TEE.SHOTS SPRING 2010
MAGAZINE www.ncpga.com
Third Time's a Charm! Mitch Lowe Claims 3rd NCPGA Match Play Championship Title
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION 411 Davis Street, Suite 103 Vacaville, CA 95688 Phone: (707) 449-4742 Fax: (707) 449-4755 E-mail: ncal@pgahq.com Web site: www.ncpga.com NCPGA OFFICERS President - Monte Koch, Chardonnay GC Vice President & Treasurer - Len Dumas, Contra Costa CC Secretary - John Hughes, Castlewood CC Honorary President - Bob Young, Stockton G&CC
CONTENTS FEATURES
PGA DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR Sue Fiscoe, FM Golf – Northern California Section NCPGA DIRECTORS Brad Braden, Dublin Ranch GC Bob Caldwell, Bodega Harbour Golf Links Mike Dowd, Oakdale G&CC Tom James, Kings CC Cathy Jo Johnson, GC at Incline Village Jim Kepler, Eagle Valley GC Dede Moriarty, Presidio GC Tracy Stansberry, Palo Alto Hills G&CC Dan Brace, Independent Director Lyle Wehrman, Honorary Director CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Pat Gould - North State: Peach Tree G&CC Dave Lewis - San Joaquin Valley: Stripes Practice Center Gus Jones - Sierra Nevada: Martis Camp Eric Lippert – Monterey Bay: Del Monte GC Mark Naylor - Bay Area: Castlewood CC Ted Mattila - North Coast: Buckingham G&CC NCPGA SECTION STAFF Chris Thomas, Executive Director & COO Nancy Maul, Assistant Executive Director Jennifer Noël, Executive Assistant & Communications Specialist Brandon Hill, Assistant Tournament Director Nancy “Ida” French, Administrative Assistant Suzy Schneider, Foundation Administrative Assistant Gary Xavier, Junior Golf Tournament Director NCPGA CONSULTANTS Dan Brace: Legal Counsel Carol Pence: PGA of America Employment Services Consultant Lyle Wehrman: Senior Affairs ADVERTISING For advertising information, please contact: Nancy Maul or Jennifer Noël at (707) 449-4742
TEE SHOTS MAGAZINE
Tee Shots Magazine is produced for the NCPGA by ACE Communications & Graphics (ACE) (951) 679-9644. Postage paid at Temecula, CA and additional offices. Editor: Nancy Maul Managing Editor: Jennifer Noël Production/Pre Press: Greg Flores Contributing Writer: Amal Nichols Tee Shots Magazine is distributed free to members and affiliates of the NCPGA. The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the NCPGA. The NCPGA and ACE assume no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the NCPGA and ACE is prohibited.
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FEATURES 10 – Selling Authenticity & Respect:
NCPGA Honors Bruce Wilson as 12th Recipient of
NCPGA Honorary Membership
13 – NCPGA to Host PGA Cup 2011 in the Heart of the Valley:
Eric Lippert, PGA Shares His Once in a Lifetime Experience
DEPARTMENTS 3 – From the President: by Monte Koch, PGA 4 – From the Executive Director & C.O.O.: by Chris Thomas 7 – Employment Services: by Carol Pence, PGA/LPGA 8 – NCPGA Sponsor Spotlight: SkyGolf GPS 9 - Internet Marketing and Social Media New Opportunities for Golf Professionals and Facilities: by Eric Jones, MA, PGA 16 – Tournament Recaps 19 – Player of the Year Standings 20 – Pro-Pro Best Practices: Shim La Goy, PGA 22 – NCPGA Profile:
Ron Kuwata, PGA – Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino
24 – Short Shots 30 - NCPGA Junior Golf Tour
ON THE COVER
Spyglass Hill PGA Head Golf Professional Jin Park and (r) E-Z-GO Sales Representative Adrian Meyer congratulate three time Match Play Champion (c) Mitch Lowe of Del Rio Country Club (Modesto, Calif.) on his victory. A strong competitor, Mitch turned Professional in 1990 and began to compete on several tours including as a member on the Canadian and Nike Tour. After becoming a member of the PGA in 1999, he earned NCPGA Player of the Year honors in 2001, 2005 and 2009, Stroke Play Champion in 2009 as well as three Match Play Championship (2000, 2005, 2010) titles.
P R E S I D E N T ' S
M E S S A G E
Time Flies When You are the Mayor By Monte Koch NCPGA President
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y how time flies! It’s been nearly six months since I was elected President of the venerable Northern California PGA Section. I must tell you that although it’s been a whirlwind, it has also been a tremendous honor. Along with my fellow Officers and the Board of Directors, I’ve worked very hard to represent our members at every level. Besides three Section Board of Director Meetings, I have been fortunate to have attended the following events: the North Coast and North State Chapter Annual Meetings held earlier this Spring, the Joint District Meeting with the leadership of Districts 9, 11 & 14 and PGA Secretary Candidates’ Forum held in Las Vegas, the Northern California Allied Associations Meeting at Poppy Hills where we discussed the future of golf in our region, specifically the future of the California Alliance for Golf and the PGA of America Spring Leadership Conference in Dallas, Texas with Vice President Len Dumas, Secretary John Hughes, Honorary President Bob Young, and Executive Director & C.O.O. Chris Thomas. We met with several national committees as well as got a closer look at the candidates running for Secretary of The PGA of America. Since my term began, I would like to highlight some efforts of particular success by several of our Section PGA Professionals. Thanks to the efforts of our Education Committee, led by chair Dede Moriarty, committee members Tom Morton and Scott Prenez along with presenting partner Nike Golf, the 2010 Player and Teacher Development Forum was again a smashing success. Dede, Tom and Scott assembled an incredible slate of presenters and a fantastic agenda for the event. I am sure that their model for this event will undoubtedly be copied by several other Sections. Led by past NCPGA President Jim Collins, I am very excited to be part of the Business Development Committee at the ground level. We are in the early stages of developing opportunities and partnerships aimed at generating sustainable revenue streams for the short and long term. With these revenues, we hope to lessen the chance of dues increases while improving member services on a continual basis. More details to come in the future. Before concluding, I’d like to switch gears and challenge you, and myself, to consider the following thought: “YOU MAY BE THE ONLY PGA PRO THEY EVER MEET – SO BE THE BRAND!” I may be the President, but you can call me “The Mayor.” That’s right, I know this term as President is going to come and go before I even know what hit me. But, I’ll always be the Mayor. I got that moniker because of my last name (it’s spelled like NYC’s former mayor Ed Koch,) and can
thank many of my Bandonista golf buddies who made it stick. But there’s more to it than just my last name. I really do see my role at my facility as being “The Mayor,” and in this short article, I hope to convince you to see yourself as the very same at your facility, too. I’m originally from small towns in Iowa and Nebraska, and when I say “mayor,” I think of someone who cares deeply about his or her community, who knows the citizens by name and gives of his or her time and energy to make the town a better place. Think of your facility as your “town,” and your members and guests as citizens and you can see my analogy. Let’s face it, every PGA Professional like me is looking for ways to bring security to their current position and their career. In my humble opinion, one can only add value when they understand that being The Mayor at XYZ Golf Club is a 24/7 activity. As the truest “promoters of golf ”, our #1 core value, we need to be so tuned into representing the PGA brand and our facility, that we do it naturally and sincerely. Do you realize that for some folks, you may be the only PGA professional they ever meet? When I go to the store or meet with media, I’m still the mayor representing my facility and The PGA brand. If I really believe it and live it, my perspective and my approach will be open to every opportunity presented to me. I can stick out my hand and be authentic with my members and guests, knowing that if they reject me, they’re rejecting my facility, not me personally. There are many factors economically and culturally seemingly set against our great game and against our collective success these days. We could include the time it takes to play, the cost and the relative skill level needed to be proficient. But we also know there are many other positives to the game, and these factors are driven by those in our profession, the teachers of the game. For example, I believe that while some of our clientele may go to the local box store to buy clubs, they’ll eventually come back to the PGA Professional who’s armed with the knowledge, technology and integrity to deliver the right clubs and the right experience. Explode that example into the thousand different things a great PGA Golf Professional does every day and you can see the benefits, both professional and personal, that each of us can enjoy when we “live the life of the mayor” in our little town, otherwise known as XYZ Golf Club. Think about it! Why do so many golfers and non-golfers seem to be impressed with our profession? Because we get to be the Mayor!
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E X E C U T I V E
D I R E C T O R ' S
M E S S A G E
Beneficial Programs for PGA Members Chris Thomas NCPGA Executive Director/COO
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he spring is a time for new beginnings plus with the golf season underway, it’s an opportunity to reconnect with friends, and to enjoy the great outdoors – both on or off the course - with our families. This spring marked the launch of our new NCPGA Junior Golf Tour, with the goal of providing high quality competition for junior golfers in our Section. It has been a thrill to see the many talented young people enjoying and excelling at the game. I would like to thank the host facilities and sponsors, who made the launch of our Tour a memorable experience for the families who participated.
We are thrilled to welcome Capital Insurance Group (CIGInsurace.com) as title sponsor of The Langley. Through the NCPGA Foundation, The Langley supports programs such as Saving Strokes and The Langley Scholarship Fund. This year we are adding the Folds of Honor Foundation to the list of charitable organizations. Team entries are now being accepted and you can sign up via our new website NCPGAFoundation.org. You can also get there by visiting the About Us Section of our website at NCPGALinks.com. Mark your calendars and save the date for the 2010 NCPGA Semi-Annual Meeting on Sunday, July 11 at the Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno. This is a great opportunity for you to network with fellow NCPGA Professionals and get caught up to date on Section news. Plus, for those who are planning to play in the
The two-day NCPGA Junior Tour Circuit 1 Championship was contested at Stockton Golf and Country Club and was made possible through presenting sponsor EFX Performance. The Spring Circuit 2 Championship was held at Diablo Grande Golf Resort. Both events were NCPGA MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES well received by the families and juniors who Glacial Energy is an energy supplier in the state of California and is ofparticipated and we look forward to being able fering our members and their facilities the opportunity to save roughly to offer more opportunities for competition this 18 percent annually in utility costs versus traditional service with PG&E. summer. Memberships are still available so I To learn more about Glacial Energy and to receive a cost comparison, encourage you to spread the word to the young please contact Regional Director Jim Coe at (925) 642-0608 or Mark Priester, PGA at (925) 938-5700. people at your facilities and communities. More information about the NCPGA Junior Golf Tour When your facility hosts a SET Scramble event, your facility will receive including benefits and how to join can be found $10 back per amateur entry. Not only are facilities able to host a at NCPGA.com. 32-player field using only four tee times, but as an added bonus, you Our third annual “The Langley – A Tribute to Legends” event, honoring PGA TOUR player Tom Watson and USGA past President Sandy Tatum, is scheduled for August 30-31, 2010 in Pebble Beach. The evening with Golf ’s Legends will be held at The Inn at Spanish Bay with the pro-am event the following day at the Links at Spanish Bay. Both Watson and Tatum are outstanding examples of the types of individual talent and leadership who have inspired many of us throughout the years. A leader in the competitive arena for decades, Watson continues to show exceptional competitive stamina and exhibits reverence and respect for the game. Tatum, a local legend, has contributed significantly to the game through volunteer service to the USGA as well as leading course design and redevelopment projects throughout Northern California. 4
Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
will be able to travel with your team to the semifinals in Las Vegas in October 2010 with all expenses paid, except airfare. There will then be an opportunity to compete to win $50,000 at the Championship Finals. To learn more about the SET Scramble or to host an event, please visit SETScramble.com. With Total Golf Adventures, a premier junior golf program whose mission is to provide every child access to the game of golf, PGA members can grow the game of golf and their business by working with junior golfers in their area. PGA Members can become franchise owners and be your own boss or you can also work at camps to earn MSR credits or gain exposure through Junior Camps to junior golfers, therefore enlarging your client base and growing the game. Feel free to contact Joshua Jacobs, President and CEO at (310)333-0622 for more information about your opportunity with Total Golf Adventures. Facilities are able to have the GolfLogix GPS system installed on their carts with no capital outlay for the purchase of equipment. This provides an ongoing revenue opportunity for the course as well as speeds up the pace of play. Plus, GolfLogix Systems provides the service, software upgrades, warranties and maintenance. Please contact Eddie Brown, PGA at (951) 314-2691 for more information about how you can use GolfLogix GPS at your facility to increase revenue and improve pace of play.
#1 RANGEFINDER IN GOLF
4-Pro Scramble, the meeting is a great opportunity for you to strategize and create a game plan with your team for the following day. The entry form and online registration is now available at NCPGALinks.com. We will also be honoring the newest addition to our distinguished group of NCPGA Honorary Members, long time sales representative and NCPGA supporter Bruce Wilson. You can learn more about Bruce and his contributions to our Section on page 10. The Eldorado is offering a special group rate of $49.99 for our attendees, so be sure to book your room today to ensure that you receive the special group rate. Tremendous new programs are available to benefit you and your facility, which are outlined in the inset on this page, as well as on NCPGALinks. com. Please take the time to review these programs and see which ones fit best to drive new revenue and/or business for you and your facility. Lastly, I am excited that the 2010 tournament season is underway. Upcoming tournaments and entry forms can be found on NCPGALinks. com, the members-only website of the Northern California PGA Section. Open Events include the Sierra Nevada Open, Nor Cal Open, Senior Nor Cal Open – with new sponsors including Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno, Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino, and Carson Valley Inn respectively. PGA Tour Qualifiers include the Reno-Tahoe Open Qualifier and Frys.com. National Qualifiers are the NCPGA Professional National Championship, the Senior NCPGA Professional National Championship, and the AA Callaway Golf Assistant Championship. Lastly, Pro-Ams and Social Events include the 4-Pro Scramble, the Pro Junior, and of course, The Langley, A Tribute to Legends. Best of luck this season and I look forward to seeing you on the course. Sincerely,
1st PLACE WINNER IN THE GPS CATEGORY
TOUR CADDIES WALK EVERY YARD OF THE COURSE TO PROVIDE DISTANCES THEIR PROS CAN TRUST.
ONLY SKYCADDIE DOES THE SAME FOR YOU.
Before you trust your club, you have to trust your caddie. Tour players demand reliable distances from their caddie. That’s why Tour caddies always walk the course to verify every target from the ground and never use shortcuts like satellite images to map a course before a tournament. Because you deserve the same detailed and reliable information that the pros count on, only SkyCaddie uses the only method trusted by the pros and their caddies.
Chris Thomas NCPGA Executive Director & COO
WWW.SKYGOLF.COM
©2009 SkyHawke Technologies, LLC. All rights reserved. SkyGolf®, SkyCaddie®, and TruePoint GPS™ Technology logos are trademarks and service marks owned by SkyHawke Technologies, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. US Patent No. 7,118,498 & 6,456,938.
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PROUD PRESENTING SPONSORS OF THE NCPGA
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Free Services and Resources Available to PGA Professionals By Carol Pence, PGA/LPGA – PGA Employment Consultant
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am contacted on a daily basis by PGA Professionals and apprentices in our Section who are seeking information on the tools and resources available to them related to employment. I refer our Section Professionals to the Employment Center located at PGALinks.com as there are numerous topics and tools available at no charge and I have highlighted the topics and tools available to you below. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you would like more information on the topics below or employment in general. PGA Employment Services – Resources and Publications • Career counseling/planning • Job search assistance • Job Hunter’s Tool Kit • Resume tips/samples • Resume critiquing • Interview tips/questions • Contract information • Negotiating techniques • Sample job descriptions • Performance review forms • PGA Compensation Survey • PGA Professional Report • Career Fitness Manual • Employment Consultants • Wage & Hour information • Wage & Hour Consultant • PGA Magazine articles • Employment Podcasts PGA CareerLinks A job notification service for management positions - Head Professional, Director of Golf, GM, etc. • Available to all PGA members and apprentices in good standing • Must complete PGA Membership Survey to create your personal CareerLinks profile. • Profile can be reviewed and updated anytime • Job notifications are sent to you via e-mail
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jobs are posted meeting your selected criteria Business Opportunities A listing of golf courses for sale or lease
PGA Compensation Survey Results are now available from this year’s survey. Information can be used when negotiating for a better compensation package. This interactive tool allows you to create customized reports using the following filters: • Total income, base salary, additional compensation and facility information • PGA section or state (or combination of multiple sections/states) • Job title, facility type, fee structure, number of holes, job tenure • Average, median, and percentiles (10th, 25th, 75th, 90th) PGA Professional Report • Use to communicate your accomplishments and value to your employer (critical in today’s economy) • Create your own customized and professionally formatted report • A worksheet with formulas is provided • Sample reports for various job titles show the impact preparing this report can have Enhance your value with additional PGA resources • PGA Blueprint • Play Golf America Programs • PGA Best Practices • PerformanceTrak • Certified Professional Program • PGA Profinder • Facility Operations Survey • PGA Budget Model • Business Planning Course • Golf Retirement Plus • PGA Partner Programs • PGA Logo/Brand
PGA Jobfinder Carol Pence is a PGA and LPGA member serving the Northern A job service for non-management positions: assistant California Section. She can be reached at (510)706-1583 or cpence@ professional, teaching professional, sales, retail, golf facility pgahq.com. support staff, and other golf industry positions. Employers • Post jobs to be viewed by PGA Professionals on PGALinks.com Job seekers • Search for available jobs in your area or anywhere in the country • Set up automatic alert to receive e-mails when new
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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
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kyGolf, pioneer of GPS handhelds for the golf industry and developer of SkyCaddie®, the #1 Rangefinder in golf, proudly introduces the company’s newest innovation, the SkyCaddie SGX™. With a series of features designed to help golfers of all skill levels play better, play smarter, play faster and have more fun, the SGX offers you and your golfers an unparalleled device.
The SkyCaddie SGX provides an eagle’s eye view of the hole to provide the critical distance information needed to make better club selections and play confidently. With distances to hazards, lay-ups and carries automatically calculated — whether they are in the line of sight or not — the new SGX allows players to focus only on their swing. The SkyCaddie conforms to the USGA and R&A ruling on electronic measuring devices, and is the Official Rangefinder of The PGA of America. Beneficial features for you and your customers include: • Unlike earlier SkyCaddie models, the SGX offers up to 30,000 pre-loaded, ground-verified course maps making it “Ready-to-Play” out of the box with basic green information.* • The SGX offers Interactive HoleVue™ With Zoom, which provides the only high-precision graphics library of every golf hole based on ground-corrected data. HoleVue is designed to provide a golfer with the distance to any point on a hole in order to play that hole with the fewest strokes. Included is a patented zoom function to see a closer view of the hole’s fairway and green. HoleVue also shows the geo-location of the player on the hole, in real-time.** • SkyCaddie’s patented IntelliGreen® technology displays the exact shape of the green and automatically rotates it to match the player’s angle of approach. This powerful feature provides all of the distances needed to hit more greens and avoid 3-putts. IntelliGreen Pro is a dynamically enhanced version of IntelliGreen that identifies major green contours, false fronts, front carry and back distances. Such information is only possible by SkyCaddie’s ground-mapping methodology.** • The SGX syncs with ClubSG™ (Beta), SkyGolf ’s new exclusive online community where a player can automatically upload their digital scorecards from the SkyCaddie, track key stats and analyze their game. ClubSG (Beta) enables golfers to connect to their game, their course, their equipment and other golfers. With an annual SkyCaddie Membership, the SGX is able to access SkyGolf ’s course library, now approaching 30,000 ground-mapped courses. Only SkyCaddie Mappers walk the same ground a golfer plays to provide the most reliable distance information. This mapping methodology combines the same proven system Tour caddies use to map a course with survey-grade GPS equipment to produce the only ground-verified course maps available in golf. * After 30 days, Basic Green information as well as Advanced Green and Course features require one of several nominally-priced annual membership plans. ** Available with an optional annual SkyCaddie Membership from SkyGolf.com.
Here is what your fellow NCPGA Professionals and apprentices are saying about SkyCaddie… Pat Segelke, PGA Apprentice Assistant Professional - Castlewood Country Club "Easiest, most accurate, dialed in rangefinder I have ever used - no question. I've used all the competitors that we carry and SkyCaddie is ‘easily’ the best. I love to use it in tournaments, because I play with complete confidence. I played in the Oakley NorCal Shootout at Half Moon Bay last year with 3 laser users, we all used my SG5. Over the years SkyGolf has stayed ahead of the game with their improvements and course updates. I can't wait for the SGX.” Bob Lunn, Golf Professional at Woodbridge Golf & CC and 6 time winner on the PGA TOUR "If I had my SkyCaddie on tour I would have won more tournaments. I love it, as it's instantaneous, accurate and really speeds up play. It's a great teaching tool. Most amateurs under club, so I use the SkyCaddie to show them their yardage with each club, especially in the short game." SkyGolf GPS Craig Lunt - Northern California Representative PH (408) 605-8603 / Email: cw@golfrageous.com SkyGolf.com
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Golden Gate Golf Tours
Internet Marketing and Social Media
New Opportunities for Golf Professionals and Facilities by Eric Jones, PGA
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he web is changing the way we need to think about and run our golf business. Like it or not the internet is an increasingly important part of our daily lives. For golf professionals and facilities willing to invest a moderate amount of time and resources on a consistent basis, it's an opportunity to outshine the competition and build customer loyalty which in turn translates into more dollars in your pocket. But there are so many directions to take it can be a challenge to develop a clear course of action. My advice: keep it simple. There are two strategic questions to ask when deciding which activities to support: 1. Will it help build my subscriber list? 2. Will it help build customer loyalty? The more clearly an activity answers "Yes!" to one of these questions, the higher the priority. The bigger your list, the more golfers will take advantage of your services. The stronger your customer loyalty, the more often they will return. Both strategic objectives mean more revenue for you and your facility. How can social media help you achieve both strategic objectives? Word of Mouth (WOM) is still the best and most cost effective form of marketing. There simply is no better recommendation than a friend's testimonial. Take the mystery out of social media and just think of it as a way to facilitate WOM activities. If you approach social media with the idea of facilitating WOM, then as long as your activities support one of the two key strategy questions you are going to be successful.
Facebook. Create a fan page and invite followers to become fans and recommend you to their friends. Facebook has the advantage of accessibility, familiarity, sociability, and it can go viral. You can now post good content to Facebook. However, it is limiting in what you can display, and the main disadvantage is that your fans are on Facebook, not your website.
Your golf tour specialists
Blogs are completely configurable and under your control. You can post articles, embed videos, and engage in all kinds of discussion. They can be integrated into your site or linked to it. Unfortunately blogs are not as social as Facebook, and you'll have to work harder to bring traffic to your site to warrant the time investment in managing them. Blogs have the advantage of keeping visitors on your website!
Ideally you should have both a blog and Facebook page. Keep the meat of your content on your blog, and post enough information on Facebook to engage in discussion, generate fans, enroll subscribers, and generate traffic to your website. You can then drive visitors back to the blog for more in-depth information through links, "read more" suggestions, and graphics, as well as freebies, contests, and promotions. Whatever activities you pursue, make it easy for your audience to sign up for your list. Put an optin form on every page. Put a text link in every article, email, announcement, and even your signature line. At the same time, make it easy for your fans to share your information with friends and include easy social bookmarking tags like Digg.com and email forwarding like ShareThis.com.
The approach is straightforward. First, listen to what your customers have to say. Second, give them something to talk about WOM.
Sharing intellectual knowledge is both the highest value and lowest cost content you can provide. Provide golf tips, advice, and suggestions for just about anything. "Top 10" lists are very popular.
Social media is all about conversations. Your customers love to talk. If they know you are listening you'll have a huge advantage. You'll find out what is working and what needs fixing, and your customers will love you for taking action on their comments. Similarly, great content gives your fans something to talk about. If you share interesting information, they'll reciprocate by sharing it with friends.
Lastly, be consistent and plan on at least two posts per week. Posts should be 300-500 words long and they focus on giving and not taking. Post your blog and upload the post to Facebook. Also, plan an additional 20-30 minutes twice a week to respond to social comments. Follow these simple guidelines and you will be successful in building your list, your customer loyalty, and ultimately your bottom line.
Fortunately there are two easily accessible platforms available to help; Blogs and Facebook. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Eric Jones is a Class A PGA Professional, World Long Drive Champion, and author of "The 5 Keys to Distance" and "The Practice Effect" available at www. targetcenteredgolf.com. Eric's passion is helping golfers learn, play better golf, and have more fun. Eric is the founder of the Seaver Golf Academy (www.seavergolf. com) and creator of the "Golf Coach Program," an innovative teaching model that provides golfers greater access to instruction at an affordable price. Eric also teaches at the Pleasanton Golf Center in Pleasanton, CA. Share your feedback on this article with Eric at ejones@targetcenteredgolf.com or the NCPGA Section Office at ncal@pgahq.com.
Blogs vs. Facebook If I had to pick just one I'd recommend
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Selling Authenticity & Respect IRELAND GOLF EXPERIENCE Northern California PGA Pro-Am Teams of 3 Amateurs with 1 PGA Professional
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Four Nights Accommodation at the 4 Star Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links Full Irish Breakfasts every morning and three evening meals Tipperary Crystal Prizes, Tournament Photograph, Course Gifts and Room Gifts Carr Golf Travel Representatives and Transport available throughout the trip Optional extension to attend the 2010 Ryder Cup October 1-3 * Price per Amateur Sharing (land only) US $2,449 Act Now! Book your group by contacting Carr Golf Travel: Toll Free (US) 1800-882-2656 between 7am and 10am. Email: msteele@carrgolf.com Planning a golf trip in 2010? Let us take care of all the arrangements.
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NCPGA Honors Bruce Wilson as the 12th Recipient of NCPGA Honorary Membership “Commitment”, “authenticity” and “most respected”— those are just a few of the words used by Northern California Section PGA Professionals to describe retired sales representative Bruce Wilson. Wilson was chosen by the NCPGA as the 12th recipient of its Honorary Member Award. Wilson joins a prestigious group of Honorary Members, which include late bay area golf instructor Lucius Bateman, 2000 President’s Cup Captain Ken Venturi, retired NBC Sports Announcer Bob Murphy and industry supporters Emmy Moore Minister and Len Ross. Wilson will be formally inducted at the Semi-Annual Meeting on July 11, 2010 at the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno. According to Monte Koch, president of the NCPGA, “Bruce is one of the few reps who never needed an appointment, because he was a joy to spend time with due to his professionalism, his wealth of shared experience, and his authenticity.” “His level of excellence Wilson served as an information center for both the over 38 years of serving Northern products that he represented as well as assisting Professionals with employment information and California is a resources (Pictured L to R) Titleist Representative prime indicator Steve Gardner and NCPGA Executive Director & C.O.O. Chris Thomas with Footjoy Representative of the type Bruce Wilson at the NCGRA Merchandise Show. of individual he is and his commitment to the NCPGA,” added Jim Kepler, PGA Golf Professional and General Manager at Eagle Valley Golf Club in Dayton, NV. Come West Young Man Wilson was relocated to Northern California from the Midwest in 1971 at age 25 by Wilson Sporting Goods Company (no relation). At the time of his retirement in April 2009 from FootJoy, he was considered one of the most respected sales representatives in the NCPGA Section. Wilson was a sales leader with responsibility for leading and mentoring sales representatives in seven western states. As a former Board Member of the Northern California Golf Representatives Association, Wilson was part of the leadership team that drove the close bond between it and the NCPGA Section. Wilson had a personal way of interacting with members and apprentices employed at his accounts. He was regarded as the unofficial “careerlinks” source for these golf professionals. Wilson knew all aspects of the business. From merchandising to buying plans and even assisting with resume development, he always made himself available to share industry insights and best practices for success. He was also an active promoter of professionals who deserved career advancement and would often connect promising young golf professionals with new opportunities. continued on next page
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Throughout his career, Wilson garnered numerous awards including NCPGA Sales Representative of the Year (1982), Golf World Business Magazine’s “Top 25 Golf Sales Representatives” in the country, FootJoy Worldwide - Salesman of the Year (2000), and Salesman of the Year awards from Wilson, Daiwa, and Nike. “Bruce Wilson is indeed one of the most respected sales representatives to have ever supported, serviced and worked in the Section,” said John Gilkison, Honorary Member of the NCPGA. Supporting Local Charities As a longtime resident of Napa, CA, Wilson has been an ardent supporter of local charities as well as high school athletics programs including Aldea Child & Family Services, Day on the Green (Special Olympics), and Men’s & Women’s Golf Teams for Napa Valley College, Justin Siena High School, and Vintage High School. As stated by Gus Jones, Sierra Nevada Chapter PGA President and Head Golf Professional at Martis Camp Club in Truckee, CA, “Beyond his professionalism in representing the company, he is a warm individual who had the PGA Professional’s interests at heart before his own. Never once did he fail to follow up on promises made. His commitment and record of services were second to none.”
Wilson has been serving the members of the Northern California PGA Section as a sales representative as well as mentor for the past 38 years (pictured L to R) Mark Sherman, PGA; Tad McCormick, PGA; Bruce Wilson, Shawn McEntee, PGA and Jim Knego, PGA.
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NCPGA to Host PGA Cup 2011 in the Heart of the Valley Eric Lippert, PGA Shares His Special Experience
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ordeValle, derived from the Spanish phrase “El Corazon del Valle” or “Heart of the Valley,” will host the 25th PGA Cup from September 16-18, 2011. As the premier international showcase for PGA Professionals, it is a once in a lifetime experience. No one knows this better than PGA Assistant Professional Eric Lippert of Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, CA who earned a spot on the 2009 PGA Cup Team which competed last September in Loch Lomond, Scotland and helped the team take home the Llandudno Trophy for the United States. According to Lippert, there are two things that make this event so special – the team format and the international scope. In many ways the PGA Cup for PGA Professionals mirrors the Ryder Cup for the PGA Tour and is played the same way. As Lippert explains, the team format offers a unique experience. “Once you turn professional, your golf game becomes focused on you as an individual. With the PGA Cup, it’s great to play with some of the best club professionals in the country and be playing for the same goal.” Competing against the leading golfers from Great Britain and Ireland gives the event an international flair that seems to enhance the whole experience. “I was lucky enough to have qualified on an away year. It was the first time I had ever been to Scotland or Europe for that matter. I don't know how I can put into words the pride you feel when you are able to represent your country in an event of this type. There is a tremendous responsibility and sense
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The victorious USA team with the Llandudno Trophy at the PGA Cup being held at The Carrick on Loch Lomand, Dunbartonshire, Scotland on Sunday, September 20, 2009. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
of pride,” said Lippert. “When they played the American national anthem, it was hard to hold back tears because of how special that moment was,” he added. A Surreal Experience Lippert describes his experience as “surreal.” “It took me a few weeks after the event to fully comprehend what I had just been through. When you are in the midst of it all, you are bombarded with so much emotion from the golf, to the challenge of the event, continued on next page
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continued from the previous page and to not wanting to let down your fellow teammates. I felt more nerves, pride, excitement, and determination than any other single moment in my life.”
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Despite the nerves, Lippert and his teammates achieved a 17.5 - 8.5 victory. It was reported that this USA Captain Brian Whitcomb leads the victorious USA team at the was “as much a tribute to PGA Cup being held at The Carrick on Loch Lomand, Dunbartonshire, U.S. depth and talent as Scotland on Sunday, September 20, 2009. it was to Captain Brian (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America) Whitcomb’s ability to bond and blend his players of the PGA Cup has many advantages. representing 10 separate PGA Sections.” “It’s an honor to play Section Host to this prestigious event” said Chris Thomas, While Lippert closed out the event by Executive Director & C.O.O. of the Northern earning a 2 and 1 decision over Jamie Harris California PGA Section. Thomas added, “To of Kent, England, he is harder on himself. showcase the supreme playing ability of our “I remember leaving the PGA championship professionals at such a beautiful venue will slightly disappointed at my play but thinking be a highlight of the year that will be truly that I will someday get another shot at it. On memorable”. the airplane leaving Glasgow after winning the Llandudno Trophy, I remember thinking “To me,” explained Lippert, “it means that that I need to do whatever it takes to get golf on the West Coast is just as good and back to another PGA Cup. It is by far the relevant as the East Coast in the PGA of best golf experience I have ever had.” America’s eyes. I think that being on the West Coast will bring more recognition to CordeValle – Analyzing the Course this event. When people get to see courses Looking ahead to 2011, Lippert provides like CordeValle, they will realize that West some analysis on CordeValle as he played it Coast golf isn't just Pebble Beach and Torrey this year while competing in the Monterey Pines. This is a great opportunity for us to Club Pro Cup. “I think it will be a great shine here in NorCal. Events like this can match play course. There are some great risk/ help set up future events that the PGA of reward holes. You have a couple of reachable America runs.” par 5's and a drivable par 4. Longer hitters can try to take advantage of those holes but Lippert offered some final thoughts as if they are not accurate with the approaches, he hopes that others in the Section can they can still make a big number.” He added, experience the PGA Cup as he did. “As a “It will also be fun to see the PGA Tour member, this is our Ryder Cup. The same players on the course at the Frys.com event folks who organize the Ryder Cup, facilitate later this year.” the PGA Cup. You get to meet great players from around the country and spend some CordeValle, located in San Martin at the quality time with the National officers. It is foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, is the hardest event to qualify for and the most one of Northern California’s premiere resort rewarding if you do. While I would love to destinations. In fact, golf architect Robert compete in this again, I would also love to Trent Jones Jr. called it the finest creation of see some of our wonderful players in this his career. It is strikingly beautiful, featuring Section qualify as PGA Cup team members. a balanced blend of natural and man-made It is truly the best golf experience they will obstacles including winding creeks, sand have.” bunkers, and sycamore trees. The facilities are exceptional as well and it is expected that the two 2011 PGA Cup teams will stay onsite at the bungalows. Hosting the Event For the NCPGA to host an event at the level
Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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tournament recaps
Match Play Championship Club Car Representatives Kevin Rosa and Allen Lee, PGA; the victorious Pro-Assistant Championship team Glen Stubblefield & Shea Rollins and Sundog Representative Ryan Chin.
Pro-Assistant Championship Presented by Club Car Supported by Sundog Eyewear Bayonet & Blackhorse GC (Par 72) – Seaside, Calif. Host Professional – Evan Boone, PGA Glen Stubblefield & Shea Rollins (Spring Creek G&CC) – 138 (-6)
Pro-Series 3 Presented by Sundog Eyewear Catta Verdera Country Club (Par 72) – Lincoln, Calif. Host Professional – Jerry Poley, PGA Rod Souza (Stockton G&CC) - 70 (-2)
(L to R) Spyglass Hill GC PGA Head Professional Jin Park, runnerup Greg Rodgers, 2010 Match Play Champion Mitch Lowe and E-Z-GO Representative Adrian Meyer.
Presented by E-Z-GO Textron, PGA Tour and Sterling Cut Glass Mitch Lowe (Del Rio CC) def. Greg Rodgers (TPC San Francisco Bay) 5&3 Final Round – Spyglass Hill GC (Par 72) – Pebble Beach, Calif. Host Professional – Jin Park, PGA Semi-Final Round – Cypress Point Club (Par 72) – Pebble Beach, Calif. Host Professional – Casey Reamer, PGA Quarterfinal Round –The Preserve (Par 72) – Carmel, Calif. Host Professional – John Pietro, PGA Third Round – Monterey Peninsula CC (Par 72) - Pebble Beach, Calif. Host Professional - David Vivolo, PGA First & Second Round – Almaden CC (Par 72) – San Jose, Calif. Host Professional –Tom Good, PGA
Senior Division Senior 4-Ball Championship Presented by Golf Insurance Services Host Professional – Mike Cook, PGA Mountain Springs G&CC (Par 72) – Sonora, Calif. Ed Hester (Cameron Park CC) & Mitch Thomas (Morgan Creek G&CC) – 63 (-9)
Senior Pro Pro 1 Presented by Club Car Sierra View Country Club (Par 72) - Roseville, Calif. Host Professional – Jim Salazar, PGA Ric Burgess (Colusa G&CC) – 68 (-4)
Senior Pro Pro 2 Pro-Series 4 & Match Play Qualifier
Oakley Representative and PGA Professional Bobby Schultze (c) congratulated PGA Apprentice Steve Watanabe (l) and Steve Pellegrine, PGA (r) on their victory.
Presented by Oakley Supported by Golf Scorecards, Inc & SkyGolf GPS Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Par 72) – Half Moon Bay, Calif. Host Professional – Kevin Niessner, PGA Steve Watanabe (The Bridges GC) & Steve Pellegrine (Kings CC) – 69 (-3)
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Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
Presented by Club Car Copper River Country Club (Par 72) - Fresno, Calif. Host Professional – Todd Hansen, PGA Rod Souza (Stockton G&CC) – 69 (-3)
Senior Pro Pro 3 & Match Play Qualifier Presented by Club Car Corral de Tierra Country Club (Par 71) – Corral de Tierra, Calif. Host Professional – Gerry Greenfield, PGA Ric Burgess (Colusa CC) & Mitch Thomas (Morgan Creek G&CC) – 71 (-1)
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tournament recaps Assistant Apprentice Division AA Medal Play 1 Championship Supported by Global Tour Golf & Andy Paisal Golf Sales Kings Country Club (Par 72) - Hanford, Calif. Host Professional – Paul Wightman, PGA Steve Pellegrine (Kings CC) - 68 (-4)
AA Stableford Championship
AA Medal Play 3 Championship Supported by Global Tour Golf & Andy Paisal Golf Sales Corral de Tierra Country Club (Par 71) – Corral de Tierra, Calif. Host Professional – Gerry Greenfield, PGA Steve Watanabe (The Bridges GC) – 69 (-3)
AA Titleist Pro-Scratch
Sierra View Country Club (Par 72) - Roseville, Calif. Host Professional – Jim Salazar, PGA Joe Moulton (Morgan Creek G&CC) -8
AA Medal Play 2 Championship Supported by Global Tour Golf & Andy Paisal Golf Sales Copper River Country Club (Par 72) - Fresno, Calif. Host Professional – Todd Hansen, PGA Joe Carlton (Windsor GC) & Steve Watanabe (The Bridges GC) – 67 (-5)
Supported by Titleist Half Moon Bay Golf Links (Par 72) – Half Moon Bay, Calif. Host Professional – Kevin Niessner, PGA Grant Haney (The Preserve GC) & Scott Yeakel (a*) – 68 (-4) Mitch Thomas (Morgan Creek G&CC) & Jake Johnson (a*) – 68 (-4)
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Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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Senior & Super Senior Division Player of the Year Proudly Presented by Nike Golf Senior Division: 1. Mitch Thomas.............................................41.50 2. Ric Burgess................................................. 38.00 3. Mike Cook...................................................34.50 4. Rod Souza................................................... 33.00 5. John Snopkowski.........................................31.00 Super Senior Division: 1. Raul Quezada............................................... 33.50 2. Al Krueger .................................................. 27.50 3. Eddie Duino............................................... 24.50 4. Ernie George............................................... 21.50 5. Gary Plato...................................................20.00 Assistant Apprentice Player of the Year 1. Steve Watanabe........................................220.00 2. Joseph Carlton........................................... 213.50 3. Ray Otis.................................................... 209.50 4. Joe Moulton............................................... 193.50 5. Mitch Thomas........................................... 190.33
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Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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NCPGA BEST PRACTICE
NCPGA Best Practice:
Patriot Golf Day Offering Golfers the Chance to Make a Difference Shim La Goy is a PGA Master Professional and the Head Golf Professional at Orinda Country Club in Orinda, Calif.
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olf is one of those sports that is able to give back to the community. Patriot Golf Day is a perfect example. Held Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 3-6, 2010), it is the flagship fundraiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships for the children and spouses of military personnel disabled or killed while serving our nation. During that weekend, golfers are typically asked to add an extra dollar to their greens fees to fund Folds of Honor scholarships. In a private club however, we had to think of alternative ideas for raising money. First and foremost is frequent communication. We have found that the earlier we started our member outreach, the more opportunity we had to drive awareness for the event and thus the more success we had. For best results, we start our email campaign 6-7 weeks prior to Patriot Golf Day. This is used primarily to alert members about the event and to let them know it is sponsored by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association and co-sponsored by our club. We like to include Dan Rooney’s story about how Patriot Golf Day was formed and we mention the activities we have planned. Every week we send out another email blast – basically it’s a countdown to the event…”Three weeks away…” then “Two weeks to go…” We ask members to send in a check or stop by the club to make donations or participate in some of the activities we have planned. When they drop in, we have themed displays which include a camouflage bag and Patriot Golf Day hats, which we sell. Orinda County Club does not recoup the costs for those, so that we can maximize our contribution 20
Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
NCPGA BEST PRACTICE
to the Folds of Honor Foundation. We have done several different types of activities over the last three years, which include contests and raffles. For example, we purchased two Limited Edition Taylor Made drivers honoring Patriot Golf Day and sold 25 raffle tickets at $20 each. Another activity is the “Closest to the Pin” contest. Over the course of the year, the sales reps give us merchandise that we put in our inventory for occasions like this. We offer the merchandise, at no cost to us, as prizes for the contest. Often times, if the admission fee for the contest is $5, the members would contribute $20. Typically we raise between $1,500-2,000 during Patriot Golf Day weekend. All proceeds from these activities go to the Folds of Honor Foundation. We make sure we are conducting the event at a minimum cost and inconvenience to our members and they have been very responsive and generous. The club members benefit by feeling good about their contribution. Some members have served in the military themselves and enjoy sharing stories. I see this as doing “my part.” If the 20 clubs in each section raised $1000 and you multiply that by 41 sections across the U.S., that’s $41,000 for the foundation. On the business impact of Patriot Golf Day: This event is not about generating revenue for our club. It’s about maintaining golf ’s place as a contributor to our society. It’s more from a public relations standpoint and the opportunity to give our members an “esprit de corps” about their club. It shows that golf is at the cutting edge of charitable work and it is through the generosity of our clients and the ingenuity of the facility that makes this a success. Every facility is different, you have to come up with ideas that work best for you. Through our efforts in Patriot Golf Day, we can demonstrate how golf professionals are role models for the community and the country. This in turn helps expose new golfers to the game in support of the PGA’s Growth of the Game initiative. This year will be especially terrific as Folds of Honor is one of the beneficiaries of the NCPGA Foundation’s “The Langley, A Tribute to Legends” event, which will take place the week prior to Patriot Golf Day. It should be a great kick off to drive awareness and people to the courses.
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MEMBER PROFILE
INTRODU C I N G
MEMBER PROFILE Ron Kuwata, PGA
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First Assistant Golf Professional Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino How did you get your start in the golf business and what made you decide to be a PGA Professional? After completing my service in Vietnam with the U S. Army I took a summer job at Diamond Oaks Golf Course in Roseville, Calif. I thought it would be a fun assignment, working in a recreational setting, prior to returning to college in preparation for my “dream job” of becoming a college baseball coach. As fate would have it, things changed, and sports changed too. It was through that summer job that I began to develop a strong passion for golf, and decided to pursue a career as a PGA Golf Professional. What positions have you held in your career? I’ve served in a variety of capacities, as an assistant and first assistant golf professional, head professional, and director of instruction. I’ve had the opportunity to work at some fine golf facilities in Northern California, my favorite of course, is here, at the John Daly Signature Course, Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino Resort. I also hold fond memories from earlier days, when I worked at two other top resort courses, Kauai Lagoons and Princeville in Kauai, Hawaii. What's your involvement with the American Heart and Stroke Associations Saving Strokes Program? I’ve been involved with the Saving Strokes program nearly from its inception, and have volunteered on several occasions at Haggin Oaks Golf Complex, the founding site. I’ve also had the privilege of helping host a Saving Strokes Clinic at Sevillano Links. It’s quite rewarding watching stroke victors as they connect, or in some cases, reconnect with the sport. The smiles are huge on the participants’ faces and that of their care-giving companions, too. Giving back to the game and to the community has always been important to me. In addition to being a volunteer at various Saving Strokes clinics, I’ve also helped host Golf Fore a Cause, the largest women’s introductory golf clinic in the North State Region. Being a veteran, I am also a supporter of Patriot Golf Day. Who would join you in your fantasy foursome? Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, and Ken Venturi. That would be the round of a lifetime! Other facts on Ron… I am a native Northern Californian. As for hobbies, I’m a modest wine connoisseur and enjoy finding a tasty wine at a moderate price. I’ve spent time in Napa, Sonoma, and I have even made some good wine discoveries in the Lodi and Livermore area too. Recently, I uncovered some interesting boutique wineries along the Tehama Trail just north of Sevillano Links. I am not married, however, I do have a special woman in my life, her name is Kelly. We both enjoy music and we share a similar hobby which is Karaoke. Fellow karoke-ites have tagged me with a stage name…so when I’m performing/singing they call me Ron Kay.
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NCPGA SHORT SHOTS
SHORT SHOTS 2009 NCPGA Club Fitter of the Year Bobby Siravo, PGA and the staff at iFIT Golf in Folsom have been honored as a 2009 PING Regional Club Fitter of the Year for their continuing commitment to custom fitting and its value to golfers of all abilities. According to John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO, “Bobby and the staff share our belief that if golfers take the time to get custom fit, they’ll see improved performance on the golf course. Their attention to detail and passion for service ensure golfers benefit from the most thorough custom fitting in the industry. They demonstrate their expertise on a daily basis to ensure golfers receive the full value offered by PING’s custom fitting program.” … The NCPGA is using the popular social networking tools Facebook and Twitter to promote you to the golfing public as well as to share Section news with you. Become a fan of our Facebook page by visiting Facebook.com/NorCalPGA continued on next page Stuart Smith, PGA was awarded with Sierra Nevada Chapter Player of the Year honors this last March for earning the most points in Sierra Nevada Chapter Pro-Series events throughout the 2009 season
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NCPGA SHORT SHOTS
SHORT SHOTS continued from previous page
or join one of our member only chat groups such as the NCPGA Assistant Apprentice Division or NCPGA Members Only…The 2010-2011 NCPGA Directory of Golf proudly presented by Pepsi Bottling Group is now available online only in a user-friendly and printer-friendly format. The directory can be accessed by visiting the official members only website of the Northern California PGA Section, NCPGALinks.com, and clicking on the Publications Menu – Directory of Golf…Did you know that you have roughly one year to complete your required PGA Member Service Requirement (MSR) credits? The current MSR cycle ends on June 15, 2011 at which time all Class A and Life Member Active Professionals are required to earn a total of 54 credits of which a stipulated amount of education and meeting points are included. If you have questions about your MSR total or how to earn MSR credits, please contact Ida at the Section Office at (707) 449-4742… A little earlier than expected – Jennifer & Kevin Noel were excited to welcome their first born, Trevor Edwin Noel, at 10:02pm on Sunday, May 16, 2010. He weighed in at 8.2 lbs and 19.5 inches. Jennifer is home for a few months on maternity leave, returning mid-August. Congratulations to the Noel family!
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NCPGA Executive Assistant & Communications Specialist Jennifer Noel and her husband Kevin welcome baby Trevor.
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Tournament Awards & Gifts
NCPGA SHORT SHOTS
SHORT SHOTS NCPGA Professional (l) Barney Bell of Washoe County Golf Course, accepts the Vince Lombardi Top Producer Award from (r) Joe Flake, President of ILT Golf Vacations. Photo Courtesy of ILT Golf Vacations.
Heritage Creations USA Announces our
2010 Sponsorship of the
Northern California PGA
The Teachers Teaching Teachers (T3) Education Seminar held this last April at the Olympic Club boasted a panel of skilled and approachable teachers presenting a broad and pertinent range of topics in an open forum. (Pictured L to R) NCPGA Education Committee Member Shannon Sweeney-Donlon, NCPGA Presenters Josh Zander, Willie Toney, Mitch Lowe, John Snopkowski and NCPGA Education Committee Chair Dede Moriarty.
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SNC President Gus Jones (r) congratulated 2010 Scholarship Recipient PGA Apprentice Robert Booth (l) from Hidden Valley Country Club.
If Pictures Are Worth 1,000 Words...
The scenic Lakes Course at Genoa Lakes Golf Club will play host to this year’s NCPGA Senior Open
The $10 million renovation of the Carson Valley Inn inclues the new CV Steak (left) and a new Sports Bar
Then $20,000 Speaks For Itself The $20,000 CVI Pro-Team Scratch October 4th and 5th, 2010 The Lakes Course at Genoa Lakes Golf Club 4-player Teams, One PGA Pro, 3 Amateurs over 40 years old No Handicaps – Scratch Play Entry Fee: $1,350 for 4-man team Entry fee includes 2 nights stay at the Carson Valley Inn , all green fees and social events Field Limited to First 30 Paid Teams For complete information call 775-783-6624
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Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
NCPGA JUNIOR GOLF TOUR
This is Your Tour:
The New NCPGA Junior Tour By Gary Xavier, Junior Golf Tournament Director
J
unior golf programs have existed for quite some time. They have helped expose young players to the competitive aspects of golf and encourage their knowledge of the game, but for the Northern California PGA Section, no such program has existed …until 2010. The Northern California PGA Junior Tour is a new breed of competitive youth sports organizations designed specifically to harness the championship capabilities of young golfers ages eighteen and under. It also incorporates the Gary Wendslhlag and his son, Gary Jr. reading a put at the Spring Circuit 1 growing phenomena Championship which was held at Stockton Country Club. of family golf into every event. Players Junior Golf Tour for them to sign up and be a part a of are made to feel just like tour professionals whether they are five years old or The Northern California PGA Junior Tour where the eighteen. All practice facilities are roped off with player game begins... only signs, players are given their own stall on the range (based on their first round score). Each player has a caddie 2010 Tour Schedule who wears the official Tour bib with the player’s name Spring Circuit I Championship - March 20-21 plate on the back. Oh, and did we mention all the caddies @ Stockton Golf & Country Club Spring Circuit II Championship - March 27-28 can be PARENTS! @ Diablo Grande Winery & Resort This NCPGA product has created a lot of buzz in Summer Circuit I Championship - June 14-15 the junior golf region of Northern California and @ Contra Costa Country Club Northwestern Nevada. Players are traveling to play in Junior PGA Championship Qualifier - June 23-24 tournaments that one parent describes as some “…of @ Chardonnay Golf Club the best-structured and staged junior events that I have Summer Circuit II Championship - June 29-30 seen in recent times. I can say this with confidence, as I @ Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club have seen many other events organized in many locations Spring Circuit IV Championship - July 5-6 in several states over the past few years. The Tour staff @ Genoa Lakes Golf Club & Resort presented themselves, and operated the tournament, as Summer Circuit III Championship - July 12-13 truly professional in every aspect.” – Sarvajna Dwivedi, @ Brookside Country Club Summer Circuit IV Championship - July 19-20 parent of Shrish Dwivedi – eLITE TOUR Player. @ Round Hill Country Club As a PGA Professional, it is time to notify all young players Spring Circuit III Championship - July 26-27 that there is finally a regional junior golf experience that @ Sevillano Links is operated and administered according to the highest Summer Circuit V Championship - August 9-10 standards of the Northern California PGA. This is not @ The Resort at Red Hawk just a junior golf tour, it is your junior golf tour. Please 2010 Tour Championship - August 16-17 refer all future tour players to ncpga.com and click on @ Pasatiempo Golf Club
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Here’s to keeping things on course.
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E090-17536-0_TEE SHOTS_Cncpts.indd 1
Northern California and Nevada Craig Faris Sales Representative (510) 301-7099 cfaris@textron.com
Regional Sales Manager Steve Monteith (602) 881-1824 smonteith@textron.com
Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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3/26/10 8:48:19 AM
T O M WAT S O N T O N O R C A L
Tom Watson Returns Twice to Nor Cal in 2010 Tom Watson Granted an Exemption into 2010 U.S. Open, will be an Honoree at Third Annual The Langley NCPGA Foundation Fundraiser
T
om Watson will be traveling to our Nor Cal region twice this summer – once with a special exemption to the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, and again in August to be honored at the 3rd Annual The Langley, A Tribute to Legends premier fundraising event for the NCPGA Foundation. The last special exemption offered by the USGA occurred in 2005 to Nick Price. Watson, who won the /82 Open at Pebble, clearly merits the exemption on playing performance alone – witness his runner-up finish at the British Open in 2009 at age 59 and his T18 finish at the 2010 Masters, after opening one shot off the lead. He was the oldest to ever lead the British Open after three rounds. The eight-time major winner will be the only player to compete in all five Opens at Pebble Beach – ’72, ’82, ’92, ’00 and the upcoming ’10 Open. He has competed in 30 previous Opens and has received four previous special exemptions, finishing in the top 30 each time. Later in the Summer, Watson will return to Nor Cal to be joined by fellow Stanford grad Sandy Tatum as honorees of the 3rd Annual The Langley, A Tribute to Legends which is being held on August 30th and 31st at The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser will benefit the Folds of Honor, The Langley Scholarship Fund, and the NCPGA Foundation. The Northern California PGA Foundation is dedicated to enriching the lives and communities of those in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada by providing resources to golf programs that teach life’s positive values. If you are hosting a fundraiser at your facility, and would like to use the NCPGA Foundation as a way to offer a taxdeduction for your participants and sponsors, please contact Nancy Maul, Managing Director, at nmaul@pgahq.com or call 707.449.4742.
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Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
Partner of the
N C P G A C A L E N DA R
NCPGA CALENDAR Systems Inc.
EVOLUTION
July 6-8
Sierra Nevada Open Winner Receives Exemption to the Reno-Tahoe Open The Golf Club at Grays Crossing Truckee, CA ArrowCreek Country Club, Reno, NV This event is proudly presented by
July 9
Reno Tahoe Open Pre-Qualifier ArrowCreek Country Club, Reno, NV
Sept. 13-15
Northern California Open Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino This event is proudly presented by
Sept. 27-28
Senior Northern California Open Genoa Lakes Golf Course Genoa, NV This event is proudly presented by
Oct. 7-17 Frys.com Open Qualifier and Pre-Qualifier CordeValle Golf Course San Martin, CA Frys.com Open Volunteer Opportunities for you, your customers and members go the NCPGA.com for details.
... Of the sprinkler head. www.golflogixsystems.com
Pre-Qualifier Oct. 7 @ Coyote Creek GC Qualifier Oct. 11 @ Bayonet Blackhorse GC For additional information about Open Events and PGA Tour qualifiers, please contact the NCPGA Section Office at 707-449-4742.
Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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It's Our Foundation...Let's Use It!
Jeff Sanchez and his PGA Professionals Krystal Shearer, Paul Wyrybkowski and Avery Cook
To learn how the NCPGA Foundation can help you at your club, please contact Nancy Maul at nmaul@pgahq.com
"I use the NCPGA Foundation because it is convenient. The NCPGA Foundation makes it easy for me to offer selected clients and events additional charitable fundraising services with little to worry about on my end. Whether a participant's tax benefit or their connection to the chosen charity is what moves them to participate, the result is a win for all involved - the client drives participation to their event, the charity raises needed funding and I offer an additional easy to manager service that sets my facility apart from the next!"" Jeff Sanchez, PGA Head Golf Professional Silver Creek Valley CC
JOHN VETTER (650) 363-8498 (650) 766-8498 cell johnvetter@sbcglobal.net
www.antigua.com 34
Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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Northern California PGA - TEE.SHOTS Magazine
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