Golf Today NW - February 2011 by Golf Today Magazine: Northwest Edition

CELEBRATING 23 YEA RS IN THE WEST, NOW IN THE NORTHWEST! • WWW.GOLFTODAYNW.COM • NUMBER 23 2 • FEBRUARY 2011

Your PreferredSeeOnline Golf Retailer pages 18-19

Inside: “Pink & Shrink” Style Of Past For Nike Beginner Tees Up Plan To Turn Pro After 10,000 Hours Southern Oregon: Golf and Wine Country Galore!

And Much, Much More!

www.taylormadegolf.com

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2 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE ï&#x161;» NORTHWEST EDITION

FEBRUARY 2011

ON THE COVER • FEBRUARY 2011: The Golf Warehouse “Tees Off ” the 2011 season with new products and incredible deals. TGW.com is considered golf ’s #1 online superstore and offers over 40,000 items via their online golf catalog and over 80,000 product reviews to help you find your next golfing “must have.” You can buy online with peace of mind as TGW.com offers a 30-Day Playability Guarantee on select club purchases. This gives customers peace of mind and reassurance that if they are dissatisfied for any reason, the covered club can be returned for full purchase price to be applied to any future purchase. In fact, TGW offers a low price guarantee: Find a lower price and they will match it. See pages 16, 18, 19 for details! –Cameron Healey, Publisher/Editor

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

ARE YOU READY FOR NORTHWEST GOLF SHOW SEASON? YEP, SEATTLE, PORTLAND, & SPOKANE GOLF SHOWS AWAIT!

by Cameron Healey

FIVE THINGS YOU CAN DO NOW TO PLAY BETTER GOLF THIS YEAR

BEGINNER TEES UP PLAN TO TURN PRO AFTER 10,000 HOURS

by Dan O’Brien

NOTES FROM THE GOLFING NEWBIE PRESENTED BY GOLFTEC

by Cameron Healey

THE GOLF WAREHOUSE “TEES OFF” THE 2011 SEASON WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEW GOLF PRODUCTS AND HOT DEALS

“PINK & SHRINK” STYLE OF PAST FOR NIKE

by Cliﬀ Cowley

SOUTHERN OREGON WINE COUNTRY’S CAPRICE, GRIZZLY PEAK, AND PASCHAL DELIVER

NORTHWEST GOLF COURSE DIRECTORY

THE 15TH ANNUAL PACIFIC AMATEUR GOLF CLASSIC WELCOMES NEW TITLE SPONSOR GOLF WORLD

WAILEA EARNS #1 RANKING IN CONDE NAST TRAVELER’S 2010 READER’S CHOICE SURVEY

By Elizabeth Noblitt

SHOPPING FOR WOMEN’S GOLF APPAREL

by Cliﬀ Cowley

by Bob Duncan

MAKE YOURSELF STRONGER, BETTER, FASTER AND MORE POWERFUL BEFORE YOU HIT THE COURSE!

by Diana Del Garbino

SOUTHERN OREGON: GOLF AND WINE COUNTRY GALORE!

by Cliﬀ Cowley

FEBRUARY 2011

by Beth Erlendson and Holly Danks

THE PRO’S CORNER

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Are You Ready for Northwest Golf Show Season? by CAMERON HEALEY

Rain and bitter cold are two predictable components of the Northwest winter season. Yes, while many of you hunker down, don the thermals, bring out the Sunice, Sun Mountain or Nike outerwear and try valiantly to ignore the elements while lining up your 3-footer, we can’t help but look for ways to exorcize the dreaded cabin fever that often ensues. Don’t get me wrong—I think there is nothing better than playing golf on a crisp and

clear winter’s day with only a handful of fellow golfers sharing the fairways. But come February, I begin to yearn… no, crave, the upcoming season and spring’s evolution. Ahhh, spring. The inevitable harbinger of better playing weather and the promise of faster and smoother courses with dry bunkers that don’t resemble clay pits! Now, while the month of February may still oﬃcially have us mired in Ol’ Man Winter’s grip, there are three major reasons why its time to shake oﬀ the blues and review what is in your bag! Yes, it’s time for the 2011 Seattle Golf & Travel Show to be held February 11-13, 2011 at Qwest Field Event Center in Seattle, Washington where adult attendees can enjoy a FREE round of golf , one year’s subscription to Golf Digest (or an extension to your existing subscription) and a copy of The Washington Golf Guide. Tickets are Adults: $12,

4 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Youth 13-17: $5, Kids 12 & Under: Free. If you reside in Oregon, you will want to make a trip to the Oregon Events Center in Portland for the Portland Golf Show. Attendees receive free green fees to Camas Meadows Golf Club (limited to the ﬁrst 1,000 attendees each day) and to Skamania Lodge. Additionally, the ﬁrst 500 attendees each day will receive a free sleeve of Bridgestone golf balls. Sweet! Of course, don’t forget to pick up your free copy of Golf Today Magazine | Northwest Edition at the entrance on your way inside. Tickets are $10 for adults, seniors (60+) $9, and Kids 12 & under are FREE. Of course, you must remember to circle your calendar for the Spokane Golf Show to be held on the weekend of February 19-20 at the Spokane Convention Center where attendees with paid admission receives FREE golf from The Fairways Golf Course and one round from another course. Check www.spokanegolfshow. com for participating courses. Don’t forget to bring the kids! Children 12 and continued on page 27

FEBRUARY 2011

Golf Today Magazine & Heron Lakes Golf Club presents the

l a u n n A

Monday, April 25 Ø Includes chance to win $5000 in free raffle prizes such as one night Stay and Play Package for two at the Resort at the Mountain! Ø $100 in Tee Prizes for every player Ø Chance to Win a One Hour Initial Evaluation plus 3 1/2 hour follow up lessons from GolfTEC! Ø Chance to win tickets to 2011 Boeing Classic Ø Valuable prizes for longest drive competition (mens/ladies) Ø Free golf certificates &/or Discounted golf coupons at local golf courses Ø 1 round at Heron Lakes Golf Club, Great Blue course Ø Free practice range balls--cart included Ø Valuable prizes for closest to the pin on all par-3 holes

This fun golf event is for players of all skills, abilities, and ages. No handicap required. No scorecards handed in!

Everyone wins!

$101 per golfer $91 golfer in twosome $81 golfer in foursome

Ø Win a new $189 putter at one-shot putting contest Ø Tournament open to men and women-no handicap required Ø Continental breakfast before round Ø Awards presentation after round, including full hot appetizers and too much more to list Ø 8:30am Shotgun Start! (Get home by 5pm!)

For more information & entry forms, call

425-941-9946 or email events@golftodaynw.com We will fax, send, or email entry forms to you!

Accommodation partner is the Portland North Harbour Courtyard 503 943-3716

FEBRUARY 2011

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Five Things To Do Now To Play Better Golf This Year by BOB DUNCAN

15 Minute Workout That Isn’t Work You’ve heard it before: Work out! But it’s so hard to start and you don’t want to get sore all over. Solution? Pick something you can do for 15 minutes a day, ﬁve to six days a week, make it something that is ‘doable’ for you, and make it a habit! You can spare 15 minutes a day, can’t you? Studies have shown that just 15 minutes of light exercise – as simple as

walking – can jump-start your body and get you warmed up for your day. Maybe you can simply walk around the block, or aggressively walk in place while the coﬀee is on. For those with a slightly more aggressive approach, do a short routine with 2 to 5 to 10 lb. weights including overhead presses, arm curls, and lateral arm raises that will at least get your shoulders and arms warmed up. Yes, P90X extreme workouts are extreme, but to benefit in your golf game you don’t have to go there. Incentive? Just continue to think about how much better you’re going to feel in 2 – 3 weeks, and how much easier it will be to swing a club! It’s hard to quantify in your golf game, but by starting now you’re going to be that much farther ahead come Springtime. Start marching! Preparing for a Round Have you ever prepared properly on the day of your round? Sorry – 10 range balls and a cloud of dust to the ﬁrst tee do not get it done! Remember this: Anything you don’t practice before your round you won’t be as good at on the course. This means it’s

6 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

not about a 5-minute warm up, and it also means that unless you practice ﬁrst you’ll have to reduce your expectations when you play. Preparation for a round of golf is worth a minimum of 2 to 5 shots per round, and perhaps more. Use the 15 Rule: You should hit a minimum of 15 short irons, 15 mid irons, and 15 drivers, and practice any specialty shots you may need. Also, you should hit 15 chips, 15 sand shots, and break the rule with putting – 30 putts or more. Does this take longer? Sure! But you’re out there to play and have more fun, so give it a try.

continued on page 26

FEBRUARY 2011

Golf Today Magazine and Glen Acres Golf & Country Club Presents the

S E R C A N GLE

c i s s a l C s e i d La thh 6 1 Monday, May

• • • • • • • • • • •

Includes chance to win $3000 in free raffle prizes! $100 in Tee Prizes for every player GolfTEC free swing analysis area Chance to win tickets to 2011 Boeing Classic Discounted golf coupons at local golf courses One complimentary round at Glen Acres Golf & Country Club (18 holes) Valuable prizes for longest drive competition and KPs on all par-3 holes Win a new $150 putter at one-shot putting contest Awards presentation after round, including hot appetizers and much more Clubmaker demo of Clubs—Try them with no obligation Registration 11:00am. 12:00pm Shotgun start! Supporting Sponsor

This fun event is for players of all skills, abilities, and ages. No handicap required. No scorecards handed in!

EVERYONE WINS! $105 per golfer $95 golfer in twosome $85 golfer in foursome For more information & entry forms, call

425-941-9946

or email events@golftodaynw.com We will fax, send, or email entry forms to you! FEBRUARY 2011

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Make Yourself Stronger, Better, Faster And More Powerful Before You Hit The Course! by DIANA DEL GARBINO

Now that the holidays are behind us and we have a new sense of hope as to what the New Year will bring us, I want to talk about preparing for the 2011 golf season. Many clubs and courses are planning their annual kick oﬀ celebrations and getting classes and clinics ready for returning and new golfers. But how prepared are you for the grueling twisting,

turning and repetition that is coming? As we get older we begin to slow down, but somehow seem to think that our favorite sport will just wait for us, being forgiving and gentle to our bodies as we get back into the daily practices. Most of you know what really happens; we spend the first two months just getting our swing dialed in, getting rid of the soreness and many times finding new places that start to hurt, different from last year. Too much time is spent trying to recover with Advil, ice and the least favorite item… REST! Ugh. To combat all those issues start with a little conditioning, preparing the muscles early in the year will have you ahead of the masses that will fill the driving range with the first sunny day. Not sure how your shoulder will react to the first 100 drives? Then get a band and hook it into the doorframe. Start with slow, controlled horizontal pulls, arms locked in place in both directions. Increase the amount of repetitions and speed, and when you get good at that, use one arm at a time.

When you think about working out, does sitting on the couch watching the golf channel sound better? Sure it does, but have you ever done something physical that you really felt too tired to do, but once you got up and moving, you felt great? Here in the Pacific Northwest, the driving ranges across the states hardly have anyone braving the rain, sleet and snow to get in a few practice shots. Take the rain out of it and in the comfort of your own home get working on your lower body: Sit on a low chair or workout bench. Taking a controlled and counted five seconds to stand up, slowly raise up keeping your butt, legs and abdominals tight (arms are stretched out in front of you). Watch that your knees do not move forward over your toes. Slowly lower yourself, taking the same controlled five seconds. Rather than sitting, hover over the seat for five seconds then repeat, counting five seconds back up. Repeat four more times. This will increase the endurance in your legs for address, backswing and downswing. Are you wondering how to get more

WELCOMES THE

power from yourself into your swing? Let me use an analogy: if your body were a stock ’85 Yugo car with a top speed of 70 mph (that’s a stretch) and you wanted it to go 100 mph, would you drive the car 70 mph everyday and hope it would get to 100 mph? OR, would you work on the engine, make it stronger, make it better, make it faster and then drive it 100 mph? You guessed it--this reasoning applies to you taking the time to condition your body for the down force, hip twisting, shoulder movement, arm stretching, leg powering rigors of the golf swing. Make yourself stronger, better, faster and more powerful BEFORE you hit the course and you’ll see farther drives, better putts, more consistent chips and great accuracy. To begin the golf season by hitting 125 balls after taking time oﬀ for the winter would be like a personal trainer saying, “Welcome to my gym, we’re going to start with 125 lunges! Ready?” Most of you would walk out with a few choice words about the mental stability of the trainer. Wouldn’t it be smarter to take continued on page 11

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

February 11th - 13th

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portlandgolfshow.com GREAT DEALS ON NEW MERCHANDISE AT

Fiddler’s Green Golf Shop PRESENTING SPONSORS

8 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

FIRST 1000 PER DAY RECEIVE A

Free Round of Golf at Camas Meadows GC ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO

Golf Digest ENDORSED & SUPPORTED BY

FEBRUARY 2011

Southern Oregon: Golf and Wine Country Galore! by CLIFFORD COWLEY

It’s time! Time for another season of spectacular Southern Oregon golf. Except for a few weeks of below 40 degree weather, the Southern Oregon region is golf-able year round, and according to the not so Hippy-Dippy Weather Guy, Southern Oregon gets more than 218 days of sunshine a year. Southern Oregon has something for everyone. Not only does it have a Baker’s Dozen of golf courses, from cute little par 3’s, to lengthy tracks suitable for professional play, it is also home to the Oregon Shakespearian Festival, the Britt Pavilion, historic Jacksonville, the mighty Rogue River, and vineyards. Lots of em’! Grape growers are discovering that the rugged mountain valleys and diverse climates are a perfect match for growing intensely flavored wine grapes. At last count, there were over fifty vineyards in production in the Southern Oregon region alone. With four separate wine trails, there is a vineyard close to every golf course. When you travel through Southern Oregon, plan on staying awhile. You won’t forget the experience. Take a look at what Southern Oregon’s Golf and Wine Country has to offer! Umpqua Valley Myrtle Creek Golf Course/Myrtle Creek Yardage: 6,852 Par: 72 Designer: Graham Cooke and Associates If you are traveling from the north, be sure to stop in at Myrtle Creek Golf Course just south of Roseburg (I-5 Exit 108). Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Umpqua Valley, this championship golf course offers a great golfing experience. Known for its natural beauty, the course winds through spectacular elevation changes and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains punctuated by a creek that meanders lazily across the track. Oaks, pines, and Oregon myrtle trees hug the high, rounded hills dotted by farmlands and forests, keeping the sounds and distractions of modern life at bay. Myrtle Creek is fun and rewarding for golfers of every playing ability. It’s numerous elevated tees allow for tremendous hang time, and drives that seem to go forever. Unless you are in good shape, physically, I recommend you take a cart. Amenities include a fully stocked club house and cafe, and a complete practice facility. For the traveling golfer, there is a huge parking lot. RV’ers have been known to spend the night. Assistant Pro, FEBRUARY 2011

Garry Peck, suggests a call in advance is best. After your round, experience the fruit of the Umpqua Valley hills at Abacela Vineyard (I-5 Exit 112) just a few minute’s drive from Myrtle Creek. Abacela offers award winning varietals from Spain and France in their tasting facility. Applegate Valley Applegate River Golf Club/Murphy Yardage: 2,643 Par:36 Traveling further south (I-5 Exit 58) to Grants Pass, the Applegate River Golf Club is tucked between the Applegate River and a solid rock mountain just off Hwy 238 in Murphy. New owners, by Pat and Leah Bernard, have put their hearts into the course and turned it from a former cow pasture with holes and flags, into a beautifully maintained Par 3 gem. The fairways and greens are in great shape for consistent lies and dependable putts. The semi-links style adds to its play-ability allowing high handicappers a good time, and a formidable challenge to better golfers. Two Strategically placed irrigation creeks offer resistance against an easy club choice on the Par 4 holes #4 and #5, so do some planning before you break out your driver. The course is more than an Executive Par 3 course offering two Par 5’s for your enjoyment. If you haven’t been out there lately, give it a try, you’ll like what they’ve done. Highway 238 runs through the Applegate Valley all the way to Jacksonville. This scenic route along the Applegate River winds through twelve vineyards and wineries including Cowhorn, Devitt, Fiasco and Valley View. Cowhorn, is unique in being Biodynamic, growing crops that fit the soil and the environment, and recycling just about everything they use. One could take a whole day to visit all the Applegate Valley wine spots after an early morning round at Applegate River Golf Club. If you continue on through historic Jacksonville (a recommended day trip of its own) on Old Stage Road, Caprice Vineyards is a must stop on your Southern Oregon tour. The closest winery continued on page 24

to Jacksonville, it is also the most fun. Owners Jim and Jeanne Davidian combine good wine, good conversation, and cute little Alpaca’s on their estate. Their trendy boutique/wine tasting facility sells hats, sweaters, and yarn from their Roll-

ing Hills Alpaca Farm. They also grow pears, apples plums peaches, cherries and English walnuts. Be sure to try their Silver Medal award winning 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon. It has a very pleasant, fruity, full bodied ﬂavor on the ﬁnishing palette.

Laurel Hill Golf Course Senior Discounts, Snack Bar, Beer & Wine, Power Carts, and Driving Range. You can call ahead for a tee time, but it is not necessary. You can usually get right on with minimal wait.

Winter - 9 holes and 18 holes Weekdays - $11.00 All Day Everyday $7.00 After 2pm Juniors under 18 - $5.00 All Day Winter Rates are in place until February 15th:

Regular Rates - 9 holes and 18 holes Weekdays - $11.00 and $17.00 Seniors - $10.00 and $16.00 Juniors - $6.50 and $15.00 Weekend and holidays are just a couple dollars more. You may purchase a 10 game discount card for $100.00 Yearly memberships are available.

9450 Old Stage Rd., near Gold Hill at Exit 40

Pro Shop-(541) 855-7965 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Southern Oregon Wine Country’s Caprice, Grizzly Peak, and Paschal Deliver by CLIFFORD COWLEY

Vineyards are realizing the importance of providing a venue that caters to the needs of those golfers. Instead of just being a place to taste wines, vineyards have created a place to go for spending time in a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere. Wineries have become social outlets for the discriminating wine connoisseur who likes to savor the finer end of wine making and the finer things in life. CAPRICE VINEYARDS Caprice Vineyards is a family owned and run vineyard located just minutes from historic Jacksonville. Jim and Jeanne Davidian personally nurture their grapes to produce a light chardonnay in limited amounts. By focusing on small batches, they are able to lovingly bring out the lightest hints of flavor. Their vineyard consists of 21-year old self-rooted vines that were planted with cuttings from Italy producing luscious Cabernet, Chardonnay, and other varietals. Working with Jacksonville Vineyards, and Roxy Ann Winery, they have produced fine wines

that we are sure you will enjoy. They also house a herd of alpacas and a country store filled with treasures. The wine tasting is done within their country store, which also offers unique items such as alpaca fiber, sweaters, hats, gloves, and scarves, jewelry, hand spun yarns, and other intriguing tidbits, too. You’ll enjoy visiting with Jim and Jeanne. Stopping by Caprice is like visiting family. Conversation is not only about wine, but about everyday events, hobbies and crafts. Jim likes to restore cars and do fine woodwork. Jeanne is a craftswoman with expertise in crocheting and hand spinning fibers from their beloved alpacas. While the men talk shop, the wives can talk about the animals, and clothing, all over a glass of wine. While you are there you can visit with the cuties in the barnyard. The alpacas will check you out, and maybe even give you a little nuzzle. Products in the country store are made from the little darling’s coats. Jeanne can even tell you which one contributed to the hat or shawl you decide to take home.

GLEN ACRES

GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Best Kept Golfing Secret in Seattle!

Furthering the Caprice tradition of family and comfort, Jim and Jeanne often host barbecues throughout the summer months featuring ﬁne cuts of meat and vegetables from local farms. Stay tuned to

their website for times and events. Treat yourself to the friendly country atmosphere of Caprice Vineyards. You’ll be glad you did. continued on page 31

A WINTER WONDERLAND OF SPECIALS AT BALLINGER LAKE GOLF COURSE!

$50.00

Purchase our round punch card for (+ tax) and receive one (1) additional round on us!

• • • •

Only 10 minutes from downtown Seattle Fun and active ladies club Able to join the Seattle Women’s Golf Association (SWGA) Beautifully maintained golf course with views of Seattle

Interested in joining our club or wish to tour the facilities? Please call Glen Acres Pro Shop

206-244-3786

or visit www.glenacresgolf.com for more information!

10 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Want to make Ballinger your permanent home? Our Annual Passes are a hot deal for $640.00 (+ tax) for our Gold Card and $550.00 (+ tax) for our Senior Card. Unlimited play year round 7 days a week; 10% merchandise discount on regularly priced merchandise and GHIN handicap and membership. Limited number of passes sold. Shop in-person or online at

www.ballingerlakegolf.com

(425) 697-GOLF (4653)

Ballinger Lake GC is professionally managed by Hardy Golf, LLC

FEBRUARY 2011

The 15th Annual Pacific Amateur Golf Classic Welcomes New Title Sponsor – Golf World Bend, Oregon - The Golf World Pacific Amateur Golf Classic, presented by the Central Oregon Visitors Association will take place August 29 – September 2, 2011, on ten golf courses throughout Central Oregon. The PacAm is the largest amateur golf tournament in the west and celebrates its 15th year in 2011. “We are delighted that our long term publishing partners from Golf World have taken the leadership role as Title Sponsor for the 2011 Golf World PacAm,” stated Alana Audette, president and CEO of the Central Oregon Visitors Association. “As we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the PacAm we also celebrate this expanded relationship with the nation’s number one weekly golf publication.” “I am very pleased that we are now partners with such an exciting event full of avid golfers, who make up our core readership,” said Laura Sequenzia, Publisher of Golf World. “This tournament is an ideal national platform for our brand. Central Oregon is a spectacular environment for golf and we’re pleased to sponsor an event in such an exceptional and unique setting for the sport.” In addition, new sponsor Lithia Motors joins the PacAm line-up as a presenting sponsor and host of the Lithia Charity Festival of Golf. The Lithia Charity Festival of Golf, held opening night of the PacAm, is expected to raise more than $10,000 for the Central Oregon Boys & Girls Clubs, bringing the 15-year total to more than $150,000. Also new for 2011, the Pronghorn – Nicklaus course will be the site for the PacAm Championship Round flight finalists playoff on Friday, September 2,

2011, which culminates the tournament and determines the 2011 PacAm Overall Champion. The tournament is open to all amateur golfers who possess an established USGA handicap. Tournament registration is now available online at www.VisitCentralOregon.com. Participants are encouraged to schedule an extended stay in Central Oregon to enjoy the Golf Digest / Golf World Experience Tour Demo Days that will take place at the Sunriver – Meadows Driving Range on Friday, September 2 – Saturday, September 3. This is the opportunity to test the best golf equipment on the market with TaylorMade, Cleveland, Cobra, PING, Callaway, Sun Mountain, Lueopold, and Nike Golf. The PacAm’s incomparable golf is set in the midst of Central Oregon’s stunning scenic beauty and the warm hospitality provided by the Central Oregon Visitors Association. Whether it is a first trip to the PacAm, or the 15th, participants know they are slated for great golf, great camaraderie and great memories when they register for the 2011 Golf World Pacific Amateur Golf Classic. The Golf World Pacific Amateur Golf Classic, presented and produced by the Central Oregon Visitors Association is the largest amateur golf tournament in the west, originating in 1997. With an annual economic impact of nearly $2 million, the PacAm welcomes a field of participants from across the nation and around the world to play Central Oregon’s finest golf courses. For additional information on the Golf World Pacific Amateur Golf Classic, contact Alana Audette, President & CEO, at 800-8008334.

continued from page 8

each muscle group associated with your swing and making each of them stronger? When you do get out there and hit 125 balls, you would have accumulated at least 125 repetitions to each muscle group, therefore making your swing stronger, faster, and your body less likely to suﬀer injury. Do your homework and prepare for your BEST season in 2011!

FEBRUARY 2011

Diana Del Garbino is a certified golf fitness instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute and coaches beginner through advanced golfers at Muscles in Motion-Professional training studio in Lake Oswego Oregon. For more information about the program visit www.mymusclesinmotion.com.

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Shopping For Women’s Golf Apparel by ELIZABETH NOBLITT

Shopping for golf clothing can be one of the most frustrating tasks as a female golfer. Often, many of the clothes are the same polos and shorts that my husband wears, only smaller. The fit and style are hardly ever correct and fail in the flattering department. I, like so many lady golfers, have amassed a closet full of golf clothes that I dread wearing. Knowing I’m not the only one tired of this process, I decided to talk to Linda Hughes, a Seattle wardrobe stylist and golfing fashionista to see what she looks for in golf clothing. Combining Linda’s knowledge with that of ShiShiPutters constant search for great apparel, I hope to give lady golfers something to look forward to this spring! LH: Golf clothes should be shopped for in the same manner you would shop for any other clothing item. Look for colors and styles that compliment your skin tone and body type. Your golf style should mirror your everyday wardrobe style. If you prefer a bit of bling and show, there are many pieces that feature bright colors, crystal detailing and intricate patterns. A preppy style can be exhibited through selections from retailers such as Ralph Lauren and Izod, just as a conservative dresser may find it appropriate to simply dress in monotone colors with only small details. SSP: A great line that is conservative with a little bling is GoldenWear. The Be Dazzled top is sleeveless with a rhinestone zipper placket and comes in navy or white. www.goldenwear.com. LH: Fit should be spot on and tailored. Because women’s golf clothing sizes are not yet standard or concise, alterations may be necessary to attain

12 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

the correct fit. And, be conscious of where capris and skorts hit your legs. You want to avoid them hitting the widest part of the calf or thigh, which makes your legs looks wider and less sleek. Instead, they should hit at the thinnest part of the leg. SSP: Toby Tucker Golf, a new line from New York, uses standard sizing and precision tailoring to make sure the pieces fit beautifully. I’ve noticed that her capris and skirts hit just above the knee to ensure your leg looks longer and the shirts are fitted for a slimmer silhouette. www.tobytuckergolf.com. LH: While you may sometimes sacrifice comfort for style (i.e. your Jimmy Choo shoes) on the street, no matter how cute or stylish, if golf attire is not comfortable, it won’t work. It must be conducive to easy movement and work for whatever climate you find yourself playing in. SSP: Equipt for Play golf shoes are dedicated to being the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever worn. They are waterproof and tested on every golf terrain to ensure durability. Each style has matching golf gloves as well. www. equiptforplay.com LH: Be selective. Don’t buy clothes because they are on sale or because you might wear them. Love them AND make sure they follow the above criteria. For more information about Linda’s styling services, go to LindaJeanne. com. Elizabeth Noblitt is the founder of ShiShiPutter.com, a women’s online golf magazine that features the best in golf fashion, equipment and travel.

FEBRUARY 2011

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Beginner Tees Up Plan To Turn Pro After 10,000 Hours byy DAN O Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;BRIEN BRIEN

Dan McLaughlin reminds me of my own middle-agedness. And that was even before he got started on a four-year odyssey to master a game heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s never played. The 31-year-old Portlander quit his job as a commercial photographer to prove a point. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a self-experiment,â&#x20AC;? McLaughlin says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to see what would happen if I devoted 10,000 hours to master something new. I happened to pick golf.â&#x20AC;? Since April 15, McLaughlin has been fully engulfed in The Dan Plan, a selfimposed regimen that demands well over 40 hours a week to learn, practice, train and repeat until he reaches his full golfing potential. Based on his best estimate, he expects to have his PGA tour card by 2015. I met McLaughlin a year ago last summer. Our paths crossed while living an eight-to-ďŹ ve existence in and around a medical-equipment manufacturer south of Portland, on the edge of wine country. We worked a cubical apart. We sat in the same meetings. We did our best to care about corporate branding together, and how value-added messaging

could stir souls if we used the right pictures. When McLaughlin wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t setting up a photo shoot in Building 11, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be sitting under gray acoustic ceiling tiles, checking email and ďŹ lling his Outlook with action items. In other words, McLaughlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day-in-the-life wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much diďŹ&#x20AC;erent from a lot of us. â&#x20AC;&#x153; It was a big decision,â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;? McLaughlin says without dwell-ing on the obvious. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was as the golf part, but there was also so the practicality of it all.â&#x20AC;? And by practicality, he mightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve meant affordability: McLaughlin was about bout to bankroll his plan with personal sonal savings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At some point, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always ways a chance of being a beneďŹ ciary off generous corporations with Iogos I can n wear,â&#x20AC;? he says, then laughs. Other than an some big-hearted donations from Nike ike Golf, the sponsorship deals havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been so forthcoming. He doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem worried. Leave that

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14 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE ď&#x161;ť NORTHWEST EDITION

to his f i d By friends. B the h time i 2009 turned into 2010, the people who know McLaughlin best were still scratching their heads over why heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d chosen the sport of mucky-mucks. McLaughlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s athletic totems were limited to long-distance running at an Atlanta-area high school and playing tennis with his girlfriend. Unless holding a golf club as a six-year-old counts as â&#x20AC;&#x153;golf experience,â&#x20AC;? he had none. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never swung a Big Bertha, walked a fairway, or â&#x20AC;&#x201D; aside from approaching a windmill or sphinx â&#x20AC;&#x201D; checked the angle on a putting green. So, why take on one of the most complex and nuanced individual sports? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted something physical and outdoors, but nothing hard on the body,â&#x20AC;? McLaughlin says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This might sound funny, but at ďŹ rst I was just intrigued by all the math in golf. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a stats guy. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d spend hours reading tournament results.â&#x20AC;? There was also the time he and his brother in Omaha watched Phil Mickelson on TV. After the three-time Masters champion crushed a ball long and straight, McLaughlin mentioned how natural the stroke looked. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I told my brother that something that ďŹ&#x201A;uid couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be that hard,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My brother just shook his head.â&#x20AC;? For a lot of 2009, McLaughlin read all he could about the meaning of talent and virtues such as discipline and drive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I let the whole idea percolate before wondering out loud if I could make this happen,â&#x20AC;? McLaughlin says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keep in

mind, I had no idea what a PGA tour card was. I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know much, actually. I still donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t And the more time I spend studying it it, learning the game, practicing, the more m I realize I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even skimmed the surface.â&#x20AC;? For so many of us whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve hoped for the grace of a second mulligan, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a natural thrill to see McLaughlin M succeed. If McLaughlin can do this, we McL want to believe, we can too. And for those who ďŹ nd the entire enterprise sweetly and naively ent delusional . . . well, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that de too. to The more McLaughlin ppored over the science of peak proďŹ ciency, the more familiar he became with the experts whose words kept appearing in quotes. Enter K. Anders Ericsson, Ph.D., the Florida State University psychology professor Unive who figures prominently in Malcolm Gladwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Gl d llâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bbestseller Outliers and GeoďŹ&#x20AC; Colvinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talent is Overrated. Mostly out of curiosity, McLaughlin contacted Ericsson to ďŹ&#x201A;oat a kernel of an idea: how could a 31-year-old accelerate a talent that required mad motor skills? â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was impressed right away,â&#x20AC;? explains Ericsson, by email. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I found Dan to be committed to and focused on what he wanted to accomplish â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the right astronaut for the mission.â&#x20AC;? And because Ericsson was able to appreciate a self-prescribed test case, he introduced McLaughlin to Len Hill, a doctoral candidate writing a dissertation on the connection between the mind and the golf putt. According to Ericssonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s research, people get to the top of an endeavor after 10,000 hours â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which typically takes about 10 years of sustained and conscientious trial and error, often called â&#x20AC;&#x153;deliberate practice.â&#x20AC;? Therefore, goes the theory, lots of people can be great at golf, provided they have some of the physical essentials, put in the hours of discipline, and apply the guidance of someone who knows what heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talking about. Plied with Ericssonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advice, McLaughlin has become an unapologetic disciple, which is evident whenever heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s asked about the lofty expectations. Yet itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s McLaughlinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chutzpah everyone likes talking about. Even a Pumpkin Ridge marshal asked if I knew when McLaughlin was going to set up a standing tee time. continued on page 30

FEBRUARY 2011

Presented by

by CAMERON HEALEY It’s true! Yes, I recently learned first hand why an extended layoff from swinging the sticks often results in a golf swing resembling that of a machete-wielding madman! First, my thanks to Sydney, the true and worthy “golfing newbie,” for kindly deferring her column this month in order to allow me (the publisher) to update my ongoing struggle (ahem… antics) and adventures on achieving a consistent and confident swing. Of course, this is made possible with the assistance and guidance of Director of Instruction Brett Wilkinson at the Bellevue GolfTEC learning center. The good news is that Brett is not only my instructor, but also Sydney’s, which means we are able to share and console each other after our lessons. The bad news for Brett is that he has a double dose of insanity to contend with; however, to his credit and our relief, if you need a little help with your golf game in 2011, you could not find a more encouraging, experienced, and patient golfing advocate. As I reflect back on my game last year, I am happy to say that my ability to hit the

ball straighter improved, and I was able to consistently score in the mideighties, with one round almost breaking the hallowed 80. For me, one who plays infrequently, I tend to struggle with old bad habits creeping back into my game resulting in inconsistency and frustration. Yes, it was not uncommon for me to follow up a solid round with one in the mid-nineties. Don’t get me wrong, I’ll take the good with the not-so-good; however, I’m looking for consistency and my recent trip to see Brett at GolfTEC exposed and addressed a few key areas that I must improve upon should I wish to play to a consistent and satisfying level. Now, I know I’m not

alone in desiring improvement, am I? So what did I discover during my hour-long session with Brett? Well, let’s start with the good news. There was less of it, so this part will be brief! After taking a few warm-up swings, the evidence collected from GolfTEC’s array of equipment is that I have good upper body ﬂexibility and shoulder turn, club head speed and ability to hit the ball with some authority. The not-so-good news (and this will represent the bulk of my column) after taking a few warm-up swings, is that Brett’s computer screen quickly resembled that of a sea of red ﬂags unceremoniously informing Brett that my swing needs immediate attention! Initial observations concluded that I was coming inside excessively during the takeaway, resulting in my right leg locking up to set up an over-the-top downswing and resulting impact that oscillated between push, pulls and hitting the heel of the club. Overall, not bad, but my address needed some work. First item, according to Brett, was to focus on keeping my legs bent during continued on page 34

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FEBRUARY 2011

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FEBRUARY 2011

“Pink & Shrink” Style Of Past For Nike EDITOR’S NOTE: Golf Today Magazine NW Edition is pleased to announce the addition of a new column that addresses all things golf for women. We have called on the expertise of beth erlendson and holly danks from the executive women’s golf association’s portland chapter. Together, they bring a strong background in journalism and the golf industry that will serve to educate, inform and hopefully inspire our female readership. Upcoming features include women-specific equipment developments, female-friendly golf courses, a golf ball selection primer and apparel innovations and trends. The power of women’s golf isn’t as much on the tee as it is in the pocketbook. Executives at Nike, the world’s leading supplier of athletic shoes and apparel, say the Northwest-based company learned that lesson over the last decade and is applying it to new golf fashions and equipment for women in 2011. “Generally, it doesn’t work when you take men’s clothing and change the color for women,” says Doug Reed, who has worked at Nike for more than 21 years and been global director for Nike Golf apparel, footwear and accessories going on five years. “We look at women golfers as a distinct and discreet segment of athletes and consumers,” Reed says. “We don’t just look at a guy’s product and just pink it out.” Golf Datatech polled more than 1,000 serious women golfers in 2008 and found that in the past year they spent an average of just under $700 on golf equipment and an additional $515 on golf apparel. Nearly 75% of respondents said they believe that the technological advances in golf club design can significantly improve their play. “As we build out our product line, we certainly have our eyes on the women golfer,” notes Rob Arluna, category business director for Nike Golf clubs. It was a different story when the Beaverton, Ore., footwear giant got into the golf business about 10 years ago, Arluna acknowledges. “We started with traditional blades – Tiger’s clubs – out of the gate,” Arluna says. “Now we have a range of equipment for different players and prices, including women.” Arluna and Reed both say input from Nike’s LPGA pros – Michelle Wie, Suzann Pettersen and 2010 rookie Amanda Blumenherst – as well as staff teaching pros and consumer focus groups is critical in designing for the woman golfer. All the talk and testing has produced the integration of fit, function and style for helping women golfers perform and look their best – and get the best value, the Nike directors say. On the apparel side, Nike went from “pink and shrink,” Reed says, to trying to be too stylish and fashionable. With FEBRUARY 2011

the tall, slender Wie, then a fresh-faced high school student, as its logo female, the company’s golf apparel line wasn’t relevant to the typical woman player. The styles just didn’t fit -- in more ways than one, Reed notes. Over the past five years, Nike has worked to make its golf apparel consistently fit – and flatter – more women of various ages and sizes, Reed says. And with many women golfers already aware of how important the right clothing and shoe materials are from their yoga, spin and other conditioning classes at the gym, Nike designers also committed to finding the right blend of innovation, performance and comfort for their golf collections, Reed says. Now that it has a firm handle on fit

and performance, Reed says, Nike Golf is introducing “a lot more cute and fun, feminine details.” Touches such as rouching, gathers, princess seams, belts, pleats, satin ribbons, and convertible collars and sleeves, will allow women golfers to wear the same apparel “to and from a golf

course and every day,” he says. “It doesn’t look so hardcore performance,” e, Reed notes. And, versatility seems to be the name of the game. The 2011 line includes a

style, with interchangeable g midfoot saddle straps stra that allow the golfer gol to choose from fo four diﬀerent color ooptions to tie the their

New t h i s spring and designed as a companion piece to the Embellish shoe, is the Women’s Nike Xtreme Sport Carry Bag. Featuring the same dot pattern that’s on the golf shoe, this lightweight and durable bag features an 8.5 inch oval top with an 8-way, 3 full-length divider system. There are 9 functional pockets, 6 of which are zippered. This fairway stunner comes with an MSRP of $150.”

2-in-1 skort that can be worn with or without shorts that connect through the belt loops. The dri-ﬁt fabric reverses from solid to print and the shorts also can be worn alone. The new Nike Air Embellish (MSRP $130) golf shoe also offers versatile

entire look together. Inspired by Wie’s swing, the Air Embellish also has a Nike Power Platform outsole, Nike Air heel and water-resistant, full-grain leather upper. “Fun and versatility and good value is a winning formula in the golf industry now,” Reed says. On the equipment side, Nike is launching its Victory Red (VR) Pro line of drivers, fairway woods and irons nationwide in February for the woman golfer the company calls the “Protégé,” or the better player who wants the authentic tour club played by Pettersen. Men’s VR Pros also will be available. The VR drivers and fairway woods are fully adjustable, with 32 different positions to shape ball flight. The VR Pro Blade irons (MSRP $1,079) come in lighter flexes for women and have different cavities for working the ball differently. The VR Pro Combo (MSRP $1,079.99) features 2-3-4 irons with pocket cavities, allowing the longer irons more weight in the heel and toe for more forgiveness, Arluna says. The split, or half cavity, of the 5-6-7 irons look about the same but are more workable, while the 8-9 and pitching wedge are the traditional blades.

continued on page 29

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Northwest 18 3 13 10 15 12 17

19 2

Cour d’Alene C e

Help More Golf Lovers Find You!

9 20 16

Get listed in the NEW Northwest Golf Course Directory

For one small yearly fee, you will have your golf course or driving range listed in all issues of Golf Today Magazine, including your location plotted on its corresponding state map!

Listing ($199) Bend en nd

Business name, city, location, URL, phone, type, slope /rating, yardage, # of holes. Call 425-941-9946 to have your course included today!

22 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

FEBRUARY 2011

Golf Course Directory 1. Tetherow Golf Club Bend, OR [P:]541.388. CLUB (2582) [Web:]tetherow.com [Type:] semi-private [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]74.8/144 [Yardage:]7298

2. Sun Country Golf & RV Park Cle Elum, WA [P:]509.674.2226 [Web:]golfsuncountry.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]68/114 [Yardage:]5715

3. Camaloch Golf Course Camano Island, WA [P:](800) 628-0469 (360) 387-3084 [Web:]camalochgolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]70.9/126 [Yardage:]6241

4. Pumpkin Ridge: Ghost Creek North Plains, OR [P:]503.647.2515 [Web:]pumpkinridge.com [Type:] semi-private [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]74/145 [Yardage:]6839

5. Auburn Golf Course Auburn, WA [P:]253-833-2350 [Web:]auburngolf.org [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]68.5/121 [Yardage:]6068

10. Carnation Golf Course Carnation, WA [P:]425-333-4151 [Web:]carnationgolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]NA [Yardage:]

11. University of Idaho Golf Course Moscow, ID [P:]208-885-6171 [Web:]uidahogolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]72.4/135 [Yardage:]6602

16. Lake Oswego Public Golf Course Lake Oswego,OR [P:]503-636-8228 [Web:]lakeoswegogolf.org [Type:] public [Holes:]9 [Rating/Slope:]NA [Yardage:]2538

17. Mount SI Golf Course Snoqualmie,WA [P:]425-391-4926 [Web:]mtsigolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]69.2/117 [Yardage:]6261

6. Galena Ridge Golf Course Kellogg, ID [P:]208-783-1522 [Web:]silvermt.com [Type:] public [Holes:]9 [Rating/Slope:]n/a [Yardage:]3617

12. Maplewood Golf Course Renton, WA [P:](425) 430-6800 [Web:]ci.renton.wa.us [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]68.8/115 [Yardage:]6127

18. Eaglemont Golf Club Mt Vernon, WA [P:]800-368-8876 [Web:]eaglemontgolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]74.6/143 [Yardage:]7006

7. Palouse Ridge Pullman, WA [P:]509-335-4342 [Web:]palouseridge.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]75.9/140 [Yardage:]7308

8. The Links at Moses Pointe Moses Lake, WA [P:]509-764-2275 [Web:]mosespointe.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]75.6/130 [Yardage:]7549

13. Ballinger Lake Golf Course [P:]425-775-6468 [Web:]ballingerlakegolf.com [Type:] public [Holes:]9 [Rating/Slope:]32.4/105 [Yardage:]2564

14. Langdon Farms Golf Course [P:]503.678.4653 [Web:]langdonfarm.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]72.5/128 [Yardage:]6931

15. Nile Golf Course 9. Camas Meadows Camas, WA [P:]360-833-2000 [Web:]camasmeadows.com [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]72.4/144 [Yardage:]6571

FEBRUARY 2011

Mountlake Terrace,WA [P:] [Web:]nilegolf.com [Type:] semi-private [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]63.7/107 [Yardage:]5001

19. Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course Coeur d’Alene, ID [P:]800-688-5253 [Web:]cdaresort.com/golf/ [Type:] public [Holes:]18 [Rating/Slope:]71.1/119 [Yardage:]6803

20. Heron Lakes Golf Course (Greenback) Portland, OR [P:]503-289-1818 [Web:] www.heronlakesgolf.com [Type:] Public [Holes:] 18 [Rating/Slope:] 71.4/124 [Yardage:] 6615

20. Heron Lakes Golf Course (Great Blue) Portland, OR [P:]503-289-1818 [Web:] www.heronlakesgolf.com [Type:] Public [Holes:] 18 [Rating/Slope:] 73.2/140 [Yardage:] 6902

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

continued from page 9

A visit to their tasting facility is more than tasting their delicious wines, it’s an experience. You’ll truly enjoy their warm, friendly, family style hospitality. Rogue Valley Laurel Hill Golf Course/Gold Hill Yardage 1,910 Par: 31 Designer: Harvey Granger Old Stage Road runs from Jacksonville to Gold Hill. The name comes from being the old stage route from Jacksonville to Grants Pass. Laurel Hill Golf Course is located a quarter mile from the freeway (I-5 Exit 40), 15 minutes from Medford, and just across the Rogue River from Gold Hill. The course sits on 28 acres that was literally carved out of the timber by Harvey Granger in 1975. Granger used rough-hewn timbers from the property for trusses in the club house, complete with natural wood tables, and a huge wood stove and hearth, producing a warm, family lodge atmosphere. The course itself winds its way through a grove of laurel, pine and oak trees. The trees are what make the course, especially in the summer time when it’s 100 degrees. According to Jan Fish, Harvey’s daughter, who owns the course with husband Peter,

the trees, which make Laurel Hill the “coolest” course in the summer months, can also make it challenging. “You not only have to plan your shot for distance, but you also have to line it up for width, or the canopy of branches come into play,” says Jan. “It’s what makes the course unique, fun and challenging.” Man-made Sissy Creek runs across the 1st hole (one of three par 4’s), into two ponds guarding the ﬁrst shot on the 9th, my favorite ﬁnishing hole. The 9th, screams out for a lay-up shot to the twin ponds unless you can accurately produce a draw that starts at 150 yards (but hey, who lays up?). For travelers, the huge parking lot is a plus. “RV’ers have been known to spend the night,” says owner Jan Fish. “Call before you come and I can direct you to a nice little spot. No hookups,” she adds, “but there is a nearby mobile home park where over nighters are welcome, and a gas station and corner store across the street from the park.” After you have enjoyed Laurel Hill Golf Course, just minutes away is Del Rio Vineyards. Their tasting room was once the historic Rock Point Hotel. The tasting facility is great for an after round, afternoon picnic with wonderful views of the vineyard and room for RV turnaround.

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IT GETS THE BALL ROLLING!! 24 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

Eagle Point Golf Course/Eagle Point Yardage: 7,600 Par: 72 Designer: Robert Trent Jones, Jr. From Gold Hill, you can enjoy another scenic drive on Highway 234 to Highway 62, the gateway to Crater Lake. Just a few minutes away, Eagle Point Golf Course rests on 175 acres of gently rolling terrain and thoughtfully designed fairways mixed with some difficult holes that will test the best, yet with four different tee boxes, it allows intermediate players the chance to score. At last count, I counted 86 sand traps. Eagle Point provides championship golf and boasts the best drainage system in the Rogue Valley. Even in the pouring down rain, you can have a decent round of golf. The 2004 Golf Digest gave the course four stars a “Best Places to Play” rating. Stone Ridge Golf Course/Eagle Point Yardage: 6,738 Par: 72 Designer: James Cochran Less than five miles away from Eagle Point G.C. is Stone Ridge Golf Course. James Cochran was and is the designer, builder, and sole proprietor of Stone Ridge. Three years after opening in 1995, Golf Digest voted it “Oregon’s #1 public course with green fees under $50.” The course provides breathtaking views on 18 different golf holes, each with its own character, and with four tees to choose from, it allows the average golfer a good

time while providing a challenge to scratch players as well. Head pro, Scott Lusk, has over 30 years of experience, and he is well known for his ability to teach the beginner, as well as providing needed “tune-ups” for the frequent player. Outside the club house, there are two large putting greens and a driving range with real grass tee boxes. My favorite hole is #13. From the top, the panorama of visual stimulation is breathtaking. You can see the Table Rocks, the layout of the golf course, and the Agate desert. At 280 yards, #13 is steeper than a cow’s face and even scary to walk. What’s fun is that even though it’s guarded by woods on the left, and woods and a creek on the right, you can also make this green in one shot. If you hit it just right, there is a slot between the cart path and the sand trap at the bottom of the hill that allows the ball to roll right to the green. Some can even make the green on the ﬂy. Stone Ridge Golf Course is fun, has lots of character, and the views are fantastic. While you are in Eagle Point, just oﬀ Highway 62 is Agate Ridge Vineyards. The tasting room is part of the original farm house on the acreage. Enjoy their FEBRUARY 2011

award winning wines with a picnic in their beautiful garden area. Their warm hospitality, the rustic setting and the beautiful views will charm you. Cedar Links Golf Course/Medford Yardage: 3,327 Par:36 Not far from Stone Ridge, just oﬀ of Foothills Road, is Cedar Links Golf Course. One of the four original courses in the Rogue Valley, Cedar Links started as a nine hole course, built by the

that he would come back to get his gear. Sure enough, a few minutes later, he was back. He fished his bag out of the pond, unzipped the side pocket, grabbed the keys to his car, and threw the bag back in! Never to be seen again. After your round, you can celebrate NOT throwing away your clubs at RoxyAnn Winery. Located on the corner of Foothills and Hillcrest Roads, the winery and tasting room is on the site of historic Hillcrest Orchards, one of the first pear orchards in the Rogue Valley. RoxyAnn is committed to producing bold and exciting wines that offer exceptional balance, concentration and depth of flavor. Centennial Golf Course/Medford Yardage: 7,309 Par: 72 Designer: John Fought

do. However, the green is guarded on the front by deep sand traps. The fairways are expertly manicured. The grass is strong and crisp, and the greens are quick, pool table smooth and firm (be sure to bring your backspin with you). Matt Grove, Centennial’s Maintenance Superintendent, makes sure everything is properly maintained. Attention to detail is the norm at Centennial. Golfers in the region agree. They voted Centennial the No. 1 Best Golf Course in the region. After you play Centennial, you must schedule a visit with Dragonfly Time Vineyards. Named for its annual late summer gathering of dragonflies, it lies along Larson Creek in the foothills across from Centennial. “Our sons always looked forward to ‘dragonfly time,’ says owner John Kline, and his wife, Sue, thought it would make a nice name for the vineyard. They have been making their own Tempranillo, Syrah, and Malbec since 2006. “Our vines are pruned and thinned to produce small yields of the highest possible quality,” says John. Considered a specialty vineyard, the wine is a premium item for the discriminating connoisseur. One needs to order soon before they sell out. Quail Point Golf Course/Medford Yardage: 3,069 Par: 35

Jantzer family in 1972, and a back nine was added in the late 80’s. Eventually, house-weeds crept their way in and the front nine was taken out, but the back nine remains to test the best of discriminating golfers. The course features elevated tees on three of the holes, open fairways and postage stamp, slanted greens. The 424 yard, Par 4 ﬁnishing hole brings a pond into play on the drive and the second shot to the green. After a round, you can sit on the patio and watch golfers attempt this diﬃcult hole. Local legend has it that one golfer hit four shots into the pond before throwing his bag of clubs into the water. Witnesses to the event took bets FEBRUARY 2011

Just a few miles down the road from RoxyAnn Winery is Centennial Golf Course. Centennial opened its fairways to rave reviews in May of 2006, and has continued to climb in the ranks of “best” courses in the country. The course is long, and boasts a choice between 5 diﬀerent tees, from a spectacular 7,309-yards to an easier 5,244, guaranteeing a pleasant experience for golfers of every level. Centennial is a top-notch facility with all the amenities for the golfer who wants to experience a course that could rival most on the PGA tour. My favorite hole is the 281 yard, par 4, #13. Most try to drive the green. Some

Adjacent to Centennial is Quail Point Golf Course. Quail Point provides challenging golf in a beautiful, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its complete facilities can provide an all day experience for local families and travelers alike, as well as a quick nine for any golfer on the go. Built in 1993, Quail Point boasts the fastest and purest greens in Southern Oregon and the parallel layout allows a “semi-links course” nomenclature. Hole #4, in my opinion, is the signature hole. It’s a beautiful, short, 154 yard downhill, Par 3. Guarded by a trap and a creek on the front of the green, a pond on the right and the road to the club house on the left, it requires an accurate shot. Hole #9 is a tricky green from a 159 yard tee shot. If you land on the uphill side, expect the ball to roll clear to the bottom with just the slightest of tap. Quail Point is family friendly, too. Children play for free every day (call for details). According to Brent Santoni, assistant professional at Quail, “The Junior Golf Program at Quail is the best in Southern Oregon, and our short game practice facility is second to none, com-

plete with a full driving range.” An extra added touch to the course is the new 18 hole putting course, the only one of its kind in Southern Oregon. From Quail Point, a quick hop back onto I-5 South takes you to Talent (I-5 Exit 21) and Paschal Winery. Paschal Winery & Vineyard, owned by Ron and Donna Tenuta, physically sits in a temperate locale ideal for growing varietals-good southern exposure in the morning and afternoon and partially shaded evening sun--much like the hills in the Sonoma wine country. Paschal’s old world palette and charm, dreamily casts a spell on the visitor relaxing on the veranda overlooking a pond, complete with swans who guard the aqua menagerie with quiet yet determined diligence. Paschal’s superior handcrafted wines, noted for their complexity, robust bouquets and pleasing balance, showcase the excellence of the Rogue Valley grape growing climate. Oak Knoll Golf Course/Ashland Yardage: 3,020 Par: 36 A little further south on I-5 brings us to Oak Knoll Golf Course. Located just oﬀ the freeway (I-5 Exit 14) on Highway 66, it is another one of the original four courses in the Rogue Valley. This Executive Par 3 gem is a must play for all types of golfers. Built in 1924, the course is experiencing a resurgence in popularity after many years of decline. In their most recently completed ﬁscal year, total revenue increased nearly 9%--- pretty good considering the slow economy. Oak Knoll’s success can be accredited to Tom Cronin, Director of Golf, and Haley Jones, Assistant Manager. They are part of what makes Oak Koll a great experience. It starts the second you enter the clubhouse to check in. Whether you’re an annual pass holder who plays six days a week, or a tourist “just passing through,” you’re treated like a friend. Completing the experience is the shape of the course. Superintendant, Laura Harvey, works long hours to maintain great course conditions. The course itself is built on gently rolling terrain. The fairways are semiwide, but slant away from the middle. A miss-hit shot can roll more than you expect. The greens are in excellent shape, but their small size requires an accurate approach. There are also about 100 trees that can alter your shots. The signature hole, in my opinion, is #6 because of the creek that crosses the fairway near the green. From the tips, at 263 yards, it’s a Par 4. When you’re standing on the tee box, you can almost hear it dare you to go for it. If you got the guts, take continued on page 32

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

continued from page 6

Here’s the challenge... Try properly warming up prior to 5 rounds. Plan on getting to the course 1 hour before your tee time, and take your time warming up. Don’t wreck your game by hitting 10 shots, 5 putts and barely making your time. Check Your Equipment More golf games are actually ruined by clubs that don’t ﬁt than by poor golf swings. I know, all your friends say it’s not the equipment, it’s the swing. But, in your search for a good swing, do you have a hodge-podge

of companies in your bag? What you should know: No two companies cut shafts the same way. It’s so hard to know, but the best way is to have just 1 company in your bag. A friend of mine hits it pretty long, and hits his 3-wood almost as far as I hit my driver. His driver is a different company and he hits it only a few yards farther and more crooked – except for once a round where he hits it pretty well. That suggests that his 3-wood fits and his driver doesn’t. If you have a ‘go-to’ club, it probably means that club fits better...

What you should consider: If your clubs actually don’t fit your good swing, you have to make a bad swing to get a good shot! Make a commitment not to use clubs that don’t properly fit. And remember that the less accomplished you are, the more clubfitting helps. The more accomplished you are, the more precise you can be! On-Course Practice Now is the time for this! A big problem with practice is that most of it is done on the range, and little is done in actual game-playing conditions. Does your course have a

practice area where you can hit balls from the rough, or off the sides of hills? Some do... But, the best place to learn is actually on the course! Prior to the 1960’s there weren’t as many driving ranges, so players actually did learn to play on the course. Pick a time at your course when it’s not busy, and go to different locations where you can hit some extra shots. Have a hole that is a total nemesis? Go there and hit 30 shots trying to figure out exactly where you want to aim and check your alignment. Make some notes if you have to, but spend some time on that hole and get it done! Ranges are great for working on your model swing, but get on the course to truly work it out. And it’s February! It’s a great time to go on the course when it’s not busy and do some on course practicing. Please be respectful of the course and replace divots and repair ball marks. Learn how to curve the ball right and left Sure, sure, you want to hit the ball straight, but... If you don’t know how to curve the ball, how do you know what to fix? Contrary to popular belief, curving the ball is not a bad thing, and in fact there are places on the course where regardless of what you do it will probably curve anyway (think sides of hills or very tight lies). There is a message in golf that you should hit every ball solid and straight, but who can? This means that your swing has to be good enough to overcome the conditions. If it isn’t – and whose is? – you’re going to need to curve it on purpose at times. So many people are scared of messing up their golf swing, but think of learning to curve it as getting more references for what your best swing is. If the only thing you concentrate on is hitting a straight shot, after a while you might be making a copy of a copy. You can get off a bit and not know it. There are different techniques, but get to a pro and ask how to curve it in both directions. If you can curve it on command, get to know where it starts in relation to your alignment and get to know where it ends up. Then, of course, get the pro to neutralize it and hit it straight again! Bob Duncan is the Director of Instruction at Tetherow Golf Club, is a Master Clubfitter, and has developed the Golfer Positioning System and the GolfeCoach on-course coaching program. His website is www. golfecoach.com, and he can be reached at golfsavvy@msn.com.

26 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

FEBRUARY 2011

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under are free. Our staff will be there with bells on, eager to participate in the unofficial “official” kick-off to the golf season in the Northwest. Get out of your easy chair, put on your boots, and plan to visit us at our booth at the Seattle Golf Show February 12-14, pick up copies of Golf Today at the Portland Golf Show, or visit us at the Spokane Golf Show Feb 19-20 where you can win a ton of prizes, including new drivers, Stay-and-Play packages, and of course, take a shot at guessing how many pink tees are in our popular “Guess The Number Of Pink Tees” competition. Guess correctly and you’ll go home with a brand new driver! See you there!

certificates at other great Seattle courses! And it gets even better! You could win a prize package from our friends at GolfTEC. Certainly a package that includes a one-hour initial evaluation PLUS three30-minute follow up lessons would be a welcomed win! In addition, GolfTEC will be offering event golfers free swing analysis on site. Entry fee is $105 per player, $95 per player for a twosome and $85 per player for a foursome. Be sure to act fast to secure your spot. In fact, if you book by Feb 28th, we’ll knock 10% off ! For more

information, please call 425-941-9946 or email events@golftodaynw.com. HERON LAKES SPRING CLASSIC While response to our 2nd Annual 2011 Heron Lakes Golf Classic, a fun one-day, play your own ball event Monday, April 25 at Heron Lakes Golf Course’s Great Blue Course has been great, we still have a few remaining foursomes available, so don’t wait. Yes, this event is open to ALL of our readers and you need not have a handicap. Our events are all about having fun! Please email

events@golftodaynw.com. Enjoy the issue and we’ll see you on the links! Have something to say? Share your thoughts and experiences or are you interested in having your product featured in Golf Today, please drop me a note at cameron@golftodaynw.com.

GLEN ACES LADIES CLASSIC, MONDAY, MAY 16, 2011 Welcome to the 2011 Glen Acres Ladies Classic, a one-day, play your own ball, “fun event” Monday, May 16 at the beautiful and stately 9-hole Glen Acres Golf & Country Club in Seattle, Washington. One of Seattle’s oldest golf clubs, the private Glen Acres course features

3,060 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 36. Sure to challenge the most able golfer, Glen Acres carries a course rating of 34.7 and a slope rating of 127 and offers golfers an opportunity to play a well maintained private course complete with driving range and putting green. Designed by George S. Merritt, the Glen Acres golf course opened in 1928 and is widely considered “Seattle’s Best Kept Secret” with great views of downtown Seattle. So what makes our events different? The Golf Today Ladies Classic fun tournament is open to women players of all abilities. You do not need to have a handicap and all players, regardless of their score, will take home swag bags loaded with goodies. PLUS all players will have an opportunity to win $3000 in value raffle prizes such as an overnight stay-and-play package, tickets to the 2011 Boeing Classic, apparel, golf clubs, golf bags, and free golf and discounted golf FEBRUARY 2011

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

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Vari-Break (sklz.com) Finally, A putting mat that acts like an actual putting green. With the Vari-Break you can practice reading and making putts with variation. The 33-square foot (11ft. x 3ft.) oversized true-roll putting surface can be manipulated with versatile, movable foam wedges for all kinds of practice-not every putt in your round is perfect, ﬂat and straight, so your practice should not be either. The Putt Pocket can be moved around the green for more putting scenarios and for fun putting competitions with friends and family. True-Roll surface closely simulates real green conditions, including downgrain and against-the-grain putting. Upgrain rates a 9 on a ﬁrm rug. $99.99, sklz.com

GOLF PACKAGES STARTING AT ONLY $59, treat yourself to comfortable lodging and great golf (including cart!) at 10th Green Inn at La Contenta. Visit www.10thgreeninn.com for more information. Or, call 1 (888) 727-8705.

GOLF VACATION RENTALS WAILEA, MAUI - GRAND Champions Villas on Blue Course, 7th Fairway. 1 BR, 2 bath, Discounted golf and tennis fees to tenants. $805 per week. $3000 per month, plus tax. Call (916) 408-1049. Or, Grandc181@sbcglobal.net

LEFT HANDED GOLF CLUBS DEMOS AND NEW CLUBS, some good used ones, men’s and women’s. Many name brands and knock offs at 50% below retail. I’ll email you the list. Shipping at the true cost, not inflated: duferdon@sbcglobal.net.

LOOKING TO TRAVEL OR WINTER NEST? 2005 27’ TRAILBAY TRAVEL trailer. Barely used, and beautifully kept. Slide-out living room and bunk house floor plan. Sleeps eight comfortably. Fully equipped with awning, stabilizer tow bars, two 10 gallon propane tanks, great stereo, many other extras. Only $25,000. Call (530) 308-7482 or email kristineF@ttlco.com

REAL ESTATE AFFORDABLE GOLF COMMUNITY LOT in Cool Pacific Northwest Home lot for sale in Alderbrook Golf & Yacht Club on the Hood Canal in Union Washington. Walk to clubhouse & fairways. Dues only $170 per month & come w/ full privileges for 2 on beautiful 18 hole course consistently ranked among top 25 in the Pacific Northwest. See www.alderbrookgolf.com for community details. 1/3 wooded acre on cul-de-sac. Electric and water in street. Septic required. $85,000. Contact Sharon Roseme at sroseme@garlic.com or 916-663-3450.

New Golf Products! Do you have a new golf product? A new golf service? Give Cameron a call at Golf Today Magazine. Get results with us and grow. For more information, call 425-941-9946 or email cameron@golftodaynw.com.

LAKE LAS VEGAS GOLF RESORT: Live in this beautiful golf community with three golf courses, two major hotels with gaming, plus a wonderful 320-acre lake full of fish. Chose from custom homes or custom lots to build your own dream home. Play a round of golf free, this being our way of saying thanks to qualified people looking for the right location. Call Earl or Anne at 702-460-2192 for an appointment. (Re/Max Pros.) Check our virtual tour at wwww. yourvegashome.com.

STAFF PUBLISHER / EDITOR . . . . . . . Cameron Healey

cameron@golftodaynw.com OPERATIONS MANAGER . . . . Sydney Healey sydney@sydhealeyconsulting.com PRODUCTION DIRECTOR . . . Kris Hansen kris@golftodaynw.com ASSOCIATE EDITORS: . . . . . Kelly Handley

REGIONAL EDITORS . . . . . . . . Cliﬀord Cowley

cliﬀord@golftodaynw.com

Wayne Scott wayne@golftodaynw.com

CONTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . Cliﬀord Cowley, Tony Dear, Diana Del Garbino, Bob Duncan,

Kelly Handley, Derek Mount, Rick Newell, Terry VanderHeiden, Dan Stark, Erin Szekely, Brett Wilkinson, Ina Zajac

Cameron Healey, Publisher/Editor • Golf Today Magazine Northwest Edition (425) 941-9946 phone • (425) 949-3090 fax www.GolfTodayNW.com • Cameron@GolfTodayNW.com

ISSN 1524-2854

Golf Today Magazine, The Best in the West for 22 Years, 12 issues per year, is published monthly. Golf Today Magazine Northwest Edition is published monthly and distributed within Washington and Oregon State. 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 and photos are welcome and can be emailed to info@golftodaynw.com. Some of the opinions expressed in the magazine and in the digital format are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Golf Today Magazine | Northwest Edition.

28 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

FEBRUARY 2011

Wailea Earns #1 Ranking in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2010 Reader’s Choice Survey With sweeping ocean vistas from virtually every hole, beautifully manicured fairways and broad array of amenities, the Wailea Golf Club is consistently rated among the top golf destinations on the planet. The club has received more than 7 dozen – and counting – awards and accolades for everything from course design and overall golf experience to the quality of its pro-shop and its commitment to historical preservation. This year, Conde Nast Traveler recognized the Wailea Golf Club together with the Four Seasons Resort Maui with a #1 ranking in the magazine’s 2010 Readers’ Choice Survey for the top 80 golf resorts. Golf Magazine also named the Grand Wailea and the Four Seasons Resort Maui to its 2010 list of Gold Medal golf resorts, based upon input from more than 6,000 readers who cast their votes at golf.com. One reason for the Wailea Golf Club’s continued popularity is its ongoing commitment to improving its customer experience. Among its newest amenities is a Rehabilitation Therapy Service featuring licensed massage therapists and trainers continued from page 21

The VR Pro Cavity (MSRP $839.99) set has an “Optimass” technology that places a tungsten-loaded weight precisely in the center of the club and away from the hosel to be “much more forgiving,” Arluna una says. The Machspeed Black driver (MSRP $359.99)) debuted late last year and is geared d toward the “Seeker,” or the woman golfer who still wants help getting the ball in the air but is looking for clubs to help her improve her game, Arluna says. ays. The driver is adjustable to eight positions to help the golfer shape or straighten hten their shot, hot, and the wom a n’s version comes with a pewtercolored head. “Innovation vation and performance are our ﬁrst priorities,” rities,” Arluna says, “then style and looks.” ks.” The Executive xecutive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) EWGA) is a national organization dedicated edicated to connecting women FEBRUARY 2011

who provide a range of services on site at the Wailea Gold & Emerald clubhouse. Golfers can indulge in massages, assisted stretching, traction, ice/heat application and posture and movement therapy, as well as quick chair massages to loosen tight muscles. The service is designed to reduce body soreness, tightness and joint compression, and restore strength and ﬂexibility before, during and after play. Aside from avoiding burdensome airline baggage fees, Wailea-bound golfers now have another reason to leave their clubs at home. The Wailea Golf Club is introducing its brandnew rental club ﬂeet featuring Nike SQ Machspeed drivers, woods, hybrids and irons for men, and Nike SQ Machspeed drivers and woods, and Slingshot hybrids and irons for women. The Nike rental sets come

with a free sleeve of Nike golf balls, adding to the value. The club also continues to enhance its popular demo club program, which showcases many of the newest lines from Callaway, TaylorMade, Ping, Titleist and Cobra. The Wailea Golf Club also enhanced its food and beverage options at the Gold & Emerald clubhouse, and now offers healthy grab-and-go snacks and beverages at the pro-shop and a beautifully remodeled clubhouse restaurant, Gannon’s A Pacific View, showcasing innovative cuisine by celebrated Maui chef Bev Gannon along with panoramic golf course and ocean views. Best yet, for the first time ever, the Wailea Golf Club will be offering the popular Seahorse Swing pass during peak winter months! Wailea Seahorse Swing Pass: three days of unlimited golf on the Wailea

Gold and/or Emerald courses for $450 per person. Additional days available for $150 per person per day. Available starting January 10, 2011 and valid through October 31, 2011. For more details including how you can obtain these passes as well as online tee time reservations, visit waileagolf.com or call 1-888-328-MAUI. The website frequently lists other unadvertised specials. Wailea’s Golf Rehabilitation Therapy Service is available by appointment. For more information, call 1-800-665-0670. The former site of the Champions Skins Game and LPGA Skins Game, the Wailea Golf Club encompasses three award-winning golf courses, a 12acre outdoor training facility, national award-winning pro shop and Hawaii’s only David Leadbetter Golf Academy. Its courses are located at the heart of Wailea Resort, home to ﬁve white-sand beaches, luxurious hotels and condominium villas, world-class spas, dozens of dining options, shopping, entertainment, water and cultural activities, and the award-winning Wailea Tennis Club.

to learn, play and enjoy golf for business and for fun. With events and programs for all skill levels, local chapters can be found in Portland and Bend, OR; Seattle and Spokane, WA; and Boise, ID. For more information visit www.ewga. com. To reach Beth and Holly directly, email communications@ewgapdx.com.

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GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

continued from page 14

McLaughlin is unfazed. He’s as earnest as he is tenacious. And he takes his daily workouts very seriously. “Make no mistake: he’s doing this for real,” says PGA teaching pro Christopher Smith, McLaughlin’s de facto trainer and golf coach. “Dan’s never wavered. Not only has he been sticking to everything we established at the start, but he also has a good sense for what the expectations are.” But what was Smith’s reaction when he ﬁrst met McLaughlin? “As soon as he said he wanted to compete at the pro level, I was put oﬀ. I was thinking, get real. I have no time for this. It was an insult. It’s like someone who can barely spell asking to publish the Great American Novel. I remember saying to myself, ‘no way, not me, not golf: pick something easier.’” But McLaughlin persisted in his unassuming way. “The turning point might’ve been when he mentioned he’d been talking to Ericsson,” says Smith, who trades time as the lead pro at Pumpkin Ridge and teaching at Beaverton’s KOR Physical Therapy and Athletic Wellness Clinic. “I realized he was thinking in terms of discipline and the psychology of learning. He’d been doing his homework.”

By this time last year, McLaughlin, Smith, Ericsson, and Hill gathered for a conference call to ﬁne-tune a strategy composed of milestones and expectations. Overnight, McLaughlin says, The Dan Plan gained some muscle. From a western edge of Washington County where Pumpkin Ridge consumes dozens of acres north of Highway 26, Smith tells McLaughlin to think about the pendulum in his swing. McLaughlin, who resembles a young version of actor Denis Leary, takes it all in. “Based on quantity and quality of practice, Dan’s a model student,” Smith says. “His sense of focus and discipline is high. And his mental toughness serves him well.” Smith, whose past includes a speed-golf world record, an Oregon PGA Teacher of the Year honor, and recognition in Golf Magazine’s Top 100 Instructors in America, has decades of experience with deconstructing and describing the cognitive dynamic of the game. Like the majority of golf instructors, he advocates learning close to the pin and working away, which explains McLaughlin’s last eight months — more than 1,000 hours — of putting. That’s at least six hours a day, rain or shine, month after month, standing over a ball a few feet from a hole. “That’s the deal,” Smith says. “No one

30 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

can compete — especially at Tour level — without complete mastery on and around the putting green.” Between some light banter and not cutting McLaughlin any slack, Smith mentions the September morning when he ﬁrst introduced a pitching wedge. “I won’t forget the look on his face,” Smith says. “He was like a kid at Christmas.” On or around a practice green at Pumpkin Ridge, Heron Lakes, Rose City, East Moreland, Broadmoor or Colwood, McLaughlin is now spending 60% of his time putting and 40% chipping. Adding to the mix are periodic teleconferences with some of McLaughlin’s performance experts. He also consults with Lake Oswego physical therapist Shawn Dailey for strength conditioning. “Chris and Shawn are ideal,” McLaughlin says. “They look at the whole person, not just the game. Plus, they’re both familiar with Ericsson’s research and how it pertains to charting a trajectory of selfimprovement.” From his back pocket, McLaughlin pulls out a notepad and pencil to chart a round of putts. I watch for a golfer’s swagger, but there is none. Instead, he reaches for a brown paper bag that resembles a piece of trash. “Lunch,” he says, asking if I want one of his homemade energy bars. “Dan has character,” Smith says. “There

are so many reasons to want Dan to succeed, but I think his greatest quality is how he confronts a challenge head on. In my opinion, it’s a big factor. I can’t count the number of times someone automatically assumes Dan has a lot of money, as if he has nothing at stake. Not only is that untrue, but it’s kind of the opposite with Dan. He lives very simply. He’s forgoing what most people his age would call ‘a life’ to pursue this. There’s no agenda other than to succeed. The purity in it is admirable.” “Anyone can do this,” McLaughlin says, while sipping hot herbal tea kept in a thermos. “People can try it on a smaller scale — even four hours a week is something. We can get so locked into our routines that we end up forgetting that those two or four hours a week are going to pass one way or another. Might as well put them to good use.” It’s hard to know if we’ll ever see McLaughlin’s name on a PGA leader board, but this is certain: he’ll have accomplished something personal and ambitious, which — with all the glory of irony — doesn’t have much to do with golf. You can follow McLaughlin’s progress at www.thedanplan.com.

FEBRUARY 2011

continued from page 10

Caprice Vineyards 970 Old Stage Road Central Point, OR 97502 541-499-0449 wine@capricevineyards.com PASCHAL WINERY In 2009, Ron and Donna Tenuta discovered Paschal Winery and Vineyard. They were smitten by the beautiful panoramic views, and the potential of taking an already successful tasting room to the next level. They were excited to bring their own winemaking experience to Southern Oregon, to produce high quality wines from the grapes grown in the foothills east of Talent. Ron, who has been involved in making wine since he was a boy, focuses on the vineyard and winemaking, while Donna handles the tasting room along with all of the community functions and special events. Ron is a third generation winemaker in this country and multi-generation winemaker going back to Toscana, Italia. His grandfather immigrated to the United

States in 1909 (his name is engraved on the wall at Ellis Island, New York) and established a vineyard in the up-state New York, Finger Lakes region. Ron learned the “old world” way of making wine from his father and uncles, and he is glad to continue “the family business” of producing high quality wines. Donna continues to follow her passion for nursing and spends her “spare” time at the Tasting Room getting to know her customers. Ron’s knowledge and experience with winemaking and Donna’s energetic perFEBRUARY 2011

sonality make the perfect team to lead Paschal Winery into a new, exiting chapter. “We love the idea of sharing our dream with our family and close friends,” says Ron and Donna. The Paschal grounds and facilities are perfectly suited for events from music recitals, to full-blown weddings. The spacious tasting room and facilities upstairs open to a patio and deck overlooking a pond, complete with wildlife, and the eastern foothills of the Rogue Valley. Check Paschal’s website for details about upcoming events. Become a member of their wine club to receive updates and discounts on their wines. While you are there, you must try their new 2009 Estate Viognier (Port), and the 2009 Estate Merlot (Port). They are receiving rave reviews from Paschal visitors. Paschal Winery

1122 Suncrest Road Talent, OR 97540 541-535-7957 web@paschalwinery.com GRIZZLY PEAK VINEYARD AND WINERY From the sun-drenched rolling hills of Ashland, Al and Virginia Silbowitz bring you fine wines crafted with Old World finesse, yet filled with New World exuberance and excitement. Al, Virginia, and their daughters began their winery with a simple dream:

To grow grapes with care, to make their wines with love of the craft, and to serve their customers with integrity. They invite you to join them. Their 40 acres of vineyard and winery grounds are the perfect setting for a lazy afternoon before or after attending an event in Ashland. In their modern tasting room, the natural wood decor creates an earthy atmosphere beckoning visitors to relax and enjoy the conversation of fellow wine aficionados. While you are there, tour the grounds, and the wine making facilities. Pick out a shady spot under a tree, or a sunny spot on the lawn for a picnic in the peaceful surroundings. One visit will convince you to join their wine club for regular updates on wine specials and upcoming events. Whether it is a recital by the Youth Symphony of Southern Oregon, a folk singer, or an authentic luau complete with hula dancers, events at Grizzly Peak entertain. The grounds are also available for rental as an unforgettable site for a wedding, family celebration, or corporate retreat. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Ashland, it is a beautiful back drop for any event. Visit us once, and we know you’ll return. Whether it is a charity fundraiser, wine tasting or anniversary celebration make Grizzly Peak Winery is your place to enjoy the company of friends, family and interaction with your community. While you are there, try Grizzly’s own

Le Mystére. In a blend chosen annually by their Winemaker, Andy Swan, this classic red wine will always be fresh and challenging. Grizzly Peak Winery 1600 E. Nevada St. Ashland, OR 97520 541-482-5700 grizzlypeakwinery.com

Other Vineyards and Wineries Schmidt Family Vineyards 330 Kubli Road Grants Pass, OR 97527 541.846.9985 www.sfvineyards.com Soloro Vineyard & Tasting Room 9110 North Applegate Rd Grants Pass, OR 97527 541.862.2693 www.sorwa.org Troon Vineyard 1475 Kubli Road Grants Pass, OR 97527 541.846.9000 www.troonvineyard.com For more information contact: Southern Oregon Winery Association P.O. Box 111 Medford, OR 97501 info@sorwa.org www.sorwa.org

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

continued from page 25

the shot. Furthermore, from the white tees at 183 yards, it becomes a Par 3. Either way, it’s a tough hole. Throughout the course you will be treated to views of the southern flank of foothills lining the east side of the Rogue Valley. After your round at Oak Knoll, stop by Grizzly Peak Winery (I-5 Exit 19). Nestled in the beautiful sun-drenched, rolling hills east of Ashland, Grizzly Peak brings you fine wines, crafted with Old World finesse, yet filled with New World exuberance and excitement. Owner, Al Silbowitz, says his vineyard elevation ranges from 1500 to 2600 feet, allowing for the successful cultivation of a broad range of grapes. “The noble vines of Bordeaux and the Rhone love it here,” says Silbowitz. “They produce excellent vintages, as do the classic vines of Italy and Spain,” he adds. Travelers should also check our calendar of events,” says Virginia, Al’s wife. “We host a lot of events that coincide with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival season and other cultural events in the valley.” Indeed, their 40 acres of vineyard and winery grounds are also available for rental as an unforgettable site for weddings, family celebrations, or corporate retreats. Surrounded by the rolling hills of Ashland, it is a beautiful back drop for any event, or afternoon picnic. Klamath Falls Running Y Ranch Resort Yardage: 7,138 Par: 72 Designer: Arnold Palmer There are many ways to spend your time at the Running Y Ranch Resort. Imagine playing a round of golf on an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course or spending the day being pampered at the relaxing Sandhill Spa. Whatever your pleasure, they have activities for you to enjoy both in and out of doors. Running Y was rated by Golf Digest as one of “America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses” and is consistently recog-

nized as one of the best golf courses in Oregon. If you are in the area, it’s a must play. Golf for Women recently ranked the Running Y course No. 4 among the “Top 50 Courses for Women” (2010). As a member of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System, the course also helps preserve and enhance the natural aesthetics that sets the Running Y apart from other courses in Southern Oregon. The course itself lives up to the title “Sweet 16” that Mr. Palmer bestowed upon it when he designed the course. The innate beauty of the signature hole, #5 will astound you. Take a picture. Choose the right club. At 147 yards, you need to carry the lake without fading it into the water. But, who cares? It’s a just plain purty hole! My favorite hole is #9. It’s a 431 yard Par 4, with tees in the nosebleed section, overlooking a green that you’ll swear looks the size of a pin-head. I LOVE elevated tees! Every time I play it I want to go WEEEEE! all the way down. The fairways are meticulously manicured to medium-tight lies. The cool thing about them is how the ball seems like it’s teed up on the head of a pencil, allowing forgiveness when you hit the ball. The greens are fast, ﬁrm and true. If you’re looking for golf resorts in Oregon that have it all, you will ﬁnd it at Running Y. It’s a perfect choice for a romantic weekend, a family get-away, or a man-cation. It’s difficult to believe the growth Southern Oregon has experienced in the last two decades. Twenty years ago, there were only four public golf courses in the Medford/Ashland area (Oak Knoll, Bear Creek, Laurel Hills, and Cedar Links). Now, there are more than a dozen within a 30 minute drive (Running Y is less than an hour away). We’re fortunate to have so many great courses on our region. We are equally fortunate to have experienced exponential growth in the wine industry. Come visit Southern Oregon. Stay-nPlay. Sample our wines. One visit, and your desire to visit won’t fade away, you’ll be hooked!

Other Courses to Play Bear Creek Golf Course Yardage:1,601 Par:29 Perfect for families and the beginning to skill level of player. Stewart Meadows/Medford Yardage: 2,910 Par: 35 Relatively ﬂat--a favorite for senior golfers.

Red Mountain Golf Course/Grants Pass Yardage:1,118 Par:29 Designer: Bob Snook Snuggled into little canyons and valleys-no need to take your driver. Dutcher Creek/Grants Pass Yardage: 5,588 Par: 70 Relatively short, even from the tips-mostly wide open and ﬂat--easy walking.

Southern Oregon Golf At A Glance Oak Knoll Golf Course 9 holes 3,020 yards/par 36 (Municipal) 3070 Highway 66 Ashland, OR 97520-9504 541-482-4311 www.oakknollgolf.org

Eagle Point Golf Course 18 holes 7,096 yards/par of 72 (Public) 100 Eagle Point Dr Eagle Point, OR 97524-9696 541-826-8225 www.eaglepointgolf.com

Stewart Meadows Golf Course 9 holes 2,910 yards/par 35 (Public) 1301 S Holly St Medford, OR 97501-3726 541-770-6554 www.stewartmeadows.com

Laurel Hill Golf Course 9 holes 1,915 yards/par 31 (Public) 9450 Old Stage Rd Central Point, OR 97502-9719 541- 855-7965 www.laurelhill.com

Bear Creek Golf Course 9 holes 1,501 yards/par 29 (Public) 2355 S Paciﬁc Hwy Medford, OR 97501-8757 541-773-1822 www.golfbearcreek.com

Applegate River Golf Club 9 holes 2643 yards/par 36 (Public) 7350 New Hope Rd. Grants Pass, OR 97527 541-955-0480 www.applegaterivergolfclub

Quail Point Golf Course 9 holes 3,056 yards/par 35 (Public) 1200 Mira Mar Ave Medford, OR 97504-8546 541-857-7000 www.quailpoint.com

Red Mountain Golf Course 9 holes 1,118 yards/par 29 (Public) 324 Mountain Greens Lane Grants Pass, OR 97526-7734 (541) 479-22975 search: red mountain golf course

Centennial Golf Club 18 holes 7,309 yards/par 72 (Public) 1900 N Phoenix Rd Medford, OR 97504-9340 541-773-4653 www.centennialgolfclub.com

Myrtle Creek Golf Course 18 holes 6,852 yards/par72 (Public) 1316 Fairway Dr. Myrtle Creek, OR 97457 541-863-4653 www.myrtlecreekgolfcourse.com

Cedar Links Golf Club 9 holes 3,327 yards/ par 36 (Public) 3155 Cedar Links Dr Medford, OR 97504-9396 541-773-4373 www.cedarlinks.com

Running Y Ranch Resort 18 holes 7,138 yards/par 72 (Public) 5500 Running Y Road Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601 541-850-5500 www.runningy.com

Stone Ridge Golf Course 18 holes 6,738 yards/par 72 (Public) 500 E Antelope Rd Eagle Point, OR 97524-9001 541-830-4653 search: stone ridge golf course

32 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

FEBRUARY 2011

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

The Pro’s Corner by CLIFFORD COWLEY

Marti Loeb Occupation—RYG™ Certiﬁed Teaching and Fitting Professional Location—Red Tail Golf Course Beaverton, Oregon Status—LPGA/PGA Class A

Before starting her career in golf, Marti Loeb played golf for the University of Oregon. “Go Ducks!” she says. After her stint with U. of O., she graduated Magna Cum Laude from Concordia University in Portland. “When I completed my bachelor’s degree, I continued my education to be an accredited golf professional, becoming one of a very select few who have obtained their Class A Membership in both the LPGA and PGA of America,” says Marti. Moreover, she has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women’s Golf Instructors by Golf For Women Magazine, as well as Junior Leader of the Year by the Pacific Northwest Chapter of the PGA. “I have dedicated my entire working life to golf, and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she says. “I love this amazing sport!” Marti has been a golf professional for more than 25 years (please don’t tell anyone). During that time, she has held just about every kind of golf related job, at every kind of facility. She has worked at public golf courses and practice facilities, been a teaching pro, a head professional, and a director of golf instruction at country clubs and resorts throughout the Pacific Northwest. “I am thrilled, however, to have finally found my home at Red Tail Golf Center,” says Marti. “The teaching amenities are the best I have ever seen.” Marti’s true passion is teaching. Her teaching philosophy focuses on increasing students’ knowledge by focusing on the fundamentals of their own unique golf swing. “My approach emphasizes a joint effort between student and

teacher to create confident, self-reliant players,” Marti says. She adds that it is critical to create a learning environment, free from external distractions. She believes in training her students to be aware of what is transpiring “in the moment,” instead of filling their mind with too many swing tips or mechanical thoughts that inhibits their ability to improve. “The best thing,” says Marti, “is the gratification of seeing my students improve their skills and enhance their enjoyment of the sport.” Indeed, Marti has been an influence on many golfers and experienced firsthand, innumerable golf facilities and teaching academies, all to the betterment of her students, and the golf industry.

continued from page 15

the entire takeaway until I reached the top of my back swing. To help guard my propensity to bring my hands inside during the take away, I needed to concentrate on keeping my hands, arms, and club shaft in front of me and not behind me. After a few practice swings the swing looked more on plane. Good. Progress! Now it was time to focus on my tendency to lift my right foot during the transition at the top of the swing and to avoid pushing my right leg towards the hole prematurely. The key, according to Brett, is to keep my lower body quiet. Hmm, I didn’t realize it was so noisy, but he was really trying to impart the need to keep my legs stable throughout the entire swing and rotate at the shoulders. No problem! With a few more swings to help “feel” the correct body posture and impact position, progress was made. “Keep my arms, hands, and club shaft in front of me”. Got it! This is my new mantra! As we progressed through the evaluation, we looked at my wrist position at impact. Again, the good news is I had a reasonable consistency of hitting down on the ball with the shaft leaning forward at impact; however, there was room for improvement. How so? Hitting down on the ball with your shaft

34 GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

leaning forward at impact results in striking the ball with more authority and hopefully better shots. The common challenge forus amateurs and weekend warriors is to avoid flipping the ball at impact, so the challenge for me is to first hinge my wrists 90 degrees and hold that position during my down swing until impact. One of the great reasons why GolfTEC has helped me so much is that I can go online when I get home to review my swing before and after the lesson to visualize where I was erring and to review notes made by Brett with his verbal follow ups. Now, Brett was honest in saying we covered about 12 lessons in one hour, so the key for improvement for me is to review and stay on track by reviewing and practicing the suggested drills online. Again, the drills are demonstrated with video with an easy-to-follow pattern, so they are easily understood. Now, I need to make the time investment and get out to the range and practice what I learned ad nauseum! Stay tuned until next month, when Sydney the ‘golfing newbie’ returns as she chronicles her experiences learning the game of golf in conjunction with our friends at GolfTEC. For more information or to learn more about GolfTEC, please turn to page 36. FEBRUARY 2011

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FEBRUARY 2011

GOLF TODAY MAGAZINE  NORTHWEST EDITION

ADVANCED

TECHNOLOGY

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PORTLAND LOCATIONS

Cascade Station 503 281-1842 Nyberg Wood 503-612-7807 SEATTLE LOCATIONS

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