PROgram Magazine - January/February 2015

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGAVOLUME 42 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

NEWLY ELECTED SCPGA SECTION PRESIDENT JOHN MCNAIR, PGANAMED 2014 SCPGA GOLF PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

CHECK ONE OUT AT YOUR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TOYOTA DEALER.

WE MAKE IT EASY.

FIRST-TIER

EFFICIENCY.FOR THE PAST 14 YEARS, THE ICONIC PRIUS LIFTBACK HAS SET THE BAR FOR MPG. BUT IT’S GOT PLENTY OF OTHER TRICKS IN ITS BAG. FEATURES LIKE REMOTE AIR CONDITIONING, DYNAMIC RADAR CRUISE CONTROL MAKE PRIUS AS VERSATILE AS IT IS EFFICIENT.

2015PRIUS LIFTBACK

www.scpga.com

contents PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE04 MESSAGE FROM THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA PRESIDENT

SPONSOR DIRECTORY06 YOUR VALUED SCPGA SPONSORS

SECTION REPORT07 SCPGA RULES OF GOLF COMMITTEE MAINTAIN LONGEVITY

NEW MEMBERS08 WELCOME SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA NEW MEMBERS

PGA PLAYER DEVELOPMENT09 BIG WINS IN 2014, LOOKING AHEAD TO 2015

ANNUAL MEETING10 2014 CLUB CAR ANNUAL MEETING AT SAN DIEGO COUNTRY CLUB HOSTED 300 SCPGA PROFESSIONALS

PINEHURST CHAMPIONSHIP13 BLOCK AND PIGMAN FINISH 2014 ON TOP

PGA NOTABLES14 EMPLOYMENT CHANGES AND UPDATES

TEACHER’S FORUM15 STORY TELLING INSPIRED A DEEPER CONNECTION TO THE GAME

LEADERSHIP COLUMN16 THE LAST CHAPTER

FOUNDATION SHOOTOUT 18 2015 3RD ANNUAL SCPGA FOUNDATION SHOOTOUT

FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP19 PARKER AND SKAYHAN CAPTURE 2015 FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

HONORS MATCHES20 SCPGA RIDES THE BIRDIE BUS TO THE FIRST EVER HONORS MATCH VICTORY

WOMEN’S CUP MATCHES22 THE SCPGA WOMEN PROFESSIONALS DOMINATE

WOMEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP23 KAY HOEY DEFENDS TITLE AT 2014 WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

SOCAL OPEN25 MALLINGER DOMINANT IN VICTORY

NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF26 SCPGA NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF COMPLETES PGA WEST COAST SWING

AAA NORTH/SOUTH27 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA CAPTURES AAA NORTH/SOUTH CUP

ASSOCIATION NEWS29 GCSAA, SCGA

TOURNAMENT RECAP30 SCPGA TOURNAMENT RESULTS

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT31 TGA - PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT33 FIRST TEE TRAVEL

CHAPTER CORNER34 SAN DIEGO CHAPTER CLAIMS ANOTHER CHAPTER CHALLENGE

SECTION NOTES35 NOTES FROM THE SCPGA OFFICE

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1. THE UPCOMING MSR PERIOD ENDS JUNE 15, 2015. 55.4% OF SCPGA PGA MEMBERS HAVE MET THE REQUIREMENTS AS OF MARCH 23, 2015.

2. HEARD OF CATALYST? EARN MSR FROM YOUR OFFICE! THE WEBINAR PROGRAM LED BY THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE TAKES PLACE EVERY OTHER THURSDAY.

3. SIGN UP FOR DIRECT DEPOSIT AND RECEIVE YOUR PURSE CHECKS QUICKER.

4. REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW FOR THE UPCOMING PATRIOT PRO-AM. ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE FOLDS OF HONOR FOUNDATION.

5. WATCH OUT FOR BILLY HARMON ON APRIL 16TH!

6. 95 PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE TEAMS ARE SIGNED UP IN THE SCPGA SECTION. SIGN UP YOUR TEAM TODAY!

7. THE SCPGA CALLAWAY GOLF SPRING TEACHING SUMMIT IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, APRIL 27! REGISTER TODAY.

8. PGA OF AMERICA ANNOUNCED THE PGA GRAND SLAM AND PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE HELD AT TRUMP NATIONAL LA THIS OCTOBER.

9. MICHAEL BLOCK, PGA IS SET TO PLAY IN THE 27TH PGA CUP ON SEPTEMBER 18TH-20TH AT CORDEVALLE.

10. SIGN UP NOW! SCPGA CLUB CAR PROFESSIONAL - OFFICIAL IS APRIL 20TH.

10ThingsTO KNOW.. .

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By Southern California PGA President, John McNair, PGA

Message from the Southern California PGA

PRESIDENT

THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!THIS CERTIFICATE ENTITLES YOU TO

$10ANYTIME

PLEASE CALL AHEAD TO SCHEDULE YOUR TEE TIME AND BRING THIS COUPON

EXPIRES Nov. 30, 2014

*OFFERS ONLY ACCEPTED AT REIDY CREEK GOLF COURSE

*MORE THAN 50% OFF REGULAR RATE

(cart fee not included)GREEN FEES

TO SET UP YOUR TEE TIME AT REIDY CREEK GOLF COURSE

PLEASE CONTACT RICK WOOTEN AT 760-740-2450

Matt GilsonSouthern California PGA

Player Development Manager 951.845.4653

[email protected]

FOLLOW SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA ON:

@scpga

I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to serve as President of the Southern California Section the next two years. My predecessors in the Office have laid a great path and

I want to continue to provide the opportunities for growing the game and player development for all of our PGA professionals. The focus will be to not only develop and add golfers over time, but also to provide the pathway for incremental revenue for your facilities.

Six years ago we developed one of the most successful player development programs in the PGA of America – Neighborhood Golf and most recently, our Golf in Schools program in North San Diego County and North Orange County. Neighborhood Golf is our primary Player Development program that we take to schools, playgrounds, fairs, racetracks, golf courses, expositions, city festivals and the like. We set up our big hitting “cages” and other props and provide mini golf lessons to the attendees. We’ve taught over 100,000 mini lessons and been visible to over 5 million people. One of our main objectives, as referred in the first paragraph, is to provide the opportunity for incremental revenue to your facility. How?

Looking forward: Programs and initiatives for growth

THERE ARE THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO REGISTER AS A NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF PREFERRED FACILITY:

• Contact Matt Gilson, Player Development Manager, at [email protected] or 951-845-4653 to register your facility TODAY and let us do the work for you!

- Promotional coupon created and distributed at events - Follow-up emails sent to entire event database

• Provide the SCPGA the opportunity to promote our Neighborhood Golf Preferred Facility package to our customers, which consists of:

• Offer one (1) FREE 20-minute lesson to new customers when they call ahead to arrange (Where applicable)

• Offer one (1) FREE Large range bucket to new customers on first time visit• Offer one (1) FREE 9-hole round for new customers after 5:00PM (Where

applicable)

MEET THE 2015 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

WE’VE ESTABLISHED OUR NEIGHBORHOOD GOLF PREFERRED FACILITIES THAT WILL:

• Bring business to you and your golf facility• Gives golf instructors and programs more visibility• Gives your golf course and facilities more exposure

John McNair, PGAPresident

Todd Keefer, PGAVice President

Tony Letendre, PGASecretary

Jeff Johnson, PGAHonorary President

Bill Hulbert, PGAAt-Large Director

Joe Grohman, PGAAt-Large Director

Scott Heyn, PGAAt-Large Director

Randy Chang, PGAAt-Large Director

Eric Lohman, PGAAt-Large Director

Jon Vesper, PGADesert Chapter

Susan Roll, PGAIndependent Director

Chris Gilley, PGAMetropolitan Chapter

Robin Shelton, PGAAt-Large Director

Bryon Smith, PGAInland Empire Chapter

Steve PlummerIndependent Director

Mark Wilson, PGANorthern Chapter

Ross Marcano, PGASan Diego Chapter

www.scpga.com

Official Radio of the Southern California PGA

THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA

3333 Concours Street • Building 2, Suite 2100 • Ontario, CA 91764951.845.4653 ph • 951.331.4701 fax • scpga.com • scpgajrtour.com

THE SCPGA BOARD OF DIRECTORSOFFICERSJohn McNair, PGA, President- JC ResortsTodd Keefer, PGA, Vice President - PGA WestTony Letendre, PGA, Secretary - The Newport Beach Country ClubJeff Johnson, PGA, Honorary President - San Bernardino Golf Club

AT-LARGE DIRECTORSBill Hulbert, PGA, PGA TOUR Superstore • Joe Grohman, PGA, Navy Golf Course • Scott Heyn, PGA, Oakmont Country Club • Eric Lohman, PGA, Monarch Beach Golf Links • Robin Shelton, PGA, Mountain Meadows Golf Course • Randy Chang, PGA, Journey at Pechanga & Talega Golf Club

INDEPENDENT DIRECTORSusan Roll, PGA, Carlsbad Golf CenterSteve Plummer, Championship Golf Services

CHAPTER REPRESENTATIVESDesert: Jon Vesper, PGA, Westin Mission Hills ResortInland Empire: Bryon Smith, PGA, Goose Creek Golf ClubMetropolitan: Chris Gilley, PGA, SeaCliff Country ClubNorthern: Mark Wilson, PGA, North Ranch Country ClubSan Diego: Ross Marcano, PGA, Barona Creek Golf Club

PGA GOVERNANCEDISTRICT 11 DIRECTORBill Hulbert, PGA, PGA TOUR Superstore - Southern California Section

PGA OF AMERICAPRESIDENT - Derek Sprague, PGA, Malone Golf ClubVICE PRESIDENT - Paul Levy, PGA, Toscana Country ClubSECRETARY - Suzy Whaley, Suzy Whaley Golf

SCPGA SECTION STAFFTom Addis III, PGA, Executive Director/CEO, [email protected] Keller, Director of Competitions and Rules, [email protected] Melissa Meka, PGA, Junior Golf Director, [email protected] Curfman, Membership, [email protected] Breanne Mitchell, Communications Manager, [email protected] Gomez, Foundation Marketing & Communications Administrator, [email protected] Quick, Meeting & Events Manager, [email protected] Custer, Finance/Office Manager, [email protected] Hale, PGA, Foundation Programs and Events Administrator, [email protected] DeSpain, Tournament Manager, [email protected] Gilson, Player Development Manager, [email protected] Smith, Junior Golf Operations Manager, [email protected] Travis Cutler, Junior Golf Manager, [email protected] Gerlach, Junior Golf Manager, [email protected] Rodarte, PGA, Junior Golf Manager, [email protected] Suzuki, PGA, Golf in Schools Territory Coordinator, [email protected] Lorencz, Section Administration, [email protected]

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

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

THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES FOR SUPPORTING THE GOLF PROFESSIONALS

OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA!

THE PROGRAMVOLUME 42 • ISSUE 1 • 2015 JANUARY/FEBRUARY ISSUEThe Program is produced by the Southern California PGA. Breanne Mitchell, Publisher and Editor.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.

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By Southern California PGA CEO/Executive Director, Tom Addis III, PGA

Southern California PGA Rules of Golf Committee

MAINTAINS LONGEVITY The SCPGA has been blessed for many, many years with a group of very dedicated PGA professionals and amateurs who volunteer to serve the Section and our members – this is the

SCPGA Rules of Golf Committee.The Committee boasts a mix of hearty

veterans and a mix of “everyone else” who serve us well, each and every tournament event and junior event in the Section. Ron O’Connor, the grandfather of rules in the SCPGA, continues to avail himself to serve as chair of the Committee and work closely with our SCPGA Tournament Director Rob Keller. As a side-point, and many of our PGA professionals don’t know this, RonO, as he is known, also served as Executive Director AND Tournament Director for the Section! How’s that? Ron also splits his volunteer duties as the Chair of the Section’s Sr. Committee and representing the Committee on the SCPGA Board of Directors.

Joining RonO on the committee are Ron Robinson, PGA, Dave Podas, PGA (who also serves on the PGA of America Rules Committee), Roger Rockefeller, PGA, Ron Reiss, PGA, and Skip Whittet, PGA. In addition the committee boasts of members Bob Lowe, Bim Jollymour,


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SAVE DATEtheNOTABLE UPCOMING EVENTS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION

IMPERIAL TPS SERIES: SATICOY C.C.March 30 | Saticoy Country Club

WOMEN’S ANNANDALE PRO-AMMarch 31 | Annandale Golf Club

YAMAHA SENIOR-JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPApril 6 | Country Club at Soboba Springs

IE, DC: PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SEMINARApril 13 | SCPGA Headquarters

WOMEN’S DIVISION HERITAGE PALMS PLAY DAYApril 14 | Heritage Palms Golf Club

AAA SWEEP - STROKE PLAY 2April 16 | Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club

BILLY HARMON EVENTApril 16 | Toscana Country Club

CLUB CAR PROFESSIONAL-OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIPApril 20 | Oakmont Country Club

SD: PLAYER DEVELOPMENT SEMINARApril 22 | Golf Academy of America

CALLAWAY GOLF SPRING TEACHING SUMMITApril 27 | Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

SCPGA PATRIOT PRO-AMMay 4 | Toscana Country Club

SCPGA LEADERSHIP SUMMITMay 7 | Dove Canyon Golf Club

SCPGA CRACKER BARRELMay 14 | SCPGA Headquarters

TPS SERIES - TUKWET CANYONMay 18 | Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon

BUSINESS OF GOLF WORKSHOPMay 20 | Robinson Ranch Golf Club

MASTERMIND WORKSHOPMay 26 | SCPGA Headquarters

E-Z-GO SUMMER MEETING & PRO-PRO SCRAMBLEJune 8 | Double Tree by Hilton

Dale Jackson, Gary Albin, Gerald Wong (the former Tournament Director for the Section), Jim Giles, John Cochran, Judy Thompson, Keith Reinking, Lance Wrobel, Lee Wortman, Sue Ewart, Sue Ross, Tom Wallace, Bill Demint and Tom Powers. Serving on the Committee and working with the SCPGA Jr. Tour, Carol Stewart, Lynn McClung, Terry Startzel and Diane Wilson. Assisting, whether it be announcing or scoring are Frank Dessel, John Etz and Steve Frank.

Thanks to the support the Rules Committee provides event in and event out and day in and day out, we are able to present the wonderful tournament program and junior program we conduct. We’re also able to do the many PGA Tour events, PGA Tour qualifying tournaments, the California State Open and the Southern California Open, the Southern California Junior Amateur Championship and the Inland Empire Amateur Championship we are able to host in the Section.

Most of the work the Rules Committee does is “behind the scenes” such as arriving before dawn and setting up the golf course and leaving the course after sunset, long after all the scores are posted. For this dedication, we can’t thank this “band of rules nomads” enough for what they do. Thanks Rules Committee.

Ron O’Connor, PGA

08 PROGRAM MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 www.scpga.com

Welcome Southern California PGA

NEW MEMBERS

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Mike AlldredgeThe Grand Del MarA-8To grow the game.

William FosterThe Grand Del MarA-8To grow the game.

Marlon M. HollowayThe Grand Del Mar A-8PASSION.

Jeffrey HastingsDos Lagos G.C.A-1To join a great organization and become a leader in the golf industry.

Steve HolmesWestlake Village G.C.A-6To grow the game.

Tyler KawasakiA-8La Mirada G.C.When I started golfing, PGA professionals were always there. I’m here to do the same for junior golfers, even those just beginning.

Tim LeibleGolfTEC - Cerritos A-14To teach the game I love and help people play better golf.

Jeff LylePorter Valley C.C. A-8To expand my ability of improving peoples quality of life through golf.

Michael MoranMoorpark C.C.A-8To pass on my knowledge of golf to our younger generations to help improve and grow the game of golf.

Jordan McDonald Hidden Valley G.C.A-8To grow the game of golf and be a part of an industry I love.

Amy NordeenDesert Horizons C.C. A-8I became a PGA Professional because golf is my passion. I couldn’t wait to bring joy to other golfers through instruction and service.

Vinnie PoncinoSan Clemente G.C.A-8 Been in the golf business all my life. Glad to finally be a member.

Zeke SalasSun Valley Golf Center A-2To be part of growing the game and share my love for the game with others.

Jason TimlinPro Kids/ The First Tee of San DiegoA-8 To grow the game and share my passion for golf.

Julie WellsMission Hills C.C.A-14I grew up around the game. My dad has been a PGA Professional for 40 years and I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps by growing the game.

Chad WrightRiver Ridge G.C.A-6To help grow the game and fulfill my passion and love for the game through my time as an instructor and coach.

Terry YoungSoule Park G.C.A-6To grow the game.

Austin ZechStoneridge C.C. A-6To grow the game.

Big wins in 2014

By Nikki Gatch, PGA Player Development Regional Manager

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2015Our Section

Professionals deserve a huge congratulations for a great 2014! Of course, it was all capped off at the PGA Annual Meeting with our Section receiving the PGA of America Herb Graffis Award for a record 12th time, celebrating our commitment and vision of growing the game. Our Section has been unwavering in its commitment to growing the game and player development. And it all starts with our PGA Professionals. There are so many great success stories and great “wins” to highlight, but here are a few that resonate with me as I look back on 2014.

Drive Chip and Putt Championship – our Section professionals and facilities hosted 14 local qualifiers, two sub-regional qualifiers and a Regional Qualifier, exposing thousands of juniors to the game and our PGA Professionals. Highlighting the qualifying season was Kelly Xu, who successfully earned a spot at Augusta National Golf Club this April to defend her 2014 title. Also coming out of the Regional Qualifier at Torrey Pines were the Ffrench brothers, Shane and Colin, who are one of two groups of siblings to qualify. What a special moment they shared with their father that day.

PGA Junior League Golf – with doubling the number of teams in 2014 from 2013, and having some strong interest from our Section Professionals to participate this year, 2015 looks to be a huge success with this program. John Mason from the San Diego Chapter has led the way for our Section, representing as Section Champions in the Regional Championship and coming up just short of advancing to the National Championship. This is a great way to encourage more juniors to play in a fun,

social team environment. We have seen some great success at

the facility level as well as in the junior golf space. Andrew Cortez has enhanced the junior program at Bear Creek Golf Club, with his creation of the “Cub Club”, offering a progressive program for juniors of all ages and skill levels at the club and integrates a fun, social aspect to instruction and competition. Andrew’s efforts were recognized by his peers as he was awarded the Junior Golf Leader of the Year Award from the Inland Empire Chapter.

In the adult player development arena, Chris Lempa from Torrey Pines has done a great job reaching out to local companies and offering Get Golf Ready classes specifically to their employees. Chris has been able to add classes to accommodate these eager new students, andthe program has grown his student base tremendously.

Meredith Foster and Amy Nordeen at Desert Horizons Country Club

started the “Divot Divas”, a monthly clinic series throughout the season with a theme each session. These fun, non-intimidating clinics attracted golf members as well as social members who used the opportunity to get introduced and comfortable with the game and their fellow members.

It is great to see so many of our Section Professionals embrace and succeed in their player development efforts. Remember, whether you are focusing on junior or adult programming, it is vital to offer a progressive program for your students. Having a progressive program in place encourages your students to remain engaged, continue to take lessons, play more, and increases their enjoyment of the game.

Looking ahead to 2015, I hope you’ll join us for a seminar on March 26 featuring the first Southern California Junior Golf Summit.

As always, thank you for all you do every day for our great game!

Andrew Cortez, PGA, with his Bear Creek Golf Club “Cub Club” taking a selfie to start camp!

www.scpga.com 09PROGRAM MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015

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2014 Club Car Annual Meeting at San Diego Country Club hosted

300 SCPGA PROFESSIONALS

ANNUAL MEETING

The SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting was held at San Diego Country Club December 8th, with over 250 SCPGA Members and Apprentices in attendance. During the meeting, an election was held for two at-large positions on the SCPGA Board of Directors. Filling those spots will be Joe Grohman of Navy Golf Course and Scott Heyn of Oakmont Country Club.

After a three year Presidency, Jeff Johnson moves into the position of

SCPGA Honorary President and John McNair moves up from Vice President to President. Rounding out the officers includes Todd Keefer, SCPGA Vice President, and Tony Letendre, SCPGA Secretary.

Other SCPGA Board Members include At-Large Directors Eric Lohman, Bill Hulbert, Randy Chang, Robin Shelton, Independent Directors Susan Roll and Steve Plummer and Chapter Representatives Ross Marcano, Mark

Official Radio of the Southern California PGA

Wilson, Jon Vesper, Bryon Smith and Chris Gilley.

Thank you to PGA Head Professional John Osborne and his staff at San Diego Country Club for hosting this year’s SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting. A special thank you to all the sponsors of this year’s SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting, including presenting sponsor Club Car, and supporting sponsors SCNS Sports Foods, US Foods, Pukka, Golf Stix, Golf Scorecards, Flightscope, Kenwood, Golf Buddy, and Pepsi.

Following the meeting, PGA members and apprentices had the option to participate in the Pinehurst Championship or an Education Seminar.

In the education seminar, SCPGA Members and Apprentices had the opportunity to further their skills in Marketing and Effective Business Development with a presentation by Norm Van Wieren, Founder and CEO of Golf Professional Marketing Academy.

To learn more about the 2014 SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting Pinehurst Championship, visit page 13.

2014 SCPGA Club Car Annual Meeting

John McNair, PGAGolf Professional of the Year

SCPGA President

Bob Kummer, PGAPresident’s Award

Jimmy Powell, PGAHall of Fame

Pete Coe, PGAHonorary Life Member

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Jerry HollingsworthHonorary Life Member

Robin Shelton, PGAHorton Smith Award

Joe Grohman, PGAMerchandiser of the Year - Public

Tim Parun, PGASenior Player of the Year

Steve HorrellHonorary Life Member

Susan Roll, PGABill Strausbaugh Award

Rick Stegall, PGAMerchandiser of the Year - Private

Jon Fiedler, PGAMid Senior Player of the Year

Gregg McHatton, PGAHonorary Life Member

John Mason, PGAYouth Player Development Award

Mark Greenslit, PGAMerchandiser of the Year - Resort

Jim Petralia, PGASuper Senior Player of the Year

Monty Blodgett, PGAHonorary Life Member

Grant Strobel, PGAAssist. Golf Professional of the Year

John McNair, PGAPlayer Development Award

Petra ColeWomen’s Player of the Year

Larry Brotherton, PGATeacher of the Year

Monica Stratton, PGAClub Fitter of the Year

Michael Block, PGAPlayer of the Year

Kenny PigmanAAA Player of the Year

Let us show you how at the PGA Merchandise Show. Visit us at Booth 2928 or clubcar.com.

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They will thrive.As golf’s market leader, Club Car designs and builds the most dependable, highest quality, technologically advanced golf cars and light-duty utility vehicles on the planet. What’s more, we’ve engineered our products and services to adapt to any operation’s goals and drive every customer to greater success.

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JanFeb.SCPGA PROgram.OneThing.mech.indd 1 12/17/14 2:14 PM


The 2014 National Car Rental Pro-Am Series Professional-Lady Championship headed north to the beautiful Las Posas Country Club, where this annual event showcases some of the best PGA professionals in Southern California paired with some of the best women amateurs from their respective facilities. The team of Mike Fergin, PGA and Ellen Stewart from Mesa Verde Country Club played the course shooting an impressive 67 (-4) to beat the team from Oakmont Country Club of Southern California PGA Professional Champion Ryan Kennedy and Linda Pearson by one stroke.

Not only does the Professional-Lady Championship bring out some of the best golfers in Southern California, it also brings some of the SCPGA’s best sponsors. National Car Rental Pro-Am Series is the title sponsor over this event. Local sponsors Cleveland Golf/Srixon and Golf Buddy were on hand to interact with all the participants prior to the round. The SCPGA would like to thank the wonderful staff at Las Posas Country Club for all their hard work in helping with this championship. A special thank you is in order for Las Posas PGA Head Golf Professional Roger Rockefeller, PGA Instructor Jon Fiedler, and PGA Apprentice Joshua Young.

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SCPGA Player of the Year, Michael Block, PGA, and SCPGA AAA Player of the Year, Kenny Pigman, teamed up at the Club Car Annual Meeting/Pinehurst Championship. Michael Block, from Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club, who won the PGA Professional National Championship this past June in Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Kenny Pigman of Goose Creek Golf Club, who finished second at the National Assistants Championship this past November in Port St. Lucie, FL, came to the 2014 Annual Meeting with Player of the Year honors on December 8, at San Diego Country Club. They decided one more title to close out the year would be the perfect ending to two outstanding performances. San Diego Country Club played host to this annual event that saw a full-field of talented SCPGA members

battling to claim first place. Block and Pigman used clutch putting on some of the fastest greens in Southern California to edge out the rest of the field by one stroke, firing a seven-under (65). A tap in birdie on the 18th hole proved to be the winning shot, as the team of Alan Sorensen, PGA and Chad Sorensen, PGA from Buena Vista Golf Course kept pace with the champions with an impressive six-under (66) that gave them second place all to themselves. Third place was shared by two teams at five-under (67), as 2014 Section Champion Ryan Kennedy and his partner Steve Holmes finished dead even with Eric Lohman and his partner, newly elected SCPGA Board Member, Scott Heyn.

The SCPGA would like to thank its wonderful sponsor for this event, Club Car, as well as San Diego Country Club Head Professional John Osborne, PGA for being such outstanding hosts to all the members of the Southern California PGA Section.

Block and Pigman finish

2014 ON TOPFERGIN AND STEWART

BATTLE FOR THE WIN AT 2014 PROFESSIONAL - LADY

CHAMPIONSHIP

National Car Rental Professional-Lady ChampionshipNovember 17th | Las Posas C.C.1 Mike Fergin/ Ellen Stewart, Mesa Verde C.C.,-4, 67, $1,2502 Ryan Kennedy/Linda Pearson, -3, 68, Oakmont C.C., $1,0803 Matthew Tom/ Ki Chung, E, 71, $900

Club Car SCPGA Annual Meeting & Pinehurst ChampionshipDecember 8th | San Diego Country Club1 Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C./Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C.,-7, 65, $3,0002 Chad Sorenson/Alan Sorenson, Buena Vista G.C.,-6, 66, $2,3003 Scott Heyn, Oakmont C.C./Eric Lohman, Monarch Beach Golf Links -5, 67, $1,775

Michael Block, PGA & Kenny Pigman - 2014 Champions

San Diego Country Club

Mike Fergin & Ellen Stewart - 2014 Champions

www.scpga.com

By PGA of America Employment Consultant, Ken Ferrell, PGA


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Employers expect you to know where you stand in relations to the market. In only minutes each month, you can report and compare your facility’s performance through

PGA PerformanceTrak and provide sound business information to help drive your facility’s bottom line.

• Demonstrate your expertise to increase your credibility and industry knowledge

• Benchmark your facility’s performance and identify areas that may be under performing

• Generate reports that showcase your business and support future budgeting efforts

PGA Professionals can earn MSR credit by participating online. Don’t miss out on this valuable service.

If you are the highest ranked PGA Professional at your facility, submit your data online at PGALinks.com, PGA PerformanceTrak.

Whether you are open or closed in a given month, it is important that you continue to enter this data online.

HOW CAN WE HELP? Contact PGA National at: (800) 477-6465 Ext. 8574 or by email at: [email protected]

Ken Ferrell, PGAPGA Employment Consultant951-894-5024

NEW MEMBERSSteven Butler, PGA; Ryan D. Christopher, PGA; Brandon Fox, PGA; Jeffrey Hastings, PGA; David Jacobo, PGA; John Robietski, PGA; Julie Wells, PGA; Austin Zech, PGA

NEWLY REGISTERED & RE-REGISTERED APPRENTICESMichael Blinco, Krisno Bridge, Carina Capobianco, Taylor Carrasco-Gray, Ian Crick, Kenneth Crow, Dakota Duerr, Colin Ervine, Michael S.B. Estes, Shane Frank, Gregory Fusco, Ryan Glass, Thomas Hyatt, Aaron Jones, Paul Kim, Jingu Lee, Koen Li, Christopher Lungo, Cavin McCall, Brent Meschuk, Jinchul Park, Tab Perry II, Andrew Potts, Joseph Roca, Raj Samra, Janes Sandy, Joseph Stewart, Sydney Wasem

HALF CENTURY MEMBERSWally Bradley, PGA ; Chuck Jones, PGA; Jimmy Powell, PGA

QUARTER CENTURY MEMBERSJim Blea, PGA; Al Cirrone, PGA; Jeff Cross, PGA; Jim DeLaby, PGA; Tom Godman, PGA; Thomas Kelley, PGA; Kenneth Parker, PGA; Susie Schneider, PGA

MOVING UPChi Y. Choi, PGA A-13 Monterey Park Golf Course

John Cochrane, PGA A-13 PGA West Private Course

Leigh Coleman, PGA A-1 Avondale Country Club

Bill Crist, PGA A-1 Journey at Pechanga

Brandon Delgado, PGA A-1 Carmel Mountain Ranch CC

James English B-1 River Oaks Golf Course

Daniel Griffin, PGA A-1 Shadow Hills Golf Club

Jeffrey Hastings, PGA A-1 Dos Lagos Golf Club

Mark Hayden, PGA A-13 Woods Valley Golf Club

Bryan Kerr B-1 Shorecliffs Golf Course

Christopher Miller, PGA A-1 Hillcrest Country Club

Joseph Simonds, PGA A-1 Indian Springs Golf Club

Grant Strobel, PGA A-1 Woods Valley Golf Course

John Walker, PGA A-1 Laguna Woods Golf Course

Michael Wysowski, PGA A-13 Altadena G.C./Eaton Canyon G.C.

WELCOME WAGONJeff Anderson SouthwestDavid G. Anderson, PGA Mid AtlanticStephen Boyland Northern TexasEdward Cano NE New YorkMallory Carr IllinoisJames Kane South CentralJames E. Lee, PGA Tri StateSean Ouellette, PGA Northern CalWilliam Shouler, PGA Pacific NorthwestWarren Smith, PGA Colorado

NEW FOR MSR POSTINGMembers are now able to self-post selected

MSR activities directly online via PGA.org. The pre-determined activities available for Members to self-post are from Box #2 Service to the Industry (M06), Box #3 Golf Coach (M07) and Box #7 Media Related Articles (M09).

All the rules that are currently in place regarding the number of credits awarded and maximum credits that can be awarded have been built into this process. Members are cautioned to be factual; as falsification of information may result in disciplinary action against any member who submits fictitious activities.

The PGA Form #108, How to Earn Member Service Requirement credits, has been updated with an active link www.pga.org/articles/member-service-requirements

COMPLIMENTARY ONLINE VIDEOS FOR MSR CREDIT

PGA members can receive one (1) to two (2) PGA Education MSR by watching a video from the list and taking an assessment at the conclusion of the video from this link below - http://apps.pga.org/professionals/apps/education/video_education/index.cfm?ems_event=141

MSR credit may be earned only one time for any online MSR course. In order to earn MSR credit, you must score a 70% or higher on the assessment. If you do not score 70% or higher, you will be allowed one (1) re-take opportunity. You will be directed to the assessment when the video concludes.

What your employer expects

YOU TO KNOW

PGA PerformanceTrak: Monthly Rounds and Revenue

Reporting


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CONNECTION TO THE GAME

Story telling inspired a deeper

May I share some memories and hopefully a teaching tid bit or two?

I took my first lesson at Rec Park in 1969. Love that place still. What followed were lessons with Rudy Duran at Heartwell Park. During one lesson, he chipped in three times in a row. I was impressed. He taught me a lot about chipping that day without saying a word.

I remember visiting Sycuan Resort (Singing Hills at the time) for the first time in 1976 and swore I would never see that place again. Now that’s funny. I’ve been there since ’83!

I remember Scotland in 1988 and the caddie who would not stand for short game shots played through the air.

I remember seeing Payne Stewart make what I was sure was a practice swing on the first hole at Torrey. He had hit his tee shot. It was no practice swing.

I remember the 1983 US Open at Oakmont and being next to Seve hitting balls on the range. I will never forget the sizzling sound of his ball striking. A similar up close experience was had in 1992 with Tom Watson at Crail in Fife. Unbelievable!

I was working behind the counter with “The Golden Cub” Keith Berg the day Jack won in ’86.

Jess Madera who coached me like no other, often loudly saying, “The golf swing is NOT parts and pieces. If you want to talk about parts and pieces, WE CAN GO SHOPPING FOR CHICKEN!”

I remember whiffle ball golf in the backyard with my Dad. Every so often he would sink a fresh peanut can into the lawn for us to chip into. It’s where I learned shot making.

San Diego State Golf Coach Dr. Frank Scott told the team that golf was not an

essay test. He just wanted to know what we had scored: not the whole “story.”

Another very strong memory was my first time to a private course: Riviera Country Club with my Dad. 1973, the Los Angeles Open included Nicklaus, Weiskopf, Johnny Miller, Trevino, the smell of eucalyptus and hot dogs. Oh my. I decided to turn pro that day. I was eleven.

All those Long Beach Opens with my Mom Ruth, Bob Reuillard, Brad Murray, Danny Green, Steve Montgomery, Bryan Palmer, Jim Smith and so many other supporters. I wish I’d played better.

Using a dictionary and looking up the word “Lesson” when I first started to teach years ago.

Tom Watson’s overcooked approach to the final at Muirfield. Dang it! I wished he’d have bumped that third shot with a fairway wood.

Here’s another memory… the blessing and the curse of spikeless shoes. I miss the traction and the clickity clack.

I remember placing the golf bag in line at

the Starter window very early in the morning at Torrey years ago, then going to Denny’s.

Here’s another. Bruce Wilson and I scoured a bookstore in St. Andrew filling our suitcases with rare old golf books. The same year the wheel flew off the rental car on the way to Lanark for The Open Qualifying. Scary.

2nd Stage of PGA Tour Qualifying way back when where I decided to dedicate myself to becoming a club professional.

Fond remembrances I am very thankful for.

I recommend adding “storyteller” to your resume. Your breadth of knowledge, background in and connections to the game are well worth sharing.

By Bob Madsen, PGA, Director of Golf at Sycuan Resort

Rare, Medium and Overdone

PGALINKS.COM NOW PGA.ORGFor the past year, an overhaul of

the digital presence of the PGA of America has been underway. Now, the newly designed PGA.org will supplant PGALinks to become the internal site of the Association.

With a new public-facing portion of the site demonstrating the value of the PGA Professional, and a new personalized member center, the site is designed to help you grow your career, your business, and the game.

TO ACCESS THE NEW SITE:1. Visit PGA.org

2. Login with your PGALinks.com username and password

WHAT TO DO FIRST:1. View the PGA.org Instructional Guide

2. Customize your profile page. Login and simply click on My Profile to add a new profile photo, update your expertise, and enter your accomplishments.

3. Visit "Member Preferences" while you are editing your profile to choose whether you want content related to Teaching the Game, Managing a Facility, or Advancing the Industry. You've been pre-selected into one of these categories based on your classification, but you can change this setting at any time.

CAN I STILL ACCESS PGALINKS?Yes, both PGA.org and PGALinks.

com will be available for a short period of time. At that point, even if you type in PGALinks.com, it will take you to the new PGA.org.

If you have any questions or would like share what you think about PGA.org, please email [email protected].


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The last

CHAPTERBy SCPGA Board Member, Robin Shelton, PGA

“Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business” is one of the most influential reads in my career. CEO of one of the country’s most

dynamic restaurant organizations, Danny Meyer writes about how hospitality can transform guest experiences.

One of his most significant ideas is “The Last Chapter Council.” Meyers suggests that in our business, we always have a chance to write the ‘last chapter’ of any guest or service experience - no matter how a situation starts, we can always write the ‘last chapter’ to how a situation ends.

Mr. Meyer suggests creating a “Last Chapter Council” of co-workers on your team who are either in leadership positions or have creative personalities. When a challenging service experience takes place, gather your “Last Chapter Council”

At a prior Club where I worked, we created a Last Chapter Council and were able to turn members in a challenging service situation into loyal supporters. Two stories share the effectiveness of this strategy.

The first experience involves a member who was served a cold dinner. Upon receiving this feedback, we gathered the Last Chapter Council. We discussed how we could turn this situation around and leave the guest feeling satisfied and decided on a remedy. I asked him to let me know the next time he would be dining at the Club – the following Friday we served him an ice cream dessert with a note saying “we are sorry you received a cold meal last week – this is the last item you will ever get cold from us.”

The second experience involved a

member who would swim in our pool every morning. Unfortunately, our pool heater went out in the middle of the night and no one knew until this member dove into the pool. Rather than the expected 82 degree water, he jumped into a 46 degree pool. We gathered the Last Chapter Council and decided to make a donation to the benefitting charity of the Polar Bear Club - and wrote him a note of the donation for becoming an unintentional

Last Chapter Council... we’re

able to turn members in

a challenging service situation

into loyal supporters.

““

member of the Polar Bear Club. Service experiences like these

completely change the guest/member reaction. They no longer say bad things, complain about staff, or badmouth you – they now talk about the positive manner in which the experience ended and the way the staff responded because we wrote the last chapter…

As word spreads about the Last Chapter Council among guests and members - they get excited to see how the last chapter is written from each service experience.

Joe Grohman on the importance of having a professional salesman teach your staff:

My idea was to have professional salesmen come into our golf shop and train the staff on the

art of selling. Even with the latest and greatest products in the shop, and with the accompanying product information at their disposal, the staff still needs to know how to sell. I discovered this when one of my PGA assistant professionals accounted for almost 50 percent of my merchandise sales. Drilling a little deeper, I discovered that my other assistants, although very nice to the customers, were not well versed on sales tactics or how to go about making a sale and were seemingly afraid to try. One of my regular customers is a very successful salesman, and he quickly agreed to come in and hold regular training sessions on sales tactics. After the first meeting in September of 2013, the staff was demonstrably fired up, so much so that I knew I was on to something good.

Joe Grohman on the business impact of having a professional salesman teach your staff:

Bringing in the professional salesmen to train the staff was one of the best business moves we have ever made. The overall business impact has increased almost 25 percent to the bottom line over the last year. Resale has increased almost 50 percent. And recently, we were awarded the 2014 Southern California PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public Facilities. Additional benefits have been a big rise in the staff understanding the customer's needs, which has led to a better experience. We believe this factor has led to a nine percent increase in rounds played over that same period. Lessons and equipment sales have increased, camaraderie and morale at the course has improved exponentially because the staff is no longer intimidated by the customers and know how to show genuine care and concern without appearing presumptuous. Now, we are known locally as the place to be because we are so friendly and caring. So I highly recommend bringing in sales professionals to train your staff. The hidden benefits are just as great as the obvious ones.

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“The Southern California PGA thanks our PGA

professionals and their many members and golfers who

supported our TICKETS Fore CHARITY efforts to provide

golf for everyone.”- TomAddis III

CEO/Executive Director

FOUNDATION SHOOTOUTHosted at The Riviera Country Club

By SCPGA Foundation Marketing & Communications Administrator, Ariana Gomez

2015 3rd Annual SCPGA

The Riviera Country Club hosted the 3rd Annual Southern California PGA Foundation Shootout Monday, March 2, 2015. 82 PGA Professionals and amateurs battled for $18,000 in skins – $1,000 in cash and/or merchandise per hole. PGA Professionals and amateurs gained entry into the event by selling tickets to the 2015 PGA TOUR Northern Trust Open at The Riviera Country Club. Individuals who sold $600 or more worth of tickets to the Northern Trust Open through the innovative TICKETS Fore CHARITY program automatically earned entry into the Foundation Shootout. Out of more than 30 local non-profit organizations participating in the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program, the Southern California PGA Foundation was the top fundraiser, with a fundraising total of just over $87,000, which did not include a $25,000 bonus for being the top fundraiser during the second, third and final selling period. TICKETS Fore CHARITY is a unique fundraising program designed by the PGA Tour to help local nonprofit organizations raise money by promoting ticket sales to the Northern Trust Open.

The SCPGA created the Southern California PGA Foundation to develop and administer junior golf programs, as well as a wide array of grassroots golf initiatives in communities throughout the Section. Money raised through the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program will be used to fund grants and scholarships for junior golfers in Southern California. With over 2,200 members in the SCPGA Junior Tour, and a nearly year-round schedule, we offer the most complete and affordable place to play for juniors in Southern California. During the 2014 season we were able to assist 69 juniors with over $46,000 in grants, which help to cover membership and tournament fees. Additionally, we provided more than $13,000 in college scholarships to deserving Junior Tour members.

Our sincere thanks to The Riviera Country Club – and particularly to Todd Yoshitake, PGA Director of Golf, and his Staff – for hosting and generously supporting the 2015 Southern California PGA Foundation Shootout. Special thanks also to Srixon / Cleveland Golf / XXIO, which provided a dozen Srixon golf balls to each of our amateur participants.

In 2016, we look forward to expanding the reach of the TICKETS Fore CHARITY program to more Section Professionals and facilities – and providing more resources to the SCPGA Foundation’s premier Junior Golf programs.Julie Wells, PGA

Riviera Country Club - Play Golf LA top contributor


The SCPGA recently conducted the popular Four-Ball Championship at Palos Verdes Golf Club where a field of 54 teams comprised of PGA Members and Apprentices took spotlight.

Ted Parker, PGA of California Country Club and Ron Skayhan, PGA of Hillcrest Country Club were crowned Champions posting a 8-under par 63. Their strong front nine, featuring a string of four straight birdies, and carding a 29 separated the team from the field.

The bunched up leaderboard had four teams tied for second just a stroke shy of the victorious Parker/Skayhan duo. All posting a 64 (-7) and coming in second place were the following: Michael Block/Kenny Pigman, Scott Heyn/Ryan Kennedy, Gary Sowinski/Mark Fernando, Barry Mahlberg/Scott Mahlberg.

Congratulations to Chi Choi of Monterey Park Golf Club who aced the second hole, par 3 set at 200 yards!

The Southern California

Parker and Skayhan capture 2015

FOUR-BALL CHAMPIONSHIP

PGA would like to thank all of those that made the event possible. Thank you to Host Professional Jim Gormley, PGA and staff at PVGC for the hospitality. We would also like to thank the SCPGA Four-Ball Sponsor for their support; Pepsi for all of the product donated to the event! All of your support to the SCPGA is greatly appreciated.

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Ted Parker, PGA & Ron Skayhan - 2015 SCPGA Four-Ball Champions

Chi Choi, PGA - Hole-in-one #2 at Palos Verdes Golf Club


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Coming into the 2014 SCPGA season, there was one title that had eluded all the members of the SCPGA section. In 2007, the SCPGA and SCGA came together to create the first ever Honors Match which pitted the top 10 players from each association against each other in a Ryder Cup style event. This year was the fifth installment of this unique event that is contested every other year. Leading into the matches this year, the SCPGA was determined to put their name on the trophy for the first time. Indian Wells Country Club hosted this year’s Honors Match, and perfect course conditions along with perfect Palm Springs weather, made for a wonderful two days of golf and comradery.

The first day of action saw the teams battle it out in four ball, with the SCPGA team clinging to a tight 8-7 lead at the end of the day. Each team saw some outstanding performances that propelled their respective sides throughout the day. The SCGA team was led by their reigning player of the year, Dan Sullivan. Sullivan made easy work of the golf course by firing a 63, which included eight birdies. The SCPGA team was led by Mike Miles of Old Ranch Country Club and his blazing start. Miles birdied his first seven holes on Sunday to set the tone for his

team.In years past, the SCPGA would see

themselves in a hole they couldn’t get out of following the first day of competition. This year, with the likes of Michael Block, Chris Starkjohann and the fore mentioned Mike Miles, the SCPGA team went into the singles matches more confident than ever. The singles matches saw the closely contested play continue, as each team earned five points after the front nine. The incoming nine saw the SCPGA widen their lead, as putts started to fall and crucial points were earned in each match. With the SCPGA needing 23 points to win the cup, Tim Parun teed off on the 18th hole needing a half a point to secure the title. Parun’s playing

SCPGA rides the birdie bus to the first ever

HONORS MATCH VICTORY

competitor hit an impressive approach shot within 10 inches for a guaranteed birdie. Parun was lying in the greenside bunker in two at the par 5 18th, and hit one of the best shots of the entire event. His bunker shot somehow did not fall after hitting the center of the flagstick, but it stopped inches away from the hole and was a tap in birdie to seal the first ever victory for the SCPGA team.

A special thanks is in order for Indian Wells Country Club and their Director of Golf Dale Butler, PGA and Superintendent David Hay. An event like this is only possible with the hard work of the host facility staff. The teams looked great for the two days of golf thanks to the generosity and support of Antigua, the official uniform provider for both teams. Sun Mountain Sports also provided the winning SCPGA team with awesome golf bags for the entire team. On behalf of the SCPGA, we would like to wish everyone a happy holiday, and are looking forward to having the Honors Match trophy on display in the SCPGA offices for the next year until we are set to defend the Honors Match in 2016.

Honors Matches December 14-15 | Indian Wells C.C.SCGA - 18 | SCPGA - 27

2015 SCPGA & SCGA Honors Match Teams at Indian Wells Country Club

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JOIN TODAYConnect with past & current members. Participate in fundraising events. Cultivate alumni support of our current SCPGA Junior Tour Program. Stay involved & informed. Enjoy alumni benefits, networking & social events.

FOR DONATION & MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION VISIT SCPGA.COM

SCPGA JUNIOR TOURALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Support our Grant & Scholarship

Program

Adopt a Junior Program

Connect with Friends

Range of Donation &

Benefit Levels

Alumni Events

Support juniors all across Southern

California


The SCPGA

WOMEN PROFESSIONALS DOMINATE

The SCPGA Women Professionals left victorious in the 4th Annual Southern California Women’s Cup Matches held at Mission Hills Country Club on the Dinah Shore Course. This is the fourth year in a row that women of the SCPGA won in dominating fashion. Each year, the matches are contested between the professionals of the SCPGA and the amateurs from the Women’s Southern California Golf Council.

The SCPGA team came out ready to show the women amateurs that not even the cold and rain could slow them down in their quest to retain the cup. After the morning four ball matches, the women of the SCPGA led 4 to 0. The SCPGA teams of Wells/Ilagan, Falcone/Curdt, Bunker/Brandwynne, and Cole/Spalding all captured a point in their matches, and put the pressure on the WSCGC team for the afternoon singles matches. The SCPGA kept the momentum going in the

afternoon, and only yielded a point and a half to the WSCGC team to close out the year end event in style winning 10.5 to 1.5.

The SCPGA sends a special thanks to Mission Hills Country Club and Head Professional, Jim Robinson, PGA for hosting the matches. Events like this are possible in large part to our wonderful sponsors. Thank you to Michael Bustamante of Antigua for supplying team uniforms. Thanks also to all the women professionals for their support of the constantly growing women’s division, and everyone is looking forward to an even better 2015 season, defending the cup again next December.

The SCPGA team: Petra Cole, Julie Wells, PGA, Erika Ilagan, Meggan Bunker, Kim Falcone, PGA, Leslie Spalding, PGA, Alison Curdt, PGA, Bari Brandwynne, PGA and Captains Nikki Gatch, PGA, Melissa Meka, PGA and Junko Suzuki, PGA.

EARN MSR CREDIT

THROUGH KBS

PGA professionals who complete the updated KBS

educational seminar will earn 1 MSR credit. This condensed, online tutorial is designed to

educate industry professionals on the KBS product line.

Begin the course here:kbsgolfshafts.com/education-center

WWW.KBSGOLFSHAFTS.COM

Ray Cutright, PGAKBS Advisory Board Member2014 PGA Golf Professional

of the Year

Susan Roll, PGAKBS Advisory Board Member

2014 Bill StrausbaughAward Recipient

KBS EDUCATION CENTER

EARN MSR CREDIT

THROUGH KBS







of the Year




EARN MSR CREDIT

THROUGH KBS







of the Year




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REAL STORIES. REAL RESULTS.™

©2014 E-Z-GO Division of Textron Inc. All rights reserved.

JACK NICKLAUSFounder, Nicklaus Design

For more information contact:

See Mr. Nicklaus’ story at EZGO.com/RealResults.

“ IT’S SIMPLE — IF YOU WANT THE BEST, YOU WANT E-Z-GO.”

Spencer [email protected]

Adrian [email protected]

Joe [email protected]

Scott [email protected]


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Kay Hoey defends title at 2014

WOMEN’S SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP

Women’s Southern California PGA Professional ChampionshipNovember 12-13Rancho La Quinta C.C.1 Kay Hoey of Mesa Verde Country Club, -7, 137, $1,0002 Lehua Wise of The Hideaway Golf Club, -1, 143, $6753 Reina Rogers of River Ridge Golf Club, E, 144, $525

Congratulations to Kay Hoey, PGA Apprentice at Mesa Verde Country Club on defending her title in the 2014 Women’s Professional Championship at Rancho La Quinta Country Club. Kay Hoey, Lehua Wise PGA, and PGA Apprentice Reina Rogers were tied for the lead going into the second round at 2 under par. Hoey shot 67 in the final round to win by six strokes over Lehua Wise, PGA of The Hideaway. Reina Rogers, PGA Apprentice at River Ridge Golf Club placed third.

A special thanks to Rancho La Quinta Country Club for hosting the women. Additionally, a special thanks to Callaway Golf and the PGA Tour for supporting this year’s Championship and for making it such a special event.

Kay Hoey - 2014 Women’s Southern California PGA Professional Champion

Kay HoeyAllison Curdt, PGA

The Southern California PGA foundation Presents. . .

- A c r a f t b e e r t a s t i n g -

CRAFTS

All Proceeds will benefit the SCPGA Foundation

and will be used to fund grants and scholarships

for junior golfers in Southern California .

Coming this Spring

please contact Ariana Gomez for more information

at [email protected] or 951-845-4653

for a CAUSE


Mallinger

DOMINANT IN VICTORYS

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John Mallinger of Long Beach continued his stellar play with another 66 in round three to cap off a dominant victory. Six birdies and his second bogey-free round of the three gave Mallinger a four shot margin over his nearest competitor as he finished at 18-under par. Matt Picanso played solid, but wasn’t able to close the gap as Mallinger never left an opening. However, with his final round 67 (-5), Picanso would secure a runner-up finish at 14-under par. Eli Cole, an amateur from Beverly Hills rocketed up the leaderboard in the final round thanks to a 64 to claim third place and low amateur honors.

Mallinger follows Jason Gore as Champion of the Oakley Southern California Open. Gore did not compete this year as he is in the field at the PGA TOUR Sanderson Farms Championship this week. Mallinger, a PGA TOUR regular the past few years will, much like Gore, look to turn this momentum into a successful campaign on the Web.com Tour in 2015. Congratulations to Oakley Southern California Champion John Mallinger!

Notables: Low PGA Professionasl: Ryan Kennedy (Oakmont C.C.) & Chris Gilley (Seacliff C.C.) (T-41 | +3); Low PGA Apprentice: Kenny Pigman (T-12 | -7); Low Amateur: Eli Cole (3rd | -13)

Special thanks to our Oakley Southern California Open sponsors: Oakley, Golf

Genius, TaylorMade, Pabst Blue Ribbon, Pepsi, Wahoo's and SCNS Sports Foods. Special thanks as well to Monarch Beach Golf Links and PGA General Manager Eric Lohman and his team, as well as Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club and PGA Head Professional Michael Block and his team for hosting a wonderful championship!

Oakley Southern California OpenNovember 3–5 | Arroyo Trabuco G.C. & Monarch Beach Golf Links1 John Mallinger, -18, 196, $11,0002 Matt Picanso, -14, 200, $7,5003 Eli Cole, -13, 201, $750

John Mallinger - Southern California Open Champion

John Mallinger & Eli Cole (Low Amateur)John Mallinger


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SCPGA Neighborhood Golf completes

PGA TOURWEST COAST SWING

JUNIOR GOLF IS IN FULL STRIDE FOR THE 2015 SEASON WITH RECORD BREAKING NUMBERS

OF PARTICIPANTSOn January 24, 2015 we held our annual

Banquet of Champions at Mesa Verde Country Club. First, we would like to thank all the staff at Mesa Verde and host PGA professional, Tom Sargent for 1st class service. The juniors had a wonderful time and we had some wonderful memories that night.

The highlight of the night was giving 3 of our major awards to local PGA professionals who support Junior Golf.

The first award announced was the recipient for our Bill Bryant Award and this year, we had the privilege to give this award to two well deserving individuals. Bill Bryant founded the Junior Golf Association of Southern California, along with Ralph W. Miller, in 1948 and served as the association president until his death in 1983. Along with providing leadership and financial assistance, Bill arranged for the use of numerous golf courses and was a member of the USGA Junior Golf Championship Committee. The Bill Bryant Award was created after his death to recognize individuals who have shown distinguished service and support to the SCPGA Junior Golf Program. The recipients for the 2015 Bill Bryant award were Jerry Herrera, PGA and Lou Skovron, PGA. Both gentlemen have made a large impact on Junior Golf in Southern California and we would like to thank them for everything they have and continue to do.

The next award that we had the privilege to give out was our Club Award. The SCPGA Junior Tour is extremely fortunate to be the guest of many public and private courses throughout Southern California. In 1984, the Club Award was created to acknowledge and thank these clubs and organizations for their continued support. This year the recipient of the Club Award was Dad Miller Golf Course. Dad Miller has been so supportive with our Junior Tour and in 2014 hosted 5 events. Their golf course has always been very popular with our juniors and they always do a 1st class job. We would like to personally thank Steve Plummer, PGA, Cameron Carr, PGA and Toby Todd, PGA for their continued support.

If your facility is not hosting a 2015 Southern California PGA Junior Tour, we highly recommend you consider hosting one. For more information on hosting a Southern California PGA Junior Tour event, please contact Junior Golf Director, Melissa Meka, PGA at [email protected] or 951-845-4653.

The Southern California PGA Neighborhood Golf program spent the first two and half months on the road visiting each of the PGA TOUR events located within the Southern California PGA Section. It was a tremendous experience and honor to be a part of these storied events that kick-start the beginning of the PGA TOUR’s calendar year.

The 2015 Humana Challenge at PGA WEST and La Quinta Country Club served as the highly successful opening event for Neighborhood Golf. The five-day event featured participation from eight (8) PGA Professionals from all over Southern California, who conducted short, five-minute golf lessons to over 200 customers. In addition to Neighborhood Golf providing countless hours of instruction and promotional material, we also ran three (3) highly attended clinics for Women, Seniors, and Veterans on the state-of-the-art driving range of PGA WEST Private.

Neighborhood Golf ’s second stop on the West Coast Swing came two weeks later at the 2015 Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. Neighborhood Golf was fortunate enough to be tasked with providing Ambassadors for the 2015 Zurich Pro-Am. 27 of our Southern

California PGA Professionals, more than double from 2014, volunteered their time to assist with the Wednesday Pro-Am. Thursday through Sunday at the Farmers Insurance Open was spent at the SERVPRO Fan Village, located adjacent to the 17th fairway of the South Course. Our Neighborhood Golf FREE Lesson Zone turned out to be a hit yet again, as our nine (9) PGA Professionals taught over 200 short golf lessons to the droves of fans that visited this popular destination.

Our final stop on the West Coast Swing took us to the legendary Riviera Country Club for the 2015 Northern Trust Open in Pacific Palisades, California. Neighborhood Golf and the SCPGA Foundation had the pleasure of setting up shop between the first and second fairway of The Riviera Country Club. Golf fanatics of all ages had a blast honing their skills on the practice green’s slick, tournament conditioned turf.

A special thanks to Pete LaCoursiere, Trevor Baker, Jeong Park, Jim Slominski, Chris Caballero, C.A. Hatfield, Davey Evans, Joe Simonds, Jon Strecher, Mike Szoka, Lee Huntley, Dave Patchin, Lance Strickland, Chris Lempa, Trevor Baker, Heidi Richardson, Holly Kennedy, and Rick Peters for helping us grow the game to hundreds of golf fanatics.

2015 Humana Challenge

SCPGA Neighborhood Golf


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Southern California PGA captures

AAA NORTH/SOUTH CUP

2014 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMKenny Pigman (Goose Creek Golf Club)Bobby Nickell (Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club)Dean Tonneslan, PGA (La Jolla Country Club)Josh Kelley (Twin Lakes Golf Course)Larry Correa (La Purisima Golf Course)Blair Harkins, PGA (Rolling Hills Country Club)Trevor Young (The Grand Golf Club)Thomas Chu (Stadium Golf Center)Andrew Alderdice (Newport Beach Country Club)Andrew Larkin (Occidental College Mens/Womens Head Coach)Kyle Mendoza (South Hills Country Club)Brian Smock (Coronado Golf Course)

The 2014 AAA season was the most successful in recent memory in the Southern California Section, and the outstanding year was capped off by the annual AAA North/South Cup matches against the Northern California PGA Section. The team from Southern California was returning with seven players from 2013, along with Captain and Apprentice Chairman Tony Letendre, PGA of Newport Beach Country Club. The captain and team had one goal in mind, and that was to retain the cup on home soil, as The Country Club at Soboba Springs played host to this unique event on December 2-3, 2014. The Northern California team was looking to steal the cup back after three straight losses, but the team from Southern California proved to be too strong from top to bottom as they earned their fourth straight win in the event with a 16-8 victory.

The forecast for the event called for some outstanding golf and rain as the two teams began the event on the first day with the four ball matches. The Northern California team won the first two matches to take the early lead, but Southern California battled back to win the final four matches to take a 4-2 lead heading into the foursome matches that afternoon. The rain began to fall as the foursome matches began that afternoon, but nothing was getting in the way of the Southern California team this year. The afternoon provided the same results, as the NCPGA team again won the first two matches before losing four straight to the SCPGA team. The team of Andrew Larkin (Occidental College Golf Head Coach) and Dean Tonneslan, PGA (La

Jolla CC) played some of the best golf of the day, winning both of their matches in convincing fashion. The San Diego duo of Thomas Chu (Stadium Golf Center) and Brian Smock (Coronado Golf Course) also dominated the team matches by winning both the morning and afternoon matches. Unlike 2013, where the teams were all square at six points apiece following day one, 2014 saw the SCPGA team take a commanding 8-4 lead and only four points shy of retaining the cup.

The singles matches on day two began with the two time defending SCPGA AAA Player of the Year, Kenny Pigman (Goose Creek GC), leading the team with an impressive 2up victory that saw him earn a crucial point after going winless the previous day. Needing only three points after Pigman’s victory, some back and forth action in the rest of the singles matches made for exciting golf all day. On the heels of their stellar play the first day, Thomas Chu, Blair Harkins, PGA,

Andrew Larkin and Dean Tonneslan, PGA all stayed hot and won their singles matches in convincing fashion to secure the cup and each go 3-0-0 for the entire tournament. Joshua Kelley (Twin Lakes Golf Course) along with Brian Smock each earned a half point in their singles matches

to go 2-0-1 and cap off an outstanding week for the victorious SCPGA team. The rest of the team, including veteran Bobby Nickell (Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club) played in major role in making sure the cup stayed in Southern California for at least one more year. The SCPGA would like to thank The Country Club at Soboba Springs Head Golf Professional Mike Meka, PGA and his entire staff for being such gracious hosts, along with The Greg Norman Collection and 2UNDR for providing the winning team with uniforms for the week.

The 2015 AAA schedule will be released in the coming months. Make sure to sign up early for all your AAA events, as we expect great turnouts this year as everyone will be battling for great purses at each event, and one of the coveted 12 spots on the AAA North/South Cup team. The 2015 AAA season will offer some of the same great events as 2014, as well as some new events for the calendar year. We are excited to make 2015 even better than 2014, and look forward to sending another great team to Northern California to defend our title in the AAA North/South Cup. Please visit scpga.com for 2015 AAA news and information, and contact Max DeSpain at [email protected] with any questions about AAA and section events.

AAA North South Cup MatchesDecember 2-3 | The Country Club at Soboba Springs2014 AAA North Team - 8 | 2014 AAA South Team - 16

AAA North/South Cup Champions - Southern California PGA


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SOCALJRGOLF.COM LAUNCHESThe SCGA is excited to launch

socaljrgolf.com, a website created to help junior golfers and their parents find golf programs throughout Southern California. The website is an aggregate of junior golf programs in the Southland, giving parents of junior golfers a one-stop-shop to find clinics, discounts, lessons, tournaments and playing opportunities specifically for youth golfers.

All junior golf programs and instructors are welcome to participate in socaljrgolf.com, which will only monitor content for accuracy and appropriateness. Organizations that post information to the site will be required to update their content at least once per year. The site is free for all users. Junior golf programs not already involved in socaljrgolf.com can visit the website to register their organization today.

The website is funded by the SCGA and managed on a daily basis by SCGA Youth on Course. The SCGA and SCGA Youth on Course are dedicated to creating resources and working with partners to improve the landscape of golf and help grow the game. The development and neutral branding of this website is intended to further those goals.

COACHELLA VALLEY GOLF INDUSTRY CONDUCTS

ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDYThe Hi-Lo Desert Golf Course

Superintendents Association, along with significant financial support from the California Alliance for Golf, California Golf Course Owners Association, Golden State Chapter of CMAA, Greater Palm Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau, Southern California Golf Association and the Southern California PGA, has contracted Oxford Economics to conduct an economic impact study for the Coachella Valley golf industry.

The valley is home to 123 golf courses and these facilities are an integral part of the local economy, as well as a year-round activity for both residents and visitors. The study will calculate direct, indirect and induced economic impacts for the golf industry in the region.

Revenue by type (rounds, merchandise, memberships, food and beverage, lodging, meeting space rental, equipment rentals, etc.), taxes paid employment numbers and associated income, customer residence (local/visitor), investments (equipment, renovation and construction) and Major events (fan attendance, sponsorships and media)will highlight the study.

In addition, average visitor spending data will be compiled from Tourism Economics’ work with Palm Springs to calculate the spending of golf visitors outside of the resort/golf course.

By monitoring the full economic impact of the Coachella Valley golf industry, our allied golf organizations can inform the media, public, and most importantly, policy makers about the relevance and importance of the golf industry to the region.

The survey can be accessed at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CoachellaValleyGolfSurvey and all the information gathered is confidential.

If you have any questions concerning the study, please contact Hi-Lo Desert GCSA president Dean Miller at [email protected] or GCSAA Southwest field representative Jeff Jensen at [email protected].

®

REMIND YOUR MEMBERS TO RENEW THEIR SCGA

MEMBERSHIP TODAYIt’s time to renew your SCGA

membership for 2015! Contact your Handicap Chair or email [email protected] if you haven’t yet renewed your membership. Act now to eliminate any lapse in services!

4TH ANNUAL SCPGAPATRIOT PRO-AM

Toscana Country ClubMonday, May 4th, 2015

HOST PROFESSIONALSPGA General Manager/CEO - Paul

LevyPGA Director of Golf - David CraigPGA Head Golf Professional - Brad

Graff

COMMITTEE CHAIRBill Hulbert, PGA

FORMATScramble - Three Amateurs, one

PGA Professional & one member of the Military

EVENT SCHEDULE 10:30 - 11:45AM Registration

12:00PM Shotgun Start, Lunch Provided

5:00PM Cocktail Reception/ Awards, Auctions, Dinner

GUEST SPEAKERSMajor Ed Pulido & Tony Biata, PGA

EVENT FEE$300 per amateur (professionals

n/c)Boxed lunch, dinner and tee prizes

Included

AUCTIONSilent And Live Auctions

SIGN UP TODAY ON SCPGA.COM


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Senior Division Players Championship November 19-20 | Sycuan ResortOverall1 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings 140, $1,000T2 Tim Parun, Lomas Club, 142, $625 | Mark Fernando, Coronado G.C., 142, $635 | Gary Sowinski, The Hodges Golf Learning, 142, $635 | Jerry Wisz, Alhambra G.C., 142, $635

First Place Age DivisionsAge 50-58 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, 140, $700Age 58-63 Mark Fernando, Coronado G.C., 142, $560Age 63 & Up Bob E. Smith, Life Member, 149, $700

Senior Division – Joe Robinson Memorial November 24 | Jurupa Hills Country ClubFirst Place TeamAl Valentine, Travel Leaders, David Foster, Life Member & Robb Nunn, Lake Forest Golf & Practice Center, 127, $675

First Place Age DivisionsAge 50-58 T1 John Shelden, SilverRock Resort, 70, $275T1 Al Valentine, Travel Leaders, 70, $275Age 58-64 Chris Starkjohann, Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, 67, $300Age 65 & Up T1 John Powell, Life Member, 74, $275T1 John McFarland, Bridgestone Golf, 74, $275

Southern California Women’s Cup MatchesDecember 11th-12th | Mission Hills Country ClubSCPGA - 10.5 | WSCGC - 1.5

Senior Division Kick-Off Classic January 12 | Mission Lakes Country ClubTeamsT1 Tim Parun, Lomas Club, David Sanges, Tijeras Creek G.C., Daniel Yenny, Meadowlark G.C. & Ronald Riess, Stadium Learning Golf Center, 124, $1,100T1 Chuck Minertd, Golf Made Easy, Kenneth Crow, Santa Roasa C.C., Rod Linville, & Dale Shaw, 124, $1,1003 Eric Evans, Royal Vista Golf Club, Fred Wood, Oceanside G.C., Tom Wilson, Life Member, and Art Law, Amateurgolf.com, 125, $900

Club Car Aggregate Series – Farmers Insurance OpenJanuary 19 | Bear Creek Golf Club1 Chris Gilley, Seacliff Country Club, E, 72, $1,1002 Thomas Gardner, Bel-Air Country Club, +1, 73, $8503 Grant Strobel, Woods Valley Golf Club, +2, 74, $675

SCPGA Chapter Challenge January 26 | Pelican Hill Golf Resort1. Metropolitan Chapter, 337 *Playoff2. San Diego Chapter, 3373. Northern Chapter, 3384. Desert Chapter, 3445. Inland Empire Chapter, 353

Senior Division – San Diego 2-DayFebruary 2-3 | Vista Valley C.C. & Pala Mesa ResortFirst Place TeamJon Fiedler, Las Posas C.C., Fred Wood, Oceanside G.C., Duke Mowry, Life Member, 260, $600

First Place Age DivisionsAge 50-57 Robert DeRuntz, RMD GIR Golf Academy, 144, $450Age 58-64 Jerry Wisz, Alhambra G.C., 143, $450Age 65 & Up Fred Wood, Oceanside G.C., 148, $450

Club Car Aggregate Series – Northern Trust Open February 9 | Hacienda Golf Club1 Chad Sorenson, Buena Vista Golf Course, -4, 67, $1,1502 Alan Sorenson, Buena Vista Golf Course, -3, 68, $9503 Bob Knee, Aviara Golf Club, -2, 69, $740

SCPGA Four-Ball ChampionshipFebruary 23 | Palos Verdes Golf Club1 Ted Parker, California C.C. and Ron Skayhan, Hillcrest C.C., -8, 63, $1,500 T2 Kenny Pigman, Goose Creek G.C. and Michael Block, Arroyo Trabuco G.C., -7, 64, $925T2 Scott Heyn, Oakmont C.C. and Ryan Kennedy, Oakmont C.C., -7, 64, $925T2 Gary Sowinski, The Hodges Golf Learning and Mark Fernando, Coronado G.C., -7, 64, $925T2 Barry Mahlberg, Stadium Golf Center and Scott Mahlberg, Stadium Golf Center, -7, 64, $925

Women’s Division – Canyon Crest Play DayFebruary 26 | Canyon Crest Country Club1 Jacqueline Kazarian, Monarch Beach Golf Links, -3, 692 Petra Cole, Torrey Pines G.C.,+4, 763 Julie Wells, Mission Hills C.C., +8, 80

SIGN UP FOR 2015 TOURNAMENTS!TO VIEW TOURNAMENTS FOR THE 2015 YEARVISIT SCPGA.COM -> TOURNAMENTS -> 2015 SCHEDULE

GOOD LUCK TO ALL PARTICIPANTS

An essential part in the success of SCPGA / TGA Golf in Schools programs are golf facility partnerships. While Golf in School's enrichment programs take place at schools and community centers everywhere from a classroom to a grass field, transitioning the new players to golf courses is key to player development. The next steps for these students are camps, play days, leagues, and lessons from PGA Professionals.

Through Golf in Schools programs, thousands of youth and their parents transition to golf courses and have their first on course experience creating loyalty to that facility. Facilities directly benefit from increased range fees, course fees, and food and beverage, but also indirectly through community exposure.

In addition to the two Section owned TGA Chapters in Southern California, a number of individually owned TGA Chapters have partnered with facilities creating a win-win through driving revenue to the facility and the facility providing a home for new payers coming from school programs. Kat and Brandon Schwendeman have owned TGA of Central San Diego since 2013, and when looking for a facility partnership they found The Loma Club which they now use as their home base for transition programs.

The team at The Loma Club is equally excited to partner with TGA of Central San Diego and have them use the course as their home club. Mark Stevens, PGA and co-owner of GTD Golf, that owns multiple courses, says the partnership was appealing for a number of reasons including the ability to co-brand everything from TGA’s Chapter website, signage, and other promotional materials designed to bring more junior golfers and families to the golf facility. TGA of Central San Diego is helping fill a void the club saw and it’s been a team effort for the entire staff which includes, in addition to Stevens, Brent Noll - General Manager, Ty Hayter - co-owner GTD Golf, and Tim Parun, PGA - Event Coordinator.

If you or your golf facility are interested in growing golf, generating revenue, and activating the general public who are new to golf, the contact information for TGA Chapters in Southern California is to the left. We look forward to hosting camps, play days, and leagues with you!

North County San Diego: Junko Suzuki, PGA [email protected] San Diego: Brandon and Kat Schwendeman [email protected] Valley: Jeff Sampson [email protected] Orange County: Anthony Leone [email protected] Valley: Ross Kvinge [email protected] Angeles and West Valley: Nate Wright [email protected] Cities: Michelle Rockholt [email protected]

“Partnering with The Loma Club, their Professionals and marketing team has been great for TGA of Central San Diego. The partnership allows us to bring students and families to the golf course and implement what we have been teaching in our school based enrichment programs through camps, clinics and play days. In turn, it benefits the Loma Club by sharing a percentage of the program revenue and bringing juniors and their families to the golf course for the first time and many times in return. We can’t think of a better situation than our partnership with The Loma Club."

Franklin PoloStrong impressions.

Cool comfort.

Ed Budz(951)595-0268

[email protected]

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Golf Facility partnerships with

TGA PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF

Golf inSchools2531PROGRAM MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015www.scpga.com

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Rick Sigel - [email protected]

Gary Sigel - Vice [email protected]

Greg Twiggs - Vice [email protected]

We have specialized in insuring golf courses and country clubs since 1985. Our products are available to qualifying courses in several states. In 2013, we joined forces with one of the largest independent insurance brokerages in the nation; Leavitt Group. This partnership means better

service, greater flexibility, and broader coverages at very competitive rates. Golf Insurance Services, the largest independent broker of Golf & CC in the West.

OUR SERVICES OUR PRODUCTS OUR SUPPORT

Golf Insurance Services offers a wide range of services to help you minimize potential claims at your golf course or country club. Proactive risk management services help provide a safe and secure environment, while stabilizing insurance premiums.

>> Loss Control - on-site Loss Control assessment >> Proactive Safety support - Safety review, Safety Resources, Risk Management Website>> Claims - Golf Industry Claims expertise, Claim consultation, Toll Free reporting >> Industry resources - Golf Course Law, Elite Safety Companies, HR Consultation

Our exclusive products and services are available to golf country clubs, semi-private golf courses, public golf courses, and golf management companies. The PAR GolfInsurance Program offers many advantages to qualifying courses. Contact us today for a coverage review and find out if your existing coverages are up to PAR?

>> Property & Casualty - Exclusive Golf Specific Coverage to protect your assets >> Business Auto - Any Auto Liability, Non-Owned Hired Auto Liability, andmore >> Umbrella Liability - Limits to $10 Million Dollars, additional Excessliability limits available >> Workers Compensation - Exclusive carriers, competitive rates, Medcor Nurse Hotline support >> Directors & Officers/Employment Practices Liability - Non-Profit & For-Profitoptions >> Health and Personal Lines - Group & Individual Plans available

Golf Insurance Services and the Leavitt Group are proud supporters of the Golf Industry. Giving back to help support the game and provide education to help keep our clubs and courses safe.

>> Golden State Chapter of CMAA Diamond Partner >> Evergreen Chapter of the CMAA Platinum Partner >> California Golf Course Owners Association-Gold Sponsor >> Additional support includes: Southern California PGA, First Tee of Greater Sacramento, Northern California PGA, Northern California PGA Senior Division, Southwest PGA, Southwest Chapter of CMAA, Cactus & Pine Supt. Assoc.

SPONSOR HIGHLIGHT

FIRST TEE TRAVEL


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Hello friends! We hope that 2014 was a good year for all of you because it certainly was for us! Some of our favorite moments include starting the New Year in Thailand, a large destination wedding in Nuevo Vallarta, a 12 day tour of Northern California,

visits to both St Lucia & Jamaica, and our multiple SC PGA events that we continued to support.

What makes these events so special are the amazing people who support our business. During our travels we find new opportunities and destinations to add to our portfolio. So, with the year behind us, let’s share a little about the groups that we will have to offer in 2015.

March • 1st – 7th Amari Hua Hin, Thailand

Amateur Golf Week• 8th – 14th Pattaya , Thailand

Amateur Golf WeekJune

• 8th – 14th Phuket , Thailand Amateur Golf Week

August • 2nd – 10th Siem Reap, Cambodia

Amateur Golf Week• 10th – 16th Da Nang, Vietnam

Amateur Golf WeekOctober

• 25th to Nov 1 Chiang Mai, Thailand Amateur Golf Week

Amateur Golf Weeks in Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

Amateur golf tournament weeks are a fantastic way to bring a competitive element into your membership’s next golf holiday. With a host of different tournament weeks available at top golf resorts around Asia, there is something to suit every taste.

Tournament weeks offer great variety when it comes to the format being played over the course of the competition. From individual stable ford to better ball formats, there is sure to be a tournament break that appeals to your member’s competitive side!

July 26th to August 5th - A Tour of Ireland

In July we are sending a group of golfers to Ireland for 11 unforgettable days. Upon arrival in Shannon, our golfers will venture to Country Clare where they

will be delighted with accommodations built into historic houses dating as far back as the 18th century. The true golfers’ delight will be discovered in playing the Lahinch and Ballybunion Golf Courses. On the way from Lahinch to Ballybunion, the group will enjoy a guided tour of Adare Village, which is considered to be the prettiest village in Ireland.

July 11- 25th - A trip to the British Open

Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience in Scotland – 14 nights with tickets to Friday’s British Open played at St Andrews. A round of golf at Carnoustie, Gleneagles, Gullane and North Berwick. Just a few of the highlights from this trip.

September 5th – 12th - Idaho Golf Trail

Labor Day is dedicated in honor of the worker and is considered the unofficial end to summer. We are making sure that a group of golfers make this a fun-filled and memorable week! Our golfers will spend 7 days golfing and relaxing in scenic Coeur d’Alene and playing top rated courses such as: Circling Raven, The Links, Avondale, and the exquisite Coeur d’Alene.

We know that our golfers are going to have a wonderful time because there is something simply magical about Lake Coeur d'Alene. The area is surrounded by dozens of lakes left behind by the glaciers of the ice age.

First Tee Travel & Promotions is proud to be a long term sponsor of the SCPGA. Whether the travel be for you, your family, or your members, FTP has all the planning tools for all your vacation dreams.

From all of us at First Tee Travel & Promotions we wish you and yours a very happy new year.

An exciting preview of what First Tee Travel has in store for 2015:


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In this year’s Chapter Challenge, hosted by Pelican Hill G.C. for the seventh consecutive year, San Diego claimed the title for the second year in a row with a score of 337, after a card-off with Metropolitan. Northern Chapter came in third at 338, Desert Chapter in fourth at 344 and Inland Empire Chapter at 353.

Special thanks to Pelican Hill G.C., General Manager Steve Friedlander, PGA, PGA Professional staff, and Superintendent Chris Jennings. Thanks to Linksoul in their second year as uniform provider for the Chapter Challenge and we look forward to their continuous support!

Metropolitan Chapter: Ted Parker, PGA of California C.C., Robert Pang, PGA of Big Canyon C.C., Alison Curdt, PGA of Wood Ranch G.C., Andy Gaither, PGA of Black Gold G.C., The Los Angeles C.C.’s Thomas Garner, PGA and Brett Mormann, PGA, South Hills C.C.’s Kyle Mendoza and Michael Jack, PGA, Palos Verdes G.C.’s Michael Diette, PGA and Jim Gormley, PGA, and Hillcrest C.C.’s Paul Wise, PGA & Ron Skayhan, PGA.

San Diego Chapter claims another

CHAPTER CHALLENGE

San Diego Chapter: Chris Lempa, PGA of Torrey Pines G.C., Chris Starkjohann, PGA of Torrey Pines Gold Club & Outings, Gary Sowinski, PGA of The Hodges Golf Learning, Dean Tonneslan, PGA of La Jolla C.C., Matt Gibbens, PGA of Rancho Santa Fe G.C., Michael Griffin, PGA of Fairbanks Ranch C.C., Mike Nokes, PGA of Stadium Golf Center, Todd Smith, PGA of Pro Kids, Brian Smock of Coronado G.C., Leslie Spalding, PGA of SDSU, Alan Scheer, PGA of Steel Canyon G.C., & Grant Strobel, PGA of Woods Valley G.C.

Desert Chapter: Gordon Leith, PGA of Heritage Palms G.C., Barry Clayton, PGA of Westin Mission Hills, Chris Eikenberg, PGA of Desert Horizons C.C., Brian Hughes, PGA of PGA West, Julie Wells, PGA of Mission Hills C.C., Davey Snyder, PGA of Classic Club, Dave Magdziasz, PGA of La Quinta Resort, Palms G.C.’s Josh Garber, PGA & Jordan Knickerbocker, and Plantation G.C.’s Pete LaCoursiere, PGA and Dean Cameron, PGA.

Northern Chapter: Rick Garboski, PGA, Matthew Easterbrook, PGA of Santa Barbara G.C., Ryan Kennedy, PGA of Oakmont C.C., Joshua Kelley of La Cumbre C.C., Roger Gunn, PGA of Tierra Rejada G.C., Paul Holtby, PGA of Tom Barber G.C., Steve Holmes, PGA of Westlake Village G.C., Tracy Bowles, PGA of Santa Maria C.C., Bakersfield C.C.’s Meggan Bunker and Bruce Burroughs, PGA, and Buena Vista G.C.’s Alan Sorensen, PGA and Chad Sorensen, PGA.

I.E. Chapter: Goose Creek G.C.’s Kenny Pigman & Jerry Crowell, PGA, Jeff Cross, PGA of Victoria Club, Andrew Cortez, PGA of Bear Creek G.C., Steve Adamiak, PGA of Legends G.C., Scott Wasco, PGA of Champions Club, Scott Mallory, PGA of Journey of Pechanga, Brad Stormon, PGA of G.C. at Rancho California, Jennifer Dolph, PGA of Canyon Crest C.C., Paul Dietsche, PGA of Redlands C.C., Daniel Hornig, PGA of Heritage Cross, and Timothy Skophammer, PGA of Empire Lakes G.C.

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNA PGA MEMBERS AND FACILITIES

RECOGNIZED BY 2014 TOP 50 GOLF RANGE ASSOCIATION OF

AMERICA

2014 GRAA TOP 50 STAND ALONE FACILITIESCarlsbad Golf Center Del Mar Golf CenterStadium Golf CenterRiver Park Golf CenterTom Barber Driving Range

2014 GROWTH OF THE GAME TEACHERSChris Smeal, PGA of Future Champions Golf National Tour/Academy

2014 GRAA TOP 50 PUBLIC FACILITIESBlack Golf Golf ClubOak Creek Golf ClubTorrey Pines Golf CourseTrump National Golf Club, Los Angeles

2014 GRAA TOP 50 PRIVATE FACILITIESThe Grand Golf ClubThe Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe

The annual PGA Compensation Survey, known as the industry standard for providing invaluable data on golf professional compensation and benefits levels is available to complete. The survey is confidential. Why complete it? The Survey provides key information to assist with: · Meaningful comparisons to improve one’s Compensation and Benefits when working with the employer · Performance Evaluations · Contract Renewals · Staff Budgeting · Employer/employee interactions providing PGA Professionals and employers general comparable compensation, both locally and on a broader scale based on a variety of factors.

TO COMPLETE: LOG INTO PGA.ORG AND SEARCH 2015 COMPENSATION SURVEY. THE SURVEY WILL COME UP FOR YOU TO COMPLETE.

HAVE YOU TAKEN THE PGA COMPENSATION SURVEY?

Dear RO: In a recent 36-hole event, a

score card was delivered to the Committee after completion of the first round. After the score card was reviewed by a Committee member, the player left the scoring area. It was later discovered that the score card was only signed by the competitor and not by the marker. The penalty for a breach of USGA Rule 6-6b SIGNING AND RETURNING SCORE CARD, the competitor’s penalty is disqualification. What should the Committee do? Thank you, L.B..

Well L.B., this situation should help you realize why experienced Rules Officials say, “because most Rules violations occurring result in disqualifications, the First Tee and the Scoring Area are the most critical areas at a tournament.” Now,

after reading your question, I’m sure you agree! Considering all the facts in your scenario, disqualification of the player would have been my very LAST resort because of the following:

First, USGA Rules may state the penalty for a breach of to be Rule 6-6b is disqualification but because the marker’s missing signature was not discovered until later I would have considered the matter to be a Committee error, modify the disqualification penalty and assess a penalty of two (2) strokes. USGA Decision 33-7/4.5 Competitor Unaware...; Whether Waiving or Modifying Disqualification Penalty Justified – second paragraph in the answer reads, However, if the Committee is satisfied that the competitor could not reasonably have known or discovered the facts resulting in his breach of the Rules, it would be justified under Rule 33-7, in waiving the disqualification penalty prescribed... This is why I would modify the penalty!

Second, although a breach of Rule 6-6a is not disqualification, I believe

the marker should be penalized under this Rule because the second sentence reads, On completion of the round the marker must sign the score card and hand it to the competitor. In other words, what would keep the marker from not signing the competitor’s score card intentionally? The seriousness of this matter should be explained ASAP to the marker and that he could be guilty of violating USGA Rule 1-3 Agreement to Waive Rules?

Third, as an example of why my decision is actually a compromise (2 strokes vs. no penalty) is the similarity in USGA Decision 6-6b/6 Marker Disappears with Competitor’s Score Card (summary) – the marker left course with score card – Committee should make every reasonable effort to contact the marker – normally, a competitor who does not have proper verification of his score card is disqualified – however, in this exceptional case – there is no penalty. Best of luck in your future Scoring Area adventures!

MSR REQUIREMENTSThe MSR reporting period will end on June 15, 2015. Currently, we have 643 Members who have completed both the 36 MSR credits under the required meetings, education and player development and the 54 total over all credits and 518 who have not yet met their requirements.

Questions? Contact Sharon Curfman at the Section office at 951.845.4653.

MET ALL REQUIREMENTS55.4%

NOT MET REQUIREMENTS44.6%

3333 CONCOURS ST, BLDG 2, STE 2100ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA 91764scpga.comscpgajrtour.com

DAVID FINLEY PALM SPRINGS / TEMECULA • 760.578.4157 • [email protected]

JARED EISENBERG LOS ANGELES / NORTH ORANGE COUNTY • 925.789.0608 • [email protected]

IRA BERMAN LA NORTH/SANTABARBARA/BAKERSFIELD • 818.300.7672 • [email protected]

VAPOR PRO

Chris Wright SAN DIEGO/ORANGE COUNTY • 808.348.0032 • [email protected]

Documents

PROgram Magazine - January/February 2015