Divot Magazine Summer - 2012

V 20 N 3 - 2012

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Summer Issue 2012 Volume 20 Number 3 Publisher / President

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Summer Issue

necessarily reflect those of DIVOT’s ownership or contributors. DIVOT magazine is a registered trademark of O’Keefe Publishing, Inc.

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inside News 10

Keytone...

Two amazing Colorado courses, thirty-six incredible holes.

New Mini-Course at Cattal Creek “SNAG”ing New Players

40

Events 12 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills August 13-19

Course Directory 28-36

New Zealand...

I Loved It & You Will Too!

A comprehensive guide to Colorado’s golf courses

Instruction 38 AimPoint Green Reading...

Never Guess Again!

22

News 40 LPGA Tour Hollis Stacy named honorary chair of 2013 Solheim Cup

New Products...

Rethink what you know about belts

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Inside the Leather 50 Reading Putts with your Smart Phone

News 52 Family Sports Golf Center Breaks Tradition with 6” Cups DIVOT Magazine

19th Hole...

Nicklaus Wines Wins with Limited Edition

48 Summer Issue

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From Both Courses, Always Expect...

“Excellent Playing Conditions”

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Ask Us About...

“Summer Specials”

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Summer Issue

9

NEWS

The Mini-Course at Cattail Creek:

“SNAG”ING NEW PLAYERS

G

olf ranks high in the list of most popular sports that can be played throughout a lifetime. In fact, over 26 million Americans play golf every year. However, golf can be a difficult sport to learn to play. The City of Loveland’s Golf Division is moving towards changing that with the construction and opening of the new 9-hole Mini-Course at Cattail Creek on July 11, 2012.

For over 22 years a piece of land, adjoining the parking lot of the Cattail Creek golf course, sat vacant. Drive by today and that picture is no longer true. Since last fall, the City of Loveland’s Golf Division has been steadily constructing a new 9-hole facility that is a hybrid of a 9-hole putting course (where golfers use only a ball and their putters) and 9 holes of SNAG (Starting New at Golf)-friendly golf. The cost to put a round or play SNAG-friendly golf will be a very affordable $5 per player. SNAG equipment rental will be available from the pro shop for an additional $2 per player.

Steve Southard, golf operations manager for the City of Loveland, is excited. “The new minicourse is going to be great. It offers something for everyone, golfers and non-golfers alike. It is going to be a perfect place for families. The cross design of the putting course and the SNAG-friendly course allows putting course players and SNAG

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players to play the course at the same time and even in the same group. Some may choose to play SNAG while others may choose to putt.”

Loveland is leading the nation by adapting SNAG learning equipment to a dedicated 9 hole facility. SNAG golf is a revolutionary way to make learning golf FUN and EASY. SNAG is similar to golf but uses playing equipment modified to allow early success. The ball is designed like a tennis ball, increasing the safety and limiting the flight distance of the ball. The clubs, (only two) are oversized, the correct length and weight for all ages.

“Learning to golf with SNAG equipment makes the “first time golfing” experience fun, “said Jim Dargis, Head Golf Professional at Cattail Creek. “Playing SNAG teaches players to pitch, chip, and putt faster than beating balls on the driving range,” Dargis continued. SNAG is a proven method to teach the game of golf that has been used by national education programs like The First Tee for years.

Jim Dargis, Head Golf Professional at Cattail Creek, is currently offering lessons with the new SNAG equipment and is planning to form many new putting clubs, including those specifically for senior golfers. More information can be found at www.GolfLoveland.com. D

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EVENTS

2012 U.S. Amateur Championship at Cherry Hills Country Club August 13-19

T

he United States Golf Association wants you to know that tickets for the 2012 U.S. Amateur Championship, scheduled for August 13-19 at Cherry Hills Country Club in Cherry Hills Village, Colo., are on sale. The U.S. Amateur returns to Cherry Hills Country Club for the second time; the first was in 1990, when Phil Mickelson claimed the championship, launching a career that would include four major championships and 40 career PGA Tour victories.

Tickets are on sale at area King Soopers locations or online at www.TicketsWest.com. Daily tickets are available for $17.50 and a weekly ticket package is available for $85. Children 17 years and younger receive free admission when accompa-

nied by a ticketed adult. Please visit www.2012usamateur.com for more information.

Cherry Hills has a rich history of hosting USGA championships, including the 1960 U.S. Open, when Arnold Palmer captured his only U.S. Open championship in a dramatic final-round comeback. Other USGA national championships at Cherry Hills C.C. include the 1938 and 1978 U.S. Opens (won by Ralph Guldahl and Andy North, respectively), 1976 USGA Senior Amateur (won by Lew Oehmig), 1983 U.S. Mid-Amateur (won by Jay Sigel), 1993 U.S. Senior Open (won by Jack Nicklaus) and the 2005 U.S. Women’s Open (won by Birdie Kim).

For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org. D

ESTES PARK GOLF COURSE 1480 1480 Golf Golf Course Course Rd., Rd., Estes Estes Park.

Park. CO CO (Hwy (Hwy #7 #7 & & Golf Golf Course Course Rd.) Rd.) Enjoy Enjoy your your round round surrounded surrounded by by majestic majestic mountain mountain views! views!

PRESENT PRESENT THIS THIS COUPON COUPON FOR FOR OUR OUR 2012 2012 SPECIALS SPECIALS GREEN GREEN FEE FEE AND AND CART CART

006/15 THRU 08/31--$55.00/player SUN thru THURS AFTER 12PM 09/01 THRU 09/30--$50.00/player WEEKDAYS ONLY 10/01 THRU 10/31--$45.00/player GOOD ANY DAY (not valid on holidays or special events)

TEE TEE TIMES TIMES Taken Taken 77 Days Days in in Advance Advance 970-586-8146 970-586-8146 ext ext 00 or or 866-586-8146 866-586-8146 ext ext 00

18hole@golfestes.com www.golfestes.com 12

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FEATURE

Colorado Get Golf Ready campaign shoots to generate millions in revenue.

I

t’s the biggest marketing campaign in the history of the Colorado Section investing over $100,000 to promote Get Golf Ready in 5 Days for $99! The most aggressive marketing plan the Colorado Section PGA has ever seen to grow revenue and rounds of golf includes television, radio, print and mobile marketing using a Mercedes-Benz of Littleton Sprinter Van wrapped with Get Golf Ready graphics.

The campaign debuted to the public, April 16 on 9news.com and May 1 on NBC-TV affiliates throughout Colorado: Denver’s KUSA Ch 9News TV, Colorado Springs’/Pueblo’s KOAA Ch 5/30 TV and Grand Junction’s KKCO Ch 11News TV. Golf facili-

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ties were encouraged to register their facilities so golfers and potential golfers could contact them to Get Golf Ready in 5 Days at www.getgolfready.com.

Go to www.coloradopga.com to view the Colorado Get Golf Ready Television commercial.

The goal of the marketing campaign is to drive consumers to the Get Golf Ready site so they can find a local PGA facility offering this highly effective lesson program. The Colorado Section is aiming for 100 golf facilities to introduce 30 new golfers through the Get Golf Ready program for an estimated $25,602 additional revenue generated per participating facility and an estimated $2,560,200 total in Colorado during the 2012 season! D

DIVOT Magazine

Raccoon Creek 10 Play Passes Weekday 10 Play Card - $340 (reg. $430) Enjoy Enjoy 10 10 rounds rounds of of golf golf Monday-Thursday Monday-Thursday excluding excluding holidays. holidays.

7- Day 10 Play Card - $430 (reg. $530) Enjoy Enjoy 10 10 rounds rounds of of golf golf valid valid seven seven days days aa week week including including holidays. holidays.

Weekday Senior 10 Play Card - $250 (reg. $290) Enjoy Enjoy 10 10 rounds rounds of of golf golf Monday-Thursday Monday-Thursday excluding excluding holidays. holidays.

7- Day Senior 10 Play Card - $350 (reg. $440) Enjoy Enjoy 10 10 rounds rounds of of golf golf valid valid seven seven days days aa week week including including holidays. holidays.

Junior Golfer 10 Play Card - $200 (reg. $440) Enjoy Enjoy 10 10 rounds rounds of of golf golf valid valid seven seven days days aa week week including including holidays. holidays.

The The discounted discounted pass pass rounds rounds are are not not valid valid Saturdays Saturdays and and Sundays Sundays between between 7:00 7:00 AM AM and and 12:00 12:00 PM. PM. Juniors Juniors are are 18 18 years years of of age age and and younger. younger.

T Th hee p pu urrcch haassee o off tth heessee p paasssseess p prro ovviid deess cco on nvveen niieen nccee ffo orr tth hee g f o l e r a n d a s i g n i f i c a n t s a v i n g s .

T h e p a s s c a n b e m a i l e d t o golfer and a significant savings. The pass can be mailed to yyo ou u o r p i c k e d u p a t t h e g o l f s h o p d u r i n g n o r m a l b u s i n e s s h o u r s or picked up at the golf shop during normal business hours..

For Details or to Order Visit:

www.raccooncreek.com

FEATURE

Will the Internet Ruin the Game?

N

ot if one Denver-based company can help it. CompeteGolf.com is working to eliminate a number of internet-related problems plaguing the game of golf:

For golfers – Time and resources keep the average golfers from enjoying more time on the course, and the newbie golfers find it hard to enjoy the game.

CompeteGolf.com has a mission to give back to the game by providing you, the golfer, with a community to enrich your experience. In addition, we support the expansion of golf through volunteer, donations and reaching out to the younger generations to ensure the game keeps up with our changing society.

Special Opportunity for Divot Readers For courses - Golfer loyalty is at an all time low and the cost of attracting new golfers is at an all time high. There’s dozens of websites out there to book tee times, there’s hundreds to keep advanced statistics and strive to be one stroke better, but there’s absolutely nothing for the average golfer.

Dawn of a New Era in Golf As a society growing closer and closer with social networking, it has become obvious that this is a drastically antiquated view of the game and its competitors. CompeteGolf.com is ready to engage the golf world in new and exciting ways. In short by becoming a member of their free online community you’ll be able to Compete, Connect & Reward Yourself.

Compete – CompeteGolf.com allows its users to actively participate in head to head competition regardless of skill level, location, or gender.

Connect – Interact with friends socially through CompeteGolf.com; whether it is to find new golf buddies, chat it up, or check your standings on the leaderboard.

Rewards – Earn points for a variety of activities on the website which can be redeemed for golf balls or other promotional materials.

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We are holding a special giveaway opportunity; simply visit www.CompeteGolfContest.com if you’re curious about joining our cause to grow the game of golf. We invite you to join our mission to give back to the game that’s given you so much! Who’s Behind CompeteGolf.com? CompeteGolf.com was founded

by Shane Stone, a serial entrepreneur who has a passion and lifelong love of the game. We sat down with Shane to get an insiders look into what you can expect from their company, now and in the future.

Shane’s Answer to “Why Start CG?” My favorite piece of wisdom to share is; if you’re going to work, work on something you love. As much as I enjoy working with consulting clients, the idea of eating, breathing, and playing golf would be a dream come true. I’d love to make CompeteGolf.com a profitable venture but the ultimate goal is to create an online experience that adds value to the sport both on and off the course, expands and engages the golfer base and gives back to the golf community.

Shane’s Answer to “Why Now for CG?” “With the emergence of a massive game revolution where everyone is playing games on their computers, phones and touch screen devices whenever there is down time. CompeteGolf.com will keep golfers coming back over and over again even when you DIVOT Magazine

don’t get out to the links. And when you’re back to check the latest standings, check your reward points or simply checking in with golf buddies you’ll see our latest discounted offers.”

Shane’s Answer to “Who will Benefit from CG? Imagine a husband and wife out on the course. Normally the skill level difference makes it difficult to compete but with CompeteGolf.com they start on an even playing field every round. It wasn’t designed for this specifically, but just think of the marriages CompeteGolf.com could save by giving couples a way to interact outside their normal routine. On a more serious note CompeteGolf.com has something for every golfer. I’ve grown tired of seeing the barrier of entry to enjoying the game set so high. It’s about time that every golfer feels connected to the competitive aspect of the game. No matter whether you are 7 or 70, a scratch golfer or a 30 handicap, with CompeteGolf.com you can feel the adrenaline rush of competition that makes this game so great.

Shane’s Final Thoughts. I had the benefit of attending the Memorial Tournament in June, 2012.

Being in Jack Nicklaus’ backyard, seeing his impact in the community and hearing him speak affirmed my commitment to providing a competitive

DIVOT Magazine

outlet for the masses. Competition has driven that man to one amazing success after another, and now his ventures produce millions in donations each year to Children’s Hospitals across the country. His competitive drive still fuels him into his 70’s, so I’m taking a lesson from Jack and striving to make a positive impact every day.

Exclusive Divot Contest Ends 8/31/12 so Join Today @ www.CompeteGolfContest.com D

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MOUNTAIN GOLF

Two amazing Colorado golf courses...

Thirty-six incredible, championship holes.

O

ne of the nation’s most respected golf resorts, Keystone brings challenging, well designed courses together with a breath taking mountain setting. Imagine teeing off what is seemingly the edge of the world, launching your ball into the light, clear, Rocky Mountain air. At Keystone, you’re in for some of the greatest golfing of your life…in one of the most spectacular settings you’ll ever experience. Visit www.GolfKeystone.com for information on great summer rates or to book your tee time.

Keystone Ranch Challenge yourself and take your game to a higher level on this classic mountain golf course.

Winding through lodge pole pines, around sage meadows and across a nine-acre lake, this par-72 golf course features slight elevation changes and many bunkers. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Keystone Ranch Golf Course follows the legendary

links-style of a Scottish course on the front nine, while the back nine presents a traditional mountain valley layout. Total yardage is 5,582 - 7,090.

Robert Trent Jones, Jr., course designer, stated, "We use our vision to reveal and sculpt the course inherent in each site so golfers can enjoy the challenges and wonders of the game." The Keystone Ranch clubhouse features lockers rooms and a fully-stocked golf shop offering signature golf apparel, golf clubs, and accessories from top manufacturers. Keystone Ranch Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and apres golf food and beverages every day during the golf season. Enjoy some of the best views in Summit County on our deck overlooking the back nine.

Practice facility access and practice balls are included in the golf fees for all guests. Our practice facility includes a putting green, practice bunker, and driving range.

Keystone Ranch

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The River Course This par-71, Hurdzan-Fry course brings an element of drama to your game. The par-35 front nine is oriented around the path of the Snake River and the par-36 back nine winds through a lodgepole pine forest. Impressive elevation changes, variable bunkers, water hazards, and five sets of tees on each hole combine to challenge golfers of all abilities. The 16th hole features a 194-foot elevation drop from tee to green and the scenic 18th hole offers 12 bunkers and spectacular views of Lake Dillon. Add to that the magnificent views of snow-capped peaks and wildlife and it’s easy to see this is a golfing experience unlike any other.

Total yardage is 4,762 - 6,886.

The River Course clubhouse features the Golf Shop and The Grill. Our golf shop is fully-stocked with signature golf apparel, golf clubs, and accessories from top manufacturers. The River Course Grill is open daily during the golf season for breakfast, lunch, and apres golf - come by after your round for a happy hour drink at the bar or on our sunny patio.

Practice facility access and practice balls are included in the golf fees for all guests. Our practice facility includes a putting green, practice bunker and driving range.

DIVOT Magazine

The River Course For complete information call Keystone Ranch at 970-496-4250 or the River Course at Keystone at 970-496-4444 or visit www.golfkeystone.com. D

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TRAVEL TIME

NEW ZEALAND:

I Loved It & You Will Too!

By Peter Hellman Divot Travel Writer

I

n my last article, I wrote about my thoughts on my then upcoming golf trip to New Zealand. I based the article on some research and a great deal of imagination. Well, in April I flew to New Zealand to discover what the country was really like. In a nutshell, I now understand why “The Lord of the Ring” was filmed there, why golf is serious business and why few Americans visit the country. Taking these points in reverse order, let me elaborate a bit on each.

The reason so few golfers and other travelers visit New Zealand is at least partially due to the fact it is far away. It is also isolated. In fact, it was the last large land mass to be inhabited by humans (about 1,500 years ago). From San Francisco it’s a 12 ½ hour flight to Auckland, the country’s largest city. That’s enough time to watch six movies, eat several meals, drinks numerous cocktails, read half a novel and still have time for a nap. My feeling is that the trip is worth the long flight, but make sure you spend at least 8 to 10 days in country. I flew with the national carrier – Air New Zealand. The service was excellent, the on board meals were tasty and the staff was friendly and professional.

Golf is serious business in New Zealand. By “serious” I mean golf course owners and developers have built their courses on some of the most challenging and spectacular pieces of land I have ever seen. Golf here is not only a tee-to-green adventure; it is a feast for the eyes. Take Kauri Cliffs, for example. Like its sister course Cape Kidnappers, Kauri Cliffs is built on cliffs overlooking the South Pacific. But it is not just water in view; it’s the Bay

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Kinlock Golf Club of Islands, one of the most spectacular collections of small islands anywhere. It is easy to lose ones concentration with such a view. I loved the isolated location of Cape Kidnappers. The lodging, the food and the golf were all first class and I had no desire to leave the property.

Not all of New Zealand’s courses are built on cliffs, however. On the north island, in addition to Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers, I played Kinlock Golf Club a Jack Nicklaus Signature course located 15 minutes from the city of Taupo. This course rolls and winds its way through a beautiful landscape with occasional peeks of Lake Taupo, the north island’s largest lake. This course is tough and playing from the front tee boxes is highly recommended for most golfers. Comfortable modern houses are available to rent on the course or nearby town. Wairakei International is the oldest

DIVOT Magazine

of the courses I played and the most traditional.

The course is also a sanctuary for indigenous plants, birds and animals. Lunch at the nearby Huka Lodge, a deluxe 25 room retreat with its own world class fly fishing stream, was a special treat.

This is where Queen Elizabeth of stays when she visits her former colony.

A short flight to Queenstown in the south island introduced me to several more courses, other activities and special sites. Millbrook Resort has three quality 9-hole courses and all the amenities one would expect from a quality resort. The Hills, a private course built on a glacial valley, is not only an excellent track, but hosts the owner’s private collection of statuary on virtually every hole. The club house is a modern edifice of glass that juts out from the ground like prow of a half buried ship. One of my favorite courses (though picking one among the seven I played is difficult) is Jacks Point. With the dramatic Remarkable Mountains in one direction and Lake Wakatipu the other, it is easy to lose yourself in the surrounding beauty and forget that you are playing a true championship course.

It is important to remember that New Zealand is not just about golf. There is so much to see and do in this beautiful and interesting country. During my trip, I visited several vineyards (great places for lunch, too), went fishing on Lake Taupo, took a wild ride up the Shotover River in a super fast speed boat, sampled local olive oil, learned about the Mauri people and culture, tasted local cheeses, ate the best lamb and fresh fish and stayed in comfortable lodges and hotels. I even went on an overnight cruise on the Island Escape, a ten cabin vessel that cruises Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

New Zealand is best experienced as couples.

Though the golf is serious, it is also fun and when you add in the many other activities, food, wine, scenery and friendly people you will experience an adventure best shared with those closest to you. I am taking my wife next time – how about you?

Story by Classic GOLF Tours. Designing custom golf trips to Scotland, Ireland, Hawaii and virtually everywhere there is golf. For information call 800.359.7200, 303.751.7200 or visit visit classicgolftours.com. D

Golf & More In New Zealand!

Call Peter at Classic Golf Tours. He has fresh information and ideas from his recent trip to New Zealand.

Ask him about Ireland, Scotland, Portugal, Colombia and Argentina and just about anywhere there is golf.

Peter has been building great golf itineraries since 1989.

303.751.7200 800.359.7200 golfdreams@ClassicGolfTours.com

DIVOT Magazine

www.classicgolftours.com

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This Season Tee It Up With Either of These Two Great Golf Packages!

3 Rounds of Golf / 2 Nights Stay from $225 308-287-2618 www.highplainsgolftrail.com

from $225

“Play the West� is a totally customized golfing package. Choose from any of the five outstanding golf courses. The most popular package includes three rounds of golf with cart and two nights lodging. Hotel accommodations convenient to all five courses.

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308-287-2617 Summer Issue

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Saving You Green On The Game you Love More Than $8,000 In Total Golf Savings 100% Transferable 70 Colorado Courses 24 Courses In Denver Area 65 With Weekend Play 4 Free Green Fees 87 2-for-1 Green Fees 30 50% Off Green Fees 114 Discounted Green Fees

Mid-Season Price

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For a Complete List of Courses and Offers Visit:

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Order Online: www.GreenSaverGolf.com Order by Phone: 303-797-8700 Order by Mail: $49 Check made out to O’Keefe Publishing PO Box 620999, Littleton, CO 80162 26

Summer Issue

DIVOT Magazine

n City of Westminsterm

Championship Golf Courses Hosting Championship Events in 2012!

United States Open Local Qualifier

CGA State Four~Ball Championship

The Heritage Golf Course at Westmoor May 14, 2012

Legacy Ridge Golf Course May 4~6, 2012

United States Senior Open Sectional Qualifier The Heritage Golf Course at Westmoor June 25, 2012

Check out the...

Colorado Open Qualifiers Legacy Ridge Golf Course July19 & 23, 2012

Oakley Junior Invitational Legacy Ridge Golf Course

August 7th, 2012

303-469-2974

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J and Nancy Heil Invitational Pro-am Legacy Ridge Golf Course

August 20th and 21st

303-438-8997 We invite you to sign up for the SPIRIT Club today at:

www.GolfWestminster.com Once you’re a SPIRIT Club Member you will have access to our Best Discounts and Specials on Green Fees, Cart Fees, Merchandise, Food/Beverage Offers, Newsletters, Text so muchIssue more! 27 DIVOT Specials, MagazineTournaments, Golf Club Demo Days, Up-Coming Events and Summer

Colorado Golf Course Directory Fees may vary. Contact individual courses for exact pricing.

R = Regulation

Denver Area Courses

E = Executive

â—?

Applewood Golf Club Map#: 3 303-279-3003 Public 18R Fee Range: $12-$29 Golden Map#: 4 Arrowhead Golf Club Resort 18R 303-973-9614 Littleton Fee Range: $75-$115 Aurora Hills Golf Course Map#: 7 Public 18R 303-364-6111 Aurora Fee Range: $25-$29 Bear Creek Golf Club Map#: 9 Private 18R 303-980-8700 Denver Fees: Guests $75 Bear Dance, The Golf Club at Map#: 216 Public 18R 303-681-4653 Larkspur Fee Range: $65 - $75 Black Bear Golf Club Map#: 21 Private 18R 303-840-3100 Parker Fee Range: $40-$80 Blackstone Country Club Map#: 300 Private 18R 303-617-3561 Aurora Fees: Members Only Boulder Country Club Map#: 14 Private 18R - 9E 303-530-2226 Boulder Fees: Guest $75 Box Elder Creek Golf Course Map#: 15 Public 18R 303-659-7177 Brighton Fee Range: $22 Broadlands Golf Course, The Map#: 17 Public 18R 303-466-8285 Broomfield Fee Range: $28-$37 Buffalo Run Golf Course Map#: 19 Public 18R 303-289-1500 Commerce City Fee Range: $18-$38 Broken Tee Englewood Golf Complex Map#: 63 Public 18R 9P3 303-762-2670 Englewood Fee Range: $15-$29 Castle Pines Golf Club Map#: 22 Private 18R 303-688-6022 Castle Rock Fees: Invitation Only Castle Pines, The Country Club at Map#: 45 Private 18R 303-688-6400 Castle Rock Fees: Guests $75-$95 Centre Hills Golf Course Map#: 27 Public 9-P3 303-343-4935 Aurora Fee Range: $5-$9 Cherry Creek Country Club Map#: 121 Private 18R 303-755-0711 Aurora Fees: N/A Cherry Hills Country Club Map#: 29 Private 18R 18P3 303-761-9900 Englewood Fees: Guests $125 City Park Golf Course, Denver Map#: 53 Public 18R 303-295-4420 Denver Fee Range: $20-$24

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P3 = Par 3

258 Total Courses

Coal Creek Golf Course Map#: 33 Public 18R 303-666-7888 Louisville Fee Range: $27-$40 Colorado Golf Club Map#: 301 303-840-5400 Private 18R Fees: N/A Parker Map#: 238 Colorado National Golf Club Public 18R 303-665-9590 Erie Fee Range: $50-$75 Columbine Country Club Map#: 37 Private 18R 303-794-6333 Littleton Fees: Guests $80 Common Ground Golf Course Map#: 129 Public 18R 9P3 303-340-1520 Aurora Fee Range: $30-$50 Deer Creek at Meadow Ranch Map#: 51 Semi-Private 18R 303-978-1800 Littleton Fee Range: $65-$95 Denver Country Club Map#: 54 Private 18R 303-733-2444 Denver Fee Range: $90 Eagle Trace Golf Club Map#: 57 Public 18R 303-466-3322 Broomfield Fee Range: $20-$30 Evergreen Golf Course Map#: 65 Public 18R 303-674-6351 Evergreen Fee Range: $22-$30 Foothills Golf Course Map#: 71 Public 18R 9E 9P3 303-989-3901 Denver Fee Range: $25-$39 Fitzsimons Golf Course Map#: 69 Public 18R 303-364-8125 Aurora Fee Range: $15-$21 Flatirons Golf Course Map#: 70 Public 18R 303-442-7851 Boulder Fee Range: $22-$29 Fossil Trace Golf Club Map#: 231 Public 18R 303-277-8750 Golden Fee Range: $36-$50 Fox Hollow Golf Course Map#: 76 Public 27R 303-986-7888 Lakewood Fee Range: $43-$62 Glenmoor Country Club Map#: 78 Private 18R 303-781-0400 Englewood Fees: Guests $60-$85 The Golf Club at Ravenna Map#: 242 Private 18R 720-956-1600 Littleton Fee Range: Members Only Green Gables Country Club Map#: 84 Private 18R 303-985-1525 Denver Fees: Guests $75 Green Valley Ranch Golf Club Map#: 219 Public 18R 303-371-3131 Denver Fee Range: $24-$32 Greenway Park Golf Course Map#: 85 Public 9-P3 303-466-3729 Broomfield Fee Range: $6-$14

DIVOT Magazine

Harvard Gulch Golf Course Map#: 86 Public 9-P3 303-698-4078 Denver Fee Range: $6 Heather Gardens Golf Course Map#: 89 Public 9E 303-751-2390 Aurora Fee Range: $12 Heather Ridge Country Club Map#: 90 Public 18R 303-755-3550 Aurora Fees: Guest $45 Heritage at Westmoor Map#: 92 Public 18R 303-469-2974 Westminster Fee Range: $24-$45 Heritage Eagle Bend Golf & CC Map#: 91 Semi-Private 18R 303-400-6700 Aurora Fee Range: $35-$70 w/cart Heritage Todd Creek Golf Club Map#: 227 Public 18R 303-655-1779 Thornton Fee Range: $55-$65 Highlands Ranch Golf Club Map#: 94 Semi-Private 18R 303-471-0000 Highlands Ranch Fee Range: $42-$69

DIVOT Magazine

Homestead at Fox Hollow Public 18E Lakewood Hyland Hills, The Courses at Public 27R 18P3 Westminster Hiwan Golf Club Private 18R Evergreen Indian Peaks Golf Course Public 18R Lafayette Indian Tree Golf Course Public 18R 9P3 Arvada Inverness Hotel & Golf Club Resort/Private 18R Englewood J. F. Kennedy Golf Course Public 27R 9P3 Denver

Map#: 239 720-963-5181 Fee Range: $18-$35 Map#: 99 303-428-6526 Fee Range: $25; $37 Map#: 96 303-674-3369 Fees: Guests $85 Map#: 101 303-666-4706 Fee Range: $34-$38 Map#: 102 303-403-2541 Fee Range: $26 Map#: 103 303-397-7878 Fee Range: $70-$115 Map#: 104 303-751-0311 Fee Range: $20-$24

Summer Issue

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Denver Area Courses Lake Arbor Golf Club Public 18R Arvada Legacy Ridge Golf Course Public 18R Westminster Lakewood Country Club Private 18R Lakewood Littleton Golf & Tennis Club Public 18E Littleton Links at Highlands Ranch, The Public 18E Highlands Ranch Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel Public 18R Littleton Meadows Golf Club, The Public 18R Littleton Meadow Hills Golf Course Public 18R Aurora Meridian Golf Club Private 18R, Englewood Mountain View Golf Course Public 9E Denver Murphy Creek Golf Course Public 18R Aurora Omni-Interlocken Resort Resort 27R Broomfield Overland Park Golf Course Public 18R Denver Park Hill Golf Club Public 18R Denver Perry Park Country Club Private 18R Larkspur Pinehurst Country Club Private 27R Denver Pinery Country Club, The Private 27R Parker Plum Creek Golf & Country Club Private 18R Castle Rock Pradera, The Golf Club at Private 18R Parker Raccoon Creek Golf Course Public 18R Littleton

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Map#: 108 303-423-1650 Fee Range: $23 Map#: 113 303-438-8997 Fee Range: $28-$45 Map#: 111 303-233-0503 Fees: Guests $75-$90 Map#: 26 303-794-5838 Fee Range: $13-$34 Map#: 117 303-470-9292 Fee Range: $18-$31 Map#: 118 303-799-9940 Fee Range: $43-$65 Map#: 126 303-409-2250 Fee Range: $14-$31 Map#: 125 303-690-2500 Fee Range: $29-$35 Map#: 128 303-799-4043 Fee Range: $65-$85 Map#: 135 303-694-3012 Fee Range: $9-$12 Map#: 137 303-361-7300 Fee Range: $34-$44 Map#: 139 303-464-9000 Fee Range: $55-$85 Map#: 140 303-698-1975 Fee Range: $20-23 Map#: 142 303-333-5411 Fee Range: $18 Map#: 145 303-681-3186 Fees: Guests $50-$70 Map#: 147 303-985-1559 Fees: Guests $70-$85 Map#: 148 303-841-2850 Fees: Guests $40-$50 Map#: 149 303-688-2611 Fee Range: $65-$85 Map#: 228 720-851-9600 Fee Range: $TBA Map#: 156 303-932-0199 Fee Range: $38-$70

Ranch Country Club, The Private 18R Westminster Red Hawk Ridge Golf Course Public 18R Castle Rock Red Rocks Country Club Private 18R Morrison Ridge at Castle Pines North, The Public 18R Castle Rock Riverdale Golf Courses Public 36R Brighton Rolling Hills Country Club Private 18R Golden Saddle Rock Golf Course Public 18R Aurora

Sanctuary

Map#: 157 303-466-2111 Fees: Guests $55 Map#: 158 303-663-7150 Fee Range: $36-$59 Map#: 159 303-697-8008 Fees: Guests $35-$45 Map#: 160 303-688-0100 Fee Range: $75-$120 Map#: 164 303-659-6700 Fee Range: $26-$37 Map#: 168 303-279-7858 Fees: Guests $75-$85 Map#: 169 303-699-3939 Fee Range: $26-$46

Map#: 171

Private 18R 303-224-2860 Sedalia Fees: Invitation only Southglenn Country Club Map#: 180 Private 18-P3 303-798-1656 Littleton Fees: N/A South Suburban Family Sports Center Map#: 68 Public 9E 303-649-1115 Centennial Fee Range: $9-$19 South Suburban Golf Course Map#: 179 Public 18R 18P3 303-770-5508 Centennial Fee Range: $18-$43 Springhill Golf Course Map#: 184 Public 18E 303-739-6854 Aurora Fee Range: $20-$26 Stoney Creek Golf Course Map#: 189 Public 9E 303-431-9268 Arvada Fee Range: $16-$18 Thorncreek Golf Club Map#: 195 Public 18R 303-450-7055 Thornton Fee Range: $30-$35 Valley Country Club Map#: 201 Private 18R 303-690-6377 Aurora Fees: Guests only Wellshire Golf Course Map#: 206 Public 18R 303-692-5636 Denver Fee Range: $20-$24 West Woods Golf Club Map#: 207 Public 27R 720-898-7370 Arvada Fee Range: $27 - $41 Willis Case Golf Course Map#: 209 Public 18R 303-458-4877 Denver Fee Range: $20-$24

Front Range North Windsor Gardens Golf Club Public 9-P3 Denver Adriel Hills Golf Course Private 6-P3 Ft. Collins

▲ Map#: 210 303-366-3133 Fee Range: $4-$8.50 Map#: 229 970-484-3098 Fees: N/A

DIVOT Magazine

Ballyneal Golf & Hunt Club Map#: 250 Private 18R 970-854-5900 Holyoke Fee Range: Members Only Bella Rosa Golf Course Map#: 248 303-678-2940 Public 9R Fee Range: $9-$20 Frederick Map#: 13 Boomerang Golf Links Public 18R 970-351-8934 Greeley Fee Range: $22-$30 Bunker Hill Country Club Map#: 20 Semi-Private 9R 970-842-5198 Fee Range: $15-$18 Brush Map#: 230 Cattail Creek Golf Course Public 9-P3 970-663-5310 Loveland Fee Range: $7-$10 City Park Nine Golf Course Map#: 32 Public 9R 970-221-6650 Fort Collins Fee Range: $12-$21 Collindale Golf Course Map#: 35 Public 18R 970-221-6651 Fort Collins Fee Range: $21-$23 Coyote Creek Golf Course Map#: 48 Public 18R 303-857-6152 Fort Lupton Fee Range: $22-$24 Eaton Country Club Map#: 61 Private 18R 970-454-2587 Eaton Fee Range: $25-$40 F&H Park and Recreation District Map#: 66 Public 9R 970-774-6362 Haxtun Fee Range: $14 Fort Collins Country Club Map#: 72 Private 18R 970-482-9988 Fort Collins Fees: Guests $45-$103 Fort Morgan Golf Course Map#: 73 Public 18R 970-867-5990 Fort Morgan Fee Range: $22 Fox Hill Country Club Map#: 75 Private 18R 303-772-1061 Longmont Fees: Guests $40-$55 Greeley Country Club Map#: 83 Private 18R 970-353-2431 Greeley Fee Range: $87 w/cart Harmony Club Map#: 247 Private 18R 970-482-4653 Timmath Fee Range: Members/Guest Only Haystack Mountain Golf Course Map#: 88 Public 9E 303-530-1400 Niwot Fee Range: $9-$14 Highland Meadows Golf Course Map#: 174 Public 18R 970-204-4653 Windsor Fee Range: $40 to $69 Highland Hills Golf Course Map#: 93 Public 18R 970-330-7327 Greeley Fee Range: $21-$27 Holyoke Golf Course Map#: 98 Public 9R 970-854-3200 Holyoke Fee Range: $15 Indian Hills Golf Course Map#: 100 Public 9R 970-848-2812 Yuma Fee Range: $14-$16 Loveland, The Olde Course at Map#: 138 Public 18R 970-667-5256 Loveland Fee Range: $22-$28

DIVOT Magazine

Lake Valley Golf Club Map#: 110 Private 18R 303-444-2114 Longmont Fees: N/A Link-N-Greens Golf Course Map#: 115 970-221-4818 Public 18E Fee Range: $19-$21 Fort Collins Map#: 123 Mariana Butte Golf Course Public 18R 970-667-8308 Loveland Fee Range: $28-$36 Missing Links Golf at Frederick Map#: 130 Public 9R 303-651-7060 Fees: 10 Longmont Map#: 136 Mountain Vista Greens Golf Course Public 9R 970-482-4847 Fort Collins Fee Range: $12-$14 Northeastern 18 Map#: 188 Public 18R 970-521-6889 Sterling Fee Range: Guests $15-$37.50 Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club Map#: 144 Semi-Private 18R 970-674-0930 Windsor Fee Range: $40-$50 Plainsman Golf Club Map#: 235 Public 9R No Telephone Joes Fee Range: $10 Prairie Golf Course Map#: 151 Public 9R 970-383-2211 Cope Fee Range: $5 Prairie Pines Golf Club Map#: 152 Public 9R 719-346-8207 Burlington Fee Range: $15-$20 Ptarmigan Golf & Country Club Map#: 153 Private 18R 970-226-6600 Fort Collins Fee Range: $100 Quint Valley Golf Club Map#: 249 Public 9R 303-822-5509 Byers Fee Range: $20 Riverview Golf Course Map#: 165 Public 18R 970-522-3035 Sterling Fee Range: $12-$18 Saddleback Golf Club Map#: 218 Public 18R 303-833-5000 Firestone Fees: $29-37 Sedgwick County Golf Course Map#: 224 Public 9S N/A Julesburg Fees: N/A Southridge Golf Club Map#: 181 Public 18R 970-416-2828 Fort Collins Fee Range: $21-24 Stratton Golf Course Map#: 190 Public 9R 719-348-5412 Stratton Fee Range: $10 Sunset Golf Course Map#: 191 Public 9R 303-776-3122 Longmont Fee Range: $10-$18 Tamarack Golf Course Map#: 192 Public 9R 719-775-9998 Limon Fee Range: $12 Twin Peaks Golf Course Map#: 198 Public 18R 303-772-1722 Longmont Fee Range: $20-$24 Ute Creek Golf Course Map#: 199 Public 18R 303-774-4342 Longmont Fee Range: $17-$35

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Complete Colorado Course Directory Available at www.GOLFind.com

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Summer Issue

Colorado Golf

DIVOT Magazine

f Course Map

DIVOT Magazine

Complete Colorado Course Directory Available at www.GOLFind.com

Summer Issue

33

Front Range North Washington County Golf Club Public 9R Akron Wray Country Club Public 9R Wray

Front Range South

▲ Map#: 205 970-345-2309 Fee Range: $12-$15 Map#: 213 970-332-5934 Fee Range: $15-$17

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Antelope Hills Golf Course Map#: 215 Public 18R 303-644-5992 Bennett Fee Range: $28-$32 Antler Creek Golf Course Map#: 221 Public 18R 719-494-1900 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $28 -$40 Broadmoor Golf Club, The Map#: 18 Resort 54R 719-634-7711 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $90-$160 The Club at Flying Horse Map#: 251 Private 18R 719-487-2620 Colorado Springs Fee Range: Members Only Cherokee Ridge Golf Course Map#: 28 Public 9R 9P3 719-597-2637 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $20 Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club Map#: 30 Public 18R 719-526-4122 Fort Carson Fee Range: $25-$28 Colorado Springs Country Club Map#: 36 Private 18R 719-473-1782 Colorado Springs Fees: Guests $40-$50 Cottonwood Links Golf Club Map#: 44 Public 9R 719-263-4500 Fowler Fee Range: $12-$14 Cougar Canyon Golf Links Map#: 197 Public 18R 719-422-7015 Trinidad Fee Range: $39 -$69 Country Club of Colorado Map#: 46 Resort 18R 719-538-4095 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $120 Desert Hawk at Pueblo West Map#: 120 Public 18R 719-547-2280 Pueblo West Fee Range: $25-$32 Eads Golf Course Map#: 232 Public 9R No Telephone Eads Fee Range: $3 Eisenhower Golf Club Map#: 62 Military 36R 719-333-2606 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $12-$50 Elmwood Golf Course Map#: 154 Public 18R 9E 719-561-4946 Pueblo Fee Range: $24-$26 Gleneagle Golf Club Map#: 77 Public 18R 719-488-0900 Colorado Springs Fees: N/A Grandote Peaks Golf Club Map#: 81 Public 18R 719-742-3391 La Vita Fee Range: $35-$75 Hollydot Golf Course Map#: 97 Public 27R 719-676-3341 Colorado City Fee Range: $17-$23

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Hugo Golf Club Map#: 234 No Telephone Public 9S Fee Range: $5 Hugo Map#: 55 Kings Deer Golf Club Public 18R 719-481-1518 Monument Fee Range: $35-$50 Kissing Camels Golf Club Map#: 106 Private 27R 719-632-5541 Fee Range: $60-$75 Colorado Springs Map#: 107 La Junta Golf Club 719-384-7133 Public 9R La Junta Fee Range: $10-$15 Las Animas Golf Course Map#: 112 Public 9R 719-456-2511 Las Animas Fee Range: $12 Mossland Memorial Golf Course Map#: 133 Public 9R 719-765-4659 Flagler Fees: N/A Patty Jewett Golf Course Map#: 143 Public 27R 719-385-6934 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $27 Pine Creek Golf Club Map#: 146 Public 18R 719-594-9999 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $35 Pueblo Country Club Map#: 155 Private 18R 719-542-2941 Pueblo Fee Range: $65-$75 Rocky Ford Country Club Map#: 167 Public 9R 719-254-7528 Rocky Ford Fee Range: $11 Sand Creek Golf Course Map#: 236 Public 9E 719-597-5489 Colorado Springs Fees: 8 Signature Golf Course Map#: 2 Public 18R 719-382-3649 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $20 -$25 Silver Spruce Golf Course Map#: 175 Military 18R 719-556-7414 Colorado Springs Fees: Guests $25 Smoky River Golf Club Map#: 176 Public 9R 719-767-5021 Cheyenne Wells Fee Range: $12 Spreading Antlers Golf Course Map#: 182 Public 9R 719-336-5274 Lamar Fee Range: $20-$22 Spring Valley Golf Club Map#: 183 Public 18R 303-646-4240 Elizabeth Fee Range: $22-$34 Springfield Municipal Golf Course Map#: 226 Public 9R No Telephone Springfield Fees: N/A Springs Ranch Golf Club Map#: 185 Public 18R 719-573-4863 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $28-$45 Sumo Golf Village Map#: 10 Semi-Private 18R 719-784-6152 Florence Fee Range: $42 Trinidad Golf Course Map#: 302 Public 9R 719-846-4015 Trinidad Fee Range: $15(9H); $20(18h) Valley Hi Golf Course Map#: 202 Public 18R 719-385-6911 Colorado Springs Fee Range: $20-$27

DIVOT Magazine

Walking Stick Golf Course Public 18R Pueblo Walsenburg Golf Course Public 9R Walsenburg Woodmoor Pines Country Club Private 18R Monument

Mountain

Map#: 203 719-584-3400 Fee Range: $26-$28 Map#: 204 719-738-2730 Fee Range: $14-$16 Map#: 212 719-481-2266 Fees: Guests $55-$65

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Map#: 244 Adam’s Mountain Country Club Private 18R 970-328-2326 Eagle Fees: Members Only Aspen Glen Golf Club Map#: 5 Private 18R 970-704-1988 Carbondale Fees: Guests $120-$245 Aspen Golf Course Map#: 6 Public 18R 970-429-1949 Aspen Fee Range: $80 Beaver Creek Golf Club Map#: 11 Resort 18R 970-845-5775 Avon Fees: Guests $160 Breckenridge Golf Club Map#: 16 Public 27R 970-453-9104 Breckenridge Fee Range: $95 Brightwater Club Map#: 243 Private 18R 970-777-1270 Gypsum Fee Range: Members Only Catamount Ranch and Club Map#: 23 Private 18R 970-871-9200 Steamboat Springs Fees: Guests $135 Cattails Golf Club Map#: 24 Public 18R 719-589-9515 Alamosa Fee Range: $30 Challenger Golf Course Map#: 119 Public 9E 719-256-4856 Crestone Fee Range: $20 Collegiate Peaks Golf Course Map#: 34 Public 9R 719-395-8189 Buena Vista Fee Range: $23 Copper Creek Golf Club Map#: 39 Resort 18R 970-968-2882 Copper Mountain Fee Range: $65-$85 Cordillera, The Club at Map#: 40 Private 54R 9P3 970-926-5100 Edwards Fee Range: $225-$235 Country Club of the Rockies Map#: 47 Private 18R 970-926-3021 Edwards Fees: Guests $75-$175 Crested Butte, The Club at Map#: 49 Resort 18R 970-349-6131 Crested Butte Fee Range: $120 Dos Rios Golf Club Map#: 56 Semi-Private 18R 970-641-1482 Gunnison Fee Range: $65 w/cart Eagle Ranch Golf Club Map#: 217 Public 18R 866-328-3232 (toll free) Eagle Fee Range: $45-$90 Eagle Springs Golf Club Map#: 58 Private 18R 970-926-4404 Wolcott Fees: Escorted Guests Only

DIVOT Magazine

EagleVail Golf Club Map#: 59 Resort 18R 800-341-8051 Avon Fee Range: $35-$98 Estes Park Golf Course Map#: 64 970-586-8146 Public 18R Fee Range: $28 - $46 Estes Park Map#: 252 Four Mile Ranch Golf Club Public 18R 719-275-5400 Canon City Fee Range: $44-$59 Fox Acres Country Club Map#: 74 Private 18R 970-881-2191 Fees: Guests $120-$130 Red Feather Lakes Map#: 79 Glenwood Springs Golf Club Public 9R 970-945-7086 Glenwood Springs Fee Range: $25 Grand Elk Golf Course Map#: 222 Resort 18R 970-887-9122 Granby Fee Range: $45 - $125 Gypsum Creek Golf Club Map#: 42 Semi-Private 18R 970-524-6200 Gypsum Fee Range: $100 Grand Lake Golf Course Map#: 80 Public 18R 970-627-8008 Grand Lake Fee Range: $44-$80 Haymaker Golf Course Map#: 87 Public 18R 970-870-1846 Steamboat Springs Fee Range: $79 Headwaters Golf Course Map#: 225 Public 18R 970-887-2709 Granby Fee Range: $60-$80 High Country Mountain Meadows GC Club Map#: 233 Public 9R No Telephone Red Feather Lakes Fees: N/A Ironbridge Golf Club Map#: 208 Private 18R 970-384-0630 Glenwood Springs Fees: Guests $175 Keystone Ranch Golf Course Map#: 105 Resort 18R 970-496-4250 Keystone Fee Range: $125-$140 Keystone, The River Course at Map#: 162 Resort 18R 970-496-4444 Keystone Fee Range: $125-$140 Lake Estes Executive 9 Golf Course Map#: 109 Public 9E 970-586-8176 Estes Park Fee Range: $13 Maroon Creek Club Map#: 124 Private 18R 970-920-1533 Aspen Fees: Guests $195-$325 Monte Vista Country Club Map#: 131 Public 9R 719-852-4906 Monte Vista Fee Range: $18 Mount Massive Golf Course Map#: 134 Public 9R 719-486-2176 Leadville Fee Range: $18 Pagosa Springs Golf Club Map#: 141 Resort 27R 970-731-4755 Pagosa Springs Fee Range: $57 Pole Creek Golf Club Map#: 150 Public 27R 800-511-5076 Winter Park Fee Range: $80 The Ranch at Roaring Fork Club Map#: 245 Public 9P3 970-963-4410 Carbondale Fee Range: $15

Summer Issue

35

Raven Golf Club at Three Peaks Semi-Private 18R Silverthorne

Mountain

Map#: 60 970-262-3636 Fee Range: $75-$124

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Red Sky Ranch Map#: 223 970-477-8406 N/A 36R Fees: N/A Edwards Map#: 41 Rio Grande Golf Club Resort/Private 18R 719-873-1995 South Fork Fees: N/A River Valley Ranch Golf Club Map#: 163 Public 18R 970-963-3625 Carbondale Fee Range: $50-$75 Roaring Fork Club Map#: 166 Private 18R 970-927-9100 Basalt Fees: Invitation only Rollingstone Ranch Golf Club Map#: 173 Resort 18R 970-879-1391 Steamboat Springs Fee Range: $80-$130 Saint Andrews at Westcliffe Map#: 186 Public 9R 719-783-9410 Westcliffe Fee Range: $12-$20 Salida Golf Club Map#: 170 Public 9R 719-539-1060 Salida Fee Range: $23 Shadow Hills Golf Club Map#: 172 Semi-Private 18R 719-275-0603 Ca-on City Fee Range: $33 Shining Mountain Golf Club Map#: 211 Public 18R 719-687-7587 Woodland Park Fee Range: $32-$38 Snowmass Golf Village Map#: 177 Resort 18R 719-784-6152 Snowmass Village Fees: N/A Sonnenalp Golf Club Map#: 178 Resort 18R 970-477-5370 Edwards Fee Range: $160 Steamboat Golf Club Map#: 187 Public 9R 970-879-4295 Steamboat Springs Fee Range: $25(9H); $37 (18H) Vail Golf Club Map#: 200 Public 18R 970-479-2260 Vail Fee Range: $100 Willow Creek at Eagle Vail Map#: 237 Public 9-P3 970-845-PAR3 Avon Fees: N/A

West Slope Adobe Creek National Golf Course Public 27R Fruita Battlement Mesa Golf Club Public 18R Battlement Mesa Black Canyon Golf Club at Montrose Public 18R Montrose Bookcliff Country Club Private 18R Grand Junction

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Summer Issue

■ Map#: 1 970-858-0521 Fee Range: $17-$24 Map#: 8 970-285-7274 Fee Range: $35 Map#: 132 970-249-4653 Fee Range: $24 Map#: 12 970-242-9053 Fees: Guest $40

Bridges at Black Canyon, The Map#: 241 Simi-Private 18R 970-252-1119 Montrose Fees: Guest $85-$150 Cedar Ridges Golf Course Map#: 25 970-675-8403 Public 9R Fee Range: $10(9H), $18(18H) Rangely Map#: 31 Chipeta Golf Course Public 18E 970-245-7177 Grand Junction Fee Range: $17-$21 Cobble Creek, The Links at Map#: 116 Public 18R 970-240-9542 Fee Range: $37 Montrose Map#: 38 Conquistador Golf Course Public 18R 970-565-9208 Cortez Fee Range: $18 Dalton Ranch Golf Course Map#: 50 Semi-Private 18R 970-247-8774 Durango Fee Range: $79 Deer Creek Village Golf Club Map#: 52 Public 18R 970-856-7781 Cedaredge Fee Range: $29-$38 Devil's Thumb Golf Course Map#: 43 Public 18R 970-874-6262 Delta Fee Range: $26-$41 Divide Ranch and Club Map#: 67 Semi-Private 18R 970-626-5284 Ridgway Fee Range: $49-$76 Glacier Club at Tamarron Map#: 193 Resort 18R 970-382-6700 Durango Fee Range: $65-$125 Hillcrest Golf Club Map#: 95 Public 18R 970-247-1499 Durango Fee Range: $22 Hunter’s Run Golf Course Map#: 246 Public 18R 970-884-9785 Ignacio Fee Range: $11-$20 Lakota Canyon Golf Club Map#: 240 Public 18R 970-984-9700 New Castle Fee Range: $45-$75 Lincoln Park Golf Course Map#: 114 Public 9R 970-242-6394 Grand Junction Fee Range: $10-$14 Meeker Golf Course Map#: 127 Public 9R 970-878-5642 Meeker Fee Range: $19 Redlands Mesa, The Golf Club at Map#: 220 Public 18R 970-263-9270 Grand Junction Fee Range: $49-$69 Rifle Creek Golf Club Map#: 161 Semi-Private 18R 970-625-1093 Rifle Fee Range: $34 Telluride Ski & Golf Club Map#: 194 Resort 18R 970-728-6157 Telluride Fee Range: $130-$150 Tiara Rado Golf Course Map#: 196 Public 18R 970-254-3830 Grand Junction Fee Range: $18-$22 Yampa Valley Golf Club Map#: 214 Public 18R 970-824-3673 Craig Fee Range: $28

Available at www.Golfind.com

DIVOT Magazine

DIVOT Magazine

Summer Issue

37

INSTRUCTION

AimPoint Green Reading...

Never Guess at Where to Aim Again!

By Scotty Hofer Divot Contributing Writer What is AimPoint?

AimPoint is a putt predictive technology that was developed by Mark Sweeney and is the “blue line” overlayed on the greens on the Thursday and Friday broadcasts of the PGA Tour events on The Golf Channel.

Mark and his team go to PGA Tour stops and computer map the greens with a laser machine. The accumulated green data is used in a computer software program which accurately predicts the path the putt should take in order to go in. This same technology has been put into an Instructional program that teaches you the science of how to read greens in a fun yet informative clinic. You will go from thinking that a putt breaks this way or that, to knowing exactly how much break to play for any putt. And the cool thing is that it works anywhere!

There are two levels of training – Fundamentals and Advanced Concepts. The fundamental clinics teach you everything you need to know about the AimCharts, the system and reading every putt within 20’ of the cup.

The Advanced clinics go one step further and teach you how to handle all those “tricky” putts over knolls, shoulders, swales, crowns, saddles and everything outside of 20’. You also learn how to utilize the concepts to enhance your short game and approach shots as well as green charting and tournament preparation. The clinics are approximately 2 - 2 ½ hours long and class sizes are kept to a maximum of 8 – 10 students to ensure an intimate learning experience for all involved.

Who Teaches AimPoint?

Scotty Hofer and Stan Sayers from MetaGolf

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Learning Center are the Certified AimPoint Instructors for the Rocky Mountain Region and have taught classes both here and in other parts of the United States. Scotty and Stan were personally trained and certified by Mark Sweeney, the founder of AimPoint Technologies. Scotty and Stan were absolutely amazed at just how effective the system really is. Specializing in the areas of putting and green reading, Scotty and Stan have taught players of all levels.

Why you need AimPoint?

A recent study conducted in Norway by Jon Karlson at the Norwegian School of Sports Science concluded that over 60% of missed putts are due to faulty reads! That number gets even higher if you are an elite amateur or professional player because, by that point, your equipment and stroke mechanics are generally quite sound. The AimPoint Green Reading System will not only teach you how to handle the greens but will also show you how to implement the concepts into your short game!

AimPoint clients include many of the top players and caddies on the Professional Tours including Nick Faldo, Padraig Harrington, Scott McCarron, Steven Ames, Suzann Pettersen and Stacy Lewis, the highest ranked American on the LPGA Tour, just to name a few. Many college and university golf teams are also using AimPoint.

Where The remaining clinics scheduled to be held at Broken Tee Englewood Golf Course will be conducted on July 14, August 18, and September 8 from 9 – 11 am. Advanced clinics and some Fundamental clinics will be held at Colorado Golf Club with dates and times to be determined. Additional dates for groups of 4 or more are available.

DIVOT Magazine

Clinic Costs The cost is $200.00 for the Fundamentals Clinics (at Broken Tee Englewood Golf Course and Colorado Golf Club) and $300 for the Advanced Clinics (at Colorado Golf Club) and includes AimCharts and Class Notes.

More Information: If you would like further information, you can contact Scotty Hofer directly at 303-995-3329 or email at shofer@metagolflc.com. Also check out AimPoint Technologies web site out at www.aimpointgolf.com. D

AS SEEN ON THE GOLF CHANNEL!

The AimPoint® Green Reading Method currently used by top 100 instructors, PGA and LPGA Tour pros and caddies is the most effective way to read greens ever developed and teaches exactly why and how a putt breaks. Never guess at the direction or amount of break again. FUNDAMENTAL Course -

$200 per person, 2 hours, 10 student maximum.

Available July 14, August 18 and September 8.

You will learn: • Single-Plane Reads • Causes of Break • Inflection Points • Defining Slope • Position

• Basic AimChart Usage • Primary Green Shapes • Putt Geometry • Measuring Green Speed • Capture Speed Dynamics

ADVANCED courses for $300 per person are also available.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION CONTACT: Scotty Hofer - 303-995-3329 shofer@metagolflc.com or Stan Sayers - 720-201-1975 ssayers@metagolflc.com

DIVOT Magazine

Summer Issue

39

NEWS

LPGA Tour and World Golf Hall of Famer Hollis Stacy Named Honorary Chair of 2013 Solheim Cup

T

hree-time U.S. Women’s Open champion and newly inducted LPGA Tour and World Golf Hall of Fame member Hollis Stacy has been appointed Honorary Chair of the 2013 Solheim Cup. The 18-time LPGA champion, who was inducted into the Halls of Fame on May 7, will serve as the head of the event’s more than 1,500 volunteers and will help promote the Solheim Cup, both locally and nationally. Stacy, a four-time major winner, has been a Colorado resident for nearly two decades.

“It’s a great honor to be involved with the Solheim Cup, because it’s a fantastic sporting event,” said Stacy, who began her professional career in 1974. “It’s great to be a sort of hostess, because I feel I can help generate some interest with the golfing community in and around Denver, where I’ve lived for more than 15 years. It’s really grown into a preeminent event, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”

Stacy will assist U.S. Captain Meg Mallon in promoting the 2013 Cup, which is set for Aug. 16-18 at Colorado Golf Club, and will make several appearances in Colorado on behalf of the event.

“Hollis has always been an enthusiastic supporter of the LPGA and has been a big part of its history, so it’s great to have her and her great golf expertise in the Denver area,” Mallon said. “It’s a big year for Hollis – getting into the Hall of Fame and now being named as an ambassador for the Solheim Cup. I’m happy for her, because she’s someone who hasn’t sought recognition, but who has deserved it for what she and her family have given to golf for so many decades.”

Stacy earned more than $2.5 million during her illustrious career, which included victories spanning from 1977-91. She made 24 consecutive cuts in majors from 1978-85 and is just one of seven

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women who have won back-toback U.S. Women’s Open titles (1977-78) Stacy was recognized at the LPGA’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2000 as one of the association’s top 50 players and teachers of all time. She is the only player to win three consecutive U.S. Girls’ Junior Championships (1969-71) and was a member of the 1972 U.S. Curtis Cup Team.

VOLUNTEER NOW! Volunteer registration is available online at www.SolheimCup.com. A variety of duties and roles – from scoring, media, hospitality and transportation, just to name a few – are available for the week-long extravaganza.

ABOUT THE SOLHEIM CUP The Solheim Cup combines the tradition and prestige of the game of golf with passion for one’s country. This biennial, trans-Atlantic team matchplay competition features the best U.S.-born players from the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour and the best European members from the Ladies European Tour (LET).

The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim, the founder of Karsten Manufacturing Corporation, which makes PING golf equipment.

The 2013 Solheim Cup will take place Aug. 13-18 at Colorado Golf Club in Parker, Colo. The European Team enters the competition holding the Cup and will need 14 points to retain it, with the U.S. Team needing 14½ points to regain the coveted Waterford Crystal prize.

For more information visit the following websites: www.solheimcup.com, www.lpga.com or www.ladieseuropeantour.com. D

DIVOT Magazine

DIVOT Magazine

Summer Issue

41

NEW PRODUCTS

Rethink what you know about belts

N

exbelt, the belt with no holes, is the new innovative belt worn by PGA Tour players like Kevin Na. Our belts allow adjustments in ¼ inch increments versus 1” of traditional belts without the need for unsightly holes. We call this our PreciseFit system and it will allow the wearer the most comfortable perfect fit ever.

Our innovative one-size-fits-most makes it easy to give Nexbelt as a gift because our sizing system

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allows the person to cut to their waist size with regular scissors. We offer two sizes 28-40” and 38-50” to choose from.

Another convenient feature is our buckles in our Go-In! Golf Series have a face that flips down to reveal a hidden marker. No more fumbling through pockets looking for that marker. We offer a variety of designs with quality leathers to choose from. Check us out at www.nexbelt.com and Facebook. D

DIVOT Magazine

COURSE FEATURE

The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills...

County club golf at public prices.

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he Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills, located in Westminster, provide country club golf at public course pricing for golfers of every level from beginner to low handicap. The Golf Digest 4-Star rated Courses include the 18 hole Gold Course, 9hole regulation Blue Course, two par three courses (one specially tailored for the junior golfer), a large lighted practice facility and putting and chipping greens.

In 1985, the existing golf course was redesigned by architect, Frank Hummel, into the present Gold Course. Known for its unique design and spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains, the Gold Course offers a rewarding golf experience for all skill levels. Mature trees, lush fairways and greens, 6 lakes and award winning flower gardens add to the beauty and challenge of the course. The links style Gold Course has received numerous awards including being named one of the top 100 golf courses to play in America by Golf Digest. It

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hosted the 1990 United States Women’s Public Links Championship, the Colorado State Public Links Championship in 2010 (the eight time hosted) and later this year will host the 31st Annual Hyland Hills Amateur Tournament, a popular tournament for the State’s top ranked amateurs.

The Blue Course has evolved from the front nine of the original 18 holes to its current 9 hole regulation layout with 2 par 5’s, 2 par 3’s and 5 par 4’s. Offering a variety of challenging holes coupled with the beautiful scenery of the Rocky Mountains, the Blue Course creates an enjoyable golfing experience.

The lighted Practice Facility features five grass tiers and one mat tier (for off season/wet conditions), three practice sand traps, four regulation target greens at 120, 175, 215 and 265 yards and a practice bunker. An 18,000 square foot practice green and a practice chipping green are located next to the Golf Shop and a practice bunker is located near the chipping green.

In addition to first class golf, the Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills boast an extraordinary new clubhouse and golf shop.

Special care was taken in the design and functionality of the Clubhouse to take advantage of current technologies and environmental stewardship. Opened to the public June 26th the spacious clubhouse includes fine dining at Ciancio’s Restaurant, a large covered patio – just the place for an after golf beverage and snack, numerous large screen televisions to keep track of your favorite golf events and a full service bar overlooking the Courses. Two banquet rooms and a state-of-the-art

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audio/visual system make this the perfect place for tournaments and corporate, group and special events of all kinds. The Golf Shop provides a large and affordably priced selection of golf equipment, apparel and accessories.

The Golf Courses offer a number of customized tournament packages including the 9-hole Blue Course and the 18-hole Gold Course. For larger tournaments, Hyland Hills is one of the few metro venues to offer a full 27 regulation holes, combining the Gold and Blue courses, for up to 216 golfers. With a wide range of catering options, a choice of indoor or outdoor food venues, electric golf carts, plus special promotions and discounts at the Golf Shop, every golf tournament becomes a special memory.

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The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills at conveniently located just north of I-36 at 9650 N. Sheridan Blvd in Westminster. For tee times and additional information, visit us online at www.golfhylandhills.com or call 303-426-4653.

Especially for the Ladies The Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills have long recognized the need to find and reach out to new golfers. One successful outreach effort has been the wildly popular Thursday evening Ladies Night Out series. The philosophy of making ladies feel welcomed and appreciated resulting in the first session of the year in June hosting more than 50 female golfers.

Basically, its golf 101 with perks. The evening begins with course PGA professionals conducting an informal and fun clinic at the driving range for the beginners (intermediates can join in too if they’d like – or they can skip over to the intermediate Blue Course to begin their play). Pros then assist all participants along their course route and play a few holes with while sharing golf tips with each of the lady foursomes.

At the end of the 9-hole round, the ladies are invited to the clubhouse for a free beverage and light appetizers at Ciancio’s Restaurant where they can socialize and share experiences. Total cost is $15 for beginners and $20 for intermediates.

2012 “Ladies Night Out” Schedule: Thursdays , June 28, July 12, July 26, August 9, August 23, September 13 and September 20. D

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800-926-4386

www. .net

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NEWS

The Graduating Class of GTU

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long with the 1.8 million college students graduating this year, add another 75 who just earned their diplomas—the Class of ’12 from GolfTEC University, the world’s leading school for golf instruction.

GolfTEC University (GTU) is the 10-day program required for every coach who is going to teach at a GolfTEC Improvement Center around the world. Established in 1997 at GolfTEC headquarters in Denver, GTU has graduated 1,030 Certified Personal Coaches and will certify another 200 coaches this year.

“Every coach who works at GolfTEC is required to go through GTU,” explains Andy Hilts, GolfTEC’s Vice President of Instruction and Education. “It doesn’t matter if we hired Butch Harmon or Jim McLean, they’d have to go through GTU if they are going to teach for us.”

The basis of the GTU curriculum is mastery of GolfTEC’s proprietary g-SWING software, which provides a fact-based diagnosis of the golf swing by combining motion analysis and video feedback. The motionanalysis system has recently been updated with a new version of g-SWING, presently being rolled out to GolfTEC centers around the world.

Among the other highlights of GTU training are: • Understanding and using drills and training aids to accelerate the learning process • Using biofeedback tones to change the swing • Club fitting with GolfTEC’s unbiased software that compares the golfer’s swing data to a database of more than 1,000 clubs for the most precise match • Creating a sequential lesson plan • Communicating the importance of a committed approach to golf improvement • Actual live lessons and practical, hands-on exams.

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GTU isn’t only for U.S.-based centers. Coaches from Canada and Mexico have been coming to Denver for years to learn the company’s teaching methods, software, and management systems. And with a major expansion program promising dozens of new GolfTEC improvement centers in Japan, Korea, and elsewhere, GTU is sure to be a bustling campus for years to come.

And unlike the graduates of other universities, these students have jobs waiting for them—teaching the most comprehensive and successful golf-instruction system in the world.

For more information visit www.golftec.com.

About GolfTEC The undisputed leader in high-tech golf improvement, GolfTEC gives more than 25% of all private golf lessons in the U.S. annually and has a 95% success rate among its students. The 500 GolfTEC Personal Certified Coaches at nearly 160 Improvement Centers in the U.S. and Canada have given more than 3.6 million lessons since 1995. All lessons are based on the company’s “Five Factors:” Fact-Based Diagnosis, Sequential Lessons, VideoBased Practice, Advanced Retention Tools, and Precision-Matched Clubs. GolfTEC Improvement Centers can be found in almost all major U.S. cities, Mexico, and Canada, with new centers opening this year in Japan and Korea. D

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19TH HOLE EVENTS

Jack Nicklaus Wines Marks Major Wins with Limited-Edition Commemorative Series ack Nicklaus Wines announced the launch of the Golden Bear Reserve Commemorative Series, limited-edition Napa Valley wines that celebrate the golf legend’s record 18 professional major championships. The 1st release will take place this year on the 50th anniversary of Jack’s first professional victory and first major championship title—the 1962 U.S. Open Championship.

Nicklaus was a 22-year-old rookie in June 1962 when he defeated golf’s reigning king, Arnold Palmer, in an 18-hole playoff at Oakmont (Pa.) Country Club to win the U.S. Open. “Now that the big guy is out of the cage, everybody better run for cover,” Palmer said at the time, and he was right. Nicklaus went on to claim three more U.S. Opens (for

J

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a record-tying four), six Masters, five PGA Championships and The Open Championship three times.

Each year for the next 18 years, Nicklaus Wines will release a single limited-edition 1.5-liter bottle Napa Valley red blend to celebrate each one of Nicklaus’ major championships. Produced by Terlato Wine Group, each release will be limited to 1,000 bottles and each bottle will be packaged in an individual wooden display box and accompanied by a letter from Jack that includes his reflections on that major victory.

The Series kicks off this year with a release of a Napa Valley red blend from the stellar 2009 vintage that pays tribute to Jack’s first major victory at Oakmont Country Club 50 years ago. The inaugural blend is 55 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 36 percent Merlot, 8 percent Petit Verdot and 1 percent Cabernet Franc.The winemaker selected the finest lots from the Terlato Family Estate vineyards. From these limited selections, a blending and barrel selection process was conducted from hundreds of lots, and just seven barrels, aged for almost two years in French oak, were chosen for this esteemed bottling.

The Nicklaus wines are made with the Terlato family in a partnership formed when the golf legend visited the Terlatos’ vineyards in Napa Valley. The handcrafted wines debuted at the Nicklaus-hosted Memorial Tournament in 2010 and within a day, 1,000 cases were sold out. Building upon this success, the Golden Bear Commemorative Series represents a new frontier.

The inaugural edition of the Golden Bear Reserve Commemorative Series magnums will be released in June, 2012. It will be available in limited accounts internationally and online at uncorked.com the initial release price is expected to be $600. D

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INSIDE THE LEATHER

All putts are straight!

Wait. What!?!?

By Jerry Walters DIVOT Writer

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f you believe reading greens can be accomplished with charts and graphs, you may be delusional. Charts and graphs don’t provide undeniable absolute information. Imagine carrying circular graphs out on the course for a friendly round of golf. Your cronies will finally have you put away. To begin with, no one else is aware of what speed you prefer to hit your putts. Me? I like to tip the ball over the edge, when possible. That makes the hole larger than 4 1/4”.

There are several key ideas to remember about reading greens. Your skills are probably better than you give yourself credit for. You are more knowledgeable about finding the break point than the average golfer. And the most important is the realization that you WILL BE FOOLED occasionally on the break.

Consider these truths about reading greens that you probably haven’t even contemplated.

Whether you are consciously reading the green or not, you subconsciously begin your calculations as you approach the green surface. You will begin to survey the surrounding area the closer you walk to your ball.

Assume the following to be true: All putts are straight! Wait. What!?!? That’s a

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fact. You would never purposely try to slice or hook a ball into the cup. You will always attempt to hit a putt straight down your line.

Putts break or turn more when they begin to lose speed. It’s a fact of physics. The path of the ball rolling toward the target will become more affected by the contour of the ground when losing speed.

Every green, although sometimes very subtle, will include a high point and a low point. Most times these can be identified by mounding around the putting surface as at the higher points. A ditch, stream or pond nearby will be the lowest point in the surrounding area. Putts will break away from the high point and seek the low point.

Uphill putts will break or turn slightly less than downhill putts based strictly on the speed required to reach the target. The reverse is true on the downhill putts.

How can you improve or check your ability to read greens? Not surprisingly, there are mobile phone apps for that. Remember, these aids can only be used in practice rounds when you will not be posting scores for benefit of maintaining a USGA handicap.

I have discovered a couple of apps which can serve you well, if you spend enough time using them to learn the method of deciphering the results.

One free app is EEZ-READ. When you’ve loaded the app and have it on the screen of your phone, it will appear as a light green level with a bubble in the center. The more you move the device

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around, the more you will notice the bubble move away from the center. Rest the phone on an unleveled surface and notice the EEZ-READ will indicate an uphill or downhill value in the slope. Additionally, you will see a right or left break value. The fall line is always from the bubble through the center of the circle. Additionally, the farther the bubble is away from the center, the greater the break.

Another app I use is BreakMeter. This app will cost you 99 cents to load onto your phone. This green reader not only gives you the degrees as lined out in the previous example, but also features an arrow rotating around a golf ball at varying speeds to indicate the degree of uphill or downhill putt you are facing.

Both apps can be extremely valuable in reading putts, especially at courses which have challenging greens like The Air Force Academy, The Broadmoor or even Rolling Hills CC. As helpful as

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they can be, remember this; the green reader is only reading the exact spot where it is placed on the ground. I usually position the device about 3 feet short of the cup. The surrounding area cannot be measured at that location, only the site where it is placed.

Try one of these methods the next time you go out to play or practice on the putting green of your local course and see if you can determine the break before stepping up to make a putt. Your green reading skill will increase with experience and practice, but remember, you sometimes miss putts simply because you’re human. We’re not made to make every putt.

Jerry Walters is a PGA Tour Instructor and teaches putting at the Trent Wearner Golf Academy. Jerry is co-host of “In The Fairway” heard Saturday from 10-noon, 102.3 The Ticket, April through October. He can be reached at jerry@trentwearnergolf.com and 303-645-8000 if you have questions about your putting. D

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NEWS

Family Sports Golf Center Breaks Tradition with 6” Cups

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ith more golf courses closing than new courses opening across the country, operators, owners, retailers, and golf professionals are scrambling more than ever before to attract new players, keep existing customers and to cultivate a young crop of golfers. Family Sports Golf Course, one of the four facilities in the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, operated by John Tolan, Head Golf Professional, is no exception.

Recognition of the need to constantly think outside the box has caused some innovative ideas and actions relative to traditional golf.

The single most criticized aspect of golf is that the time it takes to play a round is just too lengthy.

Course officials have often debated, without resolve, what can be done to speed up play, putting amusement back into the sport. TaylorMade CEO Mark King recently was asked about ways to make golf more enjoyable for the average player. King’s suggestion?

“Make the hole bigger. Not only would it make a round of golf more fun, it most likely would speed up the pace of play.” That borders on heresy to staunch traditionalists. It’s the type of locker room conversation that would cause your cronies to question your sanity and replace you in their foursome.

Featuring a second set of cups, albeit larger, isn’t a new thought among course operators. As far back as the mid-1930s, Gene Sarazen, who was widely given credit for inventing the sand wedge, had the idea of making cups larger than the standard 4 1/4” size. Rob O’Laughlin, founder of the Soft Spikes and Laser Link rangefinders, was testing larger cups and when asked his thoughts, his response was “try making a 25-foot putt with the larger cups. You’ll be embarrassed how few times you hit the outer rim. It does not eliminate the challenge of putting. Good putters are still better and bad putts are still bad putts but the terror of the three-footer is gone. The larger cup eliminates

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gimmies and speeds up play.”

Jack Nicklaus, arguably the greatest golfer in history, has even tinkered with the idea of larger cups by hosting an event at his own course, Muirfield Village Golf Club, less than a year ago. ”I think the game is a great game and in no way am I trying to change it. There are few bigger traditionalists than me, but I realize we need to start thinking out of the box. So I ask all the traditionalists to be tolerant while we try something new, something fun to hopefully help us grow the game.”

Traditionalists may scoff at the idea of larger cups, but the Family Sports Center has adopted a variety of non-traditional ideas to increase participation and maintain its customer base. Only one of those visions is to increase the size of the holes.

When playing Family Sports Golf Course, players will notice two sets of cups and flags; the traditional one and an alternate set. The green flag and shorter yellow flagstick indicate the 6” holes. It’s your choice. Play whichever set of cups you’d like.

Adding more enjoyment to your round by speeding up play may help new golfers find entertainment in a game that is admittedly already very arduous.

Larger cups on the course aren’t the only radically different concept brought to fruition by the district. A continued on page 54

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6” Cups at Family Sports Golf Center continued from page 52 lighted, double-decked driving range with heated bays is constantly being utilized during colder days and late evenings, until 11pm, year round at Family Sports Golf Course. Three of the courses in the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, including Family Sports Golf, feature occasional night golf events. Family Sports has added a second Junior Golf Camp in July this year to accommodate the demand for instruction. Three of the district’s golf courses, Littleton Golf and Tennis Center, an executive length track, South Suburban par 3 course and Family Sports Golf Course, which has 9 holes, are all shorter in length creating venues for faster play.

All of the facilities in the South Suburban Park District offer extensive junior programs throughout the season. Golfers playing the executive length, par 31 course at Family Sports will notice a set of tee boxes midway down the fairway. Their “Tiger Tees” have been placed closer to the length junior golfers can manage based on their ability and augment the experience by making it more enjoyable.

To attract more junior golfers, the four courses all now offer FREE golf to those 17 years of age and under on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Bringing new golfers to the courses is only half the battle.

Keeping new players involved in the game, creating pleasurable recreation, and seeing repeat participation are the keys to the kingdom.

Regardless of which side you favor, bigger cups have a place in the development of junior and beginning golfers. And, if you believe your skills are above average, schedule a tee time at Family Sports and test your skill. Venture away from the everyday.

Step outside the box.

For more information about the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District, visit thier website at www.ssprd.org. You can even book tee times online.

Jerry Walters is the host of In The Fairway, heard Saturday mornings from 6-8am on 102.3 ESPN from April through September and has been recognized twice by the Colorado Golf Association as the Dave Nelson Media Person of the Year. He has also been given the Todd Phipers Media Award by the Colorado Section of the PGA. D

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FEATURE

Too Old To Putt?

By Tom Olkowski, Ph.D. Divot Contributing Writer

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uring a television broadcast midway through last season, while Gary McCord and Peter Kostis chatted about Ernie Els’ putting woes, McCord made the comment that “no one improves their putting after age 40.” Despite changing grips, putters, and coaches, the putting skills of the over-40 crowd are destined for deterioration. Now I usually respect Gary’s observations but this time I think he’s dead wrong simply because he doesn’t know the real secrets to improved putting after age 40.

Naturally the very first “secret” you’ll hear from a teaching pro is to practice more. Make a circle of 50 balls about two feet around the hole, sink them all then widen the circle by two feet and keep at it until you can sink 40-footers from anywhere on the green. Another trick is to sink 200 straight putts without a miss.

If you miss one, you have to start over and make them all before going home to dinner. This strategy is deadly boring and may not necessarily improve your putting but it will definitely help you lose weight. And what the pros don’t tell you about practicing putting is that their caddies retrieve all their putts and gently roll them back to their man so he never has to bend over when he practices. By the way if you want to complicate matters, try changing your grip, stance and stroke all at the same time while you practice.

A second so-called “secret” is to improve your chipping. According to a recent issue of Golf magazine, you will automatically decrease your number of putts per round if you always chip to within five feet of the cup. Although the advice is excellent, it presents a few new issues like needing a whole new set of secrets to improve your chipping and being able to sink five foot putts. If we could all do that consistently, we wouldn’t need any other secrets.

Another rarely mentioned secret to improved putting that might seem paradoxical is to avoid Greensin-Regulation at all costs. Instead, put your approach shot as close to the edge of the green as possible, then chip as close to the hole as possible – the end result

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will ultimately be fewer putts. To prove my point Bubba Watson was #1 in GIRs with 74.02% per round early last year but only 134th in putting. Unfortunately this secret only works if you ignore the fact that the pros putting averages are solely calculated on holes on which they make GIRs. The favored secret of most casual golfers is the old standby – simply buy a new putter, usually the more expensive the better. A new putter is absolutely guaranteed to improve your putting average for at least three weeks after you buy it. Later as it begins to let you down, it can join the other 13 putters you now have in your garage. If you can’t afford a new putter, have your old one regripped. It’s far cheaper and it works almost as well but the improvement won’t last as long as it does with a new putter.

The final and perhaps most important secret to improved putting is to play upon the sportsmanship and comradery of your foursome and develop a more lenient attitude toward conceded putts. While purists may frown on the practice, keep in mind that conceded putts are a vital element of match play and they speed up the game immensely. If any of your playing partners object, just remind them of the most famous conceded putt in golf history when Jack Nicklaus conceded the final putt on the 18th hole to halve his match with Tony Jacklin in the 1969 Ryder Cup. It is still viewed as one of the grandest examples of golf sportsmanship ever.

A few words of caution however, if you do employ this “secret” to improve your putting do not carry it to the extremes exhibited in the Bud Light commercials several years ago and never request a concession from your buddies. If they fail to give you a putt you think is makeable, you can always screw them back later with money on the line.

Finally, if all of these putting secrets fail, you can always resort to prayer. My mother tells me that St. Jude is the patron saint of long putts and lost causes.

Tom Olkowski, Ph.D., is a retired clinical psychologist in Denver who personally apologizes to the putters he relegates to the garage just in case he needs to use them again and he always prays to St. Jude. D

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$600 INDIVIDUAL PLAYER INCLUDES • Round of golf with cart • Lunch and complimentary beverages • Giftbag (including golf balls,hat and golf shirt) • Post golf event: cocktails, light buffet and awards

303.761.1977 • www.mcpn.org

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Find Colorado’s Very Best Golf Offers, Discounts, Specials, Deals, Coupons, Events, News, Reviews, Travel, Stay and Play, Real Estate, & Much More...

Colorado’s most comprehensive online golf course directory

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No Login. No Sign Up. No Membership. Just visit the website, print or pull up on your smart phone and present it.

Colorado golf offers, specials, discounts, events, lodging, tournaments, lessons, travel and much more posted daily

www.Golfind.com info@golfind.com DIVOT Magazine

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FEATURED CART GIRLS

The Heritage at Westmoore Kelly Zinke

Kristy Gustavson Age: 21 How long have you been a cart girl? 3 years What attracted you to the job? I love talking to and meeting new people and being outside.

Do you play and if so, how would you describe your game? I play a little, I am not good. You put me on a putt putt couse, I’ll tear it to the ground What do you like about golf? Definitely challenging which is good because I like a challenge. Mostly it’s a great atmosphere. It’s great to be outside for 4 to 5 hours with golfers you enjoy.

What would you change about the game of golf? The crazy outfits that guys wear because they think it is cool, they only do it to stand out and say “look at me!”

Share a memorable experience you had driving the cart: I could write a book about all my experiences, but the best was when a golfer pulled every line he knew out of his bag of tricks and asked me to go to Vegas with him all expenses paid. I nicely said that I could not.

What are three don’ts to ask a cart girl? 1) Don’t take yourself to seriously. 2) Don’t pop your collar up, the 80”s are over. 3) Don’t try to act cool around me, just be yourself.

What are three do’s golfers should know about the cart girl’s? 1) If it’s after 7am, yes you can have a drink. 2) Use sarcasm with me, I eat it up 3) It’s the Heritage, not the PGA.

Age: 21 How long have you been a cart girl? 1 month What attracted you to the job? Being outside, meeting friendly golfers & having fun.

Do you play and if so, how would you describe your game? I do play, I am not bad for a girl.

What do you like about golf? challenging – and each new course I play brings new life to my game.

What would you change about the game of golf? I wish it did not take 4 ½ to play a round.

Share a memorable experience you had driving the cart: One guy was having a bad golf day, so I asked him if he needed a hug, so I gave him a big hug, he got so excited after that he shot a birdie. Every time I see him now I give him a big hug for luck?

What are three don’ts to ask a cart girl: 1) Don’t ask to buy me a shot, buy me one when I get off 2) Do not tell me that you will tip me later, because you never do. 3) Don’t get mad at me when you see me only twice per nine, I half to stop for every golfer because I want to give every one great service.

What are three do’s golfers should know about the cart girl’s? 1) If you tip me good, I promise I will take very good care of you. 2) Be respectful and friendly and I will give it back to you. 3) I make a lot of golfers nervous when I am around, show me your skills because I love to see great golf strokes!

If you would like Divot Magazine to feature a cart girl, please email your recommendation to: info@divotmagazine.com.

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feature FEATURE

eGroupGolf Brings Courses and Tournaments Together

By Jerry Walters Divot Magazine Staff Writer

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there was a place, which provided more tools to assist and help make their events better? It’s quickly become obvious to the courses that betterrun and larger events mean more players, so it’s a win-win. The challenge was devising a way to satisfy both parties and out of necessity eGroupGolf was formed and uses state of the art technology.”

obody doubts the golf industry is struggling. The number of golf events and the number of players in each event has dwindled to new lows so it’s time to think outside the box.

Recently, I talked with PGA ProfesHow did your years of experience as a sional Tom Brinkman about his new venPGA Pro and your time at American ture, eGroupGolf, a web site with an Golf prepare you for this? innovative approach to group golf event I saw incredible success during planning. Tom started focusing on golf those years and I know it was because events in 1991 as a head professional and I didn’t wait for the phone to ring. I went Regional Tournament Director with AmeriTom Brinkman out and made calls on companies and can Golf. Responsible for increasing the number of players and revenue from group events at associations to bring in business when nobody else seven courses, he grew familiar with industry prac- was. No one had a real salesperson out in the field tices and challenges and realized there must be a trying to book tournaments and I was doing this for better way to find, compare, reserve and promote seven courses owned by one company. Recently, I events that benefited both the event and the courses. began to think; what if I could do this for any course or even all courses that wanted a professional salesperson? How could I make it affordable?

Why group golf events?

Simple: Corporations and associations, small American Golf could afford it because they had businesses, restaurants and bars, you name it— more courses to share the cost. Courses operate they’re still hosting events. They've just found it on extremely tight budgets and don't have extra harder and more expensive now and so the number money for expensive advertising let alone salesand size of tournaments has dwindled. You can cer- people. The internet showed me what this could tainly relate it to the economy. Everyone’s doing more become: a true one-stop Tournament Shop; one lowith less and wanting more for less, but planning and cation where any course could afford to market tee hosting an event is hard work: endless, back-and- times specifically for group events. It’s affordable forth phone calls to different courses; keeping track because it's a co-op. Each participating course of your players; trying to collect payment or getting pays a small fee to support the site and to the salespromotional products. Says Brinkman, “I don't wish person driving tournament business to their course. that brain damage on anybody and currently the courses aren’t in a great position to offer much help.” Does eGroupGolf have professional sales people?

According to Tom, “it occurred to me: what if Absolutely. PGA Pros work as territory reps we could use the internet as a one-stop tournament doing exactly what I did: going out in the field helpshop, one place where everyone could go to see all the available golf courses at one time? What if continued on the next page

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For event planners, it's the convenience of searching, comparing, and reserving the perfect course quickly and easily. continued from the previous page ing put events and golf courses together. They’ll drive people to the site and educate them to use our tools to make their events better than ever before. Technology is great, but nothing replaces oldfashioned, one-on-one salesmanship. In addition we have in-house Event Specialists trained to help organize their events, promote their events and even assist in purchasing promotional products for their participants.

Are there other companies doing this?

Not that I'm aware. There are all kinds of companies like GolfNow offering tee times and a few individuals out there who’ll orchestrate your event for a fee, but I haven't seen anything like eGroupGolf.

What makes you different?

We don't offer single tee times or buy times to simply turn around and resell on the web. Companies like GolfNow are already doing that and if you want discount golf, that's just one web site where you should search. We're creating value and concentrate strictly on groups and tournaments. It doesn’t matter if the group is large or small, a charity event or customer appreciation, our goal is to put the event in the right place; help them find a course and then help promote their event and make it better. We give each tournament their own free event page and it's really one of our more sophisticated features. They can upload images, sell advertising or sponsorships, get registrations and collect payment and even link it to their social networks. What’s more, we don't set the prices —

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each course creates packages on their own webpage, which we help sell. Since we don't charge any more or less than the course, we're a benefit to both. Now, event planners can go to one site and find a course that fits their needs, whether it’s the least expensive or not. They can find the date they want or a date that may be better to hold their event. Maybe price isn’t the biggest concern; maybe image is, and that’s why we give them the ability to compare courses quickly and easily. If they're still unsure, they have a PGA Pro and an Event Specialist there to help.

What is the biggest advantage to using eGroupGolf?

For event planners, it's the convenience of searching, comparing, and reserving the perfect course quickly and easily. Plus they’ll find special offers from the courses only found on our site. I firmly believe we’re going to help golf courses get more players and create even better events by advertising and promoting them on the web.

For golf courses, they finally have a way of leveling the playing field. This is an affordable way they can get the word out, help fill some unused tee times and create even more value for groups when they can afford to be flexible. We’re very excited about this new tournament product and we think you will be too.

Ready to host your next event? Visit www.egroupgolf.com today and step into the next generation for tournament planning. You’ll be glad you did.

Jerry Walters is a staff writer for Divot Magazine and is co-host of In The Fairway, heard Saturdays from April to October on 102.3 ESPN from 6-8 am. D

DIVOT Magazine

DIVOT Magazine

Summer Issue

63