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  • Champion’s Tour Comes Back to the Mountain

    Champion’s Tour Comes Back to the Mountain

    Charles Schwab Cup to be Contested in 2012, 2014 and 2016 at Cochise Course

    Huff’s Stuff Arizona Golf Blog – Arizona Golf Authority

    The cast of characters will be slightly different than those who once played in The Tradition, but The Champions Tour is returning to Scottsdale and Desert Mountain Golf Club in 2012 — as well as 2014 and 2016. The new event is the prestigious Charles Schwab Cup, the 50-and-over circuit’s version of the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship.

    The announcement came down from PGA Tour headquarters in Ponte Vedra, Fla., on Thursday after newspapers in Miami and San Francisco broke the story. Apparently it was a little too soon for all the details to be worked out, like where the Charles Schwab Cup will be played after 2012.

    “The Champions Tour has a lot of history at Desert Mountain and we want to continue making history by bringing one of our premier tournaments to this quality venue,’’ said Champions Tour president Mike Stevens in the release. “Our players are enthusiastic to return.’’

    Outside of that statement, as well as other obligatory comments from Desert Mountain president Bob Jones and architect Jack Nicklaus, who designed all six of the club’s highly private courses, the Tour’s release lacked a lot of details except to say the event will be held Oct. 29-Nov. 5 on the Cochise Course.

    But thanks to Jones, who along with several of his current staff oversaw many of those Traditions that were held there from 1989 to 2001, he did fill in a lot of the Tour’s missing links.

    “It’s a three-tournament agreement where we will host in 2012, ’14 and ’16,’’ Jones said of the deal that had been in the making since Desert Mountain’s members took over ownership of the club back in January.

    “I can’t tell you for sure who will be the host (in 2013 or 2015), but I think it’s probably going to be either San Francisco or Sonoma (Calif.), or maybe both.’’

    That would make sense, as the Charles Schwab Cup will be played in three weeks at the TPC Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco for a second straight year. It had been played in Sonoma from 2003-2009.

    The tournament boasts the biggest payout for the seniors of the year, with a $2.5 million purse as well as a $1 million annuity to the champion from Charles Schwab. The field is limited to the top 30 money winners each year.

    Chances are none of those players who will qualify for the Charles Schwab Cup in the future ever played in The Tradition at Desert Mountain. But if they asked any of the guys who did, like Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, Tom Watson, Chi Chi Rodriguez, Miller Barber, Billy Casper or Fuzzy Zoeller (to name a few), they would have told them The Tradition was a heck of a golf party. Seriously, most of those guys from yesteryear talked about it like it was the best tournament ever on a track they voted “Best Maintained Golf Course’’ on Tour every year. And a lot us who attended The Tradition, or for that matter, covered the action, would concur.

    Jones said the new event at Desert Mountain is to be a joint effort between the Champions Tour, HNS Sports (tournament consulting), and the staff and membership at his club. HNS puts on about 14 tournaments worldwide with the biggest being The Memorial. For the record, the “N’’ in HNS stands for Nicklaus, as in Steve Nicklaus, son of Jack.

    “I think we’re in great hands, and we feel blessed to have such an experienced team of our own to run it along with the Tour and HNS Sports,’’ Jones said. “I think having the Champions Tour back here at Desert Mountain will be a great thing for us as well as Scottsdale and Arizona in general.’’

    It was a sad day, indeed, when the Over The Hill Gang rode out of the Arizona desert back in 2002 after a title sponsor could no longer be secured for The Tradition, a Champions Tour “major’’ that had been founded by Lyle Anderson, the original developer at Desert Mountain. That last Tradition, by the way, had been held at Superstition Mountain Golf and Country Club, another Anderson property that had just sprung up in the East Valley at the time.

    It was somewhat of an inglorious ending for a tournament that had produced champions like Nicklaus, Trevino, Floyd, Tom Kite, Tom Shaw and Jim Thorpe (to name a few). Nicklaus, who built the Cochise Course along with the other five — Apache, Chiricahau, Geronimo, Outlaw and Renegade — won the tournament a record four times (1990-91 and 1995-96), with his very first Tradition “W’’ coming in his then-Senior Tour debut.

    Jones said that the members are hoping that the tournament will “put the spotlight’’ back on Desert Mountain, like it did somewhat when Anderson was at the controls. And Jones conceded that he hopes all that attention will help ease some of the financial challenges the club has faced in recent times, much like Anderson used The Tradition as a vehicle to market his multi-million-homes and pricey memberships.

    “First of all, I have nothing but respect for what Lyle Anderson and (former general manager) Dick Hyland did here during their days at Desert Mountain,’’ Jones said of the former hierarchy. “But this is now the members’ time to shine, as they have really stepped up and taken control and not let happen what happened at other (high-end golf communities) like Reynolds Plantation and Sea Island (that went broke).

    “So it’s a new day at Desert Mountain and we’re approaching our future in the ‘go’ mode with positive things like this (tournament). I would also say (the tournament) is more a part of our re-branding of Desert Mountain as a private club and a community (than a marketing strategy). It’s a forward-thinking brand that includes Scottsdale and Arizona, to bring all of us back into the national and world arena through the game of golf.’’

    Of the almost 2,000 homes on Desert Mountain, about 10 percent are up for sale, a percentage that is low for a lot of Valley communities but still a little staggering when it comes to multimillion-dollar homes. And it’s no secret that memberships have fallen from a high of $325,000 to the current price of $140,000.

    “The good news is we’ve had a tremendous amount of uptick in property and membership sales this year,’’ Jones said. “ All in all, it’s quite encouraging.’’

    There is another reason for bringing the Champions Tour back to “the Mountain,’’ as the members like to call it, and it just might be the best of all, Jones noted. Nicklaus is returning in December to start working on a new master plan for the club’s six courses as the members get ready to celebrate Desert Mountain’s 25th anniversary in 2012.

    “For us, bringing another great tournament like the Charles Schwab Cup here, and with Jack coming back to Desert Mountain, as well as the members now in control of their own destiny, it’s all part of our start to the next 25 years,’’ Jones said with obvious pride.

    “So these are some exciting times for all of us.’’

    With the return of the Champions Tour to the scene of perhaps its greatest glory, I couldn’t agree with him more.

    Click on Huff’s Stuff Arizona Golf Blog for Bill Huffman’s complete archive at the Arizona Golf Authority.

  • Raven Golf Club – Phoenix Home to New Instruction Partnership

    Raven Golf Club – Phoenix Home to New Instruction Partnership

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    PHOENIX, Arizona – Two of the most innovative brands in golf instruction, Jeff Ritter Golf and Martin Chuck’s Tour Striker Golf Academies (JRG/TSGA) have announced the launch of a new instruction program set to open this fall at The Raven Golf Club – Phoenix.

    One of Golf Digest’s Best Young Teachers in America, Ritter’s presence reaches all corners of the globe. Ritter’s creative approach to the game has appeared across print, television and radio, including frequent content showcased with Golf Digest magazine.

    Martin Chuck is the inventor of Tour Striker Training Products, the highly successful series of golf learning aids endorsed by CBS Commentator Gary McCord. As success of the Tour Striker brand grew, Chuck launched the Tour Striker Academies, which now operate programs throughout the country.

    Along with the progressive vision of The Raven Golf Club Management Team, OB Sports, long-time friends Ritter and Chuck saw the opportunity to create a program unrivaled in innovation and productivity to meet the needs of all players regardless of skill level or age group. “I had worked for years on my own building a successful coaching brand,” said Ritter. “But what I missed most was the creative process associated with collaborating with others. The opportunity to work with someone as talented as Martin to build this new program is something that I’m extremely excited about.”

    Proponents of a holistic approach to learning, JRG/TSGA “Integrated Coaching” programs will offer cutting edge modalities designed to unlock a player’s true potential while providing fun and creative solutions for enhanced physical, emotional and nutritional performance.

    Designed to give golfers the tools and support to achieve any goal, JRG/TSGA programs include: Private Lessons, Group Clinics, Corporate Events, Comprehensive Schools, Advanced Fitting Resources, Junior Golf Development and more.

    For more information on JRG/TSGA programs visit www.ravenphx.com/instruction.

    Read the Arizona Golf Course AZGA Golf Course Buzz for every golf course in Arizona at www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/.

    It’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.

  • Feherty, Harmon, JMA and Caesar’s Help Veterans

    Feherty, Harmon, JMA and Caesar’s Help Veterans

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Las Vegas, NV – Normally, our focus is “All things Arizona Golf”. But we thought you should know what our friend in Las Vegas, Eric Dutt, Caesar’s Entertainment VP of Golf, and his pal Butch Harmon have going; it’s very good work on behalf of some very deserving people.

    For the past two years, Eric and Butch have been helping wounded veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq through the Troops First Foundation. They’ve provided VIP treatment Las Vegas-style including rooms at Caesars, golf instruction at Butch’s school, golf rounds at Rio Secco and transportation via private jet from Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C.

    While spending time with these veterans, they learned that one of the biggest challenges the veterans face, beyond their physical rehabilitation, is achieving the purchase of a home.

    So this year, Eric and Butch have raised the bar.

    This Veterans Day, November 11th, 2011, Rio Secco Golf Club, Butch Harmon, David Feherty and John Manni, whose company JMA will be the title sponsor, are hosting the JMA & Troops First Foundation Golf Classic. All proceeds from this event will benefit Operation Front Door, which is the quality of life initiative that assists deserving combat-wounded veterans purchase a home.

    “In conjunction with this event, we will be hosting an online benefit auction featuring some very special golf-related items from November 1 – 11, 2011 on www.biddingforgood.com/OperationFrontDoor/,” commented Harmon.

    “This is where the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA fans can help. We need donations for the auction, whether it’s golf memorabilia, golf trips, golf rounds at your club, anything an avid golfer would find appealing. We’re asking for everyone’s assistance to help us raise funds by donating items of value that can be used to support this great initiative. And, of course, if you don’t have something to donate, we’ll accept monetary donations in lieu of auction items.”

    Whether you have the means to help sponsor the event, purchase a foursome, donate an item for the silent auction or simply send a cash donation, any support will be appreciated.

    More information about the event can be found a www.operationfrontdoor.org. Or you can contact Tournament Director Kyle Helms at 973.714.4810 or via email at kyle.helms@pga.com.

    After you’ve done your duty, visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

    Their all Arizona Golf Course Directory features a Player’s Golf Course review of every golf course in Arizona; click on www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/.

  • Scottsdale Golf Group Acquires Orange Tree Golf Club

    Scottsdale Golf Group Acquires Orange Tree Golf Club

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Mesa, AZ – Scottsdale Golf Group, led by Founder and CEO Shelby Futch, has just added the venerable Orange Tree Golf Club in Scottsdale to their expanding portfolio of golf facilities. SGG’s purchase also includes the Club’s existing 60,000 square foot clubhouse, banquet and conference facilities.

    “The acquisition of Orange Tree is a wonderful opportunity to add an historic Arizona golf property to our growing portfolio,” commented Futch. “It is a unique property and very different from so many of the desert, target golf facilities in Scottsdale.”

    Orange Tree, designed by Arizona golf legend Johnny Bulla, was originally called Century Country Club and opened in 1957 on the site of a former orange grove at 56th Street and Shea Boulevard. Following a update some 20 years later, the golf course still plays as a traditional all-turf parkland layout, a common design style around town in those days and a pleasant respite from today’s turf-restriction mandates.

    Orange Tree features wide, lush fairways lined by mature shade trees accented by tropical foliage, stately palm trees and picturesque backdrops of both Camelback and Mummy Mountain. Although water hazards provide a challenge on six holes and the smallish greens are well-bunkered, you’ll find “run-it-on” openings at most green complexes provide everyone a fair chance to save par. Overall, Orange Tree is a complete test in a lush, green setting that’s enjoyable golf for players of all skill levels.

    John Jackson, General Manager at Legend Trail, will assume the same duties at Orange Tree. “The experience guests will have at Orange Tree is completely different from a golf course perspective. Legend Trail is desert-target golf, while this course is parkland-style, with tree-lined fairways,” said Jackson. “But I can assure you, the customer service provided will meet SGG’s exacting standards, from the bag drop, all the way through the 19th hole.”

    Scottsdale Golf Group is committed to investing in the property from the start, and true to form, their first focus is the golf course. “The course is in pretty good shape, but needs some cosmetic and conditioning enhancements,” stated Jackson. “We’ve already started and we’ll be ready for the upcoming season.”

    Additional improvements are also in the works for the clubhouse, banquet rooms and conference center facilities. “These buildings have great bones,” commented Futch. “But they haven’t had many updates recently. Our focus will be to give them an updated look and feel so they are more in line with other such facilities in Scottsdale.”

    Scottsdale Golf Group was founded in 1983 with John Jacobs Golf Schools. Their Arizona portfolio has expanded over the years and includes Red Mountain Ranch Country Club, Legend Trail Golf Club, Painted Mountain Golf Resort, Hillcrest Golf Club, Corte Bella Golf Club and now, Orange Tree Golf Club.

    In 2011, the group also added River Crossing Country Club in San Antonio to its holdings. To learn more about Scottsdale Golf Group, visit their website: www.scottsdalegolfgroup.com

    Click Orange Tree Golf Club to read the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz for the course; it’s “All Things Arizona Golf” from the Arizona Golf Authority.

    Visit www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/

  • Cartoons + Golf Pro = Kids Learning Golf

    Cartoons + Golf Pro = Kids Learning Golf

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    This idea falls into the “why didn’t we think of that” category, but PGA and LPGA Golf Professional Racquel Huslig beat us to the punch and created an animated cartoon family to help children discover the game of golf at an early age.

    The first installment of the “ClubHeads” golf instruction video line was released in late September and it’s quite fun to watch.

    Using multi-dimensional, high-definition animation, Huslig brings golf instruction to children using a family of animated, golf-themed characters called the ClubHeads.

    The ClubHead family includes:

    • Ace – born April 1, 2010 in Fairhaven MA. He’s a ball, gets smacked around a lot and he can’t swim.

    • Ben – born April 10, 2010 in Pebble Beach CA. He’s a driver, he likes to go big or go home.

    • Whiff – born April 2, 2008 in Phoenix AZ. He’s a pitching wedge and has a mind of his own, sometimes landing a ball near the cup and other times, buried in the sand.

    • Frankie – born March 10, 1985 in St. Andrews Scotland. He’s seen and done it all and offers wisdom and guidance for everyone.

    • Poanna – born June 7, 2007 in Greenville NC. She’s a putter, often the star of the show and requires you to use your very best manners.

    The first episode of the video series is called “ClubHeads – Let’s Learn the Golf Swing.” It features an introduction to the rules of the game, course manners, etiquette, proper grip and stance, ball position, pre-shot routine and the swing. In addition to the complete accuracy of the lessons, the lively animation and friendly banter between Huslig and the ClubHeads Gang foster continued engagement throughout the 25-minute video.

    Rachel Huslig definitely has the credentials when it comes to teaching golf. She is a 20-year Class “A” PGA and LPGA Golf Professional. In 2009, she received the President’s Plaque for Growth of the Game Achievements with PGA of America. She has been a 4-year member of the PGA Section Board of Directors and has also been honored with such awards as Teacher of the Year, Junior Golf Leader and Golf Professional of the Year. Rachel also serves on a national committee for the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional’s Association.

    We don’t know about you, but we think the AZGA team has just checked the “done” list for all our little nieces and nephews this holiday. You can make it easy on yourself by doing the same.

    For more information about the ClubHeads golf instruction video series, visit: www.clubheadsgolf.com.

    Visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

    Their all Arizona Golf Course Directory features a Player’s Arizona Golf Course review for every golf course in the State of Arizona, click on www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/.

  • PURE Grips Now Available in Your Choice of Color

    PURE Grips Now Available in Your Choice of Color

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Tempe, AZ – PURE Grips, the innovative team who brought pure rubber grips and tapeless installation to the party is now doing their best to brighten up the golf course with their new line of color grips.

    Made from the same proprietary rubber as the black models, every color grip from PURE provides the identical combination of tackiness, durability, weather performance and feel, they simply are brighter and more colorful.

    “We all have our own preferences and individual tastes,” commented PURE Grips CEO Wes Brasher. “We’re just giving customers the choice to pick the color they prefer, rather than forcing them to go with basic black.”

    The new color line of grips use the same tapeless installation process so changing them out is a snap. It takes about 1/4th the time, won’t slip or turn once in place and means you can take your new bright, colorful clubs straight to the first tee.

    The AZGA reviewed this process earlier in the year, so if you want to know more about the process and watch their video, click here.

    For more information about the color line of PURE Grips, visit their website at: www.puregrips.com

    Visit the Arizona Golf Authority, it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

    Their all Arizona Golf Course Directory features a Player’s Arizona Golf Course review for every golf course in the State of Arizona, click on www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/ .

  • Arizona Golf Course Deals From Deal Monkeys Golf

    Arizona Golf Course Deals From Deal Monkeys Golf

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Phoenix AZ – Following the success of daily deal companies Groupon and Living Social, a local Arizona company, Deal Monkeys Golf, has entered the Arizona market.

    “We are unique for two reasons,” said Founder Bob Nelson. “We are a local Arizona company and we are the only company in the State dedicated to providing a way for golfers to save a little money, while giving the golf courses a way to gain new customers and fill their tee sheets during slower times.”

    The first offer from Deal Monkeys Golf is a free round of golf at the Arizona Golf Resort when you purchase a $25 Resort gift certificate. The round can be played anytime through December 31, 2011 so you can play right now or wait a bit and use it later.

    Along with the featured daily deal, Deal Monkeys Golf will also offer side deals on golf equipment and accessories, golf services, as well as general products and services that they think will be of interest to Arizona golfers.

    Read more about this offer and register to receive daily updates at www.dealmonkeysgolf.com.

    Visit the Arizona Golf Authority; it’s “All Things Arizona Golf.”

    Their all Arizona Golf Course Directory features a Player’s Arizona Golf Course review for every golf course in Arizona, click on www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/.

  • Feeling Lucky? Win a Round at SunRidge Canyon with Gary McCord

    Feeling Lucky? Win a Round at SunRidge Canyon with Gary McCord

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Fountain Hills, AZ – As golf course promotions go, most aren’t too exciting. It’s usually “win a free round,” or maybe if you’re lucky, a “stay and play” package. It’s pretty expected stuff in terms of golf promotions.

    That’s why the news of the new promotion from SunRidge Canyon Golf Club caught our attention and should catch yours too.

    Can you imagine the stories you’d be able to tell if you won a contest to play a round of golf with Gary McCord?

    Well, SunRidge Canyon Golf Club is giving you that chance. From now through October 2, 2011, anyone who plays a round of golf at SunRidge Canyon can register to win the chance to play a round of golf with TV commentator Gary McCord. And the good news is you’ll be able to bring two friends with you to round out the foursome. The winner will be chosen through a random drawing on October 10, 2012. The date of the round will be based on McCord’s schedule, but it will happen sometime in November.

    “Gary is a longtime friend of the Club,” said Jeff Lessig, General Manager of SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. “So we were pretty excited that he agreed to help us out with our plan to provide one of our customers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

    If you’re a frequent player at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, you will have much better odds at taking home the prize because the more you play, the more chances you have to win. Play one round and get one entry; play two rounds and get two more entries. Visit SunRidge Canyon a third time before the deadline and you’ll get three more entries. Play four times
    well, you get the drill.

    But as they say in infomercial land – “But wait, that’s not all!”

    If you purchase a 2012 SunRidge Players Card ($99/year) before October 28, you’ll be entered to win one of six chances to follow McCord and the contest winners as they take on the “Wicked 6”, the notoriously difficult finishing stretch at SunRidge Canyon. To add to the experience, the Wicked 6 winners and their one guest each will enjoy an after-round beverage in the SunRidge Canyon clubhouse while McCord tells tall tales of the Tour and lord knows what else.

    Participants must sign in at the golf shop to get credit for each round played. Contest prizes are non-transferable and may not be sold. SunRidge Canyon Golf Club has the right to suspend contest or otherwise change the terms of the contest at any time. To book a tee time, or to learn more call 480.837.5100 or visit www.SunRidgeCanyonGolf.com to book your tee online.

    Read the Arizona Golf Authority Golf Course Buzz for SunRidge Canyon, then click on www.arizonagolfauthority.com/coursedirectory/ and check out every golf course in Arizona at the AZGA Golf Course Directory.

  • Polo Golf Launches Mobile Access Campaign in Golf World Magazine

    Polo Golf Launches Mobile Access Campaign in Golf World Magazine

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Polo Golf Mobile Device Campaign in Golf World

    Polo Golf announced the debut of their Golf World magazine mobile access campaign today. The Polo Golf ads in Golf World allow readers to scan the QR code, or enter the vanity url: m.ralphlauren.com/golf on their smart phone browser, to access player videos created by Polo Golf’s Tour Player Staff.

    Jonathan Byrd, 3-time PGA Tour winner, is currently featured and his 3 videos offer detailed instruction covering proper driver, iron and bunker play mechanics.

    The Arizona Golf Authority AZGA staff’s favorite tip is in the driver video.

    Jonathan describes, and we paraphrase here, how he’s focused on swinging the head of the driver as fast as he can, which he notes is different than swinging his hands as fast, or turning his body as fast, as he can.

    Give that some thought; we’ve got a 460cc head on the end of a 45″ long stick that we want to reliably propel at 90-plus mph through space.

    Adding some of the naturally occurring centrifugal force to that recipe sounds promising.

    Avid golf fans can also join the Polo Golf Email Updates group and be the first to receive information and additional access to Ralph Lauren events. Check it out.