TEE.SHOTS WINTER 2010
MAGAZINE www.ncpga.com
2010 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA Awards Issue Golf Professional of the Year
Jim Kepler
Eagle Valley Golf Course
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 Cathy Jo Johnson, GC at Incline Village Jim Kepler, Eagle Valley GC Dede Moriarty, Presidio GC David Plotnik, Concord, Calif. Tracy Stansberry, Palo Alto Hills G&CC Dan Brace, Independent Director CHAPTER PRESIDENTS Pat Gould - North State: Peachtree 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 Nancy Maul, Assistant Executive Director Jennifer Noël, Executive Assistant & Communications Specialist Brandon Hill, Assistant Tournament Director Nancy “Ida” French, Administrative Assistant Gary Xavier, Junior Golf Tournament Director NCPGA CONSULTANTS Dan Brace: Legal Counsel
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pg 10
pg 27
6 - NCPGA Annual Meeting 10 - Golf Professional of the Year 12 - Special Award Winners
• Teacher of the Year
• Club fitter of the Year
• Junior Golf Leader
• Growth of the Game Award
• Strausbaugh Award
• Horton Smith Award
• Merchandisers of the Year
• Players of the Year
• Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
• Sales Representative of the Year
• Sports Media Person of the Year
Carol Pence: PGA of America Employment Services Consultant Lyle Wehrman: Senior Affairs
DEPARTMENTS
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.
3 - From the President: by Bob Young, PGA 4 - From the Executive Director: by Chris Thomas 27 - Tournament Recaps 29 - Best Practices 30 - NCPGA Foundation 32 - Short Shots
ON THE COVER PGA Professional Jim Kepler of Eagle Valley Golf Course earns top honors as the 2009 NCPGA Golf Professional of the Year. The Golf Professional of the Year is awarded to a PGA Professional who displays the finest exhibition of spirit, determination, business acumen, professionalism, promotion of the game of golf as well as service to the Section and the Association.
P R E S I D E N T ' S
PROUD PRESENTING SPONSORS OF THE NCPGA
M E S S A G E
An Honor to Serve By Bob Young NCPGA President
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y two years as your President have come to an end and it is time to hand over the gavel to our newly elected NCPGA President Monte Koch, PGA. I was thrilled to spend this past holiday season with friends and family as well as to highlight the outstanding contributions made by our membership at the Special Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting this last December. It was touching to hear the acceptance speeches from each award winner and to learn more about their accomplishments. This issue of TEE.SHOTS commemorates these achievements and will serve as the centerpiece for their most deserving recognition.
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It has been an honor to serve the Section, Association and you, my friends, the membership. You gave me an unbelievable opportunity, which I thank you for as it has been a real joy! When I was elected as Secretary six years ago, I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams all of the wonderful people I would meet, the experiences that I would face and ultimately all the memories that I will cherish. My time being with you, either watching or playing golf, attending a seminar, walking a trade show or representing you in a local or National Leadership Conference has been very rewarding. Throughout my years spent on the Board of Directors I have met many new PGA friends and renewed some old friendships.
The three letters, P-G-A, that symbolize our great Association have meant the world to me since I gained membership back in 1981. As a young professional, I was fortunate to be mentored to give back to the game, the association and my community. I have since been fortunate to work for facilities where I have been able to give in this capacity, and that giving ignited the passion. Our NCPGA Officers, current Board of Directors and Section office staff have done and will continue to do an excellent job in guiding our membership during these turbulent times. Be assured, your Finance Committee is not afraid to ask tough questions and pull the trigger for decisions that need to be made, nor is our staff hesitant to “role out” new and exciting programs if that’s what the membership wants. Our Executive Director, Chris Thomas and his wonderful staff have been regarded as “one of the best” in the PGA. As the Honorary President my role and responsibilities have changed, but your voice will still be heard through me. As always, I will look forward to your ideas, suggestions and questions. Feel free to contact me at byoungcmaa@ sbcglobal.net or at 209-4664313. Thanks for the memories and allowing me to serve,
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E X E C U T I V E
D I R E C T O R ' S
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Growing the Game in the New Year Chris Thomas NCPGA Executive Director/COO
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he new year is a time for planning and resolutions. I hope that everyone will strive to support and participate in even more of our PGA of America National and Sectional Programs, merchandise shows, PGA club professional events, and NCPGA meetings this year. I would like to highlight some of them for you.
for you to reach out to your golfing community as well as to showcase your facility. Other programs supported by the PGA of America under the brand of “Play Golf America” include: American Express Women’s Golf Month (June), where participating facilities offer complimentary instruction, outings and other activities to women 14 years of age and older aimed at increasing the participation of women in golf.
Take Your Daughter to the Course Week (July 6-12) During PGA Free Fitting & Trade-Up Month (April), offers free clinics to young ladies and complimentary participating PGA Professionals provide free 15-minute green fees to a young expert equipment lady accompanied fitting sessions and 2010 NCPGA EVENT CALENDAR by a paying adult. complete a Free During Patriot Golf Fitting & Trade-Up PGA Fitting & Trade Up Month April PGA Free Lesson Month May Day, held over the Month Equipment American Express Women's Golf Month June Labor Day weekend Profile for every golfer PGA Family Golf Month July (September 3-6), they fit. This is a great Bring Your Kids to the Range Month July golfers nationwide opportunity for you to Sierra Nevada Open July 6-8 support the Folds of show your customers Take Your Daughter to the Course Week July 6-12 Honor Foundation. and members the NCPGA Semi-Annual Meeting July 11 The Folds of Honor difference that properly 4-Pro Scramble July 12 Foundation serves fitted clubs can make in PGA Fall Expo August 16-18 NCPGA Professional National Championship August 9-10 as the distributor of their game. PGA Free Senior NCPGA Championship August 23-24 scholarship funds to the Lesson Month (May) Patriot Golf Day September 3-6 spouses and children reaches new golfers and Northern California Open September 13-15 of troops injured or helps existing golfers Annual Meeting & Awards December 5-6 killed in conflict. Last improve their game years event drew more with a free, 10-minute than 4,000 facilities golf lesson conducted participating. The by PGA Professionals and LPGA Professionals. This is a great opportunity for total raised in 2009 is still being calculated, however you to reach out to new golfers, showcase your facility in 2008, approximately two-million dollars were raised and your instructional staff or to help a casual or avid to support the mission and programs of this worthy foundation. If you would like to become a host facility golfer fine tune their game. or join the cause, please visit Playgolfamerica.com. Throughout July, PGA Family Golf Month, PGA Professionals are provided the opportunity to gain participating facilities offer family golf clinics and family golf play days for a nominal fee. This is a great opportunity exposure to millions of American Express Card members for you to showcase your facility as well as to grow the through the American Express/PGA Friend of a Card Member Program. This year-round program game by showing that golf can be an activity for the entire allows an American Express Card member who books and family. You can also highlight the Bring Your Kids to pays for a lesson with an American Express Card to bring the Golf Range (July) program. By providing families reduced pricing and special promotions for buckets of a friend at no additional cost. This is a great opportunity balls, you can illustrate how a night at the range or day at for you to market yourself to your community as well as to expose yourself to potential students and new the course can be a fun family activity. members. For more information on this program and to The ever popular PGA Play Golf America Days offer enroll your facility, please visit PGALinks.com. golfers of all ages and skill levels complimentary group Be sure to mark your calendars for these competitive and individual instruction, including First Swing Clinics club professional events and open championships. The for new golfers, from PGA Professional instructors. Northern California PGA Professional National Holding a Play Golf America Day is a great opportunity
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#1 RANGEFINDER IN GOLF
Championship will be held at TPC San Francisco Bay (August 9-10), the Senior NCPGA Professional National Championship will be held at Half Moon Bay Golf Links (August 23-24) and the NCPGA Assistant Professional National Championship will be held at Brookside Country Club (August 2). We are pleased to announce Sevillano Links at Rolling Hills Casino as the new Presenting Partner of the Northern California Open (September 1315). With an increased purse and quality venue, the Nor Cal Open is sure to be a great show of golf. Also, we are proud to announce the resurrection of the Sierra Nevada Open (July 6-8) presented by partner Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno. This three day open championship will be held at ArrowCreek Country Club and the Golf Club at Gray’s Crossing. Please visit the calendar of events on NCPGALinks.com for more information and to enter these events. The NCPGA Semi-Annual Meeting will be held again at the Eldorado Hotel Casino Reno on Sunday, July 11. It is hallmarked as an evening celebrating our Section’s membership by promoting fun and networking among attendees. I hope many of you will stay to play the next day in the 4-Pro Scramble on Monday, July 12 at Somersett Country Club in Reno, Nevada. It will be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the setting and play golf with your fellow PGA Professionals. The Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony will be held at a location to be determined in the North State Chapter on December 5-6th. If you would like to host this event, please contact the NCPGA Section Office. The NCPGA Foundation continues to progress in fundraising and developing structure to support NCPGA Member programs at their respective facilities. Be sure to learn more about how you can use the NCPGA Foundation for your local programs on page 30. Our major fundraising for 2010 will again be via The Langley, A Tribute to Legends. We are pleased to announce that our 2010 Honorees include local legends and Stanford University Graduates PGA TOUR Player Tom Watson and amateur legend Sandy Tatum as well as our new Langley Partner, Capital Insurance Group (CIG www.CIGinsurance.com). More information will be available on the website in the coming months. If you would like more information about The Langley, A Tribute to Legends such as how to attend, bring a team or partnership opportunities, please contact Foundation Managing Director Nancy Maul. Please join me by encouraging your family, friends, and colleagues to participate in these fun and worthwhile events. Let’s add these to our calendars and make 2010 an even more successful year for golf in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada. Sincerely,
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Section Professionals Gather at Special Awards Ceremony and Annual Meeting
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(Pictured L to R) NCGA Executive Director and CEO Lyn Nelson with Mike Moriarty and NCPGA Director/Education Committee Chairman Dede Moriarty at Sunday evenings Special Awards Ceremony.
While giving his acceptance speech at the Special Awards Ceremony, 2009 NCPGA Teacher of the Year Dan Schwabe was surprised and congratulated by son Tyler.
2009 Assistant Apprentice of the Year Eric Lippert (R) was congratulated on his achievement by National Award Partner Jay Keel of Taylormade-Adidas during the Special Awards Ceremony.
Event Partners Craig Faris (L) and Adrian Meyer (R) representing E-Z-GO were present to honor the 2009 Special Awards Winners Sunday Evening.
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Senior Division Player of the Year Partner Darren McCray of Nike Golf (C) presented checks to Super Senior Player of the Year Al Krueger (L) and accepting on behalf of Senior Player of the Year Mike Paul, Senior Tournament Chairman Jim McGrath (R) at the NCPGA Special Awards Ceremony. The NCPGA Annual Meeting was a great place to learn about Section Operations as well as to catch up with colleagues (Pictured L to R) Greg Feddersen, Dennis Simon, Chris Bitticks and Rich Howarth.
Tournament Collection (Pictured L to R) New Graduate Wendy Stuart with PGA Professionals Trish Hinze, Dede Moriarty, Molly James and 2009 NCPGA Horton Smith Award Winner Jan Usher.
Toll Free: (877) 685-4655 www.shopmulholland.com Northern California PGA - Tee Shots Magazine
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Attendees at the NCPGA Annual Meeting received informative updates on Section business as well as a report on the PGA of America by special guest Vice President Allen Wronowski. Michael Steele representing Carr Golf Travel shared information about the Northern California Pro-Am coming October 5-10 in Ireland. For more info about the Northern California Pro-Am visit NCPGA.com or contact Carr Golf at 1-800-882-2656.
The 2009 Graduates of the PGA PGM Program were recognized by the Section Membership at the Annual Meeting.
Event Partners John Ballback (L) and Carl Cowan representing Bionic Glove provided an informative seminar on how the hand and grip interface.
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Golden Gate Golf Tours Your golf tour specialists
(Pictured L to R) NCPGA Past President and Elections Committee Chairman Jerry Thormann swore in new board members Cathy Jo Johnson, Bob Caldwell and Jim Kepler to their three year terms on the NCPGA Board of Directors.
OUR GOLF TRIPS: MESQUITE COEUR D'ALENE
PGA of America Vice President Allen Wronowski (L) presented outgoing Board Member John Montalbano a plaque recognizing his contributions and years of service while on the NCPGA Board of Directors.
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PGA Life Member Ken Towns (L) was awarded the inaugural Senior Division Ken Towns Award by NCPGA Honorary President Bob Young for outstanding playing accomplishments in the Northern California PGA Senior Division.
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Golf Professional of the Year
Jim Kepler, PGA Eagle Valley Golf Course – Carson City, NV
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he Northern California PGA is proud to honor Jim Kepler, PGA General Manager of Eagle Valley Golf Course (EVGC) in Carson City, Nevada with this year’s Golf Professional of the Year Award, one of the highest honors the Association can bestow on a working club professional whose total contributions to the game best exemplify the complete PGA Professional. His overall performance as a Golf Professional is one of accomplishment and remarkable results. During his nearly 30 years in the Kepler has been a leader in the Section for the past 13 years. business, Jim has succeeded and contributed across many domains as a He was a recipient of the Sierra Nevada Chapter PGA Professional. Early in his career, he was recognized as one of the best club fitters 2008 Bill Strausbaugh Award and has been a in the country. He was previously PGA Head long time advocate in growing the game. His Golf Professional and then Director of Golf at efforts include successful junior, adult women, Dayton Valley CC, a semi-private facility and parent/child and school outreach programs. He now serves as General Manager at EVGC. In is recognized as a leader in junior golf, hosting this position, he has rejuvenated the facility and co-founding the Fred Alexander Memorial and turned it into one of the jewels in the Jr. Golf Clinic, which commonly attracts more Northern Nevada area. Play has increased under than 700 juniors. He also hosts The First Tee of his leadership and guidance, and services have Northern Nevada classes and donates funds to been elevated to attract new customers. He is the program from his annual pro-scratch event. able to mentor and develop a successful team, while meeting budget, growing the game, and providing an exceptional golf experience for customers. Jim’s many years of service to the NCPGA and Sierra Nevada Chapter include 13 years on the Sierra Nevada Chapter PGA Board of Directors and two terms as Chapter President as well as a Director on the NCPGA Board. He continues to reach out to community-based organizations and has elevated EVGC’s role as a good neighbor.
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Past President Bob Young (R) congratulates Kepler on his award.
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Teacher of the Year Dan Schwabe, PGA Presidio Golf Course – San Francisco, CA
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GA Golf Instructor Dan Schwabe is recognized as one of the busiest and most dedicated teachers in the country. His impact is far reaching as he has taught more than 30,000 lessons in his career. Of the approximately 20,000 teaching golf professionals across the country, Dan ranks among the top 300. His influence and impact on the community has been tremendous as thousands of children and their families have been influenced by Dan’s love of the game. These children have learned valuable life lessons and social skills that will last a lifetime. While Dan teaches players of all ages and abilities, his true passion is coaching and mentoring junior golfers. He is currently working on a book and DVD project for junior golf instruction as well as innovative Internet concepts designed to drive his message out to a wider audience. His mastery is finding the right tool for each student’s needs. He has
created short-game competitions and scoring games to help make short practice fun and purposeful. New and experienced golfers are encouraged to explore individual and group instruction at their local facility to improve their technique and performance. Dan gives Presidio Golf Course customers a variety of lessons options — from individual to group, offering them flexibility and affordability, while increasing the facility’s business. For the last eight years, he has averaged teaching more than 2,000 lessons per year. He is able to implement a very detailed lesson information and tracking system by using the Smarter Lessons software technology to provide excellent service and follow-up to his students. Dan is very generous with his time and commitment to the community. He and his wife created and founded the Coastal Junior Golf Foundation (CJGF), a non-profit 501 (c) 3 charity. The organization was created to provide more children with quality affordable exposure to the game of golf. Further, Dan was recently inducted into the Pacifica Sports Hall of Fame, which demonstrates his connection to his roots.
Club Fitter of the Year Bobby Siravo, PGA iFit Golf – Folsom, CA
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obby Siravo garners the Club Fitter of the Year Award for his exceptional skill in fitting golfers with the right equipment. Bobby exemplifies the philosophy at iFit Golf (formerly Golf Etc Folsom), which is to create relationships with each customer. He identifies their needs and then provides solutions. He is able to build trust and help the customer play better golf, enhancing their enjoyment in the game. He feels custom fitting is not just for the elite player but golfers of all skill levels. Bobby has attended training classes and has received certificates as a certified/trained fitter from Cobra, Mizuno, Ping, Taylor Made Select
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Fit, and Henry Griffits. Bobby uses ProTech, cutting edge custom fitting software that was developed by PGA Professionals and club technicians to specifically identify the perfect clubs for each golfer’s unique swing. He also uses state-of-the-art technology to analyze each golfer’s game and make the proper equipment recommendations. The custom fitting studio at iFit Golf is equipped with two fitting bays, launch monitors, large flat screen monitors and computers that house their fitting software. Their facility is an authorized club fitting location for all the major manufactures and they carry exclusive fitting components that allow Bobby and the staff to provide thousands of club and shaft combinations.
IRELAND GOLF EXPERIENCE Northern California PGA Pro-Am Teams of 3 Amateurs with 1 PGA Professional
AY & PLAY FO R FR EE PGA PR OF ES SI ONALS ST Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links (Practice Round)
Junior Golf Leader Award
Co. Louth Golf Club (Baltray) Royal Dublin Golf Club Portmarnock Golf Club
Terry is highly respected in the golf community and is the chosen instructor for many of the juniors in the San Jose area, as well as adult students. He carries himself with dignity as a PGA Professional, is well recognized for his mastery of the rules, and takes pride in mentoring the two PGA apprentices at his facility. Terry’s many accomplishments include serving as Director of the “Little League for Golf ” at Santa Teresa Golf Club, Director of the 500 Member NCGA Certified Youth on Course Junior Golf Program, recipient of the 2008 Top Kids Teachers award, and the 2006 NCPGA Growth of the Game Junior Golf Chairperson. He has served numerous positions with the Junior Golf Association of Northern California (JGANC) including being a member of the Board of Directors (1995-present), Chairman of the Board (2009), President (2007-08), and Vice President (2005-06).
October 5-10, 2010
Royal Dublin Golf Club
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he Junior Golf Leader Award was given to PGA Professional Terry Sullivan for his integrity, leadership and contributions to junior golf programs in our Section.
Portmarnock Golf Club
Terry Sullivan, PGA Santa Teresa Golf Club – San Jose, CA
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Growth of the Game Award Shelly Godeken-Wright, PGA Fred & Judy Alexander Foundation – Incline Village, NV
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helly Godeken-Wright is honored with the Growth of the Game Award for her involvement and significant leadership contributions to Play Golf America and growing the game of golf. This award, also known at the national level as The President’s Plaque, recognizes individual PGA Professionals for their extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development, the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels, plus the impact made. Over the past 15 years, Shelly has introduced more than 33,000 people to the game, promoting all the wonderful attributes it brings to the lives of children and families.
The Fred Alexander Memorial Family Golf Clinics, which the foundation holds annually in Las Vegas, Nebraska, Colorado, Minnesota/Wisconsin, Northern Nevada, Eureka, and Reno-Tahoe, mirror the goals of the Play Golf America initiative. The events complement one another as materials about Play Golf America programs are distributed and promoted at the clinics. Shelly uses the clinics to promote the importance of continuing the participant’s golf introduction and getting involved with many family programs such as Play Golf America, Junior Golf, First Tee and more. The clinics which leverage the volunteer efforts of 30 PGA Professionals and apprentices, gives the volunteers the opportunity to promote their facility, instruction, and family golf programs. Shelly served as a member of the SNCPGA Board of Directors for several years and was the recipient of the 2007 PGA President’s Council on Growing the Game award and the 1997 NCPGA Junior Golf Leader award.
Bill Strausbaugh Award Mike Mazzaferri, PGA Sierra Sage Golf Course – Reno, NV
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ike Mazzaferri of Sierra Sage Golf Course and the Golf Programs Manager with Capital Insurance Group is the recipient of the 2009 Bill Strausbaugh Award for leadership, mentoring and charitable involvement.
Board Member for the NCPGA and Sierra Nevada Chapter PGA, as well as served on numerous Chapter and Section committees. He has contributed at every level of the asociation from Chapter to National. Most recently, Mike has made a significant contribution to the golf industry by offering innovative and effective insurance options and programs to PGA members, employers and owners.
Over the years, Mike has mentored young professionals as they built their careers in golf. At least twelve of his former employees are now PGA members in five different Sections of the Association. Mike is known for his “open door” policy and continues to reach out to PGA apprentices working their way toward membership.
He has been honored with more than 10 community service awards not related to golf, demonstrating his involvement in community activities. The most recent is the 2009 Person of the Year Award given by the Nevada Independent Insurance Agent Association for the State of Nevada. He has been a leader in the community whose achievements include creating The First Tee of Northern Nevada and serving as Chairman of the Board from 20012007. He has furthered the image of golf in the community and promoted its efforts by serving as a spokesperson to local newspapers, radio and television programs.
He has worked on countless charitable golf events in the Reno and Lake Tahoe areas and was a founding member of the Ronald McDonald House and their charity golf event. He was also actively involved in the PGA Tour Reno-Tahoe Open as the Parking/Transportation Chairman for eight years. Mike has served the Section and the Association for many years. He is a past NCPGA Section President, has been a
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Mike has been recognized by the NCPGA throughout the years for his enormous contributions to the game of golf. Past awards include Professional of the Year (2004), Merchandiser of the Year – Resort (2001), Bill Strausbaugh Award (1998), and Junior Golf Leader (2006).
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Horton Smith Award Jan Usher, PGA Montreux Golf & Country Club Reno, NV
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hree-time Horton Smith Award winner Jan Usher received 2009 honors for her outstanding service and contributions in developing and improving educational opportunities for the PGA Professional at the Chapter, Section and National level. Having received the award in 1997 and 2003 as well, her dedication to educating Chapter and Section members is unmatched. Jan was one of four female professionals selected by the PGA to be a national faculty member for the PGM program when it originated in 1994. Now in her 15th year serving as a member of the national adjunct faculty, she continues to motivate and make a difference when working with PGA apprentices. Jan’s contributions to NCPGA Education Programs span many levels. She has arranged seminars throughout the years to enable fellow PGA Members to complete numerous continuing education hours. She has written articles for local golf publications and continues to educate apprentices and their PGA Head Professionals about the PGA PGM program. Further, she was instrumental in helping the Sierra Nevada Chapter create a scholarship for PGA PGM apprentices as they prepared for the various levels of the program.
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Jan is also recognized in her local community as a leader. In 2008, the Girl Scouts of Sierra Nevada honored her with the prestigious Women in Leadership Award. Jan shared this honor alongside the Attorney General of Nevada and a former member of the U.S. Congress. From 2001 through 2008, she was recognized as a Top 50 Instructor in the country by Golf for Women magazine. Jan was also named LPGA Western Section Teacher of the Year in 2005.
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merchandisers of the year Public Facility Jim Carra, PGA Oakmont Golf Club – Santa Rosa, CA
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GA Director of Golf Jim Carra’s goal is to keep the shop fresh, clean, upbeat and inviting by showcasing new, creative and unusual displays to peak the member’s interest. He and his staff endeavor to provide outstanding customer service with a good understanding of the products they provide so
that members rely on them for their shopping needs. Being honest with customers and understanding their needs is paramount to Jim’s philosophy. Jim spends approximately 25-40 percent of his time in the merchandising area of the facility and changes displays every 3-5 weeks. Approximately 75,000 rounds are played each year at Oakmont Golf Club
Private Facility David Vivolo, PGA Monterey Peninsula Country Club – Pebble Beach, CA
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past winner of the 2002 Merchandiser of the Year award and the 2004 Junior Golf Leader award, PGA Head Professional David Vivolo believes in providing merchandise that shares the same inspired tradition, dramatic sense, and stunning beauty that the Monterey Peninsula Country Club’s (MPCC) founder embraced so many years ago when the club opened in 1925. His goal is to offer the widest possible selection of golf goods and price points, while maintaining the quality standards that the MPCC membership deserves. Members enjoy the variety of golf apparel offered and the opportunity to demo the latest technology in golf equipment that is designed to enhance their game.
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MPCC members are loyal and intelligent shoppers. David’s mission is to present a Pro Shop that satisfies his members. He has transformed the Pro Shop experience to also serve as a gathering place, a tournament center, and a total golf experience that enhances their lives. David dedicates an estimated 90 percent of his time to golf shop sales and merchandising. Displays are rotated monthly for members and guests, who play approximately 52,000 rounds of golf each year at the facility.
Resort Facility Kevin Niessner, PGA Half Moon Bay Golf Links Half Moon Bay, CA
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GA Director of Golf Kevin Niessner’s merchandising philosophy is comprised of three key focal points — 1) a professional staff that is well trained and knowledgeable about products on the floor, 2) keeping a close eye on their open to buy dollars and proactively reacting to changes, and 3) creating a warm and attractive area in which to shop. Due to the downturn in the economy, the team has had to change their buying patterns significantly this year. They have moved their price point toward the middle with a few items on the lower end. This is in contrast to the high end price point the resort has traditionally maintained. By bringing in the private label line, they have been able to lower price points while increasing margins. The staff uses seasonal props and beach props to help showcase their displays. They also hold biannual sales for the Ladies club and an End of Year sale for homeowners to move out old merchandise. Information about weekly specials is sent to its 30,000 email club members. Kevin spends 25 percent of his time in the merchandising area, changing displays approximately every 10 days. There is an average of 78,000 rounds of golf played each year at Half Moon Bay Golf Links, which draws a large number of patrons into the Pro Shop.
www.wayfarergolf.com Ph 831.673.6213 sales@wayfarergolf.com
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Player of the Year Mitch Lowe, PGA Del Rio Country Club Modesto, CA
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one of eighteen qualifying spots for the PGA Championship at Hazeltine Golf Club. He also competed in the NCPGA Professional Championship. His win earned him the title of Stroke Play Champion and a berth in the 43rd PGA Professional National Championship in 2010. Mitch also placed second in three Section Pro-Series events as well as in the top of the field in several other tournaments. 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, Mitch continued to compete in Section events and earned Player of the Year honors in 2001 and again in 2005.
Assistant Player of the Year Joe Dolby Palo Alto Hills Golf and Country Club Palo Alto, CA
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GA Apprentice Joe Dolby finished the Assistant Apprentice tournament season with a total of 827 points. An active competitor, Joe played in 14 events over the season, placing in the top five of the field in six Assistant Apprentice Division events. Joe was runner up in the Match Play Championship and captured the championship title at the AA Medal Play 5 series. In addition to being an active tournament player, he also serves as a Director and the Tournament Committee Chair for the Assistant Apprentice Division Board.
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Senior Player of the Year Michael Paul, PGA Washoe County Golf Club Reno, NV
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ichael Paul, PGA Director of Instruction, finished the Senior Division tournament season with a total of 175 points. Mike competed in over 20 Section, Division and Chapter events during the 2009 season. Mike was in the top of the field in seven Senior Division events and was also the runner up for the NCPGA Player of the Year Award. He was also able to represent the Northern California Section on the National scene as one of eight NCPGA Senior Professionals to advance to the 2009 PGA Professional National Championship. Mike has been a member of the PGA of America for 18 years and has been teaching his students the fundamentals of the game as well as how to compete at Washoe County Golf Club since 1993.
Super Senior Player of the Year Al Kruger, PGA Alamo, CA
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GA Life Member Al Krueger of Alamo, California finished the Super Senior Division Point season with a total of 136 points earning him the title of Northern California PGA Super Senior Player of the Year. Al competed in ten Senior Division events throughout the 2009 season and placed first in the Super Senior Division in the Senior Pro-Pro 6 and 7 as well as tied for first in the Pro-Pro 5. Al also earned the title of Super Senior Match Play Champion. Al currently serves as a member of the Senior Division Board of Directors and is an active competitor in Section Senior Division events. Northern California PGA - Tee Shots Magazine
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Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award Eric Lippert, PGA Del Monte Golf Course – Monterey, CA
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ric Lippert earned the Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Award for his leadership roles within the NCPGA Assistant/Apprentice Division. Eric has emerged as a young leader with many accomplishments. He was instrumental in organizing and starting the Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the Northern California PGA Section and is currently serving as Chapter President. While Vice President of the Assistant Apprentice Division, he chose to help develop the education component of the program. To date he has developed a scholarship through a partnership with Clubsforecancer.org that will give two worthy recipients a check for $750 to help offset the costs of the PGA of America PGM Program. With strong ambitions, he has also set forth a mission with the education committee
to contact every suspended apprentice in the association. The goal is to find a consensus as to how they can provide better programs, training, and support for “struggling apprentices.” According to Eric, he has only begun to lay the groundwork of what he believes will become a well organized and strong Assistant Apprentice Division. Eric began his apprenticeship in 2000 in the Southern California Section and returned to the Northern California Section in 2002, where he was elected to membership in 2007. He is also an AT&T Junior Golf Foundation instructor as well as a Pebble Beach Golf Academy instructor. Lippert has spent the last two years helping teach the RLS high school golf classes. He has donated golf lessons to various local fund raisers including The South Bay District of the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Del Monte Pines Ladies Club.
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Proudly Supporting the NCPGA Sales Representative of the Year #1 SHOE & GLOVE IN GOLF
Ryan Chin, AMA Golf San Francisco, CA y educating merchandisers on new products and educating golfers on sun safety, Ryan Chin is delivering a tremendous value as a sales representative.
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As owner and sales representative for AMA Golf, Ryan’s goal is to provide guidance and assistance to golf professionals on product benefits. He believes that educating the professionals on how to buy products that are useful and relevant to their facilities and customers is critical because it helps them grow the game of golf while generating revenues.
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Ryan has been a partner of the NCPGA Section for the past five years, supporting numerous events by providing sponsorship dollars for Section programming and merchandise. He often donates sunglasses as a gift to educate attendees on the benefits of protecting themselves on the course from harmful ultra violet rays. The events they supported include the Semi-Annual Meeting, Pro-Assistant Championship, Nor Cal Open, Pro-Series Events, the Fred Alexander Memorial Golf Clinic, the Golf Fore a Cause fundraising event, Play Golf America Days, local First Tee Chapters, and an event at the Olympic Club in San Francisco that supports the community funded San Francisco Chinese Hospital. He has also worked with the Association of Golf Merchandisers (AGM) at the PGA Merchandise Show in Florida to promote the Sun Safety Program. Ryan has been a member of the Northern California Golf Representatives Association (NCGRA) for the last 10 years and has been a vendor at the Modesto Golf Expo for the last six years.
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Sports Media Person of the Year Pat Kelley and Ted Mills, PGA KESP 970 AM Radio – Modesto, CA
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he Northern California PGA is honored to select Pat Kelley and Ted Mills, PGA of ESPN affiliate KESP 970 AM Radio for its Sports Media Person of the Year Award. With their “The Golf Guys Radio Show” and support of local tournaments and events, they have been loyal supporters of Northern California golf for nearly a decade.
host professionals and superintendents. They have also interviewed numerous Nor Cal PGA members and provided radio announcements and releases on golf events.
Radio show co-hosts Pat Kelley and Ted Mills have both been loyal supporters of the PGA on multiple levels. For nearly a decade they have promoted PGA members and apprentices, programs, and initiatives. They regularly cover PGA TOUR events in the region, and interview Section players and tour players, tournament managers,
In 2008-2009, when the industry was in great fear of a golf tax being imposed, Pat and Ted volunteered their time to be filmed in a PSA opposing the golf tax and also conducted radio interviews with CAG leaders to help spread the word about the California Alliance for Golf.
Northern California PGA - Tee Shots Magazine
Pat and Ted are constantly promoting charity golf events that support worthy causes. Sometimes they volunteer as MC’s at the event. They have also aired Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) that promote growth of the game initiatives and are ardent promoters of Play Golf America programs and initiatives, including the Saving Strokes Program.
Congratulations to the members of the 2009 Northern California PGA Cup Teams
Hannah-Wehrman Cup Team Members (Back L to R) Steve Hummel, Steve Pellegrine, Jason Schmuhl, Jeffrey Anderson (Middle L to R) Bobby Poole, Jerrel Grow, Mitch Lowe (Front L to R) Ed Hester, Rick Leibovich, Don Winter, Assistant Captain Dennis Tuhn.
Staedler-Jetter Cup Team Members (Back L to R) Mick Soli, John Snopkowski, Al Krueger, Co-Captain Gary Plato (Middle L to R) Charlie Gibson, Ron Parsons, Mike Cook, Al Weinhold, Raul Quezada (Front L to R) Co-Captain Rick Jetter, Ric Burgess, Mike Beveridge, Doug Cody, Mike Paul.
Assistant/Apprentice North South Cup Team (L to R) Peter Kim, Eric Lippert, Ryan Farb, Kyle Metzler, Jeff Palmer, David Solomon, Eric Goettsch, Ray Otis, Hae Young Lee, Joe Moulton, Joe Dolby, Steve Watanabe, Brandon Hill, co-captain.
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Tournament Awards & Gifts
Heritage Creations USA Announces our
2010 Sponsorship of the
Northern California PGA PRO SERIES 1 Ruby Hill Golf Club Director of Golf Nigel Rouse, PGA (R) congratulated ProSeries 1 Champion Jeffrey Anderson, PGA (L). Ruby Hill Golf Club (Par 72) Pleasanton, CA Host Professional – Nigel Rouse Jeffrey Anderson, PGA (Mill Valley, Calif.) – 68 (-4)
One Visions Parkway Celina, OH 45822 Phone: 800-220-7955 Fax: 419-584-0094 www.heritage-creationsusa.com contactus@heritagecreationsusa.com
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PRO PRESIDENT CHAMPIONSHIP Pro President Sponsors present Carlton and Winkle with the Champions trophy. (L to R) Club Car Representative Kevin Rosa, NCPGA Past President Bob Young with Pro President Champions Joe Winkle and Joe Carlton, PGA and Club Car Representatives Dave Nelson and Mike Hanks. Presented by Club Car & Heritage Creations Stockton Golf & Country Club (Par 71) – Stockton, Calif. Host Professional – Bob Young Joe Carlton, PGA & Joe Winkle (Windsor Golf Club) 59 (-12)
NCPGA Best Practice: Junior Golf
Offering opportunities for junior golfers to participate in team competition By Jim McGrath, PGA General Manager at Santa Teresa Golf Club in San Jose, Calif.
Jim McGrath on the importance of offering opportunities for junior golfers: At Santa Teresa Golf Club, we have been leaders in providing affordable and accessible opportunities to junior golfers. We have a variety of programs designed to help teach the game while positively influencing the character development of the juniors who participate. We understand the importance of exposing young people to the benefits and values of the game so that golf can become a rewarding life-long endeavor. We have 575 junior golfers that come to our facility and we saw the opportunity to create a unique program centered around team competition. With this pool of players we could form enough teams to develop our own league. Traditionally, many courses have had a single Junior Team that represents them in competition against other area courses. We wanted a program that would allow us to form multiple teams and to host all of the competitions at our own facility to avoid traveling. In late 2007 we developed the Little League For Golf modeled after the popular youth baseball program. Just as in Little League baseball there is a registration period, tryouts, individually coached teams and weekly practices and matches that culminate in a league champion. Many of the juniors are new to golf but familiar with Little League Baseball so using this model made it easier for parents and students to understand. The program, designed for boys and girls ages 12 and under, also requires all participants to pass a Rules of Golf and Etiquette test. The team format is a lot of fun and takes some pressure off the less-experienced golfers. We are able to mix them with more experienced players to create a balanced team environment. The Little League for Golf is a year round program with separate Spring, Summer and Fall Seasons. Juniors can participate in one or all of the Seasons.
Jim McGrath on the business impact of offering opportunities for junior golfers: The Little League For Golf has a registration fee of $175 per member, per season which includes all green fees, practice range balls during supervised practices, team equipment, awards and all instruction and coaching costs.
Partner of the
The matches are open to spectators and all of the juniors are accompanied by parents, grandparents and other siblings when they are competing. All of the spectators become customers that result in additional food, beverage and merchandise sales. We often see the juniors practicing outside of their supervised sessions and they are usually accompanied by other family members or friends resulting in additional revenue in all categories. The Little League For Golf has the same goal of developing future players as every other Growth of the Game program. Unlike Little League baseball, these young golfers will be able to continue playing this game for the rest of their lives.
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NCPGA Foundation Provides Fundraising for Your Local Programs
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he NCPGA Foundation, changing lives one swing at a time, 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. These include programs such as Saving Strokes, scholarships, junior golf programs, programs for the disabled – all supported by PGA Professionals throughout our region. To discuss a fundraiser at your facility with the goal of giving back to either your facility programs or local community programs, contact Nancy Maul, NCPGA Foundation Managing Director at (707) 449-4742 or nmaul@pgahq.com with questions. Organizations & Individuals Supported by the NCPGA Foundation • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alameda Junior Golf Program Arnold D. & Winifred W. Palmer Foundation Blossom Valley Athletic League (high school athletics) Carson High School Golf Program Churchhill County High School Girls Golf Program Contra Costa Country Club Junior Golf Program Damonte Ranch High School Girls Golf Program Davis Collazo, Sierra Nevada Chapter Scholarship Winner Dayton High School Girls Golf Program Diablo Country Club Junior Golf Program Diablo Middle School Golf Program Douglas High School Golf Program Dustin Smith, Sierra Nevada Chapter Scholarship Winner Darryle Fukano, Sierra Nevada Chapter Scholarship Winner Galena High School Golf Program Junior Golf Association of Northern California Brett Kuhnsman, Sierra Nevada Chapter Scholarship Winner Meadow Club Caddie Program Meadow Club Junior Golf Program Marin Catholic High School Golf Program Monterey Junior Golf Redwood High School Golf Program Reno High School Girls Golf Program Sacramento Foothill Junior League Saving Strokes, a program of the American Heart Association South Tahoe High School Girls Golf Program Spanish Springs High School Golf Program Special Olympics, East Bay Region Vacaville High School Golf Program Jeff Wise, Sierra Nevada Chapter Scholarship Winner Wooster High School Girls Golf Program
Save the Date: The Langley 2010 NCPGA Foundation to Honor PGA TOUR Player Tom Watson, and local golf legend Sandy Tatum at 2010 The Langley, A Tribute to Legends. This premier fundraising event will be held at Spanish Bay on Monday and Tuesday, August 30-31. Start gathering your team, and stay tuned for details!
The experience is everything. As a proud sponsor of the Northern California PGA, E-Z-GO速 shares your dedication to enhancing the game of golf and its players. See our entire Golf lineup at www.ezgo.com. Mike Riddle Western Region Sales Manager 602.540.1713 mriddle@textron.com
Craig Faris Fleet Sales Rep 510.301.7099 cfaris@textron.com
Adrian Meyer Fleet Sales Rep 510.301.7617 ameyer@textron.com
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n initiative started by the NCPGA Sierra Nevada Chapter to support junior and high school golf has resulted in the donation of $4,000.00 divided amongst ten High School golf teams. The initiative also donated $750.00 to provide lunch for the players and volunteers at the NIAA Northern 4A Girls Regional Championship held at Eagle Valley Golf Course last October. The funds were raised at a Pro-Am hosted by PGA Professionals John Hughes and Don Boyle at the Fernley Golf Club. Janark Enterprises and the Sierra Nevada Chapter were generous contributors…. Silver Creek Valley Country Club PGA Head Professional Jeff Sanchez, wife Mary and son Camilo happily welcomed a new member to the family. Aurelia Marie Sanchez was born January 4th weighing in at 7 lb 12oz. Congratulations Jeff and family!....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 www.Facebook.com/ NorCalPGA or join one of our member only chat groups such as the NCPGA Assistant Apprentice Division or NCPGA Members Only… The NCPGA Special Awards Committee is pleased to announce that the nomination period for 2010 NCPGA Special Awards begins March 1st! Please visit NCPGALinks.com (Member Services – Special Awards) to download your nomination form, to learn more about the program or to nominate a fellow professional. The deadline to submit nominations is June 1, 2010!... The NCPGA is currently in the process of compiling the 20102011 NCPGA Directory of Golf proudly presented by Pepsi Bottling Group which will be available again online only in a user-friendly and printerfriendly format. In order to produce the most accurate directory for you, it is important that the contact/employment information that we have for each Northern California Section Professional and Apprentice is correct. We would appreciate your help in this process and ask that you visit PGALinks.com to verify that the information that we have on file for you is correct. ACT NOW! Make your changes prior to March 15th to ensure that we have the most up to date information on file. Should you have any questions, please contact the NCPGA Section Office at (707) 449-4742….
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Section leadership joined the PGA of America leadership for a day on the greens during the week of the President’s Cup at CordeValle Golf Club (L to R) CordeValle PGA Head Professional Nick Bailey, PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka, PGA President Jim Remy, NCPGA ED/COO Chris Thomas, PGA Vice President Allen Wronowski, NCPGA President Monte Koch, CordeValle PGA Director of Golf Travis Skeesick, NCPGA Vice President Len Dumas & NCPGA Honorary President Bob Young.
Nor Cal PGA Professional Eric Lippert of Del Monte Golf Course (Monterey, CA) was a member of the victorious USA Cup team at the PGA Cup held at The Carrick on Loch Lomand, Dunbartonshire, Scotland on Sunday, September 20, 2009. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
NCPGA Past President Sue Fiscoe was sworn in as the District 11 Director at the 93rd PGA Annual Meeting held in New Orleans in November 2009. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
The 2010 Player and Teacher Forum held this last January was a tremendous success (Pictured L to R) Presenter Laird Small, The Golf Fix It Guy Michael Breed, Jennifer Halldorson with Saving Strokes, 2009 NCPGA Teacher of the Year Dan Schwabe, Forum Co-Chair Scott Prenez, Scott GIllingwater with EFX Performance Edge , Titleist Performance Institute Co-Founders Dave Phillips and Greg Rose, Nike Golf Western Region Sales Manager Rick Gielow, Synthetic Turf Representative Mike Schy, Presenter Ben Doyle, Forum Co-Chair Tom Morton, Nike Golf Representatives Chris Gaeckle, Darren McCray & Jon Schubb.
PGA Professionals showed their support to the NCPGA Foundation and 2009 honorees PGA Professional Steve Menchinella and NCPGA Honorary Member Ken Venturi this last October at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco (Pictured L to R) Lea Smith with husband PGA Head Professional Bill Smith from Sequoyah Country Club, Lynne Babica with husband PGA Head Professional Larry Babica from Sequoyah Woods Country Club.
NCPGA Board Members and New Mexico State PGM Alumni gathered for a photo after the October Board of Directors Meeting at Monterey Pines Golf Club (Pictured L to R) Director David Plotnik, former District 11 Director Matt Hall, Director Brad Braden and President Monte Koch.
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The Monterey Bay Area Chapter held its inaugural Annual Meeting and Golf event this last October at Monterey Pines Golf Course. The formation and future of the Chapter was discussed as well as new Board Members and Officers sworn in to their terms on the 2010 Chapter Board. (L to R) Vice President Dale Taylor, Director Mark Lavin, President Eric Lippert, Director Brett Mathis, Director Bill Sendell and Secretary Neil Larkin.
PGA apprentice Steve Watanabe (L) of the Bridges Golf Club captured the 2009 AA Division Match Play Championship last October. Watanabe defeated PGA apprentice Joe Dolby from Palo Alto Hills G&CC 2 up during the final round at CordeValle Golf Club.
JOHN VETTER (650) 363-8498 (650) 766-8498 cell johnvetter@sbcglobal.net
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The Langley, A Tribute to Legends emcee John Abendroth, PGA (R) and Jim Langley, PGA (C) presented 2009 Honoree and 40 year PGA Professional Steve Menchinella(L) from Sunnyside Country Club with a commemorative plaque in honor of his contributions towards growing the game of golf in Northern California.
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