Northwest Golf Adventures Magazine

WWW.NWGOLFADVENTURES.COM | OCTOBER 2023 | ISSUE 35 | FREE TO SUBSCRIBERS!

The latest golf news and features for players on the West Coast!

Luxury Golf in the Valley of the Sun

Let Meridian CondoResorts plan your next golf trip to Scottsdale, Arizona

www.CondoResorts.com

OCT 2023

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editor.

T from the

Kris Fay

Time to start team golf at an earlier age

his year’s Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup were special events for me. Watching both events on television was made more enjoyable by the fact that I’d had the opportunity to play both courses and recognized many of the shots the players faced during their matches.

When the U.S. women failed to beat Europe at Finca Cortesin, I was genuinely surprised. I’ve made it a point to watch more LPGA events and, having done so, felt that the U.S. squad was far superior. Shockingly, we just weren’t good enough in singles on the final day and Europe retained the cup they won two years ago.

On the flip side, after playing Marco Simone earlier this year, I believed the U.S. men were in trouble against their European rivals. It was hard to see on television, but Marco Simone was incredibly tight off the tee. Overall, however, the course was not terribly

long by PGA TOUR standards.

In chatting with the head professional at Marco Simone, and even some golf pundits at other courses in Rome, the European team made a conscious effort to take away any advantages the Americans had when it came to length off the tee. Analytics told the Euros that they were a more accurate team and they wanted to play to that strength. A perfect strategy? Probably not, because these guys are all fantastic, but it worked well enough.

The bigger problem, however, is that the Americans just aren’t great at team golf, especially the alternate shot format.

It was clear that some of our pairings just didn’t work and some of our more accurate players were left on the bench for most of the first two days. The fact that the U.S. is so good on an individual basis - which was on display in the singles matches - is the only thing that kept the Ryder Cup exciting on Sunday.

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I’m convinced that, should we want to get better over the first two days of these events, we need to start with our youngest players. It’s not always about playing in those individual matches and events, it’s also about learning to play cooperatively in other formats like best ball and alternate shot.

Over the next year, in the Pacific Northwest, I’m looking to get more involved with students who want to learn more about team golf through things like the PGA Junior League. I hope more professionals will create teams and work together to teach the skills new golfers need to learn to make us more competitive. If they learn to play with someone early on, it won’t be such a foreign concept down the road for those representing our country in its biggest team events.

Kris Fay

Owner - NW Golf Adventures

www.nwgolfadventures.com

inside this

issue. Lesson Tee The

Issue 35: October 2023

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Arnie & Jack Charlie Mechem had a unique relationship with both Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. He finally had the time to put some of the best stories together into one great book.

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Vegas World Am The 2024 Vegas World Am is happening in late February. The event features a new rotation of courses, as well as an optional two player best-ball competition.

Everyone wants to be a better putter. Everyone also wants to be a better putter when it matters under pressure.

Regardless of whether you’re trying win a $2 nassau or your club championship, it always comes down to putting.

Scottsdale Golf The folks at Meridian CondoResorts can put together an unforgettable golf vacation for you and your favorite players.

Any golfer who’s HAD to make a putt knows that they’re harder when the pressure’s on. Heck, it’s even harder to make a six-footer for birdie than it is to make the same putt to save par or bogey. Here’s a quick drill that will help you learn to be more aggressive and confident when you’re on the green.

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Unique Bag Tags

There is no doubt about it: putting can be stressful, especially when you have already missed one or two putts early in a round that you should have made. When we feel pressure on the putting green, we often tense up.

When we tense up, we often squeeze the putter grip in our hands a little tighter, creating tension that runs up our arms.

When that happens, we can quickly lose a nice freeflowing stroke.

A company based in the Pacific Northwest is making customized leather bag tags, perfect for any course or event to give their players.

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Additionally, when the pressure gets ramped up on the green, we tend to get anxious about the results after we contact the ball.

When this happens, we often tend to look up early. When you look up early, your putter swings up as well, and putts fall short of the hole.

Keep in touch . twitter.com/nwgolf

facebook.com/nwgolf

instagram.com/nwgolf

To practice fighting tension

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and looking up, follow these steps: • Get a 2x2 piece of wood.

• Place the piece of wood 10 feet away from you on the putting green, just to the side and about 2 feet past a hole.

• Grab ten golf balls and putt them, going through your regular routine, toward that piece of wood.

• As you putt, you want to be tension-free and not look up. You will be listening for the ball to hit the 2x2. You want that sound of the ball hitting the wood to be softer and not a hard knock. Record how many out of ten hit the 2x2 with the correct sound.

When done, switch to putting to the hole right next to the 2x2 and repeat the same process, only now, you are listening for the ball to go into the cup. Repeat the steps from 15 foot, 20 foot and 25 foot.

Good luck and keep swinging.

Alan Reese Alan Reese Golf Lab

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Troon North

Estrella

Eagle Mountain

MERIDIAN CONDORESORTS, A LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED COMPANY, STARTED IN 1995 WITH THE GOAL OF DELIVERING THE ULTIMATE ARIZONA VACATION EXPERIENCE.

to know the best accommodations and the courses worth playing. On a trip earlier this year, I let the experts at Meridian CondoResorts put our itinerary together.

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Things could NOT have gone better.

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or those of us who live in climates that get cold, rainy, or snowy during the winter, it’s always nice to plan a golf vacation that gets you back into the warm sunshine for a few days.

Places like Florida and Mexico are great, but if you want a west coast destination with plenty of flight options and all the golf you can handle, the Valley of the Sun is an excellent place to go.

The Phoenix metropolitan area is known for its year-round sun and pleasant temperatures October through April. While there are plenty of places to stay and play within Phoenix itself, the real gem is the city of Scottsdale, located northeast of

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Y Phoenix’s SkyHarbor Airport and settled at the base of Camelback Mountain.

For golfers, the first thing you think of when Scottsdale comes up is the Waste Management Phoenix Open, the wildest tournament on the PGA TOUR schedule. It turns out that Scottsdale is so much more than that!

THE PHOENIX AREA IS HOME TO NEARLY 200 GOLF COURSES, SOMETHING FOR ALL GOLFERS A quick google search will reveal an endless list of places to stay and places to play in and around Scottsdale. With any size group, it can be a pain

Poolside at meridian condoresorts

Meridian, a locally owned and operated company, started in 1995 with the goal of delivering the ultimate Arizona vacation experience. Over nearly 30 years, the company has worked with thousands of clients to pair them with the perfect lodging options and golf courses.

With any size group, it’s hard to know if the accommodations you choose will be good or great.

Meridian CondoResorts feature fully furnished, resort-style condos in the most desirable areas of Scottsdale. Each and every property is luxurious, offering pools and spas, fitness centers, outdoor living spaces, and more. It’s everything you’d want for a relaxing weekend with your significant other or a long weekend trip with your golf buddies.

Quintero

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Boulders

Gold Canyon

Just tell the folks at Meridian what you’re looking for, what you’d like to have nearby, and they’ll find the perfect spot for your group.

It doesn’t stop there, though. While everyone at the company is great at what they do with lodging, what they really love is golf. There’s not a course in the area that they haven’t played. The company’s longevity means the courses know who they are and treat their clients like kings.

MORE OPTIONS RESULTS IN THE PERFECT GOLF PACKAGE FOR ANY SIZE GROUP For reference, here’s a short list of some of the golf courses they can setup tee times and GREAT rates for: • • • • •

Boulders Eagle Mountain Golf Club at Estrella Gold Canyon Grayhawk

• • • • • • • • • • •

Las Sendas Lookout Mountain Quintero Rancho Manana Southern Dunes Sunridge Canyon Talking Stick TPC Scottsdale Troon North Verrado We-Ko-Pa

troon pinnacle

size. Other companies can’t put a big group in one location, they have to send them to different hotels. We have the ability to keep those big groups together, which provides a memorable vacation.”

Meridian also knows that sometimes you need to get away from the course and find something to do.

The company offers a range of activities including guided hiking tours, spa treatments, adventure tours, and food and beverage experiences.

“We have so many different options and we’re able to match people up with the best golf and lodging for them,” said founder Russell Brooks. “Because we have so many options, the clients that keep coming back year after year are able to have a unique experience each and every time.”

What sets Meridian apart from other travel companies in Phoenix? Brooks says “It’s a combination of our award winning service, luxury accommodations and we work with groups of any

Grayhawk

Talk to anyone from the Pacific Northwest who’s taken a group to Scottsdale, and it’s likely they’ve worked with Meridian CondoResorts. The company started running ads in newspapers across the region because it’s so easy to get there from places like Portland and Seattle.

For more information or a free trip quote, call 800213-6446 or visit www.condoresorts.com.

Luxury living at meridian condoresorts

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Fashion FORE-ward GOLF FASHION IS AN EVOLVING THING. DON’T MISS A SINGLE TREND IN TOPS, BOTTOMS, SHOES AND MORE! DO YOU HAVE A PICTURE OF YOU BEING FASHION FORE-WARD? SEND IT TO US!

Look Good, Play Good Deolax NEW DESIGNS

There’s a reason Tiger Woods wears red on Sunday. He’s intimidating his opponents, who know that red shirt has held up plenty of trophies. Why not look your best on and off the course? We’re here to help!

Unleash your wild side with the Dinosaur polo. Made with premium materials and featuring a bold dino print, this polo is perfect for the adventurer in you.

WINTER GOLF BOOTS

Duca del Cosma

On chilly, damp days out on the course, you need a shoe that offers grip, warmth, and stability. With its cozy sherpa fleece lining and waterproof bootie system, the men’s winter golf shoe Delago ensures your feet stay dry and comfortable. The spikeless Airplay 11 outsole delivers unmatched traction for a truly remarkable experience on the green.

GOLF TRAVEL

GOLF ACCESSORIES

Ogio

ASHER x Golf Pride

Securely pack and easily access your toiletries with this generously sized, and thoughtfully organized dopp kit.

Large main compartment with two interior zippered spaces, waterproof exterior, quick access pocket, and stowable hanging loop with side release buckle

A first of its kind, premium grip and glove collaboration where fashion meets innovation. Each limited edition kit includes 2 ASHER Gloves and 13 Limited Edition Golf Pride Tour Velvet Grips so that you can elevate your Fall Fashion in every aspect on the course.

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Conde Nast Recognizes

PUEBLO BONITA RESORT

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ueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort has been recognized for excellence in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards survey. The property was selected by the prestigious publication’s readers in the “Top 20 Resorts in Western Mexico” category.

minutes from lively downtown Cabo San Lucas, Pacifica is five minutes from the spectacular Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Quivira Golf Club, which offers exclusive access to Pueblo Bonito guests.

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort has been recognized for excellence in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards survey. The property was selected by the prestigious publication’s readers in the “Top 20 Resorts in Western Mexico” category.

Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts is one of Mexico’s premier resort hotel and real estate firms. Starting with a single hotel in Mazatlán in 1987, the family-owned hospitality company has attracted a loyal following by consistently delivering great vacation experiences.

Tucked away in a secluded valley oriented to the sea, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Golf & Spa Resort has been significantly expanded and refined since its debut in 2005. Fronting a superb 2.5-mile stretch of unspoiled beach, this enchanting oasis at Land’s End was designed to showcase the beauty of the Baja Peninsula’s unique mountaindesert-ocean ecosystem. Tranquil and romantic, this adults-only, all-inclusive resort hotel, featuring shaded beachfront cabanas and the wellness-inspired Armonia Spa, is located within the exclusive residential development of Quivira Los Cabos. Peninsula, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves regional Baja cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Adjoining the restaurant is the open-air Peninsula Lounge, which features panoramic views of the sea, sky and sand. The Towers at Pacifica, a deluxe “resort within a resort,” offers 47 elegant Club suites and rooms as well as unparalleled personalized services and amenities, including 24-hour butler service and access to the Whalewatcher’s Lounge, where breaching whales can be observed during the winter months. Located 15

“The 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards represent the most beloved and cherished experiences in the travel industry, as voted by our loyal audience,” the publication stated. “This year, an astounding 526,518 Conde Nast Traveler readers across the US and UK enthusiastically shared their recent travel knowledge of the top hotels.” Addressing the winning properties, the magazine’s editors added, “Your dedication and exceptional service have left a lasting impression on our readers. We celebrate the finest experiences the world has to offer, and your remarkable contribution has solidified your position as a standout in the travel industry.”

The results of the 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards are available today at https://www.cntraveler.com/. Highlights will be featured in the November issues of Conde Nast Traveler US and UK.

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THE SECOND HOLE WAS ONE OF THE MOST DIFFICULT DURING THE RYDER CUP. EXPERIENCED GOLFERS CAN PLAY OVER THE BUNKER WITH A GOOD DRIVER. TO REACH THE GREEN YOU THEN NEED A MEDIUM IRON. FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE SAFEST LINE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE FAIRWAY, IT IS BETTER TO USE A LONG IRON FOR THE SECOND SHOT, PAYING ATTENTION TO THE BUNKER POSITIONED 50 YARDS BEFORE THE GREEN.

Marco Simone - Rome, Italy

THE BEST SHOT

OCT 2023 www.nwgolfadventures.com

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M ar co Op Sim pr en on of a e es nd h of sion ha as p fe al s ro fo rs a and been udly ur u n a a he fo star ique mat ven ld t r w tin e eu u h r ch om g t xpe r to e fo ee oo en ee rie ur r v ed se , a s f n na a itio len the llow or m ce t me riou ns gt m ing en o g nts s p of h o . re t o ga for st s play and lfer The stig he I m th ui er t s, w co io ta e. e ta s hr it u us lia n ir ble to ee h rs e

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ARNIE AND JACK

GIVES READERS A LOOK AT TWO LEGENDS Charles Mechem Jr. has threaded together amazing stories from memories of the time he spent with both Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus and presents them in the style of a fireside chat that’s sure to draw in any golf fan.

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very year, more and more golf books are published. It can be hard to pick the books to read, especially when you’re trying to choose between biographies, histories, fiction, or player improvement options. While a lot has been made about Alan Shipnuck’s unauthorized biography on Phil Mickelson, a new book by Charles Meechum is one that shouldn’t be missed.

Mechem has had a varied and interesting career that didn’t start in the golf industry, but definitely led to it. After practicing law in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Mechem spent three years in the United States Army before serving as CEO of the Taft Broadcasting Company before being appointed Commissioner of the Ladies Professional Golf Association in 1990.

He kept that position for five years.

“The day I accepted that position, I said I’d run the LPGA for five years,” said Mechem, “I was 60-years-old and I still had a lot of things I wanted to do. We had a good run. If I hadn’t said I was going to leave after five years, I might have stayed a little longer.

With that experience, Mechem could probably write a book of stories about his time with the top female players in the world. However, his newest book - Arnie and Jack - focuses on his friendship with two of golf’s absolute legends: the late Arnold Palmer and the great Jack Nicklaus.

Mechem acted as personal business advisor to both Palmer and Nicklaus. More importantly, he was friends with both men.

“I’ve been blessed, really blessed and those friendships came about in totally different ways,” said Mechem. “I met Jack back in 1970 and we’ve been good friends ever since. Arnie I met when I was the LPGA Commissioner and we were very close for 25 or 30 years until he passed away. It’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve never known any two men I respected or cared more for.”

Mechem’s book is a great read, full of stories that no one else has written before about either Palmer or Nicklaus. The book has a conversational style that’s easy to follow and really leaves you wishing there were more stories to enjoy. Mechem said that’s the only way he knows how to write.

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ike any author, Mechem (above) has some stories that are really special to him.

When asked for a couple of his favorites, he said it was simply too hard. He did offer up one teaser that showed the difference between the two men.

“Back when I was sharing an office with Arnie at Bay Hill - which I did for about 10 years - I told him I was gonna see Jack the next day. He said to tell him Arnie said hello. When I got to Jack’s office, I relayed that message and he asked if Arnie really played golf every day, which I said he did. He just shook his head and asked me to give Arnie his regards. When I got back to Bay Hill, Arnie asked if Jack was playing much golf and I told him he wasn’t. He just laughed and asked what the hell he did all day. To me, that was really the difference between the two. Arnie was no longer competitive but he loved to play, but Jack wanted to win and he didn’t enjoy it as much when he wasn’t as competitive.”

Arnie and Jack is full of stories that give readers a glimpse into the lives of both golf legends. More importantly, though, you get it all through the eyes of someone who was a true friend to both men and was able to see them through good times and bad.

“I’m really happy with the way the book turned out,” added Mechem. “I miss Arnie every day, but I’m so happy I still talk with Jack. I’m happy I have such a good memory and writing this book brought back a lot of great feelings.”

Arnie and Jack is being published by Mission Point Press and includes forewords by Jack Nicklaus and Doc Giffin, Arnold Palmer’s personal assistant for 50 years. It is 152 pages and is available in e-book and print versions at Amazon. For other retail locations, please visit

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HOMEGROWN GOLF LEATHER BAG TAG Products can be developed in a variety of different ways. Some are the result of study and design, carefully planned from beginning to end. Others are a happy accident, stemming from a series of events that resulted in a product that consumers love to use.

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“It was a simple engraver with horrible software, but it worked as advertised and I tried it on everything I could,” said Reed. “Then I started working with materials I thought would be good for golf bag tags. I love golf.”

eather Bag Tags is one of the latter, developing thanks to a delivery that never should have been made.

Late in 2020, just days before Christmas, a package was delivered by UPS to the home of Robert Reed. Inside the package was a small laser engraver, mistakenly dropped at the wrong address with no return contact. When UPS refused to come back for it, Reed decided to set it up and give it a try.

After making tags for family friends, Reed was asked to make tags for the 2021 Vegas World Amateur tournament.

Those first tags were simple wooden plaques which turned out well. After that, Reed started working with leather.

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to cheap, plastic bag tags.”

“The leather is great because I’ve been able to cut it into any shape, dye it a variety of colors, and make really nice designs for tournaments and courses. Players at the events we’ve worked with have all remarked about how much they like them as opposed

After a second run with the Vegas World Amateur, Reed decided to open his tags up to the public. Available for purchase at www.leatherbagtag.com, individuals can create their own tags or choose from one of the stock tags being made on a regular basis. The site has also been a place where courses are ordering tags for their customers and members.

“The response has been amazing. I quickly learned that the small engraver was never going to keep up with orders, so we’ve upgraded significantly. We’re set-up to keep growing with demand.”

Reed said he’s been working on some new designs that could be used for bag tags or applied to hats. “The hat designs have been great and I’m really excited to start offering those later this year.”

To see more examples, or to order your bag tag, visit www.leatherbagtag.com.

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DESIGN SPOTLIGHT

AGUSTIN PIZÁ

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hen you play a golf course, how much do you really take in? Most players will focus on the course design and layout without giving much thought to how the entire property is laid out. Most local courses have been swallowed up and surrounded by developments that were never part of the original project.

That’s where Augustin Pizá comes in.

“There’s a big difference between a course designer and a golf course architect,” said Pizá.

“Anyone with a passion for golf can design a golf course, an architect will create a master plan that takes in the entire project and ties it all together.”

Pizá Golf, already recognized as a world-class architecture and golf course design firm, has now seen their founder named one of the top 100 most creative Mexicans in the world by Forbes Magazine. He has also been named one of the Nine Most Innovative People in Golf by Golf, Inc. Based on his body of work, these and other awards are well deserved.

“There are plenty of golf course designers, they’re honestly all over the world,” said Pizá. “Golf course architects, however, are more rare. I’m definitely the only one in Latin America with a Masters in Golf Course Architecture, and memberships in the European Institute of Golf Course Architects and American Society of Golf Course Architects.”

The edge that gives Pizá and his team is full control of a project from start to finish. That means he’s thinking about the balance between art and science in a project. That science includes studies of agronomy, irrigation, architecture, and technique. That science is mixed with the principles of art including balance, rhythm proportion, and melody.

“There’s no such thing as an ugly golf course. Every golf course is beautiful. You’re out there in the park, you’re walking, you’re listening to the birds and you’re playing the sport that we love. But there is such a thing as a bad design and bad maintenance.”

“Anyone with a passion for golf can design a course.

We’re trying to design functional works of art.” ~Agustin Pizá (right)

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or Pizá and his team, choosing a project involves considering several things: sustainability, social impacts, economics, and ecology. Pizá said that regardless of the size of the project - resort, championship, or municipal course - he takes those things into consideration each and every time.

“In today’s world, a golf facility needs to have multiple revenue streams. It’s easier to think about adding things like a practice or training facility, a putting complex, or lodging and dining when you’re planning the project instead of trying to add them all later.”

Even though Pizá isn’t a household name - yet - the company’s portfolio is extensive. With projects throughout Europe and Latin America, Pizá has been busy.

His latest project, in Mexico City, is “The Pit,” something Pizá calls a “grass sculpture, upon which beautiful golf can be played.”

The Pit is a ‘golf lounge’ centered around a putting complex with four bunkers. The central bunker, sunken with a firepit, makes the facility a place to play and practice, and then a place to relax with friends and family.

“I think my client had a regular putting and chipping green in mind, but I don’t do regular things,” said Pizá when asked about the scope of the project. Regardless, it was a hit and more such golf lounges are in the works in places like San Diego.

In addition to complete projects, Pizá Golf has also made itself available for restoration projects. That’s how the company got into the Cabo San Lucas area of the Mexican Baja. When a hurricane took out the backside of the Cabo San Lucas Country Club, Pizá was called in to help. The results were a major improvement.

“We came in on an emergency basis and re-worked holes 10 thru 16. It’s a big change when you go from the front nine to the back, and I hope we’ll be able to go back and keep working on the property.

Moving forward, Pizá Golf is looking to expand into the United States, having recently opened an office in the San Diego area.

“Designing in the United States will expose more golfers to our work, which we’re excited about.”

The next time you’re planning a golf trip and are trying to decide where to play, make sure you look for a Pizá-designed course. You’ll be pleased with whichever course you choose.

*In a sidenote, just before this issue was published, Pizá Golf was commissed to develop a restoration master plan for the Tijuana Country Club. The club, just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, is a prohibition-era club originally designed by William P. Bell.

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Las Vegas World Amateur

ANNUAL EVENT FINDS NEW COURSES In addition to a new course rotation, tournament organizers are now offering a team best-ball option for those who want additional ways to win.

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favorite Siena Golf Club (in nearby Las Vegas proper), and you have the makings of a great three-day golf trip.

The Vegas World Amateur - an event going into its teen years - continues to grow and attract golfers from all over to the sun-soaked fairways and pure vacation destination experience that Vegas is.

This coming Vegas World Am is slated for February 26-28, 2024, and includes three rounds of golf and some great competition.

Details will be out soon regarding a twoplayer best ball option that will give players a chance to compete with the partner of their choice!

ot all golf vacations are created equal. Sometimes it’s about golf, sometimes it’s about the food, sometimes it’s about the price, and sometimes a bit of a competition is the main enticement. There’s one golf package that can offer all of the above - and then some.

The most unique part of this event is that it is designed to allow its players to experience all of what makes Vegas such an attraction.

Golf rounds start at 8am so players are free to spend the full day taking in the signs, sounds and tastes of the city.

The event tries to change venues at least every two years to give its players a varied experience in Vegas, allowing them to see more of the city and play new golf courses.

This year the Vegas World Am is partnering with Summerlin Golf and will challenge its players with two new tracks - Palm Valley and Highland Falls. Add to that a player-

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ere are a couple more unique attributes of the Vegas World Am:

1. Play in division/flights that match your skills and age.

2. Play with friends the first two days - one of the main reasons to take a golf trip is to play with friends in new places. We set up groups on days 1 and 2 to make sure you get to experience this with friends. Now day 3 is for deciding champions - so we set up final day tee times based on score.

3. Win Cash and Prizes. We use $75 from each entry and place it into the event prize pool. We also have product prizes for special shots and other individual accomplishments.

4. For those of you who decide that’s not enough to play for - we also have a daily honeypot by flight/division where you could win more cash.

Check the event out online at www. vegasworldam.com or use the website to reach us via email so we can answer any other questions you might have.

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PLACES TO PLAY

TPC Scottsdale

Scottsdale, Arizona

TPC Scottsdale, seamlessly blending rich tradition with an exhilarating atmosphere, lives up to its reputation as one of the most renowned courses on the PGA TOUR. TPC Scottsdale, seamlessly blending rich tradition with an exhilarating atmosphere, lives up to its reputation as one of the most renowned courses on the PGA TOUR.

stadium-like setting where thousands of spectators gather during the tournament. It’s an experience unlike any other in golf, and hitting your tee shot here is an adrenaline rush you won’t soon forget.

The crown jewel of TPC Scottsdale is undoubtedly the Stadium Course, a masterpiece designed by golf course architects Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish.

Known for hosting the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open, this course is as legendary as it is challenging. Each hole presents a unique test of skill and strategy, with undulating fairways, pristine bunkers, and fast greens that demand precision from tee to green.

While the Stadium Course garners much of the attention, the Champions Course at TPC Scottsdale is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be overlooked. This course, designed by Randy Heckenkemper, offers a more forgiving layout and allows golfers of all skill levels to enjoy a memorable round. The lush fairways and picturesque desert vistas make it a captivating golfing experience.

What sets the Stadium Course apart is the electrifying atmosphere it offers, especially at the 16th hole, aptly named “The Coliseum.” This par3 is entirely enclosed by grandstands, creating a

Golf Club at Estrella Goodyear, Arizona

TPC Scottsdale goes above and beyond when it comes to amenities and service. The clubhouse is a haven for golfers, featuring a well-stocked pro shop and a welcoming restaurant where you can savor delicious cuisine while reliving your round.

The practice facilities are state-of-the-art, allowing you to hone your skills before hitting the course.

For those looking to improve their game, TPC Scottsdale offers top-tier instruction from PGA TOUR professionals. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned player aiming to fine-tune your skills, the experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you reach your golfing goals.

TPC Scottsdale is also committed to sustainability and environmental conservation. The course uses reclaimed water for irrigation, employs ecofriendly maintenance practices, and is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, ensuring that the stunning desert landscape is preserved for generations to come.

Nestled in the stunning Sonoran Desert of Goodyear, Arizona, the Golf Club of Estrella is a hidden treasure that beckons golf enthusiasts and admirers of the great outdoors alike.

Upon arrival at the Golf Club of Estrella, guests are immediately struck by the breathtaking natural beauty that envelops the course. The rugged desert landscape is seamlessly integrated into the course’s design, creating a harmonious marriage of human craftsmanship and the awe-inspiring wonders of nature.

Towering saguaro cacti, vibrant wildflowers, and majestic mountain vistas serve as a mesmerizing backdrop that enhances the golfing experience in profound ways.

The course itself, meticulously crafted by Jack Nicklaus II, is a par-72 masterpiece that caters to golfers of all skill levels. Pristine fairways, lightning-fast greens, and

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a thoughtful layout ensure that the Golf Club of Estrella stands out as one of Arizona’s premier golf destinations.

What distinguishes this course is its unwavering commitment to sustainability. It employs reclaimed water for irrigation and has implemented environmentally friendly practices throughout its operations. Golfers can revel in the desert’s beauty while knowing that the course is a steward of the environment.

The Golf Club of Estrella’s clubhouse provides a warm haven for post-round relaxation. The staff is known for their hospitality, and the dining options are exceptional.

After a round, guests can savor a delectable meal while enjoying panoramic views of the course and the mountains—a perfect way to conclude a day on the fairways.

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PLACES TO STAY

Talking Stick Resort

Scottsdale, AZ

Scottsdale is well known for its year-round sunshine and fantastic golf courses.

Pairing a stay with Meridian CondoResorts and the golf at Talking Stick promises a MEMORABLE trip.

Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Scottsdale, Arizona, Talking Stick Golf Resort offers a golfing experience like no other. For any avid golfer and traveler, the opportunity to explore this golf resort will exceed expectations in every way.

Talking Stick Golf Resort boasts not one, but two championship golf courses, creatively designed by acclaimed architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.

The O’odham Course and the Piipaash Course each offer their unique challenges and are impeccably maintained, ensuring that every round is a memorable one.

With meticulously groomed fairways, challenging greens, and breathtaking desert landscapes, these courses are a golfer’s dream come true.

PLAY THESE PLACES TPC Scottsdale

17020 N Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85255 (480) 585-4334 www.tpc.com/scottsdale

One of the standout features of playing golf at Talking Stick is the stunning desert scenery that surrounds you. Towering cacti, rugged mountains, and lush desert vegetation frame every hole, creating a captivating backdrop for your game. The desert landscape isn’t just for show; it comes into play on several holes, adding an extra layer of challenge and intrigue to your rounds.

Golf Club at Estrella

11800 S Golf Club Drive, Goodyear, AZ 85338 (623) 386-2600 www.estrellagolf.com

Talking Stick Resort 9998 Talking Stick Way Scottsdale, AZ 85256 (480) 860-2221

www.talkingstickgolfclub.com

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Talking Stick Golf Resort doesn’t just excel on the course; its facilities are equally impressive. The practice areas are top-notch, including a vast driving range and a short game area where you can fine-tune your skills. The clubhouse is a haven for golfers, offering a pro shop stocked with the latest gear and apparel, as well as a restaurant serving delicious meals and refreshing beverages.

While golf is undoubtedly the highlight at Talking Stick, there’s more to enjoy on the property. The resort’s pool area is a fantastic place to relax and soak up the Arizona sun, and the nearby Talking Stick Entertainment District offers a vibrant nightlife scene with restaurants, bars, and live entertainment.

Talking Stick Golf Resort is a golfing paradise that should be on every golfer’s bucket list. With its two world-class courses, stunning desert views, top-tier facilities, and luxurious accommodations, it offers an unforgettable golf vacation experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a novice looking to improve your game, Talking Stick Golf Resort has everything you need for a memorable and enjoyable golf getaway in the heart of Scottsdale.

OCT 2023

OCT 2022 JAN 2023

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