SNGA Home Course Specials for Palm Valley Golf Club and Highland Falls Golf Club SNGA members receive special rates on tee times with reservations up to 7 days in advance with no restrictions
Special Rates $50 Anytime $36 after 1:00PM
Sept. 2011 Issue
Visit www.golfsummerlin.com for more information Call 702-254-7010 for your tee time
The Official Newsletter of the Southern Nevada Golf Association
The Grind In This Issue >>>
As the SNGA Tournament Series and Nevada State Events wind down in 2011, two events headline the calendar and make for a great start to the Spring. The Boulder Creek Amateur was held September 10-11 at Boulder Creek Golf Club on the Coyote Run/Eldorado course. 62 golfers stepped up to the challenge in the Open (Net), Senior, and Super Senior Divisions. There would be some fireworks, including a three hole playoff in the Senior Net contest. The Nevada State Mid-Amateur was held September 24-25 at D’Andrea Golf Club in Reno Nevada. 12 of the states premier amateur golfers faced off in a 54 hole event over two days.
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September Tournaments Callaway Tour Fit Van September Tourneys (Cont.) Metlife Auto & Home® Misunderstood Rules The Presidents Corner TaylorMade Fitting Expert CF invitational Golf Tourney Family Promises Charity Golf Red Rock Golf Classic Matthew Anderson Memorial Clubs for Kids Nevada Homeless Alliance What’s on Tap
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Exciting Tournaments in September (Continued from Page 1) 2011 Boulder Creek Amateur September 10-11, 2011 The SNGA held the Boulder Creek Amateur with the final round on a day that holds great significance in American's hearts and minds. The event was a great success with 62 men competiting in three divisions (Open/Net, Senior, Super Senior) over the two days. Mother Nature tried to shorten the event with the threat of lightning and thundershowers, but instead cooler temperatures prevailed allowing the players were happy to be able to compete without delay. In the Open 1 Flight of the Net (Open) Division, Joe Rada (145, +1), long time SNGA contestant, bested Kyle Tickner (+2) and Cy Fernandez (+2) by one shot to take the flight prize. Joe would finish tied for 5th overall in the Net (Open) competition with Barry Isaacs. In the Open 2 Flight, Keith Hogge would collect his first trophy of 2011 with a two day total of Net 135 (-9) besting the flight and the overall field by 6 shots. Ever present George Yocum would finish second in the flight at Net 141 (-3) and Rob Zoine would finish in 3rd with a two day Net 143 (1). In the Senior Division, Frank Acker found his touch again to take home the Scratch portion of the event. Acker shot a cool 136 (-8) over the two days to defeat the field. John Garrett finished 8 back at even par 144. John Turk and Lance Baral would finish in a tie for 3rd place at 145 (+1). In the Net portion of the Senior event, John Garrett defeated Jim Massey in a three hole playoff to win. Garrett fired a two day Net total of 141 (-1) to get himself into the playoff with Massey. Finishing in third place was Rodger Reeves at 142 (-2), who shot the low second round Net score of 68 (-4).
John Garrett Senior Net Division Winner
The Super Senior Division is always exciting and competitive and the Boulder Creek Amateur didn't disappoint. In the Scratch portion Jim Allred of the Event, former Las Vegas City Amateur, Nevada State AmaSuper Senior Scratch teur, and Clark County Amateur Champion Jim Allred showed that he still has game, firing a two day total of 153 (+9), and besting Player of the Year points leader Jim Miller by 4 shots. Miller finished at 157 (+13) for the event. Joe Scrofani had his best tournament of 2011 finishing 3rd at 158 (+14). In the Net portion of the Super Senior Event, Jim Cail continues to rack up Player of the Year points, this time winning the event with a two day total of 136 (-8). Newcomer Patrick Reis had a strong tournament finishing in 2nd at 137 (-7) just 1 shot back. Michael Bridges, a staple at SNGA events, finished 2 back at 138 (-6). The SNGA would like to thank all the participants for making the event such a success. We would Jim Cail also like to thank Boulder Creek Golf Club. the course was in fantastic shape and the staff in both Super Senior Net the pro shop and the bar and grill were first class as always. We would also like to thank our volDivision Winner unteers for taking time out of their schedules to help us conduct a successful event. It's their support that makes these events run so smoothly. Finally we would like to thank our sponsors, MetLife Auto & Home, Las Vegas Golf & Tennis, and Roy's Hawaiian Fusion for their support.
Nevada State Mid-Amateur September 24-25, 2011 The Nevada State Mid Amateur was held on September 24-25, 2011 at D’Andrea Golf Club in Reno Nevada. 12 of Nevada’s top amateur golfers over the age of 25 participated in the 54 hole stroke play event over two days (36 on the 24th, and 18 on the 25th.). The Nevada State Mid-Amateur Championship is a state event held every year, alternating hosting sites between the NNGA and the SNGA each year. Brady Exber flexed his muscles in the final round firing a 64 (-7) and blitzing the field by 13 shots. NNGA Member Ryan Mitchell finished in 2nd place after a three round total of 217 (+4). Other notable finishers included Mike Wynn and Greg Horodesky of TPC Summerlin finishing tied for third with a three round total of 220 (+7). The Nevada State Golf Association, the hosting association the NNGA, and the SNGA would like the thank the participants for traveling to play in one of Nevada’s great traditional events. A big thanks to D’Andrea Golf Course for hosting the event. Page 3
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Misunderstood Rules Provided by SNGA
Rule 26-1: Water Hazards vs. Lateral Water Hazards A water hazard is defined as “any sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch or other open water course (whether or not containing water) and anything of a similar nature on the course. All ground and water within the margin of a water hazard are part of the water hazard.” Water hazards are marked/identified by yellow paint and/or yellow stakes. A lateral water hazard is defined as “a water hazard or that part of a water hazard so situated that it is not possible, or is deemed by the committee to be impracticable, to drop a ball behind the water hazard in accordance with Rule 26-1B.” Lateral water hazards are marked/identified by red paint and/or red stakes. It is important to know the keys options you have as a player when your ball lies in either a water hazard or a lateral water hazard. WATER HAZARDS (3 available options): Play the ball as it lies in the water hazard. Under penalty of 1 stroke, drop and play a ball as near as possible to the point where the last ball was played. Under penalty of 1 stroke, drop a ball behind the water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit on how far behind the water hazard the ball may be dropped. LATERAL WATER HAZARDS (5 available options): Play the ball as it lies in the water hazard. Under penalty of 1 stroke, drop and play a ball as near as possible to the point where the last ball was played. Under penalty of 1 stroke, drop a ball behind the lateral water hazard, keeping the point at which the original ball last crossed the margin of the lateral water hazard directly between the hole and the spot on which the ball is dropped, with no limit on how far behind the lateral water hazard the ball may be dropped. Under penalty of 1 stroke, drop a ball outside the lateral water hazard within 2 club lengths of and not nearer the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the lateral water hazard. Under penalty of 1 stroke, drop a ball outside the lateral water hazard within 2 club lengths of and not nearer the hole than a point on the opposite margin of the lateral water hazard equidistant from the hole. It is also important to remember a few key procedures when dropping your golf ball in accordance with taking re lief from a water hazard and/or a lateral water hazard: If the ball is being dropped in an area through the green, it may roll up to 2 club lengths (even potentially closer to the hole than point on the golf course where it first strikes the course) so long as it is not closer to the hole than the point where the original ball last crossed the margin of the water hazard or lateral water hazard; (or in the case of option #5 of lateral water hazards, no closer to the hole than the point on the opposite margin of the lateral water hazard equidistant the hole). If the ball rolls back into a water hazard and/or lateral water hazard when taking relief, the ball must be re-dropp (be sure not to pick up your dropped ball until it has crossed the margin of the hazard, even if it seems cer tain that the dropped ball will roll into the hazard) For more information and further USGA Decisions regarding Water Hazard and Lateral Water Hazards, please consult the USGA Decisions on the Rules of Golf (pages 373-389).
Have a rules question? Contact the SNGA! Page 5
The Presidents Corner Steven Fink, SNGA President As our 2011 Tournament Series events wind down, with only the City Championships (all divisions) and SNGA Championships (all divisions) remaining, I thank Drew and Nicole for their continual and successful efforts at promoting and conducting an excellent tournament environment for SNGA’s members to enjoy. As always, the races for Player of the Year in each division are highly competitive and final winners will be determined by performances in our year-ending events. While this is an exciting time for our tournament participants, those responsible for maintaining the SNGA’s ability to conduct its business in the future are faced with less than exciting realities. The SNGA’s Executive Board members along with our SNGA operational staff have become concerned with some of the trends that the organization is experiencing. If one considers that no more than 300 of the organization’s 10,500+ members participate in our “Tournament Series” events, and when taken together with all of the State events, USGA qualifiers and other events that SNGA supports, coupled with the fact that these tournaments in total have been losing money for our organization in recent years, we have to question the types of expenditures we have supported in the past and look at how to reasonably make adjustments as we move into the future. The ironic aspect of this is that these tournament functions occupy a great majority of our staff’s time during the entire year such that other efforts to increase organizational revenues are set aside to allocate the resources necessary to conduct excellent events for only a limited amount of our members to enjoy. While the SNGA has no intention of eliminating tournament competitions from our menu of services offered to the community, we must adjust various aspects of our operations during the difficult economic times we are facing to insure that our organization continues to operate with a “cushion” of revenues over expenses each year. Toward that end the SNGA’s governing body, the Executive Board, has recently made a series of cost-cutting decisions that, although perhaps not popular with a portion of our membership, will benefit the entire golfing community by contributing to the SNGA’s long run viability. While certain office operational changes will help reduce our expenses, the largest change recently adopted pertains to the SNGA events previously sponsored by our organization. In prior years, including 2011, the SNGA has paid for most of our players’/participants’ expenditures associated with the annual Pacific Coast Amateur (Scratch division 3 man team plus 1 SNGA staff person), the bi-annual USGA Men’s State Team Play (Scratch division 1 or 2 man teams), the bi-annual Cobb-Whalen Cup (Mixed Scratch and Net divisions 12 man teams, plus staff), the bi-annual Oliver Cup (Mixed Sr. Scratch and Sr. Net divisions 12 man teams, plus staff), and the Hall of Fame golf tournament (subsidized foursome) and separate Hall of Fame Induction Dinner (full table purchase at event). Beginning next year, none of these events will be subsidized such that eligible players will be required to pay their way to and from these events, including payment of tournament green fees in advance to be able to participate. The SNGA will continue to provide team shirts for those events requiring a team uniform. Depending on which tournaments are played each year, and also depending on whether our team is travelling or hosting the specialty State team events, we expect reduced expenses to the SNGA of between $15,000-$20,000 per year. This is a significant amount of money that will help offset the reduced revenues associated with the unfortunate recent attrition of annual fee paying SNGA members. Further, we are looking at reducing our Tournament Series schedule, while perhaps increasing the SGC social events that have experienced recent success at attracting new participation to the SNGA. Other ideas for increasing single day tournament offerings at our member clubs without utilizing specific staff resources are being discussed. Additional budget cuts are being made in other areas such as reducing outsourced accounting expenditures through investment in “in-house” accounting software, a nine percent (9%) reduction in the subsidy SNGA currently pays to the WSNGA for each lady member, etc. We are also looking at investment in our Tournament Management, handicapping and member data-base management systems that will reduce the time required to administer many of our current operations, allowing more time for our Staff to devote to other revenue increasing activities. With regard to such additional revenue activities, a key area of current concern is with our current sponsors, MetLife and Las Vegas Golf and Tennis. These two organizations have been supporting SNGA with annual sponsor dollars in exchange for benefits they might receive through SNGA membership patronage. Our members should value the opportunities presented to save money by utilizing our sponsors for the services they provide. Without membership support, these sponsors may not continue their sponsorship of Southern Nevada golf through the SNGA. Thus, I encourage everyone to consider giving MetLife a chance to provide lower insurance rates for all of your insurance requirements, and to utilize the discounts offered to SNGA members through Las Vegas Golf And Tennis anytime that our members have a current need that can be filled through our sponsor’s business. While we would all prefer to continue subsidizing our events and provide funding for every worthwhile program that we are exposed to, the simple realities of the current economic downturn are being addressed in a manner that will enhance our ability to maintain the SNGA’s functions and general operations in the years ahead. We would like nothing better than to reinstate our tournament subsidies and increase our support for numerous worthy causes and events that are presented to us each year, but until we experience steady increases in our operating results, we must remain vigilant with our cost cutting and revenue enhancement efforts. With everyone’s understanding and efforts to continue to support the SNGA, I am confident that our future remains bright. Page 6
Techno TaylorMade Fitting Center at LV Golf and Tennis Adds Club Fitting Expert By Brian Hurlburt
The newish Las Vegas Golf and Tennis SuperStore location at Dean Martin Drive (just north of Tropicana) opened with plenty of the bells and whistles. Immediately out of the gate, store owners and management showed off a high-tech TaylorMade Fitting Center. The area was basically created directly from specs used at The Kingdom, the official fitting center at TaylorMade headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. There is nothing like it anywhere else in the Las Vegas Golf Region. The biggest names in golf use the facility in Carlsbad. And, upon opening, Las Vegas Golf and Tennis made that same technology available to all Las Vegas golfers. In previous articles for the SNGA Grind and GolfLasVegasNow.com, we discussed some of the gizardry and wizardry used to help golfers get the most out of their equipment. CLICK HERE for those details. But now there is a new person steering the TaylorMade Las Vegas fitting center, and he was handpicked from TaylorMade headquarters where he fitted highly-skilled amateurs, pros and VIP guests. Part of his duties were traveling across the country and overseeing the TaylorMade custom fitting vehicles. Meet Dave Hall. Hall somewhat downplays his efforts at TaylorMade, but he has been in on and/or observed fitting sessions with the likes of Tom Lehman, Dave Stockton , Martin Laird, and Robert Garrigus, among others. Whatever the case, a keeper of the Kingdom is now in Las Vegas and ready to help you with your game. “The amazing thing about club fitting is that it allows golfers to go from good to great,” says Hall, who officially starts October 1. “It can take all of your errors that you can't fix by yourself and tighten them up. Having custom fit clubs helps you hit straighter, longer, and allows maximum forgiveness. If you think about it, no two people’s swings are exactly the same. So if you are using equipment that is set up for somebody else, then you are going to be sacrificing your own swing in an effort to make the equipment work. Since I have played golf my entire life, I know what a player’s needs are. I also try really hard to make sure I'm listening to the customer first and foremost. Not to be cheesy, but honestly, customer is part of custom, and it is a really personal thing. Once I figure out where an individual’s weaknesses are, I can pinpoint the best way to help them. During my years at TaylorMade, I have fit everyone from first time golfers to seasoned veterans. I believe it's very important to talk the customer through the process and teach them about the changes I am making, instead of just making them and sending them off.” Call now to reserve your time with Dave Hall. Make sure to mention that you are an SNGA member. 702.892.9999. Brian Hurlburt is the founding editor of http://www.GolfLasVegasNow.com. In the fall of 2011, The Las Vegas Country Club: Chronicle of an Icon will be released by Stephens Press. Page 7
The First Annual CF Invitational Golf Tournament at Angel Park Golf Course in Las Vegas Thursday, September 29th 1 PM Shot Gun Start $100.00 Per Player CLICK HERE to Register! Hope to see ya there. Please call Ashley Guinto at 702-277-8417 or Stephanie Kahle at 702-383-8500 for more information. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation would like to request your support in helping find a cure for a genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 young people. Even though the feeling of optimism for curing this disease is so great and we are making amazing progress, the reality still is we have not saved one child or young adult. Cystic Fibrosis researchers are truly writing a medical success story that would not be possible without all our wonderful donors and volunteers. We're very excited to announce our 1st annual "CF Invitational" Golf Classic on Thursday September 29, 2011 at Angel Park Golf Club in Las Vegas, NV. Thousands of children and young adults will benefit from your kindness. We'd love for you to join us at the tournament. For sponsorship information please call Ashley Guinto 702-277-8417 or Stephanie Kahle at 702-383-8500.
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Clubs for Kids In the last few months, I (Executive Director of the SNGA) have had several conversations/meetings with Janet Weber (WSNGA President), Danielle Gladd (Executive Director of The First Tee of Southern Nevada), and Larry Goins (Director of High School Golf Coaches) in regards to how the three organizations can team up to help High School Golf. As of now, two new programs have been implemented. The First Tee of Southern Nevada is offering free instruction to High School players on a designated day at Desert Pines Golf Club. The students are taught by certified golf instructors, Sam Clawson (TFTSN) and myself along with other volunteers like Janet Weber who want to see the students flourish through the game of golf. The other program involves teaching the High School Golf Coaches how to teach golf to their players. Many of the coaches do the best that they can, but unfortunately many of them do not have golf instruction in their background. I meet with coaches who are interested in learning the basics of golf so they can turn around and properly teach their players, which enhances the overall experience for everyone involved. I believe the quality of play, the satisfaction one gets when hitting a golf ball pure, and the new found passion for the game is immeasurable for those players and coaches who have taken advantage of this opportunity. There is one important element still needed to help make these young players successful, golf equipment. If you or anyone you know has any sets of clubs, putters, or wedges that can be donated, please email John Griston at jgriston@tftsn.org. Not only will you be helping a student with needed equipment, but it is a tax deduction through The First Tee of Southern Nevada. Please help us help keep our youth interested in the game we all love. Nicole Dutt-Roberts Page 12
Nevada Homeless Alliance I have personally spent the last 18 months learning about homelessness in Southern Nevada and it is mind blowing that homelessness has tripled since 2009. It is no longer just adults living on the streets, but now families, the elderly, and youths are making up a large percentage of this increase. Honestly, it is no wonder with Las Vegas leading the Country in unemployment and foreclosures. On November 9th at Cashman Center, Nevada Homeless Alliance is putting on Project Homeless Connect, which is an annual resource fair for homeless individuals and families living in Southern Nevada. There is an expected 3,500 homeless individuals, 700 volunteers, and 90 service related organizations (dental, medical, veterinarian care, housing, etc…) partaking in this much needed event. Each homeless individual will have an opportunity to visit the “Giveways Section” to obtain food and personal care items. Below is a list of items that are needed; Socks, T-Shirts, Hats, Coats, Sweatshirts, Blankets, First Aid Supplies, Bus Tickets – Day Use, & All Hygiene Items (Travel Size Preferred). If you can help make someone’s life a little better by donating any of the above items, please contact Michele Smith at mlsmith@visionairlines.com or 702-324-6850. Please allow 24 hours for a return phone call or email. Contributions to Nevada Homeless Alliance are tax deductible as provided by law. Let’s all be grateful for our own lives and help those who are not as fortunate as we may be. Nicole Dutt-Roberts
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Las Vegas National Golf Club Site of the 2009 SNGA Season Opener
final thoughts... 2625 N. Green Valley Pkwy. Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89014 702-458-4653 www.snga.org
"Always make a total effort, even when the odds are against you." – Arnold Palmer
What’s on Tap >>> 2011 Las Vegas City Amateur Las Vegas Golf Club
The Las Vegas City Amateur returns to the historic Las Vegas Golf Club. The Las Vegas Golf Club is the oldest golf course in Las Vegas. This classic layout provides a unique test to all players. Generally the most popular of SNGA Tournaments, the City Amateur brings together all the best amateur golfers for a week of great golf. This years event will be held October 20-23 (Sr/Super Sr. - Oct. 20-21, Scratch/Net - Oct. 22-23). For more information and to register for this event please visit www.snga.org. Page 14