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Home , 2010 PGA Tour, Golf in Thailand, Jason Bohn, Kirk Triplett, Professional golf tours

PRESORT STD U.S. Postage PAID FEBRUARY FREE Port Townsend, WA The source for northwest news Permit 262 2010 Issue COPY Former UW golfer Alex Prugh off to fast start on 2010 PGA Tour In only his third PGA Tour event, Spokane native and former University of Washington golfer Alex Prugh finished fith at the Bob Hope Classic. Prugh led the tournament several times. Puyallup’s finished tied for 10th. Pacific Amateur WHAT’S NEW Tasty Thailand IN NW GOLF sets new dates for 2010 event in

Fred Couples makes Central Oregon The Northwest Dodge Dealers Pacific $20,000 donation Amateur Golf Classic, brought to you by the Central Oregon Visitors Association, is to the First the driving force for championship-caliber amateur golf in the West. of Greater Seattle This prestigious event, to be held Au- Seattle native Fred Couples, a gust 30 - September 4, 2010, is open to all 15-time PGA Tour event winner, amateur golfers who possess an established designated a check in the amount of USGA . $20,000 to The First Tee of Greater The three-day, net, stroke-play tourna- Seattle. The contribution is a portion ment, culminating in competition of the charitable proceeds gener- at Sunriver Resort’s Crosswater, is played ated from the 2009 on Central Oregon’s finest golf courses. at Harding Course in San has ranked Central Oregon Francisco, at which Couples served #23 in the Top 50 Golf Destinations in the as captain of the U.S. Team. World. “The First Tee of Greater Seattle The #1 suggestion from participants is honored, thrilled and deeply thank- on how to best improve the PacAm was a ful to be a recipient of Mr. Couples’ desire to see the event held earlier in the sea- generosity,” remarked Heidi Wills, When you think golf vaca- son…preferably summer. However, moving executive director. Calling him a role the dates of the PacAm was a challenge for model for the program’s young golf- tions, the usual suspects the tournament because in the height of the ers, she said Couples exemplifies quickly come to mind: , golf season the availability of tournament The First Tee core values of respect, and . golf courses was limited because their tee confidence and sportsmanship. sheets are filled with outside play. We are The organization is headquartered But if you broaden your delighted to say that after YEARS of trying at Seattle’s Jefferson Park Municipal thoughts a bit, how about a to resolve this challenge we have succeeded , where Couples played in a very exciting date change! This year during his early years of golf. Couples place like Thailand. Thailand? you’ll be playing your PacAm tournament grew up in Seattle where his father Really? Yes, Thailand, really. rounds in the best weather of the season! worked in the City of Seattle’s Parks Thailand is home to some In 2010 the Northwest Dodge Dealers and Recreation Department. As a Pacific Amateur Golf Classic will begin on youngster, “Freddie” caddied for a of the best golf in the world, Monday, August 30, with registration and top local player who gave Couples including places like Siam will conclude Friday September 3, with the his first set of golf clubs. He became Championship Round at Crosswater Golf a top junior and amateur player in the Country Club (top). Don’t Club. region. believe it? The LPGA Tour has All participants are being encouraged to events in Thailand as well as stay & play through the Labor Day weekend because Sunriver has also been selected as Chambers Bay gets the Asian PGA Tour. an official stop on the Golf Digest Experi- And there’s more to do, like ence Tour, which will take place Friday ready for U.S. Am taking an elephant ride (right) September 3, and Saturday September 4. Chambers Bay will play host The Golf Digest Experience Tour will en- to the Amateur this or buying seafood from street hance the PacAm by offering the finest golf year, along with the Home Course in vendor (bottom right). equipment vendors in the nation in an excit- ing demo weekend of activities, events, the DuPont giving Northwest golf fans a For more, see inside. chance to be part of the action. celebration of golf and plenty of additional Volunteers are needed for the prizing. event, which will have qualifying at Learn more at www.pacamgolf.com both Chambers Bay and the Home Course before the match-play por- tion held at Chambers. The dates are Aug. 23-29. For information Northwest golfers hitting the pro tours in 2010 see www.2010usamateur or call The Pacific Northwest will be well rep- who is ranked 50th in the world. On the Champions Tour, Bob Gilder of 253.460.4653. resented on the this Also playing on the PGA Tour this year Corvallis and of Portland are year. In fact, one player has already made a from the Pacific Northwest are of regulars and Couples will be making his first splash on the PGA Tour. Portland, Jeff Gove of Seattle, Alex Prugh appearance on the Champions Tour in 2010. Rules Quiz Puyallup native Ryan Moore played in the of Spokane, and Jeff Quinney of Eugene. Couples made his Champion Tour debut at A player carries the new popular “rods” season opening SBS Championship at Ka- Look for Seattle’s Fred Couples to play in the Wendy’s in Hawaii. He is in his bag. On the second hole he uses the palua by virtue of winning on the PGA Tour some events, too. also honorary chairman of the U.S. Senior rod to check his alignment or swing plane but last year. Moore played solid golf through On the Nationwide Tour, Craig Kanada of Open, which will be played at Sahalee. not in the process of making a stroke. This the four rounds and finished tied for ninth Portland, Troy Kelly of Bremerton, Michael The LPGA players from the NW include is permitted since the player was not making at 275. won the tournament at Putnam of Tacoma, Kirk Triplett of Pullman Allison Hanna-Williams of Portland, Jimin a stroke. True or False? See answer on 270. Moore collected a check of $208,333 and of Gresham will all be Kang who went to King’s High School in Page 2. and received 92 FedEx points for the finish. playing and looking to make it to the PGA Seattle, Paige Mackenzie of Yakima and It was a solid start to the season for Moore, Tour. Wendy Ward of Edwall, near Spokane.

Printed in U.S.A. • • • INSIDE GOLF NEWSPAPER • • • ©All Rights Reserved • Page 2 • • Inside Comments • • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 • Puyallup’s Ryan Moore hits the 2010 PGA Tour season doing things his way You have got to hand it to Ryan Moore. He certainly knows how to do things his own way. Last year, he went sponsor-free in hopes of concentrating on his game and Bob Marlatt showing the world things can be done Publisher that way. No logos, no special sponsor

appearances, nothing. And it paid off. t e v e Moore won for the first time in his PGA Steve Turcotte

Tour career and had winnings of over S Editor-Advertising $2 million. Moore won the beating Tu r c o t t e Kathy Marlatt and in a playoff and earning Operations Manager $936,000. pointed out “that was my 20-degree Along the way in 2009 Moore also .” In someone else’s bag, it would finished in the top 10 at the United States be close to a 3 . Contributing Writers Open at Bethpage and he finished in the OK now picture Moore and his caddy, Jeff Coston, top 50 in the world rankings. who is usually his brother Jason, on Kathy DeNeui, Mike Peluso Cartoonist: Harold Bluestein Sponsors got excited and began mak- the course, and they are talking about ing phone calls. There were knocks at clubs. the door. But Moore has resisted for the Jason: “You want the 20 or 25?” Subscription rates: most part. And good for him. Ryan: “Give me the 25, I need to back $17-one year and $30-two He did sign one interesting deal with a off a little.” company called Scratch Golf, a company That will make the announcers go nuts. years (U.S. funds). where Moore is also a part owner. Instead of seeing the number 7 on the Unsolicited articles and photos are wel- Moore is still doing things his won way bottom of a club and then saying Moore but now he has an equipment deal with come, however we will accept no liability is hitting a 7 iron to the green, they will for their loss or damage, and will only a company he co-owns. Scratch Golf be a loft number and then try and figure Ryan Moore return them if prior arrangements have makes irons that are unique like Moore out what the heck club it is. been made with the publisher. himself. Moore’s irons in his bags don’t Moore has always been his own man. winning the U.S. Amateur twice and the have numbers on them like typical irons And that’s what makes him so good and U.S. Public and NCAA Division 1 Courier Address do. They have degrees of loft. so special. From the tournament where championship. It took him a while to get 460 Dennis Blvd For someone like me, if I had those he wore a tie to the event a while back to the winner’s circle, but now that he’s Port Townsend, WA 98368 clubs I would be pulling the wrong clubs where he started wearing what looked been there, expect some repeat visits. all the time because I refuse to pay at- to be a painter’s cap, Moore has always And he will do it with some irons that will Mailing Address tention. But Moore knows his clubs well, done things his own way. raise some eyebrows. But as long as P.O.Box 1890 Port Townsend, WA 98368 he has a 5-degree gap in between each Moore has nine irons in his bag along Moore keeps winning and playing well, club with from his 60-degree wedge on with five other clubs including two hy- it doesn’t matter what’s in the bag. down. Phone brids, a and driver. (360) 379-4080 “I’m going to call them all wedges,” Everyone on the PGA Tour knows that Steve Turcotte is editor of Inside Golf Moore told . Ryan Moore has game. He came onto the Newspaper. He can be reached at sdtur- Moore pulled a club from his bag and tour in 2005 with plenty of game, after [email protected] 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: False. New decision 14-3/10.3. Use of such a rod during a stipulated round is not permitted and the player is disqualified. Carrying the rod is not, of itself, a breach of the rule.

• Editor’s note: Thanks to Paul Lucien for his rules insights.

InsideGolfNewspaper.com

• Page 4 • • In THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 • Variety of tickets available for United States Senior Open at Sahalee; Taylor claims award There are a variety of ticket packages Amateur Championship. The Washington the tournament to finish eighth. Argentina’s Each participant will also receive a $10 available for the 2010 United States Senior Husky senior also tallied three individual Emiliano Grillo was the top individual fin- Puetz Bucks coupon for every event they Open at Sahalee Country Club in Sam- victories (Hawaii’s-Hilo Intercollegiate, isher at 7-under, 279. enter, valid towards a purchase at any Puetz mamish, set for July 26-Aug. 1. Oregon Duck Invitational, and U.S. Intercol- Golf Superstore location. Daily tickets will be available for $20- legiate) and a tie for medalist honors at the Winter series continues for For additional tournament details please $45 with other packages also for sale. CordeValle Collegiate. He finished second Washington Golf Association visit www.thewsga.org or contact the A Fore Pack will cost $135 while a sea- at the NCAA Regional Championship and The Washington State Golf Association WSGA at (800) 643-6410. son pass goes for $150 and a Trophy Club the Pac-10 Championship; tied for ninth at (WSGA) has announced the dates, locations ticket is $250. The packages all come with the NCAA Championship; and was named and formats for the 2010 Winter Tournament different amenities. co-Pac-10 Player of the Year as well as a Series. Now in its third year, the Winter Meridian Valley CC Seattle native Fred Couples is the honor- first team All-American. Series was created as an additional member- ary chairman for the event and will make In addition, he was a semi-finalist for the just might have what ship benefit to give members an opportunity his debut in a Champions Tour major at the prestigious Ben Hogan Award and was pre- to keep their swings sharp and to compete tournament. sented with the Mark H McCormack Medal you are looking for during the winter months. One event per For more information on tickets or the which recognizes the top-ranked golfer in If you’ve been thinking about liv- month will be offered from January–April event itself, call 877.281.6736. the Royal and Ancient’s World Amateur ing on a golf course and belonging to with each event having a unique format. Golf Ranking at the end of each amateur a country club then you might want to Entries are now available online at www. season and following the European and U.S. take a look at Meridian Valley in Kent, UW golfer named thewsga.org. Amateur Championships. Wash. top amateur in Canada again Here’s the remaining schedule: • Taylor representing Canada in the Copas The course is considered one of the For the second year in a row, Nick Tay- • February 19 – 2-person Scramble De Las Americas helped his team to a third top in the NW, it hosted the LPGA’s lor of Abbotsford, B.C. was recognized as – Oakbrook Golf & Country Club, Lake- overall finish, fourth in the men’s teammate Safeco Classic for several years. It is a Canada’s top male amateur golfer as the , Wash. competition and eighth in the individual club which boasts a Ted Jones design Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA) • March 26 – – The Cedars standings. and has a re-modeled clubhouse, new announced the final standings for the 2009 at Dungeness, Sequim, Wash. The Copa de las Americas is a biennial and fitness room and more. National Order of Merit presented by Under • April 9 – 2-person Best-Ball – Apple amateur team competition for countries in Prudential Meridian Valley Realty Armour. Tree Resort, Yakima, Wash. North America, Central America, South has listings in and around the course and In the men’s national ranking, 21-year New this year will be the Winter Series America and the Caribbean. There are three right now you have a rare opportunity to old Taylor topped the list after a stellar sea- Challenge brought to you by Puetz Golf 72-hole competitions - men’s, women’s and move into a private golf course country son that saw him capture the Low Amateur Superstores. Participants will receive points overall - with 18 holes played on each of the club community and participate in an Medal at the U.S. Open held at Bethpage for every event they play in and points will four days. auction on a property who’s starting bid State Park - Black Course after finishing be awarded to top gross and net finishers Taylor teamed with Matt Hill, Stephanie is $100K below last year’s appraisal. It tied for 36th. He also won the Sahalee in each event. A series-long points list Sherlock and Jennifer Kirby and shot a just might be your chance to take advan- Players Championship; was a member will be posted on the WSGA website and group score of +36, 1184 to tie with the tage of the opportunity and live on the of Canada’s champion Four Nations Cup after the final event $1500 in Puetz Golf Colombia foursome for third. The American golf course. team; was runner-up at the U.S. Amateur Superstores merchandise certificates will team was +10, 1158 to finish first, followed For more call 253.569.0106. Public Links Championship; and man- be awarded to the top men’s and women’s by host Argentina who shot a +22, 1170. aged a tie for third at the Canadian Men’s points finishers. Taylor shot 4-over, 290 (72-73-72-73) for

InsideGolfNewspaper.com

• Page 6 • • In THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 •

Seattle, Spokane and NW players on the pro tours Tournaments through Jan, 25, 2010 PGA Tour Portland golf shows • Ben Crane • Portland • 106th on the list with $11,660 • Jeff Gove • Seattle • No events yet • Ryan Moore • Puyallup • 11th on the list with $323,333 • Alex Prugh • Spokane • 18th on the list with $210,615 kick off the 2010 season • Jeff Quinney • Eugene • 49th on the list with $97,320 • Kirk Triplett • Pullman • No events yet Three of the region’s golf shows are kick- in four divisions (men’s open, men 40-60, Nationwide Tour ing off the golf season this month. The Seattle men 60-plus and women’s open) will lead • Robert Garrigus • Gresham • No events yet Golf Show and the Portland Golf show are to the finals after the show at The • Craig Kanada • Portland • No events yet set for February 12-14. The Spokane Golf at Newcastle. First place in the men’s open • Troy Kelly • Bremerton • No events yet Show will take place on February 20-21. division is $750 or a deluxe golf vacation • Michael Putnam • Tacoma • No events yet The Seattle Golf Show will be held at package. • Kyle Stanley • Gig Harbor • No events yet Qwest Field Event Center, the Portland show Each show has a long list of exhibitors Champions Tour • Fred Couples • Seattle • 2nd on list with $196,000 will be at the Oregon Convention Center from club makers to golf resorts to travel • Bob Gilder • Corvallis • No events yet and the Spokane event will be held at the companies. If you want to see the latest • Peter Jacobsen • Portland • 25th on list with $25,200 Spokane Convention Center. equipment or pick up a new driver, putter or LPGA Tour Cost to attend the events: Seattle show is then the golf shows offer one of your • Louise Friberg • Univ. of Washington • No events yet $12 at the gate, $5 for students (11-17) and best opportunities. Clearance centers have • Allison Hanna-Williams • Portland • No events yet 12 and under are free. The Portland Show been one of the major attractions for the golf • Jimin Kang • Seattle • No events yet costs $10 at the door, senior/students $9 and shows along with the various contests and • Paige Mackenzie • Yakima • No events yet kids 12 and under are free. The Spokane drawings that offer thousands of dollars in • Wendy Ward • Edwall, Wash. • No events yet show cost $10 at the door and kids 12 and prizes and giveaways. • Kim Welch • Washington State University • No events yet under are free. New this year at the Spokane Golf show: Free golf rounds seem to be the norm at Bridgestone Golf - Ball fitting, Kitsap Pen- all of the golf shows this year plus a variety insula Golf, The Coeur d’alene Resort Golf Did you know…. state of Washington. of other incentives so you might want to Course and Kathy Jensen, PGA Instructor. • The Washington State Golf Association attend one of these events this year. Returning this year: Henry Griffitts Cus- helps fund a lobbyist at our state capital to ensure • Although local The three-day Seattle Golf Show bills tom Fit Golf Clubs, Palouse Ridge Golf Club golf courses and the game of golf are protected scores are not valid itself as the biggest consumer golf show on and Bob Heck - Instructor. by future initiatives or to your official handi- the West Coast and features the return of Longtime Portland Golf Show partner law changes. cap between now and February 28, you are the popular Puetz Golf Superstores’ “try- Sterling Savings Bank became the first Most notably, the lob- under obligation per the and-buy demo zone.” Spotlighting over $1 byist ensured that high company ever to sign an elite Welcoming USGA Handicap Sys- million in the latest club and equipment Sponsorship with the golf expo. school teams, WJGA juniors, and all other tem, the OGA and your offerings, “The Zone” gives attendees the The Portland Golf Show has helped Or- junior programs could club, to post rounds opportunity to check out clubs in 20 indoor egon golfers ring in the spring golf season continue to play at their played in year-round golf associations if you travel hitting stations and talk directly with manu- for nearly two decades. home courses without throughout the winter. This is crucial to maintain- facturers’ representatives. For more information on the golf shows the courses having to ing accurate handicaps and promoting fair play. To The show’s “Western Washington Long or to purchase discounted tickets online, pay tax on the donated rounds they gave to these do our part, we will provide off-season updates to Challenge” returns in 2010 and will go to the following websites: www.seat- junior golfers, ensuring the existence and survival your Handicap Indexes on January 1 and February 1, 2010. be staged in three golf simulators provided tlegolfshow.com, portlandgolfshow.com or of all junior and high school programs around the by Dancin’ Dogg Golf. Qualifying rounds spokanegolfshow.com.

InsideGolfNewspaper.com InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 8 • • IN THE NEWS • • February Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • White Horse now in hands of American Marine Bank Bob Screen broke ground in 2003 on his According to bankruptcy documents filed vision of an upscale golf course and residen- in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Seattle, White tial community, including such amenities as Horse was in arrears to American Marine a grand clubhouse, swimming pool, for more than $5.7 million for unpaid loan courts and an equestrian area for residents. principal, interest and unpaid taxes. The course finally opened for play in American Marine Bank, based on Bain- 2007 to high praise. Two years later and bridge Island, has taken over the management the partial collapse of the economy, the golf of the facility and the 159 housing lots near course became one of the casualties. the course. On November 5, 2009 everything came The course closed for a few days in No- to an abrupt end when Screen was forced to vember before the bank hired Touchstone close the course down as the bank foreclosed Golf, with offices in and , on the property. to restore operations. Screen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on The next step for the bank is to find a August 27, 2009, trying to save the course buyer. photo by rob perry and surrounding lots. Unable to find new There are rumors of interest by the Suqua- course but have discussed the possibility of to make such a venture. financing, he was forced to layoff employees mish Tribe, however, a spokesman for the owning a golf course and are undecided on The sale price for the land and the golf and close the course on November 5. tribe said they have not made an offer on the whether it would be profitable for the tribe course has not yet been determined.

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 • • IN THE NEWS • • Page 9 • Destination: Thailand Around the world there are golf des- posing Thai golf to the wider golfing world. tinations and there are golf destinations. He runs GolfAsian (www.golfasian.com), a Some aren’t so far away, but you wouldn’t company that caters to golfers from around go back. Others are half a world away but the world looking for tee times in Thailand worth every hour in that plane, because and countries across Southeast Asia. But when you step to that first tee, glance down he is quick to say that , in the fairway, see the palm trees bristling in particular, is something that will surprise the wind, the sun shining brightly overhead and impress anyone who heads that way. and find yourself wearing shorts and a golf “Thailand is a place that really gets your shirt in the middle of winter, it’s then when attention,” said Siegel. “It got my attention you know you’ve hit the jackpot. when I first got here — and I never left. Welcome to golfing in Thailand – a jack- When people visit here, they really see pot of golf. what it’s all about and want to keep coming Thailand is a place that might not be on back.” the golfing radar, sitting half a world away In addition to the golf courses, there are in the Far East. But it’s a place the golfing the five-star accommodations from north to culture here in North American is starting to south, as well as beaches and plenty of other notice. Maybe it first took notice when Tiger tourist activities. At the center of it all sits Woods won an Asian PGA Tour stop there Bangkok, a city of 10 million people and a in 1999, at Thai Country Club — a place place which has it all, from the $15 mas- where Tiger’s name remains emblazoned sages to the $5 dinners to the $50 rounds of on locker No. 1 in the clubhouse, a place golf to the luxurious accommodations with where a plaque commemorates Tiger’s tee recognizable, trusted brands like Westin shot on the -4 10th hole, where he drove and Marriott. It’s a modern city that just the green. keeps getting more modern, with a new Thailand is also a place that has hosted subway, new light rail and high-rise towers the LPGA Tour several times in the past everywhere you turn. And the airport is a three years, multiple events, place that must be seen to be believed — a and golf exhibitions featuring some of the modern marvel that makes your typical U.S. game’s top names. It’s a place where terrific airports look like a museum. courses dot the landscape from the north There are more than 250 courses in Thai- to the south and, unlike other Asian golf land and 64 million people. Again, unlike hotbeds (Japan and Korea come to mind), many Asian countries where golf is mainly all the best courses are resort tracks open to for tourists, the Thai’s love their golf. As the public. many as 2 million play the game, and it Mark Siegel has built a business on ex- See Thailand, Page 10 Female (top) are at all Thai courses; the city of Bangkok towers (bottom).

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 10 • • In THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 • Thailand: Terrific golf and plenty more to see and do Continued from Page 9 key and your run of the facilities, which are for it - and they really appreciate the gesture trip of a lifetime for a week,” said Siegel. shows as you travel around seeing and play- enormous and opulent compared to U.S. when the round is finished. “Thailand is a place that really gives you ing what they’ve created here. Some would clubhouses. It makes you feel like a PGA the value for your dollar. There aren’t many call it the ultimate golf experience. Tour pro. When your round is done, grab a EXTRACURRICULAR other places like it.” change of clothes, jump in the shower and Thailand may be a new option for North And the weather is always good. If you THE COURSES: emerge completely refreshed. Americans, but it’s long been the top vaca- go at certain times of the year the heat and Don’t allow any lack of familiarity with tion destination among Asians — golf and humidity might get you, but for the most Thai golf to spill over into worry over course THE CADDIES: otherwise. It takes but one visit to under- part, there’s nothing like some warm sun- quality. From tee to green, these are stel- What makes the round even more enjoy- stand why. The beaches in Thailand are shine and clear skies when you are teeing it lar layouts. From the two courses at Siam able are the caddies. Caddies are required some of the best in the world, with warm, up. Country Club in Pattaya, to Thai Country for every round and before you go thinking, blue-green waters lapping it’s amazingly Club and Muang Kaew Golf Club in Bang- “Who needs a ?”, there’s one thing long coastline. Touring downtown Bangkok HOTELS: kok, to Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin, the you need to know: You need a caddie, and is a treat with its new and old buildings There is no shortage of 5-star accom- courses are award winners — and they will you will like it. — elevated light-rail gives another chance modations to choose from in golf destina- remind you of best courses you might have Every course in Thailand has a crew of to see the sights. tions like Pattaya, Hui Hin and Bangkok. seen and played in other tropical locations. 200 female caddies, who are all dressed in One thing you don’t want to miss is the In Bangkok, luxurious rooms and plenty Hawaii comes to mind, and that’s not a bad matching uniforms and who know the game. chance to ride an elephant. The Hua Hin Sa- of other amenities await at places like the comparison for anyone. After just a few holes they know what club fari and Adventure Park offers that chance, Westin Sukhumvit and Bangkok Marriott Banyan Golf Club in Hua Hin, about to give you; they can read the greens; and in addition to seeing them perform. In fact, Resort & Spa. three hours southwest of Bangkok, was they know the layouts better than you ever during the show elephants play soccer, In fact, the Marriott runs a dinner cruise named as best new course in Asia last year. will. And sometimes you just might get dance and balance hula hoops among other on the Chao Phraya River which winds Siam’s Plantation Course and Old Course lucky: One caddie named Da was looping acts. through downtown, beside temples and have hosted LPGA Tournaments in each of for someone in my group and she brought Massage parlors are all over and are a palaces by turn. It’s not to be missed. In the last two years, and Thai Country Club him a snack of sticky rice and fried pork that great deal. A good Thai massage will run places like Pattaya, 90 minutes southwest was a long-time stop on the Asian Tour. she made at home the night before. you around $12. Nightlife activities are of Bangkok, the Woodlands Resort offers Some of the top designers in the game One round my caddie was a 35-year-old endless with places like Walking Street in terrific rooms as well as three pools. In Hui today have courses in Thailand including woman, and one of the other caddies in the Pattaya offering clubs of every description. Hin, the Marriott Hua Hin features a hotel Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and group was her daughter. The family business Bangkok is so big, it has half a dozen such right on the beach and just down the road sits Robert Trent Jones Jr, lives on the golf course in Thailand. Most streets filled with clubs. the Anantara, one of the best hotels you may Conditioning is superb from tee to green caddies speak some English, some not at all The food is good at just about every ever see, with its cluster of villas, beach- and the price is right — no course will cost but they still understand what you need. restaurant and you can’t touch the prices. front setting and vast roster amenities. you more than $100, while most come in The caddies will either drive your golf A dinner will cost under $8 and if you stay And the prices can’t be touched. You between $50-$70. cart or pull your clubs if you would rather at most of the hotels, breakfast is always pick up of any of these hotels and put them One thing that makes the courses even walk. But when the weather is hot and hu- included. in Hawaii or Arizona and it’s $300-$500 a better is the location of re-fueling stations mid, you can guess what the women would Perhaps most important, the people of night easy. In Thailand, anywhere from $75- every three holes. You won’t go hungry or rather be doing. In fact, one looked rather Thailand are the friendliest you will meet $200 gets you a room you won’t forget. thirsty at these places; there is a place to get glum when she was told that someone in my anywhere. The people always have a smile drinks and food every few holes — in the group was going to walk. “She not happy,” on their face and are eager to help. INFORMATION: heat, make sure you stay hydrated. said my caddie Thui. Siegel says there is so much to like about For more information on golfing Thailand As good as the courses are, the locker- The caddies only get about $2 an hour, Thailand that 60 percent of the golfers he there are a couple of web sites to check out rooms and the clubhouse are just as impres- but with the way they work and help out, brings in for trips return the next year. including www.golfasian.com and www. sive. When you check in, you get a locker giving them a good sized tip help makes up “For around $1,000 you can get the golfinakingdom.com.

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • February Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • • In THE NEWS • • Page 11 • Chambers Bay tree still OK after 2008 vandal attack Back in 2008 the lone tree at Chambers The maintenance crew has spent extra Bay Golf Course suffered an attack from time on the tree with mulching, additional vandals. Those vandals took an ax to the nutrients and watering. The extra work has Douglas Fir and nearly toppled the tree paid off since the tree appears to be strong before something scared them off. and surviving. Now, a year and a half later, the tree is Interestingly the attack on the tree came apparently still going strong, thanks to the right after it was announced that Chambers efforts of the maintenance crew. Bay would be the host course for the two big The tree is special because it is the only USGA events coming up. Vandals gauged one on the golf course, which will host an 18-inch hole in the tree, and might have the 2010 United States Amateur and 2015 finished off the job if they kept going. United States Open. “I’m not sure we can say we are out of An arborist was brought in the day after the woods yet on the ultimate survival of the the attack from the vandals to filled the hole tree,” Tony Tipton told the News Tribune. with putty and put metal bars on the hole to “But let’s hope the positive trend continues help the tree recover. in 2010. The lone tree at Chamber Bay suffered some damage, but is surviving nicely so far.

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 12 • • THE LESSON TEE • • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 • The Lesson Tee: Make a list and stick DiabloGolf.com: Social golf is easy to it to get ready for the 2010 season If you’ve perused the internet looking for golf sites, you might have stumbled across www.DiabloGolf.com I hope you are thinking of specific - a new “golf social media” site that makes it easier to ways you will be better in 2010. Golf and organize your games and meet new golfers. otherwise. I know my list is longer than But to me, the Academy began Check out these reasons to join: I’d like to admit. I would suggest writing in 1965 during the Seattle Open 1. TeeVite – Post, view, invite and accept invitations down a few specific areas or goals of your at Inglewood Country Club. There to golf matches. 2. GHIN Intergration – Post GHIN golf improvement for this new year. scores, view scores, trend analysis. 3. Virtual Proshops Examples: I was, age 10, with my caddy towel – Specials, tourneys, and events at local clubs. 4. Cell My Mental Game: thinking I was going to get a tour bag GHIN posting – Post to your GHIN with your cell phone. 5. Join Men’s and Woman’s Clubs – Find, review, and I will have a specific shot in mind Jeff to carry during the tournament. I will have a specific target in mind join brick and mortar clubs through the site. The TeeVite is the idea of brothers Patrick and Tom I am committed to my shot, club choice C oston Jentz. The initial idea is to avoid all the group “CC” and target I just want people who want to learn emails and “Reply All’s” for their local games. Rather I will establish a mental and physical and enjoy the journey to the golf of their than call 20 friends to put together a game, you post it routine on the course and practice this dreams. on Diablogolf.com, invite people through email, and the routine on the range. teaching aids at the far corner of the driving Some twenty years later it was l985, list of people who accept and decline shows up online. I am relaxed in my body while playing range. Now we have an amazing teaching my first year on the PGA Tour. I was now The TeeVite allows everybody to see who is in, or out, on the golf course facility, a wonderful academy building and paired with that same amazing figure of a including all the smack talk that comes along with it, When I play faster I play better some of the finest instructors in the world man. It was the final round of the Honda similar to an E-Vite. The TeeVite also includes the local Trust is a must visit Semiahmoo to do summer golf schools Classic. Jack Nicklaus had that same weather, course info, and soon all the handicaps of the Let go of control to gain control with me. waggle and aura of greatness about him. golfers in the match. This allows you to post a game for Technique and Ball Flight: But to me, the Academy began in 1965 I was again in awe. I had exchanged my a few bucks and attract some action, or see who you’re I am taking one area of my swing to during the Seattle Open at Inglewood caddy towel for a set of golf clubs. I was playing with and make a game time decision on what improve. May-be two Country Club. There I was, age 10, with no longer outside the ropes but standing match format to play. I am developing one consistent shot my caddy towel thinking I was going to inside next to greatness. When it’s done the GHIN integration will provide all pattern to my ball flight get a tour bag to carry during the tourna- Another round I will always remem- golfers with a way to see GHIN Handicaps. DiabloGolf. I am committed to stay on track and ment. ber. Walking fairways with huge crowds com will allow you to purchase, manage, and renew a GHIN and recreational handicap. You will be able to see not listen to everyone’s opinion about my There was an amazing figure of a man alongside the greatest player of his time, any GHIN handicap’s, last scores posted, where they game smashing a off the tee. I was in perhaps of all time. I was hooked, I am all played, home course and more information. This will Curve the golf ball awe. I was hooked, all in, never the same. in and I still am. Practice: The man was Jack Nicklaus. allow you to know if someone is a 15 handicap but shot Nicklaus won “The Masters” in 1986. 74 the last 5 rounds in a row. Make a practice game plan specific to Since that day in ‘65, I have caddied, Amazing! That round in 1985; Coston shot Another great tool is the golf course finder. You can each area of “the game” played, sought and taught endlessly. Of- 71, Nicklaus 73. Perhaps equally amazing. search for courses several different ways and also locate ficially, since ‘94, I teach beginners and Find a specific method to improve your Join me on your own amazing journey. It and book hotels if you’re planning a golf trip. The golf PGA Tour and LPGA Tour players. High swing technique. I strongly suggest a would be my pleasure. course finder is also where you will see any specials the swing station designed for you. school, college players, state champions, courses are putting on or the TeeVites that have been ••••• AJGA champions, men, women, young Jeff Coston is the director of instruction posted. You can write a review of the course and let all The Jeff Coston Golf Academy opened and young at heart. It does not matter. I at Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine. He can your fellow golfers know the real deal about the course at the beautiful Semiahmoo Resort in 1994. teach with all my heart, passion, knowl- be reached at 260.371.7005. Check out as well. Diablogolf.com is one of fewer than 10 websites I started with a video camera and a bag of edge and experience of the last 44 years. his web site at www.jeffcoston.com. to purchase this complete course information database.

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • February Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • • IN THE NEWS • • Page 13 • Time to develop a sound ball striking pre-shot routine With the onslaught of Spring quickly bles your style and tempo as a golfer. If approaching, one area most golfers could you play at a quicker pace, have a simple get better at and more consistent with is and clean routine. If you’re on the me- their ball striking pre-shot routine. I get Most golfers have a pre-shot thodical side, have a little more detailed asked quite frequently “Why should I routine lasting 8-15 seconds, so routine. Most golfers have a pre-shot have a pre-shot routine at all? And, what modify yours to your style. routine lasting 8-15 seconds, so modify should it consist of?” yours to your style. Give some serious A ball striking pre-shot routine is an thought to pre-shot details you feel are individualist procedure and its overall Brett vital to your golfing success. Having a ilkinson goals are two-fold: One, eliminate any good balance, proper ball position, some sound ball striking pre-shot routine takes extra thoughts before pulling the trigger; knee flex, solid upper body posture, and some time and a little tinkering to master, W and two, promote comfort, confidence, your chin up. Look at your target two or so feel free to consult with a PGA or and focus on making a great swing. ball and visualize how you want it to fly three times to promote the relationship LPGA professional. You should have most of these things and where you want it to end up. Adjust between where you are and where you in your ball striking pre-shot routine: your grip accordingly and take a relaxed want to be after the shot. Then, relax and Brett Wilkinson is a teaching profes- Trust your club selection for the shot practice swing or two. Address your golf focus on making a great swing! sional with GolfTEC in Bellevue. He can at hand. Account for the wind, lie, and ball and align your club head and body Additional keys to remember: Develop be reached at 425.454.7956 or bwilkin- elevation changes. Stand behind the toward your intended target line. Have a ball striking pre-shot routine that resem- [email protected].

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • Page 14 • • IN THE NEWS • • Inside Golf - February Issue 2010 • Women’s golf: Where is your golf game going in 2010? This time of year is slow in the golf have to hit it out of the trees-like I did the putting to your list of how you can im- lesson business with two exceptions. first three years I played! If keeping the prove. You know what’s coming next- The people that are serious about where ball in play off the tee is a problem write how are you going to achieve each goal? they want their game to be next year, and this on your goal. Set reasonable and Write out YOUR plan. those that are running away from home to eui attainable goals. Do you need to get some lessons? find the sun! If your goal is to be a better Next see yourself hitting your fair- Improve your balance? Can you sign up player in 2010 now’s the time to figure N way shot. Did the ball go in the air? Did for strength training classes or pilates for out how that’s going to happen, because athy it go a distance consistent with the club

e core strength? Do you have some good it doesn’t happen by luck or hope! you hit? The average women hits a seven

K living room drills you can be doing dur- Step one: It’s cold and dark and iron about 100 yards. Do you need more D ing the dark months to give you a more rainy outside-it is February after all. Get distance? Write it on your goal list. powerful efficient swing? Each goal your your coffee or tea, a notebook and sit You’re coming up to the green now, write must have a plan on how you can down in a comfortable chair. It’s time tee shot of 150-220 yards. If your ball can you get your ball in the hole in 1-3 achieve it. to play imaginary golf on your favorite doesn’t go this far write on your notebook strokes within 20 yards of the green? Put Make goals clear and your plans as course. See yourself on the first tee, that you need more distance off the tee. down chipping on your list. clear as your goals. Once it’s on paper picture where your tee shot would usu- Did you keep the ball in play or are you Do you consistently one or two it’s much easier to put into action. This ally go. Are you in play? Did the ball go fighting a slice? It does no good to hit a putt? This is the easiest way to shave could be your best golf year yet but it a reasonable distance? Women need a 200 yard drive if you can’t find it or you strokes and lower your handicap. Add won’t happen by accident!

InsideGolfNewspaper.com • February Issue 2010 - Inside Golf • • RULES OF THE GAME • • Page 15 • Rules of the game: More new decisions for 2010 involve rakes, bunkers, practice drops and more In January we saw a few of the new Decisions that were made for the 2010-

2011 biennium. Here are some more. Rule 14-2 prohibits a player from accepting protection against the elements from One of the Rules with the most prolific another person while he is making his stroke. When we think of “elements” we number of Decisions is Rule 13. Rule 13 normally refer to inclement weather such as rain or snow. However, Decision 14- includes the dos and don’ts of bunker 2/0.5 clarifies that “elements” are any weather condition, including sunlight. play. In the past few years the USGA has tried to take a more reasonable stance with regard to actions taken in a bunker a rod in his bag to periodically check his to test where his original ball may roll to M ike while at the same time maintaining the alignment or his swing plane. While it’s if he elects to take relief from the path. integrity of the Rule. One of the don’ts in Peluso OK to do this with one of your clubs, car- However, he had no intention of playing a bunker is that you can’t test the bunker rying a rod specifically for this purpose that dropped ball. He did not intend to or a similar bunker when your ball is in the is deemed to be “unusual equipment”, put the second ball into play. What’s the bunker. The original intent of this Rule the bunker, (b) the smoothing does not and if the player uses such a rod during , if any? was to prevent a player, whose ball was [help the player] with respect to his next his stipulated round, he is disqualified. The interesting thing about this Deci- in Bunker A, to go over to Bunker B and stroke and (c) there is not a reasonable Decision 19-2/10 is really interesting. sion is that the USGA and R&A Joint take a few practice swings or test the possibility that the smoothing could affect Under Rule 19-2, if a player’s ball after Rules Committee were in a quandary sand. a subsequent stroke by the player….“ a stroke strikes himself, his caddie, his about how to deal with this situation. On However, you may remember the infa- The Decision does go on to state that it partner or any of his equipment or his the one hand, this was an unacceptable mous ruling in 2008 when is still a violation if the player rakes the partner’s equipment, he is penalized one action, but on the other hand, there was he played from Bunker A into Bunker B, same bunker in which his ball lies prior stroke. A player was playing a stroke out no Rule that addressed this situation. It which was 165 yards away. Cink’s caddie to making his first stroke. of a bunker, and his caddie was standing was not a violation of the Practice Rule, raked Bunker A, and Cink was penalized Rule 14-2 prohibits a player from ac- nearby holding the rake. He shanked his the Cart Path Rule, or the Dropping Rule. because his ball was in another bunker. cepting protection against the elements shot and it struck the rake that his caddie They finally ruled that the dropped ball The USGA moved rapidly to be sure from another person while he is making was holding. Is the player penalized under was not in play, and that the ball on the that this situation didn’t happen again. his stroke. When we think of “elements” Rule 19-2? According to the cart path remained in play. However, they Although Cink was properly penalized we normally refer to inclement weather Decision, the rake is an outside agen- relied on Equity (Rule 1-4), ruling that his for a violation of Rule 13-4, this was not such as rain or snow. However, Decision cy, and even though the caddie is holding actions were contrary to the purpose and the scenario intended by the Rule. 14-2/0.5 clarifies that “elements” are any the rake, the rake is still considered to spirit of the Rules for a player to test what Decision 13-4/0.7 now clarifies such a weather condition, including sunlight. In be an outside agency, and there is no may happen when he drops his ball, and situation, and states, in part. “…it is not Decision 14.2/2.5, the player deliberately penalty. the player incurs a penalty of loss of hole the intent of Rule 13-4a to prohibit play- placed his golf bag on the tee so that its And finally, we have the most talked- in or two strokes in stroke ers from practicing the proper etiquette shadow would protect the player’s ball about Decision of 2010. A player’s ball play. However, in stroke play, the player of the game. Therefore, when the player’s from sunlight glare. The Decision states was lying on an artificially surfaced path. may still take relief from the cart path, but ball lies in a bunker, it is not a breach that if the player makes a stroke under The player was considering taking a the penalty still sticks! of the Rules if the player smoothes the such circumstances, the player is penal- drop, but he noticed that his ball might sand in another bunker, provided (a) the ized two strokes under Rule 14-2. roll into an unplayable lie. So he takes a Mike Peluso is a rules chairman with smoothing is for the purpose of tidying up In Decision 14-3/10.3, a player carried ball from his bag and drops it in the area the USGA, PNGA, WJGA and more.

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