Are You Ready For The 6th Annual Boeing Classic Champions Tour Event?
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
by Cameron Healey
What began as the newly minted “Boeing Greater Seattle Classic” in 2005 and the brand new stop on the PGA Tour Champions Tour, The Boeing Classic (as it is now known) now attracts an incredible field of 78 Champions Tour golf pros, including rookies Fred Couples, Corey Pavin, Mark Calcavecchia, Paul Azinger, Tom Lehman, and Tom Pernice Jr, among others (”rookies” doesn’t quite sound right, does it?), and has perhaps more importantly contributed nearly $3 million over the last 5 years for The Heart Institute at Virginia Mason and other local charities. While the tournament beneficiary in 2010 is The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, a worldwide leader in autoimmune disease research, and The Boeing Company now firmly entrenched as the title sponsor, Seattle’s very own premier PGA Champions Tour event continues to get better every year.
The field is always competitive and despite the often relaxed and congenial atmosphere at the challenging 7,264 yard, par-72 Jack Nicklaus-signature TPC Snoqualmie course, these guys come to Seattle to win. Though a young event, you would be remiss to ignore the seven-way tie in 2007 or the fact that Tom Kite has won twice here. The memory of the mini duel between Mark O’Meara and defending Champ Loren Roberts last year affirms that The Boeing Classic is fun but not without skilled players. And with hometown favorite Fred Couples sitting atop the leader board of the Charles Schwab Cup and the likes of Tom Lehman, Nick Price, and Bernhard Langer hot on his heels, these legends are slated to provide Northwest patrons with an opportunity to witness swashbuckling golf in a setting that is punctuated by the impressive Mount SI and the beauty of the panoramic Snoqualmie Valley. Yes, the view from the club house down the 18th fairway is tough to compare! In fact, TPC Snoqualmie was awarded “best view from the clubhouse”on the Champions Tour.
These guys love to come to Seattle and genuinely enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with Northwest fans. “The Champions Tour professionals really enjoy playing in the Pacific Northwest in front of our crowds, with great weather and beautiful scenery. This is a stop on the Tour that they have told me they really look forward to each year, and we love having them here,” says Tournament Director, Michelle DeLancy.
While Northwest golf aficionados are naturally excited and appreciative to have the likes of the U.S. Senior Open and U.S. Amateur come to town this year, the Northwest has not exactly been crowned the USGA event capital; however, that is changing with Chambers Bay slated to host the 2015 U.S. Open! Also, consider that since The Boeing Classic event began in 2005, nearly 300,000 fans have stamped their collective seal of approval and adorned the Boeing Classic one of their perennial favorites. You probably should too! This event is here to stay!
Areas You Don’t Want To Miss On The Course
Canyon Club
This club was so popular in 2009, that they have doubled the size of the hospitality suite that is located on the 14th green. The energy of the crowd and the view point looking out towards the tee box to watch PGA TOUR Champions Tour pros decide whether or not to hit across the canyon is second to none. And, if you want a break from all the ‘Canyon’ action, and want to see who’s teeing off from the 18th tee box, all you have to do is literally turn your head and from the sun deck on the back of the Canyon Club watch your favorite pros twice! Canyon Club passes are available for $50/day and includes Canyon Club access, beer, wine, soda or water and a hot dog or wrap. Great value! Do keep in mind, however, that the cost of this pass is in addition to the cost of a daily, weekly or tournament ticket.
In addition, new for 2010, patrons can enjoy a viewing area on the 9th green, which is open to the public. This truly is a great spot to watch the players tackle the par 3,207 yard ninth hole while enjoying a beverage from the bar on the sundeck on top of the bleachers.
Delta Global Pavilion
Delta Global Pavilion* Passes
The Delta Global Pavilion is the swanky luxury skybox on the 18th green, complete with leather couches, flat screen TVs and a sundeck complete with a gorgeous view of the Snoqualmie Valley. Now if the allure of the ever present selection of great food and beverages doesn’t convince you this is the place to be, then perhaps the knowledge that a Champions Tour professional will stop by for a visit on the Friday (8/27) and Saturday (8/28) might just seal the deal! Yes, just make sure that it’s a glass of orange juice in your hand when someone like defending champ Loren Roberts or Freddie Couples comes barreling over to say hello! One day pass’s can be purchased for only $150.
What Makes The Boeing Classic Special Check List!
You’ve most likely experienced the Recent U.S. Senior Open at Sahalee and now wonder what makes the Boeing Classic special to Washington State. Of course, not to take anything away from the excitement generated by the Senior Open, but the following is a quick hit list of what makes the Boeing Classic so special to Northwest patrons each and every year!
- The Boeing Classic is an annual event. Yes, this is the 6th year, and more than $3 million has been raised for local charities.
- Friday is FREE gate admission thanks to Golf Galaxy
- A Boeing Jet flies over the course to officially kick off the tournament on Friday, August 27th at 11:20am. As a licensed pilot, this is a personal favorite for me! Is there any other PGA Event that kicks off this way?
- Local community members and business executives sit on the tournament committee, and local partners and supporters return to the tournament each year. They have a vested interest in both the charity cause and success of the Champions Tour Event.
- 1000 volunteers each year and over 250 are returning for their 6th Boeing Classic. Volunteers pay to volunteer, so more money is redirected back to the tournament beneficiary.
- Champions Tour players are truly fan friendly. You can play in a Pro-Am with them during the week, and watch them in tournament competition later that weekend. They talk with fans as they walk the course, and autographs are available post round.
- Parking is close to the course, with easy access to the Interstate 90 free way.
Boeing Classic Week of Events
Monday, August 23rd
8:30am, Seahawks Rumble at the Ridge
Join Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor inductees, NFL Hall of Famers, plus local and national celebrities for the 2010 Rumble at the Ridge golf tournament. Imagine being paired with a celebrity golfer where each player in your foursome receives a special tee prize bag and complimentary food at four holes during the round. Breakfast is provided and you’ll enjoy a fabulous BBQ and Awards Ceremony afterwards.
Tuesday, August 24th
12:00pm - Youth Clinic
Wednesday, August 25th
Korean Air Pro-Am Day One
The Korean Air Pro-Am provides an opportunity for corporate partners to play with a legend of golf during practice rounds at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge and in the process contribute to the charitable proceeds raised for the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason. 56 foursomes will play in the two-day event, with every amateur team paired with a Champions Tour player. The pros and their caddies are true ambassadors of the game and engage with their groups for a dynamic and one-of-a-kind experience.
7:30am Morning Shotgun
1:45pm Afternoon Shotgun
Thursday, August 26th
Korean Air Pro-Am Day Two
7:30am Morning Shotgun
1:45pm Afternoon Shotgun
Friday, August 27th
FREE Gate Admission to all fans courtesy of Golf Galaxy
11:20am Boeing jet flyover *subject to change
11:30am Boeing Classic Round 1
Saturday, August 28th
9:00am Walk to Unlock the Immune System (5k walk on the course for charity)
11:30am Boeing Classic Round 2
Sunday, August 29th
11:30am Championship Sunday
6pm Boeing Classic 2010 Champion trophy presentation on 18th green
How Can I Get In On The Action?
Tickets are available at www.boeingclassic.com and are truly inexpensive. You’ll still have a bunch of moss remaining in your wallet after forking over only $20 for daily tickets, weekly $60, and three day tournament over the weekend $40, which is just about the price of replacing a dozen Taylormade Pentas and, of course, you can come out to Snoqualmie on Friday FREE courtesy of Golf Galaxy.
Interested in Volunteering? You don’t have to be a golfer to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities are still available; in fact, volunteers receive a great package including shirts, tickets, and great prizes.
Want to Participate By Playing in the Pro-Am? Foursomes and Individual playing spots are still available but going fast! You can play with legends like Tom Kite, Fred Funk, Mark O’Meara and more! You can also bid on a chance in being paired with Fred Couples!
Interested In Donating to the Event Charity: The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason? “Birdies for Charity” lets you guess how many birdies will occur during the tournament. Make a guess and win great prizes like a Pro-Am playing spot, Seahawks VIP experience or a Microsoft Xbox.
Feel Like Taking In The Fresh Air and Views of The Snoqualmie Valley? Perhaps you would like to exercise. “Walk to Unlock the Immune System” a 5k walk on Saturday, August 28th 9am walk beginning on the 10th tee and finishing on the 18th green just in time to see the first tee time of the day. Enjoy the course without golfers playing, take in the scenery including views of the beautiful Snoqualmie Falls, and get some exercise while helping to raise funds for Autoimmune Disease Research. The walk is $25 and includes free admission to the tournament on Saturday.
The 54 holes of tournament competition begin Aug 27-29. For more information, please visit www.boeingclassic.com.
Vancouver Island Is “The” Best Golf & Spa Destination!
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
What do you think about when you hear Vancouver Island? For me, Victoria, British Columbia immediately comes to mind with the spectacular Butchart Gardens and old English downtown sites like The Empress Hotel and Parliament Buildings. Don’t forget about the Inner Harbour and Fishermen’s Wharf with amazing fish and chips! While these are all fun to experience, Victoria and Vancouver Island also have many wonderful golf courses and spa options to enjoy. While I was attending the Telus World Skins event in June, I had the opportunity to explore some of what Vancouver Island has to offer outside of the typical tourist activities.
Vancouver Island’s Golf Trail includes 12 championship golf courses and covers 250 km (155 miles) of Vancouver Island. It begins in Victoria with five courses (Olympic View, Highland Pacific, Arbutus Ridge and the Bear Mountain Resort Mountain and Valley courses), travels north through Cowichan Valley wine country (Cowichan Golf & Country Club and Duncan Meadows Golf & CC) towards the ocean beaches of Parksville and Qualicum Beach (Morningstar Golf Course, Pheasant Glen Golf Resort and Fairwinds Golf Club) and comes to an end in Campbell River (Crown Isle Resort & Golf Community and Storey Creek Golf and Rec Society).
The site of the 2010 Telus World Skins event, Bear Mountain Resort Mountain Course opened in 2003. Two years later it was rated the #1 golf course in all of Canada. Co-designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve, it is a par 72, 7212 yard, 18-hole course; 5014 yards from the front tees. Its elevation climbs to 1100 ft. changing throughout which lends to amazing views of the Victoria Harbour, coastline and Olympic Mountain range. The course includes a par 3, 141 yard 19th hole with an incredible panoramic view - perfect for the friendly wager among your foursome. In 2009, the Valley Course opened featuring wider fairways and larger greens at 6807 yards and par 71 and 4674 yards for the ladies. Bear Mountain Resort has resort accommodations of 156 guest rooms available at The Westin Bear Mountain.
After enjoying a round at either the Mountain or Valley course (or both), I recommend taking a break and treating yourself to a spa treatment at the onsite Sante Spa. In addition to traditional spa choices, the Sante Spa offers three “Golf Treatments” at Bear Mountain. A great option for couples, The Mulligan is a river rock foot soak with feet and lower leg massage accompanied by the refreshment of a cold beverage on the patio overlooking the grounds with stunning views of the mountains. Add a pedicure for an extra treat. Fore the Face is a specially designed facial which works to replenish moisture and reverse skin damage from hours on the links. It is complemented by a scalp massage. The Eagle Massage focuses on the lower back, shoulders and arms to relieve aching joints and muscles after a round or two on the course.
For dinner, visit any of the four dining options at Bear Mountain Resort: Panache for fine dining, Copper Rock Grill & Lounge, Kuma Sushi or Jack’s Place sport pub. You may also choose to head back to Victoria’s Inner Harbour for fresh seafood or brew pub fare.
While still in Victoria proper, take pleasure in another spa treatment at Spa at the Grand which is located inside the Hotel Grand Pacific in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. It has a relaxing Asian feel and offers a full menu of spa services. I highly recommend the Ylang-Ylang: De-Stress Body Treatment, a very gentle exfoliation, wrap, massage combination that will revive you and prepare you for a day outdoors. Spa at the Grand also has packages available for him and her. For Her includes a facial, eye treatment, manicure, pedicure and Swedish massage. For Him is comprised of a facial, pedicure and sports massage.
After the event had concluded at Bear Mountain, I drove up island to the Parksville/Qualicum Beach area where there are three courses to choose from a mere 30 minutes apart: Pheasant Glen, Morningstar and Fairwinds. Before my first round, I checked into the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort. They offer many lodging choices from cottages to ocean front condominiums and spa bungalows. Its ocean-side location is breathtaking. When I checked into my room at 11am, I couldn’t believe the beach stretched out over 3km at low tide. Right outside your room is the opportunity for the warmest beach swimming in Canada once the water returns. Once settled, I headed to town and had lunch on the seaside patio where there is a brand new boardwalk that spans the length of the beach which invites one to explore.
I played twilight on the back nine at Morningstar. Several holes require strategically placed shots whether you want to lay up to avoid a stream or sand trap or try to clear them in hopes of shaving off a stroke. Fairway bunkers challenge on much of the course as well. Bullfrogs serenade during afternoon play and eagles can ruin your concentration if they fly overhead during your backswing.
Canadian golf architect Les Furber designed both the Morningstar and Fairwinds courses with undulating greens that are either long and narrow or short and wide. Morningstar’s signature 12th hole demands a left favored fairway shot followed with a tricky approach over a railroad tied bunker that nearly lines the entire front of the wide rolling green. I need to play that hole again! Morningstar has hosted many Canadian Pro events and measures in at 7018 yd, par 72 from the back tees and 5313 yd, par 72 from the front tees.
Pheasant Glen in Qualicum Beach may be my new favorite course. It probably has something to do with the fact that I broke “100″ for the first time after playing for ten years. It wasn’t just a 99 either, it was a 96! I even scored par on the (ladies’) hardest hole. The course nicknamed “Nature’s Golf Course” is so peaceful and relaxing that I was put at ease immediately. It is tucked away from highways with no home construction; so there is no fear of an errant shot ruining your day by landing in someone’s yard. Pheasant Glen is a walkable course with an amazing view of Mount Arrowsmith. My biggest obstacles of the day were the par 3 holes, none of which I could par. Grassy meadows and creeks adorn the wide open front nine, while the back 9 is heavily treed with Douglas Fir and feels like a different course. In 2005, Pheasant Glen was renovated from a par 69 course to a 6700 yard championship par 72 by modifying holes 16 through 18, which then received the distinction of “the three toughest finishing holes in BC” by the BCGA Executive Director of 2006 & 2007. The forward tees measure in at 4812 yard par 72. If you should desire to brush up on your game while on vacation, the Brent Morrison Golf Academy at Pheasant Glen offers private instruction, semi-private instruction for groups of 2-4 or game evaluation where the instructor joins you for a 9-hole round to see you in action and share tips.
The Grotto Spa at Tigh-Na-Mara is the largest resort spa in British Columbia and the #1 Spa in Western Canada as ranked by Spas of America compared to over 700 others spa and wellness facilities in North, Central and South America. The Grotto is a 2500 square foot cavern-like warm water mineral pool with a two-story cascading waterfall, accompanied by a whirlpool. There is a private patio if you choose to curl up with a magazine or book before or after your treatment. Natural minerals and trace elements refresh the body and senses. Use of the mineral pool is complimentary with any spa treatment on your day of service. Grotto Spa suites with soaking tubs for two are offered for couples wishing to share the spa experience. Packages include wine and cheese & fruit plate or champagne with chocolate covered strawberries. Facials, manicures and other treatments may be added as well.
After an incredible facial, I headed upstairs to the Tree Top Tapas & Grill for endless tapas. Yes, “endless”. The grill is available solely for the spa’s robed guests. The Chef’s Choice selection is the way to go. Over three hours later, I was incredulous at the fresh assortment and combinations that Chef Eric Edwards showcased from the gazpacho duo shooters of spicy tomato & red pepper and sweet honeydew & cucumber to the grilled flatbread with caramelized onions, goat cheese and bacon; the crab and shrimp roll with avocado mousse; not to mention the salmon, lamb, duck, chicken, pork and snapper creations. It was all magnificent and accompanied by a nice variety of BC wine. Tigh-Na-Mara prides itself on featuring West Coast cuisine throughout all of their dining facilities and uses organic and locally grown products as much as possible.
The next morning, I checked out of Tigh-Na-Mara and drove south towards to Nanaimo to play Fairwinds. Fairwinds boasts over 70 sand bunkers and beautiful ocean views and is often referred to as a “thinking golfers” course. The signature 16th hole is 330 yard hole from an elevated tee box with water to the left and bunkers short of the green on both sides. Don’t get distracted by the amazing view of the ocean in the distance. Fairwinds is 6204 yards, par 71 from the back tees and 5173 yards, par 71 from the front. The greens are immaculate and wildlife can be seen throughout your round. I witnessed a mama deer with her fawn nibbling on shrubs on the practice green before my round and then saw them again later on the 9th hole strolling along the water.
In June 2009, Fairwinds was certified by the Audobon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for its commitment to Environmental Stewardship. One of only eight British Columbia golf courses with this distinction, it has demonstrated environmentally friendly practices in Environmental Planning, Wildlife and Habitat Management, Outreach and Education, Chemical Use and Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation and Water Quality Management.
Now that I have tempted you with all that Vancouver Island has to offer, aren’t you ready to start planning your own vacation? With very mild temperatures, Vancouver Island is the perfect year round golf and spa destination, so get your clubs and travel documents ready! For more information, please visit www.golfvancouverisland.ca
Golf Today’s Putter Buying Guide for 2010
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
The game of golf can be frustrating. You drive the ball well. You are hitting greens in regulation but you can’t putt to save your life. You know it. You even start desperately trying to hit your irons closer to the hole to help reduce the possible three-putt. You start pressing and now you aren’t hitting greens either. In an attempt to make up for your poor putting, you try to “steer” your drives into the fairway to give you a better chance with your irons. Now things are going awry on the tee box.
Become a better putter and you will have lower scores. It’s just that simple. Good putting will bring you confidence in every aspect of your game. It’s the key to the game of golf.
Putting practice is boring compared to hitting balls on the range. How can you get enthused about committing some more time to practicing on the putting green? That’s easy; get a new putter. A new putter will almost always drive you out to the putting green for extra practice. It gives you hope. Most of all the new technological advances in putter design will help you sink more putts, even if you don’t add any time to your putting practice.
To help you choose which putter will be your game changer, Golf Today Magazine has put together a 2010 Putter Buying Guide.
Nike Golf (www.nikegolf.com)
Nike has three putters in this year’s buying guide. Two from the IC line of mallet putters, the IC 20-20 and the IC 20-15 MOI and the recently introduced putter–The Method.
With the midsize mallet, the IC 20-15 MOI, and the larger mallet, the IC 20-20, Nike has taken how a putter looks from the golfer’s perspective to a whole new level. After years of research by their Director of Vision Science, Dr. Alan Reichow, Nike decided to reduce the Visual Noise that is related to most of the putters on the market today.
Each putter is designed in a muted, dark green color. This color choice helps reduce the distracting elements of the putter and highlight the important parts. The head and the shaft are painted a soft, non-reflective green but the alignment aids are a vibrant sliver. The face of the putter and the corresponding alignment lines stand out very well when you are standing over your ball.
You can imagine the benefit of looking down to see only the alignment lines and the ball. No hot spots, no reflections no distractions. Essentially, there is no Visual Noise.
The IC 20-20 is larger and has open space in the back of the putter. This moves the weight to the back and outside edges of the putter head. The IC 20-15 is slightly smaller but a solid putter head. Areas of the putter are carved out in an effort to move the weight to the back of the putter head.
With weight on the back and outside edges, this helps keep the putter head straight as it makes its way through impact.
Also from Nike is the new Method 001 putter. This is a traditional looking blade putter but Nike added today’s technology to the mix and created something special. The Method was produced by the demands of the pro golfer on the PGA Tour and as it turns out - this putter garnered two wins in 2009.
At first glance, the Method looks like a common blade putter with weight on the heel and toe of the putter head. Underneath the traditional looks is where Nike separates themselves from the rest of the blade putters on the market. The weight in the heel and toe is in the form of more than 30 grams of tungsten weight inserts that pull overall weight off the face and put it where it is needed–in the bottom heel and bottom toe of the putter. This creates a much more stable blade putter through impact.
The new Polymetal Groove Technology on the putter’s face is another leap forward. On traditional blade putters, the ball comes off the face with backspin first, then turns into over spin. This over spin is where the putt tracks online. When it is back spinning it can get off course easily. The Polymetal Groove Technology minimizes the backspin just off the face and imparts a forward roll at impact - thereby creating a true roll to the cup.
This Polymetal Groove Technology also dampens the vibration at impact, which gives the golfer a softer touch and a better ability to feel the putt.
It is no surprise that tour pros everywhere are putting the Method into their golf bags. It might help your game, so check it out.
STX (www.stxputters.com)
STX has a huge line of putters all built around the concept of Soft Face Technology. The concept is that the putter face is indeed made out of a soft material that allows the golfer to “feel” the putt. The STX soft face technology provides better direction control and greatly decreases the ball skid effect.
The featured putter in this buying guide is the Envision TR. The Envision TR has an interesting square head shape that is not only stylish but it also distributes the weight of the putter, balancing the heel and toe for a higher moment of inertia. MOI (moment of inertia) is a gauge of the putter to resist twisting of off-center putts.
The shaft of the Envision TR has a proprietary double bend that moves the hands forward for proper alignment. Couple these innovations with the soft face of the STX putters and you have a remarkable tool for sinking putts.
Slotline Putters (www.slotlinegolf.com)
Slotline company has three putters in the buying guide this year The SSI-691, SSI-692 and the SSI-693. While the 691 and 692 are very similar except for the angle of the offset of the shaft, the 633 is quite different.
The SSI-691 and SSI-692 are blade style putters with one main innovation that you will not see on other blade putters. Not only are the putters weighted with two fifteen gram weights in the heel and toe, but the total weight of the putter head is 360 grams. This increased weight improves the MOI and stability of the putter through the stroke.
The SSI-693 is more of a mid-mallet style. It too has the weights added to the bottom of the putter head, but the mallet design allows for weight to be distributed to the back and low behind the face.
The face on all three of these putters is made of tri-milled 6061 Aluminum that gives the golfer the sensitivity he or she needs to feel the putt come off the face. The gold/brass look of the face is very classy, so it looks as good as it works.
The key feature of Slotline putters is the SLOT & LINE alignment system. The SLOT & LINE alignment system works like this: As you stand over you putt and look down onto the putter, there is small cutout on the top of the putter head. Below that is a gold engraved centerline. If you are tilting the putter too far forward or too far back, you won’t be able to get a clear look at the line through the slot. It works much like a sight of a rifle. Align the target line into the slot and you are ready to go.
Creating a system for repeatability will solidify your putting routine and thereby bettering your putting percentages on the green. Slotline is the only company that has the SLOT & LINE system for aligning your putts.
TaylorMade Golf (www.taylormadegolf.com)
Leave it to TaylorMade Golf to deliver diversity in the putter world. The three entrants this year from TalorMade Golf are remarkably different from one another. They are all from what TaylorMade Golf calls the Rossa line of putters.
First up is the Monza Spider Vicino. This is a mallet style putter that looks a bit like a sports car. The large alignment wedge, behind the face of the putter, tapers back softly to create a great look when seeing the putter from the address position. The head has two weights that are attached that kind of look like headlights on the rear of the vehicle. It is these two weights that creates TaylorMade’s Movable Weight Technology, allowing golfers to customize the weight of the putter for their own personal preference or for adjusting before a round to match the greens they are playing.
It is this perimeter weighting that allows TaylorMade to achieve fantastic MOI. This weighting keeps the face from twisting through impact to get a consistent roll on the ball. TaylorMade didn’t stop there. The face has a composite insert with AGSI+ Technology to promote more forward spin on the ball to keep it tracking the way the golfer intended.
Next up from TaylorMade Golf is the Rossa Daytona 6. This is a classic blade style putter with some state-of-the-art additions. The putter head is made from 304 stainless steel, with Tuscan nickel finish to give it that “sleek” look.
While looks alone wont help you sink putts, the face insert might. TaylorMade uses AGSI+ Technology in the insert with 14 groove lines positioned closer together. This promotes a better touch and a more efficient spin resulting in a smoother roll of the ball.
If the Monza Spider Vicino is too large and the Daytona 6 is too small then you might like the mid-mallet version by TaylorMade. It is the Rossa Monte Carlo. This putter also has the AGSI+ Technology built into the face insert. AGSI stands for Anti-skid Grove System Insert. This face is built to reduce “bounce” at contact. Reducing bounce will give the golfer a smoother roll of the ball. There are twelve groves on the Rossa Monte Carlo. Each groove is filled with a soft polymer that absorbs unwanted impact vibration to give you that great “feel” of the putt.
Since the Monte Carlo is a mid-mallet shape, TaylorMade was able to move some of the weight back and low behind the face to help reduce the possible twisting at contact. This makes this putter extremely forgiving on mis-hits.
Terry VanderHeiden can be reached for comments, questions or suggestions via email at terryvh@gmail.com
Taking the Trouble Out of Tetherow
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
You’ve heard about it. You’ve read the articles. You’ve even read the reviews. Everything that has been said and written about Tetherow Golf Club is true-sort of. Some say it is too difficult, but there is a key to playing Tetherow.
I am a 10 handicap. Most “destination” golfers range from an 8 to an 18. I have played Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, and Bandon Trails. In fact, I played all three in a whirlwind weekend tour, with three of my buddies. Those places kicked my rear end. You see, I have a problem with tight lies-I can’t hit ‘em. When we played the Bandon Trio, I spent the whole weekend trying to change my swing to fit the terrain conditions (sparse grass, fast, undulating greens, trouble all over the place, and the wind, let’s not even talk about the wind). David McLay Kidd, the famous architect of Bandon was also the designer of Tetherow. Based on some of the reviews I had read, I went there expecting an experience like I had at Bandon. Sure the course was difficult, at times. At 7,298 yards from the tips, what course isn’t? Sure, it has fairways that are manicured to tight lies. It’s a Scottish links style course. Sure, it has fast, undulating greens. Hello! Scottish Links! Bandon! David McLay Kidd! Some people even say the course is TOO hard. Simply, not so. Tetherow Golf Course is a beautiful, thoughtfully designed, second to none, award winning course that will not only leave you satisfied, you will want to come back for more-if you play it right.
Now, here’s the secret. The key to playing Tetherow is the caddies. On the day I played, I was fortunate enough to hook up with Jake Edwards. Jake has been with Tetherow from the beginning. After beginning a career in construction, he pursued his dream and is now an Assistant Pro. In the winter, he travels to Palm Springs to work at another golf course (tough life, huh?). His first job at Tetherow was caddying. When I pulled up to the club house, he met me with a cart, loaded up my bag, and escorted me to the pro shop. Inside, the head pro, Caleb Anderson, greeted me by name from behind the counter, and directed me to the driving range where Jake had already set me up with a pyramid of Nike range balls. Jake pointed out the distances and immediately went to get me a drink and snack. Nice! I felt pampered, schmoozed. After hitting a few balls and thinking I was ready to make an attempt at the course, we moved to the #1 tee.
The course is not difficult-if you know where to hit-and you can hit where you want. The fairways are meticulously manicured by the greens crew and the greens are fast and true. As we wound our way through the first two holes, and into what is called Kidd’s Corner, a beautiful, circular stretch of holes in a bowl like setting, I marveled at my ability to navigate my way around the course. I was only one over. Later, as Jake pointed out “the highlands,” an upper plain of eastern high desert, I marveled at how the course and the setting were one in the same. The blending of golf course with the natural terrain almost hid the course from view. I was taken in by the stunning view of the Cascade Mountains, the rolling hills, and the panoramic vistas of the eastern Oregon high dessert. The blue-green sage, the grey-brown soil, and the fallen, time worn trees assailed my senses. The scenic wonderland of the course was awe inspiring. No wonder Tetherow was the very first course in Oregon to become a Certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary by Audubon International.
All of a sudden my game began to fall apart. I was listening to what Jake said about each hole, the yardage, and where to hit, but I was so enthralled by the views, and I was so giddy about playing well, I lost track of what I was doing. My game suffered. I began to think Tetherow was too good to be true.
As we readied for the 13 hole, Jake told me to hit left to a certain area. It looked like trouble. It looked like rough. I didn’t want to. I couldn’t see past a certain spot he told me to hit, but as he explained what was beyond I took his word for it. My hit was right of the target. “Uh oh,” I said.
“That’s ok,” he answered. “I knew you were going to hit it more right than what I said. I just didn’t want you to hit too far right because that’s trouble for sure. You ended up exactly where I wanted you to go.”
“Ahhhhh, I see,” said Grasshopper to his “golf” master. Jake had figured out my game, my swing, what I could and couldn’t do. Like I said, the key to success at Tetherow is the caddies. They know the course. They can size up a person’s abilities in an instant. It’s their job. They work for their clients. Just like any other successful businessman. After I realized what was going on, I listened to Jake, and did what he said. I started to hit good again. Trust your caddie, Laddie. I finshed out the round with a tidy little 92. Sure, 20 over par. Sure, I’m a 10 handicap. Sure, it is a championship course. Sure, you can get yourself into trouble and add some shots to your score if you get stuck in a tough spot on the “undulating greens.” But you know what? Tetherow is worth the experience.
My favorite holes were #2, 11, 13, and 17. Number 2 is a 546 yard par 5. With a good drive, it can be reached in two, and it’s down hill on the second shot. I love shots from an elevated area. But, the green is guarded by traps, hills and hummocks. If you got the guts, take the shot. On number 11, a 466 yard, par 4, I hit the flag stick on my second shot. I couldn’t see it, but I heard it. The green is guarded by a high bunker, and you need to fly it and stop short on the green. Number 13 is a 588 yard par 5. It seems easy enough, but you can get suckered into thinking it’s not that bad. A large pond guards three quarters of the green, and you have to be accurate on your third shot to avoid the water. Visually, it’s a gem. Number 17 is the Quarry Hole. It’s Mr. Kidd’s favorite. It’s an old pumice quarry with a green at one end. Visually, a golf hole doesn’t get much better. It’s just plain “purty.”
After the round, I thanked Jake for the Zen lesson and went to the club house for lunch. I had the Edin’ Burger and my partner had a Cobb salad. Both were delicious. The dining room has a complete menu with a variety of faire to choose from. Chef, Rian Mulligan’s American Fusion Cuisine, puts an interesting twist on your favorite American dishes.
In the 18,000 square foot club house, the open beam, rough hewn timbers with high ceilings give the lodge its unique resort feel. The expansive patios offer spectacular views of the course and driving range while enjoying an after round beverage with your golf buddies and adding up your scores.
Amenities include a state of the art teaching academy run by award winning teacher, Mike Lewis, and the pro shop includes everything you need for your golf game from clothes to tees. There are men’s and ladies’ locker rooms that rival any resort, including members’ lounging areas for both men and women where they can enjoy a favorite card game or catch a game on big screen TV. The resort is also community conscious. According to Stacy Pickavance, Tetherow’s sales and marketing director, the resort is completely set up for group events such as weddings, or company get togethers. And, every Sunday, they make the driving range into a mini-par three for the kids with contests, prizes and food.
Tetherow provides an unforgettable, Scottish links resort golf experience from beginning to end. I found my preconceived notions were ill conceived, and I for one, will enjoy going back again. You can really take the trouble out of Tetherow, IF you listen to your caddy.
Field Set for AJGA Junior at Wenatchee
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Latest News
Wenatchee Golf & Country Club to host 99 junior golfers, Aug. 9-12
The American Junior Golf Association’s only event in the state of Washington will be held at Wenatchee Golf & Country Club, Aug. 9-12. This is the AJGA’s third year in Wenatchee, and the tournament will feature 99 junior golfers from 10 states and Canada, with the host state being represented by 22 participants. Last year’s Boys Division champion, Macgregor Hoobery of Santa Maria, Calif., will return to defend his title. Hoobery bested the field by two strokes after firing a final-round 5-under-par 67. Sulman Raza Eugene, Ore., and Mark Wyllie of San Jose, Calif., will both return with experience after tying for third in the 2009 AJGA Junior at Wenatchee. Lorens Chan of Honolulu, will return as well after an eighth-place showing in 2009. Chan is the highest-ranked boy in the field at No. 77 in the Polo Golf Rankings and has already notched a win in 2010 at the AJGA Nebraska Junior at Quarry Oaks. Jennifer Yang of Coquitlam, British Columbia, is the highest-ranked player in the field and will play in her second tournament at Wenatchee. Ranked No. 53 in the Polo Golf Rankings, she has compiled four top-five junior golf finishes and placed 11th at last year’s event. Morgan Thompson of Tualatin, Ore., picked up a third-place finish at Wenatchee Golf & Country club in 2009. A rising senior, Thompson is ranked No. 64 in the Polo Golf Rankings and has finished inside the top 15 in each AJGA event she has entered. A shotgun practice round will be held Monday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. First-round play will begin Tuesday, Aug. 10, with tee times for each round running from 7 a.m. - 12:20 p.m off the first tee at Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. An awards ceremony will immediately follow the final round, Thursday, Aug. 12. Guests are welcome to attend and admission is free. Prior to the event, an 18-hole K12 Qualifier will be held on Monday, Aug. 8, at Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. K12 Qualifiers give juniors an opportunity to “play their way in” to coinciding AJGA Open tournaments or earn a Tournament Exemption or Performance Star for a future event. The K12 Qualifier Series offers opportunities for AJGA juniors at approximately 50 AJGA Open events. During the tournament week, some of the top juniors who will be participating in the AJGA Junior at Wenatchee will also take part in the Junior-Am Fundraising Tournament Monday, Aug. 9. The Junior-Am will be a 9 a.m. shotgun start at Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. An excellent opportunity to entertain clients, reward employees or enjoy a tournament round with some friends, the Junior-Am allows amateurs to play a competitive round of golf with future stars of the game. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love III, Justin Leonard, Charles Howell III, Paula Creamer, Morgan Pressel and Grace Park are just a few of the thousands of talented players who participated in AJGA Junior-Ams when they were teenagers. Supporting golf at the grassroots level, Junior-Ams allow the AJGA to make contributions to local junior golf charities and programs in hosting communities. In 2010, the proceeds of the AJGA Junior at Wenatchee Junior-Am will benefit the Washington Junior Golf Association. To participate, contact Sean Riley at (678) 425-1710. For more information, please contact Kristi Bradley (kbradley@ajga.org) in the AJGA Communications Department at (678) 425-1790 or visit the AJGA website at ajga.org.
How Well Do You Know Your Local Golf PRO?
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Latest News
PRO File:
Ben Bryson
Occupation: Head Pro BanBury Golf Course
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Pro Status: Class A
Ben Bryson started playing golf at the age of 5. At the ripe old age of 7, he won his first trophy. That’s when Ben’s love for the game became a way of life.
Some pros work at golf instruction for the money; Ben works at what he does because it’s a lifestyle. “It’s what I do,” says Ben with a smile. “I’m lucky,” he says. “Not everyone gets to do what they love and make a living at it, too. I enjoy all aspects of the golf business: management, operations, teaching, playing and merchandising.”
Ben is truly a player’s pro. He loves to share his knowledge of the game with others. “I experience my success through the success of my students,” he says proudly. “The best part about being a golf instructor is the satisfaction I get after a student hits ‘the perfect shot.’ I enjoy sharing that moment with them.”
Ben’s inroads to becoming a professional stem from an impressive playing career. In high school, he was Nevada’s High School State Champion (2001), and in college, he played PAC-10 golf for Washington State, including a low competitive round of 60. In 2002, he was the Northwest Wilson Intercollegiate Champion at Bandon Dunes and in 2004, he was the Boise State Bronco Fall Invitational Champion. Ben definitely walks the walk.
After graduating in 2005, he went to work for BanBury and has been there ever since. In 2008, he was named the Rocky Mountain Section PGA Assistant Golf Professional of the Year. Undoubtedly, Ben can definitely teach what he walks.
Feast or Famine: You Wanted World-Class Golf Events, Well Here They Are!
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Latest News
Oh, where to begin! Just make sure you’ve had your “Wheaties” this month as you plan on taking in as much golf as you can digest and your schedule will allow. Puget Sound prepares for what will be as close to golfing nirvana as we have ever experienced. By the time I had to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard, the winner of the 2010 U.S. Senior Open had yet to be decided, but I can assure you the likes of legends Fuzzie Zoeller, Tom Watson, and Freddy “Boom Boom” Couples are in the middle of duking it out on the vertically-challenging Sahalee Country Club. Will defending Champ Fred Funk tear up Sahalee and run away with another record-breaking 20-under par performance? Or will Sahalee with an average fairway width of only 26 yards effectively neuter the length and power of guys like Couples? “Shiver me timbers!” comes to mind as we wait to find out who hoists the Ouimet Trophy!
The good news for Seattleites is that the choices for prestigious events continues in August when you’ll have the choice of getting up close and personal with the World’s best amateurs as they compete for the prestigious 110th U.S. Amateur Championship hosted at the Robert Trent Jones II masterpiece at Chambers Bay on Aug 23-29. If you recall, Northwest native Ryan Moore won the event in 2004 and shares the accolade with household names such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods among others. Will Chambers be the testing ground for our next big-name golfing phenomenon to join the pro ranks? I would think the USGA is anxious to see how the world’s best amateurs fare on the exposed Scottish links track that will host the prestigious U.S. Open in 2015! Yes, the U.S. Open! But there is somewhat of a scheduling conundrum facing Puget Sound golfing fans as there is one more “must-see” PGA event to consider. Yep, our annual favorite on the regular Champions Tour, The Boeing Classic, is slated to tee off at TPC Snoqualmie on Aug 27-29.
Hmm, what to do? The answer may well lie with the format for each event, or whether or not you can pull a “sickie” from work for that week! The 2010 U.S. Amateur Championship will be contested at Chambers Bay Golf Course where 312 players initially compete using the stroke play format contest Chambers for one round and The Home Course hosting the other in nearby DuPont on the Aug 23rd and 24th. The field whittles down to 64 spots at which point on Wednesday the competition reverts to match play for the next five days culminating with a 36-hole event at Chambers Bay on Sunday, Aug 29. The Boeing Classic, however, kicks off on Friday, Aug 27 where 78 Champions Tour pros compete for a purse of $1.9 million. The players play only 54 holes of stroke play and all players continue through to Sunday! Good luck deciding how to manage this smorgasbord of watching and learning from the world’s best amateur and professional golfers right here in Puget Sound! Golf Today will be out there glued to the action and hope to see you out there!
What’s New!
Can you believe that we get to welcome a new golf course in Washington State next year? Yes, the economic recovery is not a myth after all! The Squaxin Island Tribe in Shelton, WA broke ground on Salish Cliffs way back in 2006, but the economic climate put the brakes on and there were other priorities such as a major expansion project at its Little Creek Casino Resort, where Salish Cliffs will serve as an amenity. But last spring, renowned golf architect Gene Bates (Yes, of Circling Raven fame!) and his construction crew got to work on the approx 180 acre course, which is now slated to open in the spring of 2011. Golf Today had the good fortune of spending some time with architect Gene Bates who graciously took us around the construction site and explained his vision for the par-72 7300 yard Championship track! With elevation changes of 600 feet, Salish Cliffs is not for the faint hearted; however, Bates has made sure to design a course that rewards sound shot making while not overtly penalizing the average golfer either. In fact, the course is surprisingly open with multiple sets of tees and a drainage system that is second to none. Stay tuned for additional progress reports during the fall, but by all accounts Salish Cliffs is touted to be another Bates standout. “What I want people to say when they walk off Salish Cliffs is, “Wow. What an experience. I don’t know who designed it, but I want to come back,” concludes Bates.
Hip, Hip, Let’s STRETCH!
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Latest News
When you participate in a sport, you accept the risk of injury and golf is no exception. While you need not worry about being battered by a linebacker, golfers have their fair share of injuries that can impede their success on the course. Think only those who golf on the PGA tour are at risk? Think again! We are all vulnerable. Professional golfers will get more overuse injuries and the amateur golfer will get more injures due to lack of conditioning.
If you’re out there on the golf course just on the weekends or a couple of times a week and you’re not in a conditioning program you’ve increased your risk of injury. So let’s address some of those areas that feel tight or causing you discomfort. The lower body; hips and knees, are overlooked by the average golfer. Forgetting about your lower body can really have you guessing as to how to get more range of motion and less pain.
Hips: The hips are one area on the body that bares a great deal of responsibility. They provide stability for weight bearing, such as standing, walking or running. They allow mobility of the legs and they transmit the loads from the upper body to the lower body and down the leg. This requires your hips to be in top working shape. It also means that if there is tightness in one of the 17 main muscles of the hip, it usually radiates through the lower back or down to the knees. The hips have to move the largest muscle in the body- the gluteus maximus–and it also has the longest muscle attached to it- the sartorius. So how do we keep this muscle loose and in good working condition? Simple stretches that don’t OVERSTRETCH the ligaments, but keep the actual muscles pliable and strong. Strengthening the muscles in the hip will help with stability in your swing (slide and sway) and increase your muscular endurance (the 17 & 18th hole won’t be so hard, physically).
Figure 4 stretch: Sit in a chair with your knees bent and your back very straight. Bring your right leg up to your left knee and place your ankle on top of your knee. Your right knee may be elevated, and if so, place your right hand on your knee just to keep it from coming towards your chest. Now sitting very tall, lean forward from your hip towards your bent leg. You will feel a stretch in your right hip. Hold this position for 20 seconds after you feel the first pull on your hip. You don’t want to OVERSTRETCH the ligaments. Repeat 4 times. Repeat on the left leg.
Knees: There are no actual muscles in the knee, only muscles starting from the pelvic girdle (hip) or the thigh. The knee is made of tendons that are holding it in place and are responsible for movement. Overuse on these tendons can lead to injuries. Lack of muscle in the hip and quadriceps can leave the knee vulnerable to injury. Stretching of the iliotibial band which runs from the outside hip to below the knee can relieve a lot of pain in the knee and/or hip, as can having strong abductor muscles, which then help to support the knee.
IT band foam roller: Using a foam roller, lie on your side and place your right hip on the roller. Bring your left foot across your right leg, and place your left foot on the floor. Roll over your side down your leg towards your knee. Then roll back towards your hip. You are looking for places that feel more painful. Continue rolling over the IT band of your leg for 1 minute. Repeat on the left side.
Remember a strong body is not made in a day, but it will get you a longer drive, that will get you closer to the green, which will make your second shot easier, and you will lower your score!
Diana Del Garbino is a certified golf fitness instructor through the Titleist Performance Institute and coaches beginner through advanced golfers at Muscles in Motion-Professional training studio in Lake Oswego Oregon. For more information about the program visit www.mymusclesinmotion.com.
How to cure the ‘reverse-pivot’
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Latest News
When a golfer has their body weight moving forward during their backswing and backwards during the downswing and follow through, they are using a ‘reverse pivot’ in an effort to get the ball in the air. This motion is the exact opposite of what they should be doing (loading up their body weight on the rear leg/ foot on the backswing, releasing it towards their front leg/ foot as the club comes down, then fully releasing to the front side at the finish). The result of the reverse pivot is generally poor contact, low trajectory, slices, pulls, and weak shots.
Usually, when a golfer does a reverse pivot rather than the proper weight shift, it means that they are trying to help, scoop, lift, or flip the ball up into the air, rather than trusting the loft of the club to do this. The longer a golfer uses this technique, the more difficult it is to correct. This is one of the reasons why it’s so important to take a series of lessons or find a ‘mentor’ early on in the learning process. If a golfer comes to me for lessons and they have a reverse pivot, there is a process I go through to correct it. Take a look at some key points:
Start with chip shots
If someone has a reverse pivot in their full swing, I can guarantee they do it when chipping and pitching too. When the reverse pivot golfer hits a chip shot, they have the ball too far forward in their stance, and they use excessive wrist motion (un-hinging the wrists) through contact. They will always finish the shot with their body weight on the rear foot. This type of swing rarely results in good contact because the club head will be ahead of the hands at contact (thin shots are most common, but fat shots can creep in too). Also, if the golfer happens to somehow achieve good contact, the ball will fly too high in the air and typically land short of the hole.
The goal of a chip shot should be to hit the ball on a low, running trajectory that utilizes the roll on the green rather than flight in the air to get the ball close to the hole. In order to do this, the golfer must contact the ball with the hands ahead of the club head and the body weight on the lead side of the body. If someone is struggling with this, they should hit some chip shots with their front foot planted on the ground and only the tip of the rear shoe on the ground. When chipping balls with the body in this position, it is very difficult to have any body weight transfer to the rear side of the body (which is the goal of the drill), and the golfer will get the feeling that they are leaning onto their leading (front) side a bit. This will result in shots that are hit more crisply, on a lower trajectory, and will also impart a feel for trusting the loft of the club and getting the body weight left.
Walk-through drill
The best drill I know for curing the reverse pivot in the full swing is the walk-through drill. Simply set up a ball on a driving range mat, take a swing, and right after contact step forward with the rear foot (so that the rear foot passes the front foot and steps towards the target). This is effective because it forces the golfer to get their body weight over to the leading side as they release the club. When they make good contact on the ball, they will see that the ball goes higher, flies straighter, and flies further. For years, Gary Player did this move on the golf course during rounds which speaks volumes about its value as a drill. He would hit his shot, walk through with the right foot, and just keep on walking towards his next shot, casually flipping his club to his caddie. To the ‘reverse pivot’ student, this move will feel extremely awkward (because they are actually used to backing away from the target during the follow through) and they will likely experience a great amount of frustration just trying to get the rear foot to come forward after contacting the ball. The harder this is to accomplish, the greater their degree of reverse pivot. Reverse pivot golfers should stick with it though, because having the body weight coming through the ball rather than away from it is crucial to hitting good shots.
Use analogies with other sports
When throwing a baseball, football, javelin, shot-put, horse-shoe, hitting a tennis ball, rolling a bowling ball, or even skipping a rock, the body weight always comes forward (to the front foot) when executing the follow through. This is always the most effective way of performing each action and will produce the most powerful, efficient result. The golf swing is no different. For some reason, when a new golfer tries to hit a golf ball, they have the urge to try and help the ball into the air rather than perform a natural, athletic motion that should be ingrained through experiences with other sports. They should learn to trust the loft of the club, hit down and through the ball, and finish on the lead side. The ‘up on the right toe’ drill for chip shots and the ‘walk-through’ drill for the full swing should help.
Derek ‘Jeff’ Mount is a USGTF Golf Teaching Professional who teaches at the King City Golf Course in King City, OR. He can be reached at 503-577-8807 or email djm8181@yahoo.com.
Spokane’s Fore Women Golf Apparel & Accessories Fills A Need!
August 5, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Latest News
FORE!Women Unique Apparel and Accessories is enjoying its second full season of operation. On July 31, 2008, they opened their doors in downtown Spokane at 122 S. Monroe. Jeannette DeLisle and her two daughters, Andria and Angela Malone had been frustrated about the lack of options for women’s golf attire in Spokane. While enjoying a round of golf one night, they decided to open their own shop to address this need.
FORE!Women is a golf clothing store catering to women only. A vast selection of tops, shorts, capris, skorts, vests, jackets, sandals, shoes and accessories from Sport Haley, Tail, Pedal Pushers, Jamie Sadock and more are available. New clothing lines are consistently being added to keep the choices fresh. The store is a great alternative for ladies looking for matching or complementary outfits to wear during tournament or event play. Sandbagger sandals are spike-less with a molded foot cradle and an orthotic which are comfortable and versatile to wear on or off the course. One great trait of the clothing items carried by FORE!Women is the fact that they are free of logos and can be worn to work, out on the town or as day-to-day wear. If you are planning a warm weather vacation during the winter months, consider FORE!Women as your choice for cruise wear or building a wardrobe for that trip to Hawaii.
When you find yourself shopping at FORE, you can count on the staff to keep track of your purchasing history. In fact, if someone is gift shopping, they can visit the store to learn which styles you prefer; which brands you own; as well as your correct size and avoid duplicating items already in your closet! FORE!Women is building their customer database to keep records of purchases, which will also enable them to contact you once new lines arrive that may be of interest to you.
Store hours are 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Saturday; however, they will stay open later by appointment. Along with their main store in downtown Spokane, a small assortment of the FORE!Women collection is also available at Clarke-Stevens Golf at 116 E. Nora. Look for their ad on page 19 of August’s issue of Golf Today Magazine: Northwest Edition.
