January/February 2011 by Dale Archibald

golf Celebrating 24 Years!

GolftodayMagazine.com January/February 2011

today

The New Hybrid Electric Caddie!

See page 23

Golf Industry Needs to Wake Up! H Says Barney adams Cart-Friendly Carry Bags for 2011 a Harvest of Sweet Fruit, Golf Golf outerwear Buying Guide daNGER: Golfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticking time Bomb does your Golf Pro Know the Rules? Playing Golf on the Florida Gulf Coast 10 Secret Rules for Winning

H H H H H H H

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

4 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

golf

The Magazine of the West

On The Cover January/ February 2011: The New hybrid electric Caddie! you’re looking for a powered trolley that’s light, easy to use and will carry your clubs around as if they (and the hills!) just weren’t there… well you’ve found it! Never before has a powered trolley offered you so much. 2011 hill billy Terrain, the new hybrid electric golf trolley. For more information, see Page 23!

TODAY

Cart-Friendly Carry Bags for 2011 Bob Koczor

A Formula for the Renaissance of Golf

9 11 12 16 17 18

Barney Adams

In The Clubhouse Charley Coppola

Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Travis AFB Hal Gevertz

A Harvest of Sweet Fruit, Golf Bill Nestor

Golf Today’s Golf Outerwear Buying Guide Terry VanderHeiden

DANGER: Golf’s Ticking Time Bomb Bob Fagan

Golf In Norway

Mike Hamiel, California Golf Writers Association

Golf Practice Drills to Improve Scoring

19 20 21 22

J.L. Lewis

Does Your Golf Pro Know the Rules? Bob Fagan

Playing Golf on the Florida Gulf Coast Terry VanderHeiden

Tony Jacklin and The Concession Terry VanderHeiden

Saddle Creek Resort

Mike Hamiel, California Golf Writers Association

Callippe Preserve GC Raises Rates

CELEBRATING

24 YEARS

24 25 41

Bill Nestor

Swing Analysis and Instruction by Leadbetter for Wii J.L. Lewis

10 Secret Rules for Winning in Golf & Beyond Bob Fagan

Classified Advertising

6 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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New Golf Products Just in Time for PGA Orlando

Cart-Friendly Carry Bags for 2011 w Bob Koczor

ust when one thinks that be positioned sideways. golf bags can’t get any better, A popular bag feature continues along comes Sun Moun- to be Sun Mountain’s patented top tain with its new lightweight with a built-in handle that procarry bags which are more vides a convenient spot to grab versatile than ever thanks when picking the bag up and to the new-for-2011 cartremoving the bag from the friendly feashoulder. New for 2011, the tures that bag top now has three allow the hand-holds which bags to make it easier to work equaluse both hands ly well as carry to lift the bag on bags or cart bags. and off of a cart. Features include a Another cart-friendly botne w c a r t tom that allows friendly the bags to sit feature is straight on the new motorized l e g carts, cartlock strap pass t o sethrough, c u r e the leg lock, Sun Mountain Superlight g o l f bag and addilegs while the bag is tional hand holds. Sun Mountain carted. An additional cart-friendly carry bags with cart-friendly fea- feature, specific to the Superlight tures include the Superlight 3.5, 3.5, is a ‘tunnel’ for the cart strap Superlight SLX, H2NO, Four 5 to pass through to protect the and the Zero-G. contents of the pocket from being Since creating the first golf bag squashed and to allow all pockets with built-in legs in the mid-80’s, to be accessible when the bag is on Sun Mountain has continued to the cart. innovate and improve golf bags. The 2011 golf bags with these For 2011, the Sun Mountain new cart-friendly features include Superlight line of golf bags in- the top-selling Superlight 3.5, the clude a new cart-friendly bottom Golf Digest Hot List Gold windesigned with a new shape and ning Superlight SLX, the watera re-tooled foot mechanism that proof H2NO, the Four 5 offering will allow the bag to stand straight the only stand bag with individual in a golf cart bag well, rather than club dividers, and the Zero-G of-

If you have a new golf product or golf service, contact Bob Koczor, Publisher/Editor, at 661-823-7842 or bob@golftodaymagazine.com. Golf Today Magazine, now in its 24th year, provides custom-made digital and print promotions to great success! You can also meet Bob at Golf Today’s booth during the PGA Show in Orlando, FL. Booth #2057. WWW.GOLFTODAYMAGAZINE.COM

fering an innovative hip belt that takes the weight of the clubs off of the shoulders. On top of these new cartfriendly features, technical advancements on the entire Superlight line include: top mounted stand attachment for increased

durability and stability, patented Roller Bottom and recessed YSpring activator for faster leg action and tight-to-the-bag retraction, triangular non-slip foot pads that resist sinking into grass and sliding on slick surfaces, and a continued on page 8 ❱

A Formula for the Renaissance of Golf w Barney Adams

rather arrogant title methinks. Let’s start with the question, does golf need a renaissance and to accurately answer I looked up the word. While rebirth is given as a synonym the broader meaning is a cultural change from history going forward. When I accessed data from The National Golf Foundation and the US Census, it struck me that golf, as played regularly by amateurs, needs a renaissance… badly. Numbers can be pretty boring so here’s the macro analysis. (The census data and National Golf Foundation reports are available for those interested in the details.) We have approximately the same number of golfers playing today as we did in 1990. Since then over 3800 courses have been built in the US and our population has increased over 25%. Moreover, the demographics of our population’s increase in age and income fit the profile of potential golfers. Something has happened over the last 20 years that has resulted in less people taking up and enjoying the game. Barney Adams Distilling commentary on the internet we learn that golf has become too time-demanding, too expensive, and too frustrating. I agree with the first comment on time but consider the argument on expense. Paying money to be aggravated and frustrated is not exactly logical: change that to enjoyable and rewarding and the expense argument weakens considerably. Taking those specific complaints what follows will speed up play, make the game more fun and do so at no cost to the golfer or the industry. I’m not writing this just as a story. This is about changing the game of amateur golf, taking on its culture, tradition and negative reaction from the players themcontinued on page 15 ❱ GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

New Golf Products ❰ continued from page 7

full complement of pockets to include full-length clothing pocket, velour-lined valuable pouch, water bottle pouch, and ball and accessory pockets. In addition to golf bags, Sun Mountain is dedicated to finding the most innovative fabrics, the latest manufacturing processes, and the best designs to create a line of performance outerwear that protects from rain, wind and cold. Sun Mountain is an officially licensed supplier of outerwear to the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour, Duramed Futures Tour, and Nationwide Tour. The Sun Mountain Speed Cart® and ClubGlider® travel bag are leaders in their respective categories. For more than 25 years, Sun Mountain has been designing and manufacturing functional, highquality, lightweight golf bags for the serious golfer. Sun Mountain is responsible for many industry firsts, including being the first to use backpacking technology to produce a lightweight nylon golf bag, and being the first to develop a stand bag with integral legs. For the retailer nearest you, call 800-227-9224 or visit www.sunmountain.com. The L2 Lateral Line Putting Innovation “If you want different results, try something different.” This is the trademark slogan for the L2 Lateral Line putter and its inventor John Ambrose. For more than seven years, Ambrose has been developing this style and putter as a way to lower golfers scores by allowing them to comfortably look at the cup while

putting. The “face forward” style of putting generally referred to as side saddle putting was pioneered by none other then the legendary Sam Snead. “Sam had the courage and selfconfidence to bend over and face the hole while putting a ball in the late sixties and used this style for the rest of his caree,r” said Ambrose. “ The common sales line used by face forward adv o c a t e s is that If someone handed you a ball and told you to roll it toward a cup, h o w L2 Lateral Line Putter would you do it?” Obviously, we would all face the target and use an underhand tossing motion. But John saw a flaw in this little example. “I asked myself why aren’t there more golfers doing it then?” The answer is because in golf, the ball is on the ground, not in your hand. You have two targets in golf, the ball and what you are hitting the ball toward. You can’t look at two targets at once so we look at the first target, the ball, in order to make good contact to get it to the second one. In the full stroke this makes sense, but not on the green. “It’s hard to believe that we can’t move a putter head more then a foot from the ball without fear of missing it, or at least missing the sweet spot.” The conventional putting stroke has always been the art of NOT using most of our muscles and joints while putting. We struggle with a parallel alignment and choppy tempo as we use what is really a hitting position. As for the putters used for this style, they generally have small, relatively light heads, with round-

8 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

ed bottoms, and a small sweet spot. Every year golf club manufacturers move what little weight they have behind the same basic faces to create a new “look”, and tell us this is the putter to lower your score. So we buy yet another club to replace the one that was supposed to do that last year. Even Side Saddle putting and a newer version called face on putting, try to implement a stance that allows for looking at the cup, but does so with a putter design that isn’t much different then a conventional one. Facing the hole to putt is different, from the stance and stroke, to the club you need to do it with. So we set out to create a Putter and style that would make contacting the ball with a large pendulum stroke as easy as if you were holding the ball in your hand. “It’s all about the putter size and weight, and how well it can be designed to make use of these characteristics,” said Ambrose. Club designers frequently refer to M.O.I. [MOMENT OF INERTIA], which is the force that resists twisting as the club travel s through the st roke and makes contact with the ball. To maxim i z e this force, “you need weight distributed to the outside edges of the club.” And when Ambrose says weight, he means weight. The L2 head weighs in at 615 grams in order “to make the overall club MOI work, we created a grip that weighs 411 grams.” This combination produces a very well balanced club. The average putter head weighs 380 grams.

“But with the help of the weight of the L2 , your tempo slows down and taps into the best pendulum constant there is, gravity, while producing a 5 1/4 inch face with a 3 inch sweet spot. Now you have a putter that is working “with” you to sink a putt, not one that is working “for” you. Conventional club designs allow you to do anything you want them too whether it works or not. They jerk, twist and turn to your every ill-fated, adrenalin filled, muscle movement. For more information, cont ac t : L ate ral L i ne, L LC , www.laterallineputter.com. Email: john@laterallineputter.com 877317-7888. Correct Your Swing Instantly! Most golf instructors will tell you that for a swing to be efficient and consistent, the swinging left arm (for right-handers) must be connected to the turning body until well after impact. If they come unglued prior to that, many things can happen and almost none of them are good. This basic truth explains why the Vharness is destined to become extraordinarily popular among golfers and teaching professionals alike. This unique training device litThe Vharness erally forces the golfer to remain connected throughout the swing as well as to increase the width of the swing which inevitably translates to more club head speed and greater distance. No less an authority than PGA TOUR star Rocco Mediate calls it the best training device he has ever seen during his quarter of a continued on page 40 ❱

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In The Clubhouse w Charley Coppola

ast Year, I Had The Pleasure Of Meeting Ryan Winther. Ryan now holds the world record for the longest drive in competition at the Long Drive Championship in Mesquite, NV broadcast on ESPN. During our visit, I watched as he hit drives so far that they vanished in to the morning Sun, He hit a 9 iron nearly 200 yards. Ryan is a strapping fellow and sports forearms akin to Popeye’s without the Anchor tattoo. I discovered that one of the training aids he uses is the weighted DRAZ Athletics Gloves. I contacted the people at DRAZ and asked to have samples sent to me. Ryan Winther hit a 469 yard blast last week to qualify for the World Long Drive Championship in Mesquite, Nevada. This is the longest drive in history at Mesquite. Ryan currently has the longest drive during regular competition at 418 yards and is in the finals starting tomorrow/Friday. Ryan has been using our product for over 2 years and has been a big supporter and endorser. He feels the gloves have helped take him to the next level with his development. Please wish him luck in the competition. You can see more at his Facebook page under Ryan Winther. Bobby Wilson, another avid user/endorser took second this year in the super senior event in a very close race. Bobby is the leading money winner in long drive and was first place in the senior and super senior events last year. He is in the finals for the senior competition. Please wish him good luck also. This author knows the power of DRAZ Athletic Gloves. I use them in my exercise workouts. DRAZ weighted gloves have helped me drive up to 25 yards

further, and more importantly, straighter than ever before. I highly recommend this product. Go to

that just one round with the wrong bag can result in some serious heavy lifting. While lugging hefty bags around the course might improve This Is My 17th Annual a golfer’s physique, Post-Christmas Gift Guide the UltraLite Performance Series balancYes folks, and to borrow es feature rich storage a slogan from McDonald’s – I Do It All and technology that For You. So, enjoy and Play Well. makes this OGIO’s lightest weight bags. www.drazathletics to find out how The series was designed to keep you can improve your game. work outs at the gym and not on the course. Ogio Lightens The Load With “Pound for pound, our UltraNew Ultralite Series Lite Performance Golf Bags are New Product Line Redefines the most durable and conLightweight Golf Bags, Offering the tain the most storage space Most Innovative and Functional of any bags that we have Bags Known to Man. ever made at this light of a OGIO, the revolutionary weight,” said Tom Gocke, and innovative bag designer for vice president of global golf adrenaline driven lifestyles, today for OGIO. “Consistent with launched the UltraLite Perfor- OGIO’s reputation, we mance Golf Bag line. The Ultra- continue to pour the inLite Series offers the synergy of novation and creativity high tensile and lightweight ma- needed into the UltraLterials, like those used for build- ite Performance Series, ing parachutes, another product resulting in one-of-a where weight and strength are a kind features such as the necessity. Combined with OGIO’s O-Shox™ Suspension Systrend setting fashions, aggressive tem. OGIO provides golfers styling and renowned innova- with a bag that looks as good tions and patents, t h e as it feels, and delivers unmatched brand continues performance with dexterous innoto evolve the vations and unique features.” look and feel The UltraLite Performance of the once series features four distinctly diftradiferent models for golfers: For Carry: Velocity—Weighing just 3.6 pounds, the Velocity offers more technology and storage space than any other bag OGIO has ever produced at OGIO Velocity its weight range. It boasts the 7-way Woode™ Ultional sport. traLite Performance Top Golf requires more with full-length dividers, gear than any other recreational O-Shox™ suspension strap system sport and OGIO understands and the AFS air flow system tech

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Charley Coppola

shoulder straps for a cooler, more comfortable ride. MSRP $195. Helios—The lightest of the series at a mere 3.3 pounds, the Helios features all of the Velocity’s technological advantages but in a smaller package and a 6-Way Ultralite Performance top. MSRP $160 For Cart: Assassin— Bringing lightweight performance to cart bags, the Assassin employs a 14-way Diamond UltraLite Pe r f o r OGIO Mantix m a n c e Cart Top that offers maximum club protection teamed with the new Ball Silo™ which keeps three golf balls at-the-ready on the bag’s exterior. All of this at under 5 pounds! MSRP $220. Mantix—At 4.5 pounds, the Mantix features a deluxe padded shoulder strap and a 14-way UltraLite Top packaged with little features that will make other golfers jealous including an umbrella holder, towel loop, lightweight molded handle and a whopping seven pockets to fit any extras, like an ice cold beverage or more sunscreen. MSRP $185. OGIO’s UltraLite Performance Series features a number of bag continued on page 10 ❱

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

In The Clubhouse ❰ continued from page 9

enhancements, including: O-Shox™ Suspension Strap System—OGIO’s patented system has comfort in mind, using an integrated elastomeric material to absorb downward pull and disperse energy from the bag as the golfer walks, significantly reducing strain on the upper body. A golf game can equal a seven mile walk; the O-Shox™ strap system won’t make you regret it later. AFS-Air Flow System Tech Shoulder Strap—The sleek size and flexibility of the strap provides the most conforming fit on the market. The ventilated strap allows body heat to escape while allowing reversed airflow for a cool golfer on the course. Diamond UltraLite Performance Top—Diamonds are now a golfer’s best friend as 14 diamond shapes maintain the health of clubs by encouraging maximum separation. The three built-in, strategically placed, “easy grab” handles allow for optimal maneuverability. The UltraLite Performance Series will be available for purchase this month. For more information about OGIO and the UltraLite Performance Series, please visit www. OGIO.com. About OGIO: OGIO International, Inc. is a global leader in gear bag design recognized for its athlete-inspired innovative technology and “adrenaline driven” style that was born from the company’s action sports heritage. An award winning brand, the company received two gold medals by Golf Digest in their 2010 “Hot List” issue for its cutting edge golf bag line and was also selected as the official team travel gear for the 2010 U.S. President’s Cup. Founded in 1987, the private, Utah-based company

distributes products worldwide under the OGIO brand name, and operates an original equipment manufacturer division to produce gear bags for other internationally known brands. The brand’s collection includes an extensive line of motocross bags; golf bags; snow and skate and packs; messenger bags; school packs; travel bags; motocross hard goods; and other active gear along with a roster of athletes that includes Travis Pastrana, Fred Couples and Bob Burnquist. For more information, visit www.ogio.com Wild Hawk GC In Sacramento, CA Announces Big Improvement Plans New Tee Leveling— Golfers can now take a level stance and swing away. The white/blue tee on #4, the white tee on #7 and the white tee on #10 are now as good as new, returning to their construction perfect condition of twelve years ago. Since WildHawk opened in 1998 those tees have developed uneven surfaces due to all the play the course has received and all the sand needed to fill the divots. Those tees were chosen because they were the worst on the course. The project involved stripping the old sod from the tee, and then they leveled using a laser device, and finally topped with brand new sod. I know you will enjoy the new tees and WildHawk plans on doing three more tees next year. Bunker Replacement Project— Along with the completed tee project, WildHawk is embarking on a year-long project to refurbish all of our sand bunkers, all 54 of them. In a Golfer Survey administered in 2008 the majority of the respondents told them that the bunkers were the area of the golf course they were least satisfied with. So they listened. Over

10 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

the years the bunkers have been filled different types and grades of sand causing drainage problems and became discolored from the native clay soil. Not to mention the rocks. Little (and not so little) rocks migrated up through the soil into the sand. More than a few sand wedges received a ding or two. Wild Hawk will be removing all of the old sand, repairing the drainage if necessary, applying a bunker liner to prevent discoloration and the rocks coming up, and refilli n g with f r e s h USGA approved sand to the tune of $50,000! They’ll be looking so good you’ll want to go in the bunkers to try them out! Just yesterday, I wound up in a bunker and can attest that getting out is as easy as falling off a log. They are incredible. WildHawk Grille Upgrades— Paul and his staff are always looking to make your day at WildHawk more enjoyable after the round too. How does watching your favorite team on a big 60” TV sound? Or a 42” TV maybe? WildHawk is getting four new flat screen TV’s all in HD. Did you say you want to hear those TV’s through Bose speakers? You can do that too. Six of them total. They are installing an audio visual package that includes the four TV’s plus a speaker system inside and out on the patio as well. You will be able to linger longer after your round to enjoy a few more holes of the tournament, a couple more innings of a Giants game or the second half of the 49ers game and see if Mr. Woods will ever make a come back. Ahhhh, pass

the pretzels please. WildHawk Website While the course is getting several improvements they haven’t forgotten the cyber world. You can now visit them on a brand new website www.wildhawkgolf.com . This new site presents a fresh new look for WildHawk, it will also allow them to keep you better informed, allow you to sign for lessons, tee times, tournaments and more, all online. The new website allows them to present all of their programs and what’s going on and up-coming money saving programs. Visit them often and m a k e s u re to join their e-club to receive all of their news, specials and promotions. Best of the Best Golf and Lifestyle magazine, one of the leading golf magazines in Northern California has come out with their “Best of the Best” list and WildHawk garnered several awards. To top the list, Golf and Lifestyle chose WildHawk as the “Best Value” golf course. The course with the most “bang for your buck”, as they say. Their Grille also scored highly, taking third place for the “Best Bloody Mary”. So if you’re out here for an early tee time (or not) make sure to try one, you won’t be disappointed. Last but not least our General Manager Paul Henderson also was recognized, placing third, as the areas “Best GM.” Congratulations Paul! The GM’s Message “This year WildHawk will see many course improvements and exciting programs. Our intent is continued on page 37 ❱

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The Golf Explorer

Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Travis AFB w Hal Gevertz

GOLFERS!

ravis Air Force Base of the largest factory outlet com- complaining. I guess the military Fronting bunkers are also easy named after Brigadier plexes in California. and civilian golfers who canvassed to capture with a green that has General Robert the course were also content. At enough quiet undulations to cause F Travis who died in a one time Cypress Lakes Tra- indifferent putting. crash of a B29 Supervis AFB was only opened to the As water goes, the one shot fortress while transportmilitary. But after the 9-11 terrible 176-yd 3rd has the wet on the ing a nuclear weapon, events, all the money given to the right side as you get close to the was officially activated in upkeep of military golf courses slight slanting putting surface that May 17, 1943 as an Air were taken away. Now they sur- breaks from right to left. Transport Command vive by the revenue obtained by Cypress Lakes front side gives with the primary misthe course and clubhouse events. you a preview of what the course sion during World War With its excellent maintenance, is all about but the back side takes II of ferrying aircraft and inexpensive green fees and golfers you around a variety of holes that supplies to the Pacific galore playing the course it looks makes the course worth playing. Theater. like they are doing a great job pay- The 174-yd one shot 11th could In May of 1949 the ing the rent. be the start of something exciting Strategic Air Command As I observed the layout of the as the tee to green is separated by became the parent land I came to the conclusion that a body of water that requires acMajor command for there are numerous doglegs to curacy and distance. The putting the airbase. It is now Brigadier General Robert F Travis contend with. And if you don’t hit surface is designed for easier putdesignated as the the golf ball in the proper part of ting as movement on it is hardly 60th Air Mobility Wing which With sufficient acres to work the fairway the dogleg designates noticeable. includes C-5 and KC10 aircraft. with architect Bob Putman and you could end up taking more It is followed by fenced in “choThey also have in their inventory Joe Finger designed an 18 hole strokes than necessary. cho” train tracks traveling along C-17 Globemaster III. course with four sets of tees The 402-yd par four 4th was the left side of the 437-yd par Travis Air force base today ranging from 5,535-yds to the the first one observed. It starts off four dogleg right fairway. It’s handles more cargo and passenger championship tees of 6,873-yds. innocently enough in a straight close enough to make it difficult traffic through its airport than Although it’s an exceedingly level line but makes its way right in a if a drive or second shot travels any other military air terminal in course, each hole has either or hurry at the end of the hole where where the train property is ready the United States. Today AFB in- both trees and water in play. And a bunker guards the right side. to cause out-of-bounds trouble. cludes approximately 7,260 active if that doesn’t do the trick this val- The putting surface slants at the The 428-yd par four 13th is also USAF military personnel, 4250 ley landscape is noticeable for gen- entrance while leveling off at the accompanied by railroad tracks on Air Force Reserve personnel and erating constant nasty winds that back where it tilts from right to its left side as the fairway angles 3,770 civilians. Travis AFB is also could send your golf ball shots on left. The 410-yd par four 9th is right to a green that enjoys left to the largest employer in the City unauthorized tangents. another than angles right with right upward movement. and Solano County with a local The day I played the course numerous tall trees surrounding Cypress Lakes saves all the best economic impact of more than $1 wasn’t one of them so I wasn’t the back of the putting surface. continued on page 36 ❱ billion annually. So you would think that a military golf course to handle some PrivAte Course ConDitions At PubliC Course PriCes of their recreation needs would • Well-ConDitioneD Course DIABLO CREEK have opened its doors sooner $ • CovereD niGHt liGHteD rAnGe GOLF COURSE than it did in 1960. It was the • Fully stoCkeD GolF sHoP year the management decided • 1st tee youtH ProGrAm to utilize some nearby farmland • GolF lessons at for that purpose in the adjacent • leGenDs sPorts bAr & Grill Diablo Creek Offer Good Monday through Thursday • ConFerenCe room • PiCniC PAvillion agricultural town of Vacaville. Its after 10 a.m. and all day Friday. Includes golf, cart and lunch at beautifully surrounding setting is 4050 Port Chicago Hwy., Concord, CA • www.DiabloCreekGC.com Legends Sports Bar & Grill. Not valid (right off the Port Chicago exit off Hwy. 4) bordered by rolling hillsides, and on holidays or tournaments. for reservations call (925) Offer good through March 31, 2011 fruit orchards. It also includes one WWW.GOLFTODAYMAGAZINE.COM

Diablo Creek Golf Course

41 Spring Special

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Okanagan Country

A Harvest of Sweet Fruit, Golf w Bill Nestor

ast of Vancouver and west ates an extended growing season, lakes, streams and rocky pineof the Rockies in south supporting farming as well as covered ridges define the layout central British Columbia, Okanagan’s 100 wineries and 50 that stretches to 7,000 yards from the tips. The setting--and its reputhe region has a century-old ag- golf resorts. tation as a difficult course--have Golf is an equally fertile indusricultural industry and a growing attracted members, homeowners, try here, with a crop of impressive number of vineyards and wineries. players and a number of profesresorts and courses surrounded More than a third of Canada’s sional events--including the Tellus by magnificent scenery, developed apples and an abundance of the Skins game in 2008 between Greg carefully and steadily over the last nation’s soft fruits--pear, peach, Norman, Colin Montgomerie, 20 years. On a recent trip to the nectarine, cherry, plum, grape, prune—come from the ValOkanagan Valley, le y ’s 2 , 0 0 0 orchards on the fruit basket of Canada, is a land of clear blue sky, dry and sunny weather, 22,000 acres expansive countryside and a plethora of outdoor activities. utilizing high area, I had a chance to stay and Mike Weir, and Fred Couples. density planting. The Predator course is perenniThe wealth of vegetable, fruit play at a few. Predator Ridge Golf Resort ally ranked as one of the best in and wine harvests make Okanagan unique, as does its geographic in Vernon opened the Preda- Canada. The Ridge Course, designed by setting at the northern end of a tor Course in 1991, designed high desert plateau stretching by venerable Canadian golf ar- renowned Canadian golf architect from California’s Napa Valley. A chitect Les Furber. Undulating Doug Carrick, was added in 2010. surprising moderate climate cre- fairways, wheatgrass meadows, It is considered tamer and more

HYBRID GAME ENHANCEMENT MORE POWER

Added back weighting will provide more power and help stabilize the club at impact.

HIGHER BALL FLIGHT

Deep center of gravity produces a higher trajectory, enabling you to lift the ball off the ground, and land it softly.

STRAIGHTER LINE

Our Slim Drag Sole reduces club head twisting – virtually eliminating shanked shots to give you greater accuracy.

Bill Nestor

player-friendly than Predator. Carrick captured distinctive features of the site’s natural environs and integrated them into the course layout and routing. A series of holes cascade down in elevation before leveling out, accentuating the scenic panorama of this dramatic location. The manicured bent grass greens, tees and fairways compliment the adjacent irregular landscape. “ It is spectacularly routed through Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir stands with views continued on page 13 ❱

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Okanagan Country ❰ continued from page 12

over the lake, valleys, and ridges that take you on a western golf adventure,” said Rod Cochrane, Predator Ridge’s GM. At the time of my visit the 12,000-acre resort had 400 residences--1300 sq ft cottages, 1800 sq ft villas and larger single-family homes--with plans to increase the number to 2,100 by 2019. The core amenities—spacious full-kitchen lodge suites, fitness and swimming center, tennis courts, salon, spa, restaurant, outdoor dining and miles of trails--have attracted an active upscale clientele. Man-made structures incorporating materials and features from nature help to create an ambiance that feels like it was laid gently on the

Okanagan Panorama site. www.PredatorRidge.com. The Tobiano golf course in Kamloops burst onto the scene in 2008 and quickly garnished a rush of awards, among them Best New Canadian Course from Golf Digest and Score Golf magazines, and Best New International Course from Links Magazine. “With five sets of tees, the golf course plays 7,367 yards from the back and 5,358 yards from the forward tees, providing a challenging layout for the better golfers and an enjoyable round for all,” said

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Miles Mortensen, GM and Director of Golf.   I played this breathtaking, devilishly delicious golf course late one afternoon as the sun was setting over sagebrush-covered canyons and hillside across the large expanse of Kamloops Lake, and I was awed. An enchanting scene is fashioned by the distinctive location of high desert topography defined by a routing over varied terrain with lush bent fairways and greens and fescue fringes running alongside shimmering water

under the Hoodoo Range.    Canadian renowned modern golf architect Thomas McBroom created a masterful gem. “Tobiano is an almost seamless connection between the artistry of the course and the way it fits on the land,” said McBroom. “I had the perfect palette to lay out the golf course. Tobiano is the best site that I‘ve ever seen in terms of beauty and drama. It’s hard to describe just how powerful that landscape is.” Plans call for a village, marina, continued on page 14 ❱

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Okanagan Country ❰ continued from page 13

boutique hotels, equestrian center, and vineyard as part of the 1,000acre lakeside development with five fly-fishing lakes on an additional 17,000 acres of backcountry land. “It may be a bit out of town, but it will provide everything and be all you need,” said Mortensen.    Finishing the round at sunset, followed by a delicious meal prepared by Chef George Moutsos on the restaurant patio under a nearly full moon was all I needed for a touch of perfection. www. Tobianogolf.com The Rise Golf Club, sited 1,200 feet above Okanagan Lake, opened in 2009. The Fred Couples signature course was fashioned in conjunction with veteran designer Gene Bates. Spectacular vistas are expected after climbing the steep switchback access road to the course. “There are literally 15 different views of the valleys, mountains,

and vineyards from individual holes on the course,” said Terry Yacyshen, GM at The Rise. The course, cut from nature, proffers distant and close ridgeline views that reach to the sky. It plays among wind-blocking spruce and fir, scattered bogs, ponds and streams, fields of wild flowers and thick sagebrush hillsides. Mule deer, coyotes Predator Ridge and other wildlife are plentiful. Five sets of tees from 6,884 yards to 4,638 pleasing. Undulating fairways creyards accommodate all skill levels. ate a magical view with the lake, Bent grass greens and tee boxes, deep valleys and mountain ranges Kentucky blue grass and an- as background,” added Yacyshen. An expansive new clubhouse, nual rye fairways add profiled and shaped surfaces that accent the scheduled to open in 2011, will sit rustic naturalness of The Rise’s between holes one, nine and ten, overlooking the valley and its 60abutting landscape. “Looking back on most holes, mile long lake. Upscale housing, a from green to tee, can be especially vineyard, boathouse on the lake

14 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

and hotel are also planned. The Rise community is intended as a place to live, play, and preserve- 1/3 of the landscape will be kept in its natural state, 1/3 will contain housing and 1/3 will provide opportunities for play and recreation. Membership is open to land owners only. www.TheRise.com. Sun Peaks Resort, a quintessential mountain village venue, caters to a winter sports’ market and offers four-season visitors an enjoyable place to explore and play. Sun Peaks Golf Course, the 6,321-yard design of prominent Canadian golf architect Graham Cooke, enhances a summer stay. The routing ambles down the valley floor along McGillivray Creek, amid thick evergreens set against an alpine backdrop of continued on page 15 ❱

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Renaissance of Golf ❰ continued from page 7

selves. To say it’s a formidable task is almost funny. My approach is to produce hard data, draw the conclusions, and try to get support at all levels, from players to the organizations who influence the game. Sometimes you have to experience something in a different environment to get a clear understanding. For transparency, I’m a 9 handicap 71-year-old having played the game for over 50 years. I also worked in the equipment side of the golf industry and possess a deep love for the game. Some months ago I was invited to play with guys I didn’t know on a course I’d never played before. The group was easily in my age bracket and most had higher handicaps. The course wasn’t long we were going to play from the back tees, short of 6700 yds. Since my regular course was longer, the players better, my ego was on full throttle. I was prepared to star; I’d show these guys what I had once

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been, a player( at least my memory convinced me thus.) At the end of the round (an uninspiring 83) I reflected. My first reaction was: with a 9 handicap an 83 is within normal limits. Yet as I thought more, this conclusion was a trap, one that I have somehow accepted over the years. It

was an immediate reaction: 83… 9 handicap… OK. But what about a couple of other things? Did I really have fun or was I managing frustration? Did the time go by quickly and with pleasure or was it a struggle? As I contemplated these and other ideas the entire round began to take on a differ-

ent perspective. It was like I had played two different courses, one eliciting a “hey not so bad, you need to work on your game a little” response and the other, a vague mystery about overall length and my game. There were at least 4 holes continued on page 31 ❱

Okanagan Country ❰ continued from page 14

three mountains - Tod, Sundance, and Morrisey. The back nine, added in 2005, expanded the course in length and breadth from the original nine from 1996. Although still not long, the course’s narrow fairways and many hazards make players think about laying up rather than going for the green, particularly on the front side. The back nine, added in 2005, expanded the course in length and breadth from the original 1996 nine. Balls fly farther at Sun

Peaks, the highest golf course in British Columbia. The 16th tee box reaches 4,353 feet in elevation, making the green a tempting target even at 364 yards away. “The lushness and condition of the course are improved with only 6,000 rounds played annually,” said Ian Thorley, Delta Hotel Executive. A number of the holes are lined with townhouses and cottages, many available for rent. Accommodations at the in-village upscale Delta Hotel are spaciously

comfortable. Service and dining on premises offers a self-contained option from which to golf, fish, hike or mountain bike. Sun Peaks offers many resort amenities and a variety of village lodging and vacation home options with a range of pricing from which to choose. www.sunpeaksresort.com Western Canada is a majestic place, rich and diverse in nature and landforms. The vastness of its mountain, valley, and glacial continued on page 36 ❱

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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Golf Today’s Golf Outerwear Buying Guide w Terry VanderHeiden

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obody likes to play golf lar American Company that is wind and rain in a knit fabric that in the rain. However, our most notable for creating the first is uniquely stretchable and breathfavorite sport is “yearable. The LT collection additionround” in many states and to ally offers the new “no-seam techGood golf outerwear keep your handicap going in the nology” which eliminates underwill allow you to finish a southern direction, you need keep arm seams for enhanced freedom round when the weather working at the game, because you of movement. RainFlex LT has turns on you. know your opponents are. In order been designed with lighter weight to do that over the winter months, zippers and cuff adjustments than you may want to get out to the ultra-light stand bag back in 1986. the standard RainFlex collection, golf course a few extra times but However, Sun Mountain released resulting in a lighter over all garstay protected from the elements. the first Outerwear jackments. That’s what golf outerwear allows et for golfers back in Some of the you to do. 1990, so they are well details of the Good golf outerwear will al- versed in creating foul RainFlex LT low you to finish a round when weather gear for golfers. line include: the weather turns on you. It will You may remember RainFlex faballow you to start a round in the that Sun Mountain was ric, tricot liner crisp early morning without get- at the heart of the confor a smoothting chilled. Quality outerwear troversy on the first day o n - th e - sk i n will keep you focused on the game of the 2010 Ryder Cup, feeling, Rainand not the elements. Outer- where US players were Shield™ fabric wear could save you from injury, complaining about the protector that as some golfers can’t keep their waterproofness of the muscles warm during windswept Sun Mountain Rain suits Sun Mountain Second Layer round of golf. That alone is the that they were issued. As worth the price of new it turns out, repels water and stains, underouterwear. the few play- arm panels for added stretch and But what kind of outers that were comfort, internal chest pocket, erwear should you get? c o m p l a i n - external hand warmer pockets, That is what Golf Today’s ing about the neoprene stand-up collar, locking Outerwear Buying guide suits had rain- zipper pulls, drawstring waist, and is all about. Use this water getting adjustable cuffs. guide to help choose your in through the Also from Sun Mountain is the new outerwear so you can neckline due Second Layer. The Second Layer keep playing through just to poor choice is a perfect sporty layer for cool about anything. The best of headwear. mornings. Sun Mountain chose part about good outerIt was later a stretchable fabric and added wear is that it’s the only 5% spandex to give the garment golf related product that even more stretch so there is no Sun Mountain Rainflex LT Jacket you can use as much off constriction in your golf swing. It the golf course, as on. ascertained that Sun Mountain’s is also lightweight and breathable Here is a selection of some of rain suits worked just fine. so you do not overheat out on the products out there to protect In this round up of Outerwear, the golf course and have to keep you from the cold, wind and rain: Sun Mountain has the Rainflex taking something off and putting LT Jacket. RainFlex LT is con- it back on. Use the Second Layer Sun Mountain structed from Sun Mountain’s and leave on under most condiSun Mountain (www.sun- proprietary RainFlex fabric that tions. mountian.com) is a very popu- offers guaranteed protection from continued on page 31 ❱

16 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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DANGER: Golf’s Ticking Time Bomb w Bob Fagan

olf has a ticking time 23-25% from 2000 through 2007. bomb that will begin to That is more than alarming; it is affect every facility with catastrophic. What’s more, there a golf course, the equipment manufacturers, and those Warning: employed or hoping to stay This is not a feel-good story, but employed in and around the rather a wake-up call for action. game. This time bomb begins Read on at your own risk! its devastating effect in about 20 years—around 2030 by my estimates. is no significant interest on the Most observers tend to agree part of minorities. Only junior that American golf has lost about golf shows modest growth im10% of those who call themselves provement, but that may not spell golfers since 2000, dropping from relief as you read on. 30 million down to 27 million or Why is this important? This thereabouts. From 2005 to 2009 is important because this group despite all the industry initia- that is now leaving in increasing tives, rounds, too, have dropped numbers in twenty years will another 3%. While that is a cause compose the demographics that for alarm, it is nowhere near as golf has so long relied upon—the devastating as the time bomb that people from 55-75 who make up is about to explode and with it m o r e than half of will dry up the demand for golf the Amerirounds, equipment, can golf a n d s e rpopulavices, and tion. While destroy golf has many an thankfully investtaken less of a ment and hit during job op this reportunity. cession Golf is that the quickly economy losing its overall, it up-andis the huge coming core Baby Boomconstituer element, ency—its nearly 80 milwhite, male l i o n s t ro n g players bethat has kept tween the ages the golf ship of 25-46. One from sinking. study reveals Yes, the Baby that golf has lost Boomers are do26% of this group ing their part. Not only between 1990 and 2005. Another do they represent more than half study states the loss to be between continued on page 29 ❱ WWW.GOLFTODAYMAGAZINE.COM

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Golf In Norway

w Mike Hamiel, California Golf Writers Association

eturning home to the west coast from my trip to South America (see Golf Today Magazine, September, 2010) I had time to check my email and phone messages during a short lay over in Miami. In a garbled and partially dropped phone message, I heard Publisher, Bob Koczor say, “ . . . don’t unpack, your going to L#O*&@*en . . . “ (what

sounded like Laughlin, Nevada) I sent back an email that I was up for the short trip from my home and ready to go. I had never been to Laughlin but I had heard that this small town on the Colorado River, just a hundred miles south of Las Vegas had already garnered awards as a golf Mecca for winter golfers. Two days later, I found out the short trip to Laughlin was

not to be, I had agreed to go to “Lofoten”, as in Lofoten, Norway, which is in the Norwegian Arctic, 95 miles above the Arctic Circle! I would travel 7500 miles from California (one way) stop in 5 cities and be in the air 15 hours, just to play one round of golf on a 9-hole golf course, at night . . . and I loved it! Golf is a tremendously popular sport in Norway, and new golf courses are popping up in many places throughout the country. Most golf courses are around the capitol of Oslo and near the cities of Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim. Lofoten is one of only a half-dozen golf courses in the

world above Mike Hamiel t h e Arc t i c Circle including one in Narvik, an 18-hole course set in the woods, that I would play later in the week. Golf Today Magazine had been invited by Frode Hov, the Managing Director at the Lofoten Golf Links (www.lofotengolf.no) and (www.68lofoten.com) to join with some local golfers in an annual golf tournament, ‘In the land of the midnight sun’, with a tee time continued on page 28 ❱

Golf Tips From The Tour

Golf Practice Drills to Improve Scoring w J.L. Lewis

Ten Finger Grip Trajectory Drill Drill Play the ball forPractice pitching ward and back in and chipping with a the stance to create ten finger grip. This different trajectoallows for proper ries which leads to rotation of the golf distance control club and promotes and better scoring keeping the triangle in all conditions. formed at address J.L. Lewis throughout the Alignment swing. A ten finger Putting Tip grip will eliminate shots hit fat Putt with a three inch line on or thin. the ground directly behind the ball on six foot putts. Make sure 3/4 Swing Drill the line is pointed to the intended Work on 3/4 swing shots by starting line. Being lined up corgripping down on the club and rectly increases confidence and dekeeping the arms in front of the velops a stroke that starts the ball body on the downswing. This drill on the intended line and makes will improve timing on full shots, focusing on speed easier during which is a key to consistent ball the stroke. n striking.

18 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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Does Your Golf Pro Know the Rules? w Bob Fagan

our golf professional should be intimately familiar with the Rules of Golf—so says the PGA. The PGA of America and its spokespersons have long told its membership that it is their responsibility to know the rules of golf. They would say, “How can a golf professional attempt to teach players the game when he or she have not taken the time to learn its rules?” I would agree. Let’s face it; the Rules of Golf are complex. I know. I studied them for thirty minutes a day, five days a week for a period of more than two years and yet I cannot claim to be an expert who can deliver an opinion off the top of my head without a “Decision on the Rules of Golf ” book handy. Most golf professionals can’t either. During my seven years serving as Executive Director for one of the PGA’s largest Sections, only two to five people annually from our more than 1,200 members and apprentices ever achieved “Advanced Status” by scoring 85% or higher on the USGA/PGA Rules test, though fortunately my Tournament Staff and I did. It is no wonder that the amateur bodies in many regions have assumed leadership in this area. The following is a list based upon what the late PGA Master Professional, Rod Myers of Duke University, authored as being helpful in offering a satisfactory rules service. If you are interviewing job applicants or measuring your current professional and the subject of rules is important, these

questions should be helpful. 1. Do they read the Rules of Golf from cover to cover at least once a year?

ignored? cyclopedic memory for the rules? 9. Do they regularly orient new- It absolutely is not important comers to the game to the in my opinion to be a walking, etiquette of the game and the talking rule book, but your golf rules? professional O b v i o u s l y, should know Let’s face it; the responses to his or her way some of these the Rules of Golf are complex. around the questions are rules and fosmore important than others. The ter an enthusiasm for them. written test at the conclusion of Learning to administer them in the USGA/PGA is a key mea- a calm, thoughtful, clear manner is sure as is a person’s demonstrated even more critical. With time and enthusiasm for the rules and their attention, any golf professional ability to communicate them. can become an expert, and so can Is it important to have an en- you! n

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2. Do they have a Decision on the Rules of Golf handy and are they completely familiar with the Index? 3. Do they annually attend a one or two-day rules workshop that are generally available in every region? 4. Have they attended the five-day USGA/PGA rules workshop and taken the exam? What did they score? 5. Do they offer rules clinics to your junior, men’s, and women’s groups? 6. Do they ever create interest in rules or offer rules or situational quizzes in newsletters or the like? 7. Do they volunteer to serve on rules committees at local, high school, or college tournaments? 8. What is the rules acumen of their staff? Is this an area your professional has nurtured or

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Playing Golf on the Florida Gulf Coast w Terry VanderHeiden

s the temperatures drop in your part of the country, now is the time to plan your trip to the sunny area of the Florida Gulf Coast or more specifically, Anna Maria Island. Anna Maria Island or the Bradenton area plays host to many spectacular golf course venues. One of the top public golf courses in the area is the Legacy Golf Club at Lakewood Ranch. This Arnold Palmer design is an 18-hole layout that is guarded by several lakes and sand bunkers. If you are looking for an easy resort golf course, keep looking. If you want a golf challenge, then you came to the right place. The contest starts on the first hole, a difficult par-4 starting hole with water all down the right side of its 454 yards; if you slice the ball, be careful. Not only is the hole long for the beginning

of your round, there are several humps and moguls throughout the fairway that can leave even the best of drives with a tricky lie. It doesn’t get any easier with hole number two as it is a 539-yard par-5 that doesn’t reveal much from the tee box. The tremendous overgrowth shields the golfers vision from the box to force you to use the yardage guide and hope for the best after you take your swing. Water on the left side and mounding down the fairway as well as at

least eight bunkers make your trip down the fairway, trying at best. Number four is aptly named the

“Watering Hole”. It’s a par-3 that is 205 yards from tips and all carry over the inlet of water. There is a bail out area to the right of the peninsula green but you didn’t travel all the way to Florida to lay-up did you? Add to that, hitting the green from the tee box is an exhilarating feeling and must be taken advantage of. For a real test in golf, the rest of the golf course is divided up over many giveand-take holes in that some are difficult and some are downright impossible. When the round is over, if you did well, you will feel like you just slayed a dragon. If you didn’t do so well, you’ll want to come back and try it again. To find our more about golf on Anna Maria Island check out the web site at; http://annamariaisland.com For more golf on the Florida Gulf Coast see the accompanying article on Tony Jacklin and the n Concession. Terr y VanderHeiden can be reached for comments, questions or suggestions via e-mail: terryvh@ gmail.com

Golf Humor

“

20 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

When you look up, causing an awful shot, you will always look down again at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball if you ever want to see it again.

”

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Tony Jacklin and The Concession w Terry VanderHeiden

ne of the golf club gems of the Florida Gulf Coast in Bradenton, is called simply The Concession. The Concession was designed by none other than Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin and named after their famous “concession” in the 1969 Ryder Cup. If you recall your golf history, at the 1969 Ryder Cup with the United States and United Kingdom match hanging in the balance, Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin on the last green. It resulted in the first tie in Ryder Cup history. This singular act of graciousness is roundly considered one the grandest gestures in sportsmanship ever. Nicklaus told Jacklin that day as they were walking off the green

Hole 8 at Concession with their arms around each others shoulders, “I don’t think you would have missed the putt, but under the circumstances, I’d never give you the opportunity.” A friendship born of one of golf ’s greatest moments came full circle as they designed the Concession Golf Course together for it’s opening in 2006. Golf Today Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with the designer and current Global Am-

bassador of the it interesting for Concession Golf the pros. Jacklin Club, Tony Jacksaid, “You don’t lin himself. set out to design Jacklin spoke a golf course for about the recent lousy golfers. You redesign of the know, the trick is Concession Golf you really got to Club. start with chal“ I think the lenging the good Concession is players and then Tony Jacklin work down from good test. I think we improved it a there with tees, bit this year by adding a few tees. and size of the greens, etc.” What we lacked prior to this year Jacklin went on to say about was a 7,000 yard golf course. Now course design, “I try to consider it’s 7450 off the tips down to 6700. the maintenance, future mainWe took some of the palmettos tenance. Whatever you achieve back to make it a bit more user in your design, you’re leaving to friendly for the members.” someone else to look after. UltiJacklin went on to say, “It’s mately, Michelangelo could do the just turned out nice. We h a d enough land to go in different directions w ith the par threes, you know and we’ve got equal amount of doglegs left and doglegs right. We take all that in consideration because it sits in 500 acre.” To put that kind of open space into perspective, many courses today are created on as little as 100 acres of land. Jacklin said, “We had masses of space. A lot of wetlands we had to work around but that made it interesting.” When creating a golf course for all levels of golfers he was asked how does he accommodate the 35-handicap golfer but still keep

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design, but if the course is not well conditioned into the future it’s worthless. The superintendent is the most important person on the team to make a successful club. If you’ve got a good superintendent, he’s worth his weight in gold.” When building the Concession Golf Club, they installed an advance air system under the greens to enable the superintendent to take moisture out of the greens after a heavy rain or even take more moisture out of the front of the green as opposed to the back of the green. This expensive and elaborate system is needed in order to control all of the greens to make sure each green has the same moisture content as the last one to continued on page 27 ❱

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Saddle Creek Resort w Mike Hamiel, California Golf Writers Association

hadn’t been back to Saddle Creek Resort since June of 1999, just three years after the course opened in the foothills of Calaveras County, I would be surprised with the changes. Golf Today Magazine had been invited to come up to check out the course and enjoy a night in one of the bungalows on the property. Driving east from highway 99 up highway 4 through open rangeland with scattered cattle ranches, I remembered my ultimate destination was somewhere up ahead on the western flanks of the Sierra Mountains. As I ascended above the valley floor I could see in my rear view mirror the Diablo range some sixty miles to the west. Surprise! There’s now a new turnoff at the junction to the (new)

Copperopolis Town Square. Castle and Cooke, the owners of Saddle Creek Resort have made a huge investment in the area’s infrastructure with the development of The Town Square with its eclectic mix of residential and retail outlets that has drawn locals as well as travelers to stop by and enjoy the 1800’s feel of the old gold mining days. A couple of miles past the Town Square, homes and bungalows’ that weren’t here a decade ago come into view as I pull into the parking lot in front of the impressive club house and restaurant, more about this later. The golf course at Saddle Creek Resort was designed by Carter Morrish/Tad Buchanan in

1996, the course stretches from a modest 4486 yards from the red tee boxes to a more challenging 6826 yards from the tips. Rolling through scrub Oak trees and the occasional rock outcropping you’ll notice both gentle and dramatic changes in elevation. Natural lakes, streams and grasses frame each hole with flashed bleach white bunkers to make every shot, one to remember. Since opening,

the course has received numerous awards, including recognition as the eighth best public access course in the state of California by Golf Week Magazine in 2006. In 1997 Golf Digest voted Saddle Creek the seventh Best New upscale golf course in the country! Golf Digest has also rated Saddle Creek four and a half stars. Taking a look at the golf course, trouble continued on page 26 ❱

Doing the unheard of

Callippe Preserve GC Raises Rates w Bill Nestor

For the first time since it opened in 2005, Callippe Preserve GC, named after an elusive butterfly, the Callippe Silverspot whose adult lifespan is only about three weeks in late spring or early summer, is going against the grain of many other courses, and raising their rates. A course that a lot of people feel is expensive enough but The Parks and Recreation Commission, no, not the one on NBC thursday night, has unanimously approved

22 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

a $1 increase for both resident and nonresident fees at the course. Residents now pay between $15 to $52, out of the area players pay $18 to $63. Hurry! the new fees go into effect Jan 1. The course is always well maintained so players are gonna get what they pay for, watch out for the back nine, your gonna need any birdies you got on the front when you start the more difficult 10- 18. n

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Swing Analysis and Instruction by Leadbetter for Wii

ata Design Interactive’s new “My Personal Golf Trainer” for the Nintendo Wii features swing analysis and personalized lessons by the world’s #1 golf instructor David Leadbetter. Incorporating the Wii Balance Board and the new Wii MotionPlusTM Controller, this is the first product to analyze the full golf swing in 3D space and give personalized feedback. Then, using Leadbetter’s best selling 7 Steps to a Better Golf Swing; “My Personal Golf Trainer” offers instructional videos and suggests drills for swing improvement. “My Personal Golf Trainer” will be available in May 2010 at golf shops and sporting goods retailers with a suggested retail price of $99. To learn more about

Data Design Interactive and its “My Personal Trainer” series, visit www.mypersonalgolftrainer.com. “My Personal Trainer” series takes Wii beyond a game and transforms into a training device. Incorporating Leadbetter’s 7 Steps to a Better Golf Swing, “My Personal Golf Trainer” analyzes: grip, posture, alignment, ball position, coil, swing shape, and tempo. Offering instructional videos and drills within each of these seven basics, players can improve their swing step-by-step and then graduate from training mode to the practice range and onto a full 18-hole game where after each shot the golfer has the option to get feedback from Leadbetter and suggested drills for improvement. “What you get from ‘My Per-

sonal Golf Trainer,’ more than anything else, is feedback,” says David Leadbetter, coach to count-

less PGA Tour, European PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour players. “One of the big problems in golf is that what we feel we do and what we actually do are two different things. With ‘My Personal Golf Trainer’ in hand, you are getting instant feedback and you know whether you are doing it right or wrong.” Taking advantage of the new gyroscopically controlled MotionPlus controller, introduced in June 2009, “My Personal Golf Trainer” is the first home golf product to record and analyze a full golf swing from address to backswing, impact to follow through, in three dimensions and over time. It then offers the opportunity to compare the users own swing with an ideal swing to identify areas for improvement. Swings can then be replayed in 3D so the user

24 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

can view his/her swing from any angle for detailed analysis. This trainer then goes further and provides step by step corrective drills which it guides you through in an interactive process. “As the saying goes,‘Practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect,’ and that’s what this golf trainer allows you to do,” says Leadbetter, namesake of 27 David Leadbetter Golf Academies located around the world. To date, a few golf training devices have been available for the home, but have only given basic feedback limited to just the impact portion of a swing. “My Personal Golf Trainer” is comparable with professional golf trainers costing thousands of dollars and similarly provides complete analysis of clubhead speed, angle and force through the entire swing process, and includes weight transfer, swing plane and tempo. For 25 years, David Leadbetter and David Leadbetter Golf Academies have provided world class golf instruction to golfers of all ages and abilities. David Leadbetter is the World’s #1 Golf Instructor and coach to countless PGA Tour, European PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour players. There are currently 27 David Leadbetter Golf Academies strategically located around n the world in 13 countries.

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Golf Tips From The Tour

Playing the TOUR w J.L. Lewis

eople often comment that living the dream of being a PGA TOUR player is the best occupation in the world. This statement is true, especially when performing at a high level. To fully enjoy the thrill of success a player needs to know what components are necessary and how to execute each one. The physical and mental grind of the PGA TOUR is demanding and requires a desire that is unflappable for a player to achieve their potential. To correctly balance the physical, mental, and emotional wear and tear of traveling and playing golf against the best competition is no small feat. The body takes a pounding from the constant travel, walking seven

miles a day, and making several thousand golf swings each week. To keep the body in top shape a healthy diet, workout, stretching and rehabilitation schedule is very important. Having a trainer, physical therapist, masseuse, sports medicine professional, and an acupuncturist are a few methods of healing and preventing injuries. A healthy body is paramount for a player to compete on a consistent basis against the best players. To live the dream and win on the PGA TOUR, being mentally and emotionally strong is a reality that has to be attained. The constant stress of having to play well to keep the job is a huge challenge. Methods for improving your mental capabilities include

consulting with life coaches and sports psychologists as well as listening to positive affirmations or practicing yoga. Practice of these or other forms of mental and spiritual advancement can lead to remarkable results. Each week on the PGA TOUR 155 players begin on Thursday with the hope of winning. At the conclusion of Fridays round, the top 70 and ties make the cut to play on Saturday and Sunday. There will be one winner and the top 25 finishers will make a good profit for the week. The next 45 places will make enough money to cover their expenses, and those who missed the cut will receive no winnings. Over half of the players each week will lose money.

Some players have endorsement contracts to help offset expenses. These facts, along with the traveling lifestyle on the PGA TOUR adds to the strain that players must be able to perform under. Players who exhibit the physical, mental, and emotional proficiency to handle the pressure will prevail. For those players who find the formula to play their best and execute successfully, the life of the PGA TOUR player is second to none. n

10 Secret Rules for Winning in Golf & Beyond w Bob Fagan

he following rules apply both to my golf students as well as life-coaching clients. Stay with these and I guarantee you will see improvements in your golf and beyond. Believe in yourself! What ever you believe is right. If you believe you can win, you will. If you believe you can’t win or hit a certain shot, you won’t. While the results may occasionally vary in the short run, they will match your beliefs in the long term. So believe you can win. Find a golf coach or swing instructor who you trust and believes in you and stick with them. Master the fundamentals. All the greats in any endeavor do many little things well. Add one mastery after another and don’t skip over them. Find a skilled set of eyes to help you build the

correct fundamentals and monitor you periodically to see that you haven’t strayed. If the skilled professionals do, the rest of us should follow their example. And as important as swing fundamentals are, an attitude of gratitude is a fundamental trait that can be acquired at any point in life. Commit to action and start small, but commit to continuous improvement. Climbing a mountain can seem too monumental, but if you take a lot of little steps you eventually find yourself at the summit. Besides, it is easy to take little, easy steps. As you add the fundamentals, you will wake up someday and realize you’ve come a long way and are probably pretty skilled, no matter the endeavor! As Jack Nicklaus told me, it was

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continued on page 26 ❱

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Winning in Golf & Beyond ❰ continued from page 25

his confidence in mastering many little things that gave him his edge over his competition – at least he thought so. Build and follow a routine. In golf, this most definitely applies to a pre-shot before every golf shot and it most definitely refers to staying in the present moment. In golf, your psyche and body chemistry magically and automatically sense anything out of the ordinary as unusual and a danger signal. Muscles tighten and breathing changes; the body produces acid and you begin to feel tense and bad. When you have developed a consistent routine and do follow it, it’s a message to yourself that everything is going fine and you are in a trusting mode. When you trust yourself and commit to your routine, you are in great position to hit intended golf shots. Detach from the results. Focusing too much on results builds

expectations. Expectations create pressure. Pressure destroys good golf. If you do find yourself suffering from pressure, embrace it for what it is and then ask, “What is there really to be fearful of?” Follow this with asking yourself, “What’s my target?” This helps you focus upon the task at hand. Take aim, trust, execute, but then detach. Repeat. Lighten up. In other words, retain your sense of humor. If you take yourself, your game, and life too seriously, you automatically take yourself out of alignment and will miss the opportunities that may be coming your way. Anger is guaranteed to destroy your round and your progress as a golfer, plus life and everyone someone tends to smile on someone with a sense of humor. Be patient. The path to improvement in golf or life is never a straight line nor are we so important that the Universe gives

us what we ask for on our own time schedule. When you become impatient, you also take yourself out of alignment and you attract unwanted results. Practice forgiveness, which also means to throw out your thoughts of perfection. Excellence is always preferable to perfection. Besides, life may throw challenges our way. While we can’t always control them, we can always control how we respond. And should others or we trip up; we should be the first and not the last to forgive. And all forgiveness is self-forgiveness. Enjoy your journey. Golf and life are not destinations, but rather never ending journeys. As such, you soon discover that you can never fail, but simply get back on track, in alignment so to speak. Live in the moment by finding things to be grateful for. Doing this has the added benefit of quiet-

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Bob Fagan accepts coaching clients on a time available basis from the fields of business, athletics including golf, and life in general. He can be reached at rsf4653@ aol.com.

Saddle Creek Resort ❰ continued from page 22

LOW IS THE NAME OF THE GAME .

ing our mind chatter, which allows the body to naturally perform better. Be authentic. Ask yourself, what would your best or highest self do, or what would your role model do? Practice love, creativity, abundance, gratitude, integrity, charity, and forgiveness in all you do. When you sense yourself embracing fear, judgment, scarcity, anger, jealously, etc., congratulate yourself and then adopt a new more loving belief; remembering that you always have the choice to change the underlying belief that created that negativity. Take joy in who you are. n

can start right with the second hole which is also the number one handicap hole, a demanding par four that bends from tee to green around a lake for 400 yards from the white tee box. The next hole, reachable in two, a par five, has a player friendly ‘hump’ on the right side of the green that feeds balls toward the hole, ‘birdies’ and ‘eagles’ have been known to surprise golfers on this hole. #4, the first par three is called ‘Mine Shaft’, its named after a long abandoned gold mine just south east of the tee box, remember this is an area of California that gave up $30million in gold in the 1800’s. It’s also a great photo op as the elevation change from tee to green is significant with an impressive view to match. You’ll probably take the wrong club and be short, I don’t

know why, but everyone seems to do it. #5, a downhill, dogleg left, par 4 is named “Scotty’s Leg”, never did find out how it got that name, its probably one of those ‘Paul Harvey, The Rest of The Story’ tales. By now, if you’ve never played here before, you’ve noticed the layout’s pretty neat, no other holes come into view to distract you, no blind shots, but lots of scenery with the dominant tree being those gnarly old Oaks. Rolling hills and water features with an abundance of local wildlife including the sounds of the massive Bull Frogs of Calaveras County, the very same descendants that Mark Twain once wrote about. Some comments from visiting golfers: “Found the course to be a surprise, a treat amidst the trees”, “A fun and challenging course, worth the trip”, continued on page 27 ❱

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Saddle Creek Resort ❰ continued from page 26

“An excellent course . . . friendly & courteous staff ”, “Love this course. The greens are fast, but very fair.” Moving around the back nine starting with #10, called ‘Rough & Ready’, an uphill 400 yarder signals us that the rest of the course is not going to be a walk in the park, even a good second shot is short and when you get on the green with its dead cow buried under it, you’ll be happy to take that three putt and move on. A pioneer named Miller once lived in a cabin where the tricky green on the par three, #11 sits, probably

got tired of golfers bouncing balls off his roof. #13 a monster of a par five, almost 500 yards from the white tees is called “Desperation” Hmmm, wonder why?, maybe because its in to the prevailing wind? It is. “Punch Bowl”, “ Trouble”, “Yosemite View”, and finally, #18, the “Mother Lode”, a par five 516 yards from the blues, downhill, You have to carry Saddle Creek which becomes a lateral hazard down the entire right side. A great finishing hole that allows small groups of golfers on the veranda to either cheer you on as your par put drops in, or, as in my case, to

watch in stunned silence as I hit the green in regulation, and continued to hit my putter over and over till I had a snowman! “If you drink, don’t drive . . . don’t even putt” – Dean Martin. Now our attention is drawn to the second thing a golfer loves to do, eat. And you don’t have to go far for good eats, the Saddle Creek Lodge’s ‘Copper Grille’ with its towering cathedral ceilings in the classical “prairie style”, was inspired by the Frank Lloyd Wright school of architecture. The restaurant is a culinary destination for Calaveras County diners as well as golfers

that have taken advantage of the resorts ‘stay-and-play’ packages in the luxurious bungalows on the lakes edge and just steps from the lodge. Executive Chef Elizabeth Castillo, the former chef to the Governor of Michigan, will surprise you with meals you would expect from a world class resort, and after all that’s what Saddle Creek Resort is all about. You can find out more at www.saddlecreek. com or call 888/852-5787. n Questions/comments? michaelhamiel@comcast.net

Tony Jacklin and The Concession ❰ continued from page 21

keep the greens consistent. Jacklin was asked about his future plans for the Concession Golf Club he said, “I think it’s important to remember that we are golf club, I’m a big history buff, I look upon Tom Morris as being a fellow pro, basically because if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t be here I wouldn’t be sitting here now. All any of us do is pass the baton. Every generation is arrogant enough, when you’re young, to think they’re the greatest generation. Then you get older and you realize you are just part of a chain of events. You do your best in a lifetime and then you pass it on. We want people to come here and have a sense of Ryder Cup history as much as relevant golf history. It’s important and we are going to see that that happens.” Jacklin had an unparalleled career when it came to the Ryder Cup, not only did he play in the Ryder Cup seven times but he has also captain in 1983, 1985, 1987 and 1989. It was through his tenure as captain that he made some drastic changes for the European

team. Jacklin said, “In 1979 that was my last time as a player. We had involved the European players but the outcome was still the same. We were getting well beaten. They (the European PGA) were concerned that people were losing interest. In 1983, the Ryder Cup was about to fold. My approach to captaining the Ryder Cup team was I didn’t care if I did it or not – so if I was going to do it I wanted “Carte Blanche.” I’d played seven times. I figured I knew what was right and what was wrong and our approach to it at that time, wasn’t very professional. The British PGA basically thought that if we showed up that was all we had to do, the Ryder Cup would go on and it wasn’t the case. As a pro there’s not a lot of pride in getting your ass kicked every time. I changed a bunch of stuff, I got the European players traveling first class, clothes that would fit us and caddies to travel, which we’d never had before. I got more player picks and I created a

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team room that has gone on ever since. In the sixties you’d huddle in the corner, that would be your captain’s meetings. At least we weren’t two down before we hit a ball, and that’s the

way it felt - back in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s when the American team turned up with everything, best leather bags and everything.” On the subject of handling egos continued on page 28 ❱

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Tony Jacklin and The Concession ❰ continued from page 27

back when he was captain of the Ryder Cup teams, Jacklin said, “I said ‘there’s no room for egos in this room, the team room’ I was able to say that because at that time, they didn’t have very many players that has won majors and at least I’d won two.” When pressed, Jacklin went on about his accomplishments of being the Ryder Cup captain for those years. “We nearly won in

1983. We won for the first time in 25 years in ’85, we won for the first time ever on American soil in 1987. Tied in ’89, which means we retained the cup. When I asked how long was I suppose to do this (captain the Ryder Cup), they told me as long as I wanted. I had nothing else to prove winning home and away so I decided to step away. I didn’t want it to become self indulgent, I didn’t want to go one bridge too far.”

On the subject of winning on the PGA Tour and winning majors, Jacklin thinks once you have your talent honed to be able to win a major – you have to believe in yourself. The pro golfer needs to put the thought of winning a major in their mind. They need to go from “wanting” to win a major to “believing” you can win a major. Jacklin said, “When I was 18, I remember vividly saying, I wanted to be the best player in the world.

When I was 25 I had two Open trophies, the US and British Open trophies on my mantelpiece. And at that time, I was the best player in the world.” More information about The Concession Golf Club can be found at: www.theconcession.com n Terr y VanderHeiden can be reached for comments, questions or suggestions via e-mail: terryvh@ gmail.com.

Golf In Norway ❰ continued from page 18

of 11pm. Due to Lofoten’s location, the sun never sets from May 23rd to July 24th. Golfers can literally golf 24 hours a day, and they do, the green fees cover up to 16 rounds of golf in 24 hours. The course is located on flat land facing the open Norwegian Sea; ground was broken in the spring of 1998

on the seaside landscape that, with very little movement of earth, would turn out to be one of the most visual and stunning courses in Europe. It’s a demanding and challenging track where the sea comes into play on 5 of the 9 holes. Short, at just 2,828 yards – par 35, with one par-5, six par4’s, and two par-3’s, the fifth hole, the par-5 at

28 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

485 yards (meters) is the toughest hole on the course. Today the course is still a work in progress, Hov has the next nine holes already drawn up and is expecting to break ground within 18-months. The golf course is located in the middle of the one hundred mile long chain of islands known as an archipelago located at the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in North Norway and is well known throughout Europe for its natural beauty. The area is also noted for its Viking history and showcases the rich past of the Norwegian Vikings with a worldclass museum at Borg in Lofoten. Temperatures in the summer flirt around 70-degrees. Lofoten Golf Links offers complete packages with adventures, activities and overnight accommodations, summer and winter. A fully licensed restaurant (for breakfast, get the Norwegian waffle’s and for dinner, have the Whale stew, its fantastic!) golf shop, golf pro (American) golf club rentals and golf carts for rent. It was time to leave my newfound friends in Lofoten and

take the short flight to Narvik, a town of some 18,000 inhabitants close by the Swedish border, one of the most northerly towns in the world. However, the North Atlantic Current, an extension of the

Gulf Stream, gives Narvik a milder climate then one might expect this far north. The town of Narvik is also remembered as the sight of some of the earliest battles of WWII, on April 9th, 1940, German destroyers fired on and sank a British destroyer in Narvik’s harbor; retribution was swift and decisive when those same German war ships were sunk with the loss of over 3000 German sailors and the British taking control of the coast, WWII was up and running. Skjomen Golf Park is less then an hour drive outside of Narvik, this continued on page 29 ❱

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Golf In Norway ❰ continued from page 28

18-hole layout opened in August of 1998. The course is at the farthest end of the Skjomen Fjord and is surrounded by a forest of Pine trees and granite faced cliffs stretching up some 4500 feet, reminiscent of California’s Sierra Mountains. (Editor’s note: for an amazing view of the golf course, go to www.golfworldmap.com/ europe/norway) It’s a spectacular sight that will take your breath away. Skjomen Golf Park is a magnificent golf course that also serves as a walking area in a park like setting along the Skjoma River that’s famous for its trophy size salmon. The 10th hole takes advantage of the river with its island green. A restaurant, golf shop, carts, driving range, practice green

and although somewhat Spartan, overnight accommodations are available on the property. On the drive through the countryside to the golf course, it dawned on me what I had been missing; in my travels around Norway I hadn’t seen a single billboard! (Editors note: Alf Skavik, a member of the golf park, just emailed me that the official closing of the course for winter will be a round of night time golf at the end of September, but will remain open as long as its snow/frost free.) My time in Norway was coming to an end, some memories to share, . . . first of all, they’re tall. It’s not uncommon to see many young women 5’10 to over 6’ with men up to 6’6” not uncommon, and English is spoken by everyone, from kids to senior

citizens. Their kindness and acceptance of foreigners is legendary, with a population of less then five-million in a country the size of New Mexico, Norway is experiencing an unemployment rate of just one and a half percent, many other Europeans including a lot of American have come to Norway to start a new life. A trip to Norway, whether it’s golf or many of the other opportunities to enjoy outside activities, is a must in one of

the safest countries in the world. For more information on golf in

Norway, please visit www.midnightteetime.com. n Questions / Comments? www.michaelhamiel@comcast.net.

Golf’s Ticking Time Bomb other many relatively obscure the golfers, they are also playing sports that have picked up at least more than half the rounds annu- double-digit increases. There are ally in America. So what happens more than a dozen beneficiaries when the Boomers disappear, and and they include: white water not only is the next retiring popu- rafting, hiking, skeet shooting, lation smaller, but they have also fishing, bird watching, cycling, and abandoned golf in preference to other games, sports, and pastimes. These activities take less time, cost other hobbies? Those who are quick to say less money, and don’t embarrass that the economy and housing are or humiliate its participant. (Golf the cause of this group’s attrition takes too long, is too expensive, would be sadly wrong. First this and is too difficult.) While the PGA of America has transition began during the boom, and continues to support and subwell before the economy suffered. sidize junior golf programs as the Secondly these losses occurred keystone of their grow the game despite that the fact that disposal initiative, they and others have income as well as housing affordnot figured out how to keep those ability did not decrease, but rather same golfers in the game when increased for this 20s-40s group there are no more subsidies (scholduring those time periods. What’s arships, junior golf fees, charity, more, the studies strongly suggest that these departures from golf are etc.). These grow-the-game initiatives have not been successful in mostly permanent. Where have these former golf- retaining adult players. Women ers gone? There is a host of continued on page 30 ❱ ❰ continued from page 17

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Golf’s Ticking Time Bomb ❰ continued from page 29

are leaving the game as quickly or now even quicker now than they are entering it. Golf faces two obstacles. First, it is no longer appealing to the younger demographics that are now accustomed to instant gratification and have even more brief attention spans. Secondly, Industry Consultant Stuart Lindsay says, “In a day and age when free moments—let alone hours—are scarcer than ever, the game has become a time-sucking affair. When busy folks who are used to rushing around with both parents working, and perhaps raising children finally get an opportunity to hopefully play a round of golf, they are quickly discouraged by the five-plus hour rounds they encounter, and often by the very difficult golf courses that have been designed and maintained to challenge the vociferous professionals and advanced players.

The PGA TOUR does a fantastic job of two things—promoting its players and promoting slow play. They have also convinced developers to have the golf course architects and superintendents build and maintain golf courses that are far too challenging and also expensive to maintain. Having played more than 2,300 American courses, most appear that they have been designed for the 75-83 caliber of players. In reality not quite half American golfers maintain a handicap index and those who don’t usually are not as advanced, so it is a safe conclusion that the average golfer does not break 100 “honestly.” When the courses are so grossly disconnected from their customer’s skill levels and you have the example of slow play being televised constantly, the situation is only getting worse. Are smaller portions, 12-hole rounds and courses the answer?

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That can be part of the solution, but that doesn’t address the cancer of slow play. A better response is for the PGA TOUR and the PGA of America, the National Golf Course Owners, and other groups to insist on speeding up play and doing a better job of orienting new golfers to the etiquette and pace of the game. And owners should scale back their demands on building and maintaining difficult golf courses, but rather ones that more people could enjoy and navigate quicker. Their profits would likely improve. Regarding the PGA of America, I continue to always be impressed with their top performers and equally distressed by the other 80%. That organization simply must improve their overall customer service as well as their ability to introduce and orient new golfers to the game if that group is to stay relevant. As for the PGA TOUR, they should take the initiative and adopt a shorter tournament golf ball (if Augusta National doesn’t do it first with the Masters). Both organizations should declare an all-out assault on slow play and then take aggressive action. As golf writer, George Peper pointed out, “If golf ’s leading associations had worked as hard at finding a solution to the problem of slow play as they did getting golf into the Olympics, they would have done the game far more good.” Amen George! Industry leaders have acknowledged these mistakes, but have so far not provided anything of action, only lip service. There are small pockets of success where PGA pros and some facilities have

turned the tide, but if industry leaders don’t organize fast to affect game-wide changes in America, a tsunami will destroy the golf industry as we enjoyed it for the last twenty-five years. There will be fewer jobs, fewer courses, and it will be a very, very expensive and elite pastime. And Ricky Fowler and Dustin Johnson won’t have much of a Champions Tour to look forward to. Doing more of the same will spell disaster. The golfing public has been voting with their feet, and the time bomb is continuing to tick. n Bob Fagan has been active in the golf industry as a consultant to golf facilities and companies, and as the Executive Director for the Northern California PGA for seven years, service as an “Golf Expert Witness” in the legal field, a Chief Marketing Officer for a major golf company, and also as a teaching and playing professional. He has written more than 350 golf articles and continues as an Affiliate Member of the Northern California Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association and has represented the golf industry clients before the Internal Revenue Service and US Department of Justice.

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Outerwear Buying Guide ❰ continued from page 16

Sunice The Sunice (www.sunice.com) Company was founded back in 1976 in Alberta Canada. Sunice originated as a maker of skiwear clothi ng. In the early 1990’s Sunice took its knowledge of creating athletic wear fo r e x t re m e conditions and brought it to the golf world. This season, Sunice is offering the Tornado collection for golf outerwear to go along with their other collections,

Hurricane, Typhoon and Storm golf outerwear. In this buying guide, Sunice is featuring the Tornado Bowen 2200 Jacket. The Bowen 2200 is built out of Sunice’s new FlexVent™ fabric. This fabric is extremely waterproof. So much so, it comes with a four-year waterproof guarSunice Tornado Bowen 2200 Jacket antee! However, waterproofing in clothing does little good if the moisture produced by the body is trapped inside. So Sunice produced a

Renaissance of Golf ❰ continued from page 15

where most of the group could not reach the green in regulation, but because of my incredible length I only fell short on three. Further I still hit (or more correctly tried to hit) hybrids and the occasional fairway wood into greens designed to receive shorter irons. The playing conditions were excellent, and in honest reflection, the results were well within my norm considering that on average I play yardages from 6600 to 6900. I have to pause here because among my friends, virtually every male to whom I relate this story, (not senior golfers, amateurs of all ages) the mere suggestion of a 6700 yard course being too long is treated with scorn and derision. The basic response is, maybe for you (you wimp) but not me. Was I any different in my reaction and the answer is certainly

not. I had to be missing something. Maybe my golf balls had gone bad, maybe there was more wind than I realized, maybe I had the flu or worse the beginning of some horrible muscle deterioration caused by my advanced age. None of these were apparent and after a trip to my doctor, who looked at me quizzically as he found nothing wrong, I reverted to an old habit: analyzing numbers. I don’t quite remember why, maybe watching an event on TV, but I started with the distance Tour players hit their tee shots. Officially it’s 287 (but that includes positioning holes) so a 300 yard drive is normal and the big hitters easily exceed that number. I then went on the Internet and found several articles on the distance male amateurs hit their tee shots. They ranged from aver-

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fabric that is not only waterproof but also is extremely breathable. The next hurdle an outerwear company has for golfers is making the product with stretchable properties to put up the sometimes, violent golf swing. Sunice did just that and took it one step further. The FlexVent™ material is also very quiet. There is nothing worse for a temperamental golfer to get distracted by the noise his or her jacket is making. The Tornado Bowen 2200 had Pro-Trim™ waist cinching system, X-Static stretch lining, in pocket ball cleaner, waterproof zippers, lockdown zipper pullers, Lycra action cuffs and adjustable Velcro cuff tabs. Nike Nike Golf (www.nike.com) always offers the newest innovations in golf products and this is viv-

idly apparent in their year-end outerwear selections. First up from Nike StormFit Elite Nike is the Storm-Fit Elite ½ Zip Jacket that go with the Storm-Fit Elite Pants. The Storm-Fit Elite Jacket and Pants come with breathable laminate technology that completely blocks out the wind and rain. Together with a no-sew bonding technology, the Storm-Fit Elite creates a slick modern silhouette that enhances mobility during the golf swing. The Storm-Fit Elite ½ Zip Jacket comes with a pocket located on the back of the jacket. This keeps everything smooth on the front of the jacket. continued on page 32 ❱

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Outerwear Buying Guide lated. The fabric is a 4-way stretch material for extended range of motion during the golf swing. The Sphere Pro has two zippered pockets; adjustable Velcro cuffs and an adjustable waistband create that custom fit. Lastly from Nike is the Stretch Windwear Jacket. While it is mildly waterproof the Stretch Windwear protects you Nike Sphere Pro Zippered Jacket from wind and cold while providing excellent breathabilVelcro attachments ity and flexnear the base of the pants to ibility. The keep all the water out. most notable Along with looking great, fe atu re i s the Storm-Fit Elite Jacket and the Stretch Pants come with a lifetime warWi n d w e a r rantee for waterproofing. is it is exNext from Nike is the Nike tremely Sphere Pro zippered jacket. This jacket utilizes three-dimensional fabric construction Nike Stretch to keep you warm and insuWindwear Jacket ❰ continued from page 31

The pants have two side zippers with Velcro pass through to get to your inside pants as well as a zippered pocket on the back rear of the pants. They also have zippered legs to get the pants over a pair of golf shoes as well as

lightweight. Zero Restriction Zero Restriction (www.zerorestriction.com) is a relatively small clothing manufacturer located in small south-central town of Hallam, Pennsylvania. At Zero Restriction, great detail and care goes into each garment created. First up from Zero Restriction are the Linkstorm Jacket and Linkstorm Pants. The LinkZero Restriction Linkstorm Jacket storm Jacket is one of the most advance golf jackets on the market. It features GORE™ Comfort Mapping Technology to increase breathability and ease of motion in areas where they are most needed. Built out of GORE-TEX™ the Performance shell of the Linkstorm has Paclite and stretch Paclite fabrics to combine for extreme breathability and durability in wind and to make it perform with extreme waterproofness. This fabric also has minimal weight and these properties also make it easy to pack in your golf bag. The Linkstorm Jacket provides for the full swing with Motion Tuned technology and Expansion Back pleats. It also has a two-way zipper to allow the front of the jacket to lay flat while putting. Zero Restriction took the qual-

ity to another level and added an inside music pocket to carry your iPod. Also, they added Bemis film abrasion patches on the shoulders and hips for carrying the golf bag without having it slip off your shoulder. That’s a nice touch. The Linkstorm pants that go with the jacket are also well designed. Yes, they too are made out of GORETEX™. The pants also have zippered pass-though access to reach in and get the ball marker you left in your regular golf pants. There is and adjustable waistband, glove/scorecard pocket on the right rear of the pants. The Linkstorm Pant also comes with leg zippers to get them over golf shoes easily and an Ankle Hugger snap to help keep the water out of your shoes Next up from Zero Restriction is the Mix Jacket. The Mix Jacket is made up of Backspin Zero Restriction Mix Jacket stretch and Superlight fabrics for total windproof, water resistance and maximum breathability. There is lightweight wicking continued on page 33 ❱

Worthy Quotes

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32 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

They say golf is like life, but don’t believe them. Golf is more complicated than that.

”

… Gardner Dickinson

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Outerwear Buying Guide ❰ continued from page 32

polyester lining added in the torso area for extra comfort. As with all Zero Restriction products the freedom to execute the golf swing is paramount and this flexibility is built right into the Mix Jacket. Lastly from Zero Restriction is the Highland Pullover. The Highland Pullover is a soft-shell made of polyester stretch fabric with a breathable membrane and soft fleece TechGrid to provide comfort and to help with moisture dispersion. The back of the pullover features Airflow fabric for increased air permeability and soft stretch swing-free comfort. The chest pocket has an internal headphone access for an iPod music player and the cuffs feature soft interior gasket for comfort and easy fit. Zero Restriction Highland Pullover adidas First up from adidas: (http://www. adidasgolf.com) is the MCPS Convertible Jacket or the ClimaProof 3-Way Convertible

Jacket. The ClimaProof line of outerwear features highly weather resistant fabric to provide protection from the wind and the rain. The ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket is created with an advanced structural design and modern four-way stretch properties to eliminate excess material that would otherwise get in the way of the swing. The ClimaProof Storm 3-Way includes a thin, yet ClimaProof Storm 3-Way Convertible Jacket warm removable compression wrap inner layer that also delivers increased support. The golfer can make a full swing knowing they have complete freedom in the swing. They can also putt and chip without the distraction of bulky material slowing down the motion of the arms. The 3-Way Jacket means it can be worn three different ways. You can wear it as a jacket, a short-sleeve jacket (by removing the half sleeve) or as a vest and remove the sleeves entirely. The waterproofing on this

Golf Humor

“

A golfer hitting into your group will always be bigger than anyone in your group. Likewise, any group you accidentally hit into will consist of a football player, a professional wrestler, a convicted murderer and an IRS agent—or worse.

”

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(MCPWrm Jacket). This jacket is superb. jacket is for the golfer out To back up that on a cold day that wants claim, adidas ofto keep warm but doesn’t fers a three-year want to have a bulky jackwarrantee for et on. The ClimaWarm is waterproofness. made out of a stretch To go along material that gives the with the 3-Way golfer the Ja c k e t , a d i das offers CliClimaWarm Jacket freedom to take a maProof Pants. full swing. The multiTh e s e o v e r layer jacket keeps the pants have Velcro adjustments along the waist warmth in but does let moisture to make sure the fit is proper. out, to keep you dry and comfortThey also have four pockets, in able all day on the golf course. Now that you know what there the front and two in the back. The ClimaProof pants have leg is out there on the market, get zippers to make it easy to get the yourself some good golf outerpants on and off over golf shoes wear and continue the golf season and Velcro adjustments to secure through the winter. n the pants around the ankles. Adidas also offers the same three-year Terr y VanderHeiden can be waterproof warrantee – just like reached for comments, questions or suggestions via e-mail: the jacket. Lastly in our buying guide, terryvh@gmail.com. from adidas is the ClimaWarm

AdvAnce RAte GReens Fees! Save more, when you plan ahead!

With our new Advance Rate Program, you will always have your best rate options at Timber Creek Golf Course when you book a little further in advance. Here are the basics of the program: • Book 3 to 4 days in advance: Receive better rate options than our regular rates • Book 5 to 7 days in advance: Receive our best rate options

Book early and save up to *35%! Of course, we believe that all our rates provide an outstanding value for the high quality golf experience at Timber Creek Golf Course. As is typical with golf rates, our Advance Rates will vary based on the season, day-of-week, and the time-of-day. To make your tee time reservation online at

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Now you can follow Timber Creek and Sierra Pines golf courses on Twitter at http://twitter.com/timbercreekgolf 7050 Del Webb Blvd Roseville, CA 95747

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

Renaissance of Golf ❰ continued from page 31

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easily) EUREKA! The reason why my little 6700 yard course was so long is because it was like a tour professional playing an 8100 yard course. And there you have it, something a Tour Professional with their great skills would never, do we ignore and frustrate ourselves on a regular basis. If you stop and think about the “why” it’s grist for the mill of the analyst. We do not now, nor will

•

ages of 205 to 230, and to be clear, this does not include the college players or scratch amateurs. I’m talking about the great majority of players who support the game: you, me, us. I used 230 because, well, you know, I must be hitting it that far! Even then the difference is 70 yards compared to the tour professional 300. On irons they hit 20 yards farther and here again I’m giving us the benefit of a very big doubt. It’s closer on our strong lofted wedges, but when they launch a 5-iron 220 yards over water its game over. So using my ego inflated numbers I get 70 yds on the drive and 20 yds on irons for a total of 90. Take a par 72 course with 10 par 4 holes and the difference is 900 yards. Add in the same formula for the par 3 and par 5 holes and the total easily reaches 1400 yards. (Let me emphasize,

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34 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

we ever, hit the ball as solidly as a tour player, control the distance, possess the shot making skills they do, and yet we continually spot them in the area where they have the greatest advantage, length. It’s like scrimmaging against an NBA player except that our basket is 12’, or batting against a major league pitcher and letting him throw fast balls from 45’, or serving a tennis ball from 20’ behind the baseline. You could have a field day listing comparable pursuits. To further test my theory I got a young tour aspirant to play with me one Friday late, when the front nine was empty. All he had to do was accept my leveling the playing field and tee off 90 yards behind me, which meant from an adjoining fairway in some cases. I didn’t move up I played the “mens” tees that in this case produced a 6800 yard course. After a few 280 yard shots into par 4 holes I asked him if he’d play that distance on a regular basis. The look I got was accompanied by “Are you kidding me?” and he decided he needed to go and practice. What prevents us from playing the 6000-6400 yard courses (which is what the Tour plays weekly given their superior distance)? And by the way, the same data analysis produces yardages of 4000-4600 for women, a discus-

sion I’ll have later. What is it that makes the male ego respond, that chest swelling, “no way, not me, I’m not playing those front tees.” I’ve tested the theory with several of my golfing friends and can come to only one conclusion; it’s the misconception and our ego reaction to the front tees when it should really be only about Tour Length. It’s also incorrectly looked at as a senior movement, us “old guys” move up. The 230 yard average did not come with any age classification, it is universal to the core who support the game. Let’s say your course has a neat little par 4 of 345 yards, a couple of par 3’s 160 or less, and moving to the front tees ruins what are very nice designs. Leave those holes as is. This is a critical point because moving to the very front tees would turn them into weak, uninteresting golf holes. How about a par 4 at 445 Yards and a par 5 at 440? Crazy stuff you say? Not necessarily. The par 4 has a fairly wide slightly down second shot to a large green. Your 230 yard drive leaves 215, and given your Sunday best, you can get to it (or at least close enough to have a chance at par). There’s no restriction against having a long hard hole, just like the Tour. The 440 yard par 5, with the same 230 yard tee shot, leaves 200, carry 210, to the flag. This hole has water in front, trouble on all sides, a classic risk/reward situation. Now 200 all carry, over water, for our group well, the challenge is very interesting! OK, 98% of the time we should lay up but again, the ego response: only 200 yards, why? It’s a tight target, surrounded by trouble. The shot that works is high, landing softly, and the person hitting it isn’t concerned about the distance, he’s thinking about continued on page 35 ❱

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Renaissance of Golf ❰ continued from page 34

the correct trajectory. This is where the PGA of America comes in. I’m encouraging (badgering) them to make this their legacy. Use their considerable golf skills to set courses up with a set of Tour Length tees and during the process, educate members, explaining the reasoning and the benefits. At the same time I’d love to see amateur golfers understand and ask for the change. Use the 230 yard drive as a base, give us second shots from 160 on down, some 5 pars reachable in two; nothing Tour players don’t experience in every event. Golf magazines, Internet sites are flush with articles on how to get core golfers playing more and new people into the game. Yes, come on lets all play continually from the equivalent of 7500 to 8300 yards, take an inordinate amount of time and be hellishly frustrating. It’s a credit to the great game that more people haven’t quit. Tour length would give us faster rounds, more fun (if you consider the occasional birdie putt more fun). Those two things alone and we don’t need more benefits. Once started this will spawn ideas well beyond anything I can imagine. One club pro suggested a season long Tour Length event at his club to get his members used to playing the new tees. How about PGA section recognition to the best Tour length layouts, show them in the PGA magazine. I mentioned women’s Tour Length at 4200-4400. I used the same formula comparing average women golfers to LPGA players. This has more ramifications than you might think. For years I’ve read that the influx of women golfers will increase rounds played. Hasn’t happened, net zero to minus. The National Golf Foundation calls it churning; the

same number that start playing is equaled by the ones that quit. Maybe, just maybe, putting them on Tour Length courses will allow them to enjoy golf, play faster and stick with the game. Since I’m the advocate of Tour Length I have tried to come up with reasons why it might be a bad idea, find significant flaws. One is handicapping. It could affect the way the USGA or other systems handicap courses. Given the dramatic benefits from faster play and players having more fun, I cannot envision any organization that promotes golf not embracing the concept and making necessary changes. One of my friends made me stop and think. A Scotsman, he brought up two significant issues, one factual, one philosophical. The first was that here in the US we overwater our courses. He said we have a fixation on lovely green fairways which translates to soft and minimum roll. The second was our obsession with par. He said if we took the European attitude and just made numbers, the frustration issue would be mitigated. I agree on the first thought, it’s a basis for another story. I am a great fan of firmer, faster courses; and healthy fairways, light green to a little brown, are fine with me. If the result is increased driving distance from my suggested “Tour Length Layout” with less maintenance cost, that’s wonderful. As to ignoring par and just making numbers, I said he missed

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my point. Just give me the same relative distances as the greatest players and we can play any system that works. I don’t advocate turning the 6700 or the 7000 yard tees into flower boxes. The strong amateur players need their challenges. One

of my favorite stories involves a guy from the Northeast who spent winters in Florida. Once a year in February he flew back, went

outside, experienced the cold and took the next flight back. My gang and I can treat the 6700 yard tees with equal reverence. Some golf writers have written about playing shorter tees and the response has been essentially nil. This isn’t about shorter tees it’s about a Tour Length Layout. I realize I’m repeating here but I’ve explained this many times on a one-on-one basis. The universal reaction starts negative, but when I go through the logic, and ask “why not, what is wrong with the analysis” the negative reactions turn positive. I sincerely hope the PGA of America, aided by all the concerned bodies, use their considerable influence to install Tour Length as a renaissance in golf. It needs it, we need it. n

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Okanagan Country ❰ continued from page 15

landscape; expansiveness of the countryside and plentiful wildlife are exceptional. Sculptured golf layouts in places that capture the essence of the territory and its beauty form a grand setting. Somehow the challenge of play and distraction of grandeur are swept away, while the calming serenity takes you to a peaceful place. Every journey I’ve made in Canada has brought memorable

encounters, whether the focus of ley was no different, except that travel was nature, cuisine, fish- the harvest was a lot sweeter. It is ing, golf or exploring lifestyles of a place that begs my return, which distinctive people. Each venture I’m eager to do. n brought new discoveries--tasty food, foot-stomping music, majes- Bill Nestor writes about travel, tic settings and cultural nuances. golf and lifestyle from his home in Travel in Canada is a gift that Vermont. keeps on giving, For more information and my on where to go, stay, play, dine and things to do visit: time in www.tourismkamloops.com, www.kelownainfo.com  Okanawww.totabc.com, www.golfokanagan.com gan Val-

Rise Golf Club

The Golf Explorer ❰ continued from page 11

for the last starting with the 363yd par four 15th that doglegs left in a big way. The putting surface waits with frontal bunkering concealing the roundabout green that moves from left to right. It’s followed by the signature 409-yd top rated par four. It ends up with a

90 degree right turn that takes you pass a grove of tully swamp land. It separates a batch of safe passage turf grass on the left side of the fronting fairway to another pond where an uplifting green severely makes its way from left to right. The par five dogleg left number 17 of 557-yds comes in with the

Cypress Lakes Golf Course, Travis AFB longest yardage on the course and suggest you avoid the scattering of trees along the way to a tilted elevated greens site that has a fronting bunker to avoid. The putting surface climbs steadily from front to back while breaking from right to left. The 451-yd par four 18th comes complete with all the hazardous elements as it starts off along a straight tree lined venue. Then trouble arrives as the fairway turns abruptly right where water lurks meanically on its right side. And if that isn’t something to worry about there is a fronting strip of tully field waterway with just a

36 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

touch of safe middle of the road opening to squeeze through where a tilting green that breaks from left to right is found. What’s nice about playing golf in this neck of the woods is that there is other close by golf courses to play including Paradise Valley, Rancho Solano and Green Tree. There are lots of inns and motels to stay at and tee times and reasonable green fees are readily available. That’s all you need is a couple days from what you might be doing and just have a great golfing adventure. For reservation and starting n times Call 707 451-7646

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In The Clubhouse ❰ continued from page 10

to always listen to the customer, move the course forward and make the day enjoyable to all who play and visit WildHawk. First, the bunker project. The bunkers are a big part of WildHawk, they are a major design feature, they dictate strategy and there are a lot of them, 54 total encompassing 75,000 square feet. After much research and planning, Superintendent Gerry Levesque and his crew are preparing to renovate all 54 sand traps. The project will take approximately a year and half to complete. So please be patient, when all are done they will be in better condition than opening day. Another course project was just completed. We leveled and resodded three tees. The tees on #4, #7 and #10 were roly-poly from a lot of play and a lot of divot-mix. I have been receiving rave reviews since those tees were put back into play. There are plans to continue tee leveling next year. After a round on the golf I know how good it feels to come off the course have some lunch and watch the golf tournament or a ball game on TV. Well, that got a whole lot better with the addition of the four new flatscreen TV’s we installed plus the sound system. Golfers have been staying around longer watching sports and socializing. With the new sound system WildHawk can also host any type of party or community or business meeting. Contact our Grille staff to book your event. WildHawk also launched or improved many programs this year. The popular Platinum Range Plan has been complimented by the Gold and Silver Range Plans. These plans dispense fewer range balls but cost less also. Membership in all three range plans receives $5 twilight and super twilight green fees. Our First Tee

Junior Programs have expanded to classes Saturday morning, which has been filled to capacity since their exception. Our summer camps and weekday classes have gone through a little fine-tuning also. It is always a good reminder to mention WildHawk offers a great discount on Wild Wednesdays when golf and cart are only $34. If you wear a Hawaiian shirt on Fridays or are in law enforcement or a firefighter you play for a discount as well. All of our programs and promotions are found on our new website www.wildhawkgolf.com. Please visit this site often; it will be updated on a regular basis with news, program information and promotions. Make sure to join the e-club and receive course news right in your inbox. I hope you come out to WildHawk this summer and see all the improvements that we are making.” For more information, contact: Paul Henderson, Course Manager at WildHawk Golf Club at 916-668-4653 or go to: www. wildhawkgolf.com. Wild Hawk is owned and operated by the Southgate Parks and Recreation District. By the way, if you want someone who will care about you and your game, contact Head Pro, Tony Schwartz, PGA. Tony has helped me personally and I highly recommend him. You can reach Tony at 916-688-4653. And he’ll instruct you in private, on grass, far away from the practice tees. Gyro Swing Is One Of The Best Game Improvement Products Anywhere The Gyro Swing is the first training device that lets golfers actually feel the correct plane and release, let-

WWW.GOLFTODAYMAGAZINE.COM

ting them feel the perfect swing instead of worrying about positions and mechanics. Gyro Swing’s unique 20,000 RPM gyroscope in the clubhead ingrains the sense of the perfect swing and forces the swing to stay on plane and grooves a perfectly timed release. Great tool for curing problems such as “coming over the top” and casting by providing resistance when swings g o o ff - pl a n e or have an early re l e a s e. Includes add ition al features such as Gyro Swing see-through grip guide for ideal hand placement and dual-color shaft which visu-

ally reinforces the sense of swinging on a plane. The results? Lower scores, more fun and more Nassau’s won fomr your weekend buds. Retails for $99.99 and can be purchased online at www.sklz. com or via phone at 877-2257275 or at retailers throughout No r t h America. Nike Golf Takes Aerodynamic Efficiency to the Next Level with its New Nike SQ MACHSPEED Black Drivers Nike Golf has been a best friend of Golf Today Magazine since I began writing reviews. Their exceptional innovations in not only golf clubs that perform, but also in the their unique apparel lines, classic continued on page 38 ❱

golf

Today

and at www.GolfTodayMagazine.com GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

In The Clubhouse ❰ continued from page 37

footwear and other golf related products have taken the golf industry by storm as they remain as one of the top few manufacturers of all golf products in the world. Nike Golf has capitalized on the power of aerodynamics found in the Nike SQ MACHSPEED Driver that was released last spring, Nike Golf is taking the notion of aerodynamics efficiency to the next level with its new SQ MACHSPEED Black Driver. Available at retail November 26, 2010, the Nike SQ MACHSPEED Black Driver has two 460cc round and square heads and features a sleek black profile to ensure that the air moves quickly and cleanly over the club head with each swing. Through optimal aerodynamics (360° air flow across the drivers), the Nike SQ MACHSPEED Black generates faster club head speed by reducing drag. A deeper face allows for

the delivery of greater ball speed across the face resulting in greater distance on off center hits. The face of the club head is tall and tapers quickly, enabling more forgiveness. Also differentiating from its predecessor, the SQ MACHSPEED, is in the performance of ball flight. The SQ MACHSPEED Black produces a lower ball flight and lower spin rates

closed. The square version promotes forgiveness and stability. The round version is for golfers who desire more workability and shot shaping. Both drivers come with Mitsubishi Rayon lightweight Fubuki shafts which allow for maximum speed. The Nike SQ MACHSPEED Black driver is loaded with a combination of groundbreaking technology that was born from the minds of Nike Golf ’s team of enNike SQ MACHSPEED Black Driver gineers. SQ Machspeed Black than the original SQ MACH(round and square options): SPEED, thus helping to create Men’s: Loft Options: 8.5 longer drives. (RH); 9.5 (RH/LH); 10.5 Available in round and square- (RH/LH); 11.5 (RH); HL (RH) shape, the SQ MACHSPEED All available in: A,R,S,X Black Drivers offer Nike’s STR8MSRP: $359.99 FIT technology, which delivers Women’s: Loft Options: 11.5 eight face angle options—two (RH); HL (RH) All available in degrees open and two degrees W (women’s) shaft. MSRP: $359.99. See them all at: www.nikegolf.com.

ity. The DUO Heart-Rate-Monitor sports the most advanced sensing technologies to offer one a Heart Rate management system that works for every type of sport or fitness program. In these trying time where the economy, it notable that many are exercising at home rather than joining costly gym clubs. The new DUO is perfect because you purchase it once, and it’s yours. Guaranteed for a full 5 years, you can get one by logging onto: www. sportline.com. Haggin Oaks PGA Golf Professional Shaun Barnes Wins NCPGA Club Fitter of the Year Award Morton Golf LLC and the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex are thrilled to announce that Haggin Oaks PGA Golf Professional Shaun Barnes has been named the 2010 winner of the NCPGA Club Fitter of the Year. The Northern California Professional Golfer’s Association Club Fitter of the Year Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional who has exhibited great knowledge in club fitting while striving to improve the game through properly fitted equipment. Shaun Barnes first started playing golf when he was 10 years old, playing with his father and brother. Shaun and his brother played at Haggin Oaks in the Junior Golf program in the early 1980’s but he never took the game too

How’s Your Heart Rate? Don’t Know? Now you can find out in an instant. Anytime. Anywhere. The new DUO Heart Rate Monitor Watch will give you a continuous and on-demand Heart rate by utilizing the Touch Activate Case.. Not only is this exceptional product a Heart Rate Monitor, it’s a Digital Watch with a 7 day memory Recall, a Calorie-Burn Monitor, a Fat-Burning Zone Locator, a HR Audible Alarm, a HR Recovery Time and many more functions. DUO Heart Rate Monitor Watch Included is a Continuous Heart Rate Chest-Belt that is seriously until 10 years later perfect to measure one’s Heart while earning an A.S. degree in Rate while running, biking, jog- Physical Therapy in Loma Linda ging or any other strenuous activcontinued on page 39 ❱

38 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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In The Clubhouse (visual, auditory or kinesthetic) ❰ continued from page 38 University. each student excels at. I coach Shaun worked at Sutter Memo- a strong base of fundamentals rial and Sutter General hospitals (grip, aim and setup), and the as a Physical Therapist Assistant process (In-swing motion), which from 1995 until 2000 when he will produce desirable outcomes. decided to switch careers. He at- Coaching the student to be mindtended the Professional Golfers ful of what they are doing and Career College in Temecula, CA why they are doing it will allow where he earned a specialized them to become their own coach Associates Degree in golf manage- with the ability to self-analyze and ment and graduated at the top of self-correct.” his class. This Section Award will be Before joining the team at Hag- presented at the NCPGA Awards gin Oaks Golf Complex, Shaun Ceremony, held on December 5, worked for the First Tee of Great- 2010 at the Northridge Country er Sacramento at William Land Club in Citrus Heights, CA. Golf Course where he taught kids Managed by Morton Golf, the and adults the game of golf. Haggin Oaks Golf Complex is Shaun believes the most impor- located at 3645 Fulton Avenue in tant element of coaching golf is the Sacramento (at the Capital City ability to make learning the game Freeway). For more information, fun for the student. call Ken Morton, Jr. “If I am having fun at (916) 481-GOLF during the coachor email at kmoring of the student, tonjr@hagginoaks. then in turn, I becom. lieve the student will have fun. My coach“The Best Greens in the Valley”, ing caters to the stuIs A Quote That dent’s own abilities Has Been Heard to help them develop Shaun Barnes proper fundamenAnd Repeated In tals to maximize their potential All Media Since It Opened in 2005 and reach their goals.” You stand on the first tee. Left of Shaun’s teaching philosophy is that for any golfer, new or accom- center stands a Heritage Oak that plished, the game is best learned has been there for more than 200 from the green to the tee. In se- years. It dares you to fly it. To the quential order of learning the dif- left is one of the 13 reed lined lakes ferent parts of the game, Shaun’s that is home to some of Northern approach in coaching is: putting, California’s magnificent birds. chipping, pitch shots (bunkers), Herons, Egrets and Mallards all full swing irons, full swing fairway thrive at Wild Wings. To the right metals, driving, playing the game, is a bail out. A shot to the left trouble shots and course manage- between the Oak and the Lake ment. His approach also includes offers a much better shot into the finding out the characteristics of green. If you bail out, you’ll have each student by asking specific to fly the bunkers that protect the questions appropriate to the situ- right side of the green. So, whatation. According to Shaun, “I need are-you-gonna-do Pilgrim? Do to fully understand the student you want to start you first shot of and know what learning style the 18 as a baby bail out? Or are WWW.GOLFTODAYMAGAZINE.COM

you gonna’ take the Man’s way to Nirvana and make a Bird on #1? As Clint Eastwood said once in a Dirty Harry film: “Well, are you feeling lucky?” Wild Wings is a unique offering to the golfing public of the Sacramento Valley. Located just 30 minutes north of Sacramento, in Woodland, Wild Wings Golf Club is one of the longest nine hole courses in Northern California, and one of the most challenging. Since opening in 2005, Wild Wings has become a must play for golfers of all skill levels. Our exceptional course conditions rival any private or public course in the Sacramento area. Very Wide and fast Bermuda fairways give you a better opportunity to place your ball for your

next shot. Bermuda fairways allow the ball to ‘sit up’ rather than rest in a flat lie giving you a better opportunity to make good contact. Smooth and flat tees are at a premium at all times, and many finely manicured and playable bunkers surround each hole add-

ing beauty to this gem in Yolo County. Three par 3’s, three par 4’s and three par 5’s combine with 13 lakes and immaculate bent grass greens to consistently provide a Championship playing experience thanks to Superintendent Mike Scolaro. I suggest you visit and experience what has been voted the “Best continued on page 40 ❱

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GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

New Golf Products ❰ continued from page 8

century as a touring professional. An additional benefit for Mediate (and many other golfers) is that swinging the proper way has alleviated the strain on his problematic back allowing him to compete week after week pain-free. “When it comes to golf, and especially the golf swing, I don’t mess around and I tell it like it is,” said Mediate. “The Vharness works. It shows you exactly what I feel every time I swing the golf club. I use the Vharness to keep

my swing in shape throughout player. The secret to the product’s the shaft on plane and in proper unique effectiveness are its patent- position throughout the swing. the year.” Yet another ambassador of pending Vcords which attach to When every shot you hit is longer and straighter, you instinctively the product is legendary teach- the grip end of any club. Once the harness is on and file these movements into the ing professional Jimmy the cords are attached, the golfer memory bank and improvement Ballard who explained simply swings in a way that occurs very quickly. and popularized the keep the cords taut. No An ancillary benefit of the prodconcept of connecmatter what swing uct is that it also stretches and tion decades ago and strengthens the specific has elevated the games of Tour players and high Putting Alley® Putting Stroke Isolator muscles used in the golf handicappers alike. swing. Golfers who hit the ball prodigious distances usuDeveloped by parent company ally have one thing in common: Foundation Golf, the Vharness a wide swing arc. The wider comes in varying sizes to fit any me tho d the circle, the greater poor philosophy tential for creating higher the player happens club head speed. The Vharto prefer, the Vharness is equally effective at keeping continued on page 41 ❱

golf

todAy

Index of Advertisers • 21 Golf Tips............................................. 37

• Rolling Hills/Sevillano Links.. ............. 30, 43

• Bag Shag................................................ 31

• Sunridge Golf Club.................................. 25

• BirdieBall................................................ 27

• The Golf Hanger...................................... 13

• Diablo Creek Golf.. ................................... 11

• Timber Creek GC...................................... 33

• Double Duty Divot Repair Putter.............. 36

• Trinitas Golf Course.. .................................. 4

• Eagle Valley Golf Course.. ......................... 17 • Eagle Vines Golf Course.. .......................... 44 • Fantasy Golf Cards................................... 32 • Furnace Creek.. ........................................ 26 • Graphic Expressions.. ............................... 29 • Gustbuster.............................................. 28

• USA Hole In One...................................... 39 • USGTF..................................................... 38 • Wanted for Golf Lease (Golfers Wanted)........ 35 • Wedgewood Golf.................................... 12 SHOWS & TOURNAMENTS

• Hill Billy.................................................. 23

February

• Hilton Santa Cruz Scotts Valley.. ............... 16

• Tenacious Trinitas • Feb. 19........................ 5

• La Contenta Golf Club (Play & Stay).. ........ 21 • Mission Hills of Hayward/SkyWest........... 19 • Orlando PGA Show.................................. 20

March • Bay Area Golf Show • Mar 11-15.............. 14

• Paradise Valley/Rancho Solano................ 22

April

• Peace Electronics.. ................................... 18

• Vineyards Golf Classic • Apr. 19.. ................. 3

• PGTAA.. ................................................... 24 • Plumb Bob Correctly.. .............................. 34 • Rancho de los Caballeros........................... 2 • Red Dot.. ................................................. 42

GolfToday MaGazine .coM

40 GOLF TODAY January/February 2011 •

In The Clubhouse ❰ continued from page 39

Greens in the Valley” for 4 consecutive years. In 2009 Wild Wings was voted “Best Golf Course” in Yolo County by a local media poll. Week-day Green fees range from $13 for 9 holes (Senior) to $22 for 18 holes (regular). Week-end rates range from $20 for 9 holes to $30 For 18 holes. C art fees are $7.00 p er rider for 9 holes and $12.00 p e r r i d e r fo r 1 8 h ol e s . Twilight rates begin at 3:00pm and golfers pay for 9 holes and can play 18. Wild Wings is also proud to announce the recent opening of its new restaurant “The Nest”. “The Nest” features a full luncheon menu along with specialty breakfast items, a banquet menu and monthly fine dining opportunities. The large dining room opens out to a large patio equipped with

plenty of seating for al fresco dining and overlooks the practice putting green and the beautiful lake that borders the 1st fairway. “The Nest” dining room is large enough to accommodate nearly 100 people for dining. A smaller room known as “The Heron Room” is perfect for private meetings, luncheons and intimate dining for parties of 25 or less. “The Nest” is available for parties, tournament banquets, even weddings. For more info go to: www.wildwingsgolf.com or call GM Randall Thomas, PGA at 530-661-4720. Wild Wings is a Kemper-Sports Management course. PS… at 3,100 yards, this is by no means a short course because approach shots require some talent due to the bunkering. Play well and enjoy. I’m outta’ here! n

Golf Humor

“

Whatever you think you’re doing wrong is the one thing you’re doing right.

”

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DO yOU HAvE A new golf product? A new golf service? Can’t re-mortgage your home to get the money it costs for national promotion in the 18-color high gloss slicks? Give Bob a call at Golf Today Magazine. Start promoting your new golf product/service throughout four states (California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona) for pocket change. We’ve been doing this for 24 years and the results for new golf businesses are absolutely great! Get results with us and grow. For more information, call (661) 823-7842 or fax (661) 823-7942. Email: bob@golftodaymagazine.com.

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STAFF Publisher / editor � � � � � � � � � Bob Koczor…bob@golftodaymagazine.com Production Manager � � � � � � Kerri Esten…production@golftodaymagazine.com distribution Manager � � � � � Dave Butts golf exPlorer editor � � � � � � Hal Gevertz associate editors � � � � � � � � � Charley Coppola, Bob Fagan, Bob Weisgerber WebMaster � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Dale Archibald…dale@golftodaymagazine.com contributors � � � � � � � � � � � � � Ben Alexander, Mike Hamiel, Bill Nestor,

Barry Salberg, Terry VanderHeiden

“ace” editor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Mike Mc Colgan…LMccol3525@aol.com

RIP: JULES FURTH

RIP: ED AUSTIN

PMB #90, 25101 Bear Valley Road, Tehachapi, CA 93561 (661) 823-7842 • FAX (661) 823-7942 www.GolfTodayMagazine.com Bob@GolfTodayMagazine.com Golf Today Magazine, The Best in the West for 24 Years, six editions per year. Golf Today is California’s only statewide golf magazine. Subscriptions are available at $29 per year, $39 for two years, or $49 for three years. Golf Today is protected under the copyright law. Contents of this publication cannot be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Unsolicited articles should be sent via e-mail and photos are welcome. Correspondence should be sent to: Golf Today Magazine, at the address shown above. ISSN 1524-2854

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controlled conditions on the green (natural or artificial) and can make two identical putts do different things; (2) turf drag, which interferes with ball spin, and (3) green break, which distorts focus on putting mechanics. The Putting Alley® is built for a 2- inch putt straight up a 0.5 degree incline to be as close as possible to a level putt. Once a golfer develops the skill to routinely The First-Ever Putting make the 27 inch putt with both Stroke Isolator alleys he will have built up enough Outside the Leather, LLC, re- precision to sink putts up to nearly cently introduced the Putting 20 feet on a level green. And short Alley® putting stroke isolator putts will become routine, even which gives golfers of all levels under the most stressful condiwhat they’ve been searching for – a tions. way to improve their putting skills The Putting Alley® is availand eliminate errors in their put- able in two models, the Original ting game at home or at the office. Putting Alley® ($54.95), made Putting Alley® is the newest from high strength plastic, and putt practice device in the golf in- the Putting Alley® Tour Edidustry, designed to take golfers— tion ($179.95), comprised of a from beginner to professional—to solid wood base and a precision the next level of putting with a aluminum insert. convenient, consistent and repeatBoth products can be purchased able way to eliminate putting vari- at leading pro shops, green grass ables, so the golfer can concentrate retailers, in golf catalogs, sporton the stroke. “Beginners and pros ing goods or specialty retailers, can practice at home, in the office, or online at www.puttingalley. or on the green, but until now com. Putting Alley® also features there’s never been a putt practice a special logo plate that can be device that eliminates uncontrol- imprinted with company, course, lable putting variables, and isolates club or organization name and/or those variables that improve put- logo for the premium industry. It ting mechanics,” said Outside the is the perfect gift, tee prize or tourLeather partner Tim Maloney. nament favor. For more informaThe Putting Alley® is a short tion, visit www.puttingalley.com. n putt practice device that uses a 877-636-1698. raised, precision putting surface, 27 inches long, as the “putting al- If you have a new golf product or ley”. Each Putting Alley® includes golf service, contact Bob Koczor, a standard one inch alley and also Publisher/Editor, at 661-823-7842 a one half inch alley for more or bob@golftodaymagazine.com. challenging practice. As the golfer Golf Today Magazine, now in its putts, he can determine his put- 24th year, provides custom-made ting error by seeing where the ball digital and print promotions to great success! You can also meet falls off the alley. Putting variables eliminated Bob at Golf Today’s booth during by the Putting Alley® include; (1) the PGA Show in Orlando, FL. turf irregularities that cause un- Booth #2057. ❰ continued from page 40

ness trains every golfer to increase width and to maintain it throughout the swing, resulting in longer, straighter shots and far more consistency round after round. A video demonstration as well additional information is available on the comprehensive Vharness web site which is www.vharness.com.

GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

42 GOLF TODAY • January/February 2011

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