Issue 7 • Volume 5 • September 2012
Great Fall Courses With Amazing Views
- Bellwood Oaks, Cannon Golf Club, Hidden Greens, Hudson Golf Club, Mississippi National
Fall Golf Apparel
- Preparing For Wind, Rain And Cold
One Tank Trips
- North To Thumper Pond, South To Bos Landen
Profiles
- Bill "Izzy" Israelson And Golf Ball Diver Scott Lokken
Tee Times
2
GOLFtoberfest Party!
3rd Annual
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The Package! • • • • •
September 2012
Located at The Pines Golf Course 5pm – BBQ & Beer wagon Live music begins 7pm – prize giveaways
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Local. Affordable. Historic. Championship Golf. Just minutes away from downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul. Columbia Golf Club 3300 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis 612-789-2627
Gross National Golf Club 2201 St. Anthony Boulevard, St. Anthony 612-789-2542
Meadowbrook Golf Club 201 Meadowbrook Road, Hopkins 952-929-2077
Wirth Golf Club 1301 Wirth Parkway, Golden Valley 763-522-4584
Hiawatha Golf Club 4553 Longfellow Avenue, Minneapolis 612-724-7715
Fort Snelling Golf Club
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5701 Leavenworth Avenue, St. Paul 612-726-6222
Readers' Choice Awards
September 2012
WE WANT YOUR OPINION!
3
We are asking you, our readers, to share your thoughts on Minnesota’s top golf courses.
Please email your choices to steve@teetimespress.com or go to www.teetimespress. com/readerschoice to submit your choices in the following categories. All responses will have their name entered into a drawing for rounds of golf! We will announce your Readers’ Choice in this October’s issue of Tee Times. 1. The Golf Course That Provides The Best Golf Experience 2. The Golf Course That Provides The Best Value 3. The Golf Course That Provides The Best Hospitality (Service) 4. The Golf Course In The Best Condition 5. The Golf Course With The Best Greens 6. Favorite Golf Course For A Wedding 7. Favorite Golf Course For A Tournament 8. Favorite Golf Course For A Holiday Party 9. Favorite Clubhouse
THANK YOU
10. Favorite Pro Shop 11. Favorite Restaurant 12. Best Food At The Turn 13. Favorite Par 3 14. Favorite Par 4 15. Favorite Par 5 16. Finest Private Club 17. Best Golf Resort 18. Best Public Course
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Off The Course Toys 2012 MN Golf Show Meet Two Minnesota Golf Legends
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Tee Times' Cup
4
September 2012
Mississippi Dunes
One Unique Track
The FedEx Cup Playoffs To wrap up the inaugural season of the Tee Times' Cup, we’ll pick one more “event”: where the pros will finish in the final FedEx Cup Standings. Going into the Playoffs’ first event, The Barclays at Bethpage Black, Tiger Woods led the pack with Jason Dufner right behind. However, Nick Watney’s three-shot victory at Bethpage catapulted him to the top of the standings. In the second event of the FedEx Cup, the PGA TOUR will visit TPC Boston for the Deutsche Bank Championship. The third leg is the BMW Championship, hosted this year at Crooked Stick in Indiana. The FedEx Cup Playoffs conclude at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta for the TOUR Championship. 2011 FedEx Cup Champion Bill Haas hit one of last year’s most memorable shots to charge to victory in the TOUR Championship by hitting a flop shot from the bank of a lake to within a few feet of the 17th hole in a “playoff for the Playoffs” against Hunter Mahan. This season, Haas finds himself inside the Top-30 after the first event yet again, but only five players ahead of him are winless in 2012, while five have multiple wins this season (including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy). East Lake Golf Club
September Tee Times Cup Standings And FedEx Cup Picks
Jimmy Rockelman C.J. Meyer Jay Meyerhoff Tim Brovold Steve Wetzler Tom Abts Will Brogan Jim McNaney Matt Just Lori Money Paul (P.K.) Kelley Eddie Wynne Michael Herzog
Points 32 31 28 26 25 22 21 21 16 16 7 7 6
Pick 1
Pick 2
Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy Jason Dufner Rory McIlroy Jason Dufner Jason Dufner Brandtt Snedeker Jason Dufner Graeme McDowell Matt Kuchar Jason Dufner Nick Watney
Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Nick Watney Tiger Woods Zach Johnson Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Rory McIlroy Rory McIlroy Tiger Woods Matt Kuchar Dustin Johnson
Bill Haas 2011 Winner FedEx Cup
A Twin Cities Hidden Gem! • • • • •
18 Hole Championship Course New Electronic Golf Carts With GPS Full Grass Range And Practice Green Fun For Golfers Of All Skill Levels Kids Play Free Sundays After 5:00* *some restrictions apply
952-445-5685 • www.bluffcreek.com 1025 Creekwood Street • Chaska, MN 55318
September 2012
Profile
5
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea? Nope. 20,000 Golf Balls! By Will Brogan
Some of the items Scott has recovered
Scott with his daily haul
One day's worth of Pro V1s
Scott diving
By now you’ve seen a feature or two on the Golf Channel or maybe ESPN detailing the lives of “golf ball divers”. Usually, those features take place in the Southern United States, as the warm climate and potential for omnipresent alligators create a dramatic focus for those features. However, did you know that golf ball diving has been going on for just as long right here in the Twin Cities area?
Lokken told me. With such a long and warm golf season this year, it’s no surprise that there are more balls to be found in the lakes than Lokken cares to hit into them!
In the 1930’s, Scott Lokken’s father and uncle began to dive for golf balls as a part time job. Scott joined the family business as soon as he could, learning how to dive for golf balls at age eleven. Now in his fifties, Scott has made golf ball diving his full-time job since the mid1980s, despite the abbreviated season in the Upper Midwest.
Still, Lokken warns of the dangers of golf ball diving, as it is more dangerous than one would expect. A snapping turtle once got the better of Lokken’s thumb, though the turtle didn’t do any permanent damage. Obviously, diving in the Southern United States brings alligators and other perilous animals into play, but Lokken will warn you that drowning is the number one fear of all divers. “It does happen,” Lokken says, as he unfortunately served as a field expert in a wrongful death diving case last year.
In the early months of the season, Lokken will dive two to three times a week, and spend the rest of his time processing (sorting) golf balls. From now until the end of the season, however, Lokken will dive just about every day. There’s a simple reason: accumulation. The longer Lokken waits to scour a lake for lost balls, the more he’ll find. As one might expect, the Titleist Pro V1 is the most sought-after ball on the “recycled” market, though Scott says that brands like TopFlite and Pinnacle actually last longer under water thanks to their harder covers. “Pro V’s, Pentas, and stuff like that actually stain faster because of their softer covers,” says Lokken. Lokken also took the time to explain his diving and recovery tactics, “The first thing that you want to do is hit the bottom of the hill. Every pond is different, but you’ll want to start at the very bottom. Use a grid pattern and cover the “hot spots”, which would be where balls typically enter the water. Normally, I’ll only hit a pond once a year, but it depends on how much play it gets.”
Another neat aspect of his business, which can be found on e-Bay or at www.thegolfballshop. com, is that Lokken has never purchased a sleeve of balls in his entire life! Why would he if he can find so many that are still in mint or near-mint condition?
Given the lack of visibility, it is very easy to get stuck under water, so those considering the profession need a great deal of training before embarking on the wetlands alone. Open water training and working with an experienced golf ball diver are two “absolute” entrance requirements to the profession, and equipment will run roughly three to four thousand dollars. Still, it’s a worthwhile venture for Lokken, as he’ll typically net five to six thousand balls a day. His personal record was gathered at Deer Run a few years ago, where he captured over 21,300 balls in a single day. That’s more than one ton! After sorting and cleaning the balls, he’ll sell them (with free shipping) for a solid after-market wholesale price on his e-Bay site. Golf balls aren’t the only equipment Lokken has found in Minnesota’s golfing lakes. On three separate occasions, Lokken has found entire bags of clubs! In one case, he offered to return a bag to the owner, as Lokken found his wallet in the bag. “He told me I could keep the bag, he just wanted the wallet!” Lokken says of that instance.
Another time, he was diving along the bank of a lake and found a one iron, followed by every single club in an iron set down to the pitching wedge, all spaced about twenty yards apart. Now it’s one thing to toss a putter or bag into a lake in a momentary fit of golfing anger, but that takes Cleaner and deeper water are pluses for Lokken, who usually has to some determination to rid yourself of an entire iron set one-by-one in the same lake!! resort to feel to find the balls thanks to minimal visibility in murky waters. His “favorite” courses to dive on include Deer Run, Troy Scott Lokken has taken this part-time gig that he learned from his father and uncle and turned Burne, Prestwick, and Oak Glen, though he doesn’t get to play many it into a full time career. With such successful dives, and the memories he has, Lokken truly of his favorite tracks that often. “I’ve only played once this year,” does enjoy life “under the sea”!
Fairways & Greens
6
September 2012
By Steve Manthis
Purple Hawk Clubhouse
Purple Hawk Country Club
Purple Hawk #2
Purple Reign In Cambridge There is no shortage of golf courses to choose from in the Twin Cities metro area. Minneapolis has its six municipal courses, while St. Paul has its share of both public and private establishments. One great stretch of golf occurs right along Highway 65 just north of the cities. Take 65 north and it’ll eventually get you (almost) to International Falls, but you don’t have to go that far to find some good places to play. Just about an hour north of Minneapolis you’ll find one such place: Purple Hawk Country Club. The Course Purple Hawk, a semi-private country club, is located about 3 miles north of Cambridge on the west side of Highway 65 and there you’ll find a challenging 18 holes of golf. Measuring between 5,700 and 6,700 yards, the course offers plenty of different types of shots. The relatively short first hole requires a well-placed drive and an even better placed shot to the green. The par five third can be reached in two if you can manage to curve a Bubba Watsonlike tee shot around the corner.
One Of The Best Kept Secrets In The North Metro
The par four 4th hole measures 333 yards from the white tees, but it can be an intimidating hole. It’s a sharp dogleg left around a pond, and it dares you to recall your high school math class. If the legs of the triangle measure 333, then what’s the hypotenuse? The timid can hit an iron to the 150 marker (which will leave you with a tough, ball-aboveyour-feet lie), but the bold should take aim just in front of the green and let ‘er rip. Funny thing is, there actually is a lot of room to land the ball and you’ll be rewarded with a much flatter lie. Here we are, 4 holes into the round, and we’ve had a little bit of everything. The 7th is a tough par four and the front nine ends with a par five which is guarded by water and has a very tough green. I made a birdie there, but I had to play about a foot and a half of break on my ten-foot birdie putt. Luckily the hole got in the way, or I might have had a 20-footer for par. The back nine features more of the same; #10 is a sharp dogleg left, while 11 and 12 are straightaway par fours. Then we get to the 13th, a challenging par three from any tees. At 211 yards from the whites, it’s long enough to challenge any golfer; add a large pond that protects the right side, and it’s game on! While my playing partner managed to find the green, all I found was the water. My advice: keep your tee shot left. Better to be left of the green than in the watery grave where my ProV1 currently lies. Two par fives surround the short par three 16th and two par fours to bring you back to the clubhouse. The Greens We all know different courses have different budgets, but I’ll always go back to a course if it has nice greens. I have to say, the greens at Purple Hawk were about as good as they come. They were firm and very puttable. If I missed a putt, it was operator error and not the fault of the green. Just be careful and, if at all possible, keep the ball below the hole. Recent Improvements Purple Hawk has been around for quite a while now, so it has been nice to see the course grow up. Some holes have gotten pretty narrow as the trees have grown a lot fuller. Nevertheless, Purple Hawk has continued to work to improve the course. Course Manager Chris Grace noted that numbers 2 and 16 have new tee boxes that were put in this year. He also said they’ve “greatly improved the irrigation on the course” by replacing old lines with bigger ones to help increase capacity. He’s right; there were very few dry spots to be found.
A Championship 18-Hole Semi-Private Golf Course Rated 4.5 Stars By GolfDigest 2000-01 One Of The Top 100 Best Value Courses In The United States - Maximum Golf Magazine.
36300 Highway 65 North Cambridge, MN 55008
763-689-3800 www.purplehawk.com
The Hawk Bar And Grill Grace also noted that the new owners of the restaurant have greatly improved the quality of the food and, especially, of the service. “They took over earlier this year,” said Grace, “and things are going great.” Purple Hawk is semi-private, so it’s a great choice if you live nearby and it’s worth the drive from anywhere in the Twin Cities. Green fees will run you $27 Monday through Thursday, or $29 on the weekend. The Hawk has great membership options and many different leagues, so check their website (www. purplehawkcom) to select a membership or find a league that fits your schedule for the 2013 season. While you’re there, click on the tee time section to find great values on tee times.
Fairways & Greens
September 2012
7
Hudson Golf Club
In Hudson, WI
Public Golf On A Private Setting By Tim Cotroneo Hudson Golf Club #16
Hudson Golf Club Clubhouse
View from the Clubhouse Deck
You can learn a lot about a golf course before you even step on the first tee box. For one golfer, Value is only as good as the product delivered. Hudson’s just driving into the parking lot of storied Hudson Golf Club proved to be an eye opener. spectacular elevations and scenic landscape showcase how this was once a private sanctuary for a select few. This newcomer’s first observation regarding Hudson was how convenient this 57-year-old The now public 6,400-yard layout is open to the golfer-next-door who decides to take the golf course is to those residing in the Twin Cities. From St. Paul, Hudson Golf Club is a tidy Carmichael exit and head north a 1/4 mile from Highway 94. 20 minutes east on Highway 94. Their parking lot displayed at least as many Minnesota plates as those who declared Wisconsin home. Hudson Golf Club will really show its true colors in the coming weeks. “We anticipate the tree colors to begin changing the third week of September. We’re fortunate because the St. The next thing this Hudson first-timer found impressive was a welcoming “hello” from an Croix Valley is spectacular in the Fall,” Hanson said. employee driving through the lot on a fairway mower. Before the glow of that greeting had time to fade, another employee stopped tinkering on the windshield of a golf cart to walk up Take Your Turn To Hudson and introduce himself. Golfers who’ve begun making the pilgrimage to Hudson do so for a variety of reasons. For some it’s the “pinch yourself” opportunity to play what was once a private club for $39. For Hudson’s Private To Public Story others it’s a chance to combine golf with the St. Croix River Valley experience. The tinkerer was actually Doug Hanson, one of Hudson’s family of owners. For Hanson, being a “hands-on” owner means fixing golf carts and basically leading by example. Hanson, Regardless of your reason, Fall is a great time to head to Hudson. There’s no chance you’ll a retired air traffic controller, now does his best to guide Minnesota and Wisconsin golfers to take a wrong turn once you arrive at Hudson Golf Club. There’s a former air traffic controller his family’s two golf courses in Hudson and River Falls. leading golfers to the first tee. He’s the guy tinkering with the golf cart windshield. “We sold our family manufacturing business located in Hammond, WI. We looked at a variety of business opportunities we felt showed promise, and decided the Hudson Golf Club had an excellent upside,” Hanson said. The Hanson family took over the golf course in April of 2010. From 2010 to today, Hudson went from private, to semi-private, to public. The public makeover has proved to be a winning formula as 2012 rounds are up 15 percent over last year.
“Golf The Country Club”
“Super” As In Superintendent And Golf Escape Hanson credits much of his course’s success to the diligence of his superintendent, Troy Johnson. “Troy has done a fabulous job maintaining the tradition of excellence that our course was known for when it was private. The transition to becoming a public course, along with the increase in rounds played, means more maintenance for the superintendent and grounds crew. Troy and his team have not only overcome these challenges with flying colors, he’s also weathered the summer’s intense heat and a couple of lightning strikes,” Hanson said. A panoramic visual example of the course’s pristine condition can be seen from Hudson’s spacious clubhouse patio. Over a piping hot morning coffee or afternoon cold beverage, golfers can absorb a snapshot view of Hudson’s 133 rolling acres. The Hudson golf course is more than just another pretty face. The par 71 track could be the perfect option if you’re looking for golf and a little something extra. Located five minutes from the golf club are downtown Hudson and its plethora of restaurants, antique shops, and on-the river boating options. Drive another five minutes west and you’ll find the Minnesota rivertown of Stillwater. Hudson and Stillwater offer an array of charming historical and social diversions. The towns bordering the St. Croix River are excellent overnight and long weekend retreats. Best Border Value Whether you reside in Minnesota, Wisconsin, or beyond, Hudson Golf Club has come up with a greens fee package that is sure to make your trek to Hudson worthwhile. “In May, we converted our greens fees and golf cart package to $39. That price is good for any day at any time. This price is such a value that golfers who took advantage in May are now playing our golf course weekly,” Hanson said.
$39 w/Cart Any Tee Time, Any Day In September $32 w/Cart Any Tee Time, Any Day In October
15 Minutes From St. Paul Call Today To Book Your Tee Time 715-386-3390 www.hansonbrosllc.com
201 Carmichael Road • Hudson, WI 54016
8
Fairways & Greens
September 2012
Bellwood Oaks Golf Course Hometown Customer Service, Meticulous Maintenance, and Fair Pricing
By Brad Parrott Bellwood Oaks Golf Course #16 Photo Courtesy of Steve Wewerka Photography
It seems that when the economy is not at its best, the terms “Value” and “Bang for the Buck” get used more and more when describing almost anything that costs the consumer money. As a money conscious consumer, I am guilty of using those terms in many articles myself. Fortunately, I get to use them again when describing the experience you will have when playing Bellwood Oaks Golf Course in Hastings, Minnesota.
fairways right in your landing zones. Risk – Reward should be in your thought process as you play these holes. Hole 17 is the longest par 3 at 184 yards, which is downhill and protected in the front by a bunker. The finishing hole continues the theme of being accurate with your tee shot. Bunkers on each side of the fairway in the landing zone catch your eye as you address your final tee shot of your round.
Bellwood Oaks is located just outside of Hastings off of Highway 61, and only a short and beautiful ride from St. Paul. As you turn off the highway, you will notice that Bellwood Oaks Prior to playing my round, I asked two gentlemen that were in the group behind us what is not located on a housing development and is nicely tucked in to a wooded area surrounded brought them out to Bellwood Oaks to golf. They both stated, without any coaching, it is by farm fields. Rush hour here is being stuck behind a tractor! because of the atmosphere and conditions. These statements were reinforced by my playing partners as they both stated they would definitely come back to play again. Arriving at the course, you will notice a modest clubhouse and a lack of background, “city” noise. This is a great opportunity to stop, take a couple deep breaths, and get yourself ready for a great day. Although Bellwood Oaks will not be one of the hardest courses you play, it will still offer you challenges, but most of all, you will be impressed by the amount of care that is given to the Speaking with owner Dan Raskob, it is very clear what his focus is with Bellwood Oaks. He course insuring it will be one of your best golfing experiences of the year. wants golfers to have the best possible “experience” they can when playing Bellwood Oaks. The experience starts at the clubhouse being greeted by an inviting, courteous, and friendly staff that truly seems to appreciate your business. The experience continues on the course with fair, consistent, and some of the best kept playing conditions you will experience in the Twin Cities metro area. The fairways are in beautiful condition and obvious care given to divots. The rough is long, as it should be, but again, lush and in great condition. Now for the greens, wow! Ball marks are one of the worst problems courses face today. For some reason, many golfers do not fix their ball marks, or do not make the effort to fix them correctly; making it almost impossible for courses to maintain smooth greens without small ball shaped dead spots. If you are questioning the severity of the problem, just think back to how many times you have used a ball mark as an aiming point for your putt. Taking a look at the greens at Bellwood Oaks increases the magnitude on how far they go to make sure playing there will be the best experience possible. On the par 4’s and 5’s you will be hard pressed to find even just one dead spot made from a ball mark. Equally impressive is how few you will find on the par 3 holes. The first few holes allow you to get your game in a groove with shorter lengths, generous landing areas, and receptive greens. This is a great opportunity to confirm the efforts put in by Dan and his staff at making this the best possible experience a golfer could have. The front nine continues with slight doglegs, generous landing areas, smooth greens, and of course great conditions. The back nine starts out the same but quickly throws in some testing points to stop you from getting too relaxed. Hole 11 is a ninety-degree dogleg right that will surprise you if you are not ready. It requires an accurate tee shot in the 230-yard range aiming between the two oak trees with stripes painted on them. Correctly placed, you will have a clear, easy shot to the green. Off by just a little bit and you will be faced with the options of hitting a lay up, hitting over the trees, or hitting through the trees. The next three holes gives you the opportunity to get your game back in the groove if need be before giving you the final four challenges of your round. Holes 15, 16, and 18 are downhill par 4’s with strategically placed hazards and narrowing
Family owned and operated, Bellwood Oaks is committed to Hometown Customer Service, Meticulous Maintenance, and Fair Pricing. “Beautiful course and the rates are fabulous. Worth the drive from Bloomington.” - Jim S. “Once you arrive at Bellwood you will find a public course that is manicured like a private club.” - Mitchel M. “I have played Bellwood Oaks for many, many years. The course is always in great shape but what I enjoy most is the friendly staff.” - George N.
Fall Rates In Effect 9/24 Please Visit Our Website For More Information www.bellwoodoaksgolf.com 651-437-4141 I 13239 210th Street I Hastings, MN 55033
September 2012
Fairways & Greens
9
Hidden Greens Golf Course An Escape To Nature By Eric N. Hart
Hidden Greens #12
At least two great things happened in 1976. While I won’t admit to the one, unless there’s a large financial reward, I’ll readily admit to the other. Joel Goldstrand was contracted to create a 9-hole golf course (presumably his 200th course in MN) slightly less than a half hour Southeast of the St. Paul in Hastings. Of the two great things that happened in 1976, one of them, now aptly named Hidden Greens, has matured gracefully…so much so that another nine holes was added and completed a decade later, opening in 1986. Hidden Greens was the vision of current GM/Superintendent Jason Swanson’s grandfather Leonard, who (at 97) still pays close attention to every detail of the golf course and operations. “It’s always been in the family,” Jason says. “And it always will be. We definitely have pride of ownership and take personally every suggestion from every visitor no matter how minor or major it may be.” He’s not kidding. Jason doesn’t miss the little things, although he deflects credit to his wife Lisa and others. Look at their scorecard for one. Correction…scorecard(s)…plural. More on that later. From the artistic/historic cover to the holeby-hole descriptions (who needs GPS), to the course map, and easy to follow large photographic displays…a piece of paper is not just a piece of paper here. They don’t waste a single opportunity to make a great impression. In fact, they even have a full-color (not photocopied) separate scorecard for Junior Golf, accompanied on-course by intelligently (not randomly) placed tees for youngsters. This place doesn’t falsely advertise when they say they offer something for everyone. Pulling up to the clubhouse, and stepping out of your vehicle you’ll feel as if you’re arriving at a camp. Surrounded by trees, and facing the log cabin-ish clubhouse, you’ll smell the pine, see the fire pits and round wooden tables, (on their new “Hidden Patio”) hear the birds and be drawn in to the scattered applause and/or laughter. Jovial Uncle Bob, or courteous Brooke, will likely greet you in the shop and minute by minute remove you from your stresses and prepare you for a nature friendly round of golf. The course is actually located in a game refuge, so no homes, roads, or unwanted nuisances, other than that one playing partner you wish you could get rid of. Yes, “nature friendly” suggests there are plenty of trees, the greatest blessing and curse according to Jason, but that also means plenty of shade, plenty of wildlife, and plenty of
Hidden Greens #16
Hidden Greens #8
challenges (we all need to play smarter golf every once in awhile anyway). Mr. Goldstrand began the front nine with one of his signature “quirky” tree placements, a large oak waving at you from the right side of the fairway. But the real fun begins at #6 with a three-tree statue on the right of the fairway, and the coolest dead tree you’ve ever seen in your life on the left. Hole 6 introduces you to the best three-hole stretch on the course from 7 to 9. Seven is a downhill par 3, over a stream. Eight, the signature hole on the course, with that same winding stream making you pay attention to both your drive and approach. Then nine, a daunting (perhaps even taunting) uphill par 3, where a front pin placement is just plain mean, as it was today. On the back, you’ll be impressed with the downhill 12th hole, where you can’t help but notice the gorgeous fountain to your right, cutting in front of the 16th green. “Most beautiful place on the course at both sunrise and sunset,” claims Jason. We believe him.
The rates here are always great, even better than competitive, mostly because, “Our vision was about creating an oasis, a "Southeast Brainerd” if you will,” Jason says. “We know people have to pay for gas on their golf trips, so we cut our golf fees down.” The Fall promotion at Hidden Greens, beginning mid to late September, is their most popular deal every year. “10-20-30” is what it’s known as. Essentially, $10 covers nine holes (walking), $20 for 18 (walking), and $30 for 18 (with cart). As busy as they are here (full parking lot on a Wednesday afternoon) I remarked to Jason that he must be ready to get out of here. Au contraire. “I hate closing, daily and even more so at the end of the season. I love it out here and I’m out here all the time.” “Why?” we asked. “Well,” he paused, “There’s the camaraderie, the peacefulness, the animals, the aura, the atmosphere…I can’t really explain it.” Actually, you just did. And we hear you, loud and clear. Or should we say…“Quiet and sincere.”
651-437-3085
12977 - 200th Street East Hastings, MN 55033 hiddengreensgolf.com Voted Best Public Golf Course by:
Fall Twilight
After 3 pm Unlimited Golf:
$20 walking - $28* riding *Restrictions apply. Contact clubhouse for specifics.
Everyday Low Rates: Weekends and Holidays 18-Hole $29.00 Walk $43.00 Ride 9-Hole $15.00 Walk $22.00 Ride Senior & Juniors - After 12 pm (60 & over and 17 & under) 18-Hole $16.00 Walk $30.00 Ride 9-Hole $13.00 Walk $20.00 Ride
Monday thru Friday 18-Hole $25.00 Walk $39.00 Ride 9-Hole $13.00 Walk $20.00 Ride Senior & Juniors (60 & over and 17 & under) 18-Hole $16.00 Walk $30.00 Ride 9-Hole $13.00 Walk $20.00 Ride
Fairways & Greens
10
September 2012
Cannon Golf Club Spectacular Golf In Cannon Falls
Cannon Golf Club #11 Photo Courtesy Of Dennis Shaw
By Eric N. Hart
Cannon Golf Club #7 Photo Courtesy Of Dennis Shaw
Cannon Golf Club #12 Photo Courtesy Of Dennis Shaw
Long daily commutes can be quite discouraging. For those motorists and golf fanatics who have to make such a commute to/from work through Cannon Falls (just south of Minneapolis) it has to be all the more disheartening. You can’t help but notice the gorgeous setting to the west of Highway 52 on the north end of the town (I don’t mean the Dairy Queen)…that gorgeous scenery being the Cannon Golf Club. Go ahead and honk in jealousy. The golfers will likely just ignore you. Odds are they’re having too much fun.
true, perfection of pace clearly an emphatic focal point here. There is just the right amount of trees, just the right amount of water, just the right amount of mental hazards, and more than the expected amount of fun here. PGA Professional Greg Lee is well respected by his staff, always helping someone somewhere, and respected (if not revered) by the regulars for the manner in which he operates this pleasant surprise of a golf course.
Cannon Golf Club isn’t the easiest to get to (although it’s not hard either), and the locals/ regulars prefer it that way. It feels so much more private, so much more exclusive, and collectively all the more peaceful because of that. But don’t let that fool you into thinking you can just walk on. This place is popular, and “well visited” on a daily basis. Call ahead for sure. Their rates are competitive and, as golf in this area goes, quite value packed. They spread their tee times out to give everyone more space, and make the rounds more enjoyable, but they fill those tee times up. The restaurant is always lively and busy, (with a great Friday Night Fish Fry) and everyone seems to know everyone else. And then there’s the course itself, the only reason you’re still reading. An elevated first tee shot drops you softly into the first of two wide-open warm-up holes, before the third tee shot (uphill and over a marsh) and approach shot (don’t go even four inches long) test you, preparing you for the most dangerous singular swing on the entire course.
I mentioned the freeway, Highway 52, in the opening paragraph, as a note to all of you who have driven through Cannon Falls and thought about golfing this course, and not to suggest that it’s actually a distraction on the course. You’ll barely notice it. The commuters though, if you’re like me, aren’t that lucky. You can’t miss it, and can’t help wishing you were out here. And you could be. Just call in sick and take the next exit. Cough cough. There…don’t you feel better? J Thought so.
Cannon Golf Club Best Greens In Southern Minnesota
Standing on the #4 tee you and your little round dimpled friend can’t help but be drawn into the river coursing to your right, or yanked into the trees lining your left. If you hit your tee shot straight you deserve a free round from all your playing partners (or a new car). Trust me, you can’t do it. We watched eight straight golfers hit either the trees or the river, and it looked like so much fun we did the same. The river, and running water, remains a fixture in your head from that point on, even though they don’t really come into play again until #10. Between four and “then” though you’ll encounter two very entertaining Par 3’s at #7 and #9. You won’t overlook either, believe me. Seven is a beauty, nine is a…well…she’s a mean spirited beauty. All that said, the front, as wild and fun as it may be, pales in comparison to the character and amusement of the back nine. And that ride begins on the super entertaining 10th, a two-shot par four that concludes with a nerve wracking approach over a quickly moving creek to a small curvy green. And while 11, to this point, is the best tee shot on the course (your ball will carry further than you think) that sentiment only lasts until the 12th tee, where the signature hole will make you take pause…and probably, grudgingly, a mulligan. A picturesque Par 3, all carry over water, to a peninsula green. It’s stunning all day long, but late summer/early fall at sunset, it’s unforgettable. I know, I know, I’m using a lot of adjectives, but they’re honestly well deserved. It’s not that the rest of the course isn’t great, (the closing stretch is actually the best scoring run you’ll have), but the 10-12 threesome is the pinnacle of your Cannon Falls golf round, and well worth every water ball. After a while so many of these smaller local golf courses begin to look and feel the same. Not so with Cannon Golf Club. From the very first tee box the immaculate conditions set it apart from the other courses in Southeast Minnesota. Their greens are firm, smooth, and
18 Holes Of Championship Golf Full Service Clubhouse Full Grass Driving Range Open To The Public Lessons Available By PGA Professional Conveniently Located Thirty Minutes From The Metro Off Highway 52
www.cannongolfclub.com • 507-263-3126 8606 295th Street E • Cannon Falls, MN 55009
September 2012
Fairways & Greens
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Mississippi National Golf Links
Beauty And The Beast – Times Two By Eric N. Hart
Mississippi National is a golf course that could not, would not, be built National does. Just ask the bald eagles. (If you speak bird.) The cynic (and/ today. It uses far too much beautiful land, far too much valuable land. It or pessimist) would criticize the difficulty of the Highlands (stick to miniwould probably cost billions to build. Thank the Lord for foresight. Adjacent golf) but that’s why these two courses complement each other so well. the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, just South of Red Wing, it was They share the same beautiful land, make the most of the many intertwined a steal for the developers (established in 1986) and remains a steal today for those who play ecosystems, and provide the 36-hole golfer with a one-day value that will have your wallet it, with 36 holes of golf, great dining, and many high value stay and play lodging packages. singing (not stinging). And while you may easier complete a marathon than walk the Highlands, the more preferred route of riding a golf cart will be a ride you won’t soon forget. The fact that it offers 36 holes of golf does not alone make it valuable. It’s the amazing way these holes are routed, crisscrossed, overlapped, and simultaneously stretched out. The All in all, that is the essence of Mississippi National. It is an escape, for half a day (18 Highlands course, which literally took a decade to complete, begins in the scenic Hiawatha holes) or a full one (36), from work, city life, chaos and repetition. A billion dollar round Valley and immediately climbs to the top of the bluffs (in one hole no less), taking you composed of hundreds of million dollar views. (And potentially hundreds of golf shots.) from the paved parking lot to amazing views in mere minutes. Not that the parking lot isn’t Highs when low. Beauty and beast. A vision and reality. Sorry Comcast, but this is how beautiful itself, but it is in actuality a parking lot. But I digress… you define “a bundle.” The Highlands proceeds to lead you, or should I say “launch you” from the highest points to the lowest points multiple times throughout its routing. You’ll hit elevated tee shots that you swear won’t ever hit the ground (not unlike Rory McIlroy’s tree shot in the PGA Championship). You’ll have a chance to fly a green from 180 yards with a sand wedge (#17), leaving you scratching your head as to what club you should actually have hit. Your typical club from that distance would hit the road 2 miles away. You’ll take several multi-minute cart rides just to go from green to next tee…(and not through residential developments) cart rides that are off-road adventures, with such rapid ascents and descents you’ll be wishing you’d brought a pack of gum. (If you haven’t flown in an airplane, chewing gum allows your ears to pop and remain clear so you don’t pass out.) The Highlands at Mississippi National is, in fact, the first course I’ve ever played where I thought an elevator would be more practical for green to tee progression than cart paths. Yes, it is that radical, which truly makes it that much more fun. You’ll marvel at the corn fields planted on top of those same bluffs, chase deer off the fairways as wide as football fields, play around/over ponds, and be forced to take high risk shots that other courses shy away from because they’re that crazy. But ask the regulars why they keep coming back and they’ll tell you (sometimes even in freaky unison)…“the beauty of the Highlands and peacefulness of the Lowlands.” Ah yes, there is another course here…the “Tournament Course” (commonly referred to as the Lowlands). Why is it called the Tournament Course? Well, for one thing, if you held tournaments on the Highlands you’d literally lose participants, and most organizers are against that. But more so, the Tournament Course is an ideal layout for tournament golf, with open fairways, far more straight and rational shots (although many just as challenging) and safer green-to-tee travel. Unlike the Highlands, your GPS unit on the Tournament Course will not say “Sorry I Can’t Help You.” Indeed, the Tournament Course physically brings you back to earth. The greens throughout the 36-hole development are surprisingly great, (“surprising” only because of how difficult they had to be to build) and impressively well cared for. While charismatic manager extraordinaire Wendell Pittenger claims “every month” is his favorite month out here, we suggest you come in the fall, when the rainbow splendor of your foliage surroundings will render you near speechless. Southeastern Minnesota is blessed with buckets of natural beauty, but no golf development takes advantage of as much of it as Mississippi
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409 Golf Links Drive • Red Wing, MN
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Influential People In Minnesota Golf
September 2012
BILL (IZZY) ISRAELSON By R.J. Smiley
MINNESOTA’S GREATEST GOLF CHAMPION
Izzy at the 2011 Senior Open
IZZY HAS WON THE TEN BIGGEST GOLF TOURNAMENTS IN MINNESOTA HISTORY: MN Junior Championship, MGA Amateur Championship, MN State Open, MN PGA Championship, MN PGA Match Play Championship, MN PGA Senior Championship, MN PGA Senior Match Play Championship, Tapemark Pro-Am Championship, MN Golf Champion Tournament, MN Senior Open. In addition to the big ten, Izzy has won North Dakota Open and the Pine to Palm and the Birchmont. Not bad for a laid back kid from Bemidji. My introduction to Bill Israelson was in 1974 at the shortstop golf tournament at Brainerd Country Club. When I saw this stocky little kid dressed in a pair of cut-off jeans and worn-
lost control of his car and was involved in a fatal accident. The mild-mannered man from up north was convicted of manslaughter and driving under the influence. The devastated, Izzy spent several months in jail planning his future that would include teaching kids golf, but more importantly living “right” and taking responsibility. During the time Izzy was paying the price to society, Izzy was allowed to play in three MN PGA tournaments. (He was allowed to participate as part of the Work Release Program). Izzy proved what a great player can do even with no practice, winning all three with an average score of 68.3. Upon his release, Izzy returned to the Asian Tour winning the Singapore Open in 1992. The victory in Singapore earned him full year’s exemption on the Australian The Israelson Family Tour. Izzy did not take advantage of the exemption, instead he returned home because he and, doctor wife, Sarah were out FootJoys with a well-used stick bag on his shoulder, he starting a family. had that confident “winner’s look” in his eyes. My comment to no one in particular, “I don’t know who that kid is but he With the gypsy life of a world traveling professional golfer is the man to beat.” Lucky for me we got paired together, I behind him, for the past nineteen Izzy has used Larry Perkins had a front row seat. The first hole was a short par-5 with an as a model and given back to the game that he loves, teaching island green. Izzy hit driver, 7-iron to three feet for eagle-3. kids how to play golf and live the “right” way. Bill and Sarah Game over!! I finished second that day, shooting 106, 2 under have three children all of whom play golf but his youngest for 27 holes. Izzy shot 93!!! I am not the only guy Izzy has two seem the most likely to follow in their fathers footsteps. beaten; he has beaten everybody for 5 decades. His 8th grade son and sophomore daughter each won the club championship (men’s and women’s) at the Vintage Golf Izzy was introduced to golf as a caddy at Bemidji Town and Club in Staples, where the family makes their home. The 8th Country Club where he learned the game. When the golf grader shot 71, one under par, to win the championship. bug bit him, Izzy spent all day every day during the summer playing golf. Israelson credits his golf coach and life long Starting in one small Minnesota town and ending up in friend, Larry Perkins, with much of his success. “Larry really another, in-between, Izzy has shared his golf skills and took me under his wing and kept me focused on the "right" Minnesota Nice with the world. things,” Izzy says with a smile. Larry tells the story of Izzy hitting shag balls from the first tee to a kid with a baseball glove up the fairway. “Every evening we would stand on the deck and watch Izzy wave that kid farther down the fairway then hit balls that one-hopped into his glove. We all knew he Did you know that the University was something special.” of Minnesota Les Bolstad Course began its life in 1916 as a 9-hole After graduating from Lamar (Texas) University Izzy began course near Cleveland and traveling the world as a professional golfer. He spent over Larpenteur Avenues on leased 10 years seeing the world and island hopping on the Asian property? When it appeared the Tour winning the Rolex Masters in Singapore in 1984. Izzy lease would not be renewed, a qualified for and made the group of U of M professors and cut in the U.S. Open in 1982 administrators formed a new and 1985. Shooting 31 club nearby, which would be on the back nine at Pebble called Midland Hills Country Beach for 69 to make the cut Club. Meanwhile, the original in 1982. In 1985 Izzy won University course was upgraded the prestigious Taiwan Open by Minneapolis Golf Club head that served as a springboard pro Bill Clark, and the name to a successful season on was changed to Minnepau Golf Course. The University PGA tour in 1986. In 1987 bought the land in 1926 and hired Tom Vardon to expand Izzy lost his tour card. the course to 18 holes in 1928. In August of 1988 Izzy made the biggest double bogie of his life. Returning home from a golf tournament in southern Minnesota Izzy
Izzy pictures from 1988
To read more about this piece of Minnesota golf history as well as other events and people that shaped the Minnesota golf landscape, pick up a copy of Rick Shefchik’s book ‘From Fields to Fairways – Classic Golf Clubs of Minnesota’ at local bookstores or at www.Amazon.com.
September 2012
Minnesota Section PGA
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Third Women’s State Open Title for Lisa Grimes Professional Lisa Grimes from Alexandria Golf Club won her third Minnesota Women’s State Open. Grimes shot rounds of 74 and 71 for a twoday total of 145 to win the 2012 title at Burl Oaks Golf Club in Minnetrista. Grimes is the head instructor at Alexandria GC – she only plays a couple of rounds a week since she’s busy teaching others how to golf. Her last major tournament was competing against the best golfers in the world at the U.S. Open. She missed the cut but brought the same calm and consistent play to the State Open this year. Grimes told the Alexandria Echo Press, “anytime I can get a win under my belt, it’s nice. In golf, you lose more than you win and you appreciate wins a lot more in golf because you don’t get that many chances to tee it up. I do appreciate it.”
Congratulations to Mike Schultz Congratulations to Mike Schultz, PGA Professional at Hazeltine National Golf Club, for being named the 2012 PGA of America Golf Professional of the Year. This prestigious award is the highest annual honor bestowed by the PGA of America and comes with great honor. Out of thousands of professionals, Mike was awarded for his service to the PGA, outstanding leadership abilities, and his performance as a PGA Professional at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mike becomes the fourth Minnesota Section PGA Member to win this prestigious award. Past PGA Golf Professional’s of the Year from Minnesota are Wally Mund, Jock Olson and Jim Manthis.
Grimes had a one-shot lead when she stepped to the 18th tee box and ended up winning by two strokes. Jaclyn Shepherd from University Golf Club finished second and was the low amateur. Amateur Celia Kuenster from Somerset Country Club placed third.
How to Play Better Golf in the Wind This year’s PGA Championship was played at Kiawah Island in South Carolina. Players had to deal some pretty windy conditions during their rounds. And, as we move into the fall golf season in Minnesota, we’ll be facing the wind more and more.
a half-inch lower than normal and move the ball two inches back in your stance so the clubhead makes contact while it’s moving slightly downward. You also want to pick the right club. If you’re down wind, use a 3-wood instead of a driver on your tee shot you’ll hit the ball higher to help it stay in the air longer. If you’re hitting into the wind, you’ll want to use your driver to keep the ball down.
Putting on a windy day doesn’t have to be impossible. Widen your stance and move the ball a little more toProfessional golfers ward the middle to help your putt. If it’s really windy, know they need to make widening your stance will also help you have more balsome adjustments when ance and steady your upper body before you putt. they’re playing in windy conditions. Amateurs You’ll want to narrow your stance when you’re ready can use some of the same for a full swing if you’re golfing in windy weather. Narstrategies to play better rowing your stance and putting more of your weight as well – focus on bal- onto the front side will reduce your movement and ance, hitting the ball low and staying in control of your shorten the arc of your shot. swing to play your best in the wind. No matter what – make sure you keep your swing easy When you’re setting up your shot on a windy day you when you’re golfing in the wind. Don’t over swing and want to make sure to look for a low tee shot – especial- don’t try to force any shots – you’re already fighting the ly if you’re dealing with a headwind. Tee the ball about wind, so don’t fight yourself!
Tim Hegna The Golf Guy
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September 2012
Simple Steps To Shaping Shots By Gary Botkin, Assistant Golf Professional Stonebrooke Golf Club, Shakopee Well golfers it is that time of year. Fall is upon us and the leaves on the trees are • The ball should be slightly back in the stance. You may want to stand a little farther beginning to change and show us there true beauty. Some of you may have put the away too. (Picture 2) clubs away and started to think about hunting but there is still time to learn a little • Use one club shorter than the distance, the ball will come out low and roll extra something that might improve your golf game and get you out to play a few more distance. rounds. • Take a normal golf swing. What happens when you get in those beautiful trees or have an obstacle in the line MOVING THE BALL FROM RIGHT TO LEFT. of flight? Do you just choose to hit sideways or somewhere other than the intended • Set the clubface on the intended target line. target. Let me share a couple techniques you can work on to try and curve the golf • Set feet, knees, hips, and shoulders on a line left of the club face or target line. This ball around those objects. is where the ball is going to start out flying. The clubface will appear to be going to the right or away from your body. (Picture 3) The best approach is to start with the set up. These are for a right-handed golfer so if • The ball should be slightly forward in the stance. You may want to stand a little you are left-handed simply reverse the roles. closer too. (Picture 4) • Use one club more than the distance, the ball will come out higher and have less roll. MOVING THE BALL FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. • Take a normal swing. • The first thing done in every golf shot. Set the clubface on the intended target line. • Set feet, knees, hips and shoulders on a line right of the clubface or target line. This This is not the easiest skill to master so go out to the range and make a game it. Learn is where the ball is going to start out flying. The clubface will appear to be going to how to spin the ball to the left and to the right on the range then take it out to the the left or across your body. (Picture 1) course. My wife asked what I was doing while I was writing this article. I explained it to her and in her great wisdom said: Tell them not to go in the woods! Good advice…I guess.
Picture 1
Picture 2
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Picture 4
September 2012
Tee Times Golf Academy BACKSWING - Understand, Visualize And Feel Your 3 Segments
By Greg Schulze, PGA Master Professional Top 50 Instructor in America – Golf Range Magazine Top 10 Teacher in Minnesota – GolfDigest Magazine
• Middle third = If your shirt is tucked into your pants, a “tight twisting” of the shirt is seen. • Bottom third = Feet remain on the ground with back leg stable and front knee angled in slightly due to the reaction I’d like the reader to stand in front of a full-length mirror with from the top 2/3 your arms stretched above your head, and visually segment your body into 3 parts. The top third includes everything FEEL above your armpits, the middle third is from the armpits • Top third = Feel a stretching through your lead arm, lead down to the top of your pelvis and the bottom third from your shoulder and down your back with 2 angles being created at pelvis down to the soles of your feet. This piece asks you to wrists and trail elbow. focus on the BACKSWING ONLY. • Middle third = Feel the core muscles being coiled and stretched with the CENTER of GRAVITY (approximately UNDERSTAND your tailbone) resisting the pull from the top 1/3 trying to • Top third goal = CONSISTENCY AND POSITIONING of maintain its position. the club. • Bottom third = Feel legs and hips REACTING ONLY to the • Middle third goal = Create a COIL/MUSCLE-STRETCH to pull from the top 2/3 positions. create needed energy. • Bottom third goal = To REACT to the “pulls and tugs” of The better your backswing, the higher the odds of a the top 2/3 AND create STABILITY through the connection repeatable and consistent downswing/impact/ball flight and to the ground and maintenance of trail knee flex. most importantly… SCORECARD!
VISUALIZE
Split your body into thirds and take the time to • Top third = Both arms and a line across your elbows form UNDERSTAND, VISUALIZE AND FEEL. a triangle with the golf club at the top of the triangle. This “package” needs to be in the correct location for your current range of motion and body limitations.
Some courses you play, others you remember...
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Tee Times Golf Academy
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ON COURSE WITH
THE ASSISTANTS
September 2012
By Grant Shafranski, Assistant Golf Professional, The Minikahda Club, Minneapolis
MAKING THE MOST OF PLAYING IN WIND, RAIN AND COOL WEATHER As the temperatures continue to drop, the fall golf season is upon us, which, for many, is the best time of year to golf. It is hard to beat the crisp temperatures, beautiful changing leaves, and pristine course conditions. You may also find greater availability and reduced greens fees at your local course, and there is still plenty of time to get out and tee it up. With its cool temperatures, high winds and increased rainy days, autumn presents a new set of challenges to your golf game that you may not have encountered over the summer months. Knowing how to handle them can keep you playing quality golf late this year and into the 2013 season.
These same cold temperatures make it much more difficult on your short game. Cold hands and a cold, firm golf ball make scoring even tougher than usual. For better touch around the greens, be sure to keep your hands warm at all times, and consider using a lower compression golf ball for a softer feel. Also keep in mind that the higher the loft of the club you use, the more touch that is required for the shot. For example, it takes much more touch to use a sand wedge around the greens than an eight iron. So when your hands are cold you are much better off using a low, running chip shot rather than a high lob shot.
yourself in this situation, back off the ball for a brief moment to let the big gust pass. Then make your stance slightly wider to increase your stability over the ball so that the wind does not blow you off balance. When playing in rain, the most important thing is to keep your hands and grips dry. Be sure to pack a rain hood for your golf bag, as well as multiple dry towels, gloves, and an umbrella. There are also a lot of rain gloves available that work well in wet weather.
Most importantly, embrace the difficult conditions that the High winds are also much more common during the fall golf round presents to you. Commit to staying patient throughout season. When playing into a strong wind, take one or two the course of your round that day. Take pride in staying patient, extra clubs and make a long, smooth swing. The ideal ball mentally strong and playing a good round in difficult conditions. flight against the wind is one that pierces through the wind at a low, flat trajectory. Keep the swing shallow through the ball in order to reduce spin. Even with a lower lofted club, if the swing is too quick and steep it will create more spin on the ball, which will make it easier for the wind to get under the ball and cause the ball to balloon against the strong wind and come up well short of your target.
The colder temperatures have a definite effect on the distances that different clubs travel. Contrary to what many think, cooler, less humid air is actually denser than hot humid air. If you normally hit a 7 iron 160 yards, from that same distance on a cold day you may need to adjust your club selection by using a 6 or even 5 iron. Putting also becomes more difficult when it is windy. We With the driver, you will notice a difference of have all experienced putts on a windy day when the ball is about six yards less per ten degrees cooler. oscillating while we stand over it. The next time you find
Maybe not this extreme!
On The Hill In A Bunker By Jimmy Rockelman, PGA Professional, Coral Ridge Country Club Tee Times Director of Instruction Sometimes you want your ball to go into the bunker when you miss the green if the rough is playing very high. Other times we want the ball to stop short of the bunker, especially if you are not a consistent bunker player. But what do you do if your ball stops short of the bunker and you can only play the shot standing in the bunker with a side hill lie? First you have to assess the lie of the ball, the condition is going to dictate a lot about how it can be played (Picture 1). Choke up on the club as much as you can in order to have your club at a right angle to your spine (Picture 2). Aim right of your target to compensate for the Picture 1 angle of the loft on the wedge that will make the ball always come out to the left due to the angle of the face. As in any difficult position, don’t have unreasonable expectations and play it safe to recover and get the ball onto the green.
Picture 2
• Assess the lie to help anticipate the shot • Choke up on the wedge • Aim to the right of your target • Commit to your shot
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Tee Times Golf Academy
September 2012
By Oliver Darby, Director of Instruction golfTEC Edina Centre Manager
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EXTENDING THE SEASON
It’s that time of year when players start drifting away from golf season. School is starting, football season and hunting all cause players to start thinking about hanging up the clubs for the year. But wait, we have two months left of a seven month season! (That’s almost 30% of golf season left). STAY MOTIVATED. The Play-Offs are in full effect and are shaping up to give us an exciting finale to the 2012 season. The younger generation is playing well while Tiger continues his return to form. The Ryder Cup is also right around the corner where the European Team is almost certain to deliver another victory on US soil.
golfTEC Coach or PGA Professional you can plan your offseason training. Performance issues can be identified and you can begin the path to improvement right away. Developing your mechanics so you can achieve your performance goals should be a major fall/winter project. Prepare well now and reap the rewards in the future.
need for compensatory moves within the swing to help the ball go in the correct direction. This leads to mixed ballstriking and the inconsistencies that golfers experience with the dispersal of their shots.
Use the playing lessons as a great tool to increase your allaround knowledge of how to play the game and lower your Playing lessons can also identify your perception of scores. Understand tee box management to help you be a alignment. Mistakes here are commonplace and lead to the better player this fall and into next season. Players who shape the ball left-to-right: Tee the ball up more toward the right side of the tee-box. You will effectively be hitting away from the right side of the course and the ball can naturally This is a wonderful time of year to get out and enjoy the curve back toward the fairway. Players who shape the ball remaining warm days of summer and to experience the right-to-left should adopt the same approach but they will tee beautiful MN fall that will provide us with a myriad of color up on the left side of the tee-box. on our golf courses. Many of my players are not very well versed in greenTake this time to review your golf season. Look at your reading. Understand the basics to begin with. Golf balls roll performance and isolate your strengths and weaknesses. downhill! Use this fact as the basis of understanding what Where are your opportunities to improve? Do you need to your ball is going to do. Bear in mind that the majority of improve your ball striking to increase distance and accuracy greens slope from the back to the front. Therefore we can or does the short game need developing? This is the time of understand that if you are underneath the hole your putt is year to put together a game-plan of what you need to do to uphill, if you are behind the hole your putt is downhill. perform your best into the future. Extend the season with a playing lesson and have a plan for I encourage my clients to take playing-lessons on the golf your winter program so you can be the golfer you want to be course this time of year. With the help of your certified next year.
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Uneven Recovery From A Fairway Bunker By Jimmy Rockelman, PGA Professional, Coral Ridge Country Club Tee Times Director of Instruction Trying to hit quality shots from a fairway bunker are a difficult hazard to recover from with good results. To make it even more difficult, when the ball ends up in the bunker but you are unable to stand in the sand. (Picture 1) WHAT TO DO?? First you have to start out with reasonable expectations. Choose a club that you are sure will clear whatever lip is in front of you Picture 1 and always lean on the side of more loft. Widen your stance and flex your knees to lower the bottom of your swing to enable you to have the club be able to make solid contact with the ball first before the sand. During your swing try to keep the lower body very stable and maintain the same knee flex as address. Focus on making solid contact and advance the ball down the fairway towards the green. • Have reasonable expectations for the situation • Choose a club with plenty of loft to clear the bunker lip • Maintain consistent knee flex throughout the swing • Focus on solid contact
Picture 2
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Tee Times Golf Academy
Maximus Weighted Swing Trainer The Power Maximus is a patented non-hinged weighted swing trainer that builds strength and trains muscles to improve accuracy and distance! The new weighted swing trainer falls into the perfect swing plane every time and is guaranteed to take strokes off your game! Because the Maximus weighted swing trainer is hittable you are able to use it directly on the range and see the balls flight. Muscle memory is a powerful force, and Medicus golf aids ensure that your muscle memory is recording perfect technique, free of any flaws. The PowerMaximus Weighted Driver, 7 Iron and Lob-Wedge develop strength and accuracy for longer and better shots! THE SECRET: The Medicus proprietary shaft weighting system makes the PowerMax the best-weighted swing trainer available. Head-heavy training clubs force you to pull or push shots due to improper wrist release. The PowerMax weight distribution is precisely measured in order to train the proper wrist cock/release again and again! MSRP $99 - $119 | www.Medicus.com
September 2012
Divots can be Replaced. FREEDOM Cannot. You’re invited to join us to honor, respect, remember and support our military veterans and their families.
Mendota Heights, MN
September 7, 2012
Oakdale, MN
September 7, 2012
Hastings, MN
September 7-9, 2012
Hastings, MN
September 7-9, 2012
Lakeville, MN
September 17, 2012
What's In The Bag
September 2012
19
Play Golf not Hide ‘n Seek at The Links at Northfork!
Zero Restriction Gloves Most sensible golfers choose not to play the game when it’s pouring rain and the wind whips across the fairways reaching near gale force conditions. Play the course, not the conditions. Zero Restriction offers you the ultimate in quality, comfort, fit and performance both in the rain and the cold.
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ZR Rain Gloves Soak them in water to improve grip in the rain? YES, and you won’t believe the results. No-slip grip in the worst playing conditions • An essential element of the ZR Rain Play System • Adjustable tab with Velcro closure • ZR ball marker • Sold in pairs • Available for men and ladies • MSRP $25 ZR Windstopper Gloves Thin and warm – forget the bulky alternatives, these gloves work for golf in cold weather • Gore Windstopper for windproof warmth without the bulk • Pittards leather palm for exceptional grip in all conditions • Adjustable tab with Velcro closure • ZR ball marker and tee holder • Elastic inserts between fingers on knuckles • Sold in pairs • MSRP $55 www.ZeroRestriction.com
New for Fall 2012!
Off Season rates: Monday-Sunday - $58 per player including cart. Senior Rate: Ages 55+ can play Mon.-Thurs. for $45 with cart. Twilight Rate: Everday is $40 per player after 2:00 PM with cart. Fall Special Rate: Monday-Sunday - Bring in a foursome and everyone pays only $45 including cart.
Visit www.jewelgolfclub.com for more rate information and additional promotional offers. 651-345-2672 Ext. 1 I 1900 Clubhouse Drive I Lake City, MN 55041
Rain Gloves
Windstopper Gloves
What's In The Bag
20
September 2012
Mild weather is on the horizon and with the proper gear Fall can be the best time of the year for golf. Three elements to be prepared for are: cold, wind and rain. Check out some of the “best in the business” to outfit you when the weather changes and you still want to be out on the course.
SUN MOUNTAIN | WWW.SUNMOUNTAIN.COM Sun Mountain has a deep collection of thermal wear to keep the chill off. One jacket that is particularly popular is the ThermalFlex pullover. Constructed from a soft polyester shell with added spandex, ThermalFlex is warm as well as stretchable and quiet. $75.
Stormtight
If the day brings a cold wind, Sun Mountain’s new for 2012 Headwind is the go-to piece. Extremely lightweight, it is easy to forget you are even wearing it but it keeps the wind at bay and with its water repellant finish, a drizzle just runs right off of it. $69.
ThermalFlex Pullover Red
Headwind Pullover - Yam
And, if you are game to play in the rain and wind, the new for 2013 Sun Mountain Stormtight may be just for you. Stormtight offers guaranteed waterproof protection using an advanced, new fourway stretch woven fabric that shields against wind and rain while remaining breathable and stretching to allow a free golf swing. Stormtight is available in a full-zip jacket and pant in men’s ($229, $169) and women’s ($179, $149) styles as well as a long-sleeve pullover ($169) and short-sleeve pullover ($149) for men. Modeled after the rain suits Sun Mountain created for the victorious 2011 USA President’s Cup Team, Stormtight is constructed from a four-way stretch woven fabric sandwiched between a waterproof/breathable membrane with an advanced durable water repellant (DWR) finish and a lightweight laminated liner.
ThermalFlex Pullover Shadow
Headwind Pullover - Black ThermalFlex Pullover Royal
ZERO RESTRICTION | WWW.ZERORESTRICTION.COM THE INSPIRATION FOR THE PINNACLE JACKET: Progression and tradition aren’t mutually exclusive. Zero revolutionized golf rainwear with it’s Rain Play System two decades ago. Since then there have been great innovations in tech fabrics, most notably stretch, waterproof fabrics. In the areas of the garment where you need enhanced stretch, we developed knit waterproof fabric that has superior stretch to any woven fabric. Both of these fabrics deliver the same waterproof testing results of our best jackets and we guarantee it for life. The knit fabric is engineered across our patent pending “power torque back” and around the elbow. So now, like two decades ago, you can get the industries best waterproof protection with zero restriction to your swing.
PINNACLE JACKET • Premium 2.5 layer waterproof and windproof stretch fabric for maximum protection • Power torque back and multidirectional stretch elbow panels allow for full freedom of movement during swing • Two-way waterproof zipper allows front of jacket to lay flat and release when putting • Self fabric cuffs with Bemis tape at high grip points, makes more tactile and durable • High storm collar with memory points allows you to shape the collar as you need to fight the elements and customize the fit • Chest and side pockets have waterproof zippers for secure protection of valuables MSRP $335
WINDSTOPPER JACKET • Premium Gore-tex Windstopper fleece completely prevents cold air penetration. Windstopper fabric provides 250% more warmth than non-windproof fleece. That means more comfort in fewer layers. • Power Torque stretch panel across back provides enhanced flexibility while swinging • Two way, waterproof, molded zipper • Self fabric cuff tabs with bemis tape for greater traction • Bemis abrasion tape at pockets for added durability • High wind collar for maximum wind protection • Windstopper fabrics are meticulously tested for long lasting performance and durability MSRP $335
What's In The Bag
September 2012
FILA GOLF | WWW.SHOPFILAGOLF.COM MEN’S ATLAS / WOMEN’S PEAK PERFORMANCE JACKET New this Fall from Fila Golf, the Men’s Atlas Performance Jacket and complementing Women’s Peak Performance Jacket are ideal for those cool weather rounds. Both jackets boast three performance layers, offer a soft, fleece-lined mockneck and a mid-hip length. Featuring TECH-DRY Moisture Management, the fabric draws moisture and sweat away from the body by transferring it to the outer layer, allowing it to evaporate quickly. Fabrics dry very rapidly, keeping you dry and comfortable during any activity.
MIZUNO | WWW.MIZUNOUSA.COM IMPERMALITE PERFORMANCE SHELL JACKET, PANTS AND HAT A soft touch, lightweight, waterproof outfit offering 10,000 mm waterproof protection through the use of the Mizuno ImpermaLite membrane. The waterproof membrane provides complete water and wind protection. These three layer bonded garments offer superior breathability and comfort. The lightweight waterproof shell pant, with soft touch inner, are a regular fitting trouser designed to be worn as a rain pant, not as an over trouser.
Men’s Sizes: XS-4XL and Women’s Sizes: XS-3XL. Available Colors: Black, Silver, Red MSRP $120 MEN’S JASPER / WOMEN’S VERBIER TEXTURED BONDED FLEECE With long, silky fleece in a square embossed design, the Fila Golf Men’s Jasper and Women’s Verbier offer a fun and modern interpretation of the classic fleece jacket. Both combine 100% textured polyester with 100% polyester microfleece for a soft and warm style. The naturally moisture wicking fleece front has welt pockets and self-adjustable sleeve closure to keep the cool air out.
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LockSliders are featured on both the ImpermaLite Performance Shell Jacket and Pants. These zippers with sliders that lock flat to the garment prevent ‘zipper rattle’. Mizuno guarantees their products for 5 years. MSRP $169.99 Jacket, $139.99 Pant, $21.99 Hat
Men’s Sizes XS-3XL and Women’s Sizes XS-2XL. Available Colors: Black & Silver
MSRP $169.99
MSRP $100
WINDLITE SWEATER A lightweight gauge knit sweater with Mizuno WindLite™ technology provides a windproof barrier, maintaining a core body temperature. • Performance sweater shell is 100% soft cotton with 100% polyester lining • Flexible drop liner and shell stretch for a greater range of motion • Wide ribbed stand up collar, sleeve cuffs and hem
Women's Peak Performance
Women's Verbier Textured Bonded Fleece Men's Atlas Performance
MSRP $129.99
Men's Jasper Textured Bonded Fleece
SUNICE | WWW.SUNICE.COM TYPHOON COLLECTION The Typhoon category – now a full-stretch, waterproof category with a three-year waterproof guarantee – encompasses all that a well designed, lightweight rainsuit should be. Introduced in 2011, Zephal is a quieter-performing lightweight fabric that now has the added benefit of full stretch. An assortment of styles provides a great value proposition for a very technical suit, and incorporates many of the golf-enhancing features that Sunice is famous for. HURRICANE COLLECTION Featuring GORE-TEX Paclite and GORE-TEX Performance Shells, and backed by the Gore-Tex “Guaranteed to keep you dry” promise, the Hurricane Collection is the Sunice GORE category. The Sunice science is evident in the V4 jacket’s added features, including the X-Static stretch lining, Pro-Trim waist cinching system, in-pocket ball cleaner, and full stretch back panel. The Sunice style is represented in detailing such as laser cut designs on the sleeves, laser cut and welded pocket frames, and the Sunice patented V collar design. PROSPORT AND SPORT LAYERS COLLECTION Taking what we do best and applying it outside of the raingear spectrum has resulted in a Sunice ProSport and Sport Layering Collection. These categories feature WindStopper by Gore as its high-end performance gear, resulting in lightweight and fashion driven layering pieces. Adding properly designed layers into a golf wardrobe can enhance a golfer’s overall physical performance and ultimately improve their golf game. Sunice Performance Layers are designed to create an apparel layering system that allows golfers to play at their very best in all weather conditions.
22
Local Golf
September 2012
By Tim Cotroneo
For most golfers, a problem comes in the form of a slice, short game woes, or poor course The Fairway Foundation works with children from eight to 18 years old. Fun and management. But what if your main golf hurdle was trying to find transportation to the nearest fundamentals go hand-in-hand during initial training. Whether the kids are learning about the proper way to hold a club or putting, the Goodlow’s team of volunteers makes sure 18-hole facility or the financial means to purchase clubs? participants are enjoying their time on the golf course. Since 1993, the Fairway Foundation has provided inner city youth with the resources and golf game fundamentals to which they normally wouldn’t have access. One man’s dream for SCORE ONE FOR TEACHING MOMENTS helping urban community kids through the sport of golf is now in its 19th year. Teaching moments are a regular occurrence during the Fairway Foundation’s sessions conducted at Highland National in St. Paul, Theodore Wirth in Minneapolis, or Majestic Today, Erick Goodlow assumes the baton his father David raised almost two decades ago. Oaks in Ham Lake. One such moment occurred this year when a teenage golfer managed to The Goodlows, and a team of dedicated volunteers, have seen dozens of children absorb cut his score almost in half from the previous year. valuable life skills while learning the finer points of a sport they can play for years. “After an event last year, one of our teenagers was asked what he shot. When he replied that his score was 170, another participant starting laughing. We reminded the youngster poking EARLY SEEDS FOR SUCCESS “In the early days, the Fairway Foundation was funded by 3M and other corporate sponsors. fun that we’re here to encourage and support each other. One year later after continuing with Back then, we had an administrative staff and could concentrate more on teaching than our program, the young man who shot 170 is now one of the top players on St. Paul Harding’s fundraising. Since the national emergence of First Tee (whom we still partner with) we’ve golf team and regularly shoots in the low 90s,” Goodlow said. needed to remake ourselves into more of a grass roots organization. We’re very involved in the community. Our mission is the belief that if golf is instilled early on in a youngster, they’ll Erick Goodlow is quick to add that the competitive side of golf is just a small part of the overall process experienced by kids at the Fairway Foundation. “Inner city kids are usually thrive as an adult,” Erick Goodlow said. on the outside looking in when it comes to the game of golf. We do everything we can to keep cost from being a barrier to playing. We tell the kids not to be embarrassed by their situation. We’re always optimistic. Whether it’s coming up with golf balls, clubs, or transportation, we will find a way,” Goodlow said. TUTORS, TRACKING, AND TOGETHER As the Minnesota golf season winds down, the Fairway Foundation focus shifts to academic concerns and tutoring. One of the dilemmas the Foundation faces during the school year is that kids are often hard to keep track of. That’s because many of the participants are in housing situations that may be in a state of flux. Keeping in touch with kids who are on the move is all in a day’s work for the Fairway Foundation volunteers. One way the Fairway Foundation offers hope and positive reinforcement is by teaching key values inherent in the game of golf. The program lessons emphasize character, self-motivation, respect, teamwork, discipline, honesty, and a commitment to education. Goodlow believes 18 holes of golf is the perfect vehicle for absorbing these important personal and business traits. The children involved with the Fairway Foundation also reap the dividend of lifelong friendships through their involvement in golf. “Many of our kids stay connected outside the golf season. Community is a key aspect of our program. The kids, the parents, and volunteers are like a family. Everybody calls my Dad, Uncle David. We’re all in this together,” Goodlow said. WISH FOR THE FUTURE Goodlow is passionate about how he’s been personally touched during his years volunteering with the Fairway Foundation. Realistically, Goodlow is also aware that the foundation’s future isn’t a given. “If I could wish for one thing, it would be that we can continue our efforts. A non-profit whose outward purpose is recreational isn’t the easiest vehicle to fund. For those who have had the chance to experience what we do, it’s easy to see that golf is much more than a sport. We see golf as a great opportunity for life improvement,” Goodlow said. Players practicing on the range
Local Golf
September 2012
Life Skills Session
23
Fairway Foundation Group of Golfers
For Twin Cities urban youth, the Fairway Foundation offers a bridge for “Keeping Kids On Course”. Over 5,000 youngsters have participated in Fairway Foundation programs since its inception in 1993. If you’re interested in volunteering or donating to a cause that instills everything you love about the game of golf, contact erick.goodlow@fairwayfoundation.org. Once you’ve seen a child’s eyes light up because they’ve launched their first golf shot skyward, concerns about your slice will never seem so heavy. As Erick Goodlow says, “So long as the kids keep showing up and learning, we can’t lose.” www.FairwayFoundation.org
2010 Alvin Brooks Jr. Tournament Winners
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Tee Times eliminates the off season! We are now publishing our e-edition during the winter months!
Coverage includes destination golf, health and fitness, holiday gift ideas, indoor facilities and much more.
Read Online At www.TeeTimesPress.com
24
Local Golf
September 2012
September Book Review By Tim Cotroneo
A Long Walk Around a Small Island A Diary of a Golf Marathon Around Ireland If you’ve ever considered stepping back in time and making a golf pilgrimage to Ireland, then A Long Walk Around a Small Island is a must read. St. Paul native Jeff Johnson’s book chronicles his 1998 tour that included 17 rounds in 14 days. Johnson’s lively journal covers the highs and lows of tackling Ireland’s most famous links courses. This golf travelogue includes in-depth details regarding Irish history, GPS wrong turns, and the on-course verbal slings and arrows that are as much a part of the game as the final number etched in your scorecard. This golf diary is not for the faint of heart. While playing courses dating back to the 1800s, Johnson’s foursome endured a love-hate relationship with links layouts that seemed to be joined at the hip with ocean gusts. When the group asked the professional at Ballybogey Golf Club in Northern Island if there was a links course they could play that wasn’t so windy, his reply was priceless. “You can’t have it both ways laddies. If you want links golf, you’re going to deal with the wind.”
ANIMAL HOUSE Playing partners didn’t always include those standing on two legs. When Johnson’s group played Narin-Portnoo, they had multiple tee box encounters with cows and sheep. At the Dooks Club they observed a caddy who owned a Springer spaniel adept at finding an unlimited source of golf balls in knee-high rough. After-hours shenanigans go hand-in-hand with A Long Walk. Dr. Joe Vargas, one of Johnson’s regular Ireland playing partners by day, is an Elvis impersonator by night. Johnson recalls conversing with a woman at a watering hole and trying to convince her that Elvis was indeed still living. Seconds later, Vargas walked by in full Elvis jumpsuit. Much to Johnson’s delight, the woman and her party descended on Vargas.
If you’re considering a golf trip to Ireland, then this book will help you prepare. If a trip NAMES FOR THE AGES to Ireland is only wishful thinking, then A Long Walk Around a Small Island is the next The names of Ireland’s golf courses fall into the category of “fact is stranger than fiction.” best thing to being there. Johnson’s course lineup included Ballybunion, Ballyliffin, and Old Head to name a few. The names of Dooks and Tralee covered in chapter 15 sounds more like a morning disc jockey team than golf courses. Yet these names add a nostalgic flavor to the reading.
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September 2012
Health & Fitness
“Hey Pro,
25
By Matt Just - PGA Golf Professional Titleist Performance Institute Certified Golf Fitness Instructor, Life Time Fitness, St. Louis Park
My son competed in the Jr. PGA this summer and now that golf is over is there anything I can get him involved in to stay active this fall and winter?
PRO:
The Jr. PGA does a great job organizing tournaments all summer and I consider it wise to expose kids to the competitive nature of the game. Clearly, tournament golf brings out high and low character traits and will also expose true strengths and weaknesses. Golf is an infectious game that will instill traits that are useful and parallel life. Golf teaches you humility when you win and humility when you lose, golf gives you opportunity to deal with your own ego and will also teach communication and interaction with others in a small group.
the beach front every morning with his trainer. Needless to say I hope Rory and his trainer had longer shorts on but I also wonder if any of Rory’s competitors thought that was prolific? Golf is changing, and as a parent if you want your son to keep up, start by sitting down and watching Rocky III and explain why Rocky trained different.
Blasting golf balls in a net or dome is boring and over-rated. I find the longer I practice the worse I get, so find a cross-training facility, frozen pond, Minnetonka beach front or The values of golf will never change, however, like everything in life the only thing you basketball court and train different. can be assured of is change. The obvious change I speak of over the last 10 years in golf is athleticism. So, to answer your question: Involve your son in some sort of cross-training effort. The only evidence you need to back this up is a TaylorMade TV commercial with PGA Tour pro athletes Dustin Johnson swimming laps and Gary Woodland shooting hoops. I predict cross training for golf will be the new normal. Case study: My favorite fictional movie character is Rocky Balboa, and no, not for these terrible shorts in this picture. In Rocky III Balboa lost his title to Mr. T who was a hybrid of speed and strength. Rocky had no chance to defeat Mr. T because “the T” was a much better over all athlete. The commitment Rocky made to get his belt back was to train in a different manner with different mindsets. If you recall, Rocky didn’t train in the gym, he trained in the pool, on the beach and learned how to dance. I was watching the PGA Championship while Rory was on mop up duty on Sunday and one of the CBS commentators made mention about how Rory was cross training and running on
RESPONSIBILITY
thefirsttee.org
Get involved today and support The First Tee. It’s more than a game.
3M Championship
26
gan By Will Bro
September 2012
An Inspiring Story Continues At The 3M Championship ESPN and “My Wish” invited Tucker to meet Rory at the Memorial Tournament this past June. Tucker, whose lowest nine-hole score is a 46 despite playing for only a year, met countless pros on the range and also spent time with Jack Nicklaus. The Golden Bear even invited Tucker to take part in a press conference later that day. Yet, all of the aforementioned paled in comparison to Tucker’s time with his newfound idol. McIlroy gave Tucker clubs, a bag, a signed flag, and a long lesson on the range, while Tucker enlightened the Northern Irishman on the details of basketball.
Tucker Dupont With Chi Chi Rodriguez
Tucker Dupont on #14 with Chi Chi Rodriguez
During the battle for the 3M Championship, two new friends walked the course to write another chapter in the endless book of overcoming adversity. Chi Chi Rodriguez and his caddie for the day, Tucker Dupont, met through the Make-AWish Foundation. Throw a third character in the mix, Rory McIlroy, and you have quite the inspiring story.
Tucker Dupont, who recently turned fourteen, has a heart condition known as Aortic Stenosis. Until late 2010, the Waconia resident played his first love, basketball. However, following an issue during a game and a third surgery related to his ailment, doctors gave Tucker the news that he never expected to hear: he could no longer play contact sports for the remainder of his life.
Rodriguez’ story is well known: from cutting sugar cane for virtually nothing to teaching himself the game using a tree branch club and cans for balls to becoming one of the most loved members of the PGA TOUR and a World Golf Hall of Famer. His caddie’s story, on the other hand, is just beginning…
The competitive teenager eventually discovered a new, noncontact sport, golf. He started playing in the summer of 2011, motivated by McIlroy’s comeback from Masters collapse to record-setting U.S. Open victory. Less than a year later, McIlroy became much more than a distant inspiration to Tucker. NOTEWORTHY HAPPENINGS FROM THE 3M CHAMPIONSHIP
Fast forward to August… through the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Tucker caddied for Rodriguez, while meeting many of the other golfers who compete in the annual “Greats of Golf” Tournament like Lee Trevino and David Graham. His time with Rodriguez and his newfound love of the game of golf has inspired Tucker to strive toward a new dream: make the PGA TOUR. “This could be a lifetime sport for him…” Tucker’s mom Janet explains, “… even if he were never of the quality of the TOUR players, he could still be a decent player and enjoy it, no matter what he chooses to do for a living.” If not golf, what Tucker would do? Return to his first love and be a basketball coach! Of course, this story became even more inspiring for all involved after McIlroy shook off some struggles of his own to lap the field again in a major, capturing the 2012 PGA Championship. Perhaps his interactions with young Tucker inspired him to once again rise from adversity to seize victory?
These happenings, coupled with the tournaments raising $20 million dollars for charity in 20 years, complete yet another solid year for the 3M Championship. No wonder it is a Go figure the tournament is called the “3M Championship”, favorite stop on the Champions Tour! as three major occurrences took place at TPC Twin Cities. First, three-time winner Hale Irwin became the first player ever to record an eagle at the difficult par 4, 9th hole. The 475-yard hole almost plays like a par five if the wind is in the players’ faces. Still, Irwin, who plays better in difficult situations, holed out his approach shot, the first player ever to do so on that hole. Second, Bernhard Langer captured his second 3M Championship (also won in 2009) by firing a final round, 10-under par 62. He bested David Peoples by two strokes, despite trailing Peoples by a sizeable six strokes going into Sunday’s final round. The win puts Langer in position to capture his second Charles Schwab Cup (2010), though he’ll have to leapfrog 2011 Champion Tom Lehman to do so. Lastly, the 3M Championship pioneered a new technology: an in-tournament mobile app. That’s right, using your phone (silently, of course) on the course is now encouraged. Gage Marketing Group produced a smart phone app that allows patrons to view any information desired about the tournament, including a real-time leaderboard, all while staying connected to social media. How’s that for ground breaking? 2012 Winner Bernhard Langer Photo Courtesy of CastleView Photography
September 2012
3M Championship
27
3M Championship Has A Minnesota Flavor By R.J. Smiley
All Photos Courtesy of CastleView Photography
TWO OF MINNESOTA’S FAVORITE SONS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE COMPETING WITH THE “BIG BOYS” ON THE CHAMPIONS’ TOUR.
In the final round Dave was paired with, Hall-of-Fame golfer, Larry Nelson. Dave commented, “Nelson is among the very best who ever played our game with his scoring clubs. He squeezed a great 65 out of a round where the average tour player, including myself, This year, Tournament Chairman and Founder, Hollis Cavner, wanted to get as many would shoot 71 or 72. Watching Larry work his way around the course should make every Minnesota golf legends as possible into the 3M Championship field. Tom Lehman, local boy golfer work on his scoring shots.” makes good, who shared design responsibilities for the TPC Twin Cities with “The King,” Arnold Palmer, has posted a high finishes in Minnesota’s only regular professional golf Tentis looks back at the three rounds and knows that his distance control, with his short tournament last year. John Harris, U of M golf and hockey sports hero, has been a regular at irons, was not as good as it could have been do to lack of competitive rounds. “Regular the 3M Championship for the past few years. With only two unrestricted exemptions into the TOUR players develop a feel for distance that comes with playing not practice.” Dave has limited field, Cavner gave Don Berry, head professional at Edinburg USA, and Dave Tentis, no aspirations to resume the nomadic life of a touring professional. He is happy with the head professional at Troy Burne, the two coveted spots. Cavner put forth a huge effort to get, situation at Troy Burne and raising his family. Minnesota natives who live out of state, Tim Thelen and Chris Perry into the field. Northern Minnesota Golf Legend, Bill “Izzy” Isrealson, attempted to qualify, missing by one shot. Two really nice guys had a really good time. Thanks Hollis, for the opportunity to let us watch!! THE FOLLOWING ARE THOUGHTS AND REFLECTIONS FROM DON AND DAVE: DON BERRY “Overall I was pleased with my showing. I played very steady, but not great golf. I made only 4 bogies the entire tournament and I made 3 of them in a row, on 8, 9 and 10 in the third round. Without those the bogies my check could have been a lot bigger.” Berry, no stranger to golf on the big stage, playing in two PGA Championships, said, “The Champions Tour is a lot more relaxed. Players don’t hit too many balls when they finish.” Berry was paired with Mark Calcavecchia, who finished 9th in the recent British Open Championship (not the Senior British Open), for the final round. Berry commented, “Calc said standing on the first tee, ‘Boys lets go out and make some birdies today.‘“ Berry believes that the Champions Tour is about making birdies, “Birdies are what people come to see.”
Presents
The Ian Leonard
Bad Pants Open Benefiting Special Olympics MN & MN PGA Foundation
When asked if Berry received a complementary automobile to drive during tournament week he said with a smile, “Not at first. I was playing with a guy in the Pro-Am on Tuesday and he asked me what kind of car I had for the week? When I told him I did not get one he said, ‘Wait a minute,’ pulled his cell out and before we hit our second shots I had a new Lincoln SUV to drive. It had so many bells and whistles I could not even figure out how to adjust the seat. It pays to be in the right group.” When asked if he intended to pursue the Champions Tour full time? Berry, with a far off look in his eye, said, “I have two small kids at home and I would not want to miss that. But I would like to play 5 or 6 events a year. I really believe I can play with those guys.” DAVE TENTIS “I spent most of my time in the training tent getting therapy, trying to get my body ready to play the next day. It is amazing how they take care of their players. I played golf for 9 straight days and my body just won’t let me do that. It is the same reason that I could not play the Tour full time. My body just breaks down.” Dave thoroughly enjoyed the experience, especially sharing memories with old friends from his days on the tour. “I knew about 25% of the players, some were good friends.”
Thursday, September 13 Medina Golf & Country Club
Visit our online auction at
WinningCause.org, (open now
through September 17) featuring: 2012 Ryder Cup Pkg; golf at Woodhill, Minneapolis GC, Edina CC, North Oaks and many more area private and public courses; Twins, Wolves & Lynx Suites; unique experiences; sports memorabilia; and many more fabulous items. For more information on the Bad Pants Open, email us at
BadPantsOpen@gmail.com
Charity
28
September 2012
Joel Hunt Takes His War To The Golf Course By Judd Spicer
On Friday, September the 7th, those looking to support Hunt’s journey and to see him in action with his set of TIUFTT clubs, should visit Mendakota Country Club as he takes his game to Minnesota for the organization’s 8th Annual Flagship Charity Golf Event. For more information on TIUFTT, please visit: www.teeitupforthetroops.org or phone 952-646-2490.
Tee i Joel Hunt
Just five months ago, Denver, Colorado resident Joel Hunt questioned his desire to live. A Purple Heart recipient and veteran of multiple military rotations in the Middle East, an Improvised Explosive Device found Hunt returning to the States in a wheelchair in 2006, paralyzed from the knee down on his left side and having suffered a brain injury. Six years later, the ongoing effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), coupled with dire family news, found Hunt uncertain of his ambition to see the next day. Describing PTSD, Hunt says, “It’s like eating nine candy bars and drinking nine Mountain Dews. You have all this energy and you can’t do anything to get it out. So you get depressed without an outlet.” And though the wheelchair has been long gone and Hunt is an American skiing hopeful for the 2014 Paralympic Games in Sochi, Russia, the wounded warrior struggled to find a release in the seasons sans snow. On that May day, lying in bed with his service dog Barrett by his side, Joel Hunt did summon the will to live another day. One month later, his first set of golf clubs arrived.
Joel and Dave Troyer
Barrett, Joel's Service Dog
After moving back westward, Troyer continued his affiliation with TIUFTT. Three months ago, Ball informed him of Hunt’s story; it took Troyer about three minutes to grasp Hunt’s mettle. “We met in June and I got him fitted and set up with a set of PING clubs,” Troyer recalls of the set donated by TIUFTT. “When Joel came in, we decided that we were just gonna give him free reign of the entire facility.” Along with giving a driven Hunt run of the grounds, Troyer has also been giving free lessons to his motivated student. “Joel is out-going, very positive and goal-oriented,” Troyer says. “He wants to succeed and doesn’t want to think about anything he’s been through with the handicap. He just wants to be the best at whatever he’s trying. As soon as we got the club in his hands and he got a few balls airborne – he’s been hooked. Literally every day he’s in town, he’s out practicing or playing. Him and his dog Barrett.” Along with rapid improvement for a nascent player (Hunt is driving the ball over 300 yards and recently flirted with breaking 90), Troyer has concurrently observed how golf has helped Hunt deal with his condition. “Joel’s told me on numerous occasions how much golf has helped his PTSD, how much it has calmed him down. You can just see how happy he is at the golf course,” says Troyer. “I think so many people who have been through what Joel’s been through would just crawl into a hole and not do anything with it. But he seems to not let it hinder him to live the rest of his life. He goes at everything full-bore. It’s phenomenal.”
At a 2011 skiing event in Colorado, Hunt had met J.B. Ball, founder of Burnsville, Minnesota-based “Tee it Up for the Troops,” (TIUFTT) the grassroots organization responsible for raising over $3 million for service veterans and their families through nationwide golf events and equipment donations since their inception in 2005. Raised in a blue collar, Indiana home as a boy, Hunt had long felt golf was a sport of the elite. Little did he know that someday, such nobility would be employed to describe his golf journey. “I’ve been hitting golf balls every single day and you have no idea how much golf has helped by PTSD,” Hunt says. But From 2004-08, Colorado-native Dave Troyer was the despite his advancements on the course, Hunt’s pursuit isn’t to General Manger at The Jewel Golf Club in Lake City, stand alone with medalist honors. Rather, to compliment his Minnesota. It was there that Troyer – now Director of Golf active presence in the veteran community, he hopes both his at the celebrated CommonGround Golf Course in Aurora, skiing and golf endeavors bring awareness to the struggles of Colorado – became familiar with TIUFTT, having hosted fellow servicemen. “I don’t want any of the spotlight,” says charitable tournaments at The Jewel and sending golf Hunt. “I want to inspire other soldiers that they can do this.” equipment to U.S. troops in Iraq. “The thing that strikes me the most about ‘Tee it Up For the Troops’ is that they’re Per his growing game, Hunt is ever the soldier. “He relates it so passionate,” says Troyer. “The organizers and leaders to shooting a gun,” Troyer shares. “Where he needs to relax, have a true, caring heart about what they do that shines take a deep breath and pull the trigger.” Adds Hunt, “I treat through. You don’t see that out of a lot of organizations, the golf ball just like shooting a weapon; because I can’t they’re in it for the right reasons. I can’t think of a more shoot a weapon due to my PTSD and my hand shakes. You worthy cause.” just focus on the ball and you pull the trigger.”
ps oo
p for u t
Tee It Up For The Troops is a non-profit organization created to help support the fallen and disabled members of our Armed Forces, and their families. The following is the Tr a list of organizations that has received donations from Tee It Up For The Troops. Please go to www.teeitupforthetroops.org for more information.
Air Force Association American Family Link Association Of The United States Army Balboa Naval Hospital Back In The Saddle Beyond The Yellow Ribbon Blue Star Mothers of America – Minnesota Chapter Bryan McDonough Military Heroes Foundation
Minnesota Veteran Family Support Missing In America Project NEADS Operation Denali Operation Give A Hug Operation Hometown Gratitude Paws For Purple Hearts Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs) Puppies Behind Bars
Disabled American Veterans
Rebuilding Together
Disabled Sports USA
Rochester Elks Lodge
Family Service Rochester
Salute Military Golf Association
Families United
Seasons Hospice (Rochester)
Fisher House Foundation
Second Genesis
Folds Of Honor Foundation
Serving Our Troops
Fore Our Soldiers
Serving The 32nd
Friends and Family Of Hometown Heroes
Sew Much Comfort
General Wayne A. Dowling Home For Veterans Green Beret Foundation Heartland Museum Of Military Vehicles Honor Flight Network Hope for the Warriors Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch Luke Air Force Base Marine Corps League Military Order Of The Purple Heart Minnesota Assistance Council For Veterans
Tony Hebert Memorial Foundation Tribute To The Troops Troops First Foundation Vet’s Visits On TV Veterans Initiative Center And Research Institute Veterans On The Lake Resort Vietnam Veterans of America Walter Reed Army Medical Center Warrior Canine Connection Warrior’s Wish Foundation Wounded Warrior Project
Charity
September 2012
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Presents
Presents
The Ian Leonard
The Ian Leonard
By Eddie Wynne, PGA Head Golf Professional/Program Director University of Minnesota, Les Bolstad Golf Course
Bad Pants Ope
Bad Pants Open
Benefiting Special Olympics MN MN PGA Foundation
Benefiting Special Olympics MN & September 1 Thursday, MN PGA Foundation Medina Golf & Country C
Thursday, September 13
Medina Golf & Country Club
Each Bad Pants Open golfer receives a TaylorMade/Adidas golf concept s
shopping spree!….Each foursome will be paired with a local celebrity or go
a fun fivesome scramble format….GET YOUR BAD PANTS ON SEPTEM
For more information or to reserve your foursome/sponsorship, ple
Each Bad Pants Open golfer receives a TaylorMade/Adidas golf concept store
email us at BadPantsOpen@gmail.com shopping spree!….Each foursome will be paired with a local celebrity or golf pro inor visit our website
www.somn.org a fun fivesome scramble format….GET YOUR BAD PANTS ON SEPTEMBER 13! For more information or to reserve your foursome/sponsorship, please email us at BadPantsOpen@gmail.com or visit our website at
www.somn.org Jay and Katie
Ian Leonard and Special Olympic Athlete Katie Timmer
Five years ago, Jay Meyerhoff the PGA Head Golf Professional at Rush Creek, came up with a wonderful idea of PGA Professionals playing with the Special Olympics Athletes in a tournament to raise money and awareness. Although Greg Shultz got the ball rolling twelve years ago with clinics for the athletes, there was not a setting like we have today. When asked what the main reason for his idea was, Jay responded, “I have an uncle with mental handicaps and would get frustrated with how people treated him. I wanted to create a setting where we could show that these athletes can do so much more.” Jay approached John Tollette (Executive Director of The Minnesota Section PGA) with an idea of having an Athlete ProAm to raise money and awareness for the Special Olympics. John thought it was a great way to give back to the community and involve the Minnesota Section PGA. Through Jay’s continuous involvement with this event he has made several relationships with many athletes and their families. One in particular is Katie Timmer and the Timmer family, which in his own words have become a second family to him. Jay met Katie back in 2007 at the first Special Olympics Pro-Am at Bunker Hills, when they both showed up early for a morning shoot with KARE 11 News to promote the event. According to Katie’s mother Pat, they just clicked and they have been friends ever since. I asked Pat Timmer what it means to have PGA Professionals be a part of this event and she replayed, “PGA members help the athletes to celebrate the ability not the disability.” In 2010 Katie was asked to represent Minnesota in golf at the National Games. Jay took time out of his busy schedule to sharpen Katie’s game and she went on to win the 9-hole competition.
Sophie at Special Olympics Pro Am 2011
Sophie and Katie
was one year old when she got to ride along with Dad and Mom as I played golf with three athletes and their sponsors. When she wasn’t squirming around in the cart, she was crawling around on Bunker Hill’s fairways wondering why her grass at home wasn’t this green and soft! Playing with the Special Olympians Derek, Bob and Dave I realized that Sophie will have a great support group and will be able to compete just like her father does. It helped me cope with a lot of issues that I thought we would have with Sophie. At last year’s event, Sophie got to participate and hit golf shots for the first time! This event has become very important to me because the money raised not only helps all the athletes but will eventually help my daughter. I will always cherish being a part of and supporting this event and as a member of the Minnesota Section PGA I am excited that we continue our support of this great event.
Two years ago Jeff Drimmel approached Ian Leonard (FOX 9 Chief Meteorologist) and asked if he would be interested in emceeing the luncheon after the Special Olympics Pro-Am at Hastings Country Club. Ian, being involved with the all the Polar Bear Plunges that benefit the Special Olympics for the past five years, did not hesitate. After emceeing that day, Ian was approached by Paul Kelley, Jeff Drimmel and Jay Meyerhoff to ask if he would help make this event even bigger. Ian and his family have been involved with Special Olympics for over twenty years and he had always wanted to put on a charity golf tournament. The opportunity was finally here and the “Bad Pants Open” was born. Ian helped turn this event from a half day 9-hole event to an all day event with 9-holes in the morning with PGA members and athletes and an additional 18 holes in the afternoon with PGA members and sponsors Another family Jay has become close to is my own. Jay contacted me a couple of weeks playing in a tournament format. Since the beginning the PGA members, Ian Leonard and the before the First Annual Special Olympics Pro-Am to see if I wanted to play. He knew that sponsors have helped raise a total of $75,000 for the Special Olympics. this would be very special for my family and me because, my daughter Sophie was born with Down Syndrome. We have been very active with the Down Syndrome Association “As a parent who has been involved for many years with Special Olympics, I can’t think of a of Minnesota but we didn’t know much about the Special Olympics at that time. Sophie group that is closer to our hearts than the PGA members.” …. Pat Timmer
30
One Tank Trips
By R.J. Smiley
September 2012
Thumper Pond Resort
ANSWER: Thumper Pond is a resort hotel, water park and golf course near Otter Tail chose to sit on the deck overlooking the picturesque, water guarded 18th hole. Our waitress informed us that Thumper Pond hosts up to 50 weddings each year, many overlooking the Lake with activities for every member of the family, summer or winter! green. We were drawn to old photographs that dominate the walls at Willy T’s Tavern. The When the Minnesota Golf Association’s Senior Tour scheduled a two-day event at Thumper old black and white photos represent a history lesson from Otter Tail County’s interesting Pond and Balmoral, golfers said, “Where the heck are those golf courses? Why would the recreational past. MGA schedule an event there?” Now, we know the answer. The driving range is located some distance from the pro shop so the staff was kept busy As we wound through the pine tree laden lane that leads to the massive resort hotel and water shuttling golfers back and forth. Our driver was Dave Sadlowsky, newly appointed head park our pulse quickened as we caught a glimpse of the golf course carved through the trees. professional, who learned the people pleasing side of the golf business as an assistant at In one sweeping glance, our eyes traveled from the pro shop past Willy T’s Tavern to the Olympic Hills, the private club in Eden Prairie. Proof that Thumper Pond is striving for a lobby of the hotel. The huge parking lot was almost full and I said to my playing partner, quality golf experience. The golf course is a well maintained blend of open links style holes “Wow this is a heck of a lot more than I had expected.” A phrase I would use several times and typical Minnesota design with elevation change with some holes lined with hardwood and others lined with pines. The approach shots, over the water, on #18 leave a lasting before leaving this well thought out property. impression in each golfer’s mind. Hotel check-in went normally except when the clerk asked if we wanted our free water park passes. “They are included in the room charge.” She informed us. On our way to the room As we sat around Willy T’s sipping cocktails after dinner, several of the golfer’s wives we made a little detour and checked out the water park. What a pleasant surprise. Though mentioned that the spa was a perfect place to spend a lazy afternoon, and....there are no not huge, the water park contained several slides, a hot tub (for lazy adults) and a lazy river. bubble bogies. I was surprised how many Senior Tour players had cabins on Otter Tail I overheard a mom comment as we walked past, “This place is the perfect size. The kids Lake. These proud owners informed us that the walleye fishing is excellent but that Otter think they have complete freedom but I can still keep an eye on them.” We had reserved the Tail is also known for a variety of Minnesota game fish. Our waitress overheard our fishing standard room, but were surprised at the larger than expected size and the little extras that conversation and informed us that the staff at Thumper Pond could arrange almost any kind of lake activity from fishing guide to pontoon rental. “Don’t forget the winter fishing,” she make you feel like someone really cares. said, “It is my husband’s favorite time to fish.” She also informed us that the snowmobile Our next stop was Willy T’s Tavern for lunch before our shotgun start at 1:00. Again the trails are adjacent the hotel with plenty of room for the riders to store their trailers and other attention to detail was exceptional. The menu contained an interesting variety of all freshly gear. She mentioned that the staff maintains over two miles of groomed trails across the golf prepared family favorites and the informed wait staff could answer all our menu questions. We course for cross-country skiers. “This is a great place to work, we keep busy year-round.
One Tank Trips
September 2012
31
Thumper Pond #18 Photo Courtesy Of Peter Wong Photography
Northern Hideaway Indoor Waterpark
Willy T’s Tavern
We have some corporate parties that come here just for the out- Thumper Pond. Again the entire group was all smiles as we of-the-way location. We have even arranged trips to a nearby explored the secrets of the 50+ year-old golf course with its huge hunting preserve where they get their limit.” She said with a trees, small quick putting greens and severe elevation changes. smile that said...we know those city boys can’t shoot straight. As I reflect back on our trip, I realize that Thumper Pond might be The alarm sounded too early the next day as we packed up and the best kept resort secret in Minnesota, but not for long. headed for Balmoral Golf Course, located only 5 miles from
Thumper Pond #4 Photo Courtesy Of Peter Wong Photography
INN
ESO
TA
S
TA Y
ituated on 250 acres and carved out of 90,000 red S pines in the heart of Lake Country, this is Minnesota’s
-N-PL
’S
Best M
AY
premier golf destination in Ottertail. featuring · Championship 18-hole golf course · Par 72, 6,606 yards · All-suite hotel & conference center · WIlly T’s Tavern & Grill · Indoor waterpark
Perham FARGO
78
10
Otter Tail Lake 78 94
Ashby TWIN CITIES
218-367-2000 | 1-877-294-7981 www.thumperpond.com OTTERTAIL, MINNESOTA
N ature Took Its Course
Where
32
One Tank Trips
By Eric N. Hart
September 2012
Bos Landen #13
Pella, Iowa is a quaint little Dutch town in southern Iowa, more known for its windows than anything else. But that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of the “anything else.” In fact, Pella packs quite a punch in the golf department, complements of (consensus Top 5 Iowa draw) Bos Landen. Every year in May the residents of Pella celebrate the Tulip Festival, another major regional draw. But the reason you see so many men in town at that time of year has nothing to do with flowers or gardening, and everything to do with golfing. While we are just a week away from the biggest kickoff week of the year here in the Twin Cities, (Skol Vikings! - Even though I’m a Patriot) in Pella their biggest kickoff week is the first week of golf season. And thanks to the array of flora, no week in Pella does more to showcase the beauty of the outdoors and the beauty of golf than Tulip Festival week. The thing is, the golf course (long considered one of the top 5 in Iowa) doesn’t ever become more beautiful seasonally (sorry tulip aficionados) than it does in the fall, in particular September/October when the clever course routing takes you through the many foliage covered rainbow ecosystems.
When I visited it before Reuter took over I had no idea how it had ever been considered one of the very best courses in the state. After this visit, I can’t imagine how someone ever messed this place up. Bos Landen is, once again, a beauty, a rose among many other thorns. The restoration has been beyond impressive, and the former regulars are now almost all current regulars again. And while Scott could have stopped there, he didn’t. He continued to seek changes, improvements, and pursued them, opening up holes, creating new perspectives and angles for tee and approach shots. And more people came. He increased his staff, and
Bos Landen (Dutch for “Land of the Woods”) was christened in 1994, and rapidly ascended through the various rankings to the top of the golf media charts in Iowa. And then the ownership wasted away their opportunity, trashed their gem, and walked away. The regulars left, the cows came home, and everything that once was seemed likely to never be again. Then along came Jonny Appleseed in the form of current owner Scott Reuter. He saw the fruit that others couldn’t see. Scott knew what Bos Landen once was, believed in what it could be again, knew the deep financial commitment it would take, and sought/found his wife’s blessing to restore it to prominence. There’s no immediate “voila” in doing so. Restoring a golf course takes years. Restoring a community’s faith can take longer. But Scott dug in, personally, and made his approach quite public. He sought insight from former regulars, spoke to the community to find out what they’d like and set about putting in all in place. Bos Landen From The 3rd Tee
One Tank Trips
September 2012
33
bolstered it with a menu that no other local restaurant could match. And more people came. Scott is in this for the long haul, and most visitors today benefit from the commitment, the effort, and the vision that they probably never knew was required. Bos Landen, personally and visually, is special to Scott and his family. And many, many, others feel the same. It has quite the entertaining layout. So many golf reviews give you a hole-by-hole to the point that you’re dizzy and the numbers mean nothing. Bos Landen has elements from every great golf architect that ever lived. Will you love them all? Maybe not. (Pebble Beach even has a couple sucky holes.) But will you have a golf ride you’ll remember for awhile? Certainly! The front nine is tighter, more menacing, more risk/reward. There are some condos and houses, occasional audiences of people but the back transforms those audiences into animals, those condos into trees, and the hairpin turns into gradual routings. They’re very different nines, with no two holes the same, and first timers won’t know what to expect around any corner. To the golfer who loves the game for the adventure, you’ll love Bos Landen. To the golfer who loves the game for the camaraderie and food, you’ll love Bos Landen. And to the golfer who loves the game for the tulips… well, okay…yes, you too will love Bos Landen.
Bos Landen #4
Give Scott and his team a chance, in particular if you’ve ever been here before. Come back and tell him what you think now. He guarantees that it’s different, and he’s the kind of guy you take the word of. He does what he says he’ll do, and he’s determined to make this the best course it can possibly be. As a golf lover, I love that in an owner. If only the Twins owner showed that kind of commitment. Bos Landen #14
Bos Landen
Golf Club
Ranked As Iowa’s #1 Public Golf Course From 1997 to 2001
18 Hole Championship Golf Course
Ranked in the Top 75 Most Affordable Golf Courses in the United States - Golf Digest, 1999-2000 “Four Star Place to Play - 2007” - Golf Digest
5 sets of tees ranging from 5,100 to 7,000 yards in length Grill on the Green Restaurant
2411 Bos Landen Drive, Pella, IA 50219
Extend Your Season At Bos Landen
641-628-4625 www.boslanden.com
34
Characters on the Course
September 2012
RALPH TERRY Performed on the big stage! By R.J. Smiley Not only could he pitch, he could play golf! He is the only person who pitched in the seventh game of a world series (twice) and was paired with Jack Nicklaus in the USGA Senior Open. Talk about a big stage - what a double!! The wind was blowing hard, even for Kansas, when I first met Ralph Terry at the Smokey Hill Invitational Golf Tournament in 1968. Somebody had said that he was that ex-Yankee’s pitcher who was MVP in the 1962 World Series. So what, I thought. When he drilled a quail-high tee shot into the wind on the second hole, outdriving me by 20 yards, then casually commented, “That reminds me of the one Mickey (Mantle) knocked over the right field fence against the Pirates in game three,” I started paying attention. Not only could he pitch, he could play golf! My next encounter with Ralph Terry occurred in 1993 when he was in Minneapolis to qualify, at the Links At Northfork, for Minnesota’s first Senior Tour Golf Tournament. In an extended conversation with Ralph for my TV show, I learned a lot about the southern gentleman from Larned, Kansas. There are certain intangibles that make an athlete a “winner” and Ralph had them. You could see the focus in his eyes. When asked about the 1960 World Series, where Ralph gave up a ninth inning home run (that put the Pirates’ Bill Mazeroski into the Hall Of Fame), he got a far-off look in his eye and his jaw muscles knotted as he visualized the ball sailing over the fence. PIRATES BEAT YANKEES. Ralph was quick to recall that two years later when he got his redemption pitching a shutout in Game 7, being named the World Series MVP, winning two of his three starts against the Giants. He told me that he had worked for two years to get back on the Big Stage and prove to others, but mostly to himself, that he could win the big one. Proving that he had the heart of a champion. After retiring from baseball, he turned to golf and played in five PGA TOUR events. Ralph might have been a better baseball player if it weren’t for a car accident that fractured his hip. But he might never have had his second career as a professional golfer. Terry couldn’t run in spring training in 1958 due to the accident and turned to golf as therapy. When he turned 50 he joined the Senior Tour and had moderate success. He played in 96 senior events with one top10 finish. Lacking formal training and years of dedicated practice that most Senior Tour players experience was too much to overcome. In Ralph’s mind, the highlight of his professional golf career was playing with Jack in the final round of the 1991 Senior Open. Thirty years later, Terry was again on the Big Stage competing with the best!
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September 2012
Critters on the Course
35
DIAMONDS & ORIOLES By R.J. Smiley Diane was the wife of a big shot downtown lawyer. She carried a 9 handicap at a very prestigious country club and had a golf wardrobe to match her handicap. Her model’s beauty with a big head of blond hair and a teenager’s body was exceeded only by the size and glitter of the diamond she wore on her left hand. She met Bernie when her husband let her pick up her new BMW Roadster that he bought her for her 40th birthday. Bernie was the top salesman at the local BMW dealership and loved to play and talk golf. He was a low handicapper at his upscale public course and played in the big MGA tournaments. He was known to all as a clothes horse and he fancied himself as a ladies man. The first time Diane brought her convertible in for service they had coffee. Next time they had lunch. When Bernie learned that this beautiful woman was an excellent golfer, he wanted to play, golf and maybe more with her. Time was no problem for Diane, with her teenaged kids in school and camps and her husband at work, she had all day to spend as she pleased. Bernie invited Diane to make the quick drive up north and play our golf course where he was a regular tournament player and well known by our staff. She agreed and the date was set. “We can take my car. You can drive,” she said. “I brought something to make the trip more enjoyable.” He replied as he pulled the cork from a bottle of good Chardonnay. “Next time get a later tee time, we could stop along the way.” She said with a wink. “I know the owner he will change our tee time.” He said as he fumbled for the cell phone out of his pocket, trying not to grin like a schoolboy anticipation his first kiss. The rendezvous and golf became a ritual - every other Wednesday.
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On a Wednesday in early July, Diane raced into the pro shop with a worried look on her face. “Shit!” She said. “I lost my ring. I have got to use the cart. It must have fallen out of my pocket.” Around thirty minutes later Diane returned with a relaxed smile of relief on her face. “You found it......how?” “We just retraced every shot I hit until we got to #13. During our round I really had to pee so after my tee shot on #13 I slipped into the woods. As I squatted down, I noticed a pair of beautiful orioles taking turns feeding their babies in a nest that looked like a pocket on a pool table. I sort of got lost watching those birds. It took me a little while to find the nest again. But, when I found the nest, I squatted in the exact spot, where I could see the nest, and sure enough there this beauty was.” She babbled as she held out her hand and admired this token of her husbands everlasting love. That was the beginning of the end for Diane and Bernie but the orioles, which now have babies of their own, will never know how beautiful their nest appeared to a wayward housewife on that Wednesday in July.
19th Hole
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September 2012
To Troy Burne’s New Bar & Grille By Brad Parrott
surrounding community. They took their first steps to change that during the last off-season by doing a major remodel and expanding the indoor dining area. The old bar and restaurant was small with a very limited indoor dining area adjacent to a larger screened-in area. The expansion converted the screened-in area to permanent indoor seating as well as adding a finished patio with new patio furniture for those wanting an outdoor dining experience. To insure maximum results from the expansion, the interior of the bar and restaurant was totally remodeled from the ground up. New carpet was laid throughout the inside including the Lehman Room. New dining tables, bar height tables, as well as chairs were not left out. A new “L” shaped bar was also added more than doubling the seating area to “belly up” to.
Troy Burne Golf Club (Hudson, WI) has always been known as one of the premier golf courses in the metro area. It has hosted Nationwide Tour events as well as receiving consistently high ranks in Golf Digest and GolfWeek as one of the best courses to play. One area that Troy Burne’s management identified as an opportunity for growth was their restaurant. They had great food, but a limited menu and lack of space prevented them from drawing diners in from the
TROY BURNE GOLF CLUB A Tom Lehman Signature Course Hudson, Wisconsin
Super Twilight Rate - $59 + Tax After 3 PM includes cart and range balls
Fall Rates Start 9/17 - $75 + Tax Includes cart and range balls
The second step is in progress with developing a menu for the customers to enjoy. The term “in progress” is something that Mark Wuotila (Food and Beverage Manager, Executive Chef), is proud of and wants to make sure everyone is aware of. Mark, as well as his staff, are approaching the expansion and remodel as a “partnership” with their customers. Every aspect of the renovation, from the furniture to the menu, was based on feedback from the course members and customers. When talking with Mark it was clear he continues to welcome input from the customers, and more importantly he will continue to act on the suggestions. Troy Burne Bar & Grille offers something for everyone. From breakfast, to the golfer that wants something quick, to appetizers at the bar, to a sit down dinner for date night, as well as to the family that wants an option for a sit down meal. Breakfast is served daily until noon and includes your standard eggs, toast, hash browns, and a meat option, to French toast or pancakes. For those on the run, or just wanting a lighter breakfast, a scrambled egg wrap and fried egg sandwich are also on the menu. The appetizer menu includes all of your favorites from cheese curds and fries to boneless wings and quesadillas. For lunch, casual dinner, or even the family with kids, all the usual options are there. There is a good selection of salads, burgers, and sandwiches that will satisfy everyone from the pickiest eater to the most adventurous. The entrée menu continues to offer something for everyone. The entrees include the more popular panko crusted walleye, as well as steak, chicken, and pasta dishes. Keeping with the theme of partnering with the customers, the beverage selection is one of the best you will find at a golf course. Not only is there a great selection of tap beer, there is also a generous wine selection, liquor selection, and several craft beer options. Troy Burne has always been a great facility to hold your events, but now with the expanded and remodeled restaurant, it is open to even more opportunities. The Lehman room is expanded and can now hold 40-50 people making it ideal for everything from business meetings to birthday parties. For a little larger group, the wall can be collapsed opening up the full restaurant for groups in the area of 80-100 people. Even larger groups have the option of utilizing the outside tent. Add a stop in Hudson to your bucket list this Fall and stop in at Troy Burne’s Bar & Grille. If you have been there in the past, check out the great changes that have been made. If you have never been there, you now know you are welcome and they have much to offer. What ever the reason you end up there, please make sure to let Mark or his staff know about your experience and suggestions.
September 2012
19th Hole
37
MAGGIE BLOOM
Clifton Highlands Golf Club, Prescott, WI Tell us what you do for a group of golfers to tee off a ball hit my cart and it actually helped the golfer out by during the golf off- bouncing off the cart back IN bounds. season. I attend school at UW-Madison. What hobbies do you have away from the golf course? I love being active whether it’s gymnastics, running or roller blading, and of course shopping is right up there too! Why did you decide to pursue a career in “beverage distribution” at your golf course? Because I LOVE What is your favorite drink? Bacardi diet with a lime, and who doesn’t love a Summer being outdoors and summer is my favorite season, so what better job can you ask for? Shandy this time of year?! What’s the best tip you have ever received from a golfer...monetarily or other? I once Do you play golf? How well? It’s a work in progress! received a $24 tip and a free drink to go along with it! When your “career” as a beverage cart girl is over what are your goals in life? I hope What’s the funniest thing you have ever seen on the golf course? When I was waiting to become a physician assistant.
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Tech
38
September 2012
Like It Or Not: By Steve Pease
"Accidents" at Sawmill and Loggers Trail Most golf course managers would view a golfer who drives a cart off a bridge into a marsh as a negative. Not Tim Matsche. The operations manager at Sawmill and Loggers Trail golf courses documented the event this summer, posting it as a caption contest on Facebook for all to see. Not only did fans see it, they left 447 comments, 53 likes and shared the photo 16 times. “The flipped cart generated over 16,000 views,” Matsche says. “People really had fun with it.”
themselves on their favorite course’s Facebook page, booking tee times or participating in contests. Deer Run Golf Club in Victoria ranks high on the Facebook leaderboard with 1,288 “Likes” as of press time and a heckuva good blog. Mississippi Dunes in Cottage Grove has 1,114 ‘Likes’ and some of the coolest Facebook photos of any course in Minnesota. Sawmill and Logger’s isn’t far behind 1,090 likes and some of the most entertaining YouTube videos around.
Foursquare, a phone app that rewards those who broadcast their location with special discounts. Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park has seen some 1,409 players check in at the course, while Les Bolstad in St. Paul lists 682 check-ins. Both courses undoubtedly attract a more tech-forward clientele. “Booking tee times online has become big business over the last five years, with some Minnesota courses seeing more than half their players reserving spots via the Internet in 2012,” says Kevin Unterreiner, president of TwinCitiesGolf. com. And emerging social channels like Google+ aren’t to be ignored, he says. “The new up and coming focus now is on courses’ Google+ page, which are receiving as many as 7,000 “impressions” a month,” Unterreiner says.
While likes may be an indication of Facebook prowess, it doesn’t necessarily mean a course is truly reaching golfers online. “’Likes’ are great, but they honestly don’t mean anything,” says Tyler Brewton, online marketing manager at Mississippi Dunes. “We don’t even promote Golf and social media make strange bedfellows. While how many ‘Likes’ we have as we care more about golf is a largely solitary test against Old Man Par, social interactions and sharing.” In fact, 1/3 of the Dunes’ posts However, it’s one thing to have a social media page, and media is based on fun with others. Perhaps one is affecting on Facebook are shared from other sources and courses. another to take care of it. In a day-and-age where any golfer the other, as hanging out and having fun is what many golf can create a “community page” with a single check in on courses today seem to be selling. The prospect of fun is Ultimately, Minnesota course managers concur that social Facebook and Google+, a course’s reputation can easily what’s increasingly driving golfers in droves to meet their success comes down to quality content. But Facebook isn’t take a dip online if not properly monitored. “Negative favorite courses on social channels like Facebook, Twitter, the only place Minnesota courses are teeing it up in the reviews have been shown to cause 70 percent of consumers YouTube, and more recently, Foursquare and Google+. social sphere. Search for “Minnesota golf” on YouTube and to not patronize a business and might be the most important The question is: Will Minnesota golf courses match this you’ll find about 6,700 videos, including golfers taking in area courses can focus on right now,” Unterreiner says. audience’s growing social interest with an equal presence? a mid-winter round at Pebble Lake in Fergus Falls (Thanks global warming!), a number of teaching-pro tutorials and As the busy season began to ramp up around the 4th of Some local courses are stepping up, while others lay idle. the occasional “Rick Roll.” Giants Ridge in Biwabik has July, a number of Minnesota course’s posts began to taper A cursory search of Minnesota golf courses on Facebook more than a dozen YouTube videos, covering everything off from daily, to weekly, to monthly, to nearly none. shows a vast majority of public courses with around 100 from ice sculpting, to snowboarding, to putting tips. And That’s not the best idea, says Ryan Heiman, founder of likes and periodic posts. Others, like Sawmill and Loggers it has a very good blog, replete with gorgeous photos. IndependentGolfReviews.com, St. Paul based consumer golf reviews site. “Tweeting or posting on Facebook three Trail, are logging on with regularity in hopes of starting a conversation. “What I think (social media) does do, is put Heritage Links in Lakeville opts to post trivia and golf times a summer doesn’t really work,” Heiman says. “I’d us in the conversation more often,” Matsche says. “If you jokes on its Facebook page, while Grand View Lodge’s really like to see the courses take advantage of their pro and your three buddies are sitting around deciding where Twitter feed (414 followers) tweets out awesome shop staff, who typically have lots of time on their hands, to go, we want to be in that conversation more often.” photos of paddleboard yoga on Gull Lake and isn’t and could easily do more social media for their courses.” shy about its well-deserved awards and accolades. The average American spends eight hours a month on They say golfers never stop learning. But when it comes to Facebook. Many of Minnesota’s golfers inevitably find Minnesota golfers are increasingly “checking in” on liking, it’s a whole new game.
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September 2012
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