Golf Southwest May 2014 Digital Edition

FREE

Volume 2 Issue 5 | May 2014

Palm Valley Golf Club

Sun City Summerlin

Destination Kauai Golf in Paradise

Millsite Golf Course

Panoramic Southeastern Utah

S

Mike Malaska:

Hawaii’s ‘Garden Isle’ is truly a special place and one that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit and of course, play a few rounds of golf!

Shooting Your Lowest Score pg. 27

2

Rules of Golf

G O L F

Rules of Golf Quiz for MAY 2014 G

S O U T OLF SOUTHWEST’S Rules of Golf Quiz is designed to bring to light rules questions that may just come up during your next round of golf, courtesy of H the United States Golf Association. After you check out these questions, go to our website at www.golf-southwest.com and check out the answers and W while you are there, register for our digital copy of GOLF SOUTHWEST and a chance to win some great merchandise or maybe even a round of golf at E one of your favorite courses.

S T — M a y

1. During play of the 4th hole, which one of the following is “through the green”?

A. Areas of fairway on all 18 holes B. All bunkers on the course.

C. Teeing ground of the 4th hole.

D. Putting green of the 4th hole.

2 0 2. Which one of the following are TRUE? 1 A. Sand and loose soil are never loose impediments.

4 B. Without penalty, a player may brush leaves from

his line of putt with a towel, provided he does not press anything down.

C. Manufactured ice is either an obstruction or a loose impediment at the option of the player.

D. Grass clippings adhering to the ball are loose impediments.

3. Foreign material may never be applied to the ball played for the purpose of changing its playing characteristics.

A. True B. False 4. In match play, through the green, a player accidentally kicks and moves his ball during search. Which one of the following is TRUE?

A. The player incurs no penalty.

B. The player incurs a one-stroke penalty and must drop the ball within one club-length of its original position.

C. The player incurs a one-stroke penalty and he must play the ball as it lies.

D. The player incurs a one-stroke penalty and the ball must be replaced.

5. Wind and (naturally moving) water are sometimes outside agencies.

A. True B. False

Go to

Golf-Southwest.com To Check Your Answers

3

INSIDE

PO Box 910038 St. George, UT 84791 (435) 865-1680

www.golf-southwest.com

Publisher Kent Danjanovich (801) 231-9838 kdanjanovich@golf-Southwest.com Nevada Sales Manager John Wooge (702) 373-7437 jwooge@golf-Southwest.com Utah Sales Manager Collin Dalley (435) 862-7441 cdalley@golf-southwest.com

2 Rules of the Game 3 Publisher’s Notes 4 Palm Valley Golf Club Ping i25 Irons 7 Dining: Rhythm Kitchen 8 10 Golf Tips: Flexibility 11 Tournament Schedule 12 Destination: Kauai’s South Shore 23 Hotel & Dining Guide 24 Millsite Golf Course 27 Mike Malaska: Shooting Your Lowest Score 28 Leupold GX-4i Golf Rangefinder 30 Titleist Balls 2

Nevada Sales Steve Mayer (702) 596-3926 smayer@golf-southwest.com Managing Editor Dan Kidder (435) 868-8919 dkidder@golf-Southwest.com Jim Rayburn Staff Writer (801) 372-7980 info@golf-Southwest.com Art Director/Distribution Lisa Deming (435) 865-1681 ldeming@golf-Southwest.com Randy Danjanovich Golf Course Specialist Steve Latimer Golf Course Specialist www.facebook.com/golfutah Become a Fan of Golf Southwest for Fan Only contests and post comments about Golf Utah.

Tell your friends.

Golf Southwest is published monthly.

The entire content of this newspaper is Copyright 2014 © All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the Managing Editor.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Steve Mayer Henry White Jim Rayburn Mike Malaska

Publisher’s Notes

By Kent Danjanovich

G

olf in the west is in full swing now - even some of the higher elevation courses are gearing up for their openings. With the mild winter, many of our courses will be in great shape during these spring months, but also with mild winters come, unfortunately, low precipitation as well. I know in the St. George area we are only at .65 inches for the year so far, well below our average of almost 3.5 inches, so we could definitely use some moisture.

With the inclusion of southern Nevada, namely the Las Vegas area in our GOLF SOUTHWEST monthly publication, it has given me a great chance to check out some of my old favorites around town as well as many of the new courses to the area that I have not had a chance to visit. We will continue to bring you reviews on a couple of course in Nevada and in Utah (and the surrounding area) each month, as well as a few great destination thrown in for good measure.

In this issue, we are highlighting the Palm Valley Golf Club in Summerlin and the beautiful Millsite Golf Course in southeastern Utah. Also, you will find a big layout on the Island of Kauai, the northern most island in the Hawaiian chain and in my opinion, the most beautiful. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Kauai, maybe you might just get the itch after reading about the wonderful golfing opportunities, food and accommodations awaiting you on the ‘Garden Isle’!

There are some great new products out on the market this year from the many manufactures around the country. In this issue you will find highlights on new golf balls from Titleist, PING’s new i25 irons and Leopold’s GX-4i² rangefinder. Stop in to your local pro shop and check out all of the new stuff.

In fact, make sure you take a close look at the PING review, as it also lists Golf Demo Days that will be available this summer, possibly at a course near you.

You will also find some great golf wisdom from not only one of the country’s most notable instructors, Mike Malaska, but also from PGA Professional and Physical Therapist, Henry White from Performance Golf and Wellness in Salt Lake City. Mike and Henry are both very accomplished players as well as wonderful instructors that stress good physical fitness routines into their students’ regiments as well as mental toughness. Implement their tips into your golf game and I guarantee you will improve your game and overall fitness as a result.

Make sure to also visit our website at www.golf-southwest.com and signup for our digital copy and enter to win some great prizes each month. This month we will be giving away two round of golf with cart to Green Spring Golf Course in Washington City, Utah. Our website is designed to bring you great information on the many wonderful golfing opportunities in Utah and southern Nevada, as each review we complete is listed as well as contact information on all area courses and the destinations that we visit.

And remember, never hesitate to let us know of your ideas that will help to make our publication even better. Golf is truly a ‘Game of a Lifetime’, so make sure you get out and play!!!

P.S. – Congratulations to Matt Kuchar on finally getting it done at The Heritage Classic.

Hope to see you on the putting green soon - KD

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

4 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Palm Valley Golf Club P alm Valley Golf Course is a golf course with character, set within the Del Webb community of Summerlin, Las Vegas. Three player-friendly, yet challenging, Sun City Summerlin golf courses welcome residents as well as visitors to the Summerlin area. Hall-of-Famer Billy Casper and master course-planner Greg Nash designed all three Sun City Summerlin golf courses. Palm Valley opened in 1989 as the first of Golf Summerlin’s three courses and it ranks as the toughest. The mature layout is neatly manicured with undulating fairways and rolling greens. Nestled in the upscale Summerlin community and surrounded by mountains, Palm Valley is a short distance from the bustling Las Vegas Strip, but feels like a world away. Together, they offer Sun City Summerlin Golf members and guests, of all skill levels, a broad variety of golf

experiences.

As many of us head into the twilight of our years it is refreshing to know that there are some golf courses that don’t require you to hit 300-yard drives or make you feel like you’re on a roller coaster with its elevation changes.

The Palm Valley Golf Club, designed to meet the needs of a retirement community located near Summerlin, is just such a place.

Palm Valley Golf Club was designed

by Billy Casper who played most of his golfing career on much kinder and gentler golf courses than the behemoths that are now being built all over the country. Don’t expect to find large forced carries or intimidating desert areas on this Las Vegas golf course.

Casper has returned to a time when accuracy was more important than length. This golf course has more trees than are typically found on a desert golf course and smaller greens than most modern players are used to.

Palm Valley Golf Club forces you to shape shots and come up with some creative ways to find the green. Many of the greens are elevated and getting up and down from some of these swells can be a challenge. The short game is imperative to shooting a good score on this golf course.

The tees and fairways at Palm Valley Golf Club are in great shape, but they keep the green speed slightly slower than lightning-fast in order to maintain a good pace of play. Palm Valley is a great golf club for couples and players looking to have a fun round. Better players will be able to score low and get a real ego boost and with multiple tees the higher handicapper will have a fun time as well.

Billy Casper is one of the winningest golfers in PGA Tour history, with his career that stretched from the 1950s into

the 1970s. Casper won 51 times on the regular tour, including two U.S. Opens and a Masters as well as eight times on the Champions Tour. His short game was masterful and he is considered by many to be the greatest putter ever.

I had the great opportunity to play in a couple of tournaments with Mr. Casper when I was a young PGA Professional in Utah and I still remember, even in his twi-light years as a player, how great of a ball striker he was. He almost always drew the ball, if fact most would rather have said ‘hooked’ it, but there was no denying he was one of the best to ever play the game.

And in his design of Palm Valley Golf Club, you can see that his style came into play throughout.

The Par 5 first hole is one of the lon-

5 gest on the course at 537 yards with a slight dogleg right. Bunkers are placed both left and right at the 240 mark from the back tees. If you manage to keep it in the fairway, you have plenty of room to air out your second shot for a go at the green in two. But watch out for the large bunker that lurks on the left about 90 yards short of the green. The green is one of the largest on the course and is guarded by a greenside bunker on the left. A great opportunity to start your round out under par!

When looking at design features in the many courses that we visit each year, it is always interesting to see the different philosophies that come into play from course designers. Casper’s idea at Palm Valley was to give players a great chance at birdie on the Par 5’s, offer different challenges on the Par 4’s and then really bring them to their knees on the Par 3’s.

Hole #5 offers up one of those challenging Par 4’s, measuring 454 yards from the back tees. A pond sits in front of the tees, but doesn’t require a long carry. There is a lone tree down the right side offering a good target line for a drive with a little ‘draw’. The fairway slopes right to left, so again it is best if you can keep it to the right side to allow for your ball to work its way to the center of the fairway. But the kicker is there is a series of three bunkers past the tree on the right, the first at the 240 yard mark and if you happen to find one of them off of the tee, kiss your chance of hitting the green it two goodbye. Three more bunkers also line up on the right as you approach the green as well as two to its rear. The fairway has quite a bit of undulation as you ap-

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Hole #11 is the longest on the course at 541 yards. The slowly doglegging left Par 5 is lined down the left side by a long fairway bunker starting about 230 yards from the tee. proach the green as well, so hoping for a good bounce while running it up and on probably won’t happen. The green is deep and a little on the narrow side up front. Watch out for the small swale on the left side or you will be watching your ball slowly trickle down the side hill. A solid Par 4 that requires a few of your best shots of the day.

The seventh is one of those Par 3’s that we mentioned can be a little bit

The 9th hole at Palm Valley is the shortest par 4 on the course but is laden with traps and hazards.

demanding. As you head back to the east from elevated tees, bunkers guard the green both left and right. The green is again very deep, with its farthest reaches forming a slight tier. The slope of the green also works a little right to left in some areas, so be careful with your speed or a three putt could be in your future.

Number nine is the shortest Par 4 on the course, but again, don’t let the

meager 325 yards lull you into thinking birdie is automatic. Fairway bunkers and water lie down the right side as the hole slowly doglegs right. There is quite a bit of room left, but you know how it is when you see that you can cut off a little distance down the right.

I hit driver here, but most would continued on page 6

The course meanders through the Sun City Summerlin Community, with each hole lined with beautiful homes as well as well-manicured surroundings.

6 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

PALM VALLEY continued from page 5

be better off hitting a long iron or hybrid. Your second shot is to a slightly elevated green that angles from left to right. A greenside bunker guards the right side and if the pin is set behind it, be careful of giving it a little too much as the pond again comes into play behind the green as well. A good birdie opportunity, but definitely not a push over.

The back nine starts off with three good golf holes, with the 10th a 400 yard Par 4 that doglegs hard left with a series of bunkers making you think pretty hard about cutting the corner.

Be aware of the water down the right side about 240 yards from the tee. Again that little ‘draw’ comes in handy off the tee. Your approach is then to another large, deep green surrounded by six bunkers. A great starting hole to the inward nine.

Hole #11 is the longest on the course at 541 yards. The slowly doglegging left Par 5 is lined down the left side by a long fairway bunker starting about 230 yards from the tee. The hole then adds a little to its defense with the fairway forming a ridge at about the 300 yard mark and if you get a little bit too close to it, you will have no chance in going for the green in two. For most, you will have a short approach shot to the deep, slightly raised green that is guarded by a long bunker on the left and back right. The green has probably as much undulation as any on the course and gently slopes back to front.

The 12th is another of the challenging Par 3’s as it stretches out to 191 yards from the tips, while offering a slightly elevated large target, but if you don’t manage to keep it on the putting surface, you will be faced with a tough chip

shot as the green falls off on all sides!

The course continues to meander through the Sun City Summerlin Community, with each hole lined with beautiful homes and wellmanicured surroundings and coupled with the other two golf courses in the Del Webb project, offer some great recreation opportunities for residents and travelers alike.

Now let’s talk about the 16th, one of the most formidable Par 3’s in Vegas.

Already offering enough of a challenge at 229 yards, it also swings back to the south, so you can often be faced with a little bit of a breeze coming right at you. The green sits slightly elevated as it angles left to right, with three bunkers left greenside and the right side falling off to a catch area. Even if you do manage to hit the green, you may be faced with an awfully tough couple of putts in your quest for par, which will probably pick up a stroke or two on the rest of your playing partners!

The 18th plays as the toughest Par 5 on the Palm Valley layout. Not too overly long at 535 yards, its design just makes it about impossible to reach it in two. The hole doglegs right with a large bunker at the turn and water from there to greenside. There is also a bunker on the left side in the landing area, so accuracy from the tee is paramount. The wind can play a big factor on this finishing hole as well as you try to maneuver into position for your short approach shot amidst the subtle moguls throughout the fairway. The large green is then elevated with a bunker on its left side and one in front, requiring a perfectly

placed shot to get it close. If the pin in placed back right, be careful!

I really enjoyed the layout at Palm Valley as it brought back fond memories of many of the courses that I grew up playing golf on in the day of shotmaking foremost and distances that were manageable. If you are looking for a course that if friendly to all levels of play and for all ages, Palm Valley Golf Club is definitely the place for you. The staff is very accommodating and the surroundings exceptional.

The club is also home to the Southern Nevada Golf Association (SNGA) and the snack bar area is being refurbished by Five Star Gaming, offering great food and a little gambling on the side!

Palm Valley Golf Club Shane Sanchez – PGA Head Golf Professional 9201 Del Webb Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89134 702-363-4373 www.golfsummerlin.com

PING i25 Irons G

ame-improvement irons need to be forgiving when a player makes a bad swing, playable with lots of feel when the same player makes a good swing.

That’s a tall order, but PING is replacing its i20, which appealed to players ranging from midhandicappers to Lee Westwood, with a model it feels is even better, the new PING i25 irons.

Each i25 iron is made from 17-4 stainless steel and has a pair of stabilizing bars on the back of the face. The bars on the long irons are thin, but they get thicker as they progress into the mid and short irons.

“The stabilizing bars do a couple of really good things for us,” said Marty Jertson, PING’s director of product development. “Any time we can save weight in the face, especially in long irons, that’s really good because we can put it in the sole and move the CG [center of gravity] back to create higher launch angles. The bars in the long irons provide a little bit of added stability so we can control face deflection, but they’re really providing enough support so players get really good feel.”

Jertson said that compared with other long irons in this category, the i25 long irons have a fairly wide sole, which was possible because so much

7 G O L F

weight was shaved from the face. The advantage of the wide sole is that it works through the turf more easily, so players should not have to worry as much if they fail to make perfect, ball-first contact.

“The long irons also have a decent amount of offset and are quite a bit longer from heel to toe, and we aggressively transition that down as you go into the short irons,” he said.

The end result is an iron set comprised of clubs that morph from forgiving and highflying long irons into lower-flying, controloriented short irons.

While many golfers are not aware of it, a club’s hosel adds weight and naturally moves the sweet spot towards the heel. To counteract this and reposition the ideal hitting area to the middle of the face, PING engineered the i25 irons with a small piece of tungsten embedded in the toe. The tungsten also increases the moment of inertia (MOI).

“Using tungsten in our smaller, heel-toe weighted irons allows us to provide the forgiveness of a larger iron in a smaller package,” Jertson said.

For years, many PING irons featured a cartridge behind the hitting area that the company calls a custom tuning port. It’s not adjustable by golfers, but fitters can insert different cartridges into the slot to optimize each club’s swing weight. In the i25, PING has repositioned the custom tuning port lower and deeper behind the face, dropPING

S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

the i25’s CG, which should make all the irons more forgiving.

“Compared with the i20s, the i25s are going to feel a little bit softer in the short irons and a little more lively in the long irons,” Jertson said. “The set really has a progressive feel to it.

It was something that we set out to do and is something that we’re really happy with. A lot of it goes back to the variable stabilizing bars.”

The PING i25 irons are available in 3-iron through lob wedge and are sold individually.

8 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

DINING

Rhythm Kitchen

By Steve Mayer

T

he Rhythm Kitchen is a truly unique dining experience in Las Vegas. They offer a refreshing combination of southern seafood, specialty cocktails and prime steaks to a thirsty dining crowd. The ambiance is decidedly southern from the rich mahogany wood festooned with fleur-de-lis in the bar to the crisp white tablecloths in the formal dining area.

There are filigreed wrought-iron railings inside and out and even a stuffed alligator to greet you as you enter the bar area. Although the restaurant is conveniently located just north of the 215 and Decatur at 6435 South Decatur Boulevard, you feel like you just tumbled in off of Bourbon Street!

They are open nightly with Happy Hour from 4:00 to 6:30pm and dinner starting at 5:00pm.

Owner/Executive Chef Scott Ghormley brings a wealth of restaurant experience and a deep love of the south to the Rhythm Kitchen. His family has operated the hugely popular Hush Puppy restaurants in Las Vegas since 1975. Scott decided to “kick it up” a bit in 2009 and opened the Rhythm Kitchen to showcase his take on New Orleans Cajun classics and good ole Southern Fried Seafood. There are so many delicious entrée’s on the menu it is hard to pick just one! He has really done the place up with a very formal southern feel in the dining room and a relaxed atmosphere in the bar and outdoor seating areas.

The happy hour from 4:00 to 6:30pm is not to be missed. Featured are halfpriced specials on select cocktails, beer and wine by the glass. Wet your whistle with a Sazerac, Mint Julip, Hurricane or flavorful Mardi Gras Punch. Try one of their Martini specials like the Chocolate Covered Cherry, Key Lime Pie or the “Thrilla in Vanilla”. The extensive “Hungry Hour” list of reduced price appetizers range from the usual fare to the exotic. There are wings, barbeque pork and Kobe beef sliders, baby back ribs, chicken tenders, chips & salsa and guacamole. Several individual pizzas are available hot out of the oven, including a tasty Margherita Shrimp.

Then it gets creative with fried green

tomatoes and fried pickle chips. Oysters on the half-shell for a buck apiece! Alligator, catfish, calamari, several types of broiled oysters, Ahi poke and shrimp brochette - and these are just the happy hour specials! Get there early as this is a happening place and fills quickly with locals and visitors alike.

The Cajun expression “Laissez les bons temps rouler” (Let the good times roll), clearly defines the theme of the Rhythm Kitchen. There is a non-stop hit parade of Southern Seafood delicacies prepared by Scott and his talented kitchen staff. This is the most extensive seafood menu I have seen in Las Vegas. There is such an incredible variety. It all sounds so good on the menu, that it is hard not to order one of everything! Scott sources his seafood from all around the world and has it flown in super fresh.

His enthusiasm and love of seafood is evident as he describes his fresh salmon and halibut from the Pacific Northwest, Crawfish and succulent “Gold Band” oysters from Louisiana and alligator from Florida. By the way, the oysters on the half shell were some of the best I have had.

The appetizer menu was just that, appetizing! I tried quite a few items. The “Big Easy Sampler”, a southern fried combination of frog legs, alligator tail, oysters, and crab cakes with several dipping sauces seemed like a great way to get in the swing of things Rhythm Kitchen style. The oysters again were great fried, as was everything on the soon to be empty plate. The blackened alligator tail was next and really a zesty taste treat. Hey, who doesn’t love some gator! The Shrimp Brochette is also a must have with the bacon wrapped shrimp grilled to perfection. The signature “Rhythm Kitchen Oysters” is also highly recommended. These broiled oysters topped with

9 G O L F

spinach and blackened “Alfredeaux” are also a really unique taste treat. For those that like chilled seafood there is a Shrimp and Crab Cocktail and a “Cold Seafood Lagniappe” platter chock full of lobster, crab, shrimp and oysters. There are also Grilled Scallops, Calamari, Fried Crawfish Tails, Frog Legs, Spinach Artichoke Dip with Barbequed Crawfish, Baby Back Ribs and a “BIG Bayou” Sampler of Shrimp, Scallops, and Oysters. Are you hungry yet?

Several salads are available with options of topping them with chicken, salmon or jumbo shrimp. For soups there is New England clam chowder and of course Louisiana Seafood Gumbo.

Cajun classics such as Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, Crawfish Etouffee and Atchafalaya Crawfish Delight, tempt the palate. The Signature “N’awlins Seafood Delight” is truly a masterpiece. The Blackened Catfish served over rice, topped with a rich and creamy Cajun “Alfredeaux” and shrimp is impressive. There is a Blackened Chicken pasta and several seafood pastas for the pasta lovers. There is a slew of Southern Fried Seafood available as entrée’s expanding on their appetizer menu.

Two different fried combos are offered, the Sea Feast

S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Platter and the deluxe Rhythm Kitchen Platter. The home-made hush puppies are incredible and worthy of high praise.

The Fresh Catch menu offers Scott’s fresh seafood served char-grilled or blackened with seasonal vegetable and choice of side dish. The special New Zealand John Dory (St Pierre Fish) and halibut are both served with a beurre blanc sauce. Peel and eat shrimp - you bet. There are cold-water lobster tails and Alaskan snow crab or try the salmon in a creole piquant sauce. There is even a nightly Surf and Turf special.

The Grill Menu features steaks, ribs and chicken.

The steaks are prime cuts selected from aged cornfed beef. They are served with a choice of Bearnaise or Cabernet Peppercorn Demi. In keeping with the Cajun tradition they can also be ordered blackened. Of special note is the dramatic 22 oz bone-in Tomahawk Rib-eye. Succulent Baby Back Ribs are also hi-lighted, available wet or dry in full rack Memphis style.

To accompany all these taste delights is an exceptional wine list full of domestic and imported wine and a great beer selection.

The upstairs is reserved for large gatherings. Contact them for banquets, wedding receptions, private parties and other special events.

Last, but not least is their all-you-can-eat specials.

Tuesday night features crab legs, Wednesday is baby back ribs, Thursday night is shrimp night and Sunday night is the ‘Catfish Fry Special’.

There is truly something for everyone at the Rhythm Kitchen. For the best in Fresh Seafood and Prime Steaks come for dinner to 6435 South Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas. 702-767-8438.

10 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

GOLF TIPS

Flexibility B

By Henry White

eing a golf professional and a physical therapist, I must admit to being very interested in the physical aspect of the game. Sadly, some of the least fit people I know are very accomplished golfers. That being said, overall fitness, including flexibility, strength, and balance, are key ingredients in making golf more enjoyable and a game for a lifetime. In this article, I would like to address some basic concepts of flexibility and how to apply those concepts in a warm-up for golf.

With just a little self-examination, I think we can find ways in which our lifestyles and the modern workplace contribute to overall stiffness and certain areas of restriction. In one research article it was shown that if a person was immobile for 45 minutes it would take up to four hours of movement and stretching to regain one’s previous mobility. If we are traveling in a car or sitting at a desk in front of a computer for extended periods, is it any wonder that when we get out of the car or get up from the desk it takes a while to loosen up, if we ever do? Our ankles have been in a toe down or calf shortened position. Our arms are extended holding onto the steering wheel or mouse with our head and shoulders in a forward held position. I’m not saying that we can’t with good ergonomics sit at our computers all day or travel in our car for extended periods. It is simply a fact of modern life. A key is to avoid remaining in one position for over 30 minutes. If we just get out of our sitting positions for a minute or two and move around it will make a significant difference.

The golf swing encourages rotation of the spine, hips, knees and ankles. Unfortunately, many people have limited rotation at some or all of these joints. A problem can arise when certain joints that should and are built to rotate are restricted and don’t rotate. This can then demand more rotation at joints that aren’t built for a lot of rotation. Examples of this include: restriction in the upper neck which leads to too much rotation in the lower neck; restriction in the mid back and too much rotation in the lower back or shoulders; restriction in the hips and ankles and too much rotation in the knees. If one thinks of the areas most frequently surgically repaired, this is born out—cervical fusions, lumbar surgery, shoulder and knee surgery.

So a good place to start is ankle, hip and mid back stretches. Stretching goes quite well after some form of warm-up exercise. This could be as simple as walking, doing some jumping jacks or doing a full-fledged cardio workout.

A good stretch for the calves and hamstrings is what I call a downhill ski stretch:

These are just a few movement concepts and simple activities you can perform that will get you started on being more flexible in the proper places and decrease the likelihood of repetitive injury. Always start gradually with any stretch or exercise to monitor how well you are tolerating the new activity.

If these activities seem to help, I would suggest getting with a physical therapist who can evaluate you more fully and get you on your own fitness program.

Good luck and have fun!

Stand with feet shoulder width apart.

• Place elbows on thighs just above knees.

• Lean forward with knees bent to flex ankles and stretch calves.

• Straighten knees to stretch hamstrings.

• Hold each stretch for 3-5 seconds.

• Do five repetitions.

Next, do a hand assisted straight leg and bent knee squat: • Place hands on counter or table with feet wider than shoulder width.

• Shift weight back into heels and drop chest towards floor.

• Hold each stretch for 3-5 seconds.

• Do five repetitions.

This exercise can also be done on a golf cart with hands holding onto the roof of the cart. This is a really good way to stretch the midback, latisimus dorsi muscles and shoulders. This stretch can be adjusted by holding on with one arm at a time to stretch one side of the body at a time. Place the hands on a sturdy object above the head, bend knees into squat to initiate stretch.

Hold stretch for 3-5 seconds and repeat five times.

About the author Henry M. White is president and owner of Performance Golf and Wellness Center, a physical therapy and golf fitness clinic in Salt Lake City. He was elected to the PGA in 1987 and has been a Physical Therapist since 1996. Henry is a member of the Utah Section PGA and has received several Section PGA awards including: 2013 Professional of the Year, 2010 Bill Strausbaugh Award, 2003 Teacher of the Year, and Player of the Year five times. He has also served as a Section officer and board member. His website is found at www.henrywhitegolf.com.

UGA/PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE May 1-3

• Spanish Oaks Open & Pro-Am, Spanish Oaks GC

May 2

• Ogden City Amateur, Mt. Odgen GC • Senior Classic, Canyon Hills GC .

May 3

u• Carbon Senior Am 50+, Carbon CC .• Cove View Amateur, Cove View GC • SunRiver 2-Person Scramble, SunRiver GC

May 15-16

• Rainbow/Peppermill/Montego Bay 2-Person Mixed Scramble, Toana Vista GC

May 17

• Bountiful Ridge Amateur, Bountiful Ridge GC • 1-Person Scramble, Cora Cliffs GC • Sanpete County Open, Palisade State Park GC

May 17-18

• Ely Amateur, White Pine GC

May 18

• The Western Amateur, Oquirrh Hills GC

May 3-4

May 19-22

May 4

May 22

May 5

May 22-23

• Canyonlands Amateur, Moab GC

n• Couples 27-Hole, Canyon Breee GC

d• US Open Qualifier, Alpine CC • Bountiful Ridge Senior Amateur, Bountiful Ridge GC o eMay 8-9 • Rainbow/Peppermill/Montego Bay 4-Man Scramble, Toana Vista GC

May 9

• Glen Eagle Amateur, Glen Eagle GC

May 9-10

• TNT Auction-Rose Park Open & Pro-Am, Rose Park GC • Cotton Days 3-Man Scramble, Green Spring GC

May 10

• Birch Creek 2-Man Scramble, Birch Creek GC • Pepsi 1-Man Scramble, Paradise Golf Resort

May 12

• Alpine CC Pro-Am, Alpine CC

May 12

• UHSSA 5A Girls State Championship, Bountiful Ridge GC

May 13

• UHSSA 2A Girls State Championship, Cove View GC

May 13-14

• UHSSA 1A Boys State Championship, Southgate GC

May13-16

• UGA Senior Match Play Championship, Talons Cove GC

May 14

• UHSSA 1A Girls State Championship, Southgate GC • UHSSA 4A Girls State Championship, East Bay GC

May 15

• UHSSA 3A Girls State Championship, Mountain View GC • Glen Eagle Invitational, Glen Eagle GC

TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

• Match Play Championship, Hubbard GC • 4-Women Scramble Invitational, East Bay GC • Weber County Senior Classic, The Barn GC, Mt. Odgen GC

SOUTHERN NEVADA SCHEDULE (SNGA) May 8

May 12

• US Open Local Qualifier, TPC Summerlin • SW PGA Players Series, Siena

May 17-18

• Laughlin Amateur, Mojave Resort

May 19

May 29

• S t a n s b u r y L o n e Wo l f , S t a n s b u r y Park GC

May 30

• Hideout Couples Tournament, The Hideout GC • Spanish Oaks 2-Man Scramble, Spanish Oaks GC • S u m m e r S i z z l e r Sunbrook Amateur, Sunbrook GC

May 31

• Sleep Ridge Amateur, Sleepy Ridge GC • 2-Man Scramble, Millsite GC • Bloomington CC Amateur, Bloomington CC

May 31- June 1

• Richard C. Kramer Salt Lake City Amateur, Bonneville GC • The “Wing Dinger” Mixed Eclectic, Moab GC

U T H W E S T

• SW Pro-Pro, Las Vegas CC

—

• SW Annual Meeting, Palm Valley

M a y

May 27

May 27-30

• Mesquite Amateur, CasaBlanca Golf Club

• Logan River Amateur, Logan River GC • Riverbend Pro-Am, Riverbend GC • NAPA/Salt Creek Steakhouse 4-Ball, Canyon Hills GC • Wolf Creek Amateur, Wolf Creek GC • Aggreko 4-Man, Roosevelt City GC

G O L F

• SNGA Tour – Stallion Mountain, Stallion S Mountain GC O

May 23 May 24

11

For Full Schedule See

www.Golf-Southwest.com

2 0 1 4

12 G O L F

Destinations

Kauai’s South Shore

S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Before and after your round at Kauai Lagoon’s on the south shore of Kauai, the beautiful clubhouse exudes a grand ambi­ence with its rich oak walls and statuesque columns adorning the open-air lobby.

T

his month’s travel destination takes us to the Island of Kauai. Now, for those of you that have visited this northern most island in the Hawaiian chain, you know what we are talking about when we say, “Kauai is the island to visit if you really want to see Hawaii”! For those that haven’t, here’s a little information about this tropical paradise.

If there’s something that makes Kauai unique, it’s the fact that everything Hawaiian can be found on the island. From its rich history, geology, culture and sights, you can get a full view of what Hawaii is all about in Kauai. If you’re asking for scenic beaches, Kauai has those. If you want wildlife and nature, Kauai has those aplenty. If you’re looking for culture and history, Kauai again is the best place to be. Whether it’s for weddings, romantic getaways, seclusion, memorable stays and great golfing opportunities, just let Kauai take care of you. Everything that Hawaii stands for, is famous for and is loved for, can be found on Kauai.

Kauai is the point where the first settlers of Hawaii landed ashore and one can even claim that Kauai is the foundation on which the Hawaiian nation and culture was built on. With artifacts as early as 200 AD being found on the island, when it comes to seniority in terms of being populated, Kauai brings home the trophy. You can call Kauai the cradle of the Hawaiian civilization. And not only that, Kauai is also rich in folklores and songs about the Menehune, the theoretical Marquesans who were believed to be the first settlers of Kauai.

When the Resolution and Discovery, the first European ships to reach Kauai were sighted from the island, their tall masts of wood swaying high above the

Two spectacular pools grace the property: One is a secluded oasis with cascading waterfalls perfect for relaxation while a larger pool features a playful lagoon complete with Jacuzzi and children’s swimming area.

The resort is ideally situated just steps from world-famous Poipu Beach in the heart of the sun-drenched South Shore as the resort spans 25-acres of lush tropical landscape.

13 waves, led native eyes to believe that small forested islands were floating toward them. The canoes launched from the small cove at Koloa paddled out to investigate these mysterious floating ships in to Waimea Bay, their Captain, James Cook, sought his first glimpse of native Hawaiian people, quickly realizing their undeniable similarities in language and lifestyle as well as their physical resemblance to the Tahitians he had last seen. This first encounter marked the beginning of the European fascination with the navigational prowess of the early Polynesians and a revolutionary turning point in the thus far quiet history of the Hawaiian Islands.

In terms of culture, you’re sure to find a lot of it in Kauai. As you know, history and culture go together and with the rich history of Kauai, you can also find culture in abundance. From the artifacts and temples that the ancient Hawaiians left, to the plantations, museums, churches and lighthouses that the western influence has brought, you can find them all in Kauai. Whether it’s ancient, contemporary or modern culture, Kauai stands as one of the chief cultural centers of the state. Aside from historic influences, you can also find several art galleries and artist colonies in Kauai. These colonies and art centers preserve the rich cultural tradition of Hawaii. Whether it’s visual art, music or the performing arts, you should find that Kauai has those in abundance. Aside from the museums, you can also find state national parks that give information about the ancient culture of Hawaii, especially the Polihale State Park and the Prince Kuhio Park where you can get a first-hand experience of Hawaiian culture. Aside from that, you also get to know some of the local folklores and legends surrounding Kauai by visiting historic places and landmarks throughout the island.

Another thing that stands out in Kauai is the plantations that brought economic prosperity to the island. The first plantation industry in Kauai was that of

sugar and it was highly successful, with the industry lasting for many decades.

Due to the capitalistic tendencies of the foreign settlers, the rich, fertile land of Kauai was utilized to create sugar plantations that put Kauai and Hawaii on the economic map of the world. Today, you can still see sugar plantations in Kauai and the remnants of the railroads and mills of the sugar plantations of the previous century.

Next to the sugar plantations are the pineapple plantations. Pineapple canning and plantations gained success, but not of the same magnitude as the sugar plantations did. The pineapple plantations in Kauai experienced about half a century of prosperity before closing shop in the 1960s. The previous canning factories and plantations now are the sites of resorts and other tourism businesses.

And that brings us to one of the main industries in Kauai, which is tourism.

As mentioned earlier, the appeal of Kauai is that it has all things essentially Hawaiian, thus becoming a top tourist spot in Hawaii. Offering all the rich culture, history and natural resources of Hawaii in a single island, Kauai is the place to go when one wants to know the Hawaiian spirit. At present, the tourism industry accounts for a significant percentage of the revenue of the County of Kauai.

Another feature of Kauai that makes it unique is the natural beauty of its surroundings and the rich plant and animal life that it hosts on its island. The valleys, crags, mountains and canyons in Kauai present some of the most majestic views in Hawaii.

Of course, you have the dozens of beaches that line the shores of Kauai.

From the white sands of Salt Pond Beach to the golden-brown sands of the Royal Coconut Coast, Kauai has a lot of beautiful and scenic beaches to offer, with many ranked as the best in the world. These beaches also serve as venues for all kinds of water activities and entertainment, offering snorkeling, scuba continued on page 14

u

d

e

d

l

Koloa Landing Resort has completed Phase II of property renovations and has opened the brand new building, 1e, on the east side of the open-air lobby of the resort. With the addition of this new building comes 13 additional two and three bedroom Villas, an expanded state-of-the-art Fitness Center and a world-class Day Spa.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

14 KAUAI

G O continued from page 13 L F diving, surfing, body boarding and swimming S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

in the pristine waters of this tropical island. And of course, many luxury resorts dot the landscape throughout the island as well.

Our featured resort during our trip to Kauai was the Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach Wyndham Grand Resort, located on the sunny side of the Garden Isle, a paradise of natural and cultural treasures on Kauai´s South Shore. Located a short walk from world-famous Poipu Beach and just steps from some of the best shopping and dining on the island, Koloa Landing is just the place you have been looking for. Inside each of the one, two, three and four bedroom villas ranging from 1,300 to over 3,600 sq. ft. you will find brand new, state of the art amenities and furnishings that will keep you comfortable and connected throughout your stay.

Each of the 98 villas are decorated with high-end fabrics and natural stone floors to carry a feel of the rich landscape and vibrant colors unique to the area. All villas also provide the convenience

of semi-private elevator access and in-suite laundry as well as MP3 docking stations, LCD TV’s and high speed Wi-Fi access.

Each villa’s distinguished style is made complete with luxurious five piece bathrooms and fully equipped gourmet kitchens, including granite countertops, custom cabinetry, sub-zero refrigerators and Wolf appliances.

Koloa Landing Resort has completed Phase II of property renovations and has opened the brand new building, 1e, on the east side of the open-air lobby of the resort. With the addition of this new building comes 13 additional two and three bedroom Villas, an expanded state-of-the-art Fitness Center and a worldclass Day Spa. The spa at Koloa Landing Resort is a reflection of Kauai and the geographic wonders of the tropical Hawaiian Islands with rituals that provide a balance of earth and sea, utilizing wild crafted mauka (mountain) and makai (ocean side) ingredients indigenous to Kauai and the Hawaiian islands. Massage treatment options include the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Classic Swedish, Prenatal (Hapai), Deep Lomi Lomi, Sports and Deep Tissue Massages as well as Pohaku Warm

Stone Rituals, where you will experience warm basalt river stones gently penetrating muscle tissue, easing away stress and tension offering a sensory journey of harmony and rebalance for the senses. They also offer exclusive body treatments that are sure to make you feel renewed as well.

The resort is ideally situated just steps from worldfamous Poipu Beach in the heart of the sun-drenched South Shore as the resort spans 25-acres of lush tropical landscape. Two spectacular pools grace the property: One is a secluded oasis with cascading waterfalls perfect for relaxation while a larger pool features a playful lagoon complete with Jacuzzi and children’s swimming area. Attractions and activities throughout the island can be arranged by the resorts concierge team. The resort can be reached by calling 888-317-0205 and you can visit them on the web at www.koloalandingresort.com.

The Dolphin

W

hether you are staying on the south shore or the north, The Dolphin restaurant should be on your must visit list of places to eat while you are on the lovely island of Kauai. It all

Our featured resort during our trip to Kauai was the Koloa Landing at Poipu Beach Wyndham Grand Resort, located on the sunny side of the Garden Isle, a paradise of natural and cultural treasures on Kauai´s South Shore.

15 started in the early 1970’s with a focus of providing the best service and the freshest seafood on the island. This is a goal they have perfected over the past 40 years.

The original restaurant is located on the northern part of the island in the small town of Hanalei with garden views of the Hanalei River. The newest location was developed in 2012 in the Poipu area in the shops of Kukui`ula.

Both locations have their own special ambiance, but the food is second to none in both locations.

Island or golf attire is fitting and no reservations are required, nor taken.

So, swing on by for a great

The original restaurant is located on the northern part of the island in the small town of Hanalei with garden views of the Hanalei River. The newest location was developed in 2012 in the Poipu area in the shops of Kukui`ula.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

meal when you finish your round of golf or from a day of fun and sun.

The waters around Kauai are loaded with wonderful seafood and the best of the best make their way to the Dolphin to be served to guests or put on display at their fish market on the premises. Because of the availability of so much fresh seafood, the restaurant has a world class sushi lounge. In addition to sushi, you can expect a full menu to accommodate anyone. Items like fresh charbroiled catch-of-the-day, sautéed calamari, scallops, broiled shrimp, crab legs, lobster or choose from several chicken dishes or the finest cuts of Filet Mignon and New York steak. continued on page 16

16 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

KAUAI

continued from page 15

The appetizer menu has more than enough flare to stimulate the taste buds and the sashimi plate was just what the doctor ordered to tone down our hunger. The server said that the platter would consist of 4-ounces of top grade Ahi (yellow fin tuna) served over a bed of organic greens and fresh wasabi. This firm bright red meat melted in your mouth like butter. We were disappointed that there was only 4-ounces when they took the plate away – because we all fought over the last morsel. The shrimp cocktail rolled in just in time to fill the gap. The huge succulent jumbo shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce were crisp and finished nicely with the spicy cocktail sauce. We rounded out our appetizers with a few select hand rolls of sushi.

The teriyaki Ahi has been a house specialty for over 30 years and since the appetizer was so good, we figured, how could we go wrong, with this being one of our main course dishes. It is served char broiled and cooked medium rare. The teriyaki flavor is very mind and not what one would consider when you think of a teriyaki sauce. The mild marinade is designed to enhance the quality of the fresh fish and not cover up an old piece of meat. The scallops were another favorite of the group. They are baked in a wine sauce and smothered with mozzarella making for a light crust on the outside, but a creamy rich texture once you bit into them. It’s an explosion of flavor unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. Side dishes seldom get much of a mention, but the prosciutto wrapped bacon is something everyone should add

as a side as well as try perfecting at home.

Regardless of the meal you choose, there is a full bar and wine list to compliment your many meal choices.

A trip to the Dolphin without trying out the Hawaiian Butter Mochi would be a sin. This traditional Hawaiin desert is definitely a crowd favorite. It is a homemade mochi with a delicious chewy center and golden crispy crust topped with a Lilikoi glaze served with a scoop of Lappert’s Vanilla Bean ice cream.

Both north and south locations are open daily for lunch and dinner. Lunches are served from 11:30 to 3:30 and dinners are from 5:30 to 9:00. A visit to either location will have you and your taste buds begging for a return visit. If you’re just looking for the best fish to cook at your timeshare or residence during your visit, the Fish Market side of this business shouldn’t be overlooked. The same great cuts of fish used by the chefs are available daily for those do-it-yourselfers.

No need to stock up either, the endless supply of fresh fish provides new choices daily and hanging out in the local shops in the Poipu Village while you are on the way to pick up your fish will soon become a daily joy.

Make your next visit to Kauai a well-rounded one by visiting one of the Dolphin restaurant’s locations or fish markets.

The Dolphin Hanalei - 808-826-6113 Poipu - 808-742-1414 and on the web at www.hanaliedolpin.com.

Poipu Bay Golf Course

O

f course, the island of Kauai is much more than just great accommodations and great places to eat. Golf is another of the must-do activities when you visit and on our trip in early February, we

were able to visit five golf facilities on the island as well. Let’s start out talking about the closest courses to the Poipu Beach area.

Poipu Bay Golf Course. Here, nature and renowned designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. have conspired to create a stunning venue for golfers of all abilities. A unique and unforgettable golf experience awaits you—one that will bring every aspect of your game into fresh and thrilling focus.

This outstanding course is backed by lush emerald mountains and sculpted from a rolling plateau eight stories above the Pacific Ocean. Nestled among the gentle contours of Poipu Bay you’ll discover the remains of Hawaiian heiau (places of worship) and ancient stone walls. If this weren’t challenge enough, Mother Nature presents you with one distraction after another. From native Nene geese and rare Hawaiian monk seals to green sea turtles and humpback whales, you’ll have lots of wild excuses to back your scorecard.

Even the most focused golfer will be challenged by the breathtaking views.

As many of you will remember, the PGA Grand Slam of Golf was played at Poipu Bay from 1994 – 2006.

The four ‘Major’ championship winners were pitted against each other in the event. Tiger Woods won seven of those 13 events and in 2004, Phil Michelson recorded a magical “59” during the final round for the win!

The course meanders through 210 oceanfront acres along rugged coastline featuring 85 bunkers, five water hazards and wildly varying trade winds, all of which combine to make the course one of the most intriguing and spectacular golf experiences in the world. The ocean-links style course includes over 30 acres of tropical plants and flowers.

The second hole at Poipu Bay is a 525 yard Par 5.

The Golf Shop at Poipu Bay is rated as one of the finest in America and the view from the clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green is a great one as you relax after a spectacular round of golf.

17 G O L F S O U T H W E S T

Hole #5 is the shortest Par 4 on the course, but cer­tainly provides one of the most challenging tee shots, as it slightly doglegs left, with deep bunkers stag­gered on both the left and right sides of the fairway.

Your tee shot is to an elevated fairway and usually into the wind. The large bunker to the right side from the tee is misleading, as it appears to be drivable, but is farther away than it looks. If you dare to flirt with the bunker and keep it right center in the fairway, you will have your best chance of reaching the green in two. Six bunkers lie in wait on the right side approach to the green, with another one greenside right. There is plenty of room left to enter from and for most, the prudent choice. The large, slightly elevated green then awaits, as wind and grain of the green play a big part on this good birdie opportunity hole.

Hole #5 is the shortest Par 4 on the course, but certainly provides one of the most challenging tee shots.

The fifth slightly doglegs left, with deep bunkers staggered on both the left and right sides of the fairway.

The wide, sloping fairway feeds down to the hollow on the left side. If you are able to find the fairway, you will be set up for a simple pitch to a slightly elevated green. The green slopes right to left and back to front and offers another great birdie opportunity.

Most players feel that the true character of the course starts at the 8th hole, the 374 yard Par 4. The layout turns back into the prevailing wind at this point and more challenges begin. Bunkers await on both sides of the fairway starting 260 yards from the back tees. From here you are faced with five more bunkers forming a U-shape in front of the green. You are then faced with the smallest green on the course, offering a long putting surface, but quite narrow. Placing your approach shot to the green on the right tier is crucial.

The 10th hole plays longer than the 429 yards on the scorecard. The tees are slightly elevated, with the fairway slowly turning right. Bunkers are placed both left and right in the landing area and a tee shot to this point will leave you with close to 200 yards to the green, which is guarded by bunkers on both sides and a grassy hollow awaits for any shots short and slightly right. The best play is to the left side on the approach, even if you hit it into that bunker.

Holes 11 through 14 are no slouches themselves, but we just have to talk about 15, 16 and 17, three of the most beautiful golf holes you will ever play,

anywhere in the world.

At the 15th hole, the course turns downwind and downhill and is bordered by the largest water hazard in the world – the Pacific Ocean! Your tee shot is from elevated tees offering a very distracted view as you head back toward the clubhouse. This straight away Par 4 is bordered on the left by a grassy lava wall and the ocean below and on the right by three fairway bunkers starting 240 yards from the tee to about the 310 yard mark. With the hole usually playing downwind, it is somewhat of a challenge to navigate your second shot to avoid the greenside bunkers both left and right front. The green then slopes back to front and left to right with a false front on the left.

The 16th is considered Poipu Bay’s signature hole for its combination of challenge and beauty. It was dubbed by its creator, Robert Trent Jones, “The Pebble

— M a y 2 0 Beach of the Pacific” for its sprawling run along 1 the rugged coastline. To top it off, the hole plays 4

501 yards from the back tees! Fortunately, the hole again plays downhill and downwind from its elevated tees. The hole doglegs from right to left with a pond right off of the tees. The first fairway bunker is located on the right side at about the 240 mark with another one on the right 80 yards short of the green. A lava rock wall borders the left side above the rocky ocean beach, rendering the fairway only about 25 yards wide. There is then a greenside bunker front right and another back center. The undulating green is the largest on the course and has plenty of contour. Good luck walking away with a par on this great golf hole! continued on page 18

The 16th is considered Poipu Bay’s signature hole for its combination of challenge and beauty. It was dubbed by its creator, Robert Trent Jones, “The Pebble Beach of the Pacific” for its sprawling run along the rugged coastline.

18 KAUAI

G O continued from page 17 L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Poipu Bay’s 17th finishes out the spectacular stretch of ocean holes. The 225 yard Par 3, the longest on the course, includes two protected ancient structures: a heiau situated adjacent to the elevated tee and a stone wall to the left of the fairway. Take advantage of the prevailing left to right wind and hope that you can hold the green with your long iron or hybrid.

If you can come down from the high of playing this outstanding layout, you will find the other amenities at Poipu Bay to be outstanding as well.

The range facility, complete with chipping and putting greens are adjacent to the 1st tee. The carts are equipped with in-cart satellite navigations systems, the most advanced you will find anywhere.

And finally, the Golf Shop at Poipu Bay is rated as one of the finest in America. And the view from the clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green took away some of the sting from the results of the Super Bowl showdown between Seattle and Denver.

Poipu Bay Golf Course 2250 Ainako St. Koloa, HI 96756 800-858-6300 www.poipubaygolf.com

Kiahuna Golf Club

I

n 1984, Kauai’s Kiahuna Golf Club opened to much acclaim as the first course located on the south shore resort area of Poipu. The course, designed by world renowned architect, Robert Trent Jones Jr., skillfully includes many remnants of an authentic Hawaiian village and tropical foliage into his design as you wander through lush surroundings, natural landscapes and gorgeous mountain views.

The course has undergone a thorough renovation, including the first course on Kauai to transition to vibrant blue-green Seashore Paspalum turf.

After a change in course ownership, officials made the switch from the common Bermuda grass to a newer strain of Seashore Paspalum that was still in many ways a work in progress. The result was a turf much faster and firmer, allowing for more run in fairways and greens than most other courses in Hawaii. But perhaps an even more valuable benefit, it has also helped bring down the water bill, which can get awfully high when you’re in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.

Seashore’s benefits are not only from an economic and playability standpoint, but environmentally as well. It requires less fertilizer than Bermuda and can handle brackish and other non-potable water. It’s also able to withstand the salt water coming onto the course from the nearby ocean better than Bermuda.

It’s seemingly perfect for pacific island golf. As a result of the fast and firm ground and coastal location yielding stiff Pacific breezes, Kiahuna plays much

like a traditional links course.

There is history all over these grounds, as well. Much like Poipu Bay Golf Course nearby, there are a collection of ancient stone walls once used as territorial markings in and around the golf course, along with the remnants of an early 1800s Portuguese house and crypt. The Par-70 Kauai golf course is famous for Robert Trent Jones Jr.’s careful attention to incorporating ancient Hawaiian archeological and historical sites (including blind spider caves in a small outcrop of lava tubes at No. 2) and for its many doglegs, including six on the inward nine.

The two Par 3’s on the front side—the 201-yard third hole and 188-yard at No. 7—share a double green, a Jones trademark. The most difficult hole is the picturesque Par 4, 440-yard second hole, where bunkers and a pond impose on the dogleg left. Seven holes feature water hazards, including three ponds, while a lovely stream meanders along the 12th fairway. Kiahuna measures just under 7,000 yards from the championship tees, though as with most Hawaii golf courses, that is an arbitrary number.

The wind decides how long the course will play on any given day.

Let’s start our hole descriptions at No. 2, a demanding 431 yard Par 4, possibly the toughest hole on the

course. The native name for this hole is Ima, meaning “straight forward”. Growth down the right side the full length of the hole and also on the left in the landing area makes accuracy a premium. The slightly doglegging hole plays slightly uphill and usually into the wind. Your second shot will most likely be a long iron or hybrid to the large, sloping green. A big bunker guards its right front and a smaller one is found on the back left. The green is very quick and a par here will definitely bring a smile to your face.

As mentioned, hole #3 shares its putting surface with the seventh, side-by-side Par 3’s, playing 201 and 188 yards respectively. The green narrows up in its center as a large pond separates the two holes and comes to a point at its core. A very cool design!

The 5th, named Mauna Ele ‘ele, black mountain (for the lush mountain peak in the background), is a 496 yard Par 5, one of only two Par 5’s on the course.

The 2nd hole is a demanding 431 yard par 4 and one of the toughest on the entire course.

19 Don’t let the yardage fool you. If you have not played at sea level, especially in Hawaii, you will be in for a big surprise at the combination the elevation and constant prevailing winds have on your ball flight.

From the tee a bunker lies on the right at the 230 mark.

Another is situated on the left at about 260 yards and then a third lays dead-center in the fairway at 275 yards from the tee. Several large bunkers guard the green starting 80 yards out, but there is a run-up area along the right. The large, wide green also has plenty of contour.

He’enula Maka‘ni, ride the wind, aptly names the ninth, the 423 yard finishing hole on the front nine.

The fairway is wide, but two large bunkers guard the right side starting 220 from the tee and another on the left at the 260 yard mark. The slightly doglegging fairway continues, leading up to the long, elevated green. There is a severe slope off of the left side of the putting surface and a large greenside bunker on the right. The crosswinds can give you fits on the approach, believe me!

The back nine starts out with back-to-back short Par 4’s. The 10th Pololei Lo’a, accurate, is a straight away Par 4, but there are large bunkers both right and left 240 yards from the tee and one of the historic lave walls on the left cutting into the fairway as well. The green is quite shallow and slopes from back to front with greenside bunkers left and right.

Number 11 named Hema, meaning “together,” plays as the shortest Par 4 on the course at 340 yards.

Lava outcroppings on the left make the hole play as a dogleg left. Another of the old lava walls is also found on the left side of the fairway. It really doesn’t benefit the long hitter to go for the green, the safer play being a long iron or hybrid down the right side, leaving you a wedge of some sort to the narrow green, with bunkers left, right and behind the green.

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y

The 5th hole, named Mauna Ele ‘ele, black mountain (for the lush mountain peak in the background), is a 496 yard Par 5, one of only two Par 5’s on the course.

The twelfth is a beautiful Par 3 measuring 209 yards. It is one of the most outstanding visual holes on the course as the lava rock lined, Waikomo Stream cuts across its center, flowing from right to left. The crossing trade winds ad a little distance to the hole, making it play even longer (watch the treetops for a little help with the wind direction and strength). Greenside bunkers await on the left and back of this big, slightly tiered green that slopes right to left.

Number 14 is another of the holes at Kiahuna Golf Club that will test your patience. Hana Kolohe,

The 9th hole is called, He’enula Maka’ni, “ride the wind” and is a tricky Par 4 guarded by a pair of bunkers and often tough crosswinds.

tricky, lengthens out to 432 yards from the back, isolated tees, but the more you are willing to shave off of the left side, the shorter the hole becomes.

Two large bunkers and a large Banyon tree await at the turn of the dogleg left. The fairway sweeps around at this point on the right, leaving you with a mid-iron to the elevated green. If you can fly the trouble on the left, you will have a flip wedge to the green that is guarded by bunkers left and right front. The fast, firm green makes it tough to get up and down if you miss it.

The seventeenth O’na A’ la ‘ololi or owners’ alley, is another of the great Par 4’s at Kiahuna. This slightly doglegging left, 475 yard hole plays even longer as you work your way up the inclined fairway, past the fairway bunkers left and right to the elevated green. Rolling ridges make it a little tough in spots to find a flat lie. I hit a good drive and a solid 5-wood second shot and still found myself 20 yards short of the green. Two bunkers guard the right front of the large green that sports a tier in the back right corner.

Before and after your round, “Eat at Joe’s On the Green” offers great breakfast and lunch menus with live music available during ‘Happy Hour’. Once you check in at the pro shop, it is just a short stroll to the starters shack, where you will pick up you cart and range balls for a little warm up. The practice putting green sits next to the courtyard at Joe’s, on your way to the first tee. I promise you will love the layout and your day at this beautiful setting.

Kiahuna Golf Club 2545 Kiahuna Plantation Dr., Koloa, HI 96756 phone: (808) 742-9595 www.kiahunagolf.com continued on page 20

2 0 1 4

20 KAUAI

G O continued from page 19 L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club

N

ext we find our way to another of the great golfing venues, Kauai Lagoons Golf Club.

Jack Nicklaus originally designed and built the 18-hole Kiele Course in the late 1980’s. Opening to rave reviews, the Kiele was voted one of the best new resort courses by Golf Digest in 1989. In 2011, Jack Nicklaus returned to oversee the renovation of Kiele’s famed back nine, which now boasts four continuous ocean holes and even more remarkable ocean vistas.

Offering the challenge of a Nicklaus design set within a lush Hawaiian setting with ocean and mountain views unmatched anywhere, the Kiele Course is sure to provide a memorable experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Sharing this amazing paradise is the Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, set amidst 800 waterfront acres along the Kalapaki Bay, and Marriott’s Kauai Lagoons, which overlooks much of the Kiele’s breathtaking ocean holes.

The scenic and challenging ocean holes, renamed the Kiele Moana Nine (the former Kiele back nine) have re-opened with TifEagle putting surfaces, new and redesigned bunkers and the addition of three new holes.

One new hole sits on the island’s edge and makes the Kiele Moana the longest stretch of continuous ocean holes (over a half mile) of any course in Hawaii. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera and possibly a few extra golf balls. Combined with the Kiele Mauka Nine (the former Kiele front nine), avid golfers now have an 18-hole experience that can only be found on the Garden Isle.

The Kiele Course at Kauai Lagoons sits in a secluded southwest corner of the island of Kauai in Hawaii, just a mere five minutes from the Lihue Airport and Nawiliwili Harbor, Kauai’s main airport and seaport.

Once at the course, players will discover that the famed Kiele has a sense of style uniquely its own.

Its fairways weave through mango and guava tree

forests, along imposing ocean cliffs and promontories high above the harbor, among some forty acres of fresh water lagoons.

While Nicklaus’ design team altered some holes more than others on Kiele Moana (which means “open ocean” in Hawaiian), the constant change throughout the nine are new TifEagle greens that roll faster and are less grainy compared to the previous greens. Also, the red sand bunkers were rebuilt and replaced with white silica sand.

The first two holes -- a Par 5 that heads toward the ocean, followed by a somewhat short Par 4 -- are new. Moana’s No.1 plays at 571 yards from the back tees. There are fairway bunkers both left and right at about the 260 mark from the tee. These bunkers are quite deep, but the fairway is relatively wide, giving you a good opportunity to position yourself for your lay-up second. The long, sloping green is protected by two bunkers on the left. A great starting hole indeed.

The fourth officially begins the half-mile ocean stretch. This 474 yard Par 4 heads back toward the ocean with a unique slight double dogleg design.

Your tee shot is framed by multiple fairway bunkers on the right and another one on the left as the hole slowly turns. Your second shot requires you to give it all you’ve got to make it to the putting surface, which is guarded by a lone greenside bunker on the left of the tiered green that slopes back to front.

If you have played the course in the past, you will recognize the fifth -- one of the Nicklaus firm’s most photographed Par 3’s -- which was left virtually unchanged. It plays more than 200 yards over cliffs toward a shallow green protected by water.

The fourth officially begins the half-mile ocean stretch, the longest stretch of continuous ocean holes (over a half mile) of any course in Hawaii.

The 473 yard sixth, however, is vastly different from before. It presents alternate routes off the tee: one that plays closer to the ocean with a shorter approach shot and the other farther right that plays over the cliffs to the green. The fairway slopes downward to the green, which is then slightly elevated. The tiered green has a bunker left front and three big palm trees hovering at its rear.

Now we come to the signature hole on the Moana nine, a short but challenging Par 4 measuring only 331 yards from the back tees. If you want to have a go at getting it close to the green, your aiming point is the tall coconut tree on the right side of the fairway in the distance. With all of the trouble that awaits ahead, the best play is to hit a mid-iron from the tee, leaving you with a wedge to the smallest green on the course. The beauty of this hole is amazing as a small beacon (lighthouse) is situated left of the green on a lava outcropping with ships coming and going in the background. All I can say is “WOW”.

Although you bid adieu to the ocean when you walk off the peninsula green on the seventh, memorable holes keep coming. The closing two holes play along the inland lagoon and into the trade winds.

The signature 7th hole on the Moana is tough enough without the distractions of the beautiful view.

Nicklaus found it necessary to make the ninth hole -- already a long, narrow Par 4 that plays into the trade winds -- even tougher with his design changes. He added a bunker on the left side, pinching the landing zone guarded by the lagoon on the right. Finishing up with a rare par here is cause to celebrate with a picture taken next to the bear sculpture sitting beside the green.

Your break between nines brings you back to the range area, complete with driving range, putting green and a great short game area that includes a practice bunker and target flags. Also, the ‘Putters Pub’ is located next to the starter’s booth and can take care of your hunger pains and surely quench your thirst.

After you grab a quick snack, it is off to the Mauka nine (translated as “toward the mountain”) which is very different from the Moana nine as it is totally inland. The second is the first of three Par 5’s on this nine. The hole is very playable, usually playing a little downwind with a wide fairway, but thick growth on both sides off of the tee. A series of 11, yes 11 bunkers line the right rough starting about 330 yards from the tee and continuing all the way to the small, deep elevated green. But the green offers one of the flattest putting surfaces on the course and a birdie here is definitely possible.

The 219 yard fifth is the first of two beautiful Par 3’s on this nine. With lush growth throughout, it requires a big carry from the tee. The green is then elevated with a large bunker left and another small one on the right front. The putting surface is large with a small tier. A small mountain range in the background definitely ads to the beauty of this great Par 3 as this is the start of the lush, rainforest section of the course.

Hole No. 6 is another of the short, but challenging Par 5’s on the Mauka nine. Tabbed “The Gorilla” it is not long at 519 yards, but don’t let its length deceive you. Your tee shot is again over lush growth, requiring about a 200 yard carry to the safe part of the fairway on the left. There is a large bunker on the right that requires a 250 yard carry to clear. Lush growth continues on the right all the way to the green. Another large bunker starts on the right 95 yards from the green. A giant greenside bunker on the right helps to keep you out of the lateral water hazard to its side and another guards the left front of the long, deep green that slopes from right to left.

The eighth is another breathtaking Par 3. Your tee shot is from elevated tees, with a shimmering pond front right guarding the green. There is a lone bunker back left as the shallow green offers one of the smoothest putting surfaces on the course.

One word of advice that I will give to you though is to remember that you are not only playing from elevated tees, but also downwind, so use one club less from the tee!

Well as you can see, Kauai Lagoons Golf Club is another of the wonderful golfing opportunities when visiting Kauai. And before and after your round the beautiful clubhouse exudes a grand ambience with its rich oak walls and statuesque columns adorning the open-air lobby. They also offer an impressive pro

21 shop where you will find a wide selection of logo wear and the latest equipment. Oh and did I mention the spectacular setting next to the tranquil, tropical lagoon?

Kauai Lagoons Golf Club 3351 Hoolaulea Way Lihue, HI 96766 800-634-6400 www.kauailagoonsgolf.com

Puakea Golf Course

P

uakea is Kauai’s newest 18-hole golf course.

When Hurricane Iniki hit Kauai in 1992, construction on this Kauai golf course came to a halt.

In 1997, the course was able to open its infamous 10 holes. This is why Puakea has the odd distinction of being named one of America’s “Best Nine-Hole Courses”

by Sports Illustrated. In 2002, architect Robin Nelson was finally brought back to finish the final eight.

Puakea actually features two separate generations of golf holes. Though the first 10 holes were set along the most spectacular terrain, just a sniff away from the ocean and below Kauai’s mountains, the subsequent eight holes were built closer to the sprawling town of Lihue.

No matter which generation of holes you’re playing, you’re in for a well-designed golf course built

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y

by Hawaii’s most prolific home-grown golf course architect, Robin Nelson (more affectionately known as “Mr. Hawaii”), who has built courses both on his Hawaiian islands and abroad, in exotic locales like China and Bali.

Nelson blended in the new holes, No. 1 through 5, 9 through 10 and No. 14, providing stunning views wherever possible. More importantly, he set up the holes to optimize shot-making in the prevailing trade winds. As a result, no two holes play the same way and only one hole plays into the trades, the Par 3 fourth.

Six ponds set amid lush foliage, giving the layout much of its character. If you feel like you’re in Jurassic Park, it’s because Puakea is set at the foot of scenic Haupu Ridge, where much of the film was shot. Located along the western edge of Lihue and just 10 minutes from Kauai’s

The 2nd hole at Puakea is a sneaky Par 5 that can lull you into a false sense of security and leave you with a bogey in a hurry.

continued on page 22

2 0 1 4

22 KAUAI

greenside bunkers back left and front right.

Now we arrive at the ninth, a 438 yard Par 4 serving as the courses ers and continues to build its reputation with visitors #1 handicap hole. As attracted to the three preeminent and more famous, with many holes on the Kauai resort courses. course, the placement The first hole at Puakea is a 404 yard Par 4. It offers of fairway bunkers defia wide fairway with a lava rock lined creek down the nitely comes into play. right side that eventually cuts across short of the green Large, deep bunkers and then continues around the left. Fairway bunkers await down the left side await on the left at the 265 yard mark. Your approach and if you want to have then leaves you with a short iron into the green that a good score on this hole, slopes right to left and is guarded by a large greenside stay out of them! Another bunker on the right. tough thing about this The 558 yard Par 5 second hole can be a tough one. hole is that it almost alA large bunker is situated in the landing area on the ways plays into the wind. The 17th hole at Puakea is backed by the mountain range used for left and three more await on the right about 270 yards Once you get past those filming Jurrasic Park and provides a lovely backdrop for the final from the tee. The forward tees on this hole definitely bunkers, the hole really stretch of your round. tempt you to try and carry them. As you approach the opens up. Your approach green, another fairway bunker is located 50 yards short is to a very large green with bunkers left and front right in a while in golf. Tropical growth can almost block on the right and then greenside, front left. The putting and back with the green sloping back to front. A good the view of the pin when it is on the far left. Greenside surface slopes hard left to right. This hole offers plenty outward finishing hole. bunkers guard the center of the green both in front and of room to get on the green, but you better be on your The 10th is a very good starting hole and plays at 401 back. The green is probably the largest on the course, game early or a three put is sure to sneak up on you. yards from the back tees. A long pond on the right runs at least width wise!

Puakea is located in the city of Lihue. Holes two from in front of the forward tees to about the 280 yard The seventeenth and eighteenth offer you a great finthrough eight have a lot of new housing going on mark. There is a series of bunkers on the left, 250 yards ishing one-two punch at 420 and 495 yards respectively. around them, one of the most active areas of construcfrom the tees. The fairway really starts to narrow up the No. 17 is a sweeping dogleg left Par 4, rated the second tion on the island. farther you hit it from the tee. There are two greenside toughest on the course. There is a long bunker on the The fifth seems simple, but a lot of decisions come bunkers, right front and back left. left side of the fairway in the landing area. You have into play. The 359 yard Par 4 offers a slight dogleg Now you head in the opposite direction from the plenty of room right, but you add distance the farther left. You can hit driver from the tee, but a series of five clubhouse and the front nine. A lush mountain range right you hit it. The fairway offers a lot of contour, makbunkers guarding the green make getting there from renders a gorgeous backdrop, with mangos, palms and ing your second shot challenging. Your approach is to the tee out of the question. The best play is a long iron flowering growth as its surroundings. a deep green, angling left to right with a large bunker or hybrid instead. A long pond starts on the left near The 12th at Puakea is a 356 yard Par 4. Trees dot the on the right, greenside. The green slopes back to front the tee and runs to about 40 yards from the green. The rough on both sides of the fairway. Two bunkers guard and right to left. This green offers up some great pin green slopes back to front and a false-front runs down the left at the slightly dogleg right with the fairway then placements, highlighting this exceptional Par 4. to a catch area. A good birdie opportunity will be the sloping hard left to right. A pond then lays to the right Before and after your round, Puakea offers great reward for two good shots. running all the way to the green. Large trees guard the practice facilities that include a full driving range, a Hole #6 is a beautiful 176 yard Par 3. It offers a drop right side entrance to the green as well. There are two short-game area and a large putting green. It offers a in elevation of almost 100 feet from the tee to the putting large bunkers on the left guarding the deep, rolling very playable golf course for players of all abilities, with surface. The hole is surrounded by lush tropical growth green that slopes back to front. yardages from just under 7,000 yards from the back tees with a tranquil pond in front of the green. There are One of the toughest Par to just over 5200 from the ladies’ tees. Puakea is a very 4’s on the course awaits at good privately owned, public golf course with reasonNo. 15. There is a fairway able rates and of course a beautiful setting. Remember, bunker on the left you you are in Hawaii! must carry from the back Puakea Golf Course tees and then two more 4150 Nuhou St. to the right 280 yards Lihue, HI 96766 from the tee. Six bunkers 866-773-5554 then guard the front of www.puakeagolf.com the green, two on the left and four on the right Now I mentioned earlier that we visited five courses with another positioned while on the island, but the fifth, The Prince Course on center back. The green the north shore of Kauai is a story all in its own, so stay is sloping back to front. tuned for it to be reviewed in an upcoming issue.

Lush growth awaits for Hawaii’s ‘Garden Isle’ is truly a special place and one any shots a little long or that should be on everyone’s list of places to visit. We to the left of the green. have just scratched the surface of things to do during The 10th is a very good starting hole on the back nine and plays at Number sixteen is one your next visit, but hey, that is what makes great des401 yards from the championship tees. of those cute Par 3’s that tinations great. Every time you visit them, a new and come along every once exciting adventure awaits!

G O continued from page 17 L F main airport, Puakea is a favorite amongst local golfS O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

23

UTAH HOTELS & DINING 1221 S. Main St. St. George, Utah

435-673-6661 St. George Inn and Suites where affordable and luxury meet. It’s the perfect location for Golf and Relaxation.

stgeorgeinnhotel.com The Finest in Lodging and Golf Packages in Southern Utah

185 South 1470 East St. George, Utah 84790

435-986-0555

G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

24 G O L F

Millsite Golf Course S

By Jim Rayburn

S O ome pieces of land are destined to become a golf course. The natural landscape, U vegetation and terrain seem to be the perfect fit for a design of fairways, tees T and greens.

H There are other locations, however, that are really not that suitable for golf.

W Green and healthy grass doesn’t grow just anywhere. And, though some golf course E designers don’t seem to think so, a certain amount of level ground is required to S construct greens and fairways that are playable.

T — M a y 2 0 1 4

But when a golf course is built in one of those nonconductive spots, it’s always a little special. Such courses are not always considered fair in design or player friendly, but the uniqueness still makes the courses popular and challenging.

One reason Wolf Creek Golf Club in Mesquite, Nevada is so popular, for example, is its location. It’s a stunning green oasis in the middle of nothing. The dark green grass stands out with luring appeal in the barren landscape. Golfers love the challenge of hitting from one oasis to another while avoiding the desert that lurks to the side.

Utah has its version of Wolf Creek. Though the condition and fame don’t quite compare, Millsite Golf Course in Ferron, Emery County, provides that same unique experience of playing golf on top of desolation. Everyone that has ever played a round at Millsite is first impressed with the same thought.

“How on Earth did anyone conceive the idea of turning this place into a golf course?”

Fortunately for Utah golfers and the residents of Emery County, someone did.

Since 1988, the fairways of Millsite, which weave between the rocks, ledges and cliffs and around the pinions and cedars at the base of the Millsite Reservoir Dam, have provided a pretty good recreational opportunity for the ranchers, farmers and folks who work the mines and power plants of eastern Utah and their families.

One rule on Millsite’s card says “No cowboy boots on greens.” That’s a good indication of the customers Millsite tends to serve.

“Really, there’s not a lot to do out here other than fish, camp and ride ATVs. So having a golf course adds a nice recreational opportunity for the residents of this area,” says Millsite Director of Golf, Jordan Leonard.

The recreational opportunity is exactly why a group of Emery County residents first envisioned and then constructed Millsite’s original nine holes, more than two decades ago. Improving that recreational opportunity is the reason a back nine was built and opened two years ago.

“We were getting too busy for nine holes and adding a back nine helps make us more of a golf destination,” Leonard says.

The golf course’s slogan is “Best by a dam site” and that it is, just a stone’s throw away from Millsite Reservoir and Millsite State Park. The park serves as a gateway to the Skyline Drive and Ferron Mountain, which towers to the west. The golf course is located on the northern edge of the San Rafael Swell.

The area’s terrain is basically white clay hills, washes, rocks and ledges, with a few outcroppings of sagebrush, cactus, pinions and cedars. Most holes either curve around the top of a hill or plateau or below a ledge or in a wash. The reservoir and dam serve as a backdrop for most holes and the magnificent San Rafael landscape serves as the backdrop for many of the other holes.

Golfers can literally see for miles and miles from most holes on the back nine.

The scenery is similar to that found in an old western movie. Plateaus jut up in every direction.

“The panoramic views on the back nine are amazing. Every direction you look provides breathtaking scenery,” Leonard says.

The golf course is operated and managed by Ferron City on ground that is leased from the Bureau of Land Management. The original nine holes were constructed using various government grants, Emery County funds, donated materials and volunteer labor. Scott Thurman designed the original nine and Kris Abegglen designed the second nine, which cost about $2.4 million to construct.

A modern clubhouse and restaurant were constructed in 2003. Millsite does

“There isn’t another golf course in Utah that offers such spectacular views and surroundings,” beams Director of Golf, Jordan Leonard.

25 G O L F S O U T H W E S T —

Golfers can literally see for miles and miles from most holes on the back nine. The scenery is similar to that found in an old western movie. Plateaus jut up in every direction. not currently have a driving range, with holes 12 and 13, both Par 3s, being constructed on what once was a driving range.

“It would be nice to have that additional revenue, but we needed to use that land for the back nine,” Leonard says.

Locals pretty much have the golf course to themselves in spring and fall, when Millsite State Park is not as busy as it is during the summer months. When the park fills up and the tourists began journeying to San Rafael, however, Millsite’s play picks up significantly. ”A good share of our summer play comes from out of town. People who are visiting the area to fish, camp, ride ATVs or hike are looking for something else to add to their trip. They love to come here for a round of golf,” Leonard says. “And we do have some destination golfers who come here just to golf, because we offer a golf experience that is pretty unique. There isn’t another golf course in Utah that offers the shots and the views that we offer.”

In peak season Millsite accommodates between 60-100 golfers per day. Millsite also hosts its share of corporate

Hole No. 2 is a short and even driveable for some, 282 yard Par 4. But desert lurks on both sides and the fairway slopes right to left. The tee shot must also carry the reservoir’s spillway.

and group events. Really, the only reason to call ahead for a tee time is to make sure there’s not a conflicting event.

Otherwise, there’s seldom any difficulty getting on.

“We’re out of the way enough that we’re never crazy busy, so it’s hard to generate the same revenue that some of the other courses can generate,” Leonard says.

Operating on a bare bones budget, superintendent Ryan Winn does an excellent job of keeping the course playable.

“We’re getting by because we don’t make a lot of crazy decisions that will put us in a hole. We’re always trying to make the golf course better, but we’re also always trying to keep things within our budget and get by the best we can with what we have,” Leonard says.

With a clay base, the fairways are aerated two or three times a year. With the hot and dry summer conditions, keeping the fairways green and soft is Millsite’s biggest challenge.

“Our summer does pretty well with the out-of-towners.

They keep us busy. But we need a little more play in the spring and fall from the locals. We need to sell a few more season passes and get a few more people taking up the game of golf. We know our course is challenging, but we’re still very player friendly and we recognize that a lot of the golfers around here work really hard and work long hours, so a lot of them don’t really have a lot of time to work on their games.

They just want an activity that is fun and relaxing and gets them away from work for a “No. 9 goes back to the clubhouse and now plays more to a fade while,” Leonard says. than a draw. It’s a little more forgiving than the old No. 1 used to Tight, target golf is be,” Leonard says.

Millsite’s theme and it

M a y

2 0 1 begins on the first hole. At 400 yards from the blue tees, 4

the Par 4 doglegs right. The tee shot, like many at Millsite, must carry a wash. The approach, like many at Millsite, must also carry a wash and desert.

Hole No. 2 is a short and even driveable for some, 282 yard Par 4. But desert lurks on both sides and the fairway slopes right to left. The tee shot must also carry the reservoir’s spillway.

“On this hole, like most at Millsite, a 220-yard tee shot sets you up perfectly,” Leonard says.

The third hole is a sharp dogleg right Par 5 that runs along the base of Millsite Reservoir Dam. From the tee, the fairway slopes down and narrows by the dam, before the hole turns right to a split fairway. The green is hidden below the upper fairway. For most, it’s a three-shot hole.

“If you hit a driver off the tee and hit it solid and straight, your ball will probably roll into the dam,” Leonard says.

The fourth hole is a dogleg right around a hill and the Par 3 fifth has a stream protecting the front of the green.

Hole No. 6, a 489-yard Par 5, is one of the few driver holes on the course.

“The fairway (though over a wash with out of bounds left) is one of the widest on the course, so if you can get out there at least 250 yards you’re going to have a good shot at reaching the green in two,” Leonard says.

The uphill 170-yard Par 3 seventh is considered one of Utah’s toughest holes. Not only is there the spillway’s deep ravine to the right, the hole plays a club or two longer than the yardage and the narrow green slopes from back to front.

To accommodate another hole, the Par 4 eighth was flipped around, now played as a dogleg right rather than a dogleg left and the ninth hole is the former No. 1 reversed.

“No. 9 goes back to the clubhouse and now plays more to a fade than a draw. It’s a little more forgiving than the old No. 1 used to be,” Leonard says.

The back nine begins on a new 370-yard dogleg left squeezed in between No. 8 and the former No. 9. What once was the ninth hole is now No. 11. And as was the case before, there’s more room left than it looks from the continued on page 26

26 MILLSITE

G O continued from page 25 L F tee. The approach on No. 11 requires carry to a green S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

that severely slopes right to left.

“To get one more hole in we had to change three holes. But I think it’s a much better design,” Leonard says.

Millsite’s toughest hole is No. 14, a 429-yard Par 4 that requires carry over a ravine off the tee, with desert and a cliff left and a gully in front of the green.

“This hole is going to be very difficult no matter what.

It’s tough to keep the ball in the fairway and then you’re going to have an approach shot that has to be hit high and carry trouble again. If you make a birdie or par on this hole, you’ve done really well. You’ve tackled our toughest hole,” Leonard says.

The Par 3 17th might be one of Utah’s more picturesque holes. At 188 yards, the tee shot is all carry over a canyon. But a bunker left and a dip to the right catch most errant tee shots and the green has a backstop that brings most long shots back onto the green.

“This is a tough, but very fair hole. Even though you have a pretty good carry, if you hit a good shot you’ll be rewarded,” Leonard says.

Millsite finishes with a downhill and very tight, 575-yard Par 5. The fairway narrows the farther off the tee you get. The narrow green is well protected by a bunker in front.

“A lot of guys just lay up to 40 or 50 yards out and then try to flip a wedge up there. If you go after it in two it’s pretty difficult to stick a ball on that green. You really have to play everything to the center of the green to even have a chance, no matter where the pin is cut,” Leonard says.

Millsite, with par at 71, plays to 6,321 yards from the blue tees and 5,637 yards from the white tees. Greens fees are $20 and carts are $12 per rider. A season pass is $350 and a family pass is $800. Rates are discounted for seniors (over 50) and juniors.

The uphill, 170-yard Par 3 seventh is considered one of Utah’s toughest holes. Not only is there the spillway’s deep ravine to the right, the hole plays a club or two longer than the yardage and the narrow green slopes from back to front.

Millsite has a ladies league with 40-60 members, a senior league with close to 50 members and a men’s association with about 40 members.

The course is located at 3000 West Canyon Road in Ferron. More information is available by calling 435-3842887 or online at www.millsitegolfcourse.com.

27 G O L it’s a chip shot you just can’t hit. Maybe it’s a particular F

Shooting Your Lowest Score

For most aspiring golfers, shooting your lowest score ever can be summed up in two words, Emotional hole you double every timeAcademies’ you play it. Maybe it’s

By Panic.

Mike Malaska –bogey Nicklaus Strange how success often seems to have such a detrimena shadow on the ground or a break on the green.

World-Wide Director of Instruction tal effect on the golfer.

Before you become a great player, you’ll have to manage As one improves, your lower scores form a psychologi- your own personal demons. cal hurdle – creating a curious obstacle we all have to “get The demons are anxieties. And what does or doesn’t over” in need to improve. The brutality is that great shots happen only fuels these demons – feeds them. So how, and great scores can suddenly make you shoot far worse. then, do we beat them?

So what’s going on in all this? Is it all just mental?

My own demon was a 90-yard wedge shot into the And if so, what can be done about it? If you can’t break green. At critical moments, I started to hit it fat. So believe through your mental barriers, how can you ever shoot me, I feel your pain. your lowest score?

The key to the darker side of golf is not to avoid the demons, but to play with them. First, realize that they Plan B: Learn Your ‘Go-To’ Shots will never go away. The more you are afraid of them ‘Go-to’ means three things: maintain your focus, main- and the less willing you are to deal with them, the bigger tain your tempo and maintain your swing. they become.

As an example, let’s ask “What would Jack do”? In a Having options in the first cure. critical moment, Jack Nicklaus would most likely play a fade. This is the shot he likes. Tom Watson would hit Plan D: Have Options a draw. Tiger has gone through a period where his low Let’s say that suddenly you can only hit a 40-yard slice shot – the low stinger – is the ‘go-to’ shot he’s been able and you are on a dogleg left. If you don’t have the ability to play. Now it’s not maybe the best shot, but it’s a shot to hit a draw, you have to aim well left and cut the ball

By Mike Malaska he knows he can keep in play. into the dogleg. What this does is help you lower your Every player at the tour level has a preferred shot they anxiety level. This will help to quell the demons, because he mental side of shooting your best score brings with it the anticipation that you’re close to ac- have practiced, so they can hit it under pressure. The goal you aren’t trying to hit a difficult shot out of your reach.

There is another way to look at demons. Demons are complishing something new – but how do you here is to intentionally practice a shot on the range for when you get nervous or jumpy or out of sorts. trying to save you. overcome that mental hurdle?

Relying on this practice shot will allow you to break “You just can’t hit this shot –really. Don’t,” they seem to There’s no way to totally avoid this reality – but we can through the difficult mental barriers. We’d love to just say. Or they make you aware that you are in a situation talk about a couple of ways to make it work.

First, let’s try to just ‘stay in the moment’ and hit one stay focused on where we are, but when this doesn’t hap- where you need to do something special or try something pen, the ‘go-to’ shot lets you have a very good chance of else. shot at a time. keeping the ball in play.

Being 100% committed to a shot that is 50% correct Now let’s take one step deeper in the mental game of is better than being 50% committed to something that Plan A: Play One Shot At A Time Images courtesy of the Nicklaus Academy at DragonRidge www.nicklausacademylasvegas.com You hear guys on tour talking about one shot at a time: performance. Beyond the ‘go-to’ shot, there’s still a place is 100% correct. Again, the ‘right’ shot is the shot you don’t get ahead of yourself, stay in the moment, hit the where everything can fall apart. What we’re describing CAN hit. student can offeelByhow their weight any players do not the circumstances hererealize are the nightmare that no amount far, the ‘maddest’ you get with should yourself is attemptshots. importance feet play practice on the range can fix. move during the ing a golf shot youswing. just knew you couldn’t hit at a particular But all of a sudden you are aware: “Oh wow, I’mthat on 15 their It won’t feet always are be blue skies and bluebirds.

It’s not logical – andAs regrettably, and I’ve never broken 80 and I havegolf to do is swing. bogey in inallthe Your TakeWhere yourmoment. regular stance. youit never will be. do you go when the very game you love becomes unfair, Sorry, the demons are here to stay. and I canthe shoot 79”. only point of contact with the ground begin your back swing, bring your left Welcome to the purely mental side of the game!

In this scenario, when you find yourself in uncharted if not unkind? Bad breaks, bad bounces, horrendously and provide the platform from which foot back so it is next to the right. Just waters, try to focus on yourself as the good players do. bad luck. a fundamentally swing built as that you reach the top of your backswing, So, is what are these situations What shots can you hit – and what shotssound can’t you hit – disrupt‘ball you when all is good – step and can forward to begin the downswing. from.Now, Golf one only and at that moment? what is most peopleof try to do is toa few your entire career?Complete When make their very best swing – which is OK – to get rid of even wreck your swing with your normal stick sports’ (baseball, softball & tennis the professionals turn to this dark subject, the tension, stand up, get your target and go! for example) where the athlete does not stance. Notice how difficult it is to ‘spinAnd once you feel this anxiousness, you sense the anxi- they talk about ‘The Demons’. step into their swing.

As with these other out of the shot’ with a proper weight ety of scoring pressure. Now one shot at a time can sudPlan C: Learn To Love sports, it you is need critical that your feet are in Your Demons shift. Use the Step Into It Drill during denly stop working – and another way to cope.

Regardless of the level of player, the practice sessions, and in time, a All of asynch sudden you’re starting to lose it.

Now, the great your with your body throughout the uncertainty of what’s going to happen players have a ‘go-to’ shot.

It may not be the best shot to proper weight shift that is in synch will entire swing for a proper weight shift. hit – but they know how to make a shot that will keep affects the way you play. For some, these so that the second nature. nagging issues drag on for years.become Maybe the ball in play. I use the Step Into It Drill

The Importance of Footwork in the Golf Swing

T

M

About the author: PGA Professional Mike Malaska is #24 on Golf Digest’s ranking of instructors and is one of Golf Magazine’s Top 100. To arrange a personal session with Mike, call 602.799.7099 or visit www.nicklausacademies.com

S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

28 G O L F

Leupold GX-4i2 Golf Rangefinder N

ow, the best of both worlds.

Leupold’s new GX-4i² offers every stroke-saving advantage that can be packed into a compact, rugged laser rangefinder.

Revolutionary Smart Key technology now conforms to USGA Rule 14-3. Lightning-fast DNA engine, improved PinHunter 2 Laser Technology and a bright, vivid OLED display come together with proprietary features such as True Golf Range (TGR) and Club Selector. The result is a training/ — playing aid that can be tailored to your own personal ball-striking abilities or used for tournament M play when permitted by Local Rule.

S O U T H W E S T

a y Club Selector

2 0 1 4

A Leupold exclusive. Club Selector gives you every advantage to hit the shot you need. By pre-entering your normal striking distances for the 8, 6 and 4 irons, Club Selector will then make club recommendations based on the True Golf Range (TGR) of your shot. It’s like having your own personal caddie who knows your every shot.

The chrome faceplate (included) disables True Golf Range and Club Selector features to make the GX-4i² permitted for use under the rules of golf (per USGA Rule 14-3/0.5).

Durability Leopold products are battered and abused by thousands of enthusiasts every day and they are legendary for their durability. They know how to make a product rugged and they have poured that knowledge into the weatherproof Leupold golf rangefinder. So the next time you play through an ill-timed squall, you can be confident at least one friend will stick by your side - your Leupold golf rangefinder.

Fog Mode Rain or shine, many golfers hit the links regardless of conditions; that’s why Leopold designed Fog Mode. Most rangefinders give measurements from the first target returned, which in some cases is the fog between you and the pin. Your GX will cut through the weather and provide fast, accurate measurements to get you on the green. You don’t let anything stand between you and the cup, so why should your rangefinder?

Pinhunter 2 & Prism Lock The key to fast, accurate ranging is the ability to lock on to the flagstick. For some, a shaky hand has made it more difficult to get on—and stay on—the pin. Not anymore. Leopold’s improved PinHunter 2 Laser Technology (available on GX-3i² and GX-4i²) filters out background images and makes zeroing-in on the target faster and easier. Three different reticle options give you more flexibility in choosing the one that’s best for you.

Leupold GX Prism Lock Technology combined with PinHunter 2 Laser Technology make “locking on” faster than ever before. You get an audible tone when the rangefinder finds the prism and the distance is immediately displayed, speeding up the pace of play and giving you more confidence to hit the shot.

Quick Set Menu The Quick Set Menu is intuitive and easy to use, giving you fast access to the incredible performance of your GX golf rangefinder. All features and modes are easy to see without cluttering the field of view.

Scan Mode When you want multiple readings in one quick sweep, just hold down the Power button and the display will continuously update with accurate lineof-site measurements. As an extra benefit, on courses utilizing prism technology, your GX will beep and the display will freeze the moment you scan past a prism-topped flag stick, assuring you of an accurate reading.

True Golf Range (TGR) Many rangefinders and GPS systems can provide straight Line-of-Sight (LOS) ranging. But as serious players know, the true distance to the hole is rarely a simple straight line. Inclines, declines, altitude, temperature and other atmospheric conditions dramatically affect your actual distance and club selection.

Leupold rangefinders with True Golf Range are the only rangefinders in the world that arm you with this critical information.

And, when you combine TGR with their exclusive Club Selector, you get a specific recommendation for which club to hit based on your own personal ballstriking abilities.

Instead of taking a “one size fits all” approach, Leupold has redefined golf rangefinders with a simple principle: customize them to the individual golfer ’s needs. The GX-4i² with Leupold’s high performance DNA (Digitally eNhanced Accuracy) engine and advanced infrared laser provides faster measurements and increased accuracy displayed to the nearest 1/10

of a yard.

So remember, the exclusive PinHunter2 Laser Technology, fog mode and three selectable aiming reticles consistently hunt down the pin in virtually any weather conditions. Prism Lock Technology by Leopold affords unmatched accuracy by using highly reflective prisms already incorporated into many course features and pins to obtain a high intensity return to your GX rangefinder. With Prism Lock, holding the rangefinder steady becomes much less of a concern and you can be assured your distance measurement is exact. Taking customization to the extreme, the removable Smart Key of the GX-4i² adds the incredible benefit of True Golf Range (TGR) and the Club Selector, giving you the confidence you need to play the right shot every time. TGR provides ranging information matched to your personal hitting strength, the slope of the shot and current conditions to accurately compensate for uphill shots that play long and downhill shots that play short. The Club Selector feature combines your specific hitting strength and TGR to the target, automatically recommending the appropriate club for each shot. Simply input the distance obtained with three specific clubs and the GX-4i² will do the rest.

Leopold’s GX-4i² offers just what you would expect from one of the most respected names in the optics business. Rugged, compact and completely weatherproof, Leupold’s GX rangefinders are sure to shave strokes from your game. Welcome to the future of golf.

29 G O L F S O U T H W E S T

THE FASTEST FOURSOME IN GOLF.

— M a y 2 0 1 4

IMPROVE YOUR GAME IN LESS TIME WITH A LEUPOLD® GX® -SERIES RANGEFINDER. Shave strokes off your game with the fastest, most accurate ranging in golf. Proprietary DNA® technology gives you laser accurate Line-of-Sight distance as well as True Golf Range™ to compensate for elevation, temperature, and altitude (select models). Precise ranging. Fewer shots. Faster play. Get on the fast track to better golf. See your golf retailer or visit leupold.com/golf.

WIN A GX -4i 2 RANGEFINDER OR TICKETS TO THE 2014 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP. ®

Each week from April through June, we’ll draw a winner for a Leupold® GX®-4i 2 rangefinder. Or win our Grand Prize: two tickets to the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

Register and details at

leupold.com/fastestfoursome.

No purchase necessary.

1-800-LEUPOLD | © 2014 Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

Leupold is a proud sponsor of the American Junior Golf Association Pace of Play program. Learn more at www.ajga.org.

30 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Titleist T

itleist’s all-new 2014 NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity and DT Solo golf balls, designed to deliver even better performance and feel through innovative core, cover and aerodynamic technologies.

Every Titleist golf ball, including the industry-leading Pro V1 and Pro V1x, is precision engineered by Titleist Golf Ball R&D associates and manufactured in the company’s world-class owned and operated facilities to provide a meaningful performance and preference option. The new 2014 models offer the same renowned quality and consistency that have become synonymous with any golf ball stamped “Titleist”.

New NXT Tour and softer-feeling NXT Tour S provide exceptional distance and commanding short game scoring performance, exceeded only by Pro V1 and Pro V1x. Both new models have been improved with a reengineered softer compression core and cover so golfers will experience even softer feel.

Titleist R&D designed the 2014 Velocity with a reformulated, LSX core that produces a high initial ball speed for powerful distance. A new, spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design delivers a more penetrating trajectory with a shallower angle of descent for even more roll. The result is even more explosive distance on all full swing shots.

New DT Solo has been redesigned to provide the best combination of soft feel and distance in a DT yet. With its super soft compression core and soft ionomer cover, the 2014 model features a new spherically tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple pattern that contributes to even longer driver and iron distance while retaining the distinctly soft feel and consistency that DT players have come to love and trust.

“When we make an improvement to a Titleist golf ball, it’s in direct response to what golfers tell us they need and want,” said Bill Morgan, Senior Vice President of Titleist Golf Ball R&D.

“We’re constantly in the field talking with golfers, capturing their launch conditions on all types of shots, and observing how different golf balls perform for their game. All of this information feeds the product development process and allows us to focus our design efforts and ultimately our prototype testing in ways that will enhance performance for these golfers.”

More than 40,000 golfers from around the world participated in the white-box testing and validation process, with golfers receiving prototype NXT Tour, NXT Tour S, Velocity or DT Solo golf balls for on-course evaluation. Player feedback was then gathered through Team Titleist and shared with Titleist R&D.

2014 NXT Tour

Engineered for high performance, the 2014 Titleist NXT Tour golf ball utilizes advanced multi-component technology that delivers low driver and long iron spin for exceptionally long distance and scoring performance.

It features a new softer compression dual core and a softer, thin Fusablend cover. The result is a softer, truer feel on all shots while maintaining its exceptional distance and excellent short game control on shots into and around the green that is only exceeded by Pro V1 and Pro V1x. NXT Tour retains its spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design that produces a piercing and stable ball flight for consistent distance and trajectory control.

Player Benefits • Exceptional distance • Consistent flight • Commanding short game spin and control • Softer feel on all shots • Excellent durability • Multi-component technology • Softer compression dual core • Softer, thin Fusablend cover • Spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design

31 2014 NXT Tour S

G O L F

The new Titleist NXT Tour S golf ball is designed for players seeking NXT Tour performance – outstanding distance, consistent flight and commanding short game control – with an even softer compression feel.

The new model has been reengineered with a softer compression, highly resilient core and softer, thin Fusablend cover to deliver a softer feel on all shots. (New NXT Tour S is even softer than the prior generation model as well as its 2014 NXT Tour counterpart.) NXT Tour S also retains its spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design for a piercing and stable flight.

NXT Tour S is available in both white and high optic yellow colors.

S O U T H W E S T — M a y

Player Benefits • Outstanding distance • Consistent flight • Commanding short game spin and control • Even softer feel on all shots • Excellent durability • Advanced technology • Reengineered softer compression, highly resilient core • Softer, thin Fusablend cover • Spherically tiled 302 octahedral dimple design

2014 Velocity

The 2014 Titleist Velocity is powered for even more distance as the result of innovative design technology. New Velocity utilizes a reformulated, exclusive LSX core that produces a very fast ball speed, giving golfers explosive power off the tee and shorter approach shots into the green.

A new, spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design with 7 different dimple sizes is highly symmetrical (three axes of symmetry) with a more uniform surface coverage. It delivers a more penetrating and soaring flight on all full swing shots for more precision and shallower angle of descent for more rollout. A softer compression core also provides a more playable feel in the short game.

Velocity is available in single (#1, 2, 3, 4) and double-digit (#00, 11, 22, 33) play numbers.

Player Benefits • More explosive distance on all shots • Deep downrange peak trajectory and shallower angle of descent for more roll • More playable feel in the short game • Tighter, more consistent ball flight • Advanced technology • Reformulated, LSX core • NAZ2 cover formulation • New spherically tiled 328 tetrahedral dimple design

2014 DT SoLo

The new Titleist DT SoLo golf balls have been redesigned to provide even longer distance on full shots along with the distinctly soft feel, greenside control and consistent quality that are the DT standard. 2014 DT Solo retains its super soft compression, fast core and soft ionomer cover.

A new spherically tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple design, with a more uniform surface coverage, delivers a tighter, more consistent flight for even longer driver and iron distance. The combination of the super soft core and soft cover

2 0 1 4

blend gives golfers a distinctly soft feel with responsive short game performance.

New DT Solo is available in both white and optic yellow colors.

Player Benefits • Distinctly soft compression feel • Longer distance with driver and irons • Responsive short game performance • Trusted quality and consistency • Advanced technology • Super soft compression, fast core • Soft ionomer cover blend • New spherically tiled 376 tetrahedral dimple design

32 G O L F S O U T H W E S T — M a y 2 0 1 4

Look a little closer and it’s surprising what you discover.

That’s Luxury Uncovered.

Discover more at STGEORGELINCOLN.COM 145 W. Hilton Drive St. George, UT 84770 844-356-5100 Optional features not shown in lease. Not all buyers will qualify for Lincoln AFS financing. 0% APR financing for 60 months at $16.67 per month per $1,000 financed, regardless of down payment. Take new retail delivery from dealer stock by 3/31/14. See dealer for qualifications and complete details.