May 2007

We used to live in Wichita, Kansas, so I keep up with all the happenings out there.

This beautiful golf course, Sand Creek Station, makes me want to take a trip out there to play a round … or three.

Golf Magazine named it one of the Top 10 New Courses You Can Play.

From their website:

” Sand Creek Station’s unique links-style design features plenty of mounding encompassing the bent grass fairways and undulated greens uncharacteristic of the courses in the area. The sanctity of the railroad has been preserved surrounding the golf course to remind players of the history of the area. Many holes are, as they say in Scotland, “hard by the cinders,” continuing a century’s old tradition of golf bordering railways. Come challenge number ten, better known as “The Beast,” the longest hole in the state of Kansas! Sand Creek Station Golf Course was voted by GOLF Magazine as a “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” for 2006. We were also voted second best course you can play in the state of Kansas by Golf Week Magazine. Come see what other similarities you can identify between Sand Creek Station and other famous golf courses in the birthplace of this great game, Scotland. “

I’m not likely to make it out there in 2007, unless I slip out there late in the fall, so if anyone can send us some info, a review or photos, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll go from there.

My golf blog buddy over at The Deep Rough has just been denied a Press Pass for attending the LPGA’s ShopRite Classic.

You’ll notice that I didn’t link to the LPGA and will not ever do so, nor will I offer any coverage of their events or write the names of any of their players until they recind this idiotic decision.

I’m calling on all golf bloggers and golf related websites to do the same.

If they don’t want us to write about them, let’s give them what they want - NO COVERAGE.

Read the full story of the LPGA’s asinine decision over at The Deep Rough.

From now on, the LPGA is persona non grata around here.

Okay, this guy’s not as good looking as I am, but I like the shirt and I love Tehama’s golf wear.

If anybody from Tehama reads this, I’ll be easy to convince to accept you guys as the premier sponsor here on Travelling Golfer !

For a complete look at the Fall 2007 collection from Tehama, here’s a link to their “Lookbook“.

You’ll find Men’s and Women’s golf apparel there and they look great on the course and off.

Hey Tehama ! Call me ! Email me ! Whatever ! I’m in.

And Oh By The Way, Tehama … whoever’s doing your website has no idea what they’re doing.

A little over a year ago, I wrote a post about Dale Hollow State resort Park’s fabulous golf course.

There’s been a few changes since then and they’re all for the better.

First off, my buddies Bruce and Kent have a new Pro Shop and the driving range is very near completion.

Every time I call or come down, they remember your name and are friendly beyond belief.

I got there a little early on Monday, April 30th, so Bruce could show me his new digs and then let me tour the driving range.

The Pro Shop is a fantastic and welcome addition and Branscum Construction of Russell Springs did a great job on the project.

The driving range will be one of the best in the state when it opens in a few days, as the zoysia makes the ball sit up just like it’s on a tee, the same as their great fairways out on the course. I didn’t get one bad lie in 18 holes and the tee boxes are better than some greens I’ve played this year.

Speaking of greens, these were in very good shape considering that it was still April. No surprises on the speed and in great shape after some sand and top dressing in the not too distant past.

This view from one of the forward tees on #14 is deceiving. From my back tee, I hit a hard 13 degree 3-wood to clear the lake, yet keep it in the fairway. Then I hit a hybrid 3 iron from 197 and hit the green before two putting for birdie.

Every time I make the 3 hour drive (each way) to come down and play, I’m rewarded with some deer running across the fairway and it happened again on this hole, while my second shot was in the air. This course is way yonder out there in the boonies and you’ll see raccoons, deer and a million squirrels.

You’ll also be mesmerized by the fine conditions, the very reasonable rates and the extremely friendly staff.

Whether you come down to see the new Pro Shop, the mountain view driving range, the wildlife or just to talk to Bruce and Kent, you won’t be disappointed.

I’ll be going back in a few weeks, after the range opens and I’ll get you a full report on that.

If you’ve played Dale Hollow’s great golf course and would like to add your opinions, just use the comment feature on this post or email me and I’ll post it for you … pictures and all.

Click thru to the golf course home page and give Bruce or Kent a call and set up a tee time and tell ‘em Mike sent you.

If you’re going to stay overnite, make sure to check out the Tee’s & Zzzz’s Package, which will get you a great room and the lodge has one of the best Black & Bleu salads you’ll ever find.

Here’s an interview with Nationwide Tour Grad Boo Weekley, sent to me by Nationwide.

I used to live on Pensacola Beach and have played golf at some of the same courses Boo, from up around Milton, FL played, although I didn’t play them near as well as he did.

Q & A with Nationwide Tour graduate Boo Weekley:

Q: Can you tell us anything about how your life has changed since winning the Verizon Heritage ?

A: People want to shake my hand and tell me they enjoyed watching me play. I still approach the game the same way though. I still practice hard. I hope to win a couple more times this year. Every time I tee it up, I’m there to win.

Q: There are a lot of former Nationwide Tour golfers who are experiencing success on the PGA Tour, like Zach Johnson, Jason Gore, Camilo Villegas and yourself. How do you think the Nationwide Tour prepared you for the next stage of your career ?

A: The Nationwide Tour made me mentally strong. There are a lot of guys on the Nationwide Tour that are really good players who are ready to play at the next level. So my experience playing against those guys prepared me mentally and for the travel.

Q: What was your most high pressured shot ever ?

A: Probably my putt at The Honda Classic - the second putt to win, which I missed. I was trying to pick a good line, stay focused, keep my head still and just stroke it and let it happen. When I missed, I took my
club and stuck it to the bill of my cap and told myself it just wasn’t
my time. I felt like I rushed myself on that putt. From that experience I learned to slow it down and take my time to try to blow my nerves off.

Q: Is there one piece of advice or technique that really took your game to the next level ?

A: My advice to others would be - work on your short game and your putting, because we all hit it the same.

Q: What would you say to a young golfer who wants become a professional ?

A: Believe in yourself and don’t let anybody tell you no different. If you
believe it, you can do it. If you’re serious about wanting to play,
trust yourself, trust your instincts and work hard on your short game.

Q: If you had to pick one golfer that you’d aspire to be like, whom would that be and why ?

A: Ben Hogan. I read a couple of his books. He believed that every day you have to practice to be good. Every day you miss a practice you have to put in more work to make up for it. He was a firm believer in himself. He got in a car wreck and they told him he wouldn’t be able to walk again. He showed them when he got back on the golf course again.

Q: Obviously your goal was to make the PGA TOUR, but are there aspects of the Nationwide Tour you miss or remember fondly ?

A: I have a lot of memories from the Nationwide Tour. I haven’t been on the PGA Tour long enough to forget them. We became a family. The Nationwide Tour always took care of me.

Q: Do you still hang out with guys you played with on the Nationwide Tour ?

A: Yes. All the guys who came through the Nationwide Tour, we still all
talk and hang out.

Q: Anything that people would be surprised to know about you ?

A: I like rap. My favorites are Nelly, Snoop Dog, MC Hammer, I like all of
it - old school, new school. I don’t rap myself, I just listen to it.
People can find out more about me if they visit Team Nationwide.

Team Nationwide Making a Lasting Impression on the PGA TOUR

Nationwide has announced the creation of Team Nationwide, a select group of graduates of the 2006 Nationwide Tour currently competing on the PGA TOUR. Golf fans can visit Team Nationwide to track the success of these rookies throughout the season to gain insight into the increasingly important role Nationwide Tour graduates are playing in shaping the future of the PGA TOUR. The creation of Team Nationwide underscores the increased visibility and credibility the Nationwide Tour has received in recent years.

By visiting the Team Nationwide Web site, fans can view player bios,
watch videos, participate in contests, and learn more about the success of Team Nationwide on the PGA TOUR and the top players competing on the Nationwide Tour.

” This year, Nationwide Tour alumni playing on the PGA TOUR are once
again proving the impact this tour has on the next level ” said Jim
Lyski, chief marketing officer for Nationwide. ” Team Nationwide will
make it easier for the average golf fan to follow up-and-coming players on the PGA TOUR and to see the role that the Nationwide Tour is playing in developing and preparing golfers for the next stage of their professional lives. ”

The Team Nationwide roster includes Ken Duke, Cliff Kresge, Craig
Bowden, Tripp Isenhour, Jeff Quinney, Boo Weekley, Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker, Craig Kanada, Andrew Buckle, Doug LaBelle II, Gavin Coles, Michael Putnam, Jarrod Lyle, Michael Sim, Paul Sheehan, John Merrick, Bryce Molder and Jim Rutledge. Team Nationwide joins an already impressive roster of former Nationwide Tour graduates who are currently enjoying success on the PGA TOUR such as Zach Johnson and Camilo Villegas.

” Competing on the Nationwide Tour prepared me for the success I’m
enjoying today on the PGA TOUR, ” said Jeff Quinney, a member of Team Nationwide. ” As this group continues to enjoy success, we’ll continue to drive awareness for the high-level of competition on the Nationwide Tour. ”

Members of Team Nationwide will support and participate in
Nationwide-sponsored events and initiatives throughout the year and will be featured in the company’s internal and external communications and marketing materials.

” With over 200 PGA TOUR wins, 65 percent of PGA TOUR membership and 11 major championships with wins in all four, the Nationwide Tour’s impact on the PGA TOUR is undeniable, ” said Bill Calfee, President of the Nationwide Tour. ” With the launch of Team Nationwide and The 25, golf fans now have two great programs by which to follow the Nationwide Tour. ”

Recently, the Nationwide Tour announced The 25 program to highlight
players who are currently within the top 25 on the money list and
in-line to earn their 2008 PGA TOUR card. As one element of a broader
campaign, each week the caddies of the top-25 players will wear a gold
bib designating the player’s current position on the money list. The
top-25 Nationwide Tour money winners after the season-ending Nationwide Tour Championship at Barona Creek will secure 2008 membership on the PGA TOUR.

Nationwide has been umbrella sponsor of the Nationwide Tour since 2003. In 2006, Nationwide announced a commitment to extend its sponsorship of the Nationwide Tour through 2012, making it the longest-running sponsor in the tour’s history.

The Nationwide Tour has reached unprecedented levels of visibility and
credibility in recent years. PGA TOUR measurements show the value of
Nationwide’s sponsorship, including TV coverage, promotion, advertising, news coverage and local marketing, has more than doubled since Nationwide became a sponsor five years ago. As a result, Nationwide also has reaped benefits as brand awareness with golf fans has increased 23 percent, from 56 percent to 79 percent.

Nationwide Tour Grads - At-a-Glance:

* Nationwide Tour grads have won 203 PGA TOUR events.
* Team Nationwide member, Boo Weekly’s victory at the PGA TOUR’s
Verizon Heritage on April 16 was the first this season for the
Nationwide Tour’s class of 2006.
* Zach Johnson’s Master’s win completed a grand slam for
Nationwide Tour graduates, who have now notched victories in all of the PGA TOUR’s major championships.
* Nationwide Tour graduates have won seven PGA TOUR events already in 2007.
* Nine Nationwide Tour graduates were members of the 2006 U.S.
Ryder Cup team.
* Eight 2005 Nationwide Tour graduates earned in excess of $1
million on the PGA TOUR in 2006.
* Twelve 2005 Nationwide Tour graduates finished 2006 among the
Top 125 on the final money list, led by Troy Matteson (No. 36), Camilo
Villegas (No. 38) and Nathan Green (No. 41).

About the Nationwide Tour:

As an extension of the PGA TOUR, the Nationwide Tour identifies and
transitions those select golfers whose games are ready to compete and
win on golf’s greatest stage. In 2007, Nationwide Tour alumni surpassed the 200th PGA TOUR win milestone, which includes a grand slam of the major championships and 11 in all. Twenty-five PGA TOUR cards will be at stake over the course of 32 Nationwide Tour tournaments this season, with a record $18 million in prize money available. Recognizing this growing stature and the PGA TOUR’s commitment to charity, Nationwide, one of the largest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the world, renewed its umbrella sponsorship of the Nationwide Tour through 2012. The PGA TOUR, through the efforts of its three tours and their tournaments, sponsors, players and volunteers, supports more than 2,000 local charities and in 2005 surpassed the $1 billion mark in charitable giving. To learn more about the Nationwide Tour’s rich history and the PGA TOUR’s next stars, visit the PGA Tour’s website