Southern California PGA PROgram Magazine - 2015 March-May Issue

VOLUME 42 | ISSUE 2 | MARCH-MAY 2015

GOLF INDUSTRY:

POISED TO MEET

CHALLENGE

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

A SHOO-IN

FOR ANOTHER GREEN JACKET.

THE RADICALLY REDESIGNED 2015 CAMRY IS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE. WITH AN AGGRESSIVE NEW EXTERIOR, REFINED INTERIOR, AND INNOVATIVE FEATURES LIKE A WIRELESS PHONE CHARGING—A FIRST IN ITS CLASS—THE 2015 CAMRY LOOKS TO CONTINUE ITS REIGN AS AMERICA’S BEST-SELLING CAR. Check one out at your Southern California Toyota dealer today.

WE MAKE IT EASY

SAVE the DATE

MSR REQUIREMENTS The MSR reporting period will end on June 15, 2015.

NOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION

TPS SERIES - TUKWET CANYON May 18 | Morongo G.C. at Tukwet Canyon NOT MET REQUIREMENTS 33.9%

BUSINESS OF GOLF WORKSHOP May 20 | Robinson Ranch G.C. MET ALL REQUIREMENTS 66.1%

MASTERMIND WORKSHOP May 26 | SCPGA Headquarters SENIOR DIVISION DESERT 2-DAY May 27-28 | Indian Springs G.C.

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Questions? Contact Sharon Curfman at scurfman@pgahq.com or at the Section office, 951.845.4653.

contents

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

TEACHER’S FORUM 04 MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTHERN 15 AN INTERVIEW WITH PGA

CALIFORNIA PGA PRESIDENT

PROFESSIONAL JOHN ORTEGA

SPRING TEACHING SUMMIT 16 2015 SPRING TEACHING SUMMIT

SPONSORS

SECTION REPORT 07 WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR

GOLF HEADLINE 17 GOLF PROFESSIONAL PLAYS

THE GAME OF GOLF

PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT 08 INAUGURAL YOUTH GOLF

SUMMIT A SUCCESS

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 09 PERTINENT FACTS TO CITE

EDUCATES MEMBERSHIP

24 HOURS STRAIGHT FOR A GREAT CAUSE

DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT 18 SCPGA CROWNS CHAMPIONS

AT 2015 DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT NATIONAL FINALS

WHEN CONFRONTED BY

NAYSAYERS GOLF AND DROUGHT

JUNIOR GOLF 21 CARLTON OAKS CHALLENGES

PROFESSIONAL-OFFICIAL 10 MCDONOUGH & ROGERS CLUB

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT 23 TGA - PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF

CAR PROFESSIONAL-OFFICIAL CHAMPIONS

11

EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION

PROFESSIONAL COURTESY RESPONDING TO RESUMES

THE SCPGA’S TOP JUNIORS

TOURNAMENT RECAP 24 SCPGA TOURNAMENT RESULTS

CHAPTER CORNER 25 SCPGA CHAPTER UPDATES

GOLF LAWS 12 NEW LAWS THAT COULD

ASSOCIATION NEWS 26 SCGA, GCSAA, EWGA, CAG,

WSCGA

IMPACT GOLF OPERATIONS

PROFESSIONAL-SCRATCH

14 HARKINS AND CALIFANO

SECTION NOTES 27 NOTES FROM THE SCPGA

OFFICE

DOMINANT IN VICTORY

www.scpga.com

WOMEN’S MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP June 7 - September 3 E-Z-GO SUMMER MEETING & PRO-PRO SCRAMBLE June 8 | Double Tree by Hilton & Goose Creek G.C. AAA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP June 15 - September 24 SENIOR DIVISION FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP June 22-23 | Morongo G.C. Tukwet Canyon SENIOR DIVISION OXNARD 2-DAY July 6-7 | Vineyard G.C. & Victoria Lakes G.C. SCPGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP July 13-14 | Sandpiper G.C. AAA SWEEP - STROKE PLAY 4 July 16 | South Hills C.C. CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN July 22-25 | Morongo G.C. at Tukwet Canyon

FEATUREDCONTENT

SPONSOR DIRECTORY 06 YOUR VALUED SCPGA

TPS SERIES - BEAR CREEK June 1 | Bear Creek G.C.

SCPGA/NCPGA SENIOR CUP MATCHES August 3-4 | Santa Maria C.C. & Rancho Maria C.C. AAA FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP August 13 | Vista Valley C.C. SECTION SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP August 24-25 | Oak Valley C.C. SCPGA TOWN HALL MEETING August 27 | Mile Square G.C. PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

03

10Things PRESIDENT Message from the Southern California PGA

TO K N OW. . .

2. 2015 SPECIAL AWARDS NOMINATIONS ARE DUE JUNE 1, 2015.

3. REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2015 SCPGA E-Z-GO SUMMER MEETING & PRO-PRO SCRAMBLE. 4. SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT AND RECEIVE YOUR PURSE CHECKS QUICKER. 5. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA HIRES JEFF JOHNSON, PGA AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS/COO.

PRESIDENT’SMESSAGE

6. DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT LOCAL QUALIFIERS TAKE PLACE THIS SUMMER. REMIND YOUR STUDENTS TO SIGN UP! 7. IS YOUR FACILITY A NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF PREFERRED FACILITY? EMAIL MATT GILSON AT MGILSON@PGAHQ.COM. 8. THE FIRST 2015 BUSINESS OF GOLF WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 20TH. ARE YOU SIGNED UP? 9. THE SCPGA JUNIOR TOUR MEMBERSHIP CONSISTS OF 1,772 JUNIOR GOLFERS. 10. SCPGA IS NOW ON LINKEDIN AND PINTEREST. FOLLOW THE COMPANY PAGES FROM YOUR ACCOUNT!

04

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

By Southern California PGA President, John McNair, PGA

SCPGA One-on-One Marketing Sessions now a reality!

PGA professionals, do you currently have a customer database? If you do, how do you utilize the database for marketing purposes? What software and applications do you use? What is your level of experience with social media? What devices are you currently using for online marketing purposes? Do you have an active e-commerce platform?

These questions are but a few of the questions we are asking PGA professionals in a survey that introduces an opportunity to increase interests and raise the level of participation in online marketing that is so important, and so prevalent, in our golf marketplace today and into the future. From email marketing to golf swing analysis, technology has fast become the measurement for success in today’s business. The PGA professional must be at the forefront in providing services and receiving solid information to enable them to enhance customer service and their product – the golf course, golf instruction, playing their best and

meeting the demands of the industry.

We are proud to say that the Southern California Section is stepping forward to help our PGA professionals with their online marketing proficiency and enhance business at their facilities and on the lesson tee with our “One-on-One Marketing Workshops.” This idea came to fruition following a couple years of thought and planning and our Board of Directors seeing the need to assist our PGA members meet the demands of today’s competitive business.

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The need to assist our PGA members meet the demands of today’s competitive business.

“

1. THE UPCOMING MSR PERIOD ENDS JUNE 15, 2015. 66.1% OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA MEMBERS HAVE MET THE REQUIREMENTS.

How it works: Following an inquiry from the PGA Professional and the completion of a short online survey, a consultant who works with the Section will contact the PGA professional at their facility.

The consultant will begin an educational process to help the professional and his or her staff become more proficient in the electronic and online world of doing business and answer the simple questions in the lead paragraph of this article.

The SCPGA is dedicated to serving and helping our PGA professionals. This is another step that we’re proud to take to be better in our business. www.scpga.com

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR SUPPORTING THE GOLF PROFESSIONALS OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA!

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

3333 Concours Street • Building 2, Suite 2100 • Ontario, CA 91764 951.845.4653 ph • 951.331.4701 fax • scpga.com • scpgajrtour.com THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS John McNair, PGA, President- JC Resorts Todd Keefer, PGA, Vice President - PGA West Tony Letendre, PGA, Secretary - The Newport Beach Country Club Jason Taylor, PGA, Honorary President - Lorena Ochoa Foundation AT-LARGE DIRECTORS Bill Hulbert, PGA, PGA TOUR Superstore • Joe Grohman, PGA, Navy Golf Course • Scott Heyn, PGA, Oakmont Country Club • Eric Lohman, PGA, Monarch Beach Golf Links • Robin Shelton, PGA, Mountain Meadows Golf Course • Randy Chang, PGA, Journey at Pechanga & Talega Golf Club INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR Susan Roll, PGA, Carlsbad Golf Center Steve Plummer, Championship Golf Services CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVES Desert: Jon Vesper, PGA, Westin Mission Hills Resort Inland Empire: Bryon Smith, PGA, Goose Creek Golf Club Metropolitan: Chris Gilley, PGA, SeaCliff Country Club Northern: Mark Wilson, PGA, North Ranch Country Club San Diego: Ross Marcano, PGA, Barona Creek Golf Club PGA GOVERNANCE DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR Bill Hulbert, PGA, PGA TOUR Superstore - Southern California Section PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENT - Derek Sprague, PGA, Malone Golf Club VICE PRESIDENT - Paul Levy, PGA, Toscana Country Club SECRETARY - Suzy Whaley, Suzy Whaley Golf

PMS 2767

SPONSORDIRECTORY

USA

Official Radio of the Southern California PGA

SCPGA SECTION STAFF Tom Addis III, PGA, Executive Director/CEO, taddis@pgahq.com Jeff Johnson, PGA, Director of Operations/COO, jjohnson@pgahq.com Max DeSpain, Tournament Director, mdespain@pgahq.com Paul Dempsey, Business Development & Foundation Director, pdempsey@pgahq.com Kevin Smith, Junior Golf Director, ksmith@pgahq.com Sharon Curfman, Membership, scurfman@pgahq.com Breanne Mitchell, Communications Manager, bmitchell@pgahq.com Ariana Gomez, Foundation Marketing & Communications Administrator, agomez@pgahq.com Nicolle Quick, Meeting & Events Manager, nquick@pgahq.com Kristy Custer, Finance/Office Manager, kcuster@pgahq.com Daniel Hale, PGA, Foundation Programs and Events Administrator, dhale@pgahq.com Stephen Monday, Tournament Operations Administrator, smonday@pgahq.com Matt Gilson, Player Development Manager, mgilson@pgahq.com Travis Cutler, Junior Golf Manager, tcutler@pgahq.com Marshall Gerlach, Junior Golf Manager, mgerlach@pgahq.com Eddie Rodarte, PGA, Junior Golf Manager, erodarte@pgahq.com Justin Sandoval, Junior Golf Operations Coordinator, jsandoval@pgahq.com Bryce Seiver, Assistant Tournament Administrator, bseiver@pgahq.com Junko Suzuki, PGA, Golf in Schools Territory Coordinator, jsuzuki@pgahq.com Anthony Leone, Golf in Schools Territory Coordinator, aleone@pgahq.con Kristine Lorencz, Section Administration, klorencz@pgahq.com PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL MANAGER Nikki Gatch, PGA 760.534.1370 • ngatch@pgahq.com PGA EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANT Ken Ferrell, PGA 951.894.5024 • kferrell@pgahq.com

THE PROGRAM VOLUME 42 • ISSUE 2 • 2015 MARCH-MAY ISSUE

The Program is produced by the Southern California PGA. Breanne Mitchell, Publisher and Editor.

The Program is distributed free to members and affiliates of the SCPGA seven 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 MARCH-MAY 2015

www.scpga.com

We are

AMBASSADORS FOR THE GAME OF GOLF

By Southern California PGA CEO/Executive Director, Tom Addis III, PGA We regularly talk about putting our best foot forward as a PGA golf professional, whether on the lesson tee, the golf shop, on the golf course or just “representing.” We, as PGA professionals, and every business professional in the industry, have a great opportunity to spread the good word about our great game and sport to everyone in our community. Take the opportunity and talk golf whenever you have the opportunity and wherever you are to be an ambassador for golf.

“

of our game, is to speak at service club meetings or at schools. They can spread the good word about our game, how much fun it is or the steps the golf course staff takes to conserve water by various key practices including how golf uses less water per acre than most vineyards or orchards in California. Another highlight could be that golf in California is a major contributor to charity with over $235 million each year and employs over 125 thousand people in California. We are the experts in our field and we must spread the word on what golf brings to lifestyle as well as everyday life in California. It is our opportunity and we must take

“

A good example of an opportunity is when we are in a room at a banquet or a gathering and people learn we are in the golf business, usually they will migrate to us and ask us some sort of golf question or ask for our opinion on some subject related to golf – “have you been to the Masters?,” or “have you been to the Ryder Cup?” or “how often do you play golf?.” This is when you can turn it around and ask the person, or persons, the questions – “how about you, when did you play last?” or “how was your game?” or “how’s your putting? “ or “what kind of golf ball do you use?” Who knows, maybe the conversation could lead to someone playing your golf course or taking golf instruction from you? In any case, it will give you the opportunity to talk about your game, your business and share the benefits of the game with your audience.

Another example where a PGA professional, or our fellow business professionals, can serve as ambassadors www.scpga.com

advantage of the audience when we can.

Golf is a small, close-knit community and you, as the game’s ambassador, can share the stories of how we make the golf game better, whether a learning experience, the greens and tees being the best, the hot dog and Pepsi being the best, having that glove, cap or sox available, the golf car clean and in running order, comfort stations available and clean – just to name a few places we see and provide the best – your opportunity to shine and speak for the game by your actions and your practices.

“Thanks to the support our Rules Committee provides event in and event out and day in and day out, we are able to present the wonderful tournament program and junior program we conduct.”

Thank you to Gary and Dianne Wilson for your time and dedication to the Rules Committee.

NEW MEMBERS Drury Blair III, PGA; Aaron Caverley, PGA; Eric Conroy, PGA; Tanya Dergal, PGA; Thomas Fowler III, PGA; Eric Gannon, PGA; Dylan Hunton, PGA; Ryan Kolk, PGA; Christian Lee, PGA; Wesley Levanduski, PGA; Patrick Morton, PGA; Marc Surette, PGA NEWLY REGISTERED & RE-REGISTERED APPRENTICES James Acosta, Johnathan Carlson, Tower Chang, Jacob Dearman, Peter Dornisch, Michael Edwards, Patrick Esquerra, Devin Fox, John Gorski, Castavious Henderson, Jason Holmes, Ephriam Ivey, Tyler Jeansonne, Brian Judd, Gin W. Kim, Seungwoo Kim, Kyle Kumagai, Robert McKee, Kyle McNulty, Eric Nilsson, Matthew Redmond, Chelsea Reed, Joshua Rider, Rodney Silvagni, Taft Spain and Lucas Swan WELCOME BACK TO MEMBERSHIP Craig Hatfield, PGA and Corrie Sternquist, PGA QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERS John Diaz, PGA; Gary Griggs, PGA; Michael McFaul, PGA, Eric Redd, PGA; Larry Schneider, PGA and John Wolgamott, PGA DECEASED We sadly lost PGA Professionals: Randal Strand, PGA 2/24/2015; Tim Caldwell, PGA 3/13/2015; Fred Scherzer, 5/4/2015 MOVING UP Sungmin Ahn, PGA A-13 Chester Washington Golf Course David Beyer, PGA Whittier Narrows Golf Course

A-1

Vernon Bonvie, PGA Tamarisk Country Club

A-13

Mike Cross, PGA Del Mar Country Club

A-4

Blake Dodson, PGA Encinitas Ranch Golf Course

A-4

SECTIONREPORT

We, as PGA professionals, and every business professional in the industry, have a great opportunity to spread the good word about our great game and sport to everyone in our community.

DATE

Steven Donar B-13 Whittier Narrows Golf Club Mark Elliott, PGA Blue Skies Country Club

A-1

Trent Gessel, PGA Rancho Mirage Country Club

A-4

Craig Hatfield, PGA Navy Golf Course

A-14

Curtis Hayden, PGA Marrakesh Country Club

A-1

Leslie Johnson, PGA TPC Valencia

A-14

Donald Littrell, PGA GolfTEC

A-14

Jeff Richter, PGA El Camino Country Club

A-1

Vince Santopietro, PGA Seven Oaks Country Club

A-1

Corrie Sternquist, PGA Maderas Golf Club

A-1

WELCOME WAGON David Alvarez Roger Behling, PGA Michael Wilson, GA

South Central Kentucky North Florida

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Becoming

IRREPLACEABLE

By SCPGA Board Member, Robin Shelton, PGA There is a theory in contemporary management that says you, as the manager, should become irreplaceable.

You ensure your job security by becoming

PGAPLAYER DEVELOPMENT 08

irreplaceable.

You become the person that cannot be replaced because you are the lone person who can do the job.

You are the only one who can do the reports; you are the only one who knows the computer system.

It makes sense at the beginning – we live in a world where competition is fierce. Possessing a special knowledge or skill seems like it could be a competitive advantage.

In this process, you become the workaholic. You become tired. You become the person that cannot be promoted because no one else can do what you do.

I believe it is time to turn that theory on its head. There is a better way to become irreplaceable…

Share everything you can with everyone who is interested.

Rather than be the only person who is able to do a job, you, as the manager should share as much information and job skills as possible.

You become the person that teaches and trains. You mentor and develop future managers and leaders. You help people become better. You offer something that is unique and what your organization really needs.

What does every organization need? They need better people – people who are more capable and able to do different skills.

As you help people become better and more skilled, you become irreplaceable. You leverage your skills to help the company succeed.

You are the person that every organization needs – and become rewarded and promoted because of your value to the company and your job is secure – because you are truly irreplaceable.

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

Inaugural Youth Golf Summit

A SUCCESS

By Nikki Gatch, PGA Player Development Regional Manager On March 26 at Temecula Creek Inn, the inaugural Southern California Youth Golf Summit was held. SCPGA Professionals passionate and dedicated to junior golf shared their enthusiasm and best practices during the day. The day was kicked off by Tom Morton of Morton Golf and the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento.

Tom was awarded the 2014 PGA of America Youth Player Development Award for his efforts and contributions to the game through youth programming.

Tom’s presentation focused on creating a culture, coaching philosophies, and the Three Pillars of the Morton Golf Junior Performance Academy – Core Value & Life Skill Development, Athletic Skill Development, and Golf Skill Development. Following Tom’s presentation, Matt Clay of the Del Mar Golf Center shared his vision on “Changing the Conversation”, and how he focuses heavily on developing athletic skills in his junior golf students.

Josh Alpert, PGA demonstrating his skills in taming Golfzilla!

provided some insight into the company, as well as offered a competition among the attendees with the Golfzilla inflatable on the driving range! Holland Houfburg of Sunset Hills C.C. successfully hit a BirdieBall into Golfzilla’s mouth, and won a putting green! The day concluded with a discussion on the SCPGA’s Golf in Schools program in partnership with TGA. Alex Tegels and Junko Suzuki provided insight and updates on the rapid growth of the program.

PGA Junior League Golf was also discussed and professionals were encouraged to register their facilities and participate in the program this summer.

Several new teams have registered since the summit!

CORE VALUE & LIFE SKILL DEVELOPMENT, ATHLETIC SKILL DEVELOPMENT, & GOLF SKILL DEVELOPMENT The afternoon session began with a panel discussion with Josh Alpert of The Lakes at El Segundo, Good Swings Happen Founder, and 2012 Metro Chapter Junior Golf Leader; Andrew Cortez of Bear Creek Golf Club and the 2014 Inland Empire Chapter Junior Golf Leader; and Larry Brotherton Tom Morton, PGA leading a discussion - Southern California Youth Golf Summit of San Juan Hills G.C. and the 2014 PASSION, MOTIVATION, SCPGA Teacher of the Year. Josh, DEDICATION Andrew and Larry discussed the All in all, the day was a great success, importance of having a progressive and the passion for junior golf was junior golf model in place, and how the contagious throughout the day. We have success of their junior programming so many professionals doing great things has increased their value as a PGA Professional. Marketing and social media and providing wonderful opportunities for our youth. It was nice to have an event practices were discussed and shared as to showcase those efforts, share best well as motivation techniques. practices, and motivate each other to grow the game!

INCREASE YOUR VALUE AS A PGA PROFESSIONAL EVENT SPONSOR: John Breaker, founder of BirdieBall, and event sponsor, was on hand and www.scpga.com

Pertinent facts to cite when confronted by naysayers

GOLF AND DROUGHT

By Craig Kessler, SCGA Governmental Affairs

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California’s 865 golf courses consume less than 1% of the potable water consumed in the state.

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California’s 865 golf courses consume less than 1% of the potable water consumed in the state. If the industry were to disappear tomorrow, Californians wouldn’t notice any difference in the water situation; they would notice the loss of a $13.2 billion industry, and the state’s largest municipalities would notice the loss of revenue streams used to support their park systems.

The California golf industry began reducing its water footprint years ago by engaging in the following practices as a matter of routine: • Investing in sophisticated weather based computer controlled irrigation systems; • Performing regular irrigation audits; • Training workforces in the arts and science of water conservation;

• Eliminating water intensive practices such as over seeding protocols; • Replacing water intensive cool weather grass species with warm weather species that require less irrigation; • Using drought tolerant native species in place of non-natives that require irrigation; • Drafting drought contingency plans that allow for the seamless accommodation of reductions in a drought emergency; and • Developing close working relationships with water districts for the purpose of collaborating on additional ways to reduce the game’s water footprint.

This is not an excuse for inaction; it is however an inconvenient fact for those who would lay disproportionate blame on the golf industry for California’s current water problems.

Because of this “routine,” the industry is poised to meet the challenges and mandates of the current emergency by simply ramping up what is already in place. The industry is poised to do so with minimal impacts www.scpga.com

upon the integrity and playability of its golf courses, enabling it to continue to provide golfers with optimal playing experiences.

And when the current crisis recedes into memory, the industry may take its foot off the conservation accelerator a bit, but it will continue its march toward a future in which tomorrow’s golf courses use less water than they do today, both individually and collectively.

Spotlight SCOTT MALLORY, PGA JOURNEY AT PECHANGA

Scott Mallory, PGA Director of Golf at Journey at Pechanga, has been a dedicated PGA professional since starting his career in Lawrence, Kansas back in 1986. He and his wife Lisa have two children, Meghan 26 and Paige 24.

The family lives in Temecula.

Scott and Lisa moved to Phoenix shortly after getting married in 86’ where Scott was an assistant professional at Sun City Country Club.

He moved from there to the same role at Mariott’s Camelback Inn. He left there in 91’ to become the head professional at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego. In 1995, he became the head professional at the SCGA Member’s Club in Murrieta. In 1999, he accepted the head golf professional position at Bear Creek Golf Club, also in Murrieta. He remained there for five years, decided to pursue an opportunity outside of golf but realized golf was where his heart is. He returned to the golf industry in 2004 as Head Professional of Glendora C.C. where he stayed for three years before accepting the Director of Golf position at Journey at Pechanga.

Scott is an accomplished player as well as an award winner. He is consistently atop the player’s point standings and has won Merchandiser of the Year at both the Chapter (2011) and Section (2009) level. He was awarded the highest honor of Golf Professional of the Year for the Inland Empire Chapter in 2014 and received the Bill Strausbugh award for the San Diego Chapter in 1994.

The Southern California Section, the Inland Empire Chapter and the PGA of America are lucky to have Scott Mallory wearing the PGA logo.

Thanks Scott for all you do and the entire PGA of America family wish you and your family continued success and good health!

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

GOVERNMENTALAFFAIRS

• Reducing irrigable turf and redesigning irrigation systems to accommodate the reduction;

PGA MEMBER

09

CHI CHOI CONQUERS SATICOY COUNTRY CLUB

McDonough & Rogers Club Car Professional-Official

CHAMPIONS

TPS Series - Saticoy C.C. - Chi Choi, PGA

PROFESSIONAL-OFFICIAL

The Southern California PGA returned to the Saticoy Country Club for the first TPS series of the season on March 30, 2015. The golf course played incredibly difficult, and many of the participants commented on the challenge of the greens. After the morning round, Raj Samara of Friendly Hills Country Club, held a one shot lead by shooting an impressive two under round par round of 70.

However, lurking in second was Chi Choi, PGA of Monterey Park GC with a 71. The afternoon rounds played even tougher, but the calm Choi fired a 75 to take the title by one over South Hills’ Kyle Mendoza. Congratulations to Chi Choi on the TPS Series victory.

In addition, the TPS Series served as the first match play qualifier in which the top five players earned a spot in the SCPGA Match Play Championship at Sandpiper Golf Club in July. These five were: Chi Choi (PGA, Monterey Park G.C.), Ben Krug (PGA, Angeles National G.C.), Steve Holmes (PGA, Westlake Village G.C.), Ron Skayhan (PGA, Hillcrest C.C.), and Paul Dietsche (PGA, Redlands C.C.) Thank you to sponsors Tour Lock and Pepsi, as well as PGA Director of Golf Tom Szwedzinski and staff at Saticoy Country Club for their gracious hospitality.

TPS SERIES: SATICOY C.C. March 30 | Saticoy Country Club 1 Chi Choi, Monterey Park Golf Course, +2, 146, $1,500 2 Kyle Mendoza, South Hills Country Club, +3, 147, $1,150 3 Larry Correa, La Purisima Golf Course, +5, 149, $950 10

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

Club Car Professional Champions Mark McDonough, PGA & Erik Rogers of Marbella Country Club

The stunning Oakmont Country Club played host to the 2015 Club Car Professional-Official Championship, with Mark McDonough, PGA and Erik Rogers taking Champion honors. The prestigious Oakmont club, located in Glendale, did not disappoint as the field found conditions to be immaculate.

The day for champions McDonough and Rogers of Marbella Country Club, didn’t start as they had anticipated though with a bogey on their opening hole, the 352 yard second hole. However, after the shaky start, the team began to “gel” and carded six birdies and an eagle to post an impressive 30 on their opening nine. The team’s final birdie of the day came on their final hole which proved to be the one that set them apart from the field and would eventually lead to crowning them champions. McDonough and Rogers posted a six under (-6) 65 for a one shot victory. Congratulations and great playing at Oakmont!

A huge thank you goes to our 2015

Professional-Official title sponsor Club Car and supporting sponsors Capital Insurance Group, Golf Insurance Services, US Foods, Antigua, Pepsi and Titleist. Thanks to their continued support the Professional-Official Championship event continues to be a success.

A special thank you to PGA General Manager Scott Heyn; PGA Head Professional John Milligan, GCSAA Superintendent Kurt Pesiderio and their entire staff for their gracious hospitality at Oakmont Country Club.

CLUB CAR PROFESSIONAL-OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP April 20 | Oakmont Country Club 1 Mark McDonough & Erik Rogers of Marbella Country Club, -6, 65, $750 2 Scott Heyn & Keith Morris of Oakmont Country Club, -5, 66, $640 T3 Wade Berzas & Bob Vargas of Annandale Golf Club, -4, 67, $442.50 T3 Ryan Kennedy & Christie Kubicek of Oakmont Country Club, -4, 67, $442.50 T3 Jim Gormley & Rich Severa of Palos Verdes Golf Club, -4, 67, $442.50 T3 Craig Pluley & Steve Dixon of El Niguel Country Club, -4, 67, $442.50 www.scpga.com

Professional Courtesy -

RESPONDING TO RESUMES

By PGA of America Employment Consultant, Ken Ferrell, PGA

Unfortunately, I hear the following phrase all too often: “I sent my resume in via e-mail and I am not even sure if it was received by the employer.”

Chances are, if it was not kicked back to your e-mail undelivered, the employer received it. So why don’t employers respond anymore?

As I continued to hear the frustrations of our members and apprentices in regards to this subject, I started to ask employers about this all too common practice so I could share the employer’s thoughts, and offer suggestions to those that reached out to me for help.

Interesting responses; many coming from companies that utilize HR departments and receive numerous resumes for each job notification.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE? There is no “one size fits all” answer to www.scpga.com

BUT I GENERALLY SUGGEST TO CANDIDATES THAT THEY STAY PROACTIVE IN THEIR EMPLOYMENT PURSUITS: • Reach out to the employer. As a rule of thumb, wait 1-2 weeks after the resume deadline, then follow up unless you are advised not to. Follow up should be in the same form as how the resume was submitted.

If online, reach out online. If by phone, then this is generally acceptable. Keep in mind that follow up can show enthusiasm and ambition, and could differentiate you as a candidate.

• When reaching out to the employer, show your further interest in the job. You might also ask if any additional information is required at this time.

• If you do not receive a response, you can try again the following week. Or maybe it is time to move on and focus your efforts to new opportunities.

In a service oriented industry and an association that is fraternal, professional courtesy goes a long way if you are an employer seeking to fill a position.

HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS: • When posting an employment notice, create a new e-mail to receive resumes. Create an autoreply stating that the resume was received and that candidates chosen for interviews will be contacted by a specific date. This lets a candidate know two things: their resume was received and if they do not receive a response by a specific date, they were not selected for an interview.

This will stop them from reaching out to wonder why and you from receiving phone calls and responses on what the status of the hiring process is.

• It is good practice to follow up by phone with any candidate that interviewed but was not selected for a future interview for the job.

When the PGA of America offers CareerLinks services to employers, they are counseled on how to respond to all candidates in each part of the hiring phase. We provide them with correspondence to do so and assistance to ensure that candidates are informed.

Unfortunately, not all follow our advice though we continue to ask them to offer this professional courtesy.

If you have any additional thoughts or questions, please contact your Regional Employment Consultant at: Ken Ferrell, PGA PGA Employment Consultant 951-894-5024 kferrell@pgahq.com HAVE YOU TAKEN THE PGA COMPENSATION SURVEY? The annual PGA Compensation Survey, known as the industry standard for providing invaluable data on golf professional compensation and benefits levels is available to complete.

The survey is confidential. Why complete it? The Survey provides key information to assist with: · Meaningful comparisons to improve one’s Compensation and Benefits when working with the employer · Performance Evaluations · Contract Renewals · Staff Budgeting · Employer/employee interactions providing PGA Professionals and employers general comparable compensation, both locally and on a broader scale based on a variety of factors.

EMPLOYMENTCONNECTION

HERE IS WHAT EMPLOYERS HAVE SAID: • We only respond to candidates we are interested in.

• We only follow up with candidates we will interview.

• I have managed a business for many, many years and as much as I would like to respond to every single applicant - I cannot. It would be a full time job since I can receive up to 40-75 resumes for a position.

• It wastes time and resources and it would serve to signal to an unqualified person that you've opened dialog and invite more of it.

• I receive resumes all the time - many unsolicited - and I do not feel I owe people a response just because they want a job.

the question and it really depends upon the employer.

LOG INTO PGA.ORG - SEARCH 2015 COMPENSATION SURVEY. THE SURVEY WILL COME UP FOR YOU TO COMPLETE. PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

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New laws that could impact

GOLF OPERATIONS IN 2015

By Richard Rasmussen, Managing Partner at Anglin Flewelling Rasmussen

The California legislature passed into law 931 pieces of legislation that have become effective, or will become effective, during the 2015 calendar year. This article attempts to provide a brief overview of some of the key laws that could potentially impact public and private golf course operations in California. Unless otherwise noted, the new laws became effective on January 1, 2015.

MANDATORY PAID SICK LEAVE AB 1522 requires that employers provide paid sick leave to California employees who work at least 30 days during a 12 month period, at an accrual rate of one hour per 30 hours worked. Employers may limit use of paid sick leave to three days in each year and may implement a maximum accrual cap of 48 hours (six days). The bill also imposes mandatory posting, notice and record keeping requirements. This law becomes effective on July 1, 2015.

“

REST AND RECOVERY PERIODS MUST BE PAID SB 1360 clarifies and amends the heat illness regulations of Labor Code Section 226.7 applicable to outdoor places of employment by requiring that such recovery periods must be counted as time worked, and therefore paid.

REQUIRED TRAINING REGARDING ABUSIVE CONDUCT AB 2053 expands existing antidiscrimination and anti-harassment training requirements to include coverage of “abusive conduct,” which is defined as workplace conduct engaged in “with malice, that a reasonable person would find hostile, offensive, and unrelated to an employer’s legitimate business interests, . . . [including] derogatory remarks, insults, and epithets, verbal or physical conduct that a reasonable person would find threatening, intimidating, or humiliating, or the gratuitous sabotage or undermining of a person’s work performance.”

PROHIBITION AGAINST UNFAIR IMMIGRATION-RELATED PRACTICES

key laws that could potentially impact public and private golf course operations in California... new laws became effective on January 1, 2015.

medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, or military and veteran status. AB 1443 extends these protections to volunteers, unpaid interns, and persons seeking such positions.

DISCRIMINATION BASED ON DRIVER’S LICENSE AB 1660 requires the DMV to issue a 12

any state or federal agency. AB 2751 also prohibits discrimination or retaliation because an employee attempts to update personal information based on a name change, social security number, or federal employment authorization document.

The bill imposes, among other remedies, a $10,000 penalty and potential suspension of the employer’s business license in the event of a violation.

“

GOLFLAWS

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST VOLUNTEERS AND UNPAID INTERNS Existing law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees, or those seeking or training to be employees, based upon a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability,

driver’s license to a person unable to submit proof that his or her presence in the U.S. is authorized under federal law, if all other requirements of licensure are satisfied. By extension, AB 1660 prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants or employees based upon a license issued under these provisions, as such would constitute discrimination based on “national origin”.

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

Under existing law, an employer is prohibited from engaging in an “unfair immigration-related practice,” which includes discriminating, retaliating or taking any adverse action against an employee who engages in protected conduct, which includes making a bona fide complaint. AB 2751 expands the definition of “unfair immigration-related practice” to include a threat to file or the filing of a false report or complaint with

EMPLOYER LIABILITY FOR CONTRACT LABOR With certain exceptions, AB 1897 imposes joint liability on employers with contractors for non-exempt laborers provided by the contractor for wages, wage-and-hour violations, and for failing to obtain valid workers’ compensation coverage for workers on-site. The law applies to employers that employ at least 25 people, at least six of which are nonexempt laborers that perform “regular and customary work... within or upon” the subject property.

WORKPLACE SAFETY REPORTS Current law requires employers to immediately report by telephone all www.scpga.com

work-related serious injuries, illnesses or deaths to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. AB 326 allows employers to use email to deliver such reports.

MULTIPLE WATER EFFICIENCY LAWS The SCPGA is well aware of the legislative efforts to limit the use of water in the state. Three laws enacted in 2015 create more stringent groundwater regulations. Among other things, SB 1168 creates local groundwater sustainability agencies to implement sustainable plans, monitoring, and enforcement of fast depleting water basins; AB 1319 allows agencies to classify individual groundwater basins according to the degree of depletion, and single out “probationary” basins; and AB 1739 imposes enforcement mechanisms under the oversight of the groundwater sustainability agency for the overdraft of www.scpga.com

INSTRUCTIONAL WINE TASTING EVENTS AB 520 amends the provisions of Business and Professions Code Sections 25503.5 and 25503.57 relating, among other things, to the types of licensees that may provide instructional tasting events regarding wine or distilled spirited at “on-sale retail licensed premises,” establishes limits on what can be served at training sessions, imposes advertising restrictions for “on-sale” instructional tasting events and requires the removal of any unfinished alcoholic beverages that were supplied by the authorized licensee.

PET DOGS IN OUTDOOR DINING AREAS While canines are increasingly seen at eating establishments, they are technically prohibited. AB 1965 authorizes pet dogs in outdoor dining areas if (a) approved by ownership, (b) dogs are controlled, (c) the outdoor dining area is not used for food preparation or the storage of utensils, (d) any food and water provided to the pet dogs are in single-use disposable containers, (e) the outdoor dining area is maintained clean, and (f) the local government has not prohibited this activity.

WORK-RELATED CLAIMS BROUGHT BY MINORS AB 2288 tolls the commencement of the statute of limitations for claims related to the employment of minors until the individual reaches 18 years of age. The law applies retroactively and provides for treble damages for discriminating or retaliating if an individual files a claim alleging a child labor violation.

NATIVE AMERICAN DAY AB 1933 establishes the fourth Friday of September as a new state holiday - Native American Day.

SUPPORTED BY:

®

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GOLFLAWS

ARBITRATION IN EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AB 802 and AB 2617 will have the effect of making it more difficult for employers to pursue employment claims in arbitration. AB 802 expands Code of Civil Procedure 1281.96 by requiring arbitration companies to disclose on their website details about individual arbitration proceedings, including the award, the arbitrator handling the matter, and whether fees were awarded. Such disclosures will also allow potential claimants to locate plaintiff lawyers that have successfully brought claims against employers, the end result of which eliminates one of the benefits of arbitration – confidentiality. AB 2617 purports to prevent pre-dispute agreements that mandate arbitration.

Although it is directed at agreements for goods and services, there is some ambiguity as to whether it will extend to employment agreements. The US Supreme Court has been consistent in striking down state laws that purport to undermine mandatory arbitration provisions, but AB 2617 provides extra ammunition to plaintiff ’s lawyers seeking to avoid arbitration clauses in employment agreements. AB 2617 only applies to contracts entered into, altered, modified, renewed or extended on or after January 1, 2015.

water in probationary basins. In addition, AB 2014 prohibits HOAs from issuing fines or assessments against members for using low-water plants.

SCPGA.COM Get Started Today!

Contact Matt Gilson at mgilson@pgahq.com or 951.845.4653.

Richard Rasmussen is the managing partner of Anglin Flewelling Rasmussen Campbell & Trytten, LLP (www.afrct.com).

He is also a former recipient of the SCPGA President’s Award in recognition of his service to the Section.

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

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FIEDLER & PIGMAN WIN YAMAHA SENIOR-JUNIOR IN PLAYOFF

Yamaha Senior-Junior Champions Jon Fiedler, PGA & Kenny Pigman

PROFESSIONAL-SCRATCH 14

The 2015 Yamaha Senior-Junior Championship showcased some of the best teams in Southern California, and their play did not disappoint. The field was comprised of many of the top players from the various chapters forming a two man team of a senior (age 50 and above) and a junior (age 49 and younger) playing a better ball format. The golf course was in great condition, and three teams navigated their way to an eight under par round of 64. This led to a three team playoff, which was won with a spectacular birdie on the first hole by the team of Jon Fiedler, PGA and Kenny Pigman.

Congratulations to the 2015 SeniorJunior Champions!

A huge “thank you” to our 2015 corporate partners, including Title Sponsor Yamaha and Supporting Sponsors Sterling Cut Glass and Pepsi for their generous support. Also, a special thank you to the staff of the Country Club at Soboba Springs and Golf Operations Manager Mike Meka, PGA, for their gracious hospitality.

Harkins and Califano dominant

IN VICTORY Annandale Golf Club in Pasadena hosted the 2015 National Car Rental Pro-Scratch. This year’s full field of 56 teams were treated to wonderful conditions and weather. The team of Blair Harkins, PGA and Phil Califano of Rolling Hills Country Club got things started fast with a nineunder par 61 that included seven birdies enroute to a 29 on the back nine. Their 11 birdies were four more than the nearest other team.

The teams of Steve Holmes, PGA and Jason Pridmore of Westlake Village G.C. and Jerry Wisz, PGA and Tim McQuiggan both finished three back at 64 (-6).

The National Car Rental ProScratch is part of the National Car Rental PGA Pro-Am Series and is supported by Srixon / Cleveland Golf / XXIO, Golf Buddy and Pepsi. Special thanks to all our sponsors and to PGA Head Professional Wade Berzas and staff at Annandale Golf Club for hosting another wonderful championship. National Car Rental Professional - Scratch Champions Blair Harkins & Phil Califano NATIONAL CAR RENTAL PROFESSIONAL-SCRATCH March 23 | Annandale Golf Club 1 Blair Harkins & Phil Califano of Rolling Hills Country Club, -9, 61, $1,125 T2 Steve Holmes & Jason Pridmore of Westlake Village Golf Club, -6, 64, $825 T2 Jerry Wisz & Tim McGuiggan of Alhambra Golf Club, -6, 64, $825

YAMAHA SENIOR-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP April 6 | Country Club at Sobaba Springs 1 Jon Fiedler, Las Posas C.C. & Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C., -8, 64, $1300 T2 Robert Pang, Big Canyon C.C., & Bob Lovejoy, Life Member, -8, 64, $937.50 T2 Andy Gaither, Black Gold G.C., Dakota Duerr, Riverview G.C., -8, 64, $937.50 PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

www.scpga.com

An Interview with PGA Professional

JOHN ORTEGA

By Billy McKinney, PGA, Marbella Golf & Country Club

1. TELL US ABOUT YOUR INFLUENCES IN GOLF? When I was in sixth grade, I was introduced to the game caddying at Hacienda Golf Club.

My third time out, I happened to be in a group that had a two Handicap player named Bob Johnson. Johnson was in his early sixties at that time and was a good ball striker. He had a lot to do with me becoming an avid player.

A local driving range, The Big Tee, also provided an atmosphere that made golf as a lifestyle appealing, and eventually led to choosing golf as a profession. The Professionals that taught there were good strikers of the ball and good teachers as well.

The cast of characters (regulars) included: Scott Chaffin, Billy McKinney, Brett Massingham, Bob Laskin and Bobby May. Definitely a rich environment to develop a fondness for the game.

3. DO YOU FOLLOW A FRAMEWORK OR DO YOU TEACH ARTISTICALLY? I'd like to think that I coach more artistically once a player has developed a pattern that seems to be authentic to their build and the way their body seems to want to move. Before that time, I use a good number of tasks or drills to set a good foundation. The miniature swings that Gregg McHatton taught me; hitting the line in the sand, working on weight placement, etc.

I'm not too convinced that everyone needs a late hit, but am excited when a kid shows that in his or her authentic swing.

I like to compete with the kids putting and chipping when they are young. I believe it gives them an introduction to performing with a bit of nervousness, and allows me the opportunity to beat them before they become good.

4. HOW DO YOU TEACH THE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS THAT GOLF REQUIRES? Probably an area that I could improve on.

No real framework other than stressing hard work on and off the golf course. I believe that hard work, creativity and learning from one's experiences are the best way to develop www.scpga.com

5. IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND COACH A YOUNG YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE DIFFERENTLY? I would have encouraged myself to play in more junior golf tournaments. I didn't play in enough tournaments to develop as a good tournament player. Also, I would have a more stringent filter for taking advice.

Last and foremost, I would advise a young me to take health and wellness more seriously.

EARN MSR EARN MSR EARN MSR CREDIT CREDIT CREDITKBS THROUGH THROUGH THROUGH KBS KBS

6. WHO IS YOUR DREAM FOURSOME? Seve, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, and Sam Snead. I'd just watch.

COMPLETE THESE SENTENCES IN 30 WORDS OR LESS: 1. THE GOLF WORLD IS in need of developing a system to provide accessibility to playing for Junior Golfers. The number of players is shrinking and we can't ignore it.

2. MY FAVORITE PLAYER TO WATCH IS Angel Cabrera. He plays the game in a way that is very natural looking: like Sam Snead played. I saw Snead play in his late 60's. He was amazing.

3. IF WE ALL HAD a magical crystal ball, we wouldn't make the mistakes we have made and will make. But since we don't, we need to surround ourselves with good people and learn from our experiences.

4. MY OWN GOLF GAME needs more attention. I'm looking forward to playing more this year with the young guys because they're fun, and the old guys because they usually have Advil.

5. MODERN TECHNOLOGY IS needed and should not be thwarted too much for Non-Elite Amateurs. Elite Amateur and Professional Golf should have different standards for equipment and some rules.

Bifurcation please.

6. PEOPLE WOULD PLAY BETTER GOLF if they prepared better to play. Having a coach or a form of training that is more complete as it relates to skill development and transfer of the skills to the course would make this possible.

7. MY FAVORITE TEACHING AID IS a combo aid: an alignment rod with a floatnoodle over it to work on start line of shot.

Susan Roll, PGA KBS Advisory BoardPGA Member Susan Roll, Bill Strausbaugh Susan Roll, KBS2014 Advisory BoardPGA Member Award Recipient Advisory Board Member Bill Strausbaugh Ray Cutright, PGA KBS2014 2014 Bill Strausbaugh Award Recipient KBSRay Advisory BoardPGA Member Cutright, Award Recipient 2014 PGA Golf Professional Ray Cutright, PGA KBS Advisory Board Member of Golf theBoard Year KBS Member 2014Advisory PGA Professional 2014 PGA Professional of Golf the Year of the Year

PGA professionals who PGA professionals who complete the updated KBS PGA professionals who complete the updated educational seminar willKBS earn complete the updated KBS educational seminar will earn 1educational MSR credit.seminar This condensed, will earn 1online MSR credit.

This condensed, tutorialThis is designed to 1 MSR credit. condensed, online tutorial is designed to educate industryis professionals online tutorial designed to educate professionals on theindustry KBS product line. educate industry professionals on the KBS product line. on the KBS product line.

TEACHER’SFORUM

2. WHO ARE YOUR STUDENTS? I've worked with Ryan and Jake Knapp, Nick Pham recently. Ryan Knapp played at UCI and Jake is playing at UCLA. Nick Pham is showing signs of becoming an accomplished player.

I also worked on putting within the past year with Hyo Joo Kim who recently won The Evian Masters, Steve Lim, Mark Pfeil, Cass Traub, and Daniel Im. In the past I've worked with a number of LPGA Players that used my PAT Putting Board.

competitors. I also cite examples of champions that failed, learned from those experiences and became successful in their fields.

KBS EDUCATION CENTER KBS EDUCATION CENTER KBS EDUCATION CENTER

Begin the course here: Begin the course here: kbsgolfshafts.com/education-center Begin the course here: kbsgolfshafts.com/education-center kbsgolfshafts.com/education-center WWW.KBSGOLFSHAFTS.COM WWW.KBSGOLFSHAFTS.COM WWW.KBSGOLFSHAFTS.COM

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

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15

2015 GOLF INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS SUMMIT PRESENTED NEW FORMAT

2015 Callaway Golf Spring Teaching Summit

EDUCATES MEMBERSHIP

David Marr, III - Golf Channel

TEACHINGSUMMIT

The Southern California PGA Golf Industry and Business Summit was held on March 16, at the Riverside Convention Center.

The 2015 event presented a new format to attendees including a morning panel discussion, two break-out sessions featuring three options each, lunch with keynote speaker David Marr, III from the Golf Channel, followed by a final breakout session.

The morning panel was introduced by Education Committee Chairman Robin Shelton and featured Craig Kessler, Jeff Jensen and Todd Keefer, PGA on the topic of the State of the Industry.

Break-out speakers included Craig Kessler, Art Maffei, Ken Blidy, Mike Sweeney, and PGA Professionals Bob Madsen, Russell Sylte, Eric Lohman, Scott Heyn, Paul Devine, Nikki Gatch, John Mason and Dr. David Wurzer, PhD. These presentations covered topics including Teaching, Leadership, Governmental Affairs, Food & Beverage, Player Development and much more.

Thank you to the following sponsors US Foods, Sterling Cut Glass, Pepsi, Golf Buddy, New York Life and Hopkins Golf for supporting this year’s event. Also a special thank you to Riverside Convention Center for hosting the 2015 Golf Industry and Business Summit.

Indoor Session

The Southern California PGA Callaway Golf Spring Teaching Summit was held at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club on April 20, 2015.

Presenters included Teaching Committee Chairman Billy McKinney, SCPGA President John McMair, Peter MacKay, Phil Cheetham, PGA Professionals Don Parsons, Brady Riggs, Gregg McHatton, Michael Block, Dr. Rick Sessinghaus and Callaway’s very own Long Drive Hitter, Andrew Frakes.

The day included in-depth indoor presentations, and lunch followed by a phenomenal outdoor session featured on the range.

Thank you to presenting sponsor Callaway and supporting sponsors True Temper, Blast Motion, Fit Fix Studio, and Pepsi for your dedication to making this event successful.

Also a special thank you to PGA Head Professional Michael Block and his staff at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club for hosting a great 2015 Callaway Golf Spring Teaching Summit.

Andrew Frakes, Callaway Long Drive Hitter

Michael Block, PGA

Panel Discussion - Todd Keefer, PGA, Jeff Jensen, Craig Kessler

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

Dr. Rick Sessinghaus, PGA

www.scpga.com

Golf Professional plays 24 hours straight for

A GREAT CAUSE

By Bonnie Scoggins, Senior Sales & Marketing Manager, Mountain View Golf & Country Club Division

GOLFHEADLINE

When Mike Holyk, Toll's Head Golf Professional at Mountain View Country Club in La Quinta, California, hit the links on Monday morning, he didn't leave this Arnold Palmer Signature golf course until Tuesday morning. Mike played 331 holes for 24 hours straight to raise over $18,000 in pledges for the American Cancer Society.

Playing 18 ½ rounds from 8 a.m.

Monday morning to 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, Mike went through 12 regular golf balls during daylight hours and 24 glow balls during the night. He CEO congratulating Mike Holyk at Mountain View Country Club managed to do this with only two golf gloves and one 5-hour energy drink. With the exception of his final round, he played each round in a little over an hour.

Members of this spectacular golf course community supported Mike throughout his golf marathon. One member gave him a toothbrush, and another gave him a warm towel and a sandwich to help him through the night. Many of the residents on the course parked their carts with their lights on by the cart path to help him see at night.

The effort Mike put into raising money for the American Cancer Society was a tremendous accomplishment for him, the Club, and Toll Brothers, and the fabulous support he received from Club members during his golf marathon will always be remembered.

Starting times for each round played

www.scpga.com

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA OFFICIAL DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT LOCAL QUALIFIERS Sign up today for a local qualifier in your area. See below for a list of locations for the 2015- 2016 Drive, Chip, and Putt.

SCPGA crowns champions at

2015 DRIVE, CHIP & PUTT NATIONAL FINALS

Monday, June 15, 2015 | 12:00PM Old Ranch Country Club Seal Beach, CA Wednesday, June 17, 2015 | 1:00PM Mountain Meadows Golf Course Pomona, CA Friday, June 19, 2015 | 10:00AM Griffith Park Golf Course Los Angeles, CA Monday, June 22, 2015 | 1:00PM Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club Mission Viejo, CA Wednesday, June 24, 2015 | 12:00PM General Old Golf Course Riverside, CA Tuesday, June 30, 2015 | 9:00AM Cross Creek Golf Course Temecula, CA

DRIVE,CHIP & PUTT

Monday, July 6, 2015 | 1:00PM Wood Ranch Golf Club Simi Valley, CA Thursday, July 9, 2015 | 10:00AM Woods Valley Golf Club Valley Center, CA Tuesday, July 14, 2015 | 12:00PM Alhambra Golf Course Alhambra, CA

For the second consecutive year, the Southern California PGA had multiple representatives place first overall in the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Finals at the legendary Augusta National Golf Club.

SCPGA Junior Tour and Toyota Tour Cup member, Morgan Goldstein, 13, posted the first-ever perfect score in the history of the competition. Goldstein, of Las Vegas, recorded drives of 233 and 243 yards in addition to holing her first 16yard chip shot. This impressive display helped her record a perfect score of 30 to capture her first National Championship!

Jay Leng Jr, of Rancho Santa Fe, CA and the Southern California Regional at Torrey Pines Golf Course, showcased his exceptional short game skills to win his first ever National Championship in the Drive, Chip, and Putt.

Each winner of the Drive, Chip, and Putt were greeted by former Masters champions, including Gary Player, Mark O’Meara, Trevor Immelman, and Adam Scott.

Monday, July 20, 2015 | 11:00AM Toscana Country Club Indian Wells, CA

Megan Chou

Congratulations to all of the contestants on their tremendous accomplishment for advancing through several qualifiers en route to Augusta National Golf Club. We hope to see you all competing again this summer!

Shane Ffrench and Colin Ffrench

ALL SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REPRESENTATIVES SCORES BOYS Jay Leng, Jr. – 1st place – 22 Jonas Appel – 7th place – 14 Shane Ffrench – T3 place – 19 Colin Ffrench – 9th place – 10.5

Thursday, July 23, 2015 | 10:00AM Goat Hill Park Golf Course Oceanside, CA Monday, July 27, 2015 | 11:00AM Vista Valencia Golf Course Valencia, CA

GIRLS Meghan Paracuelles – 3rd place – 19 Kelly Xu – 8th place – 12 Megan Chou – 5th place – 17 Leila Dizon – T7 place - 15

VISIT DRIVECHIPANDPUTT.COM TO REGISTER TODAY! Jay Leng, Jr.

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PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

www.scpga.com

The Southern California PGA foundation Presents...

Coming this S ummer - A craft beer tasting -

CRAF TS for a

CAUSE All Proceeds will benefit the SCPGA Foundation and will be used to fund grants and scholarships for junior golfers in Southern California.

please contact Ariana Gomez for more information at agomez@pgahq.com or 951-845-4653

Junior Tour Alumni

SCPGA JUNIOR TOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Range of Donation & Benefit Levels

Connect with Friends Support juniors all across Southern California Support our Grant & Scholarship Program

Adopt a Junior Program Alumni Events

JOIN TODAY

Connect with past & current members. Participate in fundraising events.

Cultivate alumni support of our current SCPGA Junior Tour Program.

Stay involved & informed. Enjoy alumni benefits, networking & social events.

FOR DONATION & MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION VISIT SCPGA.COM

Carlton Oaks challenges the

SCPGA’S TOP JUNIORS

Issei Tanabe, Everton Hawkins, Sean Maruyama

Round two proved to be the same as the prior day, with some rather atypical scores due to the course difficulty. But, it gave the players who were on their game a chance to shine. Issei Tanabe shot the only score under par all weekend finishing at 2 under par (142) and winning by an impressive six shots! Everton Hawkins consistent play earned him second place with a pair of 74’s and Sean Maruyama finished third. A two shot lead proved to be too tough to overcome for the Girl’s division, as Haley Moore went on to defend her title with a two day total of 4 over par (148). Hannah Ko and Mallory Muehlbauer finished second and third respectively as Mallory earned her best finish on the Toyota Tour Cup. The SCPGA would also like to congratulate Connor Davis on earning his Toyota Tour Cup membership by qualifying through the one day qualifier and then finishing T8 at Carlton Oaks! A special thank you goes out to our tournament rules officials Ron O’Connor, Keith Reinking, Gary Albin, Lynn McClung and John Cochran and to Carlton Oaks and their staff for their continued support over the past six years. Thank you to PGA Head Professional Chris Brown at Carlton Oaks for hosting this year’s event.

JUNIORGOLF

A recent Toyota Tour Cup at Carlton Oaks Golf Club delivered a stern test, requiring precision to navigate the courses many lakes and undulated greens. The Dye design is as beautiful and appealing to the eye as it is challenging to the most skilled golfers. If the previous year’s event was any indication of how the course would play, par would prove to be a worthy score.

The golf course played firm, yet receptive, with the greens running about ten on the stimp meter. The layout puts an emphasis on course management as bogeys or worse loom around every twist and turn, ready to punish any errant shots. The top seven boys after day one were at two over par (74) or better.

Familiar faces Issei Tanabe and Joseph Chun were both tied for the lead at even par (72). Up and comers Timothy Davis II (72) and Connor Brown (73) had positioned themselves nicely going into Sunday. Reigning Toyota Tour Cup Player of the Year and defending champion Haley Moore grabbed a two shot lead after the first round with her one over par (73).

Haley Moore, Hannah Ko, Mallory Muehlbauer

www.scpga.com

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

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We have specialized in insuring golf courses and country clubs since 1985. Our products are available to qualifying courses in several states. In 2013, we joined forces with one of the largest independent insurance brokerages in the nation; Leavitt Group. This partnership means better service, greater flexibility, and broader coverages at very competitive rates. Golf Insurance Services, the largest independent broker of Golf & CC in the West.

OUR SERVICES

OUR PRODUCTS

OUR SUPPORT

Golf Insurance Services offers a wide range of services to help you minimize potential claims at your golf course or country club. Proactive risk management services help provide a safe and secure environment, while stabilizing insurance premiums.

Our exclusive products and services are available to golf country clubs, semi-private golf courses, public golf courses, and golf management companies. The PAR GolfInsurance Program offers many advantages to qualifying courses. Contact us today for a coverage review and find out if your existing coverages are up to PAR?

Golf Insurance Services and the Leavitt Group are proud supporters of the Golf Industry. Giving back to help support the game and provide education to help keep our clubs and courses safe.

>> Loss Control - on-site Loss Control assessment >> Proactive Safety support - Safety review, Safety Resources, Risk Management Website >> Claims - Golf Industry Claims expertise, Claim consultation, Toll Free reporting >> Industry resources - Golf Course Law, Elite Safety Companies, HR Consultation

>> Property & Casualty - Exclusive Golf Specific Coverage to protect your assets >> Business Auto - Any Auto Liability, Non-Owned Hired Auto Liability, andmore >> Umbrella Liability - Limits to $10 Million Dollars, additional Excessliability limits available >> Workers Compensation - Exclusive carriers, competitive rates, Medcor Nurse Hotline support >> Directors & Officers/Employment Practices Liability - Non-Profit & ForProfitoptions >> Health and Personal Lines - Group & Individual Plans available

>> Golden State Chapter of CMAA Diamond Partner >> Evergreen Chapter of the CMAA Platinum Partner >> California Golf Course Owners Association-Gold Sponsor >> Additional support includes: Southern California PGA, First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Northern California PGA, Northern California PGA Senior Division, Southwest PGA, Southwest Chapter of CMAA, Cactus & Pine Supt. Assoc.

Rick Sigel - President rick.sigel@leavitt.com Gary Sigel - Vice President gary.sigel@leavitt.com Greg Twiggs - Vice President gregtwiggs@leavitt.com

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SCPGA partners with TGA Premier Junior Golf to provide

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PGA PROFESSIONALS

www.scpga.com

partnered with TGA to provide the solution to Golf in Schools through the Section as well as the first step of the Player Pathway. Together, TGA and the SCPGA are transitioning new players from introductory school based programs to recreational and competitive SCPGA events, camps and tournaments, and private lessons for PGA Professionals.

Troy Lewis, a PGA Professional for over 10 years in the North Texas Section, owns two TGA Chapters and received the NTPGA’s 2013 Player Development Award and 2012 Junior Golf Leader Award, "Being a TGA Premier Junior Golf franchise owner has provided me an opportunity to grow golf by reaching non-golfing families in our school-based programs, while operating a profitable business that allows flexibility. TGA has also allowed me to expand the marketing of my name professionally and my course affiliations throughout the community.

For these reasons, I think other PGA Professionals should consider being a part of TGA Premier Junior Golf, either as a partner or as a Franchisee.”

To find out how you can join the TGA franchise family, visit FranchiseTGA.com or contact our Franchise Development Team at 310-333-0622 / Franchise@ PlayTGA.com.

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PARTNERSPOTLIGHT

PGA Professionals are combining their training and education with TGA's infrastructure to build equity in a business that grows the game and positively impacts youth and their community. TGA (Teach Grow Achieve), a proven growth of the game model in the golf industry, is implemented throughout 75 Chapters in the United States, Canada and Spain with a number owned

by PGA Professionals.

Southern California PGA CEO/Executive Director Tom Addis III, PGA said, “A partnership with TGA and a PGA professional is a great opportunity to positively impact children well into the future and an entrepreneurial opportunity that will be an outstanding business model and should impact their personal business growth.”

Owning a TGA Chapter offers PGA Professionals the opportunity to open their doors to a whole new community of customers. The TGA model provides solutions to transition participants from school programs to facilities and offers growth opportunities for Professionals as 65% of participants in school programs have never played golf and come from non-golfing families.

Facilities and PGA Professionals see an increase in rounds and revenue from this unique model of making golf available to the general public through schools and community based organizations.

PGA Professional Junko Suzuki, Chapter Director for the North County San Diego program says, “The students in TGA/SCPGA Golf in Schools programs are given the opportunity to visit facilities in the area with their parents every time they complete a session. It is a great way to introduce the students to the facilities and provide the families with the introduction to the golf professional.

We have seen quite a few students become golfers through this process and are transitioning to local facilities, taking private lessons, and playing in novice golf tournaments.”

The Southern California PGA

.com

Prepayment on All Member Trades & Excess Inventory

GOLFSTIXVALUEGUIDE.COM

Golf inSchools PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

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BRIDGESTONE GOLF SENIOR DIVISION IE 2-DAY March 18-19 | Arrowhead Country Club & Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon First Place Team Jon Fiedler, Las Posas Country Club, Ken Crow, Art Law, amateurgolf.com, 259, $250 each First Place Age Divisions Age 50-56 Robert DeRuntz, RMD GIR Golf Academy, 145, $440 Age 57-64 Jon Fiedler, Las Posas Country Club, 136, $475 Age 65+ Butch Sheehan, Life Member Active, 146, $450 AAA KICK-OFF - STROKE PLAY 1 March 18 | Goose Creek Golf Club 1 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek Golf Club, -4, 67, $600 2 Raj Samra, Friendly Hills Country Club, -3, 68, $475 3 Kyle Mendoza, South Hills Country Club, -1, 70, $375

AAA SWEEP - STROKE PLAY 2 April 16 | Bella Colina Towne & Golf 1 Cavin McCall, Steele Canyon Golf Club, -2, 70, $240 2 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek Golf Club, -1, 71, $190 T3 Michael Finney, Tijeras Creek Golf Club, +3, 75, $135 T3 Bobby Nickell, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, +3, 75, $135

BRIDGESTONE GOLF SENIOR DIVISION INDIVIDUAL STROKE PLAY April 23 | Los Serranos Country Club First Place Age Divisions Age 50-56 Dan Hornig, Heritage Cross Apparel, Krank Golf USA, 66, $350 Age 57-64 Jim Ley, Twin Lakes Golf Course, 65, $350 Age 65+ John Powell, Life Member, 71, $275

SIGN UP FOR 2015 TOURNAMENTS! TO VIEW TOURNAMENTS FOR THE 2015 YEAR VISIT SCPGA.COM -> TOURNAMENTS -> 2015 SCHEDULE GOOD LUCK TO ALL PARTICIPANTS

TOURNAMENTRECAP 24

Dear RO: In a recent Four-Ball Stroke Play event, on the par-4 third hole I pushed my tee shot towards the large lake separating the second and third holes. Upon reaching the area and during the resulting search for my ball, the Rules Official assigned to that zone arrived to assist us. After a minute or so, and immediately after everyone agreed it was a virtual certainty my ball was in the lateral water hazard, I saw what I thought was my yellow ball in the lake and retrieved it from the water. After dropping the ball within two club-lengths of the point where we all agreed it last crossed the hazard margin, I realized it wasn’t my ball and proceeded to retrieve what was actually my yellow ball near where I found the first one. Hearing this my partner, to my amazement, picked up the dropped ball and threw it in the lake!! The Rules Official, having observed the entire process, had to admit he had never seen this happen before but wasted no time in informing us of how to proceed – place my original ball where the dropped ball was at rest prior to my partner’s action and add 2 penalty strokes under Rule 18 for incorrectly substituting a ball in addition to the lateral water hazard 1 stroke penalty. We accepted the SCPGA Rules Official’s decision and promptly continued but would appreciate a detailed explanation?

Well RP, you could certainly consider this a “quantity discount” situation when you think lateral water hazard, wrong PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

ball, ball at rest moved and substituting a ball (1+2+2+2=3)? But, by using USGA Rules and the Decisions, we can see how only three (3) penalty strokes are appropriate!

First, since you were virtually certain your ball was in the lake and not immediately recoverable, USGA Rule 26-1c entitled you, under penalty of one (1) stroke, to drop A ball and not THE BALL whereupon that ball became the ball in play!

Second, when your partner (amazingly) decided to throw the “wrong” yellow ball into the lake, under Rule 18-2a(i) and numerous Decisions under this Rule, the player incurs a penalty of one stroke and should have replaced the ball or incur a total penalty of two (2) strokes (penalty statement under Rule 18)!

Third, and an example of how the USGA Decisions Book Index heading “Multiple Penalty Situations” can save a player several strokes, is why two (2) is the total number of penalty strokes you were assessed for all the actions in the previous paragraph. Decision 18-2a/13 (page 279) Ball Lifted and Thrown into Pond in Anger (summary). Q. A player played a poor shot. In anger, he lifted and threw the ball into the lake.

He then placed another ball on the spot where the original ball was lifted and holed out. A. Because the player’s ball became irrecoverable only due to the player’s subsequent actions after his breach of Rule 18-2a, Note 1 to Rule 18 is not applicable.

Therefore, the player incurred the general penalty of two (2) strokes under Rule 18 for incorrectly substituting a ball, but there is no additional penalty for lifting the ball without authority!

In closing RP, I hope your partner made par and you both increased your knowledge of the Rules!? www.scpga.com

Desert Chapter

Northern Chapter

Congratulations to Chad Beuoy PGA & Brian Helton for winning the 2015 Pro-Scratch championship with a score of -9 under par at the always scenic Sand Piper Golf Club. Special Thank You's to General Manager D.J. Limardi and his Professional Staff for hosting this years event and to Jim Coleman from Callaway Golf as the Title Sponsor of this event. Our Summer meeting will be held at La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc on morning of Monday, July 20.

Our Summer meeting will be held prior to our Pro-Pro Shamble Competition that day. Special thank you's to Larry and Stacy Correa at La Purisima for hosting the event and to Brian Roberts of Taylor Made Golf for being the Title Sponsor of this event.

Inland Empire Chapter

Thank you to Scott Mallory and the entire team at Journey at Pechanga for hosting the Spring Meeting and Four-Ball Stroke Play Championship on Monday, March 9. The food and beverage team did an excellent job in providing quality food and service during the well-run meeting from Chapter President Steve Adamiak. Tom Addis (Executive Director), Ken Ferrell (Employment Consultant) and Junko Suzuki (Golf in Schools Territory Coordinator) were present to pass along up-to-date section news and employment information. www.scpga.com

Metropolitan Chapter

In addition to our 2014 Special Award winners, we are happy to announce our Player of the Year recipients. Michael Block, of Arroyo Trabuco, edged out several other players with his win in the 2014 Individual Match Play Championship to capture Player of the Year honors. Kyle Mendoza of South Hills Country Club takes the Apprentice Player of the Year for 2014. For a full list of our 2014 award winners, please visit the Section website under the Metro

Chapter.

On the horizon we look forward to the start of the 2015 4-Ball Match Play Championship beginning April 13 at Black Gold Golf Club. In addition to the first round matches being contested, our Title Sponsor, Taylor Made, will be on hand for some additional education in club fitting and product education.

Coming up on May 11, we are offering a Teaching and Fitting Technology Seminar at Oakmont Country Club. We are happy to have Mike Davis with Boditrak, and V1 Golf & Flightscope. Also presenting, we have Lance Gill and Dave Phillips from the Titleist Performance Institute.

Completing the seminar that afternoon will be Spencer Dennis from Edufii.

Please visit the Blue Golf site on the section website for registration.

San Diego Chapter

The San Diego Chapter elected two new Board Members during our Annual Meeting in December: Alan Scheer of Steele Canyon Golf Club and Michael Major of Torrey Pines Golf Course.

We have had one championship contested already this year, the Professional / Assistant Championship which was won by Steve Vaughan and his two assistants Travis Gerrish and John Gray. Steve partnered with each of them in a 4 ball format to shoot identical 6-under 66’s at Lomas Santa Fe Golf Club on February 16.

Our Match Play Championship recently got underway with the final four to advance to Santaluz Golf Club in late July.

Our Summer Meeting is scheduled for May 11 at Admiral Baker Golf Club. A pro/ pro event will follow the meeting.

Shawn Cox has been busy scheduling plenty of education opportunities within our chapter with the next one scheduled for April 22 at the Golf Academy of America. The topic will be, “Growing the game and growing your value” and it will be facilitated by both Nikki Gatch, PGA and Ken Ferrell, PGA. Steve Kaese, PGA will also host an hour on golf instruction.

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

CHAPTERCORNER

The Desert Chapter has had an amazing winter and now spring season.

We experienced ideal weather and great conditions for golf. A highlight for the desert is our annual hosting of the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour - The Humana Challenge at PGA West and La Quinta Country Club as well as the ANA Inspirational at Mission Hills Country Club. ...A busy time for most professionals, we did have time to conduct two golf events. The Chaparral Pro-Am and the Foster Cup at Ivey Ranch Golf Club.

Congratulations to Brody Nomura for scoring a 57, 3- under par for the victory.

Thank you to David James and his team for great course conditions.

Congratulations to Aaron Caverley and Jason Smith of the Classic Club for winning the Foster Cup. The duo scored 10-under par in a scramble/better ball format. Thanks to Brent Smith, his team and the Ivey Ranch members for always conducting on a great event.

Announcements: * Thanks to all members who contributed to the compensation survey * Event updates DC: Chapter Championship June 2-3 at Desert Horizons Country Club

Jeremy Clevenger and Randy Chang were sworn in as members of the Board of Directors.

The golf course was in terrific condition. Special thanks to the entire maintenance team for your efforts in preparing the course for the day’s competition. Congratulations to Dan Horning and Russel Davies for capturing the title with a solid 7 under 65 ($700).

Paul Dietsche and Steve Adamiak were runner-up with 5 under 67 ($420).

The Match Play Championship is currently underway. Good luck to all participants!

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SCGA, WSCGA CREATE WOMEN’S SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP The Southern California Golf Association (SCGA) and the Women’s Southern California Golf Association (WSCGA) announced the creation of the Women’s Southern California Amateur Championship, which will be held July 27-28, 2015. The inaugural championship will be contested at The Los Angeles Country Club.

The Los Angeles C.C. is one of the area’s most historic facilities. The club has hosted the SCGA Amateur Championship 23 times, most recently in 1961, as well as the 2013 Pac-12 Men’s Golf Championship. It is also the scheduled site for the 2017 Walker Cup. Its famed North Course hosted the first Los Angeles Open in 1926 and four subsequent in 1934-36 and 1940. In 1930, Ms. Glenna Collett beat Ms. Virginia Van Wie 6&5 to win the National Women’s Amateur held at The Los Angeles Country Club, the first time that championship was contested on the West Coast. “We are honored to host the inaugural Woman’s Southern California Amateur Championship on our historic North Course,” said Club President Dick Shortz.

The Women’s Amateur will be a 54-hole stroke play championship, with 72 players playing 36 holes on Day 1 and the low 30 scores plus ties advancing to the final round on Day 2. The event is open to Southern California female amateur golfers with a USGA Handicap Index of 9.4 or below.

Two qualifiers will take place at sites to be announced. Exemptions have been granted to several prominent local female champions.

Visit scga.org. to register.

COACHELLA VALLEY GOLF INDUSTRY CONDUCTS ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY The Hi-Lo Desert Golf Course Superintendents Association, along with significant financial support from the California Alliance for Golf, California Golf Course Owners Association, Golden State Chapter of CMAA, Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Southern California Golf Association and the Southern California PGA, has contracted Oxford Economics to conduct an economic impact study for the Coachella Valley golf industry.

The valley is home to 123 golf courses and these facilities are an integral part of the local economy, as well as a year-round activity for both residents and visitors. The study will calculate direct, indirect and induced economic impacts for the golf industry in the region.

PROGRAM MAGAZINE MARCH-MAY 2015

Revenue by type (rounds, merchandise, memberships, food and beverage, lodging, meeting space rental, equipment rentals, etc.), taxes paid employment numbers and associated income, customer residence (local/ visitor), investments (equipment, renovation and construction) and Major events (fan attendance, sponsorships and media) will highlight the study.

In addition, average visitor spending data will be compiled from Tourism Economics’ work with Palm Springs to calculate the spending of golf visitors outside of the resort/ golf course.

By monitoring the full economic impact of the Coachella Valley golf industry, our allied golf organizations can inform the media, public, and most importantly, policy makers about the relevance and importance of the golf industry to the region.

If you have any questions please contact Hi-Lo Desert GCSA president Dean Miller at dmiller@pgawest.com or GCSAA Southwest field representative Jeff Jensen at jjensen@ gcsaa.org.

EWGA FRIENDSHIP One of the true joys of membership in EWGA is the friendship of other women who love the game of golf. As a charter member of the L.A. Chapter, belonging to EWGA for over 20 years, I’m still friends with many of the women I met in that first year. What is continually surprising, however, is how many new friends I make every year, as new women join and come out to our events. In addition to the local members, I’ve met golfing gals from all over California, as well as other states, through our matches against sister chapters and participation in other regional and national events. Serving on the Board for many years has opened up opportunities to be a contact point for prospective new members, leaders from other chapters, course tournament directors and staff, PGA and LPGA professionals, sponsors and vendors. We all share a love of golf – playing a physical, mental and social game in beautiful locales and with congenial people. We golf for fun, exercise, friendship and sometimes competition. For more information,visit ewgala.org, ewga.com, or our Facebook page.

CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR GOLF UPDATE ON GOVERNOR BROWN’S REFERENCE TO GOLF In light of the Governor's specific reference to golf, and because industry representatives had a very pleasant and productive meeting with Wade Crowfoot, Deputy Cabinet Secretary to the Governor, at our Legislative Day, I found it appropriate to call Mr. Crowfoot to gain clarity regarding the Governor’s directive and to keep the dialog open between his office and our industry.

There were several very insightful comments made by Mr. Crowfoot, and a few in particular should serve us well in our continuing dialog with water districts, the media and the public.

First, he repeatedly indicated that he heard our message loud and clear about the importance of flexibility in irrigation scheduling, and the Order was purposely written without specific restrictions in order to allow water users the flexibility to work with their water districts to create guidelines that serve the needs of users while meeting conservation goals. In fact, he specifically stated at one point, "Had we intended specific restrictions, we would have specified them."

His points were consistent with a comment he made at our Legislative Day that the Governor's office does not want to be in the business of regulating water.

Flexibility and local control were overriding themes. He emphasized there is "no one size fits all" solution. Circumstances and conditions significantly vary statewide, and decisions about how to meet the conservation target should be arrived at between the user and the local water provider.

Specifically, he urged us to communicate to the SWRCB and local water suppliers to "give us the goal of what you are trying to conserve, but don't prescribe."

Second, Wade clearly "gets it" that golf courses, unlike other large landscapes such as college and university campuses, parks, and public rights of way, depend on turf quality for our livelihood. He indicated that the Governor's office does not want to create another problem (interpreted as unemployment, neighborhood blight) by hamstringing golf with Draconian requirements that prevent the delivery of a quality product to our customers. This is an important acknowledgment on his part, and one that bears repeating as we strive to distinguish ourselves from other large landscapes. Examples - Palm Springs and San Diego County depend heavily on golf, and it is valuable to have this validation at our disposal when we plead our case to governing bodies and statewide about the value and impact of golf.

Finally, he urged us to communicate our story to the Governor, SWRCB, and water districts, explaining that golf has been a leader in water conservation and wants to continue working on that agenda, that onethird of courses are using recycled water and conservation efforts are already in place at a large percentage of courses, and detailing the employment base and economic contribution of golf in the state. He also indicated that some members of the SWRCB were already aware of and impressed by the conservation efforts of some courses in the Monterey area.

Incorporate any of these points into your dialog as you interface with those shaping public policy decisions around water and those influencing the public perception.

Having the Governor's validation on some of the key arguments we have been making can be very powerful tools in our belt. www.scpga.com

www.scpga.com

COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE VIDEOS FOR MSR CREDIT PGA members can receive one to two PGA Education MSR by watching a video on PGA.org and taking an assessment at the conclusion of the video. Credit may be earned only one time for any online MSR course. In order to earn credit, you must score a 70% or higher on the assessment. If you do not score 70% or higher, you will be allowed one re-take opportunity. You will be directed to the assessment when the video concludes.

2015 ANNUAL OPERATIONS SURVEY - YOUR INPUT NEEDED The 2015 Annual Operations Survey is now available to the highest ranked PGA Professional at each facility, or to any Professional with proxy rights through PerformanceTrak. In addition to earning up to 2 MSR credits by completing the survey by June 10, 2015 (Provided the maximum for this category has not been met), PGA Professionals will also benefit with important research data that can help: • Benchmark your facility's performance with other "like" facilities in your region of the country.

• Obtain your own customized reports.

• Prepare for your annual budgeting process Please log in to PGA.org and participate in the 2015 Annual Operations Survey today!

JUNIOR GOLF SKILLS COMPETITION – MOUNTAIN MEADOWS GOLF COURSE The Southern California PGA hosted their first Junior Golf Skills Competition of 2015 at Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona, California. This “mock” Drive, Chip, and Putt Competition brought 50 Junior Golfers from all over Southern California to showcase all facets of their game.

These competitions have proved to be extremely popular over the past three years, as youngsters and parents alike show up in waves to grow the game of golf.

Congratulations to Kristina Xu, (Score: 83, Girls 7-11), Gabrielle Lewis (Score: 123, Girls 12-16), Dominic Paine (Score: 74, Boys 7-10), Edwin ShumZhou (Score: 127, Boys 11-13), and Edwin Legaspi (Score: 99, Boys 14-16) for finishing first overall in their respective age division! Each took home a 1st Place plaque and a Junior Golf logo towel.

Thanks to all of the participants for competing and to the Mountain Meadows Golf Course staff for assisting in making this a very successful Junior Golf Skills Competition.

STAFF HIGHLIGHT SCPGA HIRES JEFF JOHNSON, PGA AS DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS/COO

SECTIONNOTES

WSCGA FOUNDATION - SCGA YOUTH ON COURSE GIRLS' GOLF OUTING The WSCGA Foundation partnered with SCGA's Youth on Course to sponsor a Girls' Golf Outing at Redlands Country Club on Monday, March 23rd.

Coach Gina Umeck and two of her CSUN players conducted a short game clinic for 13 junior girls, ranging from 6 years of age to 16.

Redlands Country Club generously offered the use of their new Dave Stockton designed short game practice area which consists of three greens , two with bunkers, which provided a perfect setting for the clinic. After a general introductory session, the girls were divided into groups of three to rotate through three stations - putting, chipping and sand shots.

Senior CSUN Captain, Sharon Shin lead the putting drills and instruction.

Junior Arrinda Bhanaraska honed the girls' chipping and pitching skills and Coach Umeck provided instruction for bunker shots.

After a hearty box lunch and serious cookie trading, the girls returned to compete in contests at each station.

Eleven year old Caroline Wales from La Quinta snagged all three prizes, accumulating the most points in each of the three skill contests.

Afterward, the girls had a Q and A with the Coach and the CSUN players.

The first question was from 6 year old Sarina Waite, "What's a Q and A?". The girls asked lots of questions and received insight from Coach Umeck and her players about how to prepare for high school and potential college golf.

The outing was part of the WSCGA's Foundation's commitment to support SCGA's Youth on Course by providing clinics and opportunities designed for junior girls.

NEW FOR MSR POSTING Members are now able to self-post selected MSR activities directly online via PGA.org. The pre-determined activities available for Members to self-post are from Box #2 Service to the Industry (M06), Box #3 Golf Coach (M07) and Box #7 Media Related Articles (M09).

All the rules that are currently in place regarding the number of credits awarded and maximum credits that can be awarded have been built into this process.

Members are cautioned to be factual; as falsification of information may result in disciplinary action against any member who submits fictitious activities.

The PGA Form #108, How to Earn Member Service Requirement credits, has been updated with an active link https://www.pga.org/articles/memberservice-requirements

We are pleased to announce that following our national search to fill the position of Director of Operations/COO for the Section, Jeff Johnson, PGA, has been offered and has accepted the position. Jeff will begin his employment on May 11th and we couldn't be more excited, especially due to his PGA history, knowledge of the PGA, the Section and our Section members, to welcome Jeff to the SCPGA staff.

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