Palm Springs Teaser continued for 2024 Golf Vacations

[ZipinZ]

 

Jan 16^th …. Went to the LaQuinta Hotel/Spa this afternoon to pick up my AMEX Volunteer swag & info training.  There was over 80 people in the room who were accepted for “Walking Marshall's”, “Walking Score Keepers” & “Standard Bearers”.  I’ll be working inside the ropes on the Nicklaus course walking with the score keeper and confirming and updating scores after the completion of each hole, on my sign pole.  There was a lot of info provided on what you can’t do, like take water bottles out of the players buckets until they all get theirs, asking for autographs or taking cell phone pic’s while in uniform or talking to the players or caddies & no consuming booze while on shift.  That said you get a lots of perks in addition to watching the pro's, like a golf hat, golf shirt, wind breaker golf coat, AMEX pin, free parking, pass spouse (Wed/Thur/Sunday, concert nights not included) free cont. breakfast, free lunch & 1 free beer in the Happy Hour volunteer tent, and 50% off one round on any of the PGA courses, 2023 expiry. 

 

They said the event is limited to 10,000 people all need to provide proof of Vax or current negative test to enter, which includes me. Looking forward to to my shift this Thursday morning on the 1st T on Nicklaus.

 

I believe ticket prices may have gone up this year.

 

Cheers

 

David

 

Link to website ... http://www.theamexgolf.com/

 

 

 

My Volunteer Uniform/Swag ....

 

 

Edited January 17, 2022 by ZipinZ

[vernon]

12 hours ago, ZipinZ said:

 

Jan 16^th …. Went to the LaQuinta Hotel/Spa this afternoon to pick up my AMEX Volunteer swag & info training.  There was over 80 people in the room who were accepted for “Walking Marshall's”, “Walking Score Keepers” & “Standard Bearers”.  I’ll be working inside the ropes on the Nicklaus course walking with the score keeper and confirming and updating scores after the completion of each hole, on my sign pole.  There was a lot of info provided on what you can’t do, like take water bottles out of the players buckets until they all get theirs, asking for autographs or taking cell phone pic’s while in uniform or talking to the players or caddies & no consuming booze while on shift.  That said you get a lots of perks in addition to watching the pro's, like a golf hat, golf shirt, wind breaker golf coat, AMEX pin, free parking, pass spouse (Wed/Thur/Sunday, concert nights not included) free cont. breakfast, free lunch & 1 free beer in the Happy Hour volunteer tent, and 50% off one round on any of the PGA courses, 2023 expiry. 

 

They said the event is limited to 10,000 people all need to provide proof of Vax or current negative test to enter, which includes me. Looking forward to to my shift this Thursday morning on the 1st T on Nicklaus.

 

I believe ticket prices may have gone up this year.

 

Cheers

 

David

 

Link to website ... http://www.theamexgolf.com/

 

 

 

My Volunteer Uniform/Swag ....

 

 

Limited attendance and proof of vax but there were 80 people in the room?  

 

Sounds like California to me!

 

Nonetheless it oughta be a lot of fun and I hope you have a blast.  Way back in 1985 a friend got us hooked up to work as spotters for ABC at the PGA Championship at Cherry Hills.  

 

Still some of my best golf memories ever!

[ZipinZ]

Got my schedule this afternoon, I'm the first out on all three rounds at 8:40 am, on the Nicklaus track. They also play on the Stadium course & La Quinta course. These are the players I will be following, the big names are either on the other course or have later T-times.

 

D.

 

Round 1:

 

 

 

Round 2:

 

 

Round 3:

 

[Socrates]

Should be interesting to find out who the amateurs are.  Can't be A-Listers, but might still be interesting.

[ZipinZ]

I'll find out each morning after I check in ... will post later when I get home.

 

D.

 

Found this interesting ....

 

 

This is what I'll be responsible for ....

 

That's lots to remember for an old guy ....

 

D.

 

 

 

Edited January 18, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Patrick Evans KESQ had some interesting local NEWS.

 

A magnitude 3.5 earthquake near Idyllwild was reported at 11:39 p.m. Monday night, January 17th. The quake measured a depth of 7.6 miles and occurred roughly six miles to the north-northwest of Idyllwild, or 12.7 miles west of Palm Springs.

 

I passed out, the Mrs said she felt it shake the place.

 

 

 

A person was pronounced dead after a maintenance golf cart sunk into a canal near the Terra Lago North golf club in Indio.  Officials said a caged, maintenance cart with a person inside submerged on its side into the canal. Firefighters were able to get the golf cart out of the water, but the person was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed the person was a male who worked at the Terra Lago Golf Club.

 

I believe the origin of Coachella Canal is the Colorado River near Yuma.

 

 

 

 

.

 

[ZipinZ]

Day 1 - Thursday, was up at 5:30 got out the door by 7:00 headed down I10 then turned down Jefferson, was delayed by a serious car crash but got to PGA West, checked in got my gear and off I went in a rush and arrived 5 minutes before my T-time out first at 8:40 am.

Doug Ghim, the Pro I accompanied was hot for the first few holes he made Birdie #1, #3 and on #4 a 570 yd par 5 hit a 298 yd drive into wind, then 270 yd 3 wood to 6 ft pin, made Eagle, then Birdied #7 ... was 5 under 67 & T24. JJ Spaun the other Pro struggled he was 3 over 75 & T143. The two Amateurs really struggled, both lots balls, missed short putts, 3 putted & one hit a hozzle rocket & almost hit one of the Pro's in the head, something I didn't expect to see.

 

John Rahm the world #1 shot -6 = 66 & the tourney host Phil Mickelson is tied for last place he shot +6 = 78. I would of loved to accompany Patrick Cantlay who's tied for 1st at 10 under = 62.  Not allowed to take pic's while on shift, however, I included one of my favorites that I had taken in the past of Hole #8 called Lilly Pad it was playing 170 yds.  Back on the 1st T again tomorrow with Christiaan Bezuidenhout who's -6/66 and Nick Watney who even at 72. Forecast says gusty winds in the afternoon.

 

Day 2 …. Friday, up early, no issues getting to PGA West, got my gear & was on the Nicklaus 1^st  T early. Got another volunteer to take my pic, for the scrap book.  Today I accompanied Christiaan Bezuidenhout for South Africa, who had a tough day and ended up shooting even, 72.  The other pro was Nick Watney, he hit more than one drive 315-320 yds, his irons & wedges were solid, but missed too many putts and ended up -1/71. The two amateurs today were a lot of fun, Andrew Macdonald a Canadian from Toronto, 12 HC, he told me all the amateurs were invited by AMEX to attend. He said his company, Uber Canada does a lot of business with AMEX & they paid for everything, including his caddie.  Patrick Cantlay the sole leader shot 4 under today on Nicklaus he’s -14. The wind started to blow around 2:30 had to be 10-15mph, Saturday they say 10-20 mph gusts, that will make for tough course conditions, luck for these guys they’re not playing at the Classic Club on i10.

 

I used my Garmin G8 to record the pro’s scores, when I ended the round it said we walked 6.5 miles, in 5:20 today, my legs/feet sure were burning, the hot tub & cold beer helped.  Saturday’s my third & final round, same time, same track accompanying Kelly Kraft & Scott Stallings.

 

That’s the sign board I carry around in a sling all day it weighs the same as a 12 lb Walleye.

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

I look a little dazed ...

 

 

Day 3 ....

 

 

 

Link Leader Board ....  https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2022/the-american-express/leaderboard.html

 

.

My favourite hole on Nicklaus.

 

 

 

The two Amateurs that I accompanied today are near the top of their Leaderboard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

Edited January 22, 2022 by ZipinZ

[Socrates]

The Lily Pad is a Devilish little hole.  This photo is from 2018.  Hit an 8 iron that landed on the back of the green and hopped onto this little peninsula in the bunker behind the green.  Pin was near the front right.  Tried it 2X going at the pin and both would have ended up in the water (playing partner stopped the ball both times).  3rd time I hit it away from the hole onto the fringe right front.  

 

I think I could've stood on the tee for a week and not got a ball to land on that little spot.  Stays in the bunker and I make 4 at the worst.  Instead it was an X.

 

 

Edited January 22, 2022 by Socrates

[North Texas]

@ZipinZ

 

After the pro in your group almost got hit in the head by a hosel rocket, you should have told him that rule #1 when playing in a pro-am is to never, ever stand in front of and to the right of any of the ams. And to never forget what you just told him 😉

 

My Father-in-Law has the distinction of being able to say that he once hit Byron Nelson in the butt one time during a charity event with a hosel rocket. Byron, being the consumate gentleman that he was, actually apologized to him for being up in front of him. But I don't know if either one of them autographed the ball 🙂

Edited January 23, 2022 by North Texas

[ZipinZ]

I could see that happening after walking with the pros for 3 days, they just keep going. The amateur sure was stressed out after the near miss.

 

D.

[ZipinZ]

Day 3 …. out again at 8:40 on the Nicklaus course with Scott Stallings who shot 4 under 68 & Kelly Kraft shot 2 over, both didn’t make the cut. The wind came up around the 6-7 hole which made low scoring tough. The two amateurs caused a number of delays today, a course Captain advised we were behind and had to pick up the pace. On #7 a 530 yd Par 5, Kelly Kraft hit 290 yd driver, 2 iron and was in dried up dead grass area about 10 ft below the green, his wedge shot hit the top of the bank & rolled back down to his feet, he chunked the next shot with the same result rolled back down to his feet, his 3 wedge shot hit back of green with no spin and stopped on fringe, two putts later he was in for a double from about 15 feet from the flag, Pro’s do it, too ... including a number of F-Bombs .

 

On #17 a Par 3, we caught up to the last group who started off on the back 9 & stood around for 8-10 minutes. Same on #18, pulled out my phone and took a few pic’s while waiting. Finished up in 5:25 min, walked another 6.5 miles, my feet/legs were now real tired/sore, my blisters have blisters.    

 

These were the final scores of the pros I accompanied, the cut was -6, two guys are tied for the lead at -18, Phil the tourney host, ended up at +7.
 
Christiaan Bezuidenhout  -10
Doug Ghim -8
JJ Spaun -7
Scott Stallings -4
Kelly Kraft -2
Nick Watney -1

 

Tomorrow, I plan to sleep in a bit, then take the Mrs out for B.fast and head over to the Stadium track to walk with the leaders, we both have free passes and I got a bunch of booze tickets for volunteering that need to get used up.

 

I was surprised to see the number of Cdn’s that volunteer at this tournament, it was obvious, we all had blue bands on our access pass lanyards. The snowbirds were working in almost every area either on the course or behind the scenes, including the announcer who introduces the players on the first T, he was from Brampton, Ont.   

 

A few pic’s ….

 

Cheers

 

David

 

View on Nicklaus Tournament #18 from the tips ....

 

 

 

 

 

I stopped in the Lounge & grand stands for a beer overlooking the 18 green on the Stadium course, this is were all the action will be tomorrow.

 

 

 

The view is Priceless ..... you should be here.

 

 

 

Leader Board ....  https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2022/the-american-express/leaderboard.html

 

 

 

[Socrates]

13 hours ago, ZipinZ said:

Day 3 . On #7 a 530 yd Par 5, Kelly Kraft hit 290 yd driver, 2 iron and was in dried up dead grass area about 10 ft below the green, his wedge shot hit the top of the bank & rolled back down to his feet, he chunked the next shot with the same result rolled back down to his feet, his 3 wedge shot hit back of green with no spin and stopped on fringe, two putts later he was in for a double from about 15 feet from the flag, Pro’s do it, too ... including a number of F-Bombs .

That's the one thing that really defines the NT course.  Miss one of those greens short and you are in for a world of hurt if you are tentative.  Takes a lot more club head speed than one thinks to get it onto the surface.  First time there, I think I took a Quad on that hole when I couldn't get it onto the green from down below.

 

From the back tees, #18 is a nice Par 5 for a finishing hole.  "WTF do you mean it's a Par 4?"

[ZipinZ]

Sunday … final round, got out to watch the final group T-off at 10:55, followed them to the green then went over to #17 and parked for a while. Enjoyed watching a few groups come in seen 4 birdies, the crowd was loud. Then went back to #18 and was able to get 2 seats in the upper grand stands overlooking the green. Watched Jon Rahm mess up his approach shot came up short & it looked like he was going to toss his wedge into the pond, he still made par was -14 for the day. Stayed until Patrick Cantlay came in, he over shot the green his wedge saved him then made a short putt for par.

 

There was a line up to get on the bus, waited for 2 buses to load before it was our turn, getting out of the parking lot wasn’t too bad, but still a lot of traffic headed down Jefferson to i10. 

 

The Mrs took a pic or two of the new arena that’s under construction next to the Classic Club, not sure of the capacity, it looked huge.  Got home & hit the hot tub with a rum/coke, my back & feet thanked me.

 

Hudson Swafford came from behind & shot a 64 to win by 2 strokes & took home 1.3M, this was his second win out here, his last was in 2017.

 

My four days have come to an end, I still have a ½ price certificate to play 1 of the PGA West courses, most likely it will be the Stadium course, but not from the tips.

 

I enjoyed my volunteer opportunity, walking with the pros inside the ropes was a unique experience, not sure I would do it again, perhaps something different next year like working out on the range.

 

A few random pic’s …

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Went over to #18.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.

 

Edited January 24, 2022 by ZipinZ

[Socrates]

I thought the arena was being built closer to the middle of Old Palm Springs?  Guess I was mistaken.  Will be another thing to see (AHL game) when it gets going and I get to be down there.

[ZipinZ]

Paper said that deal fell apart.

 

Link .... https://www.desertsun.com/story/sports/2021/06/02/palm-springs-area-arena-construction-begins-wednesday-after-two-years-talk/7496295002/

 

After 24 months of anticipation and discussion, shovels went into the ground Wednesday to begin construction on a $250 million, 300,000-square foot arena on unincorporated land near Palm Desert that is expected to attract professional sports and star entertainment.

 

It was first rumored that the Palm Springs area could be the home of a new American Hockey League team in May 2019. One month later, Oak View Group, a Los Angeles-based sports and entertainment company, announced a partnership with Live Nation to build an arena for sports and concerts in the Coachella Valley.

 

Since then, a partnership with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and plans for a downtown Palm Springs arena have fallen through, and a global pandemic has caused delays. A 2020 groundbreaking was postponed and the site was later moved.

Edited January 24, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

They called them .... Link .... https://cvfirebirds.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Edited January 24, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

The new Coachella hockey arena will officially be called the " Acrisure Arena".  The $300 million, 11,000 seat arena sponsor is called Acrisure a financial services company originally based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

 

Link .... https://kesq.com/news/2022/01/26/coachella-valley-arena-will-be-named-the-acrisure-arena/

 

 

 

 

.

Edited January 27, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

For those here in late May ...

 

 

[ZipinZ]

I missed a few fly-by's but was able to get these pic's of the T-34 pilots who dropped into the air museum for the weekend. They should be out again tomorrow will hopefully get a few better pic's.  Always enjoy the roar of those birds when they go over our place.

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Socrates]

5 minutes ago, ZipinZ said:

I missed a few fly-by's but was able to get these pic's of the T-34 pilots who dropped into the air museum for the weekend. They should be out again tomorrow will hopefully get a few better pic's.  Always enjoy the roar of those birds when they go over our place.

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Air Museum is a favourite for me.  You never know what will be flying on a Saturday afternoon.  Next fav. one is the Pima Museum in Tucson.   If you have a thing for military history, the Patton Museum is worth the drive down the Interstate.

[ZipinZ]

3 hours ago, Socrates said:

The Air Museum is a favourite for me.  You never know what will be flying on a Saturday afternoon.  Next fav. one is the Pima Museum in Tucson.   If you have a thing for military history, the Patton Museum is worth the drive down the Interstate.

 

When I lived in WPG, I had an office in 1 Cdn Air Div. spent close to 30 years as a civilian with our Armed Forces, even had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of one of our CF18 Hornets in 4 Wing Cold Lake, it was in hanger getting fit for new weapons. Have a soft spot for fighter aircraft especially the old WWII warbirds.  Tks for the intel.

 

Cheers

 

D. 

[ZipinZ]

I imagine the Classic Club would be a bit breezy this afternoon. I'm going to be sittin in the Hot Tub & a few bevies .... let it blow.

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 2, 2022 by ZipinZ

[Socrates]

20 minutes ago, ZipinZ said:

I imagine the Classic Club would be a bit breezy this afternoon. I'm going to be sittin in the Hot Tub & a few bevies .... let it blow.

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

I used to chuckle at the people who would say it's too windy to play and what not, but I finally was there when it did get windy in that area and it does get a little nutty with all the sand blowing around.  Branches coming out of trees.  Tumbleweeds.   

 

A number of years ago I got drilled by a dust devil on the old 111 on the way to Cabazon.  If I hadn't seen it coming and slowed down, it likely would've knocked the SUV off the road.  That area near the wind turbines can be a little breezy.

[ZipinZ]

35 minutes ago, Socrates said:

I used to chuckle at the people who would say it's too windy to play and what not, but I finally was there when it did get windy in that area and it does get a little nutty with all the sand blowing around.  Branches coming out of trees.  Tumbleweeds.   

 

A number of years ago I got drilled by a dust devil on the old 111 on the way to Cabazon.  If I hadn't seen it coming and slowed down, it likely would've knocked the SUV off the road.  That area near the wind turbines can be a little breezy.

 

Winds picked up & the Palm Trees are just shaking ....

 

People here are wearing full down filled winter coats.

 

Back to hot tub.

 

D.

 

 

 

 

[ZipinZ]

Feb 04th .... went to the Pete Carlson's COD Golf EXPO Demo Days, a few less people & golf items 4-sale than previous years, most of the major brands were there with all the latest products. 

 

Spoke to the Ping guys, they said they would replace my broken G400 3 wood head with a new one if still available or give me a G410 and if I wanted I could pay the upgrade and get a new G425 head. It didn't matter that I didn't have the original shaft with me nor were I bought it (Canada/USA), all I had to do is take it in to Pete Carlson's and they would look after getting me a replacement, very happy with Ping's customer service. Also got to hit a G425 3 & 5 wood, nice. 

 

Spent some time with the Titleist guys discussing ProV1 & 1X ball performance in comparison to the Taylormade TP5's currently playing, buddy convinced me to change back to the ProV's while I'm here in P.S. he said  based on my info shared I would see a lower ball flight and gain a bit more distance, then gave me 2 sleeves to try and see the difference, guess we'll find out I'm playing again on Sunday. He also offered a free 45 min group fitting using trackman with fitter tomorrow, unfortunately, couldn't take him up on it.

 

Its always a fun event, you can hit the latest equipment out on the range and not be pressured into buying anything, if you wish to purchase something you go back into Pete C's with your demo order. Only bought some new gloves, price was right.

 

A few pic's ...

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

Collapsed Face G400 3 wood last week.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Look who's back downtown to stay ..... just beautiful!

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 6, 2022 by ZipinZ

[ZipinZ]

Played Escena yesterday, it was a slooow Sunday round. Noticed the course is drying up, greens are OK, seen them in better shape. For those who haven't played this course, you hit into cage/nets at the practice area, sure was disappointed with the the condition of their range balls, never seen them in this horrible condition. Plan to bring this to the attention of Mgt on my next visit.

 

Playing Eagle Falls - Fantasy Springs on Wednesday, looking forward to it and the super warm weather is a bonus, get an extra 5 yds .... 😎.

 

Edit: Didn't see a noticeable difference in distance between the ProV1 's or X's and my TP5's experiment, more to follow. 

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 7, 2022 by ZipinZ

[vernon]

Wow.  What a week of weather!

 

That's the Palm Springs I know and love!

[Socrates]

3 hours ago, ZipinZ said:

Played Escena yesterday, it was a slooow Sunday round. Noticed the course is drying up, greens are OK, seen them in better shape. For those who haven't played this course, you hit into cage/nets at the practice area, sure was disappointed with the the condition of their range balls, never seen them in this horrible condition. Plan to bring this to the attention of Mgt on my next visit.

 

Playing Eagle Falls - Fantasy Springs on Wednesday, looking forward to it and the super warm weather is a bonus, get an extra 5 yds .... 😎.

 

Edit: Didn't see a noticeable difference in distance between the ProV1 's or X's and my TP5's experiment, more to follow. 

Cheers

D.

 

 

That's what happens when they never wash them.  At least if they washed them, they would look decent.  They're junk now.

[ZipinZ]

Feb 09th ... played Fantasy Springs - Eagle Falls today, paid $95.00 all in, got hooked up with a retired Dentist & Lawyer from Iowa interesting guys. I really enjoyed this track it was in excellent shape, the range was great & greens are much quicker & in better condition than Escena. My driver found almost every fairway, wedges and putter need work. Was a hot day 86F they provide 4 bottles water needed them, happy with my round, shot 37/42 = 79 a couple of birdies helped but a 3 putt on 18, sucked, finished in just over 4 hrs. Recommend you give this course some consideration it's good value.

 

Edit: I did notice my ball flight was lower today using the new Prov1's vs my TP5's, best drive with a little push wind was on Hole #3 a 368 yd Par 4 hit 285 yd driver then wedge to 14" made birdie.

 

Cheers

 

D.

 

 

No. 18 ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 10, 2022 by ZipinZ