Insiderthe CGCOA

INSIDE thIS ISSuE

• California Golf Economy Report . . . . . . . . . 2

• NGCOA Conference a Huge Success . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

• CGCOA Semi-Annual Education Conference . . . . 7

• CGCOA Semi-Annual Education Conference . . . . 8

• 2013 CAG Board Meeting & General Membership Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

• 2013 CGCOA Board of Directors . . . . . . . 10

• The CGCOA Welcomes New Members . . . . . . . . . . . 10

vOluME 7 • iSSuE 2 • SPRiNG 2013

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California’s Oak Quarry GC Earns Top NGCOA HonorsAfter careful consideration, the NGCOA awarded its prestigious 2012 Course of the Year Award to CGCOA M e m b e r S a m u e l Ko h and his dedicated staff at Oak Quarry Golf Club in Riverside, CA. Koh, who is president of Oak Quarry GC, accepted the award at the 2013 NGCOA Annual Con-ference in San Diego, CA.

The NGCOA Course of the Year Award recognizes member-owned courses nationwide that excel in four categories: course quality, ownership and management, contributions to the community, and contributions to the game. Other nomi-nees for the award were Redstone Golf Club, Sand Creek Station, and Trump Na-tional Golf Club, Bedminster, New Jersey.

Oak Quarry Golf Club was built on the site of the historic Jensen Quarry in Riverside. During World War I, the quarry was a major source of marble, limestone and other minerals used in the construc-tion of buildings, freeways and bridges in Southern California. The quarry was abandoned in 1979 and the land sat idle until the design team of Schmidt-Curley, with help from PGA Tour player Dr. Gil Morgan, built one of California’s most stunning courses.

Oak Quarry Golf Club opened in 2000 and has since become one of the high-est rated courses in California. The golf course at Oak Quarry features capti-vating views that attract golfers from

all around the world. A highlight of the course is the award-winning 14th hole, known as Spinel Slide. Rated the “Best Par 3 in Southern California,” Spinel Slide plays into the lowest gully of the quarry. A sparkling wall of white limestone tow-ers 400 feet above the hole, making this a must-see as one of the most dramatic holes in Southern California.

Oak Quarry’s 18-hole, par-72 champi-onship golf course provides a challenge for golfers of all skill levels, with four sets of tees. The club also features a full practice facility. “We congratulate Sam and his management team not only for their fine contributions to the game and the golfers they serve, but also for their commitment to community,” said CGCOA President Steve Plummer, CGCS.

To learn more about the award-winning Oak Quarry Golf Club, please visit www.oakquarry.com.

s NGCOA National Golf Course of the Year Honorees from Oak Quarry GC (left to right) General Manager Brent Perkins, Owner Sam Koh, and Golf Course Superintendent Joe Wagner.

NExt MEEtING:May 1, 2013Semi Annual Conference

Ancil Hoffman Golf CourseCarmichael, CA

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This report was commissioned by GOLF 20/20 for the

California Alliance for Golf, and prepared by SRI International.

THE CALIFORNIA GOLF ECONOMY: ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

For those intereste

d in

tracking the game and

business of golf in

California, go to

http://www.golf20/20.com.

This report will be

officially announced and

distributed on May 2, 2013

at a news conference set

for 1:00-1:30 pm at Del Paso

CC (Sacramento, CA) in

conjunction with the

California Alliance fo

r

Golf (CAG) General

Membership Meeting.

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This report was commissioned by GOLF 20/20 for the

California Alliance for Golf, and prepared by SRI International.

THE CALIFORNIA GOLF ECONOMY: ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

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Once again, the National Golf Course Own-ers Association enriched its members with entertainment, education and networking at its Annual Conference in San Diego this February. Kicking off the convention was

a Super Bowl Extravaganza at PetCo Park, followed on Monday by its exceptional edu-cation program called a Day at the Facility, this year held at Troon’s Maderas Golf Club (Poway, CA) located in the hills above San Diego. All in attendance raved that these experiences alone were well worth the effort to attend.

A keynote address by legendary sports marketer Mike Veeck set the tone of a con-ference themed “The Power to Change”. From his own experiences, Mike reminded us that there will always be a need for ex-ploring and adopting new ways of doing business if one is to become successful, fearing not the risk of failure. His life les-sons which he eloquently shared (bearing his soul with all in attendance), showed that inspiration, creativity and execution will bring success but only when it is matched by foresight and thorough preparation.(CONTiNuED ON PAGE 6)

s The five Kramer Brothers, CGCOA Course of the Year award winners from los Serranos CC are joined by NGCOA Deputy CEO Mike Tinkey (4th from left) at GiS California Reception.

s (left to Right) CGCOA President Steve Plummer, CGCS, SCGA Dir. of Governmental Affairs Craig Kessler, vGM’s v.P. Dawn Prebula, NGCOA Past Pres. Bill Aragona at CGCOA Reception.

s Gary Sigel (left) and Rick Sigel (Right) with Golf insurance Services join CGCOA Honoree David Kramer (los Serranos CC) at Golf industry Show.

The NGCOA Annual Conference a Huge Success

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s CGCOA honoree George Kelley of Stevinson Ranch Golf Club expresses his appreciation at the GiS California Reception.

s CGCOA Member Bob Higgins (Saddle Creek Golf Club) and his sweet wife enjoy the NGCOA conference in San Diego.

s CGCOA Communications Chair Emmy Moore Minister with CGCOA Treasurer Scott Hoyt and his daughter Erinn Hoyt, Admin-istrative Support to the California Chapter.

s (left to Right) Crossing paths on the show floor were ADA compliance experts Sam Samuelson, CGCS, and Jim Ferrin, CGCS, and CGCOA Board Officer Eric Jacobsen and CGCOA President Steve Plummer, CGCS.

s At the GiS: CGCOA Member & Olympic Club GM Greg DeRosa with newly elected GCSAA President and Olympic Club Director of Golf Patrick “Pat” Finlen, CGCS and Justin Mandon (for-merly of the Olympic Club) and recently named Golf Course Superintendent at Pasatiempo Golf Club, another CGCOA-member facility.

s CGCOA Board Member “Z” Davidson with CGCOA interim E.D. Ed Smilow, Esq., and CGCOA Sponsor Mike Beals.

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NGCOA Annual Conference (CONTINUED)

The un-doubtable message from the con-ference that in order for golf as a business to grow and prosper, owners and operators must continually plan ahead and change with the times to meet new consumer demands. Whether it is accommodating the needs of our changing population, meeting the needs of modern business management and tech-nologies, or returning to the essence of golf as a hospitality industry and a place for fun and recreation, the education provided by leading experts in the field hit the mark.

The CGCOA was extremely proud of the contribution it made to the success of the conference. Hosting the Western States Reception, which was well attended by, allowed the 150 plus attendees a chance to let their hair down a little and enjoy our hospitality. Supported with a significant contribution of local wines by Ben Hogan

Wines, our sponsors and members got a chance to enjoy each other’s company, renew old acquaintances and make new ones. We were pleased to honor Los Ser-ranos Golf and Country Club, the Disability Golfer’s Learning Foundation and Greenway Golf for their outstanding contributions to the California golf community.

The national conference could not have ended on a better note, as Billy Casper, a true legend in the game of golf, shared his words of inspiration about not only his love for the game, but more importantly his love for the people who play it. Reaching the

pinnacle of his profession, based on his faith, he inspired us to reach for the good golf has to offer. No greater expression of this came in the surprise of CGCOA member Sam Koh (Oak Quarry Golf Club) named win-ner of the national Golf Course of the Year award and who stated in his acceptance speech that as a golf course operator he was constantly motivated to “bring smiles to people’s faces.”

s Fred Brattain, founder of the Disabled Golfers learning Foundation shares an enduring moment with close friend Joni after accepting the CGCOA For the Good of the Game Award.

s During the Golf industry Show ASGCA Member Jan Beljan takes time out for a quick photo with CGCOA Course of the Year Honoree David Kramer from los Serranos Country Club.

s Ed Smilow speaks at annual conference

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CGCOA Semi-Annual Education ConferenceOn May 1, 2013, Empire Golf will host the CGCOA Semi-Annual Education Conference at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course just outside Sacramento in Carmichael, CA. Entitled: “IN-CREASING SALES BY EXCEEDING CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS”, the program is focused on increasing revenue in today’s marketplace. Winning the competition for market share is based upon differentiation of product and services. While each golf property is unique, if the customer service provided exceeds that of the competition in perceived value to the individual, greater participation is inevi-table.

In this thought-provoking program, ex-perts in the field of customer satisfaction will discuss with attendees what custom-ers really expect and ways to not only meet

those expectations but to exceed them. In light of current economic realities, being able to increase revenue without capital ex-penditure, this is a program which everyone should attend.

The program will begin at 8:30 am to be followed by lunch, a round of golf and a host-ed reception. Please RSVP to: EmmyPGA@aol.com (or via phone at 530-902-8181) by Weds. April 24.

This meeting is being held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the California Al-liance for Golf which is being held the follow-ing day, Thurs. May 2, 2013 at Del Paso CC, in the Greater Sacramento. Any and everyone interested in the future of golf in California, and making your voice heard in Sacramento, should attend.

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CGCOA SEMI-ANNUAL EDUCATION CONfErENCE

increasing Sales By Exceeding Customer ExpectationsWednesday May 1, 2013

Ancil Hoffman Golf Course6700 Tarshes DriveCarmichael, CA 95608

Knowing what your customer wants and creating a great golf experience that exceeds expectations is the key to a successful golf operation that can compete in today’s tough business climate. If you want to begin making more money in your golf business, this is one educational program you won’t want to miss.

Hosted by Empire Golf at Ancil Hoffman Golf Course

Sponsored by Golf Insurance Services, Target Specialty Products and Greenway Golf

Program Agenda

8:30 am Registration and Continental Breakfast

9:30 am Opening of Meeting, Recognition of Sponsors and Board/Committee Reports

10:00 am Educational Program – Moderated by Edward L. Smilow, Esq., PGM

Customer Service – the secret to repeat business is a great “above and beyond” experience – what it means and how to implement it. Presented by Harvey Silverman of Pellucid Corporation

Smart Hiring – getting an energized workforce – hiring the right people, training them properly and rewarding them for performance. Presented by Carol Pence of Nor Cal PGA

11:30 am Break

The Tech Tool- customers expect the latest in communication tools and online booking. Learn the latest and what will be expected of you from your customers in the future. Presented by Alex Weber, founder of GolfMDs.com

Making Golf Fun – using your creativity and imagination to develop more participation, distinguish your facility and drive up revenue. Presented by George Kelley of Greenway Golf

12:45 pm End of Program

1:00 pm Hosted Lunch

2:00 pm Golf complimentary courtesy of Empire Golf

6:30 pm Hosted Reception

Meeting, golf and lunch are hosted. However, RSVP for the meeting, golf and/or both is REQUIRED. RSVP should be directed to: Emmy at (530) 666-6508 or via e-mail at: EmmyPGA@aol.com prior to noon on Wed. Apr. 24. Recommended hotel is the Hilton – Sacramento Arden West (at Arden & High-way 80), phone (916) 922-4700.

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CALIfOrNIA ALLIANCE fOr GOLf

2013 Board Meeting & General Membership MeetingThursday May 2, 2013

Del Paso Country Club3333 Marconi AvenueSacramento, CA 95821

The 2013 California Alliance for Golf (CAG) Board Meeting and General Membership Meeting are both scheduled for Thurs. May 2, 2013 at Del Paso Country Club, host site of the 2015 U.S. Senior Open Championship. CAG meetings will be preceded (the day prior) by the CGCOA Meeting and Education Conference which is also scheduled for the Sacramento Region. Recommended hotel is the Hilton – Sacramento Arden West (at Arden & Highway 80), phone (916) 922-4700.

CAG Meeting Agenda

8:30 am Continental Breakfast

9:00 am Board Meeting Noon Hosted Lunch

1:00 pm General Membership Meeting 1-1:30 pm News Conference—Unveiling of California Economic & Environmental Report

•ReviewandApprovalofMinutes

•ReportfromOfficers

•FinanceReport

•AssociationUpdates

•LegislativeUpdate

•ProgressReportonWater

•GrowthoftheGameUpdate

3:00 pm Conclusion

Any questions regarding agenda, contact CAG President Tom Addis at Scpgata@aol.com.The meeting and lunch are hosted by CAG. RSVP is required for meeting and lunch. Direct RSVPs to: EmmyPGA@aol.com or via phone at (530) 902-8181. RSVP is due prior to noon on April 24.

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Steve Plummer, CGCSTustin Ranch Golf Club

Eric JacobsenTPC Stonebrae

D. Scott HoytPasatiempo Golf Club

Bill AragonaBoulder Creek Golf Club

Sam KohOak Quarry Golf Course

David KramerLos Serranos Country Club

lyn NelsonPoppy Hills Golf Course

Jeff KiewelValley Crest Golf Management

George KelleyStevinson Ranch Golf Club

CGCOA Board Members and Special Guests Gather at Half Moon Bay Gl.

Per the unanimous vote of the members, the following persons compose the

BOARD OF DiRECTORS OF THE CGCOA FOR 2013

The CGCOA Welcomes New MembersThe California Golf Course Owners Association is pleased to announce the following golf facilities have become members. Please extend a hardy welcome to those who have chosen to engage with us in providing the best that golf can offer to consumers.

The legends Golf ClubTemeculaDoc and Sandi Somerville, Owners

The victoria ClubRiversideHank Schiller, General Manager

Riverview Golf CourseSanta AnaSteve Hart, Owner

la Purisma Golf CourseLompocJohn Carson, General Manager

St. Mark Golf Club & ResortSan MarcosBrett Miller, General Manager

The SpringsBorregoDan Wright, Owner

Morton GolfTerry Daubert, Co-Owner