Ultimate springtime golf fitness tips for "real" golfers

By Tim McDonald,
National Golf Editor

For those of you unfortunate enough to live in the North, you must be salivating at the thought of the spring golf season.

Hold on, Tiger. You ain't the man you used to be. You can't just jump up and go straight to the golf course after a long winter of sloth and mold.

Now, you will find any number of charlatans willing to sell you their total golf fitness regimens. These sleazoids always assume you're a golfer interested in a cleaner, healthier way of living and golfing. I've seen you out on the course, and I know that's not the sort of thing you're "into."

So here is my total golf fitness regimen for the "real" golfer:

• For God's sake, you have to strengthen your core! This involves eating really hard food, like jawbreakers. Eat a bag of those and have your neighbor punch you in the gut to see if your core is all it can be.

Options: Month-old fudge, Purina Dog Chow, pine bark.

• You also have to really work your obliques, I mean really work the hell out of them. Here's the perfect exercise for that. Lie flat on your back with knees bent slightly wider than your hips. If you have really fat hips, you're either going to have to really stretch your knees like in a cartoon, like The Elastic Man from India, or just skip this exercise. In fact, if you have really fat hips, just skip playing golf, nobody wants to see you out on the course.

Now, you slim-hipped people reach your hands to the ceiling like you're crying out for the Lord Jesus Christ to spare you from your miserable existence. You can hold light hand-weights, or not. What do I care? Lift your head and chest toward the ceiling and rotate to reach both hands just outside of your fat, right knee. Repeat on the left side. Now, take a breather. Ask Christ for forgiveness.

• Breathing exercises: Breathing properly and deeply is critical, especially for those tense moments on the course when normally you would start crying.
This deep-breathing exercise involves attending your local adult movie house, or calling up one of those sites on your Internet browser. Follow your instincts. It's either that or follow mine, and then you're looking at jail time.
• Horizontal abduction/adduction: I can't give you much help here, because I always get "horizontal" confused with "vertical," and I have no idea what adduction is. Who came up with that word, anyway? It's a stupid word and should be eliminated from the English language, if it's even English.

• Standing hip rotation: Don't do this. It makes you look like a girl.

• Alcohol fitness: How many times have you lost $2 Nassaus because while you were getting hamboned, your playing partners were just holding up that bottle of Jack Black pretending to drink?

Well, no need to waste good liquor. You can still drink and maintain your competitive edge. You just need to build up a tolerance. Stand upright in a dark closet, with a wide stance, and suck it down. Keep drinking until your wife leaves you.

• Aerobics: Ha! Don't make me laugh. This is golf!

• Putting: Don't bother to practice putting. Putting in golf is overrated. I play golf maybe 200 times a year and I've yet to meet anyone who can putt. You either make it or you don't. If you miss, just keep putting until the ball goes in the hole. Simple.

• Seniors: As we age, our bodies react differently, so seniors must prepare for golf differently than young punks. An important thing to remember is that there is an inverse relationship of increased ear hair to laughably short drives off the tee.

So keep those ear hairs trim and neat. If you're proud of your thick mane of ear hair, don't sweat it. If you're short off the tee, you're probably small in other areas, and I think you know what I'm talking about.

• Excuses: A healthy psychological outlook is a must for Better Golf. If you can convince yourself that the snap hook you hit into the weeds over there is not your doing at all, you'll retain the confidence needed to excel in the game.

The first time you smack one of your all-too-typical lousy shots, turn to your playing partner and snarl," "Will you stop that!" Look at him, looking all hurt and everything. Who would have thought golf fitness could be so much fun?

• Torque development in the downswing: This is so important, I can barely contain myself. This is vital to any golfer who has ever wanted to improve his score. You could even say it is absolutely critical in terms of reaching your full potential as a golfer and knowing what it is to be truly human.

• Alignment and posture: Face the target squarely and stand erect, with your rump jutting out slightly. Feels a little silly, doesn't it? Can you think of another situation in life where you would position yourself in such an odd manner? I can't.

Immelman’s Steely Nerves Win Masters

Trevor Immelman's swing has been compared to Ben Hogan by one of golf's great players, Gary Player, a three-time Masters Champion.

There is another quality Immelman shares with Hogan that until Sunday at Augusta National Golf Club probably had not received enough attention.

Hogan, also a Masters Champion, was recognized as golf's Wee Ice Mon for his steely nerves. Immelman demonstrated over 72 holes at Augusta National that he has the same kind of determination and cool demeanor.

Immelman shot a final-round 75 Sunday for a 280 total, eight-under-par, and a three-shot victory over four-time Champion Tiger Woods. It is the highest final round score by a winner since Arnold Palmer shot 75 in 1962.

Immelman made it look easy at times, but everybody knows winning the Masters certainly is anything but. He showed resolve and perseverance at every turn. When he needed to hit a key shot or make a clutch putt to ward off challengers, he did. It was quite a display of golf.

Immelman underwent surgery last December 18 to remove a non-cancerous tumor lodged beneath his ribs. He didn't touch a golf club for six weeks and then only was allowed to hit a few pitches and chips.

Now, less than four months later, he is at the pinnacle.

"I made a pretty fast recovery, got back out on tour eager to play, but my game wasn't quite there," he said. "I wasn't happy with the way I was playing. I felt I had to start from zero again. Here I am after missing the cut last week Masters Champion. It's the craziest thing I've ever heard of."

Immelman knew the conditions would be difficult, with a blowing, swirling wind.

"It was a tough day out there," Immelman said. "I knew it was going to be tough out there for us and I knew I had to stick to my game plan, play one shot at a time, and just be tough. I'm proud of myself for doing that.

"This has been the ultimate roller coaster ride and I hate roller coasters."

Two American challengers with six Masters titles between them - Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson - were poised to challenge Immelman but came up short.

They shot even-par 72 in the final round. Woods was runner-up by three shots; Mickelson finished at 286, six strokes behind the winner.

"I just didn't quite have it this week," Woods said. "I didn't make the putts I needed to make this entire week."

Mickelson, winner in 2004 and 2006, posted three rounds at par or better, including a second-round 68. His inability to play the par 3s with efficiency was costly. He made double-bogey and bogey the final two rounds at the 16th hole. He also had two bogeys each at the par-3 sixth and 12th holes.

"I hit two good shots today and made bogeys on four and 16, putting them in a tough spot and three-putting," Mickelson said. "Another three feet and the ball could have rolled down and I could have had a good opportunity (for birdie) both times. Some of it might have been play but some of it might have just been unfortunate."

Mickelson's most unfortunate break came at the par-5 eighth hole during Saturday's third round. His third shot hit the flagstick and caromed away. Instead of a short birdie putt, he three-putted. His charge had ended and try as he might, there was little he could do in the final round.

"I was hoping to make more of a run than I did," Mickelson said. "But it was a tough day and I felt like I had to fight pretty hard to keep it around par. But I certainly had some chances that could have brought it lower. It just doesn't look like it would have been enough anyway.

"I thought I struck the ball pretty well this week and it's encouraging that playing the majors I'm striking the ball better than probably I ever have. My chipping came around this week. It hasn't been where I wanted it."

Vartan Kupelian is the golf writer at The Detroit News.

Byman Inducted into Colorado's Golf Hall Of Fame

The newly appointed director of golf at The Legacy Golf Club in Henderson, Nev., a suburb of Las Vegas, was inducted into Colorado's Golf Hall of Fame on February 21, 2008. Bob Byman, who dominated Colorado golf in the early 1970s in similar fashion to Hale Irwin in the 1960s, will join his Boulder compatriot in the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.

Byman had a brief but phenomenal run as a player while living in Boulder. He won three straight state stroke-play amateur titles (1971, '72 and '73) while a mere 16, 17 and 18 years old. Byman captured the state high school title in 1973, leading Fairview High School to the team championship as well. Byman later became a standout at Wake Forest, where he played on the 1974 and '75 NCAA championship teams with Curtis Strange and Jay Haas.

"It's an honor for us here at OB Sports to have someone like Bob on our staff," said Tom Vold, Director of Golf for The Legacy Golf Club. "The induction into Colorado's Golf Hall of Fame is a very prestigious accomplishment and we are quickly realizing that Bob is a perfect addition to our already highly accredited staff."

As a professional golfer, Byman won a PGA Tour event in 1979 (Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Classic) and five national opens overseas. Byman's career as a player slowed after 1982. However, he kept his passion for the game and has been a successful instructor for the past 20 years, most recently at The Legacy Golf Club outside of Las Vegas, where he's lived since 1999.

"The 1970s were incredible years for me; I played some of the best golf of my life," Byman said. "I don't know if the game can ever get any simpler than it was then. I always tried to get back to that simplicity I had as a kid. "It's a great accomplishment for me to be recognized in the same group of honorees as Hale Irwin and other fine professionals who contributed to the growth and status of Colorado golf."

New restaurant for Aspen golf course

ASPEN — Ownership of the restaurant at the Aspen Golf Club is changing hands, with longtime local restaurateur Shlomo Ben-Hamoo walking away from his lease a year early.

Beginning this spring, Shlomo’s on the Green will become Red Mountain Grille, which will be owned and operated by Jamie Ramey and Rich Burbidge, the current managers of the restaurant.

Steve Aitken, director of golf, will propose a 5-year lease for the Red Mountain Grille at half of the cost of Shlomo’s rent, which was $20,000 a year.

If approved by the Aspen City Council on March 24, Red Mountain Grille will pay $10,000 a year.

The reduced rent will enable the new operators to extend the hours of operation, which has been a bone of contention with golfers in recent years who have complained that Shlomo’s on the Green wasn’t open often enough.

The city’s lease with Shlomo wasn’t structured in a way that required the restaurant to be open during crucial times for golfers at the municipal course. That will change with the new lease.

“We want it tailored to golf,” Aitken said, adding the reduced rent is a subsidy of sorts. “[The restaurant] is not a real money maker for the operation; we look at it as an amenity.”

Golf course restaurants around Colorado also struggle with making a profit and face the same issues of high operational expenses while trying to meet the needs of golfers, Aitken said.

With any city-owned building, a Request For Proposals process is done in an attempt to find competing businesses that are interested in the lease. But in years past, Aitken said there’s been hardly any interest from restaurateurs to open up shop at the golf course, especially operating it year-round.

“It’s hard to find qualified applicants,” Aitken said. “No one would do it in the winter time, they wouldn’t touch it.”

The City Council will be asked to sign off on Red Mountain Grille without going out for bid on the lease. Aitken argues that because Ramey and Burbidge already comanaging the restaurant and have for two years, they are the best candidates to take over the operation.

“A successful restaurant operator needs to be there, on site, and these guys are,” Aitken said. “That’s how you fill the niche and needs of the customers.”

In the past year or so, Shlomo’s focus has turned to other interests and the restaurant appears to have become a low priority for him. Ramey and Burbidge are young, aggressive and ready to make a go of their new business.

“You’ve got two guys who really care about it,” Aitken said. “They are exactly what we need. They definitely want to step it up and make people happy.

“The passion of the operator to do that wasn’t there.”

Ramey has been overseeing the restaurant operations all winter, which has been open Wednesday through Sunday, primarily to serve nordic skiers on the golf course. Winter hours end this weekend.

Ramey and Burbidge will use the weeks before the golf course opens as a transition period to establish their corporation and tweak the restaurant operation.

During the golf season, Red Mountain Grille will open at 7 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m., and later into the evening. That means breakfast for early morning golfers and additional bar service. The previous lease only required the restaurant to be open until 6 p.m. Ramey said that will change this season.

The menu won’t change much and neither will the prices, which average in the $10 range, Ramey said.

“It will be affordable for locals and a good deal for tourists,” Ramey said.

Asked why he and his new business partner want to enter into a venture that’s difficult to turn a profit, Ramey replied, “I don’t think it’s everyone’s chosen profession. I’m a chef and you don’t always do it for the money.”

However, Ramey and Burbidge believe they can make the business successful.

Part of their business plan is to capture the local crowd who live at Truscott and around the golf course off of Cemetery Lane.

“It would seem to be a natural,” Aitken said. “They have a captive audience.”

Ramey and Burbidge have extensive culinary experience. They both have worked at the Aspen Skiing Co.’s restaurants, with Burbidge currently the executive chef at the Merry Go Round at Aspen Highlands.

Ramey has worked at Shlomo’s since 2004, working part-time during the summer months. He became a full-time employee in 2005 and started co-managing it with Burbidge shortly after.

In 2006, discussions about taking over the business began. Last year it was decided that Shlomo would step aside.

“I would like to thank Shlomo because without him, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Ramey said.

Cart service on the golf course is expected to improve as well, with proposed hours of operation to be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with additional service as needed.

It’s unknown when the course will open, considering there is three feet of snow on the links right now. Aitken expects to be open by mid-April, if the weather cooperates.

Season passes are on sale. A 20-punch pass is $475 if purchased by April 1. After that, it will jump to $525. Season passes are $1,000 until April 1, and after that the season passes will be $1,200.

Spring preview: UCCS golfers gear up for title run

With the spring portion of the golf season starting on March 10, the UCCS men’s golf team is preparing for the rest of the season and the NCAA Division II Northwest Regional Championship held in California from May 5-7.

Ending the fall portion of the golf season, UCCS was ranked 19th, and going into the upcoming tournaments, they have moved into 15th without even playing.

“The ranking creates excitement for them, but they know what really matters,” said UCCS coach Phil Trujillo, who was named the Division II Regional Coach of the Year last season. “They know they have to play their best every time and get us past regionals. This team has a lot of experienced players on it, and they realize how important this spring is.”

Last year, the team went into regionals as the top seed because they were the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference champions. They were The RMAC champs two seasons in a row, and they are hoping to accomplish the top spot again this spring and make it to the NCAA Division II Championship held in Texas from May 14-17.

“I’m looking forward to a good spring and a national championship run,” said Trujillo. “We have a very good spring schedule with tournaments in California and Phoenix. I expect them to stay focused on our goals and play their best at all times.”

If you look at the men’s golf roster for this season, you will notice that all of the golfers are originally from Colorado. Trujillo stated that he doesn’t necessarily look for golfers from Colorado only, but with the budget, he goes for the best he can find here first.

“I believe that they understand how to manage their games better from playing in all types of weather,” Trujillo commented. “When it’s 40 degrees without the wind chill, and I tell them we’re teeing it up today, they don’t waiver; they get their clubs and ask what time to be there.”

The team has played extremely well on difficult golf courses, and they are able to create a large separation between themselves and the rest of the pack. They do, however, have a disadvantage on easier courses where the separation gap is lessened because the entire field plays a better game. UCCS does practice on difficult courses which helps them with the experience of tough play.

“We recruit players that have tons of tournament experience, so they know how to play on difficult courses,” explained Trujillo. “Most of these kids at this level can hit it 300 yards plus, and when the course isn’t difficult it becomes a pitch and putt contest. It really changes our mindset when we encounter layouts that reward ‘hit it anywhere and get away with it’, but our experience will allow us to adapt and stay ahead of the competition this spring.”

According to Trujillo, the guys are close, they hang out, and many of them even room with each other. They have friendships beyond the course. The team was also involved with the “Big Brother Association of El Paso County” last year.

“It was very rewarding for them and something that will remain with them for the rest of their lives,” said Trujillo. “It wasn’t easy getting up at 5:30 a.m. to meet their little brothers, but once there it was an amazing experience. We always want to be a part of the community in a positive way.”

Going into this season, four golfers remained from last season; Tyler Bishop, a junior from Longmont, David Hoffman, a junior from Colorado Springs, Eric Winder, a senior from Grand Junction and Barry Cornella, a junior from Canon City. Adding to the upper classmen is David Cosel, a transfer from University of Kansas, and Todd Napikowski, as transfer from New Mexico State. The three freshmen are Mitch Buchner from Loveland, Kevin Chan from Colorado Springs, and Brian Morfeld from Boulder.

When asked how the freshmen are incorporated into the team, Trujillo replied,”It’s a re-learning process for them. We incorporate them by playing many practice rounds with the upper classmen and showing them that collegiate golf is a different ballgame. They learn their roles on the team immediately and know they have to get better quickly.”

Trujillo has a lot of faith and confidence in the team going into the latter part of this season. He believes they are ready for regionals and the upcoming championships.

“I believe that this is the best group of boys that our program has had!” Trujillo exclaimed. “We’re solid in all five spots, and they can all compete with the best of them. I have nothing by confidence in them and look forward to accomplishing our goals.”

Superintendent is Named Colorado's Golf Person of the Year

The Colorado Golf Hall of Fame has named Steve Sarro, a Class A superintendent at Vail (Colo.) Golf Club, as the 2007 Colorado Golf Person of the Year.

Sarro organized and led a group of 28 Colorado and Wyoming superintendents, assistants, turf students, irrigation technicians and vendors to New Orleans in March 2006. The group aided four hurricane-stricken golf courses in their efforts to return to operation. In addition to giving a week of their time and labor to help repair the devastation caused by Katrina, the volunteers raised nearly $30,000 for the struggling Gulf Coast courses.

"I am proud and honored to have been given this award," said Sarro, who becomes the first superintendent to receive the honor. "But I hesitate to put our efforts in the past tense, as the guys down in New Orleans are still there and still giving it their all, after losing almost everything."

The group drove to New Orleans and divided into four groups, each staying five days and working dawn till dark at the public Brechtel Park Golf Course and Audubon Golf Course, as well as private English Turn Golf and Country Club and TPC Louisiana. Each course was extensively damaged by the hurricane. Sarro's crew cut trees, removed stumps and debris, repaired bunkers, greens and drainage, aerified and did general maintenance.

"You'll never appreciate how good it made us all feel to have the actual golfers come up to us and thank us for our efforts," said Sarro, who was also named the 2006 Superintendent of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association and the 2006 Turf Professional of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association.

"For us it was a wonderful opportunity to help them forget the horrible events of Katrina," he added.

Superintendent is Named Colorado's Golf Person of the Year

The Colorado Golf Hall of Fame has named Steve Sarro, a Class A superintendent at Vail (Colo.) Golf Club, as the 2007 Colorado Golf Person of the Year.

Sarro organized and led a group of 28 Colorado and Wyoming superintendents, assistants, turf students, irrigation technicians and vendors to New Orleans in March 2006. The group aided four hurricane-stricken golf courses in their efforts to return to operation. In addition to giving a week of their time and labor to help repair the devastation caused by Katrina, the volunteers raised nearly $30,000 for the struggling Gulf Coast courses.

"I am proud and honored to have been given this award," said Sarro, who becomes the first superintendent to receive the honor. "But I hesitate to put our efforts in the past tense, as the guys down in New Orleans are still there and still giving it their all, after losing almost everything."

The group drove to New Orleans and divided into four groups, each staying five days and working dawn till dark at the public Brechtel Park Golf Course and Audubon Golf Course, as well as private English Turn Golf and Country Club and TPC Louisiana. Each course was extensively damaged by the hurricane. Sarro's crew cut trees, removed stumps and debris, repaired bunkers, greens and drainage, aerified and did general maintenance.

"You'll never appreciate how good it made us all feel to have the actual golfers come up to us and thank us for our efforts," said Sarro, who was also named the 2006 Superintendent of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Golf Course Superintendents Association and the 2006 Turf Professional of the Year by the Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association.

"For us it was a wonderful opportunity to help them forget the horrible events of Katrina," he added.

Cougar Canyon Golf Links Designated as one of the “Top 10 New Courses You Can Play” by GOLF Magazine

TRINIDAD, Colorado – The new Cougar Canyon Golf Links has received the coveted distinction of Top 10 New Courses You Can Play by GOLF Magazine as listed in the January 2008 issue. Members of this prestigious group are considered to be the best new public-access courses that opened in 2007. Approximately 60 new public courses were reviewed.

GOLF Magazine compiles this list annually relying on the opinion of 95 independent course-ranking panelists, editors and field researchers. The Top 10 New Courses You Can Play category was established ten years ago, derived from GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the United States list. Panelists play a variety of courses then submit reviews and comments to Joe Passov, Travel Editor and Chairman of GOLF Magazine’s Rating Panel. "In a very competitive year for new public-access courses, Cougar Canyon was one of the standouts. Nicklaus Design has compiled a superb track record in this category in recent years, so it should come as no surprise that when you combine an excellent layout with a dramatic natural setting, you have a recipe for a winner," says Passov.

Created by Nicklaus Design, this par 72, 7789 yard links style course is a unique combination of mountain and desert terrain with split fairways, pedestal greens, and black sand bunkers. The Sangre de Cristo mountain range provides the backdrop, setting the stage for this scenic location. The temperate climate of southern Colorado allows for play during all four seasons.

Eric Seise, Jr., Cougar Canyon Golf Resort Community Managing Director, is thrilled with the designation. “This is precisely what we have been striving for,” says Seise. “We designed Cougar Canyon to be one of the premier golf resorts in the country.”

PGA Director of Golf Operations Matt Reams says, “The course slope ratings at Cougar Canyon of 120 to 139 demonstrate the great diversity found throughout our four tee locations thereby offering a comparable challenge for all skill levels.” All abilities are tested on signature hole #16, a par 3 island green which will challenge even the most precise golfer.

Cougar Canyon Golf Links is open for public play and green fees are $59. The Pro Shop is located at 304 Shanahan Drive, Trinidad, CO. For information and tee times, call 719-422-7015. Visit online at www.cougarcanyonliving.com.

Bob Byman named for induction to Colorado Golf Hall of Fame

HENDERSON, Nev. -- The newly appointed director of golf at The Legacy Golf Club in Henderson, a surrounding suburb of Las Vegas, was inducted into Colorado’s Golf Hall of Fame on Thursday February 21, 2008. Bob Byman, who dominated Colorado golf in the early 1970s in similar fashion to Hale Irwin’s domination in the 1960s, will join his fellow former Boulder phenom in the Colorado Golf Hall of Fame.

Byman had a brief but phenomenal run as a player while living in Boulder. He not only won three straight state stroke play amateur titles (1971, '72 and '73), but he did it as a 16, 17, and 18-year-old. Byman also captured the state high school title in 1973, leading Fairview High School to the team championship as well.

“It’s an honor for us here at OB Sports to have someone like Bob on our staff,” said Tom Vold, Director of Golf for The Legacy Golf Club. “The induction into Colorado’s Golf Hall of Fame is a very prestigious accomplishment and we are quickly realizing that Bob is a perfect addition to our already highly accredited staff.”

Byman went on to become a standout at Wake Forest, where he played on the 1974 and '75 NCAA championship teams with Curtis Strange and Jay Haas.

As a professional golfer, Byman won a PGA TOUR event in 1979 (Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Classic) and five national opens overseas. Byman's career as a player slowed after 1982; however, he’s maintained his passion for the game and has been a successful instructor for the past 20 years; most recently at The Legacy Golf Club outside of Las Vegas, where he's lived since 1999.

"The 1970s were incredible years for me; I played some of the best golf of my life," Byman said. "I don't know if the game can ever get any simpler than it was then. I always tried to get back to that simplicity I had as a kid. "It's a great accomplishment for me to be recognized in the same group of honorees as Hale Irwin and other fine professionals who contributed to the growth and status of Colorado golf.”

The Legacy Golf Club, a true test of golf at 7,233 yards from the back tees, is conveniently located 10 minutes from McCarran International Airport. The 10th hole may be the most recognizable in Las Vegas with tee boxes in the shape of a spade, club, diamond and heart. The rest of the course is memorable as well, especially the “Devil’s triangle,” holes 11, 12 and 13 that are crisscrossed with desert canyons and lava outcroppings. In fact, the 13th hole recently received honorable mention as “The Best Par-4 in Las Vegas” by VegasGolfer magazine in its annual poll of readers and staffers. To schedule your golf reservations call 702.897.2187, or visit www.thelegacygc.com.

The Legacy Golf Clubs is professionally managed by OB Sports Golf Management, a diversified, golf-oriented company with a long history of success. OB Sports currently manages 30 premier golf courses and country clubs throughout the United States and Mexico. Known for its comprehensive and personalized services since 1972, OB Sports has become widely acclaimed as the leader in boutique-style golf course management. For more information on OB Sports, visitwww.obsports.com or call 480.948.1300.

Pioneers Finish 15th in Hawaii

HONOLULU, Hawai’i — Junior Jeff Koprivetz (Yorba Linda, Calif.) shot a final round 5-under par 67 Friday to finish in sixth place individually, leading the University of Denver men’s golf team to a 15th place at the John A. Burns Intercollegiate golf tournament held at Leilehua Golf Course. The Pioneers shot a final round 3-under par 285 for a 54-hole score of 857 (7-under par) and finished 37 strokes back of tournament winner Auburn, who shot a tournament record three-round score of 820 (44-under par). Texas A&M finished second with a score of 831.

Koprivetz shot 68-70-67 – 205 (11-under par) to finish just four strokes out of first place. Stephen Hale of Cal shot three consecutive rounds of 67 to take medalist honors with a 54-hole score of 201 (15-under par).

Next for Denver was sophomore Espen Kofstad (Oslo, Norway), who shot three consecutive rounds of 2-under par 70 to finish with a 54-hole score of 210 (6-under par) and in a tie for 25th place, nine strokes back.

Senior Scott Tashie (Memphis, Tenn.) was third for the Pioneers in a tie for 54th place with an even-par total of 216 (73-70-73), 15 shots back.

DU’s two other players were playing in their first collegiate tournaments. Freshman Austin Uhl (Phoenix, Ariz.) shot 77-76-75 – 228 to finish tied for 101st and sophomore Jon Lopez (Aurora, Colo.) shot 75-77-78 – 230 to finish in a tie for 104th.

DU is next in action beginning Monday, March 18 when the Pioneers play in the 2008 Barona Collegiate Cup in San Diego.

Major golf heading back to Colorado

Hale Irwin stood on a makeshift tee box on a third-floor balcony of The Broadmoor clubhouse on Monday, staring at a pin some 76 yards away.

Wearing dress shoes and no glove and swinging a borrowed a 56-degree wedge, he promptly lofted a shot to within five feet of the pin.

With that shot, Colorado was back on the clock for a return of professional golf. Irwin and his band of senior players will return to the state - at least for a year - with the 2008 U.S. Senior Open next July.

The state has been left with a void since the loss of The International earlier this year.

"Colorado's naked with professional golf now," Irwin said. "Colorado deserves professional golf."

Irwin still can't believe The International is no longer around. The tournament began in 1986 and featured a unique scoring system that rewarded aggressive play. But the tournament needed $8.5 million in sponsorships and Jack Vickers, the founder and president of Castle Pines Golf Club, wasn't going to cut corners.

"I'm either going to do it right or I'm not going to do it," Vickers said in February, and withdrew The International from the Tour.

"I was saddened by it," Irwin said. "I loved the whole idea behind The International. I think it was very popular. It's beyond me to say why it went on its way."

The 2008 Senior Open is already benefiting by the defunct tournament. The Senior Open has 1,700 volunteers lined up, most of whom used to work at The International.

"It's truly a shame we're not going to have an International this summer," Senior Open championship director Douglas Habgood said. "We're hoping that (fans) will be real hungry for golf in 2008. We're going to do our best to take care of those people."

This will be the sixth United States Golf Association event staged at The Broadmoor, and the first since the 1995 U.S. Women's Open, which was won by an up-and-coming golfer named Annika Sorenstam. Jack Nicklaus won the 1959 U.S. Amateur at this course.

Although the tournament is still more than a year away, some of the golfers expected to show include Mark O'Meara, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Tom Watson and Craig Stadler. Irwin is the honorary chairman of the event that will be held July 28 to Aug. 3, 2008.

"This is a wonderful spot," Irwin said. "I think the players who come here for the 2008 Senior Open will be extremely pleased with what they find. It's unbelievable."

The purse for the Senior Open is expected to be $2.5 million with the winner getting around $470,000.

"It's never enough," Irwin said as media relations manager Pete Kowalski announced the winner's cut of the earnings.

Irwin would love nothing more than to be in contention on the final day at the Senior Open.

"That would be another one of those dreams," said Irwin, who was a defensive back for the Buffaloes before focusing on golf. "Just give me a chance. That's all I've ever said. Give me a chance going into the last nine holes, then it's up to me."

Top 10 True Western Towns of 2008 by True West Magazine

TRINIDAD, CO We’ll admit it—we didn’t think of Trinidad (the one in Colorado, not the one in the Caribbean) as a big tourist spot. We were wrong. More than 400,000 people visited in 2006. And they’re following a lot of folks from the past. In the 1800s, thousands passed through Trinidad on the Santa Fe Trail. Others stopped by en route from New Mexico to Denver (now I-25). In 1882, that group included Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday, fresh from the infamous Vendetta Ride and running from Arizona authorities; their pal Bat Masterson was Trinidad’s town marshal. Things haven’t changed much since they dropped by. The El Corazon de Trinidad National Historic District basically covers downtown and more than 40 buildings. Some 6.5 miles of brick streets meander through Trinidad, giving even greater authenticity to structures like the Baca House, an 1870 adobe restored to its traditional look and containing period furnishings and art. The Bloom Mansion, built in 1882, is currently being renovated. The Santa Fe Trail Museum is housed in the former workers’ quarters at the Baca House and features exhibits of the area’s past. Several other preservation projects are either underway or in the planning stages. One of Trinidad’s largest commercial buildings, the McCormick, is almost finished. The Toltec Building is being converted to retail and residences. Owners had to replace a back brick wall and strengthen the first floor supports of the Barela Building. The White/Glenn residence is being changed from a B&B into meeting rooms and antiques. The Jaffa Opera House has a new owner who plans to restore it to its 1882 appearance. All of those are private efforts, undertaken by individuals or businesses. Some public projects include a facelift for city hall, stabilization of the Bloom House and restoration of the Temple Aaron. The bottom line: Trinidad works hard to maintain its heritage. The city celebrates that heritage by hosting events like the Santa Fe Trail Festival and the County Rodeo and Fair, which dates back to 1910. Frankly, this description covers just a fragment of the historic sites, institutions, events and preservation efforts that make Trinidad special. You’d be surprised, just as we were. Maybe the best way to find out is to join the hundreds of thousands who visit this Top True Western Town each year.

Colorado Buffalo Golfers Move Into 10th In Hawai'i

HILO, Hawai’i — The University of Colorado men’s golf team moved into 10th place after recording its best round of school year here Thursday in the second round of the first round of the Hawai’i-Hilo Intercollegiate.

No. 5 Stanford took over the team lead with a 22-under par team score of 538; the Cardinal was on fire with a 263 score for the second round, or 17-under. Arizona State is five shots off the lead (543), with No. 7 USC in third, six back (544).

Colorado moved up two notches from 12th into 10th, as the Buffaloes shot a 6-under 274 Thursday for a 2-under 558 total. It was the sixth best team total for the day in the 18-team tournament.

CU, Stanford and Oregon State were the only three teams to have five of their players shoot par or better on the 6,738-yard, par-70 Waikoloa Village Golf Course layout.

Senior Michael Baird matched his CU career low score by carding a 4-under 66, which gave him a 5-under 135 score through two rounds, tying him for 11th place overall.

Senior Jim Grady, who had recorded his first round in the 60’s in his college career on Wednesday with a 1-under 69, matched that effort again and is tied for 18th with a 2-under 138 total.

Sophomore Justin Bardgett also shot a 1-under 69 and stands at 2-over par 142, tied for 51st; it bettered his previous college best by four strokes as he put his first sub-70 score in the books.

Freshman Michael Imperato and sophomore Luke Symons each shot even par 70, and have 143 and 144 totals, respectively, entering Friday’s final round.

“I felt good about how the way guys responded from yesterday,” head coach Roy Edwards said. “Everything we stressed last night in our team meeting we did well. We really were focused on our next shot ahead of us and were more confident.

“The guys are doing the important things that will make you better, and we’re starting to see the results,” he added. “We still left some shots out there, which is good in a manner of speaking because there’s room to improve.

“But I am encouraged we’re doing this so early. The guys have done a good job of getting out in Colorado, even though the weather hasn’t been the greatest, so to see these results this early, I am happy with that, for sure.”

Two players share the leads, as Arizona State’s Jesper Kennegard and USC’s Jamie Lovemark are in with 9-under 131 totals through 36 holes; Kennegard was one of two players to record a 63 Thursday.

The tournament concludes with the final round Friday.

BUFFALO INDIVIDUALS

T11. Michael Baird............................ 69-66—135

T18. Jim Grady................................. 69-69—138

T51. Justin Bardgett.......................... 73-69—142

T60. Michael Imperato...................... 73-70—143

T64. Luke Symons............................ 74-70—144

TOP 5 INDIVIDUALS

1. Jamie Lovemark, USC................ 66-65—131

1. Jesper Kennegard, Arizona St. ... 68-63—131

3. Rob Grube, Stanford .................. 65-67—132

3. Sihwan Kim, Stanford................. 69-63—132

3. Cameron Tringale, Ga. Tech....... 65-67—132

3. Stephan Gross, Arizona State...... 64-68—132

TEAM SCORES

1. Stanford................................. 275-263—538

2. Arizona State......................... 271-272—543

3. Southern California............... 274-270—544

4. Texas Tech............................ 271-275—546

5. Georgia Tech......................... 275-272—547

6. Washington........................... 280-270—550

7. Oregon State......................... 273-278—551

8. Oklahoma............................. 277-276—553

9. Oregon.................................. 279-276—555

10. COLORADO........................... 284-274—558

11. TCU....................................... 284-275—559

12. UC-Davis................................ 288-277—565

13. CSU-Bakersfield.................... 283-283—566

14. Kansas................................... 285-282—567

15. Hawai’i-Hilo.......................... 282-286—568

16. Hawai’i.................................. 292-278—570

17. Santa Clara............................ 288-284—572

18. Pacific................................... 291-282—573

Pioneers Wrap Up 13th Place Finish at Regional Challenge

LAS VERDES, Fla. — The seventh-ranked University of Denver women’s golf team shot a final round 27-over par 311 Wednesday and finished in 13th place at the Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge held at Palos Verdes Golf Club. The Pioneers, playing their first competitive tournament since November, shot 316-303-311 – 930 in the 54-hole event and finished back in the pack. Second-ranked UCLA won with a 24-over par total of 876, defeating runner-up Florida by seven shots (931).

Pacing the Pioneers was junior Katie Kempter (Albuquerque, N.M.), who shot 79-76-76 – 231 (18-over par) to finish the tournament in a tie for 38th place. Kempter’s final round score of 76 was DU’s best on Wednesday.

Next for the Pioneers was sophomore Stephanie Sherlock (Barrie, Ontario), who shot a final round 80 and 54-hole score of 232 to finish in a tie for 43rd. Junior Dawn Shockley (Estes Park, Colo.) finished in a tie for 57th; and senior Chelsea Benton (Englewood, Colo.) and freshman Ellie Givens (Darlington, England) finished tied for 63rd to round out DU’s scorers.

Being from warm-weather climates seriously helped the teams in the tournament, as 11 of the 15 schools in the event come from warmer climates and those schools took each of the top 11 spots. BYU finished 12th (925) followed by Denver (930), Michigan State (939) and Ohio State (942).

DU is next in action beginning Friday, March 7 when the Pioneers tee it up at the Texas A&M “Mo” Morial at Traditions Golf Club in College Station, Texas.

Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants awarded to 18 chapters of The First Tee --CO Chapter is Recipient

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. -- The PGA Foundation, in conjunction with golf legend Jack Nicklaus, has begun the 2008 golf season awarding teaching grants totaling $90,000 to 18 chapters of The First Tee representing 14 states.

To date, 155 of the 206 active chapters of The First Tee nationwide have been recipients of either a PGA of America or Nicklaus/PGA teaching grant. The combined PGA and Nicklaus/PGA grants total $1,810,000.

Since 2001, The PGA of America and Nicklaus have partnered to create a $2 million endowment to provide teaching grants to certified chapters of The First Tee that utilize PGA Professionals for instruction.

"The PGA of America is proud to kick off this New Year with our partner Jack Nicklaus to extend Nicklaus/PGA Teaching Grants coast to coast," said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. "The wonderful messages and reports we receive are that these grants continue to produce success stories in communities. The First Tee momentum has helped grow the game of golf and brought many young people into the game."

The program continues to highlight The PGA of America's commitment to partner with its PGA Professionals to grow participation in golf.

The current Nicklaus/PGA teaching grants totaling $5,000 each have been awarded to The First Tee Chapters in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

Since its inception in 1997, there are 206 chapters of The First Tee in operation and 264 golf-learning facilities that have introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 2.2 million participants and students (which include the students of the National School Program). The focus is to give young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop, through golf and character education, life-enhancing values such as honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.

The PGA Growth of the Game Program is one of a number of initiatives administered by The PGA of America through its PGA Foundation

The PGA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, is dedicated to enhancing lives through the game of golf. The Foundation provides people of every ability, race, gender, and social and economic background an opportunity to experience the game and learn vital life lessons. The PGA Foundation achieves its mission through programs which provide instruction and access to playing the game of golf along with enriching those lives by providing educational, employment and scholarship opportunities.

For more information about the PGA Foundation, visit www.pgafoundation.org, or call (561) 624-7612.

Nicklaus/PGA of America Teaching Grant - $5,000 awarded to each chapter
The First Tee of Greater Trenton - Hamilton, N.J.
The First Tee of The Tri-Valley - Pleasanton, Calif.
The First Tee of Myrtle Beach - Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The First Tee of Columbia Basin - Pasco, Wash.
The First Tee of New Orleans - New Orleans, La.
The First Tee of Albany - Albany, Ga.
The First Tee of Clearwater - Clearwater, Fla.
The First Tee of Modesto - Modesto, Calif.
The First Tee of Metropolitan NY/Essex County - Newark, N.J.
The First Tee of Northern Nevada - Reno, Nev.
The First Tee of Eagle County - Edwards, Colo.
The First Tee of Idaho - Boise, Idaho
The First Tee of the Lake Norman Region - Cornelius, N.C.
The First Tee of Central Louisiana - Pineville, La.
The First Tee of Harford County, Md. - Aberdeen, Md.
The First Tee of Metropolitan NY/Nassau County - East Meadow, N.Y.
The First Tee of Metropolitan NY/Golf Club at Chelsea Piers - New York, N.Y.
The First Tee of Brazoria County - Lake Jackson, Texas

Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold: to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $195 billion golf industry.

By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere.

The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.