July/August PROgram Magazine

SAVE 18 0N 18PACE OF PLAY INITIATIVE

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGAVOLUME 40 | ISSUE 4 | JULY/AUGUST 2013

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03PROGRAM MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2013

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contents PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 04 CONSIDER THIS...

SPONSOR DIRECTORY06 YOUR VALUED SCPGA SPONSORS

SECTION REPORT07 MARKETING OUR PGA PROFESSIONAL AND THEIR FACILITY

EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION08 IMPROVING YOUR BOTTOM LINE

DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR09 DISTRICT 11 DIRECTOR REPORTS

SCPGA SECRETARY10 JOHN MCNAIR APPOINTED AS SCPGA SECRETARY

PLAYER DEVELOPMENT11 REAL RESULTS

COVER STORY12 PACE OF PLAY ROUND TABLE INTERVIEW

PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP14 SCPGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

BEST PRACTICES18 Q&A WITH LAWRENCE GILBERT, PGA ON PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

TEACHER’S FORUM 20 THE DELIVERY POSITION

MATCH PLAY21 BLOCK RALLIES FOR MATCH PLAY TITLE

NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF23 TOYOTA NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF CREATES CUSTOMERS

CALIFORNIA STATE OPEN24 BEAUFILS BIRDIES HIS WAY TO THE TITLE

JUNIOR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION26 JOIN THE SCPGA JUNIOR TOUR ALUMNI TODAY

JUNIOR GOLF27 SCPGA SENDS YI & LEGASPI TO THE JUNIOR PGA

TPS SERIES - INDIAN WELLS29 FIEDLER BEATS GILLEY’S PAIR OF ACES

CHAPTER CORNER30 SCPGA CHAPTER UPDATES

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT31 GLOBAL TOUR GOLF

AAA NEWS33 2013 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS & RESULTS

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT34 FIRST TEE PROMOTIONS

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT35 GOLF BUDDY

ASSOCIATION NEWS36 USGA, GCSAA, EWGA

ASK THE RONS37 YOUR RULES QUESTIONS. ANSWERED.

TOURNAMENT RECAP38 SAVE THE DATE/ TOURNAMENT RESULTS

SECTION NOTES39 NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE SCPGA OFFICE

JULY/AUGUST 2013VOLUME 40, ISSUE 4

Old school caddies at St. Andrews carried clubs under their arm without a bag as was the custom at the turn of the 20th century. When a number was called, a young man would jump to his feet filled

with excitement and anticipation at the prospect of what was likely to happen during the next few hours. Some great anxiety would surely accompany the assignment as well, knowing that if he didn’t perform well it would have an adverse effect on his player. And knowing that, heaven forbid, if he were to lose a ball it would be sheer havoc. A good caddy is interested in the players success and therefore a bond becomes a very important element to the relationship, even though that relationship may be short lived. Caddies who say we, rather than he, were the best of them all. A caddy that roots for a putt and has the physical and facial expressions to match is worth strokes to the player. Imagine Eddie Lowry and the impact he had on Francis Ouimet during the United States Open Championship at Brookline. Now imagine that there is an entire culture lost to 21st century golf in all but a few places. In the whole of the British Isles, caddies are generally older and the career of serving as a caddy remains a noble one. Many stories, rich stories, could fill the pages of a book by

By SCPGA President, Jeff Johnson, PGA

CONSIDER THIS...

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just spending time with these seasoned men of the links. Should we reintroduce a culture here, so young men and women might have similar stories to share as they age, and in so doing become a part of the restoration of this once most important aspect of golfing? A partnership offering the possibility of knowledge, civility, service and deeply rooted relationships and perhaps as a reach, a means of growing the game? Yes, I think so and lets be naive for just a moment and set the commerce of golf aside and imagine a world full of youngsters learning a craft and watching as player development follows. What we once called a caddy swing when I was young was the result of caddies learning to play by watching the players. They were given no formal instruction and many like Harry Vardon, who learned to play by observation, turned out quite well. As A.W. Tillinghast may have said, “Our Caddies, ladies and gentlemen, fill your glasses, what would our golf be without them”.

Francis Ouimet and his 10-year-old caddie, Eddie Lowery, during the 1913 U.S. Open

Photo: Classic Shots - The Greatest Images for the United States Golf Association

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THE PROGRAMVOLUME 40 • ISSUE 4 • 2013 JULY/AUGUST ISSUEThe Program is produced by the Southern California PGA. The Program is distributed free to members and affiliates of the SCPGA seven times a year. The articles and other information contained within this publication are informational and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the SCPGA. The SCPGA assumes no responsibility or liability for claims made for or by any product in this publication whether reported or advertised. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the SCPGA is prohibited.

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

06 PROGRAM MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2013

3333 Concours Street • Building 2, Suite 2100 • Ontario, CA 91764951.845.4653 ph • 951.769.6733 fax • scpga.com

THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORSOFFICERSJeff Johnson, President - Moreno Valley Ranch Golf ClubRic Moore, Vice President - Chevy Chase Country ClubJohn McNair, Secretary - JC ResortsJason Taylor, Honorary President - Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation

AT-LARGE DIRECTORSDavid Foster, Click 4 Tee Times • Bill Hulbert, Green River Golf Club • Todd Keefer, PGA West • Tony Letendre, Newport Beach Country Club • Eric Lohman, Monarch Beach Golf Links

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORSSusan Roll, Carlsbad Golf CenterTom Wilson, Life Member - Active

CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVESDesert: Jon Vesper, Westin Mission Hills ResortInland Empire: Mike Pearson, Oak Valley Golf Club Metro: Scott Heyn, Black Gold Golf ClubNorthern: Dan Hodapp, Mountain View Golf ClubSan Diego: Mark Hayden, Golf Academy of America

PGA GOVERNANCEDISTRICT 11 DIRECTORBill Hulbert, Green River Golf Club - Southern California Section

PGA OF AMERICA PRESIDENTTed Bishop, Hillendale Country Club -Middle Atlantic Section

SCPGA SECTION STAFFTom Addis III, PGA, Executive Director/CEOExt 726 • [email protected]

David Myrdahl, Foundation DirectorExt 733 • [email protected]

Rob Keller, Director of Competitions and RulesExt 719 • [email protected]

Andrew Zeller, Junior Golf DirectorExt 723 • [email protected]

Sharon Curfman, MembershipExt 720 • [email protected]

Breanne Lockard, CommunicationsExt 722 • [email protected]

Alexandra Tegels, Player Development ManagerExt 730 • [email protected]

Kristy Custer, Finance/Office ManagerExt 734 • [email protected]

Amy Stadelman, Programs and EventsExt 732 • [email protected]

Dave Kuhn, Tournament Operations CoordinatorExt 731 • [email protected]

Matt Gilson, Player Development CoordinatorExt 738 • [email protected]

Thomas Camaione, Junior Golf CoordinatorExt 728 • [email protected]

Max DeSpain, Junior Golf CoordinatorExt 735 • [email protected]

Mike Mowry, Junior Tour ManagerExt 721 • [email protected]

Christopher Gilkey, Junior Tour ManagerExt 739 • [email protected]

Kevin Smith, Junior Golf Development CoordinatorExt 729 • [email protected]

Kristine Lorencz, Section AdministrationExt 710 • [email protected]

PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT REGIONAL MANAGERNikki Gatch, PGA760.534.1370 • [email protected]

PGA EMPLOYMENT CONSULTANTKen Ferrell, PGA951.894.5024 • [email protected]

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So much has changed in the past dozen years, especially for all of us as PGA golf professionals in our operations, in our golf instruction and the way we generally do things in our business as it relates

to marketing. TV, radio and newspapers continue to be important media for promoting and selling our product, but our golfer has become very choosy where they receive their marketing and sales information.

Your Section recognizes how important it is to promoting you, our PGA professionals, and your golf facilities. We use outlets including email marketing, digital media, print media, broadcast media, and social media. We not only promote you through these outlets, but also our sponsors and partners through the same channels. Our channels include, but are not limited to, scpga.com, email communication, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, the PROgram Magazine, PGA Magazine, Southland Golf Magazine, California Golf News Magazine, ESPN, radio spots, and the newspapers throughout Southern California.

Social Media has become a major outlet for the SCPGA to spread the word of our programs and your accomplishments as PGA professionals. Whether one of your accomplishments is on the golf course, a Section teaching program, a junior golfer accomplishment or a Neighborhood Golf player development program, we push them on social media - all benefiting you.

Of course we use email marketing more than any other tool. In addition, e-communications for specific events and press releases, we also publish a bi-weekly Member2Member newsletter, a monthly Tournament Tribune, and a monthly Foundation Newsletter. Our sponsors love to push product and services through our email blasts and

By SCPGA Executive Director and CEO, Tom Addis III, PGA

www.scpga.com

NEW MEMBERS ELECTED Ricardo Castillo, PGA; Christopher Lempa, PGA; Gregory Wagner, PGA

NEWLY REGISTERED AND RE-REGISTERED APPRENTICES Jeff Buck, James English, Michael Finney, Roman Gonzales, John Lepak, Dave Mansfield, Joshua McDonald, Marissa Patterson-Egner, Jonathan Price, Raymond Rivera, Erik Rollin, Ryan Sheffer, Abel Silva, Carl Whetsell

NEW QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERSRic Moore, PGA; Brad Stormon, PGA; David Emerick, PGA; Tim Haas, PGA; David Craig, PGA; Bruce Janke, PGA

DECEASED MEMBERSWe lost three very special people to the game of golf: Gene Butler, Doug Booth, and Tracy Lane

MOVING UPLuis Beltran Jr., PGA A-1 Elkins Ranch Golf Course

John Birchard, PGA A-4 Indian Palms Golf Course

Brian Bohlig, PGA A-1 Valencia Country Club

Michael DeJordy, PGA A-13 Valencia Country Club

Ric Moore, PGA A-4 Chevy Chase Country Club

Timothy Walsh, PGA A-1 Old Ranch Country Club

WELCOME WAGONMIchael DeJordy, PGA South FloridaGordon Israelsky Jr., PGA Northern Cal.Kyle Lindert, PGA Wisconsin

NEWLY CERTIFIED PGA PROFESSIONALSWilliam Synnegh, PGA InstructionColby Hartie, PGA Golf OperationsTodd Keefer, PGA General Management

enjoy the added value, and we find it very important to provide tournament entries and program entries and information through email. The greater majority of our SCPGA members and apprentices, not quite everyone, use email and receive our blasts and information.

We use print media regularly, especially to promote your accomplishments and Section programs and upcoming events, including golf schools, Neighborhood Golf, on-course activities and special accomplishments by our PGA professionals. We have a regular column in PGA Magazine, Southland Golf and California Golf News - each written to promote you, our PGA professional. The SCGA’s FORE Magazine is another media tool we are privileged to have the opportunity to be included. We also encourage the magazines and other media to publish stories and pieces about our PGA professionals. We see regular “appearances” in Southland and California Golf by many of our professionals.

And, our PROgram Magazine is our #1 tool for exposure for our PGA professional. The bi-monthly magazine is sent to 3,500 readers throughout Southern California and the West including Chamber of Commerce, media, legislators and municipal officials, sponsors, employers of PGA professionals and each of the clubs in Southern California. A huge improvement with our magazine, it now numbers up to 40 pages an issue allowing us to publish more information about our PGA professionals and your business. We also enjoy thousands of readers when the PROgram is published on scpga.com.

We encourage you to let us know if there is something different you would like to see with our SCPGA publications. Let us know via email or phone. We want to hear from you and do what is best for you.

Whatever media we use, it is most important that the PGA professional and your facilities are promoted and exposed. That’s our job.

AND THEIR FACILITYMarketing our PGA Professional

While meeting with the employer and asking for a raise isn’t the most comfortable situation, your preparedness can certainly make it easier while providing a better opportunity

for success. The past few years have been financially difficult for many golf businesses leading to the difficulty of increasing one’s compensation. Hopefully with your focus on developing rounds through player development and increasing incremental spending, it should be translating to some nice increases in the bottom line. Many of you may be thinking it is time to approach your employer for a compensation increase. But before you charge through the door, consider some items first and prepare a game plan.

Start out asking yourself some questions. It is always helpful to think like your employer to get a prospective of what he or she may be faced with in achieving the financial goals of the facility. In preparation of developing a plan to present to your employer, consider the following:

1) What is the current financial position of the facility?

2) Where does my department stand to both payroll budget and the overall budget?

3) What contributions have I made to the bottom line and in overall customer satisfaction?

4) Are these contributions carrying over to other facility departments?

5) Is there a means to report these accomplishments to my employer and am I consistent in communicating them on a regular basis. (see PGA Professional Report)

6) Have I considered and written down plans for future success?

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7) Have I reviewed the PGA Compensation Survey at like facilities?

8) Am I ready to approach my employer with options that participate in the future financial success of the facility?

Once you have considered these items and prepared a plan; that fits within the budget, is based upon your current accomplishments, considers future success, and provides options for the employer to consider, you will have a much greater opportunity for success in your compensation and benefits presentation.

For additional counsel on developing a plan to Improve Your Bottom Line, please contact: Ken Ferrell, PGAEmployment Consultant | 951-894-5024

BOTTOM LINEImproving your

PGA JOBFINDERThe PGA of America’s job-posting service is available to PGA Professionals looking to hire staff for and PGA Professionals seeking employment in non-management positions such as assistant professional, teaching professional, facility support staff, and other golf industry employment opportunities.

PGA CAREERLINKS CareerLinks is The PGA of America’s complimentary employment referral service that notifies PGA Professionals about employment opportunities that meet their employment preferences and qualifications. To enroll in CareerLinks, PGA Professionals must complete their PGA CareerLinks Profile and indicate that they wish to participate in CareerLinks. To remain active in CareerLinks, PGA Professionals are required to update their information every two years. Once enrolled in the program, PGA Professionals will be notified about employment opportunities that match their employment preferences and an employer’s search criteria.

PGA CareerLinks and PGA Jobfinder can be accessed on PGALinks.com by clicking into the employment page. Please contact Ken Ferrell with questions on utilizing these great employment tools.

EMPLOYMENTOPPORTUNITIES

PGA MEMBER

Meet Ryan Kennedy, the quintessential club professional. He is the head golf professional at Saticoy Country Club in Somis, California, where he has

worked for eleven years, the last six as their Head Professional. As with all Golf Professionals these days, he wears many hats. He travels with and teaches his members, mentors his staff, and volunteers at the Chapter and Section level because he wants to make a difference.

Ryan is a National representative for the Orange Whip teaching aide. Kennedy was the recipient of the Northern Chapter’s highest award, 2012 Golf Professional of the Year. He has helped bring the Northern Chapter into the 21st century as the Communications Chairman, sits on the Section Communications Committee, the Section Tournament Committee and is a member of the Northern Chapter Board of Directors.

Ryan still finds time to keep his game extremely competitive. He holds the course record at 3 facilities; Dove Canyon Golf Club, Elkins Ranch Golf Course and Rancho San Marcos Golf Course. He has qualified for the Professional National Championship twice, in 2008 and again this year. He has won too many Northern Chapter events to list, resulting in two Player of the Year awards, in 2007 and 2010. Ryan was a member of the winning PGA National Assistants team and the SCPGA Assistants Champion in 2006, as well as a member of the SCPGA Honors Cup team in 2007.

In short, Ryan Kennedy is the type of Golf Professional we should all aspire to be, as a sort of renaissance professional.

RYAN KENNEDY, PGASATICOY COUNTRY CLUB

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2013 PGA of America District DirectorsDistrict 1 - Suzy Whaley, PGA | Connecticut, New England, Northeastern New YorkDistrict 2 - Leo De Gisi, PGA | New Jersey, Philadelphia, MetropolitanDistrict 3 - Bud Rousey, PGA | Dixie, Gulf States, TennesseeDistrict 4 - Jim Antkiewicz, PGA | Central New York, Tri-State, Western New YorkDistrict 5 - Gil Gusweiler, PGA | Michigan, Northern Ohio, Southern OhioDistrict 6 - Jim Richerson, PGA | Illinois, Indiana, WisconsinDistrict 7 - Bob Philbrick, PGA | Gateway, Midwest, South CentralDistrict 8 - Chris Thomson, PGA | Iowa, Minnesota, NebraskaDistrict 9 - Scott Brandt, PGA | Colorado, Rocky Mountain, UtahDistrict 1o - Michael Ahrnsbrak, PGA | Carolinas, Kentucky, Middle Atlantic District 11 - Bill Hulbert, PGA | Aloha, North California, Southern CaliforniaDistrict 12 - Dan Koesters, PGA | Northern Texas, Southern Texas, Sun CountryDistrict 13 - Stephen Cox, PGA | Georgia, North Florida, South FloridaDistrict 14 - Michael Haywood, PGA | Pacific Northwest, Southwest

The PGA held its summer board meeting on June 24th at Sunriver Resort in conjunction with the 2013 PNC. It was an extensive meeting with a very full agenda. Key areas addressed were:

1- The budget for fiscal year 2013-142- Strategic planning3- The PGA’s position on “Anchoring”4- PGA golf propertiesDue to our new executive team

starting late last year, the budget was approved later than normal. It immediately took effect July 1st. We will spend $57.28 million on programs and services for PGA members and the industry. $9.1 million goes to Golf 2.0, up $1 million from last year. $8.3 million goes for education, $7.7 million for player development, $7.4 million to Section affairs, and $2.1 million for employment services.

We are in the early stages of developing a long-term strategic plan for the Association. Our short-term mandates are to serve the Members and grow the game. Leadership is working now to redefine the culture at HQ and within the boardroom, improve communication at all levels, and complete the senior staff team by hiring a new CFO.

The long-term mandate is to truly be “the experts in the game and business of golf ”. PGA staff is doing a SWOTS analysis on all departments. Senior staff will present the plan as it progresses to the Board for input, with a final draft coming at the Annual Meeting in

November. Hopefully it will be finalized and put in motion early in 2014.

The Board had a lengthy discussion on the Anchoring issue, and pending the Tour’s acceptance of the ban, decided that we would support it and not go our own way making rules. As you probably saw, both Ted Bishop and Tim Finchem have asked the USGA to extend the implementation period for amateurs, but did not receive a favorable response.

After only 3 weeks on the job, new Port St Lucie Properties GM Jimmy Terry gave a comprehensive and enlightening presentation to the Board on his evaluation and vision for the operation. The entire board feels he is the right person to return our golf courses to the standard initially envisioned when we undertook the project.

Our new Executive team as well as our new Officers, including our own Paul Levy, have been very busy their first eight months. An inordinate amount of time has been spent dealing with the anchoring issue. Now they can turn their full attention to the challenges and issues facing the PGA, PGA members, and the game. I am so impressed with the direction they are leading us, and the unity and continuity that I believe we will see for years to come. It’s an honor for me to serve as your District Director and to be involved with our governance at such an exciting time. Have a great summer!

Contact Bill Hulbert, PGA at [email protected] | 714-310-7375

By District 11 Director, Bill Hulbert, PGAREPORTS

A teaching summit that will look at where we were, where we are and where we are going in the game of golf with Eddie Merrins, PGA & Jamie Mulligan, PGA

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 20134:00PM - 8:30 PM Location: Virginia Country Club Cost: $75 per person, includes dinner

Education: 5 MSR points will be available for all PGA members in attendance. Summit is also open to PGA Apprentices.

About: This unique teaching summit will be a question and answer session with PGA Professionals Eddie Merrins and Jamie Mulligan. These gentlemen share a long-time friendship and a tremendous passion for teaching and coaching golf. The format of the summit will be a question and answer session covering the “then and now” of numerous aspects of golf. It will also explore ideas about what the future holds for the game. Among the topics to be covered are:- The state of the game- Evolution of the golf swing- Short game & specialty shots- Course architecture- Rules & equipment- Fitness- Course Management- Standout tour professionals- Teaching & coaching tour professionals

Contact Charlene Bendt at [email protected] or visit scpga.com to sign up.

District 11 Director


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John McNair, a 20-year member of the PGA of America, was elected as the Secretary of the Southern California PGA Board of Directors. McNair currently holds the position of Vice President of Golf Operations at JC Resorts.

As Secretary, McNair wants to focus on growing the game of golf, especially through Neighborhood Golf. By tracking the progress of grow the game initiatives, he hopes to get as many people as possible playing. His goal is to, “Take them from being introduced to the game, to get them to our PGA affiliated golf courses and turn them into golfers,” said McNair.

McNair sees the endless opportunities that come with Neighborhood Golf. “The great thing with Neighborhood Golf is that it allows PGA members and apprentices to be introduced to new potential golfers. I recommend everyone to take advantage to not only grow their lesson business, but also for their facility to gain awareness,” said McNair.

McNair wants the Southern California PGA to be a leader by introducing golf schools as a way to help grow the game. “I’m very excited about the fact that we are getting together with Total Golf Adventures, TGA, and getting into school programs,” said McNair. In the past it has been a struggle to tap into

the schools as a way to grow the game. “Going through TGA will be a great way to get an immediate foot in the door in the schools, which will help us grow the game. I think this is the place that if we’re successful in over the next few years, we can take it to a national level in conjunction with Neighborhood Golf throughout all of the other 40 sections,” stated McNair.

With the predicted success that will come from accessing the schools, McNair wants PGA members to benefit from the new golfers. “I want to make sure we stay focused on education and keep giving Southern California PGA Professionals the ability to have programs that will have them become better golf professionals and further their careers,” said McNair.

As Secretary, McNair is excited to continue educating and getting better at running the business of golf because its continues to go in that direction. “If I had a looking glass, in 15 years down the road its going to become more and more business oriented and I think its important that we keep training positions, so we have more PGA General Managers and Directors of Golf at facilities throughout Southern California,” said McNair. John sees the future of facilities needing PGA Professionals in the positions of general manager, head professional, and assistant professional to handle the growth of

SCPGA SECRETARYJohn McNair Appointed as

business in the game of golf.Before McNair leaves office he would

hope to see more structure created within the chapters, committees, and throughout the Southern California PGA section as a whole. He would like to be remembered for his contributions for helping take Neighborhood Golf to the next level and for completing the goals he set once he took office. He hopes that, “Neighborhood Golf becomes the poster child for growing the game, not only in Southern California, but also on the national level.”

Presentation at Golf Industry and Business Summit

John McNair, PGA & Jeff Johnson, PGA


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You have been hearing from me for months talk about player development initiatives designed to not only grow the game, but increase your business and revenue streams at your clubs. Now

it is time to start hearing from your Professional peers and the successes they are seeing with regards to player development programming at their facility.

Seiko Onoue, PGA Teaching Professional at Arroyo Trabuco in Mission Viejo, has been focusing on Get Golf Ready and specific events and programs for women. In addition to her Get Golf Ready classes, she created a themed “Nine and Dine” event every month. For $50, participants play nine holes (cart and range balls included), and enjoy a beverage of their choice and dinner following play. Again, each event is themed, and the food pairing is matched accordingly. For July, the theme was Red-White-Blue, and dinner included All-American burgers and chili. Seiko began using the PGA Program Manager built by ACTIVEWorks just a couple of months ago, and has seen significant increases in the Nine and Dine and her Get Golf Ready classes. Her GGR classes went from averaging 2 students, to maxing out at 5, and the Nine and Dine events went from averaging less than 10, to averaging 15, with 19 participants last month.

“Thanks to Get Golf Ready, Active.com and Player Development Regional manager, Nikki Gatch, my business has grown so much over the last few months! They helped bring in new clients, especially those who would probably never have had found me. Active.com helps organize your classes, collect tuition and market your services. It is the best all-in-one tool ever!” – Seiko Onoue, PGA

James Spadoni, PGA Director of Operations at Tustin Ranch, and his team, created “The Big Easy,” a course within a course designed to attract juniors, beginners, and those looking for a great value with less time constraints.

“When we opened the Big Easy Short

By PGA Player Development Manager, Nikki Gatch, PGA

Course, not only was it another training vehicle for our beginners and time strapped players, it was also another source of revenue that did not hinder our normal tee time revenue structure. In essence we controlled the hours of its opening and when play is allowed on it. It also is a great training ground for those who could experience our GGR programs and not have the intimidation factors that can sometimes be overwhelming for the beginning golfer. We view golf as a game of progression, unfortunately most facilities do not have all of the progression stages that are necessary to keep a beginner engaged in his or hers new “hopefully” lifetime activity. By starting them here and

providing all of the levels of progression, we not only build a lifetime golfer but we also have developed an individual who has a high comfort level at our facility that might, if they were not being developed in our programs, be forced to move from facility to facility to progress up to the status of an “established golfer” and get lost in the progression by unpleasant experiences that force them to drop the game or become disenchanted with the entire process.” – James Spadoni, PGA

After meeting with Kim Schilling, PGA Co-Head Professional at Bear Creek Golf Club, it was decided to focus on creating a more welcoming, family atmosphere at the club. They kicked off

the Spring with offering Get Golf Ready and hosted a Family Fun Day to kick off the summer and promote future events.

“Over the last few months, we went from zero growth specific golf programs to three: Get Golf Ready 1.0, Ladies 9 & Wine, and a Family Golf Platform (which stresses playing and having fun as a family). We found the members hungry and excited to learn. We have been asked to offer a Get Golf Ready 2 Series, as well as another Get Golf Ready 1, clinics to the Ladies 9 & Wine, and add more Family Golf Outings. Watching the new friendships blossom has been very rewarding. We kept it simple…Provide it and they came to participate. GAME ON!” – Kim Schilling, PGA

RESULTSReal

Phil Machamer, PGA Head Professional at Lomas Santa Fe CC, started utilizing ACTIVEWorks to promote their Get Golf Ready classes (that were open to the public). Without much effort on him or his staff, they were able to fill their next class. They have also seen the effects of Get Golf Ready from a membership retainment as well as recruitment tool.

“Opening up our Get Golf Ready classes to the public, and posting the events online, has equated to us filling our next class quickly without any more effort than simply posting the class.” – Phil Machamer, PGA

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ROUND TABLE INTERVIEWPace of Play

Those participating at the discussion included Stu Rowland, Rancho La Quinta Country Club golf course superintendent, president of the Hi-Low Desert GCSAA; Mike Sweeney, past Director of Rules and Competitions for the SCGA; Rafael Barajas, Hacienda Golf Club golf course superintendent and national director for the GCSAA; Bill Johnson, General Manager of San Gabriel Country Club and California CMAA President; Tom Addis, Executive Director and CEO of the SCPGA, Past President of the PGA of America; Rob Keller, Director of Competitions and Rules for the SCPGA. Also contributing is Pat Blalock, Executive Director of the WSCGA.

SCPGA President Jeff Johnson and esteemed colleagues approached this conversation by talking about what golfers and course operators can do to help pace of play at clubs and courses throughout Southern California.

Addis -The focus of this discussion is how we can all join together to improve pace of play on our golf courses – all the while making it more enjoyable for everyone to play golf. A theme going forward includes what’s best for the player, what the player can do, and what fellow golf operators can do to make their golf course a little more playable and save time. Our goal is to agree to save at least 18-20 minutes per round of golf. This is a significant number, however, only takes a few seconds per hole to save that amount on 18 holes. With this in mind, we will begin by discussing player education - awareness of the golf ball, and where to park your golf car or bag in preparation to proceed to the next tee. The SCGA had created the Pace of Play pledge to create awareness.

Jeff Johnson- The SCGA pledge is masterful. Everyone needs to take the pledge so that it becomes personal within each facility and

his or her golfing group. In the case of our PGA professionals, we have asked them all to take the pledge, making a commitment to all embrace the same concept. The pledge was the perfect idea at the right time.

Blalock - The WSCGA fully supports the SCGA’s Pace of Play Pledge. Rules officials are on the course at all events, and tournament participants receive the WSCGA’s pace of play policy/tips as part of registration.

Sweeney- The SCGA Pace of Play Pledge was developed as an initiative to bring awareness to the importance of pace of play and hold individuals accountable as a solution for the issue. Over 7,500 golfers throughout Southern California, and across the United States, have placed their name on the Pledge, committing to make improvements on the course. Golfers want to go to the golf course, have a good time, shoot a good score, and play fast. The SCGA is asking players to follow their tips – play ready golf, keep up with the group ahead, and play in the time parameters the golf course management suggests. That’s the emphasis of the Pledge.

Addis- Therefore the pledge places responsibility on the golf course operator to educate the golfer of what the golf course is asking of them. So there’s a double responsibility?

Sweeney- Yes. We want golf course operators to be aware of how long it takes groups of two, three, or four to play their golf course and to set those time-to-play parameters. We also would like the golf operators to educate their staff to provide customers awareness of pace of play, informing them what is expected.

Jeff Johnson- It is important for operators to have the statistical information and empirical data telling them, over a period of time, exactly how long it takes to play their golf course, to use for tracking and setting time parameters.

Sweeney- One of the biggest improvements we are seeing through our use of the Pledge at our events is the promotion and requirement of our golfers to play ready golf. Players have become aware of what ready golf is and are making a stronger effort to be ready to play their shot when it is their turn to play. The SCGA is finding 18 to 20 minutes shaven from each round since the installation of the Pledge. (anything in there about their new tournament pace of play policy?)

Rowland- If I’m playing with a new group of golfers who haven’t heard of the pledge, I can take the opportunity to introduce it to them. For example, on a par three tee, I find the yardage and inform the group to save time. Those are little things a golfer can do to help and then tell them to sign the SCGA Pledge.

Sweeney – The Pledge offers tips that can also be passed along to fellow golfers such as parking your golf car in a location to facilitate heading to the next shot or tee, using the Tee it Forward Program, and playing the appropriate tees for your skill level.

Jeff Johnson- And watching the flight of the golf ball and where it lands for the players in your group. Having three sets of eyes on the shot and the vicinity where it lands makes it easier to find the ball and save time in the search process.

Addis- Ironwood, a private club in the Desert, uses the Tee it Forward Program and are very successful with it. Their members have really embraced the program. Do you see more private clubs participating in Tee it Forward than, possibly, public access golf courses?

Bill Johnson- Definitely Tom. At San Gabriel, we just installed three additional sets of forward tees, rated by the SCGA, making those tees more useable and accessible to new golfers, younger golfers, and also some of our senior members. I do believe Tee if Forward is accepted more at private golf facilities than at public access golf courses. If they accept changes, we’re really going to make some strides to improve the time it takes for a round of golf.

I believe it is key to ask your golf operations staff what can be done to make the game more enjoyable at your facility while improving the time it takes to play a round of golf. Ask the members to participate in ideas for improving their time on the golf course. One of the suggestions we’ve had in the private club world is, hold more club events from the forward tees and even reduce the number of players in the event. Sometimes 144 players will cause the slow-down on the golf course. Even 132 players can save 15-18 minutes a round of golf.

Addis- There are a lot of programs for youth in Southern California, and San Gabriel just adopted a new youth program. How have you integrated education regarding pace of play into this program?

SCPGA President Jeff Johnson hosted a round table discussion with members of Southern California allied associations to discuss pace of play initiatives to offer golfers a means to play faster on the golf course.

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Bill Johnson- San Gabriel, is one of your old traditional caddy clubs, if you will. Our young people, many grandchildren of members, are taught and educated very early to play golf at the level they are capable of.

We were lucky, the expense was minimal to add the new tee areas as they are basically markers on a mowed location further up in the fairway. It was affordable because a construction crew was not needed to build the new tees. Anyone can do it.

Jeff Johnson- When we developed the PGA of Southern California Golf Club, we added a set of tee areas called the Learners Loop. It played about 4200 yards and it was really ideal for those learning as well as others to enjoy. It’s interesting how simple it is – you can add two or three different looks in 18 holes simply by adding tee areas.

Barajas- In the Hacienda Golf Club remodel about eight years ago, we incorporated nine forward tees, now called the Green Tees, where mostly beginners, seniors, juniors and women play. The women’s clubs now has two events from the Green Tees and are having more fun. Also we encourage our juniors and beginners, to play the shorter tees while they’re learning. There are a lot of things private clubs can do that others may not be able to do on the golf course that will promote golf as well as a faster pace of play.

A couple of months ago, I made my pledge with the SCGA and I used it recently during a round of golf with my friends at a public facility. We were falling behind and I showed them my SCGA badge, encouraging them to make the pledge. That’s one way to encourage people to join and to become aware of what they can do to improve the pace of play.

Addis- How do you educate and encourage your golfers to help to improve their pace? What do you use for signage?

Barajas- At public facilities signage is one of the most important ways to direct and educate people. Signs indicating where to park your golf car in an area on the way to the next tee are crucial. I use signs promoting Ready Golf, including bullet points suggesting how they can play accordingly.

Pace of Play is something the entire industry must embrace. For example, PGA Professionals should include it as part of their lesson program to educate new golfers. The student needs to know how much they’ll enjoy the game by paying attention to these simple points discussed so far.

Jeff Johnson- And the simple things, like adding up your scores on the next tee. You’ll save a few seconds, and the people behind you will be happy!

Barajas- Simply cleaning your club after hitting your shot instead of later allows you to jump out of your golf car and go right to your next shot without delay.

Blalock- The WSCGA recently began printing the time completion for each hole on our scorecards. The July California Women/s Championship at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa was a prime example of how effectively it worked. Approximately 68 players, riding in golf cars or walking, completed 18 holes in 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Rowland- We’ve discovered that golfers riding golf cars, especially in groups of four, stay together. For the most part, they are going to hit their shot and sit there watching the other players hit their shots prior to heading to the next shot. Simply, drop the person at their ball once they’ve selected their club and head to your golf ball. The other player, when they finish hitting their shot, should begin walking toward the putting green and when you finish your shot, pick them up. Pretty soon you develop a routine, and off you go!

Addis- Another way to save time is to be aware of where you place your golf car or your clubs. It has a great effect on how quickly you play a round of golf. Simply placing your clubs in line with the next tee can save you significant time. If you only save five seconds per person, it’s still a significant number if we’re talking about saving a minute a hole to total 18 minutes a round.

What else do we do to educate our golfers? We’ve mentioned that it should be the obligation of the PGA Professional during their lessons to spend more time educating their student about pace of play. It is a challenge because when most people immediately want to see the ball in the air and don’t want to take much time on other pieces of education. It’s a retraining, not only with our PGA Professional, but also with our student that says “hey you’re going to enjoy the game more if you play the game in this manner and save some time on the golf course.”

Jeff Johnson- I recommend golf professionals teaching a beginner to take them on the golf course before they ever hit a golf shot and show them, for example, how the ball machine works to get their bucket of range balls, what the ball washer on the tee area does, why tee blocks are placed as they are and what the colors of the blocks mean. We should talk about sand bunkers and water hazards, out of bounds areas, where to stand when someone’s playing a stroke or park when a golfer is playing a shot. All of this transitions much easier to the golf course when you talk about it early. We must give people a sense of propriety and knowledge so they aren’t mystified and will play faster.

Many times we provide a series of six lessons and only discuss the golf swing and turn people loose when they have no concept of what occurs on the golf course itself. There’s a lot of education that can happen in that first hour allowing people to feel comfortable when they’re ready to play.

Addis – Especially in a Get Golf Ready format. You will have plenty of time, in the group, to discuss, not only how to improve your game on the course, but also improve your speed of play on the course. Group instruction provides you plenty of opportunities to do that.

Barajas- The beginners will definitely listen. Two things that are very important for the beginner to enjoy the game are to learn how to play at a reasonable pace and know proper golf course etiquette. I would suggest the PGA Professional to emphasize this in all their sessions.

Jeff Johnson- I agree. It’s fun for a new player to actually be on the golf course. It takes away the mystery right off the bat.

Also, there are many ways staff can help the players with their pace. Staff can stop and help a player search for their golf ball on a mis-directed golf shot, rake the bunker for a player after their shot, or attend the flagstick for the group. This will save a few seconds, a minute per hole.

Keller- Course Management, the way you play a golf course, can determine your pace of play. Obviously, keeping the golf ball in play will save many minutes. Ball searches can ruin your run for 18-minute savings during a round of golf. I believe course management should be part of a golf instruction program. Help the new player, for example, learn when to hit a driver, or not hit a driver but pull a fairway wood, to keep the ball in play. Sometimes a lay-up is the most efficient, for your score as well as saving time. Proper golf course management can improve your score as well as your elapsed time on the golf course.

TO BE CONTINUED IN NEXT ISSUE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ALLIED ASSOCIATIONS

SUPPORTING THE SCPGA PACE OF PLAY INITATIVE


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Founded only 20 years ago, the prestige Rancho La Quinta Country Club is eager to host the 89th Southern California PGA Professional Championship.

Established in 1993, Rancho La Quinta Country Club features two world-class 18-hole championship golf courses, the Jones and Pate. Renowned golf architect Robert Jones Trent Jr., designed the traditional styed Jones course, which the tournament will be played on. The club also features the modern layout Pate course designed by thirty-year architect Jerry Pate.

PGA General Manager John Cummings manages Rancho La Quinta Country Club. Elected to PGA membership in 1986, Cummings has 27 years of expertise that he uses to manage not only Rancho La Quinta Country Club, but also Andalusia Country Club. Alongside Cummings is PGA Head Professional Jim Clay, who started out as an Assistant Golf Professional in October of 2003. Clay is the fourth Head Professional at the club following the footsteps of Fred Rodriguez, PGA Head Professional at Del Rio Country Club, Nicholas DeKock, PGA Head Professional at Thunderbird Country Club, and Fred Nadeau, PGA Director of Golf at Rock Creek Cattle Company.

A graduate of Ferris State University,

Clay started out his career as a PGA PGM intern at Windham Country Club. As a strong believer in the PGA PGM internship program, each year Clay returns to Ferris State University and interviews multiple candidates, selecting three to become PGA PGM interns at Rancho La Quinta Country Club. “It’s a fun deal and through that, everyone who has started off as an intern is now an assistant professional here,” Clay remarked.

Not only is Clay passionate about the game of golf, but also his personal game. He has had a thriving golf career thus far, with a career highlight in 2011 claiming the Desert Chapter Individual Match Play Championship title. Most recently, Clay placed 4th at last years TPS Championship.

When interviewing Clay about the history of the club, he reminisced about the club’s fair share of exciting moments, but recalls the first time Tiger Woods competed in the Skins games was at Rancho La Quinta Country Club. “It was probably the biggest thing that has happened in the club’s history was hosting the Skins games from 1996-1998,” said Clay. In 1996, Fred Couples won the Skins games, followed by Tom Lehman in 1997, and Mark O’Meara in 1998.

In the past, Rancho La Quinta Country Club has had the honor of

hosting some notable tournaments. In 2010, the club co-hosted with Toscana Country Club for the Senior PGA Professional National Championship. In May of 2013, they hosted the LPGA Western Section Championship. Proving to be an exciting event, as their teaching professional DeeDee Cusimano took the title.

Rancho La Quinta Country Club has a very active membership with about 90 percent of them being seasonal. Over the six-month season, the course hosted nearly forty events. A spectacular location and connected community provides an amazing lifestyle for the members. “They

RANCHO LA QUINTA CCSouthern California PGA Professional Championship Preview at

RANCHO LA QUINTA COUNTRY CLUBQUICK FACTS & FIGURES

FOUNDED IN 1993

36- HOLES

ARCHITECT – ROBERT TRENT JONES JR. AND JERRY PATE

BERMUDA GRASS

SLOPE – 131

RATING – 73.4

YARDS – 7,063

PAR – 72


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really enjoy the social atmosphere that we provide here at the club whether it’s through the food and beverage, tennis, bocce ball, and then the golf,” said Clay. The relaxed vibe at the club allows the members to enjoy all of the other luxurious amenities that Rancho La Quinta Country Club has to offer.

The fun and carefree ambiance gives a true sense of community. The golf professionals and staff mix well with the membership, which provides the family feel. Not only do the members enjoy

the unique ambiance to the club, the staff truly enjoys their jobs as well. A few years ago the staff conducted a survey, and the results stated that the average employee has been for nine years. “It’s a fun atmosphere. We pride ourselves on everyone having a good time when they come to work,” Clay remarked.

In an effort to maintain the enjoyable environment, the club joined the pace of play movement. Clay stated, “We wanted to get everyone on board, so we did a big campaign.” The club started giving out various cards with tips on how to play faster, sent out multiple e-mail

blasts, a letter to the membership, and finalized their efforts with a video they posted to social media. “This was about a 2 week process we went through making everyone aware of pace of play, what our goals are, and what their benefits will be from learning these new habits,” stated Clay. It has been a successful venture for the club because they currently have achieved their goal to have members play a round of golf in less than four hours.

“I think the biggest thing that helped was that we used membership for a lot

of videos. It gave them a sense of ownership, and then other members seeing members in videos got them wanting to put time aside to do it. It really got everyone together,” said Clay. It has become apart of the club’s culture. Everyone is aware of pace of play and they are doing their best efforts to do their part. Rancho La Quinta Country Club’s efforts were so successful with pace of play,

that they used the same tactics to educate members on course maintenance.

Once you get a glimpse of the course, you will see that Rancho La Quinta Country Club is in immaculate shape. The pristine dunes give rise to mounds, bunkers and sloping greens, daring players at every chance to an infinite variety of shots. The magnificent backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains surrounds the sprawling 700-acre club. It’s the perfect course for the tournament.

To give players the advantage they need to compete on the course, Clay has

given a friendly warning to lookout for the 18th hole, as it could be your potential game changer. In the past Clay has seen it knock the leader out of their top position. “It has a waterfall in the back, a great view from the tee box, great risk reward, good drive, and you have a chance to get there in two if you need to. If you don’t go for it in two you leave yourself with a 90 yard pitch with water on either side, and you could have some pretty big problems,” said Clay. Although the 18th hole can seem intimidating, it could be a great way to finish out your round. Clay comments, “Easy double or you can make an eagle there. Anything can happen on the 18th. Not much of a landing zone, so keep that ball close.”

There is sheer excitement in the air for Rancho La Quinta Country Club to host the Southern California PGA Professional Championship. Clay exclaimed, “We’re excited and thrilled to be able to host here. By far our premier event. It’s an honor for us to have it.”

SCPGA PAST CHAMPIONSIN THE FIELD

CHRIS STARKJOHANN (1991, 2004, 2010, 2012)

MIKE MILES (2008, 2011)RON SKAYHAN (2009)

ERIK WOLF (2007)ROSS MARCANO (2006)SCOTT MILLER (2005)

GEOFFREY DEAN (2003)PAUL DIETSCHE (2002)

JEFFREY CRANFORD (2000)JERRY WISZ (1993)

SCOTT MAHLBERG (1990)PAUL WISE (1983 & 84)


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“What do I like about KBS? You can literally fit everybody and get them better performance and trajectory.”

PGA professional Michael Breed is best known as host of the Golf Channel’s popular show “The Golf Fix”. He was awarded PGA National Teacher of the Year in 2012.

Michael plMichael plays KBS Golf Shafts and is a true supporter of the brand. “When I switched to KBS I immediimmediately saw the difference. KBS felt smoother at impact, my dispersion tightened tightened up, and I started seeing the trajectory that I want.”

GETTING THE MOSTOUT OF YOUR GAME

Check out the Education Center! All participants will receive a personalized certificate, marketing materials, and a PUD discount for special pricing.

WWW.KBSGOLFSHAFTS.COM

KBSEDUCATION CENTER

SCOTT HEYN, PGABlack Gold Golf Club

Classification: A-13 General Manager2013 Player of the Year: 6th Highlights: Runner-Up at YAMAHA Senior-Junior Championship and Grand Slam Championship; Top 5 at TPS Bear Creek

PLAYERS TO WATCHAT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

MICHAEL BLOCK, PGAArroyo Trabuco Golf Club

Classification: A-1 Head Professional2013 Player of the Year: 1stHighlights: 2013 Southern California Match Play Champion; Five additional SCPGA titles in 2013

CHRIS STARKJOHANN, PGATorrey Pines Gold Club & Outings

Classification: A-24 Other Member2013 Player of the Year: 2nd Highlights: Defending Southern California PGA Professional Champion; 2013 Southern California PGA Match Play Runner-Up

CHRIS GILLEY, PGASeacliff Country Club

Classification: A-1 Head Professional2013 Player of the Year: 3rd Highlights: 2012 Southern California PGA Match Play Champion; Top 10 in 2013 California State Open

JON FIEDLER, PGALas Posas Country Club

Classification: A-6 Instructor2013 Player of the Year: 4th Highlights: 2013 Club Car Aggregate Series – Fairbanks Ranch Champion; 2013 TPS Indian Wells Golf Resort Champion

RON SKAYHAN, PGAHillcrest Country Club

Classification: A-6 Instructor2013 Player of the Year: 5th Highlights: 2012 Southern California Senior PGA Professional Champion; Grand Slam Champion


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Q&A with Lawrence Gilbert, PGA on

PLAYER DEVELOPMENTLawrence Gilbert is the PGA Director of Player Development at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club. He was promoted to this position after five years as an Assistant Golf Professional.

What have been some of your success stories/best practices while implementing player development programs at your facility?

I am most proud of the number of friendships that I have seen develop. Many members that did not know each other prior to participating in the programs now golf and socialize with each other on a regular basis. We have definitely seen an increase in the number of rounds played by these members because of this. This success has reminded us to focus on the social aspects of the game of golf. We now have some programs that are designed for the sole purpose of bringing our existing golf members with common interests together. One such very popular program has been our “Cigars and Cognac” Golf Program. Members receive specialized instruction, followed by a social hour where special cigars and cognac are served.

SOURCE OF REVENUE

MONTHLY REVENUES

ANNUAL REVENUES

MEMBER RETENTIONMEMBER UPGRADES (2)NEW MEMBERS (2)LESSON REVENUE

TOTAL

*ADDITIONAL ESTIMATED INCREMENTAL REVENUE RANGING FROM $25,000 - $100,000 HAS BEEN DIRECTLY GENERATED FROM APPAREL, CARTS & ROUNDS PLAYED, EQUIPMENT, AND FOOD & BEVERAGE.

$780$1260$780$3750

$6,570

$9,360$15,120 + 20,000 (d)$9,360 + $40,000 (d)$45,000

$138,840

CAN YOU QUANTIFY THE FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO THE CLUB FROM YOUR PLAYER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS?Direct financial benefits from Lawrence Gilbert’s player development programs at Coto de Caza Golf & Raquet Club - July 2012 - July 2013

Lawrence Gilbert, PGA at Coto de Caza Golf & Raquet Club - Advanced Get Golf Ready Class

Putting InstructionSource: Lawrence Gilbert, PGA* d = deposit


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You are at a private club, how has player development been a positive influence at the club?

The Player Development Program was initially implemented at Cota De Caza as a way to encourage family members of existing players (spouses and children) to learn golf. It provides an unintimidating environment for them while increasing member loyalty through family engagement.

Since the program has been implemented, we have seen other positive influences as well. Existing golfers are signing up for player development programs in order to address specific playing issues. Existing members also love our social programs, designed to increase camaraderie among the players.

Finally, we are finding that the Player Development Programs are a great way to introduce nonmembers to the club. Prospective members who are unsure if they are good enough to become regular golfers now have a path to help them on their way.

What has been the biggest challenge in implementing a successful player development program?

Individuals have different needs and schedules. It is challenging designing group programs that will meet everyone’s expectation and fit everyone’s schedule. We have overcome this challenge by being flexible and by attracting enough prospects to put the right people together.

Before a program begins, I interview each student to find out their expectations and their schedule. This allows me to fit them into the best program. I continue to interview prospective students until I have a minimum of four people with similar interests and schedules. This ensures that I have fit the correct people together.

Advertising and word of mouth have been critical to the success of the programs. This ensures that we have enough prospects to fill our programs. Player Development Programs are featured in all of our newsletters, facebook pages and even on active.com. In addition, the management and staff fully support and promote the program. Finally, we ensure that our students are satisfied by asking for feedback and referrals. 25% of all of our students are a result of referrals.

What would you recommend to fellow Southern California PGA Members and Apprentices similar to implement player development into their facility?

Implementation of a player development program will be most successful when it is supported by the club as a whole. Player development can not be viewed as a one off initiative. Our success has truly been a team effort. We depend on the engagement of the membership directors, food & beverage associates, marketing associates, golf shop professionals, and senior management.

Also, it is critical to get feedback from the participants. If your feedback is positive, ask for referrals and continued participation. If the feedback is constructive, see if you can implement it in future programs. The feedback process increases customer engagement and improves the programs each time.

Chipping Drill

Chipping Instruction

POSITIONThe Delivery

By Bill Hulbert, PGA Director of Instruction at Green River Golf Club


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So much emphasis is given these days to impact position and kinematic sequencing

that the delivery position is seldom mentioned. Yet it can be a simple “position” to teach and for the average player to visualize and understand, and it will lead to better impact if it is correct coming down.

K-vest, the MATT system, and many more scientific methods stipulate that the lower body needs to start the downswing. Yet when asked how he starts the downswing Louis Oosthuizen, who arguably has one of the best swings on tour, says “with my arms”. Mike Bender, Top 100 Teacher and PGA Teacher of the Year in 2009, states in his book “Build the Swing of a Lifetime” that “the first move down should be an acceleration of the hands straight towards the ball”. John Jacobs, who influenced many noted instructors of today wrote years ago in “Practical Golf ’ that in every good golf swing the “distance between the hands and the right shoulder increases on the downswing”.

As we know most amateurs start the downswing with their shoulders, causing the hands and club to move out before moving down. If we try to correct that sequencing with the lower body initiating the downswing sequence we might get limited results because we still have not created separation of the arms from the shoulders coming down.

If we define “delivery position” as the point in the downswing when the shaft reaches parallel to the ground, what is the desired position? Some of that will depend on desired ball flight and your swing philosophies. But let’s say we want a neutral approach to the ball, with sustained lag, and weight into the front leg. The shaft will be parallel to the target line when parallel to the ground, the face will be square to that path (match the spine tilt), the hands will be ahead of

the back foot, and the back knee will be angled in towards the target.

By helping a student understand this position and then working with them to get there, we can break the cycle of shoulder-dominated downswings. Assuming we have created a workable backswing, it’s imperative to creative free arm swing and separation of the arms from the shoulders. Tension in the arms will definitely impede the process, so soften them up. At the top physically hold the front shoulder until over time your student will stop trying to muscle you out of the way and eventually begin to move the arms down in front of the

body. Once that happens we can begin to focus on the actual desired delivery position.

Some people will feel it in their left arm, pulling it down if front of the left side. Some will feel it in their right arm, moving it down and in front of the right hip. And others will be able to feel the hands moving away from the back shoulder towards the ball. Whatever works for the individual, if they can perceive a good delivery position and how to get there the rest is just pivoting the body through and allowing the clubface to square up. An advanced drill is to make a backswing with a short iron, come down to delivery position and hold briefly ,and then pivot through. You might find that working with someone on their delivery position creates better weight transfer and better impact. Live, learn, teach!

If any of you would like to contribute content on instruction for either the ProGram or our bi-weekly e-blasts please send to me at [email protected]

Bill Hulbert is the Director of Instruction at Green River Golf Club. He is Chairman of the Section’s Teaching committee and serves on the PGA of America’s Teaching committee. He also is our District 11 Director on the PGA Board of Directors.

Successful Retail Marketing Techniques | July 9, 2013

When you hear the word "Lab" someone might conjure up an image of an experiment, a biological discovery. On Tuesday, July 9th, such a "discovery" did indeed occur at the LinkSoul Lab in Oceanside, but instead of a biological discovery it was more of an educational one.

Over 40 PGA professionals and apprentices enjoyed a three hour educational summit featuring Todd Howerton, current LinkSoul sales representative and former Oakley rep, Eric Lohman, PGA General Manager of Monarch Beach Golf Links, home to this year’s Oakley Southern Cal Golf Open, and John Ashworth, retail legend and former brand manager of Ashworth, Fidra and now LinkSoul by John Ashworth.

The session featured a more relaxed setting where Mr. Lohman took turns asking both Todd and John questions about their experience, observations, current state of golf retail and future predictions. Those questions were supplemented by many follow up questions by the attendees. Finally Eric presented a basic framework for what he believes is an outline for a successful golf retail shop, no matter how big, small, private, resort or public.

“As I continue to think up some worthwhile events for our fellow professionals, I came up with this idea for this event while meeting with the LinkSoul team in the spring,” said Eric Lohman, PGA. “We are very lucky to have some of the best and the brightest minds in golf located in Southern California. I am not alone with the goal of introducing these special and inspiring people to our membership. I hope we continue to grow on these events and truly provide our fellow professionals some worthwhile and applicable education along with camaraderie opportunities.”

The event was sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pepsi, LinkSoul and the SCPGA Foundation and also was a fundraiser of sorts for the Foundation. All gross proceeds collected went back to the SCPGA Foundation.

“ Assuming we have created a workable backswing, it’s imperative to creative free arm swing and separation of the

arms from the shoulders.

“

Block Rallies for Match Play TitleThe 16 players that started the

Southern California PGA Match Play Championship represented 16 of the best Class A PGA Professionals in So Cal. The current Player of the Year leader, the 2012 Southern California PGA Professional and Senior Professional Champions, the defending 2012 Southern California Match Play Champion along with four other past champions all populated the field. Played with two matches a day, the two day event contested at the historic Hillcrest Country Club was a fast paced and exhilarating championship.

This year was setup to have some epic match-ups and right out of the gates, the 2012 Southern California PGA Professional Champion Chris Starkjohann would square off against the 2012 Southern California Senior PGA Professional Champion, and host PGA Professional, Ron Skayhan. Skayhan walked into a buzz saw as Starkjohann rattled off 6 birdies in 13 holes to close out our host. Defending Champion Chris Gilley also played a very solid match to advance past Black Gold PGA General Manager Scott Heyn. In the Quarter-Finals, the upset of the tournament belonged to Michael Diette, PGA of Palos Verdes Golf Club who outlasted Gilley, the number one seed, to make the Semi-Finals.

On the final day of the competition, the morning Semi-Finals belonged to the favored 2 & 4 seeds Chris Starkjohann and Michael Block respectively. This marked the third consecutive year Starkjohann made the final match of the championship. In each of those three years, he would hold a lead on the back nine, and finish Runner-Up all three times. Mike Miles in 2011 went on an unbelievable run of three’s after the 12th hole, and in 2012 Chris Gilley birdied 17 and 18 to overcome a 1 down deficit with two to play. Michael Block had the same designs on this year as he lost the 15th hole with his only bogey of the day to go 2 down with three to play. An outstanding birdie on 16 got one back for him and after both players narrowly missed birdies on 17, Chris’ first bogey of the match led to extra holes. Block didn’t wait long sticking his short approach on Hillcrest Country Club’s first hole to within four feet to seal a remarkable comeback victory. This is the sixth title for Block in 2013 and has been one of the most dominant years for a Southern California PGA Professional in recent history.

Our sincerest thanks to PGA Head

Professional Paul Wise, Reed Yenny, CGCS and the membership at the Hillcrest Country Club for hosting and making this such an amazing Championship. The staff, the service, the food and the golf course condition were all first-class. Special thanks as well to the PGA TOUR for their support of this tournament as well as lead Referee, and SCPGA Rules Committee Chairman, Ron O’Connor.


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Block Rallies for

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Michael Block, PGA of Arroyo Trabuco GC - 2013 SCPGA Match Play Champion

Michael Block, PGA of Arroyo Trabuco GCChris Starkjohann, PGA of Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings

Teeing Off Together

2013

Your Southern California Toyota dealers and the Southern California PGA have partnered to create the Toyota Neighborhood Golf Program, which brings a golf-themed carnival, complete with equipment and golf experts, directly to Southern California communities. So, if you see the program in your neighborhood, be sure

to stop by. And when you do, ask about the 2013 Avalon. With a powerful V6 engine, voice-activated navigation, and reclining rear seats, the completely

redesigned Avalon has a number of new tricks in its bag. See your Southern California Toyota dealer today for more details.

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Toyota Neighborhood Golf

CREATES CUSTOMERSBy Alexandra Tegels, SCPGA Player Development Manager

In 2013, nearly 1.7 million people will see the PGA logo at Toyota Neighborhood Golf events. Over 15,000 participants will hold a golf club for their first time. Many of them will be asking where they can get started –either taking lessons or playing nine-holes. And this is where you, the PGA Professional, come in.

While it is easy for us to tell a participant that there is a course just around the corner that they can get started at, it would be better if you were out there with us. You could give them your card, tell them how to find the course, and when they call, help them get started. You could gain a new customer – they will likely take lessons, play rounds and buy merchandise. As shown with the Get Golf Ready survey, each new customer can spend an average of nearly $1,000! You would be promoting your course to current golfers, they may not know where you are located. Neighborhood Golf is the perfect opportunity to get out in front of your customers – new and returning golfers, and to continue growing the game of golf. Recently, Eddie Rodarte, PGA had a wonderful experience at an event, “While I signed up originally to earn some MSR hours with the SCPGA, the day turned to be one of the most gratifying afternoons I have had as a Golf Professional. There were so many people who were interested in what we were doing, we went non-stop the whole day. My teenage son wanted to see what it was about and even ended up helping to teach the proper grip to the younger children. It was awesome to watch people who would not otherwise have the chance to try golf and see how much fun it really is. The SCPGA staff and the other volunteers were helpful and worked very hard to make Fiesta Broadway a success. I look forward to being a part of growing the game through these kinds of events in the future!”

The Free Lesson a Month program is also a great place to get started. If you sign up, each month we will give away

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a lesson to one of our participants at the Neighborhood Golf events. David Stephens, PGA has been participating in the program for a few months and has seen an increase in his business, “The SCPGA Free Lesson program has been a great boost to my teaching business. I have met some great new people and been able to convert about one out of every five students into taking some additional instruction. The SCPGA staff sends me a very diverse list of potential clients every month. Not only does it grow my potential list of students but it also exposes them to my facility, Lakewood CC. I recommend the Free Lesson program to any instructor that wants to expand their client list. Watch how one free lesson can enhance your bottom line all around.”

For more information on volunteering at a Toyota Neighborhood Golf to earn MSR credits or to participate in the Free Lesson a Month program please contact the SCPGA Player Development staff: Alexandra Tegels [email protected] or Matt Gilson [email protected].

Eddie Rodarte, PGA teaches, at Fiesta Broadway

The 114th California State Open was contested July 15-18 at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon. Its Champions Course played home to all four rounds for the field that started with 156 of the best amateur’s, professionals and PGA Professionals around. The $92,000 purse and $14,000 winner’s share along with having your name engraved alongside the likes of Walter Hagen make the California State Open a highly sought after event. The field had four Past Champions, 16 PGA Members, collegiate standouts, a U.S. Junior Amateur Champion, a U.S. Amateur Runner-Up and a U.S. Junior Amateur Runner-Up alongside a handful of Web.com Tour Members and some of the best mini-tour professionals working their way up to their dream of playing on the PGA TOUR.

After the 36-hole cut was made on Tuesday evening, three of the Past Champions, three of the PGA Professionals, nine amateurs and some great professionals remained. James Drew led the way at 13-under par while 2007 Champion Drew Scott hung tight at 12-under par. After the completion of three rounds, Drew Scott had slid to the front of the pack at 14-under par and one ahead of James Drew. Ray Beaufils continued a steady march into contention and at 12-under par was in great position to make a move. Jay Hwang (UCLA) and

Kevin Lee (Long Beach State), who are both SCPGA Junior Tour Alumni, headed into the final round tied for low amateur and Chris Gilley, PGA was looking to jump into contention as the low PGA Member through 54 holes.

The final round was not short on the dramatic. As players began finishing, the leaders were just beginning their last nine and what a nine it would be. Before that would finish, Chris Gilley, PGA would post a third round in the 60’s for the four round event to reach 11-under par and finish tied for 10th place as the low PGA Professional in the field. Jay Hwang, a UCLA standout and U.S. Junior Amateur Runner-Up would separate himself with a final round 68(-4) to join Gilley in 10th and finish as the Low Amateur. Southern California PGA Apprentice Kenny Pigman of Goose Creek Golf Club made a charge at the lead and eventually finished tied for third. A disastrous double on the 14th and a bogey on the par five 16th removed Drew Scott from contention after holding the lead. James Drew held a two stroke advantage heading into 17, but after a bogey four and Ray Beaufils making a birdie, the pair were tied with one to play. Pars on the 72nd hole meant extra holes would be needed to crown this year’s Champion. After both players made birdie on the 18th hole in the first playoff hole, Beaufils, a Big Break – Greenbrier

Beaufils Birdies His

WAY TO THE TITLE

contestant holed yet another birdie to win the California State Open.

Tremendous thanks to the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon and their PGA General Manager Brad Stormon, PGA Head Professional Henry Liaw, PGA Apprentice Tournament Director Mark Lamb and Director of Agronomy Paul Mayes, CGCS. Thanks also to Pepsi for their outstanding support and last but certainly not least the Southern California PGA Rules Committee led by Rules Committee Chairman Ron O’Connor.


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Jay Hwang, UCLA

Ray Beaufils - California State Open Champion

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JUNIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIPSCPGA Sends Yi & Legaspi to the

By Andrew Zeller, SCPGA Junior Golf Director

The 2013 Southern California PGA Junior Section Championship was hosted by the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon. The section championship functions as a local qualifier for the 2013 Junior PGA Championship hosted at Trump National Golf Club in Potomic Falls, Virginia. Morongo at Tukwet Canyon’s Championship course provided the deep and talented 102 player field challenging tournament test. Edwin Yi and Clare Legaspi outlasted the rest of the field and hot conditions to be crowned champions.

Edwin Yi, from Beaumont secured his victory with a 6-under par two-day total of 138. His rounds of 70 and 68 were good enough to put him five shots clear of second place finisher Johnathan Lai. Lai fought back after an opening round 75 to finish with a second round 4-under par 68 and two-day 1-under par total of 143. Sean Yu and Ashwin Arasu tied for third place with a two-day total of 146. The SCPGA would also like to say a special congratulations to Josh Matz of Agoura Hills, CA who had his first ever hole-in-one during the first round of competition of the par-3 17th hole.

Claire Legaspi from Temecula, ran away with the overall girls division with her spectator play. Legaspi carded rounds of 6-under par 66 and 3-under par 69 paced her 9 shots ahead of the field with a two-day total of 9-under par 135. Legaspi carded birdies on 11 out of the 36 holes she played over the two-day event. Kaho Monica Matsubara and Daniell Lee tied for second place with two-day even par totals of 144. Matsubara and Lee each had rounds of 71 and 73.

Edwin Yi and Claire Legaspi will represent Southern California in the

Junior PGA Championship on July 30-August 2, 2013. Yi and Legaspi will join two individuals from each PGA section and special exemptions to compete in the Junior PGA Championship which features one of the best fields in junior golf. Former Junior PGA Championship winners include Michelle Wie, Christie Kerr, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Alexis Thompson, and many, many more.

Please visit http://pgajrs.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgajrs13/event/pgajrs137/index.htm for more information about the event including a full list of past champions, tournament field, exemptions, schedule of events, etc.

Congratulations to both Edwin and Clare as the SCPGA wishes them the best of luck and are excited about having the two represent Southern California in the National Junior PGA Championship.

Edwin Yi

Claire Legaspi

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The final TPS Series of the year did not disappoint. The Indian Wells Golf Resort’s Players Course provided a great spot to test the 74 PGA Professionals and Apprentices who teed it up. During the 36-hole competition, we saw three holes-in-one with one belonging to Nathan Pistacchio (Carlton Oaks CC) on the 222 yard par three 8th and two belonging to Chris Gilley, PGA (Seacliff CC) on the 144 yard par three 17th. That’s correct, both came on the same hole in the same day! At the time, it also had Chris Gilley in the lead reaching an astounding 10-under par at the time. He would finish at six-under par (138) and be joined by Kenny Pigman (Goose Creek Golf Club) and Jon Fiedler, PGA (Las Posas Country Club). The ensuing playoff would be a grueling five hole playoff in which Pigman exited after the first hole and ended with Jon Fiedler defeating Gilley on Hole 18 for the final TPS title of 2013.

The day was magical indeed and we can’t thank the sponsors, including Tour Lock Pro, Pro Compression, PGA TOUR, NYX and Pepsi enough for their support. Indian Wells Golf Resort was also outstanding and led by PGA Director of Golf Joe Williams. The entire staff of PGA Professionals, food and beverage and golf course operations provided a great day for all.

Pair of Aces

CAN’T TOP FIEDLER

Chris Gilley, PGA of SeaCliff Country Club

Jon Fiedler, PGA of Los Posas Country Club


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The Metro Chapter would like to congratulate John Lepak and David Whitby, PGA on their victory at the Summer Meeting and Four-Ball Championship. The winning score of -10, 62 was good enough for an easy three shot win. A very special thanks to all the sponsors of the event. The title sponsor Gerald Wong with Cleveland Golf was superb in his support of the event. Presenting sponsors included Iomic Grips, Ogio towels, Foot Joy, and Shocksaveslives and Pabst Blue Ribbon. One highlight was the Pabst Blue Ribbon toast involving the entire 100 attendees at the conclusion of the meeting. Special thanks to Eric Lohman, PGA for creating such a wonderful event, list of sponsors, and purse. The staff and PGA Professionals at Santa Ana Country Club created one of the best events ever put on by the Metro Chapter. Thanks to them and the membership for allowing a great event to take place there. The Chapter also announced a Pro MA to benefit the newly formed First Tee of Orange County on September 6, 2013 at the beautiful Tustin Ranch Golf Club. The Chapter also wants to congratulate Ron Skayhan, Jeff Templeton, and Scott Heyn of the Metro Chapter who competed in the PGA National Championship in Sunriver Oregon.

Michael Drake and Kenny Pigman continue to dominate IE Chapter Events. The IE held its Summer General Meeting and Triple Play at Champions Club at the Retreat on July 1. Michael Drake (Asst at Canyon Crest) and Kenny Pigman (Asst at Goose Creek) lapped the field on the extremely difficult Jack Nicklaus design with a 13 under par, 59, winning the event by a staggering 7 shots. Huge thanks to Scott Wasco and his staff for the wonderful accommodations.

Continuing his great play, Pigman finished in a tie for 3rd place at the California State Open held at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon with a 15 under total, 2 shots off the pace.

The Northern Chapter held a Special Awards dinner at North Ranch Country Club for winners from the past two years. The big winners were the 2012 Golf

Our Summer Meeting was held July 1 at Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. We hosted an education seminar following the meeting featuring Chuck Courtney doing a Q & A about his days on Tour and what it was like back when he was growing up and playing golf in San Diego (Circa 1950’s and 1960’s). Chuck had many funny and enlightening stories to share. He did part of the seminar out on the practice green, discussing short game techniques he learned from Paul Runyan. Great stuff! Thanks Chuck!

We officially announced a sponsor change from the Century Cup Matches to the San Diego Cup Matches (naming to be finalized), now sponsored by TaylorMade/Ashworth /Adidas and scheduled for October 18-20, 2013 at The Farms Golf Club. A big thank you to the Century Club and Tom Wilson for all their support over the last several years. And, thank you to Taylomade/Ashworth/adidas for their sponsorship of this year’s event. We are excited to continue this wonderful professional vs. amateur event, which has a long and rich history in San Diego County.

As the heat of the summer continues to set in, the Desert Chapter has provided a variety of opportunities for Members and Apprentices to be involved in, not only tournaments, but educational seminars and meetings as well.

The Desert Chapter General Meeting was held in conjunction with the Pro-Assistant on May 13th at Indian Ridge Country Club. A special congratulations to the teams of Jim Clay/Justin Stelzer of Rancho La Quinta Country Club and Spencer Knightstep/ Frank Linquist of The Madison Club for winning the event with a score of 7-under par 65.

In June the SCPGA Section General meeting and Pro-Pro Scramble traveled to our Chapter and was hosted at PGA West. A warm day and wonderful course conditions provided for an enjoyable day for all.

Our education chair, Mike Amira has been busy on the education front. The Desert Chapter recently hosted two educational seminars. The first was a seminar on social media presented by Jen Yockey of the Keel Group. The second was a seminar on the role of the Golf Professional and increasing one’s value to their employer presented by Ian James of Retail Tribe.

We would also like to extend a special

Northern Chapter

Desert Chapter

Inland Empire Chapter

Metropolitan Chapter

San Diego Chapter

Professional of the year, Ryan Kennedy from Saticoy Country Club,

2011 Golf Professional of the Year, Mike Goodcase from Birnam Wood Golf Club and special guests Manny and Raul Quezada, recipients of the SCPGA Heritage Award. The Quezada brothers have combined to serve the SCPGA over 80 years, and have either won or received nearly every award along the way, yet they remain just as humble and dedicated as the day they got into the golf business. We should all aspire to be such Golf Professionals!

congratulations to recent tournament winners in the Desert Chapter. Julie wells-Shenfield won the Assistants Championship at Heritage Palms with a two day total of 1-under par 143. Kyle Kelly of Tamarisk won the Desert Chapter Championship at Andalusia Country Club with a two-day total of 8-under par 136. In the Senior Division, Joe Johnson took home the title with a two-day total of 141.

Chuck Courtney


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The 2013 Southern California Open is returning November 4-6, 2013 at Monarch Beach Golf Links in Dana Point and Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo. The field size will be 180 players and is open to all golf professionals and amateurs. Thanks to the host golf facilities, title sponsor Oakley, qualifiers and other potential sponsors, the anticipated purse is $100,000 with the winner’s share being $15,000. The low 60 players and ties will play the final round at Monarch Beach Golf Links on November 6th. Prior to the Championship on Sunday, November 3rd, Monarch Beach Golf Links will host a Pro-Am with a separate purse, in conjunction with the Championship, to benefit the Southern California PGA Foundation and it’s rapidly growing grant and scholarship programs for Southern California junior golfers.

Prior to the championship, five qualifiers will be conducted around Southern California with Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda, and The Journey at Pechanga in Temecula confirmed. Industry Hills at Pacific Palms in City of Industry, Terra Lago in Indio, and The Crossings in Carlsbad, are tentatively scheduled as the remaining qualifying sites.

Tom Addis, Executive Director of the SCPGA, said, “It is nice that the Southern California PGA can bring the Southern California Open back to golf with the support of Oakley, Monarch Beach Golf Links and Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club.” Eric Lohman, PGA Director of Golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links enthused “Monarch Beach Golf Links is honored to not only host, but resurrect this special event. With a storied past, this event will be elevated by the selection of the host facilities and the commitment of our title sponsor, Oakley, to make this a memorable experience, and complete our desire to bring the best players to this battle at the beach.” Michael Block, PGA Head Golf Professional at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club added, “Oakley as the presenting sponsor, two championship golf courses in Southern Orange County and the potential of a $100,000.00 purse, why wouldn’t you play?” Visit scpga.com for more information.

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

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AAA Sweep 1 - Four-Ball ChampionshipOak Valley Golf ClubDirector of Golf - Mike Pearson, PGACHAMPIONS: Mark Lamb/Henry Liaw, 66 Ira Hally/Brett Mormann, 66 Kenny Pigman/Michael Drake, 66

AAA Sweep 2 - Stroke Play ChampionshipLomas Santa Fe TPS Championship Head Professional - Phil Machamer, PGACHAMPION: Blair Harkins, 70

AAA Sweep 3 - Stroke Play ChampionshipDesert Falls Country Club General Manager - Timothy Skogen, PGACHAMPION: Matthew Tom, 67

AAA Sweep 4 - Pinehurst ChampionshipRolling Hills Country Club Head Professional - Jason Stock, PGACHAMPIONS: Kenny Pigman/Andrew Alderdice, 65 Dean Tonneslan/Thomas Chu, 65

AAA Match Play ChampionshipSandpiper Country ClubGeneral Manager - D.J. Limardi, PGA

National Car Rental Assistant ChampionshipJourney at Pechanga Director of Golf - Scott Mallory, PGACHAMPION: Mark Madson, 146

AAA Sweep 5 - AAA Stroke Play Championship South Hills Country ClubDirector of Golf - Michael Jack, PGA

AAA ChampionshipBlack Gold Golf ClubGeneral Manager - Scott Heyn, PGA

North/South Cup Matches Hosted by Northern California Saddlecreek Golf Club

March 21

April 11

May 28

June 13

July 1 - September 19

July 29

August 22

October 3

October 28-30

2013 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS


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SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

TASMANIATasmania is Australia’s island state,

renowned for its untouched wilderness, pristine coastline, world class seafood, cool climate wines and, you guessed it, golf! At First Tee Travel we highly recommend a play & stay visit to Tasmania be included in every itinerary for your group Downunder.

Not only will you play some of Australia’s best courses, you and your members will be exposed to some of Australia’s richest history, colonial architecture, unique wildlife, world class pinot noirs and mouth-watering seafood. Imagine Oregon with white powder beaches and eucalyptus forests instead of pines. Non-playing partners will love Tasmania’s many antique shops, restaurants and cafes and friendly residents.

The following Tasmanian courses rate inclusion in your tour of Australia:

BARNBOUGLE DUNESOn Tasmania’s northeast coast lies

a hidden gem and one of the world’s top links golf courses, Barnbougle Dunes. The creative genius of famed golf architect Tom Doak and Australia’s Michael Clayton carved a remarkable links track on 200 acres of coastal dunes. Barnbougle is still in its youth, yet continues to gain a reputation as one of the world’s top links golf courses. The breathtaking landscape here mirrors the wild coastal links courses of Scotland and Ireland.

Golf at Barnbougle strikes all the senses. With the sun on your back, the wind in your hair, the whiff of sea salt and the roar of the ocean coming off Bass Strait you’ll be captivated by all that Mother Nature has to offer. The course presents a new dimension each day providing exciting, challenging golf. A welcoming clubhouse and onsite accommodations are a chip from the 1st tee box. Highly recommended!

LOST FARM GOLF LINKSThis breathtakingly beautiful golf

course is dramatically different from

neighboring sister course Barnbougle Dunes. Lost Farm offers an array of very different holes. You may take the opportunity to hit a tee shot down the river and hook it back into the fairway, or hit blindly over a large domed hill to find the fairway on the other side. For the not so brave, all the holes offer a different and less intimidating approach. Many have sublime views over the beach and ocean.

ROYAL HOBART GOLF CLUBRoyal Hobart is arguably Tasmania’s

premier championship golf course. The club hosted the Australian Open in 1971. Royal Hobart Golf Course features broad sweeping fairways, large and exceedingly fast greens with 80 strategically placed bunkers. Playing Royal Hobart well truly requires thought and concentration. Designed by H.V. Morcom, the 6,752 yard par-72 championship course is considered one of Australia’s finest and prestigious parkland courses. The 219 yard fifteenth hole is a tough par 3 requiring a straight long iron to secure a chance of par.

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SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

GOLF BUDDYGolfBuddy, a leading manufacturer

of Golf GPS rangefinders, continue to push the limits of the golf distance measuring device. Today, GolfBuddy unveiled VT3, the world’s first talking touchscreen golf GPS. This stunning new GPS rangefinder is equipped with targets & hazards information, watch functionalities, GPS tracking, digital scorecards, and pin placement feature.

The enhanced features made the VT3 simple to use and extremely versatile. A 1.5” high resolution touchscreen boasts functionality, that is easy to use and a crisp display screen that is easy to read. With the VT3 package, you have an option of placing the device on a wristband as a watch, or on a holster, to clip on your visor or a belt.

Developed with both the avid and casual golfers in mind, the GolfBuddy VT3 represents an exciting new category of talking golf GPS watch. VT3 will tell you the accurate distances to the front, center, and back of the green, on more than 36,000 pre-loaded golf courses worldwide. The VT3 stands out with its large touchscreen display that offers a dynamic view of golfer’s perspective of the green, and provides the distance both numerically and verbally. User interface is easily navigated by sliding through various different modes, such as the Watch Mode, Menu Settings, Shot Distance Measuring Mode, and etc.

As with all GolfBuddy GPS products, there is no annual subscription fee or course download charges. Consumers have the option to ask for specific course’s mapping, via www.gpsgolfbuddy.com If the course is not already updated

or included in the GolfBuddy database, and GolfBuddy will add the course, free of charge. The device can synchronize with both Mac and PC via a USB port to update any newly added or updated courses on a GolfBuddy’s global database.

“The GolfBuddy VT3 is an exciting technological achievement for the industry, marrying the idea of a traditional watch with golf GPS technologies,” said Harry Jung, president

of GolfBuddy. “The unit offers golfers a product that will become easily integrated into their game, and with the new wristband, it’s like having a personal caddie on your wrist every step of the way.”

Featuring 8+ different languages, GolfBuddy VT3 benefits from all the

technical development that has made GolfBuddy the clear global leader in the development of innovative measuring devices. In addition to relay on accurate distances, the VT3 is also equipped with GolfBuddy’s Auto Course & Hole Recognition technology - which means it always knows which hole you’re playing.

The GolfBuddy VT3 is priced at $249.99

GolfBuddy also plans to launch a full-watch golf GPS device, WT3, in August 2013. WT3 will be compact, yet still filled with unique GolfBuddy features.

GolfBuddy is based in La Palma, California,

with R&D Center in Korea, one of the world’s leading suppliers of high-quality electronic products.

For more information about GolfBuddy visit www.gpsgolfbuddy.com

Note: The features and specifications of the final unit may change without notice.

Golf Buddy Tees Up Talking Touchscreen Golf GPS Watch


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SIGN THE PACE OF PLAY PLEDGE

At the 2013 U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club, the USGA unveiled a public education campaign around the theme of “While We’re Young,” a new positioning to raise awareness across the golf community of the challenges and solutions to the pace-of-play issues in the game of golf.

The five public service announcements feature Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Clint Eastwood, Annika Sorenstam, Paula Creamer and Butch Harmon, and can be viewed at www.usga.

ALLIED GOLF ORGANIZATIONS WORK

COLLECTIVELY TO PROPOSE “ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF COMPLIANCE” PROTOCOL IN SAN DIEGO

The San Diego Golf Industry Water Conservation Task Force (A representative contingent of the San Diego golf community – SCGA, SCPGA, GCSAA, GCSAA San Diego Chapter, USGA Green Section, CGCOA, American Golf, JC Resorts, and Troon) has been working to develop and sell the value of allowing “large landscape users” to meet water conservation mandates in a manner consistent with sound golf business practices, i.e., in a manner that permits golf courses to reduce consumption while retaining 100% control over irrigation practices – an “alternative means” of complying without being restricted to watering only certain days of the week and only certain hours of those days.

As currently written, the San Diego Drought Ordinance is very unworkable for the golf industry. Under most of the drought levels described in the Act even the simple act of syringing greens is prohibited. This proposed “Alternative Means of Compliance” protocol would be established in an amended Drought Restrictions Ordinance.

You can view the language and principles of the proposed “Alternative

EWGA MATCH PLAY This is the time of year for those of

us who like the wonderful golf format of match play. It’s exciting to watch – the LPGA has the Solheim Cup August 13-18 in Colorado (EWGA organizes VIP trips to attend); the PGA’s President’s Cup is October 1-6 in Ohio. For EWGA golfers, the OC Chapter hosted their OC Open Invitational at Tijeras Creek in July: 80 2-woman teams playing 6 holes better ball (“Four-Ball”), 6 scramble and 6 alternate shot (“foursomes”). L.A. plays Santa Barbara in August at Tierra Rejada for the annual PMS Cup Four-Ball event, and our President’s Cup, a laddered net singles match play competition from May-August. The Pacific/Western qualifying rounds for the nationwide EWGA Cup are at Lincoln Hills September 14-15, with teams of 8 players each, playing 18 holes of Four-Ball and 18 of singles. The California Cup features 12-women teams from all over the state, playing in Monterey Oct. 25-26; half the teams play Four-Ball, half Foursomes the first day, followed by all singles matches the 2nd day. Most of the chapters have qualifying or practice matches yearlong in order to build their teams and introduce this fun form of play to more women golfers.

org/whilewereyoung.“Pace of play has become a strategic

priority for the USGA, and part of a larger leadership agenda to address the issues that threaten the long-term health of the game,” said USGA President Glen D. Nager.

In addition to watching the PSAs, the USGA encourages golfers and facility managers to sign a Pace of Play Pledge at www.usga.org/whilewereyoung. Those who take the pledge will be enrolled in the USGA Pace of Play Education Program, which includes videos, quizzes and other resources that cover the fundamental causes and solutions to slow play from both a player and golf course facility perspective. Once the education program is completed, participants will receive a downloadable certificate acknowledging their role as a USGA-certified pace of play ambassador.

The USGA campaign is being supported through its partnerships with

the LPGA, The PGA of America, and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, who are lending the expertise of their members to develop content for the education program. The campaign also enjoys the support of state and regional golf associations throughout the country, which play a critical role in educating and engaging four million golfers at the local level.

Means of Compliance” at www.sdgcsa.com under the “News” tab at the top of the page. It covers a number of important areas including irrigation meters, reduction factors, budgets and compliance.

The program will be strictly voluntary and will provide golf courses and other large landscape users a favorable mechanism in regards to drought restrictions that most certainly will hit San Diego in the near future.


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Dear Rons:When I got to the CIF Team

Championship at Talega Golf Club they had already had the Coaches meeting. They were playing lift, clean and place. All the coaches said you could move the ball from fringe to green. Being familiar with the Local Rule, I texted the guy running the event and he confirmed they were allowing moving the ball onto the green. Obviously, the Committee did a poor job in explaining the rule and they played it for the entire day.

On one par-4 hole, a player hit his tee shot way right and they couldn’t tell how the hole was marked. A coach advised him to play a provisional, so he did. Upon reaching the area, the player discovers his original ball in a lateral water hazard. Mr. Official drives by and asks, “do we need help?” I said no, but he gets out and offers help anyway and tells the player he can’t proceed under the water hazard rule because he played another ball from the tee. I told Mr. Official you couldn’t tell from the tee the ball was in a lateral water hazard whereupon Mr. O said it didn’t matter and the second ball played from the tee was the ball in play. I told the player to play both balls. Being entitled to obstruction relief from the adjoining cart path, the player proceeded to take relief. Upon determining his nearest point of relief, Mr. Official told him to put a

tee by his right foot. I asked why and he said that was his nearest point of relief. I said that wasn’t correct and he said that was the way the USGA trained him. I told Mr. Official he was mistaken and he said he could have me removed from the golf course, so I politely went on my way.

When the player completed his round, the provisional ball score was held up because he said it’s up to the player to know how the course is marked. He also told the player listening to the coach say, “hit a provisional” was getting advice. I spoke up and said it wasn’t, but saw it was a lost cause and the player’s score didn’t matter so I went home disappointed in the Rules Official. So Rons, am I over-reacting or was the Rules Official incorrect in his administration of the Rules here?

-Andy

Andy:Thank you for the question!

You certainly weren’t over-reacting but, in regards to your Mr. Official, there’s a saying in the Rules Officiating “community” – if you’ve never made a BAD ruling, you haven”t made very many rulings! From your scenario, it appears your Official didn’t make the proper rulings. Your question also gives me the opportunity to commend our SCPGA Rules of Golf Committee on how knowledgeable and proficient they are on the course!!

I will discuss Mr. Official’s “hiccups” briefly - not to embarrass or ridicule him – but in the hopes of educating readers on what is correct in each case.

Lift, clean & place – its customary to use the USGA’s recommended wording (page 128) “a ball lying.. ..through the green...may be lifted … and cleaned….placed…not in a hazard and not on a putting green.

Provisional - the USGA Decision 27-2a/2.2 (page 441) Possibility That Original Ball is in Water Hazard May Not Preclude Play of Provisional Ball - this Decision specifically deals with this situation and confirms you were correct with your explanation of the situation to the Official.

Nearest Point of Relief – the Definition (page 29/30) item (ii) states where, if the BALL were so positioned, no interference …. would exist. The nearest point, therefore, would be where the ball would lie to provide complete relief, not where the foot is.

Advice - USGA Rule 8-1. Advice (page 55) During a stipulated round, a player must not: a. give advice to anyone playing on the course other than his partner, or b. ask for advice from anyone other than his partner or either of their caddies. In addition, USGA Decision 8-1/24 (page140) states no penalty.

Andy, you’ve definitely been paying attention at SCPGA Rules Seminars, and keep up the good work!

*PGA Professionals in Bold

SAVE DATEtheNOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION

SECTION SENIOR PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPAugust 26-27 | Eagle Falls Golf Course

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPSeptember 9-11 | Rancho La Qunita Country Club

WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIPSeptember 18-19 | Westin Mission Hills

PROFESSIONAL-ASSISTANT CHAMPIONSHIPSeptember 23-24| Westin Mission Hills, Mission Hills Country Club

PAST, PRESENT, FUTURESeptember 30 | Virginia Country Club


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The 46th PGA Professional National Championship presented by Club Car, Mercedes-Benz and OMEGA was held June 23-26 at the Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Oregon. Ten Southern California PGA Professionals; Chris Starkjohann (Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings), Kyle Kelly (Tamarisk Country Club), Jeffrey Templeton (Glendora Country Club), Paul Dietsche (Redlands Country Club), Jeffrey Cranford (The Palms Golf Club), Tim Parun (Sail Ho Golf Club), Ryan Kennedy (Saticoy Country Club), Ron Skayhan (Hillcrest Country Club), Scott Mallory (Journey at Pechanga) and Scott Heyn (Black Gold Golf Club) made the elite field of 312.

Of the 10 SCPGA representatives, four were competing in their first National Championship. Paul Dietsche, Ryan Kennedy, Scott Mallory and Jeff Templeton all made their debut in 2013. Templeton was the lone member of that group to make the 36-hole cut.

Templeton would be joined by Chris Starkjohann, Jeffrey Cranford and Kyle Kelly for the final two rounds and the chance to win their National Championship or place in the Top 20 and earn a spot in this year’s PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York.

As the final round unfolded, Jeffrey Templeton slowly fell back out of the Top 20 to finish T-34 and earn $3,415. Three shots back of him was Kyle Kelly finishing T-49. Starkjohann (T-59) and Cranford (T-65) would round out the Southern California contingent at this year’s Championship. The top 10 players from the upcoming Southern California PGA Professional Championship at Rancho La Quinta Country Club on September 9th-11th will earn their chance at competing in the 2014 PGA Professional National Championship and vie for the coveted Walter Hagen Cup.

TPS SERIES - INDIAN WELLSJune 10 at Indian Wells Golf Resort1 Jon Fiedler, Las Posas CC,-6, $1,250T2 Chris Gilley, SeaCliff CC, -6, $888T2 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek GC, -6, $888*Pictured on Page 29

SENIOR DIVISION - BRIDGESTONE GOLF 4- BALL STROKE PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPJuly 10-11 at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon1 Mike Mitchell, The Hideaway & Ron Skayhan, Hillcrest CC, 1292 Jim Ley, Twin Lakes Golf Course & Jon Fiedler, Los Posas CC, 130

SENIOR DIVISION - BRIDGESTONE GOLF TIERRA DEL SOL 2-DAY July 24-25 at Tierra Del Sol Golf Club

Youngest1 John Fiedler, Los Posas CC, 1342 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club, 135

Oldest1 Jim Petralia, The Los Angeles CC, 1442 Jimmy Powell, Life Member, 146

SENIOR DIVISION - BRIDGESTONE GOLF RIVER RIDGE 2-DAYJune 26-27 at River Ridge Golf Club

Youngest1 John Fiedler, Los Posas CC, 1362 Dan Hornig, Heritage Golf Apparel, 141

OldestT1 Philip Soulanille, Life Member, 147T1 Bill Feil, Stone Eagle GC, 147

CLEVELAND GOLF/SRIXON PROFESSIONAL-SCRATCH CHAMPIONSHIPJuly 8 at Annandale Golf Club1 Michael Block & Gavin Reid, Arroyo Trabuco GC, -9, $8502 Robert Pang & Taylor Wood, Big Canyon CC, -8, $675T3 Mark Somers & Rob Hunt, Annandale GC, -7, $525T3 Jim Schaeffer & Brad Shaw, The Los Angeles CC, -7, $525

SCPGA MATCH PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP July 22-23 at Hillcrest Country ClubChampion Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco GC, $1,300Runner-Up Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, $850Semi- finalist Paul Dietsche, Redlands CC, $475Semi- finalist Michael Diette, Palos Verdes GC, $475*Pictured on Page 21

CALIFORNIA STATE OPENJuly 15-18 at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon1 Ray Beaufils, -17, $14,0002 James Drew, -8, $10,000T3 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek GC, -15, $5,200T3 Armando Favela,-15, $5,200T3 Drew Scott, -15, $5,200*Pictured on Page 24

Michael Block, PGA of Arroyo Trabuco GC & Gavin Reid

Southern California PGA Professionals compete in 46th

PGA Professional National Championship


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NEW POLICY CHANGES AS OF JULY 1, 2013

New Acceptable Progress PolicySuccessful Completion of Level 1 –

within two (2) years (24 months) from Level 1 Start Date; if not completed within that time frame, suspended until completed; terminated after four (4) years from Level 1 Start Date.

Successful Completion of Level 2 –within two (2) years (24 months) from Level 2 Start Date; if not completed within that time frame, suspended until completed; terminated after four (4) years from Level 2 Start Date.

Successful Completion of Level 3 and Election to PGA Membership – within eight (8) years (96) months from Level 1 Start Date; no further suspensions for Level 3, remain in program until terminated at eight(8) years from Level 1 Start date.

Ineligible Employment Policy Change

Apprentices will have a grace period of a minimum of six (6) months for Apprentices who become ineligibly employed through no fault of their own. Therefore, apprentices who became Ineligibly Employed between July 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012 will be dropped from the active rolls as of June 30, 2013. As an example: Ineligibly Employed 10/15/2012 will be dropped 6/30/2013.

Any apprentice who becomes Ineligibly Employed January 1, 2013 or

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2013 SCPGA

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTSBrandon Tsujimoto (Pomona, CA) – University of California, Riverside (Major – Biology)

Dane Casaga (Murrieta, CA) – Santa Clara University (Major – Business)

Grant Prescott (San Juan Capistrano, CA) – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Major – Business)

Gabriella Then (Rancho Cucamonga, CA) – USC (Major – Undeclared)

Sam Gillis (San Jacinto, CA) – UC Riverside (Major – Business)

Johnny Revolta Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Carolane Gariepy (Murrieta, CA) – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Major – Mechanical Engineering)

Gabe Hrab / Canyon Lake Scholarship Recipient

Michael Finch (Indio, CA) – BYU (Major – Political Science)

Mike Lawson Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Zachary Whittet (Palm Desert, CA) – University of Redlands (Major – Journalism)

Bob McCurry Memorial Scholarship Recipients

Jade Sto. Thomas (Lake Forest, CA) – UCLA (Major – Business Economics)

Ameer Bahhur (Camarillo, CA) – Loyola Marymount (Major – Business Management)

Casandra Joy Booher Stevenson (Costa Mesa, CA) - California State University, San Marcos (Major – Undeclared)

Kaley Milligan (Vista, CA) – UC Irvine (Major – Theater)

STAFF HIGHLIGHT

MIKE MOWRYJUNIOR TOUR MANAGER

Mike Mowry was born and raised in Mansfield, Ohio where he attended Ontario High School and

competed as a junior golfer in the Lake Erie Junior Golf Association. He graduated from the University of Dayton in 2010 with a degree in Sports Management. After graduation, he worked as an intern with the Southern Ohio PGA Junior Tour. In 2012, Mike moved to Southern California and began working as a Tournament Operations Team Member for the SCPGA in February. In December, Mike took the position of Junior Tour Manager. Some of Mike’s hobbies include, playing golf, watching movies, and rooting for Cleveland sports teams.

after will be dropped after six (6) months of ineligibility. For example: Ineligibly Employed 3/17/2013 will be dropped 9/17/2013. As a reminder, Apprentices who are ineligibly employed do not earn work experience credits.

Dennis Wright, PGA and Len Kennett, PGA

DENNIS WRIGHT, PGA INDUCTED INTO LONG BEACH

GOLF HALL OF FAME

The Long Beach Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place after the Long Beach Open professional golf tournament at El Dorado Park Golf Course on Sunday July 28, 2013.

About Dennis Wright: When Dennis retired from the US Army in 1997 after 23 years and a tour of duty leading a battalion of men from the 3rd Armored Division in the Desert Storm Gulf War, he moved to Long Beach. He began working at Recreation Park 18 giving lessons and managing the Tournament Office, before committing himself to becoming a member of the PGA with a goal of introducing the game he loved to non-golfers, particularly youth. Dennis

moved to Heartwell Park GC and when he earned his membership in the PGA of America, he became the Head Golf Professional there in 2007. You can almost always find Dennis on the driving range giving junior lessons or helping with the acclaimed Long Beach Junior Golf Association. Dennis volunteers well over 100 hours a year to the various programs at Heartwell as well as going offsite to conduct introductory clinics for the Long Beach Unified School District’s Adaptive Program, Special Olympics or Wounded Warriors, and as a Rules Official for the Long Beach Golf Festival. In 2010, Dennis was recognized by the Southern California Section of the PGA as the Metro Chapter Junior Golf Leader, a well-deserved honor saluting his love of introducing his favorite game to kids.

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Documents

July/August PROgram Magazine