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Home , Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Curtis Cup, Golf Magazine, The Big Break, Western Open

SUMMER/FALL 2006 • VOL 16 NO 1

KemperSports ventures into Caribbean at Dorado Beach Resort and Club “We are excited to welcome KemperSports to Puerto The first of the four courses was built in Rico,” said Dorado Beach President Richard Schulze. the mid-1950s. Since then, Dorado Beach “We are creating a win-win situation for our members has hosted the 1963 Cup, the 1964 by teaming our commitment to meeting members’ Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf event, the expectations with KemperSports’ experience and Senior PGA TOUR’s Champion’s Tour expertise in course management and operations.” Championship from 1990 through 1993, the Champions Tour’s Tournament of Located on Puerto Rico’s north shore approximately Champions in 1995 and 1996, the PGA 22 miles west of San Juan, the golf facilities consist TOUR’s of Golf in 1994 and of four courses, including the fabled Dorado East, the Chrysler Senior Challenge designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., which has hosted in 1999 and 2000. numerous professional and amateur events over the last four decades. The courses feature terrain With guidance from KemperSports, This summer, KemperSports assumed highlighted by tropical forests, citrus groves, the Dorado Beach is exploring the possibility management of multiple operations at the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, a chain of lakes and a of hosting additional events in famed Dorado Resort and Club man-made lagoon. the future. in Puerto Rico, taking the company outside of the continental U.S. for the first time. Under KemperSports’ watchful eye are two golf clubs – Dorado Beach and Plantation Clubs – boasting a total of four championship courses, 36 casitas, two restaurants, a conference center and beach club. KemperSports’ development group was also retained to supervise the renovation project. Steve Skinner, Jim Stegall and Ricardo Catarino join the new KemperSports staff in Dorado. U.S.A. triumphs at 34th Match at Bandon Dunes After a close morning of play on the final day They are planning to bring more events to of the tournament, the U.S. walked away with , including the its fifth consecutive win, and a decisive 2007 U.S. Mid-Amateur that will be held on the 1 1 11 /2 - 6 /2 victory. resort’s two other nationally acclaimed courses, Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails. Showcasing a team of top amateur women golfers from the versus one from 2006 marked yet another first for the Bandon and , the Curtis Cup Dunes Golf Resort, as the Tom Doak-designed Match is staged every two years, alternating Pacific Dunes course hosted the 34th Curtis Cup between top-notch golf venues in the U.S. Match, a biennial United States Golf Association and Great Britain/Ireland. In 2008, the championship event, on July 29-30. competition will head to the legendary

Old Course at St. Andrews. d l o “It was great,” USGA Executive Director David Fay b a

As for future events at the resort? S said. “I can’t imagine it could have gone any better.” d o o

“This was sort of our test,” Keiser said after the W

And praise wasn’t coming solely from USGA f o

closing ceremony. “And we hope the USGA y s

officials – it poured in from the players, the captains e t

would like to do more big amateur r u

from both the U.S. and Great Britain/Ireland o tournaments in Bandon.” c s squads, the galleries, the television crew and media o t o h

nationwide – leaving Mike Keiser, owner of Bandon The USGA clearly thinks Keiser’s Bandon P Dunes Golf Resort and an ardent fan of amateur Dunes has passed this test with flying colors. Fans gather greenside to watch a pivotal match. golf, beaming. LaSalle Bank Open makes Gillette Ridge gives fourth run at The Glen Club Song-Hee Kim a

The Nationwide Tour has proven itself a breeding birthday gift at ground for pros aspiring to make the jump to golf’s big league – the PGA TOUR. During the latest edition FUTURES event of the LaSalle Bank Open, ’s Nationwide Tour stop that made its fourth consecutive run at The Glen Club in June, it was apparent that “these guys are good,” as the TOUR slogan goes. Jason Dufner carded a 5-under 279 en route to the winner’s circle of what many Nationwide pros are proclaiming a “Major Championship,” supported by a demanding Tom Fazio-designed layout, a dedicated title sponsor, large crowds and four days of coverage on The . And to top it off, the LaSalle Bank Open boasts a $750,000 purse – the largest of any Nationwide Tour event – with the winner receiving $135,000 along with an invitation to play in the PGA TOUR’s Cialis Western Open at nearby Cog Hill Golf & Country Club. “I definitely feel like it is one of our major championships and that makes the victory even sweeter,” said Dufner. “If you win this tournament, then you have an excellent chance of reaching your ultimate goal of finishing inside the top 20 at the end Jason Dufner proudly hoists the winner’s trophy. of the season.”

FUTURES Tour players face a challenging green at No. 3.

Rookie Song-Hee Kim walked away with the KSM graces ’s list of America’s Best Courses fourth win of her rookie season with an even- 216 victory at the $70,000 CIGNA Chip In Top 100 Best Courses: State-by-State For A Cure FUTURES Golf Classic on her 18th Modern Courses Missouri birthday. For the second year running, the (post-1960) The Glen Club Shoal Creek demanding Gillette Ridge in Bloomfield, Conn., hosted ’s only Pacific Dunes: No. 2 Maryland professional women’s tournament, challenging Bandon Dunes: No. 9 Whiskey Creek Pacific Dunes players on the 6,515-yard, Palmer Design Bandon Dunes Company-designed course. The three-day Bandon Trails: Minnesota Bandon Trails Debuts as highest newcomer The Wilderness at FUTURES Tour event featured 144 competitors No. 17 Fortune Bay Virginia vying for a $70,000 purse, with the winner of Independence Golf Club the 54-hole event walking away with a $9,800 prize check. claims final Booz Allen after six-day odyssey at Avenel KemperSports has run the Booz Allen “We bowed to the superintendents because Classic – rain or shine – since 1979. The they did a wonderful job getting the course 2006 tournament, however, will go down as ready,” said Curtis. “They’ve worked harder the first Tuesday finish on the PGA TOUR in than we have getting this tournament done.” 26 years, due to three days of heavy rainfall wreaking havoc at the Greater Washington The tournament commemorated its 27th area’s TOUR stop. year as the “Buzz of the Beltway,” by again setting the stage for top-notch professional Play was forced into Tuesday at a water- golf while continuing a legacy of charitable logged TPC Avenel, where 2003 British giving. One-hundred percent of all net Open champion Ben Curtis (left) finished proceeds were distributed to local at 20-under 264 for his second TOUR victory organizations, thanks to the collective and a $900,000 first-place prize. Alongside efforts of tournament host Washington his playing partners, Curtis showed a gesture Golf Charities, title sponsor Booz Allen of gratitude to the volunteers and Hamilton, operator KemperSports and superintendents stationed near the green. legions of loyal fans. Photo courtesy of PGA TOUR / WireImage 2 Arnie’s Army flocks to Hawthorn Woods C.C.

Although Hawthorn Woods Country Club officially opened its doors to members in May, The King ventured to Illinois’ scenic Lake County on June 20 to walk nine holes on the area’s latest Signature Golf Course and to meet and greet many of the 500- The King off as more than 500 spectators line the fairway. plus guests and fans that trailed him on the . KemperSports President Josh Lesnik kicked off an afternoon press conference following Palmer’s play on the back nine. Josh, who guided the opening of Hawthorn Woods and organization of the Palmer event, introduced The King to Chicagoland media, VIPs and golf enthusiasts alike. When asked about the outcome of Hawthorn Woods, Palmer responded, “It’s just wonderful. I don’t have a favorite hole. I like all 18 of them. It’s fun and the superintendent has done just a wonderful job getting it into superb condition.” Speaking of the superintendent, congratulations on a job well done to David Schingel and kudos to the entire KemperSports team at Hawthorn Woods, including General Manager J.W. West, on a successful opening. Home Office staff and the KemperSports team at Hawthorn Woods pose with Arnold Palmer. First-class duo welcomed into KemperSports’ senior ranks This summer brought the appointment of two KemperSports officers, Mark Hoesing, elected as vice president of one new to the company and the other with more than eight years operations, joined the KemperSports family in of service. 1998. He has successfully served in a variety of Dave Greeley, who most recently served as the assignments, from general manager at Hidden chief marketing officer and senior director of sales Valley and Black Gold Golf Club to western and marketing for the NFL’s Chicago Bears, joined regional director of operations at signature KemperSports as executive vice president. Dave, properties including Desert Willow, Harding Park who brings nearly 20 years of sports marketing to and The Links at Bodega Harbor, among others. his assignment, has assumed responsibility for the He has also played a leading role in assisting sports marketing, public relations and special KemperSports’ business development team in identifying and securing events areas of business for both KemperSports management deals nationwide. and KemperLesnik. “Mark has excelled in every assignment for our company,” added Steve “Dave has a clear understanding of the landscapes in which we operate Skinner. “We’re very fortunate to have Mark among our officer group.” our events and execute our communications efforts,” said Steve Skinner, president of KemperSports. Welcome and congratulations to Dave and Mark.

3 Best in Class Best in Class Best in Class Best in Class

Pictured below during the 2006 PGA Merchandise Show: Desert Willow Golf Resort cracked TravelGolf.com’s list of the Inventory Control Supervisor Chris Caar, Bandon Dunes “Top 10 Golf Courses in Southern .” TravelGolf’s West Coast Head Golf Pro Steven Borror, Retail Manager Amy Pendergast, Bureau Chief Chris Baldwin said, “Firecliff’s almost immaculate conditioning Director of Retail Adrienne Flentge, and Director of Golf John – there is green here and it’s really green – adds another dimension.” Grothe proudly display a pair of Business’ “100 Best Golf Shops” awards. Bandon’s Pavilion Shop Below, Kennedy AllGolf near Denver ranked among the and Lodge Shop were honored in 2006. “Most Family-Friendly Courses” in Colorado Avid Golfer Magazine’s 4th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Travel + Leisure Golf named Bandon Trails, which debuted in June 2005, as “Course of the Year.”“It’s a wonderful tour of the ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest coast…and it has gained more than its share of admirers.” Once again, Desert Willow’s Mountain View course and Bandon Dunes Golf Resort’s Pacific Dunes course occupied the No. 19 and Bolingbrook Golf Club walked away with the No. 26 spots on Golf For Women’s “Top 50 Courses for Women.” 2006 Business of the Year Award at the Second Annual Best of Bolingbrook Businesses Awards program hosted by the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce. Pictured left to right: Chris Schwartz, regional sales and marketing director; Lisa Pacioni, executive assistant; Mike Williams, head golf pro; Tammy Jordan, catering sales manager; Jeff Gerdes, superintendent; Terry Hanley, general manager; Laura Cray, food and beverage director; Alyssia Lee, former Business of the Year recipient; Ken Lindemann, president of the Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce; Kimi Ellen, Benford, Brown & Associates; and Michele Gavaghan, sales and marketing director. Best in Class Best in Class Best in Class Best in Class Eyes turn to Central California’s Monarch Dunes Yet again, Monarch Dunes Golf Club in Nipomo, Calif., has grabbed spotlight. , one of the industry’s leading publications, touted the Central California gem in the wake of its grand opening on May 11.

King of the Hills …Architect Damian Pascuzzo, with help from By Eamon Lynch, June 2006 Steve Pate, sculpted the first 18 (of a planned 45) through eucalyptus forest, with some ocean views GOLFERS driving north from Santa Barbara in and frequent, stiff coast breezes. search of a worthy course usually have just one impulse: step on the gas for Pebble Beach. …The bottom line: Where value is concerned, Any mention of California’s central coast draws this Monarch is regal. little more than blank stares. But Monarch Reprinted courtesy of GOLF Magazine y

e Dunes, a new layout that opened in May, l d a

r provides 18 legitimate reasons to slow down B

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a and pull over. d i A

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Situated 80 miles north of Santa Barbara, y s e t

r Monarch Dunes is run by the same folks who u o c

manage Bandon Dunes Golf Resort. o t o h P

4 Sand Creek Station Golf Course unveiled in Newton, Kan. The City of Newton and KemperSports proudly introduced the Jeffrey Brauer-designed Sand Creek Station Golf Course to the public on July 1, complete with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. The championship course challenges golfers with dramatic elevation changes and undulating fairways, complemented by meandering creeks and strategically placed sand traps. Drawing on Newton's history as an old railroad town, Brauer creatively incorporated the railway as a on multiple holes. The clubhouse follows suit with a train station motif.

“Brauer’s Tree” protects the green at No. 2. Photo courtesy of Visual Memories Inc.

Pictured left to right: Newton Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Denise Duerksen, KemperSports General Manager Chris Tuohey, Chamber President-Elect Ken Hall, Newton Vice Mayor Willis Heck, Newton Mayor Curtis Nightingale, City Commissioner Matt Treaster and Newton Chamber Ambassador John Back. KemperSports adds Westport to expanding resort collection KemperSports continued a summer of expansion by welcoming Westport by the Sea, a blooming “This development Washington oceanfront destination, to its family. As part of the newly forged partnership with is surrounded by Lanco, LLC, the real estate company behind the Westport project, KemperSports has assumed potential, and we are management of multiple lodging and food and beverage facilities within the coastal community, excited that located on the western coast of Washington less than three hours from both Seattle and Portland. KemperSports The company will also assist with future development of a proposed Rick Robins-designed, shares our vision oceanside golf course as well as a resort featuring a lodge hotel and convention center. to make the community of Westport a world- class resort destination,” said Chuck Maples, Westport Investments owner and developer.

The property, set amid a natural landscape of sandy beach, bay and marina, currently serves as home to nearly 200 condominium units, many of which are utilized as second homes by residents. KemperSports operates the oceanfront units that are enrolled in a rental program in addition to three restaurants, two hotels and several forthcoming championship golf courses.

Future plans call for the construction of as many as four golf courses, additional luxury An aerial view of the marina surrounding Westport. condos and commercial retail space.

5 to Green Tee to Green Tee to Green Tee to Green

AllGolf Properties Black Gold Golf Club Falcon Ridge Golf Course Congrats to Ricardo Yorba Linda, California Lenexa, Kansas Catarino on his promotion General Manager Eric Lohman won the Announcing Stewart Koch as head golf to regional manager of exhibition for the “One Man Scramble,” a professional and Manny Cervantes as KemperSports’ national competition consisting of nine golf assistant superintendent. collection of AllGolf sites. professionals and one leading Southern Over the past four years, California amateur. Eric fired an 11-under-par Ricardo has supported and 61 to tie a national record. advanced multiple AllGolf Bolingbrook Golf Club properties in various capacities. His background Bolingbrook, Illinois includes operational experience in both the Auditions for The Golf Channel’s hit reality private and public golf sectors, complemented TV show, VI, took place at by numerous years of playing competitive golf. Bolingbrook for a second consecutive year. The Jason Davis expanded his responsibilities by popular skills competition tests the physical and assuming the general mental abilities of aspiring pro golfers while Congrats to General Manager Dean Lytton, manager post at the Denver- offering them an exemption to play in select Office Manager Mike Loewenherz, Assistant area AllGolf duo – Kennedy Champions and LPGA Tour events. Pro David Brouillette and Superintendent and Overland. Prior to this Recent staff additions include Academy Paul Gunderman, who led the Falcon Ridge assignment, Jason served as Manager Jim Lazarko and Event Coordinator Falcons indoor soccer team to the Division 2 interim general manager at Jill Maldonado. league championship game following an both properties. He launched undefeated regular season! his KemperSports career as head golf pro at Crab Meadow and Dix Hills Gillette Ridge Golf Club Kennedy Golf Course in Denver. Northport and Dix Hills, New York Bloomfield, Connecticut Congrats to newly married General Manager Sadie LeCheminant takes on the position of Welcome to Tony Roberto as director of golf. Steven Dietz and wife Tara Bowden. regional marketing manager for the AllGolf Tony, who brings 27 years of experience at portfolio, after five productive years as sales Desert Willow Golf Resort both private and semi-private golf clubs, has and marketing manager at the Colorado-based Palm Desert, California been named “PGA Merchandiser of the Year” AllGolf sites. Pictured left, four times. Sales and Marketing A round of applause for Gary Braeseke, director The Glen Club Director Mike of instruction at ’s CB Smith AllGolf, Glenview, Illinois A warm welcome to Rochelle Simpson, who led American Heritage High School girls’ Osgood shares a hug who transitioned from nearby Jackson team (below) to the state championship in with Congresswoman in Chicago to accounting assistant at his rookie coaching season. Mary Bono during the Steppenwolf Theatre The Glen Club. Company’s Celebrity Head Golf Professional Tournament. Jay Casaletto and wife Maria welcomed son, Michael Introducing Scott Bevan as food and beverage Ryan (left), on June 26. director along with Shawn Stephenson as food The stork delivered son, and beverage outlet manager. The Palm Desert Grayson Andrew, to General Manager Chamber of Commerce recognized Felipe Don Crowe and wife Nancy on July 8. Gonzales, restaurant server, with an “Excellence in Service” award. Controller Derek White Goose Creek Golf Club welcomed a daughter, Vivien, on June 26. Leesburg, Virginia Best of luck to Jeff Berg, who now wears the general manager’s hat at Goose Creek in addition to his previous role as Bandon Dunes Golf Resort superintendent. Jeff is busy overseeing the Bandon, Oregon renovation of the course while serving on Hats off to Resort Superintendent Troy the boards of the Virginia Turf Grass Russell on being named a Council and the Virginia Golf Course national winner of the Golf Superintendents Association. Course Superintendents Association of America Harding Park Golf Course (GCSAA)/ , California Environmental Leaders in The Bay Area beauty proudly hosted the Golf Awards (ELGA). San Francisco City Championship. This “Through their efforts, venerable amateur event, won by 27-year-old these individuals and facilities have been vital San Fran resident Will Johnson, celebrated in preserving the natural character of the golf its 90th anniversary. course while protecting the delicate ecosystem Desert Willow’s PGA pro staff blossomed as and native wildlife and habitat to enrich the staffers Paul Bucy, Darrell Souza, Sharby Dan Pack came on board as controller, a natural experience of the game of golf,” said Hoskins and Brandon Alexander (above) position he previously held for the Oakland GCSAA President Tim O’Neil. achieved PGA certification. Coliseum complex.

6 Tee to Green Tee to Green Tee to Green Tee to Green

Hawk Pointe Golf Club The Links at Bodega Harbour Swan Point Yacht & Country Club Washington, New Jersey Bodega Bay, California Issue, Maryland Mark Freemott returns Pictured below is the new Bluewater Bistro & Best wishes to five-year to KemperSports as Bar, featuring picturesque views of Bodega Bay. KSM staffer Steve Hawk Pointe’s general The Yacht Club, a waterfront location for Ghiselin on his manager. Mark’s special events, was also recently remodeled. advancement to previous experience general manager. Steve with the company previously served as includes serving as clubhouse manager at general manager at Buckingham Athletic both Swan Point and Virginia’s Club in Chicago, hotel Independence Golf Club. operations manager at Tunica National Golf & Tennis Club Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, and food and Tunica, Mississippi beverage manager at Holly Hills. Welcome Tennis pro and celebrities from around back, Mark! the world gathered at Tunica National in Hawthorn Woods Country Club May for the Harrah’s United States Tennis Hawthorn Woods, Illinois Bringing his culinary flare to Bodega Harbour Association Pro Circuit Tournament. In preparation for its 2006 debut, Hawthorn is Executive Chef Mark Deirkhising, whose Tunica’s tennis facility (below), one of Woods added Eric Aldrich, head golf pro; talents have been featured in Bon Appétit and the finest in the South, is equipped with Joanna White, food and beverage director; Gourmet Magazine. four state-of-the-art Davis Cup indoor Joe Simons, executive chef; and Karen Marlton Golf Club clay courts. Benge, controller. Upper Marlboro, Maryland Heron Glen Golf Course Ringoes, New Jersey Congrats to Justin Monson and Mike Specchio on their promotions to first and second assistant superintendents, respectively. Highland Park Country Club Highland Park, Illinois Mark Kelley took the helm as general manager, bringing more than 12 years of management experience to his new Highland Park post. Prior to joining KemperSports, Mark held the clubhouse manager position at Chicago’s Eight-year KemperSports staffer Joe Abood exclusive Saddle and Cycle Club. kicked off 2006 with a move to general manager at Marlton, where he began his KSM career. Joe While shooting a movie nearby this summer, most recently served as general manager for a actor Samuel L. Jackson (far right) joined the pair of fellow Maryland KSM properties. Orlando Magic’s Penny Hardaway on the Rockwood Golf Club links at Tunica National. Independence, Missouri Congratulations to Superintendent Matt Hendren on becoming the proud father of daughter, Jaden Belle. Best wishes to Ross Judy, general manager of “The Rock,” who tied the knot with wife J’Nan on May 28. Sand Creek Station Golf Course Newton, Kansas Welcome back to Chris Tuohey, who took the reigns as general manager and head Independence Golf Club golf professional. Chris brings Midlothian, Virginia more than 10 years of On June 21, Independence successfully hosted management experience to the East Coast Regional Qualifier for the third Sand Creek. He joined the annual Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble KemperSports family in 2003 as head golf pro Beach, an official Champions Tour event at Bayou Oaks in New Orleans. Best wishes to scheduled for September. Each team in the Wal- Chris, his wife Helen and their children Joseph, Mart First Tee Open will include two amateurs, Kaylan and Katie, who relocated to the Wichita one junior golfer and a Champions Tour player. area this summer.

7 Tee to Green Tee to Green Tee to Green Tee to Green

The Wilderness at Fortune Bay EA SPORTS Maui Invitational Tower, Minnesota Maui, Kudos to the resort for achieving The Maui family grew designation as a “Certified Audubon with Ethan Liam (left), Cooperative Sanctuary.” The Wilderness son of Tournament at Fortune Bay was the 19th course in Director Briana Wells Minnesota and the 577th in the world to and husband Michael receive this distinguished honor. “We took Peet. Aloha to Callie Mae great care right from the start to build a (below), daughter of magnificent golf course in keeping with our Director of Operations native traditions of respect and reverence Jeff Tournillon and for the environment,” said Bois Forte Tribal wife Suzy. Chairman Kevin Leecy.

Pictured above are Director of Retail Adrienne Flentge and Dan Fitzgerald during their April wedding on the beautiful beaches of Tulum, . Congratulations

i t

to KemperSports t e h c

Chairman and CEO r a M Steve Lesnik on his n y r

recent induction into h t Above, Steve Lesnik and Kevin Leecy a K

the Entrepreneurship f o

paired up during Fortune Bay’s

Hall of Fame at the y s e

3rd Annual Media Day on June 11. t r

University of Illinois u Plan to tune into the ESPN networks Nov. 20-22 o c

at Chicago. Pictured o KemperSports/KemperLesnik t for live coverage of the 2006 edition of college o h

Northbrook, Illinois right, Dean of the P basketball’s BIGGEST early-season tournament, Hats off to the KemperLesnik team on UIC College of Business Administration featuring DePaul, Tech, Kentucky, securing Management Simulations, Inc. Stefanie Lenway presents the entrepreneurship Memphis, Oklahoma, Purdue, UCLA and (MSI), the latest addition to its growing award to Steve. host Chaminade. client portfolio. Introducing Tiffany Stevenson, the newest face to grace the Home Office reception area. Tiffany, a DePaul grad, is planning an October wedding. Meghan Kist comes on board to support the agency group as a marketing assistant. She brings experience in promotions, sales and marketing and media relations to her new role. Welcome also to Laurel Dusek, who joins the Payroll and Benefits Administration department. The accounting force added the talented duo of Senior Staff Accountant Scott Gitlitz and Staff Accountant Dina Kanellopoulos. IT Specialist Jim Mockus and wife Lisa welcomed son, Brennan Anthony. Senior Staff Accountant Julie Schmidt celebrated the birth of her second child, Dylan Michael, on Aug. 18. On the agency side, Senior Account Executive Kelly Drinkwine married Michael Hixenbaugh on April 22 and followed with 11 blissful days in Athens and the Greek Islands.

500 Skokie Boulevard • Northbrook, IL 60062 • Phone (847) 291-9666 • Fax (847) 291-0271 • www.kempersports.com

Kristin Schaner, Editor • Stefanie Miller, Contributing Editor

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