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 I heard that things had changed for the better at the Tournament Players Club at Valencia, so I decided to check it out. When California’s only TPC opened three years ago, it was a partnership between the Newhall Land Company and the PGA Tour. Grumbling about the semi-private facility soon followed, with high prices, rigid management and poor maintenance among the gripes. “When the relationship started to go sour, Newhall Land bought out the PGA Tour and brought in Western Golf Properties to manage the facility,” said Ron Horton, the general manager and director of golf who arrived on the scene about a year ago. “The course still flies the TPC flag, but now the relationship with the PGA Tour is just a licensing agreement that could change when the contract comes up for renewal.” Horton and Western Golf Properties are getting more involved in the community and trying to remedy the course’s reputation. “We just had the Newhall Cup here in which all six area high schools competed,” Horton said. “We lowered the prices for daily fee rounds and for outside tournament play. We’re much more flexible in working with groups depending on the time of year they want to stage their tournament.” Members are said to be pleased with the changes. “The membership is very happy with what’s going on now at the club,” said Don Fleming, a charter member. “The course itself is in incredible shape — I’d say the best in Southern California.” At first glance, Fleming’s assessment of the course was accurate. The spring rains produced some of the greenest fairways I’ve seen this year. MAJOR MOVES: I probably should leave well enough alone since my Masters pick of Tiger Woods was edited out of last month’s column. However, if I’m going to gloat when I’m right, I should take my medicine when I’m wrong. It was weird watching Woods putt like a mortal last month, but also great to see Phil Mickelson win. The forward-thinking editorial staff of Southland Golf magazine looked pretty good, too, with Mickelson on the cover of the April issue. Nice going, guys. Looking ahead to the next three majors, I’m picking Mickelson to win the U.S. Open next month at Winged Foot, but his struggles will continue across the pond at the British Open at Royal Liverpool in July. Woods will lift the Claret Jug again and defend his 2005 title. In August, the PGA Championship will be played at Medinah Country Club, where Woods completed his career grand slam in 1999. Look for Woods to win back-to-back majors — again. That would give Southland natives a sweep of the year’s four major championships. LOVITZ LOVES GOLF: Comedian Jon Lovitz recently made the talk show rounds to promote his new film, “Benchwarmers.” The former “Saturday Night Live” member and Beverly Hills resident also used the air time to plug a product he’s invested in called Putt Pal (PuttPalUSA.com), a retractable device that can be used to brush away debris on greens thanks to a USGA rules change allowing golfers to remove loose impediments in their line by any means. What made the TV show appearances so funny is that none of the hosts were sure if Putt Pal was a legitimate product or if Lovitz was pulling their leg. On the “Late Show with Conan O’Brien,” Lovitz, who plays and takes lessons at Angeles National, dumped sand on his desk and brushed it on the floor and in O’Brien’s lap. On “Last Call with Carson Daly,” Lovitz brought a piece of artificial turf the size of Daly’s coffee table and did a similar demonstration. I’m not sure if the appearances sold tickets to the movie or got people interested in Putt Pals, but they sure made me laugh. Eric Tracy is also known as The Mulligan Man. If you have questions or comments, contact him at eric@themulliganman.com |
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