Arizona Golf Scene

Marana’s might as a golf destination was significantly enhanced when the PGA Tour announced it would bring the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship to the town traditionally known for farming and ranching. But long before Geoff Ogilvy and Paul Casey dueled in the sun, Marana was home to one of the most unique golf course design projects ever undertaken in the state of Arizona.

Originally perched atop a gravel pit that had become an eyesore for the community, The Pines Golf Club at Marana now runs through the expansive quarry, giving it a one-ofa-kind feel and look.

Golfers begin the SunRidge Canyon adventure at the upper mouth of the course’s namesake, a sweeping Sonoran Desert canyon, which descends switchback style to the canyon’s floor. It is this subtle, but unmistakable, elevation change that lies at the heart of the dramatic golf experience at SunRidge Canyon Golf Club.

Overseed is upon us and while the local courses are growing in their beautiful winter ryegrass, why not get your body in better shape for the impending golf season.

The Camelback Village Racquet and Health Club, one of the top health facilities in the state, will debut their inaugural Golf Conditioning Class. Golf specific exercises such as strength training, core and balance and flexibility will be taught.

Golf courses in Arizona face a unique challenge compared to courses in cooler climates. Golfers demand superior conditions year round. Since no turf presently exists that can thrive in both hot and “cooler” weather, we overseed.

Overseeding:
Warm season grass varieties, typically bermudagrass, are chosen as the base turf for courses that overseed. In the winter, they don’t “die out” rather they simply go dormant losing its green color and its recuperative potential. Dormant bermudagrass can offer an acceptable playing surface but it does not have the same visual appeal as an overseeded course.

Market Leader on Track for Best Year Ever Despite Down Economy  

Knetgolf – the world’s largest combined recycler and refinisher of premium, pre-owned, brand-name golf balls – reports a year-to-date customer savings in excess of $20 million, averaging more than a dollar per ball. 

Projected to sell a company-best 20 million golf balls in 2009 across North America (and in 30 other countries), Knetgolf’s sophisticated recycling process provides consumers with quality, unblemished balls at significant discounts.

The 4th Annual CK’s Tavern & Grill Golf Tournament will take place at Club West Golf Club on Saturday, September 19, 2009. The Shotgun start will begin at promptly 8:00 am. 

Proceeds from this fun/well-attended event will benefit the Crisis Nursery of Phoenix & The Arizona Humane Society.

Cost for the event is just $100 per person, and includes golf, cart with GPS, practice range usage and a tasty, post-golf lunch at CK’s . Many sponsorship opportunities exist as well.

Complimentary puppy snacks were not part of the course fee last week at one Phoenix golf course! But Par, Birdie and Eagle--three English Cream Golden Retriever puppies owned by Ruth and Dave Van Scoyk, visited the Raven Golf Club at South Mountain for a romp on the 12th green. They were encouraged to fix their ball marks and rake the bunkers.

The couple owns the Safford, Arizona-based Y-Rock Ranch (www.y-rockranch.com) and Ruth and the cuddly threesome were in town to tape a television segment with Phoenix-based 3TV, which will be aired this month.

Y-Rock Ranch breeds exquisite and beautiful English Cream Golden Retriever puppies from champion foreign lines, including the countries of England, Russia, Hungary, Spain and Sweden.

Ahwatukee Golf Properties unveiled their new 2010 Ahwatukee Gold Card that offers frequent players preferred golf rates throughout the year at all three Ahwatukee Golf facilities including The Duke Golf Club, Ahwatukee Country Club and Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Club.

On sale now for just $119 ($99 for renewing cardholders) the 2010 Gold Card offers preferred rates to cardholders that range from just $9 to $55 (rates vary seasonally and vary by course).

Golfers from California and Nevada are about to agree with this recent quote from well-known announcer, Ben Wright. The golf icon commented not only on the grandeur of the scenery, reminding him of “his home in Scotland,” but also on the “golfing rewards” to be found on all nine courses: Carson Valley, Dayton Valley, Eagle Valley East and West, Empire Ranch, Genoa Lakes Golf Club – The Lakes & The Resort, Silver Oak and Sunridge.

Located within 35 miles of easy-to-reach Carson City, the Divine 9 seem to be transforming Nevada’s capital into the capital of year-round golf destinations. And no wonder. The area’s unique natural terrain, temperate climate and favorable elevation (at 4,600 feet, golfers can expect 10 percent more distance from their drives) have attracted some of golf’s leading course designers, including Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, John Harbottle and Peter Jacobsen. 

The Arizona Women’s Golf Association is offering a series of lessons to help women get started in the game of golf and feel comfortable on the course. The “Ambassador Program” pairs LPGA/PGA golf teaching professionals with beginning amateur women players to give new golfers a well rounded learning experience. This 6-week program will be held at most locations, on Saturdays.

To register online, go to www.awga.org and click on “Get in the Game – AWGA Ambassador Program.”  Choose a course to begin the registration process. Registration forms may also be downloaded or obtained at each participating course.