"On Our Mind" Golf Blog by Brandon Underwood

The opening round of the 2009 FBR Open is in the books. A staggering 71,901 fans enjoyed a gorgeous, 72 degree sunny day and plenty of good golf. Australian James Nitties and American Lucas Glover share the leaderboard after each shooting a 6-under-par 65.

Nitties, the Q-School runner up last fall, shot a 31/34 for his share of the lead.  Playing in just his 3rd Tour event, Nitties lists “clubbing and girls” among his hobbies.  Seems like he will enjoy his time in Scottsdale this week. 

Dixon Golf has announced that the Sedona Golf Resort in Arizona has decided to "Get On The Green" and carry their 100% Eco-Friendly Earth golf balls.

"Sedona Golf Resort is considered one of the finest golf destinations in the world," said William Carey, National Sales Manager of Dixon Golf. "They offer first class accommodations and a golf experience that is second to none. We couldn't be more pleased to be associated with them and have our Eco-Friendly Earth golf ball available at their facility." 

Aaron Wells, a 2003 graduate of the San Diego Golf Academy has accepted a position as head golf professional at Desert Highlands Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Wells will be working at the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course at Desert Highlands, a private residential golf community and home to inaugural Skins Game in 1983. To learn more about Desert Highlands, please go to www.deserthighlandsscottsdale.com.

The first United States Golf Association Rating system was established in 1911. The proposal made by Leighton Calkins, who served on the USGA Executive Committee in 1907 and 1908) was that par ratings be based on the play of the U.S. Amateur Champion; at the time the amateur champion was Jerome Travers, who won four amateur titles from 1907 - 1913.

Rating courses according to the "expected" score of the national amateur champion became accepted, and course rating was born in America.