California Golf + Travel Nov/Dec 2018

HIGH ROLLERS: PREMIUM PUTTERS & MORONGO CASINO • RULE CHANGES FOR 2019

NOV/DEC 2018

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/ CALIFORNIA GOLF + TRAVEL MAGAZINE /

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CONTENTS

22 10

Publisher’s Note Great golf gift books

12

In the News What’s happening in California golf

14 Men’s College Golf Cal Takes Ka’anapali 16

Women’s College Golf USC Repeats at East Lake

18 Rule Changes for 2019 How the new Rules of Golf will impact your rounds 22

Kauai: A Golfer’s Paradise The gems of Hawaii’s Garden Isle

30 Fun, Affordable and Local A Southern Cal executive course that checks all the boxes 32 Golf & Gaming Morongo: California’s premier casino and course combo 36

Holiday Gift Guide Shopping for the golfer in your life

38 High Rollers Premium putters for the high-end golfer

32 NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 22, ISSUE 6 HIGH ROLLERS: PREMIUM PUTTERS & MORONGO CASINO • RULE CHANGES FOR 2019

NOV/DEC 2018

KAUAI:

A GOLFER’S PARADISE

40 Building a Better Putting Stroke Training aids that can help you sink more putts 42 Get a Grip Can an alternate putting grip improve your scores?

46 Teaching Top Players One instructor’s putting advice for PGA Tour pro Charley Hoffman 50

Uncork the Joy Wine selections for the holiday season

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

SHOPPING FOR THE GOLFER IN YOUR LIFE

On the cover: The 16th hole at Poipu Bay Golf Course Photo: Brian Oar/Poipu Bay Golf Course

Visit us online at calgolfnews.com and be sure to LIKE us at facebook.com/calgolfnews.

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NOV/DEC 2018

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Great Golf Gift Books

f you’re searching for the perfect holiday gift for the favorite golfer in your life, consider the Herbert Warren Wind Book Award which honors outstanding contributions to golf literature. Named in honor of the famed American golf writer, the award acknowledges outstanding research, writing, and publishing about golf and aims to broaden public interest in the game. Recent recipients include: Kevin Robbins’ Harvey Penick: The Life and Wisdom of the Man Who Wrote the Book on Golf, which tells the story of the late golf coach, competitor, and instructor who in 1992 with Bud Shrake penned the Little Red Book: Lessons and Teachings From a Lifetime, considered by many to be the quintessential golf advice and instruction book. Robbins provides the first biography of “the iconic Texan” who caddied for Francis Ouimet and played with Ben Hogan and Bob Jones, shaped Ben Crenshaw, and distilled his golf wisdom into The Little Red Book, bringing “simplicity to a complex yet beloved game.”

Kevin Cook, Tommy’s Honor: The son of a weaver and a maid, Tom Morris went from apprentice golf-ball maker to the Grand Old Man of St. Andrews.

Along the way, he won the Open Championship four times and fathered a son, known as Young Tom, who broke all his father’s records yet died in his twenties at the height of his fame and only a few months after his wife died in childbirth.

Golf history claims Young Tom died of a broken heart, and while Cook sets the record straight on that point, the heartbreaking essence of the story will not be reduced to pulmonary embolisms. Beyond telling a tragic story of supreme athletic accomplishment, Cook shows how golf, though quickly claimed by the aristocracy, had its roots in the working classes. Golf history at its absolute best. By Bill Ott American Library Association John Strege, When War Played Through: Golf During the Great Depression.

World War II transformed the American home front and golf was no exception.

The course at Augusta National became a farm to ease food shortages, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead were drafted, and Bobby Jones enlisted. Rubber rationing forced pros and amateurs alike to play with well-worn golf balls—and created a black market for new ones. The 1942 U.S. Open was canceled, replaced by the Hale American Open—whose winner, Ben Hogan, was awarded $1,000 in war bonds while golfers across the country raised millions of dollars for the war effort.

Other titles include Mark Frost’s The Greatest Game Ever Played, David Owen’s The Making of the Masters, and since we’re featuring truly spectacular Kauai golf courses in this issue, consider Mike Dauplaise’s handy Golf Kauai: A Detailed Guide to Golf Courses on Hawaii’s Garden Isle, which provides descriptions of Princeville Makai Golf Club, Poipu Bay Golf Course, Puakea Golf Course and the Wailua Golf Course.

Enjoy your walk,

Eric Woods California Golf + Travel

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Publisher Eric Woods Editor Mark Spinn Art Director Long Tran Associate Editors Mike Stubbs, Suzy Evans, Ed Travis Senior Writers Jim Dover, Tom LaMarre, Feisal Patel Contributors Ian Leggatt, Ed Vyeda, Leonard Finkel, Tom Stankowski, Ken Lane, Chris Lynch, Ryan Noll Photographers Michael Weinstein, Tom Neas, Mark Susson Travel Editor Larry Feldman Equipment Editor Scott Kramer, Ed Travis Wine + Golf John Finney, Dan Weldy Contributing Instructors Eric Lohman, Kris Moe, Perry Parker, Ted Norby, Scott Heyn, John Ortega, John Burckle Accounting Jep Pickett

California Golf + Travel is published by Golf Lab Media LLC 1224 Village Way, Ste. D, Santa Ana CA 92705 Phone: (714) 542-4653 website: www.CalGolfNews.com California Golf + Travel is published bimonthly and distributed to California golf courses, country clubs, practice facilities, golf retailers, hotels, and resorts Entire contents of this publication is copyrighted Golf Lab Media LLC 2015, all rights reserved and may not be reproduced in any manner in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher.

For subscriptions, go to calgolfnews.com and sign up online or send your name, address, phone number, and $20 to Golf Lab Media at the Above address.

For advertising opportunities and editorial information: Please call (714) 542-4653 or email to info@calgolfnews.com

NOV/DEC 2018

11

IN THE NEWS

MEETING OF THE MINDS:

California Teaching and Coaching Summit S

ome of golf’s biggest names attended the California Teaching and Coaching Summit Oct. 22-23. Speakers included premier golf instructor, Hank Haney; Golf Digest top rated instructor, Mike Bender; Dr. Greg Rose and David Phillips with the Titleist Performance Institute; PGA Tour Instructor, Scott Hamilton; PGA Tour Player and Record holder, Stan Utley and The Grand Golf Club’s putting expert, Derek Uyeda (see the our putting instruction story with Uyeda on page 46).

More than 225 PGA and LPGA Professionals from all over the West Coast came together for two-days of shared golf instruction and interactive demonstrations. In addition, the biggest surprise was special guest Phil Mickelson. Attendees enjoyed a candid conversation with the three-time major champion, as well as insight into his successful career on the PGA Tour and his short game magic.

Hank Haney (left) and Phil Mickelson

THE LINKS AT PETCO IS BACK

The Links at Petco Park, the original stadium golf experience, was back in downtown San Diego. It was the fourth year in a row for the event, which is hosted by Callaway Golf and the San Diego Padres.

As part of the experience, golfers had the unique opportunity to take shots onto the playing field from various tees along an unrivaled, redesigned course within the ballpark.

The fully-immersive nine-hole course featured signature holes from years past at home plate and the roof of the Western Metal Supply Co. building.

As part of the course layout configuration, participants were also able to tee off from underneath the National League’s largest video board screen in left field.

JOHNNY MILLER DROPS THE MIC

Johnny Miller, the longtime lead golf analyst for NBC Sports, announced his retirement after nearly 30 years in the 18th tower. Miller’s final event will be the Waste Management Phoenix Open on Jan. 31-Feb. 3 at TPC Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona.

A native of San Francisco and a former Napa Valley resident, Miller earned eight Emmy nominations as “Outstanding Sports Personality—Sports Event Analyst” over the span of his career.

He rarely bit his tongue, which may not have sat well with all who tuned in, but his truthful style is what made him unique.

The 71-year-old was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1998, after winning the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club and the 1976 Open at Royal Birkdale in England among his 25 PGA Tour victories. While winning the 1973 U.S. Open, he became the first player to shoot 63 in a major championship, doing it in the final round to claim his first title.

“When NBC Sports approached me 30 years ago about a move to TV, I never could have imagined how it would lead to so many lasting relationships and countless memories made alongside a team of talented friends, both in front of and behind the camera,” said Miller.

“I’m forever grateful to my family for their support during this fulfilling chapter of my life. As I say farewell to the 18th tower, I look forward to spending more time alongside my wife Linda, our children, and our 24 grandchildren. Soon, it will officially be Miller time.”

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NOV/DEC 2018

A WISE CHOICE

Aaron Wise was recently selected Rookie of the Year for the 2017-18 PGA Tour season. The 22-year-old was born in South Africa and raised in Lake Elsinore California.

He claimed his first PGA Tour victory at the AT&T Byron Nelson at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas in May, a week after he tied for second in the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C. Wise joined Mackenzie Hughes as the only players to win on the Mackenzie Tour (PGA Tour Canada), the Web.com Tour and PGA Tour.

“On behalf of the PGA Tour, our congratulations to Aaron Wise on being voted PGA Tour Rookie of the Year,” Commissioner Jay Monahan said. “For Aaron to have won on the PGA Tour, the Web.com Tour and Mackenzie Tour before the age of 22 is remarkable, and qualifying for the Tour Championship as a rookie proved there is no stage too big for him.”

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/ MEN’S COLLEGE GOLF /

PHOTO: KA’ANAPALI GOLF COURSES

CAL TAKES Ka’ANAPALI

B

By Tom LaMarre

y winning the Ka’anapali Classic in its final tournament of the fall season, California joined USC and Pepperdine in the top 20 of the Golfweek/ Sagarin Men’s Rankings.

The Golden Bears claimed their first title of the season by 11 strokes over North Florida, while medalists Sebastian Crampton and Collin Morikawa, who finished third, both shot 8-under-par 63.

“I’m so proud of this team,” Cal Coach Walter Chun said. “It’s been an up-and-down fall season but to finish it with a win validates all their hard work. We started off slow today, and North Florida had made birdies and passed us. But the guys stayed patient and just went lights out on the back nine.

“To have one player shoot 63 in a final round is huge, but to have both Sebastian and Collin do it is a testament to their character and just how much they wanted it for the team.”

Morikawa, a senior from La Canada Flintridge, has won three times in his Cal career and with four finishes in the top 5 this fall moved to No. 4 in the individual rankings, while Crampton, a senior from Pacific Grove, rose to No. 38 with his second college victory. K.K. Limbhasut, a senior from Loma Linda who has four wins at Cal, is off to a slow start and is No. 105.

USC is the highest-ranked California team at No. 5, with Justin Suh leading the way at No. 3 in the rankings, followed by No. 11 Kaito Onishi.

Suh, a senior from San Jose, claimed the seventh

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victory of his college career by winning the Georgia Collegiate Invitational and leading the Trojans to their first title of the season in his last start after winning five times as a junior.

In their final event of the fall, the Trojans rallied from 17 strokes down in the final round to capture the St. Mary’s Invitational for the second straight year, winning by eight shots over Brigham Young at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach Tenth-ranked Pepperdine carded three birdies on the last hole to win the Warrior Princeville Makai Invitational after capturing the Alister MacKenzie Invitational earlier in the fall.

Clay Feagler, a 20th-ranked junior from Laguna Niguel, earned his third career victory for the Waves by winning the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate, while RJ Manke, a sophomore from Lakewood, Washington, claimed his first at the Alister MacKenzie Invitational.

Other California teams in the rankings include No. 30 Stanford, No. 42 UCLA, No. 59 San Francisco, No. 62 San Jose State, No. 64 San Diego State, No. 71 Santa Clara, No. 80 St. Mary’s, No. 82 UC Davis, No. 91 UC Santa Barbara and No. 93 Cal State Fullerton.

Other ranked players include No. 39 Brandon Wu of Stanford, No. 46 Isaiah Salinda of Stanford, No. 50 Charlie Reiter of USC, No. 60 Joshua McCarthy of Pepperdine, No. 61 Thomas Hutchison of UC Davis, No. 73 Matthew McCarty of Santa Clara, No. 105 K.K. Limbhasut of Cal, No. 126 Sean Yu of San Jose State and No. 147 Joe Highsmith of Pepperdine.

NOV/DEC 2018

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/ WOMEN’S COLLEGE GOLF /

PHOTO: CLYDE CLICK

USC Repeats at East Lake

W

By Tom LaMarre

ith top-ranked USC leading the way, the Pac-12 Conference is the dominant force in the Golfweek/ Sagarin Rankings, with three California teams in the top 10 in the nation and Stanford’s Albane Valenzuela at No. 1, followed by five others from the Golden State in the top six.

The Trojans, behind first-year Coach Justin Silverstein, captured the Windy City Collegiate Classic, the Stanford Intercollegiate and the East Lake Cup (for the third time in four years) in consecutive outings after opening the season by finishing third in the Annika Intercollegiate.

“It’s been really good so far,” said Silverstein, who moved up from Associate Head Coach this season after Andrea Gaston took the head job at Texas A&M, after the victory at East Lake. “We have a lot of depth and a good group. All of our wins are team wins and everyone plays their part. As a staff, that’s what we want to see.

“Winning an event like this is even more special when the entire lineup contributes. As was the case with our win at Stanford, we got production from 1-to-5 in our lineup.”

The Trojans tied for third behind Arizona and Cal in the Nanea Pac-12 Preview in the final event of the fall at Nanea Golf Club in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. But hey, you can’t win them all.

Malia Nam, a freshman from Hawaii who leads USC in the individual national rankings at No. 6, finished second in the Annika Collegiate among three results in the

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top 11, while No. 22 Gabriela Ruffels, a freshman from Australia, took the individual title in the Windy City.

USC also has sophomore Jennifer Chang, No. 23; sophomore Alyaa Abdulghany, No. 55; and junior Allisen Corpuz, No. 105. Chang and Corpuz both claimed individual titles last season.

Third-ranked Stanford, which finished second to USC in the Stanford Intercollegiate and East Lake Cup, is led by top-ranked Valenzuela, a junior from Switzerland who claimed the individual title at East Lake and was third at Stanford; No. 3 Andrea Lee, who won three times last season as a sophomore; and No. 24, Aline Krauter.

Fifth-ranked UCLA, which won the Golfweek College Challenge in September, is led by a strong threesome.

No. 2 Patty Tavatanakit had four victories last season as a freshman and won the Annika Intercollegiate to start this season, while No. 5 Mariel Galdiano captured the Golfweek Conference Challenge and the Stanford Intercollegiate to start this season, and No. 14 Lilia Vu has claimed four victories in each of the last two seasons.

Other California teams include 21st-ranked Pepperdine, led by No. 16 Hira Naveed; 32ndranked San Jose State has No. 66 Abegail Arevalo; 37th-ranked UC Davis is led by No. 97 Christine Danielsson; 41st-ranked San Diego State has No. 115 Gioia Carpinelli; and 44th ranked California is led by No. 53 Cindy Oh.

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/ 2019 RULES OF GOLF /

NEW YEAR – NEW RULES

By Ed Travis

L

ike many of you, we’re curious about the details of the Jan. 1 changes to the Rules of Golf. So after some research and connecting with the USGA, here’s a summary of the new Rules we need to know for 2019 and how they will impact the game.

Dropping procedure: When taking relief (from an abnormal course condition or penalty area, for example), golfers will now drop from knee height. This will ensure consistency and simplicity in the dropping process while also preserving the randomness of the drop.

(Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested dropping from any height).

Measuring in taking relief: The golfer’s relief area will be measured by using the longest club in his/her bag (other than a putter) to measure one club-length or two club-lengths, depending on the situation, providing a consistent process for golfers to establish his/her relief area. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 suggested a 20-inch or 80-inch standard measurement).

Removing the penalty for a double hit: The penalty stroke for accidentally striking the ball more than once in the course of a stroke has been removed. Golfers will simply count the one stroke they made to strike the ball. Also, if a ball in motion is accidently deflected by the golfer or their equipment, there will be no penalty and the ball will be played from where it comes to rest. (Key change: the proposed Rules released in 2017 retained the existing one-stroke penalty).

Balls Lost or Out of Bounds: Alternative to Stroke and Distance: A new Local Rule will now be available in January 2019, permitting committees to allow golf-

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ers the option to drop the ball in the vicinity of where the ball is lost or out of bounds (including the nearest fairway area), under a two-stroke penalty. It addresses concerns raised at the club level about the negative

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/ 2019 RULES OF GOLF /

impact on pace of play when a player is required to go back under stroke and distance. The Local Rule is not intended for higher levels of play, such as professional or elite level competitions. (Key change: this is a new addition to support pace of play.)

In addition, several major proposals have been incorporated into the modernized Rules include: Elimination or reduction of “ball moved” penalties: There will be no penalty for accidentally moving a ball on the putting green or in searching for a ball; and a player will not be responsible for causing a ball to move unless it is “virtually certain” that he or she did so.

Relaxed putting green rules: There will be no penalty if a ball played from the putting green hits an unattended flagstick in the hole; players may putt without having the flagstick attended or removed. Players may repair spike marks and other damage made by shoes, animal damage and other damage on the putting green and there is no penalty for merely touching the line of putt.

Relaxed rules for “penalty areas” (currently called “water hazards”): Red- and yellow-marked penalty areas may cover areas of desert, jungle, lava rock, etc., in addition to areas of water; expanded use of red penalty areas where lateral relief is allowed; and there will be no penalty for moving loose impediments or touching the ground or water in a penalty area.

Relaxed bunker rules: There will be no penalty for moving loose impediments in a bunker or for generally touching the sand with a hand or club. A limited set of restrictions (such as not grounding the club right next to the ball) is kept to preserve the challenge of playing from the sand; however, an extra relief option is added for an unplayable ball in a bunker, allowing the ball to be played from outside the bunker with a two-stroke penalty.

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Relying on player integrity: A player’s “reasonable judgment” when estimating or measuring a spot, point, line, area or distance will be upheld, even if video evidence later shows it to be wrong; and elimination of announcement procedures when lifting a ball to identify it or to see if it is damaged.

Pace-of-play support: Reduced time for searching for a lost ball (from five minutes to three); affirmative encouragement of “ready golf” in stroke play; recommending that players take no more than 40 seconds to play a stroke and other changes intended to help with pace of play.

The first thing you’ll notice is the wording in the 2019 edition is less convoluted, and more understandable. Both the full edition and the smaller Player’s Edition have illustrations to explain definitions and options (example above). According to the USGA, the abridged Player’s Edition is intended to be the primary publication for golfers. The more detailed Rules of Golf includes thorough listings of the revised Rules, while The Official Guide to the Rules of Golf replaces the Decisions book and has information meant to support Rules committees and officials.

So what does all this mean for the everyday golfer? In short: A lot of good stuff. Reducing the time to search for a ball and the lost ball/out of bounds rules will in fact help increase pace of play. As will small additions like not needing to remove the flag while putting on the surface. Another one of our favorites is the “DJ Rule,” which says there is no penalty for a ball accidently moved on the green.

All and all, we believe these rules will make the game faster, more enjoyable and easier to understand. There are still a few things could be addressed, namely not getting relief from divots in the fairway, but these new Rules stand to be applauded overall.

NOV/DEC 2018

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/ GOLF & TRAVEL /

Why Kauai?

Golfer’s Guide to Hawaii’s Garden Isle

W

hen planning a golf trip to Hawaii, Kauai often takes a back seat to the more wellknown destinations of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii. However, you’d be wise to put Kauai atop your list.

While those other islands boast more than 70 golf courses, Kauai has fewer than 10 over its 562.3 square miles, yet all of them are worth the trip given the quality course conditions, design variety and magnificent views on the most

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NOV/DEC 2018

By Tom LaMarre

remote of all the Hawaiian Islands.

Its staggering mountains, cliff faces and verdant landscapes are features that give Kauai its designation as the Garden Isle. As the fourth-largest landmass in the chain, Kauai is home to the dramatic Waimea Canyon State Park, which Mark Twain named, “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” as well as majestic waterfalls, dense jungles, soaring sea cliffs and pristine beaches.

Kauai is also home to great golf. The sunny South Shore, vibrant Coconut

Coast, cozy North Shore and everything in between do not disappoint.

Naturally, the pro tours discovered this golfing paradise when The PGA Grand Slam of Golf was played at Poipu Bay Golf Course from 1994-2006, with Tiger Woods winning five straight times from 1998-2002 and seven titles overall.

Other winners included Greg Norman, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Lehman and Jim Furyk.

Poipu Bay Golf Course

That the PGA would choose Poipu Bay as the site of its event which matches the winners of the four majors each year speaks to the quality of the layout.

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., Poipu Bay is located on the south end of the island, which is drier than the rest of Kauai. With Mount Ha’upu as a backdrop, the links-style course plays on a plateau above the crystal blue waters of the Pacific Ocean through 210 acres lined by colorfully landscaped tropical flowers and plants.

NOV/DEC 2018

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/ GOLF & TRAVEL /

Princeville Makai Golf Course

Perhaps the most memorable hole is No. 16, a challenging par-4 that measures 472 yards from an elevated tee box to a fairway that doglegs to the left on the way to an elevated green. An ancient rock wall borders the fairway on the left.

Several holes at Poipu offer birds-eye views of turtles swimming in the rocky bays below, along with many other holes with views of the deep blue sea.

Poipu Bay Golf Club is located next to the luxurious Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, set along the beautiful white sands of Poipu Beach. The largest resort on Kauai with 604 rooms, it is built into a hillside on 50 beachside acres overlooking Keoneloa Bay. The Grand Hyatt is home to Tidepools Restaurant, a quintessential Hawaiian design with open windows perched above a tropical lagoon of lively fish. Blended with the Anara Spa’s outdoor lava rock showers, customized body treatments and coco-mango products, couples routinely call this resort the most relaxing on the South Shore.

24 NOV/DEC 2018

Traveling to the more serene north shore of Kauai, you will find Princeville Makai Golf Club, located adjacent to Princeville Resort and Spa on the Pu’u Poa Ridge overlooking iconic Hanalei Bay. As for the golf in Princeville, Robert Trent Jones Jr. selected an idyllic setting for his first-ever solo design.

Since undergoing an extensive $6 million renovation overseen by Jones himself and completed early in 2010, the Makai Course has been rated among the Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses in America (Golf Digest 2015/2016), No. 3 in the state of Hawaii by Golfweek, and named one of America’s “Top 5 Great Golf Settings”

by National Geographic Traveler.

Makai translates to “towards the ocean.” Princeville Makai appropriately offers guests immaculate course conditions and six oceanfront holes. It’s no wonder that the original course in this picturesque setting hosted the Women’s Kemper Open on the LPGA Tour from 1986-90.

The names of the winners say all you need to know of the legitimacy of the Makai Course. Juli Inkster won in 1986, followed by Jane Geddes the next season, Betsy King in 1988 and 1989, and Beth Daniel in the final year.

Jack Nicklaus, the greatest golfer of all-time, made his way to Lihue to design the Kiele and Mokihana courses at the former Kauai Lagoons, creating 36 holes of challenging golf on dramatic seaside cliffs in a picturesque oceanfront setting. Today, 18 attractive holes remain after the 2016 sale and subsequent renovation from Marriott to Timbers Resorts.

Now known as the Ocean Course at Hokuala, this Nicklaus design proudly boasts the longest contiguous stretch of oceanfront holes of any course in the Hawaiian Islands. Conveniently located next to Kauai’s main airport in Lihue air (LIH), the back nine features a memorable stretch of holes near the runway, Ninini Point Lighthouse and Nawiliwili Bay. In fact, Hokuala was just named “Hawaii’s Best Golf Course”

Princeville Makai Golf Course

Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences

NOV/DEC 2018

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/ GOLF & TRAVEL /

Puakea Golf Course for the second consecutive year by the World Golf Awards.

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Design’s signature hole is the 330-yard, par-4 16th hole, a short but challenging test for even the best golfers. With its green situated on a peninsula that plays into the sea bordered on the left by steep cliffs and a small lighthouse, this spectacular panoramic setting offers scenic views of the now-extinct Mt. Waialeale volcano.

The adjourning Timbers Kauai Ocean Club & Residences features 47 two-, three- and four-bedroom units which are wholly and fractionally owned. However, visitors can also stay-and-play in these high-end rental units from $1,500 to $6,500 per night.

Opulent amenities include golf, infinity pools, farm-to-table oceanfront dining at Hualani’s Restaurant and more. In the coming years, new townhomes and a 260-room boutique hotel will be built next door.

Puakea Golf Course, managed by Billy Casper Golf and also in Lihue, was designed by “The Dean of Hawaii Golf Architects,” Robin Nelson. Opened as a nine-hole course in the 1990s, this layout sits on 200 historic acres that was formally a sugar cane plantation.

In 1997, it was selected among the

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“Top 10 Nine-Hole Facilities in the U.S.” by Sports Illustrated, which wrote that Puakea … “is too spectacular to keep off our list...dramatic in the extreme, the course offers fabulous views of the Pacific and is built amid volcanic cliffs, massive ravines, giant sinkholes and lush tropical undergrowth.”

Ocean Course at Hokuala

Now owned by AOL Co-Founder Steve Case (who grew up nearby), Puakea was lengthened in 2003 to 18 holes with a new driving range, putting green and spacious short-game practice area.

In 2018, the Kauai Visitors Bureau celebrated the 25th anniversary of “Jurassic Park” being filmed on the

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Wailua Municipal Golf Course island. Puakea’s land served as the backdrop to many iconic scenes.

This imagery comes alive on holes 11 through 17, as the imposing Mt. Ha’upu rises up behind them. For a uniquely different experience from Kauai’s resort courses, put Puakea on your list.

Last but certainly not least, Wailua Municipal Golf Course was designed

by Hawaii Golf Hall of Fame Member Toyo Shirai as a nine-hole course in the 1930s, then expanded to 18 holes in 1961. Wailua is located three miles north of Lihue Airport on Highway 56.

This high-quality muni course has hosted three USGA Amateur Public Links Championships, named “One of Hawaii’s Best 15 Courses” by Golfweek and was also ranked “No. 3 Course in Hawaii” by Golf Channel.

Visitors can play one of America’s best muni’s for just $48 during the week or $60 on weekends. With a driving range facing the ocean, holes on both nine’s running parallel to the Pacific and lush vegetation adjourning each hole, golfers will have difficulty finding a better layout for a better price anywhere.

Kauai’s climate is ideal year-round, with temperatures usually in the mid-

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70s to 80s. The rainfall that makes this the Garden Isle generally comes late evenings or early mornings and is predominantly near the mountains. The island’s northeast trade winds create a consistent, refreshing breeze while playing golf.

More visitors from California visit

Wailua Municipal Golf Course

The Aloha State than any other. With Kapalua’s famed Plantation Course on Maui closing for most of 2019 and airlines servicing non-stop flights from four California cities to Kauai (SAN, LAX, SFO, OAK), a golf trip to the Garden Isle should be included with your New Year’s resolutions.

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/ COURSE REVIEW /

Affordable, Accessible, and Lots of Fun

BIRCH HILLS GOLF COURSE OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

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f you pay attention to golf, you know that the game faces three perceived challenges: 1) It’s too hard. 2) It takes too much time. 3) It’s too expensive. But with a little research, you can find plenty of hidden gems that are exceptions to the rule. According to the National Golf Foundation, the median cost for an 18-hole round of golf at a public course in America is at $34. Birch Hills Golf Course in Brea, California, is the perfect testament. The green fee during the week sits at $33 with cart, while it bumps up slightly to $40 on the weekends in prime time.

This affordable executive layout measures 3,120 yards and plays to a par of 59. It’s fun, playable and takes less time than many golf clubs. The Orange County gem provides golfers of all abilities, both seasoned veterans and novice players, an enjoyable experience that’s surely to scratch that golf itch.

The facility also offers a plethora of other fun options, including a driving range that stays open until 10 p.m. nightly and regular glow ball events that allow golfers to keep swinging after the sun has set – which is perfect for this time of the year when it’s dark by the time most people leave work.

And if golf is not your sole venture, their newly renovated Treehouse Bar & Grill has live entertainment

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three nights a week – Karaoke Tuesday, a Friday evening open mic for aspiring entertainers and live bands every Saturday. Along with the aforementioned lighted range (open until 10 p.m.), the facility is a great place to host events, parties or fundraisers. Furthermore, a newly established junior program launches in December and promises to make fun, interactive and lively introductions to the game for youngsters.

With plenty of instructional and introductory programs on the menu for adult golfers as well, the affordable public golf option provides players with all the amenities needed to enhance their golf skills and find greater enjoyment in the game. We also encourage you to stop by the golf shop to browse a wide variety of competitively priced equipment, apparel and accessories.

Off the course, the Treehouse Bar

& Grill is quickly becoming a hotspot for Brea locals. Overlooking both the golf course and driving range, the Treehouse offers a fun atmosphere for friends and family to hang out before or after a round of golf. Drinks are always flowing at the full-service bar and a wonderful menu offers flavorsome California staples like fish tacos and classic American choices. If you can, take advantage of Taco Tuesdays or Wingzday Wednesday, which are low on costs but heavy on taste. Affordable fun can also be had on the weekends through their Friday night open mic events and live music on Saturday evenings starting at 6 p.m. More info can be found at www.treehousebargrill.com.

/ GOLF & TRAVEL /

GOLF & GAMING MORONGO: CALIFORNIA’S PREMIER COURSE & CASINO COMBO

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et between California’s spectacular San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains, the fourdiamond Morongo Casino Resort & Spa excels in delivering a myriad of extraordinary experiences, from thrilling gaming action to gourmet dining, championship golf, world-class entertainment, luxury spa services, a resort water park and upscale shopping at the state’s largest premier outlet center.

As the epicenter of Southern California gaming and entertainment, the $250 million Morongo resort is centered around a 27-story hotel tower – the tallest building in Riverside County – topped by a two-story glass penthouse restaurant and lounge.

Morongo continually succeeds in exceeding the expectations of its guests

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with a wide variety of entertainment and unmatched amenities.

Those who relish a challenging round of golf can start their visit at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon, ranked among the best courses in Southern California. Set against breathtaking mountain views, Tukwet Canyon offers 36 world-class holes spread across two stunning courses featuring creek-crossing fairways framed by oak trees.

Morongo’s 27-story tower of luxury and exhilaration welcomes guests with 310 deluxe rooms and suites featuring spectacular mountain and canyon views. The resort also offers six secluded casitas, each with a private lounging pool and lush tropical landscaping, providing privacy and a quiet refuge.

Guests enjoy gaming on more than 3,100 of the loosest and most current slot machines, or at table games staffed by welcoming dealers on one of the largest casino floors in the west. Those preferring a high-stakes wagering experience settle in at Morongo’s lavish High Limit Gaming Room featuring stylish Asian-inspired décor, premium tea service and a free pour bar with a selection of exclusive liquors.

Morongo is a leader in live entertainment, having hosted an exciting array of world-class performers including Beyoncé, Michael Buble, Carlos Santana, KISS, and Sammy Hagar, as well as country legends like Willie Nelson, LeAnn Rimes, and Florida Georgia Line. Comic legends make Morongo a regular stop, including Jay Leno, Margaret Cho, Whoopi Goldberg, and many more.

For some calm amid the thrills, visit the highly-rated Sage Spa and Salon – named for the fragrant white plant used for centuries by tribes for purification and cleansing – to receive

rejuvenating treatments that renew the body and soul.

Morongo is home to criticallyacclaimed dining, with 10 restaurants offering diverse bills of fare to satisfy every palate.

Perched atop the 27-story Morongo tower is the elegant four-diamond Cielo steakhouse. A four-time winner of the coveted Wine Spectator award, Cielo has been recognized for its excellent

wine lists and exquisite menu selections that pair outstanding wines with distinctive fare.

At the Potrero Canyon Buffet, guests feast on international gourmet delicacies and dining favorites, prepared fresh and made-to-order by Morongo’s talented chefs.

The Drum Room on the 26th floor is the most breathtaking bar and lounge near Palm Springs with rich, dark

woods and soft-colored leathers and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning mountain views. Designed by the renowned Kenneth Ussenko, whose vision has guided the ambiance of 14 restaurants in the U.S. and Qatar, The Drum Room melds interior design, custom furniture and lighting to celebrate the fabled spirit of drums and the elegance of this ancient tribal commodity.

Morongo’s highly rated Oasis Pool

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and Resort Water Park features a sandy beach around a huge heated pool, two heated spas, an exciting waterslide and a lazy river – all set among lush gardens inspired by South Pacific islands.

Private cabana rentals on the sandy beaches are available.

Located adjacent to the Morongo Resort, the Desert Hills Premium Outlets and Cabazon Outlets are home to the largest collection of luxury retailers in California with over 190 unique and upscale retailers.

Centrally located to all of Southern California, Morongo is an easy drive down Interstate Highway 10. Located at the Gateway to Palm Springs, the resort is a short distance from Palm Springs International Airport and Ontario International Airport.

Never one to rest on its laurels, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is embarking on an exciting renovation and expansion project that will increase the size of its gaming floor, refurbish its first-floor restaurants and improve the speed and ease of its free valet parking services with a new parking structure.

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All told, the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa is an enticing desert oasis that always exhilarates and never disappoints, providing thrills, culinary delight, glittering nightlife, top-tier entertainment, recreation and relaxation.

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

s Golfer’

Holiday Gifts

BY ED TRAVIS California Golf + Travel always has some suggestions for the golf-gifting challenged and ours for this holiday season will be to the delight of any golfer receiving them.

Aftershokz Trekz Air

Wireless headphones are convenient, especially the Trekz Air – which conducts sound through the bone leaving the ear open so you’re not isolated. Light (made with lots of titanium) and easy to wear with a secure fit, they stay in place while walking, running or even swinging a golf club.

Connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone and has six hours of continuous use on a single charge. Trekz Air ($149.95) are premium headphones any athlete will enjoy. www.Aftershokz.com

Tin Cup Ball Logo

OK, so you’re really stumped for the proper gift and you would like it to be something unique but also inexpensive. We like the possibilities of letting every golfer have his or her own favorite logo stenciled on golf balls. Tin Cup stencils are simple to use and dozens of logos are available – even their favorite college team. The Whole in One Package is $30 with two pens, leather pouch and a Tin Cup of your choice. Individual Tin Cups start from $19.95. www.Tin-Cup.com

Hydro Flask

Staying hydrated on the course is healthy but also helps performance. Whether water or an energy drink in a Hydro Flask ($39.95), the 32-ounce Wide Mouth keeps beverages cold up to 24 hours or hot up to 12 hours. There’s choice of 11 vibrant colors and each has a lifetime warranty. www.Hydroflask.com

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Soundchuck Mini from Puma

If the golfer in your life also loves music, the lightweight Bluetooth Soundchuck Mini speaker from Puma is a great gift idea. Durable and shock resistant with a silicone exterior, it gives great audio anywhere it’s paired to a smartphone or tablet. An entire round of sound is no problem for the rechargeable battery that lasts up to six hours. A silicon cord with carabiner clip lets it hang most anywhere and there’s even a magnet to grasp metal surfaces. Priced at $79.99. www.cobrapumagolf.com

Rangefinder Wish List

How far is it? A question asked many times in every round by golfers of all skill levels.

The solution is a rangefinder and we have three on our wish list.

The Callaway 200 Laser Rangefinder is valuepriced laser model that weighs a mere 3 ounces and is compact for easy handling. The 6x magnification with Callaway’s Pin Acquisition Technology lets the user lock onto the pin from as far away as 275 yards with a maximum range of 800 yards. Priced at $199.99 in either red or dark blue. www.Callawaygolf.com

If laser accuracy to within 10” with a full-color twodimensional GPS course view is more your golfer’s speed, the Garmin Approach Z80 is a great combination (above). It includes both a laser rangefinder and preloaded GPS with over 41,000 courses. Garmin’s PlaysLike Distance calculates for uphill or downhill shots and the hole map shows all the distances on the same screen. Retail price is $599.99.

NEW Q-STAR TOUR ®

Tour performance for golfers with moderate swing speeds.

If your golfer likes a wearable wrist device for finding distances, the Garmin S10 is functional with a high-resolution display that shows yardages to the front, back and center of the green plus doglegs and hazards for the more than 41,000 preloaded courses. There is a built in scorecard and the rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours on the course. Priced at $150. www.buyGarmin.com

Palm Golf Glove and Towel

Gloves and towels can be mundane but not those from Palm, a golf apparel company with a difference. The company’s 10 glove models offer an array of colorful accents and all are made from pearl white AAA cabretta leather, which gives feel and durability.

The Velcro strap is adjustable to give a snug but comfortable fit, and the stitching is done with Lycra to aid cooling. Palm’s towels are a generous 16x32 inches and offer matching prints to the gloves. On the back is a full-length zippered three-sectioned pocket to hold items like divot tools and ball markers.

The gloves are $26 and towels are $25. www.PalmGolfCo.com

URETHANE COVER SPIN SKIN® COATING 3-PIECE, LOW COMPRESSION

$29.99 / DOZEN S R I XO N .C O M

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EQUIPMENT

HIGH ROLLERS

PREMIUM PUTTERS FOR THE HIGH-END GOLFER

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f putters were cars, those highlighted below would be parked up front next to the valet at The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe (one of the premier private clubs in Southern California).

Most of these premium offerings carry a price tag that matches their level of performance, smoothly crafted edges and pristine performance. Check these out for the high roller on your holiday shopping list.

onma Beres PP-202 Gold Plated and H Beres PP-201 The new Honma PP-202 Gold Plated Putter is designed for high performance. This putter offers a different CG location than the PP-102 model due to added tungsten placement.

This deeper CG improves ball roll on each putt while the new faceplate improves the ball’s forward rotation. It’s offered in three beautiful finishes – platinum and black nickel finishes, polished nickel and gold plating – with the golden finish bumping up the price tag. The blade model, PP-201, features the same CG enhancements as its mallet counterpart and is offered in the same color choices ($950).

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Evnroll ER1 High-quality CNC milling from 303 stainless steel offer enhanced feel and control. Face grooves that are wider in the middle and narrower towards the perimeter promote a more consistent roll and clean feeling at impact. Crafted by renowned putter maker Guerin Rife, this classically designed blade is better fit for experienced players with a repeatable putting motion who desire true feel and feedback on each strike ($329).

Bettinardi Queen B & Studio Stock Series Micro Honeycomb face milling and stunning Champagne Silver finish mark the 2019 Queen B series from Bettinardi. Five frosted swarming bees on the sole in combination with a tiffany blue and white color scheme complete its elegant and refined appearance ($400).

With feedback from major champions, Robert Bettinardi milled his F.I.T. Face 20 percent deeper for an even softer feel at impact in the Studio Stock Series. A stunning hand-polished platinum finish gives them a durable and clean appearance, sure to inspire confidence on the greens ($450).

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Gauge Design Devon The Gauge Design name has been predominantly associated with high-end quality milled putters. They are a blend of yesterday’s most popular models and today’s technology.

The Devon is milled from 303 stainless steel and patented SPI technology allows for two weight options – 360g or 370g head weight ($450).

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Cleveland Golf Huntington Beach SOFT The new Huntington Beach SOFT putters from Cleveland Golf, just released in November, are science and artistry come together to enhance putting performance.

They promote distance control, soft feel and confidence. The hallmark is Cleveland’s proprietary Speed Optimized Face Technology (SOFT) – which helps normalize ball speed across the face of the putter. They feature a custom face-milling pattern that promotes consistent rolls for each of the six different head shapes ($129).

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BGT Stability Shaft There are four parts of the Stability Shaft that work in concert to improve putting performance. The company calls this Advanced Materials Integration. Breakthrough Golf (BTG) uses a scientifically advanced multimaterial design with new geometries never before used in putter shaft design to deliver a product with the same look and weight as traditional steel putter shafts. However, the Stability Shaft delivers the face squarer at impact for improved accuracy and feel, and it has a lower launch for a more predictable roll – which enhances distance control ($199).

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TAKE

YOUR

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PERFORMANCE

FURTHER Our lowest compression core for golfers who demand the softest feel.

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6 ULTRA SOFT CORE SOFT IONOMER COVER 2-PIECE CONSTRUCTION

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$19.99 / DOZEN S R I XO N .C O M

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EQUIPMENT

AIDS TO BUILD A BETTER PUTTING STROKE

BY ED TRAVIS aving a natural putting stroke that’s confident and efficient means a lot less pressure on your game. Taking lessons from a PGA Professional is a great way to find your own stroke and learn how to practice to keep your putting motion polished.

The best putters practice the most, a simple fact that sometimes gets lost because putting doesn’t require physical strength, lightning reactions or the skills of a tour player.

Having a disciplined practice routine will do wonders and that’s where a good putting aid comes in. Here are ones we have tried and like, and we think you will too. Our first items are from the “Rocket Scientist of Putting” Dave Pelz who for 15 years was actually a scientist for NASA.

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DAVE PELZ TEACHER PUTTING CLIPS Hitting the ball in the sweet spot with any club is a must for better golf, and it’s the same with putting. Center strikes are the best way to get the ball rolling on the intended line with the correct speed.

Teacher Putting Clips attach to the putter’s face with double-faced tape and train golfers to consistently hit putts on the sweet spot. Practicing with them develops a pure stroke with instant feedback, because when the sweep spot is missed the prongs on the Teacher Clips deflect the ball offline. They’re easy to use and effective. PelzGolf.com $29.99

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DAVE PELZ TEACHER POINTER Often the simplest devices are the best. Pelz says even great players can fall into a nasty habit of setting up to putts slightly misaligned at address. The Dave Pelz Teacher Pointer affixes to the face of a putter and gives an immediate and constant indication of where the putter face is aimed. It doesn’t beep or read out Smash Factor, it just tells the critical truth about what your putter face is doing during all phases of your stroke – from address and through impact. $19.99 www.PelzGolf.com PUTTOUT PRESSURE TRAINER Putting under pressure, even if its just to win a $5 Nassau, needs to be practiced and the PuttOut Pressure Trainer is a device that will build your confidence. It can be used indoors or out, and the trainer folds to fit in your bag. The idea is to putt the ball up the parabolic curve with a perfect putt returned the same distance as it would have gone past the hole. If the hole in the center is uncovered the ball must be struck with the proper speed to stay. www.PuttOut.golf $29.99

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SKLZ PUTT GATE Making putts is a lot easier when the ball-to-putter impact is on the sweet spot of the putter. Using the Putt Gate, which is held to the putting green with golf tees, provides a great visual for not only initial alignment of the putter face but also returning the face to square at the moment of truth when putter meets ball. The design with gates front and rear helps ingrain takeaway and follow through. www.SKLZ.com $19.99 HALF-CUP PUTTING AID Push your putting prowess to the next level by the simple expedient of practicing with a smaller cup using the Half-Cup. Especially useful if you are struggling with distances under six feet, the Half-Cup fits into the golf hole and reduces the hole size by half – still allowing the ball into the cup when it is on the exactly proper line. It’s simple and fits in golf bag. www.HalfCupPutting.com $12.99.

THE PUTTING ARC Many great putters keep the putter face on plane throughout the stroke. The question remains: What is the correct plane and how do you train your stroke?

The Putting Arc provides the answers. Used by dozens of touring professionals, it grooves your stroke to the natural movement of the body. There are several packages and models available, including one with a built-in mirror to ensure proper eye alignment. www.ThePuttingArc.com $35.95 EYELINE PUTTING MIRROR Eye alignment is another critical factor involved in being a good putter. There is no better way to keep your eyes down the target line and in proper position over the ball than a putting mirror. We like the original Putting Mirror from Eyeline Golf since the generous size and parallel lines work equally well to check alignment of the eyes, putter face and shoulders. Eyelinegolf.com $59.95

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INSTRUCTION

CAN AN ALTERNATE PUTTING GRIP IMPROVE YOUR GAME?

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hrough the years, our Pelz Golf Institute has done research on how golfers putt and, particularly, how the way in which they grip the putter affects their results.

Spoiler alert: The conventional grip (right-hand low for right handed golf-

By Dave Pelz ers) is the putting style that consistently yields the worst results. During our research, golfers employing “unconventional” grip styles tended to perform better than conventional putters because their techniques had less wrist movement and breakdown, and were more repeatable.

Let’s take a look at five “alternative” ways to grip the putter. There are more ways than this to grip the putter, but these five popular methods I’ve studied and I’m sure you’ve seen used on the PGA Tour because they work under pressure when they’re use correctly.

THE CLAW While your leading hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) grips the club conventionally, reconfigure and reposition your trailing hand and arm so they simply move with the stroke, adding nothing. There must be no wrist hinge and no hand or finger power in this stroke. This method prevents the power (trailing) hand from controlling putter-face orientation and supplying excessive force.

Advantages 1. Changes the idea of putting from a hands-controlled motion to a swing-down-the-line motion.

2. Puts the power hand into a passive position.

3. Provides a new look, new attitude and change to golfers unhappy with conventional putting.

Disadvantages 1. Many golfers find it uncomfortable and awkward.

2. Distance control usually suffers initially, especially on long putts.

3. Other golfers consider it an act of desperation.

LEAD HAND LOW Take your conventional stance, ball position and putter length. Grip with leading hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) below the trailing hand on the handle. This puts the trailing hand in a passive position, and allows the lead arm to pull the putter through impact on line and square.

Advantages 1. Eliminates forearm rotation for most golfers.

2. Minimizes wrist breakdown.

3. Encourages the shoulders to be square to the line at address and promotes a square putter face through impact.

Disadvantages 1. Takes time to regain touch on long and breaking putts.

2. Stigma of “cross-handed” putting discourages many golfers.

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INSTRUCTION NON-ANCHORED “BELLY” PUTTER Position the ball two inches forward of the center of your stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and square to the putt line.

Take your normal putting crouch and find the most comfortable length when the butt of the putter is near (but not anchored to) your belly. Place both hands together (right or left hand low) toward the bottom of the grip, and stroke putts normally.

Advantages 1. Changes the idea of the putting stroke from a “hit” to a “swing.”

2. Pure pendulum motion eliminates wrist break and, for most golfers, minimizes forearm rotation.

3. Most golfers feel a stable stroke.

4. Allows good control of distance and speed.

Disadvantages 1. Repeatable ball position is critical, because the putter face will rotate slightly through impact.

2. There’s no tolerance for any body motion or rotation.

3. Eyes may not be directly over the target line, making good aim difficult.

THE SAW Grip the putter conventionally with your lead/upper hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) then rotate your lower hand on the grip so the back of your hand runs down the front of the grip. Your lower hand is in a similar position to the “just-after-impact” position your lower/hand is in when you are hitting a full golf shot. Stroke putts normally.

Advantages 1. Feels very natural because the right hand never strays from the correct impact position.

2. Removes any temptation to rotate the putter face through impact.

3. Allows for pure aim and roll.

4. Putter face stays square through impact.

Disadvantages 1. Many golfers find it uncomfortable and awkward.

2. Requires adjustment period.

3. May feel more natural on short putts vs. long putts.

ARM-LOCK PUTTING Almost four years ago, the United States Golf Association banned the practice of anchoring your putter to your body.

However, the USGA still allows you to putt with your grip affixed to your forearm. You may have seen pros like Matt Kuchar use this style of putting and wondered about its benefits.

Understand that the face of your putter is going to do whatever the back of your lead hand (left hand for right-handed golfers) does. Realizing that your forearm is an extension leading up from the back of your hand, it makes sense that having a stable and square angle as you putt is a huge advantage if you want to keep your putter face square throughout your putting stroke. Because the lengthier putter shaft (about the same length as a belly putter) serves an extension of your lead arm, you will need to a use a special-built putter with the proper amount of loft. Just trying to Arm-Lock with a belly putter won’t provide you enough loft.

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Advantages 1. It’s nearly impossible for your wrist to break down or change angles.

2. This technique functions and feels very stable.

3. With practice, the technique feels very natural.

Disadvantages 1. It does take some time to adjust to this putting style.

2. Because it takes a custom putter to commit to this style, this style isn’t very versatile.

3. If you prefer a standard-length putter, this will feel unorthodox, especially on longer putts.

TEST YOURSELF To find out which putting grip works best for you, try each style on short putts of three and six feet. Then, move to medium-length putts of 10, 20 and 30 feet and, finally, test each grip style on lag putts of 35 feet or longer. Use the grip that yields the best results.

Good luck and good putting to you!

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Sunday to Thursday / $45pp | Friday & Saturday / $60pp Includes:

New Carts | New GPS | Range Balls | Shark Experience | Leader is Comped (1 of 3 in SoCal)

Tournament rates based on groups of 16 or more players.

Must book and play by 12.31.18

For weekend rates and to book your tournament, call 866.751.2001 or email our Golf Sales Manager at mmittlehauser@palamesa.com

866.751.2001 | Fallbrook, CA | palamesa.com

GAUGE DESIGN Better Putters By Design

D-FIT 1

www.gaugedesigngolfshop.com

Transformer

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INSTRUCTION

LESSON WITH THE PROS MY PUTTING LESSON WITH PGA TOUR PRO CHARLEY HOFFMAN

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By Derek Uyeda

harley Hoffman is one of the top players of his era to come out of Southern California – and that’s saying something when you’re around the same age as guys like Phil and Tiger. In his 362 PGA Tour starts, he’s amassed 48 top-10 finishes and earned more than $26 million. Through it all, he’s remained humble and true to his Southern California roots. That’s why it’s so awesome that I’ve had the chance to work with him here at The Grand Golf Club in Del Mar. I first started with Charley five years ago and we concentrated very heavily on his putting. Like with all my players, we spent time trying to learn patterns and what to watch for. With tour

Charley Hoffman

pros, it’s a little easier because you can go to the tape and see exactly how they perform during competition.

We noticed pretty quickly that Charley tended to miss left-to-right breaking putts with greater frequency than other lines.

DEREK UYEDA has been teaching golf in San Diego for 20 years, and has been Lead Golf Instructor at The Fairmont Grand Del Mar for the last six years. Derek was named the Southern California PGA Section Teacher of the Year after receiving the award for the Teacher of the Year for the San Diego Chapter of the PGA. He was also named among the top 35 golf instructors in California in Golf Digest’s “Best Teachers in Your State.”

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CONDITIONS ARE GREAT AT WILLOWICK! THE COURSE IS IN FANTASTIC SHAPE AND THE WEATHER IS PERFECT! GET OUT HERE AND TEE IT UP! 714-554-0672 • www.willowickgolf.com 3017 W 5th St, Santa Ana, CA 92703 NOV/DEC 2018

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INSTRUCTION

LESSON WITH THE PROS

Derek Uyeda

After spending some time with him I learned that he was really good at reading left-to-right putts, but he always aimed left. He called it “wimping out” (he may have used another term).

He would aim high and then wimp out, or not hit it hard enough, and the ball would break across the face of the cup and he’d miss low. Again, this was only on breaking putts.

He was consistent though, he would always aim high on left-to-right putts. But occasionally he’d hit it the right speed, the ball would hold its line and he’d miss high. So his pattern was always aiming high on left to righters, but then not hitting it hard enough or hitting it the correct speed – which resulted in a two way miss, he’d miss both high and low. It became a point of frustration.

So using a putting plate, I helped him learn how to properly aim at his target. I’d have him address a ball and lineup to hit a left-to-right

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breaking putt. Then I’d remove the ball and place the plate directly in front of his putter face, then he could step back and see where the putter plate was aimed. He immediately saw how far left he was aiming compared his read.

Then we would adjust the plate to the correct line, have him lineup his putter and then put the ball back in place. To him it felt like he was aiming so far right, too low of the line. Then he would hit it and it would go in the hole. That’s how good his stroke is – it’s pure. The arc is the same on left-to-right and right-to–left putts. He always hits the center of the clubface and his speed control is amazing. He’s like a robot. But if you’re a robot, and your aim is off than you’re going to miss putts.

Charley adjusted his aim on left-to-right breaking putts, changed his pattern and started seeing the ball roll in the hole more often.

Good Times, Great Golf Come check out the beautifully kept greens and challenging hazards at Brea Creek Golf Course! This 9 hole urban oasis is both equally challenging and fun to play. Go ahead and take a few warm up swings on the driving range before your tee time.

Book a Tee Time Today!

golfbrea.com or call 714.529.3003 501 W Fir St, Brea, CA 92821

NOV/DEC 2018

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HOLIDAY WINE LIST

ADDING JOY TO YOUR HOLIDAY MEALS

By Matt Palaferri s your holiday plans come into focus, you might be wondering what to bring for that gathering of friends or family holiday meal. Should I bring fresh cut flowers that make everyone sneeze and take up space on the table?

Should I bring a potato side dish that was the fourth one of its kind?

How about a dessert? Sure, another apple or pumpkin pie would be so memorable.

Look away from those and impress people with a solid bottle of wine.

We have three wines that will for sure impress the crowd. We all know those folks who love that big chard that they think pairs well with everything from fish to roast beef.

There’s one chard that will please everyone. The Archery Summit Eola Chardonnay is about as good as it gets. It’s not from California, so the folks who only drink that Cali chard will be pleasantly surprised. It has great fruit, great acidity and a tropical finish. It has a touch of minerality, as well as some green apple and honeysuckle that would go well with any meats you decide to serve at Thanksgiving or your December holiday dinners.

We can’t talk about holidays meals without talking about reds. We’re going to stick with the same fantastic winery in Oregon, Archery Summit, and go with the very versatile Dundee Hills Pinot Noir. This wine packs a punch. Earthy, fruity and goes well with any food. Red fruits, black fruits and some of those earthy tones you love from Oregon are all in this wine. Trust us, this is a crowd pleaser.

No holiday dinner is complete without the person who only drinks cabernet. We’ve got you, and them, covered. Pine Ridge Napa Valley Cabernet is about as consistent and fabulous as you get in the valley.

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You walk in, throw a Pine Ridge Cabernet on the table and even your father-in-law may begin to enjoy your company. This wine is sourced from their vineyards in Napa, Howell Mountain, Stags Leap and Carneros. Known as one of the best

wines from the Valley, it has deep red color with layers of cassis, vanilla, blueberry and soft tannins. You can’t go wrong with any of these.

Find them in some wine shops near you or ask your favorite restaurants for them. Enjoy!

HOLIDAY VIDEO LESSON SPECIALS

Designed by Teaching and Touring Professionals to make learning easier and more fun ERIC WOODS – Founder 2-Time Canadian Tour Order of Merit Champion South American Tour Order of Merit Champion Canadian Tour Low Stroke Average International Tour member: Asian, Australian, Canadian, South American, South African JOHN BURCKLE – Director of Instruction 25 years teaching experience 80 Professional Wins 6x Golden State Tour Order of Merit Champion Asian Tour member DAN KUPFER – Instructor/Club Fitter 20-years teaching experience Roger Dunn Master Club Fitter Multiple Professional Wins

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A 1-HOUR VIDEO LESSON

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To learn more visit www.golflabacademy.com or call 714-542-4653

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