Ventana Vistas is published monthly by the Ventana Canyon Alliance, LLC, for members of the Ventana Canyon Golf & Racquet Club. Articles are contributed by Club members and staff.
BOARD OF MANAGERS
Bob Herbster, Chair
Greg White, Treasurer
Sue Jacobson, Secretary
Board Members
Chris Bowers
Martha Gilliland
Gord Lackenbauer
Rob Macmillan
Otto Melchior
Paul Predick
Jennifer Tretheway
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Bob Roty, Chair
Board Members:
Anthony Cook
Molly Drybrough
Donna Houlne
Steve Largent
Terry Lee
Penny Melchior
John Walsh
Christine Baker-Perry, creator Michele W. Smith, editor
Andrea Kaplan, editor
Board of Managers Update
GREG WHITE Treasurer, Board of Managers
At this time of year, it is natural to look forward to the new horizons before us. It is also important to look back at our accomplishments, inventory what we have, and give thanks.
The Board of Managers would like to thank every member. The past few years have been tumultuous with many renovations and facility upgrades completed. The implementation of some were barely noticeable, and others impacted our lives daily. The largest of course were the irrigation system upgrades on the Canyon Course. Over two years there were hole closures, rerouted round play, and greater congestion on the remaining course. These issues were survivable but inconvenient. There were numerous items of deferred maintenance from prior years addressed which have improved our Club’s look and functionality. Also, some changes were enacted in our dining space and choices. Lastly, we took the difficult step to institute a capital fee to pay for other projects to maintain our Club at the high level we have all come to expect. For remaining patient, we thank you.
The Board would also like to take this opportunity to thank Kimberly Wood. Kimberly came to us three years ago. She set about with quiet resolve to tackle the bigger issues facing Ventana. It was her determination, along with other staff members, to tackle these difficult tasks that set us on the right path. She offered approaches and instilled the courage to move forward. We were lucky to have
Kimberly for so long before her former Club, realizing what they had lost, offered her a chance to come home. Thank you, Kimberly.
It is with a lot of excitement we look forward to the new horizons. We are conducting a professional search for Kimberly’s replacement and expect a quick and successful hire over the next few months. Plans have been finalized for improvements in the Sabino and Catalina Dining Rooms. We are pursuing an expansion and modernization for the fitness center as well as ongoing improvements in locker rooms and hot tub areas. Longer term plans include finishing the irrigation project for the Mountain course (although not for a few years). With these and other initiatives we believe Ventana Golf & Racquet Club will be poised for a bright future for years to come.
On January 31st, we will be launching our annual Member Satisfaction Survey, and we encourage you to participate. Your feedback is invaluable in helping the Board and Management team identify opportunities to improve and elevate your experience. This is your chance to share your thoughts and ideas, shaping the future of our Club. Keep an eye on your inbox for the survey link, and thank you in advance for taking the time to contribute.
Thank you, members, for your patience, long-term vision, and support.
Welcome to Our Family
Golf Members
James and Martha Aguilar (and Benjamin and William)
Geoff and Kathy Gurtner (and Cole, Pierce and Jack)
Preview Golf Members
David and Rawea Schwalb
Social Members
Campbell and Sonia Lloyd-Wallace
Kristen and Justin Yax (and Axel)
Thank you to our valued Sponsor
Dr. Chris Cartwright, Todd Hartman and Steve Zeiller
Welcome New Alliance Members
The Board of Managers would like to welcome new unit holders/owners of the Ventana Canyon Alliance, LLC (“the Alliance”), the company that owns the Club, the Lodge, the golf courses, and the pool and tennis complexes. There are 198 Club members who own units of the Alliance, representing approximately 80% of the outstanding units.
Please welcome our newest owners to the Alliance, LLC. And their reason for becoming an owner.
Larry & Melissa Gibbons
“We joined the Club 3 ½ years ago and have two boys Wyatt (age 8) and Colton (age 4). The entire family enjoys their time as members of the club. The Gibbons family utilizes the club on a regular basis. Wyatt and Colton both participate in multiple activities at the club including, but not limited to, swimming, golf, tennis, and Ventana Kids Camps. Our family is excited about the future of the Club, and we are proud to be Alliance Members. And one last thing….GO WILDCATS!”
Regan & Megan Jasper
“We love this Club and want our infant son to grow up here and do all the fun activities the Club offers for children and families.”
Dennis & Jennifer Caldwell
“We wanted to join the Alliance for multiple reasons; 1) We adore the Club, people, staff and amenities, 2) We want to create some legacy for our kids, and 3) This shows our commitment and value of the Club.”
If you would like to explore the possibility of becoming an owner or want more information, please contact Andrea Kaplan, Alliance Sr. Business Manager, at 520.577.4003 or akaplan@ventanacanyonclub.com. We Welcome You!
There are currently 9 Alliance shares for sale.
Clubhouse News
CLAYTON ROBIDEAU
VP and Clubhouse Manager, CCM
February is a beautiful time to enjoy all that our Club has to offer here in sunny Tucson, Arizona. With the cooler desert temperatures and stunning mountain views, it is the perfect backdrop for our exciting lineup of events and activities. From romantic Valentine’s Day celebrations to exclusive wine dinners and seasonal dining experiences, there is something for everyone to enjoy this month. Whether you are hitting the golf course, relaxing by the fire pits, or savoring chef-crafted cuisine, we are here to make February an unforgettable part of your year.
PiedmontSpecialtyWineDinner: February 3rd & 4th $165, limited to the first 30 people each night.
The Piedmont wine region, nestled in the foothills of the Alps in northwestern Italy, is a true gem for wine enthusiasts. Renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, it is the birthplace of some of the world’s most celebrated wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Moscato d'Asti. This region thrives on a rich winemaking tradition, producing elegant reds from the Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes, as well as crisp whites like Gavi. With its unique terroir, characterized by rolling hills, fertile soils, and a temperate climate, Piedmont consistently delivers wines of exceptional quality and complexity. Join us to explore the remarkable flavors of this iconic wine region!
MemberWineStoreSale: Do not miss our exclusive wine sale on February 10th. Stock up on your favorite wines or discover new ones at special member prices.
Enjoy a delightful Italianbuffet on February 12th from 5:30-8:30pm prepared by our talented culinary team. Indulge in a variety of classic Italian dishes and regional specialties, from rich pasta selections to delectable desserts.
Celebrate love this Valentine’sDay February 14th with an enchanting evening at the Club. Dine in a romantic setting enhanced by the soothing melodies of our very own harpist Honor Ferretti, creating the perfect ambiance from 5:30-8:00pm. Indulge in a memorable experience with reservations available between 5:30pm and 8:30pm. Let us make this special day truly unforgettable!
RombauerWineDinner: February 17th & 18th $120, limited to the first 60 people each night.
Rombauer Vineyards, a family-owned winery nestled in the heart of Napa Valley, is celebrated for its legacy of crafting wines that delight and inspire. Known for their iconic Chardonnay, with its rich, creamy texture and vibrant fruit profile, Rombauer also excels in producing bold, approachable reds like Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation shines through every bottle, reflecting the warmth and passion of the Rombauer family. Join us for a memorable evening as we savor the exceptional wines of Rombauer Vineyards and toast to their enduring excellence!
For a midweek treat, join us for PrimeRibNight on February 20th. Enjoy a perfectly cooked prime rib dinner in the company of friends and fellow members. Please make your reservations by February 17th to ensure your spot at this popular event.
Celebrating the Citrus Season
DEVON SANNER
Executive Chef
Crisp mornings, sunny days, and evenings perfect for snuggles by the fireplace are heralding the arrival of February. While we may or may not see snow flurries in the Tucson valley, there is certainly a flurry of culinary activity. Whether it is wine dinners, cooking classes, member mixers, a special Valentine’s prix fixe dinner, or culinary festivals here in town or around the state, February is packed with palate pleasing parties.
February begins with our Piedmont wine dinners February 3rd and 4th. Featuring exceptional and highly allocated wines (we have in stock the entire Arizona allocation of Oddero Barolo 'Monvigliero' 2020), this dinner will be one not to miss.
As you gear up for Valentine’s, Galentine’s, or just a treat yourself affair, you can learn how to make delectable delights at our DIY No Bake Cookie making and decorating class on Saturday, February 8th from 2-3:30pm. The following Friday, the 14th, our culinary crew is excited to present you a prix fixe menu with sumptuous savories and a divine dessert all featuring ingredients to fan the flames of love, from oysters with fennel to tequila cured salmon to steak and scallop surf and turf to a passion fruit bombe with chocolate cake.
If you are still longing to continue the wining and dining after the Valentine’s weekend, you’ll want to reserve a spot at our Rombauer dinner with a stellar lineup from one of Napa Valley’s preeminent winemakers.
On the 21st, you are invited to a Tucson-centric cooking class and lunch where I’ll be demonstrating and serving dishes that highlight the heritage ingredients of our region and tell the tale of why Tucson has been designated by UNESCO (the same institution that designates World Heritage Sites) as a City of Gastronomy.
If you have not gotten your fill of culinary adventures by then, try to score some tickets to the DEVOUR Culinary Classic at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix February 22nd and 23rd. Among the scores of restaurants and exhibitors there sampling food, wines, beers, and spirits, I will be there with a contingent from the Gastronomic Union of Tucson (GUT). Our not-for-profit collective of some of the most talented and acclaimed chefs in Tucson will aim to reprise our 2024 DEVOUR outing where we garnered Best in Show accolades with creative and tasty bites highlighting flavors of Tucson.
Of course if you’re still in need of a party before the madness of March, we culminate February with a Member Mixer on Friday the 28th. Come out and see friends, enjoy the noshes and tipples, and close out the month with a bang.
DIY Class
Saturday February 8th | 2-3:30pm $38 per person (limited to 15 people)
Cupid, put down that arrow! Valentine’s cookies are the true way to your sweetie’s heart. Join us as we decorate and create treats...from shortbread cookies, cupcakes to chocolate boxes.
RSVP online.
Ventana Cinema Club
Tuesday, February 11th 7pm
Please join the Cinema Club on Tuesday, February 11th as Ellis and Marsha Madigan lead our discussion on “Strictly Ballroom”, a quirky 1992 Australian romantic comedy film directed and co-written by Baz Luhrmann (Elvis 2022, Great Gatsby 2013) in his feature directorial debut. It is a love story about being yourself, following your dreams and not giving up. And it is a story about DANCING!
The movie is currently streaming on Amazon, Paramount and FUBO.
Please RSVP online
Ventana Book Club
Tuesday, February 25th 4-5pm
Ralph Hawkins and Anne Northrup will present The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters. In July 1962 a Mi'kmaq family from Nova Scotia arrives in Maine to pick blueberries. Weeks later their youngest, Ruthie, age 4, disappears, sparking a mystery that will haunt the survivors, unravel a family and remain unsolved for 50 years. It's a harrowing tale of indigenous family separation.
Coming in March - An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Please register online so we have enough chairs.
Lecture with Colonel Carey Jones, One of the Few Female Fighter Pilots
Wednesday, February 12th 5-6pm
Carey is excited to have just joined the Wildcat Engineering College as an Associate Professor of Practice. She served 28 years as an Air Force fighter pilot and weapons system officer (WSO), flying the F-15C, F-15E, and the T-38. She entered the Air Force directly after graduating from the University of North Carolina with a degree in Mathematics and then spent most of her
graduate work in grand strategy and military operational planning. She has served as the 47th Wing Vice Commander and Operations Group Commander for the Air Force's largest pilot training base, the lead airpower strategist for Europe and Africa, and the requirements officer for Air Combat Command's 5th Gen Interoperability and F-35 Program Manager. She loves mentoring students on building their strategy to achieve their goals. She's a full-time mom and in her free time she enjoys singing, cooking, traveling, and designing theater lighting.
Please RSVP online
Lecture with Russell Michel:
Longevity & Holistic Wellness
Wednesday, February 19th 5-6pm
This is the third of three seminars conducted by Chef Russell Michel, the creator of “The Culinary Architect’s Longevity Trifecta,” focusing on the awareness and importance of gut health, brain health, and holistic wellness.
Even if you did not attend the first two seminars, you will find this final seminar an interesting one, focusing on holistic wellness with a selfawareness tool to be shared and experienced. It is his goal to inspire you to feel confident about transformation while understanding your bio individuality.
As a Certified Integrative Health Coach, Russell works directly with clients to elevate their awareness while guiding them to achieve the results they desire for themselves.
Tuesday, February 11th | 5:30pm - 6:30pm on the Sabino Patio
There will be treats for your furry friend along with a special discounted menu for their human!
RSVP's are required online
Dogs must get along with their friends in attendance! All vaccines must be current. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets if an accident occurs.
Portrait Sitting for the Member Photo Wall
Saturday, February 15th | 12:30 - 5pm | $75 per sitting
$50 ++ Per Person (Covers the Bus and Tip for the Drivers)
Join us as we embark on a fun road trip to Tubac for their 66th Annual Festival of the Arts!
We will take a private van(s) that will depart from the Club to Tubac at 10am and return to the Club at 4:30pm.
Since 1959, festivals have been a cherished tradition in The Historic Village of Tubac, with the Tubac Festival of the Arts recognized as Southern Arizona’s longest-running art festival and ranked #1 in the state and 24th nationally by Sunshine Artists. This vibrant event showcases over 200 fine artists and craftsmen and women, alongside a diverse selection of festival eateries and live entertainment. Artists exhibit their work throughout the village, along its roadways and plazas, seamlessly blending with more than 125 art galleries, boutiques, specialty shops, and restaurants, creating a stunning artistic environment. Located just 45 minutes south of Tucson, Tubac is truly a place where art and history meet.
Please RSVP with Christine at 520.577.4088 or online
Live Music in the Catalina Room
Join us in the comfort of the Catalina Room for dinner, drinks, and great live music.
Corey Spector - Saturday, February 8th | 6pm - 8pm
A soft rock guitarist, piano player and singer, performing the songs of James Taylor, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, The Eagles, John Denver, Carole King, Motown, Simon and Garfunkel, Jim Croce and many, many more.
Derdog - Saturday, February 22nd | 6pm - 8pm
A singer/guitarist, playing acoustic music that ranges from 60's rock and blues to alt and coffeehouse music from today.
Reservations are not required but can be made at 520.577.4085.
Adults $30++ | Kids 11 and under are free Complimentary Mimosas included!
Omelet and waffle stations, bacon, sausage, country potatoes, eggs Benedict, corned beef hash, pastries, fruit, yogurt, granola, smoked salmon, capers, onions, cream cheese, build your own avocado bagel station, juice, and coffee.
Please make your reservation at 520.577.4085.
Italian Buffet
Wednesday, February 12th
5:30pm - 8:30pm
$40++ Per Adult; $15.95++ Child 6-12 years; 5 and under are Free
Chef's Choice of Salmon and Chicken
Fresh Pasta Station, Assorted Cheese Platter with Crackers, Antipasti Station, Shrimp Cocktail, Sicilian Rice, Chef’s Selection of Seasonal Vegetable, Salad Bar and Chef’s Specialty Salads, Fruit Platter, Chef’s Dessert Selections
Please make your reservation at 520.577.4085.
Wine Store Sale
Monday, February 10th
5-7pm In the Ocotillo Room
Includes a Wine Tasting
Purchases must be made with a credit card or cash. They cannot be charged to your member number.
Prime Rib
Thursday, February 20th
5:30pm - 8:30pm | $40++ per person
12oz.Prime Rib Mashed Potatoes Fresh Vegetable
With Choice of Soup or Salad
Reservations must be made by January 14th RSVP with Brandon, bfritz@ventanacanyonclub.com
Come enjoy some of Chef Sanner's specialties, mingle with your friends and hopefully meet some new ones!
We hope you will join us.
Please RSVP online
Cars, Cocktails and Music
Fifth Annual Car Show
Sunday, April 6th - 3:30-5pm Bar Opens at 5:30pm | Dinner at 5:45pm
This year's show will be located at the driving range. There will be some magnificent examples of autos that verge on pieces of art. Many of the cars will invoke a sense of nostalgia for past decades. The show appeals to a wide range of automotive interests and viewer ages. This is a non- judged show and is a fun family event. Automobiles of all types are welcome.
SUMMER CAMP 2025
Parent's Night Out
(Kids Only)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14TH & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH 5:30-8:30PM
Drop off the kids for fun with their friends while you relax and enjoy a nice Valentine’s Dinner, attend the Member Mixer, play tennis/pickleball, or a workout. They will be entertained with games, activities, and dinner, all in a safe and fun environment with Sabrina & Billy! Please
Campers must have finished kindergarten or were enrolled in Pre-K in the 24-25 school year
(CLOSED:June30th-July 4th)
May27th-August1st Ages5-14 Monday-Friday 9-4pm
RegistrationOpens March7th (ForMembers)
SabrinaRomero:520.577.4050
sromero@ventanacanyonclub.com
Questions? Contact Sabrina at sromero@ventanacanyonclub.com |
Happening Around Town - February
Tucson Gem & Jewelry Show
February 1st-9th
Tucson Expo Center
Judy Collins Hits Tour
February 7th
Fox Tucson Theatre
From Tucson With Love
February 14th-16th
Leo Rich Theater
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase
February 1st-16th
Various locations
Tubac Festival of the Arts
February 5th-9th Tubac, Arizona
Broadway in Tucson: SOME LIKE IT HOT
February 18th-23rd Centennial Hall
Professional Pickleball Tournament
February 5th-9th Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club
Galentine's Day
February 12th Madaras Gallery
Amy Grant February 25th
Linda Ronstadt Music Hall
We encourage you to log on to our valued partner’s website, Visit Tucson for more local events.
Tucson named one of
the BBC's 25 Best Places to Travel in 2025!
One of only three U.S. destinations on this prestigious global list, our beloved Tucson earned its spot for its vibrant culture, rich history, commitment to sustainability, and recognition as the first Unesco City of Gastronomy in the United States. You can read the full article here
Ventana Canyon Swim Club
SAM BUSCH
Head Coach/Director of Aquatics
Hello from the east side of the Club!
It sure is chilly out on the pool deck these days but not in the beautifully heated pool that we have set right into the Santa Catalinas! After the pool lights were replaced with state-of-the-art LED lights, a sun-up or sun-down swim is the perfect exercise to stay warm!
The Green Wave swim team is in the midst of finishing their regular and preparing for the postseason championship meets at the end of the month and into early March. We travel to Sahuarita February 1st once again, and for once our whole team's "last chance" meet to qualify for any of the athletes' respective championship state meets. From February 14-17, we will send our swimmers who have already achieved state cuts to compete in an invitational that boasts many of the best swimmers on the western seaboard. At the end of the month, we kick off our championship season with the Junior Olympic Arizona Swimming Regional Championships up at Chandler High School in Phoenix. We should have many swimmers qualified so we will take this month to do our final preparations to swim at our best. Right after our Regional Championship we take our 15 & up State Championship qualifiers for their meet February 27March 2.
We have our summer SAAA program about to get started as well! It is right around the corner in early April and as always with our swim teams, we welcome members as well as non-members to join! Stay tuned for details on registration details.
Master's swimmers are always welcome to join us whether it is for recreational fitness or you just like the beautiful therapeutic sensations that swimming provides! All members feel free to contact me at any time for more information at: sbusch@ventanacanyonclub.com
We would love for you to follow the Ventana Canyon Green Wave Swim Team on Instagram and enjoy our seasons' journeys from fall to summer. We have an extraordinary group of young swimmers from 5 to 18 and there is never a dull moment on the pool deck, that is for sure!
And as always, you can find all the information you need on our Ventana Canyon Swim Club website.
Coach's Tip:
Try to mix in different equipment. Whether it be a kickboard, swim fins, swim snorkel, paddles or whatever, it can provide a different stimulus yet with much satisfaction.
Introducing Body Waxing at Our Day Spa
We’re excited to announce that our Day Spa is now offering a highly requested service—Body Waxing!
Our skilled esthetician, Amanda, brings over 11 years of expertise in waxing and is now taking appointments Monday through Friday. We offer both hard and soft wax options, and welcome both men and women to experience this new service.
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we’re offering 15% off all waxing services throughout the month of February!
Pamper loved ones for Valentine’s day with a Day Spa Gift Card. It’s the perfect way to share wellness and self-care.
Jack Frost has arrived for an extended stay. The winter temperatures were very mild through December, but the recent temperatures reminded us we can never really escape winter. As of January 14, 2025 we have had 31 frost delays. The seasonal average for frost delays is 45. The cold temperatures greatly impact the turfs’ ability to recover from wear and tear. As a reminder from the photo above, please be aware of your divot patterns on the PF practice tee. A little bit of thought can go a long way in preserving quality turf for EVERYONE to enjoy.
You may have noticed a couple of projects during the month of January have been completed. A DG based cartpath was installed near #10 Canyon copper tee area to help reduce the amount of dust from golf cart traffic. Also, the wash in front of #18 Canyon green has been cleaned up to improve the playability in the wash for golf balls that unfortunately may end up in this wash. The ability to play a golf shot out of the wash should be greatly improved.
As a reminder if your home or property backs up to the golf course there is an easement in this area. You must have approval to perform any work in this easement and this includes cutting or removing vegetation. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about the area behind your home which may border the golf course.
Reminder to swing hard in case you hit it, and please avoid driving your golf carts in the dormant areas. Please feel free to contact me at 577-4013 or ventanacanyon1@qwestoffice.net.
Golf Update
BILL PETERS
Director of Golf, PGA
The frost days keep adding up, and we are doing our best to accommodate as many members as we can by running late morning shotguns. I want to thank everyone for being so understanding and supportive. We cannot control mother nature! January flew by, and all the association play has been regular weekly game play. In this edition of the Vistas, I will highlight our upcoming major events as well as letting you know about fitting days and the exciting news about AccuRange.
I am excited to announce that we now have AccuRange on the range at Ventana Canyon! This is a fantastic addition for all golfers, as it provides accurate distances to each target on the range. In addition, AccuRange measures the "Plays as" distance, taking into account the elevation changes on the range. This feature ensures that golfers can better assess their shot choices and make more informed decisions, enhancing their practice sessions and helping them improve their game. Please note the feature works no matter if you are hitting from the North or South end of the range, just toggle the switch at the bottom of the App to get each side’s yardage.
The WGA President’s Cup is set to take place on the Mountain Course on February 13th, featuring an exciting one-day Member/Member Ryder Cup format. In this friendly but competitive event, two teams— The Hookers and The Slicers—will battle it out for the coveted title. The teams will face off in a series of matches that highlight both strategy and skill, with each player’s performance contributing to their team’s overall success. The President’s Cup promises to be a fun-filled day of camaraderie, rivalry, and excellent golf, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Mountain Course. It is sure to be an unforgettable event that showcases the talent and team spirit of our members.
The Niners will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in style with their "French Kiss" themed shotgun event on February 10th at 2:30pm. It promises to be a fun and festive day on the course, filled with love, laughter, and great golf. After the round, participants will enjoy a delicious dinner, making it a perfect way to spend time with friends and fellow members. In addition, the Niners will be back in action on February 17th with the highly anticipated Niners Cup. This event will feature a 9am shotgun start, followed by a tasty lunch to round out the day. Both events offer great opportunities for camaraderie, competition, and unforgettable moments!
Continued next page
Golf Update (continued)
We are excited about the upcoming Guys and Dolls event on February 16th, which promises to be another fantastic gathering! The event will feature a 1pm shotgun start on the beautiful Canyon Course, offering a great opportunity for fun and friendly competition. Following the round, we will come together for a delicious dinner, making it the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the company of fellow members. Guys and Dolls events are always well-attended, and we are looking forward to another great turnout this year. It is sure to be a memorable day of golf, great food, and wonderful camaraderie!
The Coyote Classic, taking place on February 21st and 22nd, is one of the most anticipated events of the season, and it all kicks off with a fun pairings party on the 20th! Participants are invited to join in for an evening of beer, appetizers, and mingling teams gather and set the stage for an exciting two days of competition. The event itself is the MGA Member/Member, with tee times on the Mountain Course on the 21st and an 8am shotgun start on the Canyon Course on the 22nd. After the final round, we will gather for a delicious lunch and awards ceremony, celebrating the winners and the spirit of the event. The Coyote Classic is sure to be a memorable time of great golf, camaraderie, and friendly competition!
Registration is now open for the Member-Pro event, taking place on March 5th! This annual event, now in its 26th year, continues to be a highlight of the season, supporting our professional staff at Ventana Canyon. The prize pool for the event goes directly to our dedicated golf professionals, rewarding them for their hard work and exceptional service throughout the year. It is always a great opportunity for members to team up with the pros and showcase their skills, all while contributing to a cause that recognizes the commitment of our talented staff. We are looking forward to filling the field again and making this year’s event another memorable one!
We are thrilled to announce the opening of registration for the Hole in The Wall Ladies Member/Guest event, taking place from March 12-14! The response has been incredible, with over 70 participants already signed up, making this event one of the most anticipated of the season. This is a fantastic opportunity for our members to share the excitement of Ventana Canyon with their guests, enjoy competitive play, and create lasting memories. We are looking forward to a fun-filled couple of days of golf, camaraderie, and beautiful weather, and we can't wait to see even more participants join in as the event approaches!
Lastly, the registration will open in February for the Men's Member/Guest "The Shootout" which will be on April 9th through the 12th. Stay tuned for more details in the March Vistas!
Upcoming Fitting Days for February:
Callaway - Saturday, February 15th
XXIO - Friday, February 21st
TaylorMade - Wednesday, February 26th
Winter Merchandise is Here
NIKKI NAKANO Buyer/Merchandiser
As winter sets in and the temperatures drop, it is important to stay warm while maintaining your performance. Stay cozy and protect your skin from the sun with Sparms Thermo Tech sleeves and Mock Neck thermal shirts. The chilly weather can also affect your golf grip, so keep your hands warm and ready to play with a pair of FootJoy Wintersof gloves, available for both men and women.
The Golf Shop is stocked with a fantastic selection of outerwear, combining style and functionality to keep you comfortable on and off the course. Whether you are braving the elements for a round or simply need
Hole-In-One
Congratulations to our members for getting a Hole-In-One!
Mark Ziskind 12/18/24
Mountain #3
Gold Tee
97 Yards
With an
Susan Smith 1/11/25
Mountain #14
Copper Tee
102 Yards
With an 8 Iron
Yong Lee 1/13/25
Mountain #14
Copper Tee 110 Yards
With an 8 Iron
Michael Goode 1/13/25
Mountain #16
Silver Tee
115 Yards
With a Wedge
Do You Make These Three Green Reading Mistakes?
GORDON BENNETT
PGA, Director of Instruction
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to become a better putter, I am here to help! Did you know players make more putts with a flawed stroke and a good read than with a perfect stroke and a bad read? The first step to becoming a better green reader is admitting you need to be a better green reader. Every club has their curmudgeon (some of you may be nodding right now and muttering a name…) who seems to read every putt well. Question is, are they a good green reader, or have they been at the course for 50 years and are a good green memorizer? How do they putt when they take their game on the road…? Let us look at three common mistakes people make when reading greens.
Holding on to Yesterday’s Myths (apologies to Little River Band): Do you believe the ball always breaks away from the mountains or toward the ocean, etc. Baloney! Anyone giving you this advice doesn’t understand why the ball breaks. The ball breaks because of the law of gravity. A golf ball is very lawabiding and WILL NOT break the law. The amount of break is a function of gravity, the distance the ball is from the hole, and the speed the ball is rolling. The further the ball rolls, the more time gravity is acting to make the ball break. The harder you hit a ball, the less time gravity had to make the ball break (actually, the ball will break the exact same amount but will do it over a longer distance – because gravity is a constant). But keep in mind: the harder you hit the ball, the smaller the “effective” size of the cup. Next time you are playing do not buy into the myths and believe the ball breaks towards or away from something that does not matter.
I have Looked at the Hole from Both Sides Now (apologies to Joni Mitchell): The influence any of slope beyond the hole has no bearing on how the ball will move before it reaches the hole. If you are unable to find the line from the side of the hole your ball is on, then there is a good chance you have not yet refined your green reading skills. For the most part looking at two sides will just add to confusion. Too often players see different lines from in front of and behind the hole - then what? It is OK to look at the putt from the low side if it helps determine if the ball will roll up or down hill but looking at both sides to determine break? But when it comes from looking at putts from two (or more) sides for break - Just do not do it!
I Feel the Need to Control My Speed (Apologies to Maverick and Goose): Adjusting to different green speeds is challenging. But not factoring in the increase or decrease in speed will cause you to under or over read putts. Remember, the faster the greens the more relative break a putt will have. Bonus question: why?
If you make some or all these green reading mistakes the good news is your best putting days are ahead of you! Let’s get together and fix your green reading skills and maybe even smooth out that stroke along the way.
What Shall I Do When I Go To Practice?
SUSIE MEYERS
PGA, Golf Instructor
Golf Top 100 Teachers in America
There are many questions about practice. Everyone has their own plan and that is fine but what you might want to ask is: How can I best serve the time I am going to spend practicing so that I will actually improve my skills for the golf course?
Your time at the practice facility is meant to be pleasurable but it is also a time to discover and experiment. However, experimenting too much with a new thought on each shot is probably going to lead to more frustration than success. Having a good thought to move to and allowing your body to work towards that motion will give you the space and opportunity to actually learn and develop the stroke that works best for you.
If you are a newer golfer, it is paramount to simply learn your different strokes first. There are different movements and images for putting chipping, bunkers, short irons, long clubs, and drivers. If you are of the mindset that every club is swung the same, then you might want to rethink that. Each club is different from the other and the “formulas” that produce the best golf stroke for that club are all different.
When learning your strokes or putting a new idea into your natural golf stroke, block training is appropriate. Block training would be hitting a 7-iron, one after another, getting into a groove and feeling quite competent with each stroke. Training with one club over and over feels good because it is the easiest way to find the feel and the tempo that allows the ball to fly. However, we all know that once on the golf course, every shot is different, every club is different, every target is different and finding that feel can sometimes be illusive.
A higher level and more complex training would be to do random training. This would have more changes with each shot. Changing targets each shot, changing clubs after each shot, and doing your pre-shot routine each time. Making the practice more like actual play on the course is much more difficult. Maybe this is why so few golfers train like this. It does take more effort; more focus and more commitment for each shot. All of this mimics what happens on the golf course. Put pressure on each shot as if it is in a real game.
Have a plan of what you want to spend your time on before you even get to the practice facility. Organizing yourself to spend time with each area of your game will give you greater benefits. If you have an hour to spend, putt for 25 minutes, short game for 15 minutes and that will leave you 20-25 minutes on your long game. Break it up and always putt in each of your practice sessions!!
MGA Update
February
MGA Board, Officers & Committees
President
Vice President & Communications
Secretary Treasurer
MGA Events
Tuesday Men's Day
Emeritus
HCP
Staff Liason
Gino Ferretti
Bob Weiss
Roger Nellans
Bob Corrigan, Ted Gayok, Jay Eklund, Clyde Shields
Bob Moskowitz, Mark Ziskind
Taylor Payson
John Kavazanjian, Andy McNeice
Gary Botkin
MGA Schedule for 2025
Men's Day
Men's Day
4th 11th 21st 22nd 25th Coyote Classic Men's Day shotgun
March 4th 18th 21st 25th
Coyote Classic T-times
April 1st 15th 22nd 29th May 3rd
Men's Day Men's Day Men's Day Men's Day MGA 8am shotgun
Men's Day Men's Day MGA
Men's Day 8am shotgun 8am shotgun 12:30pm shotgun
MGA Update
(continued)
Upcoming Events
LINDBERG CUP
Second round matches and first round consolation matches must be completed by Sunday, February 9, 2025. No extensions will be granted.
Scores are to be posted by the players not the Pro Shop. Please use the “most likely score” where holes are not completed by the player. (Subject to max net double bogey.)
COYOTE CLASSIC MEMBER-MEMBER
February 21-22, 2025
Registration open soon / pick your own partner this year. (See the next page for more details.)
MGA GUEST DAY
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
There will be an 8am shotgun followed by lunch. (Guest fee to be $125 including lunch. Guest fee for a Ventana Golf member who is not in the MGA to be $25)
MGA EVENT
Saturday, March 22, 2025
12:30pm shotgun. Make your own foursome. Format TBD. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and hosted beer after play.
Thanks to our members for their continued cooperation with respect to our emphasis on rules compliance, course etiquette, and pace of play.
MGA Update (continued)
February Games are as follows:
February 6 - Flag Game Pick your Foursome Tee Times beginning 9:00am
February 13 - President's Cup Slicers and Hookers 12:30pm Shotgun
February 20 - Par 5's are Hard Tee Times beginning 8:00am
February 27 - Wally's Revenge Putting Style Tee Times beginning 8:00am
Hole in the Wall Registration is open.
Save the Date WGA Club Championship is being held April 2 and 3.
You will know what team you are on a week before event.
Thursday, February 13, 2025
Mountain Golf Course
Honoring WGA President
Wendy Anderson
Ryder Cup Format:
Better Ball – Alternate Shot – Match Play
Closest to the Pin
12:30 PM Shotgun
Followed by Hors d’oeuvres $25++
Cash bar & Prizes
Sign up on Golf Genius, GGID – PRESCUP25
Registration opens January 7
Or Call the Pro Shop
Cut-off Date: February 4, 2025
WGA Members, Max Handicap 36
HO ALL HOLE IN THE WALL INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
ON
4 Person Teams / two best balls per team-Gross and Net
Comprised of one member and three guests or two members and two guests
Maximum handicap 36 No mulligans
Entry Fee - $375 per person - includes practice round, two tournament play days, all cart fees, tee gifts for you and your guests, putting contest, on-course contests including Hole in One, all meals-reception, breakfasts and lunches, and flight awards. Optional Horse Race participation is $20 per two person team.
Sign up on Golf Genius GGID – VENTANAHITW25
Questions? Contact Ellen Harris (ellentharris5@gmail.com) or the Golf Shop
TournamentSchedule
Wednesday,March12
Optionalpracticeround-schedulewithGolfShop
2:00pmRegistrationandpari-mutuelbetting
3:00pmPuttingContestonMountainPuttingGreen
5:00pmWelcomeReception
Thursday,March13
7:00amPracticerangeopens
Breakfast
9:00amShotgunstartonMountainCourse
1:00pmLuncheon
3:00pmOptionalHorseRaceonMountainCourse
Friday,March14
7:00amPracticerangeopens
Breakfast
9:00amShotgunstartonCanyonCourse
1:00pmLuncheonandAwards
VENTANA
Our Niners Group continued having fun with several “Play of the Day” events in December. We closed the month with some open dates to play with fellow niners during the busy Holiday season. The December weather fully cooperated as we had very few frost delays.We’re paying for those warm temps now as the January frost is upon us.
The December 9 event was Throw Out 2 and the winners were:
Flight 1: 1st Cindy Rounds, 2nd Toni McWilliams, 3rd Lana Holstein
CHALLENGE YOUR BRAIN. It is still up for debate whether crossword puzzles and brain training games can make you smarter or meaningfully lower your risk for dementia. But experts say they cannot hurt. The same goes for cognitively stimulating activities, like playing board games, reading books or newspapers, or learning another language.
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP. Americans are chronically sleep deprived. One third of adults say they get less than 7 hours a night. Sleep deprivation can lead to negative emotions and thoughts. You may also be more likely to be quicker to anger and find it harder to cope with stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBTI) can be more effective for long term over sleep medications. There is a workbook that might help by Colleen Carney called “Quiet Your Mind and Get Some Sleep.” The Department of Veteran Affairs created an app Called “Insomnia Coach,” which may be another helpful resource.
GET UNSTUCK. We often feel stuck at work or in relationships. Identify the things that create obstacles and add complications or stress to your everyday life and try to trim them away. Think about what it would look like to be “unstuck.” Then think about the specific steps that would help you work toward that vision. Try to write these steps down and do at least one step a day.
STAY COOL. When temperatures rise it can dramatically affect the brain. Studies show that hot days impair our cognition and make us more aggressive, irritable, and compulsive. When July and August roll around again, take the heat seriously and prioritize staying cool and hydrated. Air conditioning, sitting under a fan, spritzing yourself with cold water, taking a cool shower or finding a nearby cooling center can all help your brain continue to function at its best
QUIET YOUR INNER CRITIC. Experts suggest letting go of that nagging feeling that you could or should have done more. Instead, give yourself credit for what you did accomplish each day.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH. We know that our brain and our body are connected. Lower levels of cholesterol and blood pressure and behaviors such as exercise and proper nutrition create a healthier body and thus a healthier brain. It is never too late to make a change for better body and brain health.
MAKE A NEW FRIEND. Feeling lonely and isolated can harm our mental health, and it may change our brains too. There is a growing body of research showing a link between loneliness and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that loneliness triggers the body’s stress response, which increases inflammation. Over time, chronic stress and inflammation can damage brain cells and the connections between them, which can contribute to dementia. To combat loneliness, reaching out to a friend or family member, even a short phone call can have a powerful benefit. If you want to make new friends, joining a club or support group is a good place to start.
FORGIVE-OR DON’T! Trauma therapists define forgiveness as an emotional process rather than an endpoint. The process may help you experience fewer negative emotions or thoughts about the person who wronged you. It does not mean you have to like the person. You can forgive someone and have nothing to do with them. Or if you prefer not to forgive or are not ready to forgive, then that is ok too.
Calendar continued on next page
AED Locations
Your safety is our top priority. To ensure everyone is prepared in case of a medical emergency, we’re informing you about the locations of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) throughout the club. AEDs are vital, lifesaving devices designed to assist during cardiac emergencies, and knowing their placement can make a critical difference.
AED’s can be found at the following locations: Golf shop, tennis office, front desk, pool facility, golf house
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe environment for all members and guests.
