GOLF IN GALLUP

SO LONG MY FRIENDS!

2011-02-22T20:13:00.035-07:00

Elk City Scoreboard Area

I have accepted a position as golf professional in Elk City C.C., in the city of Elk City, Oklahoma, right between Amarillo, TX and Oklahoma City, OK.

Mona and I leave Gallup with many more good memories than not so good ones, mainly due to those people that were always grounded in the good old manners of truth and kindness, some of whom we are privileged to be friends with, and of course, due to our dear family, starting with "Grandma" Lucero, my brother Armando and everyone in between. We enjoyed every moment of serving you, the tournaments, the rounds or trips together, the parties and lunches, everything.

After being in the golf business for over 35 years, and a short stunt in the photo business, it was only fitting that if a golf opportunity opened, I would take it, and I did.

Brandie in her element!

For me and Ramona, this was excellent timing. Everything was put together rather fast and we are truly excited. It is time to move on and start building memories and relationships elsewhere; there are many good, and smiley kids and willing golfers everywhere, and Elk City will be no different. We will feel at home from the start, particularly after the welcoming we have been given by all people... even Brandie, whose favorite thing is running on grass!

Elk City - View of #6 & 7

Elk City Practice Range
(target area highlighted in winter)

If any one of you is traveling I-40, stop and see us. Elk City is on exit #38 in I-40, just entering Oklahoma from the west. The course is short, but challenging, with narrow fairways lined with trees and small greens, many of which are well guarded by water or bunkers, and of course, THE DAILY WIND! The course is in great shape and there are over 200 avid member/golfers, several of whom are pretty good; I already met the man who has the course record, a nifty 59!! (I really need to hit the range - or I'll get "smoked")

Perhaps one day we can have a "Challenge Match", or even a round of golf in Oklahoma. Sure, you will have to travel several hours more, but it'll be worth it. I guarantee it.

A special thanks to the many friends and relatives who, over the years, truly made our days nicer and shorter in Gallup and specially to, (in no particular order): My daughters (Mariana, Jan Michael Angela, Paola & Anya), Mona's sons (Leslie & Ryan), my brother Armando, Gary & Karen Leloff, Tommy Thompson (RIP), George Galanis, Tommy Noe, Eric Honeyfield, Manny & Julie Martinez from Grants' Coyote Del Malpais, Larry Binkley, David Ruiz, GMC Schools, Menapace Family, Joe Sherman (RIP), John Dowling, Big Brothers and Sisters, Kenny Bean, Special Olympics Staff, All Our Family (direct & extended), all the juniors that we had contact with (some of whom are now adults), Jackie McKinney, Joe DiGregorio, RMCH Staff, Shirley Wilson, Lidio Rainaldi, Paul McCollum, Melinda Sanchez and Roosevelt Elementary School Staff. You are all an asset to your community. If I forget anyone, please forgive me.

Again, thank you to all...

EVER WONDER IF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING Jr. HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH GOLF?

2011-01-17T07:34:00.031-07:00

The vision of Dr. Martin Luther King is well known, and today, we celebrate 25 years since he was first (rightfully so) honored with a holiday.

In the early 70's, I was living in Guadalajara, Mexico, way before the name Lorena Ochoa was ever heard of. At the time, part of the Mexican PGA Tour included a series of tournaments called "The Raleigh Cup". I can't remember specifics, but I assure you, it was nothing like the Fed-Ex Cup now days! First prize in each event was around $4,000 U.S. Dls, and the winner of the series won another $10,000 or so, big money in Mexico at the time, but nothing you could retire with.

One of the events was played at Santa Anita CC in Guadalajara and I went to watch. Armed with a Tee Time sheet, I went to #1 to see who I would follow. Next on #1 was Steve Cain, a pro whom I knew since 1971, when we played in the Pro-Am of the 1971 Mexican Open. I decided to follow this group for a while. Paired with him was a black man by the of Charlie Sifford and a Mexican pro whom we used to call "Camaron" (I felt like a giant standing next to this 5' 4" man). Sifford had this peaceful expression but seemed to act with a lot of confidence. When I saw him take a club out of his bag and make a few warm-up swings, I decided to watch his group.

I did not regret it. The whole group played well. Shrimp (one of the best putters I ever played with), shot the lowest round at 67. Cain and Sifford shot in the 60's also, and if I recall correctly, Sifford ended up winning the series. Afterwards, I had the chance to shake his hand and sit down to have a Coke with him and others, including "Camaron" and Ernesto Perez Acosta, a friend of mine who would win the 1976 World Cup and would be the first Mexican born professional to win the Mexican Open. Sifford fit well with everyone, and was the nicest of guys with a great sense of humor.

After that, I started looking for his name in the results of PGA Tour events, but never found it... the reason? By then, he was pretty much past his prime (he was born in 1922 and was past 50, his biggest win coming in the 1975 Sr. PGA Championship, which was not very publicized). However, even if I had looked a few years before, I wouldn't have found much, not because Siffiord couldn't play well, but because there were few tournaments that welcomed black players, as it had only been 12 years since the PGA Tour in America had lifted the "Caucasian Only" Rule. If you dig a little more in the history of the Civil Rights Movement, you will find that not everyone was happy with the rule change. As far as Siffiord, the timing for his skills, was just a little off, as he was 39, and though he could still play, he was a few years past his prime. On the positive side, by the time Dr. King delivered his famous "I Have Dream" speech in 1963, several black golfers were already living their own dream.

When you read names like John Shippen (first black to play in the U.S. Open); Ted "Rags" Rhodes (with others, filed suit against the PGA Tour in 1948 for their "white only" policy); Ann Gregory (won 6 of 7 championships she entered and was the first black woman to qualify for the U.S. Women's Amateur): Pete Brown (first black to win on tour, 1964 Waco Open); Charlie Sifford, who also won a few events, but not on the PGA Tour; Lee Elder (first black to qualify for The Masters - 1975); Calvin Peete (won 12 times in the PGA Tour, with the Players Championship -1985-, and the Tournament of Champions -1986-, being his biggest wins); Jim Dent (16 wins, including 12 senior titles); or Jim Thorpe (18 wins, including senior victories); you wonder how much more would they have won before Eldrick Tiger Woods was even born. Had it not been for these pioneers, and of course people like Dr. King, Tiger would not have been Tiger.

History is history, some of it is very ugly and sad, and you can't change what happened, nor understand it sometimes. Yes, while there is still a minority living the past (on both sides), to go forward, all we can do is live the present and learn from the past. I just can't imagine the internal fortitude these people had to have, the patience they had to build and the insults, humiliation and pain they faced (Charlie Sifford once retrieved a ball out of a cup filled with human excrement!) in order to play this great game that we proudly call "a Gentleman' Game". It seems that just like everything else, there was a time in which the definition of a "gentleman", was incomplete.

In the end, during this Civil Rights Movement, 1961 was the greatest year ever for American Golf, as the PGA Tour's "Caucasian Only" rule was lifted, and as Dr. Martin Luther King also said, "The Time is Always Right to Do What is Right"

Jackie McKinney & Bryan Wall: Golfers' Front Runners for the Mayor's Office...

2011-01-12T11:19:00.213-07:00

Among eight people who will challenge Mayor Mendoza in the mayor’s race, you'll have to faces familiar to golfers: Bryan Wall, sitting councilor, and Jackie McKinney (file photo on the left, with son Brian), a fresh face in politics who is the former general manager for A.C. Houston Lumber.

Last year, despite the heat and differences with Mayor Mendoza, Wall, recognizing the decaying conditions of our golf course, got involved and led an approach not known to city hall from 2007-2009: "don't just make promises, do something".

On the other hand, Jackie is well known among golfers, both as a golfer, and as host of the AC Houston Lumber Benefit Scramble. But he is best known by non golfers who have benefited from his volunteer work, his business practices and his ethics. Back to golf... For 20 straight years, he not only built trust and excellent reputation for reaching out and for organizational skills, but did so while hosting a great event that became a gathering of friends which helped raise close to $500,000 for various local non-profit organizations, from "Battered Families", to "Special Olympics" to the "Gallup Police League" and others. With time, it became the most anticipated invitation in Gallup’s golf. Golfers would ask, "when is the A.C. Houston Scramble?" or "When is Jackie's Tournament?". People from all over came to this event which was limited to 152 players, though he could have had 200 if he so chose to.

Wall also has experience in business (as former owner of a nursery) and politics (he is a former state representative, and a sitting council member). But, McKinney's lack of "political experience" doesn't mean that he is a stranger to direct service and contact with the public, as he is literally the guy who will take his shirt off to give to others, and if needed, work on hands and knees helping fellow citizens, not for personal recognition or gain, but for the good of all. But we should not judge their (or others) qualifications by their "experience" (or lack of it) in politics, as we have seen that “experienced career politicians” aren’t necessarily the best choice all the time, and people are beginning to think that “no strings attached” politics are more likely to give measurable results to promises made.

As far as the golf course, among the candidates, one already expressed his desire to close it… not a good idea; another one, as a former city director, ran the course for a while, but his interest in politics was stronger than his desire to serve, and failed to help. And of course, we know how under Mendoza's administration there was no clear vision, nor knowledge of the real issues confronting the decaying conditions, all of which contributed to a 29% drop in fees revenue in the fiscal year 2009-2010, and it will be even worse in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Yes, we know that the golf course is not the only service entity that needs attention in our city, but it is a mirror of our community. We tried the approach of "mirror, mirror, tell me we are the fairest of all", and when the mirror told us the truth, city officials threw mud at it: they did not want anyone hearing what the mirror had to say. That is why golfers, and many non golfers, would like to see the new mayor publicly address the golf course as the asset to the community that it really is, both, socially and intrinsically, and not as a worthless expense and/or a political football.

The new mayor must demand that the practice area re-opens. Closed since the end of 2007 "for repairs", it has been nothing short of an embarrassment!!; demand that junior and adult teaching programs are re-instated (has anyone in leadership stopped to think the social benefits, including our youth, that golf can contribute with?); he must ensure results and fiscal responsibility; he must connect with all sectors (hint, hint: and golfers in Gallup cover all socio-economic sectors); Gallup needs a mayor who doesn’t fall for expensive “junk science" projects such as “planting weeds”, “signature holes” or "band aids" over gaping wounds, like $300 trash cans "decorating" tee boxes full of weeds; a mayor who realizes that most golfers prefer putting on grass, than parking on new asphalt, and a mayor who puts people first (one who does not think city hall is the dog and the constituents are the tail, as one city councilor once said), and a mayor who demands public service from public employees, starting with those of "rank" who only deal ("serve")with "selected" public. If this approach is followed, there will be progress, and if it can be done at the golf course, then it can be achieved in every city department and the community will gain.

That said, just like candidates like to say, golfers need to become one united voice: TOGETHER they can team up with the city and help do sensible and visible improvements. This is a good time for "Friends of Golf in Gallup" to step in again and give their "5 cents" worth to the candidates. Working together, a little elbow grease, a few rags, a little Windex, and lots of initiative, will help clean the mud out of that dirty mirror!

LOOKING FROM THE OUTSIDE; WHAT ARE THEY THINKING?

2010-10-11T18:32:00.001-06:00

For the first time since April of this year, I played a full 18 holes at the Gallup Municipal Golf Course. Despite my bad play, I enjoyed the company of five local golfers who chose to spare my wallet (thanks!). The service at the pro-shop was good, I think this young lady Evelyn, is an asset and I hope she learns as much about golf as possible, it can only help the operation. She is trying, but the policies set forth that she has to follow, are not conductive to making a golfer feel welcome. Almost like saying, "pay up, go play and we'll see you next time". Big deal!

While I had fun and enjoyed the afternoon, I also realized why play is minimal. But try to say anything about service to those who make policies, and they'll say, "that's the rules!" Really? Chang the rules!

"No bills larger than $20" (really? at a golf course?); the sign on #1 reads, "RANGE CLOSED, CLOSED, CLOSED". We know, actually since 2007. Maybe each "closed" is intended for each year closed, if so, it is missing 2 big "CLOSED" words (2010,2011)!; Q: "can you tell me who is playing?" A: "no, we cannot disclose who is playing"; Q: "is it busy?" A: "come and find out, we cannot say"; Q: "can you loan me a cart to go see if that group is going to play the back nine?" A: "no, you need to pay"; Q: "Can I host a tournament here?", A: "sure, it'll cost you $38.00 per person. It includes $15.00 for gift certificates that you need to redeem within a year in practically nothing that we have in he pro-shop"; Q: "who will handle the tournament for me?" A: "Uh? We have some golfers that might want to do it. Otherwise, it's your responsibility to put it together"; Q: "Who gives lessons?" A: "We have a couple of school teachers that can help you when they are around."; Q: "Are they good teachers?" A: "Don't know" Q: "Do you patrol the course?", A: "uh?"; Q: "Have they mowed the greens?" A: "I don't know, we are not told".... get the picture?

Add the above to the conditions (someone needs to say: "LET'S GET RID OF THE WEEDS AND START MOWING REGULARLY" and stop listening to those who make silly rules because you might be afraid of your job), and you can see that golfers are a lot more faithful here than in other parts of the country. Losing only 30% revenue in the last fiscal year might have been much better than elsewhere. But you won't see that printed in the paper any time soon.

Realistically, the golf course will never be able to pay for itself in Gallup (in small cities, it seldom does), but we can minimize the cost. Gallup needs a golf course. It is a quality of life issue. No one has an idea of the benefits, particularly to our youth. The course needs to be "cleaned up" and maintained as it has not been properly maintained since early 2007 when the main goal was to beautify everything but the fairways and greens. At least before 2007, Vince Alonzo (back again in "the saddle"), Richard Gomez, Preston Tom, Dennis Nieto and Co. tried their best with very little, to maintain what we had. ENCOURAGE THEM and give them some resources (I assure you, the monies will be better spent than before!!

THE THRILL OF VICTORY & THE AGONY OF DEFEAT

2010-10-05T18:19:00.001-06:00

ABC's Jim McCay "The Thrill of Victory & The Agony of Defeat" are a good title for this year's Ryder Cup that ended up this morning with a tough victory by Europe and an almost great comeback by the United States. It could also be titled "The Birth of 2 Men" (Rory McIlroy & Rickie Fowler).

There is no question that this was the best Ryder Cup final day since 1991 when the matches were not decided until the last pair's match. There were similar comebacks both times. In 1991, hosted by the United States, none other than Mark Calcaveccia was "dormie 5" against Colin Montgomery (Mark was 5 up with 5 to go), and Colin came back to tie the match... with help of Mark who played those 5 holes in 6 over par. This time it was Rickie Fowler who was 4 down with 4 to go and birdied the last 4 holes and got a half point while Edoardo Mollinari played steady with pars. Fowler, who had not done much in the team competition, looked nervous and even cost a victory in a match for not knowing the Rules of Golf, came alive in his last four holes abroad, lost his fear and became a mature man possessed with the will to win and ended up scraping a valuable 1/2 point that could have given the USA the victory

McIlroy made a huge mistake on the last hole of his match against Stewart Cink; tied and with Stewart on the green in three shots, McIlroy faced a relatively easy bunker shot for his own third shot... that he left in the bunker! Now, he had a 4th shot that he needed to get close just to have a chance for a tie in case Cink missed his birdie, which he did. McIlroy blasted to about 4 feet and made the nervous putt to get 1/2 point as well, which halved the match.

It all came down to Hunter Mahan, who at one point I am sure he thought his match would not count as the USA looked like they would lose badly. Hunter had a very tough match with US Open champion Graeme McDowell in the last pairing of the day. With both teams were tied at 13 1/2 points, Graeme was 1 up after 15, and then made a fantastic birdie on #16 to go "dormie 2".

Hole #17 showed that the Ryder Cup is more than a major when it concerns the pressure on a player. Hunter mishit his tee shot on the par 3 hole, but had a relatively easy chip to a front pin that at worst, he needed to get close in case McDowell, who had also missed the green, could not get it up and down. What proceeded was one of the most embarrassing moments an professional golfer can have, a "chili dip". His shot from 30 feet, went only 15 feet and did not even reach the green. At the moment, he smiled in agony and embarrassment, and after he could not make a 3, conceded the match and the cup went back to Europe.

No one can blame Hunter for this defeat. Remember, this is a team effort, and the day before, the USA could only make 1/2 point out of 6!! So, if there is someone to "blame", is 12 players who could only get 1/2 point out of 6 played! But there is no one to blame. This is the nature of sports, there is always someone who wins, and someone who loses. There is agony and there is thrill. 2008 was thrill for the USA, this year they lost a close one and there was pain and agony, of 12 men, not one.

We should all be proud that despite a poor start and all odds against, the team fought back and made it for a very exciting, thrilling and great exhibition of courage and the will to win never giving up. I am sure there were tears, perhaps by Mahan who may have not only felt responsible for the loss, but embarrassed by his bad chip shot. But there is not need to, in fact, we appreciate the tears, it shows they really care.

Congratulatioons to both teams, to Europe for having a great victory and to the U.S.A. for showing character under pressure.

TEAM U.S.A., we are proud of you!!.

FAREWELL TO DON MARZILLI

2010-08-29T09:11:00.003-06:00

Like with many, I found about Don's passing by reading The Independent several days after his passing; and like many, I was shocked to hear more about the circumstances surrounding his passing.

Don had to be one of the most enthusiastic golfers in Gallup and a frequent sponsor of local events. Because he was a high handicapper, he loved scrambles, but meeting new people was something of a hobby for him, often signing up for a tournament as a single to join an incomplete team. No matter what kind of tournament he played, he always promised he would be the best putter on the team... and more often than not, kept his promise, he couldn't hit the ball far or straight, but he could sure use the "flat blade".

As the local PGA professional, I always appreciated his willingness to help in any way he could and of course, his permanent smile, good sense of humor and demeanor on the course. I haven't played much the last year, nor do I help with many of the local events, but I had the pleasure of shaking hands with him once more during the recent Cheerleaders tournament in August, where as usual, was a sponsor, and where as usual, his smile was contagious. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go to all his family, extended family and friends. We will miss him as well.

NOTHING CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT THE RULING AT PGA CHAMPIONSHIP...

2010-08-15T21:34:00.021-06:00

After watching the exciting finish of the PGA Championship, the first thing I read in MSN is: KAYMER WINS AFTER CONTROVERSIAL RULING"... Excuse me??? That is why I like golf: if you are good friends with Jim Remy (PGA President), G. Kohler (Club President and owner Kohler products, including odorless pee traps), or Bob Ryan (Mayor of Sheboygan, WI, the city where Whistling Straits G.C. is located); THE RULES APPLY THE SAME!. You can have dinner with them later... after you sign your correct scorecard and add the strokes.

I received three phone calls within 10 minutes, before, during and after the ruling was made. Once they mentioned that he may have grounded his club in a hazard (sand bunker), the first words out of my mouth were: all of it had to be in the "Notice to Competitors" information sheet, and it turns it was.

Rule 6-1 is very clear: The player and his caddy are responsible for knowing The Rules..., and so is Rule 6-6b: After completion of a round, the competitor should check his score for each hole and settle any doubtful points with the committee. He must ensure that the marker or markers have signed the scorecard, sign the scorecard himself and return to the committee as soon as possible.

I've seen enough tournaments, organized enough and know the rules enough to realize that the only person who is at fault for what happened to Dustin Johnson is Dustin himself. The notice to competitors BEFORE the tournament started clearly said that all sand was to be considered a sand bunker, in other words: a hazard.

I am sure the rules official with Dustin's group was more concerned to give Dustin a line of play among the fans, than whether or not Dustin was in a hazard, which the official thought Dustin knew. It's not like the official should have said to a professional... "Hey Dustin, don't forget you are in a hazard!" It's like, "hey dummie, did you read the rules?" And if he tried, it was too late, there he is trying to move gallery while Dustin is assessing his lie, and bam!!! he touches the hazard!!! And that is the end of that.

Someone mentioned Roberto De Vicenzo (1968 Masters). It was almost the same. Then, he signed a wrong scorecard, but because he signed for a score higher than he actually shot on #17, the score stood (Rule 6d). In this case, it would have been "meaner" to allow Dustin to to sign the scorecard with a 5 on #18 and then proceed to disqualify him.

Had he signed for a score lower than he had on a hole, he would have been disqualified. And that is what the official was trying to do when he approached Dustin after the round: AVOID A DISQUALIFICATION ONCE HE WAS AWARE THAT DUSTIN MAY HAVE GROUNDED THE CLUB IN THE HAZARD.

KUDOS TO THE PGA OF AMERICA AND THE OFFICIALS!! IT WAS A TOUGH ON DUSTIN, BUT THE RULING WASN'T TOUGH. EVERYONE KNOWS THESE SIMPLE PRINCIPLES.

AND OF COURSE, CONGRATULATIONS TO MARTIN KAYMER!!!

THE EVOLUTION OF GOLF IN GANADO, AZ....

2010-08-01T10:57:00.002-06:00

Recently, the Navajo Times published an article about "The Wagon Trail to Lonesome Pine" Golf Course just outside Ganado, AZ. Nine miles to be exact. When I overheard about it a few days ago, I didn't pay attention and thought they were speaking about a practice area adjacent to Ganado H.S. that Bob and Madge Becker opened in the late 90's. Let's start there (*):

Madge was the principal at Ganado High School, and Bob was a math teacher there. Madge didn't play golf, but Bob did as often as he could, which he usually did in weekday afternoons, while Madge either went shopping or stayed reading a book around the pro-shop. It was not the "I have to stay and wait for him to finish" type wait, or the usual "golf widow", it was something much different. Let's just say that Madge enjoyed Bob having some fun. This all evolved into talks about a golf team, then to actually having a team followed by instruction at the Gallup Municipal G.C., then, Madge, a great force to get things done for kids, secured a grant from the USGA worth several thousand dollars with which she bought some equipment, paid for some lessons but more importantly, opened a practice facility adjacent to Ganado H.S., which I had the honor to be invited as "co-host" for a grand opening that featured Notah Begay III as the guest of honor. However, Madge and Robert retired and moved to Colorado, and without their driving force and vision, the program soon died.

Enter Freddie Yazzie. Freddie was the usual bus driver that drove the kids to play and practice in Gallup. Since Freddie helped with the kids, he also began hitting some balls, and in time, he began playing golf as well. After the program ended, he also came a few times to play some golf himself, and we considered him sort of like "an assistant coach": HE WAS HOOKED!

There is more: Freddie happens to be cousin to Joe and Donald Benally, who own the land where "Wagon Trail" (for short) is located in the Navajo Reservation, which is the source of the Navajo Times article. After the article appeared in the Navajo Times, Freddie contacted Madge Becker, sent her a link to the article and finished his email by saying: "Madge, I know you had a dream like this". Yes she did Freddie, and now you and your family can help revive it as you expressed in our conversation.

Freddie expressed that he'd like to make this available to kids and maybe have some clinics. The start will be a remake of the tournament that was originally scheduled for two weeks ago and which will be rescheduled to August 28th (apparently The Navajo Times was published only a day or two before the original event and there was not a lot of advance notice).

This shows you what desire and dreams can put together. Yes, this is a dirt golf course, where you tee off from artificial grassed mats. It takes us back to the 1400's when the Scotts first played golf: some grass, some sand, some bushes, a hole and a lot of fun. This is the kind of project that deserves been given a chance to some funding to make conditions improve. Guaranteed, these people would make a few dollars go a long way!!!

Congratulations and thank you in the name of golf.

(DON'T FORGET!! AUGUST 28th - YOU CAN CALL FREDDIE AT 928-675-1733; JOE BENALLY AT 928-550-3390 OR DONALD BENALLY AT 505-809-8760

(*) This is not, in any way, meant to be a complete history, these are only some of the things I know first hand. I am sure that there were many other people who helped Madge and Robert Becker, and others who helped the Benally's and Freddie, so, if there is anything else that anyone knows, please feel free to contact me to add or correct anything written here. Thanks.

COMING SOON: CHEERLEADERS SCRAMBLE 2010

2010-07-24T17:05:00.002-06:00

Reserve the date... Augsut 8, 2010. Sunday!

The Cheerleaders Scramble will be hosted at Fox Run G.C.

Format: 4-Man Scramble. Pick your own team.

Enrty Fee per Person; $65.00

For more information, call Lucy Montoya at 505-862-3090.

The Cheeleaders Scramble is the longest running fundrasier in Gallup, dating back to the late 80's!! And one that all golfers truly enjoy, partly because they get to play their favorite game and partly because they get to take their picture with very pretty young ladies!!

You can't beat that!

GOOD NEWS FOR FOX RUN!

2010-07-18T22:55:00.094-06:00

It seems that for a long time no one got it: "Plans" without action, are as valuable as the paper these are written on. Furthermore, bad plans done right, are more damaging than good plans done wrong. In other words, doing the wrong thing right takes a lot longer to fix than doing the right thing wrong, and golf courses or operations of golf courses, are not immune to this statement, and specifically, Gallup.

In early 2009, after four straight years (2005-2008) with season long problems that negatively affected the course conditions and playability, our former golf course superintendent, acting on an idea of a fellow city employee and friend (the grant writer for the City of Gallup), came up with a "6-Year Plan" (written by both) that was later called, by both of them, "a Wish-List dependant on funding" (????!!)

When the superintendent was asked what could he do with the resources he had, instead of what he could promise with what he didn't have, he declined to answer... and in fact, nothing was done... OK almost nothing: there was the "Signature Hole" project with which 70,000 sq ft of perfectly usable grass on #14 and #17 were destroyed with the excuse that the area was full of weeds and Bermuda grass, none of which was true. Now, after 5 months of "fiinishing" these areas for seeding, they are full of weeds, and the new "weather station" is useless because the soil was not prepared right to begin with (note: the grass taken out was not used to sod any of the problem areas of the course and was destroyed by spraying with chemicals the day before it was turned inside out with a tractor on September of 2009). The result is that over $120,000 of your tax payer dollars, were wasted! (and that is just one project!). So, 18 months after releasing the "6-Year Plan", the golf course was all but gone. Sure, there will be a "spin" of "he was not allowed to finish", which many might thnk of as a positive. Many say "good, just look at what he left", and some say, "he was a scapegoat". You decide. OK, that is past.

The good news for Fox Run is that the "3-Year" plan of 2007 (which was never implemented), and the "6-Year" plan of 2009 (ditto), have been replaced by a 90 Day Plan that starts Monday, July 19, 2010 and which will be carried on mainly by Tommy Noe (see pictures) and some by city councilor Bryan Wall. The plan could be called "A 90 Day, Take Action Now, There Are Things That Can Be Done Now" plan. Obviously, there is little that can be done in 90 days except perhaps show that with some action, our golf course, which regressed 20 years or so in rounds and revenue, can be salvaged instead of trying to build a new course that would cost upwards to $12,000,000 that we don't have. In addition to the operation, the addition of Vince Alonzo, who spent well over 25 years with the city in golf course and parks, gives our course something we lacked for a while: personality to deal with the public. Alonzo -who is acting as a foreman who is well liked and respected by public and crew-, and Richard Gomez, who has been at the golf course for close to 20 years and knows pretty much how to run the maintenance, make a good team with Noe, who knows the construction end. People have already noticed some positive changes in the daily procedures and are hopeful. With time, they will notice the construction part.

This 90 Day plan calls for redoing greens #'s 7, 8 and 10, plus seeding the driving range (the sprinklers had been capped off for no known reason since the end of 2007, which not only caused the cancellation of Junior program in 2008 and 2009, but also caused losing the fairway on #18, when the winds blew the sand of a bare driving range to the adjacent fairway). There is a lot to be done, but these three greens and the driving range is a great start. There is another positive: the public, thank God, if given something positive and some hope, usually has short memory. Show some progress instead of broken promises, and the previous 6 years will be forgotten, almsot overnight!

Two questions remain: 1) What do we do with the $150,000 "signature hole" and the destruction of #14 that yielded nothing but weeds? (the whole thing will have to be redone in order to regrow the wasted grass; and 2) Who approved this nonsense by the superintendent, particularly after strong warnings?

PICTURES:
Top Left: Vince Alonzo praising the "top dogs" (top right) of the golf course crew: Preston Tom, Richard Gomez (Asst. Superintendent) and Dennis Nieto.

Bottom: Left, Tommy Noe (operating the "BobCat") beginning work on #7 green; and on right, #7 green totally "rotto-tilled" before the soiuld is mixed with sand and peat-moss, and then reshaped and ready for sod.

FIREFIGHTERS TOURNAMENT COMING UP...

2010-07-15T18:01:00.003-06:00

NOTICE:

IT WAS MOVED TO AUGUST 1st, 2010 TO GRANTS N.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL EDDY JARAMILLO AT: 505-870-0576

The annual Firefighters tournament is coming up in Sunday July 25th. According to Eddy Jaramillo (pictured with his team last year (Adam Archuleta, left, and Ramon Guerrero, watching the break), there will be at least 20 (twenty four) 3-Man teams.

This is not only a fundraiser for the Firefighters of Gallup, but over the years, it has become a family tournament, with several families attending the event, even if not playing. You can enter the tournament by calling the pro-shop at 863-9224. You can make your own team or you can sign individually and you will be placed two other golfers in a team. Play will be in sixsomes and teams will be handicapped (teams will receive a percentage of the team's total handicap). You can also call Eddy Jaramillo at 870-0576.

A delicious cookout will follow play!

See you on the 25th!!

I RATHER HAVE THE TRAPPER WITH THE SKINS....

2010-07-03T04:44:00.100-06:00

Now that there is no golf professional or golf course superintendent (two different positions that required totally different skills), the city is facing pretty much what they faced back in 1980-1981: the golf course will be managed by people who other than knowing what end of the club to hold, know little or nothing about golf operations, even if they are well meaning. The truth is that Lance Allgood doesn't really have the time, and probably didn't even want to do it, but out of loyalty to the city, felt he had to say "yes". His loyalty has to be commended and should be appreciated, however, we would like to see leadership which starts with the recognition that he needs help, and not in the way of a day of two of "training" by an expert coming to Gallup, but in a permanent basis. Lance knows first hand, that this is not easy task, and that the golf course needs the help of a professional that has the time to time to spend there, both in the operations and in the maintenance, so a quick recovery of a 20 year regression can start A.S.A.P.

This is an emergency! The conditions, which directly affect the amount of play (reduced to less than 50% of when play was managed by a PGA Professional), have reversed to the early 80's! That is a quarter of a century of regression! If you want to salvage part of the golf season, and begin building public trust, put pride aside and do something now! If you wait for the "task force" to tell you the course is in bad shape and we "need help by someone", it'll be too late and the rest of the season is lost. Think I am exaggerating? Tell me how many "task forces", or golf committees have made a difference? These are usually called once there is an emergency for not taking action, and of course, to take "responsibility" for something that should have been done long before their "suggestion" is ever made. Take for instance 2007: we had weeds all over the golf course for 6 months (March - August), and no one wanted to do anything about it, and "voila!" the golf committee decides that they should be cut (not before RMCH complained about it), and overnight, the weeds were gone! (well, it took a week).

Now, we see that Tommy Noe is out there asking for an opportunity to help the city that saw him grow into adulthood, but Tommy has much more than "local blood", and he is not just another guy who "wishes" and "says" he can help; he has the experience that reminds me of the old Texas saying; "in matters of practicality and results, I rather hire the trapper with the skins in the back of this truck, that the man with diplomas on his wall". Tommy has all the skins out there; all sizes and all game; direct and indirect experience in over 30 courses built all over the world! And now, someone is trying to see if he is qualified? Give us a break! The time is NOW!

In 2006, we hired someone "with credentials" (diplomas), which included "helping build" exactly one golf course, or at least 30 less than Tommy Noe! The selection by the research committee, which included Allgood, proved to be a mistake, as, after almost four years, we now know that all these credentials in "education" were worthless if left in the office and in "plan after plan". Noe has both, skins and diplomas. The fact is that then, like now, we needed someone that was a proven "trapper", not someone who "said" he'd be one. That the city made a big deal about their man reaching "Class-A" status in the Golf Course Superintendent's of America at the end of 2008 (something that he was supposed to have had when he applied in 2006), should have been a sign for things to come, but everyone was clueless as they ignored this little detail. Wow!

Right now, Fox Run needs someone with the experience in successfully managing people, someone who knows how to operate heavy equipment and mowers, someone who can build drains without $$ expensive contracts $$ to local engineers, someone who does not mind using a pick and a shovel when needed, someone who can teach, first hand, how to do certain things, someone who does not mind learning from the crew where needed, someone who knows how to improvise. We are certainly tired of someone who needs every duck in a row, to get things done... maybe; especially if that someone spends more time in city hall, than in the department he was trusted with.

We do not need any more expensive and worthless "junk science" projects, like the "signature hole" (really, can anyone tell me what was Weekes thinking, first in destroying over 50,000 sq ft of perfectly healthy grass that was once used to repair bad areas, and now we have nothing?), which in the long run will cost four times as much as it cost in the first place, or someone who will destroy existing, precious aclimated grass that could be used elsewhere, or someone who will cut "half dead" trees which are still "half alive" instead of trying to save them, or spend $20K in a report that will never be used, and so many other things that cost upwards to an additional $500K of your tax dollars!!!

No one heeded verbal or written warnings, always dismissing them as exaggerated or ill intended. Surely, if the money came out of their own pockets, they wouldn't be so uninterested in doing the right thing. Who knows, maybe they will anyway.

3rd ANNUAL "OLD TIMERS" TOURNAMENT; SATURDAY, MAY 22nd

2010-05-17T18:24:00.001-06:00

The the III Annual Old Timers Benefit Scramble, will be played at our golf course this coming Saturday, May 22nd. This scramble, last won by Tom Chee, Travis Chee, Kevin Chee & Danielle Chee (not signed up yet), has slowly been becoming a favorite of all of us who are reaching some sort of "senionity", or shall I say... SENIOR AGE (where we don't have 20-20 vision because of another number called "59 and over"!).

Ernie Abeita, who aced #5 last year, pictured here with all the "Abeitas" and the "daddy" of all "old timers" in baseball, Alfred "Porky" Abeita (L-R) - Marco, Ernie, Kenny & Porky, who aced #5 last year during this event, and his team, have not signed yet either, actually, none of the teams in the top 5 from last year, have signed up yet... and neither has Andrew Dominguez (left)SO HURRY UP!!!

There will be a steak lunch, prizes, door prizes, prizes for the winners, prizes for non winners, closest to the pin contest (maybe you can make some cash), etc.

Call the Pro-Shop to sign up at 505-863-9224...

PAUL HANSON MEMORIAL - NICE DAY, GOOD FOOD AND 4 SCHOLARSHIPS!

2010-05-17T11:29:00.001-06:00

The 26th edition of the Paul Hanson Memorial ended up with forty players and four scholarships for deserving students, this time, all girls (pictured is school superintendent, Ray Arsenault with the recipients... to view more pictures, click here). This event is the only event in Gallup that raises fund for academic scholarships, and is highly appreciated.

The sunny day with slight breeze was perfect for golf, as was camaraderie and the steaks that followed play. Two teams completed a 26 year run of yearly representation, "Bogey Men", this year represented by Bob Lewis, Bill Lewis, Alan Lewis & Scott Hamilton, and "Patriots", this year represented by Shirley Wilson, Lavon Clark, Pat Holloway & Marylou Condrey.... and both teams won their divisions, "Bogey Men" with a nifty 56 on the par 69 course (several holes have been modified due to conditions) and "Patriots", by default as the only all female team... however, with a group of golfers whose lowest handicap is 38, their it is hard to imagine that their 77, which brought a 55.5 net score, would have been beat; CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!!

Other results were as follows: 1st Net: "No Hacker Left Behind" (Bruce Jones, Brad Vergien, Bud Knight & John Taylor); 2nd Gross "Just Haft'a Golf" (John Hartog, Mark Heckart, Randy Slaughter & Scott Armstrong), 2nd Net: "Back in 6 Hours" (Roy Talker, Michelle Talker, Dean Harris & Sammy Chioda).

All the above players received a plaque and a gift certificate. Third place gross and net, received plaque only. 3rd Gross "Stripes" (Porky Abeita, Marco Abeita, Isidro Chavez & Charles Stewart) and 3rd Net: "Financial Fore": (Larry Binkley, John Samford, Kevin Powers & Paul Cassidy).

A special thanks to Robert Gintowt, John Samford, Mary Jean Hoover and Jennifer Stanley for the coordination of the whole event, from invitations, to teams, to food and most importantly, to the sponsors who make these scholarships possible!

"FRIENDS OF GOLF IN GALLUP" - FINAL RESULTS

2010-05-12T06:33:00.001-06:00

"Friends of Golf in Gallup" founder, Gary Leloff, presented the results of his golfer survey to mayor and City Council on Tuesday, May 11 during the “Work Session”. Eight other golfers were present.

Along with the contents of his presentation, Gary presented a packet that included: his views on the results of his survey, survey results, additional comments on each of the 18 questions by the golfers, extended comments that were not related to the questions, graphs, copy of the original blank survey and the letter mailed to the golfers. It also included results of two other surveys, one by the National Golf Foundation (2007) and one by RMCH-CS which was done in September of 2009 during the annual Charity Invitational. Gary said to the council that he would gladly make all original surveys available to City Council if so asked. No one asked.

Except for a brief moment in which there was a tense exchange started by Mayor Harry Mendoza, who misunderstoofd staff about the motive of the survey and the source of our local conditions, and where he attempted to divert the attention from the results, the presentation went very well, and was well received by the majority of the city council. Gary was thanked by the city manager, R. Dave Pederson, and councilor Bryan Wall. Later, Mr. Pederson, informed the audience and Gary that he would study the results in order to make future decisions on who should be in the upcoming “Task Force”.

We will keep you informed as to what decisions will City Hall make concerning the future of the golf course. You can see the survey results on the right side by clicking on the appropriate “FOGIG” (Friends of Golf in Gallup) links that you would like to open.

P.S. Over 400 surveys were mailed, 131 were answered, but only 128 were included in the results as the last three (3), came the day all packets were already being prepared for the presentation.

P.S. 2: A great big “THANKS” to Gary Leloff, not only for his personal expenditures, which, without the purchased database exceeded well over $700.00, but more than anything for his commitment and courage to try rally the community and city council to address important issues about our assets and resources that affect our youth, and therefore, our “Quality of Life” in Gallup.

PAUL HANSON MEMORIAL BREAKS THE "QUARTER CENTURY" MARK...

2010-05-07T08:20:00.013-06:00

(to see current teams in the field, click here)
(you can click on a picture and it will get larger)
Next week, on Sat. May15th, the Paul Hanson Memorial will host their 26th anniversary. It is the longest running fundraiser here and a tradition with many: "Bogey Men", AKA - "The Lewis Family and Friends", pictured right in 2009 (Scott Hamilton, Alan Lewis, Bill Lewis and Bob Lewis), have participated every year!

And, of course, we will miss Mary Batson (pictured below), whose 2010 participation would have also been her straight 26th appearance. She always played with "Patriots", but, Mary, an avid golfer, "professional volunteer" in her beloved Women's Golf Association and a friend with the Hanson family, passed on late last year.

At the moment, we do not know if any of the Hanson family members will participate this year, as they all live in Oklahoma and parts of Texas. Also pictured, during the "Quarter Century" Paul Hanson Memorial last year, Mrs. Hanson and son, Brian.

John Samford (Business Services Director) and Robert Gintaut, Athletic Director, will be in charge of this year's event. To enter your team, call me at 979-GOLF or call Jennifer Stanley at 721-1092.

As always, it will be a 4-Man Team, you have to name your team, there will prizes on almost every hole (long putt, long drives, short drives, straight drives, closest to pin and others), and the top three teams in gross and net, will be recognized. The handicap system used will also be the same, Modified Sheer as modified by Ed Ping, former Gallup McKinley Schools Athletic Director.

Hurry up and sign up.... don't miss it!

UPDATE ON "FRIENDS OF GOLF IN GALLUP"...

2010-05-06T08:36:00.001-06:00

According to Gary Leloff, his "Friends of Golf in Gallup" survey is getting very good feedback, as more than 100 surveys have been received... 115 to date and more to come (deadline is this coming Saturday, May 8). By the responses, he says, most golfers want to have a voice on what goes on at their golf course.

Gary is trying to get on the city agenda for the public meeting of May 11, 2010 to present the results and a report, and also, to see what needs to be done so that "Friends of Golf in Gallup" is considered to have representation in the newly suggested "Golf Task Force", to be named by the City Manage, Dave Pederson.

We will keep you informed!!

FRIENDS OF GOLF IN GALLUP... (Putting your money where your mouth is)

2010-04-19T19:50:00.006-06:00

We often hear people giving suggestions, complaining or fixing the world. Most of the time though, it is all posturing. Posturing is not for Gary Leloff, who as a businessman, only wants results, and not empty promises, and he wants action...

Back in 2007, he was told that the golf course would improve "from the inside out", starting with the greens, then the fairways and at the end the teeing areas and roughs. He was also told that the pumps and irrigation system would be a priority, or we were in danger of losing the whole golf course. It is Gary's opinion, which he shares with many others, that none of this has been done, beginning with the pumps and irrigation system and ending with how the conditions of the course have been handled.

On Saturday, April 17, Gary spent well over $500.00 of his money to print and send a survey to over 400 golfers. He mailed it first class and included a first class stamped envelope for easy returning of a survey that concentrates on the course, its present direction and conditions. I encourage all to fill it up and send it back. One more thing, surveys with personal comments, for or against anyone in particular, will not be counted.

Gary's desire is to form a group called, "Friends of Golf in Gallup" that would like to concentrate in one thing only: improving the golf course conditions and spending our limited resources the right way for better returns.

REMEMBER: return your survey of "FRIENDS OF GOLF IN GALLUP", the envelope is already stamped and it will take you less than five minutes to answer it.

SHARING A LAUGH WITH HOWARD MENAPACE WAS ALWAYS SPECIAL...

2010-02-17T17:21:00.022-07:00

Sometimes you are sitting with someone you care for a lot, and you both know it might not be long before you cannot longer see each other again face to face. It is an awkward moment and look for the "right" words to express a sincere, "I have really enjoyed knowing you and the times we spent together. You really helped make my life a little better (as he did so many others)...." but nothing comes to mind. Perhaps there aren't any "right words", and silence becomes the voice that says, "It's OK, I know what you are thinking, and I enjoyed knowing you too. We can talk about something else". I felt like that two weeks ago when I visited Mr. Howard Menapace at his home in Gallup.

As most everyone knows by now, Mr. Menapace was very ill and passed on last Friday the 12th. I was lucky enough to have visited him on a day that was much better for him than most in the recent past. The physical pain of the horrible disease that was eating him from the inside out seemed to have subsided at least for a few hours, and he looked comfortable enough to carry a long conversation. Yesterday (Tuesday) I was about to ask family permission to go visit him again when one of his grandsons informed me that he had passed on last Friday.

On the day of the visit, as it was always his way, he made it very easy on the other side to have a conversation, which he unselfishly always made it about someone or something else. Though in the end, we spoke for nearly 90 minutes, it only felt like 5. Too quick, too short and not enough time to share all that you have in mind. We spoke about kids, family, pictures (he evidently loved pictures of all his family to be very visible all over the house), dogs, Gallup, Rico Motors and how it started, how I came to Gallup, about his ranch, his hunting days, my girls, his golf game and, yes, our rounds together (fewer than I would have liked). He found it funny -and I find ironic-, and we both laughed, when I told him I registered Republican when it was a Democrat who actually encouraged me to become an American Citizen.

We also had a good laugh when I told him I had brought him a couple of pictures that I thought he would enjoy having, one of which I told him, was a favorite of mine. With a big smile and a little extra energy that seemed to have taken over him, he said, "I bet I know which one it is!" I told him, "No, it's not that one (I knew which one he meant). I was going to bring that one also, but I couldn't find it", he followed with, "You were going to bring me the one where I threw the club". I corrected him, "Mr. Menapce, we both threw a club. Remember? It was a competition?" He laughed and asked, "who won?" Neither of us could remember.

The "club throwing competition" took place several years ago on Hole #14, during the Special Olympics Pro-Am that Mr. Menapace and his family "title" sponsored for many years, and later co-sponsored with other local businesses. Though part of the team changed from time to time, he never missed one and I always enjoyed his competitiveness. No matter how good or bad he was playing, he wanted to better the next hole. Whatever you do, you always want partners who never give up!

Anyway, it just so happens that Mr. Menapace was pretty much of a perfectionist, and if he could not do something right, or at least didn't perform at the level he thought he should "perform", he would get frustrated. So, if he missed "one too many shots", he tended to release his frustration by throwing a club or two, after which, he usually played much better. I happen to be the same way (except, that as the club professional, I was always supposed to act "professionally" and lead by example) so I knew exactly what he felt.

That day, if memory serves right, he had missed a short putt on #13, and as we got to #14 tee, you could see fire and smoke coming out of his ears. We all knew that he really wanted to throw a club, but was trying to calm down and not do "something inappropriate" by showing "self control". That is when I decided to have a "club throwing competition" (I was not doing so good myself) and offered the challenge, which of course, he immediately took! (Actually, I'm not sure that he would have been the type to ever refuse any challenge).

As I said above, I don't remember who won, but that is unimportant; what is important is that we all laughed, and from there on, he played the last five holes very well, helping us to our best finish ever, a second place (we never won our local pro-am). Truly, if there is one person I wish I would have shared more rounds with, is Mr. Menapace. He really made you feel at ease and enjoy your time with him.

....Oh yes! The pictures! There was no question that family was always "his best friends", and his "personal company". He spelled "golF" with the "F" in front, as in "F-A-M-I-L-Y". I never saw him at the golf course with any local friend, a businessman or strange people as guests. Family was so special to him, that outside the family business and the daily grind, he tried to reserve at least one thing for after business hours, in this case, golf.
When he saw the two 8x10's (his last team in the RMCH in 2008 and his last team for the 2007 Special Olympics Pro-Am), he smiled and said, "These were really good times. I always enjoyed myself. Thanks". No sir, thank you!

THE DAY GOLF MET GYMNASTICS

2010-01-03T05:15:00.015-07:00

When I wrote a satire of golf in the Olympics (Sep. 11, 2008), I never thought I would sometime meet a real Olyumpic coach. I did. Now the question is, truly, What do gymnastics and golf have in common? All and nothing, depending on what angle you take to make the comparison.

Let's start with nothing: stand on the first tee at any golf course, and imagine any of the golfers on the first foursome, doing tricks on the high bar or the pommel horse... can you? Point made.

I don't care if it is Rex Good, Alex Alvarez, Gary Leloff and Angelo Pomponi; or Kenny Perry, Phil Mickelson, Tom Watson and Tiger Woods, the potential major winners of 2009 (trick question here: who were the winners of the four major champioonships and who beat these four guys in 2009?). If you can imagine any of these guys doing gymnastics, in any rotuine or aparatus, you have far more imagination than I do. Now, let's think about similarities:

Both are difficult sports, if for different reasons
In gymnastics and golf, you need concentration, lots of it. In gymnastics, a little hesitation, your hand one inch farther right than you should, and it is the difference between a 9.875 and a 9.525, the difference between gold and nothing; in golf, one little doubt in your swing, one little distraction, and it is the difference between winning by one, or tying and then losing the playoff.
In gymnastics and golf, the performer spends a lot less time performing than the length of the event: a gymnast performs 4-6 routines worth 30-40 seconds each, or a maximum of 4 minutes out of a 5 hour gymnastics meet; while a golfer also spends less than 5 minutes actually swinging the club out of 5 hours at the golf course. What you do the rest of the 5 or so hours at your "stadium", has as much to do as what you do when you are performing.

Do you see any more similarities. There might be, but they are hard to find, particularly for one whose only contact with gymnastics has been through NBC or ESPN.

Now, meet Ed Burch (pictured with wife Kay above). Mr. Burch is a gymnastics coach and youth mentor with many accomplishments, among these: he was inducted into the USA Hall of fame in 1998, an honor he rightfully earned by coaching over 40 gold medal winners of various national meets, but most notably, he has been senior member or the national Olympic coaches and has coached 5 young men to Olympic teams over the years: Joey Hagerty, Mihai Bagiu, Chainey Umphrey, Lance Rignald (two time team member) and Trent Dimas, the only American male to win a golf medal in the Olympics, in 1992. So why do we care in Gallup? Well, Mr. Ed Burch happens to have done all of this from his gymnastics school, Gold Cup Gymnastics, in Albuquerque, NM! Yes, his is right in our backyard so to speak of, or if you prefer, he is in the house and we are in the backyard, at any rate, a small drive and you meet this man.

Presently, he doesn't coach males at all, he coaches girls, one just having won the national title at age 15. But, what does all of this have to do with golf anyway?

I'll tell you what: Mr. Burch, at the request of former Gold Cup Gym Booster President, Bob Zollinger from Gallup, agreed to talk to a female athlete who plays golf for the University of Washington about what it takes to "go to the next level", what it takes to put talent and work together to win. Sort of like a "sports psychologist" who really knows what he is talking about out, out of experience, not out of text books in college... also like a father, mentor and coach.

It was not only an honor meeting Mr. Burch face to face (really guys, do you know what you have in New Mexico and/or the area golfers call the Sun Country Section?), but, as a sports fan and father, it was a pleasure listening to him talk about his experiences with young athletes, their successes or failures, and mostly, their lives beyond athletics, and how athletics shaped and helped their business lives.

If I listened well while he was talking to this 20 year old young woman, performing at your best in athletics is as much as preparation (physically and mentally) and the will to win (you have to hate to lose), as it is about setting your priorities, one of which is falling in love with what you do; in other words, if golf becomes work and it is not as satisfying anymore, it will be difficult to succeed, in short, your success will be far higher when when you find the joy of "playing" a game and not "working"... when golf is just a game!

Inspiration has as much to do in winning as prespiration, now the question is: did Mr. Burch now inspire a future U.S. Open winner, or a future attorney, or a Pulitzer prize winner, or all?... Thank you for spending your time with us, and now, we'll be watching more of what comes from Albuquerque!

NICE TO SEE YOU AGAIN.... "KIDS"

2009-11-28T11:42:00.015-07:00

Friday morning, after a visit to our golf course which was closed (first time ever that our course is closed the Friday after Thanksgiving Day), I decided to take a trip to play golf in Grants at Coyote del Malpais, and have a round with the noon group that usually has a game with my fellow PGA professional, Manny Martinez. I couldn't have picked a better day...

To help me avoid having to rush when I arrived, our neighboring friends had placed me in the last group out. I arrived at their west parking lot, next to #1 tee, just as the first of three groups was already playing their second shots on #1 and was happy to know that I had not delayed anyone.

When I arrived at #1 tee, the first person I saw was a very polite young man, who came to greet me and shaking my hand said, "Matt Murdoch, nice that you came to play". I shook his hand and in a clumsy way I answered, "thank you, I recognized your face, couldn't remember the name". Yeah right! I was truly embarrassed because I did not recognize who he was, and at the moment, not even the name made sense. Frankly, I couldn't have recognized him after more than 10 years since I last saw him as a teenager in Grants, nor could I have thought that he'd be there to play with the noon group.

Since Matt was in the second group off, I never gave it another thought... for a few minutes. I got my clubs ready -and Brandie- on the cart that my old friend Charlie Harding and I would be sharing, and then he introduced me to our team: Zeff ...., George.... and none other than Edee Murdoch, a long time friend and high school rival of my oldest golfing daughter, Paola.

Edee won the NM State Championship in AAA four consecutive times, and in great style, always with scores in the 70's and occasionally in the 60's. She went on to earn a golf scholarship at Kansas State, and then stayed in the golf business for some time, while starting a great golf program for ladies called "Sticks for Chicks" that still fills up every year.

She now works a "regular" job, as she put it, but it involves golf, something she is still very good at (she shot 71 from the men's white tees). Edee of course, is Matt's sister and just as Matt was hitting his second shot to the first hole, is when it became clear that the polite young man who had shook my hand, was Edee's brother and how clumsy I must have looked.

Matt, now married and with a little three year old girl, also went to school on a golf scholarship, and unlike his sister, stayed in the golf business, and is now a PGA Professional at Mission Hills Golf Club in Kansas City. Matt, who won the city championship several times in Grants before turning professional, shot a 64 on Friday and "waxed" us pretty good. Manny Martinez should be happy to have mentored Matt, who chose golf as his career.

Matt and Edee, are the son and daughter of Bob and Judy Murdoch. Bob was the golf coach in Grants for many years, and should be proud of his program, as many of the kids truly excelled in the game... and of course, he should be proudest of his mentoring beyond golf. See you in Kansas "kids"!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

2009-11-26T08:38:00.004-07:00

A late afternoon round the day before Thanksgiving Day at our Gallup muni, got two foursomes together at #18 tee, one coming from #16 and on coming from #14 as the weather was beginning to get really cool. From left to right, Andrew Dominguez, Bud Cadell. Bill Clark, Bob Zollinger, Gary Leloff, Dave Bigley and newcommer to golf, Dennis Fuhs. The eighth, is behind the camera. From all of us... HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Other pictures: Andrew giving "thumbs up" to the question "how are you playing", Bob Zollinger showing the ball he did not lose at the bottom of the gully in front of #14 tee and, Gary Leloff saying, "Bob, leave it alone! It's getting cold, I'll give you some new ones, let's go!" Come on Gary, are you kidding? Bob will never leave his balls behind! ... and, Dave Bigley looking for his tee shot on the distance.... all he needed was to look down, he was almost stepping on it!

CONGRATULATIONS TO RICK HEISCH!!

2009-11-23T18:00:00.004-07:00

After 35 years of playing the game, Rick Heisch scored his first Hole in One by holing his tee shot at the 165 yard 3rd hole in Coyote Del Malpais in Grants.

Rick, owner of Shi'ma Traders & Pawn in Gallup, took a day off to play with his buddy from Pilot Refinery (Rick retired from Pilot before buying his Shi'ma Traders), Dick "Smiley"Schmitt and did the number on him. Dick, who has played about 10 years longer than Rick said he not only had never had a hole in one, but had never seen one... now you did!

Congratulations!!

VETERANS DAY: TODAY, GOLF DOES NOT SEEM AS IMPORTANT

2009-11-11T13:20:00.010-07:00

My brother called me this morning reminding me that today was the 15th anniversary of the inauguration of the "We The People" Sculpture at Miyamura Park.

How time passes by! The "We The People" project commissioned by the Mayor George Galanis to my brother, at the park honoring local hero and veteran, Hersey Miyamura, was inaugurated on November 11, 1994.

However, "We The People...." and I do not mean the sculpture, but the words with a meaning that many take for granted, could have never been possible without the bravery of millions of people who have served in our armed forces and defended our freedom.

On a day like this, don't say "Happy Veterans Day", say...

THANK YOU VETERANS!... (and whether you know it or not, if you have played golf in Gallup, you have already played golf with one... )

GALLUP GOLFERS "OUTFOX" COYOTES IN "COYOTE SHUFFLE"...

2009-10-31T11:17:00.017-06:00

I know, I know. And I am sorry, but this blog was started to talk about Gallup golfers, so as an update, while I still can, I can't help but brag a little about some of our friends who went to Grants and to see if they could tame a few coyotes... and, they did! In a late year display of putting and accurate iron shots, Gary Leloff & David Haynes paired up to win the "Coyote Shuffle" at beautiful Coyote del Malpais in Grants, NM. Several other Gallup teams entered this popular event that is played over 36 holes: 9 on Saturday and 27 on Sunday.

The unique format calls for 9 holes "cross country" on Saturday, nine regular holes on Saturday and the contestants finish with 18 Par-3 Holes...

this is where accurate irons shots become a priority over 300 yard drives: Gary, known for his consistent putting prowess and his iron shots "when he says he is on" (many of us think he is always "on" with the irons), and David, known for his length with the driver and low shots that bore into the wind, combined their skills over the two days of competition and won by one, 139-140, over two coyote pairs: Carlos Moncada & Orlando Romero and Emerson Vallo & Phil Vallo.

Coming in 4th (143) were Mayor Joe Murietta & Leon Gonzales. Gallup's pair of Tommy Pino & Andrew Dominguez were in 5th place at 144. Among other Gallup golfers who participated were Scott Hamilton & Bill Terrazas.

THIS, TO MY KNOWLEGE, WAS A FIRST, AS USUALLY LOCAL KNOWLEGE PREVAILS...

COME ON!! DON'T ANYONE PACK THEIR CLUBS YET!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TOMMY NOE!!

2009-09-29T23:09:00.023-06:00

Tommy Noe, who has been in the golf course construction business for over 27 years, and worked with the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones and other famous golf course architects, says he will plead with Bob Weekes to leave #17 the same way as it was before beginning construction of the so called "signature Hole".

The reason is simple, Tommy scored a hole in one the last week of September, right before the hole was closed for reconstruction. Tommy holed a wedge from 155 yards (no, no misprint, he is rather long with his short irons) to the amusement of Bill Clark, Dave Bigley and Gary Leloff.

Congratulations!!

Note: Tommy, you do not have to worry about the hole being changed, sources close to Weekes say that the the only thing that $125,00 can buy is new irrigation system (for #14 grass nursery as well) and that the hole will be left with the exact same look as before... only better irrigated. So, don't throw away your wedge!!

CHARITY INVITATIONAL RESULTS...

2009-09-27T10:52:00.013-06:00

For a tournament that had less than 40 names signed up with a little over 2 weeks to go, it turned out to be the largest tournament in 6 years in Gallup. A total of 156 players played the 14th edition of Charity Invitational that honored Gallup born, Sammy "C" Chioda as this year's honoree in their traditional nomination.

The large participation was no coincidence, nor something to be taken for granted; first, Sammy is someone very popular in Gallup and second and most important, this is not a "one person" tournament, it takes tremendous amount of team work of the Charity Invitational Committee, hundreds if not thousands of phone calls, several "sub-committees" for the various other events culminating with a dinner-dance on Saturday.

The phone lines from the offices of Rochelle Evans, Ina Burmeister, Mark Gartner, Paul McCollum and Brett Newberry, this year's successful chairman, among others, were busy for 3 consecutive weeks contacting golfers and sponsors, who this year were a little slower with their responses and were giving everyone a little worry. The last time I saw Rochelle on Friday, it looked like a phone was growing out of her right ear, it might take her a full weekend to completely shut down the "ringing in the ears" and by the time she gets used to a more silent office, it will be time to start all over again for Charity Invitational XV!

As usual, there were two shotgun starts (7:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.) and the weather could not have been any better for a golf tournament, with temperatures in the high 70's and low 80's with just a comfortable breeze. The course played to a par 70 with holes #'s 14 and 18 having been shortened down to 290 yards and 411 yards respectively.

Jerry's Cafe completed at least 12 years of playing with the same team: Archie Baca, Dave Hill, Bobby Frazier & Jonathan Avery. With Bobby Frazier, a former U.S. Amateur qualifier, Jonathan Avery a 3 time city champion (who actually caddied for Bobby in that national event), and Dave Hill, a very solid golfer, the team has also won the gross event 5 times. This year, they could not do better than a 61, outside the "money" by 3 shots and 4 shots behind the eventual winners. Other team that has participated at least five times together is the Wells Fargo team with the Cardiff family: David, Dwayne, Richard & Chad.

In an attempt to change things a little bit and put more "spice" into play, this tournament had a "first", when Mark Gartner decided to go "on site" and challenge golfers at random with a shot, from putts to fairway shots to tee shots, that would earn them a gift certificate. So, before we mention the tournmament's leading teams, I'd like to mention the winners of these special and fun challenges: Jake Campos, Paul Acosta, Paul Dimas; Kenny Bean, Eric Chisamore & Pat Holloway...
and, last but not least, two very good contests, Don Good for closest to the pin on his group... which he easily won with a shot to 6 inches that also netted him the overall closest to the pin for the day (yes, also only 6 inches away from a new Mustang, which was the prize donated by Gurley Motors for any hole in one on that hole). The last contest was in the group of David Bigley (Uniform Station). His group included Ray Moore, Clarence Peterson & Scott Hamilton, all of them usually better players than their sponsor. However, he saved his best for last and beat them all in the closest to the pin contest.

Frankly, I don't know what was more fun, watching Mark challenge the golfers, or watching the golfers answer to his challenges! One golfer said,"this is more fun than I've had with my clothes off lately!" (Surely he was referring to his latest visit to the RMCH).

OK, this has been long enough, and I cannot begin to thank everyone I should or could for inviting me to be part of this year's event, so here are the results:

GROSS: 1st (57) Four Corners & Big Mikes: Eric Chisamore, Kent Wilson, Job Ramirez and Kenny Payton; 2nd (57, lost tie breaker 3-3-4 to 3-3-3) Western Refinery, Steven Annichiarico, Adam Archuleta, Travcis Puckett & Ricki Luna; 3rd (58) Clear Channel: Pete Urias, Robert Dimas, Paul Acosta and Paul Dimas.

NET: 1st (52.4) Angela's Cafe con Leche Angela Chavez, Melissa Benedict, Dora Garcia and Ray Bradford; 2nd (53.0) (Gartner-Honrey) Ernie Santiago, Mike Silva, Ruben Sanchez & Donald Horney and 3rd (53.0), lost tie breaker to lowest gross score, (Rotary Club-Gartner): Marylou Condrey, Shirley Wilson, Pat Holloway & Mary Batson
In all, kudos and thank you to all participants, committee and volunteers!

Sammy "C" & Charity Invitational XIV...

2009-09-18T12:00:00.007-06:00

By now, most people should know, and golfers in particular, that Sammy "C" (Chioda) will be the honoree of Charity Invitational XIV on September 25th. For the first time ever in Charity Invitational, the honoree will not only be present at the course to greet the participants, but will also hit the first ball of the tournament... "Gallup Family Style", which is not alone. Playing the role of 1st Assistant, will be Giovanni, Sammy's 10 year old son, who will accompany dad to hit the all important starting shot as well.

The reason is simple... in the last 3 years, Sammy has only played golf with only one person... Giovanni, and he does not think he can do as well if son #1 could not help a little.

In the picture here, they were practicing so they can hit the shot simultaneously... so far they look pretty good, wouldn't you think so? See you on the 25th!

P.S. "Never say Never" is the saying, and I am glad I did not say it when in June, it was my intention to not write in this blog anymore. So, to those who are wondering why did I write this and/or why did I accept helping with Charity Invitational, I will state the three most obvious and important reasons: first, there is no way to live for 27 years in the same place, without having a sense of friendship and loyalty to all the people I was hired to serve for many years (which includes all golfers or organizations with a need), and second... do I really need more?

A ONE DAY VISITOR OR A PERMANENT RESIDENT?

2009-09-07T21:05:00.021-06:00

The other day, while playing #14, our group saw this Red Tail Hawk, just standing there. Unfortunately, I didn't have my telephoto, adding that the bird started flying low into the ravine below us as soon as he saw us move, nor had the time to set the camera to a high shutter speed, so, the pictures are a little fuzzy, but good enough to see the majesty of this bird. Enjoy...

...by the way, the only "birdie" on #14 was the hawk!!

LAST DAY AS YOUR PGA PROFESSIONAL...

2009-06-30T06:28:00.022-06:00

This is not another "good bye", that was done in June 20 in a letter to the editor in The Gallup Independent, copy of which was published in this blog on June 23, a couple of posts below. This posting is intended as my last in "Golf in Gallup" as your golf proferssional, and is dedicated to those who, in between golf rounds by our golfers, shared a lot of time with me, searching for ways to make things better for our visitors. I will be posting from time to time. There is not enough room to name all, particularly if we go a few years back, but the following people deserve a special mention: Sammy, Leonard Garcia, Rosalynda Jack, Kenny Matsutani, Jimmy Velazquez, Dennis Nieto, Preston Tom and Richard Gomez. All of you helped make our days very pleasant at the workplace and understood who is truly the boss… THE PUBLIC!

I thank all of you for being unselfish in understanding that this blog site was not about anyone of us or the course, as some would have liked it to be, but about our golfers, the people who pay our wages, our boss; and that is precisely why I’d like this to be the last blog, so those golfers who continue visiting the course and do not see me anymore, realize that you are still there and that the foundation of our service begins with your work and dedication.

Sammy: I always truly enjoyed your help, both at the golf course or at the house. You are good, dedicated, useful and a quick learner. Now, you need to start learning golf as well. When you go pick up balls, try to hit a few, it won't be easy at first, so don't be frustrated, but you'll "get the hang of it". You are an inspiration to many with your much needed work and dedicated attitude. Keep it up!

Leonard: My lifetime partner in the city employees tournament. You have no idea how much I enjoyed playing with you or interacting with you at the pro-shop or on the range. I thank you as well, for all those years of dedicated volunteer work that many times made our service to others quick and efficient, and for the laughs and your always encouraging words. I don't know if you believe this or not, but like you, the Ferris Wheel is my favorite ride at the carnival. You get to see everything slowly and you don't get sick. We too, like you... a lot. Keep playing... and call me to invite me to play to share some more time together. Thanks!

Rosalynda: I only had the chance to work with you a few short weeks, nonetheless, I could not help but recognize that your personality is fit for servitude. Your happy personality is contagious! Don’t change a thing and all the golfers will enjoy having you there. See you around!

Kenny: It was a true pleasure working with you for two seasons. Having known each quite some time, (like having helped your bank account when we bowled together), helped "break the ice" quickly at the work place, and we got right into the “thick of things” together. I admire your energy and search for better ways to do simple things, and your availability when things get "tight". Like Rosalynda, I enjoy your continuous smile and interaction with customers, both of which are needed to deal with the difficult task of serving and trying to please the public. Remember, you can’t please everyone, but remember you can serve all. I hope that you’ll have enough time to work on that fade of yours and make it your natural shot. Don’t fight it! ... trust me, Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Lee Trevino, among others, made quite a good living playing a fade!

Jimmy: You have been the “quiet one”, but your work and dedication to details in all areas assigned to you, speak louder than words. You were a great addition to our force and I am glad to have been the person who recommended you. Trust me, you taught me a lot, now, continue teaching others and keep it up!

Dennis: Through all these years, I recognized that you had more talents than you have been assigned in your job. Keep learning your trade and continue to contribute as much as you can, your work is well appreciated by all golfers, trust me. Never quit learning, nor quit speaking up or standing up for what you think is right, which is one the best qualities in a man.

Preston: like Dennis, you have more talents than those assigned to your position. Use them, continue developing them, learn as much as possible and use your knowledge in all tasks. Teach Joshua and keep playing the game with him: in your work, playing the course will help you know where help is needed, and in your private life, your relationship with him will grow in those precious moments. I personally thank you for having confided in me, for our faith in God united us in more ways not understood by others. Its OK, they don’t have to, only we have to. I wish you success.

and finally, Richard, who deserves a special recognition because whether some like it or not, recognize it or not, he is the heart of this course. I have seen no greater injustices in our tenure, than that of not giving you the opportunity to lead the crew and make the necessary decisions to make our course better; nor recognizing the knowledge you have acquired or what you accomplished under the most difficult of circumstances. Who can forget when you quietly kept things together during the project, and never seemed to be concerned when those who had the podium blamed all failures on you, and happily took possession of all successes or ideas that came from you. Your loyalty extended beyond the call of duty. We saw you sacrificing recognition, time and pay, while making others look good. You are a better friend to all your fellow city employees than you get credit for. Don't change that. Hang in there, your opportunity could come any minute, be awake and prepare; and when it comes, remember the principle of your old supervisors Joe and Gary: the public is not only your boss, but the public is a very fair partner... never break your promises to them. The public, I remind you, is "results" oriented, concentrate your efforts in doing the little things that make a golfer enjoy his time at your place and you'll do fine. Take all suggestions as a collaboration from the public, not as a complaint. The public knows that there is no way you can check every blade of grass in the 200+ acres every day, so, if they notice something that you didn't in you last trip around the grounds, it is an opportunity to allow them to be your partner; and, when there is a valid complaint, use it as an opportunity to build a bridge between you and them to make friends, not adversaries. To end, never believe the saying that “good guys come last”... keep on working and learning, and no matter how nice you are, you can come in first. Good luck!

THANK YOU ALL!!

NO BALLS TO PLAY WITH...

2009-06-23T13:12:00.009-06:00

Golf can be a frustrating game, to the point of driving to insanity. Some take up drinking, and some quit the game. There was this club who had a very bad player, Brent, who decided to quit golf. But, a friend of his, Brian, told him, "Hey, I know how frustrating this game is, but I have a solution for you: go to the course without balls. That is without your Titleists, OK? Go to #1, put a tee on the ground, address it like if you were going to hit your Titleist down the fairway and make a swing. Go to the place where you would have imagined your ball landing and take another swing, walk to where the ball should be... repeat this all the way around and you'll have more fun".

Brent, though skeptical at first, decided he loved the game too much to just quit and heeded Brian's advice. In no time, Brent regained the love for the game and began "shooting" scores in the 70's and then in the 60's. This was natural for him, since he hated bad lies and the rough.

A few weeks later, Gary, a fellow member with Brent, started doing the same thing for the same reason and soon began scoring in the 60's as well.

Ernie, the club's shark, decided that they needed to have a match between Brent and Gary, and as Don King would have done, he promoted a match taking bets. His horse was Brent, the original inventor of the new game.

The match had thousands of dollars on the line and was pretty tense and close right down to the last hole. Both players were 8 under par going into the closing par 5. Brent had honors, and after his swing he said, "it's right down the middle, about 5o yards past the cart path". Gary proceeded and made a mighty swing, and turned around to Brent, "mine is right next to yours, let's see who hits a better second shot".

When they got to the spot they had envisioned, Brent promptly tried to put pressure on Gary, took his 5 wood and swung.... "Gary, that ball is only 2 feet from the pin for eagle".... Gary, seeing Ernie on the gallery smiling at Brent's shot, says, "Sorry pal. You hit the wrong ball! You lose the hole and the match!"
Moral of the story? The last one to talk has the best chance at winning!

THANK YOU...

2009-06-23T07:45:00.007-06:00

To My Friends, Neighbors and Golfers: It has been a humbling experience serving as your Head Golf Professional for 27 years. The bumps on the road don’t even begin to cast the smallest of regrets in coming to this community where we were received with open arms and where overnight, my job was transformed from a paycheck to a calling by trusting me with your children. Thank you, what an honor!

Together, we saw our children grow and receive an education beyond reading and writing, helping shape a new generation of productive citizens of whom we are all very proud of. You never made me feel like the immigrant I really am, a person from Old Mexico to a region called New Mexico! What a great story! I am proud of my heritage and beginnings, but I am more proud to have made the choice, not by necessity, but by loyalty to cause, of becoming citizen of this greatest of all nations.

I always played and taught everyone to play by the rules of this great game, which also apply to life. It was not always easy, for at times, these rules, which are based on trust, respect and honesty, tend to bring out the true character in all of us. My respect and thanks go to those who learned from these moments, for by example you led and became a role model that helped the growth of the game and the shaping of our community. Don’t quarrel, continue teaching; understand that no everyone “speaks golf”, which is a language and culture of its own.

You showed many values, mostly honesty, friendship and tolerance in my failures; and, while we must share space with a minority who doesn’t believe in the freedom of expression I sought by coming here, or with those who ignore or change rules, sometimes in the middle of a game, lets realize that we don’t need to join them, and that we must stand on our principles. They have the right to their opinion, but we have the right to set the record straight.

I’m not embarrassed to admit that it hurt, but I am healing. I was down, but now I’m standing head high, on the principle that it is the truth and the truth only, the way to serve, survive, walk unashamed and unite a community, even if it means that one is not allowed to play ball for a while. The future is unclear, but I’m ready to reinvent myself with the knowledge and richness of life I received from you.

We know, like gusts of wind, all people, regular folks or the elite who rule, come and go, some for the best and some for the worst. But we the people, who abide by the valued principle of playing by written rules, like the land we stand on, and the Red Rocks that surround us, remain and go on until we are invited to play again…

Thank you: Alex Alvarez, PGA Professional

LOST IN THE SHUFFLE...

2009-06-19T10:52:00.008-06:00

Everyone has been talking about the recent events which will culminate on June 30th with my departure from my pro-shop duties as golf professional. But no one has thought about the other people who work with me, especially "Mona" (pictured on a windy day after helping set up a tournament), the person who kept me from "losing my marbles" at times and, without whom I would have not been able to do many of the things that are usually taken for granted.

Mona , who worked part time for us and full time for the school system, retired from the the Gallup McKinley County Schools system on June 16th and was planning on taking it a "little easy" in the pro-shop by helping only a few hours a week, but, decided to remove herself from her pro-shop duties as of June 19th. I wish it didn't have to happen, as I know that she enjoyed talking to you and serving you, but I understand because we were truly a good team who understood each other's assignments and roles, nothing of which grows overnight.

She enjoyed serving you as much as I did, and there is no one who appreciates the unheralded free time that she gave to the cause more than me, as she always made things look much easier than they look. Her attitude and service went beyond written duties and helped get things going well and on time. Thinking of all of you, she wishes the best to the new Fox Run team.

Mona, thank you a lot for all the hard and loyal work and for the good times. You are great and will always be my partner!

SLOW DAY DURING "GRAND OPENING # 2"

2009-06-13T15:46:00.011-06:00

Even though it was a slow day, we had the chance to have a "Grand Opening" or, as other golfers chose to call it: "Appreciation Day". We had a good time reacquainting with old golfers. Great idea of our director, even if he was absent for the real fun: interacting with the people.

As usual, we had our regulars, those who do not stay away whether there is a Lions Rodeo or bad weather and all visitors received free lunch and soft drinks. I had a great time talking with different golfers, new and old, mostly talking about good memories.

I was talking to two customers when I saw this young kid go play with his dad. And I mean young! Saw them tee off on #1. After the dad teed off and bent over to pick up his tee, the boy walked forward and tapped him on the back as if saying, "Nice shot dad", then they went down to play a round together, walking, the 6 year old pulling a small pull cart.

There was no way to resist the urge to get my camera and go down to take a picture. I did not want to have them pose, and fortunately, I did not have to. As I drove down to catch up with them, they were already walking together, unaware that I would take their picture. Perhaps having a conversation, as it was evident that they did not need to be close: the boy's ball, in the fairway was short right, the dad's ball was in a totally different area.

It reminded me of when I was young -not as young as this boy-, walking 36 holes (18 on the short course and 18 on the championship course) every Sunday with my mom before being allowed at a busy course after 1:00 p.m. Sometimes, I was double blessed, I walked the 18 short holes with mom in the morning and 18 with my step dad in the afternoon. The times we had were priceless, and I am sure the same way with this man and son. It also reminded of my daughters and how I walked with them while playing golf and how much I enjoyed it when as little girls, they could hit a ball 50-70 yards in the air and turn to me as if asking, "well, aren't you going to say good shot?"

Wouldn't you want to see this "picture" more often? The family that golfs together, stays together! Hey, if you want to be part of something good, BRING A KID TO PLAY!!

RELAY FOR LIFE TOURNAMENT... GREAT END

2009-06-12T22:55:00.005-06:00

The "Relay For Life" Tournament had a great end, even if with only 36 players. Great door prizes and items for raffle. Below, Kori Cash, from Grants, wearing a Native American Head Dress that was actually won by Betty Armstrong... he looks good, doesn't he?

Lucille Martinelli, Dale Dedrick, Bill Armstrong and Greg Plese did a fantastic job in getting prizes, getting golfers and helping during the event, which, like last year, had players play 9 holes before dark and 9 after dark.... long day at the golf course, we started at about 7:30 a.m. and ended at 12:30 a.m.... the next morning!

Dale Dedrick came with a fun way to have prizes given to the players, instead of paying 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th; he paid 1st, 4th, 7th & 12th. This of course makes the tournament a pure outing and fundraising event... no competition, JUST PURE FUN!

In the end, Lucille Martinelli, the heart of the event for so many years, will now pass the baton. There are several worthy people who would probably not mind taking over and leading the event into the second decade of the 2000's. Dale, Bill and Greg are first in line, and should they step up, they'll do a fine job.

These were the people who won the prizes: 1st (62) Bud Knight, Scott Knight & Shannon Tanner; 4th (68) Calvin Begay, Calvin Castillo & Marcus Tulley; 8th (70) Victor Landavazo, Jessica Landavazo & Thomas Martinez; 12th (79) Betty Armstrong, Jim Isbell & Karen Isbell. Missing out of the prizes, in second place were, with a 63, Mitch Murphy, Gilbert Ramirez and Sam Rashid.

NOTE OF GRATITUDE: As you all know, this was my last event ever as the Head Golf Professional of Gallup. I wouldn't have missed it, mainly because of the people involved, not just because it is still my job. For now, I do not have plans to write any more about golf, but I have a prepared statement of thank you to Gallup that I will publish before the end of the month, after which, THIS BLOG WILL THEN CLOSE.

I hope someone takes the time to start a new one and serve you with as much fun as I did... I HAVE SO MANY MEMORIES, AND GREAT PICTURES, MANY OF WHICH WERE NEVER PUBLISHED (If you are interested and think I have some pictures of interest to you, drop me a note). Perhaps I will send some e-mails from time to time. I WANT TO SAY TO ALL OF YOU 36 PLAYERS:

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU FOR THE GIFT AND THE SIGNATURES ON THE PAINTING THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME. YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA HOW MUCH IT MEANT TO ME AND THE HIGH PLACE IT WILL HOLD IN MY MEMORIES.

ELKS RESULTS...

2009-06-07T09:18:00.004-06:00

The 2009 Elks tournament featured seventeen 3-Man teams in a "scramble" format in a very windy day. The winning team was: Bud Knight, Rafael Rodriguez & Dave Bigley. In second place were Travis Chee, Roger Morris & our friend, now Tucson resident, Lee King (I miss our 10 cent chipping games to tires and swept snow in the winter!). Next was the team of Mel Rousseau, Bruce Belone & Porky Abeita and in fourth place were Clarence Peterson, Gilbert Ramirez & Kenny Abeita. The event was very competitive and the scores were very close. Left, Paul Dimas teeing off on #12, whose team ended up in 5th place, could not make the putts fall for his team.

As always, these types of tournaments are not possible without the enthusiastic participation of players of all skills, new and old golfers. Right below, new "golf family member" of Gallup, Dennis Fuhs, whose team (with Keith Begay & Emmett Francis) ended up in 7th place. The tournament was followed by a steak lunch and awards presentation at the Elk Club 1440. First time tournament chairman, Ed Clah, did a very good job in getting everything ready and coordinating all events with other scheduled events at the Elks lodge.

See you next year!

II "OLD TIMERS" EVENT IS BECOMING A FAVORITE

2009-05-30T18:42:00.009-06:00

The second "Old Timers" event is quickly becoming a favorite of locals, young and old... I guess we all either have "old timers" in our lives or are one to start with! (I'm becoming one!) so it is not hard to find someone who will support the event. This year, even though we had a very slow week before the event due to weather conditions, and not many people showed up at the golf course, the event ended up with 76 players, second in attendance this year.

Dr. Lawrence Andrade & Neighbor-Teacher Scott Maclaren did a heck of a job organizing and promoting the tournament that was played in a scramble format. This year, in addition to the usual closest to pin and other contests that tournaments of this nature feature, Dr. Andrade came up with a new game: he picked 5 holes, if you made par, you got 1 point, 2 points for birdie and 3 for eagle, each point gave you a poker playing card, the team with the best hand won dinner for 8 at Frateli's, the new Italian restaurant on the north side.The dinners went to Paul Dimas, Paul Acosta, Don Marzilli & Armando Alvarez, who ended up with a full house, aces over kings. But, that was not the best of the day, and neither was the score of 55 shot by Tom Chee's team, the highlight of the tournament was a HOLE IN ONE BY ERNIE ABEITA who aced hole #5 with a 6 wood!

The bad part for Ernie was that this was one of the "circle" holes where you bet to get in the circle and you get odds the closer you get. It so happens that both judges were on the green when he hit it in the hole, so, he did not have a chance to bet and all he got was a "congratulations" by the judges, one of whom was councilor John J. Azua. The winners were as follows:

GROSS: 1st (55): Tom Chee, Travis Chee, Kevin Chee & Danielle Chee; 2nd (56) Paul Acosta, Paul Dimas, Don Marzilli & Armando Alvarez; 3rd (58) Tommy Pino, Calvin Begay, Bennet Johnson & Andrew Dominguez; 4th (58) David Haynes, Scott Hamilton, Gary Leloff & Johnny Hamilton; 5th (59) Ernie Abeita, Marco Abeita, Porky Abeita & Kenny Abeita.

NET: 1st (54.0) Jimmy Thomas, Chris Hicks, Nick Begay & Jonathan Avery; 2nd (54.0) Dan Halsey, Annie Gorman, Jaime Herrera & Paul Winkler; 3rd (55.0) Francis Redhouse, Roscoe Smith, Emmett Francis & A.J. Jefferson; 4th (55.0) Darryl Holtsoi, Jeff Holtsoi, Willie Holtsoi, Ray Holtsoi & Leroy Thomas and 5th (55.0) George Arviso, Kenny Matsutani, Bruce Belone & Ronnie Pinto.
Pictured right: Frank & Leslie Chiapetti with Isidro Chavez & Chuck Stewart; bottom right are Bill Nechero, John Hartog, Jackie McKinney & Lupe Rosetta

PAUL HANSON FOLLOW-UP...

2009-05-30T18:30:00.003-06:00

As it often happens, when key people in events move away, one tends to assume and end up "changing history" if not careful. Roy Franklin, former Athletic Director of Gallup McKinley County Schools, set the record straight via post card to John Samford. Originally, I had stated that Ed Ping was the first chairman of the tournament, that is incorrect, the first chairman was actually Roy Franklin, who preceded Ed Ping as Athletic Director.

The Paul Hanson Memorial was originally called the GMCS Coaches & Administrators Invitational. It was a "bragging rights" and fellowship affair that begun in 1976 at the end of the sports season. After the School Board established the scholarship in Paul Hanson's name, Roy saw the opportunity to honor Paul's name by renaming the tournament and changing the date to the weekend before Memorial weekend, which worked perfect, since many people take off during for the holiday, so it makes sense to have it the week before to get more participation. This is the only tournament in Gallup in which all teams are required to have a name...

Thank you Roy!

P.S. Larry Binkley sent an e-mail reassuring us that his absence is not permanent, he did not attend for the first time ever, not because he now lives in Las Cruces, but because the week before the event he had a heart follow-up procedure that put him in the hospital for a few days. Larry... GET WELL!!!

KENNY MATSUTANI & CALVIN BEGAY WIN MEMORIAL EVENT

2009-05-25T20:23:00.007-06:00

Kenny Matsutani and Calvin Begay, played a steady second round and not only overcame a 3 shot deficit, but won the shortened 2009 Memorial Tournament by 6 shots. The tournament, shortened by rain on Monday to 10 holes for the second round, featured teams of two golfers who played "Best Ball" on Sunday and "2-Ball Aggregate" on Monday. After the first day, there were two teams tied for the lead with a 60, former Navajo Nation President and current state senator, Albert Hale and long hitting Marcus Tulley with David (president MGA) & Brent Bischoff; two shots behind were Randy Slaughter and David Haynes with Kenny and Calvin one more shot behind at 63. But Monday, when both balls counted, was a different story.

Kenny and Calvin started strong on Monday, as they were the only team "in the red" on the day by accumulating a strong 4 under par through 10 holes, which gave them a total of 13 under par! Kenny, the higher handicap on the team, was particularly strong, as he was 3 under on his ball. In 2nd place were Randy Slaughter and David Haynes, who, through 10 holes were a total of 10 under par, just as they had started the day; and in 3rd place were Albert Hale and Marcus Tulley, who accumulated an 8 under par after being 4 over on Monday. Close in 4th place, at 7 under, were cousins Paul Dimas and Robert Dimas.

AS a couple of my friends found out, this format is not only strange to several golfers who are accustomed to playing scrambles, but it is a difficult format (read previous blog on "Gallup, The Land of Scrambles") as it puts a lot of pressure on a player to play shots that are less than perfect, even if reasonably good (i.e. a nice shot to the fringe, instead of a shot to 10 feet from the pin), as it is done in a scramble, where, your short game, other than some putting (when you actually get to putt), or, your scrambling game from tough lies, is seldom tested. Good going MGA!
Coming up, we will have two fundraising scrambles, on Saturday, we will have the second "Old Timers" (soft ball) scramble and on Sunday, we will have the GHS Golf Team Benefit Scramble. Don't forget to call the pro-shop!

PAUL HANSON ENTRIES DOUBLE FROM 2008..

2009-05-16T16:43:00.013-06:00

Call it coincidence if you want to, but to many, there is no question that the presence of the Hanson family, particularly Sharlene (pictured with son Brian Paul), now living in Ada, OK, made it easier to get more participants in the 25th edition of the Paul Hanson Memorial, the longest running tournament in Gallup. Last year we had 48 people, this year we had 88! It is strange how sometimes a tragedy is turned into something good, just out of the memory of a good person who was well respected and loved in his town (in this case, adopted town).

Many of his friends are gone from Gallup, most notably, the first tournament chairman, Roy Franklin, (Athletic Director), who was a friend of Paul Hanson since their younger days in Ada, OK. and who has now moved back to their Oklahoma hometown. Within weeks of Mr. Hanson's cowardly murder, Roy renamed an annual local schools event that he used to organize with his assistant, Anita Lopez, after the slain superintendent. Because of the respect the community had for Mr. Hanson, the succes of the event with his name was immediate. A few years later, Ed Ping, who replaced Roy after he retired, took over the event. The rest is now history, and the event has raised thousands of dollars for local deserving youngsters. With the help of sponsors and players, the tournament gives 4 to 6, $1,000 scholarships to various kids every year.

The tradition has remained alive, mainly by persistence of John Samford (pictured below right) and it looks like Robert Gintout and Marco Abeita will one day be able to take over, keep a reputable name alive in the Gallup area and continue helping towards the education of deserving kids.

The Hanson family was represented by the "Sooners" with Brian Paul Hanson (son), Kent Hamilton (son in law), Russell Bevelhymer (family friend and fellow golf professional) and John David Hanson (cousin), and of course, Paul Hanson's wife, Sharlene followed the team with John's wife and Brian's girlfriend, Juanita, as her round companions.

The tournament tradition has remained alive also thanks to the continuous participation of several of Mr. Hanson's contemporaries, and three teams have made it all 25 events: "Bogey Men", this year represented by Alan Lewis, Bob Lewis, Bill Lewis & Scott Hamilton (who also were 4 time defending champions!); "Patriots" represented by Shirley Wilson, Betty Armstrong, Marilou Condrey & Mary Batson and, "Financial Fore" represented by Kevin Powers, Paul Cassidy, John Samford & George Kozeliski, who now replaced long time supporter and school/city administrator Larry Binkley, perhaps for good since Larry now lives in Las Cruces. Other teams, as of late, have become a "fixture", like "Arviso Construction" (pictured with Olsen & Orville Arviso, owners and supporters of all local events, Ray Moore & Clarence Peterson). The results were as follows:

Gross: 1st (60) "Twilight Hackers": Mark Herrera, Ricki Luna, Rafael Rodriguez & Eric Sanchez; 2nd (60) Eric Honie, Bufford Brown, Wallace Hanley & Wayne Claw.

Net: 1st (53.5) "City Slickers" (pictured above), Tammy Smith, Jerry Smith, Craig Pirlot & Bill Miller; 2nd (54.5) "No Hacker Left Behind" Bruce Jones, Brad Vergien, John Taylor & long-hitting Bud Knight.

WHO WAS PAUL HANSON?.... By John Samford

2009-05-15T15:15:00.005-06:00

Submitted by John Samford: Gallup-McKinley County School District

So many things can be said of the man we called Paul, as he was a colorful, dedicated, redneck, Okie from Ada, Oklahoma. His career varied from being a Marine, teacher, coach, principal, banker, mayor, city council member and superintendent of schools. From 1954-1959 he served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps that included being a diplomat courier at the American Embassy in London, England.

“An Educator with High Expectations and the Strength to Accomplish Them.” Paul Hanson had a presence in the Gallup-McKinley County Schools beginning in 1963 as a teacher in Tohatchi. He served as teacher, elementary principal and high school principal in the District until 1979, when he returned to Oklahoma as an assistant superintendent. Paul returned to Gallup-McKinley County Schools in 1982 as Assistant to the Superintendent, and was named Superintendent of Schools in March 1984, succeeding Carroll “Sam” Crow.

Upon Paul’s death on February 22, 1985 employees and fellow administrators spoke with respect saying: “He just cared”, “When we worked together, we played together. I had a great deal of respect for him both as a man and an educator”, “a strength that made people like to work for him. He didn’t push, but you knew what was expected”, “a true friend, a strong family man, a leader, and a dedicated educator through and through”. From this dedication, to Paul and his survivors, wife Sharlene, daughter Leslie and son, Brian Paul, arose the idea of a long term memorial, not just to Paul’s memory but to his dedication to education.

District staff like Roland Carey, Bud Hendrickson, Larry Binkley, Ramon Vigil, Tommy Batson, Herb Walsh, Chris DiGregorio and others (Board President Cal Foutz and member Barbara Stanley), knew that a special event was needed. The people that have continued to promote, organize and keep this tournament moving include, through the years, Ed Ping, James Pina, Larry Muzingo, Roy Franklin, Angelo DiPaolo, John Samford and Robert Gintowt.

The tournament, through all these efforts, now awards a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior in all eight District high schools; and thanks to strong individual and corporate support this will continue when the District has nine high schools.

This is what Paul D. Hanson represents to the past and future.

GO ALEX... GO!!

2009-05-10T03:16:00.003-06:00

"Can Alex Čejka win?", "Will he be able to withstand the pressure of playing with Woods?", "If Woods starts hitting fairways, isn't Čejka done?", "What about the gallery? He has never played in front of so much gallery. How much pressure will he have?"

First of all, every golfer feels pressure when in the heat of the battle; second, even Tiger feels pressure, he just handles it differently. I truly believe that in this one, there is as much pressure on Tiger as there in on Alex. Different types of pressure. Alex, for sure, will be trying to forget what he is playing for and who he is playing with, but, he is also well aware that he has a 5 shot lead. In professional golf, that is a lot, even with Tiger behind you. So, if you can concentrate on hitting fairways and greens, you know that Tiger will have to take his chances, and if you play well, chances are in your favor. Remember, "good things happen to those who wait", Alex has waited long enough.

Tiger, no doubt, is the best player in the world, will be having pressure of a different kind, as everyone expects him to make up shots as if everyone has given him already the trophy, as if all he has to do is show up and he'll win. He knows better, and that is where the pressure will come from, because seemingly impossible things are expected from him. He has been there, but when starting behind, even in the last group, he has lost more than he has won. People forget that. Tiger is human too. He wanst to win, and knows he will have to take some chances, even if calculated chances, but chances nonetheless; and when you take chances, you have to play perfect golf.

The hype around the final round of the Players Championship is tremendous. It is almost like all golf announcers are expecting Alex Čejka to fold.... and Tiger to pick up the spoils. I hope that does not happen, and, I predict it won't. Golf at that level, for one week, for a person like Alex, is far from the best accomplishment. Think of this, Alex Čejka, at age 9, literally swam across the river, escaping communist Chzekoslovachia and settling in Western Germany, eventually becoming a German citizen. He has seen it all, experienced it all, from poverty to success. He is a millionaire who now has a home in Las Vegas and one in his native Czek Republic (Prague), and while he has not not anything in the majors worth giving Tiger a scare, his mere presence in the leaderboard tells you that this is his week.

Once, they asked Ben Hogan, "going to the last round, do you prefer being one shot ahead or one shot behind", "what a stupid question!" he answered... Tiger and Alex would say the same!

"SWEETEST SWING IN THE BUSINESS..."

2009-05-04T06:25:00.008-06:00

One of our most avid golfers ever in Gallup, has left us for a tee time in heaven, Anthony Ferrari. Anthony passed on earlier this week in his retirement home in Southern Arizona.

I met Anthony back in the days when a hand shake and your word, was more important than a signature. He was as avid golfer as you will ever find, anywhere! He was known to play at least 200 rounds a year, in Gallup alone; and played other 100+ days elsewhere, whether traveling to the popular tournaments like the Navajo Trails Open, San Juan Open or the Hilton Open, or just going out for a weekend with friends to play somewhere.

He had a jewelry business and he did his best to sell you the best quality at the best possible price. That he became a loyal customer of mine is no surprise. Not because of anything special I did, but because he led by example: he kept his word and he believed that buying locally was the way to go and the way to help your local economy. So, buying equipment from the local pro-shop at his local golf course was a natural thing to do, not something he had to work at.

On the course, everyone, and I mean everyone (I never met anyone who did not like "Ants" Ferrari) , wanted to play with him; not because he was an easy target, (at his best, he was a legitimate 12 handicap in our short course), but because a round with him would be full of laughs and surprises. He was as good with "one liners" as the "Cable Man".

One thing that he hated though, was bad lies... or as he later learned to call them, "unnecessary lies", from which he always got relief... free..."if we are playing for $2.00, no one is going to get hurt if I move out of a hole in the rough. I am already in trouble, so chances are that I will not reach the green anyway. Just take a couple of shots away from the strokes you give me. I never do this in tournaments though, I promise." And he stuck to his deal religiously. Everyone knew, and no one complained. If he said something, it was a done deal, no signature necessary. As a proud conservative man with convictions or fairness and honesty, playing in a tournament was another matter. It was not uncommon for him to come and say something like, "I made a 9 on #6. Wish you had been there to give me a free drop from that nasty lie I had to play out of, I could have made a 5 or 6!"

He loved the game and its challenge, but more than anything, I believe he used the game for socializing with friends or making new ones, in his games, he never walked away without paying a bet... yet, he not always collected his winnings, the moment was more important that the reward. "Ants" gave back more than he took. Testament to this is that he sponsored just about any tournament that would come for a donation, and for years, he sponsored the local "Holman's Diamond in The Rough" ladies tournament. After he retired to Southern Arizona, where he could play EVERY DAY, his son Dominic continued the tradition until the WGA cancelled the event in the mid 90's. He also gave his "go ahead" to Dominic to host the Holman's Cup for several years, a match between Grants and Gallup.

Like many of us who played with him, I have many funny stories about "Ants" and the times he made us laugh, or the deals we made with him or the conversations in which you realized that he wanted the best for everyone. He was very gentle, but yet, he had convictions and was unforgiving about those who wanted or liked to take advantage of others.

To this date, I remember several of the "one liners" that he made me laugh with. He had two favorite phrases, when he hit a particularly short shot, he would turn around and say, "how am I going to get to the 'big times' with a pop-corn swing like that" (Ants, you were the "Big Time!"), but, the one phrase I remember the most, is one than he enjoyed using when he hit a particularly good shot for him, and one that he will always be remembered for: "Sweetest Swing in the Business, isn't it?". Yes, Ants, that one was a good one, but it is not why we will remember you, it's the memories!

NATIONAL GOLF FOUNDATION VISITS GALLUP

2009-04-28T22:20:00.005-06:00

On April 27, the National Golf Foundation team of professionals made it to Gallup: Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect from Phoenix, AZ., whom I actually had the pleasure of meeting the day before at the course in his pre-screening visit; Bud White (U.S.G.A. Agronomic Dept. better known as the "Green Section"); & Ed Getherall, Senior Project Director from the National Golf Foundation, and ultimately the person who will gather information from the other two professionals to draft the feasibility report that Bob Weekes requested and had approved by our city leaders.

All three, not only visited the course, but also took a very thorough tour of the city, including old proposed sites for new venues, went over our records of play, agronomic practices, saw our needs, and we all expect that they will make very sound recommendations and give us some choices.

In the words of Mr. Richardson, some of the questions will be: "would you like to improve the course a little?", "More than a little?" or "Put Gallup on the Map (with a very nice new course)?" and "What can your golf base afford?" During the meeting in City Hall, Mr. White mentioned, something that we have all experienced before: "a golfer's pleasure, day in and day out, simply comes from playing a shot out of good turf and putting on nice surfaces. Not everyone needs a championship course. These are difficult and expensive to maintain. Good turf is the main ingredient". I am anxious to see their recommendations and what city leadership will do with those. I'll keep you updated.

GALLUP CATHOLIC SCHOOL SCRAMBLE BRINGS 72 PLAYERS

2009-04-26T09:33:00.003-06:00

Most of the time, it is very difficult to appreciate the work that needs to be done to make a tournament be successful, and therefore, recognize the hard work of people who actually make it happen. Just because we put an entry form list out, it doesn't mean that we will get it filled up.

The work of the golf professional, while fairly complicated in some ways, it is actually easy once you know the steps and preparation that it takes for different events. We follow pre-determined steps and common sense; handicapping and rules are our expertise, making groups and hole assignments takes knowledge and practice, BUT, WE COULD NOT DO ANY OF THAT, OR FOR THAT MATTER, WE WOULDN'T NEED TO, IF WE HAD AN EMPTY TOURNAMENT LIST. That is where the organizers, those whom I call "Professional Volunteers" come in.

Without them, without their enthusiastic work, phone calls during and after work, questions, contacts, visits and donations of money, needs and time, a tournament would not happen. This time, Gallup Catholic School owes most of the success of this event to Paul & Ivonne Andrade, and in not much smaller ways, to Marie Chioda and Ernie Abeita: without the support and time from these four people this tournament would not have had 18 teams, and particularly not in such a windy day when the gusts of reached 45mph! Thank you all! The following are the results for Gross and Net Prizes:

GROSS: 1st (60) Tom Chee, Calvin Nez, Dot Upshaw & Jerry Nez; 2nd (62) Charlie Chavez Jr., Eddy Jaramillo, Eric Lovato & Mitch Murphy; 3rd (64) Dennis Baretinicich, Luke Baretinicich, Scott Hamilton & Johnny Hamilton and 4th (65) Jason Gonzales, Mark Herrera, Rafael Rodriguez & Ricki Luna.

NET: 1st (57.5) Scotty Armstrong, Marqui Armstrong, Brent Bischoff & Don Marzilli; 2nd (58.5) Peggy Ricks, Kenny Bean, Willie Ross & Albert Lucero; 3rd (60) Sammy Chioda, Giovanni Chioda, Roy Tucker & Dean Harris, and 4th (61) Jay Mason, Michael Mason, Matt Collar & Marcus Tulley.

Play was followed by a delicious steak dinner at the gym of Gallup Catholic School. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

THEY ARE CALLED "DIE-HARDS"

2009-04-18T07:15:00.009-06:00

Every golf course has them. When the weather is terrible, many golfers actually call or come to a golf course, to see who is “crazy enough” to play in this kind of … conditions. These golfers are called, “die-hards”; those inside the shop, or those who stayed home, the ones who say are “sane”, are called “fair weather golfers”.

If a “die-hard” sets time aside to play golf, little, if anything, will deter him from enjoying the sport he loves. He will actually enjoy, and learn from the torture of playing in the middle of 40mph cross-winds, hole after hole; “Hey John! –that is if John actually had the courage of joining-, did you see how the wind took that ball across to the rough in the left? Man, next time I’ll aim farther right!” If they play alone, they don’t care. They are learning (Tom Watson, right, was always known to be a fierce competitior in bad weather, where he excelled. No wonder he won 5 British Opens!)

Conversely, “fair weather” golfers, who make up the majority of players (no secret here), only want good weather conditions or their round will not be as enjoyable. These golfers, only play in bad weather when they are forced to. For instance, if they signed up for a tournament and on “D” day, they don’t think they can come with an excuse good enough not to show up, they will end up playing. Otherwise, you have no idea how many times, we’ll have a tournament, and players will call in the morning, “hey pro, cancel me out please. I forgot I had some honey-do’s. If I play today, I won’t be able to play next Saturday either”. Sure pal, sure!

Using this logic, one would conclude that bad weather is good for family matters, and for that matter, not so good for golf course revenue. And, of course, the opposite would hold true once the temperature reaches 70 degrees and the winds stay below 10 mph. That is when you can rest assured that golfers with honey do’s will have an instant attack of morning amnesia or a sudden return to their teenage years, “Honey (mom?), remember that I stayed home the first two weeks of April?” (he did, but the leak in the kitchen grew worse because he was glued to the TV which was showing the majestic views of The Masters)... “Can this leak wait until Monday? Look at the weather! I can’t pass this up! Alex will be there making tee times and arranging groups for everyone! Next week Rosales, Ramirez and Gonzales will have an advantage if I don't play today, and it’ll be hard to beat them. Besides, remember that I said that this is my year and I intend to win the City Championship? You understand, don’t you?”

“Sure”, the understanding wife says, “but only with one condition: before you leave, at very least, call the plumber. You stayed home last week alright, but you did not even call the plumber. If someone does not come today, you’ll come back to the biggest water hazard you’ve ever seen, and I guarantee you that the penalty will be worse than stroke and distance, Capish?” Oops, there it is! I hope this really doesn’t really mean that good weather is bad for family relationships!

Any advice from the golf doctor? YES: “GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, THEN COME TO THE GOLF COURSE!”

CABRERA NOT A "ONE TRICK PONY"

2009-04-13T17:33:00.012-06:00

So Phil shot 30 on the front and looked like he would contend until he dunked one in the water on #12. And though he made birdies on #13 and #15, he missed two crucial putts on #15 (for eagle) and #17 for birdie, that could have helped him put more pressure on the leaders. After missing on #17, his charge was all but gone. When you are that far back, you can't afford mistakes. The same with Tiger, who is zero for 33 in majors when coming from behind. The show between #1 and #2 was the best part of the front nine, and the tournament, as always, started on the back nine, so it was 6 hours pure entertainment among the best golfers in the world.

Meanwhile, Kenny Perry was as steady as you've seen. No mistakes, that is until he opened a two shot lead and all of a sudden, it looked as if he quit "working". It reminded us of Arnold Palmer in 1961 and Ed Sneed in 1979. Arnold Palmer accepted congratulations on #18 tee from a fan, forgot that he still had work to do, made double bogey and lost to Gary Player. Ed Sneed was more Kenny Perry like, or vice versa, as he made bogeys in the last three holes, and later lost the sudden death playoff, the first one ever at The Masters, to Fuzzy Zoeller.

Cabrera, behind the whole back nine, kept close by making the putts he needed to make, and when he made a slick 12 footer on #16, he was telling Kenny, "don't make any mistakes, I'm still around!". Cabrera never gave up. Champions never do (Kenny, another champion, didn't give up either, he just made the mental mistakes that cost him the tournament). Ahead of Cabrera and Perry, was Chad Campbell, who didn't give up either, but whose putter is not the best asset in his bag and could not really put pressure on the leaders.

When the playoff started, the two Americans hit the fairway, Cabrera hit it in the woods and everyone thought he was done. Not wanting to give up, he tried a one in a million shot, and yes, he got lucky; but, had he chosen to chip sideways and "played safe", he would have had a 4 or 5 iron in hand instead a a short iron. The gamble paid off, and Kenny and Chad let it get to them. Afterwards, Kenny Perry, almost in tears admitted; "I was nervous, I lost the tournament, but Angel made the putts and shots when he needed and I didn't, that is why he is the champion. Congratulations to him". He was truly a class act, particularly after such a tough loss.

Cabrera now has two majors and I predict this former caddy won't stop there. Roberto DeVicenzo can now rest; 41 years ago, when he made his mistake that cost him a spot in a playoff, felt more bad for not bringing the green jacket to Argentina than for not winning for himself. Congratulations to both! The man has heart, the heart that makes champions.

THAT"S WHY THERE ARE PLAYING... PART 2

2009-04-11T20:23:00.004-06:00

After Saturday's round, our good friend Rex Good who always takes the field against any takers who want to bet on Tiger Woods, must be pretty happy... and I think he'll be safe: Tiger is 7 shots behind, and in a tie for 10th place. So, if he is going to win his 15th major and 1st major coming from behind on a Sunday, not only he has to make up 7 shots on two people, but all other 7 players in front of him must not play good enough to win. Odds are, Rex, who took a licking last year, as he seemed to bet only in events Woods won, will get some of his investment back.

So now, WHO DO YOU THINK IS GOING TO WIN? I saw on CBS that 17 out of the last 18 winners have come from the final pairing, with the only exception having been Zack Johnson. You have two tied at 11 under; both of them very solid players, one, Angel Cabrera, has already won a major, and one, Kenny Perry, may not have many more chances at 48, but has been playing like a 36 year old the last three years. Jim Furyk is no push-over and neither is Steve Stricker who has been knocking on the door fairly often in majors.

Given the leaderboard, my guess is no one farther than 5 shots behind will win. But, what do I know? Maybe Phil, who is tied with Woods, will be inspired by playing with Mr. #1 in the world and pull it off! I am glad that The Masters committee decided to set up the course for scoring, I believe that it will be a good finish, and no one in the committee will be "embarrassed for the course" if someone comes from behind with a 64 or 65 to win it.

"THAT'S WHY THEY ARE PLAYING TODAY"...

2009-04-11T07:05:00.006-06:00

Every weekend during the golf season, I am asked "Well pro, who do you think is going to win this tournament?". I always refer to Ben Hogan's line, "Can't tell you, but, that is why they are playing, to see who wins...!" Tiger, though seven shots behind on Saturday, is far from being forgotten, even if he has never won a major coming from behind on Sunday morning, there is always a first time. Remember Mark O'Meara's win in 1998? He was never in the lead until he holed his putt on the last hole!! (he started behind, tied for the lead on #17 and won the tournament on #18). Tiger could do the same.

Remember, they say that The Masters starts on the back nine on Sunday, and there are many good players within 7 shots that have won majors before (shots behind in parenthesis): Angel Cabrera (1), Todd Hamilton (3), Jim Furyk (5), Geoff Ogilvy, Vijay Singh and Phil Mickelson (6) and Padraig Harrington, Tiger Woods and Sandy Lyle (7). Not to mention that there are players who could make this their first major, including leaders Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell, giving Kenny the edge; but you have Sergio Garcia (5), Anthony Kim (5), Tim Clark (4 ) and Henrik Stenson (6). Who am I cheering for? Harrington, Mickelson, Hamilton and Kim.... I know, it's too many, so today, I stick with Padraig!

Other notes: Do you realize that Gary Player (top left and nine majors) played in his last Masters ever? 52 appearances! That is a record that Tiger Woods will never break... why? Because I don't see him playing past 50 much (Chi Chi Rodriguez said sometime ago, "Tiger is lucky, very lucky... he does not have to play me in another 25 years!"). It was also Fuzzy Zoeller's (two majors) last appearance. Gary Player, defending champion, put the green jacket on him after winning in 1979. This tournament is my favorite as far a nostalgia and traditions, I hate to see these two players go!

LET'S JUST WATCH...

THE AUGUSTA NATIONAL INVITATIONAL...

2009-04-04T22:35:00.012-06:00

In late 1933, Clifford Roberts and Booby Jones invited many of that era's masters of the game, professional and amateur, to the first "Augusta National Invitational" to be played in 1934 at their new club, Augusta National. Roberts, a rich banker, Jones' friend and partner at the new club, had bought a piece of land in Augusta, GA and had turned it into a masterpiece of a golf course with the help of Alister MacKenzie, whom Jones had sought after playing Cypress Point in California.

Roberts was the chairman of the club until 1976. He was a master organizer and promoter. He was said to be a "benevolent dictator". His friendship with President Dwight Eisenhower, made the 34th president to use Augusta National G.C. as his usual retreat. All this, together with Jones' name recognition, the club's famous members and the tournament, made the club and the tournament, grow to what it now is, "The Masters", probably the most recognized of all events in the world.

Since the beginning, Roberts wanted to rename the event as "The Masters", but Bobby Jones, thought it was too pretentious, and resisted. Roberts "won" the name battle by secretly "leaking" the name to the press, who caught on right away. The name was changed for the 4th tournament played in 1937. To promote the tournament, Roberts used to go to the nearby Air Force base and give free tickets to all military personnel. Now, there is a 3-4 years waiting list to the limited number of people allowed to attend the tournament.

The club has more famous places ("Crow's Nest", "Eisenhower Tree", "Amen Corner", "Ike's Pond", "Rae's Creek", "Magnolia Lane", "Hogan's Bridge", "Sarazen's Bridge", "Nelson's Bridge" and "Eisenhower Cabin", among others), and traditions within than any other championship; amateurs stay at the Crow's Nest, the first day pairings have the defending champion paired with the current U.S. Amateur Champion; an honorary membership is presented to the champion, an open Par-3 event is played on Wednesday (no champion ever has gone on to win the same year's Masters, so, many of the true contenders, have gone as far as throwing or chipping their ball into the water hazard in the last hole in purpose in order not to win the Par-3 contest), the Champions Dinner inaugurated by Ben Hogan in 1961; and, among other traditions, this is the only major that has used an "Honorary Starter". Arnold Palmer, 4-Time champion, will do the honors.

If you are a hungry man, don't forget the inexpensive pimento cheese sandwiches, hot dogs and cokes, all of which are, by far, the least expensive food treats in all professional golf events. Oh, everything is wrapped in green!

And of course, the course itself, unmatchable beauty and design. You can't put in words the beauty, nor describe the changes in elevation unless you've been there. They have a par 4 that is 508 yards (#10) and a par-5 that is 478 yards, you'd say it is reversed, but it truly isn't, as the design and elevation make the difference. Most every serious golfer, even if he has never attended, knows the course by memory. Not one blade of grass is misplaced in this course where every hole is named after a flower (my favorite hole is "Firethorn"-#15, the par-5 where Jack Nicklaus made an eagle on his way to his record sixth and last Masters victory in 1986).

And to end the festivities, don't forget THE FAMOUS GREEN JACKET! No other garment is so sought after!
So, DON'T FORGET TO WATCH IT APRIL 9-12... TAPE IT, AND PLAY IN OUR OWN "MASTERS OF GALLUP & AUGUSTA" TOURNAMENT, ON AUGUST 12.... Don't worry, we will keep you updated!

HAPPY GOLFERS.....

2009-04-02T19:28:00.005-06:00

Al Martinez eagled #3 twice in a row. Playing with buddies Anthony Trujillo, Ralph Rodriguez & Brian Maldonado, on Thursday afternoon, he put his second shot about 7 feet from the pin and knocked it in. About an hour later, they got behind a couple of groups on #6 and #7, so they decided to play #3, #4 & #18 instead of Holes #7-#9. This is when I joined them to play a hole. Again, he hit his second shot on the green and dejavu, he made an eagle again! (pictured here right before his ball drops in the hole). No pressure for the Fort Wingate Coach! (I did not ask him what he scored in the other holes!!) Yes, he beat me the hole, as i could only manage a 4, so I owe him a drink! Another happy golfer was Alvin Lewis, pictured on our practice green with his memento from Phoenix, AZ where he went to see last weekend's LPGA tournament won by former #1 golfer in the world, Australian Kari Webb. He got signatures from Lorena Ochoa, the current #1 in the world, #1 sensation, still winless, Michelle Wie and several other stars. Alvin and his son were amazed at how far these ladies hit the ball... Alvin... just think how far the men hit it!!

COLD & WIND DIDN'T STOP FIRST TOURNAMENT...

2009-03-29T18:21:00.004-06:00

The 2009 season has officially started, and it did with almost twice as many players as it did last season in this same event. This year we had 36, last year we had 22. This year the temperature was just above 40 and windy (check out Jason Gonzales' golf outfit on left!), last year it was nice and calm... shirt-sleeve day. So, while Tiger was playing his way to another win and another $1,000,000 first place check, 36 brave ones in Gallup were fighting the weather for a little glory of their own. Congratulations to all!!

No point in inviting teams to play a nine hole "shootout" after the main event as we had planned, 18 holes was enough! The format scored over 24 holes (6 holes were 'Best Ball", 6 holes were "scramble" and 6 holes were "Aggregate" - both players' scores counting) and tournament ended up with two flights, with the following results:

First Flight:

1st (89.8) Tom Chee & Ray Moore;

2nd (92.4) Olsen Arviso & Clarence Peterson;

3rd (97.8) Mike Thompson & Ray Tsinajinnie;

4th (99.8) Bruce Jones & Danny Radcliff.

Second Flight:

1st (86.9) Willie Holtsoi & Jason Gonzales;

2nd (95.8) Phil Allen (pictured right, while pitching from behind #5) & Simon Paredes;

3rd (98.6) Calvin Begay & Byron Montross;

4th (99.5) David Bischoff & Larry Sinnott.

By the way, I am praying for bad, cold weather in all events... players were so cold that they played the fastest tournament on record in the last few years: 4 hours!

THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME...

2009-03-26T16:37:00.015-06:00

If you are lucky enough to have read the Rules of Golf (when it shows that you are a true golf enthusiast), you will see that the first thing the booklet deals with is "ETIQUETTE; BEHAVIOR ON THE COURSE", and then, after the introduction, the first topic it addresses, is "THE SPIRIT OF THE GAME" It reads: I always try to teach pupils that playing golf is more than just swinging a club, and, among other things, it is about personal responsibility and honesty. Both of my daughters have called penalties on themselves, not only during casual rounds, but more importantly, during tournaments, even when a penalty could be the difference between playing the next day or getting eliminated in a national championship. The same goes with friends with whom I enjoy the game, many of whom have come to me to say that their ball moved while addressing it, and I was 100 yards away and could not see, or that they moved a lose impediment in a hazard by accident; all of this, where I could not possibly known had they not told me. For some, these penalties have cost them a few bucks, and some much more, as it happened to an adoptive uncle when calling a penalty on himself, cost him $700.00! But the money lost could never compare with the reputation lost if anyone ever found out that they played outside the Spirit of the Game. Once someone is labeled as a cheater, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to shake the label! Here is the "rest of the story": this mistake, which carried a penalty of disqualification, cost his team 1st place (even with the par, they would have won by one), worth several thousand dollars in Calcutta prize money! What made it special was the following: First, he told me "Alex, I know what the Rules are. Do not worry, it's your duty to carry them out "that is why you are paid for"). Go ahead and do your job and do not feel bad for me. It was my mistake, not yours"; and Second; he offered to pay his partner, out of his own pocket, the share of first place that they had lost due to his mistake. Now tell me, hasn't the word "anyone" shrunk at least a little? I say, "not anyone would have done this!"

"Golf is played, for the most part, without the supervision of a referee or umpire. The game relies on the integrity of the individual to show consideration for other players and to abide by the Rules. All players should conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, demonstrating courtesy and sportsmanship at all times, irrespective of how competitive they may be. This is the spirit of the game of golf." Unfortunately, not all people who play the game (or play at it), abide by these wholesome principles, but we will leave those to play with each other. Lets see some positive acts that made me realize that Golf's spirit is not dead. To understand this a little more, you've got to see "The Legend of Vagger Vance" (Will Smith & Matt Damon).

So far, the the most notable display of sportsmanship in this topic that I have witnessed, was a few years ago. A competitor, (lets call him Frank, since no one who frequents the course these days, has that name) summoned me after scores were posted to tell me that he had signed an incorrect scorecard and that his team should be disqualified from the Elks Tournament. As it happened, he had made a long putt on #17 for par, which the other team thought was for a birdie and wrote down as such. Frank signed the scorecard without checking it. When he saw that his team's score on the board was one less than what he knew they had, he checked his scorecard and found the mistake, and came to tell me about it before I gave the prizes. You may say, "So what?, anyone could have done that!"

DRIVE FOR SHOW... PUTT FOR DOUGH

2009-03-22T09:14:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, I sold a new putter for $29.00. Obviously it wasn't a Ping, Scotty Cameron or Taylor Made, but a golfer had left his in a friend's bag and needed one. The inexpensive putter, he said, was better than his own. Good for him, hopefully he makes lots of putts with it. Clubs' prices are out of this world, and you don't know the "rest of the story" either. Starting with drivers, which, if you buy a top of the line with a Fuyikura top line shaft, will range from $595 - $899! And that is the normal, stock, retail club that you buy at the pro-shop. But, if you are a touring professional, and represent the company, you will pay nothing. However, to get exactly what you need from a manufacturer that you do not represent, you probably have to pay up to $4,000-5,000 for a driver... don't panic. Putters are much more expensive. The "normal", mass produced Scotty Cameron putters, retail for up to $350.00, however, in remembering that "Drive is for Show and Putt is for Dough", the price of a custom made putter is up in the $20,000 - $30,000!! Yes, no misprint, that is four zeroes! And I complain for having to pay $130 wholesale for a top of the line PING or Scotty Cameron? This has gone out of hand! There are less that 10 well known custom putter makers in the country, but Scotty Cameron (Titleist), in California, has must of the business, which includes making putters for none other that Tiger Woods (who uses a the original "pistol" PING putter grip with the letters "PING" blacked out)... but even Scotty Cameron will never fetch what a famous putter named "Calamity Jane" can bring now days. Calamity Jane would go in an auction for over $1,000,000.00 easily... see, "Calamity Jane II" won 10 major championships in the 1930's, culminating with the "Grand Slam" in 1930. Calamity Jane I, won 3 others... and all of them for a man named Bobby Jones.

FOX RUN'S FIRST DAY OF 2009...

2009-03-14T01:44:00.008-06:00

You can't say that Fox Run's first open day was a financial success, but, given the attendance of 14 golfers, with the weather we had, it was a sign that people were itching to come and play! 2009's first group, was formed by Joseph Lonjose (pictured hitting the first 2009 tee shot), Sage hompson and Ted Arviso. They teed off at 9:05 a.m., and at about 9:35 a.m., it started snowing! I thought they would come back and ask for a rain check, but they continued and finished their round. Look, I consider myself a "die hard" golfer, but when I went outside to take some trash out, I thought, "these guys have me beat by a mile!"

We know! The golf season has started in many parts of the country. In some places, even places close to us like Coyote Del Malpais (our closest place of "golf itching relief"), golf is only interrupted for a few days at a time during the winter; but in Gallup, the weather is a little more unpredictable and there is a forced closure policy, so, like it or not, we are stuck to about a 9 month season!

Some of you may ask, "what about our high schools' golf teams, what do they do for practice?" There was a solution: Mr. Weekes allowed the use of the short practice area a few weeks before the season opened. And, sure, I know that some kids (I was there once... many years ago), would have liked to "hit the links", but, as one who knows a little about golf, I am very glad that they were forced to practice their short game. Trust me, they all needed it (we all need it!) and those who used what was made available, will benefit from it.

As far a myself, I have been doing what I have always done: I play when I can get some golfers together and play elsewhere or I go visit my daughters. This year, we have played Coyote, Arroyo, Isleta, Cerbat Hills (Brian Knaar pictured right putting on the unique Par-3 #8), Boulder Creek, and even took a trip to Laughlin, NV, where we visited Laughlin Ranch, Avi Resort, Desert Lakes and the new Los Lagos G.C. (in many of these places, we visit with staff and exchange ideas). Also, as often as I can, I either go see my youngest play a tournament in warmer places, or go visit my older daughter (who, now as an attorney cannot find time to play unless I visit) in Oklahoma City. All of this, plus good reading and the great technology of TV, keep the word "golf" in my mind.

So, don't put your clubs far away. Your golf course is already available, but please don't wait until the weather is in the 80's, we may not see you around for another month!

RULES QUIZ...

2009-03-06T14:16:00.008-07:00

I just came back from a 3 day Rules of Golf Seminar and a 3 hour, 70 questions test on the fourth day. I can brag about this: I am pretty decent at the basic Rules of Golf (I scored 66 out of 70) and I can cover most "normal" situations without problems; but no, I would not venture myself to be a Rules Official at a national event which John Speary (PGA Sun Country Section Director), calls "Hours of Boredom with Moments of Terror". Listen, you do not want to give Tiger Woods and Co. an incorrect ruling! Or, for that reason, to John Doe, who is in the final match of the Albuquerque City Championship, it doesn't matter, the outcome is important to everybody.

The Rules Seminar was presented by none other than Genger Fahleson (Dir. of Rules Education at the USGA) and two PGA Professionals who are called to officiate tough events: Bob Korbel (Port St. Lucie, FL) and Mike Healy (Sarasota, FL).

Many of you are familiar with "TV Rulings" and it is always interesting. When there is something strange for the average golfer, I get calls to discuss the decision. Mostly, all decisions are right, and I can only recall one that was wrong, but it was only due to the "fact finding part": during the 1994 U.S. Open, the President of the USGA gave the wrong ruling to Ernie Els, the eventual champion, by allowing him to drop away from an obstruction that was movable, and not immovable, as everyone thought. Since then, in all "Notice to Competitors" sheets, the USGA prints which objects or equipment will be deemed movable or immovable.

One ruling for which I got a bunch of calls ("Hey Pro! How can he drop back in the fairway?"), was in 1989, also during the final round of the U.S. Open. In this occasion, Tom Kite (pictured)the 54 hole leader, pulled his second shot, into deep rough, several yards off the fairway. His ball ended up in casual water, but, when the nearest point of relief was measured, he was back in the fairway! He pitched close and parred the hole, nonetheless, Curtis Strange came from behind and won his second straight U.S. Open (Note 1: the Rules of Golf do not differentiate between rough and fairway, both of which are covered by the definition "Through the Green". Note 2: Kite eventually won the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach in 1992).

Some rules changes are attributed to unusual situations found during play, and perhaps some are changed as a result of a top player's performance. For instance, some changes in the last 25 years, include that a caddy may not stand behind the player, in direct line to his line of play, while the player is making a stroke.

I'm not sure on whether Johnny Miller's closing 63 at Oakmont C.C. during the 1973 U.S. Open that won him the Championship, had anything to do with this decision or not (Andy Navarro, his caddy, used to stand still behind Johnny Miller's ball, blocking distractions); but I do know that the next year, at Winged Foot C.C., the USGA toughened the course so much, that Hale Irwin won the Championship with 7 over par! (and no, there weren't any 63's at Winged Foot). Perhpas next time you see Miller on NBC narrating a golf tournament, you may want to call him and ask him if he had anything to do with the USGA's decision to not allow caddies behind the player, I'm sure he'd like to know that you think he "had something to do with it!"

Above, in the first paragraph, I have inserted a link to The Rules of Golf Quizes (click on the word "Rules") you don't need to go to anything but the basic ones (10 simple questions). It will be fun. The "expert" here, missed one in the first quiz, so here is a tip: READ THE WHOLE QUESTION!

LESSONS I LEARNED FROM GOLF. LESSON #2: MAKE DECISIONS BASED ON FACTS, NOT SOMEONE'S REPUTATION...

2009-02-14T05:25:00.009-07:00

How often do we judge a situation and render our decision based on someone's reputation? It happens all the time: with our children, family or friends... and with "not so good friends". As a golf professional, I have learned never to give a rules decision until I have all facts. And though the following story is not about rules, it shows that people render decisions based on reputations more often than in facts.

This was a funny story which caused an error in judgment that fortunately did not hurt anyone. I had two really good friends, both pretty decent golfers with whom I shared many good moments. Rick and Joe, in their primes, carried a single digit handicap. Rick was very private and usually played with a close group of friends. Joe, was very outgoing, had his own business, and even had an unsuccessful bid for our town's mayor's office.

Joe loved to play with as many different people as possible. They shared several traits: both had a tremendous reputation for being honest, both liked to tinker with new equipment trends and have me modify equipment, both had a very good sense of humor, both liked to play for a little money, both liked to do things their own way and help others, so both reached the office of president of the Men's Golf Association, both liked to play in our local men's only events, both liked to go play out of town at least once a month, both participated in our most popular statewide events, both had many friends (and a loving family)... and both had a terrible temper on the course!

Among all of these similarities, there were some differences, the main one being that only Joe had the reputation for bad temper. They dealt with anger differently: Joe was less forgiving of an offending, embarrassment causing golf club, so he seldom repaired a broken culprit and was often cast into exile in the back of his garage... or in the trash. On the other hand, Rick, who would never admit that he had made a wrong choice in selecting a particular club, would have it repaired, often reaching the same results a few weeks, if not only a few days later.

If Rick was having a bad day on the course, he would "torture" himself and continue playing. Some, who did not witness Rick's anger, took this as Rick being patient, but the truth is that he was just self inflicting more pain, often murmuring, "See how it feels? Come on! You like hitting bad shots? OK, lets hit a few more if that is what you like!" On the other hand, if Joe was playing poorly and couldn't turn things around, he'd take $100 bill out of his wallet, leave it in someone's cart, walk off the course and come back and get his change later. It was a way of cooling down. To him, there was no sense on adding to his frustrations by torturing himself any longer. There was always another sunny day ahead. These sudden departures though, actually had the wrong effect as they added to Joe's reputation for bad temper.

One day, they both were paired in a men's tournament. After the round, while busy in the shop taking scores and waiting on other golfers to go out, several of us saw Joe walking to the pro-shop with five or six broken clubs. Everyone started laughing. There were several comments, but most of them were something like, "Hey Pro, look, Joe most have had a bad round. Here comes some club repair business your way!". Joe walked in the shop, greeted everyone, walked right up me, placed the clubs on the service counter and with a smile, he said, "Here Pro. I want you know that you would have been proud of me. I helped Rick pick up his broken clubs all day long. He asked me to drop them for repair, he'll pick them up later. He went home to pout about his 98!" Even after that episode, Joe's reputation never changed: Joe continued to have the reputation of the "baddest", worst tempered guy in Gallup's golf! But again, now we know he wasn't!

CONGRATULATIONS: CITY CHRISTMAS PARTY COMMITTEE RECOGNIZES ERNIE ABEITA

2009-02-03T13:54:00.013-07:00

The City Christmas Party Committee ("END OF THE YEAR SCRAMBLE" - Blog October 19, 2008), recognized Ernie Abeita (pictured), for his contribution(s) to this tournament's first edition.

"Ernie", as all his friends call him (if you say "Ernie", chances are that you are speaking about him), a well known face among golfers and non golfers, was the Tournament Chairman for the event and an enthusiastic leader in getting the committee working together for the tournament and its two main purposes: raise funds for the the City Employees Christmas Party and raise funds for a local charity.

The team of Paul Dimas, Don Good and Ronnie Pinto won the first event over 21 other teams. The small ceremony will be Wednesday morning.

This year's event is "penciled in" for October 4th, but we will let you know of any changes. Thanks!...

Amendment: Ernie's contributions to our city and/or golf course causes did not stop with the tournament: On February 10th, after several days of negotiations with Bob Weekes, Ernie approached the City Council during their work session and donated a Range Ball Machine and several dozens of range balls to Fox Run G.C. THANK YOU...AGAIN!!

JUAN DELGADO CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY IN STYLE

2009-01-26T18:13:00.014-07:00

Juan Delgado, (photograph courtesy of Lisa Rodriguez, "Light Language") one of our avid golfers in the 80's and early 90's, celebrated his 78th birthday in style: he was named "Senior of the Year" by the new "Gallup Senior Guide". This new, yearly magazine is published by former Gallup mayor, Bob Rosebrough, and the editor is Lindsay Mapes, with whom we happily worked with a few times while organizing the RMCH Charity Invitational.

Juan Delgado was born in Arizona in 1931, and joined the Army in 1950, claiming that it was "the thing to do then" (we obviously need more like him nowadays). Afterwards moved to New Mexico where he had a career in Gallup High School (interrupted by a six year stint to Los Angeles), night club manager and finally, a city employee. When I came to Gallup there were some "legends" that everyone "had to know" about: Judge Lidio Rainaldi, Judge Paris Derisotis, former Mayor Ed Munoz, former Fire Chief Alfred "Porky" Abeita, Joe Vargas (below right), Barbara Stanley were among them... the last two, making the list of nominees along with Joseph Esparza, Charles High & Phyllis Tempest. Since meeting him during the 80's, Juan was well known as far as sports were concerned, mostly for juniors. He was involved in football, basketball, baseball and track.... and then, he began playing golf for recreation. It was never unusual to see him organizing a group of people to do something or to help someone else. I had the opportunity to play with him a couple of times in the mid 80's; but Juan was not the "tournament player" type, he was more laid back and golf to him was more of a pastime, than a sport or a competition. Once with the City of Gallup, he ran the Recreation Department, and was one of the main characters to seek support for and finally build, the Gallup Sports Complex. While golf and our facility was never a part of the Recreation Department, it was not unusual for Juan to give us a call and get something going for someone else... or reserve a tee time for him and a guest. Then, of course, if you ever saw a tall "Santa" during Christmas going from home to home, it was probably Juan! Heck! I almost sat in his lap once...! I was walking the mall with my youngest one when I heard a familiar voice call me... "Alex, Alex!!", soon I realized that it was Santa, so I walked to him and asked for a camera while trying to find out who he was as well; he said, "No, you don't get anything. You haven't made enough birdies... but bring your little one over here!" Congratulations to all nominees! You have surely helped put "Gallup on the Map" NOTE: is you want a copy of the magazine, call Lindsay Mapes at 722-9121

LESSONS TO LEARN FROM THE GAME OF GOLF. LESSON #1: SPOTTING A FAKE!

2009-01-15T15:49:00.015-07:00

We all hear that golf is a game that teaches values. It does. But we seldom hear how many life lessons can golf teach us as well. For instance, take managing a tournament; most people take it for granted that things "just happen". I assure you though, if certain things were not taken care of, most people would notice the area that was overlooked. In short, we rather make it look easy.

There is no bigger "tournament killer" than a player with a FAKE HANDICAP, one intended to take advantage of the field (i.e.: lie with premeditation) and therefore, the tournament. Nothing hurts a tournament more than when one of these players ends up winning, and the only ones with "egg in the face", are the organizers. That is why it is fundamental that tournaments are played within the spirit of the game and with USGA Rules where applicable, and of course, with someone knowledgeable to apply them in equity to all.

It is not unusual for me to receive calls from all over to check handicaps of some of our players who go play elsewhere. I do the same in Gallup when necessary, and our locals pretty much know that I won't allow them to play with a higher handicap than they deserve. If they do not want to join the Men's Association and earn a handicap, I assure you that will err on the side of caution: give them one as low as they can handle when they play well. Why hurt those who are more serious about the game and who take the time and effort to establish a handicap every year?

Acting strong as such, has its draw backs, mainly personal, but that is part of the job. Harvey Penick mentioned in his book "And f you play golf you are my friend", of the pro who had to leave his club in Chicago because he lowered a member's handicap. The member had told the pro, "give me my three strokes back, I've had people killed for less than that". Chicago does have a reputation, but I assure you, those strong feelings are not exclusive to Al Capone's hometown, particularly when someone is used to getting away with everything. I have one personal example: several years ago, one of our golfers bragged to me that he had bought his son in a "Calcutta" (where people "buy" teams and play for a pot) in Arizona and that the son's team had won first place of over $10-12K. I congratulated him, but then he said: "Yeah, he played as a 'C' player, ha ha". Only problem was, "the kid" was a solid "A" player! I was perplexed, surprised and angry, as I value our local reputation of honest handicaps very much.

My answer was "Way to go! Teaching your son the art of stealing! You should be proud!". It didn't go very well (maybe it was the tone of voice, it couldn't have been what I said). I know it because the next day, I received a call from the city manager that this man had complained that I embarrassed him (I did? ). Thing that angered me is that the guy not only cheated, he won, everyone knew he is from Gallup, got paid, left town, and then, instead of at least trying to conceal his theft, he is bragging with arrogance! The field got cheated, the tournament got cheated, Gallup got cheated (of good reputation) and the organizers "got egg on their face" for failing to check things out!

"Misleading" (cheating) with "FAKE HANDICAPS" doesn't only happen in golf. I've learned that too many people take (or at least try) advantage of others. To avoid surprises I learned that, just like for a golf tournament, I also need to check for references and not just take someone's word for their own qualifications; whether it is your next plumber or someone who will work in the same company. Never be afraid or embarrassed to check things out... you'd be surprised what you can find!

Think of this example: say you have a plumbing problem at home, then you make things worse by trying to save money doing something that you are not qualified for. Finally, after the problem got worse and your pride got bruised, you accept that you need help: you will hire a plumber. If it is a small job, you probably will go with the first one who is listed in the phone book; but what do you do if it is something bigger, the least you do is call some friends around and get references for a reliable plumber, or maybe call places that sell plumbing supplies, these people know of most every plumbers' qualifications. Furthermore, if someone overheard that you have a project in hand and comes to you, would you hire him on the spot without checking some basics out? There is one more thing, if you are smart, you'd tell your wife what you did, after all, you had good intentions to begin with. Otherwise, if you "conspire" with the plumber to conceal the truth, and later your wife finds out... watch out!&*%$#@*! (That part did not come from golf, just from personal experience!)
Again, always err on the side of caution and check things out, you don't want to end with rotten egg on your face!

"IT'S EASY TO MAKE A BUCK... BUT HARD TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!"

2009-01-10T22:42:00.012-07:00

"Judge - Senator" Lidio Rainaldi officially "retired". I say "officially" because when you work for over 50 years serving your community in various public offices, and particularly the office of a judge, you just don't come out one day and say, "OK, I am going home and will do nothing but be a couch potato and play golf". You may walk away from "officially" serving and helping others, but the love for service does not walk away from you. Jack Cousteau was born to go underwater, Tiger Woods was born to play golf, Judge Rainaldi was born to be with and help people.

Probably, about the only thing that we can expect at the golf course is that now that he officially gave up an office, office time and staff, that he dedicates some more of his freed up office time to the game he much loves: GOLF! Maybe he can even use the new "hybrids" that he ordered 6 months ago and work to get his game back.

"Papa", as his family calls him, was a Judge (Municipal and Magistrate) for 40 years and a State Senator for another 8. His accomplishments abound, many of which were mentioned during his "Retirement Party" at Red Rock State Park. The party for several hundred guests, was expertly handled by Bill Lee, Director of the Gallup Chamber of Commerce. "January 10th", was officially named as "Lidio Rainaldi Day" by our sitting mayor, Harry Mendoza.

"Judge" is a native from Gallup (born in Gamerco) and first met him in 1982 when I became the resident golf professional. He was one of the first people who officially "welcomed" me to Gallup and who offered his help to this new face in town. Right away, he made me part of his group of golfers, and I began knowing more and more about him, just the way he conducted himself on the course. Like I have said many times, "golf does not necessarily build character, but it sure reveals it".
He visited us every day... but seldom, if ever, did he play on weekdays. He'd come around lunch time, he'd go to #1 tee and see his friends tee off, probably wishing he was part of the group. Sometimes, he'd borrow a cart and go watch them play a hole or two, come back, hand us the key and go back to hold court. His play was usually limited to the weekends and some late afternoons, or, when he could go out of town, where, unless there was a great emergency, he would not have to leave the course. In town, it was another matter.

I have played many times with him and expect that there are a few joint rounds left, but I have to explain about what I meant by "character". Most golfers that I know, like to "have a little on the line". For someone like "Judge", who at his prime was a mid single digit handicapper (he has always been "deadly" with that old "Bulls Eye" putter of his), he was one who had the least on the line. For years, his closest friends wanted to give him a reputation of "tight" and "stingy", and laughed (and exaggerated) stories off. If he was not somewhere helping someone, even "Judge" would join in sometimes. Once, he opened his wallet in front of a friend who had been poking fun at him, and said to him: "see, there is no cow webs inside my wallet, I can open it just fine!".
Personally, I realized that stinginess had nothing to do with his small wagers. The true reason had become obvious to me: you have no idea how many times we would receive a call at the pro-shop (mainly weekends) asking for "Judge Rainaldi": "I need some help" someone would plea. I'd go or I'd send someone to the course to give him a message. At least half the time -even in tournaments-, he would have to leave his party and go take care of someone in need (that was why, unselfeshly, he seldom played in tournaments that required a partner, as he did not want to leave him "hanging alone"). The other half, he'd ask me to make a phone call for him, mostly to his life time partner, Hellen who would most likely be able to take care of the situation. Other times, he'd give me number stored in his memory bank and tell me to tell the other party to call that number.

At times, Hellen Rainaldi would personally come to the course and go talk to him. When that happened, it was almost a sure departure. Unlike many people who come to play and don't want to be bothered, HE NEVER ONCE SAID, "IF SOMEONE CALLS ME, SAY YOU HAVE NOT SEEN ME! Others in his shoes, have unlisted numbers, but not "Judge"!

For him, "having a little on the line" was good, was expected, was part of the challenge and part of the game; but, knowing that there was a high probability that he was going to forfeit a bet because he had to leave, might as well be $2.00 and not $20.00! There was nothing about stinginess, just smart decisions, along with the decision to participate, to be with his friends and have a chance to take their $2.00 as well!

A quitter he isn't, he just felt that being a judge and a servant to others, was not limited to sitting behind a bench, with a gavel in hand and dressed in a black robe: he was a judge and friend 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If someone needed him, he would leave. And I might interject something else here, who do you think would call him in the middle of a round? Someone important! I bet not. Think of this: most "important" people in a small town, know how to take care of things and won't bother a judge in his time off. It was most likely someone who couldn't even "pay back" the favor. That is the sign of someone who serves, not someone whose mantra is "to say the right thing to the right people" to get ahead.

It came to the point that we instituted a new, unwritten rule (and now applied to everyone all the time): we called it the "Judge Rainaldi Rule": "if you get in a match and you have to leave, you win nothing if you are ahead; and you lose your bet if at the time you have to leave you are behind". It works well. You can see that in his case, he had absolutely no advantage and gave allthe advantage to those playing with him. And if I may say, that is probably how sixsomes got started in Gallup: chances were that "Judge" would soon make his sixsome a fivesome! You have no idea how many times he had to leave when he was ahead... and I can only imagine how it burnt him not to take home $2.00 from Tommy, Ray, Joe, me or others!

I may also point out: I never heard him complain about "having" to leave. If anything, he'd smile and say: "At least, today, I was ahead. See you next time!" That should say it all! He made it obvious that he wanted to be with you, but he also made it known that he had a great responsibility towards others that at one time or another, may need of his time. His time was not his. All this was more important than golf or a $2.00 bet!

Four years ago, when my oldest daughter, Paola, received her Law degree from the University of Oklahoma and would, at least for the time being, remain in Oklahoma. "Judge" considered Paola a "local girl" so he asked the New Mexico State Senate to write a commendation for her (I have my copy framed with all my keepsakes). When he handed it to me, he said; "Congratulate Paola for us (most likely meaning Hellen and himself, not the NM Senate and himself). Tell her that it is easy to make a buck, but hard to make a difference! We are confident that she'll make the right choices"...
A year or so later, when she received her Masters degree in one of the specialties in law practice and passed the Oklahoma Bar Exam, I heard the same thing from the Master of Ceremonies at the Oklahoma Supreme Court House... I am sure he had heard it from Judge Rainaldi!

BEING POLITICALLY (IN)CORRECT

2008-12-29T05:39:00.027-07:00

Am I insensitive by saying that Woods should have been "Player of the Year" instead of Padraig Harrington? Am I being politically incorrect? This coming from someone who has defended Jack Nicklaus as the best golfer ever, (now, I am not so sure).

Am I insensitive to think that in their December 6-13 issue, Golfweek should have published a photo of Stacy Lewis or Harrison Frazar on the front cover instead of one of Michelle Wie? Or how about the pictures inside concerning the LPGA Q-School results? Here is what I base my insensitivity and political incorrectness on:

Concerning Tiger Woods vs Padraig Harrington in 2008: Winning Percentage: Tiger played in seven (7) tournaments and won 5 (U.S. Open, Buick, Match Play, Bay Hill, Dubai) of them, finished 2nd (Masters) and 5th (World Championships) in the other two. Padraig played in fifteen (15) events; won two (yes, majors), missed the cut three times and in the ones that he made the cut in, he finished as low as 55th. Tiger's average finish was "1.7"th, Padraig's average finish (in the ones he made the cut) was "15.5"th. Padraig's average finish in his best 7 tournaments was "4.4"th. Against Each Other: Tiger finished 1st (U.S. Open), 1st (Match Play) and 2nd (Masters) in the tournaments that they both competed in. Padraig finished 36th, 17th and 5th in the same events. In other words, Padraig lost to Tiger all three times they competed against each other. Stats: Putts per GIR (Tiger-1.735/Padraig-1.742); Par Breakers (T-1st/P-8th); Scoring (T-67.65/P-69.28); GIR (T-80%/P-51.7); the only meaningful stat that Padraig won over Tiger was putts per round: 28.04 vs 28.65, but you must take in consideration the difference in GIR, thus, in this stat, Padraig had many opportunities to lower the stat by chipping close on the greens he missed. Money: Padraig $4.3M; Tiger $6.9M. Can someone explain the "rule" or logic that they used to come up with this?

In Padraig's favor: he played and made the cut in all 4 majors, and won two. That Tiger did not participate, is nothing that Padraig could control, so he beat everyone else, and played wonderful golf down the stretch in his two wins. "Tiger Like". It's been said that the Tour was trying to be "politically correct" by saying, "Tiger has won many and probably will win more, let's allow someone else to have it this year. It would look bad if Tiger wins all awards" But, even Tiger voted for Padraig, so, in this case, if it is good for Tiger, even if I do not understand it, it is good for me. Congratulations Padraig!

Now, are they planning to give Tiger the Ben Hogan Award next year for "Best Come Back After Injury"?
Now, concerning Michelle Wie, Stacy Lewis and Harrison Frazar. I like reading magazines and usually, most are pretty fair in their reporting. Usually, I don't mind when the front cover might not be the one of the best week's player. However, Golfweek, in their December 6-13 issue, which reported the best players coming up in 2009 via Q-Schools in both tours, chose Michelle Wie for their front cover instead of Harrison Frazar and Stacey Lewis. Here are the facts: Michelle finished 7th in Q-School and Stacey finished 1st, 6 shots ahead of her. Harrison Frazar finished 8 shots ahead of 2nd place and shot a record low 59 in the fourth round (the event is played over six rounds). Granted, he has played 300 PGA Tour events, and has never won, but he earned his way there and to my knowledge, never had an invitation for his looks. In more ways than one, he just won his first!

Even more unfair, the inside headline for the LPGA Q-School reads: "I really earned it" referring to Michelle Wie, who despite only winning one tournament (2004) as an amateur, has been invited to many LPGA and PGA events, even in 2008, ahead of Stacy Lewis. There is a full page photo of Michelle alone and a 1/6th page (at best) of Stacy and caddy! Here are some facts: before turning professional, Stacy won several events, including the 2007 LPGA stop in Arkansas and the 2007 NCAA Championship, she also had a 5-0 record in the Curtis Cup, part of the reasons that she became the top ranked woman amateur until she turned pro. I encourage you to read her courageous story by clicking the link in "Alex's Favorites". You will realize that you are not just looking at another pretty face on the LPGA, but that you are looking at a role model of the highest quality, a young woman who overcame many obstacles, including the doubt that she could ever play golf again,let alone compete at this level. A remarkable story. On the other hand, truly, what has Michelle done? Get $10M from Nike and hit a few 300 yard drives? Michelle is good, but Stacy outdid her and deserves much, much better.

Give credit to where credit is deserved. Give Tiger "Player of the Year"; give Stacy her due and a great front cover picture (if she was a man, she would had already won the "Ben Hogan Award"). At least they did publish a full page photo of Harrison in the inside. I want to end by recognizing that Michelle Wie has tremendous potential and could end up beating Stacy or being ranked higher in the future, but now is now, and I'd like to see a full page photo of her. Harrison will have to work hard to come on top on the PGA Tour, but he had his week. Padraig Harrington had a year that everyone else, except Tiger, would have liked to have. Given the facts above, I don't understand the logic of some people! Sorry. I don't get it!

DO TOUR PROFESSIONALS PLAY WITH BETTER EQUIPMENT? YOU BET!!

2008-12-18T18:49:00.012-07:00

I have always considered myself a pretty good club fitter, and most of the time, I have been able to help my customers players. But, things have changed... and changed a lot! I knew that club fitting had been taken to a science beyond everyone's imagination. I just did not know to what extent.

Sure, Tour Professionals do have better equipment and a better fit than everyone else, but that is not why they are there... before a perfect fit, they could pretty much do anything they wanted with a golf ball and with their club, which always started as "less than perfect" equipment.

Take Lee Trevino in the 70's; he'd go to his club shop, sand and grind a club to his liking, go try it, grind it more, add weight here and there, until he got the right feel; or before him, Bobby Jones, who could "frequency match" a set of clubs before frequency matching was discovered. At the PING factory, I was told that Bubba Watson likes something like 8 wraps of tape on his high hand and 10 under his lower hand! I mean, everyone likes something different.

Enter Karsten Solheim, a genius engineer and golf fanatic and founder of PING clubs who started sometime in the late 50's in... a garage with a single putter (the A-1 and then the Anser), His inventions of cavity back, delofting clubs and moving the flex point on the shaft to help the average player, ended up revolutionizing all equipment.

His putters have won something like 3000 sanctioned professional events around the world (top right, Anya Alvarez admiring a collection of gold plated and solid gold Ping putters that are replicas of those that have won: PING makes two every time a player wins with one of them, one for the player and one for their collection. Hey, I touched Tom Watson's 1982 U.S. Open Championship and Seve Ballesteros 1980 Masters Championship replicas!)
Additionally, Kasrten Solheim, who was also the inventor of the "Rabbit Antenna" at General Electric, among other inventions, was the first who invented "fitting" for everyone (the famous "color codes).

Now, we are at the end of the first decade of the 2000's and at PING, they use "Track-Man" which has brought club fitting to a science, literally. PING has two fitting centers; in one, they fit the average golfer whom they will probably fit more by his size and strength than by the player's knowledge or feel; in this center, they do over 14,000 fittings a year.

And then... there is the "VIP" Fitting Center, where, according to Bill Iseri, Manager of the VIP Fitting Center, "only" do about 600 fittings a year. I can see why, though. Thanks to Brad Gerke, PING Clubs Sales Representative for the Sun Country Section, my youngest daughter, Anya, was invited to do a fitting at the VIP Center. Mr. Iseri, a former touring professional himself, did the honors.

After four and a half hours of patiently and expertly testing different clubs, lofts, shafts and lies, they came up with something that fitted her perfect. With a "Track-Man" placed behind the player's intended line of play, a computer can tell launch angle, the landing angle, ball speed, ball carry within a foot every 100 yards, roll... and of course, ball spin rate!

Let me say this without doubt or embarrassment: you and I, do not belong in that center, so don't feel bad if you are never invited. After seeing Anya hit balls and putts for 4 and a half hours, I can see why they call it the "VIP" fitting center, and why only a few get invited. You have to have a consistent swing that won't change after so many balls. You and I would have a different recommendation every 30 minutes as our swing thoughts change after every missed shot. Golfers like Anya and those better than her, are so consistent that it is much easier for the person doing the fitting to make recommendations, because it is much easier to see even the slightest difference a club, a lie, a loft or a shaft makes.

The results were fascinating, to many, it might not mean much, but to a good player it does, every little bit helps: her natural draw with softer shafts was minimized by about 70%, her overall distance with irons was increased by about 5 yards and about 11 with the driver; in putting, the ball's initial "skip" before the rolls starts was brought down from about 8 inches to an optimum of 3 and the line was better as the putter's lie angle was also modified.

To end, I am not sure if Bob Zollinger (who joined us for a very fun day of golf) and I, will want to play with her again without at least some strokes: the day before, without a "perfect set", on a very hazy, cool and windy day at the Arizona Biltomore, she gave us a licking for the ages! Again, thank you Brad and Bill, and of course, the Solheim family!

GOLF IS JUST A GAME...

2008-12-09T22:48:00.008-07:00

A Couple of Personal Stories:

"Mama Cuy": (trust me, the lady pictured below is "Aunt Ana"!!) as we all called my mom, probably the most avid golfer in the family, never played better than an 18 handicap. In addition, she never used anything longer than a 6 iron with the short clubs or a 5-Wood with the longer ones (caddies loved her, because she did not even carry the clubs that she did not use).

At meal time, we all had stories, and my mom always had the last word: "You who claim to play so well, never seem to have fun at this game. All I hear is 'I could have shot this or that', or 'if I hadn't hit it in the trees on 16, I would have broken 70, or, that three-putt on 15 cost me a 34 on the back nine. By God, you must be miserable remembering all those 'bad shots'! You may have a lot of fun for the better part of 4 hours, but regrets the rest of the day. On the contrary, for 4 hours, I'm looking for that shot that will make my round, and when I finally hit it, i remember it the rest of the day! We all need to be more like her!

Handling "sandbaggers": first you need to know which one of the two types you are dealing with. The first type is the one who "plays down" his skills, simply don't bet against him and don't do business with him. Sandbagging is cheating, plain and simpe. If possible, don't even play on his team, you'll get a bad reputation. The second type, the "backwards sandbagger" is easier to handle. If you must, call him on all his bets, chances are you will win, but earn an adversary down the road, and that is not good either. Never ever, use him as partner, you will lose your shirt, they are bad for your game and your pocket. If you must play as his partner, don't bet with the other team! At all costs, stay away fronm cheaters.

Keeping Score: Years back, I took Paola, then 16, to play a tournament in Farmington and Anya, 10 years younger, tagged along with us. As it turned out, parents could not follow the golfers in the tournament, so Anya and myself went to a little 9-hole course called "Civitan", as I recall, it is par 28: eight Par-3 holes and one short par 4 hole. It was a busy day, and Anya and I were paired with two young ladies in their 30's, both very poor golfers, but they seemed to be having a lot of fun. After two or three holes, we had to wait for the group ahead so we waited on a bench.

They were writing their score of the last hole, and I could not help but try to see what they had scored.. I saw no numbers, only letters: "B's" or "G's". Curious, I asked what was their methodology: "Oh! We just like to have fun. We are very bad, so we only write "B" for Bad and "G" for Good. If we have 5 or more "G's" we are very happy", "What do you consider a 'G'?".. "Oh, 7 or better is a well earned G!" ...

Junior Wisdom: Once, during a practice session with juniors, I was trying to get the point across on the importance of practice, so I asked point blank, what was their definition of practice? I had kids from 6 to 15 years old. No one seemed to have an answer -and to be honest, I was looking for someone smarter than me, as I could not find words to describe it either. All of a sudden, a small kid, about 6 years old said, "Mr. Alvarez, 'practice' is something we learn from". Now, who said kids don't know the right answer? ...

"Drive for Show" L:ive: In 1971, I saw Lee Trevino play for the first time ever. I followed him at my home course in Mexico City during a practice round for the Mexican Open, which was played in November. That year, Trevino had won 3 national championships in a span of 5 weeks: The U.S. Open, Canadian Open and British Open. During this practice round, he was paired with a very long hitter. On the first hole, this professional out-drove Trevino by some 25 yards, and here is where I overheard the following: Jose: "Lee, what did you hit off the tee?" Lee "Driver" Jose: "Wow, I hit a 3-wood, did you hit it good?", "I killed it" said Trevino. Trevino scored a birdie, Jose a three-putt bogey. On #2, again, Jose out drives Trevino, this time by 50 yards (with a driver). Score: Trevino birdie 4; Jose par 5. Sitting on the bench of #3 waiting for the group ahead to clear the Par-3 # 3 hole, Trevino asks Jose: "Hey Jose, how much are they paying for that driving contest tomorrow?", Jose, bewildered, answers: "There is no driving contest tomorrow. Not that I know of anyway", Trevino: "Oh my. You really had me worried!" (in that practice round, Trevino shot 66, Jose shot 74). ...

Reputations: Joe and Rick played in a tournament together. Joe had a reputation for being the best "club breaker" in Gallup. Rick had one too, but, since he played with a smaller group of people, not many knew of his little temper outbursts. After the tournament, we saw Joe walking to the shop with several broken clubs in hand. Everyone assumed that he had had a bad round and that he had broken not one, but several clubs during his "journey around the course". Everyone was laughing at Joe as he walked right up to the display counter and said: "Pro, I want you to know that I was a very good guy today on the course... I helped Rick pick up all of the clubs he broke on the way to his 97!"... Never judge a man by his reputation alone!

GALLUP THE LAND OF SCRAMBLES.... conclusion.

2008-11-06T06:51:00.008-07:00

The "Gallup, Land of Scrambles" posting a few weeks ago, had more comments than usual, many of these people were curious about my view on how scrambles affect one's game. Many of them teased me that while I am "against scrambles", that I do play in "many" of these. This last statement is a false perception, once in a while, I will play a scramble if there is no other choice and from time to time (more often than the former), I'll play in a group that will have one or two 2-Man teams playing a scramble while I play my own ball. Here is the conclusion: 1.- I believe that scrambles do nothing good to your game or to your rules of golf knowledge. Scrambles are only one of the ways to get people involved in golf; but, if you are already involved in the game, I suggest that you don't play a scramble as your regular game. If there was a way to regulate and rule scrambles, don't you think that the USGA would have already done it. 2. - A scramble does not allow a player see his true potential (point in case my example in "Part 1" in which a player thinks he "would have shot 74" had he played his ball). In a scramble, if your ball is out of play, you have no idea what you would have scored from that point because it will never be played; if you make a reasonable straight 8 foot putt, but were the 4th player to try it, you can't possibly say that you would have made it if the other three players hadn't gone in front of you to show you the line and speed. Point in fact: mostly, you are allowed to improve your lie everywhere! So, even if they used your tee shot, which ended in the rough in a bad lie, you are allowed to "nudge" the ball and have a nice even lie. Might as well go to the driving range and do the same... you can do it 60 times for about $6.00 and get more practice out of it!! 3.- The rules of golf are not truly observed in scrambles. In golf by the rules, in team play (where you are playing "best ball", individual or "alternate" shots), you play the ball as you find it. In scrambles, the original intent was for the team to play their next shot from the best position... not necessarily the closest shot to the green. And even here, I see teams trying to take advantage in the following manner: say a ball is 100 yards to the hole, but in a bush in the rough or against a boundary fence (there is no free drop from a boundary fence); the same team has a ball in the fairway 160 yards away. Now, if you were playing your own ball, I seriously doubt if you would rather be in the bush or against the fence where you will certainly lose a shot due to an unplayable lie situation, yet, players try to select the unplayable ball with the pretense that "you can drop within one club-length"... that is true, but only if the ball is in play! (See picture above, don't take advantage, and as in the picture, use the ball in play!) If you do not believe me -if you have not experienced such type of argument in the golf course-, I have the following stats: if a scramble tournament calls for teams to go out in single groups, the scoring average of the top 25% of the field is 2.8 strokes better than if they go in groups of two teams together. How to remedy this? First, I think scrambles are here to stay; so, to avoid many of these doubts, it is good to have two teams to a tee; Second, respect the spirit of the game and yourself; don't be afraid to question when someone is about to take advantage, nor try to take advantage yourself... in the end, ask yourself: if it was my ball and I had a choice, which would I select to save a shot on this hole? and last, but not least, in regular days, that you are not playing a fundraiser, play games that make you play your own ball. Keep an individual score. If you prefer team games, you can play "best ball" in "Nassau", "Wolf" or "Round Robin" formats; if you play individual games, you can play a "Nassau" with each of the member of your group, or play "Skins", "Cats & Dogs" (yes there is a game named like that), "Chicago", "Quota" or plain stroke play. in groups of three, you can also play "Monkey Business" (yes, there is a game called like that as well). To end,if you really want to find out your potential, keep score for 20 consecutive rounds, then we will figure out a handicap using USGA rules... and if you must play a scramble, try this (and if you break 40 in nine holes, I'll buy you and your partner dinner): play a "backwards scramble" for two, in this one you have to use the worst shot every time.... those three footers become really, really tough!!

JOHN DALY MUST RECONSIDER HIS DIRECTION FOR THE GOOD OF THE GAME... AND HIMSELF

2008-11-02T09:43:00.011-07:00

Many of us "old" golfers, were around when John Daly came as a ninth alternate to win the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick in Indiana. He was an immediate star. He had used "Squeeky", Nick Price's caddy who had to withdraw that year. He won a second major at St. Andrews in 1995. That year, after an improbable birdie on the last hole by Constantino Rocca, it took Daly four more holes to wrap it up. At one point during that round, John Daly was two back and came back to win. He needs to do it again.... in life. While the golf world has Severiano Ballesteros fighting for his life -word is that after the third operation, now he is able to carry on a conversation-, we have John Daly trying to destroy his own, whether he knows it or not. Recently, Daly was last arrested at a Hooters Bar (his sponsor) for drinking too much and causing... well, what many alcoholics do, big nuisance problems. There is a lot from his life that has been published, his generosity among others, but, a lot of what has been published in the fron pages has been for the negatives and not the positives (we rather see him smiling after winning than frowning in an orange suit). His life seems to be hanging on one single shot late in the round: this one is on the downslope, from high rough, to a tight pin position and over a water hazard. The shot requires all the talent, touch, luck, concentration and perseverance; all of which Daly had, but has been losing little by little. How much he has left, no one knows; and no one knows if he can somehow make it grow or allow it to disappear in a permanent way. It is sad when people go on that path, few come back; It is said that with support, it is easier (as everything else). Come on John, wake up! You've done a lot of good for others, but you could do more good if everyone in your corner sees you hoist a major trophy again!

THINKING OF SEVE...

2008-10-23T23:08:00.010-06:00

Earlier this month, the golf world was waken with the news that Severiano ("Seve") Ballesteros (pictured in 2000 with daughter Carmen, then 5 years old) had been hospitalized in Spain. Later, it was found out that he is suffering from a brain tumor, and today, it was found out to be cancerous. To many of the younger golfers, "Seve" is only a name, maybe a famous name, but most do not have the slightest idea on how he impacted golf worldwide. At his best, he was part John McEnroe, part Elvis Presley, part Jack Nicklaus, a lot of a rough Arnold Palmer. In the late 70's and early 80's, he put Europe's golf back "on the map". He won 51 times in the European tour, 5 mayor championships, many other events and won the World Match Play at Wentworth 5 times... Once the Ryder Cup included all of Europe, along with Jose Maria Olazabal, they became the winningest team ever, winning 11 matches, losing 2 and tying 2. He was later named European Captain in 1997 when the Ryden Cup was first played outside the United Kingdom, in Seve's backyard at Valderrama. I had the fortune of watching him play "live" during the 1978 Mexican Open, where he had been invited to play by our mutual friend and 1976 World Cup Champion, Ernesto Perez Acosta. During that event and saw two shots that basically characterized his talent and his career: one shot from deep rough from 185 out that most mortals would have barely wedged out, instead, he took a 6-iron, slashed the ball out of there with tremendous power and strength, made the green and then made his putt for birdie; then, on the last day, on the last hole, his second shot went over the green... With the pin tucked on the back of the green, his ball about 20 feet below the surface and about 30 yards past laying on hard pan, facing a shot that had to carry over a stretch of rough 6" high, he clipped the ball perfectly, landing just past the rough, on the fringe and coming to rest only 4 feet for a par save and a tie for 3rd with the host pro (Billy Casper won that tournament and Gay Brewer, a former Masters champion took second). Tremendous strength and power combined with delicate touch and imagination, defined his career and made it an interesting one to follow. His majors included the 1980 (at the time the youngest ever to win the tournament) and 1983 Masters and the 1979, 1984 (above left, on the last hole after beating Tom Watson by one) and 1988 British Opens. The prognosis is not good for the 51 year old and we are awaiting news of a Friday, October 24th 3rd operation in 12 days. Our prayers will be with him and his family. His family and himself have already made some corageous statements of his willingness to fight... it looks like he is 2 down with 3 to go, he overcame that deficit many times, hopefully he does it again.

1st "END OF THE YEAR SCRAMBLE" BIG SUCCESS....!!!

2008-10-19T16:50:00.011-06:00

Thanks to the hard work of Ernie Abeita (Tournament Chairman) and his committee (Marleen Custer, Debbie Borbon, Elizabeth Barriga, Ricky Gonzales, Beverly Lovett, Marilyn Craig & Kitti Olguin), the first ever "END OF THE YEAR SCRAMBLE" was a sound success with 66 entries and many advertising sponsors. Players were organized in twenty two 3-Man teams, all of whom, winners and non winners alike (like Larry Sinnott, bottom right, who poses during his first tournament ever), enjoyed a sunny and warm day at the course that was followed by a steak dinner cooked by city employees and volunteers, a drawing for door prizes and a raffle. Being a "city employees" tournament, it was not surprising to see some of our city leadership, among them: City Manager Gerry Herrera and his wife, former City Councilor, Patty Herrera, and, Councilors Bill Nechero and Jay Azua (pictured below right with Ernie Abeita). On behalf of the City of Gallup City Employees, the tournament committee will donate a substantial portion of the proceeds to a local charity TBA, the rest will be used to subsidize the City of Gallup Employees Christmas Party, which will host all County Employees and guests as well. Thank you all!! The competition was tough. two teams shot 62's, one shot a 63, two shot 64's and several 65's, but since this was a "blind draw" and the teams were drawn in an "A,B,C" Format, all of the prizes were net. The results are as follow: Paul Dimas (above left) headed the 1st place team that ended up with a net 57.40 (gross 62). His two other teammates were Ronnie Pinto & Don Good; next in order were: 2nd (57.60) Kerri Allgood, Wallace Hanley & Jackie McKinney; 3rd (59.00) Emmett Francis, Marco Abeita & Juan Samaniego; 4th (59.15) Mike Silva, Anthony Silva & Jerry Parker; 5th (59.75) Thomas Martinez, Richard Madrid (who wishes there had been a long drive contest on #18 where his tee shot ended 180 yards from the green) & Mario Juarez. Key to the winning team, was a strong back nine, where their only score of above 4 was a 5 on #18. Their scores on the back nine were 3,3,4,3,3,3,4,2,5 for a strong 30 (and the best back nine of all teams), which they backed with a 32 on the front nine, never losing a shot to par. You could say that #14 cost Kerri's team the tournament... #14 was playing as long par 3 (245 yards), where they scored a 4. This was the last official tournament of the year.... THANK YOU ALL!! P.S. More posts will follow to end the season, two in the works are: Part 2 of "Gallup, the Land of Scrambles" and "Why Golf is Just a Game". We'll see you around!!

GHS MUSIC BAND MAKES GOOD ON SECOND TRY

2008-10-13T05:07:00.012-06:00

Headed by parent Marilyn Benedict, the GHS Music Band Scramble, which was rescheduled from earlier this year for lack of participation, made the best of the rescheduled date and ended up with 60 players and around 90 sponsors… congratulations!! It was a sunny but very cool day (thank God it was not windy like on Saturday), as it allowed everyone to enjoy a day of fun and friendly competition. John Taylor (right) successfuly uses "Body English" to wish a long downhill putt in on #10; "Coco Bear" Abeyta (below left) laughs at his own shot, which is being discussed by Gilbert Ramirez and Eddy Jaramillo (left). Simon Paredes, Goyo Paredes, Norman Nomoto & Dave Hill took first place (gross) with a 62. All the remaining places were in the net category as follows: 2nd (57.5) – Don Good, Eric Palmer, Buddy Cadell & Robert Rosales; 3rd (57.5) – Joey “Coco Bear” Abeyta, John Abeyta, Joseph Abeyta & Jeremie Herrera; 4th (58.0) – Calvin Begay, Bennett Johnson, Ronnie Pinto & Marcus Tulley; 5th (58.0) – Jimmy Thomas, Nick Begay, Jeremie Tsosie & Darryll Blackhorse (ties in the net were broken by lowest gross score). One more tournament remains, “THE END OF THE YEAR SCRAMBLE”, to be played next Sunday. It is a 3-Man Scramble, "Blind Draw". More details at the pro-shop.