PROgram Magazine - Summer Issue

PROGRAM VOLUME 46

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ISSUE 2

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THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

SUMMER ISSUE

PREVIEW OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PG. 5

OUR COMMUNITY LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

The Section would like to wish Demi Dailey the best of luck as she moves on from the Section and joins the team at the Hoag Classic as Program Manager - Marketing & Communications. Thank you Demi for your outstanding contributions to the SCPGA and ESPECIALLY your hard work on our PROgram Magazine!

OUR PGA COMMUNITY IS VAST TO SAY THE LEAST. IN OUR LAST ISSUE, WE SHOWCASED NOT ONLY THE REACH OUR SECTION HAS, BUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUR JUNIOR TOUR MEMBERS.WE AIM TO HIGHLIGHT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF ALL THOSE WE COME INTO CONTACT WITH. WHETHER IT'S THROUGH STRENGTHENING OUR WOMEN'S DIVISION, GIVING AWAY OUR 500TH SET OF GOLF CLUBS TO A STUDENT IN NEED OR MAKING OUR CALIFORNIA TEACHING AND COACHING SUMMIT THE BEST YET. NOT ONLY DOES IT TAKE 22 TALENTED INDIVIDUALS AT SCPGA HEADQUARTERS, BUT ALSO VOLUNTEERS, FIELD STAFF AND DEDICATED PARENTS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT TAKES THE PASSION PGA MEMBERS EXHIBIT TO CONTINUE TO GROW OUR SCPGA COMMUNITY.

Contents Features:

5.

SECTION CHAMP PREVIEW

11.

THE CHALLENGE

13.

17.

19.

21.

Preview the 2019 PGA Professional Championship

By SCPGA President Tony Letendre WHAT’S HOT See what’s trending in Southern California MAKING AN IMPACT Highlights from the clinic with Compton Unified schools.

MID-YEAR REVIEW

22.

25.

26.

28.

By Desane Blaney, AGM Executive Director

FITNESS TIP From SCPGA 2018 Teacher of the Year, Billy McKinney

30.

32.

RAISING TIGER

35.

From the team that helped groom the legend GIRLS JUNIOR AMERICAS CUP Hosted at Bear Creek Golf Club THE JOURNEY From SCPGA Junior Tour Member to PGA Professional DEATH ON TAXES

By Craig Kessler, SCGA Director of Governmental Affairs

38.

39.

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO GOLF PERFORMANCE

By Mac Todd, UGP Founder & CEO TEE IT FORWARD Q&A with Alan Scheer, Director of Golf at Steele Canyon Golf Club USING INVITATIONS FOR EVENTS

By SCPGA Vice President, Robin Shelton ESSENTIALS FOR EFFICIENCY ON COURSE Message from SCPGA Executive Director & CEO, Tom Addis III CHAPTER CORNER What you need to know from the SCPGA Chapters SCPGA.COM

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PROGRAM THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA VOLUME 46, ISSUE 2 | SUMMER ISSUE 2019 THE PROGRAM IS PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PUBLISHERS/ EDITORS: DEMI DAILEY & BRYCE SEIVER

SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS

PRESIDENT | TONY LETENDRE, PGA DOVE CANYON GOLF CLUB VICE PRESIDENT | ROBIN SHELTON, PGA SEACLIFF COUNTRY CLUB SECRETARY | ERIC LOHMAN, PGA MONARCH BEACH GOLF LINKS HONORARY PRESIDENT | TODD KEEFER, PGA THE WILSHIRE COUNTRY CLUB

DIRECTORS

RANDY CHANG, PGA JOURNEY AT PECHANGA & TALEGA GOLF CLUB DR. ALISON CURDT, PGA WOOD RANCH GOLF CLUB JOE GROHMAN, PGA EL DORADO PARK GOLF COURSE SCOTT HEYN, PGA THE FARMS GOLF CLUB ROB OOSTERHUIS, PGA SHERWOOD COUNTRY CLUB

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS KIM FALCONE, PGA LA JOLLA COUNTRY CLUB ED HOLMES SCGA PAST PRESIDENT

CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES

DESERT | MICHAEL HOLYK, PGA MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTRY CLUB

INLAND EMPIRE | STEVE ADAMIAK, PGA THE LEGENDS GOLF CLUB METROPOLITAN | VIC PLACERES, PGA OLD RANCH COUNTRY CLUB NORTHERN | MIKE VALDEZ, PGA SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTRY CLUB SAN DIEGO | GRANT STROBEL, PGA MIRAMAR MEMORIAL GOLF COURSE

PGA OF AMERICA EXECUTIVES DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR

BILL TROYANOSKI, PGA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION

PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENT | SUZY WHALEY, PGA SUZY WHALEY GOLF CROMWELL, CT VICE PRESIDENT | JIM RICHERSON, PGA TROON SCOTTSDALE, AZ SECRETARY | JOHN LINDERT, PGA LANSING, MI CEO | SETH WAUGH PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL

SCPGA SECTION STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | TOM ADDIS III, PGA TADDIS@PGAHQ.COM CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | JEFF JOHNSON, PGA | JJOHNSON@PGAHQ.COM CHIEF MEMBERSHIP OFFICER | NIKKI GATCH, PGA | NGATCH@PGAHQ.COM

MEMBERSHIP

MANAGER | SHARON CURFMAN SCURFMAN@PGAHQ.COM

COMMUNICATIONS

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | BRYCE SEIVER BSEIVER@PGAHQ.COM

FOUNDATION

DIRECTOR | MATT GILSON | MGILSON@PGAHQ.COM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & GOLF IN SCHOOLS DIRECTOR | ANTHONY LEONE ALEONE@PGAHQ.COM PLAYER DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR | MAX BERMAN MBERMAN@PGAHQ.COM

TOURNAMENTS

DIRECTOR OF COMPETITIONS | MAX DESPAIN MDESPAIN@PGAHQ.COM TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER | STEPHEN MONDAY SMONDAY@PGAHQ.COM

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & PARTNER RELATIONS MANAGER | DAVE KUHN DKUHN@PGAHQ.COM

MEETINGS & EVENTS MANAGER | ARIANA GILSON AGILSON@PGAHQ.COM

JUNIOR GOLF

DIRECTOR | KEVIN SMITH KSMITH@PGAHQ.COM SENIOR MANAGER | TRAVIS CUTLER TCUTLER@PGAHQ.COM MANAGER | EDDIE RODARTE, PGA ERODARTE@PGAHQ.COM MANAGER | BRENT JOHNSTON BJOHNSTON@PGAHQ.COM MANAGER | AMBERLYNN DORSEY ADORSEY@PGAHQ.COM ASSISTANT | TYLER MILLER TAMILLER@PGAHQ.COM

FINANCE & HUMAN RESOURCES FINANCE MANAGER | KRISTY WATTIMENA KWATTIMENA@PGAHQ.COM

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER | TAYLOR VERMILLION TVERMILLION@PGAHQ.COM FRONT DESK RECEPTIONIST | HANNAH FACCHINI HFACCHINI@PGAHQ.COM

PGA OF AMERICA STAFF REGIONAL LEAGUE MANAGER - PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE JUNKO SUZUKI, PGA | JSUZUKI@PGAHQ.COM CAREER CONSULTANT KEN FERRELL, PGA | 951.894.5024 | KFERRELL@PGAHQ.COM

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA 3333 CONCOURS ST. | BUILDING 2, SUITE 2100 ONTARIO, CA 91764 PHONE 951.845.4653 | FAX 951.769.6733 SCPGA.COM | SCPGAJRTOUR.COM

THE PROGRAM IS DISTRIBUTED FREE TO MEMBERS AND AFFILIATES OF THE SCPGA THREE TIMES A YEAR. THE ARTICLES AND OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED WITHIN THIS PUBLICATION ARE INFORMATIONAL AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OR OPINIONS OF THE SCPGA. THE SCPGA ASSUMES 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 SCPGA IS PROHIBITED.

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

W E L C O M E TO T H E 9 5 T H SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

THE ALISAL RANCH & RIVER COURSES S O LVA N G , C A L I F O R N I A | S E P T E M B E R 1 6 - 1 8 , 2 0 1 9 SCPGA.COM

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# S O C A LC H A M P

{

SOCAL’S FINEST

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TWO COURSES, ONE CHAMPION

The Southern California PGA is pleased to make the return to the Northern Chapter, where SoCal’s finest Professionals will compete in the 2019 Southern California PGA Professional Championship. Once again returning to The Alisal and playing both The Ranch and River courses on September 16-18, this years Championship boasts a potential purse of $100,000 for the second consecutive year. Located in the heart of Santa Barbara wine country, the legendary Billy Bell Jr. design opened in 1959 and hosted the Section Championship in 2014. With fabulous amenities and two championship golf courses, the Section is looking forward to working alongside Host PGA Professional Dave Hartley in delivering a premier Championship at The Alisal.

P R E S E N T E D BY:

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

Director of Golf at The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort, Dave Hartley and his staff await this year’s Championship. “For the second time in the past five years, we are pleased to host the Southern California PGA Section Championship on both the Ranch and River Courses, with the Ranch Course hosting the final round where Northern Chapter Teaching Professional, Ryan Kennedy, scorched the field for a nine-shot victory and a spot in the PPC and then went on to qualify for the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Country Club!”

“I suspect the players will once again rave about the Santa Ynez Valley and our historic resort as well as our quality golf courses maintained by superintendent Mark Weitz. Host Head Professionals Rick Russell at the Ranch Course and Jeff Raymond at the River Course are looking forward to hosting all of the SCPGA Section Professionals,” Hartley said.

SCPGA.COM

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FACTS & FIGURES

95TH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP WHEN:

September 16-18, 2019

WHERE:

Solvang, California (SCPGA Northern Chapter)

FIELD: 156 PGA Professionals (Anticipated)

F O R M AT :

Each player will play 36 holes of stroke-play on September 16 and 17 18 holes each at The Alisal’s Ranch & River courses.

After 36 holes, the field will be cut to low 60 and ties for the final round to be played on the Ranch course.

PURSE: $100,000+ (Based on a full field)

EXEMPTIONS: The overall champion will earn a spot in the PGA TOUR’s Desert Classic, to be played January 15-19, 2020 at PGA WEST in La Quinta.

Top 11 finishers will earn a berth into the PGA Professional Championship at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Texas in April of 2020.

THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS HARDING PARK 2020 If the powerful purse doesn’t grab your attention, the opportunity to qualify for the 2020 PGA Championship at Harding Park should.

The Top 11 finishers will earn an exemption into the field of the 53rd PGA Professional Championship (PPC) to be hosted at Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa in Austin, Texas. The Top 20 finishers from the PPC will earn a berth into the coveted PGA Championship, taking place in San Francisco.

Above: The Alisal River Course.

Right: The Wanamaker Trophy on display at Harding Park.

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

RANCH

RIVER

COURSES

COURSE

HOLE PAR

YARDAGE

HOLE PAR

YARDAGE

1

5

526

1

5

571

2

3

162

2

4

385

3

4

387

3

4

421

4 5 6 7 8 9

5 3 5 4 4 3

485 160 482 337 416 205

4 5 6 7 8 9

3 5 4 4 4 3

225 586 396 439 357 173

OUT

36

3,160

OUT

36

3,553

10

5

489

10

4

428

11

4

442

11

5

539

12

4

390

12

3

145

13 14 15 16 17 18

5 3 4 4 4 3

543 171 327 377 420 197

13 14 15 16 17 18

4 5 4 4 3 4

393 521 352 398 128 374

IN

36

3,356

IN

36

3,278

TOTAL 72

6,516

TOTAL 72

6,831

(Yardages provided by the SCGA. Ranch Blue Tees, River Gold Tees. Official championship tees will be determined a few days prior to the event.)

DEFENDING BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPION M I C H A E L B LO C K , P G A - A R R O Y O T R A B U C O G O L F C L U B Block’s first SCPGA Section Championship victory came in 2017 at Bermuda Dunes Country Club, winning with a two-stroke margin at seven-under par. Block carried that momentum into 2018, picking up his second SCPGA Section Championship victory, this time by a single stroke at 10-under par. Block battled against a bevy of players all at the top of the leaderboard in the final round at La Quinta Country Club and as the 36hole leader, it was a war of attrition for Michael down the stretch before he could claim back-to-back titles.

“I was struggling with this tournament for the last couple years...I broke second a lot and to finally break through I find it a little easier now,” said Block.

Playing in the 2018 PGA Professional Championship at Bayonet Golf Course, Block’s top-20 finish there earned him an exemption into the 100th PGA Championship at Bellerive.

2018 La Quinta & Rancho La Quinta Country Clubs

“Hitting the first tee shot in the 100th PGA Championship, in my home town as a PGA Member was a surreal experience,” said Block.

68-67-71 (206)

2017 Bermuda Dunes Country Club 71-71-67 (209)

PAST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA SECTION CHAMPIONS KENNY PIGMAN 2016

CHAD SORENSEN 2015

RYAN KENNEDY 2014

ALAN SCHEER 2013

TPC Valencia Golf Club 70-66-70 (206)

Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club

The Alisal Ranch/River 67-71-65 (203)

Rancho La Quinta Country Club

73-68 (141)

70-68-65 (203) SC CP PG GA A .. C CO OM M S

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SUMMER 2019

MOVING UP Jason E. Beatty, PGA Richard D. Cessna, PGA Steven M. Deol, PGA Paul L. Devine, PGA Arnoldus C. Du Toit, PGA Daniel F. Durham, PGA Seth T Francis Chris S. Harvey, PGA Tyler J. Heffner, PGA Bob A. Hickam, PGA Ashley N. Huizing, PGA Jason M. Lunde, PGA Calvin A. Maranville, PGA Timothy J Medina Kyle L. Mendoza, PGA Mark L Mittlehauser, PGA Keith T Murakami Sung H. No, PGA Robert L. Nunn, PGA Timothy F. Olson, PGA Jinhyung Park Michael S. Pearson, PGA Stephen D. Plummer, PGA Joel S. Pyron, PGA Jeffrey J. Raymond, PGA Curtis J. Rowe, PGA Alan D. Scheer, PGA Jonathan Soto Joshua M. Trimble, PGA Matthew K. Wisely, PGA Hyo Joon Yoo

A-23 A-13 A-1 A-13 A-1 A-13 B-14 A-1 A-1 A-13 A-1 A-13 A-14 B-1 A-1 A-4 B-1 A-2 A-13 A-1 B-1 A-1 A-1 A-14 A-2 A-4 A-4 B-1 A-14 A-8 B-14

Dick’s Sporting Goods Black Gold Golf Club Costa Mesa Country Club Aliso Viejo Country Club Rio Bravo Country Club Willowick Muni. Golf Course GOLFTEC - Huntington Beach Olivas Links Golf Course The S at Rancho Mirage The Citrus Club At La Quinta Resort Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club The Golf Club at Glen Ivy Canyon Crest Country Club Elkins Ranch Golf Course South Hills Country Club Pala Mesa Resort Trump National Golf Course - LA Aroma Spa & Sports Golf Range Desert Winds Golf Course Mission Viejo Country Club Bakersfield Country Club Spring Valley Lake Country Club Marbella Golf & CC The Bunker Indoor Golf Center River Course at Alisal Los Serranos Country Club Steele Canyon Golf Club Alhambra Golf Course GOLFTEC - El Segundo Penmar Golf Course Hacienda Golf Club Vista Valencia GC

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Tim Boomer, PGA Travis Bregman, PGA Jim Camello, PGA Trevor Cassidy, PGA Christopher Dunn, PGA Erika Ilagan, PGA Junwoo Kim, PGA Matt McArdle, PGA James Cadena Justin Holecy Mitchell Lewis Marcus Mercado-Kiel Jordan Negus Zixing Zou (Paul)

PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

OR IENTA TIO N AT HQ

M AR C H 1 2 , 2 0 19

OR IENTA TIO N AT HQ

NEWLY CERTIFIED MEMBERS Evan Biundo completed the certification for General Management Travis Britt completed the certification for Golf Operations

PRIOR SECTION Northern California Southern Texas Southwest Northern California Southwest Carolinas Southwest Northern California Southwest Colorado Northern Texas Northern California Central New York Carolinas

NEW MEMBERS Kathryn C. Barrett, PGA Jason E. Beatty, PGA Shawn T. Boden, PGA Tyler L. Borjesson, PGA Angela R. Buzminski, PGA Kyla B. Carlson, PGA Daniel S. Chait, PGA Robert J. Douglas, PGA Adam J. Hazard, PGA Ashley N. Huizing, PGA Uriel A. Jimenez, PGA Roque A. Luna, PGA Tanner Manser, PGA Carrie L. Matlin, PGA Reyes D. McInnis, PGA Timothy F. Olson, PGA Jacqueline K. Riegle, PGA Andrew B. Silverman, PGA Justin M. Smith, PGA Kelsey M. Smith, PGA Nathaniel J. Williams, PGA Matthew K. Wisely, PGA

NEW ASSOCIATES Brian A. Andrews Cory M. Cwieka William Buse Keith R. Darden Eric V. De Los Santos Eric D. Esparza Alexander G. Fedecky Hagen H. Fell Scott F. Garcia Nicholas M. Gonzales Lance C. Hong David G. Hudson Chooyoung Koh Kevin W. Larcom II Brian D. Mahoney Nicholas J. Mekus Nicholas P. Molloy Colin P. O’Grady Ryan T. Olson Jeremy L. Pascale Jenrick L. Quemado Peter M. Seward Robert S. Shavitz Connor M. Sheil Zack M. Silverman

QUARTER CENTURY Scott R. Burr, PGA Brian L. Calhoun, PGA Steven L. Creps, PGA Jim C. Dennerline, PGA Thomas P. McCray, PGA William R. Osgood, PGA Timothy M. Parun, PGA Brett C. Porath, PGA Ron Skayhan, PGA Heidi Wright-Tennyson, PGA Rand Veal, PGA

M AY 2 1, 2 0 1 9

MEMBER UPDATES

WELCOME TO SOCAL Bob A. Hickam, PGA Clayton A. Worley, PGA Daniel E. Smith, PGA Daniel F. Durham, PGA Glenn J. Hansen, PGA Ian J. Ott, PGA Jeffrey J. Raymond, PGA Joshua M. Trimble, PGA Kendal D. Garon II Nicolas G Damiana Rachel L. Lee, PGA Richard D. Cessna, PGA Russell Schreiber, PGA Seth T. Francis, PGA

Jack Makkai, PGA Kathryn Barrett, PGA Nathan Browning, PGA Logan Erickson, PGA Jason Turner, PGA Doug Beckman Justin Benigno Eric De Los Santos Ben Edwards Al Geiberger, Jr. Wayne Larcom Cole Maranto Joseph Mulcahy Bryan Newman

HALF CENTURY Denny Mays, PGA IN MEMORIUM Tom Riker, PGA Gerald Preuss, PGA Gary Hellman, PGA Willie Maples, PGA Richard Merritt, PGA Dennis Callahan, PGA Charles Sipple, PGA Eero Niemela William O'Farrell Ryan Olson Robbie Shavitz Colin O'Grady

THE CHALLENGE PRESIDENT’S REPORT TONY LETENDRE, PGA

We’ve all heard the cliché – “You’ll get out of your PGA membership what you put into it” – but it’s true.

When you first embark on the journey toward PGA membership, it seems so far out of reach. I remember looking at my shelf full of books and thinking, “there are three levels of this?!”

But I eventually dug in and realized there was so much waiting for me on the other end. As a PGA Apprentice (that’s what we were called back then), I took golf trips with colleagues and played some amazing facilities. I played in apprentice events with men and women who have elevated their careers as I have, only to still have them as friends and colleagues. These are people I can count on when I need help. The PGA is a collegialorganization and we always look out for one another. In the words of Carl Spackler, “So we’ve got that going for us… which is nice.”

You are a member of the third largest section in the country. The SCPGA is a nearly $6 million business with a lot of moving parts, all geared toward benefitting you in some way I might add. Take our ClubsForeYouth® program, for example. The SCPGA Foundation has donated more than 500 sets to high school golf programs in Southern California. The hope is that these students continue to play golf after high school, which means potential lesson income for you and revenue for your facility. With a little initiative, you might even come up with a program of your own to engage these students and create something awesome!

For those in attendance at the Summer Meeting in Bakersfield, you heard Dr. Chris Cain, PGA, from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) talk about how the landscape of golf has changed in that many “golfers” nowadays never step foot on a “golf course” per se (think TopGolf, Drive Shack, etc.). How can you tap into that market and help yourself while helping golf? Do you have the network to do that? What are you putting in to get something back out?

TONY LETENDRE AND VINNIE BERTAGNA Tony honored Bertagna at the Summer Meeting for his involvement on social media using the #MoreThanAMember to promote our Section Sure, it’s easy to say that as Section President, I have many networking opportunities. But I didn’t get here by standing in the back of the room. I stepped up to the table and said how can I help? I learned early on, as I hope you will, expanding your network starts today. Every person I meet, I add to my contact list. Equally as important, I make a note as to where I met them and/or through whom. The more involved I became, the more I would see the same people, thus creating lifelong relationships. These relationships started locally and eventually expanded nationally.

You don’t have to be Section President to network. Come to a meeting, go to an education seminar or play in an event. You just never know who you will meet. Think about this: let’s say you attend the SCPGA Teaching and Coaching Summit this fall. You are waiting to shake hands with Fred Couples and you start talking to the person behind you in line. Whether you exchange information or not, this person just became part of your network. Fast forward to the Annual Meeting and you run into them again, only this time they ask if you know of anyone looking for a teaching position… you happen to be looking for a teaching position. Do I need to go on?

My point is that by being involved and putting something into your PGA membership, you will gain something from it in return. Be involved in your section in some way. Make time to participate in a tournament, attend a meeting or education seminar; whatever. You will gain so much from little effort. I hope to add you to my network eventually!

SCPGA.COM

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

What’s Hot

1.

The times are changing and with certain new laws and allowances, products containing CBD (Cannabidiol) are being created and sold for mainstream use and consumption. Containing only trace or no amounts of THC (and its effects), these specific products are meant to help people with their stress, pain relief, sleep and overall wellness. You can even spot some of the best players in the world chewing CBD gum on golf telecasts. This new product category might be here to stay, or at least until the buzz wears off.

Medterra.com is a vendor selling to SoCal Golf Courses and a proud SCPGA Partner.

4.

Not sure golf is ready yet for a velour track suit, but Malbon Golf out of Fairfax is sure to open some eyes on the back nine.

More street-ware than athletic or traditional, these threads are popular with the millennials, hipsters and hip-hop crowd. Watch out for their golf ball logo as it pops up on occasion at special events like the Genesis Invitational and they are known for their partnerships with Nike and Oakley too.

2.

These items are Trending in the SoCal landscape. Maybe you are looking for the next big thing to sell at your golf shop or simply something new and exciting to try. We have a few suggestions.

BY: ERIC LOHMAN, PGA

Nike Golf has a Hole-In-One with its newest crossover; the Nike Air Max 1 G golf shoe. While honoring its origins, this shoe is comfortable and can easily transition from the course to court (both food and basketball.) Unique color schemes and timely one-offs around the majors helps keep this shoe at the forefront of social media influencers too.

5.

Honma Golf, Justin Rose... Need I say more?

3.

Callaway found some success with its Truvis soccer ball look and now it is lining up for a repeat with its Triple Track offerings. The distinctive aiming tool is available in different types and colors of balls and helps you line up and start the ball, on the correct aim point. When Phil Mickelson starts playing your ball you know you have tapped into something more radical.

6.

Recently a tee gift at the Summer meeting in Bakersfield, these AfterShokz bluetooth headphones should free you up to practice and work out more comfortably, while keeping you from putting things into your ears.

SCPGA.COM

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r e b m e M A n a h T #More IT'S MORE THAN JUST A HASHTAG We want to give a big thank you to those who have jumped on board with our new social and marketing initiative. How can you be #MoreThanAMember? It’s easy to get started and you might be there already. Using the hashtag when you post on social media, helps let us know all the fun you are up to. Attending a baseball game with some fellow members, playing a round of golf after work, or simply attending a Section event; we want to see! Be sure you are using the hashtag #MoreThanAMember so we can highlight you on our social media channels! Let’s make this happen together!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2019 LONG BEACH GOLF HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

GARY ALBIN

JENNIFER BERMINGHAMM, PGA

DAVID SOLOMON, PGA PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SCGA

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

THE MORE YOU KNOW

OUR WEBSITE SCPGA.com has had a makeover! We invite you to check out our new website. We hope you enjoy this easy to maneuver platform! We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this change with you.

OUR CHAPTERS In the last issue, we talked about “our footprint.” Out of the 41 Sections throughout the United States, the Southern California PGA Section remians the third largest Section in numbers. We follow closely beind the Carolinas and the South Florida Sections. Our borders extend within a geographic area that stretches from Baywood Park to Beatty, Nevada then south along the Nevada, Arizona and Mexican border back to the Pacific Ocean.

SCPGA.COM

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Bloom Inc. first partnered with the Southern California PGA Foundation in the beginning of 2018, providing a unique and exciting fundraising opportunity for juniors. Since then, the program has proved a resounding success as it has helped directly benefit the Southern California PGA Foundation’s College Scholarship and ClubsForeYouth™ programs.

Participating juniors seek donations through email, text, or social media from friends, family, and supporters.

What is

There are three potential fundraising goals to choose from: $300, $400, and $700. If the $300 goal is achieved, the junior receives a limited-edition Sun Mountain golf bag embroidered with their name and SCPGA Junior Tour logo. If the $400 goal is achieved, the junior receives an

?

embroidered golf travel bag with their name and SCPGA Junior Tour logo. For the $700 goal, the junior receives both the personalized Sun Mountain golf bag and the golf travel bag. This incredible program provides a fashionable keepsake that the recipient will cherish and use for years to come.

DID YOU KNOW? O n A pr il 1 2, 2019, T h e S ou t h er n C al i fo rn i a P GA F ou nd at i o n m a d e hi sto r y wi t h t he do n a ti o n o f th e 500th se t o f g ol f c l u bs, t hr o ugh t h e ir Cl u bsFo r e Y o u th ® pro g ra m, to the O ra ng e H i gh Sch o ol gi r l s a n d b o y s golf t e ams . T h e SCP GA F ou n da t i o n a l so aw a rded a $ 5 , 0 0 0 sc h o la r sh ip t o on e g r ad u a ti n g stu d ent -a t hl ete, Ra mo n Sot el o .

Watch more on YouTube @SCPGA

MAKING AN IMPACT A CLINIC WITH COMPTON UNIFIED SCHOOLS BY: DEMI DAILEY

On May 30th students from the Compton Unified School District experienced a tremendous afternoon at Compton Par 3 Golf Course as they were provided a complimentary golf clinic with the Southern California PGA (SCPGA). The clinic was conducted by SCPGA staff members, Eddie Rodarte, PGA, PGA Members, Joe Grohman, and Roman Gonzales and Junior Golf Director, Kevin Smith. Compton Par 3 Golf Course employees and generous volunteers made this event possible. Special guests Claremont Councilman Jed Leano and Compton Councilwoman Janna Zurita were also in attendance.

Along with the clinic, all 29 students coming from Centennial High School, Compton High School, Dominquez High School, and Early College High School were gifted a brand new Honma 7-iron, Southern California PGA branded hats, a sleeve of golf balls, and a draw-string bag. This event is the first of its kind for the Southern California PGA and we will continue to help those learn about the game of golf through educational initiatives within the city of Compton.

A special-thank you to the following for making this event possible: The city of Compton; Compton Unified School District (CUSD) including Vice President Satra Zurita, and CUSD Superintendent Darin Brawley, ED.D.; CUSD President Micah Ali; Marvin Hunt, Director of Parks & Recreation; the Compton USD Police Department; Jeff Harris, Angelique Johnson; PGA Professionals Joe Grohman, and Roman Gonzales, and the students of Compton Unified Schools as well as Compton Par 3 Golf Course.

SCPGA.COM

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GOLF'S RENAISSANCE PERIOD

This year is an exciting year for the golf industry. For the first time in more than a decade, surveys regarding participation in the game indicate growth instead of stagnation or decline (Marcovich, 2019). And while the mainstay of the golf industry is still the middle-aged, white male with $100,000+ in annual income, the profile of players is beginning to diversify as well, with more than 36 percent of junior golfers consisting of female players; 13% higher than female representation in adult golfers (NGF, 2019).

When we shift the focus from the macro-level to the microcosms of California and Nevada Golf, we find that the numbers are similarly encouraging. In California, the golf industry generates $13.1 billion in total economic output, $6.3 billion of which is purely golf economic output. The 921 operating courses across the state provide 128,000 jobs, generating $4.1 billion in total wages.

These numbers are rapidly encroaching upon the staggering numbers that golf experienced in 2006, right before the recession, where California’s golf industry generated a total economic impact of $15.1 billion, $6.9 billion of which was purely golf economic output. That, while sustaining approximately 160,000 jobs with $4.8 billion of wage income (CGA, 2006). California golf is clearly back in full swing.

As a proud member of the Nevada Golf Alliance, I find the recent golf impact results that support the growing diversity of the Nevada state economy similarly motivating. A previous report commissioned in 2005 and focusing only on Southern Nevada, illustrated a $900 million impact. When accounting for inflation, a broader lens, and the growth sectors associated with the game, the recent $1.907 billion finding is not surprising.

As a person intimately involved with the golf industry’s workforce development at the local, regional, and national level. I see the demand for talented professionals has been on the rise for a number of years. As the market continues to seek professionals that are able to manage and create demand, I foresee continued growth in golf’s contribution to economic impact, especially in regions like California and Nevada that are positioned well to support growth sectors.

Much like the golf industry nationally, as well as in Southern California, the Southern Nevada golf industry has experienced the effects of a national market correction through its reduction in public course inventory. This trend is consistent with the reduction of committed golfers nationwide (NGF, 2018). However, the golf experiences in Southern California and Southern Nevada are highly diversified, offering extremes of the continuum which play into Nevada’s strengths.

The development of The Summit, a Discovery property, may be Las Vegas’ last traditional golf course built for a very long time. It was built upon the premise of catering to a group of high net-worth individuals. This group of individuals, despite recessionary cycles, will likely support the game and its constituents for generations to follow. These experiences 18

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BY: DR. CHRISTOPHER P. CAIN, PHD, PGA, CHE DIRECTOR, PGA GOLF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY PROGRAM AT UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS may be seen in parallel at the Discovery properties in La Quinta, California: The Madison Club and The Hideaway.

Experiences like The Madison Club, The Hideaway, and The Summit represent a growth sector in the world of golf that uniquely fulfills a service gap which regions like Southern California and Southern Nevada are positioned well to close.

The development of TopGolf Las Vegas, the company’s flagship and staggeringly expensive property, offers a golf experience catering to the recreational golfer.

When examining the growth areas of participation and engagement, the national off-course participation in 2018, alone grew by 10 percent. To place this in perspective, in 2018 23 million golfers had an off-course experience, compared to 24.2 million who had an on-course experience.

Additionally, 9.3 million played exclusively off-course (NGF, 2019). Experiences like TopGolf also represent a growth sector in the world of golf, with few places that can leverage the hospitality industry to benefit the off-course golf experience like Las Vegas. Southern California and San Jose are slated to see the opening of a TopGolf in the near future.

The extremes of the golf experience continuum noted by the Summit and TopGolf examples are well supported by the state of Nevada, more specifically the Southern Nevada region. At no time in the game’s history has golf been more accessible (75 percent public access) and affordable ($35 average green fee) when controlling for inflation. This, along with the increased reach of the game (36 percent of the US population either has played, watched, or read about golf) has created a healthy pool of latent demand. I envision that as the diversity in golf experiences continues to be supported by regions like Southern California and Southern Nevada, these states will benefit from the game’s latent demand. In Nevada specifically, the game will benefit from Las Vegas’ 42 million annual visitors who may choose a golf experience during their visit (LVCVA, 2019).

As a person committed to the education of our future golf industry leaders, I am reminded of the positive impact the hospitality management discipline has on the game and its constituents. When examining the growth areas of the industry, realize it is not golf driven, but golf supported. The growth in the game’s contribution to economic impact will be in regions like Southern California and Southern Nevada, in enterprises that capitalize on hospitality management principles by focusing on revenue management strategies outside traditional green fees.

The influence of the game is strong, and as we continue to provide the industry with talented professionals that are not only focused on managing demand, but creating it, markets like the ones found in California and Nevada (more specifically Southern California and Las Vegas) will have a head start in leveraging existing resources. California is positioned well to capitalize on the golf industry’s market shift from core to recreational, and perhaps most importantly to do so in an inclusive and non-threatening way.

MID-YEAR REVIEW TO ENHANCE PROFITABILITY BY: DESANE BLANEY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATION OF GOLF MERCHANDISERS (AGM) DESANE@SGMGOLF.CCOM

Tempus fugit! The first half of 2019 is now in the rear-view mirror and it is an opportune time to objectively analyze your business. Did you meet and/or exceed your budget for retail sales and profitability? How did it compare to the first half of last year? These are critical questions you should be asking about your retail business at this half-way point of the year. If desired results were not achieved, think of the next six months as your clean slate to move forward.

Where to start? There’s no magic bullet! As we enter this important buying season, it is suggested you review some “Back to Basics Retailing” to enhance profitability.

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Identify the relationship between rounds played and sales. Are you meeting your dollar-perround goal? If your goal is $15, it simply means that every player must spend at least $15 in the retail shop. Challenge your staff to encourage sales by placing impulse items that meet the dollar goal at the front counter – leather gloves, ProV balls, and the like.

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Compare your retail sales by department and category to the amount of inventory you had each month. This is a “stock-tosales” ratio and it will give you insight into those departments and categories which were either over or under bought.

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Review your cost of goods sold percentage by month, department and category, which will help you identify the areas which were most profitable and those which were not.

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Evaluate your vendor performance on a company-by-company basis.

Run a vendor profitability report to identify both the most and least profitable and make immediate adjustments to your merchandise assortment going forward.

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Acknowledge that markdowns are a necessary part of retail.

Every item is not going to sell at full price, and therefore, the implementation of a markdown plan is essential. Identify slow selling merchandise quickly and mark it down! Remember your first markdown is the most profitable.

Seasoned retailers spend an inordinate amount of time assessing their strategy to achieve consistent profits and sales through an Open-to-Buy plan, which is reviewed and adjusted monthly. This check and balance on the business serves as a guide against any potential retail pitfalls. If you currently do not have one in place, there’s no time like the present – there will be an immediate benefit to your retail shop.

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PGA CHAMPIONSHIP COMES TO HARDING PARK

MAY 11 - 17, 2020 | HARDING PARK | SAN FR ANCISCO 20

Visit attend.thePGA.com for tickets and corporate hospitality opportunities

PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

FITNESS TIP

A GRIPPING STORY We all know the importance of the placement of the hands for the golf grip. But it’s equally probable that we can put more attention into conditioning our hands’ ability to grip and control that often unruly instrument we call the golf club. If you look closely enough at the best players in the world, you’ll notice that their hands, wrists, and forearms are quite a bit more developed than the average person’s. We can hit hundreds of balls a day to help increase strength in our hands, but here are a few slightly more unconventional ideas to encourage our students to ratchet up their grasp on the club. Here too are a few different tools I keep in my car that help me develop more hand strength at stop lights (and unlike texting, it’s completely legal, though, always drive safely and attentively).

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Usually by the time I get to where I’m going, my forearms are pumped like loaves of bread. That said, exercise your own hands only mildly if you’re going to play shortly doing so, because while Brooks Koepka can put himself through a strenuous workout before his rounds then go out and win major championships, mere mortal golfers have to take it a bit more easy on their bodies than this!

Sometimes it’s worth doing a golf-specific hand exercise at the stop light just to see the look on other drivers’ faces, many of whom, no doubt are golfers themselves!

You may have noticed the 24 oz ball peen hammer in the above picture, which, with a little practice (best done outside of your automobile), you can use to demonstrate a fun little eye-hand trick by bouncing a ball several times off of it with either hand.

Doing so will impress upon your students that improving their dexterity and strength with this relatively heavy tool will go a long way in improving their ‘Educated Hands’ skills. Keep your audience in mind when prescribing this and/or any other exercise so that no one is too depressed by their initial spasticity. This is to say that it’s only fair and professional to remind them that even this strength training activity requires some practice.

When playing golf, we repetitively strike the ground, tear balls from heavy rough, sometimes accidentally hit roots, hit hundreds, and sometimes thousands of practice balls a week. Most importantly, we have to artfully manage a large amount of torque that we create in the shaft as we swing the club, a torque that we must support and control with our hands.

This is all to say that a golf club only moves because we do something to move it with our hands. Find fun and different ways to help people strengthen and protect their graspers, and before long it will pay dividends for them both in their games and the success of the lessons you give them on the practice tee.

SCPGA.COM

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RAISING TIGER Not only did it take hours on the driving range to help raise Tiger, but it also took a team of dedicated individuals who shaped the legend we know today.

By: Jeff Johnson, PGA, SCPGA Chief Operating Officer; with contributions from Joe Grohman, PGA, Head Golf Professional at El Dorado Park Golf Course Just before New Year’s Eve in 1975 Eldrick Woods came to life in Cypress, California. The only child of Army Lieutenant Colonel, Green Beret and two tour Vietnam War Veteran Earl Woods and mother Kultida. Eldrick was nicknamed Tiger in honor of his father’s friend Col. Vuong Dang Phong, who had also been known as Tiger.

From the Navy Golf Course to Heartwell Par 3 in Long Beach and all the municipals in Orange County, it quickly became clear that Tiger was a prodigy. It is with pride we 22

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say that along the way, great PGA Professionals played a role in his development. Rudy Duran, a PGA Member for 44 years, was first, coaching Tiger from age 4 to 10. John Anselmo, who passed away at age 96 in 2017, worked with Tiger from age 10 to 16 and Joe Grohman who played a seminal role in shaping and nurturing Tiger from age 13 until he turned professional, while serving as the Assistant Professional at the Navy Golf Course. That was Tiger’s home course during that time.

Just where to start when one tries to measure extraordinary success and the importance of the guidance our PGA Professionals were to contribute. So many benchmarks to consider. Is it a score of 48 for nine holes at the age of three at Navy Golf Course? A sub-par round at the age of 10 over 18 holes? Winning the Junior World Championship six times?

Becoming the youngest United States Junior Amateur Champion at the age of 15 (a record he held until 2010)?

Then, add in two more to make three United States Junior Amateur Championships, a feat that has yet to be matched!

Tiger had a remarkable career at Stanford for two years, including an NCAA Individual Championship, followed by numerous victories and acomplishments on the SCPGA Junior Tour. Talk about an extraordinary evolution made possible by prodigious talent, guidance from caring PGA Professionals and a goal-setting father who studied the great Jack Nicklaus and his records all for the purpose of setting Tiger’s sights on surpassing every one of them.

His professional statistics are unparalleled, and of course well known, as is some of the drama which has become the fabric of his life and has provided the canvas for a comeback like no other we’ve seen before. However less known are the years at Western High School in Anaheim, the stories of overcoming stuttering by taking classes and talking to his dog until the dog fell asleep— all the while acknowledging that he didn’t always fit in and realizing the feeling of being alienated. Tiger graduated high school in 1994 and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed.” He was an obvious star on the Western High School Golf Team with guidance from coach Don Crosby. All of this adding to his life’s script.

Raising Tiger was more than a singular effort as contributions were made from many corners. Greatness many times is not born but made. Our colleague and friend, Joe Grohman, is essential in this story as his influence, positive attitude and caring personality quietly helped this talented teenager find his stride in the game we all love.

Aren’t we so lucky to witness such an extraordinary talent and one of the great stories in all of sports history. The PGA of Southern California is proud of you Joe, Rudy, John and Don. And especially you, Tiger.

JOE GROHMAN, PGA PICTURED WITH TIGER WOODS, WOODS’ FATHER, EARL WOODS AND MOTHER TIDA WOODS

Middle Row: Woods with coach Rudy Duran, right; bottom row: Woods and coach John Anselmo

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CALIFORNIA TEACHING & COACHING SUMMIT // JOURNEY AT PECHANGA // OCTOBER 21-22, 2019

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MONDAY & TUESDAY OCTOBER 21-22, 2019 JOURNEY AT PECHANGA

A S K E Y N OT E S P E A K E R

confirmed speakers Chris Como Alison Curdt Kevin Duffy Brad Faxon Josh Gregory Rick Smith The Southern California PGA and TravisMathew are proud to present the 3rd Annual California Teaching & Coaching Summit. With a focus on health and wellness, we will be presenting the most current teaching and coaching techniques. This year’s agenda is full of Hall-of-Famers, top Golf Magazine and Golf Digest instructors, as well as industry leaders. Those attending will get insight from the GOLF Industry’s foremost experts that will generate new ideas or polish trusted practices.

“We’ve appreciated the support these past two years for the Summit and have listened to the members wants and needs as far as what they’d like to see and we think that you’re going to see an all-star, diverse line-up that touches on almost every part of the game. We have world elite trainers in fitness, which have become such a big part of the game and some mental and psychology work, which we all know is essential to becoming a better player. There will also be a touch on modern golf and the science of where the game is going.” - Jamie Mulligan, PGA, CEO of the Virginia Country Club and former chair of the Summit.

With an outstanding cast of presenters, all designed to increase the teaching expertise of attendees, this will be an event you won’t want to miss. Everyone will leave this summit knowing they are a better Golf Professional.

SCPGA.COM

REGISTER TODAY AT WWW.SCPGA.COM/CASUMMIT OR CONTACT ARIANA GILSON AT AGILSON@PGAHQ.COM

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA HOSTS 2019 GIRLS JUNIOR AMERICAS CUP

2019 Co-Champions: Team Washington (left) & Team Hawaii (right)

The Southern California PGA hosted the Girls Junior Americas Cup for the first time since 2001 with eighteen Associations competing in the 2019 Championship, a 54-hole of stroke play event at the Jack Nicklaus Signature, Bear Creek Golf Club.

Congratulations to Team San Diego for being awarded the Joan Teats Award which is given to the team that best exemplifies the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, honesty, friendship and respect throughout the week.

Founded in 1978, the Girls Junior Americas Cup Matches bring girls together from various states and countries to form new friendships and cultivate mutual respect for each other and the game.

Team Southern California

GJAC partners: TaylorMade, GT Golf Supplies, Under Armour, US Foods, SCNS Sports Foods and Puma. Recognition also goes to the host facility, Bear Creek Golf Club, led by Director of Golf Tim Gardner, PGA and Head Golf Professional Kim Schilling, PGA.

#GJAC19 Team Washington & Team Hawaii were crowned the 2019 co-champions, each posting scores of six-over par, 654.

The 2020 Girls Junior Americas Cup will be hosted by the Idaho Junior Golf Association and will be contested July 20-23 at BanBury Golf Course in Eagle, Idaho.

Only a single stroke separated the top four teams, with Team Mexico and Team Southern California finishing in a tie for third place, both posting three-day totals of seven-over par, 655.

The individual medalist was also a tie between Lana Calibuso-Kwee of Team Hawaii and Cassie Kim of Team Washington, a testament to the outstanding competition from the field. Both Kwee and Kim finished the tournament at seven-under par, 209.

Full Recap/Photo Gallery:

SCPGAJRTOUR.COM/GJAC19 SCPGA.COM

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The Journey FROM THE SCPGA JUNIOR TOUR TO PGA PROFESSIONAL

BY: DEMI DAILEY

It’s no secret that every child with a set of golf clubs has dreams of becoming the next PGA TOUR or LPGA superstar. But no sport demands more self-discipline and dedication than golf does for both the young and the old. Joshua Kelley is a unique case, one those in the junior golf world need to know more about. With stories like Tiger Woods and Rickie Fowler taking headlines as prodigies, Kelley’s story, and the lessons learned from it, are just as remarkable.

Joshua’s parents, Doug and Ceta

Kelly sit side by side on their visit to Southern California from their home in Bend, Oregon. The Kelleys recount their experience as parents of a junior golfer on the Southern California PGA Junior Tour. From 1996 to 2004, the Kelleys made golf courses their home away from home. Taking their son Joshua to and from Toyota Tour Cup tournaments, all the while, juggling their lives as working parents.

Asking a lot from their grandparents, aunts and uncles to take Joshua to tournaments, Ceta really believes it took a village to support Joshua’s dreams.

Far from helicopter parents, Ceta and Doug learned valuable lessons similar to what Joshua was learning on the course daily. Their role as parents was to support, cheer on, and be there for the good and the bad times.

“As parents on the junior tour we were only bystanders, we couldn’t coach, we couldn’t caddie. We just watched and clapped and cried and everything in between,” Doug said.

“You know there’s a great story that happened when Josh was 13 and he was at the Tour Championship at Camp Pendleton and he sat down at the scoring table. His competitor’s card was not filled in very much and he asked his playing partner, what did you have on hole seven?”

Doug continues as Ceta giggles in anticipation “And Nikki Gatch, who was at the scoring table, told Josh you have to keep your competitors score hole-by-hole.”

“Nikki came up to me afterwards,” Doug continues, “and said, ‘Are you going to talk to him or am I?’ And I told her to have at him. I guarantee you he didn’t ever not write down his competitor’s score after every hole after that discussion” laughter ensues as Ceta and Doug remember just one of the many important lessons that golf taught their son and that helped shap him into the man he is today.

and is a Club fitter for Club Champion in the Northern California Section of the PGA. His journey is something he says he never expected. “It never really crossed my mind, until I really wanted to focus on teaching.”

Joshua smiles telling stories of his times on the Junior Tour and the relationships he still has to this day.

Left: Joshua Kelley Right: Doug Kelley at a Junior Tour Tournament

“There are others like me who grew up playing junior golf in Southern California and are now PGA members. So, I think it’s just that close-knit community of likeminded individuals who are now doing this as a career.”

Joshua recalls the days, months and years spent on the driving range.

“A lot of it was frustration, working through frustration and adversity and then you’ve got this light bulb moment!”

They laugh as they remember their roles of support during this time. “Dad would be studying the competition; he would be at the leaderboard looking at all the names,” Ceta laughs.

Joshua’s story shows how the SCPGA Junior Tour creates a path to whatever dream you pursue.

Left: Nikki Gatch, PGA Right: Kelley at an SCPGA Junior Tour Tourament

Kelley pictured right at the SCPGA Junior Tour Banquet of Champions

Joshua recalls his journey as being thrown into the fire. “Age 11, I still remember to this day, my dad drove me out to Alhambra Golf Club, and I shot 59 in 9 holes” he laughs. “It wasn’t a great showing.” Although embarrassing, he believes that was the greatest part about the SCPGA Junior Tour, it’s competitiveness. “The Toyota Tour Cup series gave us a track to play in more competitive tournaments.”

Joshua took a professional route not as high-profile, but common for men and women like him who love the game. Joshua is a PGA Professional

THE KELLEYS From the left, Doug Kelley, Ceta Kelley, Rowan Kelley, Sara Kelley and Joshua Kelley SCPGA.COM

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CKESSLER@SCGA.ORG

Benjamin Franklin instructed us that the only thing certain in life is death and taxes. If he had played golf, he would have included three-putts.

Death on Taxes

I’ll leave “death” to the theologians.

I’ll leave three-putts to the PGA golf professionals. But I’ll venture a take on taxes and see if I can shed a bit of light on the subject as it relates to golf.

BY: CRAIG KESSLER

A PRIMER ON THE LATTER

Golf may be laser-focused on independent contractors, rising costs, course closures and Roundup this summer, but as Franklin instructed, taxes transcend all seasons. This season, the concern comes in two forms – short term in the form of a 2020 ballot initiative and longer term in the form of a service tax.

Many of you may be aware that while we out here in the Southwest have been battling all things water in recent years, our Northeastern brethren have been battling all things taxes. The New York legislature just shelved a bill that would have allowed local taxing authorities to levy property taxes on golf courses per the same “highest and best use” standard that applies to commercial property. The Maryland legislature narrowly defeated an identical bill last year. Rhode Island’s golf courses just narrowly averted the introduction of a 7 percent tax on greens fees, membership dues, initiation fees, and rental/access fees. The blood of the golf industry is now in the waters of these states, and they are going to be dealing with variants of these same themes in their coming legislative sessions, variants possibly capable of winning legislative majorities. Blood does seep over borders, and in that region, borders are tight.

Many of you may also be aware that California’s voters will be asked in November 2020 to create a split property tax roll – specifically, to retain the Proposition 13 residential

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property reassessment protocol that calls for the reassessment of residential property only upon its sale or transfer, while eliminating that protocol for all non-residential properties in favor of an annual reassessment requirement. The initiative’s sponsors argue that Proposition 13 was intended to protect homeowners from being taxed out of their homes during periods of rapidly rising home values, not to permanently lock in tax rates for business enterprises able to find creative mechanisms for avoiding the title transfer thresholds that trigger reassessment. Come 2020, California’s business community will no doubt argue that the central organizing principle of Proposition 13 was to create stability for both communities – homeowners to remain in their homes and businesses to plan for their futures based not on the value of the lands on which they sit, but the business enterprises that sit atop them.

Expect the battle to be fierce. Much is at stake for California’s businesses and commercial enterprises, but little is at stake for California’s golf courses. Should the Initiative pass, golf courses would indeed be reassessed annually instead of sporadically. But they would not be reassessed per anything resembling residential or commercial formulae.

The California electorate took care of that in 1960 when they placed a separate golf course standard into the state’s Constitution – a standard slightly higher than open space, but considerably lower than the standards attaching to commercial and residential properties. A Constitutional amendment would be necessary to change that, a process requiring a voter initiative that would likely require a two-thirds vote to pass – an onerous and expensive procedure in search of too few dollars to justify the effort.

So much for the short-term problem,

or more accurately the negligible problem. What about that longerterm problem of a direct tax on golf like the one narrowly averted in Rhode Island?

In case you think that Rhode Island was venturing down virgin territory, please be aware that had Rhode Island created that 7 percent tax, it would have been the 23rd state to tax golf either directly or as part of a more comprehensive extension of sales taxes to services. And lest you think this would have been a Northeastern or “Blue” state thing, please be aware that among the states that tax golf are Texas and Georgia. Worse perhaps from an arguendo perspective, it turns out that the state that taxes golf the most is the one with the nation’s most golfers per capita – Minnesota.

Not to worry – just yet anyway.

Sacramento isn’t going to create an entirely new species of tax that would gore as many oxen as a service tax while the state is showing a $42 billion budget surplus. Think lawyers, accountants, consultants, and brokers of all kinds; then think political bloodletting and the specter of State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), whose constituents recalled him from office as punishment for his vote on the gas tax.

But do worry. Forty-two billion sounds like a lot, but according to every stripe of economist, California’s over-reliance upon the capital gains of the richest among us makes the state’s tax structure so volatile that a $42 billion surplus can become a $42 billion deficit in an instant when the economy goes into recession, which those same economists agree is overdue.

If you’re wondering why, with overwhelming two-thirds plus legislative majorities, every statewide elected office, and a $42 billion surplus that many of the Democratic

legislature’s new spending initiatives sunset at the end of 2021 and a number of new taxes failed to gain traction, it’s because everyone in Sacramento knows just how reliant California’s tax coffers are on the fortunes of the very few. That’s why so many forces have been aligning around a major reform of the state’s tax structure that puts the creation of a service tax at its core. When the state sales tax was created in 1934, goods dominated the California economy; now services dominate it. Do the math. The most effective way to solve a volatility problem is to broaden the tax base.

The “longer term” problem may be a distant one, how distant is entirely dependent on the fate of the national business cycle. But it is a very real problem. Unlike the golf industries in 22 other states, the California golf industry has never had reason to organize its various business models around tax consequences. Precisely what constitutes a service for the purpose of applying a tax may well constitute the difference between a digestible annoyance and a backbreaker.

Those are the kinds of devils that are going to be in the details of a service tax paradigm when that fateful day comes. And when it comes, there is no hope for a sector as politically weak as golf to secure some sort of exemption. But for those sectors that have some kind of meaningful Sacramento presence there is certainly hope for details that involve the fewest possible devils.

Between now and that fateful day the California golf industry’s interests would be much better served by building that “meaningful Sacramento presence” than trying to hold back a tsunami.

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Holistic Approach to Golf Performance

BY: MAC TODD UGP FOUNDER AND CEO

Reflecting on my journey as a young junior golfer, college player, coach, to eventual business owner, it’s clear to me that the key to my success has been my community. I grew up in El Paso, Texas and was fortunate enough to be surrounded by a group of players that really knew the game. J.P. Hayes, longtime PGA Tour veteran, made El Paso Country Club his home during his 20+ year career on the big stage. Rich Beem, eventual PGA Champion who dueled Tiger, was our Assistant Pro. While there were many influential mentors in my community, one of the most impactful was our Director of Golf, Cameron Doan.

Cameron is an absolute cool cat: great player, moviestar looks, and the definition of a gentleman. Watching Cameron practice and qualify for PGA Tour events was inspiring. He would interact with members, junior golfers, our PGA Section, management, employees, board of directors, and collegiate players and coaches in a way that sparked something in me. He did everything with class and precision, and that came from the values the game taught him. It was embodied in everything he did.

As a junior golfer, I was competing around the country, developing my resume and experience in golf which led me to Cameron for a lesson. Everybody was hitting stingers in West Texas, and we spent a lot of time as kids learning how to hit a driver off the deck into heavy wind. I asked Cameron to help me with the shot as I was struggling to keep it on line with the right launch.

He said “OK, I’ll help you hit that shot better, but I

PICTURED Left: Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS (shoes), UGP Investor. Right: Mac Todd, UGP Founder and CEO 30

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need you to hit 6 of 10 drivers between the two big oak trees on the range about 40 yards apart.” I thought, “No problem!”

the set. He said, “this challenge is open for our next lesson, so just let me know when you’re ready so I can teach you that driver off the deck.”

I had gotten myself to a +3 by 16 and considered myself a good driver of the golf ball. Before I was about to set up to my first shot he said, “but if you don’t get it done, I’m going to need you to get down and give me 50 straight push ups in front of the entire driving range.”

I diligently worked on my driving accuracy for the next month, and once I was splitting the fairway on command, I went to Cameron knowing what the lesson was. I thanked him for getting me to focus less on superficial components to the game and hone in on the importance of accuracy under pressure. I then asked him what matters most while you practice, and he said to develop your identity as a player. Once that is established, which can be pretty fast with the right experiences, the rest of one’s life would be minor modifications and constant focus on the fundamentals of alignment, posture, and tempo.

I proceeded to hit 4 of 10 drivers within the “fairway” and got on the ground to give him 50 push ups as friends and members yelled and urged me to finish

UGP FACILITY Urban Golf Performance has two facilities one in Los Angeles and one in Orange County 31

This, in combination with a relentless pursuit to play the game from a place of joy and gratitude, would lead me to success within the game. It’s these lessons and countless others that I’ve received from my various experiences as a player that led me to develop UGP, a global community of golfers making the world a better place.

We teach life through this beautiful game, and our UGP community of golf instructors, strength and conditioning coaches, wellness experts, club fitters and builders, and customer service professionals are all united to share our collective experiences through golf and the discipline required to succeed to our members and the golf community at large. And with my partner, Blake Mycoskie -- the founder of TOMS Shoes -- and his pledge to donate all of his investment and future returns to The First Tee, we hope to transform the golf performance landscape by promoting community as the cornerstone to success in golf and life.

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Q & A WITH ALAN SCHEER, PGA DIRECTOR OF GOLF AT STEELE CANYON GOLF CLUB BY: DEMI DAILEY

Tee it Forward Short courses and modified tees have been a hot topic of conversation within the industry in an effort to increase participation. In this interview, Alan Scheer shares how he has modified his course to attract more play with the addition of Family Tees.

What inspired you to modify the course?

Growing the game really. Steele Canyon is a more difficult course for most players. We still have a need for getting young golfers out here. There is a talented high school team that play out here, so why not develop players a little bit earlier. While the forward tees were manageable, they’re still long and challenging, so we decided we needed to take nine of our holes and make them more user friendly. Get the kids out here and hopefully get some family play out here in the late afternoons. Really, just get them exposed to the game. We have some summer junior camps from June to August and we will make them aware of the tees, introduce them, and get them out on the course more. In years past, we taught them more around the facility or range and putting green and focused on etiquette; which is all great, but you have to get them on the course and playing the game. This is going to be a big step for us, and we are hoping it really brings in the families.

What have you called these new tees?

We have a green tee marker and we are calling them the Family Tees. We want it to be an experience where it’s not just limited to kids and we want beginners to be able to use them as well. We feel a family atmosphere is the direction we would like to head at Steele Canyon.

We have three 9-hole courses, so 27 holes total. We still have 18 holes that do not feature those tees as of now but only time will tell. If we start to get the demand for shorter tees, we will absolutely add those tees.

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

THE FAMILY TEES These green tees named “The Family Tees” hope to bring in more families, juniors and beginners to enjoy the short courses

How much play do you anticipate the Family Tees to have on a daily basis?

I think we will start out slowly, but I anticipate a few groups a day. We will see where it goes once we get some programs going and junior camps in place. We think it will give short course play some exposure.

When did you unvail the Family Tees?

We opened up Mother’s Day weekend. It’s up and going and I think with a little more advertising and with the summer coming, we will have lots more interested and aware of them.

What was the evolution of creating the Family Tees?

Lots of times, you don’t want to create more work and you end up just putting tee boxes out on the fairways. We didn’t want to go that route, we wanted to make this an experience for those playing, so we ended up building six new tee complexes using three existing tees. We took that extra effort to make it stand out. We even created a par36 course under the US Kids guidelines, just under 2,000 yards of par-3’s, par-4’s & par-5’s.

Did you work closely with your Superintendent to make this change?

Yes! We went out and plotted out where the tees wouldn’t be in the way of others but still visible and easily accessible. The Vineyard course is a much more walkable nine than our others so that’s why we chose to use that one.

How are you planning to spread the word about the Family Tees?

I hope next year to establish a PGA Jr. League Team here by attracting more juniors to increase participation. We have had some top-notch high schools and colleges play here, so we hope that people will see this and realize that playing out here can really develop their game.

What are the benefits of the Family Tees?

The transition has been very simple so far. Again, it’s more about word of mouth to get people out here to see the course and the more family involvement you can get, the better. We are a unique club in that we are semi-private with private members, but we still have public play so we draw from a large base. We feel the new layout will help grow the restaurant business and other revenue centers and just garner more activity. Golf has become a timeconsuming game and our goal is to lessen that. By creating these 9 holes as a short course where they can come out for two hours in the afternoon and evenings, it will only add to the experience. They can stop in the restaurant for a beverage and a bite to eat and just make it a regular activity weekly. We are hopeful it turns into just that and becomes a nice atmosphere to play golf and have fun.

The juniors and beginners are already here taking lessons so why not offer an easy transition to the next step of the game.

How much does it cost to play the Family Tees?

We have a deal for the juniors, 12 and under, its only $9.

For adults it’s $25 to walk and $36 with golf cart.

About Alan Scheer, PGA PGA Professional Alan Scheer has been playing golf all his life. He played his high school golf here at Steele Canyon Golf Club and then played college golf at UC San Diego. Years later, he took the position at Steele Canyon in outside services and eventually became the Director of Golf leading to a 21-year-tenure at the club. Scheer tried out a career in computers and marketing but soon found his calling was on a golf course as validated by his SCPGA Section Championship. “Sitting in a cubicle 40 hours a week versus being on a golf course, the golf course seemed like the better bet,” Scheer said.

How long did this process take from start to finish?

We started tossing the idea around last winterr and started to plan where the tee boxes were going to go.

But from start to finish, it really wasn’t as big of a process as I thought it would be. Our Superintendent was able to get the tee boxes built and placed within a few weeks. therefore it really was more about getting the sod down and letting it grow. Which in total, only took about two to three months.

What was the financial impact?

It really wasn’t bad. We had a local vendor for sod that we work with and the dirt was readily available, so it was more the little aspects of getting the tee markers up and creating some score cards. After that, we were good to go.

PICTURED Director of Golf, Alan Scheer on the Family Tee box overlooking Hole #1 at Steele Canyon Golf Club SCPGA.COM

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Thank you to the following PGA Professionals who have participated in SCGA Swing Tips this year!

SWING TIPS

Alison Curdt Seiko Matsumura Jennifer BErmingham Josh Alpert Billy McKinney Heidi Richardson Shawn Cox John Mason Michael Marcum Ronnie Valerio Steve Adamiak Hae-Yoon Kim Randy Chang Access SCGA Swing Tips at scga.org/swing-tips

PRESENTED BY:

USING INVITATIONS FOR EVENTS

BY ROBIN SHELTON SCPGA VICE PRESIDENT

BY: ROBIN SHELTON, PGA SCPGA VICE PRESIDENT

I love playing recreational co-ed softball.

what got to me to join softball teams.

I love the fun of playing with players of all levels. I love when it gets competitive towards the end of a close game. I love the camaraderie among players. I love spending time with the team before and after the game.

At my Club, we have moved to an invitation model for membership. We don’t want to run newspaper ads, send mass e-mails, purchase billboards, or use television commercials. We want to have a Club “full of friends” rather than a club “full of members” and the best way to create that atmosphere is from invitations from current members to their friends.

I would play three nights a week, different fields, different cities, and different teams – and would always look for opportunities to play.

I then noticed something. As much as I loved playing softball, I never sought out to start a new team. I never called the local YMCA office asking to join a team. I never responded to the announcement in the church bulletin. I never answered a general e-mail looking for players.

I was only playing on teams where I was invited.

As much as I loved playing softball and spending time with friends, it was the invitation that got me to join the teams. Whether it was the formal invitation from the team captain or an informal invitation from one of the players, the invitation is

We also use invitations for events. The posters, the mass e-mails, the social media posts – they don’t have the same impact as an invitation from a fellow member, friend or staff member who they care and trust. An individualized personal invite connects people far greater than a generic announcement. A sincere ‘we want you to join us’ is more effective than ‘attention everyone.’

Not only does the invitation model for our Clubs represent the Club better, but people love invitations, People respond to invitations. People love being invited to parties, weddings, or softball teams. We believe that people go where they are invited, and stay where they are appreciated.

I hope you’ll consider using invitations to invite members/guests to participate in lessons, clinics, and events.

And if you ever need a softball player – I’m an invitation away…

SCPGA.COM

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10 THINGS TO KNOW

1.

2.

3.

4.

Section Members currently total 1,328 and Associates 284.

USGA Rule 1.2 is clear in conduct expected of all players and includes, acting with integrity and showing consideration to others by playing at a prompt pace.

Sam Snead is the only male to win an LPGA event. He won the 1962 Royal Poinciana Plaza Invitational at Palm Beach Golf Club – a par-3 course. In the field were the likes of the great Mickey Wright, Betsy Rawls and Kathy Whitworth.

The first Ryder Cup took place in the United States in 1927 at Worcester Country Club in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Following that event, the PGA of America had the financials audited and showed a positive gain of $266.

PGA Member annual dues that year were $10.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Starting in 1457, golf was banned throughout Scotland by the nation’s Parliament, which believed it interfered with residents’ military training. This ban was repeated twice more, in 1471 and 1491. Nearly 300 years later, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews was founded.

The United Kingdon and Republic of Ireland PGA were introduced in 1901, 15 years before the PGA of America at The Belfry, just outside Bermingham, England.

Current membership is about 8,000, with more than 1,500 working oversees in 70 countries.

Long before Annika Sorenstam competed in the 2003 Bank of America Colonial, Babe Zaharias became the first – and only – female golfer to make the cut at a PGA TOUR event, during the first two rounds of the 1945 Los Angeles Open.

10.

Section Honorary Life Member and Past President of the SCGA, Ed Holmes, is now serving as an Independent Director along with our Kim Falcone, PGA, on your Section’s Board.

Multiple Section Junior Golf Leader Award winner Tom Sargent, PGA, serves as the Chairman of our Junior Golf Committee and has done so for more than three decades.

From the desk of Jeff Johnson, PGA 36

PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

In its 70th season in 2019, the LPGA is the oldest continuing women’s professional sports organization in the United States. It was founded in 1950 by a group of 13 golfers: Alice Bauer, Patty Berg, Bettye Danoff, Helen Dettweiler, Marlene Bauer Hagge, Helen Hicks, Opal Hill, Betty Jameson, Sally Sessions, Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias. Shirley Spork attended our Annual Meeting last year.

Pretty cool….

DRIVING RANGE ACCURACY

STAFF HIGHLIGHT HANNAH FACCHINI JUNIOR GOLF COORDINATOR

B

orn and raised in Hanford, CA, Hannah Facchini has found herself as the newest Junior Golf Team member.

At the beginning of the year, Facchini worked as an SCPGA Junior Tour Field Staff member as well as the Assistant Women’s Golf Coach at UC Riverside, before landing a position in the Section Office. Facchini comes from a large and loud Italian and Portuguese family, where she had three older siblings to look up to and parents that supported her to chase her dreams. She picked up her first golf club at the age of thirteen and decided it was her future.

Facchini earned a golf scholarship to play Division I golf at UC Riverside.

She graduated in 2018 with her degree in Psychology, while also “studying golf” as her college coach liked to say.

She dedicated her time to being a student-athlete and owns several school records. She is grateful for her family, golf, and UC Riverside for

her education and appreciates the opportunities she received. They’ve helped her grow into a successful individual. Beyond college, Facchini has continued to compete in major amateur golf tournaments, such as the USGA Women’s Amateur, the North and South Women’s Amateur at Pinehurst and the Canadian Women’s Amateur. These experiences have brought her countless opportunities and connections to the game of golf.

Now, as a new member in the SCPGA Section Office, Facchini is thankful for the chance to learn a different aspect of golf and be a part of the development and future of the PGA.

She states, “Golf has given me everything. It has given me an education I am proud of. It has allowed me to make a name for myself on and off the golf course and most importantly it has brought me lifelong friends and coworkers that are inspiring role models and successful leaders in today’s world. It is an honor and I’m excited to be a part of it all.”

Hannah recently won the Fresno City Women’s Amateur Championship!

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MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ CEO TOM ADDIS III, PGA

Essentials for Efficiency on Course Essential means absolutely necessary, extremely important, crucial, vital, key, indispensable, imperative, paramount, consequential and requisite. We use the word “essential” when it comes to staffing, making a putt, taking a glass of water and starting our vehicle. While enjoying a round of golf, whether leisure or competitive, it is essential that we enjoy a pace of play that will consider everyone on the golf course and provide a round of golf that is time efficient as well as stroke-savings efficient.

Oh yeah, “pace-of-play,” the forever phrase sometimes we think about and sometimes we recall. We can push a “slow play” or “pace of play” campaign out there and work hard for a bit of time, but then it fades away — only to reappear later. We go gangbusters to do whatever we can to ensure our time on the golf course is efficient and ahead of the group behind us but not pushing the group in front of us — in our opinion, proper pace of play on the golf course.

Even we, the SCPGA, had an efficient pace of play program we pushed for a while beginning in 2013 called “Save 18 on 18 — a

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media effort to save only minutes during a round of golf, even 18 minutes. The idea was to save a few seconds, for example, by parking your golf cart, or laying your bag of clubs in your path to the next tee or taking a few clubs across the fairway to prepare and execute your golf shot, all while your fellow golf cart passenger is playing their shot – save a few seconds. Or drop your fellow golf cart rider at their golf ball then, head to yours – save a few seconds. These seconds add up to minutes and pretty soon you’re saving a minute a hole – all of a sudden, 18 minutes for 18 holes!

The 18 for 18 plan is the easy way to do it, just do it. There are other ways that will save lots of time, such as ensuring you only take 30 or 45 seconds to play your shot after you quickly make up your mind what club to play. You can look at the tops of the trees or the tall grasses to see which way the wind’s blowing, you can see what bunkers are the highest at greenside and which way the water runs off the putting green to help determine where your ball might bounce and roll, and you can do that quickly and in a matter of a few seconds. This all saves precious seconds and minutes from the time of your round of golf.

PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

Many a time, you’ll go play a round of golf as two players and you brag about how short a time it took you to play that 18- hole round of golf, and you weren’t even thinking about it. Do the same thing with a group of four and play your shot when you’re ready and leave the flagstick in the hole and you’ll save many a minute on the golf course.

Probably 18 on 18.

It is crucial the PGA professional manage the basics of enjoying the game of golf and the time around the golf course, what everyone considers a reasonable time around the golf course. It is easy to apply and use the suggestions mentioned above, some coming from a panel discussion we had back in 2013 with some leaders in the business who thought it vital at the time.

The PGA professional is essential to creating an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment on the golf course and recognizing what can be done to enhance the pace of play and turn time wasted on the course to time saved on the course. When this is enacted and pushed, it works and is good. Let’s keep it up.

CHAPTER CORNER UPDATES FROM THE SCPGA CHAPTERS

Summer is in full swing here in the Desert Chapter. Mountain View CC hosted the ProAssistant/Meeting on May 13th and the team of Shane Ponchot and Mike Mitchell were the Champions with a 10-under round of 62. Our Assistants Championship took place on May 29 - 30 at Heritage Palms CC and Nate Williams took home the title with a stellar two-day total of 139 (-5). Mike Mitchell was victorious on June 7 at Mountain Vista CC in the Summer Stroke Play Classic. His score of 69 (-3) was enough to edge out 6 others at 70 (-2). On June Desert Chapter 17 Woodhaven CC hosted our Stableford Championship. Chris Gilley and Al Geiberger Jr. tied for the victory at 21 points a piece. Congratulations to these Champions and thank you to Mountain View CC, Heritage Palms CC, Mountain Vista CC, and Woodhaven CC for hosting these events!

Summer is off to hot start around the Inland Empire. We have meetings, tournaments, and PGA Junior League taking center stage. Our Summer meeting was held at the Morongo Club at Tukwet Canyon on July 8. Our main highlight was bidding farewell to our Chapter President, Kenny Pigman, who be leaving our Chapter for a great opportunity in the Northern California Section. We wish him the best! The former Chapter President, Steve Adamiak, will take over on an interim basis until our current Chapter Vice President, Ryan Prior, is sworn in as president at the Fall meeting in Lake Arrowhead in October.

Inland Empire Chapter

Pigman continued to dominate the tournament scene until his departure. He had impressive wins in our Match Play Championship — with the final match held at Goose Creek — and then taking the victory again with his partner, Ross Fisher, in the Triple Play event held at the Morongo Club at Tukwet Canyon. We look forward to our pinnacle event, the Chapter Championship, held at Goose Creek GC on August 12-13.

Last but not least, PGA Junior League matches have been going strong with the regular season ending at the end of July.

We look forward to the postseason starting in August and appreciate all the great effort and camaraderie the kids have displayed this season!

Bakersfield Country Club played host to this year’s SCPGA Annual Summer Meeting & Pro-Pro Scramble. We had two teams: Paul Holtby-Ryan Kennedy and Garrett Goodrich-Scott Labare placing T-6 in a very competitive field and format.

Scott Miller and Alex Hird carded an 8-under-par score and were able to hold off Alan Sorensen and Blake McPherson in a playoff to capture the Summer Meeting and Pro-Pro Scramble at the Santa Barbara Golf Club.

The Northern Chapter would like to congratulate SCPGA members Dr. Alison Curdt and Jon Fielder for qualifying for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open, respectively. What an honor to have such wonderful members representing the Northern Chapter in these great Championships.

The Metropolitan chapter would like to start by wishing everyone a happy and healthy summer. This is the busiest time of the year for most of our courses with junior golf camps and club activities.

We had our Chapter Championship again at the beautiful South Hills Country Club on July 29.

Thank you to all the staff from South Hills for hosting again.

We have our Summer Meeting 4-ball championship with Vic Placeres of Old Ranch Country Club playing host. It will be held on August 12. We are thrilled to be at this venue, which proves to be quite windy on most days so be sure to have your Tiger stinger in the bag. Good luck to everyone playing this year and to our defending champions, Blair Harkins and Logan Scott.

Lastly, as always, we would like to thank all the SCPGA staff and partners for their support that make our events possible.

We held our Spring Meeting at Twin Oaks Golf Course on March 18th. Special thanks to General Manager, Troy Ferguson, 1st Assistant, Mike Skala, and Scott Butler, Tournament Sales Director for a hosting a tremendous event. A big Thank You to Jason Taylor, PGA of Sí Mexico Golf Destinations for donating a golf trip to Mexico and $200 for the closest to the pins on all of the par 3s. The course was in great shape, and Chris Starkjohann took advantage by firing a sweet 8-under 64 to win the individual medal play. The winning 4-person team with a score of 14-under par went to the team of Geddes, Gerrish, Valentine, and Holloway.

Notable tournament results this past Spring include: • SD Chapter 4-Ball Championship at Mt. Woodson, winners were Chris Lempa/Jason Timlin • LinkSoul 2-Man Scramble at Goat Hill Park, winners were Cavin McCall/Rick Johnson • Super Senior Championship at Arrowood GC, winner was Gary Sowinski • Associate Championship at Arrowood GC, winner was Josh Haynes • Pine Glen Shootout at Singing Hills at Sycuan Resort, winner was Mark Geddes Congratulations to the following PGA Professionals for playing in these prestigious professional events this year: • PGA Professional Championship - Brian Smock and Jeff Hart • Senior U.S. Open - Gary Sowinski

SCPGA.COM

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Tournament Results PROFESSIONAL-SCRATCH Valencia Country Club | March 11, 2019

Steve Saunders & Eric Liscio ( -8 ) Host Professional: Hide Yoshinaga, PGA

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OPEN Industry Hills Golf Club | March 26-28, 2019 2019

MARCH ‘19 - JULY ‘19

SPRING MEETING FOUR-BALL Rolling Hills Country Club | April 8, 2019

Collin Featherstone ( 67/66/72=205 | -10 )

Vinnie Bertagna, PGA & Andrew Kramer, PGA ( 65 | -7 )

Host Professional: Dave Youpa, PGA

Host Professional: Derek Lane, PGA

STROKE-PLAY CLASSIC

YAMAHA SENIOR-JUNIOR

Michael Block, PGA ( 72/72=144 | E ) Host Professional: Justin Saragueta, PGA

Sean King, PGA & Mark Johnson, PGA ( 63 | -9 ) Host Professional: Jake Wiese, PGA

Marine Memorial Golf Course | May 20, 2019

The Saticoy Club | May 6, 2019

WOMEN’S STROKE PLAY #1 Toscana Country Club | May 22, 2019

SUMMER MEETING PRO-PRO Bakersfield Country Club | June 3, 2019

PROFESSIONAL-JUNIOR

The Journey at Pechanga | June 10, 2019

Larkin (left) & Hart (right)

Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA ( +2 | 74 ) Teal Division: Lynda Jensen, PGA ( -1 | 71 )

Andrew Larkin, PGA & Jeff Hart, PGA ( 61 | -11 ) Host Professional: Paul Guerra, PGA

Host Professional: John Cochrane, PGA

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE - SUMMER ISSUE

Scott McCue, PGA & Mathew Broder ( 62 | -10 ) Angel Martinez, PGA & Min Hae Gwon ( 65 | -7 ) Host Professional: Scott Mallory, PGA

CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN MEN’S

WOMEN’S

Bear Creek Golf Club | June 25 - 28, 2019

La Costa Resort & Spa | July 16 - 17, 2019

Josh Anderson ( 273 | -15 ) Host Professional: Tim Gardner, PGA

Haley Moore ( 137 | -7 ) Host Professional: Dustin Irwin, PGA

WOMENS STROKE PLAY #2

WOMENS STROKE PLAY #3

South Hills Country Club | June 13, 2019

Larkin (left) & Hart (right)

Woodland Hills Country Club | July 11, 2019

Larkin (left) & Hart (right)

Erika Ilagan, PGA ( 71 | -1 ) Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA ( 77 | +7 ) Teal Division: Bari Brandwynne, PGA ( 74 | +2 ) Teal Division: Bari Brandwynne, PGA ( 79 | +9 ) Host Professional: Kyle Mendoza, PGA

Host Professional: Rick Stegell, PGA

MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP The Crosby | June 7 - July 23

Section Champion Andrew Larkin, PGA ( 5 & 4 ) Host Professional: Bryan Addis, PGA & Jason Brustad, PGA

Champions From Left to Right: Super Senior Champion - Jerry Wisz, PGA ( 5 & 4 ) A.P.A Champion - James Hochsprung ( 4 & 3 ) Women’s Champion - Erica Ilagan, PGA ( 4 & 2 ) Men’s Senior Champion - Gary Sowinski, PGA ( 1 Up ) Women’s Senior Champion - Bari Brandwynne, PGA ( 5 & 4 )

SECTION | PRESENTING PARTNERS

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