by Brian Duthu
Pro Shops
Despite a slow start to the month due to weather, total rounds for January slightly exceeded the prior year. Total revenue for the Golf Division exceeded budget for the month.
On February 11, Lakes East/Lakes West hosted the 8th annual Teal Ribbon Tournament. The event proved popular once again, raising over $18,000 for the University of Arizona Cancer Center for Ovarian Cancer research. A total of 210 golfers participated in the event, which is significantly higher than the 50 participants in the inaugural event.
On Monday, March 7 we will be hosting a demo day at Riverview Golf Course from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Expected vendors include Wilson, Cleveland, Mizuno, Orlimar, King Par and Biion.
On March 10, the 2nd Annual Can/Am tournament will be held at Lakes West. The format will be a two person best ball, with one American team and one Canadian team. The cup will be awarded to the country with the most winning teams. Last year the American team narrowly edged the Canadians. In addition to the cup, team prizes will be awarded equally between the Americans and the Canadians. Prizes will also be awarded for longest drive and closest to the pin. A Pebble Beach vacation will be awarded for a hole in one on hole seven.
Free golf clinics will be offered March 5, 12, 19 & 26 at Lakes East/West; classes begin at 9:30 a.m. Topics covered in this order: putting, chipping, golf swing fundamentals and ball flight. Please note that this is a change from the flyer originally distributed. There is no need to preregister and the clinics are open to golfers of all skill levels. The clinics are a great introduction to the game of golf or great way to brush up on your game. Clinics are conducted by LPGA and PGA professionals.
Snack Shops
With steady play, snack shops also exceeded total revenue budgeted for January. While the normal closing time for our snack shops is 5:00 p.m., with longer daylight hours we may extend these hours to meet demand.
Golf Courses
As we move into spring we can expect an increase in golf rounds and with increased rounds come increased wear and tear. As temperatures warm throughout the spring, these wear and tear areas will heal faster, however we still need golfer support. We ask everyone to please fill your divots and fix your ball marks. With increased play, slow play instances become more likely. We ask everyone to please practice ready-golf by playing your shot as soon as possible and when it doesn’t interfere with your playing partners or the group ahead, move to your ball whenever it is safe to do so, avoid excessive practice swings, read your putt ahead of your turn and recording scores on the following tee box.
Riverview continues to play hard and fast, particularly around greens and tees. Green speeds remain extremely fast, as a reminder the greens at Riverview were not over-seeded, to protect them long term. With the recent warm weather we have had significant growth that has brought
the green speed down slightly. Prepping a green for over-seed places tremendous stress on the Bermuda grass. As temperatures rise and the grass emerges from dormancy, green speed will slow down and playability will be increased. There are areas of settling around the course near irrigation lines. This is normal, expected and will be corrected by the contractor at no additional cost when the Bermuda grass is actively growing again.
Lawn Bowling
Bowls USA, the national lawn bowling organization, held one of their top events for men at Bell & Lakeview greens in Sun City from February 6 to February 11. Our greens are the finest in North America and as usual many of the best bowlers from Canada and USA came to participate. Our local players managed to more than hold their own in the intense competition.
Lawn bowling clubs also offer casual play for players of all abilities with many social events. Free instruction is available. Go to www.bowlsaz.com to sign up.