 80 Turner, Robert ..............................76 Lumpkins, Kelly .......................... 80 Jackson, Andy............................. 84

71 75 73 78 74 76 80 80 86

142 144 144 150 153 156 156 160 170

AZ Amateur Championship Finals Superstition Mountain August 2-August 3 WOODS BRACKET

First-round matches Bryan Hoops (3 seed) def. Kellen Esquibel (62), 5 and 4 Ali Hameed (30) def. BJ Workman, 1-up (19 holes) Prescott Mann (14) def. Eric Hansen (51), 5 and 4 Blake Lorenz (19) def. Brett Howard (46), 3 and 2 Tyler Svendson (6) def. Jason Watton (59), 1-up Adam Walicki (27) def. Caden Weber (38), 2-up Branden Meyer (11) def. Max Schwarz (54), 3 and 2 Robert Case (43) def. Justin Sheparovich (22), 4 and 3 Second-round matches Bryan Hoops def. Ali Hameed, 4 and 2 Prescott Mann def. Blake Lorenz, 4 and 4 Adam Walicki def. Tyler Svendson, 1-up Branden Meyer def. Robert Case, 5 and 4 Third-round matches Prescott Mann def. Bryan Hoops, 3 and 2 Adam Walicki def. Branden Meyer, 5 and 4 Woods bracket championship Prescott Mann def. Adam Walicki, 2 and 1 NICKLAUS BRACKET

First-round matches Jake Chanen (2 seed) def. Jeffrey Zieky (63), 1-up Jonathan Walters (34) def. Mason Quagliata (31), 3 and 1 Camron Howell (15) def. Tony Hendriks (50), 1-up Ben Lorenz (18) def. Matthew Schwab (47), 1-up Bohdan Ponce (58) def. David Ricciardelli (7), 3 and 2 Evan White (39) def. Jimin White (26), 3 and 2 Matthew Braley (10) def. Neil Harris (55), 2 and 1 Conrad Stephens (42) def. J.J. Gresco (23), 2 and 1

Third-round matches Ben Lorenz def. Jake Chanen, 2 and 1 Evan White def. Matthew Braley, 1 up

Third-round matches Caleb Ramirez def. Mark Bloxham, 5 and 4 Tyler Kertson de. David Rauer Jr., 1-up (20 holes)

Nicklaus bracket championship Evan White def. Ben Lorenz, 2 and 1 PALMER BRACKET

First-round matches Trevor Lampson (4) def. Justin Terry (61), 3 and 2 Matt Simone (36) def. Joseph Baldeck (29), 1-up Briggs Duce (13) def. Tony Bagneschi (52), 6 and 5 Luke Kristo (20) def. Dalen Demary (45), 1-up (20 holes) Michael Lawson Jr. (5) def. Todd Sapiro (60), 2-up Joseph Lloyd (28) def. John Hernandez (37), 1-up (20 holes) Shankar Natarajan (12) def. Marc Apps (53), 7 and 6 Tom Meissner (21) def. Jacob Gerard (44), 5 and 3 Second-round matches Trevor Lampson def. Matt Simone, 3 and 1 Briggs Duce def. Luke Kristo, 2-up Joseph Lloyd def. Michael Lawson Jr., 1-up (20 holes) Shankar Natarajan def. Tom Meissner, 4 and 3 Third-round matches Trevor Lampson def. Briggs Duce, 2 and 1 Joseph Lloyd def. Shankar Natarajan, 5 and 4 Palmer bracket championship Trevor Lampson def. Joseph Lloyd, 19 holes HOGAN BRACKET First-round matches Caleb Ramirez (1) def. Joe Lucidi (64), 5 and 4 Aaron Wiemiller (32) def. Gerard Hall (33), 5 and 3 Matt Neils (49) def. Mason Deomcq (16), 3 and 2 Mark Bloxham (17) def. Mitchell Holmes (48), 3 and 2 Tyler Kertson (8) def. Jeff Benton (57), 1-up Mike Wagner (25) def. Scott Schlader (40), 3 and 2 Reece Nilsen (9) def. Michael Leonard (56), 4 and 3 David Rauer Jr., (24) def. Will Newman (41), 2 and 1

Hogan bracket championship Tyler Kertson def. Caleb Ramirez, 1-up Semifinal matches Tyler Kertson (8) def. Trevor Lampson (4), 8 and 6 Evan White (39) def. Prescott Mann (14), 4 and 3 Championship match Evan White def. Tyler Kertson, 2 and 1 AZ Senior Divisional Match Play Championship Raven Phoenix Golf Club Septemebr3-6

Masters Division Neil Harris def. Jeff Keen, 3 and 2 Legends Division Tim Blau def. Murph Mitchell, 1 Up

133 133 133 133 133 134 135 135 135 136 136 136 136 138 139 139 139 140 141 148 150 152

CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

Round 1 Mikayla Fitzpatrick Siripatsorn Patchana Jessica Williams Alexis Linam

Arizona Four-Ball Gainey Ranch August 17-18 50+ Flight Zieky / Chandler ......................... 65 Decof / New .................................69 Brown / Mitchell .........................67 Hernandez / Juengst .................. 65 Blau / Gregory ............................ 72 DelBrocco / Pawley .....................71 Roche / Hietala ........................... 68 Chilton / Chilton ..........................71 Woodruff / Brown .......................79

68 65 67 72 68 70 73 73 75

133 134 134 137 140 141 141 144 154

Open Flight Candelaria / Lampson ................ 64 Hoops / Bagneschi ..................... 65 St. Clair / Cowans ........................63 Lehman / Lehman .......................67 Martin / Cesarek ......................... 68

63 65 69 65 64

127 130 132 132 132

4&3 1Up 1Up 5&4

Haley Kapanicas Samantha Sandland Toni St. John Faith D’Ortenzio

Semi Final Liz Waynick Kim Eaton

2&1 7&6

Judy Miller Robin Walton

Finals Liz Waynick

3&2

Kim Eaton

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP

Semi Final Carrol Brown/Jody McComb 4&2 Beth Bartholow/ Suzy O’Hara Donna Patek/Nancy Mosher 2&1 Linda Jett/Carol Kitson Final Donna Patek/Nancy Mosher 2 Up Carrol Brown/Jody McComb FIELD FLIGHT

Round 1 Leigh Alexander Karen Scholl Bailey Pitsch Louise Simpson

3&2 5&2 1Up 4&3

Beverley Mackey Molly Denton Judy Dalton Cristi Dorsch

Semi Final Karen Scholl Louise Simpson

2Up 3&2

Leigh Alexander Bailey Pitsch

Final Karen Scholl

6&5

Louise Simpson

Women’s State Amateur Stroke Play Championship Troon North Golf Club – Pinnacle Course August 5-7, 2019 Overall Champion Mikayla Fitzpatrick (Gross) ...... 71 73 72 216 Sue Clinch (Net) ....................... 78 78 78 234

Semi Final Sirpatsorn Patchana 2&1 Alexis Linam 2&1

Mikayla Fitzpatrick Jessica Williams

Finals Sirpatsorn Patchana 4&2

Championship Flight Ariana Macioce (Gross)............ 73 75 69 217 Alyza Flores (Net)..................... 66 79 68 213

Alexis Linam

First Flight Rebecca Red Horse (Gross) ...... 66 75 78 219 Kiersten Cole (Net) ................... 74 73 66 213

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FLIGHT

Round 1 Liz Waynick Judy Miller Kim Eaton Robin Walton

7&6 6&4 4&2 3&2

Bonnie Marsh Shannon Mason Barbara Byrnes Edwina McKay

Second Flight Molly Denton (Gross)............... 89 88 77 254 Karen Scholl (Net).................... 74 78 73 225 Third Flight Lisa Odonnell (Gross)............... 96 92 92 280 Sandra Jones (Net) .................. 76 87 78 241

For complete Arizona Golf Association results and event schedules, visit www.azgolf.org

*Excludes PING clubs and Sco!y Cameron pu!ers. See store for details.

www.azgolf.org

70 67 68 66 66 66 67 65 64 68 68 67 67 70 70 69 68 69 68 77 77 75

Women’s State Amateur Match Play Championship Superstition Mountain Golf Club – Prospector Course, Superstition Mountain June 11-14, 2019

Senior Division Rod Tomita def. Alex Stamey, 1-up

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Hawkinson / Gomez....................63 Anderson / Espy ......................... 66 Swinford / Neils .......................... 65 Harris / Benton ............................67 McCarty / McCarty......................67 Leonard / Sawyer ....................... 68 Haberern / Kalis .......................... 68 Morgan / Kaufman......................70 Mackey / Wommer .....................71 Augustyniak / Golembiewski .... 68 Penny / Scott .............................. 68 Demary / Murray .........................69 Kidd / Kertson .............................69 Comolli / Miller........................... 68 Wiemiller / Apps .........................69 Ogrin / France ..............................70 Schier / Scheitlin .........................71 Aweida / Waller...........................71 Holmes / Yoo .............................. 73 Martin / Wilson ...........................71 Burch / Keefer ............................. 73 Busbee / Graham........................ 77

AGA WOMEN’S TOURNAMENTS

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38 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

Second-round matches Caleb Ramirez def. Aaron Wiemiller, 4 and 2 Mark Bloxman def. Matt Neil, 3 and 1 Tyler Kertson def. Mike Wagner, 3 and 2 David Rauer Jr., def. Reece Nilsen, 1-up (20 holes)

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Second-round matches Jake Chanen def. Jonathan Walter, 3 and 1 Ben Lorenz def. Camron Howell, 3 and 2 Evan White def. Bohdan Pone, 3 and 2 Matthew Braley def. Conrad Stephens, 2 and 1

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FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 39

GOLF GETAWAYS

By Alice and Danny Scott

A rural setting in the Ozarks near Branson, Mo., is the home to Johnny Morris’ amazing Big Cedar Lodge.

That includes the Chapel of the Ozarks (above) and the laid-back Arnie’s Barn inside the clubhouse.

BIGGER, BETTER BRANSON

BIG CEDAR

THANKS TO BIG CEDAR LODGE, GOLF PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE WHEN IT COMES TO MISSOURI’S MOST ENTERTAINING TOWN

Buffalo Ridge pond

ALICE SCOTT

Always a tourism magnet for its natural wonders, entertainment venues and golf, Branson, Missouri, now has a greater draw thanks to Johnny Morris’ amazing Big Cedar Lodge. Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, salutes nature with a genius plan that continues to evolve amid the rugged beauty of the Ozarks.

Top of the Rock

40 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

www.azgolf.org

The entrance to Big Cedar is a surprise to guests as well as the owner and its developers. The original practice green was built on a sink hole, which when it sunk revealed a new set of caverns.

Those caves are being carefully excavated for the Cathedral of Nature, which will extend the already popular golf cart tour of Lost Canyon Cave. The Cathedral cuts into the original Palmer-designed driving range but enhances its unique layout with cliffside target greens, pearl white sand bunkers and water features. The range and the entire Big Cedar complex are quite Disneyesque.

The clubhouse has a stylish pro shop and multiple dining venues, including Arnie’s Barn, relocated from Arnold Palmer’s family farm in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Laden with memorabilia and good food, it leads out to the Buffalo Bar and patio, where a cannon ceremony is performed every evening at sunset.

A bronze statue of a valiant Native American on horseback overlooking Table Rock Lake far below has become iconic.

Morris’ Ancient Ozarks National History Museum tunnels under the clubhouse and boasts the largest collection of Native American artifacts anywhere, including his own arrowheads and crazy renditions of prehistoric beasts.

Big Cedar comprises four of the Branson area’s nine public courses with a highly anticipated fifth — Payne’s Valley by Tiger Woods — on the way. Jack Nicklaus’ Top of the Rock is a quick but challenging nine holes made famous by the annual Bass Pro Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge, a PGA Tour Champions www.azgolf.org

event. It is the only short course played on the PGA Tour. A stunning first tee at Top of the Rock delivers an endless view of Table Rock Lake with Jack’s Cabin at the back and Chapel of the Ozarks to the right. (Cue the lucky bride and groom.)

The course meanders through enchanted forests encircling two ponds in the middle with a gliding swan and a heron that habitually perches on top of one rock. A purple rose canopy covers the path to the tee at No. 2, which sits idyllically beside a wide waterfall. The nine-hole course is a story unto itself.

Buffalo Ridge Springs is the former 18-hole Branson Creek course built by Tom Fazio and, yes, a herd of buffalo grazes the hillsides. Teeing grounds are marked with buffalo skulls. The enhanced wilderness in Big Cedar makes you wonder what is real and what is created, like the water cascading behind the first green.

Gary Player’s Mountain Top course is a 13-hole walking course that really does feel like the top of the world with infinity-edged greens. The course ascends and descends with metal skywalks leading golfers over cavernous formations. It is a circuit that you will want to immediately repeat.

Ozarks National is Big Cedar’s 2019 addition, designed by Coore & Crenshaw. The high-plain position exposes golfers to the elements. Watch out for the wind and hit the fairway or your ball disappears in native grasses as your score soars. Halfway cabins offer soothing treats. Adjoining fields primed with pheasants are marked for the upcoming sporting club.

MORE GOLF All public courses in Branson are within minutes of one another. One of those is LedgeStone, where waterfalls behind the practice green flow to a progression of tiny streams, ponds and, eventually, a river. This Branson favorite is brimming with flowers along the woods. The quarry at the par-3 15th epitomizes the LedgeStone name.

Another worthy stop for golfers is the Branson Hills course that runs along a tributary creek. From elevated tees with waterfalls to large lake penalty areas, Branson Hills is a consummate reflection of the nature of the Ozarks.

THE LAKES Three pristine lakes surrounded by the majestic Ozark mountains offer outdoor activities year-round. Table Rock Lake is one of the cleanest, most picturesque lakes for scuba certification and Coast Guard training. Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa was built in spite of bankers who thought it foolish to construct lodging outside of town.

They denied the developer a loan, but now they all come to stay. What’s not to love about a magnificent atrium, a panoramic view from a ninth-floor balcony, and especially a starlit cruise on the Showboat?

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 41

MEMBERS ONLY

ALICE SCOTT

Tiger to debut Payne’s Valley Tiger Woods was hired to build the fifth course at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Mo. It’s named Payne’s Valley in honor of local hero Payne Stewart. It opens in October.

Missouri is the “Show Me State,” after all. Branson boasts over 40 live theaters showcasing music, comedy and magic.

Relocated city performers and superior local talent have elevated the Hillbilly Broadway theme. While there might be some corn in the acts, it is tasty with great family vocals, dance moves and instrumentation in the popular Haygoods Show at the Clay Cooper Theater.

Illusionist Rick Thomas performs mindboggling feats in his Dream Mansion, inspiring the audience to live their own dreams. Thomas, a Las Vegas transplant, mentored with Siegfried and Roy. Though he retired his tigers in Williams, Arizona, his show goes on in Branson.

THE ATTRACTIONS Dozens of amusement parks and attractions thrill all ages. The Titanic museum sensationalizes the experience of hanging on to the ship’s rail as the vessel shifts. Branson Landing is electrified by a mini Bellagio fountain show set to music. Zipliners crossing the river get a bird’s-eye view.

THE RESTAURANTS Eateries span the gamut from barbecue at Gettin’ Basted to riverfront Landsharks and upscale dining at Level 2 Steakhouse in the Hilton of Branson Convention Center, where diners select their steak knives and sommeliers pair gourmet entrees with Napa or locally sourced fine wines.

42 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

• Ledgestone Country Club

• Branson Hills Golf Club BRANSON

Table Rock Lake

THE SHOWS

Payne’s Valley • Buffalo Ridge Golf Cource • Springs Course • Ozarks National • Top of Golf Cource the Rock

THE WINERIES Believe it or not, before Prohibition, Missouri was the second-largest wine-growing state. And even more unbelievable, after the noble rot virus in Europe, Missouri vines were grafted back, thus saving the wine industry. Even today, wine drinkers worldwide savor wines made from Missouri grapes. St. James Winery in Branson actually concocts a little magic with them. Ten area wineries and distilleries offer tastings.

That said, cheers to Branson! Middle America’s most visited destination is full of wonders, beautiful countryside, shopping, and world class golf with flights into Branson Airport or nearby Springfield-Branson National Airport.

For more on your next great golf trip, visit www.explorebranson.com. n Alice and Danny Scott are America’s Golfing Couple. They write about golf and travel, and live in Gilbert.

The addition of a much-ballyhooed golf course is coming to Big Cedar Lodge, which currently boasts four spectacular layouts among the Ozarks of Missouri.

Payne’s Valley, the first public course designed by Tiger Woods and his TGR golf architectural firm, will pay tribute to local legend Payne Stewart with an 18-hole championship course that features a unique par-3 19th hole called The Rock, where bets can be settled.

A soft opening is projected for October, but the unveiling has been ongoing as a sign on the Mountain Top Course pointed out this summer — “Coming Soon, Payne’s Valley.” And, yes, Tiger pops in now and then like a ghost in the night to check the progress. Woods’ selection to design the fifth Big Cedar course came after owner Johnny Morris and his son visited Tiger’s Bluejack National in Texas and were “both blown away.”

As it turns out, the Morrises have been friends with Tiger since they personally delivered his bass boat to him after his first Masters win in 1997.

“You really get to know a person when you’re able to spend quiet time on the water fishing together. My boy and I were both very impressed by how down to earth and engaging Tiger was,” said the elder Morris.

The feeling is mutual, Woods said.

“Johnny’s incredible passion for connecting people of all ages and walks of life to nature is truly inspiring,” Tiger noted.

“Together we’re tremendously excited to create a publicly accessible, world-class golf experience in the center of America.”

The course had the blessing of Stewart’s family and will be a par-72 layout that can stretch out to 7,308 yards.

The 19th hole at Payne’s Valley will be special, an extravagant par 3 with an island green and tall cascading falls that features a centuries-old limestone wall.

“I’m not sure how I was selected to receive the email for the special rate to Oakcreek Country Club, but I wanted to thank you so much. I invited three friends, we drove up, check-in was seamless, everyone there was friendly, and now I’m sorry I didn’t reserve more times.

What a nice thing to offer to your members.”

MEMBER

ADVANTAGE

—JAN WENDORF, AGA MEMBER

AGA MEMBER ADVANTAGE

This exclusive member benefit spotlights a premier Arizona golf course and provides a special AGA member-only discount.

Offers are only available for a limited time. Look for your AGA Member Advantage page in the PLAY tab at azgolf.org.

SURVEY SAID …

In an effort to learn more about our members, the AGA routinely sends out short surveys about a variety of topics.

In a recent survey regarding cell phone usage on the golf course, AGA members reported the following:

PHONE USAGE ON THE GOLF COURSE

55%

USE VERIZON AS THEIR SERVICE PROVIDER

WHAT DO YOU USE YOUR PHONE FOR? Calls/Texts Emergencies Only Photos/Videos GPS-Yardage/Map Music Keeping Score

WHERE DO YOU STORE YOUR MOBILE PHONE?

23% 22% 18% 11% 11% 8%

Golf Bag

33.3%

Golf Cart Cubbie

37.4% Pocket or Belt

18.2%

—Danny and Alice Scott www.azgolf.org

Member Zone

www.azgolf.org

Cup Holder

11.1%

FALL 2019 | AZ GOLF Insider | 43

OUT OF BOUNDS

By Joe Passov

Goodbye, old friend Hard not to be emotional about course closures in Arizona golf

T

he simple, sobering sign affixed to a chain-link fence hit like a gut punch: “DUE TO THE REQUIRED YET UNFORESEEN AND INSURMOUNTABLE INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIRS, TURQUOISE VALLEY GOLF COURSE HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY CLOSED.” Ouch. Another devastating body blow to Arizona golfers.

No good golf course deserves to die, though many do—and for many reasons. Precisely 75 years after World War II’s D-Day, the first week of June 2019 was D-Day of a different sort, the demise of Turquoise Valley in the border town of Naco. Once known as Bisbee Country Club, it was the state’s oldest continuously running golf course, with roots dating to 1908. After a rough patch over the past decade, its future seemed secure when a Phoenix group headed by Joseph Lewis purchased the course in September 2018. It was not to be.

“Given the legacy of this course, our hearts are broken to be making this announcement,” Lewis told a local newspaper.

Sad, yes, but a clear sign of the times. The first week of May 2019 wasn’t much better for fans of historic Arizona courses. That week, the Karsten Golf Course at Arizona State University in Tempe closed for good.

Named for chief benefactor Karsten Solheim of PING fame, this 1989 Pete Dye family design opened by welcoming an underclassman named Phil Mickelson, who would add two NCAA Championship individual titles 44 | AZ GOLF Insider | FALL 2019

to the one he captured earlier that year. In its first 10 years, it was home to Sun Devil men’s and women’s teams that combined to garner eight NCAA team championships. Even with such legendary alumni as Mickelson, Grace Park and Jon Rahm, it wasn’t enough to keep the doors open.

ASU Karsten didn’t end its run because of economic woes. Rather, it was because the university needed to expand its footprint. Immediate future development includes multi-purpose athletic fields in what’s now called the Novus Innovation Corridor.

According to the National Golf Foundation, as of December 2018, the number of course closures has outweighed new openings for 13 consecutive years. The demand for land to develop residential and commercial real estate has influenced the supply correction in golf. So has the basic economic staple that supply clearly exceeds demand. When that happens, products disappear. It’s nature’s way.

Frankly, it’s always been nature’s way. Course closures have been part of golf history since nearly the dawn of the sport. A 2014 project from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland identified more than 250 sites throughout Scotland where golf was once played, but no longer. Five courses that hosted U.S. Opens have disappeared. Three former Los Angeles Open venues vanished. Shuttered courses are an inevitable staple of the golf landscape.

Recently, I counted up no fewer than 19 courses that I’ve played in Arizona alone that have ceased to exist.

Among the more prominent names were Mesa’s Riverview, Scottsdale’s Indian Bend/Roadrunner/ Pima/Pavilion Lakes, Ahwatukee Lakes and Thunderbird/ Vistal in Phoenix.

Two of the shorter Phoenix courses, Town & Country, just south of the Town & Country Shopping Center, and The Palms at the Royal Palms hotel, occupied some of the choicest real estate in the region. It was only a matter of time.

The very first golf course I ever played, Locust Grove, a nine-hole par-3 layout in suburban Cleveland, Ohio, was ripped up several years ago. It was the perfect place to learn the game as a kid. We need more of these places, not fewer. One of my favorite mixed memories revolves around playing the old Tropicana Hotel course in Las Vegas.

Sometime around 1989-1990, my dad and I knocked it around during its final week of life. It wasn’t a great tract, but its mature trees and amazing on-theStrip location gave it real character.

Today the MGM Grand sits on that spot.

The shutting down of a popular or once-popular golf course isn’t something one celebrates, but the reality is that not every course is destined to live forever. In some cases, a golf course served its purpose nobly and its remnants will reward its users equally well, or even better. Tip your cap to the memories, but acknowledge the realities—and move on. n

Joe Passov is the 2019 Donald Ross Award winner as presented by the American Society of Golf Course Architects. He lives in Cave Creek. www.azgolf.org

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