From the Editor I imagine that setting a course record has to
represent one of the highlights of a golfer’s career. I say “imagine” because the closest I’ve come to
setting a record of any kind was at Tetris or Galaga at my local arcade when I was young. Transform the ephemeral thrill I tasted as a 12-year-old into the emotions experienced by the course-record-setting golfers we profile beginning on page 42 and you have the makings of a wildly entertaining piece. Even if you’ll never have the skill to set a course record, you can relate to realizing a personal best on the golf course. As a golf associa-
tion magazine, perhaps no other publication is better positioned than NCGA Golf to provide context to what happened at the 2013 Masters. Now that a few months have passed, we thought it was appropriate to revisit Tiger Woods’ now-infamous drop and ask a series of questions about the incident’s handling and impact. The NCGA’s Ryan Gregg caps the six-page package in his quarterly rules column, explaining what a walking rules official would have told Tiger, should one have been assigned to his group. We look at the Masters from a competitor’s eyes as well, as Cal star Michael Weaver takes us inside the ropes at the year’s first major with the assistance of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Ron Kroichick. Our cover piece highlights one of best NCGA mem- ber benefits: quality championship golf at a terrific price. Poppy Ridge in Livermore has serviced NCGA members for more than 15 years, and the 27-hole facil- ity has grown better with age. “Drive for show, putt for dough” is one of the most
common axioms in the game. The NCGA’s Kevin Merfeld and contributing writer Stephanie Wei debate its veracity on page 14. I’ve always felt that being good off the tee is the most important component of the game. While putting is undeniably connected to scor- ing, if I’m not hitting the driver straight I’d rather pack up and go home, as it affects my morale far more than missing putts. Merfeld and Wei’s contributions are sure to fire up this age-old debate. The Poppy Hills renovation continues to unfold in
dramatic fashion. Our three-page feature takes a look at the new 11th hole, the only completely different hole
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NCGA.ORG / SUMMER 2013
in the renovated routing, as well as sand capping, the practice of topping the entire course with a five- to six-inch layer of sand. This process greatly improves drainage and creates firm and fast conditions year- round. NCGA members are in for a treat next April. Two of our goals with the magazine are to serve as
your guide to terrific places to play and to point you toward some of the best deals in the game. This issue serves up one of each. Whistler, British Columbia, is a gorgeous area highlighted by some terrific courses in a region perhaps better known for its skiing. And Carmel Valley’s own revitalized and historic Quail Lodge, one of the host venues for the NCGA Zone championships, is offering members a fantastic stay-and-play package. Sports Illustrated’s Alan Shipnuck shares his
thoughts on the importance of major championships in evaluating a golfer’s career. Are these four events overrated? Is it fair to downgrade the successful career of Colin Montgomerie at the expense of one-time major winners such as Rich Beem or Shaun Micheel? A comprehensive tournament central section and a Q & A with the San Francisco Giants’ radio team of Mike Krukow and Duane Kuiper round out this fun issue. Here’s to you having a “record-setting” summer filled with your own achievements. Enjoy!
SCOTT SEWARD
The scorecards from Del Monte GC’s record-setting rounds
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