the CGCOA
Insider
Volume 5 Issue 1 • Winter 2011
INSIDE this issue • CGCOA Principles. . . . . 2 • CGCoa board . . . . . . . . . 2 • CGCOA Course of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Golf is Good For Your Health . . . . . . . . . . 7 • SPONSORs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
NEXT MEETING: march 15, 2011 (south)
CGCOA MEMBER PROFILE
Bob Higgins Facility: Saddle Creek Golf Club City: Copperopolis, CA Position: PGA General Manager How were you introduced to the game of golf? By friends in my late 20s who enjoyed “taking my money” on the course which led to joining the Men’s Club at Edgewood Tahoe. What attracted you to the golf business? Initially it was playing the game and the opportunity to work part-time in the golf business in Hawaii. Eventually I pursued a career in golf because I enjoyed the industry and its hospitality aspect.
Riverwalk GC san diego, ca
CGCOA 30098 Red Barn Place Canyon Lake, CA 92581 www.golfcalifornia.org
PUBLISHED BY IN THE LOOP GOLF, INC. 1206 Fourth Street Santa Rosa, CA 95404
(707) 569-8481 DESIGN BY J HILL DESIGN (707) 321-0026 COMMENTS
Please write to shaw@intheloopgolf.com
What were you doing prior to your current position? I was employed by the Northern California Golf Association (NCGA) for 13 years, as PGA General Manager at Poppy Ridge Golf Course (a 27-hole facility in Livermore, CA) and prior to that I served as PGA Director of Golf at Poppy Hills Golf Course (Pebble Beach, CA). In your current position you wear many hats. Share your primary responsibilities. Today, I oversee Saddle Creek Resort operations, a semi-private residential community owned by Castle & Cooke in the foothill town of Copperopolis, CA. Saddle Creek has an 18-hole golf course highly rated in California, with accommodations for Stay and Play golfers, full dining restaurant, and Sports Club with fitness center, swimming pool and tennis courts. Primary responsibility is to provide quality product and service to all members and guests and to work closely with our real estate team to promote and sell homes and memberships. When you come to Saddle Creek, it’s about the total experience and for those of us who reside here, it’s a lifestyle.
level representing the California Chapter. It has been very rewarding both personally and professionally. What are the biggest challenges facing the golf business today? Participation of golfers, cost of operations, and progress in the continued challenge of a unified golf industry while promoting the game. With industrywide programs like Play Golf America and its family of initiatives, we can introduce new players to the game. Education is key, and I commend the CGCOA for hosting a Growth of the Game seminar for our members.
As an informed golf course operator, how do you view the future of golf? Positive, with golf becoming a game for everyone, not just in the U.S. but around the world. The game You have been involved with the CGCOA and will gain a boost in exposure through the Olympics NCGOA, please share in what capacity. in 2016. However, we still need to compromise some The late Paul Porter, CEO of the NCGA, was my traditions to meet all golfers’ expectations while keepmentor and he encouraged my involvement with the ing pace with an ever-changing world. CGCOA…back when the organization was first taking shape and form. I have served on the CGCOA What is your dream foursome? board of directors over the past 11 years (both as a A round of golf with Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson member and officer) and participated at the National and Nancy Lopez.
California Golf Course Owners Association
The 10 Principles of the CGCOA 1. We operate our golf facility in an ecologically responsible manner. 2. We provide a quality golf experience at a fair price. 3. We provide outstanding customer service to all golfers. 4. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, disability or religion. 5. We provide a safe environment and maintain our courses so as not to increase risk of play beyond that which is inherent in the game. 6. We provide advance notice to our customers of any adverse conditions of play. (www.greenskeeper.org) 7. We encourage all golfers to play deliberately so as not to cause slow play. 8. We provide an opportunity for the game of golf to grow and prosper. 9. We are dedicated to the rich traditions and history of the game of golf. 10. We embrace positive improvements in the game of golf which will make the golf experience more enjoyable for everyone.
The 10 Principles of the CGCOA were adopted at the 2010 Board Retreat at Saddle Creek Resort, in Copperopolis, CA. Special thanks is extending to CGCOA Board Member Ed Smilow, Esq., who did an outstanding job as event moderator. Warm appreciation is also extended to CGCOA Board Member & Event Host Bob Higgins and to Dr. John Reynolds who provided a dynamic presentation at the CGCOA Meeting on day two.
30098 Red Barn Place, Canyon Lake, CA 92587 tel: 951.246-2928 / fax: (951) 246-2929 www.golfcalifornia.org or www.californiagolf.org CGCOA Board Members President
Secretary
Owner/Operator Stevinson Ranch Golf Course
Owner/Operator Hidden Valley Golf Club
George Kelley Vice President
Immediate Past President
Owner Oak Quarry Golf Club
General Manager Santa Maria Golf & Country Club
Sam Koh
Joe Priddy
Treasurer
Scott Hoyt
General Manager Cinnabar Hills Golf Club
Administration Executive Director
Ted Horton
THC (Ted Horton Consulting)
Board of Directors John K. Abendroth Celtic Golf Management
Bill Aragona
President/General Manager Boulder Creek GCC & Resort
Kimberly Bauer
General Manager/Regional Director Waterhouse, Inc. Creative Hospitality Services
Z. Gordon Davidson
IGM/Meadowbrook Golf Consultant Z. Gordon Davidson & Associates, Inc. Golf & Resort Properties
Dan Farrar General Manager
Tom Frost
Shaw Kobre President In The Loop Golf
Chris Lynch
GM/PGA Project Coordinator Byron Hot Springs
Dan McIntyre
General Manager, Western Operations ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance
Emmy Moore-Minister Media/Public Relations GCSANC & CGCOA
Dave Nelson
Sales Manager, California Club Car, Inc.
President Synergy Golf Course Management, LLC Owner Salt Creek Golf Club
Greg Pieschala
Kevin Heaney
President Championship Golf Services, Inc. General Manager Tustin Ranch Golf Club
Executive Director SCGA
Bob Higgins
Gathered at the CGCOA Annual Board Retreat & Meeting at Saddle Creek Resort are (L to R) CGCOA Premier Partner Dave Nelson (West Coast Sales Manager, Club Car, Inc.); Keynote Speaker Dr. John Reynolds (VP of Global Business Development, Club Car, Inc.); CGCOA President George Kelley (Owner, Stevinson Ranch GC); CGCOA Board Member and Event Moderator Ed Smilow, Esq.; and NGCOA Deputy CEO Mike Tinkey.
Jay Miller
President Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance
Steven J. Plummer, CGCS
General Manager Saddle Creek Golf Club Castle & Cooke
Angela Schmidt
Jerry Hollingsworth Hollingsworth Enterprises
President Tasmark Enterprises
Ted Horton
William Sherman
Eric Jacobsen
Ed Smilow
CGCOA Executive Director THC, Ted Horton Consulting Vice President of Golf Properties Castle & Cooke California Inc.
Patrick Kemball Director of Golf The SCGA Golf Course
Valley Crest Golf Course Maintenance
Terry A. Selk
Owner William Sherman Golf Attorney at Law
Shawn Smith
Director of Golf Administration Pebble Beach Company
Hidden Valley Golf Club Named 2010 California Course of the Year It’s Miller’s Time… CGCOA Member Jay Miller Receives Top Honor There is only one Jay Miller in golf. Too bad, as the industry could surely use more course operators that mirror Miller and his mighty work ethic. A highly innovative individual with a never-give-up attitude, Miller is founder of Gratitude Golf Management Company (GGM). He possesses more passion about the game and business of golf than most folks you’ll ever meet. Make a visit to Hidden Valley Golf Club, a popular 18-hole public course in Norco, CA, and you’ll find a facility that has “real life to it”…even in today’s economically-challenging times. And, why? Well, on a day-to-day basis the masterful Miller pays close attention to each component critical to a successful golf course operation.
Because of Miller’s exceptional performance as a course operator, the California Golf Course Owners Association (CGCOA) has named him as the recipient of the 2010 Golf Course of the Year Award. Miller will be presented this coveted honor in the presence of his peers during the 2011 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, Florida. Miller is also a nominee under serious consideration for the NGCOA’s Course of the Year Award. The California Course of the Year Award is presented to a chapter member who has made outstanding contributions to the game of golf, served as a model for their peers, and demonstrated success based on the following criteria: exceptional course quality, outstanding management team and staff, provided significant
contributions to the local community and to the game of golf. According to Awards Committee Chairman Joe Priddy, Miller not only met the criteria, he exceeded it on all levels. “We had several very impressive nominees this year, bur Jay made the selection process easy for our committee,” said Priddy. “His success as a course operator is unmatched at nearly every level. He’s a stand-out individual, one we can all learn so much from as owners and operators. Jay is someone who truly understands the importance of growing the game.” Miller seeks improvement at every turn. Ever since 2007, when his company took over the day-to-day management at Hidden Valley Golf Club (HVGC) for Cox-West Properties,
Miller’s taken on several improvement projects such as rebuilding tee boxes and restoring bunkers, even softening mountain slopes to create a more golfer-friendly environment for his customers. Speaking of customers, that’s what it’s all about at HVGC. The customer is always #1. Miller and his stellar management team/staff regularly seek customer feedback as they continue to upgrade the golfers’ experience whether in the restaurant, at the range or on the course. A positive attitude and a willingness to assist rings true throughout the entire facility. Miller’s mantra has always been: treat the customer the same way you would dream of being treated. Besides a well-conditioned course coupled with outstanding green complexes, Miller wants HVGC to be accessible, which echoes their trademark “exclusively public,” a welcoming message for all golfers, especially newcomers. Miller wants his club to be enjoyable for each-and-every golfer. The HVGC management team is constantly exploring ways in which they can enhance the “fun factor”…. everything from themed music on the range to special tournaments and promotions. This year there’s even a chance to win a Corvette with funds raised benefiting youth golf! Miller also encourages his staff members to take up the game, evidenced by the recentlylaunched employee (maintenance dept.) golf league. According to Miller, employee golf participation has been a win-win. “It has helped each of our employees understand how really important their job is…and what the golfer expects when it comes to course conditions,” said Miller. “The employee has fun, learns and plays a new game and the facility benefits too.” Some folks say business gets done on the course, and Miller proves it true. Each week Miller plays a round of golf with General Manager George Apodaca and Golf Course Superintendent Iain Sturge. Miller believes it’s time well-spent, an opportunity to view the course together and huddle over plans for future improvement. And that’s not his only round per week. Miller has been known to tee it up at least 225 times a year. Employee retention is solid at HVGC. Could
Standing proudly is the award-winning golf management team at Hidden Valley Golf Club (Left to right) Mike Davis, executive director with Get a Grip Foundation; George Apodaca, general manager of HVGC; Jay Miller, president of HVGC, founder and CEO of Get a Grip Foundation; Patrick Burke, PGA TOUR veteran and director of golf for Get a Grip Foundation; Iain Sturge, golf course superintendent at HVGC
it be because Miller is committed to hiring the right person for the right job? Or, is it because he believes you never stop learning, and thus, encourages his team to join him at educational summits that expand knowledge about golf operations and player development. Last year Miller joined business colleague Steve Plummer, as co-chair of the inaugural CGCOA Growth of the Game Conference, a fine assemblage of industry leaders sharing their knowledge about player development programs. When it comes to contributions to community, Miller and his team receive an A+. In 1999, Miller along with friend and philanthropist Bob Hoff, co-founded Get a Grip Foundation, a popular not-for-profit (501c-3) organization which provides golf programs for children which transcend into rewarding experiences for kids and their families. Get a Grip is a “free” golf academy which attracts scores of kids (7-18) who receive golf lessons, homework tutoring, and life skills training. Miller is committed to the cause
in a big way, and as CEO he’s hired Mike Davis as executive director who oversees the Get a Grip Foundation, its worthy programs and loyal staff. When you ask Miller about the mission of Get a Grip, he’s very clear. “Producing young responsible and accountable adults is our primary focus,” exclaims Miller, “and we are getting to be pretty darn good at it!” He’s right. Over the years, more than 3000 children have been introduced to the game of golf and the positive life skills which surround the sport. While the organization is good for golf, it puts high priority on education and life, too. “Changing lives and creating opportunities for children to succeed are our goals,” said Miller. “We seek to ensure that every child in our program earns their high school diploma and has the opportunity to continue onward to college or trade school with the ultimate goal of being a responsible young adult. We want to inspire these kids to give back, and become valuable citizens within their local community.” Affordability is key to the foundation’s success and that’s why juniors can play the cham-
pionship course at HVGC for only a $1.00 (seven days a week) and dad or mom can join them for a modest $15.00 including cart. Program participants receive free golf lessons and range balls and free entry to junior golf tournaments. More importantly, there’s counseling available, even voluntary bible study, plus scholarships and mentoring programs. Reaching further into the community, Miller has created (and personally funded) a program which helps imprisoned youth. With the help of a few dedicated volunteers, Miller visits the youth in detention centers, and twice a month they’re invited to HVGC (with guard escorts, of course) for a lesson on the range and 9-holes of golf, dinner, and bible study. Miller gives back in other ways too. He is a member of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and serves on the board of directors for the California Golf Course Owners Association (CGCOA), where he’s also an officer. He is a member of the Southern California Golf Association (SCGA), a supporter of the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) and the National Council for Better Health Through Golf (a.k.a. Doctor’s Orders: Play Golf). It doesn’t stop there, for Miller hosts five boy’s high school golf teams and three girl’s teams, provides ongoing $10 golf clinics, and hosts
several annual junior golf and charity tournaments. Additionally, he’s hosted net qualifying tournaments for the SCGA and also hosts the Golden State Tour’s “Get a Grip” Open. Prior to the coveted CGCOA Course of the Year award, Miller’s course has received recognition from others: Golf Magazine (Places to Play Award), Golf Digest’s (Southern California Places to Play list), Southland Golf Magazine (Must Play list), and the Inland Empire’s featured 2010 Golf Course of the Year. When you ask Jay Miller about his success, he’s the first to give credit to everyone else,
starting with HVGC landowners Messrs Cox, West and Fischer, plus his dedicated management team, staff, and foundation volunteers, and his customers, too. Miller rarely takes time to savor his success; he’s too busy working on the next project or program designed to promote the game and improve the quality of life for others through his favorite pastime…Golf! Congratulations to Jay Miller, and the entire team at Hidden Valley Golf Club, on your well-deserved honor as the 2010 California Course of the Year.
THE CGCOA WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT:
Doctor’s Orders: Play Golf As prescribed by: The National Council For Better Health Through Golf
Don’t forget, golf is good for your health
CGCOA
NGCOA
FOUNDATION SPONSOR
Premier Partners
Golf Insurance Services, LLC
Club Car Inc.
Rick Sigel (916) 635-1050
rsigel@gpins.com
www.golfinsuranceservices.com
• It keeps you fit from head-to-toe. • It’s a stress reducer. • Helps lower your blood pressure. • Ideal sport for brain stimulation. • Enhances better memory recall. • Walk the course when you can and burn more calories. • Helps oxygenate the body and circulate blood. • Improves posture. • Strengthens muscle tone. • Encourages social interaction and a renewed sense of spirit. • Live Longer.
ANNUAL SPONSORS
Courtesy of The National Council for Better Health Through Golf, best known as Doctors Orders: Play Golf. To learn more visit http://doctorsordersplaygolf.org/.
Golf Now
Club Satellite Network Ted Salata (650) 462-9700
csnlife.com
Cyber Golf Network Inc. Dan Murnan (425) 640-7170
dan@cybergolf.com
www.cybergolf.com
Ed Smilow, Esq. Ed Smilow (714) 937-2095
edsmilow@golfcourselaw.com www.golfcourselaw.com
Brad Axon (480) 232-5370
baxon@golfchannel.com www.golfnow.com
Greenway Golf George Kelley (209) 664-6400
gkelley@greenwaygolf.net www.greenwaygolf.net
Pellucid Corporation Jim Koppenhaver (847) 808-7651
jimk@pellucidcorp.com www.pellucidcorp.com
Pellucid Corporation Harvey Silverman
harvinfc@pacbell.net Professional Golfers Career College Edward Smilow
edsmilow@golfcourselaw.com www.golfcollege.edu
Tapin Solutions Reed Thompson (866) 742-8044 (toll free)
info@tapinsolutionsinc.com
Target Specialty Products Lon Richards (562) 802-2238
trecs@target-specialty.com
www.target-specialty.com
ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance Greg Pieschala (818) 737-3110
gpieschala@valleycrest.com www.valleycrest.com
VGM Club Dawn Prebula (866) 620-2774
dawn.prebula@vgm.com www.vgmclub.com
Dave Nelson (800) 564-6531
dave_nelson@clubcar.com
The Toro Company Doug Dahl (800) 585-8001
dougd@turfstar.com
Darren Redetzke (800) 348-2424
dredetzke@toro.com
Entegra Procurement Services Jim Bailey (877) 922-0285
jbailey@intlclubsuppliers.com
Preferred Partners Clubsurance Joel Willis (843) 572-4567 www.clubsurance.com
Electronic Transaction Systems Corporation Hadi Akkad (800) 834-7790 www.etsms.com
Helena Chemical Christy Byrd (803) 822-8028
brydc@helenachemical.com
Pepsi Tracy Maphet (886) PEP-GOLF
Smart Buy Suppliers Gatorade Tracie Maphet (886) PEP-GOLF
Motorola Kelly Jadlot (800) 933-4262
Office Depot John Travers (301) 567-6704
Srixon Sports Hollie Vokal (678) 518-5121
CGCOA member benefit #7
Powered by the CGCOA
• Free listing for all members • Reach 250,000 golfers • Discounted advertising • Access to local, national and international tourism Support the CGCOA and the largest, longest-running golf advertising co-op in California Distribution and website support from the California Travel & Tourism Commission IAGTO North America Convention in Monterey May 18-21, 2011 Why switch your advertising dollars to the California Golf Adventure Guide? • Support the organization that supports California golf • A golf co-op makes financial sense—more bang for your buck • Reach new and exciting markets to drive business to your facility
For more information contact:
Robert Kaufman (415) 350-0724 or rkaufman717@gmail.com