GOLF Tax update
As you have probably heard, lawmakers in Sacramento have finally reach agreement
on a budget deal. In good new for golfers, the golf tax IS NOT a part of this
budget fix.
We'd like to thank the thousands of you who signed up for the coalition, wrote
letters made phone calls, participated in media activities and generally supported
the efforts of the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) in the effort to stop the
tax.
The golf tax was a near certainty at one point during the budget discussions;
its elimination demonstrates the strength the golf industry and individual golfers
have if they work together to protect our great game.
While this win is significant, it is important that we remain organized, active
and vigilant. Our state's budget issues are not over and now that the idea of
a golf tax has been introduced, it is likely a lawmaker or the state's tax commission
will raise the issue again someday soon.
In addition to taxes on golf, there are other important issues, like water supply,
that could greatly impact golf. CAG will need your support as these and other
issues arise.
Again, thank you for your dedication to golf and your continued support.
Bob Bouchier
Executive Director
California Alliance for Golf
HOLE IN ONE CHAMPION
Have you had a hole in one? Perhaps you have even been fortunate
enough to have more than one, but TEN! Who gets that ball in
the hole in one stroke ten times? Joyce Norman that’s who!
Joyce a member of the
Sierra Meadows Ranch WGC shot her 10th Hole in One in October, just
before her 80th birthday! This is
definitely a PWGA record.
Joyce took up the sport of golf
in her 30s while living in Laguna Niguel, CA. Joyce in fact
shot her first two aces (8/78 and 12/80) at the El Niguel CC where
she was a member at the time. She went on to follow that
success up with a Hole in One at Oakmont GC in ’84, Lake Wildwood
in ’94, Madera CC in both ’98, and ’99, Sierra
Meadows Ranch GC in ’03 and ’06, Rivercreek GC in ’04
and number 10 was back at Sierra Meadows GC in October 2008
Joyce moved to the Oakhurst area about 25 years ago and has been
a member of the Sierra Meadows Ranch and River Creek Golf Courses
since. Joyce plays with her ladies club on Wednesdays, but
that’s not enough golf for Joyce she also plays with husband
Tom and averages about three rounds a week at her Courses.
Teresa Sherman, PWGA Rep for the club says “Joyce has two
great loves; golf and animals ”. About golf Teresa
says; “Joyce is a steady player with a Handicap in the 20’s.” And
about those animals, Teresa says “Joyce is a member of the
SPCA, she rescues stray animals and gives them loving care and finds
new homes for them”.
When asking Joyce what she contributes her success to she says “Strictly
Luck!” We should all be so lucky.
Congratulations Joyce and we look forward to hearing about Ace number
ELEVEN!
Fresno Area On Course Rules Clinic
When: Monday, March 30, 2009
Where: Riverside Golf Course – 8:30 a.m.
Fee: $13.00 per person (includes lunch)
Groups will rotate between five stations, which will cover the following:
- Water hazards and Lateral Water Hazards
- The Teeing Ground, OB, Lost Ball, Provisional Ball
- Abnormal Ground Conditions, Obstructions, Unplayable Ball
- The Putting Green and Flagstick
- Bunkers
Most Improved Golfer Award by Kay Robinson
At the 2009 Workshops Most Improved Golfer awards were presented. One
award was given to a 9-hole club member and one award to an 18-hole
club member in each of the eight PWGA Areas. The criteria:
(1) timeframe selected was January 1 through December 1, 2008, (2)
minimum 18 years old, and (3) minimum of 20 games in her score history.
Often, in a local club, a minimum number of games must be posted as played with the club. However, that criteria could not be verified at the PWGA level, only the club level, so that was not taken into consideration.
Each winner's name was announced at her Area's Workshop and she
was awarded a 2009 PWGA ball marker. Congratulations to these
women and their accomplishments.
PWGA APPAREL
We are happy to announce that we have entered into a new arrangement
with Five Star Specialties to provide PWGA logo wear to our members. Our
new order page will be up soon on our website. Liz
Ford will be highlighting a special item for sale each month in
this eNewsletter. More details to follow soon. Be sure to
check our website.
Website improvements
We are working on our website to make some improvements in order
to make things simpler for all our members. We have added a few
tools to make the site interactive. Now you can go to the home page,
or any Tournament
page, and map the address of the golf course you are playing,
or the hotel that you will be staying. You can also check out the
local weather and see how things look like in the are you will be
golfing.
Also, the News|Calendar page had changed to include a PWGA calendar of all events. Feel free to check it out.
Please email the webmaster if you encounter any problems, or you have suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you.