NWGA Golf Travel Blog

Portland's LPGA stop is safe

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 03:00:00 GMT

When the LPGA announced this week that it will trim back on the number of events on its schedule, I'm sure there were more than a few peopel holding their breath regarding the Safeway Classic in Portland. The tournament's sponsor, though, has made sure the popular event will stay in the area.

For now, the SemGroup Championship and the Ginn Tribute have been removed from the schedule. Safeway, which also sponsored the Safeway International in Phoenix, has said it would focus solely on the Classic in Portland. That may mean the end of the International.

Should anyone be surprised by the fact that cuts are being made? The PGA and LPGA tours have two of the fullest schedules in sports, with events just about every weekend. It's hard to find high dollar sponsors for these events when times are good, but much more difficult when times are tough. I'd be schocked to not see MORE cuts.

Let's just hope the fans continue attending the events, providing value for the companies that do choose to attach their names to golf tournaments.

Give golf a chance

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 03:00:00 GMT

The pitch is being made for golf to be included in the 2016 Olympic games. This time, the idea is coming from the International Golf Federation during a meeting with the IOC.

Making the presentation were Peter Dawson, chief executive of The R&A and joint secretary of the IGF, and PGA TOUR executive Ty Votaw, Executive Director of the IGF Olympic Golf Committee.

The best thing about the presentation, though, was the video portion that included clips from the world's top players expressing support for golf as an Olympic sport. When the greatest players from all over the world want another venue in which to compete against each other, I say we give it to them.

Golf has not been included in the Summer Games since 1904, when the games were held in St. Louis, Missouri. In those games, medals were awarded for both individual and team play.

Right now, the only 'patriotic' competitions golfers have are the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. Neither of those competitions give the players a chance to earn glory for their individual country (unless they're from the United States). While there wouldn't be prize money involved in Olympic golf, the lure of earning medals for their home countries would drive the world's greatest golfers to greater heights.

Wanna watch the video used in the presentation? Click here...

The hits keep coming

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Chamber's Bay announced last week that Chamber's Bay had received another award.

From a KemperSports press release...

KemperSports is pleased to announce that Chambers Bay, the nationally acclaimed links-style golf course in University Place, Wash., has been selected by the Society of American Travel Writers as a recipient of the 2008 Phoenix Award.

The Phoenix Award is given annually to individuals or organizations who are actively involved in conservation, preservation, beautification and anti-pollution campaigns which further the growth and appeal of North American travel destinations.

“Chambers Bay is truly honored to receive this award from the Society of American Travel Writers,” said Chambers Bay general manager, Matt Allen. “This is a true testament to the commitment we have made to the conservation and preservation of our natural landscape.”

Chambers Bay, the host of the 2015 U.S. Open and the 2010 U.S. Amateur Championships, received the award in its first full year of operation.

The Society of American Travel Writers aims to promote responsible journalism while encouraging the conservation and preservation of travel resources worldwide. For more information about the Society of American Travel Writers, visit their official website at www.satw.org .

For more information on Chambers Bay or Pierce County, visit www.chambersbaygolf.com .

Sad day for golf retailer

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Another local golf retailer has closed its doors in the Portland area. Oregon Golf, with three locations throughout the Portland Metro area was forced to close up shop and go into bankruptcy.

It's hard to put a finger on just what went wrong for Oregon Golf. They typically had a great selection of items, competitive prices and some of the best sales people in the business. If I had to guess, I would say that the slumping economy combined with the introduction of larger, national golf chains helped bring down our local alternative.

Golf Galaxy rolled into Beaverton several years ago, but with just one store, folks were reluctant to drive out there from the East Side and Vancouver. Golf Smith, with two convenient locations, was likely a big draw that pulled customers away, too. Online ordering has also made it easier to buy golf equipment and shop for the best prices.

The closing of Oregon Golf is a real shame. It's a reminder that, if you have a local golf shop that you want to see succeed, stay loyal to them and take your business there.

Cool New Stuff from Ogio

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Some people might think Ogio is beating a dead horse, but I don't think so. The innovations they add each year to the golf bag are nothing short of amazing. For 2009, they've done it again.

This time, the innovation comes in the form of a convertible carry strap. It makes the bag easy to carry on one shoulder or two. Here's the full press release:

BLUFFDALE, Utah (October 8, 2008) - OGIO's award-winning golf bag designers have struck again with their "twin trademarks - innovation and irreverence." *The company's new convertible strap, which enables golfers to quickly convert a single-strap bag to a double-strap, delivers yet another unexpected solution begging the question, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Responding to pleas from green-grass shops around the nation, OGIO developed a streamlined, intuitive and comfortable carry bag for golfers and their caddies. The company's new "CC" (Country Club) series golf bags feature a sliding strap sleeve which allows the bag to convert instantly from a single- to a double-shoulder strap bag. In its single-strap mode, the padded sleeve contains both straps providing a doubly comfortable carrying experience.

Converting OGIO's CC bags to double-strap system is a uniquely simple process. First, golfers slide the compression sleeve down, moving one attachment clip to a second attachment point placed mid-bag, and then slip the straps over the shoulders. With its equally sized and padded straps, there is no need for a "left" or "right" designation as they work seamlessly regardless of position.

"We always thought we could create something better in the convertible strap category," explains Cal Harris, OGIO's national golf sales manager. "Our club pros made it clear that they wanted something deluxe but aesthetically clean, so their own logo would jump out. They wanted an OGIO bag - make no mistake about that - but they wanted an OGIO bag that they could personalize. I'm confident we delivered on all points with the new CC collection."

OGIO's best-selling Ozone ($180.00 MSRP) and Vaporlite ($150.00 MSRP) bags have been adapted to the new CC program, providing signature details such as the Ball Silo; walking-accessible water bottle holsters; and the company's latest catch-free stand iteration called the Arc Lite. Both the Ozone CC and the Vaporlite CC are available in navy, red, hunter green, and black, all ready for customization.

Michelle Wie goes to Q School

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Michelle Wie announced -- actually, I think it was her father who made the announcement -- that she would play in the upcoming LPGA Q School Qualifier. If she fails to make it to the finals in Florida, she'll have another chance the following week.

The question here is, who cares? How much longer do I have to keep reading about an under-achieving golfer who can't win against other women, but continues to play in men's events and miss the cut? Can anyone argue that Michelle Wie is still relevant at all? I say no.

Let's face it, Wie had a great run. Winning the Public Links and being in contention before and just after turning professional was a great story. But injury, a bad attitude and poor planning by her parents have turned her into a non-factor in women's golf.

What will it take to change my mind about the big-hitting Wie? First, she needs to get through Q School and earn her card for the LPGA Tour. Then, she needs to committ to playing a full tour schedule and not entering any men's events. Finally, she needs to rise to the occasion and get that break-through win. Basically, I want Wie to prove she deserves to be a professional golfer who gets more attention than some of the women who have multiple wins over the last three seasons.

Think I'm wrong? Let me know by posting a comment below...

Another child for Tiger

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 03:00:00 GMT

You have to give Tiger credit. Even when he's still months away from swinging a golf club or competing in a tournament, he still manages to steal the show.

With the golf world focused on the FedEx Cup (which Vijay Singh is quickly closing out) and the Ryder Cup, Woods has been in the spotlight over the past week.

First, he sat down for an interview to promote his newest video game. Did he have much to say? Not really, plenty of yes and no questions and a little bit of humming. Then, Tuesday, he announced through his website that he and his wife were expecting their second child.

Why bother bringing these two items to your attention. It's just another example of the staying power Tiger has. Analysts have been talking about life without Tiger for months now. Even when other golfers are rising up and playing some great rounds, fans and the media are hooked on Tiger.

Wait until the circus surrounding his return next year.

Is LPGA mandate a mistake?

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Following the weekend's LPGA Safeway Classic in Portland, reports have come out that the tour will require all players to learn English. After two years on tour, those who fail to show a grasp of the language will have their memberships suspended.

According to the report, a written explanation of the policy has yet to be given to the players.

Unlike the PGA Tour, which typically sees only a handful of non-english speakers on a weekly basis, the LPGA's events feature a number of great foreign players (mainly from South Korea). The numbers continue to grow, meaning more and more players are unable to communicate and relate to the tour's fan base.

Many people are calling the LPGA out on this new policy. But, like many of the South Korean players, I agree with the tour and call it a good move. If they want to draw more fans, they need to give them more than just the Gulbis', Pressel's and Creamer's. They need to market the foreign players who seem to be in the mix week-in and week-out.

For now, players have until the end of 2009 to work on their English before the first round of proficiency tests. Let's see how that goes before we condemn the LPGA for making a move to increase its popularity.

Columbia Edgewater goes out with a bang

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:00:00 GMT

Over the years, Columbia Edgewater has seen its share of fantastic finishes at the LGPA Safeway Classic. From Juli Inkster's win to qualify for the Hall of Fame, to Annika Sorenstam to Lorena Ochoa, the course has been a great venue for golf. Sunday's finish held form.

With the tournament moving to Pumpkin Ridge next year, Columbia Edgewater got one more great tournament that ended with Kristie Kerr winning a three-woman playoff. It was all made possible by a seven-under 65 on Sunday that allowed her to pick up the four strokes she needed to get back into contention.

After covering the event for years and even volunteering a couple of times, I know the work that goes into staging the tournament each and every year. However, it's the club's members we should thank for giving us the opportunity to tromp all over their fairways and get an inside look at one of the area's best clubs.

Thanks to all the ladies who come out to Portland each year, as well. See you next year at Pumpkin Ridge.

Fire destroys carts at Persimmon CC

info@nwgolfadventures.com — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 03:00:00 GMT

It's no joke. 23 firefighters were dispatched to Persimmon Country Club on Monday to fight a fire that broke out near the clubhouse. Investigators say the blaze started in a cart parked next to the pro shop.

The blaze was contained to two golf carts and some exterior paneling. Damage to the carts and exterior of the building is estimated at roughly $40,000.

Right now, it like there's nothing suspicious going on, but we'll let you know if further investigation turns up anything.