Northwest Dodge Dealers Pacific Amateur Golf Classic (PacAm) Dates Change in 2010
March 6, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
If there is a go-to place for great golf playing and watching this summer, it is Oregon. Golf’s top senior players will be making Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater Course one of their destinations on The Champions Tour, participating in the JELD-WEN Tradition Championship. Vying for a purse of $2.5 million dollars, amazing players like Greg Norman, Tom Watson, and native Oregonian Peter Jacobson will test their skills on Crosswater’s 600+ scenic acres.
Sunriver Resort, worthy of hosting honors, is an impressive destination rich with natural beauty. The land, once covered with water, was developed in 1965. The grounds are filled with the perfect amount of woodlands and preserved wetlands along side accommodations that leave guests feeling well cared for. Mark your calendar for August 19-22 and make plans to and watch the talented golfers in action.
If a great week of competitive play is on your list, make plans to participate in the Northwest Dodge Dealers Pacific Amateur Golf Classic (PacAm) also hosted by Sunriver Resort.
The PacAm, now in its 14th year has made a few changes to better accommodate the field of participants. Previous years have been a bit chilly for golfers as October in Central Oregon is quite cool. Listening to players and working hard, the Central Oregon Visitors Association moved the PacAm to summer dates of August 30th through September 4th. Abiding by the USGA Rules of Golf, players can plan on a fun yet challenging three day, 54 hole, net, stroke-play tournament. Adding yet another reason to participate is the Golf Digest & Golf World Experience Tour that will wrap up the PacAm with a two-day celebration of golf, showcasing the finest golf equipment complete with demos and activities.
Stay-and-watch or stay-and-play. Both the JELD-WEN Tradition and the PacAm are impressive, fun events. The Sunriver Resort has accommodations to please and the towns of Sunriver and nearby Bend have plenty of activities to please your entourage. For more information, please visit www.pacamgolf.com.
A RANGE WITH A VIEW
March 6, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
Way back, when the earth was young, when they had just barely named dirt, a great river ran through the Rogue Valley. It carved out a huge flat area and left a few hills on each side. That part of the valley is now known as the Agate Desert. A few years later, when they had invented the word homestead (1860’s), a number of hearty souls decided they wanted to live in and around the Agate Desert. A few more years later, the government invented the words artillery range (1940’s), and they decided they would use the Agate Desert for playing with guns, and things that go boom and make big holes. Still, even more years after that, Jim Cochran decided to build a golf course in that same area (1990).
Cochran is the designer, builder, and sole proprietor of Stone Ridge G.C., and he remains involved in every facet of the course. He can be seen early in the morning, and late in the evening applying his personal touch to the watering, raking traps, weeding flower beds, or whatever needs to be done. Stone Ridge opened in 1995, and in 1998, Golf Digest voted it, “Oregon’s #1 public course with green fees under $50.” The course provides breathtaking views on 18 different golf holes, each with its own character, and with four tees to choose from, it allows the average golfer a good time while providing a challenge to scratch players as well.
The yardage from the tips is a challenge at 6,738 yards, while the blue and white tees are 6,314 and 5,823 yards, respectively. Most players around a 10 handicap play from the whites. The Par 72 course shoots 35 on the front and 37 on the back. The front nine has one par 5. At 456 yards, #3 offers risk and reward opportunity. A well hit drive can put you out about 200-220. The dog-leg left allows you to shave off 10 to15 yards across the water to a narrow green for an “on in two” landing. Or, you can lay up (like we do that!).
Hole #4 is an innocent looking 412 yard par 4, but it is the number one handicap hole on the course. Two ponds guard the left side and unless you are down the middle, the mounds on the right can make a difficult, uphill lie, second shot.
The irrigation canal borders #5 on the left and woods flank the hole on the right. Down the middle is the goal, as always, and the fairways are fairly wide and accepting, but anything awry can add extra strokes.
Hole #6, another dog-leg left (90 degrees) is another risk and reward decision. If you decide to cut the corner, you need a solid 250 yard drive across the tall rough. If you hit the hit 250 yarder straight, the fairway turns into tall rough. Starting to see a pattern?
Signature hole #7 is an uphill Par 3. It’s guarded by a trap on the left and a waterfall and creek on the right. Aim below the hole on this green. It’s a treacherous downhill putt if you don’t.
Except for the blind shot, severe downhill, narrow landing area, woods on the left and right, couple trees in your way, #8 isn’t bad. Big hitters have been known to hit the green on their drive. Hint: Aim for the cream colored house on the horizon. It’s right in line with the green. The hole is cart path only, for safety sake (can you say steep?). Some say the Vortex runs through its green (see Laurel Hill article in February issue for more on the Vortex). Putts break the opposite of what you predict and what you think is an uphill putt runs out way more than you expect.
After a hot dog and a beverage at the turn, #10 is a long uphill par 5 at 451 yards. This is the beginning of a 3 hole climb to the top of the hill. The green is two-tiered and a fun putt from any level. Number 11 is an uphill blind shot on the drive, but it is here where you start to get a sense of the beauty of the course. From the tee box, you can see part of the original rock wall that was built in the 1860’s when the land was homesteaded. Number 12 tops the ridge and is guarded by the rock wall at the back of the green, thus the name “Stone Ridge.” The original homestead dwelling was at the top of #12 just beyond the stone fence.
Number 13 is where you get your money’s worth even if you’re having a bad game. From up top, the panorama of visual stimulation is breathtaking. You can see the Table Rocks, the layout of the golf course, and the Agate desert clear to White City. The town is named after Camp White, an army camp and training facility from the ’40’s. Soldiers from Camp White used the land for war games and artillery practice. And, you can see a green way down the hill. The 280 yard hole is steeper than a cow’s face and scary even to walk. Like #8, carts are not allowed on this Par 4. What is really fun is that even though it’s guarded by woods on the left, and woods and a creek on the right, you can potentially make this green in one shot. If you hit it just right, there is a slot between the cart path and the sand trap at the bottom of the hill that allows the ball to roll right to the green. Some can even make the green on the fly.
Interestingly, between #13 and #14 on the right side of the of the cart path, you can see remnants of cement “spider holes” (6′ deep fox holes) the army used during training in the 1940’s (wonder how many of their shots went in the woods).
Number 14 is another downhill shot from an elevated tee box. Club down one club on your second shot. You finally reach the bottom of the hill at the Par 5 446 yard #15. Again, risk and reward. There is a pond on the right on the approach. A slice here is NOT good.
When Mr. Cochran was digging out the ponds on #15 and #16, he says he found numerous mortar shells, bullets and grenades. Now the ponds are getting filled up with errant golf shots. It would be interesting to know if the number of golf shots in the ponds match the number of shots made when it was an artillery range. I’ve contributed my share.
Number 17, yet another elevated tee, is a 134 yard Par 3. I suggest you drop down two clubs so you don’t fly the green into the tall grass behind it. Did I mention that the course has lots of woods, water and tall grass?
Finally, #18 is a straightaway 459 yard, Par 5. Again, risk and reward (broken record here). If you can get to the 200 marker, you can make it in 2, but alas, Dry Creek runs right in front of the smallest green on the course.
When you get to the clubhouse, and you’ve had time to lick your wounds, and nurse your woes with a favorite beverage, you will look back on your round and want to come back for more. The course does make for a lot of “would’a, could’a, should’a’s” in the club house.
Realizing I may have made Stone Ridge sound like the course from “you know where”,the course can be forgiving, too. Fairly decent shots can be rewarded with a second shot on and a two putt. Par can be had at Stone Ridge, and no matter what you shoot, the course is fun and affordable (under $50!), the history is interesting, and the views are fantastic.
By Cliff Cowley
Cliff Cowley lives and works in Southern Oregon. When he is not on the golf course, he teaches English at a local middle school in Medford. He runs a writers’ group for young writers, and puts on a young writers’ camp, sponsored by the Oregon Writing Project and Southern Oregon University.How to Get There
I-5 Exit 30, Crater Lake Hwy./Hwy. 62 East to White City. Turn right (east) on Hwy. 140. Course is 3 miles on the right (you can see hole #16 from the highway). Turn right on East Antelope Road. You can’t miss it!
Places to Stay
Medford Oaks RV Resort is just a few miles east of the course at 7049 Hwy. 140. They gladly accept overnighters and offer complete facilities including laundry, pull through sites, Wi-Fi, pool, even a fishing pond. 541-826-5103
The La Quinta Inn and Suites offers a Stay-N-Play package for $99.99 which includes a 2 room suite for one night’s stay and one round of golf with a cart. Suites have a King size bed and a Queen sofa sleeper. Additional vouchers for rounds of golf can be purchased for $30.00/person. La Quinta is located on 2020 Leigh Way, White City, on the corner of Hwy’s. 62 and 140. 541- 826-0800 or 1-800-753-3757.
While You’re There
The clubhouse features a deli where you can purchase your favorite beverage and custom prepared sandwiches. With a fully stocked pro-shop, head pro Scott Lusk, can provide you with new clubs, clothes, and lessons. With over 30 years of experience, he is well known for his ability to teach the beginner, as well as providing needed “tune-ups” for the frequent player. Outside the club house, there are two large putting greens and a driving range with real grass tee boxes.
Northwest Golf Season Kicks Off With Regional Golf Shows!
March 6, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
What a month! Northwest native Fred Couples continues to tear up the Champions Tour, Spokane native Alex Prugh is becoming a solid fixture on the PGA Tour, and UW alum Paige McKenzie continues her work on the LPGA Tour. Throw in three Northwest Golf Shows in one month and Northwest golfers have much to cheer about! The unofficial ‘official’ start of the 2010 golfing season kicked off last month with the concurrent staging of the Seattle and Portland Golf shows held over three days and the Spokane Golf Show held a week later. With unexpected fair weather, local golfers converged on Northwest exhibition halls filled with vendors tempting you at every turn. Yes, Northwest golfers were in a festive spirit choosing to forget about or, at least ignore for a day, the fledgling economic recovery and opting rather to spend their hard earned cash on everything from the usual golfing ‘must haves’ and Stay-and-Play packages to indulgent day spa services. The feeling of “doom and gloom” that has persisted for too long was for the most part blissfully absent. Or if it was bandied about, it did not filter its way to me! While there is cautious optimism, people are ready and willing to engage in this wonderful activity in any way they can and Golf Today shares and supports that drive towards a future recovery. We applaud our advertising partners who also understand that the good times will return, and when they do, they too will prosper and succeed. Golf Today Magazine had another tremendous show season. A huge thank you to golfers and readers who came to our booth to congratulate us on our monthly magazine, and to offer feedback (positive and constructive) and even new story ideas. Thank you to all that did so. As we enter our second year, we cannot thank enough our editorial contributors, our advertising partners who provide terrific products and services to our readers, and to our readers for supporting our format and editorial approach. Here’s to a great 2010!
What’s New?
Come Play the 2010 Golf Today Magazine-sponsored McCormick Woods Spring Classic June 22nd. A 1:30pm shotgun start at the premier McCormick Woods Golf Course in Port Orchard, WA is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Yes, its time to tee it up, have fun, and enjoy a sociable event with great tee prizes for all. Golf Today events are focused on providing golfers with great golf and value in a non-competitive atmosphere where everyone goes home with a bag of swag!
Golf Today is excited and pleased to introduce Golf Today readers to the 2010 McCormick Woods Golf Classic, a one-day, play your own ball, “fun event.” Located in Port Orchard, WA on the Kitsap Peninsula, McCormick Woods is an 18 hole Audubon Society certified championship public course that opened in 1987. Nestled amongst idyllic lakes and towering firs and cedars, McCormick Woods will certainly test the mettle of players of all abilities, but fear not, there are five-tee placements at each hole to choose from! Golf Digest and Golfweek think McCormick Woods is a “goodie” as well, rating it “Best Course” and “Most Enjoyable Course” respectively. After the round golfers will enjoy hot appetizers at the delightful Clubhouse Restaurant, which boasts panoramic views and an outdoor patio overlooking North Lake.
So what makes our events different? Golf Today Magazine’s “Fun Tournaments” are open to men and women players of all abilities. Yes, you do not need to have a handicap and all players, regardless of score, will take home a Tee Prize Package worth at least $100. Now throw in the $7500 in value raffle prizes where ALL golfers have a chance to win great prizes such as a one day, stay-and-play package at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort Hotel, including golf for two at the spectacular Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, ID. The winner will enjoy a round of golf on the course Golfweek rates as “One of the Best Casino Courses 2007-2009); just be sure to keep an eye out for your ball as it is not uncommon to share the fairway with local wildlife such as elk and the errant bear!
In addition, we’re giving away other regional Stay and Play Packages, tickets to the upcoming 2010 U.S. Senior Open, 2010 Boeing Classic, and twosomes to the highly acclaimed Nevada courses such as Angel Park, Alliante, and The Legacy Golf Club, highly acclaimed Tetherow, Wine Valley, and free or discounted golf certificates at other great Seattle and Washington courses!
Before you warm up, any golfer interested in a quick FREE onsite Swing Analysis can do so at the GolfTEC mobile Swing Analysis booth. You’ll need to get in line, however, as I’ll likely be the first one in line ready for a little guidance from our good friends at GolfTEC!
If you are like me, and you’ve got your eyes on that new 2010 stick that you’ve been waiting to let rip, we’ll also have a Clubmaker Demo of Clubs on site-Try them with no obligation!
Entry fee is $115 per player, $105 per player for a twosome and $95 per player for a foursome. Now be sure to act fast to secure your spot. In fact, if you book by Mar 31, we’ll knock 10% off!
For more information and entry forms, call 425-941-9946 or email Cameron@golftodaynw.com. We will fax, send, or email entry forms to you!
The following are a few golfing “goodies” that I discovered while walking the exhibit halls at last month’s Northwest golf shows and deserve mention. Good luck and I hope they help and foster further enjoyment of this great game!
AlmostGOLF
AlmostGOLF’s Point 3 golf ball allows you to practice or play anywhere. The Point 3 combines tour quality flight characteristics with safety unmatched by any other practice ball on the market. Weighing just 13.5 grams the Point 3 carries 1/3 the distance that you would hit a traditional golf ball and has a COR rating of .32 (Point 3). As a result it has realistic launch angle and spin off the clubface, so you can safely hit true fades, draws to help accurately diagnose and correct swing flaws while practicing. Now juniors, beginners and serious players can get real practice time in their backyard, schoolyard or on any playing field. Practice trouble shots and difficult lies anytime, anywhere without the worry of hurting anything. This product is proudly endorsed by Dave Pelz and used in his golf schools nationwide.
GOLFNOW.com
Golfnow.com is the largest online tee time retailer in the United States. Operating in 25 states, and partnering with more than 1,500 courses across the nation, GolfNow offer northwest golfers affordable pricing, 24 hour tee time bookings, and excellent customer service to manage more than 1.5 million registered golfer accounts. Please visit www.golfnow.com for details.
PREMIER GOLF CENTERS
Was established in 2001 and currently manages 10 golf courses for five municipalities in the Puget Sound region including the city of Seattle. Become a member of their Premier Golf Club and enjoy discounts on green fees, range balls, and golf carts at any of their 10 courses. Please visit www.premiergolfcenters.com for more information.
Mt SI Golf Course
I’m always amazed at just how busy their booth is each year; however, it’s not a stretch to work out why as Mt SI, located in Snoqualmie, WA, serves as a beautiful backdrop to a course headed by long time Head Professional Matt Campbell. Mt Si often offers golfers terrific coupons such as “Two for Ones”, “Pay for Nine, Play 18,” and “50% off Breakfast and Lunch”. Please visit www.mtsigolf.com for more information.
Pollen Putters
Pollen Golf, a new Seattle-based putter company, unveiled two acrylic putters at the Show. The putters look and feel like nothing else on the market, composed of a high-density polymer and stainless steel. “The concept behind the Pollen design is to shape the entire club head out of this lightweight acrylic,” explains Ian Burke, spokesperson for Pollen (www.pollengolf.com). “This allows the weight to be precisely added back in, for solid contact and good balance. Most leading manufacturers are milling out the face of a metal putter and filling it back in with a polymer. We just made the entire club head out of this material.” Check them out at pollengolf.com.
Vancouver Island Golf Trail
A 250-kilometre golf trail of Pacific paradise from Victoria to Campbell River, awaits golfers on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island - ranked as the Top North American Island by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Over the past couple of decades numerous “golf trails” have sprung up. Many have detoured and disappeared. The product, the experience, the logic to the whole thing, just wasn’t there. But, rest assured, The Vancouver Island Golf Trail - unquestionably, one of the finest golf trails in North America - isn’t going anywhere. It’s too good. And it just keeps getting better. Two new courses - The Valley Course at Bear Mountain and Highland Pacific - have boosted the total number of courses on the trail to 12. Throw in a couple of days of sightseeing, fishing, or whale watching, and you’ve got two weeks worth of good times. Please visit www.vancouverislandgolftrail.com for more information.
Golf-n-Scope
Want to see how a rangefinder can improve your game? There’s an app for that! Now iPhone users can download Golf-n-Scope, a digital rangefinder, from the iTunes App Store for a one-time cost of $4.99.
Golf-n-Scope uses your iPhone’s camera, with flag recognition and range finding calculations to estimate your distance to the flag. It works without GPS, making it usable on any golf course regardless of coverage. It’s easy to use, just aim the cross hairs at the flag, press the camera button and Golf-n-Scope gives you your distance to the flag. You can fine tune the flag location by touching the markers on the screen. Golf-n-Scope will suggest a suitable club based on the computed distance to the pin and clubs in your golf bag. For more information visit www.qualnetics.com/golf-n-scope. You can purchase Golf-n-Scope at http://itunes.com/apps/golf-n-scope.
The CLUBGLIDER
The CLUBGLIDER Travel Bag continues to wow golfers and Tour professionals alike. It virtually eliminates sore shoulders and back resulting from lugging golf clubs from the parking garage through the airport check-in counter and to the hotel. The integrated set of legs with in-line caster wheels retracts into the bag making ClubGlider safe and secure for travel. At baggage claim simply extend the legs and glide to your destination. This is great for the traveling golfer. Golf Today readers enjoy a special $30 discount and free name embroidery by using Promotion Code GTNW at www.clubglider.com.
Chicks Golf, Too
Chicks Golf, too is a fun, inviting store for women’s golf apparel, shoes, and accessories. The shop, located in Downtown Puyallup, WA is a lively and social gathering place to stop in and share your stories - about golf, family, work or whatever - all while seeing what is new in ladies golf fashions, the coolest gadgets and must-have bags. A big hit at the Seattle Golf Show, Chicks Golf, Too also has an online store for those shoppers wishing to browse the logo products on the Internet. “The goal we had in mind for our booth, was to create a mini-replica of the shop,” says owner Amanda Brunaugh. “It was a huge hit with all of the show’s lady attendees, and we look forward to visiting with them all again soon during the 2010 golf season.” For more information, please visit www.chicksgolf2.com.
What’s The Deal With Women’s Golf?
March 6, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
The only assumptions you can safely make about women and golf is that it is wise not to.
Whether newbie hackers or women with decades of experience, our playing styles and attitudes vary from woman to woman and from round to round. Whether in your foursome or in the next stall at the driving range, you’ll notice we experience the same frustrating ups and downs, euphoric sweet shots and humiliating shanks as men do.
Each year more and more women get turned on to the pastime once considered the secret indulgence of men. It’s quite common today for couples to golf together or for her to leave him at home altogether. The term “golf widower” seems to be gaining in popularity.
There may have been a time when being a progressive female on the golf course meant she would be up for driving the cart for her guy. This still may be true for some, but as she drives she’ll likely also be calculating yardage, wind speed and mentally selecting the perfect club for her next shot — female multitasking in action.
I’ve never been accused of being a jock, but more of uncoordinated tomboy. I only took up golf a few years ago and in that short time, I’ve had the chance to play with women of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.
I once played in a tournament with three young ladies who played on their high school golf team. I believe I was placed in their group in an effort to keep the women together, but I could not have been more out of my element. They wielded their men’s clubs with perfect form and power. I can still recall the pure sound of their drivers making super solid contact–beautiful. That day was cold and drizzly and by the turn it was raining. We were soaked, but these girls could care less. Heading for the clubhouse early was never even mentioned.
I love golfing with hardcore “never say never” women. While I have friends who unapologetically turn back and head for the 19th hole at the first sign of rain, most women I play with will finish a round no matter what. In fact, a nearby grass fire wasn’t enough to stop some friends and I last summer. Sure, our eyes burned a bit, but we all knew it would make for a good story. It provided us with the opportunity to be stupid, referring to certain shots as “smokin’” or telling each other, “You are on fire, Girl”.
No matter the conditions, I appreciate a low-pressure golf experience where it’s all about getting outside and having fun. I know my handicap is high–like nose bleed high–but I figure I will have 40 or more years to work on my game, and so (as long as I keep up the pace) no worries. I have golfing partners who don’t even keep score half the time, and are content to get some fresh air and time away from the kids.
But, I also know women who are intently disciplined about their game. They’ll get extra quiet and they’ll be hyper-focused on their next shot. They are in the zone, and it’s an honor to step back and watch.
When teeing off they will forgo the forward “ladies” tees and opt for white, blue, gold–whatever offers the greatest yardage. These ladies will amaze you with their long drives to fairway town.
And there is the all-important art of putting. I recently witnessed a friend intimidate a man twice her size when he “gave” her a four-foot gimmie. Scooting her ball into the cup with his own putter, he was surprised by her stern response. I believe it was something along the lines of, “Sir, I KNOW you did not just touch my ball…” Awkward.
And yes, of course you can play through, but more often than not we are waiting on the group ahead. I actually find that in general women tend to play at a brisk pace. I know my friends often play ready golf. Either way, asking nicely is always preferable to hitting into us while we are still on the green. If it happens more than once, you may have to reclaim your ball at the next tee box.
But for every man who was a bit insensitive, I’ve come across 20 who were wonderful-if not more. Like the gentleman who came to my assistance, helping me pick up my bag and clubs when I forgot to tighten the cart strap. Thank you, Sir.
Of course, there are many times when women golfers can be impatient or rude. Some of us are just plain terrible golfers. More than once I have made my way to the green via the edge of the neighboring rough. It’s a tricky endeavor and I proceed with caution, but I’ve seen guys do it too, and you know who you are.
I suppose it should come as no surprise that missing the fairway is a true golf experience shared by both sexes.
NLGA
Fifteen years ago, a group of women golfers sat through a meeting where a struggling ladies golf group disbanded. They were frustrated and with good reason. Unless they could join a private golf club and play during the day, their golfing options were extremely limited.
Instead of going home feeling defeated, a group of women decided on the spot to take action. They took their discussion to a nearby bar, where began planning the ideal ladies golf organization.
The result of their impromptu bar brainstorming session is the Northwest Ladies Golf Association (NLGA).
Today NLGA has approximately 200 members, who represent a diverse group of women of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. What brings them together is the shared desire to get out and play golf, and to provide opportunities for Puget Sound-area women golfers to join in, regardless of experience or skill level.
Founding member and Current NLGA President Rikki Rothenberg-Klein remembers that very first discussion and says they were all in agreement. “We knew we could offer many opportunities to play and improve skills, and have more fun,” she says.
Fellow founding member Sally Sullivan says 15 years ago options for local women golfers who worked fulltime were few and far between.
“Many women’s groups met during the day,” Sullivan says. “We began as a group of mostly working women so decided to start a group that would allow us to meet other women golfers, socialize and offer after work and weekend golfing opportunities.”
Sullivan remembers those first NLGA meetings as being very action oriented.
“We each threw $5 on the table to get a business license with the state as a non-profit,” Sullivan recalls. ” We formed our first committees. I took on leagues.”
At their first official meeting, they wrote the NLGA mission statement, which is still followed today: “To organize and promote regular golf play for women of all skill levels and to foster the development of social relationships.”
Rothenberg-Klein remembers those early days as exciting, challenging and hectic. There were days when founding members, who would rather be out playing a round, sat discussing Roberts Rules of Order and writing bylaws. There were countless phone calls to be made and details to be finalized.
Rothenberg-Klein says it didn’t take long for them to recognize they were really onto something. Membership started out strong and steadily increased with each passing year.
“We did not realize how popular golf would become for women,” she says. ”Many women are more comfortable being part of a group, and we provide opportunities to play and learn the game in a no-pressure atmosphere.”
Things really took off in 2002 with the launch of the NLGA Web site. For the past two seasons, the site has been part of the Golf Handicap Information Network (GHIN), an added benefit for members who want to post scores online.
The NLGA offers an array of golf-related events starting each April with an annual spring social. New players are not only welcomed into a lively group of ready-made golf partners, but are also offered tools to improve their game through clinics and mentoring events.
Sullivan appreciates seeing the way members encourage each other on the course.
“The members are willing to share golf tips on the game and equipment, which helps too,” she says.
Members can join in a number of group outings to courses they may normally not play and join weekly league play.
Each member picks and chooses her level of involvement depending on her interests and schedule. She could choose to rework her chip shot at a short game clinic, ask about flag tending etiquette while playing a round with a mentor, and then practice these new skills in a weekly league. Members can also find golf partners with similar schedules or skill levels through the NLGA Web site — http://nlga.ghinclub.com.
“To me it feels as if the NLGA is a living entity,” Rothenberg-Klein says. “We promote nurturing, development and being the best you can be. We have some competitions but they are fun based.”
The NLGA is active in the local golf community, donating to the Susan B. Komen foundation, and sending volunteers to help local golf events including the golf show. Each summer the NLGA joins the Seattle chapter of the Executive Women’s Golf Association (EWGA) in hosting Golf Fore Red, which raises money for the American Heart Association.
The EWGA is a not-for-profit, which started in much the same way as the NLGA, but now operates on a much larger scale. Founded in 1991 by Nancy & Ed Oliver in West Palm Beach, Florida, the EWGA now has 120 chapters and 20,000 members throughout the United States as well as Canada and Europe.
The EWGA provides opportunities for women of all skill levels to learn and experience the game of golf in a social setting. The EWGA also fosters relationships through networking and business-related social activities. Because there are EWGA chapters throughout the United States and Canada, it is a terrific option for those who travel often for business or pleasure.
EWGA members have access to (GHIN), and are able to post their scores online. Go to www.ewga.com to find a local chapter.
Fashion Forward
Whether male or female, everyone wants to look good out on the course–it’s universal. Some days, when you can’t make a putt to save your life, a nice, new pair of golf shoes may take a bit of the sting out of a painful round.
And while the LPGA means serious golf, many of the newest players are trending toward attire that is unapologetically fun. Whatever feels comfortable seems to be the rule. For some that’s pants or long shorts and conservative polo, and for others it’s short-shorts, skirts or the perfect compromise–skorts. LPGA fashion favorites like Anna Lawson, Natalie Gulbis and Paula Creamer have made one thing clear. Women golfers can be sexy while they play yet still be serious about their play.
Creamer, a.k.a. the Pink Panther, is a great example. Ever seen her temper flare on a bad day? The pink she wears may make her look sweet, but it seems it has no calming effect on her fierce competitive spirit. Creamer ranked ninth on the LPGA’s 2009 money list, and her fashionably feisty persona keeps her ever popular with sponsors.
While watching Creamer and other LPGA golfers, many Northwest women may become inspired by a look. I admit that on occasion while watching Rawson line up a putt, I find myself thinking “Looks like she’s putting against the grain. Hey, that’s a cute hat.”
The next question is inevitably, “now, where do I get one?” I have had some luck at Peutz. I have always had great experiences with their staff who are always attentive and nice. I haven’t been so fortunate at some of the golf chains. I often feel like the ladies attire section is sort of an afterthought. Four or five racks does not a ladies section make.
I must address the one big, big complaint I hear from my women friends about golf attire. Size matters. We come in all sizes. While many stores stock size 2-14, there are often few choices for those of us who are tall, athletic or well built. More attire in larger sizes please. I have friends who rarely even try local retailers for this reason and instead go straight to their computer to make their purchases.
Local golf enthusiast Amanda Brunaugh owns Chicks Golf Too, a women’s specialty shop in Puyallup. The very reason she is in business is to hear and address the individual needs of local women golfers.
Chicks Golf Too offers a variety of contemporary, comfortable and classy ladies golf apparel and accessories. I know I dislike ordering clothing online because you just never know how things will fit and feel. I could care less if that sweater looks good; if it’s scratchy or not long enough to stay put on the backswing then forget about it.
Brunaugh hears this complaint a lot and this is why she proactively searches out the latest looks so her customers won’t have to. Brunaugh keeps Chicks Golf Too stocked with a range of styles and sizes.
Downtown Pullayup and online store (253) 845-0554, www.chicksgolf2.com. Add links to women’s blogs, products and services:
Skincare and Sergio Garcia…Now That’s an interesting combination!
March 6, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
If you were like me as a kid-always outdoors and playing sports as a young kid and teenager during the long dog days of summer-you no doubt experienced your fair share of over exposure to the sun or the pain of sun burned skin. The resulting discomfort of blisters and peeling skin is not easily forgotten; in fact, I often recall the tube of cool and calming aloe gel was never far from my reach. Yes, as a “young fella” who enjoyed his childhood “down under”, I would often, with complete abandonment, venture outdoors to offer up my youthful skin to the sun gods whether playing golf, cricket or just enjoying the summer. Admittedly, this cycle of over exposure to the sun was an annual occurrence that I would often shrug off as “par for the course” of playing out under clear blue skies. Those same skies, I might add, we now know are responsible for some of the highest skin cancer rates in the world helped by the huge hole in the protective ozone layer that resides in the southern hemisphere! Despite the national sunscreen advertising campaign in the late 80’s that coined the phrase “Slip Slap Slop”, which I did adhere to on occasion, I now fear that as I approach the big 4-0, my skin is showing a contradictory result to the ”I’m fine” attitude of my youth. As I look back at the mug shot that greets me every morning in the bathroom mirror, I can’t help but notice the effects of sun exposure that include an ever increasing collection of wrinkles, crow’s feet, blemishes and sun spots. Can I rewind the clock? No. Can I take steps to reduce or even prevent future damage while out on the course? Absolutely! One of the more golfer (or athlete) friendly skin care products available on the market is the Mission Skincare products. What makes Mission different to the other 120,000 skin care products on the market? Sergio Garcia, for starters, along with other world-class athletes including Serena Williams, Mia Hamm, and Steve Nash have developed and tested their products and standby their quality and effectiveness. It also doesn’t hurt that Mission Skincare was the official sunscreen provider of the 2009 PGA TOUR Superstore World Amateur Handicap Championship. They understand the skincare needs of athletes and golf is no exception.
Teaming up with scientists and skincare industry veterans, Mission Skincare went to work to create athlete-engineered skincare that has been proven to meet the specific needs of athletes across all sports. The range of products includes a concoction of nutrients and antioxidants that are included to maximize on-the-field performance. The line offers golfers (and non-golfers alike) everything from the essential Anti-Sting Sunscreen SPF 30+ Facestick that won’t irritate your eyes or clog pores, and Ultra-Soothing After-Sun Revive Gel to help combat the effects of wind and heat damage to your skin, to the vitamin and oxidant infused Refreshing Foot Therapy cream! Yes, Mission Skincare offers a great range of products that doesn’t stop at the conventional. Sergio had the foresight to add a product called Ultra-GripTM Gel, a quick-drying, non-sticky formula made with natural ingredients that can be applied to your hands or gloves and instantly increases the “feel” of your clubs. In addition, golfers can buy Sergio Garcia’s Sunscreen Kit, which comes with a signature TaylorMade MISSION Accessories Pouch. Lined with soft padding to protect your valuables, the pouch is made to clip onto your golf bag so you can stay protected with the Fast-Drying Sunscreen SPF 30+ Spray, Anti-Sting Sunscreen SPF 30+ Facestick, and the Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector SPF 20 Gel. Yep, if only I had this mini-survival pouch last year when I hit the links in Las Vegas and played in 104 degree heat? Now am I able to tell the difference between a vitamin-infused moisturizer that contains Vitamins A, B, C, D3, E and K and Antioxidants such as Goji, Acai, Pomegranate and Cranberry? Probably not. But, my assessment of the MissionCare range of products is that they are the best that I have tried, bar none. My face stays hydrated through the day; my lips are no longer the poster child for why you should always have lip balm on hand, and the on-the-course sun protection products are easily applied, non-greasy, and do provide great protection. As a golfer and a guy who is entering a more mature stage in life, I need all the help I can get to protect the skin I have! What’s the saying? “You will never be as young as you are today.” For more information about the Missioncare range of products please visit www.missionskincare.com.
“In golf, the sun is just part of the game, and nothing protects my skin better than Ultra-Sweatproof SPF 30+ Lotion.”
~ Sergio Garcia
Priest Lake Golf Course & Hill’s Resort
March 6, 2010 by sydney
Filed under Featured Articles
Discover the unparalleled beauty of the Priest Lake Golf Course. The 18-hole, par-72 course is located near the shores of Priest Lake, Idaho’s Crown Jewel. A visit to the panhandle of North Idaho offers many opportunities to those who enjoy nature’s bounty. The stunning course takes guests through rolling hills, expansive natural wetlands and lush forest. The varied terrain provides golfers with a unique and ever changing visual tapestry that creates an unparalleled golf experience. Tee boxes are surrounded with natural granite rock. Fairways and greens are bordered by towering trees and many species of wildlife can be seen both on the course and in the surrounding forests.
Walking the course at Priest Lake is permitted, and the course provides a pleasant experience for those who prefer to enjoy the game this way. Carts are available for those who would rather not carry their clubs around the course. If you need to rent a set of clubs or a pull cart, these are available as well.
The picturesque landscape enhances the gently contoured greens and rolling fairways that create an enjoyable experience for golfers of every level. The course offers three sets of tees to match the challenge with the players ability. For the adventurous, it can be played from the challenging Championship tees at 6500 yards.
The beauty doesn’t end on the 18th hole. The full service golf shop and adjoining Bar and Grill cater to your needs both on and off the course. Before, or after your round of golf, you can enjoy a cold beverage of choice and a relaxing meal on the covered patio overlooking the front nine. Just 90 minutes from Spokane, Washington or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Priest Lake Golf Course offers all of this at very reasonable rates. Shoulder season rates provide value for those playing in May through mid June and from mid September through mid October as the 18 holes fee is only $26.00. For those wishing to come during the high season, from mid June through mid September, the green fees are a resort bargain at $50.
One of the finest destination golf courses, Priest Lake Golf Course is uniquely tied to the award winning Hill’s Resort, located on the lake just minutes from the course. Hill’s Resort has long been recognized as a unique family resort by magazines including Family Circle, Redbook and Sunset. The resort is set along the beautiful sandy shores of Priest Lake, Idaho’s Crown Jewel. The secluded nature of the lake has led to Priest Lake being referred to as the “lake without the city”.
Guests can sit back, relax and take in the grandeur of the area at the resort or venture out and enjoy boating, fishing or picking huckleberries, a regional delicacy. Equipment for outdoor activities is available for rental through the resort, so you need not bring all your gear to enjoy these unique recreational opportunities.
Hill’s offers lake side cabins, condos and chalets, 52 units in total. Guests can enjoy the resort’s highly acclaimed award winning restaurant, where every menu item is homemade, featuring Huckleberries, Morel and Chanterelle mushrooms and always with a touch of a Hill family memory.
Hill’s Resort offers a Stay and Play Package for singles or couples - call 208-443-2551
The 2010 “Golf Today Northwest” Stay and Play package features overnight lodging in a lake side fireplace suite, breakfast and 18 holes of golf including cart and practice balls for only $129 per person, based on double or triple occupancy.
If you are unable to visit Priest Lake during the summer, you can put on your coat and join us all winter long. Mother Nature blankets the area with generous amounts of snow and the golf course is transformed into a Nordic and snowshoe haven. The Priest Lake Golf Course & Nordic Center is the perfect compliment to the countless other outdoor recreational opportunities at Priest Lake. Hill’s Resort also provides accommodations throughout the winter for those who enjoy snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Together, Priest Lake Golf Course and Hill’s Resort provide a perfect year-round location to relax and enjoy Mother Nature’s beauty and bounty.
To learn more visit
208-443-2525
208-443-2551
