March 2012

Fellow Members & Apprentices,

Well, it looks like the season has already kicked in for many of us. I hope the weather holds and allows all of our

courses to experience a financially successful year. “Back in black” for 2012. Here are a few of the items that are going on at the sec-tion level.

First I ask that you all attend the Spring Meeting on March 19th at New Mexico State University Golf Course. We are scheduled to get an update from the National Office on the Golf 2.0 program that will give all of us more resources and ideas to better help grow the number of rounds we see at our courses. The meeting will also in-clude educational opportunities to help members satisfy their MSR requirements.

The Golf Pass we talked about last month has been printed and it will go on sale the first week of March. I thank all the courses who partici-pated in the great program. The resources the Pass will create will fund programs to grow the game for the entire Golf House, Section and SCAGA alike, and has the po-tential to increase our bottom line

thereby effecting all of our pro-grams as well as tournaments.

The Executive Committees of the SCSPGA & SCAGA have inked a new Revenue Sharing agreement. This new agreement also has the potential to positively impact members’ personal bottom line by giving incentives to support and grow the SCAGA. I fell strongly that as stewards of the game, it is part of our responsibility to help the amateurs in their growth the game efforts. I ask for your help in this. At the Spring Meeting we will announce how these incentives will be measured and then paid at our annual meeting in the fall to the most successful and creative SCPGA Members who grow the game. Once again I need to say how very pleased I am with the positive relationship between the Section and the SCAGA. These two associations have committed to programs that will grow the game not just for 2012 but well into the future. Thanks again to all those involved in getting things done!

Once again this year we will also ask you to participate in the Golf Marathon. With some small changes to the event this year we believe it can be even more suc-

From the Desk of the President cessful than last year and we are increasing the goal of total dollars raised to $50,000. Matt Molloy will give and update on the pro-gram at the Spring Meeting and the changes that should make it easier to increase the amount you can raise. Matt & I have also made a small wager as to which of us will raise the most; we will include any and all takers on the wager. If you lose you owe $100 to the Jun-ior Foundation and the winner has to buy drinks….the winner should get off cheaper!

And finally I have to once again congratulate Guy Wimberly. It seems like it is a monthly thing here but Guy was just recently in-ducted into the Albuquerque/New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame. Again Guy, you have shown professional-ism and dignity in all that you do and have made us proud the be associated with you....THANKS!

By the way: First event of the year….Pro-PGM at NMSU on March 26th!!!

Until next time….Get out and PLAY!

Grant Dalpes, PGA Sun Country PGA President

Contact Us Sun Country Golf House * 2316 Southern Blvd SE, Suite C * Rio Rancho, NM 87124

505.897.0864 * Fax: 505.897.3494 * www.suncountrygolfhouse.com * info@suncountrygolfhouse.com

Sun Country PGA Newsletter Presented by Antigua Golf

Page 2

NEWS & NOTICES

Board Updates

This month on the Board of Di-rectors’ blog, Mark Zapach up-dates the membership on the

new Sun Country Golf Pass and how it will benefit the Section

and the courses that participate

Log into the Sun Country website and click on the “Board Blog”

icon at the bottom of the page

Sun Country PGA Spring Meeting

Monday, March 19, 2012

NM State University Golf Course 3000 Herb Wimberly

Las Cruces, NM 88003

Check in from 9:00 - 9:25 am Meeting begins at 9:30 am

Agenda and MSR credit information to follow

Board of Directors meeting March 18 at 5 pm. Contact the Section office if inter-

ested in attending. (505) 897-0864

New Mexico Spring Golf Merchandise Show

Thursday & Friday March 15th - 16th

Clubhouse Inn and Suites 1315 Menaul Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87107

Contact Jerry and Sherry McDougal Cell: (480) 220-0124

Business: (480) 940-0349 Email: mcdougal@q.com

PGA Members will receive 2 MSR credits for attending the Merchan-dise Show (Limit: 4 credits/cycle)

Page 3 Sun Country PGA Newsletter Presented by Antigua Golf

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

PGA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FUND SCHOLARSHIP Graduating high school seniors and college students who are the children or grandchil-dren of PGA members are invited to apply online at the home page (before you log in) of PGALinks.com to be considered for financial support for college through the PGA Financial Assistance Fund Scholarship Program.

The scholarship program is an academic-based scholarship program. See full details at PGALinks.com.

LPGA SCHOLARSHIPS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR GIRLS Click here for applications

The Dinah Shore Scholarship

The Dinah Shore Scholarship was established in 1994 by The LPGA Foundation to honor the late Dinah Shore, a graduate of Vanderbilt University, a Hollywood enter-tainer, and an honorary member of the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame. The Dinah Shore Scholarship is granted annually to a female high school senior who is pursuing a col-lege education, but will not be playing collegiate golf. The Dinah Shore Scholarship re-ceives tremendous support from Kraft Foods, Inc., the Fund's largest corporate donor, and the Kraft Nabisco Championship, one of the LPGA Tour's four major champion-ships. The Dinah Shore Scholarship will be given to a female high school senior who played golf during high school, but will not be playing collegiate golf.

The Marilynn Smith Scholarship

The Marilynn Smith Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation and the Marilynn Smith Scholarship Fund. Established in 1999 by Marilynn with the pro-ceeds of a golf tournament she organized, the objective of the Marilynn Smith Scholar-ship is to provide a scholarship to a female high school senior who has played golf in high school or in her community, and is planning to play golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. The Marilynn Smith Scholarship will be awarded to ten high school seniors who will be playing golf at the collegiate level

The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship

The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is granted annually through The LPGA Foundation and the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship Fund. Established in 2006, the objective of the Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship is to provide a need-based scholarship to a female high school senior from a recognized minority background (see Scholarship Criteria), who will be pursuing a full-time course of study and playing collegiate golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. The Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship will be a need-based award to a high school senior from a recognized minority back-ground who will be playing golf at the collegiate level

Sun Country PGA Newsletter Presented by Antigua Golf

Page 4

University: NM State University

Year Turned Pro: 1995

Facility and Job Title: The Club at Las Campanas, Director of Golf

Background and credentials I started playing golf at the age of 3. I am a graduate of the PGM Program at NMSU, was a member of the Golf Team while there, and was elected to membership of

the PGA in 1996. After graduating, I went to work at The Biltmore, in Coral Gables Florida, where I worked my way up from Assistant Professional to Head of Golf Operations. The Professional I worked for let me take responsibility for every part of the operation, and held me accountable! Af-ter a brief stop in South Carolina, I was lucky to have been named the Director of Golf at Tucker’s Point Club in Ber-muda, where I worked for three years. I have been the Di-rector of Golf at Las Campanas since April of 2012. I have been blessed to work alongside of and to be able to learn from some of the most successful people in golf and in business.

What was your motivation to become a PGA Profes-sional? I enjoy people and I love the game of golf, its tra-ditions and values. Having been around the game of golf on a daily basis since the age of 3, it’s in my blood. As a junior, I held the PGA Professionals who I knew in the high-est regard. Being able to represent what the game of golf stands for is a privilege.

What is your specialty in the golf business? I think I am a well rounded professional. I think I am a very good com-municator, and am very thorough. The two areas I take the most pride in are working with my staff to ensure their growth and development…and to providing the members at each of the Clubs I have worked for the very best of what the game has to offer on all fronts.

Accomplishments: I played golf competitively at NMSU from 1992-1995. I am a member of GBN, have served on several committees at each of my positions, and am most proud to have had over 15 assistants working under me be elected to the PGA and move on to better positions within the game. I am and Ironman Triathlete and have com-pleted 8 marathons.

What was your greatest moment in golf? Playing golf with my grandfather as a junior and with my kids as an adult…not much beats that. I played adjacent to a game reserve in South Africa on my honeymoon; thankfully it has a 20 foot high electrical fence. I played with and gave lessons to President Clinton on several occasions, did the

same with Will Smith…great stories from both of those experiences too. For me, golf is defined by my accumula-tive experience over the years rather than a singular mo-ment.

What or who has had the greatest impact on your career? There are so many people who have influenced me over the years, but if I had to narrowed it down to two: My grandfather, who always encouraged me and taught me so much about respecting the game, and my family. He also taught me about the importance of humility. Every great PGA Professional possesses it…and Herb Wimberly who taught me the power of thinking positively, having a great attitude, and that if you’re doing your best, you are going to come out on top.

Besides golf, what else do you enjoy? Spending time with my family, Running, Politics, and Sports.

If you could play any golf course in the world, which one would it be and who would complete your foursome? Easy: I have one thing on my “bucket list,” and that’s Au-gusta National. I will play there someday; it will be a 7 hour round. My dream foursome includes my sons Sam and Miles…and my grandfather. Although I don’t see it quite playing out that way at Augusta.

If you could give lessons to anyone in the world who would it be and what advice would you give? That’s tough….either Sir Charles or Sam Epstein, but probably Charles—there is so much room for improvement and he would listen to me! I think Charles has a hiccup in his head every time his club passes waist high...every time I see him swing I want to jump through the TV to help him. I would work on rhythm, flow, and get him to think about some-thing other than golf. He needs to play right handed only for a few weeks. And he needs to hit a specific shot every time. He is too focused on the process instead of the re-sult.

What is your favorite golf instruction tip? Swing toward the target (instead of just the ball) with your club and body, and in balance. This ensures you “hit’ the ball with optimal force, assists in a solid weight transfer, and en-sures proper finish. I love the way Lee Westwood and Rory McElroy go after the ball. The swoosh drill (hearing the swoosh in front of you) is great way to get students to feel this. Too many students try to hit the ball from the top of the swing…getting them to understand acceleration op-timizes performance. It may be an oldie but I love toe up/toe up too.

Sun Country PROfiles

Want to be featured in a PROfile? Contact Shirly Glesil at sglesil@pgahq.com

Page 5 Sun Country PGA Newsletter Presented by Antigua Golf

March 5 Rob Lowry, PGA

March 9 Bill Eschenbrenner, PGA

March 10 Jason Epstein, PGA Randy Doerhoefer

March 11 Jason White, PGA

Richard Smith, PGA

March 12 Scott Forster, PGA Ryan Flamm, PGA Bill Harvey, PGA

March 14 Trent Rommann, PGA

March 15 Kirk Taylor, PGA

March 16 West Hilzer, PGA

March 17 Mark Doinoff, PGA

March 18 Henry Sandles, PGA

March 19 Robin Sanders, PGA

March 20 Travis Melham, PGA Clinton Tabet, PGA

March 21 Jack Sommers, PGA

March 22 Sandy Lemon, PGA

March 23 R.C. Ordish, PGA

March 28 Andy Boyd, PGA

David Muttitt

March 31 Frank Segaline, PGA

Sun Country Birthdays

Members on the Move

Transfers Out of the Section Name New Section

Raynor Lynn South Central

Michael Wooldridge Northern Texas Section

Tyler Yancey Middle Atlantic Section

Newly Elected Members Name Class Facility

Clinton Tabet A-1 Tierra del Sol GC

Craig Tabet A-1 Tierra del Sol GC

Miguel Bautista A-1 Sierra del Rio GC

Employment Changes Name Class Facility

Bob May A-6 A-6 A-14

ABQ Golf Training Tijeras Arroyo Ladera GC

PGA of AmericA memBer Benefits

| Official card

• American express uses a single base merchant discount rate, which is perceived to be higher than competitors. review your merchant statements because competitors have incremental fees in addition to what is perceived as their aggregated rate.

• Golf retirement Plustm incentives• incentive funding supports your PGA section’s programs• American express/PGA friend of a cardmember generates new business• to become an American express merchant call (888) 879-2639

| Official Bank

• complimentary no-risk, no-obligation financial consultation• monthly newsletter which features a wide range of wealth management topics• Website with access to timely education, financial guidance and world-class

wealth management solutions• for more information, visit the rBc page on PGALinks.com – Benefits

| Official Vehicle

• executive Allowance Bonus (eAB) Program with purchase or lease savings incentives up to $4,000

• eAB is incremental to most local and national promotions• to receive the incentive, visit www.fleet.mbusa.com/pgaa and complete

the enrollment form using corporate Account number 017909• complete details can be found on the mercedes-Benz page

on PGALinks.com – Benefits

As a PGA Professional there are a wide range of benefits, services and resources available to you and your facility. We encourage you to visit the PGA Benefits section on PGALinks.com, as new offerings are added frequently.

| Official Timekeeper• 20% off the retail price for the purchase of a timepiece • offer is only valid through an omeGA Boutique or by calling

212-207-3333.• one timepiece per calendar year per PGA member/

apprentice and excludes special/limited editions.

| Official home appliance Brand• substantial savings and value added promotions on

kitchenAid®, Whirlpool®, maytag®, Amana® and Gladiator® GarageWorks brand large appliances through access to the ViPLINK™ Program by Whirlpool corporation at partners.whirlpool.com

• Plus, 30% off all kitchenAid countertop appliances at www.shopkitchenAid.com

• Purchase for yourself or family members, as well as for tournament and outing prizes

• to access special participant instructions, visit the kitchenAid page on PGALinks.com – Benefits

| Official rental car• flat daily rates for business and personal rentals starting

at $36.50 per day (rate/Product code#: XZ41567)• complimentary emerald club membership for you and your

spouse - a $50 savings each• discount rental program of up to 25% off for your club

members and guests (rate/Product code#: XZ41570)• to make a reservation, visit nationalcar.com or call

(877) 222-9058 and provide the relevant rate/Product code#

| Official Office Products Supplier• substantial savings from 31% to 88% off manufacturers’

list prices on 80 of the most frequently purchased items in the PGA program and a 5% discount on over 12,000 products in the net priced catalog

• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives• fast, free, next-day delivery• your PGA section benefits financially when you purchase

from officemax• contract pricing on officemax imPress print and

document services• discover ways to participate by calling (800) 248-6343

or email AdvantagePrograms @officemax.com

| licensed distributor of ryder cup

Travel Packages• custom itineraries, including air, hotel, ground transportation,

and tee times• international and domestic vacation packages• PGA Village and PGA of America Golf school package referrals• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives• call (800) 283-4653 for more information

| Official equipment rental Partner

• minimum 15% savings on equipment rental• Assigned national Account manager• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives• your PGA section benefits financially when you purchase

under the PGA’s account• for more information, visit the United rentals page

on PGALinks.com - Benefits

| Official furnishings & Shop fixtures• 3% off of wholesale pricing• site planning fee ($1 per square foot) reimbursement

if you utilize Bauer services• call (800) 582-7690 or visit bauergolfworks.com

for more information

| Official Wine• complimentary wine list review, wine education program

and exclusive ViP tour and tasting for you and three guests• merchandising tools and member wine tasting nights are

available for PGA member facilities that serve chalone Vineyard

• for more information, visit the chalone Vineyard page on PGALinks.com - Benefits

| Official Printing Technology Provider• Pay only the invoice price normally reserved for authorized

dealers on Lexmark lasers, inkjets and multifunction printers and associated supplies

• order Lexmark products through shop.lexmark.com/PGA or through the officemax PGA Advantage Program to enjoy savings as well as:

– Golf retirement Plus™ incentives – financial support for your PGA section• Also available is the Lexmark retail solutions for Golf, a

web-based marketing signage solution. Visit lexmark.com/pga to learn more.

| Official Soft drink, Bottled Water, iced Tea & Sports drink• national account fountain pricing• competitive bottle and can pricing• Golf retirement Plus™ and facility incentives• your PGA section benefits financially when you purchase

Pepsico products under the Pepsi/PGA Program (Parent #5425)• contact 1-866-PeP-GoLf (866-737-4653) for more information

• discount of 5% off the best available rate • to make a reservation, visit enterprise.com or call (800) 261-7331 and provide rate/Product code #XZ41567.

the additional Pin # is “the”.

• comprehensive credit card processing solutions powered by chase Paymentech

• Lower your processing costs• no setup, conversion or monthly fees• free operating supplies• integration into many point-of-sale systems• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives• call a PGA merchant Processing specialist at (888) 213-8396

for more information

• A retirement program tailored for PGA Professionals• Allows personal contributions, systematic investing,

tournament winning deposits and employer contributions• over 40 sponsor Programs off er incentives on personal

and/or business purchases• to learn more, visit the Golf retirement Plus page on

PGALinks.com – financial or contact a Golf retirement Plus™ specialist at (877) ret-PLUs (738-7587)

| Offi cial licensed Products• An exclusive line of PGA of America branded men’s apparel,

headwear, metal accessories and junior apparel customized for your facility

• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives

• your PGA section benefi ts fi nancially when you purchase PGA Authentic products

• contact your Ahead sales representative at (800) 282-2246 or your Garb sales representative at (866) 367-4272

| american express rewards card from Bank of america• no annual fee• earn 1 rewards point for every $1 in net retail purchases• Golf retirement Plustm incentives• your PGA section benefi ts fi nancially when you activate your

rewards card• to apply, visit the American express rewards card page

on PGALinks.com – Benefi ts.

• national account pricing on employment screening services• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives• your PGA section benefi ts fi nancially when you purchase

services from Validex• to learn more, visit the Validex page on PGALinks.com -

Benefi ts

| Offi cial hotel & resort• 10% off the best available rate, excluding prepaid and some

internet rates, at Westin, Le meridian, Aloft, four Points, the Luxury collection, W hotels, sheraton, st. regis and element

• to make a reservation, visit spg.com or call (888) 625-4988 and use set rate #229826

• to learn more, visit the Westin page on PGALinks.com - Benefi ts

• Guaranteed discount on all regularly-priced merchandise• free garment pressing for life on Jos. A. Bank garments• Advanced notice of sales and special off ers• exclusive invitations to corporate member sales events• Program benefi ts extend to your spouse and dependents• to sign up, call (800) 285-2265 or e-mail a request to

corporatecard@jos-a-bank.com (reference id #24100)

• special subscription rate of $10.00 for 1 year, a 91% savings• to order a subscription, visit the fortune magazine page

on PGALinks.com – Benefi ts

• Waiver of implementation fees for new clients; a $2,500 - $3,000 value

• free training and resources for all PGA members, whether or not you’re an oasis client

– oasis staff sourcing™ discounts of 20% to 50%, including full recruiting, online advertising, pre-employment screening tools

– off -the-shelf federal employee handbook written for golf and country clubs

• oasis Working Advantage discounts for your club employees• Golf retirement Plus™ incentives• your PGA section benefi ts fi nancially when you contract

with oasis• to learn more, visit the oasis page on PGALinks.com – Benefi ts

• Guaranteed 2%-12% off all domestic fares and numerous international discounts to europe for your business and personal travel

• 10% off delta Vacation Packages• to learn more or to book a reservation, visit the delta Air Lines

page on PGALinks.com - Benefi ts

• Accident disability• catastrophe major medical• Auto & homeowners• disability income• high–Limit Accident• Visit the PGA insurance

options page on PGALinks.com - financial

• Personal and major medical• Professional Liability• Property & casualty• term Life• Long–term care

• special subscription rate of $10.00 for 1 year• to order a subscription, visit the money magazine page on

PGALinks.com - Benefi ts

Page 9 Sun Country PGA Newsletter Presented by Antigua Golf

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