Oak Tree National Blog
Saint Patrick’s Day Scramble
by CarissaStevens on Mon Mar 2010
Our Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Scramble will be held March 17th with a 1 pm shotgun start. And what Saint Patrick’s Day would be complete without green beer? We hope to see everyone there!
New Golf Carts Arriving March 1st
by CarissaStevens on Tue Feb 2010
ACE Group Classic
by CarissaStevens on Mon Feb 2010
Congrats to OTN’s very own Bob Tway and Gil Morgan. Both Touring Professionals, who call OTN their home course, played in the ACE Group Classic yesterday. The ACE Group Classic is a Senior PGA Tour Event and was hosted at the Quarry in Naples Florida. Bob Tway finished T-17 and Gil Morgan finished T- 26.
Valentines Dinner
by CarissaStevens on Thu Feb 2010
Have you made reservations for Valentine’s Dinner this Saturday yet? With the success of new Executive Chef Geno McNeely’s dinner last night, we just know that Valentines will be very special. If you haven’t made your rservations, there is still time. Call (405) 348-2004 to place your name on the list. Here is Chef Geno’s menu.
Our World Class Teaching Center
by CarissaStevens on Wed Feb 2010
Oak Tree National is special in so many ways. We’ve actually started a list of things that set us apart from other golf clubs in the nation. That will be another blog in itself though. One of the things on that list however, is our Teaching Facility. IT. IS. AMAZING. It’s the only one like it in the area. Not only can you practice your game no matter the weather condition (there are heated stalls!!!), the equipment itself is state-of-the-art.
TrackMan, K-Vest and Sam PuttLab are the three main types of equipment. They are the most technologically advanced teaching tools in golf. And they are right here at OTN! The indoor facility has three large hitting bays that allow golfers to practice in any weather while hitting full shots to the many target areas out on the driving range. The convenience of the indoor facility paired with the most technologically advanced instructional equipment make the Oak Tree National Practice Center an unrivaled destination for golfers searching for improvement in their game.
In addition, OTN also has E.J. Pfister. E.J. was named by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 Golf Instructors in America. He has worked with some of the top teaching professionals in the world as well as some of the greatest touring professionals. He’s even been featured on the Golf Channel! (And he is based right here at OTN!) For more information on lesson’s with E.J. contact the golf shop at (405) 348-2004 or visit his Web site ejpfistergolf.com
Now here are just a few photos from an outting the other day. There are more to come!
The front of the Teaching Facility
Gil Morgan and E.J. Pfister
Steve Kimmel watching a golf try out the Track Man and K-Vest
Chef Geno’s Inaugural Dinner Event: Tomorrow night!
by CarissaStevens on Tue Feb 2010
We are getting so excited for Executive Chef Geno McNeely’s inaugural dinner tomorrow night! He is making his way to Oklahoma with his Smoker in tow especially for tomorrow evenings menu. If you haven’t heard, tomorrow’s menu is going to be FANTASTIC! Chef McNeely is preparing a pecan smoked tenderloin with a fresh gulf shrimp accompaniment. Mmmmm we are getting hungry just thinking about it….
We hope to see all of our Members out tomorrow to support him on his first night here at Oak Tree National! Reservations can be made by calling (405) 348-2004.
Oak Tree National Announces New Leader of Culinary Department
by CarissaStevens on Mon Feb 2010
Oak Tree National’s Director of Instruction Presents: Golf and Instruction at Grayhawk
by CarissaStevens on Thu Feb 2010
Oak Tree National’s Director of Instruction, E.J. Pfister, present’s a special package exclusively for Oak Tree National Members. Getaway and receive instruction from a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teaching Professional at Grayhawk Golf Course in Scottsdale, Arizona!
For more information contact the Pro Shop at (405) 348-2004 or contact E.J. directly at (405) 359-8893 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
OTN Dave Smith on the Outdoor Channel!
by CarissaStevens on Wed Feb 2010
We love seeing all the great things our Members do. That’s why we were thrilled to hear that one of our long time Members, Dave “Soup” Smith will appear on the Outdoor Channel this Thursday and Friday. To see Dave for yourself, tune your TV sets to the Outdoor Channel this Thursday at 9:30pm and Friday at 7am and 3pm. Congrats Dave!
February Giveaway!
by CarissaStevens on Wed Feb 2010
Members: In golf, what is the ruling if your ball lands on snow? Email your answer to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). The first ten correct answers are entered into a drawing to win a lesson in OTN’s state-of-the-art teaching center! The winner will be posted at the end of the month.
Second Hole-In-One of 2010: Sammy Garcia
by CarissaStevens on Mon Jan 2010
Congrats to Sammy Garcia! (Pictured Below Center) Sammy was the second to shoot a hole-in-one this year! It all happened on hole #4. Total yardage was 183 and he used his 7-iron. Again, Congrats Sammy!
First Hole-In-One of 2010: Smokey Davidson
by CarissaStevens on Thu Jan 2010
Congrats to Smokey Davidson! Smokey was the first to shoot a hole-in-one this year! It all happened on hole #13. Total yardage was 130 and he used his 9-iron. Again, Congrats Smokey!
New Technology and and Our Golf Course Renovation By Bret Proctor
by CarissaStevens on Mon Jan 2010
Golf course Superintendent Bret Proctor talks about some of the new technology that was used during the recent $6 million renovation.
Last year was a great year for Oak tree National. Through all of the changes on the golf course, there were some added features that went unseen that affect the maintenance practices. Along with the new irrigation system, we implemented multiple pieces of new technology to be more efficient with water.
The first was a weather station. This tool gives me real time data on temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, evapotransiration and many other features. The evapotranspiration reading is the most important item that I use every day. Evapotranspiration (ET) is the discharge of water from the earth’s surface to the atmosphere by evaporation from lakes, streams, and soil surfaces and by transpiration from plants. Also known as fly-off; total evaporation; water loss. To put it in simple terms, I review the readings sent to my computer each day and this helps to determine whether I need to run the irrigation and if so, what the amount of irrigation output will be. Using ET rather than a fixed amount helps to conserve millions of gallons of water each year.
The second item added were underground sensors that we installed into the greens that relay information through routers placed throughout the golf course, back to my office where it connects to a small laptop computer that transmits the information through the internet to the manufacturer of the sensor. They put everything together on a webpage for me to view. The screenshot depicts a small portion of information that I am able to view but these digital sensors calculate and monitor soil moisture, temperature and salinity. From the Web site I am able to view graphs, set thresholds and determine if the greens need to be watered. Having all of this information also helps me understand why certain things happen and has contributed to reducing the amount of irrigation run time.
I love gadgets and these new toys are really fun to play with and they all help me do my job better. With all of the water restrictions and droughts taking place in other states along with waters evolution into a commodity; it is only a matter of time before Oklahoma is strapped with the same restrictions.By keeping track of every drop we use, we are conserving energy and water.
The Top 12 Most Misunderstood Rules of Golf
by CarissaStevens on Fri Jan 2010
This month we compiled a listing of the most misunderstood rulings in the game of golf. Hope that you enjoy and learn something new from this article.
1. Red Lateral Hazard – Usually marked by either red stakes or red paint lines
a. Option 1 – Play the ball as it lies in the hazard
b. Option 2 – Use the original position the ball WAS in, but incurring a stroke and distance penalty
c. Option 3 – Take the imaginary line from the hole to where you think the ball last crossed the hazard line. Then Drop the ball anywhere behind that point , but you must keep the ball between you and the flag
d. Take the point where you think the ball last crossed the hazard line and measure 2 club lengths from that point. You can drop a ball, no nearer to the hole, anywhere inside those 2 club lengths.
2. Yellow Water Hazard – Usually marked by either yellow stakes or yellow paint lines
a. Option 1 – Play the ball as it lies in the hazard
b. Option 2 – Use the original position the ball WAS in, but incurring a stroke and distance penalty
c. Option 3 - Take the imaginary line from the hole to where you think the ball last crossed the hazard line. Then Drop the ball anywhere behind that point , but you must keep the ball between you and the flag
3. Lost Ball or Out of Bounds – Out of bounds is usually marked by white paint lines or white stakes
a. You have a maximum of 5 minutes to look for your ball. If your ball is not found in those 5 minutes, you must go back to the original spot from where you hit and play another shot. You will incur both a stroke and distance penalty
4. Unplayable Lie –
a. Take 2 club lengths from where the ball lay, and incur a 1 stroke penalty
b. Use the original position the ball WAS in, but incurring a stroke and distance penalty
c. Take the ball back as far as you want keeping the point where the ball lays between you and the hole incurring a 1 stroke penalty.
5. Improving Your Swing Path –
a. You cannot bend, break, or hack anything growing or fixed if it improves your lie, stance, or area of intended swing
b. The penalty, if you do so, is loss of hole in match play or 2 stroke penalty in medal play.
6. Removing Objects in a Bunker –
a. You may not move or remove any loose impediments in the bunker unless they are foreign to the area – For Example: You can move a piece of trash but not a pine cone or branch
7. Casual Water –
a. Find your nearest point of relief no closer to the hole where neither you or your ball lie in water that can be seen without pressing your feet up and down. You can then drop the ball within 1 club length, no closer to the hole
8. Grounding Your Club in a Hazard –
a. You may take a practice swing inside the hazard as long as your club doesn’t touch the ground. The penalty for grounding your club in a hazard is loss of hole in match play and a 2 stroke penalty in medal play
9. Removing Loose Impediments –
a. If, when moving the loose impediment, your ball accidentally moves, you have to return the ball to its original position and assess yourself a 1 stroke penalty
10. Ball on Cart Path – In this situation, you are entitled to FREE relief
a. Step 1 – You have to determine your nearest point of relief
b. Step 2 – You have 1 club length from the point where the ball would lie if full relief is taken
c. Step 3 – After the drop, the ball may roll up to 2 club lengths no closer to the hole
11. How to Drop the Ball –
a. When you determine your nearest point of relief, you then stand outside of the drop area no closer to the whole, and extend your hand to the side dropping the ball from shoulder height. The ball may roll up to 2 club lengths no closer to the whole. If the ball rolls more than 2 club lengths you must re-drop. If after 2 times the ball continues to roll longer than 2 club lengths, you must place the ball where it first touched the ground
12. Repairing the Line of your Putt –
a. If you do so with your hand or golf club, you may repair ball marks in your line or remove any sort of pebbles or foreign objects. You may not fix spike marks or fan the ground with a towel or cap to remove sand or foreign objects. The penalty for doing so is loss of hole in match play or a 2 shot penalty in medal play.
Turkey Pot Roast with Executive Chef Jed Kronholm
by CarissaStevens on Thu Jan 2010
Executive Chef Jed Kronholm puts together a tasty and healthy spin on the traditional Pot Roast.
12-29-09 The Importance of Proper Alignment in the Golf Swing
by CarissaStevens on Tue Dec 2009
When analyzing the golf swing one of the easiest, yet often overlooked steps is proper alignment. The foundation of the golf swing is based on alignment which makes it very important, especially for beginners to establish a pre-shot routine that focuses on the fundamentals. If alignment is incorrect, the chances of hitting a good shot decrease dramatically.
Many golfers today have found that the use of simple training aids is the best way to work on alignment. Anything from golf clubs to special alignment sticks can be used during practice. Next time you are at the driving range use the following techniques to work on alignment.
If you practice alignment and make it part of your pre-shot routine your game will without a doubt improve. While practicing, make sure to focus on these simple steps and not just the swing itself. For more tips and drills on alignment, contact Steve Kimmel. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Winterizing Your Golf Equipment
by CarissaStevens on Wed Dec 2009
Now is the best time of year to begin winterizing your golf equipment. Begin by washing your grips with soapy water. When finished washing, if your grips are no longer tacky, its time for new grips. Any member of our Outside Services staff is trained in re-gripping and can do this for you.
Check your golf cleats to make sure that spikes are in solid and that they are not worn. Replace them if necessary.
Check your golf bags and remove any items that you have excess of. (Golf Tees, Golf balls etc. etc.) This will make the weight of the bag more manageable. Also replace worn head covers with new protective head covers.
Check wedges and irons to see if they need to be sent in for re-grooving. If so, contact the golf shop at (405) 348-2004 and we can arrange this for you.
Have your shoes leather treated to prevent water damage. Our locker room staff has all the right equipment and is trained to do this. In addition, check shoe strings and place an extra pair in your golf bag.
Winterizing your golf equipment now will make it that much easier to go out and play on a whim. We all know how Oklahoma weather can be, so winterize your equipment now!
12-3-09 Putting Tips from PGA Head Golf Professional Steve Kimmel
by Steve Kimmel on Wed Dec 2009
In golf, putting should be one of the easiest things you do. There is basically no body movement besides your arms and shoulders going back and forth like a grandfather clock.
Perhaps the number one thing to remember is that you always accelerate through the ball. Most putts are missed due to decelerating because you get scared that you are going to hit the ball too far past the hole. The putter gets taken back too far which gives the golfer the sense that they are going to hit the ball too far which makes them decelerate.
On 90% of all putts, the putter blades should not go past your right foot on the back swing. If you do this, then you will have to accelerate through the ball to get to the hole.
The second most important thing is alignment. A great way to practice alignment in putting is to put two golf clubs down parallel to the target just wide enough for your putter blade to go between them. This ensures that your putter is going straight back and straight through to your target.
If you have any questions on how to use these techniques please don’t hesitate to contact me in the golf shop, (405) 348-2004.
Below, Steve Kimmel demonstrates.
11-25-09 Grayhawk Golf Club
by E.J. Pfister on Wed Nov 2009
Last month while working with some tour players at the Fry’s Classic in Scottsdale, AZ, I was approached by the management of Grayhawk Golf Club. They wanted to know if I
was interested in acquiring teaching and playing privileges for clients that I teach for
around the country. If any of you are aware of what a great facility Grayhawk is, you can
understand what an easy decision this was for me to look into the invite further. After
working out the details of the agreement, I get discounted greens fees and a 60 day advance on which to book tee times. I also have full teaching privileges at the facility.
My plan would be to accommodate the Members of Oak Tree National with any playing
or teaching needs during the winter months at a great facility. What I would recommend
is checking Southwest Airlines because of direct flights and good flight times. Fly in on
Friday morning and play golf Friday, golf instruction Saturday morning or all day and
golf Sunday morning with on course instruction then a Sunday night departure. The only
thing about Grayhawk is that there is no lodging on course, but plenty of fine
accommodations near the resort.
I can customize the golf and instruction to meet your needs during your stay in
Scottsdale. With my good friend Stan Utley, who presently lives and teaches at
Grayhawk, I do about 20 corporate outings a year for various companies across the
country. We plan on getting together to conduct some golf clinics. If you are
interested in corporate or private instruction for you or your family please feel free to
contact me for more information. I would also recommend going to Grayhawk’s Web site www.grayhawkgolf.com to get a feel for the quality of the facility. When I’m not in Scottsdale I will still be available for instruction at Oak Tree National, weather permitting.
If you have any further questions or would like to book some golf dates in the next 60
days feel free to call me.
11-17-09 Adidas Golf Tournament Part 1
by CarissaStevens on Tue Nov 2009
When the weather gets chilly, many of our Members and Touring Professionals are lucky enough to get the opportunity to warm up in exotic locals while playing in some of the world’s most exclusive golf tournaments. The Adidas Golf Tournament is no exception. This year the tournament was hosted in Mexico on November 11th- 15th at the Vista Vallarta Resort in Puerto Vallarta. Golfers enjoyed picturesque views of the ocean right from the golf course. And from the sounds of it, no stone was left unturned with regard to planning.
According to OTN Member Lee Daniells, it was “One of the best tournaments” he’d ever played in. From over the top tee prizes, (three shirts, one dozen golf balls, a glove, PLUS, a driver and golf bag were mailed to their home!), to the massage tents, gratis mudslides and cigars, no detail went overlooked.
The weather was a constant sunny 90° for the OTN team which consisted of Jim Woodward, Lee Daniells and Floyd Gilreath. The entire tournament was made up of 25 teams, out of which OTN placed 3rd.
Pictured Below: Lee Daniells, Floyd Gilreath and Jim Woodward
Pictured Below: View from the resort
There will be a follow up blog next week with the results of the second half of the Adidas Tournament which is currently underway with the four-some of Jim Woodward, Ed Evans, Jack Talley and Brad Naifeh.
For those of our Members who are interested in playing in the next upcoming Interclub Tournament trip to Las Vegas March 29th & 30th 2010, please contact Steve Kimmel at (405) 348-2004 for more details.
For Members who don’t have the time to get away but would still like to work on their game, our state-of-the-art Teaching Center is open year round rain or shine. We are proudly the only Golf Course in the area which offers this kind of technology. (SamPuttLab, Track Man and Kvest. ) So if you haven’t had a chance to take advantage of what our Teaching Center has to offer, contact the Golf Shop to arrange your private lesson. (405)348-2004.