Byrum, 51, shot 67 Friday on the Apache Course to maintain the lead in the second round of the 54-hole event at 14-under 130. Former ASU golfer Braxton Marquez matched Byrum’s score, leaving him 2 shots behind, and another former Sun Devil, Kendall Critchfield, is 3 shots back after a 69.

 “I’ve been able to hit fairways, but most importantly, my putting has been really good,” Byrum said. “That has surprised me because I haven’t been playing much golf. Today, I had one bad swing, which probably was the only bad swing all week, and it cost me a couple shots.”

   Byrum, a Golf Channel analyst and former PGA Tour winner, played the back nine first. After making the turn, he knocked in birdies on holes 1, 2, 3 and 5, but took a double bogey on the par-4 sixth when an errant shot disappeared into the desert. It was the only hole out of 36 where Byrum has failed to make par or better.

    Byrum and Critchfield both made the turn at 12-under but Critchfield played his back nine in 1-over to fall 3 shots back. Austyn Karle, a Desert Mountain member and Pepperdine golfer, shot 65 and Tucson amateur David McDaniel carded a 64, leaving them 4 shots behind.

    Marquez, 22, recently turned pro after completing his ASU career, and plans to enter PGA Tour Qualifying School this fall. He made news in February when he Monday-qualified for the Waste Management Phoenix Open and made the cut.

    He gained national attention when stories emerged about his involvement with the Phoenix Open as a kid, working at the famous par-3 16^th hole and helping his late father, who had catered tournament skyboxes for several years.

   Byrum knows Marquez well, but for other reasons.

    “He and my son attended the same high school,” Byrum said. “From all that I can see he is really a fine young man and he has shown that he knows how to play this game.”

    While Byrum has made it look easy the past two years, the Apache Course has not been a pushover, as the cut came at 3-over 147. Others within striking distance include Don Yrene, Brett Guetz, Mike Ferris, Brady Stockton and Craig Hocknull, all at 7-under 137.

    Byrum said he will need to keep up his solid putting to prevail in the event sanctioned by the Southwest Section of the PGA. The tournament offers a $50,000 purse, with a winner’s share of $6,500.

    “You obviously need to keep making putts in order to keep making birdies, and you probably can’t win it if you don’t,” Byrum said. “Unless the wind really blows, and I don’t think that’s in the forecast, I would expect to have to shoot some pretty good numbers in the final round. So that’s the goal, to shoot as low as I possibly can and hope that it’s good enough against some good young players.”

Par and Total Yardage By Division
Desert Mountain- Apache(Par: 72 Distance: 7211) 

============================================================
Results for contest Arizona Open:
============================================================
 1    Curt Byrum           Scottsdale, AZ        63-67--130 -14
 2    Braxton Marquez      Scottsdale, AZ        65-67--132 -12
 T3   Kendall Critchfield  Tempe, AZ             64-69--133 -11
 T3   Austyn Karle (A)     Scottsdale, AZ        68-65--133 -11
 5    David McDaniel (A)   Tucson, AZ            70-64--134 -10
 T6   Don Yrene            Scottsdale, AZ        71-66--137 -7
 T6   Brett Guetz          Scottsdale, AZ        68-69--137 -7
 T6   Mike Ferris          Scottsdale, AZ        71-66--137 -7
 T6   Brady Stockton       Cave Creek, AZ        66-71--137 -7
 T6   Craig Hocknull       Gilbert, AZ           70-67--137 -7
 T11  Ron Schroeder        Montgomery, TX        69-69--138 -6
 T11  Boyd Summerhays      Scottsdale, AZ        67-71--138 -6
 T13  Paul Trittler        Scottsdale, AZ        66-73--139 -5
 T13  Nick Obie            Scottsdale, AZ        68-71--139 -5
 T13  David Dragoo         Scottsdale, AZ        67-72--139 -5
 T13  Tim McKenney         Scottsdale, AZ        69-70--139 -5
 T13  Joseph Penaflor      Phoenix, AZ           71-68--139 -5
 T13  Aaron Weston         Scottsdale, AZ        68-71--139 -5
 T19  Tommy Medina         Mesa, AZ              70-70--140 -4
 T19  Thomas Buran (A)     Scottsdale, AZ        69-71--140 -4
 T19  Barry Conser         Phoenix, AZ           71-69--140 -4
 T19  Scott Frisch         Scottsdale, AZ        68-72--140 -4
 T23  Dean Vomacka         Phoenix, AZ           71-70--141 -3
 T23  Colter Kautzmann     Litchfield Park, AZ   73-68--141 -3
 T23  Rodney Hamblin       Phoenix, AZ           70-71--141 -3
 T23  Casey Bourque        Phoenix, AZ           71-70--141 -3
 T23  Greg Bruckner        Phoenix, AZ           70-71--141 -3
 T28  Don Littrell         Tucson, AZ            70-72--142 -2
 T28  Blayne Hobbs         Anthem, AZ            68-74--142 -2
 T28  Eric Johnson         Chandler, AZ          69-73--142 -2
 T28  Jeremy DeFalco (A)   Tucson, AZ            71-71--142 -2
 T28  Dale Abraham         Phoenix, AZ           72-70--142 -2
 T33  Jason Magee          Phoenix, AZ           70-73--143 -1
 T33  Stephen Conrad       Phoenix, AZ           71-72--143 -1
 T33  Bobby Pancratz       Chandler, AZ          72-71--143 -1
 T33  Patrick Jenkins Jr   Chandler, AZ          73-70--143 -1
 T33  Benoit Beisser       Scottsdale, AZ        71-72--143 -1
 T38  Justin Searles       Gilbert, AZ           74-70--144 E
 T38  Jeff Yurkiewicz      Phoenix, AZ           73-71--144 E
 T38  Mike Franko          Scottsdale, AZ        72-72--144 E
 T38  Bob Pancratz         Chandler, AZ          73-71--144 E
 T38  Brady Exber (A)      Las Vegas, NV         73-71--144 E
 T38  Mike Nicolette       Scottsdale, AZ        74-70--144 E
 T38  Randy Wittig         Cave Creek, AZ        71-73--144 E
 T45  Wade Dunagan         Tucson, AZ            73-72--145 +1
 T45  Dalen Linnerson      Tempe, AZ             75-70--145 +1
 T45  Scott Foster         Anthem, AZ            73-72--145 +1
 T48  Darren Fletcher      Cave Creek, AZ        73-73--146 +2
 T48  Ron Stelten          Palm Desert, CA       75-71--146 +2
 T48  Jeff Nichols         Mesa, AZ              67-79--146 +2
 T51  Khris Niess          Scottsdale, AZ        71-76--147 +3
 T51  Ralph West           Avondale, AZ          74-73--147 +3
 T51  David Shearer        Peoria, AZ            73-74--147 +3
 T51  Chris Dompier        Tucson, AZ            72-75--147 +3
 T51  Chris Hantla         Chandler, AZ          74-73--147 +3
 T51  Jimmy Kozikowski (A) Mesa, AZ              72-75--147 +3
 T51  Chris Endres         Anthem, AZ            75-72--147 +3
 T51  Brant Kummerfeld     Phoenix, AZ           72-75--147 +3
 T51  Danny Edwards        Scottsdale, AZ        70-77--147 +3
 T51  Brent Griffin        Phoenix, AZ           75-72--147 +3
 T51  Mark Coward          Mesa, AZ              73-74--147 +3

The award was established in 1990 by the Southwest Section PGA, in honor of Karsten Solheim, and named after his famous PING Anser putter.

 “I’m honored to be in the company of previous Anser winners,” Boutell said. “They made it possible for me and others to progress in golf.”

 Originally from Minneapolis, Boutell was a top amateur golfer, a successful college player at Arizona State University and an accomplished coach at his alma mater.  A member of Phoenix Country Club since 1950, he’s also been a resident of either Phoenix or Scottsdale for the last 60 years.

He played on the PGA TOUR for five years and worked for the PGA TOUR from 1987 to 2007 as a revered PGA TOUR Rules Official (see article by David Feherty below).

Boutell said he made decent money in local events and had a career best 6^th place finish on TOUR, but his last position was what defined him. “That was the job I felt I was made to do,” he said. “It allowed me to make friends all over the world.”

 A 1981 inductee into the ASU Hall of Fame, Boutell is also a 2000 Arizona Golf Hall of Fame inductee.

 A PRODIGY AT AN EARLY AGE

In 1958, at age 14, and a sophomore at Central Phoenix High School, Boutell was the youngest competitor to qualify for U.S. Amateur Championship at the Olympic Club. In 1961, Boutell won the Arizona State High School championship and led Central Phoenix High to the team championship as well.

In 1962, he won the Southwest Amateur and the Arizona Amateur Championship.  The winner of the 1965 Trans-Mississippi Championship and 1965 Eastern Amateur, he was runner-up in the Western Amateur that year.  Boutell was only 21 when won the Trans-Miss, a national match play tournament held that year at Kansas City Country Club. “It might have been my best win because I beat the entire Oklahoma State golf team,” he said. “I beat all their studs.”

 In 1966, Boutell was named the No. 1 “Amateur golfer in the United States by Golf Digest and Golf World magazines. He was an All-American golfer at ASU and the Phoenix Press Box Association, the predecessor of the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, voted him into its Hall of Fame.

 WORKING 80 HOURS PER WEEK, 12 MONTHS PER YEAR

After college Boutell played the PGA TOUR from 1968-1973. He worked as an Assistant Professional 

for the legendary Arch Watkins, the 1995 Anser Award winner, at Papago Golf Course in Phoenix from 1973 to 1975. He returned to Arizona State in 1975 to become the men’s golf coach until 1986. Under his direction, the Sun Devils won the Western Athletic Conference Championship in 1978. In 1979, the men’s team won ASU’s first Pac-10 Conference Championship in any sport. The Sun Devils later won the Pac-10 Championship in 1981.

Boutell’s ASU teams finished third in the NCAA Championship in 1977, 1978 and 1982. He was named Pac-10 “Coach of the Year” in 1979 and 1981. “The most rewarding and difficult job I had was at ASU,” he said. “I was working 80 hours a week, 12 months a year and making $14,000.”                                    

During a 45-year career, Boutell spent most of it traveling. “For 31 straight years I was out of town, on average, 220 days,” he said. “But the quality of the people I was lucky enough to be associated with made it worthwhile.” 

On November 19, 1962 Boutell appeared in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd for the second time. “George Boutell, 18, a growing golfer who gulps milkshakes between rounds for energy, finished a fine season—Southwestern titlist and low amateur in two PGA events—by beating an experienced field in Scottsdale for the Arizona amateur title,” the magazine said.

Boutell has been mentioned in numerous publications over the years by various golf writers, including by Jamie Diaz in the New York Times in 1991 (see article below). Boutell, using a television replay, interceded on a judgment call that affected Tom Kite. “After the Kite incident,” Boutell said, “the TOUR realized that it was placing too much scrutiny on the players being televised. The television monitoring fortunately was stopped. My part in that was only that I was assigned the monitoring duty on that day.”

“ANSER” AWARD WINNERS

1991                       Karsten Solheim

1992                       Bob Goldwater. Sr.

1993                       Bill Farkas, Sr.

1994                       Ed Updegraff

1995                       Arch Watkins

1996                       Harry Cavanaugh

1997                       John Riggle

1998                       Lyle Anderson

1999                       Linda Vollstedt

2000                       Bill Dickey

2001                       Thunderbirds

2002                       Sister Lynn Winsor

2003                       Jay D. Woodward

2004                       Willie Low

2005                       V.O. “Red” Allen

2006                       Al Birmingham

2007                       Louise Solheim

2008                       Heather Farr

2009                       George Boutell

George was the Gretzky of rulings, the Federer of the fairways

http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,1660828,00.html

I’ve said this before, but the Rules officials on the PGA Tour are tops. The reason I’m reiterating this is that earlier this year George Boutell, one of the best, drove his cart into the sunset with nothing more than a sly wave goodbye.

George was the grandmaster whom apprentices approached with reverence in the hope of gathering a rare crumb of knowledge (or doughnut) that occasionally fell from the box of Krispy Kremes he would freebase in a shady spot near the port-o-lets. Yes, I’m talking about a man who once had a pizza delivered to his cart at a PGA Tour event.

When a player called for a ruling it was a joy to watch George transition from what seemed like a nursing home coma into a regimentally upright, razor-sharp, starched-white, creaseless, athletic ruling machine.

George was the Gretzky of rulings, the Federer of the fairways, usually invisible, yet always in the right place. I knew of only one man with a similar style, a guy named Jimmy Hemphill, from my early playing days on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa. One day in Pretoria I was paired with Nick Price and called for a ruling because I thought my ball might be embedded. As usual Jimmy was there, faster than a flick of a springbok’s tail.

“What’s the problem?” he asked.

“Well, Jimmy,” I said, trying to keep a straight face as the idiot Price slapped the bark of a nearby gum tree. “We think my ball may be embedded here, but we’re not sure.”

“Where is it?”

“Uh, I believe you just parked your cart on it,” I said, pointing to his front left wheel.

Jimmy looked down at the spot, then said indignantly, “Well then, it was a bloody waste of time calling me, wasn’t it? Obviously it’s a free drop.” And with that, he sped off.

To the best of my knowledge, George never parked on anyone’s ball. He applied the Rules to the letter of the law, performing his primary function (which was to protect the interests of the rest of the field), while leaving enough room for common sense and compassion. If there was any doubt he always leaned in favor of the player. He was a grumpy sonofabitch with a legendary hemorrhoid problem. Even if you got him during one of his bouts of pink balloon knots, you knew you’d get a fair shake, even if it did include a graphic description of the current state of his nethermost regions.

When George got himself a little cancer, that merriment was briefly halted. Within weeks, George had a few feet of bowel removed and was back at work, claiming that the only difference was that his farts were now a slightly higher F-sharp.

One reason George retired early was his compassion for the people who sat beside him in coach after a week of dealing with prima donnas who wanted drops from lies where the grass wasn’t growing in the right direction, viewers calling in with idiotic rulings, missing and presumed stolen courtesy cars, and frequent cavity searches at airport security.

After years of being seated next to hideously cheerful “Isn’t flying fun? What do you do for a living?” nimrods, he knew that eventually he was going to kill and eat one of them. In an age during which professional golf is rolling in cash, Rules officials still have to fly in the back of the airplane.

The Tour is lucky to have such great officials. Despite having recently signed a new five-year deal, they are still underpaid and overworked. Now it seems the ones with the most experience are becoming an endangered species.

It would be easy to go the Al Gore route and blame it on greenhouse gases, to which George contributed more than his fair share over the years, but it is a problem much easier solved. This column should tell readers I really miss him. His departure should tell the Tour they need to look around the world of sports (see the NBA), realize what they’ve got, pay up, and look happy about doing it.

 ON GOLF

ON GOLF; Golf on TV? Certainly. Television in Golf? No.

By Jaime Diaz

Published: May 10, 1991

Golf has always been proud of its fierce adherence to its rules, but last Sunday in the final round of the GTE Byron Nelson Classic, it adhered so fiercely it impugned the integrity of one of its most respected players.

For the first time, the PGA Tour used a television replay to overrule a player’s decision. But the fact that the replay was used to assist in a judgment call and the player was the tour’s career leading money winner, Tom Kite, made the incident one that might bring a quick end to golf’s experiment with video-enhanced rulings.

The use of instant replay on the PGA Tour began in March after a television viewer in Colorado reported a rules violation that ultimately caused Paul Azinger to be disqualified from the Doral Ryder Open. As a result, for the last several tournaments, the tour has placed an official in a TV trailer to monitor rules infractions.

Because the tour has no reason to believe that large groups of players are breaking rules or intentionally cheating, the main intention of the viewing official is to inform players of problems before it is too late. For example, had a rules official been able to inform Azinger of his penalty before he signed his scorecard, Azinger would have been forced to add two strokes to his score for that day, but he would not have been disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.

But on Sunday, the official in the trailer, former touring pro George Boutell, interceded on a judgment call, not a potential rules violation. In other words, had Boutell not provided information that caused Kite to be overruled, Kite still would not have broken a rule.

The disputed incident took place when Kite hooked his tee shot on the 11th hole into a lake. Both Kite and his playing partner, Phil Blackmar, who in effect was representing the rest of the players in the tournament, agreed that the ball had passed over a point of land before landing in the hazard. Based on that agreement, Kite was entitled to a penalty drop on that point of land.

But Boutell, looking at a videotape of the shot and familiar with the 11th hole, thought Kite’s ball could not have crossed the point of land. Instead, he thought Kite should play his next shot from the same tee. Boutell contacted Mike Shea, the tour’s tournament director, who was on the course. After arriving at the 11th hole, Shea told Kite of Boutell’s opinion.

Kite disagreed, and played two balls. On the ball played from the point of land near the lake, Kite made a five. On the ball played from the tee, he made a double-bogey six. After watching the video replay of Kite’s original shot, Shea ruled that the double bogey would count.

After the round, Kite was upset that his judgment had been questioned.

“TV has no business doing what they are doing, making a ruling from an official watching TV in a trailer,” said Kite, the third-round leader who shot a final-round 75 to finish tied for eighth. “I don’t understand why we are using it.” Kite will undoubtedly make sure his opinion is represented when the tour’s policy board reviews the use of instant replay in June.

From a purist perspective, the use of instant replay is consistent with golf’s code of ethics. Unlike other sports, where athletes often take a roguish pride in undetected holding, scuffed baseballs and the like, golf expects its professionals to call penalties on themselves and their playing partners whenever they see an infraction.

Some might feel the use of television replays are unfair because generally only players in contention get on camera. But even Azinger had no argument with being reported by a television viewer because, finally, he violated a rule. As Shea said, “We’ve always taken all the information we could on a potential rules violation.”

Some wondered, however, whether the Azinger incident has made the tour anxious to demonstrate to any skeptics that it has a close eye on any possibility of cheating, and that it doesn’t need television viewers to tell its players and officials when a rule has been broken or even bent.

“No, this was an individual case,” said Sid Wilson, PGA Tour director of public relations. “We are not trying to pound our chest and say how honest we are. There have been too many instances over the years of players calling penalties on themselves for us to be worried about that. Integrity among our players is not a problem.”

If that’s the case, instant replay or no, the tour ought to leave the judgment calls to the players.

Scottsdale, Ariz. (April 17, 2010)  Executive director Curt Hudek is among those who have seen firsthand the impact that four-legged friends can have on hospitalized children, and is delighted that the Southwest Section of the PGA of America continues to endorse the signature fundraiser that drives the program.The Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic was founded four years ago by a Scottsdale boy, who was just 12 years old at the time, and has become the primary fundraiser for the Animal-Assisted Therapy Program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. That program isn’t funded by the hospital and must rely on special events like the Swing Fore Kids tournament and support from companies and organizations like the SWSPGA. 

         Since its inception, the tournament has generated more than $250,000 for the program. Founder Michael Young, who is now 16 and a high school golfer, said he is proud to see the event’s success. Arizona Cardinals players Larry Fitzgerald and Neil Rackers have become involved and the Phoenix Coyotes also have shown support.

    “It really has emerged into something that is recognized around the community as a first-class event,” said Michael, who is a junior at Phoenix Country Day School. “For me, it’s a great feeling to be able to develop something that helps so many children in the Phoenix area. It’s nice to know that I am having a direct impact every day.”

     This year’s tournament for the first time will be played at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.

     This marks the third consecutive year that the SWSPGA has endorsed the tournament and over the years the Section has supported the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation with several large donations.

Golf Day is big hit

In addition, the SWSPGA annually hosts a Golf Day at the hospital. Hudek was among the staff members who attended this year’s on April 8, along with certified teaching pros, who gave children pointers on makeshift putting greens and a hitting net. Patients also can invite siblings or other family members to get tips from the pros, and all of the dogs from the therapy program are on hand, giving patients plenty of furry friends to brighten their day.

Jacky Falchook-Young and Michael Young at "Golf Day" on April 8, 2010 at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

     “The people from the Southwest PGA have really gotten involved,” Michael said. “You can tell how much they love it and look forward to it each year.”

     Petsmart is the title sponsor of the tournament and CB Richard Ellis brokerage firm has been one of its major sponsors since the event was created. Avnet recently donated in-kind services with professional videos that will help promote the Swing Fore Kids tournament and the animal-therapy program.

Dogs can heel and heal

 When Michael founded his tournament, there were 22 dogs in the therapy program. Now there are 40 and an escort program has been created, allowing more handlers to make more visits and lift kids’ spirits. Doctors, nurses and therapists also have gained an education about the impact the dogs can have, and now request animal visits as part of their patients’ care.

     Specific benefits include motivating children to: Get up, move, walk, leave their rooms and play; participate in therapy programs; forget about their discomfort and pain;  improve their mood and interaction with others; do things that have become a struggle, such as eating and taking medication.

Golden Retrievers make ideal therapy dogs. Photo by Vito Berlingeri.

The funding challenge

     Michael’s mother, Jacky Falchook-Young, said a downturn in the economy last year added to the challenge in securing sponsors but that Michael has persisted by pursuing other avenues of support.

    “Michael has had to broaden his horizons,” Jacky said. “This is something he takes very seriously and he takes responsibility for its success.

    “He’s really into it because he sees what it does for the kids. He recognizes the importance of what he’s doing and wants to continue helping others throughout his life. His experiences have been pretty amazing, both in seeing the impact and interacting with people he’s met along the way.”

    Last year, Michael helped bridge the gap by securing a “cook and dine” evening with Cardinals All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, which brought a bid of $6,500.

    Michael, who first began meeting with company CEOs at age 12 in search of funds to help kids, has seen his perseverance pay off.

    “With the current economy, I understand that people need to watch what they’re spending and donating, so it has become more of a challenge,” Michael said. “But I’m proud to say we’re still able to put on the tournament and make a difference in kids’ lives.”

 Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic 

WHEN: Friday, April 30, 2010. 7 a.m. registration, 8 a.m. shotgun start.

WHERE: Grayhawk Golf Club, 8620 East Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale.

REGISTRATION FEE: $275 Includes: Continental Breakfast, Tee-Gift, Golf, Lunch, Silent Auction, Awards.

INFO: ‘Fore’ more information, including online registration forms, visit www.cbre.com/swingforekidsgolfclassic.

QUESTIONS? Contact Jacky Falchook-Young at (602) 469-5666 or swingforekids@cox.net.

Curt Hudek, executive director of the SWSPGA was on hand to give golf lessons at the Animal Assisted Therapy event this month at Phoenix Children's Hospital. Photo by Vito Berlingeri.

The SWSPGA Foundation presented the Juvenile Diabetes Reseacrh Foundation Chapter of AZ with a check for $3000.00 which will be used to hopefully one day find a cure for Diabetes. In the picture is Sheila Peterson PGA - Vito Berlingeri Marketing Director, Laura Rivers Dr. Special Events-Marketing, Becky Jackson ED/CEO and office personnel from the JDRF

JDRF is recognized as the leading charitable funder and advocate of type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide.  Its Desert Southwest Chapter, which is based in Phoenix and has branch offices in Tucson and Albuquerque, N.M., annually raises more than $6 million to benefit diabetes research. The SWSPGA now can add its name to the list of donors.

“JDRF is so appreciative of the PGA’s contribution and support of our organization,” said Becky Jackson, executive director of the Desert Southwest Chapter. “The commitment of community partners such as the Southwest Section PGA will help us on our continued mission to find a cure for type 1 diabetes.”

The Chapter annually stages several events that benefit research, including charity golf tournaments. One of those, the Fifth Annual Tee Up to Cure Diabetes tournament, will be played June 4 at La Paloma Country Club in Tucson. There also are five charity walks scheduled this year, including those in Glendale, Tempe, and Tucson.

A new event, the Michael Allen Celebrity Pro-Am, hosted by PGA and Champions Tour pro Michael Allen, will be played Oct. 18 at Dove Valley Ranch Golf Club in Cave Creek.

Type 1 diabetes is a serious illness that often requires treatment far beyond daily insulin injections. It can lead to eye disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease and stroke. A significant part of JDRF’s research is focused on understanding how diabetes causes complications, and developing drugs, treatments, and therapies to stop that process or reverse the impact of various complications.

Spokesperson Katie Stringham said type 1 diabetes, which often is hereditary and is more common in children, is sometimes misunderstood and confused with type 2 diabetes, which can be the result of weight gain and sedentary lifestyle.

“There is a lot of confusion about the two types and that can be a little frustrating sometimes,” Stringham said. “Type 2 has gotten a lot of attention lately because it has become an epidemic. We’re dealing with kids who inherited the problem. This didn’t happen to them because of diet or lifestyle. We struggle with the general public in that regard, and we do have an education and outreach program that is important in getting our message out there.”

JDRF’s stated mission is: To find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Much of its staff is voluntary and it depends largely on donations like those from the SWSPGA.

For more information about JDRF, effects of diabetes, and fund-raising activities, visit www.jdrfdsw.org or call (602) 224-1800.

Noteworthy: For the second consecutive year, the Charity Navigator, the largest online watchdog of charities in the United States, has given JDRF its highest rating of 4 stars.  In making the announcement, Charity Navigator noted that less than a third of the non-profit organizations it rates receives a 4-star rating for even one year, and that two consecutive years of 4-stars “sets JDRF apart from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.” Charity Navigator bases its ratings on statistical formula that looks at a charity’s efficiency and fiscal management.

Scottsdale, Arizona – A fun-filled day of free golf activities will be held during PGA Play Golf America Day at the McCormick Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, on Sunday March 21, 2010. Created to showcase the game of golf in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, PGA Play Golf America Day is presented by The PGA of America with presenting sponsors American Express and The Royal Bank of Scotland.

The PGA Play Golf America Day at McCormick Ranch will run from 8 AM – 1 PM.  The event is designed to provide free expert instruction to golfers of all ages and skill levels, introduce new golfers to the game and provide equipment testing from the best brands in golf today.

 Highlighting the day will be free instruction and golf clinics conducted by more than 20 PGA Professionals from throughout the Southwest Section of the PGA, including First Swing Clinics for beginners and more.  These golf professionals will also provide 10-minute tune-ups, and conduct demonstrations on all facets of the game regardless of skill level.

Several of the golf industry’s leading equipment manufacturers, including Adams, Bridgestone, Cobra, Callaway, Nike, Ping, Taylor Made, Titleist and more, will also be on-site to provide hands-on testing of the hottest products on the market today.  Attendees will be able to test drivers on the range, wedges at the chipping area and putters on the practice green.  Representatives from each participating manufacturer will also be on hand to provide club fitting and product insight.

Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to gather information on some of today’s most exciting golf participation programs that are part of the Play Golf America initiative, including Get Golf Ready, PGA Free Lesson Month, Women’s Golf Week, July is Family Golf Month, Take Your Daughter to the Course and Bring Your Kids to the Range. 

“The PGA Play Golf America Day at McCormick Ranch Golf Club will be a terrific golf experience for players of all levels,” said Curt Hudek, Executive Director, Southwest Section PGA.  “From avid golfers, to golf enthusiasts and newcomers to the game, this event will provide a fun-filled atmosphere that combines instruction, product testing, skills contests and some great golf giveaways.”

For more information on the PGA Play Golf America Day at McCormick Ranch Golf Club on March 21 sign up on line at http://www.playgolfamerica.com/index.cfm?action=days_list or call the club at 480-948-0260. 

About Play Golf America

Play Golf America, designed to increase participation among new and occasional adult golfers, was developed by The PGA of America, with the support of Allied Associations including, the LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA TOUR, USGA and others involved in the annual Golf 20/20 Conference. The program utilizes the Web site to serve as a link for consumers to access fun, affordable and informative programs in their area.  Begun in January 2004, Play Golf America’s goal is to reach the millions of non-golfers who have expressed a desire to play, and the millions of occasional golfers who play between one and seven times per year. The campaign is designed to introduce people to the game of golf, enhance their skills and increase their frequency of play. 

The PGA of America is the world’s largest working sports organization comprised of 28,000 men and women golf Professionals who are the recognized experts in growing, teaching and managing the game of golf while serving millions of people throughout its 41 PGA Sections nationwide. Since its founding in 1916, The PGA of America has enhanced its leadership position in a $62 billion-a-year industry by growing the game of golf through its premier spectator events, world-class education and training programs, significant philanthropic outreach initiatives, and award-winning golf promotions. Today’s PGA Professional is the public’s link to the game, serving an essential role in the operation of golf facilities throughout the country.

Now every one of you has good reason to be critical of me. I want to say to each of you, simply and directly, I am deeply sorry for my irresponsible and selfish behavior I engaged in.

I know people want to find out how I could be so selfish and so foolish. People want to know how I could have done these things to my wife Elin and to my children. And while I have always tried to be a private person, there are some things I want to say.

Elin and I have started the process of discussing the damage caused by my behavior. As Elin pointed out to me, my real apology to her will not come in the form of words; it will come from my behavior over time. We have a lot to discuss; however, what we say to each other will remain between the two of us.

I am also aware of the pain my behavior has caused to those of you in this room. I have let you down, and I have let down my fans. For many of you, especially my friends, my behavior has been a personal disappointment. To those of you who work for me, I have let you down personally and professionally. My behavior has caused considerable worry to my business partners.

To everyone involved in my foundation, including my staff, board of directors, sponsors, and most importantly, the young students we reach, our work is more important than ever. Thirteen years ago, my dad and I envisioned helping young people achieve their dreams through education. This work remains unchanged and will continue to grow. From the Learning Center students in Southern California to the Earl Woods scholars in Washington, D.C., millions of kids have changed their lives, and I am dedicated to making sure that continues.

But still, I know I have bitterly disappointed all of you. I have made you question who I am and how I could have done the things I did. I am embarrassed that I have put you in this position.

For all that I have done, I am so sorry.

I have a lot to atone for, but there is one issue I really want to discuss. Some people have speculated that Elin somehow hurt or attacked me on Thanksgiving night. It angers me that people would fabricate a story like that. Elin never hit me that night or any other night. There has never been an episode of domestic violence in our marriage, ever. Elin has shown enormous grace and poise throughout this ordeal. Elin deserves praise, not blame.

The issue involved here was my repeated irresponsible behavior. I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated. What I did is not acceptable, and I am the only person to blame.

I stopped living by the core values that I was taught to believe in. I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn’t apply. I never thought about who I was hurting. Instead, I thought only about myself. I ran straight through the boundaries that a married couple should live by. I thought I could get away with whatever I wanted to. I felt that I had worked hard my entire life and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me. I felt I was entitled. Thanks to money and fame, I didn’t have to go far to find them.

I was wrong. I was foolish. I don’t get to play by different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to me. I brought this shame on myself. I hurt my wife, my kids, my mother, my wife’s family, my friends, my foundation, and kids all around the world who admired me.

I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I’ve done. My failures have made me look at myself in a way I never wanted to before. It’s now up to me to make amends, and that starts by never repeating the mistakes I’ve made. It’s up to me to start living a life of integrity.

I once heard, and I believe it’s true, it’s not what you achieve in life that matters; it’s what you overcome. Achievements on the golf course are only part of setting an example. Character and decency are what really count.

Parents used to point to me as a role model for their kids. I owe all those families a special apology. I want to say to them that I am truly sorry.

It’s hard to admit that I need help, but I do. For 45 days from the end of December to early February, I was in inpatient therapy receiving guidance for the issues I’m facing. I have a long way to go. But I’ve taken my first steps in the right direction.

As I proceed, I understand people have questions. I understand the press wants to ask me for the details and the times I was unfaithful. I understand people want to know whether Elin and I will remain together. Please know that as far as I’m concerned, every one of these questions and answers is a matter between Elin and me. These are issues between a husband and a wife.

Some people have made up things that never happened. They said I used performance enhancing drugs. This is completely and utterly false. Some have written things about my family. Despite the damage I have done, I still believe it is right to shield my family from the public spotlight. They did not do these things; I did.

I have always tried to maintain a private space for my wife and children. They have been kept separate from my sponsors, my commercial endorsements. When my children were born, we only released photographs so that the paparazzi could not chase them. However, my behavior doesn’t make it right for the media to follow my two and a half year old daughter to school and report the school’s location. They staked out my wife and they pursued my mom. Whatever my wrongdoings, for the sake of my family, please leave my wife and kids alone.

I recognize I have brought this on myself, and I know above all I am the one who needs to change. I owe it to my family to become a better person. I owe it to those closest to me to become a better man. That’s where my focus will be.

I have a lot of work to do, and I intend to dedicate myself to doing it. Part of following this path for me is Buddhism, which my mother taught me at a young age. People probably don’t realize it, but I was raised a Buddhist, and I actively practiced my faith from childhood until I drifted away from it in recent years. Buddhism teaches that a craving for things outside ourselves causes an unhappy and pointless search for security. It teaches me to stop following every impulse and to learn restraint. Obviously I lost track of what I was taught.

As I move forward, I will continue to receive help because I’ve learned that’s how people really do change. Starting tomorrow, I will leave for more treatment and more therapy. I would like to thank my friends at Accenture and the players in the field this week for understanding why I’m making these remarks today.

In therapy I’ve learned the importance of looking at my spiritual life and keeping in balance with my professional life. I need to regain my balance and be centered so I can save the things that are most important to me, my marriage and my children.

That also means relying on others for help. I’ve learned to seek support from my peers in therapy, and I hope someday to return that support to others who are seeking help. I do plan to return to golf one day, I just don’t know when that day will be.

I don’t rule out that it will be this year. When I do return, I need to make my behavior more respectful of the game. In recent weeks I have received many thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from people expressing good wishes. To everyone who has reached out to me and my family, thank you. Your encouragement means the world to Elin and me.

I want to thank the PGA TOUR, Commissioner Finchem, and the players for their patience and understanding while I work on my private life. I look forward to seeing my fellow players on the course.

Finally, there are many people in this room, and there are many people at home who believed in me. Today I want to ask for your help. I ask you to find room in your heart to one day believe in me again.

Thank you.

            The Virtual Helicopter Ball-Drop will take place on Friday, June 11, 2010 as part of the Arizona Open Green Day Charity Tournament. The evening culminates with the innovative animation and dinner at Harold’s Restaurant in Cave Creek. Those unable to attend will be able to participate by viewing the Ball-Drop live, via web-link. This dynamic event will precede the state’s second longest running professional tournament, the 66^th Arizona Open. The 54-hole stroke play championship will be conducted at Desert Mountain’s Apache Course from June 17-19.

            The PGA Southwest Section and its production partner, GiveThroughGolf.com will sell golf balls for $20 each. The Grand Prize winner will receive a 2010 Lexus! 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th place winners will take home other great prizes. 

            Vito Berlingeri, marketing director for the PGA Southwest Section, said,” the campaign will significantly increase the amount of charitable giving the non-profit organization contributes in 2010 and we are excited to be at the forefront of this great opportunity with Give Through Golf.”

            Give Through Golf (www.givethroughgolf.com) provides a dynamic, web-based, ball-drop production that can function as a stand-alone event, or work in concert with an existing event, such as a golf tournament or a gala.

            GiveThrough Golf sells golf balls online through a customized web page developed specifically for each charity. The custom animation allows donors to view a Virtual Helicopter Ball Drop from anywhere there is Internet access.

            To learn more about the Virtual Ball-Drop, the upcoming event, and to purchase golf balls visit  www.GiveThroughGolf.com, click on the Charity Tab or the Southwest Section PGA Logo or call  (877) 885-2088

            For more tournament information call Mr. Berlingeri at the PGA Southwest Section Office at (480) 443-9002. Also follow The Southwest Section of the PGA on Facebook!

 The Waste Management Phoenix Open will be played February 22 – 28 at TPC Scottsdale.

The tournament host Thunderbirds have raised more than $65.9 million for charities, with more than $37.9 million generated since 2004. The 2010 edition will mark the 75th playing of the event, making it one of the five oldest events on the PGA TOUR (not including the major championships).

Like golf and music?

Straight from LA’s Sunset Strip, 80’s metal rock cover band Steel Panther will headline the opening night of the 2010 Coors Light Birds Nest. Making their first ever appearance at the Nest, Steel Panther will rock the house on February 24 covering classic songs from the likes of Motley Crew, Def Leppard, Guns N’ Roses, Poison, Scorpions, Journey and many others.

Previously announced, nationally recording artist OAR will headline on February 27.  Opening for OAR will be LA-based Kelley James.  General admission tickets for that evening are $35 through Ticketmaster in advance, $40 the day the show available only at the Birds Nest ticket office and Birds Nest ticket sales booths located throughout the TPC Scottsdale golf course.

Tickets for Steel Panther’s performance are on sale now through Ticketmaster. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $175, which includes exclusive access to the Ketel One Vodka VIP area.  VIP guests are treated to a complimentary catered dinner provided by Sushi Roku, complimentary drinks and access to a premium viewing area for the show.

Speaking of dinner, those inclined to make long lasting impressions should book a reservation at The Grill at TPC Scottsdale on Valentine’s Day or any other special occasion.

I was lucky enough to dine at The Grill, previously famous for its steak, in December with my spouse and it was an “experience.”

As part of Fairmont Scottsdale’s commitment to environmental stewardship, The Grill at TPC Scottsdale has partnered with the CleanFish Alliance, an organization that carefully selects fisherman and artisan fish farmers to support sustainable practices. With this partnership comes an all-new menu, featuring the highest quality sustainable seafood.  

The menu includes entrees like Florida spiny lobster, Loch Duart salmon, and striped bass as well as beef, chicken, and pork selections. And don’t forget to try the dessert items like Cheesecake Tic Tac Toe, Warm Monkey Bread and Pie Quartet.

For a special Friday evening, visit The Grill for its Clam Bake on the patio.

Seafood lovers will enjoy little neck clams, salt spring island mussels, shrimp and special desserts like brownie cheesecake and raspberry short-cupcakes.

The price is $28 for adults and $12 for children six to 12. Children five and younger dine free with the purchase of an adult entrée.

But, again, I would highly suggest a Valentine’s Day dinner to spoil your spouse or significant other next month.

Aphrodisiac persuasions that evening include champagne; poached Beau soleil oysters with crème fraiche and American Caviar; warm asparagus salad with fresh Oregon truffles and fried quail egg; seared Australian Yellowtail with arugula pesto, mesquite honey, and strawberries; pan roasted Colorado lamb with fig chutney and pine nut “risotto”; passion fruit angel food and Cabernet Devil’s food; and strawberry Rosewater Splash.

That is quite a deal at only $58 per person. 

 Location:

17020 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
(480) 585-4848

 Web site: http://www.fairmont.com/scottsdale/GuestServices/Restaurants/TheGrill.htm

Hours of Operation:

Open daily for breakfast and lunch and dinner is available Thursday – Sunday.

Breakfast: 6 – 11 am (located in the bar only)

Lunch: 11 am - 2 pm

Light Fare: 2 – 6 pm (located in the bar only)

Dinner: 6 - 9 pm (Thursday - Monday only)

 

Dress Code:

Resort wear, tailored shirts, collared shirts and slacks recommended for dinner.