Welcome to the Von's Golf Blogosphere

Back Home

2010-09-17T12:41:00.000-07:00

What a journey it was out in the Dakotas. Benji and I both agree that this was the best summer we have ever had. Benji had some great finishes in tournaments while I was enrolled in the school of hard knocks in the tour life. What I learned was very important for becoming a better player. Golf is not easy as we all know.

The last tournament, The Gallatin Valley Open, I came in 5th shooting 72-68. The first day I shot 4-over 40 on the front nine and I took some experience from my previous tournaments and shot 4-under 32 on the back nine.
The next day I shot a bogey free 68 to make a move up the leader board to cash my first Professional check.

Benji ended up coming in 9th shooting 73 both days.

Results from The Gallatin Valley Open

Here are a few pictures from the drive home...

I have been running around this week getting everything ready for school. Sunday morning I am heading to Eastern Washington University in Cheney.

Benji is still in Bozeman, Montana for another week. He figured he would continue the dream vacation with the Montana boys going to the rivers around the area and fly fishing. Benji doesn't start working again at the UW Driving Range and Montlake Ale House until the first of October.

I have plenty of pictures and video to work with so once I get some time at school I will post them on the blog, so be on the look out!

Thanks to all who check out the blog! Hopefully next year we can get out there again.

Until next time,

-AVL

Day 38-44

2010-09-09T14:28:00.000-07:00

We have been keeping busy on the course this last week in Bozeman. We have played Cottonwood, Valley View Golf Club and Old Works in Andaconda, Montana.

Check out some photos from Old Works...

Friday, September 10th, we are playing in the Ironman Tournament at Old Works. The course is tipped out and all the pins are in tough locations. It is a two man best ball format.

This weekend we have our final tournament which is the Gallatin Valley Open at Cottonwood.

Oh by the way.... We have some new shots...

The stare has to be done after a golf ball is caught.

Day 37

2010-09-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

We drove from North Sioux City, South Dakota to Bozeman, Montana. It was a 12.5 hour drive.

Passing through the Badlands in South Dakota.

Our total milege to this point.

Day 34-36

2010-09-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

We had a practice round at The Ridge in Sioux Center, Iowa. We played 11 holes and then the rains came...

On Wednesday we had 36 holes to play at The Ridge. The greens were an incredible 14.5on the stimpmeter. Benji shot 75-72 and I shot 70-74, both of us missed the cut.

Here are the final results from the Tour Championship.

On Thursday we are driving to Bozeman, Montana.

Day 33

2010-08-29T22:39:00.000-07:00

Benji and I got into the small of Milbank, South Dakota on Sunday afternoon. With only 3,400 people in the town, not a lot is going on. We watched the end of the PGA event and then headed over to Pine Hills Golf Club for a practice round.

We are glad we saw the course before we play a 1 day Pro-Am there on Monday. The course qualifies for the Northwest Obscure Golf Association. Numerous blind shots, water hazards and short holes makes for a challenge. The course has a mix of small quirky greens along with large greens. The greens roll nice and it should be a good test for Monday. Here are some pictures from our day out at Pine Hills...

Doing our best St. Andrews Swilcan Bridge picture at Pine Hills Golf Course in Milbank, SD.

After the Pro Am we are heading North Souix City, SD to a KOA camp. Then we make our way to Souix Center, Iowa for the Tour Championship for the weekend. 36 holes on Saturday, 18 on Sunday.

Day 31-33

2010-08-28T19:15:00.000-07:00

Day 1 of the Bobcat North Dakota State Open:

Benji and I both shot 75. I played in the morning and made the turn at 3 over and shot even on the back.

For Benji's round in the afternoon the wind picked up and baked out the greens. He hit a flagstick from 190 yards and the ball then went into the water in the greenside hazard. In the last 3 tournaments, Benji has atleast hit one flag per tourney. His round also lasted 6.5 hours.

This tournament was formatted with 2 pros and 3 ams in each group which made for very long days on the course.

Day 2:

Benji shot 70. He played solid but just had one bad hole. He was punching out from the trees when his ball caught the trunk of a tree sending it into the hazard. Benji missed the cut by 2.

For myself, I shot 81. Made the turn at 3 over again and knew I had to make some moves if I wanted any chance of making the cut. Instead the round went the other way.

Here are the results from the Bobcat North Dakota State Open

We are leaving North Dakota today and heading to Milbank, South Dakota. We will drive 3 hours and play a practice round at Pine HIlls Golf Club for a one day Pro Am tomorrow, August 30th.

We are looking forward to playing a new course and teeing it up in another tournament.

Until next time,

AVL

Day 30

2010-08-26T18:08:00.000-07:00

Thursday, August 26th,

Benji and I played a practice round at Fargo Country Club. It was a nice day, around 80 degrees with a slight breeze. The forecast for tomorrow is calling for wind and sun. I tee off at 8:20am while Benji tees off at 1:20pm.

The greens are very firm and fast. The key to approach shots is staying below the hole and taking one club less for the ball to run up to the pin. This is a very Northwest style golf course so Benji and I feel comfortable playing here.

Here are a few pics from today at Fargo Country Club...

Day 26-28

2010-08-25T11:32:00.000-07:00

Monday was the qualifier for the Bobcat State Open at Fargo Country Club.

Benji and I both shot 73 getting us into the event starting Friday. There is a 36 hole cut then the final round on Sunday.

Tuesday, Day 27-

We took it easy. Had some lunch in downtown Fargo and walked around for a bit.

Wednesday, Day 28-

Today, just been getting some laundry done and got the oil changed in my car. We have put 4,900 miles so far since we have left Seattle in late July.

We are going to head to a nearby course to practice this afternoon. Fargo Country Club is shut down for the players until Thursday due to Member play.

Day 25

2010-08-25T11:12:00.000-07:00

The final round of the Minot tournament, Benji shot an even par 72. I was on the bag for the day. It looked like Benji and I were the only guys having fun out on the course.

Benji ended up finishing tied for 13th. Here are the final results.

After the round we drove 4.5 hours to Fargo, North Dakota.

On Monday we have a qualifier for the The Bobcat North Dakota State Open. Since we got in late, we didn't have time for a practice round at Fargo Country Club.

Day 23-24

2010-08-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

Day 23:

Benji shot a 5 under 67 in the second round, Benji got to -4 for the tourney after 2 days. I shot 3 under 69 to get back to even for the tournament.

Day 24:

Benji shot another 5 under 67 to get to -9 for the tournament. I shot 78 missing the cut.

Benji was solo 13th going into the final day.

-AVL

Day 22

2010-08-19T22:08:00.000-07:00

Day 1 at Minot CC:
First day was a fusterating day for both of us. Benji shot a one over 73 and I shot a three over 75. Benji made one birdie while I did not make any. I checked the stats and Benji and I both tied for most pars of the day with 15. But pars don't get it done on the Dakotas Tour. Tomorrow we tee off in the afternoon and we are looking for redemption.

We have a hotel room for a couple nights so I can keep the blog updated. I will also be posting on the Twitter.

Here are the results after Day 1.

Day 21

2010-08-19T20:52:00.000-07:00

Today Benji woke up early and as soon as he saw dark clouds from the campsite he woke me up and we packed up our stuff. The Dakota weather is hard to trust. We got a refund for our second night at the camp site and actually found a hotel. Just like Williston, it is very difficult to find a hotel here in Minot due to the oil boom.

In North Dakota, they have to remind you to smile.

We teed off in the afternoon for a practice round at Minot CC.

Day 20

2010-08-19T20:02:00.000-07:00

The final round of The Links at North Dakota went well for Benji. He shot a final round 69 with an eagle on his final hole. It was a shotgun start, he started on Number 2 and on Number 1, his 18th, he holed out from 124 yards to close out the tournament to finish 1 shot out of the playoff tied for 3rd place.

For myself, the tournament wasn't my best performance, shot a 76 on the final day but I am learning something new everytime I tee it up in these tournaments.

Final Results from The Links at North Dakota

After the round we hit the road for 1.5 hours to Minot, ND.

We made it to Minot and with a practice round the next day, we thought it would be a good idea to camp out.

This KOA camp was the least of our favorites from our previous experiences on this trip. Right by the highway and no fire pits does not fit our interests. Not to mention when we woke up on Wednesday morning we saw huge black clouds and we knew it was not the spot for us.

-AVL

Day 19

2010-08-16T22:40:00.000-07:00

Round one of the tournament was today... Benji fired a 67 leaving him one shot off the lead going into the final round. I shot 74... looking for redemption. The wind blew today but not nearly as bad as it did in the practice round. The course was in great shape and we are expecting the tees all the way back and the pins in hardest places for the final round. Should be a fun day out there.

After the round we are headed to Minot, ND. On Wednesday, we will have a practice round at Minot CC and the tournament starts Thursday. It is a 4 day event with a 36 hole cut.

I am not sure if we will have internet depending if we camp out or get a hotel so I will keep the Twitter updated on the page.

Until next time,
AVL

Day 18

2010-08-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Our day started with the wheels turning at 7am from Bozeman, Montana to Williston, North Dakota. Got to The Links of North Dakota in 6.5 hours for a practice round. The wind was a solid 25 mph with gusts of 40 mph.

The flagsticks are 5 feet tall because the wind.

Day 15

2010-08-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today Benji and I played Cottonwood again... learned some more things about the course. We also signed up for the Gallatin Valley Open which will be played here at Cottonwood in September.

Also Benji and I got an invite to caddy in the Member-Guest at the Yellowstone Club which will be played Friday and Saturday. It is a chance for us to make a few extra bucks. We will plan on leaving Saturday after the Member-Guest and head to Williston, North Dakota. On Sunday we'll play a practice round at The Links of North Dakota. The tournament starts Monday and finishes Tuesday. We don't plan on camping due to the talks of tornado's in the area. That is not what us Seattle folk like to hear.

Until next time,
AVL

Day 14

2010-08-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

This morning we played Cottonwood Hills. My 64 is now the new course record at Cottonwood.

Check these shots out...

Pics for the Desktop

2010-08-08T13:09:00.001-07:00

Looking through these pictures so far on this trip, I have picked out a couple that would look good on the desktop.

Day 12

2010-08-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

We played a round at Cottonwood on Friday and afterwards we went fishing on the Gallatin River. Unfortantley the water was cloudy due to some rain earlier in the day. We didn't catch anything but it was a good time out there.

Nick, who we have been staying with here in Bozeman, takes us to all the prime time spots for fishing, weather has been an issue for the couple times we have gone. One of these days the river will be clear and hopefully we will land a couple. Benji and I will be in Bozeman till mid-week and then make our way to North Dakota for our next tournament.
I will post on the blog whenever I can, it is difficult because there is not internet everywhere we go. I will keep the updates going on the Twitter.

Until next time,

-AVL

Day 11

2010-08-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Bozeman, Montana Wednesday night and got an invite to play The Club at Spanish Peaks in Big Sky on Thursday. The course was something else. Great views every hole, pure condition, and not to mention a elevation difference. The course sat around 6,700feet. The ball flew forever. It was about a 2 club difference.

One of our friends Will spoke of a member of a surronding club who owns a Mig jet and sure enough we saw him flying around.

Day 10

2010-08-08T12:11:00.001-07:00

On this day we kept the Northwest Obscure Golf Association going by playing Rocky Knolls Golf Course. It was awesome with igneous intrusions throughout the golf course.

We saw some Rock Chuck's out on the course, or as Benji and I like to say... "Land Beavers".

Day 9

2010-08-08T11:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning we got to Hillcrest Country Club for the qualifier. Turns out I was the last person in the qualifier while Benji was the first one not to get in. Benji caddied for me. After never seeing the course we shot 1 under 71 only to miss the cut by one shot to make it in tournament. Benji and I were ready to get out of Yankton, SD.

We started to make the drive to Custer, South Dakota and on the way we ran into the blackest clouds we have ever seen.

We had to pull over to a gas station and let the rain calm down. It was 4:15pm and it looked like it was 8pm.

We continued on our mission to Custer and we stopped by the Crazy Horse Memorial.

Day 8

2010-08-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

With the Fox Run tournament behind us, Benji and I had an extra day to travel and decided to make a trip down to The Prairie Club in Valentine, Nebraska located in the Sand Hills. We played The Pines Course designed by Graham Marsh.

Our round was cut short by 2 massive storm fronts moving in the area.

The wind switched directions while we were on the tee and by the time we were on the green there were wind gusts of 40 mph. When we were driving back to the clubhouse, we spotted this Bull Snake. We knew it was time to leave.

Once we got back to the car, I received a voicemail from the tournament director about Benji and I playing in the qualifier for the Hillcrest Pro Am on Tuesday. We then drove back 4.5 hours to Yankton, SD.
Sunset in Nebraska.

Day 6 and 7

2010-08-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

First round of the tournament at Fox Run, Benji and I both shot a 4 under 68, not bad for never playing the course and sleeping on the ground.

The final round Benji shot 71. I shot 75, finishig the tourney at -1. Benji ended up finishing up at -5.

-AVL

Day 5

2010-08-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Day 5 was a one day event at Wild Oak GC.

Benji shot 69 coming in tied for 5th.

I shot even par 72 coming in tied for 20th.

I earned a check for coming in 2nd in the team division of the Pro Am.

We stopped by the Corn Palace in Mitchell for a quick picture. Benji and I thought there should of been more corn on the outside for all of the talk of the Corn Palace.

We then drove down to Yankton, SD to the Chief White Crane campground for our tournament the next day at Fox Run Golf Course.

-AVL

Day 4

2010-07-29T16:13:00.000-07:00

Today was meant to be for practice rounds for both tournaments coming up. However, severe South Dakota weather limited us only to 9 holes. In our first tourney location, at Wild Oaks CC, the back 9 was flooded having us only playing the front 9. In the tourney, we will play the front 9 twice in fivesomes. After we played 9 holes we drove an hour and a half in a severe thunderstorm to Yankton, South Dakota. We arrived at Fox Run CC only to be found in the same thunderstorm and torrential downpour we drove in all the way down from Mitchell.

Due to the inclimate weather, we have opted for a cabin on the camp site... day before the tourament... livin' the dream.

Day 3

2010-07-29T15:41:00.000-07:00

Day 3 was a travel day... Started in Bozeman, Montana at 8am and got into Mitchell, South Dakota around 1:15am with the Central Time Zone change. We made a couple stops along the way to break up the trip...

Wyoming Sky

The Badlands, South Dakota

Beginning of our Travels

2010-07-27T17:15:00.000-07:00

Day 1 and Day 2.

Benji and I left Seattle Monday morning at 5am heading to Bozeman, Montana. We arrived about 4pm... a long drive indeed.

Once we arrived in Bozeman we met up with a couple of Benji's buddies at Cottonwood Hills Golf Club. Cottonwood is the site of the 2010 Gallatin Valley Open September 11th and 12th, which we will be competing in. The first round we played Benji shot 68 and I shot 75. Not bad after a 11 hour drive. Adjusting to elevation was a factor, it is not like playing in Seattle over here.

The second practice round Benji shot even par 72 while I shot 69.

In between tournaments, Benji and I will make Bozeman our home base due to the great friends have made. In addition we have a place to stay and practice at Cottonwood.
-AVL and Benji

There has been an R.I.P. sighting...

2010-07-16T17:08:00.001-07:00

The "Mad Scientist" Rob Baldridge has the inside on what's the latest and greatest in the equipment industry. Just as of late he got his hands out the Aldila R.I.P.

This shaft boasts a stable, yet soft feel and delivers a piercing ball flight. Rob and I noticed that the ball still pierces on slight mishits. The RIP is consistent and a shaft worth honorable mention when it is time for a new driver or fairway wood shaft.

There has not been a release date set for the RIP yet but it will be posted here as soon as we find out.

Friday July 9th The NWOGA heads to The Little A

2010-07-08T17:02:00.001-07:00

July 9th's NWOGA golfing destination will be Auburn Golf Course.

It will be an early start on the day so the NWOGA can catch the course in it's finest moments.

NWOGA on The 4th

2010-06-28T17:25:00.000-07:00

Flowing Lake will be put to a later date instead of the 4th of July. Check the blog for our next NWOGA destination.

Blue Boy West in the books

2010-06-28T12:57:00.001-07:00

Blue Boy West provided a challenge for the NWOGA participants on Sunday June 27th. Blue Boy has 9 holes and 2 sets of tees making it NWOGA certified. With Blue Boy's wide array of short par 3's and par 4's, no one in the group was able to break par. Course management is the key at Blue Boy, don't let the short yardages fool you.

Have you ever seen a fully operated pop machine in the left rough?

The round was followed by lunch at Doc's Dream Cafe.

They know how to make some burgers here. Blue Boy is a recommended obscure golfing destination.

NWOGA This Week

2010-06-25T13:49:00.001-07:00

Sunday June 27 The NWOGA heads to Blue Boy West in Monroe, Wa.

NWOGA Report: Cascade Golf Course and Wayne Golf Course

2010-06-25T12:39:00.000-07:00

The first NWOGA event took place at Cascade Golf Course in North Bend, Wa.

It was a beautiful day on June 13th for the first NWOGA event at Cascade Golf Course. This 9 hole design with dual tees in North Bend, Wa provided a challenging test with surprisingly firm greens making it difficult to judge approach shots and pitches. The round was followed with a great lunch at The Riverbend Cafe.

Last week's stop was Wayne Golf Course in Bothell, Wa. This was the second event of the NWOGA 2010 Season.

Wayne was in wet condition, understandable with the weather as of late. Speaking of the wet weather, this event was battled in the classic Northwest mist and some legitimate rain showers. The greens were rolling well and in typical Wayne fashion, questions were asked by players who had never played there before on where to hit the ball, a perfect problem for NWOGA participants. Obscure courses, obscure golf hole designs... that's what we are after in the NWOGA.

Introducing The NWOGA

2010-06-25T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's the inaugural year the Northwest Obscure Golf Association. The season got underway in mid June and is in full swing for Summer 2010. The goal of the NWOGA is to find obscure golf courses around the Northwest. We are on the search for hidden gems and goat tracks. No matter the course condition, we will tee it up, if the course is tucked away from civilization, the NWOGA will find it and it will be played.

Check the Von's Golf blog for NWOGA updates and upcoming courses. We hope to see you out there.

On the Big Time site...

2010-05-19T13:21:00.000-07:00

You may remember my last post with Miura golf (as seen below... "Miura with another classic")... We'll the staff at PGATOUR.com recognized greatness with their latest equipment post...

This wedge and other Miura clubs are available at Von's Golf.... Come experience some of the most respected golf clubs in the game.

pgatour link:http://www.pgatour.com/2010/r/05/18/equipment/index.html

Introducing The New Vons Golf Blogosphere Slow Motion Camera...

2010-04-23T02:06:00.001-07:00

Tiger's 2nd day at The 2010 Masters

2010-04-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

Youtube Page Link

Masters 2010

2010-04-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

What a Masters tournament its been so far... Setting up nicely for a memorable weekend. Just watching the past couple days... Noticed a couple equipment things... For one Matt Kuchar is breaking a stereotype that some have maybe developed... That pro's do not use graphite shafts... Well, he is using the syrupy smooth Aerotech shafts.

They are a favorite for any skill level due to their wide range in weights and smooth feel.

Oh did you hear Tiger is playing?

If you are wondering what that new orange shaft he is playing in his Driver... It is the Graphite Design Tour AD DI. Ryo Ishikawa also plays this shaft in his Driver and 3 wood.

Tiger switched from the Diamana White Board which has played for a few seasons before switching to the Graphite Design.

Miura With Another Classic...

2010-03-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

Katsuhiro Miura has done it again. This Miura K Grind wedge has a pure look with unmatched feel. The cut marks out of the back flange provide a very unique feature to a wedge. The wedge can lay wide open without any rolling as other wedges do. This also creates less bounce and glides through the sand with ease. Also it is superior for tight lies and hard surfaces. For now, this K Grind is made in a 56 degree.

Joe Rafson's Review of The Miura Special Grind Wedge

2010-03-24T16:27:00.000-07:00

The "Special Grind" by Yoshitaka Miura is the most solidly built club I have ever felt in my hands. I put a 60 degree "Special Grind" with black finish and a KBS Tour black-nickel shaft in the bag in the Fall of '09 and have been loving it ever since. Before I have always played nice wedges (Vokey, Cleveland, Callaway) and have always been solid around greens, but with my "Yoshi SG" wedge, my touch and confidence around greens is at a new level. I feel I can play any shot with that wedge and can get it up and down from basically any lie. I will soon play all Special Grind wedges and recommend them for any serious player looking for more out of their wedge. -Joe Rafson

Another Classic.....

2010-03-02T14:55:00.001-08:00

The Brand New Miura 501 irons are making their way to Von's Golf.

Caution: Contents Hot

2010-02-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Check this out... The Diamana 'ilima (il-ē-ma) made its retail debut at the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show in late January.
-click on the pic for the official breakdown-

This shaft has some hot graphics boasting a two-tone look. One side a glossy burnt orange with chrome on the flip side.

The other new shaft in the 2010 lineup for Mitsubishi Rayon is the Diamana Kai'li (kī-lē).

All Diamana shafts are available at Von's Golf... send Jim an email at jim@vonsgolf.com

Nakashima Ninja Wedges

2010-02-01T11:26:00.000-08:00

After a slight delay for some pictures of the new Nakashima Ninja wedges, here they are.....

These wedges can be ordered with square grooves or v-grooves. Lofts come in 50-52-54-56-58-60.

Quick Review of Zodia Wedges by AVL

2010-01-10T20:29:00.000-08:00

Zodia wedges hand ground by Chiba-san are not seen every day. They have a memorable feel and versatility that makes for confidence in shots around the green. Personally, I have played these Zodia's since Spring 2007 and they are my favorite wedges I have ever played.
When these wedges are brand new, get ready to go through a couple golf balls because these Zodia's can shred a cover and put some serious cheddar on the ball.

I play a 56 degree and a 59 degree both with Nippon 1150 stiff shafts. My 59 degree is my weapon out of the bunkers. I never feel terrible when I go into bunkers when I have Chiba-san in hand.

A little golf humor

2010-01-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

Arnold Palmer clips from ESPN

2010-01-04T13:20:00.003-08:00

"What happened" by Jamie Diaz

2009-12-31T18:08:00.000-08:00

An article about Tiger from the 2010 February edition of Golf Digest

The New Year...

2009-12-30T01:17:00.000-08:00

A new decade is upon us and a new PGA Tour season. This should be an interesting season with the current events of Tiger and some players that are carrying momentum from off season tour events. I'm looking for Ian Poulter, Dustin Johnson and Ryan Moore to have a good year on tour.

Also in Hawaii, be on the look out during television coverage for the Trackman launch monitor.

They will be showing what launch angles and spins make the pros distances optimal for them. You can use the same technology here at the shop with our Trackman.

TrackMan at the 2009 Memorial Clinic
featuring Jack Nicklaus

Trackman is ideal for driver fittings and figuring out what shaft is right for you. If you don't need to be fitted for a shaft, it is a great tool for figuring out what distance gaps you have in between clubs. Also I have found Trackman helps you with your swing. You can see your club path and a very important part of hitting the ball, attack angle. Trackman is the best launch monitor in the game and why not use some PGA Tour quality equipment if you have the chance.

Welcome to the site

2009-12-21T01:03:00.000-08:00

How's it going? Welcome to the Von's Golf blog. This is the site to see what's new equipment in the shop and what's happening in the golf world . You may know our other site vonsgolf.com but if you want the latest updates from the workshop, this is the place you want to be.