Fore! Time to get back out on the greens

By Charlie Good

The time has arrived to dust off your clubs and hit the links, or at least the driving range. The 2012 golf season is upon us, and down in Reno it never stopped with many of the courses staying open year-round.

This time of year, I usually try to address those additional swing faults that have crept into my swing since last summer. During the off-season, I did little to no practice, hoping that muscle memory would kick in during the summer.

Unfortunately, that was not the case and now I find that I have a plethora of swing issues. However, I did find time to enjoy some of my favorite golf movies such as “Tin Cup,” “Legend of Bagger Vance” and, of course, “Caddyshack.” But enough, with my golf maladies and motivational ploys, let us talk about the ways in which you can improve your game.

What’s in your bag?
First and foremost, before hitting the range you should check your bag. For many recreational golfers, the right clubs can make all the difference with larger sweet spots and improved distance and trajectory. Nothing gives you bragging rights like a drive that is 30 to 40 yards longer than anyone else. Callaway Razr Fit and the Nike VR_S are two of the most popular new drivers that will give you forgiveness on off-center hits and conservatively improve your drives by 20 to 30 yards, if you are currently using older drivers. Both come with a large price tag, but are worth it as you see your friends mouths drop after you just destroyed your drive and are now chipping to the green.

As for irons, the TaylorMade R11 and Callaway Razr Fit will simultaneously improve your distance, accuracy and feel. I recently played with the Callaway clubs and let me tell you, it was amazing. Not only was I predominantly in the fairway, a place that was foreign to me before, but even when I mishit, I was still not slicing the ball.

Finally, you should take a look at the most important club in your bag – your putter. Ben Sayers once said, “A good player who is a great putter is a match for any golfer. A great hitter who cannot put is a match for no one.” The Odyssey 2-ball putters are my favorites. These putters have two balls the same size as a standard golf ball, which result in excellent alignment. They are quite popular, if you don’t believe me take a look around the PGA Tour and you will likely see them used extensively.

Practice, practice, practice
Once you have upgraded your bag, you are ready to hit the range. Hopefully, you have been diligently working out or keeping in shape since believe or not, golf does require certain muscles to be toned. Also, make sure to stretch before letting the big dog eat for the first time; otherwise, he may starve if you pull something. During my friend’s first round last season he failed to warm-up properly and it resulted in him forgoing the first month of the golf season as he was nursing a sore back and neck. There are several local courses that have driving ranges that are now open.

The Championship Course in Incline Village will be open on May 15, but its practice facilities are now open and are second to none. They offer a 28-stall driving range that offers five target greens ranging from 40 to 200 yards, which create a variety of hitting options. The hitting mats are of high quality with the option of inserting your own tee. If you want to practice your short game, the chipping green area is just west of the driving range with two bunkers and 6,200 square feet of practice greens and plenty of turf areas to practice different shots.

Old Brockway also has a driving range and practice green that are open, along with its course in Kings Beach. This 9-hole course meanders through Jeffery pines with great views of Lake Tahoe. This 3,400-yard course offers two par 5s, along with tight fairways and postage stamp greens. An interesting historical fact is that Old Brockway was the home of the first Bing Crosby golf tournament in 1934-35, which eventually became the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Early season specials up to Memorial Day weekend include $30 for 9-holes or $55 for 18-holes, without a cart. To book at tee time, call (530) 546-9909 or visit oldbrockway.com.

The Ponderosa Golf Course also is open, offering 3,022 yards of challenging golf. This par-35 course is a fun, but challenging golf experience that offers some of the best deals in the area. Right now, you can play for $30 for 9-holes or $50 for 18-holes, cart not included. Too book a tee time, call (530) 587-3501.

Area courses offer great play
Within a short drive from Truckee are some must-play courses that have been open for several weeks. Two of my favorites are Whitehawk and Grizzly Ranch. Whitehawk Ranch Golf Club is located in Clio, with one of the finest golfing experiences in California’s High Sierra. This Dick Bailey-designed, par-71 course plays 6,983 yards. The course is carved from the natural terrain of the Mohawk Valley and offers spectacular scenery from every hole. They also offer a top-notch practice facility with natural grass driving range stalls that has you hitting Titleist range balls. Whitehawk is offering an all-you-can-play rate through May 24 for $95. To book a tee time, call (530) 836-0394 or visit golfwhitehawk.com.

Grizzly Ranch is perhaps the best kept golfing secret in the Sierra. This course was designed by Bob Cupp, creator of Oregon’s Pumpkin Ridge. This course is the recipient of 11 Best New Course awards. Grizzly Ranch takes mountain golf to a new level with long, gentle rolling slopes, large ponderosa pines, native wetlands and spectacular views of the High Sierra on nearly every hole. This 7,407-yard, par-72 course will likely test golfers of all ages and abilities while providing an enjoyable golf experience. Until the end of May, take advantage of its spring special with 18-hole rates with cart for $80 or a $95 all-you-can-play rate. Grizzly Ranch is located in Portola. Too book a tee time, call (530) 832-1800 or visit grizzlyranch.com.

So forget your opponents and always play against par. And, remember golf is a passion, obsession, a romance, a nice acquaintance with trees, sand and water – so enjoy the journey and may all your rounds be memorable.

Check out the Golf chart in every issue of The Weekly for local courses openings and rates.