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Central Coast Golf, Wine & Real EstateGolf, Wine & Real Estate News and EventsMonarch Dunes Ready to OpenSaturday, December 31, 2005Larry Mauter provided an article today in the Tribune about Opening Day at Monarch Dunes Golf Club. Excerpts included below.Seventeen years in the making, the first 18 holes of the 957-acre Woodlands development on the Nipomo Mesa comes to life Sunday morning. The New Year's Day opening may be soggy, but Matt Kalbak, general manager of Monarch Dunes, is hoping the 80 people who have reserved tee times for the day will be able to play. The Old Course at Monarch Dunes features a Scottish links-like setting highlighted by large greens, 35 lace-edged bunkers, water features, clumps of veldt grass and miscanthus, eucalyptus woodland and undulating dunes. A bump-and-run game is a must for successful scoring on fairways that are planted with fescue --the same variety used at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Putting surfaces, many with undulations and sideboards for strategy options, feature velvet bent grass. Putting surfaces average a generous 6,500 square feet -- oftentimes they are multitiered. Under construction since August 2003, the Old Course was designed by Damian Pascuzzo, with input from PGA Tour pro Steve Pate. Pazcuzzo, a Cal Poly graduate who is a principal with Graves and Pazcuzzo, shaped the course to mimic the nearby Guadalupe dunes. The layout includes five sets of tees -- tournament tees are just more than 6,800 yards -- and ocean views on several holes. Playing the green tees whittles the par 35-36--71 challenge to just 4,700 yards. There are five par 3s and four par 5s. The property's five lakes come into play on about a third of the holes. Monarch Dunes, just east of Highway 1, is close to the 27 holes at Blacklake Golf Resort and 18 holes at Cypress Ridge. Green fees are $59 for weekdays and $69 on weekends. Those prices include carts. Walkers play for $17 less. Tree removal for a second course, the nine-hole executive layout with two par 4s, has just started. A target date for that course's opening is October 2007. Pazcuzzo is also the architect for that course. The Old Course will be rated by the Southern California Golf Association on Jan. 18. At that time 700 sprinkler heads around the course will include yardages. A $1.3 million clubhouse includes a restaurant that offers breakfast and lunch options. It has been open since November. A grand opening is planned for the course in April, according to Krystal Bough, sales and marketing director for Monarch Dunes. She said the course also is offering a "Royal Rewards" program, giving players discounts on green fees, early access to twilight rates, reduced cart rates and a dozen Titlist golf balls with logos. The 12-month card costs $129 a year. The facility is being managed by Kemper Sports, a Chicago-based firm that owns or operates 75 courses across the nation. Their properties include managing Harding Park in San Francisco and Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast, according to Bough. Don't worry about the homes impeding on your play. Buffers between them and the course are significant. "We're not going to get that feeling like when you play golf in the desert where you're hitting it down a tunnel of houses," Kalbak said. The Old Course uses about 135 acres, he said, almost 30 acres more than the average golf course in California. Workers on Friday, including greenskeepers, electricians and others, were busy preparing the property for Sunday's opening. The course will initially employ about 45 people, 16 of them involved in manicuring the course. For the first three months, play will be limited to 80 people a day. Tee times will be at 15-minute intervals. Kalbak said players are being urged to play "lift, clean and place" because of the youthful turf and weather conditions. "We're going to encourage people to play winter rules because of the maturity of the fairways," he said. "If they don't want to, they don't have to." The course's driving range, which will not be ready for full-time use until April, will feature 20 stations. There is room for 30 stations on natural turf. Initially, the range will be limited to registered players. Read entire article: Special features on new course The Tribune, Larry Mauter River Oaks developer buys adjacent Paso Robles Hot SpringsThursday, December 29, 2005River Oaks developer Dick Willhoit bought the Paso Robles Hot Springs and Spa from the Kiessig Family Trust for an undisclosed amount last week."We're looking at the viability of health, wellness and hospitality opportunities, but it's business as usual for now,' said Willhoit, who closed on the property Friday. The Kiessig family had approved plans to develop the 246-acre property into a major resort and spa with more than 200 hotel rooms, each with its own natural mineral water spa, an amphitheater, stables, polo fields and tennis courts. Willhoit said it's too soon to say what upgrades he will do. He's currently developing River Oaks, a 164-acre master planned community adjacent to the Paso Robles Hot Springs. By the time River Oaks is completed in 2007, it will have 476 homes, a shopping center, parks and golf course. "We're looking at synergy here--and we can see that the lifestyle of the Hot Springs is compatible with the lifestyle of River Oaks,' Willhoit said. "We also want to be part of the tourism opportunity, but we have to be careful that we haven't saturated the market.' "You can say my approach right now to the property is conservative,' Willhoit said. "But I'm optimistic of its potential.' Willhoit has been developing River Oaks since 1989. He is also president of the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Developer buys Paso Hot Springs The Tribune, Melanie Cleveland 9 More Holes at Cypress Ridge?The Nipomo Community Advisory Council has scheduled an early meeting of the General Plan Amendment Committee to deal with citizen concerns about a proposed development on Halcyon Road near Arroyo Grande’s southern edge.The Cypress Ridge development, which would contain 147 clustered homes and a nine-hole golf course on approximately 147 acres, is set to start the process of gaining county approval in early February. The General Plan Amendment Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 9 to allow the public to air concerns about the project before San Luis Obispo County staff prepares its report on the project that would expand the current Cypress Ridge golf course community. On Feb. 7, the County Board of Supervisors will consider directing the Planning Department to process the development’s application. Wine and Golf Vacations on Par in SLOTuesday, December 27, 2005If golf and wine are your passion, what would be more perfect than a California wine and golf getaway? Forget Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, the best wine and golf excursions, according to TravelGolf.com writer Dave Holland, can be found along the Central Coast -- 120 miles of coastline spotted with quaint, friendly seaside and inland towns and affordable golf. The beautiful, rolling terrain of the region is home to some outstanding wineries and golf courses. Coming soon at Golf SLO, visitors can find out where to go for the best mix of wineries and golf courses in San Luis Obispo County and the Central Coast. Check back in early 2006! Central Coast Golf & Wine VacationsMonday, December 26, 2005Golf SLO will be relaunched early next year with a new look and will be highlighting not only the top-notch golf available on the Central Coast, but its world-renowned and growing wine industry. Plan to visit Golf SLO early next month as we transform into your connection to the very best that San Luis Obispo County has to offer in golf, wine, dining, lodging, activities, attractions and more - offering reservations and vacation packages to make your stay on the Central Coast a memorable one. San Luis Obispo County is one of the finest, most beautiful locations for golf and wine tasting in all of California. Recognized by Golf Digest Magazine as first for golf in California and predicted to be as well known a viticultural area as the glamorous vineyards of Napa Valley in the next decade by The Wine Advocate, San Luis Obispo County and the Central Coast are fast becoming world-renowned for its fine wines and top-notch golf. San Luis Obispo County is located right in the heart of Central Coast wine country, made famous in the movie "Sideways". Offering some of the finest wines California has to offer, the Central Coast has earned worldwide recognition and respect for the exceptional quality of its wine grapes. Thanks to excellent soils, a long growing season with warm summers and cool ocean breezes, and a variety of microclimates, the area's hundred-plus wineries produce well-balanced, classic varietal interpretations including rich Chardonnays to jammy Zinfandels, from opulent Pinot Noirs to elegant Cabernet Sauvignons, from aromatic Viogniers to spicy Syrahs. Merry Christmas SLO GolfersSunday, December 25, 2005Golf in Norway Originally uploaded by Leif (Bryne, Norway) I would like to take this opportunity to wish my fellow golfers a very merry Christmas and a prosperous new year. Make 2006 a year to remember! I'd also like to share a story published a couple days ago in the Wall Street Journal about a woman's quest to surprise her step-dad with a round at Augusta National - no easy feat. It is a very heart-warming story well worth the read. The Game of a Lifetime The Wall Street Journal, Katherine Rosman 2 Birdies and 6 Swans at Avila Beach Golf ResortSaturday, December 24, 2005I spent a beautiful sunny day at Avila Beach Golf Resort yesterday, shooting poorly, but enjoying the company of the Avila Beach Men's Club president, Richard, and his wife. I also appreciated getting to view 6 Mute Swans that took up residence on San Luis Creek last week - apparently the first Mute Swans to visit the area. I shot 88 thanks to few double bogies and a triple bogie on the 13th. I hit a good drive on the 13th, but it faded just enough right to bounce across the OB markers into the rough along the 14th fairway. It's way too easy to hit OB on that hole with a long drive. I clobbered the 2nd tee shot, but played the rest of the hole terribly. The only reason I broke 90 was thanks to a couple birdies. The first came on the 157 yard par-3 6th where I hit a 7-iron 4 feet short of the pin. I was relieved to make the putt! I ended the round with my 2nd birdie on the 316 yard 18th where I hit a 260 yard drive followed by a 50 yard sand wedge landing about 10 feet short of the pin. After watching Richard chip in his 3rd shot for birdie from behind the green, I followed suit by making my 10 foot putt! A nice end to a frustrating round for both of us. Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Dense Fog at Morro Bay Golf CourseFriday, December 23, 2005After picking up my new Nike 22* Hybrid at Sea Pines Golf Resort yesterday, I headed over to the very foggy Morro Bay Golf Course. After hitting a small bucket of balls on the range to test out the hybrid, I hooked up with another single on the 1st tee - Steve, a retired resident of Morro Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed my round with Steve on a relatively empty course. The fog and mist was so dense on the first 4 holes that we never saw our shots once they left the tee. Greens were only visible within 80-100 yards. Probably as a result of the heavy fog and slow, wet greens, I started off with 2 bogies and 2 double bogies. On the 5th, I found my game and finished the last 5 holes on the front nine with 4 pars and 1 bogie. I added 4 more pars on the back along with 5 bogies to finish with a 12-over 83 - another average round. The good news was that I finally started hitting my Nike SQ Tour 460cc driver! Altough I pushed a few drives right and hooked the final drive on 18, I hit all the rest pretty long and straight - a huge improvement over my last round. I've decided to stick with this driver now. I really liked the results of my new Nike Hybrid too! I used it 5 times, twice off the tee on long par 3's and three times from the rough after errant drives. My first tee shot with the hybrid was on the 217 yard par 3 8th. I hit right at the pin, but came up short with about a 200 yard shot. I used it again on the 200 yard par 3 17th, but pushed it left of the green. I pushed it earlier from the rough on the par 5 12th too, but nailed it on a recovery shot from the rough on the 18th. After hooking my drive into the pines left of the fairway on 18, I left myself with a 160 yard shot to the green between two trees and under some limbs. I used the hybrid to punch the shot under the branches and towards the green and ran it right up onto the green for a 2-putt par. A nice end to the round. Three more Aces at SLO golf courses last weekThursday, December 22, 2005Bakersfield's Josh Thompson made a hole-in-one Friday on the third hole at Dairy Creek Golf Course in San Luis Obispo. Bob Mayer witnessed Thompson's first ever hole in one, a 160-yard shot made using a 7-iron.Lisle Smith aced the 17th hole at Avila Beach Golf Course on Dec. 14. Tony Moye, Bob Feldstein and Bob Davis witnessed the shot, which was made using a 5-wood. At Chalk Mountain Golf Course in Atascadero, Nipomo's Tony Phillips aced the seventh hole. Paso Robles' Kim Jones witnessed Phillips' 129-yard shot, which was made using a 9-iron. Kris Kringle Klassic at Rancho MariaWednesday, December 21, 2005Kris Kringle brought some early Christmas gifts Tuesday to 60 local youngsters.Kringle's helper - also known as Mike O'Keefe - handed out golf towels, golf balls, golf hats, Nike golf shoes, Nike golf bags and more. But the best gift may have been the perfect weather - perfect for a round of competitive golf - during the children's Christmas break from school. The young men and women spent the day at the Rancho Maria Golf Club competing in the 15th annual Kris Kringle Klassic. Most of the junior golfers hail from the Santa Maria and Lompoc areas, but "We had a few from Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo," said O'Keefe, the head golf pro at Rancho. "We even have one young man who comes up every year from Moorpark." he young golfers were split into age-specific groups - 10-and-under, girls 12-and-under, girls 13-and-over, boys 11-and-under, boys 12-14 and boys 15-17 - with champions crowned in each group. The Kringle is one round of golf - best score wins. Every golfer, no matter what his or her finish, was given special gifts just for playing - they walked away with new golf towels, golf balls and divot repair kits. Those that finished in the money - third, fourth and fifth place in each division - also got gift certificates and new golf hats. Second place finishers received a pair of brand new Nike golf shoes and the champions were each awarded a plaque and given a new Nike golf bag. Now that the 2005 Kris Kringle Klassic is in the records books, these junior golfers can set their sights on Rancho's next junior championship - the Coastal Valley Junior Golf Association's Easter Tournament. Read entire article including tournament results here: Tee for Two at Rancho Maria Elliott Stern, Lompoc Record Golf Tips - Finding Your "Grip Print"Monday, December 19, 2005When you're ready to take your first golf lesson with Jim DeLaby - PGA Director of Instruction at Cypress Ridge Golf Academy - the first thing he'll have you do is find your individual "grip print".Most golf books and pros will instruct you to grip the club in a standard, one-size-fits-all fashion. You'll most likely be told you should see only two knuckles and that the line formed between your thumb and index finger on each hand should create a line that points up to your rear armpit or shoulder. However, this may not be your natural grip print. Using a standard grip may be forcing your hands and arms into unnatural positions, causing your wrists to cock. This will undoubtedly cause your swing to produce a hook or slice by default. At address, your arms should simply hang down naturally from your shoulders. As your hands hang to your side, you'll see anywhere from 1 to 4 knuckles. Although many golfers do see exactly two knuckles, many see three or all four. When you grip the club, you should see the same number of knuckles as you do when your hand is hanging naturally to your side. This grip is consistent with the grip you use when shaking someone's hand. Jim DeLaby shares an 8-step process to addressing the ball using your unique grip print: 1: 6th finger with 5th groove & equator 2: Thumb print 3: Lifeline print 4: Trigger finger print 5: Trailing hand print 6: Live hands & feet, Dead arms & legs 7: Easy live hands back, Faster live hands through 8: Check grip Contact Jim DeLaby to schedule a lesson and find your natural grip print. Good company at Blacklake Golf ResortThursday, December 15, 2005Although I struggled again yesterday with my new Nike Sasquatch driver while playing Blacklake Golf Resort, I enjoyed my round more than I have in several weeks, mostly due to the good company I joined up with on the Oaks - Jerry and Fred, two singles, both retired. This first hole on Oaks turned out to be one of my worst holes of the day - one of 2 double bogies - after hitting my drive into the environmental hazard on the right side of the fairway. I didn't hit my customary small bucket of balls before starting, and as a result struggled all day with my drives. I did manage 5 pars to finish up the Oaks course with a 5-over 40, but bogied most of the back nine on the Lakes course to finish with an 11-over 83. I did enjoy a birdie on the Lakes 7th after hitting a strong drive close to the 314 yard par-4 green and landing a short sand wedge within 5 feet of the pin. My chipping was the only part of my game that kept my score under control. I saved several pars and bogies with good chips. But I 3-putted three greens and sprayed my drives in every direction. Regardless, I had a great time and thoroughly enjoyed playing with Jerry and Fred. They were both good golfers with great attitudes. Jerry's sense of humor helped all of us to easily put our bad shots behind us and just enjoy what we were doing - playing golf! Golf GamesTuesday, December 13, 2005While most Americans play medal play, which is stroke play golf, there are many scoring variations which make for enjoyable games of variety for one, two, three or four players. Listed below are some of the most popular golf games where even a hack can win a wager or two against a scratch player.ANIMALS: Your actual score is not as important as the "animals" you accumulate. Before each round, the value of the animals is predetermined, for instance, each animal is worth $1. You must also determine whether at the end of the round you add up all your animals and contribute either $1 to the pot per animal or $1 to each opponent for each animal. If your ball strikes a tree or you hit into the woods, you are awarded a monkey. If you ball comes to rest in the water, you get a fish, if it comes to rest in a bunker, you are awarded a camel. A three putt gives you a snake. The idea is to have the least amount of animals at the end of the round. The animals you accumulate are removed from you by an opponent getting the same animal. For instance, if you have a monkey on the first hole, and your opponent gets a monkey at a later time, he takes your monkey. However, if you get two monkeys in a row, your first monkey is "boxed in" and you cannot get rid of it. But your second monkey can still be given to you opponent provided you do not box in the second monkey as well. Your opponents can only take away an identical animal and only identical animals can box each other in. BEST BALL: (2 or 4 man) Each team golfer plays their own ball all the time and only the lowest teammate's score is counted on each hole toward the team's round and the bad scores are ignored. DIME-A-YARD (PENNY-A-YARD, BUCK-A-YARD ETC): Each hole of the round is worth a set value based on the length of each hole. You can make each yard worth a penny, ten cents, a dollar, etc... Lets say player A wins a 580 yard hole and each yard is worth a penny, then that player has won $5.80. If his opponent wins two par threes of 120 yards and 140 yards, then player B has won only $2.60. Player B owes player A $3.20. This can be played by as many players as you want, you just need to figure the low score for each hole. HIGH-LOW: A foursome consists of two teams. On each hole, each team's high score is compared against the opponents high score. Whichever team's high score is lower will receive a point. A team's low score is also compared against the opponents low score. Whichever team's low score is lower will receive a point as well. Optionally, you can also use combined scores for an additional point. In that case, each teams combined score is compared against the opponents combined score, and the lower net team score will also receive a point. In the case of ties, no points are awarded. Whichever team has the highest point total at the end of the round wins. It can be pre-determined what each point is worth, for example, each point is worth $1 to increase the pressure. MATCH PLAY: Opponents play not for score, but to win each hole independently. The lowest score on each hole will receive one point. The score differential on each hole has no bearing. The match is over when one player is up more holes over his opponent than there are holes left to be played. MONKEY BOY: You need a small stuffed monkey. Every time someone in your foursome hits a tree or has his ball fly into the woods, he is handed (or thrown in an insulting way) the monkey. The next person to hit a tree or into the woods takes the monkey from the previous golfer. The monkey must be visible, either on your person or in your immediate vicinity when you are the "monkey boy." The golfer with the monkey when the round is finished, must buy a pitcher of beer for the foursome. If you loose the monkey, you automatically lose. This adds an interesting dimension when combined with other matches, a sort of game within the game. For instance, there may come a point when a golfer must chose between risking getting the monkey or winning the hole. NASSAU: Whoever has the lowest score on the front nine receives one point. Whoever has the lowest score on the back nine receives one point. Whoever has the lowest 18 hole score will also receive one point. The winner is whoever has the most points. PINKBALL: Each team is given a "pink ball." (It does not have to be a pink ball, but it must be separately identifiable) Each member of the team must play an entire golf hole with the "pink ball." Then the process is repeated until the tournament is concluded. Other scoring rules are usually in effect. Should the pink ball be lost, the team is disqualified. Sometimes it comes down to not which team has the lowest score, but rather, who still has the "pink ball." PINKBALL ELIMINATION: Similar to "Pinkball" except the person who loses the "pinkball" is subtracted from the foursome and they continue a scramble or best ball tournament as a threesome. Should another "pink ball" be lost, that golfer is subtracted from the threesome, and they continue as a scramble or best ball twosome and so forth. SCOTCH: In a two man team, each golfer alternates shots of the same ball. They must also alternate who takes the tee shot on each hole. SCRAMBLE: In a foursome, everyone hits from the tee. The best tee shot is selected and all members of the foursome hit from the spot of the best tee shot after collecting their original shots. Only the shot selected as the optimal shot will count towards the stroke tally. This continues until the hole is concluded and until 18 holes are concluded. SHAMBLES: In a foursome, there are two teams of two players. Everyone in the foursome hits their tee shot. Each team selects the best tee shot of the two tee shots. The player's who's tee shot is not selected, picks up his ball and drops next to the teammate who's tee shot is selected. They both then acts as if the better tee shot was their own. Then, everyone plays their own ball in and finishes the hole. Only the lowest score from each team is counted for the match. This is a relatively fast playing and fun game which combines a scramble with best ball. It can also be played as a four man team. STABLEFORD: A Stableford competition is a golf tournament in which the object is to get the highest score. That's because in Stableford, golfers are awarded points based on their scores in relation to a fixed score at each hole. That fixed score can be par, bogie or any number of strokes agreed to in the beginning. 1 point is awarded a relative bogie, 2 points for relative par, 3 points for relative birdie, etc. No points are awarded for 2-over the fixed score. MODIFIED STABLEFORD: Often confused with the Stableford system, but it differs in the sense that it is a progressive scale and also detract points for bad scores. Points can be awarded such as 0 points for par, 2 points for birdie, 5 points for eagle, -1 points for bogie, -3 points for double-bogie or worse. THREE-BALL (Sam golf): The only three player golf game we can think of at the moment. There are three human players in the match plus "Sam" who is merely an imaginary player who always shots an assigned number. Usually Sam is scratch and shots par on every hole. Over the 18 holes, each human player takes turns playing on "Sam's team" for 6 holes. The other two players play with each other on another team until it is time to switch. For instance, Player A and B are on the same team for the moment and shot par and bogie respectively on a hole. Player C and "Sam" shot par and par. Therefore, player C is awarded one match point for winning the hole. On the next whole, A and B shot par and bogie again and C shots double bogie and "Sam" gets his customary par. Player A and B are each awarded one match point for winning the hole. UMBRELLA GAME: Played is by points, there are six points available per hole: Four in a match, two against two players. Each hole is worth 6 points as follows: - One point per team for nearest to the pin, on the green in regulation. (this is probably the most important point, because it is almost impossible to tie, and even though it is only worth one point it has been used to prevent many "Umbrellas" - Two points for individual low score per team. If both teams tie, no points awarded. - Two points for low total score of team. If both teams tie, no points awarded. - One point if team makes birdie. If both teams tie, no point awarded. If one team gets all of the above points, then the points are doubled and "the Umbrella" is opened. Instead of six points, the team would be awarded twelve points. But the team must achieve all qualifications, in theory six points. As an example, if a team has low total (2 points), low individual score (2 points) and a birdie (1 Point), but the team did not win the pin shot, they would only get five points. If you are playing automatic presses, then that would double the bets accordingly. The total points are added at the end of the round and a point and can be worth anywhere from twenty five cents to big bucks a point. It is a great game because it brings in every aspect of each individual player playing. 2006 Infinite Golf at Avila Beach, Blacklake, Sea Pines Golf ResortsMonday, December 12, 2005For those who enjoy a good game and a good value, Golf SLO is pleased to introduce you to 2006 Infinite Golf, the exclusive joint membership program at Blacklake Golf Resort, Avila Beach Golf Resort and Sea Pines Golf Resort. Avila Beach Golf Resort has as unique a design and setting as you will ever find on a 18-hole championship golf course. The front nine is situated within oak-lined valleys requiring accuracy with every shot. The back nine transverses a tidal estuary and provides some of the most scenic tee shots on the Central Coast of California. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy the challenge of this scenic course. Blacklake Golf Resort is the Central Coast's only 27 hole golf resort. Each of the three nines offer distinct challenges to golfers of all skill levels. From our sparkling water pools and scenic coastal hills on our original "Lakes and Canyon" layout, to the unspoiled natural beauty of our newest nine, the "Oaks", this is a unique championship golf course. Sea Pines Golf Resort is recognized as one of the finest and most challenging executive 9-hole golf courses in California. The course offers stunning views of the Morro Bay Estuary, Morro Rock and protected rare coastal dunes. The resort is bordered by ocean dunes, bay views, picturesque Montana de oro State Park and the charming quiet villages of Los Osos and Baywood Park. Infinite Golf members enjoy up to 50% off on green fees, free rounds of golf, early Twilight hours, and discounts on golf equipment, cart rentals, range balls, and private lessons! Many other benefits are included too and listed below. In addition, Infinite Golf members are invited to play in the "Infinite Golf Tournament Series", hosted each month at Avila Beach and Blacklake Golf Resorts. Players competing in these Individual Stroke Play, Match Play and Team Scramble tournaments can win points, money and prizes. CLICK HERE to SIGN UP for Infinite Golf NOW! Infinite Golf Member Green Fees
Infinite Golf GOLD Membership - $159.00 SIGN UP for or upgrade to GOLD Membership HERE
Infinite Golf SILVER Membership - $119.00 SIGN UP for SILVER Membership HERE
CLICK HERE to SIGN UP for Infinite Golf NOW! A Week of Five Aces for SLO County GolfersSaturday, December 10, 2005Five hole in ones were made at four different area golf courses this week!Last Friday, Mike Thompson of Oceano made a hole in one on the third hole at Laguna Lake Golf Course. His 123-yard shot made using a wedge was witnessed by Anton Hoffman and John Leimem. Ray Coelho made his first career hole in one Saturday on the eighth hole at Hunter Ranch Golf Course in Paso Robles. Jeff Foote witnessed Coelho's 170-yard shot made using a 6-iron. Steve Ryan aced the eighth hole Wednesday at San Luis Obispo Country Club. Gene Edgerton, Dick Anderson and Bill Burke witnessed Ryan's 147-yard shot made using a 7-iron. Ryan, who has four career hole in ones, made his first at the San Luis Obispo Country Club. Mark Van Eck aced the 8th hole of the Canyons at Blacklake this week with a pitching wedge. Mike Lewis had his first ace this week at Laguna Lake on the 3rd hole 123 yard par 3 using his 9-iron. Aceholes are reported weekly at Golf Talk Radio. Monarch Dunes to Open New Years Day!Friday, December 09, 2005Monarch Dunes Golf Course Opens January 1st! Be The First To Play - Book Your Tee Time Now! Monarch Dunes is Woodland's tribute to the origins and tradition of golf. Surrounded by windswept dunes and eucalyptus trees, coastal vistas and amber-colored hillsides, Monarch Dunes Golf Club is reminiscent of the true links-style courses found in Scotland and a "must-play" for those who seek a challenging, yet amiable, unspoiled golf adventure. Journey through California's coastal highlands and discover the evolving conditions and natural beauty that inspire an unforgettable golf experience... one that calls you back time and again. Preview Rates - Jan 1-Mar 30, 2006 Weekdays 8am to 1pm - $42.00 Weekends 8am to 1pm - $52.00 Carts - $17.00 Book Tee Times Bookings allowed up to 14 days in advance, starting December 19, 2005. 48 hour cancellation policy. Visit their website to book tee time reservations online and to sign up for the Monarch Dunes "Royal Rewards Club" Membership. Join today to receive discounted green fee and cart rates, 2 hour early twilight, 6 member-only tournaments, SCGA membership and 1 dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls with course logo! You can also visit or call the golf shop during regular business hours - (805) 343-9459. www.monarchdunes.com Lompoc's La Purisima Golf Course - For Sale?Thursday, December 08, 2005Have $10 million to invest in a great golf course? Rumor has it that La Purisima Golf Course in Lompoc, CA is for sale. Several reliable sources have indicated that the Chumash Casino is making an offer, but that the owners prefer to solve their finanicial issues by developing adjacent property with homes. It certainly appears that California Golf Courses are now financially viable only when combined with real estate development. La Purisima is located just south of San Luis Obispo County and is recognized as the finest Central Coast golf course - in fact as one of the finest, most formidable golf courses in the country. Hailed as both a tour favorite and a beginner's first choice for scenic golf. La Purisima Golf Course has earned a spot amongst California's Top 10 Championship Public Courses and Top 100 in America by Golf Magazine. You can be assured of the best Santa Barbara golf experience when you visit La Purisima Golf Course. In 2004 La Purisima Golf Course was awarded Southern California's highest course rating of 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Best Places to Play and voted Santa Barbara's Best Value and Best Conditioned golf course by Southern California golfers on Greenskeeper.org. Nike Central Coast Demo TourWednesday, December 07, 2005Plan to visit an upcoming Nike Demo at one of the Central Coast golf courses scheduled during the Nike Demo Tour. Get fit properly with Nike's new Launch Monitor! November 26, 2005 - 9am to 1pm Sea Pines Golf Resort, Los Osos December 3, 2005 - 9am to 1pm Cypress Ridge Golf Course, Arroyo Grande December 8, 2005 - 4-8pm Twin Lakes Practice Facility, Santa Barbara December 10, 2005 - 9am to 1pm Chalk Mountain Golf Course, Atascadero December 11, 2005 - 9am - Noon River Course at the Alisal, Solvang December 17, 2005 - 10am - 2pm Santa Barbara Golf Club, Santa Barbara January 5, 2006 - 4pm - 8pm Twin Lakes Practice Facility, Santa Barbara February 2, 2006 - 4pm - 8pm Twin Lakes Practice Facility, Santa Barbara March 4, 2006 - 9am - 2pm Marshall Ranch Golf Course at Vandenberg AFB, Lompoc March 19, 2006 - 10am - 2pm Hunter Ranch Golf Course, Paso Robles April 15, 2006 - 9am - 3pm Lemoore Golf Course, Lemoore April 29, 2006 - 10am - 2pm Dairy Creek Golf Course, San Luis Obispo The Nike Demo Tour features a Launch Monitor which calculates your launch angle, side spin rate, overall spin rate, ball speed and more. The Nike Rep and Course Pro work with you using the Launch Monitor to determine which club loft and shaft deliver the optimal spin rates and launch angle for your swing. Optimizing these variables leads to longer and straighter shots. A variety of demo clubs will be on hand for custom fitting and swing analysis, including the new Nike Sasquatch 460cc - The Biggest Footprint in Golf! Made with NexTI titanium, the Nike SasQuatch 460cc Driver offers Nike PowerBow Technology for more power and control applied to the ball without surpassing the 460cc limit. The center of gravity, placed in the heart of the SasQuatch, helps increase leverage, expands the sweet spot and resists twisting on off-center hits. The lightweight Diamana Shaft offers power and stability, and has an optimized profile for distance and accuracy. Learn more at Nike Golf Golf Tip - Don't Analyze, Visualize!Tuesday, December 06, 2005Don't Analyze... Visualize!The language code of the subconscious by Jim DeLaby, PGA Director of Instruction, Cypress Ridge Golf Academy Your last range ball... just before you go the first tee... is a slice! Your first shot of the day... you top it! The first hole is finished... you take a triple! You finish the front nine... higher than you are used to! What is your strategy to get out of these situations? First, as with any problem, or issue, you need a strategy to solve it. You need more than "willpower" or "words" or an "analysis of what might be wrong." You need to learn, or refresh yourself with, the communication tool, or language code, that works for you. You see, the problem isn't necessarily mechanical. Rather, the problem is in how you handle it! Both consciously and subconsciously. You will have bad practice shots, bad holes and bad nines from time to time, e.g., look at some of the shots Mickelson traded off with Tiger on the back nine of Torrey. I am not talking about Tiger's memorable stingers. I am talking about Tiger's and Phil's wild drives. And, let us not forget last year's Masters final nine holes when Tiger had an average back nine but the world's #2 through #8 players back completely fell apart. Next, are you sure you are qualified, without a video camera, to understand which of the 27 moves of the full swing were out of sync? If you could figure that out, then can you tell what caused it? You have to consider weather changes, emotion, wind, hilly lies, changes in the speed of play, new personalities in the group, different playing levels within the group, blood sugar levels, consistency of the set up routine, and relaxation issues, just to name a few. So! Who has the better chance of analyzing and combining all the data that was just described? The conscious, one thought, one second at a time, side of the brain? Or, the subconscious, which handles everything underneath our conscious awareness? When you hit a bad shot and start the grieving cycle, i.e., guilt, anger, shock, denial, anxiety, depression, we start to grope for answers, three minutes at a time, before we get our next chance to play. Oh, by the way... analysis, words and will power are conscious brain communications. The subconscious listens in pictures only. Therein lies the answer. The answer lies in understanding some of the physical and mental issues. Question: How long do we actually play golf in a four hour, 18 hole round - 4 hours, or 4 minutes? Answer: 4 Minutes. It takes no more than two seconds, or less, to hit a golf ball. For a round that means four minutes of play! If we add the routine each time then we get between 20-30 minutes. Question: How long is there between every shot - 1/2 of a second or 2-4 minutes? Answer: 2-4 minutes or, what I call the three minute warning. Handling the Three Minute Warning How you handle these three minutes, or the strategy you develop after a bad practice, a bad shot, a bad hole, a bad nine holes will dictate how you end the day. One common mistake is to try and analyze why you hit a bad shot. Consider basketball, ping pong, tennis, hockey, soccer...in the heat of the battle, you don't analyze your mechanics because there is no TIME! If between every shot in those sports, there had a three minute time out, imagine what would happen. These sports would not be fun and Mr. Momentum would be a different animal! Do not use conscious brain communication to speak to the subconscious brain. The right brain needs pictures! Visualize what you WANT! Immediately after a bad practice, shot, hole, nine... REVISUALIZE what you are capable of...even go back to the last great shot and evoke that emotion. Now, which is easier and more effective? Hitting the next shot after you have been grieving... groping... analyzing... for three minutes at a time? Or, hitting the shot after REVISUALIZING? Find out more about Jim DeLaby and schedule a lesson. Sea Pines and Avila Beach Golf Resort December Golf PackageMonday, December 05, 2005Sea Pines and Avila Beach Golf Resorts are proud to bring you the December 2005 golf package - the best "Stay and Play" value on the Central Coast for the holidays - for only $149.95 + Tax!This Month's special includes overnight accomodations at Sea Pines Golf Resort, breakfast at Sea Pines, and 18 holes of golf at Avila Beach Golf Course or UNLIMITED Golf at Sea Pines Golf Resort for 2 people. All Packages are subject to room and golf availability. Not Valid on Holidays. FOR RESERVATIONS CALL (888) SEA-PINE or (805) 528-5252 or send an email to golfshop@seapinesgolfresort.com. A Windy Day at Dairy Creek Golf CourseSunday, December 04, 2005This tee shot on the par-3 8th hole was left 12-14 inches from the pin! Unfortunately it followed an initial tee-shot that landed in the water. This shot saved bogie! I shot a not-so-good round at windy Dairy Creek Golf Course today - an 86 - thanks to a couple poor holes at the end of the round. I managed all pars and bogies through 14 holes, then double bogied 15. Most of the preceeding holes were bogies - 5 pars and 9 bogies. I then had a bit of bad luck on 16. I hit a good drive over the hill along the right side of the fairway, cutting the mild dogleg right. However, I couldn't find the ball. So, I went back to the tee and hit another drive and finished the hole with a triple bogie. Then, heading to the next tee, I found my ball - just yards away from the green on the right side. I'd nearly driven the green on this short par-4 hole! A simple chip and 2 putts would have shaved 3 strokes off my final score - a respectable 83. I then blew a great opportunity on 17. I hit my best drive of the day, leaving myself only a 165 yard uphill 2nd shot to this par-5 green! I hit a 5-iron over the green, leaving a difficult downhill chip which I failed to put on the green. Another chip and 2 putt resulted in a bogie - a birdie opportunity lost! I ended strong on 18, hitting the 185 yard par-3 with a 6-iron, then 2-putting for par. Overall, I was a little disappointed with my play today - my first round with my new Nike Sawquatch Tour driver. As I should have expected, I just didn't get the same results from this club on the course that I had on the range. I'll give it another chance before getting discouraged. San Luis Obispo Winter GolfSaturday, December 03, 2005Winter Golf Course Originally uploaded by Night Owl. Aren't we fortunate to live on the Central Coast of California - with the opportunity to play golf year round! Golf Tournament Catering by CateringUnlimited.comFriday, December 02, 2005CateringUnlimited.com is a full-service catering firm located on California's Central Coast. Their team is experienced and prepared to cater just about every type of event, size and location. Fairways at Dairy Creek is the banquet facility located at the Dairy Creek Golf Course. Fairways is nestled amongst the scenic rolling hills of El Chorro Park with Hollister Peak as its backdrop. Fairways supports groups of up to 250. There are two large outdoor patios, one of which has a glass wind wall with a panoramic view of the golf course and Hollister peak. The View at Morro Bay is the banquet facility at the Morro Bay Golf Course. The View is located in the breathtakingly beautiful Morro Bay State Park overlooking the Estero Bay Estuary. The recently renovated banquet room sits atop the golf course and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, offering an ideal location for your special event. The View services groups of up to 250. Full liquor service is available for catered functions through CateringUnlimited.com as well as at their facilities. Their facilities provide ample room for entertainment. Podiums, P.A.'s and audio-visual equipment are available for your use free of charge. A 20ft. by 60ft. tent and dance floor is available for rental. Their experienced staff is at your disposal to plan and organize your event. Event Coordinators and Managers are available to answer all general inquiries regarding the details of your function. Chefs are available to discuss your event and are prepared to create specialized menus to suit your needs. Golf Tournament Packages Golf Tournament menus are available for groups golfing at the Morro Bay and Dairy Creek Golf Courses. Tournament organizer purchases tickets from the restaurant in advance. Tickets are redeemable at the turn or after round. CateringUnlimited.com offers golf tournament catering options including Box Lunches, Chef-attended Outdoor BBQ, a Sitdown Clubhouse Buffet and Sitdown Farmer's Market BBQ Buffet. Sitdown catering options include all service, bartender, vinyl table cloth, podium, microphone and room rental. A Minimum of 25 people are required for onsite events and 50 people for offsite events. Contact CateringUnlimited.com or one of their banquet facilities for your golf tournament or other special event. Their superior quality of food and service are certain to make your banquet experience with them a positively memorable one. Visit www.cateringunlimited.com. Golf Talk Radio on ESPN RadioThursday, December 01, 2005Golf Talk Radio with Mike and Billy will now air on ESPN Radio 1280AM beginning Saturday, December 10th from 8am to 10am! Golf Talk Radio can also now be heard live on the internet for FREE.They encourage you to call the show at (805) 595-ESPN or TOLL FREE at 1-866-GOLF-TLK. To listen to Golf Talk Radio via the internet you will need to download the FREE program WinAmp. To download WinAmp to your computer visit www.espnradio1280.com and scroll to the bottom of the page where you will find the FREE WinAmp link. Once you have downloaded WinAmp to your desktop, click on the Golf Talk Radio link on the ESPN Radio 1280 website or visit www.golftalkradio.com for the same link to listen to the show. Visit the new Golf Talk Radio Blog to keep up-to-date on Golf Talk news, clinics and more! Inconsistent since my Extraordinary RoundAs I posted on Thanksgiving, I shot an extraordinary round last week, breaking through with a score of 76 at Cypress Ridge Golf Course! In that round, I seemed to incorporate all I'd learned from recent lessons and reading.Since then, I've played 2 rounds, one at Avila Beach Golf Resort last weekend in the rain and yesterday at Cypress Ridge Golf Course. Both rounds contained a little bit of extraordinary golf mixed with a little bit of ordinary golf. At Avila Beach Golf Resort, I shot an 82. This round had a great start and finish, but - blame it on the rain - a not so good middle. I shot 1-over on the first 5 holes and 1-under on the last 6 holes - even par for 11 holes! However, the middle 7 holes included 3 double bogies and a triple bogie! I have to admit, I was thrilled to turn in an 82 after those 7 holes, finishing with 4 pars, 1 bogie, and 2 birdies on the last 6 holes. I especially enjoyed the finish, with a monster drive on 18, a sand wedge to within 2 feet of the pin, and a birdie putt! Yesterday at Cypress Ridge Golf Course, I shot an 83 after shooting 47 on the front! On the front nine, I missed a good birdie opportunity on the 2nd hole, and missed par opportunities due to sub-par putting. I blew up on the 8th with an errant drive and 2nd shot that went out-of-bounds to the left, hitting a home. But, starting on the 9th, I got my game back. I shot even par over the next 10 holes with 8 pars, 1 bogie (3-putt), and 1 birdie (on 18). I hit 9 out of 10 greens in regulation, and only missed the 10th green by 1 foot! My drives were extraordinary with 270 yard drives on 12, 13, 14 and 16. My putting came back too, with the exception of one poor lag on 11 which resulted in 3 putts for my only bogie on the back. Again, I enjoyed the finishing hole with a chip within 10 feet at the par-5 18th followed by a birdie putt! Although I didn't turn in extraordinary scores, I played 2/3's of both rounds extremely well and managed to get my index down to an all-time low of 10.1, averaging a score of 80 in my past 3 rounds. My goal for a single-digit handicap is certainly within reach now! I just need to learn to keep my score under control during the inevitable periods during the round where my energy level and subsequent play being to sink. I just need to accept that this happens, and instead of getting discouraged and trying too hard, patiently wait for what Jim DeLaby calls the "Super Zone" to return, then stretch it. |