PRESORT STD AUGUST U.S. Postage PAID FREE 2010 Issue The source for northwest golf news Port Townsend, WA Permit 262 Discover the vast landscape of golf around Spokane and northern Idaho There is plenty of golf to be found around Spokane and the Idaho Panhandle - including places like the Creek at Qualchan in Spokane (right). This month’s special section presents a close-up look at golf in and around the Inland Empire. See inside for more.
WHAT’S NEW Keeping an eye on Eaglemont USGA official: IN NW GOLF ‘Zero’ chance Chambers will
Take a look at news lose U.S. Open and notes from golf For those Pacific Northwest golf fans that already have reservations for the 2015 in the Pacific NW U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, never fear says Here are some highlights from Mike Davis of the USGA. The tournament the world of golf around the Pacific isn’t going anywhere. Northwest and what you can read Davis, who is in charge of picking venues about in this month’s Inside Golf: and setting them up for the world’s tough- • Professional Kyle Kelly of est championships for the USGA, had one California goes low to win the Ro- message to relay in regards to Chambers sauers Open Invitational at Indian Bay Golf Course. Canyon in Spokane. The event The 2015 U.S. Open will remain in Pierce featured the top professionals and County – period. amateurs from around the Pacific Mike Davis, the USGA’s senior direc- Northwest. Page 4. tor of rules and competitions, visited the • Professional Ryan Benzel of University Place course in June, and said Battle Creek Golf Club in Wash- he could not be more pleased with the way ington qualified for his fourth the course is coming together for the U.S. PGA Championship this month Amateur in August. at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin. “They’ve made so much progress in Page 6. terms of getting some of the construction • The American Junior Golf things that hadn’t been done – done,” Davis Association will hit the Pacific said. “They’ve made incredible progress Northwest with a pair of events with the agronomics.” in Wenatchee and Medford this Davis said he’s aware rumors persist that month. Page 8. if the course doesn’t show well for the U.S. • Jack Nicklaus will create a Amateur, the USGA will pull the plug on new nine on his own dime for the If you have played Eagle- the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay. “There is zero chance, and you can quote veterans at American Lake Golf mont Golf Course in Mount Course in Tacoma. Page 11. me on that one,” Davis said. Vernon, Wash. you know what Concern has been expressed over the greens at Chambers Bay and the way they it is all about. The hills, the are shaping up for this year’s United States Pacific Amateur is set views, the challenging layout, Amateur championship. the wildlife - it is a course with Davis explained that the fine-fescue grass for new August dates on the Chambers Bay greens gets “real dry so much to offer. Eaglemont The Northwest Dodge Dealers … and real firm.” But they don’t respond Pacific Amateur Golf Classic has is also among the toughest well to constant foot traffic, and therefore changed its dates for the 2010 in the Pacific Northwest with have to be allowed to grow, making the season. The event, to be held speed of the greens slower for daily play. August 30 - September 4, 2010, its slope and rating. For more “We will start to prepare them the weeks is open to all amateur golfers who about this outstanding course, coming into the U.S. Amateur,” Davis said of the Aug. 23-29 competition. possess an established USGA see inside this issue. Handicap. “They’ll be cut lower and they’ll be rolled The three-day, net, stroke-play and all the things that I think will make them tournament, culminating in playoff in marvelous condition.” competition at Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater, is played on Central Oregon’s finest golf courses. U.S. Amateur gets set for Central Oregon has been ranked #23 in the Top 50 Golf its time in the NW spotlight Destinations. See Pacamgolf.com for more The world’s top amateur male golfers will put the spotlight information on this year’s event. squarely on the Pacific Northwest this month when the United States Amateur tees off at Chambers Bay and the Home Course. The event will take place Aug. 23-29 with qualifying at both Chambers Bay and the Home Course. Following two rounds of qualifying, the top golfers will then head to Chambers Bay for the Rules Quiz match-play portion of the tournament to determine a champion. Puyallup native and PGA Tour star Ryan Moore is the honorary A player’s ball strikes a pipeline and on the rebound hits the face of his club. Is the chairman of the event and has helped generate publicity for the first player considered to have struck the ball USGA championship to be held at Chambers Bay. The 2015 United more than once in breach of Rule 14-4? States Open is also set for Chambers Bay. Yes or No? See Page 2 for the answer to Tickets are available for the tournament and cost $25 for a daily this month’s rules question. tickets and $65 for a week-long pass. A total of 312 players will take part in the tournament and NBC and the Golf Channel will televise the event. See www.2010usamateur.com for more. Chambers Bay will play host to the U.S. Amateur Aug. 23-29.
Printed in U.S.A. • • • INSIDE GOLF NEWSPAPER • • • ©All Rights Reserved • Page 2 • • Inside Comments • • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 • Arizona summer golf: Temperature might be hot, but the golf is worth it As we drove to the golf course one Gold Canyon all offer great deals to get afternoon last month, the outside tem- you on the course. And the course con- perature was 110 degrees. Inside the car ditioning is always good. It might be a bit crazy to tee it up in it was a perfect 62 degrees, but outside it Bob Marlatt was smokin’ hot. When you are in Arizona that kind of heat, but there are people during the summer, that’s just what you even crazier than you. As we made the Publisher get. But I wasn’t about to let triple-digit turn one afternoon, there were three temperatures keep me inside. kids walking to the first tee with their Steve Turcotte As we pulled into the parking lot at Las clubs strapped to their backs. Now that’s Editor-Advertising
Colinas Golf Course in Queen Creek, S t e v e nuts. Ariz., just south of Phoenix, there weren’t “You guys are crazy,” I told them. many cars around. The pro shop was Tu r c o t t e “No, were not,” said one. “We love Kathy Marlatt empty. It was hard to find anybody else the heat.” Operations Manager on the course. house as we made the trip from the 11th And that’s the kind of attitude to have But this is just the way Arizona golf green to the 12th tee. when you play golf in the summer months is in the summer. If you can handle the in Arizona. Contributing Writers If a breeze happens to show up, then Daniel Johnson, Jeff Coston, heat the golf is great. The rates are low that just makes the golf even better. But Kathy DeNeui, Mike Peluso and everywhere, tee times are readily avail- hot is hot, I realize that. But if you don’t Steve Turcotte is editor of Inside Golf Brett Wilkinson able and you can play 18 holes so fast, mind it, this is the time to play golf. The Newspaper. He can be reached at sdtur- Cartoonist: Harold Bluestein you might want to keep playing. But then high-end courses like Troon, Grayhawk, [email protected]. you realize that it’s 110 degrees and you start looking for the nearest swimming Subscription rates: pool. $17-one year and $30-two Las Colinas head professional Joe years (U.S. funds). Langer and I teed it up at 1 p.m. with the sun blazing down. There weren’t many Unsolicited articles and photos are wel- golfers around but as Langer blasted his come, however we will accept no liability driver 300 yards down the middle, I was for their loss or damage, and will only about to say goodbye to my sanity and return them if prior arrangements have the money in my wallet. been made with the publisher. There are certain things you need when you are playing golf in 110 degree Courier Address heat. Like a hat. Some water. A cold 460 Dennis Blvd towel. More water. A dry towel to take Port Townsend, WA 98368 care of the sweat. Even more water. Mailing Address Golf in Arizona in the summer is not a P.O.Box 1890 chore, it’s not bad. Of course, there are Port Townsend, WA 98368 those who can’t take it. During one after- noon round, one of our playing partners, Phone Mike, got through 11 holes then started (360) 379-4080 to feel like heat exhaustion was coming on. He bailed out to the air conditioned It’s possible to play golf in the summer months in Phoenix, but it’s really, really hot. E-mail Address [email protected] www.insidegolfonline.com
Inside Golf Newspaper is a trademark of Northwest Publications, Inc. and is pub- lished on the first of each month.
Rules Answer Answer: No. The player did not strike the ball more than once. He struck it once and it rebounded and hit the face of his club. Rule 19-2 applies. A one stroke penalty is incurred fro striking a player’s own equipment.
• Editor’s note: Thanks to Paul Lucien for his rules insights.
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• Page 4 • • In THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 •
California professional wins crown at American Singles Golf helps connect Rosauers Invitational by one stroke NW golfers together PGA Professional Kyle Kelly of Tama- par 67 to win the three-day event by three to capture the Oregon Amateur title in its Are you single and enjoy golf, meeting risk CC (Rancho Mirage, CA) won the strokes over Jeremy Wendelken of The 101-year history. new people as well as other social activi- Rosauers Open Invitational by one stroke. Plateau Club. He entered the competition With this title she joins Mary Budke ties? Only a few people are aware there is a He won over professional Brandon Kear- — played one day each at Jackson, Jefferson of Eugene, Ore. and Carole Jo Kabler of golf organization that exists known as The ney of Bend G&CC (Bend, OR) who fired Park and West Seattle golf courses — two Sutherlin, Ore. as the only golfers (male or American Singles Golf Association (ASGA) the low round of the day during the final shots behind. Bae, runner-up last year, had female) to capture both titles in the same and that there is a local chapter in the Pacific round, a 7 under par 64. the best score of the day in the final round calendar year. She is the first to also add the Northwest. This group of people are single Defending champion, PGA Professional by two shots. Sean McMullen of Fairwood Oregon Public Links title to her resume. (i.e. never married, divorced, widowed, or Corey Prugh of Manito G&CC (Spokane, Country Club and Matt Epstein of Everett legally separated), age 21 or over who enjoy WA) finished in lone third place. CC finished tied for third, five shots back. WSGA offers casual golf golf. There are 70 plus chapters of the Ameri- Low amateur honors went to Derek days to see different courses can Singles Golf Association and Seattle is Berg of Glendale CC (Bellevue, WA) who home to one of them. Young Oregon golfer making Would you like the opportunity to play finished in a tie for fourth place. Berg re- Members know that playing golf once or history with 2010 victories some of the state of Washington’s finest cently won the Oregon Open Invitational twice each month with other singles will have It was a historic finish at the 101st Oregon golf courses? If so, Washington State Golf last month at Juniper GC. a positive impact on their social life and look Amateur as 15-year old Monica Vaughn of Association (WSGA) Casual Golf Days forward to this involvement. The main focus Reedsport, Ore. became the youngest cham- present that opportunity to you. Casual Golf Kyle Kelly , Tamarisk 62-67-69 - 198 of the club is golf but the other many activities Brandon Kearney, Bend 66-69-64 - 199 pion in the event’s storied history with an 8 Days are just that, no competitions, just a of the club make it well worth you becoming a Corey Prugh, Manito 64-69-67 - 200 & 6 win over University of Oregon senior- relaxing day of golf. Play will be in groups member. To join go to www.SinglesGolf.com/ Tim Feenstra, Broadmoor 66-69-67 - 202 to-be Erica Omlid of Springfield, Ore. of four and you can even request that you be a-Derek Berg, Glendale 70-64-68 - 202 join
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• Page 6 • • In THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 • NW professional Benzel will NW players on the pro tours Events through July 25, 2010 PGA Tour play at PGA Championship • Fred Couples • Seattle • 145th on the list with $397,406 PGA Professional Ryan Benzel of Battle That was as close as it would get as Uihlein • Ben Crane • Portland • 12th on the list with $2,396,357 • Robert Garrigus • Gresham • 97th on the list with $676,239 Creek Golf Course in Tulalip, Wash., will join continued the solid play he’s had all week. • Jeff Gove • Seattle • 209th on the list with $73,483 a group of 19 other PGA Professionals who Throughout the four rounds he only made • Ryan Moore • Puyallup • 29th on the list with $1,686,084 qualified for the 92nd PGA Championship, four bogeys and one double bogey. His 17- • Alex Prugh • Spokane • 75th on the list with $778,651 Aug. 9-15, at Whistling Straits in Kohler, under par 271 total broke Ryan Moore’s • Jeff Quinney • Eugene • 143rd on the list with $403,360 Wis. record of 16-under par 272 set in 2004. • Kirk Triplett • Pullman • 177tht on the list with $217,146 Benzel, 31, will be competing in his Defending champion Nick Taylor of Ab- Nationwide Tour fourth PGA Championship. He qualified by botsford, B.C. used a 4-under par 68 to jump • Jess Daley • Kent • 147th on the list with $8,853 finishing in the top 20 on June 30 at the 43rd from 9th place to 3rd place. • Troy Kelly • Bremerton • 85th on the list with $35,361 PGA Professional National Championship • Michael Putnam • Tacoma • 48th on the list with $71,313 at French Lick (Ind.) Resort. He recently • Kyle Stanley • Gig Harbor • 27th on the list with $96,601 Wendelken rallies to claim Champions Tour finished in the top 10 at the Rosauers. • Fred Couples • Seattle • 1st on list with $1,327,092 The 43rd PGA Professional National Washington State Amateur Jeremy Wendelken fired a final round of • Bob Gilder • Corvallis • 39th on the list with $195,568 Championship was presented by Titleist, • Peter Jacobsen • Portland • 59th on the list with $128,104 2-under par 70 to capture the 84th Washing- FootJoy, and Club Car, and featured a LPGA Tour total purse of $550,000. The PGA Profes- ton State Golf Association Men’s Amateur • Louise Friberg • Univ. of Washington • 103rd on the list with $19,357 sional National Championship and Section Championship held at White Horse Golf • Allison Hanna-Williams • Portland • 99th on the list with $22,479 Championships featured a total purse of Club in Kingston, Wash. Wendelken fin- • Jimin Kang • Seattle • 45th on the list with $125,934 more than $1.5 million. The PGA Tour is ished the championship at 2-under par 286 • Paige Mackenzie • Yakima • 81st on the list with $40,927 a Supporting Sponsor of PGA of America overall and was the only player in the field • Wendy Ward • Edwall, Wash. • 44th on the list with $128,688 • Kim Welch • Washington State University • No events yet member championships and Golf Channel to break par bettering 2nd place finisher is the exclusive media partner of the PGA T.J. Bordeaux of Tacoma, Wash. by three Professional National Championship. shots. Wendelken began the day one stroke behind 54-hole leader Chris Williams of Did you know…. Florida golfer captures crown • This year, Monica Vaughn, 15, of Moscow, Idaho but quickly made that up • The WSGA provides free of charge at Sahalee Players Championship Reedsport, Ore. became the youngest with a birdie on the first hole. He would the GHIN Handicap Peter Uihlein of Orlando, Florida cap- winner in the make two more birdies on the front nine, computer, moni- tured the 17th Sahalee Players Champion- 101-year his- but offset those with four bogeys to make tor and printer that ship firing a final round of 4-under par 68. tory of the the turn at 1-over par and trail Williams by you see in the golf Uihlein, a junior on the Oklahoma State golf O r e g o n one stroke. Williams would struggle on the course facilities team, shot a tournament record 17-under A m a t e u r back nine and Wendelken was able to make throughout Wash- par 271 to beat Andrew Putnam by seven (both Men up ground and more by making pars on holes ington and North- shots. Uihlein was under par in each of his & Women), #10-#15. He sat in a tie for the lead after 15 ern Idaho. These four rounds this week and his final round and only the third person ever to win the holes with Bordeaux and Kevin Penner of are provided to the included five birdies, a lone bogey, and the Oregon Junior Amateur and Sammamish, Wash. until catching fire over men’s and women’s clubs as a member rest pars. Oregon Amateur in the same calendar the final three holes. Wendelken finished benefit to them, and are placed within the Uihlein began the day with a two shot year. with a spectacular birdie, birdie, birdie finish golf facilities. lead, but his lead was cut to one stroke to win by three strokes capping it with an after Putnam made birdie on the third hole. 8-foot birdie putt on the final hole.
InsideGolfNewspaper.com InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 8 • • In THE NEWS • • August Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • AJGA hits the Northwest with pair of tournaments The American Junior Golf Association of the world’s best junior golfers for the will feature two team-format tournaments For complete rules and tournament will return to Wenatchee, Wash., Aug. 54-hole AJGA Junior at Centennial, Aug. on one thrilling weekend, with the winners details, or to enter, visit cascadegolfer.com/ 9-12. Ninety-nine junior golfers will com- 16-19. of both events — and the overall low-net rosecity or contact Simon Dubiel at simon@ pete in a 54-hole stroke play tournament at The first round of play will begin Tues- combined scores for the weekend. The ac- cascadegolfer.com. Wenatchee Golf & Country Club. This is the day, Aug. 17. It’s a 54-hole stroke play tion will start Saturday, Oct. 2, when 64, third year that Wenatchee has welcomed the competition with the field being cut to a two-person teams tee it up at The Reserve Riverbend, Twin Lakes set AJGA to the Pacific Northwest. minimum of 40 percent and ties after the and Vineyards in a best-ball event for the Some of the best junior golfers from second round. chance to win the first of the three Hawaii for amateur tournaments Riverbend Golf Course in Kent will host Washington and the United States will com- stay-and-plays, as well as stay-and-plays to its annual Riverbend Amateur Aug. 14-15 pete. In 2009, McGregor Hoobery of Santa Central Oregon and Nevada, rounds of golf, Cascade Golfer Cup will work in Kent, Wash. The two-day event is open Maria, Calif., shot a 3-under-par 213 to win clubs, free lessons and more — enough to the Boys Division while Seo Hee Moon of its way to Oregon in October to all players with individual format. Call Cascade Golfer Magazine, producers of satisfy the top-20 teams in the field. Mukilteo, Wash., went wire-to-wire to win 253.854.3673 for more information. the summer’s Cascade Golfer Cup tourna- The following day, they’ll be out at Pump- in the Girls Division. The Twin Lakes Amateur, Presented by ment series, is taking its show on the road kin Ridge for the second of our two events, The AJGA has added a new Open event Auburn Volkswagen and Walker’s Renton this fall for a two-day, two-tournament event where teams will once again do battle in a to its 85-tournament schedule, allowing for Subaru, will be held Oct. 9-10 and feature at two of the most famous courses in the best-ball format for the second winter island more playing opportunities in the Pacific two days of play for a field of 100. Call Portland area. getaway, and more team prizes for the top- Northwest region of the country. Centennial 253.838.0345 for more information. The first-ever Rose City Fall Golf Classic finishing duos. Golf Club in Medford, Ore., will host 132
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• Page 10 • • In THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 • Eaglemont: Where you get an amazing golfing experience - and sights By Dan Johnson left that plays to a large green and is positioned Special to Inside Golf in between two of the toughest holes on the Since opening for play in September of golf course. The course’s tee selections make it 1993, Eaglemont Golf Club in Mount Vernon, something for everyone as the course can play Washington has been treating its guests to an 7,006 yards from the tips or 5,766 yards from amazing golf experience and beautiful scenic the shortest tees. For returning players, the five views of local landmarks such as Mt. Baker sets of tees also give them a chance to play a and the Puget Sound. Eaglemont has some new version of the course and enjoy a different sizzling summer offers that visitors should golf experience. take advantage of while they are hot. The Eaglemont Bar and Grill is something The course has garnered excellent reviews else to enjoy at the golf club after the round. from some of the top golf publications over the Patrons shouldn’t plan on spending more than past few years. It received a 4 Star Rating from $12 on breakfast or lunch at the restaurant Golf Digest Magazine, who also ranked it as and can still get quality portions and quality the 9th Best Course in the state of Washington cuisine. in 2009. Right now is the time to play golf at Eagle- “The views of Mt. Baker and the abundant mont for its breathtaking views and its highly wildlife make it a unique experience. There rated course, but mostly for its hot summer are no visible houses on the back nine, which deals. Eaglemont has many offers on the table makes it very peaceful and feels like you are for golfers to take advantage of including its in a natural setting,” said Kevin LeDuc, the Twilight Rates, where players can get a round Head Golf Professional at Eaglemont. for $40 on the weekdays or $50 on the weekends Northwest golf architect John Steidel after 2:00 p.m. If golfers can afford to wait designed the course, adding it to an already until 4:00 p.m., then they can save even more impressive resume’ that includes courses with the Super Twilight Rates, which are $28 such as the Wildhorse Resort Golf Course in on the weekdays and $33 on the weekends. Pendleton, Oregon and the Apple Tree Golf These rates last until the end of September and Course in Yakima, Washington. Even with all also include a power cart as part of the deal. his Northwest golf course creations, he calls One deal that is always available is the the 14th hole at Eaglemont the “Best golf four people for the price of three. If you have hole I have ever designed,” according to the a foursome, you can play for the price of a Eaglemont website. threesome with carts included. Players can The 14th is one of four signature holes on also get discounts with the Early Bird Rates, the course with the others being the 11th, 8th which apply to tee times before 9:00 a.m. on and 3rd holes. The 14th is a slight dog leg to the weekdays. Eaglemont Golf Course in Mount Vernon, Wash. is a hilly, scenic golfing challenge.
InsideGolfNewspaper.com • August Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • • In THE NEWS • • Page 11 • American Lake course gets an assist from Nicklaus as he plans to create a new nine Jack Nicklaus may have been putting on a golf clinic when he visited the Seattle area last month, but there was much more on his mind. Like helping the veterans and the folks who run the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Tacoma. Nicklaus was in town to put on a show - and he did - as well as take a look at a project he will do on his own dime. Nicklaus will design a new nine at the American Lake Veterans Course, a course which helps injured veterans begin to cope with their disabilities. Former PGA Tour pro Ken Still has known Nicklaus for years and years. In fact, the two were Ryder Cup teammates back in 1969. Still had never asked Nicklaus for anything, until it came time to help the veterans and the folks at American Lake Veterans Golf Course. Still called Nicklaus for help with American Lake Golf Course at the VA Hospital in Lakewood, the only course in the country that is completely accessible to wounded and disabled veterans. “Jack, you need to be involved down here,” Still told Nicklaus. “What do you want me to do, Kenny?” Nicklaus asked. “I want you to come out here and design a golf course for these guys,” Still replied. Nicklaus had a one-word response: “OK.” That is the conversation which led Nicklaus to Tacoma Country and Golf Club for a clinic and to take a look at the land where he will design a new nine for the veterans. That conversation was the seed for what took place this week. “We will redo a little bit of the old nine to match up with the new nine,” he said. “We’ll have 18 holes of golf, and hopefully this will be a prototype for a lot of places around the country.” Nicklaus, 70, knew nothing about American Lake Golf Course until he heard from Still, who has given free lessons for years at the course. Nicklaus did not know that it was run entirely by volunteers, many of them veterans in their 70s, nor was he aware of the posi- tive impact that golf can have on wounded veterans. Once Nicklaus started meeting with those veterans, the project took on special meaning for him. At the end of his clinic Monday, Nicklaus worked individually with several disabled and wounded veterans, giving encouragement after each shot. At times, Nicklaus seemed to get choked up. Afterward, he posed for pictures and signed autographs until every veteran was satisfied. Nicklaus is one of the most respected and renowned golf designers in the world. But this project will present unique challenges for him. He will need to make a course that is accessible to the disabled, yet challenging for able-bodied veterans. Jack Nicklaus interacts with golfers during his visit to Tacoma Country and Golf Club.
InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 12 • • THE LESSON TEE • • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 • The Lesson Tee: Driving the golf ball Deer Park will go on the auction straight may not be your best option block this month Everyone wants and needs to be a won- Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Williams & derful driver of the golf ball. In my mind “the Williams Worldwide Real Estate Auction, is driver” is the most important golf club in the preparing to auction more than 265 acres of bag that leads to better golf and more fun. It is property in Deer Park, Washington, approxi- every golfers dream to smash drives down the mately 20 miles north of Spokane. Included fairway. I would like to give a few ideas on how in the real estate auction are the Spokane RV to enhance your success with this “offensive Resort, Deer Park Golf Club, a luxury condo- weapon.” minium, 70 residential lots, and unimproved Most golfers, when asked what kind of shot Jeff land selling in multiple parcels. they hit with their driver or for that matter any The RV Resort and Golf Club will remain shot, reply, “I just try to hit it straight.” I believe C oston open for business and fully operational hitting straight shots is too difficult to achieve throughout the auction marketing period on any consistent basis. If you curve the ball as the facilities transfer to new ownership. either way and somewhat master that curve, The stronger grip is more in the fingers in The entire auction begins at 2:00 pm PDT, you can use the whole fairway. This concept the left hand showing 3 knuckles on top of the Thursday, August 26, 2010. Interested buyers gives the player a rough-line to rough-line or left hand. Show more of the logo of your glove can bid on site or online via www.auction- even tree-line to tree-line that is twice as wide at address, then match the angle of the right network.com. than attempting to hit it straight down the hand with the left hand on the golf club. Originally designed by landscape archi- middle. Contrary to popular belief the greatest • More tilt to the right at address tect Keith Helstrom, Deer Park Golf Club players in the world curve their shots. Most • Stronger grip consists of approximately 150 acres with also master one curve as a stock shot or a go • Come from inside on the downswing five lakes and waterfalls. All 18 bluegrass to shot. I’d like to share an effective tool to monitor fairways stretch well over 6,500 yards. The Secondly, the set up with the driver (and all and help you come from the inside and swing course carries a rating of 71.7 and contains clubs) is very key and important. Most players more on the proper downswing plane. Place a 120 slope. The winning bidder also gains come “over-the-top” of the swing-plane. The a shaft in the ground with a swimming noodle ownership of a 300 yard grass driving range, driver swing should be shallower or more from on the end of it. Set your driver shaft on the putting and chipping greens, horseshoe pits, the inside than any club in the bag, because noodle and take your set up. (photo 1) Back a clubhouse with a restaurant. it is longer and the ball is teed up. This is the up about 3 inches away from the noodle and The Spokane RV Resort is a gated resort case whether you draw or fade the ball. then take one step forward toward the target that rests on approximately 18 acres. It con- You must create more tilt to the right with and place a tee. (photo 2) This is where you sists of 121 RV spaces that accommodate a the upper body at address to help enhance will strike balls. Now make sure you set up 45’ RV with full hookups. The Spokane RV depth to your golf swing. This tilt will help the with tilt, a proper grip and come from the inside Resort also includes a registration building, player from the “inside” on the downswing. swing under the shaft. Make several practice a clubhouse with pool and spa, a laundry/ Swinging “on plane” and coming from the swings then smash away! shower building and common areas. inside is very important to better driving of the For more information on this Williams golf ball. Most players not only need more tilt Jeff Coston is a former PGA Tour Player & Williams auction, call toll free, 1-866- to the right at set up and a better swing plane and 11 time Pacific Northwest PGA Player of 921-8883 or visit www.williamsauction. from the inside, they also need a stronger golf the Year. He can be reached at Semiahmoo com/deerpark. grip. for appointment by calling 360 201 4590.
InsideGolfNewspaper.com • August Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • • IN THE NEWS • • Page 13 • Australian captures PNGA Men’s Amateur crown Brett Drewitt of Invernell, Australia wins on the tough par 3 #11, then birdied the 12th 22nd Oregon Mid-Amateur Championship Amateur Championship beating 2008 cham- the 109th PNGA Men’s Amateur Champi- and 13th to get the match back to 2-up in at Brasada Ranch Resort in Powell Butte, pion Cyna Rodriguez 8 and 6 in the 36-hole onship held at Royal Colwood Golf Club favor of Drewitt. Ore. Both Brie Stone, 29, of Veneta, Ore. in championship match at Clarkston Golf and in Victoria, B.C. Drewitt defeated Cory The rich history of the PNGA Men’s the Women’s Division and Kasey Young, 34, Country Club in Clarkston, Wash. Renfrew of Victoria, B.C. in the 36-hole Amateur Championship has included past of Vancouver, Wash. in the Men’s Division Morris put on an impressive display of final match 4 and 3. Maybe Drewitt’s most champions, Bill Sander, Tiger Woods, Jeff saw their first round leads slip away. golf, dominating the match the entire way impressive stat all week was that in all six of Quinney, and Nick Flanagan, all of whom For Stone, it was her opportunity for a and never held a deficit. In the morning 18 his matches, he never trailed an opponent. went on to win a U.S. Amateur title in the third major Oregon title. She won the 1997 holes she was able to build a 4 up lead by In the morning 18-holes, Drewitt, the same summer. After winning the 1994 Oregon Junior Amateur, played collegiately using the brilliant putting she has had all nineteen year-old #15 seed who recently PNGA Men’s Amateur title Woods said, at Oregon State, then turned professional. week. She made a 60-foot par putt on the was offered an opportunity to play at Texas “The PNGA Men’s Amateur will always be After her amateur status was reinstated in par-4 12th hole to win the hole and capped Tech University, made six straight pars to very special to me since it’s my first men’s 2007, she won the 2009 Oregon Public off the morning round with a 20-foot birdie gain an early 1-up lead through 6 holes. He amateur victory.” Links title. putt on the 18th hole. broke the match wide-open with a birdie In the 9th PNGA Women’s Mid-Amateur on the 7th, a par on the 8th, and back-to- Dramatic finishes highlight California golfer wins PNGA Championship, also being held at Clarkston back birdies on the 9th and 10th to go 5-up Golf and Country Club, Sandra Turbide of Oregon Mid-Amateur tourney Women’s Amateur golf title through 10 holes. Renfrew would buckle In both the Men’s and Women’s Division, Maple Ridge, B.C. defeated Anne Carr 4 down and make a solid par to win one back Rachel Morris of Carlsbad, Calif. cap- and 3 to win the title. it came down to dramatic finishes at the tured the title at the 109th PNGA Women’s
InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 14 • • WOMEN’s GOLF • • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 • Women’s Golf: Change is tough when Citygolftour.com golfing, but keep your eye on the prize gives golfers new Dear Kathy: route to tee it up I’ve been playing golf for about 10 A new way of playing golf on line has been years and I had a 20 handicap. So this created with the launching of citygolftour. year I decided to improve my game and Change is difficult, uncomfort- com try to get down to a 15 handicap. I signed CityGolfTour.com provides any golfer the eui able, and sometimes seems like opportunity to compete in national tournaments up for lessons and I’ve taken two so far, we take two steps back to go that you can play from your favorite home and it’s really messed up my game. The N course. All you need is a USGA handicap and a last time I played I shot 120! Nothing athy one forward. Change also takes City Golf Tour membership in this new concept feels natural anymore and I’ve completely in tournament golf.
K commitment and lots and lots of lost confidence in my swing. I don’t Play began in the inaugural tournament in know if I should keep taking lessons and De practice. So the first question I’d July. “hope” I get better or go back to my old ask is, do you understand your old CityGolfTour.com is the brainchild of husband and wife team, Jack Hutt and Wendy swing-if I can find it! to moving forward to a new swing. If you swing, and what you’re trying to Joan Anderson. They have been running a Seattle don’t understand how that will happen, accomplish with a swing change? golf league for amateurs by the same name for then it’s time for a long chat with your around ten years, when they decided to expand Dear Joan: instructor, and review what your changes their vision online. Change is difficult, uncomfortable, and are and why you’re making them. Golfers at every skill level are invited to sometimes seems like we take two steps If you’re ready to commit then look change as you practice. Keep your eye compete. CityGolfTour.com uses a combination back to go one forward. Change also seriously at your practice plan, do you on the prize–a better game! of the player’s USGA handicap, the slope rating takes commitment and lots and lots of have a clear route of how you’re going In closing, when you go out on the of the course they’re playing, and some secret practice. So the first question I’d ask is, to get from point A–you’re old swing–to course to play, don’t try or force the sauce algorithm to level the playing field for fair competition. This way a 15+ handicap hack like do you understand your old swing, and point B your improved swing? You should change in your swing. On each shot what you’re trying to accomplish with a me can compete with the Eubank phenoms of have drills or exercises that you can do focus on your target and relax and swing, the world. swing change? What will be the payoff at home or in your yard every day for at your body will integrate the changes as A total of $500 in cash prizes are awarded to of making the change? Will it lead to least a half hour. You need to hit balls you grow more comfortable with them the top 20 players, while 10% of all tournament more distance, better directional control, on the practice range at least three times through lots of practice! entry fees goes to charity. Really, though, I think or more consistency? If you believe the between each lesson, on top of any golf it’s going to be more about bragging rights than change will result in a better swing and you play. Comfort comes from repetition Kathy DeNeui is an LPGA teaching bucks. There’s still that competitive streak in all you understand how that will happen, and awareness, so make sure you’re professional at the Columbia Super of us, even if it’s just with ourselves. then think about making a commitment checking that you’re actually making the Range in Everett.
InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Inside Golf - August Issue 2010 • • RULES OF THE GAME • • Page 15 • Rules of the game: It is OK to give some help to a fellow competitor when it comes to line of sight Have you ever had a blind shot over a hill to a green? Did you ever put something there like your golf bag or something to It’s easy to see why “indicating line of play” is included in the Rule have something to aim at? That, and a along with Advice (Rule 8-1). And yet, within certain guidelines, it’s few other no-no’s, are addressed in Rule 8-2: “Indicating Line of Play.” In layman’s perfectly within the Rules to help a fellow-competitor or opponent terms, that means “telling or showing in determining his or her line of play. someone where to hit their next shot.” It’s easy to see why “indicating line of play” is M ike included in the Rule along with Advice (Rule his feet, pointing toward the target, which may not be touched. That’s why you’ll often 8-1). And yet, within certain guidelines, it’s Peluso helped him in his alignment. Is this legal? It’s see a caddie hover the end of the flagstick perfectly within the Rules to help a fellow- OK to lay the club at your feet to help your or his finger a few inches above the ground competitor or opponent in determining his alignment, but Ernie has to remove the club when showing his player where to aim his or her line of play. That person or that bag must move or be before he makes his stroke. If he doesn’t, putt. Also, as opposed to line of play, you First, as always, some definitions are in removed….gone….outta there….before it’s a two-stroke penalty, or, in match play, can’t place an object on the putting green order. The “line of play” is “the direction the player plays his shot. he loses the hole. to indicate the line of putt, because you which a player wishes his ball to take after a Sometimes the player himself might Charlie figured he’d take the phrase “line can’t touch the line of putt. (There are some stroke, plus a reasonable distance on either place – or have someone place – a small of play” literally, and thought he found a exceptions to touching the line of putt, but side of the intended line. The line of play object on the ground a few yards ahead way to bypass Rule 8-2. Whenever he had that’s a separate article.) Of course, if a extends vertically upward from the ground, to help align himself or serve as a spot to a short pitch or chip, he’d place a club a few small weed or discoloration or somebody’s but does not extend beyond the hole.” aim at for the stroke he is about to play. feet to the side of his intended line of play, coin is already there before it’s your turn to Notice that the definition does not say “line Again, once this alignment has been ac- which served as a nearby indicator of where putt, then it’s perfectly OK to use it as an of sight.” In the Rules of Golf, there is no complished, the intermediary object must he wanted his pitch or chip to land on the aid in aiming your putt. such thing as the “line of sight.” The only be removed prior to the stroke. fly. “It’s not on my line of play,” he argued, Sue tried to skirt this Rule by having her two “lines” defined in the Rules of Golf are There is one interesting deviation to this but the USGA invoked the spirit of Rule caddie intentionally cast his shadow on her “line of play” and “line of putt.” (We’ll look Rule: A player may have anybody hold the 8-2, and ruled that Charlie’s actions were line of putt to indicate the line while she at “line of putt” later.) flagstick high in the air (normally for a shot tantamount to placing the club on his line was putting. Sorry, Sue, but if your caddie Let’s look at what you can and can’t do, to a high- or low-lying green) to indicate the of play, and his actions were a violation, a doesn’t move his shadow before you stroke and we’ll spice it up with a few interesting hole location, and that person may remain two-stroke penalty, or loss of hole. On the your putt, you get to add two strokes to decisions on the subject. Except on the there during the stroke. But a word of cau- putting green, the line of putt may also be your score. putting green, anybody can indicate the tion: The player who is holding the flagstick indicated, but with much more restriction. In summary, you pretty well have to rely line of play to a player. This is usually done is deemed to be attending the flagstick, and The “line of putt” only exists when a ball on your instincts and sense of direction when a player has a blind shot to a green. whether the player’s shot is played from 25 is putted from the putting green. For a when playing a stroke or a putt to know Anybody can stand at the crest of a hill and yards or 250 yards, the player incurs a two- ball putted from off the putting green, its where to aim. say, “Hit it over my head”, or might place stroke penalty if his ball strikes the flagstick intended path still comes under the defini- his golf bag or other object on the ground or the person attending the flagstick. tion of “line of play.” At any rate, the “line Mike Peluso is a rules official with the and say, “Hit it right over my golf bag.” Ah, Let’s check out a few decisions regard- of putt” may be indicated to the player only USGA, PNGA, WJGA and more. He was but wait a minute! Such actions can only be ing this Rule. by his partner, his caddie, or his partner’s at the USGA Junior Boys Championship done before the player makes his stroke. Ernie found it helpful if he laid a club at caddie, but in doing so, the putting green last month doing what he does best.
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