Ak-Chin Southern Dunes

Ak-Chin Southern Dunes, Maricopa, AZ

First of all this course is way outside of town. You really feel like you are going on an adventure but based on where you stay at in the metro area (we stayed in Mesa) and the time of day you go, it may take you actually less time to get there than courses in the metro area. (Side note, the horses you see in the desert when going across Wild Horse Pass, really are wild horses.) Southern Dunes has a unique charm that starts with a tree lined drive as you pull up the club house. The clubhouse itself is immaculate and would be perfect for setting for just about anything golf or non-golf related. The course itself has a great practice facility and when we played it was nearly empty. There was hardly a flaw on the course; very few un-repaired divots, smooth greens, and perfectly manicured bunkers. The layout of the course as a whole was very good though I couldn’t say there was any one extremely memorable hole. There are many desert-type trees ( I dropped out of "Woody Shrubs and Trees" in college) but you don’t quite get the “cactusy” desert feel as you may expect out of a course in Arizona. The greens are deceptive and do not have as much break as you’d expect, there is no need to play anything within 15 feet outside the hole. Being outside the city allows a unique serenity as well, besides an occasional train passing by all you really hear is nature. The extras that the course provides really put it at the top of my list for replay- free bottled water every four holes, GPS, and an in-cart USB port. We were the first group out for the day and played in less than four hours and paid less than $100/person.

Longbow Golf Club

Longbow Golf Club, Mesa, AZ

This course is located on the east side of the Phoenix metro and was also fairly accessible.  Though it is somewhat in the city it provides a unique desert setting with giant cacti and rumors of rattlesnakes. The course provides an interesting mix of long and short par fours along with probably the best group of par 3’s I’ve played in a while. Of the two courses we played, Longbow was the more compelling layout that provided more opportunities to make a mistake as well as score. Being closer to the population base, you could see the use that the course was getting: noticeable pitch marks in the green and the receiving areas of the course that had plenty of un-repaired divots. This could have been because a recent Women’s NCAA tournament was held at the site (again a nod to the strong layout). There were some things that showed sometimes of neglect as it was clear that none of the bunkers had been raked for at least a day. Longbow also didn’t provide the resort type of feel that Ak-Chin did i.e. there was no cook to prepare breakfast (so we had toast), the range wasn’t open before we teed off, there was little to no drinking water throughout the course and no in cart GPS. Again, we were the first group out for the day and paid $100/person.

Preview: Spring Training Trip 2016

In just a week my dad and I will be back in Arizona for golf and Spring Training baseball! On the docket this year are two courses on Golfweek'sBest: State-by-State Courses You Can Play, 2016: Ak-Chin Southern Dunes and Longbow.

We are also looking forward to attending 3-4 baseball games; visiting a couple of new parks we weren’t able to make it to last year. I’ll blog more about the trip as it happens!

2015 Tournament Schedule and Goals

2015 State Am Qualifier- Wingpointe

Tournament Schedule and Recap
May
Southeast Idaho Amateur- Riverside Golf Course, Pocatello, ID May 2-3
79-83=162
I hit the ball well both days of the tournament but chipping and putting seemed to be a challenge on Riverside's mound greens. Only one birdie was carded over the 36 holes. My driver got away from me a little bit on the back nine on Sunday and led to a quadruple-bogey 9 on the par 5, 18th with two O.B.'s. I was tied for third in the first flight after Saturday's round and was in the last group on Sunday, matched with eventual flight winner Marty Ferhinger who shot 74-70 for an even par 144.

Salt Lake City Amateur- Wingpointe Golf Course, Salt Lake City, UT May 30-31
76-73=149 2nd Place in the 1st Flight, Blue tees

June
State Amateur Qualifying- Wingpointe Golf Course, June 3
80- MC. After starting the round four over after two holes, I was able to birdie 11 and 12 to get back to three over for the round. Unfortunately, I bogeyed five of the six holes coming in and missed the cut by two strokes.

Pepsi / Mama Inez Bestball/Scramble- Highland Golf Course, Pocatello, ID June 6-7
We started the round off fairly average in the scramble portion on Saturday, never getting anything going and ended up with a 2-under 70. On Sunday, I birdied the first three holes(10-12) and we were rolling. We then took team double bogeys on 13 and 14 and are chances were reduced. In the end I finished with five birdies and carded an individual 74 for the day.

Goals
1. Qualify for the State Am
2. Win my flight in a tournament
3. Shoot under par in competitive round

Chase Field

Chase Field
Home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix, AZ
Date Opened: March 31, 1998 Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Colorado Rockies
Capacity: 48,633
Games Attended: April 6, 2015 Opening Day- San Francisco Giants 5, Arizona Diamondbacks 4 

Location & Accessibility (0-5): 4
Chase Field sits in downtown Phoenix and is easily accessible via public transit. I rode the light rail in from Tempe without any hassle. I imagine parking in the city is a little more difficult but the field is right next to the Suns' arena so I'm sure the city is use to the crowds.

Historic Value (0-5): 2

The stadium is approaching 20 years old and has hosted one World Series, one All-Star Game, and the opening round of the World Baseball Classic. In the 2001 World Series, the Diamondbacks won all four home games, defeating the Yankees by one run in the finale and bringing the only title to Arizona.

Originality (0-5): 3

The design team had to come up with a way to beat Arizona's heat and a retractable roof does a great job of keeping everyone cool. Chase Field's retractable roof was the first in the US and the first with natural grass. The side panels of the stadium open up to allow a nice breeze. The roof can open and close in 4 1/2 minutes. And you can't forget the swimming pool only 415 ft away from home plate, a one of a kind feature in Major League Baseball. Outside the park there is a pavilion with shades made of solar panels.

Fans (0-5): 3
Opening night was packed but not quite a sell-out. A 10-year-old kid helped me get a ball during batting practice, so I'll always be indebted to him.  

Fun Factor (0-5): 3

Great ball park to walk around and take in a game. The atmosphere definitely is better with the roof open. Giant mascots in the form of D-Back's legends roam the stadium pre-game.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 3
It's the only ballpark I've seen with a Chicken and Waffle shop. However, the lines were long at most of the concession stands.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 3
Overall a fun park but not my favorite. The team lacks a little star-power and the park is almost completely enclosed which drops it down a little from a few of the other parks I have been in. Definitely worth a goal if you are in the Phoenix area. 

Total Score (0-35)= 21

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium
Home of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles, CA
Date Opened: April 10, 1962 Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Cincinnatti Reds
Capacity: 56,000
Games Attended: October 15, 2008 NLCS Game 5 Philadelphia Phillies 5, Los Angeles Dodgers 1

 Location & Accessibility (0-5): 4
Chavez Ravine- One of the most scenic spots in all of California, overlooking downtown LA and the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains. The sunsets are quite a treat at Dodger Stadium. Accesibility is only thing holding the stadium from a "5" rating due to the horrendous LA traffic; make sure to give yourself ample time to catch the first pitch.


Historic Value (0-5): 5

Opening in 1961, Dodger Stadium is now the third oldest ballpark in the major leagues behind Fenway and Wrigley. Dodger Stadium has hosted eight World Series, the 1980 All-Star Game, 1984 Olympics and 2009 World Baseball Classic. Famous moments include Sandy Koufax's perfect game and Kirk Gibson's walk-off home run in the 1988 World Series.

Originality (0-5): 5
One of the last, if not the last, stadiums built for a specific sport before the craze of multipurpose "Cookie Cutter" stadiums of the 1960's and 1970's. The muted yellow, blue and orange seat colors reflect California's laid back lifestyle. Dodger Stadium has the largest seating capacity of current major league parks and is one of only fours partk that have symmetrical dimmensions in the outfield.

Fans (0-5): 3
I attended a playoff game where the Dodger's trailed 3-1 in the series so the fans were not out in full force. I imagine traffic is also a factor that keeps fans in front of their TV's rather than at this beautiful ballpark.

Fun Factor (0-5): 3

A classic American ballpark that doesn't need gimmicks. There is a large team store in the outfield that can satisfy all your Dodger needs.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 3
It has been a couple of years since I was at the stadium but nothing stood out from the ordinary besides the Dodger Dogs.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 5
Really a must if you are in Southern California. There isn't a better way than to spend a evening under the lights watching America's game in one of our oldest and most well kept stadiums. The game I attended featured stars such as Gred Maddux, Manny Ramirez, Jimmy Rollins, Cole Hamels, Matt Kemp, Ryan Howard, Chase Utley, Charlie Manuel and Joe Torre. Now tell me the stars don't come shine a little brighter in Hollywood.

Total Score (0-35)= 28

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

Utah State Am Qualifier 2014

Last summer when I had started to play golf a little bit more I set a goal to qualify for the Utah State Amateur in 2014. The Utah State Am holds the designation of  the longest continuously held golf tournament in the world, never taking a break for the World Wars, being held for 116 consecutive year.

There are 10 qualifying sites where, along with the automatic qualifiers, a selected number of individuals make it to the first two days of the championship proper. Two weeks ago Thursday, was my qualifying date at Wingpointe Golf Course. There were 84 players going for 29 guaranteed spots and 2 alternate positions. I had figured I would need close to a 75 to qualify.

After an average three-over, 39, on the front nine, an even rockier back nine began, double bogeying the 11th and bogeying the 12th and 13th. I was now seven over after 13 and knew for sure that would be above the cut line. On 14 and 15 I made solid putts to save pars before crushing a drive on the 550 yard 16th, setting up a two putt birdie. Then on the short par 3, I put a ball safely on the green and had an 18 footer for birdie which found its way in the hole via the side door. On 18 I was off to the right of the green in two and had a routine chip but hit the green hard and ran 12 feet past the hole. The comeback putt for a 77 was just an inch short and I finished the day with a 78. 

When I entered the clubhouse I was tied for 4th with 20 players finished. It seemed likely that I was in the field but as more and more players came in, my name kept dropping and dropping down the list until when it was all said and done players that scored 77 were in and the six players that shot 78, including myself, were off to a six way playoff for the two alternate spots.

After an errant tee-shot on the 1st hole, after a two hour break I should add, I hit my approach to 10 feet! I subsequently left the birdie putt an inch outside to the right for the win but three people were eliminated with bogey. On the 2nd hole, I made routine par and thought I had the first alternate spot locked up until one of the competitors trained a 30-footer to tie! On Wingpointe's long third hole I hit my drive into the water and the rest was history- I would be the second alternate and await the call from the UGA.

The dream ended today when registation ended for the championship. The first alternate got in, the one who trained the the 30-foot putt and won on the third playoff hole, not me. I am more determined to come back and not only play in the championship next year but make into the match-play portion of the event. It should be a fun ride!

Globe Life Park in Arlington

Globe Life Park in Arlington
Home of the Texas Rangers, Arlington, Texas
Date Opened: April 11, 1994 Texas Rangers vs. Milwaukee Brewers
Capacity: 48,114
Games Attended: March 31, 2014 Philadelphia Phillies 14, Texas Rangers 10

Location & Accessibility (0-5): 3
Smack dab between Dallas in Fort Worth in the suburb of Arlington sits Globe Life Park, it is adjacent to the grounds of the original Senators Park. Parking was simple with other attractions such as Six Flags and AT&T Stadium being nearby.

Historic Value (0-5): 3

Now the eleventh oldest ballpark in the majors, Globe Life has hosted two World Series (2010 and 2011). Kenny Rogers threw the only Rangers perfect game on July 28, 1994 in a 4-0 victory over the Angels. The Rangers also hosted the 1995 All-Star Game.

Originality (0-5): 4
A classic American ballpark, now one of the oldest in all of the major leagues celebrating it's 20th anniversary this year. The outfield office building and double-decker right field porch add a unique style. The facade is adorned with scenes of Texas and baseball history.

Fans (0-5): 5
Opening day was riot! Standing room only capacity for a team that has been in the playoff hunt the last few years. Everyone we had a conversation with was extremely loyal to the team and seemed to have a high baseball acumen.

Fun Factor (0-5): 3
Ball girls run flags across Greene's Hill in the batters every time the Rangers score. Opening day ceremonies included giant American and Texan flags along with a fly over of antique aircraft. The park is notoriously hitters friendly allowing for many home runs, we saw four. Captain, a mascot palomino horse, roams the grounds.

Concessions & Restaurants (0-5): 3
I didn't notice anything special about food at the ballpark but there were plenty of options throughout the concourse. Margarita's and ice cream were in abundance and I'm sure very popular in the hot Texas summers. The hot-dogs were satisfying and the beer was cold- you can't ask for too much more.

My own Subjectivity (0-5): 4
What surprised me the most about this ballpark was the hospitality, especially to someone wearing the opposing teams hat. A thirteen year season ticket holder even went out of his way to buy me a beer. There was more tailgating than I had ever seen at baseball game as well. It also never hurts to see the Phillies win and an Opening Day grand slam by Jimmy Rollins. Definitely a place to return.

Total Score (0-35)= 25

Criteria for "The Ballpark Series" can be found here.

And here is why I love baseball stadiums!

The Games of 2013

What another great year of sports! I was able to check some major things off my "Sports Bucket List." I got to see the Jazz beat LeBron and the Heat for the second straight year in Salt Lake. In March I was able to attend the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, even though Gonzaga lost to Cinderella story Witchita State, it was a lot of fun to go with my mom and dad. The next week Major Leagues Baseball's Rockies and Mariners faced off for a final exhibition game at Spring Mobile Ballpark! You couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. The summer brought a lot more Bee's game and also allowed me to develop my fan-hood for soccer and Real Salt Lake. What a great year as they nearly won the MLS Cup in December. Aggie and Ute football filled my fall. Though there were some definite ups and downs (such as the Aggies narrowly losing to the Utes on opening night, which cost me a bet that has made me grow out my hair until the end of college football season) it turned out to be a great year for Aggies in their first season in the Mountain West Conference. The highlight of my year came when I was able to attend my first NFL game in Baltimore. It was also the coldest I've been this year! There were a combined five touchdowns by the Ravens and Vikings in the last two minutes with the Ravens eventually prevailing. The teams I rooted for ended up 12-12-1 (.500) record in games I attended this year. My worst record since I have been keeping track but the memories surely won't be forgotten.

For the previous "Years in Review" click here.

Men’s College Basketball 

Record in Games I Attended:  3-4

01/09/13 Utah vs. UCLA L, 53-57 Huntsman Center, SLC, UT
01/27/13 Utah vs. Stanford L, 56-87 Huntsman Center, SLC, UT
02/02/13 Utah vs. Colorado W, 58-55 Huntsman Center, SLC, UT
02/28/13 Gonzaga at BYU W, 70-65 Marriott Center, Provo, UT
03/23/13 Gonzaga vs. Wichita St. L, 70-76 NCAA Tournament 3rd Round 
03/23/13 Arizona vs. Harvard W, 74-51 NCAA Tournament 3rd Round 
11/30/13 Utah St. vs. BYU L, 74-85 Energy Solutions Arena, SLC

College Football 

(all Utah State games at Romney Stadium, all Utah Games at Rice Eccles Stadium)

Record in Games I Attended:  4-4

08/29/13 Utah St. at Utah L, 26-30 
09/07/13 Utah vs. Weber St. W, 70-7
09/14/13 Utah St. vs. Weber St.W, 70-6
10/04/13 Utah St. vs. BYU L, 14-31
10/12/13 Utah St. vs. Boise St. L, 23-34
11/02/13 Utah St. vs. Hawaii W, 47-10
11/09/13 Utah vs. Arizona St. L, 19-20
11/30/13 Utah St. vs. Wyoming W, 35-7

Utah Jazz

(all games attended at Energy Solutions Arena, Salt Lake City, UT)

Record in Games I Attended:  1-4

01/14/13 vs. Miami W, 104-97
02/08/13 vs. Chicago L, 89-93
02/27/13 vs. Atlanta L, 91-102
10/30/13 vs. Oklahoma City L, 98-101
11/11/13 vs. Denver L, 81-100

Real Salt Lake 

(all games at Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, UT)

Record in Games I Attended 3-0-1

07/03/13 vs. Philadelphia T, 2-2
08/24/13 vs. Columbus W, 4-0
10/23/13 vs. Chivas USA W, 2-1
11/10/13 vs. Portland W, 4-2 Second Round MLS Playoffs

Other Events 

Record in Games I Attended 1-0

03/30/13 MLB-Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners- MLB in SLC  
                        Spring Mobile Ballpark, Salt Lake City, UT
12/08/13 NFL-Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings W, 29-26
                        M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

Back At It

I have returned to Salt Lake City after my series of unfortunate events with the Idaho Golf Association and things have been great ever since. I've made a lot of new friends, enhanced past relationships and gotten to take part in some cool things. This summer I am especially excited about the golf league I joined at Stonebridge. Mondays really aren't going to be that bad now!

Golf is a funny game. It's kinda like life, you are going to make mistakes and sometimes you might do your best but bad things still happen. There is always room for improvement and you can always get better. There is no use dwelling in the past. Get those good swing thoughts in your head and give it another go. I love it.

In the two weeks of league so far, I have hit the ball very well but haven't been able to score. It's amazing how fickle some little things are- birdie putts or carrying the water on a short par three. I am hoping to get my game back to as good as it was in high school.

Jim, John and a Jacuzzi

Ok so who knew Jim Nantz, after playing college golf for the University of Houston, was a KSL sports reporter? Here is a little clip of him and rookie John Stockton, before the Jazz went on to beat Houston 3-2 in the first round of the 1985 playoffs.