Fall 2013

F o s s i l T r a c e T u r n s 10

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Elevating the Game.

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PATRICK ROY

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Is Golf Good Business?

14 Execs Tee Off

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InsideContents

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82

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I n E v e ry I s s u e 6 Forethoughts The K-Y of Commerce.

By Jon Rizzi 9 Gallery Mark Wiebe, Zahkai Brown, Colorado Women’s Open, Ravenna, more 104 The Games of Golf Golf at the Turn Player’s Corner 23 Home Course Fossil Trace Golf Club 24 Instruction Unhinge your wedge game.

By Trent Wearner 26 15th Club What to eat and drink.

By Dillon Johnson Sidebets 29 Fareways Cosmopolitan, Honga’s Lotus Petal, La Cocina

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F e at u r e s de Luz, Rustico Ristorante and other Telluride restaurants. By Gary James 32 Nice Drives Lexus IS versus the Infiniti Q50 sedan.

By Isaac Bouchard

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Mile High Golf at $52.80 Exclusive autumn offers from 14 Colorado courses.

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Winter Travel Planner The snowbird’s guide to Arizona, Nevada, Utah and the best of the Southwest.

o n t h e c ov e r Avalanche head coach Patrick Roy photographed by Steve Deschênes.

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Second to None Arizona’s golf enclaves are more dynamic than ever, with personalities that make residents stay year-round.

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Another Save By Roy? After a decade of playing golf and coaching juniors, can NHL legend Patrick Roy lead the last-place Avalanche to relevancy? By Sam Adams

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Reaching the Green Golf has oiled the American economy since the days of Rockefeller. How do leaders in Colorado’s business community perpetuate the tradition? By Jon Rizzi

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Hitting the Suite Spot GMs Steve Janicek of the Ritz-Carlton Denver and Thierry Kennel of the Four Seasons tee off at Green Valley Ranch. By Penny Parker

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JOB #: FMG10350-33 Fall 2013 Volume 12, Number 6 CLIENT: FLEMING’S DESCRIPTION: Colorado Golf Ad sher VERSION #: 1 Allen OFp u1bJ.l iWalters TRIM SIZE: 4.75"w x 7.375"h editor BLEED: .125 Jon Rizzi INK COLORS: (4/0) 4CP associate publisher PERSONALIZATION: NO Chris Phillips SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: art director REVISE INSTRUCTIONS: Jeremy Cantalamessa editor-at-large

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Colorado AvidGolfer (ISSN 1548-4335) is published eight times a year by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC, and printed by American Web, Inc. Volume 12, Number Six. 7200 S. Alton Way #B-180, Centennial, CO 80112. Colorado AvidGolfer is available at more than 250 locations, or you Winter order your personal subscription by calling 720-493-1729. Subscriptions are available at the rate of $17.95 per year. Copyright © 2013 by Baker-Colorado Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Postmaster: Send address changes to Colorado AvidGolfer, 7200 S Alton Way #B-180 Centennial, CO 80112.The magazine welcomes editorial submissions but assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork or other material.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

Forethoughts

The k-y of commerce

G

olf is good business. Given my profession, that statement might qualify me as Master of the Obvious.

But I have 108 reasons to support this observation. I’m referring to the number of pages (including covers) in the issue you’re holding, making it the largest since our 10th Anniversary edition in April 2012. It’s also 26 percent larger than last year’s Fall issue.

Although autumn golf is beautiful in Colorado, it isn’t exactly peak playing season, so you are looking at quite an achievement. Our clients clearly understand the value of reaching the Colorado market.

I don’t involve myself on the sales side. It compromises CAG’s editorial integrity to do so. So I steer clear, which is probably good thing because I doubt I could sell hamburger to a hungry dog. But when the recession hit a few years ago, I moonlighted by selling my friend’s homemade jams at farmer’s markets. I did surprisingly well, especially whenever a customer walked up wearing a golf polo or hat. After a nice chat, I would send him or her home with a case of boysenberry preserves, proving that even away from the course, golf is good business.

Not so long ago, however, on-course networking and deal-making took something of a black eye. There was lobbyist Jack Abramoff ’s golf boondoggle to St. Andrews and the “improbable consistency of scores” posted by swindler Bernie Madoff, who purportedly played to a 12—the same rate of return he promised investors. President Obama has taken heat for the amount of business he conducts on the golf course—even though his 30 rounds per year will never approach the 800 rounds Dwight D. Eisenhower tallied during his administration.

Another president—Josh Kroenke of the Colorado Avalanche—clearly knows the value of golf as a business lubricant. After he and Executive VP of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic played a round with Patrick Roy in Florida, they announced the legendary goaltender will coach the team for which he won two Stanley Cups.

Our cover story on Roy begins on page 82. It’s followed on page 88 by short profiles of 14 prominent members of the Colorado business community for whom golf provides a unique, four-hour opportunity to acquaint themselves with prospective partners, clients, vendors and employees—and to build, cultivate and fortify existing relationships. In one way or another they all subscribe to Ring Lardner’s famous axiom that “18 holes of golf will teach you more about your foe or partner than will 18 years of dealing with him across a desk.”

Last month taught another lesson about golf being good business, as the Solheim Cup pumped at least $20 million into the local economy, according to preliminary estimates from the LPGA. Who knows how much of an economic impact the BMW Championship will have when it comes to Cherry Hills next September?

I know the impact I’d like to see is a Fall issue that’s at least 26 percent thicker than this year’s. —JON RIZZI

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NEWS | NOTES | NAMES

P H O T O G R A P H C o u rt e s y o f Va i L V e t e ra n s progra m

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WINNING QUEST: Wiebe hoists the senior Claret Jug at Birkdale.

On his mark

C

olorado Golf Hall of Famer Mark Wiebe’s dramatic win on the fifth playoff hole against Bernhard Langer in the Senior Open Championship at Royal Birkdale was in many ways a major victory for Colorado. One of the first calls the 55-year-old champion made was to Marilyn Norcross of Greeley-based Winquest Worldwide. Wiebe credits Norcross with getting his mental game back on track while he was struggling to make a return to the PGA Tour after a 2003 elbow surgery.

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

“I was near the end of my Tour life, and I came back too early after the surgery and it all snowballed,” Wiebe admits now. His frustration led him to consider quitting professional golf. “But I didn’t want it to end that way or to set that example for my kids,” he says. He contacted Norcross.

“He was a 6-2 guy but looked about 5-2 because he was lacking confidence,” she remembers. “He’d lost his feel because of the injury.

There was a mind-body disconnect and nothing worked the way it did before.” Using proprietary techniques including hypnosis, Norcross helped Wiebe rebuild his belief in himself as a golfer.

“Marilyn totally helped me find my confidence when I couldn’t play golf very well,” Wiebe reflects. “I had

started to forget everything I’d done well in golf. I not only had to retrain my elbow muscles and tendons, but my brain. She stopped me from going in one direction and starting in another.” By the time Wiebe was eligible for the Champions Tour, his direction was locked in. He won his first event in 2007 and has notched two more victories in addition to July’s Senior British Open triumph.

He says he feels he’s been playing the best golf of his life.

“I can think of plenty of local golfers who could benefit from what she does,” says Wiebe, who no longer works with Norcross but says he still pulls from the toolbox she gave him.

“She somehow brought out my confidence. Confidence is massive. You can be crappy, but if you’re confident about your game, you can win.”

Fall 2013 |Colorado AvidGolfer

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theGallery Zahkai Brown

Brown Gets Down

There’s a difference between playing smart and playing safe. Zahkai Brown knows because he lived it. Last year, thanks to a third-round 63 in the HealthONE Colorado Open, the Colorado State grad went into the final round at Green Valley Ranch Golf

Club with a three-shot lead. He played it safe, shooting an even-par 71, and lost by one stroke to Derek Tolan. Going into this year’s final round, Brown found himself in front again—this time by one stroke, after posting a 7-under 64 on Saturday. He couldn’t afford to nurse that lead, so he came out on Sunday firing, making birdie on four of the first five holes en route to a front-nine 32.

He kept his foot on the gas on the back nine as well. He drove the green on the par-4 14th and made eagle and, with a five-shot lead over Arizona’s Ryan Dillon going into the par-5 18th, he elected not to lay-up. His smart, aggressive play rewarded him with his seventh birdie of the day, a final-round 64 and $23,000 for his first HealthONE Colorado Open victory.

After flirting with the lead earlier in the tournament, Colorado Senior Open Champion Doug Rohrbaugh (-12) of Carbondale tied for third, while Colorado’s Dustin Mills, Gunner Wiebe and newlywed Charlie Soule were knotted in fifth place at 11-under. On the amateur side, college stars Ryan Bingaman (Mesa State Univer-

sity) and Michael Schoolcraft (University of Oklahoma) both finished at 9-under, after Bingaman’s 6-under 29 on the back nine.

The Sooner, however, triumphed in the playoff. coloradoopen.com

Where the Women Are

It may not rival the star power of last month’s Solheim Cup, but the 19th HealthONE Colorado Women’s Open (September 4-6) will feature “a slew of coups,” according to event CEO Kevin Laura. They include Colorado’s LPGA Tour representative Jill McGill; fully exempt LPGA players Kris Tamulis and Ashli Bunch; Ladies European Tour play-

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Cole Power

C l ay t o n Cole, the legendary Cherry Hills Country Club PGA head profes s io na l and Colorado Golf Hall of Fame member, received this year’s Robert M. Kirchner Award. Named for the founder of the Colorado Open, the

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ers Dawn Shockley and Becky Morgan; defending champion Joy Trotter; former champion Erin Houtsma; nine competitors from The Big Break, including Colorado’s Kelly Jacques and Emily Talley; 2006 U.S. Amateur champion Kimberly Kim; and more than 20 Symetra Tour players, including two (Kim Kaufman, Olivia JordanHiggins) who won events this year. Players from 34 states and seven countries will compete at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club for the $58,000 total purse and the $15,000 total proam purse. coloradoopen.com

award annually honors great contributions to amateur, professional and tournament golf in Colorado. Shown here with his wife Rena, Cole accepted the award at this year’s HealthONE Colorado Open.

GOLF BY NUMBERS 1

EASTERN STAR: Ballyneal

Colorado course made it onto GOLF Magazine’s 2013 list of Top 100 Courses in the World. Cherry Hills? Castle Pines? No and no. Congratulations to Ballyneal, the 75th best course on the planet, according to 100 voters from 17 countries. When ranking only United States courses, the same voters put the Tom Doak design on the eastern plains at No. 40; Cherry Hills clocked in at 75.

hit the green. Fiest tapped in for birdie. Rudden then rolled one in from 30 feet, while May followed suit from 25. Cox jarred a 15-footer, putting pressure on Holder to sink a slightly breaking six-footer. He drilled it. How often do you hear of five birdies on the same hole? Then again, how many fivesomes do you hear about?

5 members of Colorado Golf Club—Jim Cox, Bruce Holder, Dan Rudden, Tony Fiest, and Joe May—accomplished a feat U.S. Solheim Cup players would envy. On July 18, with the par-3 17th hole playing 135 yards, all five

BIRDIE BUNCH: Cox, Holder, Rudden Fiest and May

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theGallery THE NEXT CHAPTER: The Golf Club at Ravenna

CERTIFIABLY GREEN: The Club at Flying Horse

15 months after filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, River Canyon Real Estate Investments—owners of the Ravenna golf community in Waterton Canyon—received court approval for its reorganization plan. The July 31 ruling by Judge Elizabeth Brown legally green-lights the 634-acre gated enclave to continue its successful market re-entry. In March River Canyon signed on Billy Casper Golf to manage golf and club operations,

and in June Fuller Sotheby’s International Realty became the listing brokerage firm for the remaining 166 custom lots. Those alliances, among others, convinced Brown, who cited Ravenna as “markedly different” from many real estate Chapter 11 cases of the recent recession. For his part, River Canyon Manager Glenn Jacks can now realize his vision of combining Old World architecture and vibrant member experience on one of the best pieces of land in Colorado.

“We were able to successfully navigate the

complexities of voluntary bankruptcy while at the same time protect the integrity of the current community,” he says “We can now focus all of our energies on moving forward.” ravennagolf.com

38 Colorado courses have now qualified as “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuaries,” thanks to the August designation of The Club at Flying Horse. Audubon In-

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

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he established with his wife, Liezl, has raised untold millions to find a cure for the disease with which their son suffers and to help autistic children and adults live productive lives. To buy tickets to the dinner ($130), call 303-885-4538.

ternational recognized the Colorado Springs course and Assistant Superintendent Mark Beitel for his Environmental Stewardship.

“From the beginning we’ve done everything on this property with the goal of blending seamlessly into the surrounding environment,” says Director of Agronomy & Facility Operations Dan Hawkins. “We maintain habitats for a large variety of wildlife that can be seen and enjoyed by our members and strive continuously to incorporate water conservation, pest management and chemical reduction in our cultural practices. We look forward to maintaining our membership in this program long into the future.” flyinghorsecolorado.com

Get in the

Gallery Visit

Ernie Els

125 people will see Ernie Els receive this year’s Will F. Nicholson Award September 16 at Lakewood Country Club. The honor, named for the former USGA president and bestowed annually for a “lifetime of commitment and dedication to the game of golf,” has previously gone to Nicholson himself, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Tom

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Watson, Ben Crenshaw, Judy Bell and Hale Irwin. A two-time winner of both the U.S. and British Opens, the World Golf Hall of Famer from South Africa has served as one of golf ’s great global ambassadors and philanthropists. The Ernie Els Fancourt Foundation has produced major winners Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel, and the Els for Autism Foundation, which

coloradoavidgolfer.com for more news and notes.

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Send it to jon@coloradoavidgolfer.com Cag

Fall 2013 |Colorado AvidGolfer

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Applewood golf course 14001 W. 32nd Avenue Golden 303.279.3003 Applewoodgc.com

•

Opened in 1961, Applewood Golf Course has been regarded as one of the best Denver golf locations for the whole family. Set against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and 15 minutes from Denver, the course is a tribute to its breathtaking surroundings as well as the beauty of the game of golf itself. Whether you’re looking for tournaments, leagues, a wedding location or even 18 holes of golf, Applewood is a location that won’t disappoint.

$52.80 Includes: 18-holes of golf, cart, range balls, hot dog, chips and soft drink for two (2) players for $52.80. Offer valid any day after 1pm.

Coal Creek Golf Course 585 W. Dillon Rd. Louisville 303.666.7888 CoalCreekgolf.com

•

Designed by top architect Dick Phelps, Coal Creek Golf Course rates as one of Colorado’s finest 18-hole public golf courses, combining parklandstyle, tree-lined fairways with breathtaking views of the nearby Flatiron Mountains. Measuring 7,028 yards from the back tees and 5,185 yards from the forward tees, Coal Creek ensures challenge and enjoyment for each and every golfer.

$52.80 includes: Two Green Fees with Golf Cart for $52.80.Valid Monday through Thursday 12pm–4pm

Colorado National Golf Club 2700 Vista Pkwy • Erie

303.926.1723 x1 ColoradoNationalGolfClub.com

Located 20 minutes north of Denver, Colorado National Golf Club is one of the state’s premier golf facilities. The exclusive home to the University of Colorado golf teams, this Jay Morrish-Ric Buckton collaboration can stretch to more than 7,700 yards and includes rolling terrain, native hazards and breathtaking views of the Front Range’s snowcapped peaks.

$52.80 Includes:

Green fee, cart, range and sleeve of golf balls. Valid Monday-Friday anytime and weekends after 11a.m. for $52.80 per person. **Each paid $52.80 participant will also receive the following offer for use: Bring a twosome in the month of October 2013 and receive two rounds of golf, cart and range for $80 (valid Monday-Friday anytime and weekends after 11a.m. during the month of October).

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

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CommonGround Golf Course 10300 E. Golfers Way Aurora •

303.340.1520 CommonGroundGC.com

­­­­­ Designed by world-renowned architect Tom Doak and owned by the Colorado Golf Association and Colorado Women’s Golf Association, the state’s newest public course is also one of its most affordable golf experiences. It measures 7,200 yards and features mounded fairways, huge green complexes and plenty of subtle elevation changes.

$52.80 Includes:

18 holes of golf, cart and large bucket of range balls for $52.80. Valid anytime Monday through Thursday and after 1 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

GRAND LAKE GOLF COURSE 1415 County Rd 48| P.O. Box 590 Grand Lake 970.627.8008 GrandLakeGolfCourse.com

•

This 18- hole championship golf course, designed by Dick Phelps, is carved out of the woods at an elevation of 8,420 feet bordering Rocky Mountain National Park. The narrowly rolling fairways surround well-tended, subtle greens. The majestic Rocky Mountains, some still capped by the winter snows, tower high above offering exclusive and unique panoramic views. It’s all yours for the taking at the Grand Lake Golf Course, where your approach shot just might be checked out by a curious moose, elk, deer or fox.

$52.80 Includes:

18-holes of golf, cart and range balls for two (2) players for $52.80. Offer valid anytime, any day.

Green Valley Ranch Golf Club 4900 Himalaya Rd. Denver 303.371.3131 GVRgolf.com

•

Host to all three Colorado Open Championships, Green Valley Ranch Golf Club stretches to a demanding 7,249 yards and blends natural wetlands, creeks and towering cottonwoods.

The last three holes–make up one of the best finishes in all of Colorado golf.

$52.80 Includes:

18-hole green fee, 18-hole cart fee with GPS, driving range balls and one (1) sleeve of Bridgestone E5, E6 or E7 golf balls. Valid anytime Monday–Thursday; and after 12pm on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. co lo r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Fall 2013 |Colorado AvidGolfer

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HERITAGE EAGLE BEND 23155 E. Heritage Parkway Aurora 303.693.7788 HeritageEagleBend.com

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Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club offers an exceptional golf experience. Set in the rolling hills of southeast Aurora, this 18-hole championship golf course designed by Arthur Hills provides dramatic elevation changes, panoramic views and wide accommodating fairways.The holes offer five tee box options ranging from 5,045 to 7,105 yards to test and appeal to players of all abilities.

$52.80 Includes:18-holes of golf, cart, practice balls and $10.00 golf shop credit (good towards merchandise only).

The greg mastriona golf courses at hyland hills 9650 Sheridan Blvd • Westminster 303.426.4653 GolfHylandHills.com

Known for its unique design and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills offers a rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels. It has received numerous awards including one of the top 100 golf courses to play in America by Golf Digest as well as one of the best courses to play for families and women in 2013

by Colorado AvidGolfer. To book tee times online visit golfhylandhills.com or call 303-426-4653 (GOLF).

$52.80 Includes: Two (2) players receive green fees for 18 holes and two buckets of range balls for $52.80 at the Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills. Valid any day after 12 pm.

Highlands Ranch Golf Club 9000 Creekside Way Highlands Ranch •

303.471.0000 HighlandsRanchGolf.com

Highlands Ranch Golf Club is an 18-hole semi-private golf club featuring a Hale Irwin-designed championship golf course. The course, which opened in 1998, features a great variety of immaculately groomed holes.

The 7,179- yard par-72 layout boasts expansive bentgrass greens that many say are the best in the region.

$52.80 Includes:

18 holes of golf, cart and range balls.

Offer valid Monday-Thursday anytime, Friday before 11:30am, Saturday and Sunday after 1pm.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

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KEYSTONE RESORT 970.496.4250 GolfKeystone.com

With two distinctly different 18-hole courses–Keystone Ranch Golf Course and The River Course at Keystone–Keystone Resort is one of the high country’s top golf retreats. The Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed Ranch Course plays around a pristine 9-acre lake, while The River Course, which was designed by Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry, winds along the Snake River and offers stunning views of Keystone Lake.

$52.80 Includes:

18 holes at either The Keystone Ranch or The River Course from $52.80 per person, golf cart, practice facility access and range balls. Valid Sunday– Thursday after 12pm at The Keystone Ranch and The River Course at Keystone. Must be booked online at www.golfkeystone.com. Use promo code “Avid52.80”.

Stay the night and receive discounted lodging. Call 888697-1102 and mention promo code “13KAvid” to reserve a room today.

Omni Interlocken Golf Club 800 Eldorado Blvd Broomfield •

303.464.9000 x8 OmniInterlockengolfclub.com

Consisting of three nine-hole courses–Eldorado, Vista and Sunshine–designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, Omni Interlocken Resort ranks as one of the Front Range’s top 27-hole facilities. As the former host of the John Elway Celebrity Classic, the course challenged the likes of Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley with contoured fairways, multi-leveled greens and deep native rough.

$52.80 Includes: Round of golf (guest fee), cart, practice balls

and taxes. Valid Monday through Thursday anytime. Must call to make reservation.

Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course 2156 Red Hawk Ridge Dr Castle Rock

720.733.3500 RedHawkRidge.com

•

This Jim Engh design features extreme elevations change, abundant wildlife, dramatic vistas and rolling terrain, which is accentuated by Engh’s unique brand of architecture.The 6,942-yard has five sets of tees and welcomes golfers of all experience and skill levels with countless risk/reward opportunities, strategically placed bunkers and greenside lakes.

$52.80 Includes:

18-holes of golf and cart for one (1) player. Offer valid Monday–Thursday anytime and Friday– Sunday after 12 p.m. co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Fall 2013 |Colorado AvidGolfer

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The Ridge at Castle Pines 1414 Castle Pines Pkwy Castle Rock 303.688.0100 PlayTheRidge.com

•

Consistently ranked as one of the best daily-fee courses in Colorado, The Ridge at Castle Pines North challenges golfers with massive elevation changes, myriad lakes and streams and expanses of pine and Gambel oak. Stick around after your round for a brew and some seriously good grub on the clubhouse patio, which provides stunning views of Pike’s Peak and Devil’s Head.

$52.80 Includes: Golf, cart, practice balls, yardage book, scorecard and divot repair tool.

Tee times valid after 12 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and anytime Monday through Thursday. Tee times may be booked 3 days in advance at www.playtheridge.com. All players will need to sign up for Troon Rewards for valid $52.80 rate.

TODD CREEK GOLF CLUB 8455 Heritage Dr Thornton •

303.655.1779 ToddCreekGolfClub.com

Todd Creek Golf Club is a premier Denver golf course and has been carefully crafted to complement the native contours of the surrounding Rocky Mountain landscape.With rolling terrain, a variety of elevation changes and meandering creek, native grasses and wetlands, this 7,435-yard Arthur Hills signature championship golf course goes beyond the ordinary round of golf.

$52.80 Includes:

18-holes of golf, cart with GPS and practice balls for two (2) players for $52.80.

Valid Monday-Friday anytime after 12 p.m.

2013 Golf Passport

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Inverness Golf Club, Fossil Trace and Green Valley Ranch with the 2013 Golf Passport. Take advantage of discounted golf as well as restaurant and retail deals. BUY YOURS TODAY!

$52.80 Includes: Two (2) Golf Passports (reg. price $79.95 ea.) + one sleeve of Srixon golf balls. Fall is the best time to play golf in Colorado!

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

To order or for more details go to coloradoavidgolfer.com/passport and enter promo code MH5280 to receive this limited time offer. Online orders only.

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COURSES | LESSONS | FITNESS

p h o t o g r a p h by Pat r i c k G e n t i l e

player’sCorner KILNING FIELD: Fossil’s iconic first fairway.

co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

Fossil Trace

Makes Its Bones

I

The Golden course celebrates 10 award-winning years.

n geological time, 10 years has as much impact as an ant’s footprint—especially when you’re talking about land inhabited by 68-million-year-old dinosaur remains. But since opening in 2003 Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden has made an impression on the Colorado landscape that’s as significant as those left by the triceratops that once roamed there.

Prints made by those Cretaceous beasts, as well as fossilized ferns, occupy the limestone walls along the monolithstudded 12th fairway, giving this 6,831yard Jim Engh design its name and adding to its reputation in the national golf media as one of the country’s best municipal courses Colorado AvidGolfers clearly concur, voting it CAGGY for best course in five categories—among them, Best Denver/ Front Range Course, Best Service, Best Food (from Three Tomatoes)—and one

of the top three in five more.

You can’t blame them. Fossil Trace, like most Jim Engh courses, is fun. It starts on hole one, where the chimney of a limestone kiln sits between the first and second landing areas, providing a target off the tee. It continues with holes featuring sinuous curves, chutes, bumps and noses; and punchbowl and plateau greens flanked by false fronts, cottonwoods and the muscular zipper bunkers for which Engh is known. Old cranes and excavating equipment rust in the rough, recalling the property’s clay mining heritage.

Conforming to the idiosyncratic property lines of an old established neighborhood, Fossil Trace features five par-3s and five par-5s. One of the former is the perky 96-yard (from the tips!) fifth; one of the latter is the monstrous 659-yard ninth.

With its massive outcroppings, Fossil Trace’s back nine is more memo-

rable than its front. Risks and rewards abound, culminating with the 485-yard par-5 18th that features trees left, water right and a green that’s reachable in two—if you can avoid the water and sand. The hole won a CAGGY for “Best Bet Settler.”

Since opening in 2003, visitors from all 50 states and 40 countries have played Fossil Trace, and at the end of July the club staged a four-day “Birthday Weekend” celebration with food, drawings and kids’ activities.

And to think, the course almost didn’t get built. Given the site’s paleontological significance and thanks to other bureaucratic red tape, it took the City of Golden 12 years to open it. That’s much longer than 10 years and probably seemed like 68 million. fossiltrace.com.

Editor’s note: Voting has begun for this year’s CAGGYs. Go to coloradoavidgolfer.com.

Fall 2013 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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player’sCorner

LESSON

COME UNHINGED

By Trent Wearner

E

Trent Wearner, PGA, owns Trent Wearner Golf at Meridian Golf Club in Englewood. He ranks among Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America and Best Teachers in State. He was the 2004 Colorado PGA Teacher of the Year and won 2012 CAGGY Awards as Best Instructor for Juniors and Men. trentwearnergolf.com; 303-645-8000. Cag

ver hit a booming drive only to stub, chunk, blade or leave short the proceeding wedge shot? It’s a score-killer and probably happening because you’re overcomplicating your swing. Any great wedge player will tell you that the key to hitting quality shots is controlling the trajectory and distance that the ball travels. Too many golfers complicate short approaches by trying to control the ball using their wrists. Here is a more consistent way to hit your wedges.

forward: Next time you’re faced with one of these 30- to 100-yarders try to use your wrists less and turn your chest in unison with your arms. Repeat this motion in your follow through. Though your follow through will travel longer than what is in the picture, quiet hands through this area is what you’re after. Start with shorter shots and work your way up as you get a feel for the distance control.

INCORRECT

CORRECT INCORRECT

CORRECT

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

coloradoav idgo lf e r.c o m

PHOTO S BY JAKE KU BI é

BACK: Many golfers over-hinge their wrists in the back swing and then flip their hands through impact. This action is extremely difficult to replicate, as it changes the loft at contact too rapidly and therefore produces much less consistent results.

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player’sCorner

15TH CLUB

Fuel for Golf What to drink and eat to play your best.

By Dillon Johnson

T

he acronym GIGO—Garbage In, Garbage Out— originated with computers but has just as much relevance to our bodies and how they perform. Improper hydration and nourishment can kill your round as fast as any shank or snowman can.

But what to drink and eat?

How much and when?

Drink Up. Your number-one priority is to stay hydrated. With- These Fuelish Things. Avoiding blood sugar spikes— out proper hydration our brain and nervous system are unable to perform at their optimal levels. Insufficient hydration can impair visual-spatial function, which is clearly very important in a precision sport such as golf.

Wake and Slake. If you have an early tee time, remember

the eight or so hours you spend sleeping puts you in a dehydrated state when you wake up (especially after urination). Drink 25 percent of your daily intake of water right after getting out of bed. How much is that? A good rule for total daily intake is to drink half your body weight in ounces. If you weigh 200 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces of water every 24 hours. That equates to 25 ounces upon waking up.

Don’t Chug.

Depending on terrain, heat, humidity and your size, you should drink between 35 and 55 ounces of water during a round. Pace your water intake throughout the round for proper absorption. A few sips per hole as part of your pre or post shot routine is one way to do it.

Saline Solution. Water also helps with joint pain, acting

as a lubricant. Adding a pinch of sea salt (just enough to hold in your fingertips) to each bottle of water you drink during play will help your body absorb it and will also replace the minerals lost in your sweat.

Shun Sports Drinks.

High fructose corn syrup, artificial colors, sugar, caffeine are all performance inhibiting—not enhancing—additives. The caffeine in energy drinks can cause anxiety and a rapid heart rate, neither of which you want when standing over a putt to win a match.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

also known as glycemic control—is key to maintaining consistent energy throughout the round. You never want to feel “stuffed,” just properly fortified to play your best. Does this mean skipping the breakfast burrito or the burger and chips at the turn? Well, there are better choices.

Don’t Keep It Simple.

Steer clear of simple carbohydrates such as chocolate bars, pastries and anything made with corn syrup, white sugar or white flour. Your body digests these rapidly, giving you a quick boost of energy that will leave you sluggish shortly thereafter.

Digest Slowly.

Opt for healthy fats (peanuts), proteins (hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky), and complex carbohydrates (vegetables, and legumes). Your body digests these slowly, allowing you keep an excellent energy balance.

Go Nuts, Veg Out.

I often pack a mix of nuts (the lightly salted kinds help replace some of what we sweat out) or create my own trail mix (omitting cereal, pretzels, M&Ms and other forms of simple carbohydrates). I also bring a couple sandwich bags of raw carrots and roasted chickpeas. Other great items include celery with peanut butter, chicken salad (no bread), Paleobars, Cocochia Bars, dried berries and seeds.

And if you forget to pack your lunch or feel obliged to follow the “no outside food” rule, don’t panic. Courses are always adding healthful options and are often flexible in substituting foods. Cag Dillon D. Johnson, Titleist Performance Institute Golf Fitness Specialist PTAGCPT, TPI-FP3 Director of Golf at RallySport in Boulder (rallysportboulder. com) Information researched and provided by Robert Yang & the Titleist Performance Institute coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

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Photo by Robert Castellino

Hole #12

Golf Experience We invite you to experience Fossil Trace Golf Club - 18 holes of extraordinary golf set in the foothills of the Rockies. The golf course opened in 2003, 64 million years after the dinosaurs walked it. Fossil Trace guests are treated to a truly unique golf experience; gorgeous views, unparalleled course conditions, challenging greens and a unique, character-laden golf course designed by renowned architect Jim Engh – all with a mountain course feel only a short trip west of the Mile High City.

Golf Club Personalization Fossil Trace Golf Club is dedicated to the advancement of your game by offering complimentary fittings and our expertise in personalized golf clubs; including woods, irons and hybrids using fitting systems from Titleist, PING, Callaway, Nike and Mizuno. In addition to state-of-the-art fitting systems and experienced Professional Staff, our ForeSight GC2 launch monitor technology provides feedback that further ensures that your clubs have been personalized for your game.

Golf and Gatherings at Fossil Trace Now is the time to reserve our Ballroom, Mesa or Fireside Rooms for your holiday party or fall/winter gathering. The dining room also provides the perfect setting for a memorable dining experience with family, foursome or business associates.

In addition to holiday gatherings, now is the time to reserve Fossil Trace Golf Club for your 2014 charitable or corporate golf event. Since Fossil Trace opened in 2003, the golf course and Three Tomatoes Steakhouse and Club together are considered one of the finest and most unique golf experiences available in Denver and all of Colorado.

3050 Illinois Street, Golden, Colorado • 303-277-8750 • www.fossiltrace.com Text TREX to 96362 to receive INSTANT specials and course news on your phone.

FOOD | CARS

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Va iS L MOPOLITAN V e t e r a n s pRE r oSg ram PHOTOGRAPH C o u rt e s y o f CO TAU RANT

Fareways

Don’t Ask, Don’t It’s no secret the festive mountain town Telluride carries the day when it comes to great food. By Gary James

T

ime was, you couldn’t get a great meal in a Colorado ski town because restaurateurs weren’t able to keep top-notch cooks and servers around once the snow melted. But that antiquated notion certainly doesn’t apply to Telluride. During the summer, the town offers world-class festivals of all kinds, the stratospheric Telluride Golf Club, and a bounty of culinary hotspots. I “researched” some of them while attending the 40th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

COSMOPOLITAN

I hold Telluride as the most beautiful spot in Colorado, and just being there induces a natural high. When co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

I coupled that with a food buzz, Happy Hour turned into Ecstatic Hour at the Cosmopolitan Restaurant, located in the Columbia Hotel, right at the base of the gondola.

The unpretentious waitstaff assured my party that ordering a Cosmo is not de rigueur. We opted for artisanal cocktails, then scoured the “Sushi and Starters” menu, a way to sample the kitchen’s tasty fusions. In the former category, the lobster roll was sensational, with jalapeños and tempura asparagus. The salmon volcano roll arrived drizzled with a hot mixture of honey, orange juice and sriracha for an explosive flavor; I bet on the salmon dynamite roll with mango and cucumber (pictured above) to show.

For “Starters,” the table loved the lobster corn dogs and a homemade

burrata (creamy-on-the-inside mozzarella) with salami, cherry tomato, arugula and a savory tapenade. And I hope to get another day with the soup of that day—a gazpacho with shrimp and avocado. For dinner the Cosmopolitan dishes up an elegant Surf & Turf—a filet with green peppercorn sauce, a lobster tail poached in butter, sour cream mashed potatoes, asparagus and oyster mushrooms.

Other recommended entrees are BBQ wild salmon, crab-stuffed chicken breast and teriyaki braised beef short ribs, plus an insanely savory fish stew with lobster, prawns, crab, sea scallops and halibut in a tomato saffron broth. Being landlocked never tasted so good. 300 W. San Juan Ave.; 970-728-1292; cosmotelluride.com Fall 2013 |Colorado AvidGolfer

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band, helped out, and there we were trying to out-eat each other.

Call them The Honga Games!

135 E. Colorado Ave.; 970-7285134; hongaslotuspetal.com

RUSTICO RISTORANTE

HONGA’S LOTUS PETAL

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

PIE PIE LOVE: Rustico’s Pizza Boscaiola

Rustico boasts the only authentic Italian pizza oven in town, and my favorite turned out to be the Pizza Boscaiola, with handmade Italian mild sausage, mushrooms and roasted bell peppers, marinara sauce and mozzarella. Rustico’s outstanding decor emitted the feel of a Tuscan village, and coupled with the patio view of Telluride.

Like I said, a bad time. 114 E. Colorado Ave.; 970-728-4046; RusticoRistorante.com

221 SOUTH OAK

Every townie espouses 221 South Oak, a charming Victorian house in downtown Telluride,

PICK LOX: 221 South’s salmon benedict.

as the perfect spot for Sunday brunch through the summer. I’d heard that chef Eliza Gavin makes some exciting sausages with locally sourced meats, and the buffalo paprika sausages wrapped in grape leaves lassoed my taste buds. The menu featured several varieties of benedicts, and a dining companion favored the smoked salmon benedict of poached eggs with spinach, dill and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin. But I found a couple of gems under the “Rib Stickers” category: a crawfish, corn and poblano ettouffe, served with poached eggs on corn bread and home fries; and a crispy hash brown of potato pieces, slices of flatiron steak and cheddar cheese infused with the kick of whiskey, topped with a fried egg. I managed to devour them both, figuring I should honor brunch and leakfast, respectively. 221 S. Oak St.; 970-728-9507; 221southoak.com

LA COCINA DE LUZ

La Cocina de Luz began as a “hole in the wall” Mexican joint with four tables, but owner Lucas Price has expanded his empire, adding indoor and outdoor seating and offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. A self-proclaimed chile relleno aficionado, I found my needs completely satiated by two cheese-filled, batter-fried Anaheim chiles with red or green chile sauce (do both—make it Christmas in September!). The crafted burritos and tacos come loaded with guacamole, lettuce, queso blanco and a choice of fill-

Gary James is a Boulder-based music and food writer.

Mountain Village Hop

PEAK OF FLAVOR: The view at Allred’s

The gondola connecting Telluride to its well-heeled Mountain Village ascends 1,800 feet before stopping midway at Station St. Sophia, home to Allred’s Restaurant. In addition to the vertiginous views of the mountains and town lights below, Allred’s purveys scrumptious appetizers like parmesan dusted potato croutons and waygu beef carpaccio with kale chips, and entrees such as cider-brined pork chop with white grits, gremolata crusted king salmon and a bourbon marinated elk short loin.

The sticky toffee pudding cake is as exquisite as the wine list is enclyclopedic and varied. 970-728-7474. allredsrestaurant.com coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

PHOTO S CO U RTE S Y OF HONGA’ S LOT U S PETAL , R U S TICO RI S TORANTE , 2 2 1 S O U TH OAK AN D ALLRE D S RE S TAU RANT

The Roma was once one of Telluride’s oldest and wildest bars, but since 2006, the renovated building has been Honga’s Lotus Petal, a restaurant serving fantastic pan-Asian fare. Start off with a specialty ginger mojito, a potent, imaginative concoction. The bustling sushi bar serves fish flown in from Hawaii four times a week, and the regular menu is ever-changing, from appetizers (go for the addictive pot stickers) to entrees.

I ordered trout and was treated to a crispy filet with miso gremolata (a condiment of chopped herbs enhanced by the Japanese seasoning), served over red curry, green beans and mango salsa peppered with kochi, a demonically hot Indonesian chili. I was wowed, as were the veterans in my party, but they couldn’t deviate from the sublime standards, such as the Asian fish tacos, a delicious pad thai and the sublime hot curries. My wife tried Thai curry, a fragrant, sumptuous mélange of vegetables, basil and lemon with chicken (her other options were shrimp, tofu, chicken, pork and beef ). The flavors were incredibly layered and nuanced, and it seemed like she couldn’t put a dent in it. So I, the dutiful hus-

This is what passes for a bad day in Telluride—I only had time to visit Rustico Ristorante for lunch.

That is, I couldn’t stay for dinner, which kept me from delving into their outstanding Wine Spectatorreviewed wine list, with seldomseen whites such as Albana and Friulano and the red Lagrein. For the well-heeled, it’s an oeno-rific rush; for the rest of us, a reminder to buy that lottery ticket. Lunch was a wonderful experience regardless, starting with the Alla Verza e Al Funghi salad—thinly sliced green cabbage, wild mushrooms and pine nuts, tossed with a lemony Mediterranean dressing.

ings: grilled skirt steak, roasted chicken, fried hake, garlic-roasted vegetables or (my pick to click) pork braised in achiote and citrus. Even the salad of mixed field greens impressed, with fresh sunflower sprouts and jicama complementing the carrots, red bell pepper and feta cheese. Your cashier is also your bartender, so mellow out if the people in front of you order margaritas. And they always do. 123 E. Colorado Ave.; 970-728-9355; lacocinatelluride.com

PHOTO S CO U RTE S Y OF TOMBOY TAV ERN

NICE GAMS: Allred’s king crab legs

A few steps from the Mountain Village gondola, at the Inn at Lost Creek, sits Siam’s Talay Grille. Talay translates to seafood, and this version of Telluride’s popular Siam restaurant emphasizes salmon, mahi-mahi, tuna, scallops, shrimp, lobster and sole in such signature sauces as thailandaise, choo chee curry, Thai sweet chili, mango and wasabi pepper. In a happy coincidence, the guitarist accompanying our fishy feast specialized in vintage Hot Tuna tunes. 970-728-6293; innatlostcreek.com If you’re looking for the area’s best burger (served on a brioche and made with ground brisket, chuck and short rib) and Bloody Mary (served with bacon, shrimp, celery, and a bleu cheese-stuffed olive), duck into the Tomboy Tavern, where the rainbow trout dip and shrimp tacos are darn good too. 970-728-7467; tomboytavern.com—JR Cag

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NICE DRIVES

P H O T O G R A P H S C O U RT E S Y O F L E X U S ( T O P ) A N D I N F I N I T I

Battle of the Brands Will Lexus or Infiniti roar to the fore of the American market?

By Isaac Bouchard 2014 Infiniti Q50 vs.

2014 Lexus IS250/350

Hybrid—a fast, AWD car that gets a combined 30mpg—is the more mechanically intriguing.

Prices as tested: 2014 Infiniti Q50S 3.7 AWD: $50,405 2014 Infiniti Q50 Hybrid AWD Premium: $48,055

The Q50 replaces Infiniti’s best-selling G37 sedan (all Infinitis will henceforth be dubbed Q or QX) and distills its Essense show car with strong, clear forms and details in its lamps and grill; it’s timelessly elegant yet still au courant.

The Lexus is much more confrontational; from its bulbous projector lamps and Nike swoosh-adorned nose to the fascinating forms created by its cunningly slashed panels—especially in F Sport trim—it can either be described as Postmodern or Baroque.

Whether you find the IS250/350 hideous or captivating will help determine whether it or the more conventionally attractive Q50 sells better. But no one can accuse Lexus of lacking aesthetic audacity.

2014 Lexus IS250 AWD: $43,970 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport AWD: $42,595 The two most important Asian competitors in the entry-level luxury sports sedan segment have each undergone thorough overhauls.

The more interesting visually is the 2014 Lexus IS250/350, while the 2014 Infiniti Q50

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

Curb Appeal

Interior

The Lexus is also more interesting inside, with some very original forms to the dash and center console, great front chairs, and, finally, a rear seat normal adults can fit into.

Its haptic-controller infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as those of Audi, BMW and Mercedes, but it is better than Infiniti’s new touch screen, which is a bit slow and inconsistent in operation and is almost instantly rendered unreadable in strong sunlight by fingerprints.

Otherwise the Q50’s cockpit is very pleasant, with quality equals to the Lexus, a great driving position and an even more hospitable rear bench. Trunk space in the gasoline model is much improved over the G37, but the Hybrid’s batteries eat about half the space, and the regular Q50’s folding seats. coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

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Handling

Where the Infiniti moves things on is its AWD hybrid drivetrain, and the world’s first fly-by-wire helm (with mechanical backup), called Direct Active Steering. The driver can configure not only its weighting (as in the Lexus and many others), but its speed of response in four different combinations. In addition, this system is supposed to allow computer control of the driver’s “intentions” faster than a conventional system, autonomously guide the car around some corners and assist the stability control system.

In my limited experience, this works well up to about 70 percent of the Q50’s limits, then becomes numb and hard to read.

The conventional steering system seems better, but either way the Q50 doesn’t enjoy being driven to the edge of its performance envelope; good path control degenerates into understeer, then snappy oversteer, much sooner than expected, and body control is lost near the limit. Below silly speeds

the Q50 is a joy, with an incredibly rigid structure and an excellent ride—despite runflat tires— from the normal suspension. The sportier S model’s stiffer springs undermine some of this pliancy, with no handling benefit.

In contrast, the Lexus models have excellent body control and handling near or at the limit— better, in fact, than the BMW 3-series. The ISs also have better steering feel and feedback than that offered up by the Q50’s helm.

Both have great brakes: easily modulated and possessed of excellent stopping power. However, the Lexus suffers from significant road noise intrusion that undermines its luxury car credentials.

The Infiniti doesn’t.

The Ride

The Q50 wins in the powertrain sweepstakes: whether motivated by a “normal” 3.7-liter V6 with 328hp/269lb-ft or a 3.5 combined with lithium-ion batteries and two electric motors for 360hp, the Infiniti jumps off the line smartly and races for higher

speeds with aplomb; 0-60 is dispatched in under six seconds in either. The Hybrid feels the faster of the two; its battery’s torque makes passing a breeze. Both use the same 7-speed automatic, so there’s none of the nasty noises made by the continuously variable transmissions of most gaselectric hybrids, and aside from some gentle lurching as the various motors engage and disengage the whole is a seamless affair.

The Q50 Hybrid AWD is also rated at a quite astonishing 28 city and 35 highway, with 30mpg combined; the normal model scores 19/27. Is 7mpg worth a $4,400 premium? Hybrid soundly beats not only the IS350’s 19/26, 21mpg combined, but also surprisingly the IS250 and its insulting 21/30, 24mpg combined.

sly 185lb-ft. Channeled through only six speeds (the RWD IS350 gets an eight speed auto) it feels flaccid much of the time.

At sea level a 0-60mph run in the mid-7s isn’t too shabby, but in our rarified air the IS250 is left gasping in the wake not only of the Infinitis, but also the turbocharged Audi, BMW and Cadillac. This can be solved: just plump for the IS350, whose larger engine’s 306hp/277lb-ft knock a second and a half off the 0-60 dash and endow the Lexus with the kind of verve that really allows its excellent suspension to shine.

Verdict

The early lead goes to the Infiniti, whose more relevant engines and classic good looks give it a slight edge. Either will also give the Teutonic titans a serious run for the money while offering the ease of ownership at which Asian cars excel. Cag

Mechanics

The IS250 is sorely in need of a powertrain update. While the small (2.5-liter) V6 is sweet and smooth, it only spins out 204hp, and it’s especially weak in lowend torque, which peaks at a mea-

Read more of Isaac Bouchard’s reviews at nicedrivz.com and coloradoavidgolfer.com.

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129

$

Sandia Resort & Casino features an award winning golf experience that offers a visually stunning and strategic 18 hole golf course designed by Scott Miller. Every guest room and suite are highlighted by awe-inspiring views of the Albuquerque skyline or the rugged wildness of the Sandia Mountains.

30 Rainbow Road NE 34

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

•

Albuquerque, NM

*

ENJOY COMPLIMENTARY AIRPORT PICKUP WHEN STAYING AND PLAYING AT

SANDIA RESORT & CASINO

*Price is per person/per night based on double occupancy. Valid Sun – Thurs.

Price is subject to availability and/or blackout dates. Not applicable to groups (17 or more), conventions, or special discount offers.

•

505.798.3990

•

sandiagolf.com coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

TRAVEL GUIDE 2 01 3

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Paradise Defined!

Scottsdale’s Talking Stick sets the tone for Arizona’s vibrant resort scene

Scottsdale & Tucson

+

The Hip and the Natural BEST HOTEL BARS SCORE IN VEGAS!

A Golfer’s Guide to

ARIZONA • NEVADA • UTAH

TRAVEL GUIDE 2013

TABLE of CONTENTS

t In This Section Arizona

Lodging……………………………………………………………… 37-42 Golf……………………………………………………………………… 44-48 Activities and Dining………………………………………… 52-54

Nevada

Lodging…………………………………………………………………… 56 Golf……………………………………………………………………… 58-60 Activities and Dining……………………………………………… 62

Utah

Lodging…………………………………………………………………… 64 Golf…………………………………………………………………………… 66

TRAVEL GUIDE 2 01 3

SPECIAL

ECTIO ISING S

N

t

On the Cover

ADVERT

THE HIGH LIFE:

Relaxing atop the spa deck at Talking Stick Resort.

36

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

PARADISE DEfINED! ing Stick setsnethe Scottsdale’s Talk resort sce Arizona’s vibrant

tone for

Tucson Scottsdalethe&Nat ural

+

The Hip and

ScREAmING DEALS HIDDEN GEmS

To A GoLfER’S GU•IDEUTAH

ARIZoNA • NEVADA

ON THE WEB: Receive exclusive offers and screaming deals at participating resorts and courses at:

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

RULE #9

BRANDEL’S FRIENDS DON’T LET FRIENDS RULES FOR DRIVE...TWICE SCOTTSDALE Hanging with your pals in Scottsdale is always a great time. And, it's even when you can take a little cash off them. That's why there are no GOLF better mulligans in my group. You hit it sideways — you own that one, cowboy.

I Love Scottsdale Golf and I promise you will, too. Learn more about how we play the game and start your next Scottsdale golf adventure at

iLoveScottsdaleGolf.com

— Brandel Chamblee, Golf Channel analyst and part-time rules official

Talking Stick Resort’s appropriately named Orange Sky—the most elegant of its six restaurants—perches atop the 15th floor, with floor-toceiling views of the McDowell Mountains and the 36 holes designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The floor directly below Orange Sky houses Talking Stick’s 13,000-square-foot, open-air spa. talkingstickresort.com

Talking Stick Resort

t

Three of a Kind The Scottsdale area overflows with an embarrassment of resort riches, all of which

LODGING | Where to Stay

15

Arizona FEATURED RESORTS

Talking Stick Resort Scottsdale talkingstickresort.com; 866-980-8159 Zona Resort Suites Scottsdale zonascottsdale.com; 888-222-1059 Radisson Fort McDowell Fountain Hills radisson.com; 480-789-5300 Rancho de Los Caballeros Wickenburg ranchodeloscaballeros.com; 800-684-5030 JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort and Spa Scottsdale marriott.com; 800-582-2169 The Wigwam Litchfield Park wigwamarizona.com; 800-327-0396

feature top-tier golf. JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa and the 36-hole Camelback Golf Club enjoy a prime location in Paradise Valley. Home of the two TPC Scottsdale courses, the palatial Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort Hotel radiates “sophisticated warmth.” And guests of the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale gain access to the private 27-hole Gainey Ranch Golf Club.

Zona Resort Suites t Radisson Fort

McDowell sits in the stunning foothills near WeKo-Pa Golf Club and boasts the award-winning Ahnala Restaurant, which features a central fireplace built from stone columns and handmade glass tiles.

38

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

t RANCHO DE LOS

t The Wigwam, a historic

CABALLEROS in Wickenburg, about an hour west and a world away from Scottsdale, combines cookouts and horseback rides with spa treatments, epicurean meals (all inclusive) and golf.

Litchfield Park resort, underwent a $7 million renovation two years ago that has returned the 84-year-old property to its former glory.

With three 18-hole courses, owner Jerry Colangelo wants to go after pro tournaments.

BUNDLER of JOY

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Zona Resort Suites doesn’t have a golf course. It has more than 40 of them, which they put together in amazing packages.

The fully equipped one- to fourbedroom suites accommodate golfers, long-term guests and families in plush comfort.

GOLF PACKAGES FROM

184

$

YOU ON TARGET

Two championship golf courses to challenge you all day. World-class gaming, dining and entertainment to thrill you all night. Talking Stick Resort invites you to Play In Style.

S C O T T S D A L E | 8 6 6 . 8 7 7.9 8 9 7 | T A L K I N G S T I C K R E S O R T. C O M

*Package rates from $18 4 based on availabilit y through Nov. 3 0, 2013. Not valid for groups or with any other offer. Locally owned and caringly operated by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Š2013 Talking Stick Resor t

*

Arizona

448

An Experience...

that Truly Represents Golf in the Arizona Desert

Loews Ventana Canyon

Put the sprawling 398-room Loews Ventana Canyon (loewshotels.com/ventanacanyon) together with the intimate 50-suite Lodge at Ventana Canyon (thelodgeatventanacanyon. com). What do you have? The only lodging options in Tucson with exclusive access to the two Tom Fazio-designed courses—the Mountain and Canyon—at Ventana Canyon.

TUCSON FEATURED RESORTS • Loews Ventana Canyon Tucson loewshotels.com/ ventanacanyon; 800-234-5117

Casino del Sol

5734 E. Rancho Manana Blvd Cave Creek, AZ 85331 www.RanchoManana.com

t

480-488-0398

A Sure Bet

Owned and operated by Tucson’s Pascua Yaqui Tribe, the two-year-old, 10-story Casino del Sol comprises 225 plush rooms and suites, including ones on the exclusive Sky Level.

A vast gaming area complements five restaurants, Hiapsi Spa, outdoor pool, 5,000-seat AVA Amphitheater and, coming soon, 18 holes of championship golf. casinodelsol.com

t

Improve Your Lie

The Westin La Paloma, one of Tucson’s foremost resorts has gotten even better, thanks to $35 million in renovations, including an expansive new pool design, guest and conference room upgrades and enhancements on its 27 Jack Nicklaus-designed golf holes. westinlapalomaresort.com

40

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

• The Lodge at Ventana Canyon, Tucson thelodgeatventanacanyon. com; 800-828-5701 • Casino del Sol Tucson casinodelsol.com; 855-765-7829 • Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa Tucson westinlapalomaresort.com; 520-742-6000 • Omni Tucson National Resort Tucson tucsonnational.com; 520-297-2271 • Tubac Golf Resort & Spa Tubac tubacgolfresort.com; 520-398-2211 coloradoav idgo lf e r.c o m/t r ave l

WHAT SEPARATES AN AMAZING COURSE AND A MAGNIFICENT COURSE? IN THIS CASE, ABOUT 27 FEET.

Hole #15, The Champions Course

Hole #17, The Stadium Course

The Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale may not enjoy the limelight as much as her sister, but she’s a beauty with a backbone, the kind that gets under your skin. Just a gimme away from The Stadium Course lies Scottsdale’s only other destination for championship golf.

The only real decision is which to play first.

For tee times, vacations and more: Visit tpc.com/avidgolfer Call 888-400-4001

HOLES The Plaza Bar (Fairmont Scottsdale Princess) blends stunning indoor and outdoor lounges. fairmont.com/scottsdale Jade Bar (Sanctuary Camelback Mountain) mixes drinks as inspired as its decor. sanctuaryoncamelback.com Onyx (Four Seasons Scottsdale) handcrafts cocktails in a Frank Lloyd Wright-style space. fourseasons.com/scottsdale R Bar (J.W. Marriott-Camelback Inn) specializes in margaritas, infusions and live music nightly. marriott.com Degree 270 (Talking Stick Resort) provides eye candy from the deck and the dancefloor. talkingstickresort.com Flying V (Loews Ventana Canyon) serves 70-plus tequilas and sweeping mountain views. loewshotels.com Westin La Paloma

Your driver awaits.

Š2013 Omni Hotels & Resorts

Set in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains, this breathtaking resort offers impeccable views and an unforgettable setting. Play our renowned Catalina Course or try the Sonoran Course for an entirely new challenge.

800-843-6664 • omnihotels.com/tucson

ColoradoTucson-Golf-7.25x4.875-F.indd AvidGolfer | Fall 2013 42OMFM-2117

1

9:55r ave AM l coloradoav idgo8/16/13 lf e r.c o m/t

THE GOLF BUDDY TRIP.

ONE CALL FOR THE PERFECT GOLF VACATION PACKAGE – BOOK NOW! Zona Hotel & Suites is dedicated to creating the perfect golf buddy trip with golf specialists onsite to handle the details leaving you plenty of time to work on your game. Located in North Scottsdale, Zona offers: • Accommodations in 1-, 2-, 3- & 4-bedroom/4-bathroom suites • Choice of more than 50 golf course partners including several private club options • 330+ days of sunshine and an average year-round temperature of 70 degrees • On–site personal Golf Vacation Specialists • Customizable golf packages • Complimentary ground transportation to and from select golf courses • And a whole lot more...

Zona Hotel & Suites, The Leader in Scottsdale Golf Packages.

800.903.4057 | ZonaScottsdalegolf.com 7677 E. Princess Blvd. | Scottsdale AZ 85255

Golf | Where to Play

15

A major overhaul of TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course and clubhouse is scheduled after next year’s Waste Management Phoenix Open, which annually draws a half-million people. The $15 million improvement will include resurfacing greens and tees, improving irrigation and expanding locker rooms, dining areas and meeting space.

TPC Scottsdale

Know Your Ranchos

t We-Ko-Pa

answers with a resounding “yes!” to the old Broadway question,“Will it play in Peoria?” Just 35 minutes west of Scottsdale, this 5-star Gary Panks design anchors a vigorous active adult community in, yes, Peoria.

GolF Club has become very popular among Coloradans, thanks to its proximity to the Rockies’ Spring Training home. Troon Golf’s 36-hole property features two CooreCrenshaw layouts that require altogether different games. from each other.

Golf Club’s two courses are well worth a pilgrimage into the McDowell Mountains and the Yavapai nation.

The Scott Miller-designed Cholla and Coore-Crenshaw Saguaro courses combine for 36 holes of bliss.

44

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

Rancho Mañana Golf Club Cave Creek ranchomanana.com; 480-488-0398 Raven at Verrado Buckeye ravenatverrado.com; 623-388-3000 Sewailo Golf Club Tucson troongolf.com Southern Dunes Golf Club Maricopa golfsoutherndunes.com 480.367.8949 Talking Stick Golf Club Scottsdale talkingstickgolfclub.com; 480-860-2221 TPC Scottsdale Scottsdale tpc.com/scottsdale; 888-400-4001

Tubac Golf Resort Tubac tubacgolfresort.com; 800-848-7893

The golf resorts of Rancho de los Caballeros (ranchodeloscaballeros.com) and Rancho Mañana (ranchomanana.com) have more in common than similar sounding names. Both enjoy off-the-beaten-track locations (Los Cab is in Wickenburg; Mañana in Cave Creek), and in addition to impeccable courses both resorts indulge guests with spa treatments, gourmet meals and horseback riding. The 7020-yard, par-72 Los Cab is tougher and more parkland in style than Mañana, a desert-style par-70 that barely cracks 6,000 yards but has teeth enough to carry a 125 slope rating.

t Talking Stick

Omni Tucson National Tucson tucsonnational.com; 520-297-2271

Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia Peoria trilogygolfclub.com/ vistancia; 623-328-5100

t

t Trilogy at Vistancia

Arizona

Ventana Canyon Golf Club Tucson ventanacanyonclub.com; 800-828-5701 We Ko Pa Golf Club Fort McDowell wekopa.com; 866-660-7700 Westin La Paloma Golf Club Tucson lapalomacc.com; 520-742-6100

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Raven at Verrado

Resort Sedona Golf

- 17th Hole

PICTUREperfect AZ GOLF

Whether it’s just a quick round during your family’s winter vacation or planning your annual buddy trip, let us help plan your picture perfect Arizona golf getaway. The spectacular courses in the OB Sports Collection offer services and golf experiences that will exceed the expectations of even the most seasoned golf traveler in your group. From the crimson rocks at Sedona Golf Resort to the amazing elevation changes of Eagle Mountain Golf Club to the newly-enhanced McDowell Mountain Golf Club, OB Sports offers a number of highly acclaimed courses that will keep you coming back. Contact our courses below to make your experience special with advantages like best rates for advance booking, great stay & play specials and much, much MORE!

ASU KARSTEN Tempe, Arizona asukarsten.com/co 480.921.8070

obsports.com/co

EAGLE MOUNTAIN Fountain Hills, Arizona eaglemtn.com/co 480.816.1234

MCDOWELL MOUNTAIN Scottsdale, Arizona mcdowellmountaingc.com/co 480.502.8200

LONGBOW Mesa, Arizona longbowgolf.com/co 480.807.5400

RAVEN GC- PHOENIX Phoenix, Arizona ravenphx.com/co 602.243.3636

PALM VALLEY Goodyear, Arizona palmvalleygolf.com/co 623.935.2500

SEDONA GOLF RESORT Sedona, Arizona sedonagolfresort.com/co 928.284.9355

Arizona

27

The bunkers and greens on all 27 Jack Nickalus-designed holes at the Westin La Paloma all received enhancements during the resort’s recent $35 million “rejuvenation.”

Westin La Paloma

GOING OB Omni Tucson

ASU Karsten Golf Course Tempe asukarsten.com/coavid; 480-921-8070

t

Omni Present

The PGA Tour’s Tucson Open may be history, but the Omni Tucson National’s Catalina Course (which hosted the event for 30 years) and newer Sonoran (designed by Tom Lehman) remain two must-plays in the area.

Course of Notah

Eagle Mountain Golf Club Fountain Hills eaglemtn.com/coavid; 866-863-1234

t

t

Scottsdale’s OB Sports (obsports.com; 480-948-1300) owns or manages courses throughout the Southwest.

The following are some of their best public layouts.

Window on Ventana

Casino del Sol Resort will be the site of the first Notah Begay III-designed golf course, Sewailo. A collaboration with Ty Butler, Sewailo (“flower world” in Yaqui) will “resemble a desert oasis,” according to Troon Golf, which will manage it.

Ventana Canyon’s Mountain and Canyon courses alternate play between members and guests of the Lodge at Ventana Canyon and Loew’s Ventana Canyon. Either Tom Fazio layout will give you all the golf—and photo ops—you can handle.

ASU Karsten 46

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

coloradoav idgo lf e r.c o m/t r ave l

KINDLY REFRAIN FROM OOHING AND AAHING AT THE SCENERY WHILE YOUR OPPONENT IS PUTTING. With breathtaking views and a thrilling design crafted

by Tom Lehman and John Fought, The Raven Golf Club at Verrado combines the finest elements of Arizona golf with the legendary Raven standards for service.

See for yourself why golf here defines golf everywhere.

www.ravenatverrado.com 4242 North Golf Drive, Buckeye, AZ 85396 | 623.388.3000

FURTHER

Arizona

OB

Longbow Golf Club Mesa longbowgolf.com/coavid; 480-807-5400 McDowell Mountain Golf Club Scottsdale mcdowellmountaingc.com/coavid; 480-502-8200 Palm Valley Golf Club Goodyear palmvalleygolf.com/coavid; 623-935-2500 Raven Golf Club-Phoenix Phoenix ravenphx.com/coavid; 602-243-3636 Sedona Golf Resort sedonagolfresort.com/coavid; 928-284-9355

Eagle Mountain Raven Golf Club Phoenix

36 HOLES

1 SPECTACULAR PACKAGE

EXPERIENCE ARIZONA’S FINEST 36-HOLE GOLF FACILITY. LOCATED JUST MINUTES FROM SCOTTSDALE.

FOR STAY & PLAY PACKAGES WITH RADISSON RESORT AND SPA

866-660-7700

AN ENTERPRISE OF THE FORT MCDOWELL YAVAPAI NATION Golf Photography by Lonna Tucker

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

WEKOPA.COM coloradoav idgo lf e r.c o m/t r ave l

Southwestern Way

STAY & PLAY THE

Book our Golf Package to enjoy a luxurious casita, 3 meals daily and 3 rounds of golf per 2-night stay in sunny Arizona.

Our award-winning championship course is lush and green year-round, so grab your clubs and head to the Old Southwest for a dude ranch resort unlike any other.

HORSES | SPA | GOLF | SUN

800-684-5030

www.ranchodeloscaballeros.com

LO E W S H OT E L S . C O M 8 OO . 2 3 . LO E W S Ask for Golf Packages

A DAY O F G O L F AT V E N TA N A .

F O R A R O U N D YO U WO N ’ T F O R G E T .

T H E R O O M YO U N E E D ANNAPOLIS • ATLANTA • BOSTON • HOLLYWOOD • MIAMI • MONTREAL • NASHVILLE • NEW ORLEANS • NEW YORK ORLANDO • PHILADELPHIA • QUEBEC • SAN DIEGO • SANTA MONICA • ST. PETE BEACH • TUCSON • WASHINGTON D.C.

F O R T H E E X P E R I E N C E ... F O R T H E L I F E S T Y L E ...

The Lodge at Ventana Canyon is a private country club and lodge with 50 guest suites and 36 holes of Tom Fazio championship golf — winding through the canyons and arroyos of a 600-acre desert preserve nestled in the Santa Catalina Mountains.

T h e L o d g e At Ve n t a n a C a n yo n . c o m 8 0 0 . 8 2 8 . 57 0 1

ACTIVITIES | Dining

80

They don’t call it the South Beach of the Desert for nothing. With more than 80 nightlife options—including wine bars, restaurants, lounges and dance clubs— within walking distance of one another, downtown Scottsdale pulses with action after dark. See experiencescottsdale.com for a complete menu.

t

ARIZONA FEATURED ACTIVITIES & DINING

Chelsea’s Kitchen Phoenix chelseaskitchenaz.com; 602-957-2555 Downtown Kitchen + Cocktails Tucson downtownkitchen.com 520-623-7700 La Hacienda at the Scottsdale Princess fairmont.com/Scottsdale 480-585-4848 x.7320 Mastro’s Ocean Club Scottsdale mastrosrestaurants.com 480-443-8555 Orange Sky Restaurant at Talking Stick Scottsdale talkingstickresort.com 480-850-8606 Arizona-Sonora Desert Musuem Tucson desertmuseum.org; 520-883-2702 Talisen West Scottsdale franklloydwright.org; 480-627-5340

Get Cultured Scottsdale boasts one of the highest concentration of art galleries and studios in the nation. For 39 years, those along Main Street and Marshall Way open their doors every Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m., for the free Artwalk (scottsdalegalleries.com), where you can drink and eat while taking in the art. Meanwhile, down at Tucson’s Museum of Art, the 8th Annual World Margarita championship will take place October 25 as part of the Tucson Culinary Festival (tucsonoriginals.com).

t Handlebar J, the

t Monkey Burger is the

Rusty Spur and Pinnacle Peak Patio Steakhouse—all in Scottsdale—rattle the rafters with country music and straight-up grub and beer. For a Wild West treat, two-step to Rawhide Western Town & Steakhouse in Chandler.

name of a popular Tucson restaurant, not a menu item at it. Innovative offerings include The Sonoran—a marriage of Chihuahua cheese, shredded cabbage, bacon and avocado salsa. monkeyburgerrestaurant.com

52

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

t Musical Instrument

Museum in Phoenix has to be one of the cooler cultural attractions around. More than 300 exhibits and 10,000 items from around the world fill the space.MIM stages concerts, videos and all things musical. themim.org.

it’s alimentary

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Drink in the colorful sunsets on Camelback Mountain while dining alfresco at the awardwinning mountaintop Elements (elementsrestaurant.com) at Sanctuary on Camelback in Paradise Valley.

A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY WITH UNLIMITED GOLF Retune your game on our 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course with all new green surfaces and renovated bunkers — just part of our $35 Million dollar resort-wide rejuvenation with the newest signature touches from Westin. Savor the culinary delights of new Executive Chef Michel while overlooking majestic high-desert mountain and golf course views. Recharge at the Red Door Spa or refresh at Sabino’s swim-up bar.

Stay. Play. Relax. Enjoy a new level of luxury in Tucson, Arizona.

Unlimited Golf Packages from $144* per person / per night

BOOK ONLINE AT WESTINLAPALOMARESORT.COM/LBPKG OR CALL 1.888.627.7201 *Rates apply to stays between 5/9–12/31, 2013. 7 day cancellation policy applies. Upgrade to a deluxe package for only $164 per person / per night. Rate plan LBPKG.

HOT SPOTS

Scottsdale Fashion Square is the largest shopping mall in the American Southwest, with hundreds of stores and restaurants filling 2 million square feet of space. fashionsquare.com Kierland Commons sprawls in openair glory across north Scottsdale. It’s the see-and-be-seen kind of place. kierlandcommons.com Scottsdale Gun Club rents everything from eye and ear protection to handguns and machine guns at its indoor range. scottsdalegunclub.com Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Chandler lets you pretend you’re Jimmie Johnson, who was also once a student. bondurant.com Biosphere 2 at the University of Arizona in Tucson approxmiates what life on another planet would be like. b2science.org.

Arizona

PMS 726

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

PMS 471

PMS Black

coloradoav idgo lf e r.c o m/t r ave l

coming fall 2013

every round southern arizona’s newest golf experience | signature notah begay iii design playability for all levels | award-winning resort

extraordinary

Arizona’s most decorated casino resort invites you to tee it up this fall at the opening of our championship golf course, Sewailo Golf Club at Casino Del Sol Resort - Arizona’s only Forbes Four-Star and Triple A Four Diamond Award Casino Resort. Enjoy five incredible restaurants, an award-winning Spa, our beautiful casino, or perhaps a concert under the stars at AVA Amphitheater.

Come stay and play in style at Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson. Where every day, and night, is extraordinary!

every day extraordinary

i-19, exit valencia west, 6 miles | tucson, arizona | 855.sol.stay | casinodelsol.com enterprise of the pascua yaqui tribe Please play responsibly. If you have a gambling problem, please call 1-800-639-8783.

Eureka Casino and Resort

t

Vegas, Baby?

Since what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas—especially at the beach clubs at the Hard Rock Hotel, Mandalay Bay and the MGM Grand—there’s not much to report on. A more “conventional” Vegas lodging experience—if you consider togas and 3,960 rooms conventional—awaits at the venerable Caesar’s Palace, which, in addition to having some of the city’s best restaurants and entertainment, also owns two golf gems—Rio Secco Golf Club in Henderson and Cascata in Boulder City. The five-star luxury of Wynn Las Vegas and Encore makes them worth checking out—if not only for the adjacent Wynn Golf Club. Since 2006, The Red Rock Casino has transformed Summerlin into an exciting alternative to The Strip.

LODGING | Where to Stay

5

Eureka Casino and Resort consistently rates as one of Mesquite’s top resorts because it consistently upgrades its facility. The last five years have seen brilliant remodelings of guest rooms and suites, gaming areas, as well as the courtyard, pool and spa, and the addition of new amenities. eurekamesquite.com

NEVADA FEATURED RESORTS

Caesar’s Palace Las Vegas caesarspalace.com; 866-227-5938 Casablanca Resort & Casino Mesquite casablancaresort.com; 877-438-2929 Eureka Casino & Resort Mesquite eurekamesquite.com; 800-346-4611 Holiday Inn Express Mesquite ihg.com/holidayinnexpress 800-972-2518 Virgin River Hotel & Casino Mesquite virginriver.com; 877-438-2929 Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa Las Vegas redrock.sclv.com 866-767-7773 Wynn Las Vegas Las Vegas wynnlasvegas.com; 888-320-7123

Casablanca t Virgin River Hotel

& Casino in Mesquite provides all the trappings of the 24-hour casino but italso features live country music and dancing nightly and 24 lanes of glow-inthe-dark bowling and four movie theaters.

56

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

t Falcon Ridge Hotel,

which once provided one of Mequite’s few non-casino lodging options, is now a Holiday Inn Express. It has retained its affiiation with Falcon Ridge Golf Course as well as the others in the Golf Mesquite Nevada consortium.

Beacon in the Desert

t Primm Valley Ca-

sino Resorts (Whiskey Pete’s, Primm Valley and Buffalo Bill’s) all offer stay and play packages for the excellent Lakes and Desert courses designed by Tom Fazio and managed by Par 4 just a halfhour south of Las Vegas.

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Just about anywhere in Mesquite rewards you with a view of the colossal 500-room CasaBlanca Resort, which features Vegas-class gambling, full-service spa treaments, swimming and golf at CasaBlanca and Palms golf clubs.

The Onl y Way to VEGAS! Stay & PLAY from $ 295 Player Two Rounds of Golf, Two Nights Hotel

5 Championship courses to choose from: Silverstone, Mountain Falls, Spanish Trail, Primm Valley or Badlands Golf Clubs. par4golfmanagement.com/packages

Stay at Red Rock Casino, Resort, Spa.

Deluxe King or Double Queen accommodations with views of the Las Vegas Strip & Red Rock Mountains. 35,000 sq ft Spa & Fitness Center with private pool & salon; 87,000 sq ft Gaming Floor, Bowling Center; Regal 16 Cinemas; 9 amazing restaurants plus food court. Scheduled Shuttle Service to and from the McCarran Airport and/or the Las Vegas Strip.

With other Las Vegas courses restricting players to the cart path, these premium tee times won’t last long.

For the best rates

call for tee times (702) 210-6101

concierge@par4golfmanagement.com

Your Exceptional Las Vegas Golf Getaway Awaits!

Terms and Conditions: Promotional offers are not valid with any additional offers, coupons or promotions. Offers are non-transferable and cannot be traded for other products or services. Management reserves the right to end promotions at anytime. Stay and Play pricing is based on double occupancy. To receive promotional pricing and packages, players must book through the Par 4 Golf Concierge. For details on the limited cart path restrictions at Badlands and Primm Valley, please contact the Par 4 Golf Concierge.

Golf | Where to Play

5

The company’s called Par 4, but it manages five Nevada golf properties: Silverstone, Badlands and Spanish Trail in Las Vegas; Primm Valley in Primm; and Mountain Falls in Pahrump. All but the last boast more than 18 holes—and Silverstone actually has an extra bet-settler called “the decider.” See par4golfmanagement.com for packages.

NEVADA FEATURED COURSES

Badlands Golf Club Las Vegas badlandsgc.com; 702-363-0754 Canyons at Oasis Golf Club Mesquite theoasisgolfclub.com; 888-367-3386 Cascata Boulder City cascatagolf.com; 702-294-2005 Conestoga Golf Club Mesquite conestogagolf.com; 702-346-4292 Coyote Springs Golf Club Coyote Springs coyotesprings.com; 877-742-8455 Falcon Ridge Golf Course Mesquite golffalcon.com; 702-346-6363 Palmer at Oasis Golf Club Mesquite theoasisgolfclub.com; 888-367-3386

Silverstone

t

Strength in Numbers All the golf, lodging and other activities offered in Mesquite can overwhelm even the most avid player. Golf Mesquite Nevada, a one-stop shop for expert vacation planning and assistance, has inside access to all the courses, hotels and things to do. GMN can package tee times at the Canyons and Palmer courses at Oasis Golf Club, Coyote Springs, Falcon Ridge, as well as the St. George, Utah-area courses of Sand Hollow and Coral Canyon only 35 minutes away. The service also promotes the Mesquite Amateur (mesquiteamateur.com), which is open to all, and also can arrange for dining, entertainment, spa treatments and other forms of recreation amid some of the grandest canyons this side of Arizona. golfmesquitenevada.com; 866-720-7111

Cascata A LOTTA CASCATA

t Spanish Trail Coun-

try Club hosted the PGA Tour’s Las Vegas Invitational for years. The 27-hole Robert Trent Jones design boasts three stunning nines—Sunrise, Lakes and Canyon— each of which challenges different parts of your game.

58

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

t Falcon Ridge Golf

Course climbs, winds and plunges 6,550 yards through the hills and canyons of northwestern Mesquite.

Designers Kelby Hughes and Cresent Hardy appear to have painted their masterpiece on the rugged canvas.

t Coyote Springs Golf Club, a 2008 Jack

Nicklaus design formerly known as “The Chase,” is located 50 minutes equidistant from both Las Vegas and Mesquite, features 11 lakes and has steadily chased down higher ranked courses.

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Cascata has emerged from Shadow Creek’s shadow as the primo high-roller Las Vegas golf experience. It cost $60 million to carve Rees Jones’ 7,137-yard opus into the finger ridges flanking Red Mountain, and it will cost you about $400 to play it. Guests at Caesar’s Palace get priority tee times, limo service and a check off their bucket lists.

experienceNevada Crafted by nature, forged over time.

Conestoga Golf Club, awarded one of the “Best You Can Play” in Nevada,

is a scenic 18 hole masterpiece woven through Abbot Wash featuring gentle elevation changes nestled below Mesquite’s majestic Flat Top Mesa. Conestoga is the only Troon Golf®-managed facility in Mesquite and is the perfect place to bring your golf group, specializing in customized packages to fit your needs.

For a limited time, book a group of 12 or more players and receive a complimentary upgrade to our “Premium” golf package which includes a meal in our 1880 Grille, yardage book, bag tag and more! Call 702.346.4292 and mention “Colorado Avid Golfer“ to book your “Premium” golf package today.

MESQUITE, NV

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702.346.4292

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CO N E S T O G A G O L F.CO M

CO N E S T O G A G O L F C L U B I S M A N A G E D B Y T R O O N G O L F,® T H E L E A D E R I N U P S C A L E G O L F CO U R S E M A N A G E M E N T

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NEVADA

Marbled by myriad washes, arroyos, bluffs and 51 bunkers, Mesquite’s stunning 7,232-yard Conestoga Golf Club earns every bit of its 74.9/147 rating from the tips. Forced carries and challenges abound, but this Troon-managed Gary Panks design plays from five sets of tees, eliminating some of the trouble but none of the enjoyment. conestogagolf.com

Conestoga

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Primm Valley Golf Club Primm primmvalleyresorts.com/golf; 702-679-5509

Palmer Oasis

All Hail the King The Palmer Course at Oasis Golf Club earned national notoriety for hosting The Big Break: Mesquite a few years ago. A perfect complement to the Oasis’s Canyon Course, the 6636-yard par-71 Palmer design traverses some of the most rugged and scenic desert terrain in Southern Nevada, its fairways carpeting canyons and leading to impeccable greens. The Palmer consistently ranks among the top Nevada public courses, with the 6408-yard Canyons right behind it. You can play both at Mesquite’s only 36-hole facility by going to golfmesquitenevada.com.

t Rio Secco Golf Club

t Badlands is a Spring-

t Angel Park, just

is headquarters for Butch Harmon, Golf Digest’s perennially top-ranked instructor. It’s also home to attractive female caddieconcierges called T-Mates and November’s Wendy’s Three Tour Challenge.

steen classic. It’s also a Vegas one. The 27-hole collaboration between Johnny Miller and Chi Chi Rodriguez registers a 147 as the lowest slope for any of the three 18hole combinations. But it’s far less brutal from forward tees.

minutes off The Strip, is your best bet after a tough night at the tables (angelpark. com). The local’s favorite has two Palmer-Ed Seaydesigned layouts. Another reasonable option is The Legacy (thelegacygc.com)

Rio Secco Golf Club Henderson riosecco.net; 702-777-2400 Silverstone Golf Club Las Vegas silverstonegolf.com; 702-562-3770 Spanish Trail Country Club Las Vegas spanishtrailcc.com; 702-364-5050

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

coloradoav idgo lf e r.c o m/t r ave l

THE PERFECT PAIRING A place of privilege where only a select few are allowed to play within the greatness beyond the wrought-iron gate. Italian for “waterfall,” Cascata is a magnificent golf course nestled throughout beautiful mountain vistas. Its waterfall tumbles over mammoth boulders and meanders down through the clubhouse. Cascata is one of the most lavish and finest courses you’ll ever encounter. Known for its luxury and impeccable service, Caesars Palace has paired up with Cascata to offer a spectacular experience that extends well beyond its resort’s doors.

To book, call 702.294.2005 or visit GolfCascata.com

©2013, Caesars License Company, LLC.

Tee up to win 4 (6 oz.) Filet Mignons from Omaha Steaks.

Our FREE gift to you when you make a hole-in-one!

Activities | Dining

Your Hole-In-One could win you...

FILET MIGNONS!

Make a hole-in-one on any recognized Colorado Section PGA facility, played at a minimum of 150 yards for men, 120 yards for women and Omaha Steaks will reward your success with a package of 4 (6 oz.) Filet Mignons!

To claim your prize, complete the registration form found at coloradopga.com and submit it to dplassmeyer@pgahq.com

15 NEVADA

Within a two-mile radius within Las Vegas are 15 of the 20 largest hotels in the world in terms of number of rooms. And yes, many of them do sell out.

t

Bet on Fun

The number of restaurants, shows, activities and, of course, casinos in Las Vegas simply staggers the mind. At Caesar’s Palace alone, you can see Celine Dion, eat at New York’s legendary Rao’s and play blackjack till dawn.

Or you might want to check out The Mob Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement (themobmuseum.org), Carroll Shelby Car Museum (shelbyamerican.com) or other off-the-beaten path places of interest. Vegas. com is a good one-stop planning resource.

Bellagio Caesar’s Palace

Eat Mesquite Katherine’s Steakhouse at CasaBlanca and Gregory’s Mesquite Grill at Eureka are Mesquite’s top restaurants.

Other non-gaming activities include Skydive Mesquite and skeet shooting at Oasis Gun Club.

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel 62

Casablanca

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

colora do avidgo lf e r.c o m

Inn at Entrada

t

Lodge Yourself in Utah What St. George, Utah—just 30 minutes from Mesquite—may lack in neon, it more than makes up for in natural beauty. You can find plenty of it on the golf courses, but less than 50 miles separates St. George from Zion National Park, home of such geological wonders as The Great White Throne, The Watchman and Weeping Rock.

A two-hour drive places you amid the myriad brilliantly colored spires rising from the amphitheaters of Bryce Canyon National Park. There’s boating in nearby Sand Hollow State Park, as well as mountain biking along the Anasazi Trail and Gooseberry Mesa.

t RED MOUNTAIN

RESORT, a “world-class adventure retreat,” comprises 82 rooms and 24 suites on 55 scenic acres of red rock cliffs and black lava gardens.

All amenities provide for your physical, spiritual, nutritional and mental well-being.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

t Tuacahn

Amphitheater is Utah’s version of Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater. Broadway shows, concerts and more are just a 15-minute drive north of St. George in Ivins. tuacahn.org

LODGING | Activities & Dining

44

Set into vermillion cliffs of Red Rock Country, just minutes from Snow Canyon State Park and Zion National Park, the Inn at Entrada beckons with luxurious accommodations in 44 rooms divided among suites and casitas. innatentrada.com

FEATURED RESORTS & HOTELS The Inn at Entrada St. George innatentrada.com 435-634-7100 The Inn at St. George St. George innstgeorge.com 855-222-3301

Red Mountain Resort Ivins redmountainresort.com; 877-246-4453 Red Rock Golf Trail St. George redrockgolftrail.com 800-869-6635

Sand Hollow Golf Resort Hurricane sandhollowresort.com 435-656-4653 St. George Inn & Suites St. George stgeorgeinnhotel.com 435-673-6661

WISH YOU WERE IN DIXIE?

t Kokopelli

Restaurant & Lounge, located at Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club, serves up elegant southwestern fare with panoramic views of red rock cliffs, snow canyon and emerald fairways. 435-986-2213

UTAH

To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Why is Southern Utah called Dixie? There’s even a Dixie State University. Back in the 1850s, Brigham Young encouraged his followers to grow cotton and other temperate cash crops that the North would no longer be able to get from the South (a.k.a.

Dixie). The plan failed but the name stuck.

Golf | Where to Play

11

Coral Canyon Golf Course, a spectacular Keith Foster design located in the “color country” just north of St. George, is one of 11 courses within a 40-minute radius that comprise Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail.

Sand Hollow

St. George’s emerging reputation as a golf mecca owes in part to the Red Rock Golf Trail, a complimentary service provided by the St. George Area Convention & Tourism Office that automatically calculates green fees with hotel prices for a total golf package rate. The trail consists of Coral Canyon, Sky Mountain, Sand Hollow, Sunbrook, SunRiver, St. George, Dixie Red Hills, Green Spring, Southgate and The Ledges. It also dips into Nevada to include Falcon Ridge in Mesquite. redrockgolftrail.com.

Canyon Country club is a private Johnny Miller Signature layout that allows play from guests of The Inn at Entrada. It courses through 7,085 yards of red rocks, streams and dramatic ancient black lava flows.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

t Sand Hollow’s colorful

7,300-yard Championship course has twice been voted Golfweek’s top public course in Utah, and its 3,687-yard Links 9 is every bit as good.

Onsite lodging makes for easy access to all 27 John Foughtdesigned holes.

Sunbrook Golf Course St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com; 435-627-4400

t The Ledges and Sky

Mountain golf courses both embrace the glories of their surroundings. The Ledges perches on cliffs 900 feet above the St. George Valley; Sky Mountain nestles between Zion National Park and the Pine Valley Mountain Range.

Coral Canyon Golf Course Washington coralcanyongolf.com; 435-688-1700 Dixie Red Hills Golf Club St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com; 435-627-4444 Entrada at Snow Canyon Country Club St. George golfentrada.com; 435-986-2207 Green Spring Golf Course Washington washingtoncity.org/golf; 435-673-7888 The Ledges Golf Course St. George ledges.com; 435-634-4600 The Ranches Golf Club Eagle Mountain theranchesgolfclub.com; 801-789-8100

Sand Hollow Golf Course Hurricane sandhollowresort.com; 435-656-4653 Sky Mountain Golf Course Hurricane skymountaingolf.com; 435-635-7888 Southgate Golf Club St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com 435-627-4440

A Gorgeous Gauntlet

t Entrada at Snow

FEATURED COURSES

Red Rock Golf Trail redrockgolftrail.com; 888-345-5551

Coral Canyon

t

UTAH

St. George Golf Club St. George stgeorgecitygolf.com; 435-627-4404 To book special packages go to

coloradoavidgolfer.com/ travel

Thanksgiving Point Golf Club Lehi thanksgivingpoint.org; 801-768-7400

Come Play With Us in Utah and Nevada!

Colorado Golf Association Members Receive Local Rates Expires Dec. 31, 2013

Make Your Next Golf Retreat a Championship Event 18 Hole championship course • Large or small groups welcome Located in Washington, Utah For tee times, green fees and custom event reservations please call 435-688-1700 • www.coralcanyongolf.com

Colorado Golf Association Members Receive Local Rates Expires Dec. 31, 2013

A Hidden Treasure Awaits You in Mesquite, Nevada This desert layout features some of the most beautiful golf landscapes in Mesquite.

Spectacular elevation changes, numerous water features and high mesa views combine with a course design that is playable for all golfers.

1024 Normandy Lane, Mesquite, Nevada 702-346-6363 • 877-270-4653 • www.golffalcon.com Course operations by

www.vanguardgolf.com

theGallery 68

Colorado AvidGolfer | August 2013

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WHAT OFF-SEASON? Sand Hollow Resort Championship Course

Breathtaking red rock views amidst a stunning natural setting are the focal points of the John Fought designed Sand Hollow Resort Championship Course.

The golf course incorporates steep ridgelines, deep canyons, and expansive elevations to create one of the most incredible golf experiences in the West.

Don’t put those clubs away just yet! There are a few things you need to know before you decide your golf season is over.

The average daily temperature for Denver, Colorado from September through January is just 40 degrees. This you probably know. What you may not know is the average temperature for the same months in St. George, Utah is a balmy 66 degrees. Pretty great golf weather, right?

The other important item on your winter golf vacation planning list is this little gem: Denver now has daily direct flights to St. George, Utah. Making it easier for you to visit www.RedRockGolf.com and plan your next golf trip.

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

Welcome to the home of golf in Utah. St. George is just 90 minutes north of Las Vegas, Nevada, in the southwest corner of Utah. Here red rock deserts and ancient lava fields meet alpine mountains in a stunning display of geologic majesty. This sun-drenched oasis boasts 11 lush golf courses with inspiring terrain, affordable green fees, warm year-round temperatures and some of the finest championship courses designed by some of the legends of golf. Now you can tee it up on the likes of the John Fought designed Sand Hollow Championship Course while your friends back home are shoveling their driveways.

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

Red Rock Golf Trail

Sunbrook

The crown jewel of St. George golf is the Sunbrook Golf Club. Sunbrook’s 27 distinctive holes offer tremendous views, an abundance of risk/ reward shots, ancient lava fields and even an island green. The Sunbrook experience has an unmatched variety of championship golf holes.

The 11 golf courses on the Red Rock Golf Trail are known for their stunning scenery. In fact, Utah’s top-rated courses are found in the St. George area. Ribbons of emerald green fairways traverse breathtaking red rock beauty, punctuated now and then by jet black lava rock, cascading waterfalls and stunning sunsets. With sunny blue skies, the winter daytime temperatures in St. George are generally in the 55 to 65 degree range, making conditions ideal for your group’s golf getaway to the year-round golf capital of Utah. The fall’s crystal clear morning air will have you posting pictures to all your jealous friends.

The Red Rock Golf Trail has a course for everyone’s game and budget. From the challenging designs of Coral Canyon, Sand Hollow, Sunbrook, Green Spring and Falcon Ridge to the family friendly courses of Sky Mountain, SunRiver, The Ledges, Southgate, St. George Golf Club and Dixie Red Hills. Our courses offer scenic wonders, country club service and wallet friendly green fees for every golfer.

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

An easy 90 minute flight from Denver lands you in one of the most scenic and golfer friendly areas in the West-St. George, Utah. Here, desert red rock meets alpine mountains in a stunning display of geologic majesty. Nestled in the midst of the unfolding terrain is a vibrant city with an active lifestyle, comfortable hotels, elegant spas, unique shopping, delicious restaurants and of course, championship golf! www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

RedRockGolf.com

Coral Canyon

Coral Canyon Golf Course provides a rare opportunity to enjoy luxurious golf at the doorway to some of the world’s famed natural wonders. The course fits seamlessly into its natural environment working its way through natural red rock formations and pristine native desert.

Green Spring

Green Spring Golf Course is a pleasure to play and offers an excellent test of golf including two of arguably the best holes in all of Utah. Breathtaking shots over red rock canyons with stunning backdrops make Green Spring a “must-play.”

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

It’s easy to plan your trip online. Just visit our website, www.

RedRockGolf.com, and with a few clicks of your mouse start creating your custom package today. You’ll be introduced to the golf trail courses with full-color photos, videos, extended course descriptions, stats, maps, current local weather and aeration schedules. Click on “package quote” and start building the perfect itinerary to fit your schedule, your skill level and your pocketbook.

In addition to our outstanding choice of golf courses, you can select lodging at any of our partners. Choose from accommodating rooms at Hampton, LaQuinta, Best Western Abbey or Coral Hills, Marriott Courtyard or TownePlace, Clarion, Holiday Inn Express or St. George Inn & Suites. If you prefer a more luxurious stay – choose the Red Mountain Resort and take advantage of additional adventures and services. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance and there are no booking fees.

Getting to St. George is easier now than ever before. Fly

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

Red Rock Golf Trail

Falcon Ridge

Located in nearby Mesquite, Nevada, Falcon Ridge Golf Course features spectacular elevation changes, numerous water features and high mesa views. With a wide selection of teeing options, the course is playable for all levels of golfers.

direct via United Express – a 90 minute flight from DEN to SGU!!

Rental cars are available at SGU, giving you plenty of options to get from course to course. Other options include direct flights to Vegas (1.5 hours south) or Delta via Salt Lake City. If the scenic route is what you prefer, St. George is conveniently situated on I-15.

Even the most avid golfer can’t spend every hour on the golf course. Once you’ve tallied your scorecard there are plenty of other adventures surrounding St. George ready to help you forget those missed putts.

Zion National Park—one of the most intimate and favorite of visitors from all over the world, is best experienced from the bottom up! In sheer magnitude and color, it is very likely one of the most awe-inspiring National Parks in the world. Zion is open all year and hosts over 2.5 million visitors per year.

Elevations in the canyon range from 4,000 feet at the valley floor to nearly 9,000 feet at the highest point. Rock climbers and

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

St. George

The St. George Golf Club offers a more traditional parkland style of play that is popular with guests and locals alike.

The course features large smooth greens and fairways designed for walking.

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

RedRockGolf.com

Sky Mountain

The scenic and challenging Sky Mountain Golf Course has some of the most picturesque holes in all of Southern Utah. Incredible panoramic views of the twisted red rock landscape are available throughout the course.

hiking enthusiasts from around the world experience the vertical climbs and zigzagging trails which take you to pinnacles, domes, arches and spires. Hanging gardens, canyon waterfalls and natural stain lined canyon walls create a tropical paradise in the middle of an arid desert climate. Zion Canyon offers many trails ranging from short “leg-stretcher” walks to strenuous adventures.

The short hike to Weeping Rock is not to be missed and for those high performance golfer/hikers, the amazing hike to the top of Angels Landing is something you won’t soon forget. And speaking of forget—take along a camera on this one! The photographer— professional or amateur—will find as many “great shots” in the canyon as on our golf courses.

The unique and eclectic town of Springdale welcomes you to Zion National Park. Walk the tree lined streets to enjoy the many unique eateries, stunning artist galleries, interesting rock shops and fun souvenir stores. Throw a little education into the mix by visiting the Zion Canyon Giant Screen Theater

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

Red Rock Golf Trail

The Ledges

Postcard perfect views can be found at The Ledges. With many holes playing right alongside Snow Canyon State Park the course design is both stunning and innovative as it is challenging.

that features “Treasures of the Gods”, a 40 minute IMAX film of the history of Zion.

Many events and festivals that you may enjoy are held throughout the year in Springdale. Visit the calendar at www.

AtoZion.com to find out what events are being held during your stay in Red Rock Golf Trail country. A wide variety of dining is available from steaks to Mexican to Oriental food—and don’t miss Springdale’s first micro-brewery at the Majestic View Lodge Restaurant and Saloon for a taste of Hop Valley IPA, Virgin Stout or Springdale Ale! Another hidden treasure of the area is Snow Canyon State Park. Snow Canyon, named for one of the early settlers of the region rarely sees snow, but rather is a geological wonder of red and white sandstone. Years of erosion have left arches and towers, ancient volcanoes have added a layer of black lava—for some added drama. The sand dunes, lava caves and rock arches add magnificence to the hiking and biking trails that are easily accessible from the parking lots. For a different sightseeing experience, take a guided horseback tour through a red rock, red sand, black lava wonderland!

Besides golf, what is your passion? Rock climbing?

Photography? Rappelling? ATV? Perhaps you’ve always wanted to skydive or take a hot air ballon flight. You are in luck—the opportunity to take a “time out” to enjoy more than one fancy is at your fingertips. There is no better way to take in some of the most stunning scenery in the country!

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

Dixie Red Hills

Dixie Red Hills Golf Course opened for play in the mid-1960s, the distinctive nine hole par-34 layout meanders around sandstone cliffs and mature trees and is one of the real treats of the Red Rock Golf Trail.

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

RedRockGolf.com

Southgate

Laid out as a great walking course, Southgate Golf Club provides a front nine requiring some accuracy off the tee with water lurking on many holes. The back nine is a bit longer and has plenty of risk/reward opportunities.

SunRiver

Sitting along the Virgin River, SunRiver golf course is surrounded by a colorful desert landscape with wide fairways and the only bent grass tee boxes in the area. SunRiver has a player-friendly ambiance while still providing a challenging test of golf.

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

After a great day on the course or in our parks, a red rock steaming stones massage may be in order. Check with any of the local day spas to schedule a variety of treatments— mud baths to manicures, facials to foot massages are available at our rejuvenating spas! If more of a soft adventure retreat is what you had in mind, schedule your golf package around one of our destination spas. These well-known spas offer a wide variety of treatments and experiences.

Buffalo steaks, sizzling seafood, black and bleu burgers, pick your own pasta, Belgian waffles or bumbleberry pancakes—take your pick for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

With the wide variety of eateries—both locally owned and franchised—you can relish (or remorse over) today’s scorecard in a bar and grill, sandwich café, bountiful buffet or quiet restaurant. Ask the hotel front desk for an area dining guide.

In relation to its population, the St. George area offers more golf opportunities than any other place in Utah. This sundrenched oasis boasts some of the most challenging and affordable courses with inspiring terrain, a warm and dry year-round climate and some of the finest course designs in the Sunbelt. Play amid breathtaking red rock, intimidating lava rock, cascading waterfalls, inspiring sunrises and stunning sunsets. To top it off, you will find green fees as pleasantly surprising as the landscapes.

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

Red Rock Golf Trail

RedRockGolf.com

Zion National Park, just 40 minutes from St. George, is a must do for the first time visitor (or second or third). The stunning canyon landscapes will amaze you over and over again.

With a mix of city-owned and privately owned courses, the variety offers something for every skill level and budget.

So get away from the ever-sinking temperatures high in the Rockies and soak up some sun and golf in Utah’s golf mecca. Spoil yourself without breaking the bank. Whether your plans involve a twosome or a large group, the Red Rock Golf Trail makes it easy to stay and play so you can relax and focus on what you love—golf! With this convenient service you can book tee times as far as six months in advance. Visit us online today at www.RedRockGolf.com or call one of our booking agents at 888-345-2550. We look forward to seeing you on the Red Rock Golf Trail—it’ll leave its mark!

Crisp fall mornings.

Warm, sunny afternoons.

Every reason to play.

Zion Canyon

Make hiking in Zion National Park one of the highlights of your Red Rock Golf Trail getaway. Zion is a sanctuary.

A refuge. One of those rare places that neither words, nor pictures can capture.

13 COURSES.

243 HOLES. 90 MINUTE FLIGHT. DEN > SGU > GOLF.

COURSES. ROOMS. DISCOUNTS. RedRockGolf.com

Special Section: St. George Utah’s Red Rock Golf Trail

www.RedRockGolf.com • 888.345.2550

SECOND TO NONE

Arizona’s golf communities have evolved past being second-home enclaves for seniors and snowbirds. As this sampling shows, they’re more dynamic than ever with personality that makes residents want to stay year-round.

by Jon Rizzi 78

Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

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ENCANTERRA

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ocated on 800 acres an hour southeast of Phoenix and Scottsdale, the six-year-old affordable luxury

development whose name suggests “enchanted earth” is casting its spell on more and more people. Encanterra, which will ultimately grow to 2,200 homes, embraces two communities: Encanterra Country Club, for all ages; and Trilogy at Encanterra, a 55-plus neighborhood. Both have access to the gorgeous 60,000-square-foot clubhouse, highly decorated Tom Lehmandesigned course, Mossa Athletic Club, three swimming pools, four restaurants, tennis center and countless other amenities that make up what the developer, Shea Homes, aptly calls The Good Life. Shea is offering a Try Before You Buy program, where for $399, you and one other person can stay three nights and four days in a stunning home, dine once at an Encanterra restaurant, and play a round of golf (or receive a treatment at Alvea Spa). New, fully finished homes, which range in size from approximately 1,300- to 3,800-square feet and in price from the high-$100,000s to the mid-$400,000s, are Shea Green Certified and, for a limited time, include “SheaXeroNo Electric Bill” features. Residents, who become social members as part of their homeowners’ dues, are not required to take full golf memberships ($20,500 initiation) but the $330 in monthly dues ($495 for November-April residents) make Encanterra an attractive value proposition. encanterra.com; (800) 685-6494.

SOME ENCHANTED BUILDING: Encanterra’s multipurpose 60,000-sq ft clubhouse

Fall 2013 | Colorado AvidGolfer

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CUSTOM-BUILT: Desert Highland homes average above $1 million NINE AND DINE: One of Desert Mountain’s nine restaurants.

THE JOY OF SIX: All Desert Mountain clubhouses come with a view.

HEAD FOR THE HILLS: Homes on Desert Mountain’s Chiricahua course.

DESERT MOUNTAI N

For 25 years, this 8,000-acre, 1,680-home north Scottsdale development has set the standard for Arizona golf and recreational communities, attracting numerous Coloradans such as Denver banker Chuck Harrison, a Cherry Hills and Rolling Hills member who joined the club in 1992 and has built two homes there. Like most of the 4,000 full- and part-time residents, Harrison and his wife Anita love the variety of Desert Mountain’s six Jack Nicklaus courses and their six separate clubhouses, as well as the development’s nine distinctive restaurants. Desert Mountain’s Cochise Course still stages the Champions Tour’s Charles Schwab Cup, and recently opened a $1.6 million Jim Flick Golf Performance Center. But Desert Mountain has evolved. The members now own it and golf has become just one of the many lifestyle amenities that include a 19,000-square-foot spa and fitness center; 10-acre tennis complex featuring nine courts utilizing hard, clay and grass surfaces; three resort-style pools; a youth activity center; private hiking trail system; dog park; and onsite concierge. Golf members no longer have to live in the community; nor do residents have to join the golf club.

With an increasing percentage of residents living there year round, three of the courses remain open every summer. Bids on reissued equity golf memberships start at $65,000, with $1,260 per month in dues. Non-golf equity members pay $10,000/ $420. desertmountain.com; (480) 595-4000.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

FIRE STARTER: Desert Highlands’ clubhouse kindles gatherings

DESERT HIGHLANDS

Three decades have passed since the pioneering 850-acre development in the shadow of Pinnacle Peak opened its gates and hosted Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Gary Player in a Skins game on Jack’s 7,108-yard masterwork of target golf. But Desert Highlands remains as intimate, prestigious and exceptional as ever. Only owners of one of the 560 homes (starting around $600,000) may join Desert Highlands, which adds a $75,000 membership fee to the home purchase price. Monthly dues run $1,050. For that, members get unlimited golf and also gain access to the first 18-hole putting course in America (designed by Gary Panks). They also can avail themsleves of 13 grass and hard surface tennis courts, stocked fishing lake, 7,000-square-foot spa and fitness center, and a spectacular, award-winning clubhouse with two restaurants. Dues also cover the impressive security system for the development’s four communities. Easy access to Old Town Scottsdale, Desert Village Shopping Center and Mayo Clinic and hospital.

coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

No-Home Courses

I

f living in a private Arizona golf community isn’t how you roll , maybe joining one of the Valley of the Sun’s many private golf clubs is more your style. Here are two worth considering:

FireRock Country Club

COMMUNITY CENTER: Trilogy at Vistancia’s Kiva Club

Part of the Troon Privé collection that includes Colorado’s Club at Cordillera, this Fountain Hills club features a magnificent 29,000-square-foot clubhouse and an equally impeccable 7,001-yard Gary Panks layout that combines dramatic elevation changes, deep canyon washes and holes that hug the slopes of Red Mountains. Built in 2000, it was Fountain Hills’ first private golf club. Equity golf memberships cost $45,000, non-equity $25,000 ( nonrefundable) ; monthly dues for both memberships are $765. Members can also enjoy fine dining, tennis and fitness. firerockcc.com; (480) 836-8100

THE GOOD LIFE: Trilogy at Vistancia’s pool and Alvea Spa

VISTANCIA

Preferred tee times, rates and access to one of the top-rated courses in the west Valley—the daily-fee Trilogy Golf Club at Vistancia—are just some of the benefits of living in this 1,000-acre development less than an hour’s drive from SkyHarbor Airport. Vistancia divides into three communities—Trilogy, Village and Blackstone—with home prices ranging from $200,000 to north of $1 million. A Shea homes development, Trilogy at Vistancia is the active adult (55-plus) neighborhood featuring single-story homes and resort-style state-of-the-art athletic club and aerobics studio, an indoor Olympic-style pool and an outdoor resort pool, a golf course and Alvea Spa. The multi-age Village at Vistancia includes the 15,000-square-foot Mountain Vista Club and its aquatic park, indoor basketball gym and a tennis center with four lighted tennis courts, as well as the Foothills Center with a six-lane lap pool, a children’s playground and a picnic arbor. On the more rarefied end, there’s Blackstone at Vistancia, a private, gated community boasting a private Jim Engh design and a 30,000-square-foot haciendastyle clubhouse, fitness and tennis centers and fine dining. Blackstone equity golf memberships run $20,000, with $690 in monthly dues. The affordability ( “About 70 cents on the Scottsdale dollar,” says Blue Star Resort & Golf Membership and Marketing Manager Ben Keilholtz), highly amenitized and multigenerational aspects of Vistancia hold considerable appeal for both snowbirds and permanent residents, an equal number of which live here. Vistancia.com; (623) 933-6233

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FireRock

The Golf Club Scottsdale

With no residences intruding on its 7,561yard Jay Morrish-Dick Bailey collaboration is renowned for its hacienda-style clubhouse compound and a stout string of four finishing holes known as “Gambler’s Bluff.” At press time, rumor had it that member Bob Parsons , the Executive Chairman and Founder of GoDaddy. com, was in the process of buying the club, changing its name and establishing a new membership fee structure. thegolfclubscottsdale.com; (480) 443-8868.

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Save by

Roy?

After a decade of playing golf and coaching juniors, can NHL legend Patrick Roy lead the last-place Avalanche to relevancy?

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By Sam Adams Photograph by Steve DeschĂŞnes

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NHL career, but to this day chooses not to take formal lessons. He still gets them—at times, reluctantly—for free.

“We have about 600 members, and I have about 599 coaches— which is great,” Roy muses.

“When you get out on the range everyone’s telling you that you should do this or that.”

Bourque is an “8 or 9 handicap” who plays as up to five times a week. His long-time friendship with Roy was shaped in the fairways. As teammates with the Avs, the two played golf often—be it at Castle Pines, Glenmoor (two clubs where Roy held memberships), The Ridge at Castle Pines (one of Roy’s favorite Colorado courses)—or hopping a private jet for an in-season getaway to Superstition Mountain in Arizona.

“When he played for Montreal and I played for Boston, probably the late ’80s, early ’90s, we were members of Rosemere Country Club. That’s where we really got to know each other,” Bourque says. “We started playing together more and more. I always respected him. He was a rival—and there’s no bigger rivalry in hockey than Boston and Montreal—but the respect I had for his game . . . it was fun to get to know him personally. We always joked about playing together some day on the ice. I always told him he’d have to come to Boston. He’d say I’d have to come to Montreal. We found ourselves in Colorado. It was an incredible experience and a lot of fun for both of us.”

The on-ice bond between Bourque and Roy was evident during the ’01 Stanley Cup Finals. The two sat together on a podium to answer questions from the press after the Avs lost Game 5. Trailing the New Jersey Devils three games to two in the bestof-seven championship series, Colorado had to win Game 6 in New Jersey to force a Game 7 at Pepsi Center.

The stoic looks on the faces of Roy and Bourque could have coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

P h o t o g r a p h c o u rt e s y o f g e t t y i m ag e s

go down as the most pivotal round of negotiations in the history of the Colorado Avalanche franchise.

In May, Avalanche executive vice -president of hockey operations Joe Sakic and Avalanche president Josh Kroenke arrived in Jupiter, Fla., to meet with Patrick Roy to discuss the hockey club’s vacant coaching position. Roy, who owns a home in the area, decided it would be best to meet on the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at the exclusive Bear’s Club.

“When Joe said he was coming with Josh, I said let’s do things differently. We don’t have to go to a restaurant or to my place,” Roy says. “I said, ‘Let’s play golf, and let’s talk about our views during the day.’ Basically that’s what we did all day. For the entire round we were talking—not even thinking about what the scores were.

“It was just relaxing. First of all it was an opportunity for me to get to know Josh. I had met him before, but this was an opportunity for me to be with him and talk about things other than hockey.

It really broke the ice well. When we were done, we sat together and exchanged our views on the coaching job. They explained the reasons why they were there. I thought it was a great day, really.”

So, on May 28—10 years to the day he announced his retirement from the NHL—Roy was formally introduced as the head coach and vice president of hockey operations for the Avalanche, the club he helped lead to the Stanley Cup championship in 1996 and 2001.

Was it mere coincidence that another member of the Avalanche’s 2001 Stanley Cup championship club—Hall of Famer Ray Bourque—also showed up in Florida for some golf and

and down since he retired. “Berelaxation at the same time?

“It pretty much was a done deal cause I retired I thought I would by then—I think both sides were practice more and play better, finalizing the details,” Bourque but that hasn’t been the case,” says. “But it was fun to be with he says. “But I’m very passionthem knowing that it was go- ate about the game. I love this ing to be announced soon. I was game—it’s a great game for many happy for Patrick because I know reasons. First of all, I love to comhe’s ready. I had my son, Chris, pete. Golf, there’s no better sport play for Patrick a couple of years. to me, after 18 years of playing in I know how passionate and how the NHL, there’s no better game organized and how hard he’s where you can go at your own worked at the junior hockey level. pace, compete with your buddies “We all know how passion- and enjoy four-and-a-half hours ate and detailed he was when of playing with your friends.”

Roy allows, however, that “in he played, but he brings that as a coach and more. I think it’s what the Avs need. The hire is a major step in the right direction.”

“Everything Patrick does in sports, he does with passion,” Kroenke says. “I know for a fact he plays golf with passion and has a lot of respect for the game.”

A flat stick was Roy’s best friend on the ice. The fourNET GAIN: The puck stopped time Stanley with Roy, now the buck will.

Cup champion used one to turn away 25,807 the last five, six or seven years shots in 1,029 regular season the game is starting to become games during his 19-year Hall a lot different for me. It’s been of Fame career in the National very humbling. You always think Hockey League. But the flatstick you’ve mastered the game and on the greens has been a nemesis all of a sudden—bing—it hits you for Roy. right there. I’m not saying my priAt times, Roy, who plays to a 6, ority has changed, but I’m there has found that slow-rolling a golf to enjoy myself more now.” ball into a 4.25-inch hole can be He certainly enjoyed himself much tougher than preventing a last year when he carded his first 100 mph hockey puck from zip- hole-in-one, on hole No. 13 of ping through the five-hole. “My the Québec Course at the Royalshort game is not very good,” he Québec Golf Club. “A 4-iron with says bluntly. “I’ve even shifted to the wind in my face,” he says. “It’s cross-hand, to tell you how much 200 yards. I saw it roll into the hole. I was jumping, going nuts.”

I’m struggling.”

Roy took up golf early in his Roy says his game has been up

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HARD DRIVER: Roy’s intensity will push his team.

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been interpreted as dejection, disappointment and despair. But those looks only masked an anger, will and determination that transfused into the entire team.

Bourque delivered an inspirational speech before Game 6. Roy delivered the 19th postseason shutout of his career in the Avs’ 4-0 win. They returned to Denver to win Game 7 and claimed the Stanley Cup championship at Pepsi Center.

“I could not tell you that we were not going to lose Game 6, but we were not going to give up,” Roy says.

Roy intends to instill that mentality within the Avs’ current roster. Helping him will be one of the heroes of that championship season, 33-year-old winger Alex Tanguay, for whom the team traded shortly after Roy became coach.

But the team is still young, and Roy will need to draw on his coaching experience with the Québec Remparts of the Québec Major Junior Hockey League. Roy, who was also part-owner and general manager of the team, coached Québec to a 349-159-0-37 record over eight seasons.

The rookie NHL coach will have to exhibit patience with a team that won only 19 games in last year’s lockout-shortened 48-game season and had the fourth-youngest roster in the league. Last season’s team captain, Gabriel Landeskog, is only 20 years old. Forwards Ryan O’Reilly and Matt Duchene are 22. Forward Paul Stastny (27) and defensemen Ryan Wilson (26) and Erik Johnson (25) are young veterans.

The team’s first overall selection in this year’s amateur draft, center Nathan MacKinnon, is 17.

Still, goaltending is the team’s main concern.

Jean-Sébastien Giguère (36) is the veteran of the group. Calvin Pickard and Seymon Varlamov will have to prove themselves to the greatest goaltender in NHL history.

“As a coach, sometimes you have to be a little more patient because you need to repeat and repeat,” Roy says. “When you’re a player you

take care of yourself. When you’re coaching you have to take care of 20-plus players. You need to have a different approach with all the players—some you need to be a little tougher on than others. You need to adapt and adjust all the time.”

Roy’s intensity—and hot temper—is legendary in hockey circles. As a player, he wasn’t afraid to throw the fisties with opposing goaltenders. His bouts with Detroit Red Wings goalies Mike Vernon and Chris Osgood are YouTube favorites. In 2008, Roy’s fighting spirit went a bit too far. He was accused of urging his son, Jonathan, to fight an opposing—and retreating—goalie during a QMJHL game. Both Roys were suspended and fined.

“I never was a very patient player, I can tell you that,” Roy says. “As a coach, you have to be. At the same time, there are limits to patience. I expect people to work hard. When people work hard, then it’s a lot easier for me to be patient—I know we’re going to hit success down the road. If you’re not working hard, then my patience is very little.

“I’m a person that accepts mistakes—no one goes on the ice with the intention to make mistakes. But if you’re not working hard, that’s the thing our fans and organization expect to see. If you respect the game and respect your fans, good things will happen.”

Josh Kroenke is certainly sold. “We are thankful to have Patrick back in the organization in prominent roles,” the team president says. “He loves our community, and our fans will appreciate how he will lead this young team moving forward.”

There’s still a mystery as to who won the round between Roy, Sakic and Kroenke in Jupiter. Each has been tight-lipped about it, but Roy might’ve let on just a bit: “Joe was using my clubs—we both play left-handed— and it seemed like he felt pretty good with them. It was different for Josh (a righty) because he had to use the rental. But honestly, we could not care less about who won.”

Not caring about who wins? That seems a bit hard to believe coming from Patrick Roy— the fierce competitor who retired from his sport as the winningest goaltender in NHL history. That laissez-faire attitude may play out on the golf course, but not behind the bench. For him, pulling the Avalanche out of the rough and back among the ranks of Stanley Cup championship contenders will take quite the save. Cag Contributor Sam Adams is the author of If You Don’t Believe Me…Lessons Learned From Listening to the Greats (likethebeer.com). co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

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ReachinG the

GREEN t h e ga m e of g o l f

has helped oil the American economy since the days of John D. Rockefeller. How do leaders in Colorado’s business community perpetuate the tradition? We turned the spotlight on 14 prominent local executives to explore their intimate relationship with the game. by jon rizzi

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Pete Coors

Chairman, Molson Coors Brewing Company and MillerCoors

Handicap: 17.2 Memberships: Private

Favorite golf destination: No favorites. I enjoy every course and can’t think of one I would say, “Sorry I played that one.”

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

P HOTOGRA P H BY RICH C L AR K SO n ( t o p ) a n d j e r e m y c a n ta l a m e s s a

An eagle on 13 at Augusta National.

How important is golf in your professional life? How has it helped your business?

Golf is social for me. I never carry a cell phone. Someone can come find me if there is an emergency. You learn a lot about people when you play golf with them, and I suspect the business value for me and business associates I get to play with has to do with learning their character and how they approach challenges.

With whom do you most enjoy playing golf?

Anyone, otherwise I wouldn’t play.

Unrelated to golf, professionally and personally, what do you see as your legacy?

Life is short. People shouldn’t take themselves too seriously. I have tried to raise our children to love God, work hard and be good stewards of their riches, whatever they may be.

Todd Usry

Brewmaster and Director of Brewery Operations, Breckenridge Brewery

Handicap: 18 Membership: Red Rocks CC Favorite golf destination : Ocean Course and Sanctuary Hotel at Kiawah Island Bucket list courses: Augusta, St. Andrews, Greenbrier, Pinehurst Describe your most memorable golf experience(s):

About 13 years ago during the evening men’s group at Red Rocks, a female mountain lion laid by my ball in the old fifth fairway, played with it like a toy and ran off with it. Once she was gone, we hit to the green and found two cubs in the bunker. We didn’t putt out.

How golf has influenced your professional life?

The golf course is my happy place. People get to know me. I’m not a deal maker on the golf course. I form relationships with clients, employees and business partners.

If golf is a litmus test for doing business with someone, what traits do you look for while playing?

Honesty, humility, patience and general coolness.

Do you have a regular game? Some day, when life allows.

With whom do you most enjoy playing golf?

My wife, Terry, my kids and my two best golf buddies, Jeff Kraft and Mike Windemuller.

Do you like to play for money? Heck yeah. I love getting lucky. It’s the only way I win.

What do you see as your legacy?

My wonderful children—my son, August, has caddied at Cherry Hills for three years—and a brewery that continues to provide for our employees and put smiles on our customer’s faces.

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Fred Emich

President, Emich VW & Emich Chevrolet

Handicap: 3 Memberships: Lakewood CC, Castle Pines GC, Red Sky GC; The Silverleaf Club and Talking Stick (Arizona)

Favorite Golf Destination: Pebble Beach Bucket List Course(s): “Aside from Pine Valley, which is near Subaru headquarters, I haven’t played any of the great courses back east.”

How has golf helped your business?

It let me to get to know the top GM, Chrysler and Ford executives personally. The biggest thing is getting four hours when they’re not in business mode, you can see who they are, what they do and don’t do, what they like and don’t like. It lets them learn those things about me, too.

Most memorable golf experience(s)

I have so many but two stick out. One: Playing 18 holes with Arnold Palmer in the pro-am before the 1988 Hertz Bay Hill Classic. It was special; he talked to everyone. It was dark by the time we finished. Two: winning my first Lakewood club championship in 2011, 35 years after joining. I’d been a member longer than many of the guys I beat had been alive.

What’s your legacy?

My son, Fred, has gone into the car business. He’s the fourth generation. That’s very rare.

Mary Pacifico-Valley President and CEO, Rickenbaugh Automotive Group

Handicap: 26 Membership: Rolling Hills CC Favorite golf destination: Anywhere with ocean holes.

Bucket list course: The Blue Monster at Doral When did you start playing golf?

Ten years ago because I wanted to adopt an athletic hobby with which I could remain active for a long time. I also wanted to participate at meetings and tournaments with my fellow auto dealers, who are predominately male and play golf.

How important is golf in your professional life?

Very. If you really want to know what’s going on in your industry, you find out on the golf course, after the meetings.

How has golf helped your business?

It allows me and other employees to promote our business. Also our managers choose a couple of tournaments each year in which we would like to be involved based on the relationships we have with customers and the causes we believe in.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

The entire summer during which I played with fellow employees consistently. We had so much fun, played a variety of courses and my game greatly improved.

What do you think people learn about you while playing golf?

I love having fun. People can see that I can’t believe I could be so bad at something!

What do you see as your legacy?

I would like others to see that I left a business that is known for honesty, integrity and, most importantly, treating the customer well.

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Art. Brought To Life.

It has often been said that life imitates art. At Desert Highlands, there is no imitation. Desert Highlands has always been a beautiful place to live. And a world class country club. The centerpiece of this private residential community is its Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The 18-hole putting course, designed by Gary Panks and inspired by the putting courses in Scotland, was the first of its kind in America. But recreation at Desert Highlands isn’t just about golf.

There are 13 tennis courts with grass, Har-Tru or hard surfaces, a 7,000 square foot state-of-the-art fitness center, a beautifully landscaped lake for fishing and miles of walking paths that wind through the community.

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Welcome to Desert Highlands. Let the celebration begin.

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George Solich

President and CEO, Energy IV LLC

Handicap: 6 Memberships: Cherry Hills CC, Castle Pines GC, The Broadmoor, Whisper Rock (Ariz.), Riviera (Calif.), Champions (Tex.)

Favorite golf destination: Augusta National Bucket list course: Merion GC Most memorable golf experience?

The one that always gives me chills is from the 1999 Tour Championship at Champions Club in Houston. Payne Stewart was heading there when his plane crashed. In the morning fog, bagpipers marched from the 10th tee to the 10th green in front of the clubhouse. We couldn’t see them, just hear them getting louder as they materialized from the fog.

How has golf influenced your professional life?

More than I ever thought it would. Caddying at The Broadmoor taught me the value of hard work, how to get along with people—the ones you like and don’t like—and what to emulate in successful people. The game gave me a college education through the Evans Scholars program, great friendships and a great foundation for business success.

Do you have a regular game?

No. But in 1995 when I was living in Houston and missing my Colorado buddies, I founded a Ryder Cup-style event called the Energy Cup. It took place eight times all over the country.

P HOTOGRA P h by e j c a r r ( b o t t o m )

Do you like to play for money? I love it. I’m competitive.

What do you see as your legacy?

As a golfer, I hope I’m viewed as someone who cared about the game and gave back to it.

As a businessman, we created a lot of value for shareholders, treated our employees well and gave back to the communities in which we operated.

Craig Andrisen Chairman, Andrisen Morton

Handicap: 7 Memberships: Cherry Hills CC Favorite Golf Destinations: Pine Valley, Oakmont, Cypress Point and Pebble Beach Bucket List Courses: Augusta National, Shinnecock, Oak Hill How important is golf in your professional life?

Very. We deal with very affluent people and most play golf. Our customers become our friends.

We’ve gotten to know each other over rounds of golf and have gone to some amazing places.

How has golf helped your business?

Hosting people at Cherry Hills, of course, and playing all over, meeting people and making connections during the four hours we spend together.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

Caddying for John Elway on the Celebrity Tour in Pittsburgh and getting to play three holes with Ben Crenshaw at TPC Southwind in Memphis.

If golf is a litmus test for doing business with someone, what traits do you see as most important?

If a person’s fun to play golf with, they’ll be fun to do business with. I do look to see if a person thinks he’s better than he is. If he says he’s a six and plays like an 11, what’s he like in business? It’s worse when a supposed 11 plays like a 6.

Do you play for money?

Not as much, but my friends and I play a game where the loser of the hole has to caddy for the other guys until he someone else loses one.

Any fashion advice for the course?

Never dress better than you play.

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Marc Steron

Managing Partner, Shanahan’s Steakhouse

Handicap: 10 Membership: Highlands Ranch GC Favorite golf destination: Arizona Biltmore. I play there with my twin, Jeff, who has cerebral palsy and lives in Phoenix. With only one arm, he hits it 200 yards.

Bucket list course: Pebble Beach Most memorable golf experience:

Playing Cherry Hills for the first time in 2009. I was an avid Arnold Palmer fan as a kid, and seeing the plaque on the first tee where he drove the green in the 1960 Open was unforgettable. I nailed my drive but still had 100 yards into the green.

How important is golf in your professional life?

It’s helped me cultivate more relationships than I can count. I talk about golf on a nightly basis with guests in one way or another. Golf and steakhouses like mine go hand in hand.

What qualities do you look for when playing golf with a potential business contact?

Etiquette. It’s very simple: Some guys help find your ball; some don’t. I always help.

What do you think people learn about you while playing golf?

I don’t have any pretense or ego. I’m thankful for any great shot I hit.

Do you like playing for money?

What do you see as your legacy?

We built philanthropy into our business and marketing plan from day one. My biggest goal is to involve Shanahan’s in our community. We also want to be remembered as a place with great food, service and a special environment for guests—a true escape they looked forward to. Within my means, I aspire to personally contribute to my community as well.

Larissa Herda

Chairman, CEO and President, tw telecom inc.

Handicap: My putter Member at: The Country Club at Castle Pines Favorite golf destination: The 19th Hole at The Country Club at Castle Pines When did you start playing golf?

About 10 years ago, when I started to play in our annual tw telecom Charity Invitational to benefit SungateKids, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping abused children. I didn’t want to embarrass myself so we joined a club and I took lessons. We raised more than $375,000 last year and hope to break that this year.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

During the second round of my life, I got a hole in one on a par 3 in Virginia.

I thought it was a sign I could really rule this game. Oh, how wrong I was!

How important is golf in your professional life?

Golf is an “outdoor office” that offers a fresh perspective to any community or business leader. I’ve built new relationships and strengthened old ones on the course.

Is there an advantage to being a woman executive who plays golf? Absolutely—I get to hit from the forward tees!

What do you think people learn about you while playing golf?

I’m competitive, play by the rules, don’t take my score too seriously and have fun.

What do you see as your legacy?

Someone who played all the shots in her golf bag.

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P HOTOGRA P h s by JEREMY CANTA L AMESSA

I do, just not a lot of it. At the end of the day, no one should get hurt.

Weekday Mornings

5am - 9am

Steve Bartolin

President & CEO, The Broadmoor

Handicap: Having three great golf courses and being too darn busy to play any of them.

Memberships: The Broadmoor Bucket List Courses: The Old Course in St. Andrews and Turnberry.

When did you start playing golf?

After the Detroit Tigers released me—I made it to Double A as a pitcher—and got a job in the bag room at The Greenbrier.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

I could say it was hosting three major tournaments in my 22 years at The Broadmoor or the cockeyed bets I’d lose to Sam Snead at The Greenbrier. But honestly, my most memorable experience was the one time I beat Gilbert Patrick, my nextdoor neighbor growing up after he’d become a PGA pro. I nipped him by a stroke.

How important is golf in your professional life?

When I was at The Greenbrier, I was playing with Ted Kleisner, who eventually became president of the Greenbrier, and he had a hole in one. He attributed it to the luck of playing with me, so I had to be in his foursome at all times. It certainly didn’t hurt when it came time for promotions and performance evaluations.

How has it helped your business?

Don Elliman

Chancellor, University of Colorado-Denver

Handicap: 13 Memberships: Castle Pines Golf Club, Denver CC, Glen Arbor GC (New York) Favorite golf destinations: Cypress Point, Royal Dornoch Bucket list course: Whistling Straits How important is golf in your professional life?

When I was group publisher at Time Inc., golf was part of the DNA. There’s no other sport like it for business. I’ve played with senior CEOs of Fortune 100 companies and really gotten to know them. You built a sense of trust. You weren’t bribing anyone. You were creating a bond that makes it easier to do business.

How has golf helped your business?

The business I’m in now, golf isn’t part of the culture. I play mostly for pleasure, but I also get out with people who are important to the university, to Denver or Colorado.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

Most of them are misadventures. For example, we started on No. 10 at Cypress and I topped my drive off the front tee marker and it went straight down the middle of the fairway. Another was being part of a group in Ireland with Dan Quayle, who made a practice swing without looking and missed my head by a quarter-inch.

If golf is a litmus test for doing business with someone, what traits are most important?

How they handle adversity, because golf throws a lot of that at you.

And what do they learn about you?

I try not to take it too seriously; I know when a course is too much for my game.

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P HOTOGRA P HS BY MIC GAROFA L O ( TO P ) AN D JAMIE SCH WABERO W / RICH C L AR K SON AN D ASSOCIATES

The Broadmoor hosts associations and corporations and allows industry peers to meet, develop relationships and put customers, sellers and buyers together. There’s the intra-company aspect to it as well. Corporate outings are a way for people coming up in a company to have exposure with their seniors, supervisors and managers.

For A Child’s Sake Golf Tournament A special Thank You! to all of our Sponsors August 11-13, 2013

Diamond

Platinum

Gold

Silver Bronze Benefiting

Robert A. Polk CEO, Polk Corporate Travel Management

Handicap:

Zero

Memberships:

Colorado GC; The Colony, Bonita Springs, FL

Favorite golf destination:

Monterey, California

Bucket list course: Augusta National. I have been to the Masters tourna-

ment and was like a small child in a very large candy store. I would love to stay in one of the cabins for several days and play the golf course and the par 3 until I could not play anymore.

When did you start playing golf?

I hardly remember not playing golf.

Does being a golfer give you an advantage with customers?

Definitely. It helps me make our current customers and prospective customers comfortable on the golf course. We have won new customers and strengthened longstanding relationships because of golf and the four hours we spend together.

What’s the most underrated golf destination?

The Broadmoor is one of the best resorts in the world and it is one hour south of Denver.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

I qualified for and played in the 2007 United States Senior Open at Whistling Straits. It was extremely exciting to hit balls next to Hale Irwin, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Watson and many others.

With whom do you most enjoy playing golf?

My brother, my sons and numerous very good golf buddies!

Pat Hamill

Chairman and CEO, Oakwood Homes

Handicap: 9.6 Memberships: Castle Pines GC , Green Valley Ranch GC, Red Sky GC , Cherry Creek CC Favorite Golf Destination: Pebble Beach Most Memorable Golf Experience: 2013 AT&T Pro-Am. I made the cut by sinking a 12-foot downhill putt on the last hole. I also had a hole in one on No. 5 the same week.

How important is golf in your professional life?

Extremely. It is a time and place to spend four hours of quality time with colleagues, peers and associates.Golf is a sport and sports are like business. Both take mental toughness, competitiveness, strategy and spiritual awareness (prayer is often used in both!) And, finally, golf is a great way to spend quality time connecting people with great causes that are wonderful for the community like The First Tee, HealthONE Colorado Open and Centennial Club.

What do you think people learn about you while playing golf?

I’m competitive, focused, positive and in the present—you can’t look back.

With whom do you most enjoy playing golf?

Former Tour player Larry Rinker. He makes me a better person and he has also helped my game!

With all the charity golf events in which you are involved, is there one you never miss or have a special attachment?

The Jack Vickers Invitational—three wonderful days at Castle Pines Golf Club benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver—and the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am supporting The First Tee.

What do you see as your legacy?

My work in early childhood education and education reform.

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

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William J. Hybl Chairman and CEO, El Pomar Foundation

Handicap: 21 Member at: The Broadmoor GC Favorite Golf Destinations:

Augusta National, El Dorado CC (Calif.), Castle Pines GC

Bucket list course: Scotland—the whole country Started in golf: Age 8 or 9. It’s amazing I’m not any better having played this long. Shooting my age will probably evade me.

How important is golf in your professional life?

In my travels as President of the United States Olympic Committee and on the International Olympic Committee, I found golf was right up there with soccer as sport played throughout the world. It formed a common bond and was a great way to start communication.

What qualities in golf translate to business and vice versa?

Golf is like business in that you have to maintain discipline. You have to monitor yourself and admit where you’re wrong. Your job is to admit an infraction only you may be aware you made.

How does it relate to your work now?

Golf provides an opportunity for people to support worthy causes by playing in charity events. El Pomar provides millions in grants and programs to enhance, encourage, and promote the wellbeing of Coloradans. We sponsor golf tournaments with that purpose. Members of our team and I try to play in as many as our schedules allow.

Frank Schultz

The Tavern Hospitality Group

Handicap: 11 Membership: Cherry Creek CC Favorite golf destination: Ireland Bucket list course: Augusta National When did you start playing golf? Eight years ago.

What do you like most about it? Nobody ever really masters it.

What’s your most memorable golf experience?

Calling David Duval—whose number I somehow had—from Adare Manor, where a photo of him with the Claret Jug was hanging in the clubhouse.

What’s the importance of golf in your professional life?

I’ve gotten to spend four hours with people I’d never even get to have a drink with.

You form a different bond at the end of 18 holes than you do over lunch.

If golf is a litmus test for doing business with someone?

Yes. Golf is a great indicator of moral makeup. I pick up on the hero handicap mentality of the guy who takes six-foot gimmes; and of the bagger who “manages” his handicap.

And what traits do people see in you?

I’m a fair guy, don’t take myself too seriously, and love the pressure of competition.

With whom do you most enjoy playing golf?

My regular Saturday morning fivesome. I really look forward to 18 holes of s**t-talking.

What’s your legacy?

I firmly believe you can’t take it with you. I enjoy life as I go. I love to share and have fun with others. On a personal note, I can’t wait to walk nine holes with my son when he’s old enough. I want to align his values with those of golf.

Cag

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

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SuiteSpot H itting the

The two titans of Denver’s luxury hotel business may compete in the local market, but when they get on the golf course all rivalries are off.

by Penny Parker | portrait by e j carr co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

O

EARLY CHECKOUT: The Ritz-Carlton’s Steve Janicek (left) and Thierry Kennel of the Four Seasons kick back at Green Valley Ranch Golf Club.

n a beautiful Friday

afternoon, we’ve asked The Ritz-Carlton Denver General Manager Steven Janicek and his GM counterpart, Thierry Kennel of The Four Seasons Hotel Denver, to go mano-a-mano at Denver’s Green Valley Ranch Golf Club.

But instead of bets and banter, jokes and jabs about each other’s business fill the day. Janicek, who previously ran The Club at Cordillera in the Vail Valley, claims this marks his first time on a golf course this season. It’s Kennel’s third.

If I had to handicap them, I would say each GM falls into the 15 to 20 range. They demur.

Fall 2013 |Colorado AvidGolfer

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Colorado AvidGolfer | Fall 2013

“We both suck,” Janicek says on hole one.

“This isn’t a real competition,” Kennel counters. “But we’re in a competitive business.”

As you’d expect from two men accustomed to catering to elite clientele, they are gentlemanly on and off the course. They even decide not to keep score because they don’t take the game that seriously and they agree there’s nothing to prove. They’re just out to take an afternoon off and have a good time.

“When we get out, it’s good to be out together playing golf,” Janicek says. “But I don’t feel competitive at all. Even though we compete in the hotel business, we don’t compete on the golf course.”

Each hotel attracts different professional sports teams because they all have superstitions about where they stay prior to an away game.

Also each hotel sports roughly 200-plus rooms so size in this case doesn’t matter.

On hole No. 2, Kennel’s shot finds the deep rough and Janicek helps in the search. Not able to find the ball, Kennel takes a drop and hits a sand wedge approach onto the green.

They each take a seven on the par five.

“You can tell we’re not GMs with golf clubs in our office,” Kennel says.

When Janicek takes a divey drive on the par-4 third, Kennel quips, “Was it the pride that hurts or the elbow?”

Janicek comes back with “Everything hurts.”

During the remainder of the match, the two keep teasing each other. On Number 3 Kennel throws down the gauntlet. “Who can putt worse?” he challenges.

When I asked them at one point who was winning, they simultaneously answered, “We’re not keeping score.”

But I am. After four holes, it’s all square. .

Let’s skip ahead to Number 7 where Kennel nails a birdie putt measuring roughly 30 feet, while Janicek pars the hole.

On the par-five ninth, Kennel strides up to the green after sticking his approach shot and, not seeing his ball, goes for broke by declaring that he’s going to check the hole to see if it went in. “I guess not,” he says.

On Number 12, also a par five but severely uphill, Kennel and Janicek share a bonding moment with random hugs. What the what is going on here? “That’s two hotels supporting each other,” Kennel says. “That’s what I call a friend.”

The two luxury business “rivals” or “compatriots”, depending on your point of view, keep trading off shots both verbal and in their golf games on the remaining holes. It’s coloradoavidgo lf e r.c o m

P HOT o g r a p h by e j c a r r

FUN ZONE: “This isn’t a real competition.”

becoming clear that they take their day jobs more seriously than their golf games.

In the old days (more than a year ago) when Andrew Rogers was The Ritz-Carlton general manager, he and Kennel played in a handful of tournaments including the Colorado Restaurant Association’s annual event at Valley Country Club in Aurora.

Rogers, a scratch golfer and PGA of America member, would wipe the course.

I played with them several times and it was a joy to witness such a gifted golfer. Kennel was a bit intimidated, but always glad that Rogers was on our team.

On the long par four 15th at 436 yards from the blue tees, the challenge escalates.

Kennel threatens that if he hits the green in regulation, “I’ll put on a Ritz-Carlton shirt and valet cars for day.”

That won’t be happening. Janicek misses the green by a scant 150 yards. He proceeds to three-putt while Kennel four-putts. As Kennel put it, “We are like suck and suckier.”

On the par three 17th hole, Kennel, as only a Frenchman can do, splays out on the green to attempt a putt Tin Cup style. Non bon.

On 18, the monster finishing hole at Green Valley that has decided so many Colorado Open championships, they each post a seven.

On the 19th hole, the two were more contemplative about their friendly rivalry.

“It’s like having two luxury car dealerships,” Kennel says. “Some people like Mercedes and some like BMWs. They are just different experiences. I wouldn’t call us a rivalry.”

“We compete with passion, which is our service,” says Janicek. “We try and provide the best service to the guests. At the end of the day, it’s the people that make the connection. Yeah, we compete and that’s good.

It’s all about heads in beds. There are plenty of rooms for us to share in the market.”

In other words, who’s keeping score?

Cag

Penny Parker is a regular contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer and blacktie-colorado.com. co l o r a d o a v i d g o l f e r. c o m

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Cag

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