ARIZONA GOLF AUTHORITY

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  • 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.

  • It’s About Time! OB Sports Leads the Way With EXPRESS LANE Tee Times

    It’s About Time! OB Sports Leads the Way With EXPRESS LANE Tee Times

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    Scottsdale AZ – We’ve all heard one of the main reasons people aren’t playing golf is because it takes too long. If you are an avid player, chances are you’ve experienced slow play. You know, the group that takes 10 minutes to look for a lost ball, the player who takes 5 practice swings before each shot or the chap that checks out his putt from every angle on the course before hitting it 3 feet short.

    It’s all a part of that “good walk spoiled”.

    Cheer up, avid players, because we’re happy to report the experts at OB Sports have come to the rescue and now guarantees rounds of golf in under 4-hours at several of their OB Sports-managed golf courses.

    Express Lane Tee Times, introduced at Angel Park in Las Vegas last February, has been expanded to include the Sedona Golf Resort and Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Arizona.

    The Express Lane Tee Times program guarantees your round will be completed in less than 4 hours, 3:45 to be exact.

    “We began the program as a way to speed up pace of play and to differentiate Angel Park from other courses in Las Vegas,” said Kris Strauss, OB Sports VP of Marketing. “We weren’t sure how it would be received, but found out quickly there are a lot of players who want to get out for an early morning tee time and be home in time to take their kids to soccer or baseball.”

    As part of the Express Lane Tee Time plan, the first tee times of the day are reserved specifically for players who agree to play in their round in 3:45. When a player calls to reserve one of those tee times, they are told they must agree to play in the allotted time. When they arrive at the golf course, each player must sign an agreement committing to the pace of play. If a group falls behind, they are warned to speed up play. If that doesn’t happen, they are moved up a hole or to the back of the Express Lane Tee Times, allowing those on-pace to play through and complete their rounds on time.

    “I think the key to the success of the program is that we communicate it loud and often,” stated Strauss. “We tell then when tee times are booked, we remind them in the Pro shop, have them sign the agreement and remind them again on the first tee. So no one can be surprised if our course marshal tells them to pick up the pace.”

    Sedona Golf Resort announced this week they will dedicate the first six tee times each day to the Express Lane program. Eagle Mountain Golf Club in Fountain Hills has also converted the first four tee times on the weekend to Express Lane Tee Time. Plans call for additional courses to add the program to their tee sheets in coming months. As they do, we’ll let you know.

    So, if you are a fan of the concept of a quick round, you how have two courses in Arizona to will cater to your needs. We applaud OB Sports for this innovative idea and thank them for implementing Express Lane Tee Times in Arizona.

    Read the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf Course Buzz for Sedona Golf Resort and Eagle Mountain Golf Club, they’re both great plays.

  • Antigua Providing U.S. Solheim Cup Uniforms

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA Golf News Desk

    The Solheim Cup matches at Kileen Castle in Dublin, Ireland begin September 23rd and the Antigua design team is busy making sure the U.S. team’s uniforms are just right.

    “Designing uniforms for multiple days and multiple rounds of competition with Ireland’s unique weather as an added variable has been a tremendous challenge”, said Danielle Dellios, Senior Designer at the Antigua Group.

    “We have created a beautiful range of coordinates, distinctly separate for each round, including the early practice rounds. Each are reflective of the traditional palette of the U.S. in very tasteful golf fashion styling with contemporary accents and each piece has incorporated our trademark performance functionality. We are excited to present the uniforms to the members of the United States team and we look forward to our team bringing back the Solheim Cup.”

    The U.S. team uniforms (shirts, sweaters, jackets and bottoms) will be available for purchase from selected golf shops and golf retailers starting September 26th and will be available at the event itself through the official Solheim Cup retail partners.

    About The Solheim Cup

    The Solheim Cup is named in honor of Karsten Solheim, and his family, the makers of PING golf equipment and is the most prestigious international team event in women’s professional golf.

    It is a biennial, trans-Atlantic team match-play competition featuring the best U.S.-born players from the LPGA and the best European-born players from the LET. The U.S. Team leads the competition, 8-3, and has never lost on home soil.

    The 2011 Solheim Cup will and be played at Killeen Castle in County Meath, Ireland, this year. In addition to founding sponsor PING, Global Partners of The Solheim Cup include AIB Group and Rolex. For more information, log on to www.SolheimCup.com.

    Antigua products can also be found online at shop.antigua.com

  • All Sports 2011 Fall Charity Tournament Sept. 24th

    All Sports 2011 Fall Charity Tournament Sept. 24th

    From the Arizona Golf Authority AZGA News Desk

    Mesa, AZ – Our friend at All Sports Arizona will host their 2011 Fall Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club.

    Participants will not only experience a beautiful golf course, but they will help All Sports Arizona continue their quest to provide affordable, educational recreational activities in a safe and inviting environment.

    Here is what your entry fee includes:

    • 18-hole round Saturday, 9/24 at Red Mountain Ranch Country Club

    • 1pm shotgun start

    • Putting, long drive and closest to the pin contests

    • Lunch buffet

    • Tee bag of goodies

    There will also be a silent auction for sports memorabilia and other items as well as a raffle.

    As an added incentive, if you bring a playing partner, and sign-up prior to August 15th, you will receive a free round of golf at Red Mountain Ranch to be used later in the year.

    Entries fee are $65/player; $260/foursome if paid prior to September 4th. If you wait until the last minute, it will cost $10 per player more. Entry deadline is September 14, 2011.

    If this sounds like a good plan for you, click on www.allsportsaz.com for more details and to register for the tournament.

    Then, visit the Arizona Golf Authority Golf Course Directory and read the AZGA Golf Course Buzz for Red Mountain Ranch; it’s a great test in a lovely setting, and one of the very few Pete Dye designs in Arizona. Have fun and play well.