PHOTO:
Meet you at the 19th hole.
Celebrating 60 years of legendary golf.
This summer, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa invites you to experience a new era of play at one of California’s most iconic golf destinations. Following a multimillion-dollar transformation, the resort offers a redesigned North Course, driving range, and short game practice facility. Don’t miss Neon Golf Nights, a glow-in-the-dark golf experience lighting up select Saturdays this summer.
CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR GOLF
THE MOST IMPACTFUL GOLF ORGANIZATION
YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF
Out of sight, out of mind goes the old saying. But lest out of sight, out of mind become out of business, California’s golfers might benefit from getting to know what the California Alliance for Golf is, what it does, and why it does it. Spoiler alert: It does it for the benefit of the 3.2 million Californians who play and love the game of golf.
CAG is a consortium of golf’s alphabet soup of leadership organizations, some very familiar to golfers like the PGA or USGA, others not so much. What they all have in common is that their boat in the waters known as the California golf community can either be marooned by a receding tide of onerous laws, regulations, policies, and attitudes or lifted by a rising tide of the same.
If you were one of the many who enjoyed golfing during COVID while so many other activities languished, you know what CAG does. If the course you play was able to maintain control over its irrigation practices during one of California’s myriad droughts, you know as well. If you play one of the roughly 230 municipal golf courses in California, you may be playing today on a golf course whose existence was threatened in 2021 and 2022 by the two “Public Golf Endangerment Acts” that would have provided subsidies to develop that course into housing. If you enjoy teeing it up on or near California’s coast, you might be enjoying it less if that course were completely restricted from applying fertilizers and other nonorganic substances. If you like teeing it up after work during the spring and sum-
mer months, you might appreciate the extra hour of light you still have to enjoy it. If you feel more secure knowing that there is an organization at the ready and willing to defend against the many efforts to repurpose the state’s urban golf courses into other uses, you too know of the work of the California Alliance for Golf.
The game’s nonprofit leadership organizations came together to fund this effort, because they know they cannot prosper unless the game they serve prospers, and the game cannot prosper unless it can continue accommodating the needs and wants of those who play it. And there is no way to do that without mixing it up in the public arena.
The Southern California PGA Section is proud to join the rest of the state’s allied amateur and professional associations in supporting the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) in its protection and promotion of all that the game of golf provides Californians – both those who do play and work in the game, as well as those who don’t.
Visit www.cagolf.org to learn more today!
THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GOLF IN CALIFORNIA
3.2 MILLION GOLFERS IN THE STATE, AGES 8-80
GOLF COURSES PRESERVE OPEN SPACE & PROMOTE BIODIVERSITY
$16 BILLION INDUSTRY IN CALIFORNIA
CA GOLF COURSES USE 0.73% OF THE STATE’S POTABLE WATER
THE ANNIKA FOUNDATION
Annika Sorenstam, considered one of the greatest female golfers of all-time, created the ANNIKA Foundation in 2007 to “give back” to the game. It started with one junior girls tournament. Today the Foundation, whose mission is to develop, empower and advance young women around the world through golf and in life, has impacted 8,000+ females across sixty countries and invested more than $10 million into girls’ golf initiatives to date. This year alone the Foundation will reach another 1,300+ girls ranging from young girls to young pros.
Starting at the grassroots level, the Foundation conducts “Share My Passion” clinics designed to welcome young girls to the game and encourage them to develop new friendships. Girls are asked to submit letters or videos explaining why they love golf. From these heartfelt entries, forty girls are selected to participate. Throughout the four-hour clinic, they learn golf fundamentals, make new friends, and experience the joy of the game firsthand. The day concludes with an interactive clinic led by Annika where she highlights the importance of fun and fundamentals.
At the junior level, the Foundation provides world-class opportunities. Its junior tournament series spans the globe, with seven premier events held annually in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the U.S. The crown jewel—the Hilton Grand Vacations ANNIKA Invitational presented by Rolex—is more than a tournament; it’s a launching pad. The winner earns an exemption into an LPGA event, and the roster of past champions includes current LPGA professionals like Celine Boutier, Alison Lee, and Angel Yin, as well as rising stars like Asterisk Talley, a 16-yearold phenom.
For collegiate athletes, the Foundation offers two prestigious women’s tournaments: the ANNIKA Intercollegiate presented by 3M for many of the top Division I teams, and the More Than Golf Invitational presented by Bank of America for Mid-Major Conference Champions. In partnership with the Haskins Foundation, the Foundation presents the ANNIKA Award presented by Stifel given annually to the best collegiate female golfer. The ANNIKA Development Program was developed to support college graduates who
are pursuing their professional golf dreams. And in 2024, the Foundation joined forces with the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour to provide a credible pathway for emerging talent to reach the Epson Tour and LPGA Tour.
In addition to supporting women’s golf development, the Foundation champions a “More Than Golf” philosophy. Through its “More Than Golf” Virtual sessions as well as in-person events, girls gain tools and knowledge on personal growth opportunities. Topics such as mental wellness, physical fitness, financial literacy, public speaking, and career development are central themes. Most recently, the Foundation introduced the ANNIKA Inspiration Award presented by Cleveland Brothers created to recognize ANNIKA alumnae who are giving back to their communities and making an impact off the course after golf. The first recipient will be recognized at LPGA’s “The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican” event in Tampa this November. More information about the ANNIKA Foundation can be found at annikafoundation.org.
SAN DIEGO STATE’S GOLF PROGRAM IS ROCKING THE GOLF WORLD
FORMER SDSU GOLFERS HAVE WON THREE OF THE LAST SIX MAJORS
By J AMIE McC ONEGHY
Former San Diego State men’s golfer J.J. Spaun captured the 2025 U.S. Open, battling a weather delay on arguably the toughest course in the world at Oakmont Country Club just outside of Pittsburgh. Along with a pair of major wins last season by Xander Schauffele at the PGA Championship and The Open, a former Aztec has won three of the last six majors.
Spaun carded a final round 2-over-par-72 to finish as the lone player under par at 1-under 279, beating runner-up Robert MacIntyre by two strokes. Spaun was at 5-over through his first eight holes of the final round with five bogeys before a 96-minute weather delay. When he resumed on the ninth hole, he recorded three pars, and then went threeunder over his final seven holes with four birdies and a bogey.
San Diego State alumni now have two of the top-8 ranked players in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) with Schauffele ranked third and Spaun in eighth.
Spaun (2009-12) and Schauffele (2013-15) aren’t the only former Aztecs who are taking the golf world by storm. Justin Hastings, who recently graduated from SDSU, had arguably the best season in program history in 2025. He racked up two victories and posted the second-best scoring average (70.33) ever at San Diego State. Out of his 11 collegiate tournaments, he had two wins (by four strokes each), a runner-up finish and six top-10 efforts. Hastings became the fourth Aztec to win a Mountain West Championship, carding an 18-under-par 198. He also won the Lamkin Classic in a tournamentrecord 16-under 200. Hastings was named an honorable mention AllAmerican by two publications, as
well as a PING All-West region selection for a third straight season, the MW Golfer of the Year and an all-MW pick for a third consecutive year.
Hastings big season really got going when he won the Latin America Amateur Championship in March, which got him an invitation to the Masters, and into the U.S. Open, where he was the low amateur at both events. Hastings will play in next month’s the Open before turning to the professional ranks. Two weeks ago, Hastings led the Internationals to a 35-25 win at the Arnold Palmer Cup after going 4-0 in his events at Congaree Golf Club in Ridgeland, South Carolina. Hastings is now the 13th-ranked player in the latest World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR).
All three Aztecs were recruited by and played under SDSU head coach Ryan Donovan, who recently was named the Mountain West Coach of the Year for a fifth time. San Diego State won its fourth consecutive MW Championship in April.
PHOTO:
Low Amateur Champion Justin Hastings watches JJ Spaun and USGA CEO Mike Whan during the 2025 US Open ceremony at Oakmont
PUTTING SIMPLIFIED
Engineered with Simply Balanced™ zero torque technology, the Bettinardi Antidote series offers unrivaled consistency on the green.
Simplify your stroke with the Antidote.
GREATER ZION: A GOLF PARADISE
Where championship golf meets otherworldly landscapes in Utah’s spectacular southwest.
SouthwestUtah may not be the first destination that comes to mind when planning a golf getaway, but Greater Zion is rapidly emerging as one of America’s most unique golf destinations. With its dramatic red rock formations, volcanic lava flows, and championship-caliber courses, this area offers an experience of challenging courses set to breathtaking natural backdrops of sandstone cliffs, red rock formations, and black lava rocks.
A GOLFER’S OASIS IN THE DESERT
Located on I-15, just a 90-minute drive north of Las Vegas and 300 miles south of Salt Lake City, Greater Zion is remarkably accessible, especially by plane. The local St. George airport offers direct flights to Los Angeles, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
Greater Zion boasts over 300 days of sunshine annually and features 14
golf courses within a 20-mile radius. While play continues year-round thanks to mild winters with daily highs in the 50s in December and January, the sweet spots are March through May and September through November. Temperatures are moderate and a light sweater is the heaviest outerwear needed.
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF TAKES CENTER STAGE
The region gained national prominence in 2024 when the PGA Tour returned to Utah for the first time in over 60 years. The Black Desert Resort now hosts a Fall FedEx Cup event with the Black Desert Championship presented by Greater Zion.
In May 2025, Greater Zion made history as the first location ever to host the LPGA Tour, Epson Tour, and Legend of the LPGA Tour in a single month at Black Desert Resort and Copper Rock golf courses.
A DIVERSE COLLECTION OF WORLD-CLASS COURSES
Greater Zion offers an impressive array of courses, each with its own character and challenges:
Black Desert Resort designed by the late Tom Weiskopf, the course stretches to 7, 200 yards and represents what many consider the architect’s finest resort course. The layout expertly weaves between ancient volcanic basalt flows, creating a colorful rainbow where black lava rock contrasts with blue water and sky, white sand bunkers, and emerald fairways—all set against the region’s iconic red rock mountains.
Memorable holes include the 190-yard downhill par-3 third hole, which features a bunker strategically placed in the middle of the green, reminiscent of Riviera’s famous 6th hole. The challenging par-5 13th hole offers stunning views of Red Mountain with a curved lake running along the left side, testing both strategy and nerve.
Sand Hollow Golf Course stands as the region’s established star, ranked among the nation’s top courses. This 7,300-yard championship layout is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and heart-pounding holes perched on the edge of breathtaking ravines. The back nine is particularly memorable, especially
Black Desert Resort
“The Devil’s Throat”— the tee on the par-3 15th hole — dramatically framed by two steep rock faces with Zion National Park providing a stunning backdrop.
Coral Canyon Golf Course stretches 7,146 yards from the black tees with a challenging rating of 75.2 and 148 slope. However, with five different tee sets, including a golferfriendly 4,676-yard option, it accommodates players of all skill levels. Recent improvements include redesigned bunkers and new cart paths, all while maintaining views of Zion National Park.
Copper Rock Golf Course is host to the Epson Tour’s Copper Rock Championship. This 6,970-yard layout sprawls across 943 acres of pristine desert landscape and copper mountains providing a cinematic backdrop. The course also hosted the LPGA Legends Championship in 2024 and 2025.
The Ledges Golf Club offers a peaceful desert setting. The back nine is particularly special, with the par-3 12th hole and par-4 14th hole providing gorgeous panoramic views of multi-colored cliffs and red rocks from the rim of Snow Canyon State Park.
BEYOND THE FAIRWAYS
Greater Zion’s appeal extends beyond the tees. The region is a gateway to Zion National Park, plus
four state parks that offer worldclass hiking, canyoneering, and outdoor adventures. Those seeking an adrenaline-pumping complement to the golf experience can book an OHV tour through sand dunes and towering rock formations. Those who want to relax can sample wine from grapes grown in volcanic soil.
The combination of championship golf, stunning natural beauty and year-round playability creates an experience that’s unique to the southwest. With lodging options
ranging from luxury resorts to boutique properties, plus the infrastructure to support major professional tournaments like the PGA and LPGA Tours, Greater Zion has all the elements of a world-class golf destination. It’s a place where every round comes with views that would make even the most jaded golfer pause in appreciation—and where the 19th hole conversations inevitably turn to planning the next visit.
To see all the golf courses and activities go to www.greaterzion.com
Hole 15’s “The Devil’s Throat” at Sand Hollow Golf Course
The Ledges Golf Club
BAYONET BLACK HORSE STAY AND PLAY AT
Bayonet Black Horse has partnered with Embassy Suites–Seaside to offer stay and play packages. These flexible, consumer-friendly deals are among the best in the region and make a trip to the Monterey Peninsula a realistic option for a wide range of golfers.
The Bayonet course, with its narrow playing corridors and steep, penal bunkering, has long been considered the most difficult test of golf on the Monterey Peninsula with a par of 72 and playing from the back tees to 7,104-yards. Players often talk about the uphill, dogleg right, 476-yard, par-4 ninth hole which exemplifies the course’s significant challenge.
The package allows you an opportunity to play the 36 holes in two
days or all 36 holes the same day and includes breakfast at the hotel, golf, cart, and range balls plus 20% off merchandise in the golf shop.
“The NCPGA has been coming to Bayonet & Black Horse golf courses for years,” said Shawn McEntee, PGA the NCPGA Tournament Director. “A great facility like Bayonet and Black Horse course is more than just fairways and greens, it is a blend of challenge, beauty, and the dedication of those who shape it, creating a place where every round is an experience to remember. If you get the chance, go play this great facility. Our NCPGA Pro’s do!!”
Joe Wagner Tour Director of the US Am Tour: “I have been operating 36-hole stroke play championships at Bayonet & Blackhorse for close to 20
years and prior to that played there a fair amount while playing college golf at Santa Clara. The course conditions within the past year have gotten to a point where they are the best I have ever seen – which is really saying something because typically they are very good.”
According to Pat Jones, Bayonet Black Horse General Manager, “Our partnerships with Embassy Suites are important to our strategy of enticing out-of-town golfers to experience the fantastic views, ideal playing conditions and enjoyable challenge afforded by both of our courses.”
For additional information about Bayonet Black Horse, visit www. bayonetblackhorse.com/stay_play or email Justin Barnes at justin@bayonetblackhorse.com
grass target greens, and Trackman-powered technology. Instantly track your ball flight and fine-tune your game—or have some fun with the virtual golf simulator, offering rounds at iconic courses.
NATIVE OAKS GOLF CLUB GOLF THAT INSPIRES EVERY SWING
Ifyou’re seeking a round of golf that provides thrills, challenges, and pure course conditions year-round — you’ll find it at Native Oaks Golf Club.
Nestled in the rolling hills of Valley Center in northern San Diego County, this gem of a course just celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. Known for superb conditions and a layout that rewards smart play, Native Oaks is a must-play for both seasoned golfers and casual players.
The Par 72 Dave Ginkel-designed course offers five sets of tees, with the Black tees stretching to 6,707 yards. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or enjoying a relaxed round, you’ll find the right challenge here. Enjoy an unforgettable course layout that rewards thoughtful golf.
The par-5 18th delivers a thrilling finish with a fairway that bends left, then curls right around a shimmering lake guarding the green. Feeling bold? A precise tee shot might set you up for an eagle chance—but many players wisely lay up to set up a birdie opportunity.
Beyond the course, Native Oaks has taken its practice experience to new heights. The upgraded driving range now features new
Looking to sharpen your skills? Native Oaks has multiple PGA teaching professionals on staff available to provide personalized instruction, clinics, outings, and summer camps for all ages and skill levels.
Of course, great golf pairs perfectly with great food. The Shawii Kitchen welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with seating inside or on the scenic patio. The menu features local favorites, healthy choices,
comforting classics, and the complementing full bar. Need a recommendation? Try the Firebird chicken sandwich or any of the outstanding burgers. Wow!
Now’s the time to visit. Download the Native Oaks app to receive two large buckets for the Trackman Range—plus be entered to win a free round of golf for your foursome! Guests at nearby Valley View Casino & Hotel, find Native Oaks the perfect nearby golf escape.
Ready to play? Visit nativeoaksgolfclub. com or call (760) 751-3007. Follow on IG @nativeoaksgc. Want a preview? Watch the Trackman Range in action on YouTube.
MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS
Your Year-Round Coastal Golf Destination
Perched
along the scenic shores of Dana Point, Monarch Beach Golf Links continues to elevate the Southern California golf experience with world-class service, breathtaking ocean views, and a calendar packed with unbeatable perks and events.
One of the best ways to take advantage of everything Monarch offers is through Monarch Deals—your opportunity to score exclusive rates by booking early and prepaying. With options like Early Bird tee times or static advance booking, golfers can save up to 35% off standard rates.
For locals and frequent players, the Links Card Programs provide even more value with three membership levels designed to fit your golf lifestyle. Whether you’re a weekday warrior or looking for Access to 150+ Troon Courses, these cards offer benefits like discounted green fees, complimentary golf, and exclusive member events—making it easier than ever to play more golf for less.
Exciting additions to 2025 include our Hole-in-One Giveaway in partnership with Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel. Register before your tee shot on Hole 5, and if you sink an ace, you’ll win an unforgettable getaway: a two-night stay at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, plus $500 in food & beverage credit and $500 in free play.
Monarch Beach Golf Links is also proud to be Orange County’s premier venue for golf
groups and events of all sizes. Whether you’re planning a corporate outing, charity tournament, or friends-and-family golf getaway, our dedicated team of PGA Professionals and event staff will ensure every detail is seamless—from check-in to the final putt.
Beyond championship golf, Monarch Beach is committed to growing the game with yearround instruction, clinics, and group programming for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to shave strokes off your scorecard, our team offers personalized coaching in a fun, welcoming environment.
And don’t forget to stop by the Golf & Lifestyle retail store, often called the best golf shop in Orange County. Featuring elevated lifestyle brands like Malbon, Peter Millar, Vuori, and exclusive Monarch gear, it’s the perfect stop for fashion-forward players or anyone looking for the ultimate golf gift. With stunning views, vibrant programming, and exclusive rewards, Monarch Beach Golf Links is more than a golf course—it’s a lifestyle. Go to www.monarchbeachgolf.com to book a tee time, plan your next event, or stop by the shop. There’s always something new to discover at the Beach.
Fun, Friendly, Family BAYLANDS GOLF LINKS
Reopenedafter an extensive renovation and redesign Baylands Golf Links in Palo Alto is a family-oriented fun golf experience and a true links-style golf course with native areas and protected wetlands.
Bordering San Francisco Bay this wide-open layout relies on greens and surrounds that capture your attention, especially if a crucial up and down or par-saving putt are required. Baylands plays to 6,680 yards from the Black tees with three other sets available for all skill levels of players including the front tees off 4,821 yards.
Baylands is also different in that the par-72 course has five par-5s and five par-3s giving each of us a chance to score well and the varying length holes provides the opportunity to use every club in the bag during a typical round.
Players will come away with fond or maybe not so fond memories of the 12th hole, a short par-3 requiring a precisely controlled tee
shot of up to 153 yards to an island green. When golf architect Forrest Richardson did the redo of the course, he quoted British golf writer John Low who always said, “the short hole not be long.” Number 12 isn’t long however often playing into the wind, and when isn’t there wind near the Bay, hitting the green can be tricky and I forgot to mention the bunker fronting the putting surface.
One of the par-5s is the closing 18th or Home Hole. It not especially long—just 511 yards from the Black tees—and most usually plays down wind. A tee shot in the fairway will set up a second shot between the pines bordering the fairway or an alternate strategy is using a layup shot so as not to be blocked out for the third. However, your work is not done when you get on the very large green since there are lots of subtle slopes so finding an uphill straight putt may be difficult.
Baylands also has an extensive practice facility with a 27-position
driving range, a big practice putting green and a chipping green. Clinics and private lessons are available with junior summer camps and Baylands is the home of the First Tee of Silicon Valley.
Even frequent players may not realize but Richardson decided to use bentgrass on the greens but more interestingly paspalum turfgrass on the fairways and tees. This versatile grass holds up well under high amounts of play but is very hardy resisting salt contaminated water and in fact allows them to irrigate with effluent water which reduces potable water use by 35%.
Download the Baylands app for $5 off with $25 or more purchase in the Pro Shop and the chance to win free golf for a foursome. In addition, Palo Alto residents, Links Card holders, and Troon Access members receive special rates and benefits.
For more information visit www.baylandsgolflinks.com or call (650) 856-0881.
PHOTO: USGA/CHRIS KEANE
JJ SPAUN SHINES BRIGHTEST
GARRETT JOHNSTON
ormer Aztec standout and San Dimas native J.J. Spaun announced himself officially to the world map with a gutsy breakthrough win at the brutally challenging Oakmont Country Club last month in a rain-swept Sunday that ended with his electric long distance birdie bomb that left the Pittsburgh crowd enthralled.
The 34-year-old’s dramatic finish helped add yet another Aztec win to the major championship tally, as an SDSU grad has now won an impressive 3 of the last 6 majors going back to Xander Schauffele’s
“Wow, it was so awesome for us to see that win. I’m just so happy for J.J., his family, and his team! Go Aztecs!” Spaun’s former college coach Ryan Donovan said. “I always believed in
So where did the belief deep down
“I always thought he had great hands and a very consistent swing. But he also had a bitterness that motivated him because he always played the under card guy,” Donovan
Spaun won the Thunderbird Invitational twice in a row while on the Aztec team in 2010 and 2011, and the the San Gabriel Valley native finally punched his ticket to a massive piece of golf immortality by winning at Oakmont-arguably the signature venue of America’s national championship. Though Tiger Woods can forever boast an emphatic expression in photos of his playoff-forcing putt in the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, the 15-time major champ can’t boast a picture of a winning putt at Oakmont from previous years.
In that area, Spaun has Woods and many other great champions beat. The SoCal native’s winning moment will be part of Oakmont’s reverent lore and images for the rest of his existence.
Under the hot lights of the U.S. Open media center on that unforgettable Sunday night, Spaun shared the initial emotions he felt with the iconic trophy right there beside him.
“It just felt like, as bad as things were going, I just still tried to just commit to every shot. I tried to just continue to dig deep. I’ve been doing it my whole life,” Spaun said after a rain delay spent mostly in Oakmont’s iconic locker room and restart to the final round saw the San Diman’s fortunes turn on a dime.
Spaun started the final round, the most important of his career win or lose, at rainsoaked Oakmont with five bogeys in his first six holes. The eventual champ stood four shots back as the restart got into gear on that dreary yet eventually glorious day.
Spaun’s full-swing coach Adam Schriber observed and spoke with his pupil during that rain delay in one of the most famous sports in golf, the locker room at Oakmont. Schriber said
his guy was stressed and reeling as he paced the room.
But one of the pillars of Schriber’s teaching philosophy over the years has always been to express gratitude when coach and player aren’t sure what to do next. So, in a profound and much needed way, he did.
“I said ‘what if it ends up turning out that you and I are two of the luckiest people in the world, and I’ve just got to weather what looks like some shitty breaks in an RV (his axel broke this spring driving between Bay Hill and Sawgrass) and you’ve just got to weather once in a while being up against the lip of a fairway bunker and bad breaks?” Schriber said. “And I swear that made as big a difference as anything on his mind.”
Short game coach Josh Gregory made Oakmont his debut working with Spaun. The rain delay was also his time (because he says he cares so deeply about the young guys he works with) to impart some wisdom on the 34-year-old veteran.
And Gregory didn’t miss a beat.
“I just simply said, ‘hey man, you’ve got two beautiful babies, and a great wife. You would
have killed on Monday when you arrived to be four shots back with ten holes to go,” Gregory said. “Man, you’re playing the best golf of everyone in this field. You just had a few bad breaks in the first few holes, but you are the best player here right now. So you will have a chance to win this tournament if you keep your head about you and don’t force it.”
Schriber also added: “If you make golf bigger than it really is then you’re not going to like yourself come Monday or Tuesday. Now go out and play like you know how and have no regrets, and damn sure he did. That was our chat. He’s got a good heart.”
In golf as we all know, you win some and you definitely lose some.
Spaun lost to Rory McIlroy in that aggregate playoff at The Players in March.
“I think he’s just really learned to get out of his own way, and not make golf bigger than it really is. The irony of the U.S. Open is I feel like if we had played Sunday night and we didn’t have all of the delays, we would have won the Players,” Schriber smiles now. “There is absolutely no doubt in my mind of that. It’s because we had all of the mojo and mindset. But we had to come back the next day on St.
Patrick’s Day with the wind which had completely switched against the Irish kid (Rory).”
Spaun also mentioned sheer grit and tenacity he’s shown this year was a key to ultimately holding the U.S. Open trophy.
“I think the biggest difference this year has been being able to do that. Fortunately, I dug very deep on the back nine, and things went my way, and here we are with the trophy,” Spaun said.
Spaun went on to win in edge of your seat fashion, clipping the field with that unreal birdie bomb on the last, a spot in golf that many would die to have the chance to win a U.S. Open on.
The 34-year-old and his coaches and team soaked in the emotional and life-changing victory on the second floor of the clubhouse that Sunday night toasting with cocktails until 1:30 am in the morning.
Added Gregory of the response from Spaun when they saw each other. “He was more than appreciative, it feels so good. In golf you need that. He’s the kind of guy who’s hungry, but he also wants the ball. What he did at the U.S. Open has given him some more inner belief and validation that ‘hey I can do this’.”
Morro: Storm / SR-91ULTRA Polarized Grey
What’s ZERO TORQUE All About?
By ED TRAVIS
If there is one thing constant in golf it is changes in materials and design of our equipment. Some changes are remarkable advancements such as the urethane cover solid golf ball and titanium/carbon fiber drivers with graphite shafts while others like fiberglass iron shafts and square steel headed drivers are best forgotten.
So, what is the most recent club design that’s all the rage?
It has to be zero torque putters, a term most weekend players may have heard of but can’t tell you what it means.
Let’s start with an explanation of some things such as, putting strokes have an arc where the head swings back inside the line of the intended putt. The forward stroke returns the head to be square with the line and then the stroke arc takes it inside the line again.
The key factor to your understanding is if the putter face rotates in relationship to the stroke path hitting putts on the intended line is not a sure thing. Some strokes produce lots of face rotation and some only a small amount while others keep the face relatively square to the path for the entire stroke.
The squaring of the face at impact is dependent on a number of factors such as adjustments made by the hands, inadvertently or on purpose, the weighting of the putter and how much the putter face opens on the way back.
To compensate for face rotation in the stroke putters are made with something called ”toe hang,” a descriptive if inelegant name for how much when a putter is held loosely parallel to the ground the toe points downward. The greater the toe hang, i.e., the more the toe points towards the ground, the more it will help compensate for strokes with high amounts of face rotation.
Therefore, the less the toe hang the less face rotation compensation the putter will have. Face balanced putters don’t have any toe hang thus are good for strokes with minimal face rotation.
Determining how much or how little, if any, toe hang you should have in your putter calls for a professional fitting even ahead of a driver fitting considering the number of putts in a round compared with the number of drives.
So, if you have been following this somewhat involved explanation your next question is “what about this
thing called zero torque.”
I’m glad you asked. Zero torque putters is a shorthand way of saying the putter face does not rotate open on the back stroke and close back on the forward stroke. In other words it stays square to the putter arc. The obvious result is no manipulation of the putter face, either due to the manufacturer’s hosel placement, head weight placement or what the player thinks he has to do with his hands to hit the ball on the desired line.
Another way to say it is you may not have to change your stroke to make more putts and can concentrate more on the line and speed. Could be a major step forward for some of us.
We asked Luke Williams the Senior Global Director at Odyssey, Callaway Golf’s putter division, for his comments on zero torque putters and his response was straight to the point. “Zero torque putters are the hottest trend in putters right now. What makes them different is the way that they balance, with the toe up, which is different from traditional putters that are either face balanced or have some amount of toe hang. This balance makes them very stable during the stroke; they tend to want to stay square to your path. For players that struggle with leav-
ing the face open at impact or for players that are looking to reduce face rotation in their stroke they can be a great option.”
Sam Bettinardi, President of high-end putter maker Bettinardi Golf, gave us insight into his thinking, “Overall, I’d say that a zero-torque style putter helps neutralize many of the inconsistencies that you see across average to bad putters which is a really good thing for someone who’s not confident on the greens, zero torque is fantastic. The biggest struggle across the board is the visual of switching from offset to onset creating the illusion of a shut club face.
Ultimately, zero torque is a fantastic alternative to a traditional style putter, but it’s not for everyone. If it feels natural in your hands, it’s a hard club to ever replace. But again, not for its not for everyone which is why I’m glad we have all our other options.”
Measuring the amount of torque and whether a so-called zero-torque putter is really zero-torque is up in the air right now with different makers using different definitions. However, designs that have the shaft on the same plane as the center of gravity of the head will usually be zero torque.
Our staff likes several putters in this category, and should you be looking to change flat sticks this summer they are worth your testing.
TAYLORMADE SPIDER ZT
The latest of the Spider family is the ZT with a milled aluminum body, a stainless steel face and a Surlyn/aluminum face insert. The weighting provides a toe up balance plus the center of gravity is 25mm behind the face and the shaft bore is in line with the center of gravity. Players will notice the 1° shaft onset lean and there’s heel to toe sole camber. Standard or Counterbalanced $499.99, Long $549.99
The latest from Odyssey in the Square 2 Square family introduced last fall this center shafted mallet has extremely high resistance to twisting with an MOI of more than 6300. The face insert is the familiar grooved White Hot urethane and there is an artificial intelligence designed aluminum backer to give a solid feel at impact. Also available with a wide stipe alignment aid. $399.99
BETTINARDI ANTIDOTE SB2 PUTTER
Bettinardi’s Antidote SB2 model for those who prefer a full-sized mallet style and the Simply Balanced location of the shaft in relation to the center of gravity maintains a square face no matter what swing path is used. The body is high grade aluminum and the stainless steel face is milled for a soft feel at impact. Right or left-handed, and there is a counterbalance option. $450
EVNROLL ZERO Z1 PUTTER
This face forward mallet-style putter is milled from aircraftgrade aluminum and the distinctive reverse offset hosel also milled but from stainless steel. It also makes use of Guerin Rife’s “SweetFace” design for consistent roll no matter where on the face impact is made with variable width channels spaced closely together tapering nearer the toe and the
AXIS1 TOUR-S
LAB OZ.1I PUTTER
LAB (Lie Angle Balanced) for the first time have made a model with a face insert in a solid aluminum head and the insert of stainless steel produces a firm feel and more ball speed. The mallet-shaped head is a halfmoon configuration–a first as well for the company–and the result of asking Adam Scott his thoughts of how a putter should look. This zero-torque design has eight permanent sole weights. $499.99
Developed with the help of touring pros the Tour-S is one of the few zero torque putters in a blade design. The milled head is made of stainless steel and there is weight towards the toe to balance the head throughout the stroke. Axis1 putters were the first of the zero torque putters produced by company founder Luis Pedraza and the Tour-S is also available in a Tour-B with a black non-reflective finish. $349
PXG BAT ATTACK ZT PUTTER
As one might imagine the ZT stands for Zero Torque and this mallet is a redo of one of their previous mallet shapes. The straight shaft’s S-hosel aligns the shaft axis over the center of gravity of the head which is a hollow polymer-filled stainless steel construction thath relocates the mass to the perimeter. This increases the resistance to twisting during the stroke keeping the very thin face on line. $449.99
SOLID FROM THE GOUND UP
By ERIC WOODS
Xander’s fundamentals at the top of his golf swing are outstanding and an excellent example to learn from. There are a few key positions from this image that are important fundamentals to know.
Foot Work: Both feet are grounded and balanced on top of the arches so he’s not leaning forward toward his toes or back on his heels. The modern tour player swings so explosively you see their feet flying all over the place, but it’s important to know that they start the downswing from a very balanced position.
Knees: Xander’s right knee stays inside of his right foot keeping the weight on top or on the inside of the back foot. This allows him to transfer weight behind the ball creating torque and power while maintaining balance. The common flaw for the average player is allowing the weight to get outside of the right foot and lose balance and power. His relaxed left knee slightly bends allowing the transfer of weight behind the ball and load into his back leg. Many higher handicaps leave too much weight on the left leg and never transfer weight behind the ball.
Hip Turn: This is challenging for most higher handicaps, but extremely important. Xander’s right hip turns at the start of his takeaway which allows his torso to get behind the ball and load weight into his back leg. Many amateurs sway their hips laterally causing them to lose balance on the outside of the back foot.
Chest Turn: Xanders torso rotates away from the target engaging his stomach muscles and lower body while keeping his head quiet and chin pointing to the ground. Many golfers turn their shoulders and leave their chest and stomach stagnant.
Hands: His ability to keep his shoulders and arms relaxed while swinging the club and hands away from the target produces incredible extension and creates space for him to drop the club into the correct attack position on the downswing. It’s a natural instinct for amateurs to swing the club and hands around their body instead of away from the target. This gets the club stuck behind your body and forces players
to go over the top and play a slap cut. Xander makes the golf swing look easy and the fundamentals I discussed are very basic but challenging to master. Golf’s a journey, enjoy the ride.
Eric Woods Founder Golf Lab Academy www.golflabacademy.com
Xander Schauffele
PHOTO BY MICHAEL WEINSTEIN
GET YOUR GRIP RIGHT
By JOHN BURCKLE
Do you have a neutral, strong or weak grip of the golf club, and can you read the signs of each one? As an instructor, the first thing I look for is the way my student holds the golf club. If your hands don’t hold the grip the correct way, you’ll never reach your full potential as a player.
THE TRICK: Get the creases right.
In Image 1, I have my hands set in a neutral position. Notice how the creases between my forefinger and thumb on both hands point just to the right of 12 o’clock. This neutral positioning of the hands can result in a straighter ball flight.
If you have your creases pointed further to the right, towards 10 o’clock, then you’ve got a strong grip (Image 2), which can help you hit a draw.
If your creases point left towards 2 o’clock (Image 3), your grip is weak. This usually means fore right!
Getting your hands on the club in a position that works for your swing is essential to improving your game. Remember, the golf swing starts with correct grip.
JOHN BURCKLE has 34 years of professional playing experience, including the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, Asian Tour and local mini tour events. He has 27 years of teaching experience with students ranging from PGA Tour players to beginners. He is currently Director of Instruction at Golf Lab Academy in Santa Ana. Contact John Burckle at golflabacademy.com or 714-542-4653.
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Summer Spirits
COOLING COCKTAIL RECIPES FOR THE SUMMER MONTHS
With the summer months fully upon us, let’s explore a few cocktail recipes that are sure to cool you off and keep you refreshed on the golf course. We’ve put them in order of a normal golf day: Something to the start the round, something to keep it going and finally something to cap it off. We hope you enjoy trying these as much as we enjoyed researching them.
Banana Stand
Bananas are one of the best on-course snacks. They’re rich in potassium and help keep your muscles from cramping. Well, having a Banana Stand cocktail before your round can help get your muscles loose and free swinging before you even head to the first tee. Not mention, it’s extra tasty.
Ingredients
2 ounces Bacoo 5-year Rum
2 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces orange juice
1 ounce coconut water
1 ounce banana liqueur
Recipe: In a shaker filled with ice, shake all ingredients. Strain over a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple leaf, pineapple wedge and orange slice.
Island Mojito
Ever been in the middle of a round of golf and felt like you’re alone on a island? Your game has deserted you, it’s nowhere in sight and you’re left to fend for yourself in a vast ocean of green. Whelp, sometimes the best thing you can do is just kickback and enjoy the beautiful scenery with a cold drink in your hand. The Island Mojito is perfect for those times.
Ingredients
2 ounces Bacoo 5-year Rum
9-12 mint leaves
2 lime wedges
1 tablespoon raw sugar or agave syrup
Soda water
Recipe: In the glass you will serve the drink, muddle the rum, mint leaves, lime wedges and raw sugar together. Top with ice and fill remaining glass with soda water. Garnish with mint leaves and lime wedge.
You can purchase Bacoo Rum and COA Tequila at Hi-Time Wine Cellars, either in-store or online at www.hitimewine.net.
COA Paloma Jarita
The taste of victory is like the sweet nectar of the Gods. So when you head to the 19th hole after beating up on your golf buddies, have them pony up for a COA Paloma Jarita. It’s made with agave nectar and offers the perfect touch of sweetness. Just like that putt you sank on 18 and that feeling of collecting your friends’ hard-earned cash.
Ingredients
2 ounces COA Blanco 100% Agave Tequila
1 ounce fresh lime juice
2 ounces pink grapefruit juice
1.5 ounce agave nectar
2 ounces soda water
Lime wheel and grapefruit peel for garnish
Recipe: In a shaker, add the COA Blanco tequila, lime juice, grapefruit juice, agave nectar and fill with ice. Shake vigorously and then strain into an ice filled Mason jar rimmed with salt. Top off with soda water and garnish with a lime wheel and grapefruit peel.
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