In this issue - Thank you for your support this year, O.V. Chamber Scramble Invite, FOPRG League updates, Plan a tournament, Tourism outreach activities
Thank You for Your Fabulous Support This Year
As 2021 comes to a close, we want to express our utmost appreciation for your support throughout this last year.
From early May 2021 (when the Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf (FOPRG) was initially formed) to today, your suggestions, questions, financial contributions, leads to other resources, volunteer time, and especially league play have helped us to grow to over 600 strong.
This year the FOPRG Board and Advisors have worked closely with the Town of Oro Valley and Indigo Golf to promote more golf play and suggest improvements to the course. We plan to continue these positive relationships in the coming year.
As we look forward to 2022, we hope to expand our reach and grow to over 1,000 Friends with your continued support! We wish you and yours a happy holiday and wonderful New Year’s!
O.V. Chamber Golf Scramble
The Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce recognizes the value of the Pusch Ridge Golf Course to the community and to its members. As a further show of support, the chamber is planning a series of events on the course this season. Their first golf scramble/member mixer will be Friday December 17 at 3:00 PM.
Dave Perry, president and CEO of the Oro Valley Chamber has invited Friends of Pusch Ridge Golf to play as well. This can be a great opportunity for Friends to interact with local small business owners to promote the golf course and to learn how we may be able to support their businesses.
The ultimate success and sustainability of the Pusch Ridge Golf Course will be based upon a number of factors – the amount of play, the economic benefits generated by golfers to the town, and the wise use of water to maintain it. Gaining the support from local businesses is vital. If you are in town, please consider playing in this event.
The cost is $25 per person that includes a cart as well as 1 drink ticket and appetizers at El Conquistador Tucson afterwards. There will be prizes; 2 for closest to the pin, 1 longest drive prize, and 4 for the low-score foursome.
FORPG League Recap
As of this newsletter it has been only seven weeks since the course re-opened to the public and our leagues have been formed and we have over 160 registered players!
Men’s Golf League – by Stan New at mens.puschridgegolf@gmail.com
Our Monday a.m. Men’s Casual League (that plays at 9:00 am) has been a big hit. The Javelinas league is averaging 25 players per week and has 52 registered players. After the round, we have been enjoying beverages and conversation on the patio above the pro shop each week. Last week we set up a grill and had a great lunch of burgers and brats. We hope to have a luncheon at least once a month. We invite more friends to join us and enjoy this great fun league!
Women’s Golf Group – by Jeannee Yermakoff at thursday.puschridgegolf@gmail.com
We now have 62 players registered in the Thursday Ladies Group (The Flycatchers)! Each week (at 9:00 am), we have had approximately 25-30 playing. Most registered players for this league are not current members at El Conquistador - indicating that we have attracted these golfers specifically to play at Pusch Ridge. Feedback has been positive. Many say they like the flexibility (play a little or a lot) and lack of restrictions (no handicaps or scorekeeping required). And I think everyone enjoys the mix of skill levels - from beginners to experienced.
Mixed League - by Anna Bifano and Carolyn Weinig, mixedcasual.puschridge@gmail.com
Our mixed casual league (we currently play at 3:00 pm on Wednesdays) has been a big success since the first round. We have 85 registered for this league! Golfers of all levels have been gathering to play a scramble with a different “game twist” each week! New friendships have been formed as we golf, dine and celebrate at different venues in Oro Valley. A big highlight was an exciting “hole in one” on number four - Congratulations to Cindi Keeler! Come join the fun!
Bring in a Fun Tournament!
As the new year begins and the 'season' expands, consider bringing a fun tournament to the Pusch Ridge course. Do you belong to an organization, charity group, club, church, or company? How about the family that is visiting for a reunion? Suggest a 9-hole tournament for fundraising or just for fun! Indigo Golf organizes the event and FOPRG can provide assistance and a cheering gallery. Fill out our Contact Us form for any questions, give us a lead for a tournament or if you need assistance with forming your tournament.
FOPRG Tourism Outreach
Tucson and our community are fortunate to be fabulous tourist destinations. Beautiful hotels, resorts, recreation, championship golf, climate, and breathtaking views are all draws for visitors year-round. More visitors to the Pusch Ridge course also mean more potential business for our area restaurants and businesses. A win-win for everyone!
Indigo Golf and FOPRG are collaborating to reach these visitors and encourage play at the Pusch Ridge course.
Indigo Golf has developed a “Hotel Guest Package” that includes 9-holes at Pusch Ridge, cart, clubs, and a sleeve of Callaway Golf Balls for $45.00 per person. A great deal!
The FOPRG marketing committee has met with several resorts and hotel managers in Oro Valley and beyond to inform them of the Hotel Guest Package. We have placed displays and rack brochures of this offer in their lobbies and front desks.
In an effort to reach our “locals”, we have placed posters promoting our league play at the PGA Superstore, Vans Golf and some other retail outlets and restaurants.
If you have any other ideas or ways to help reach these markets, please contact Lisa D’Angelo lisaedangelo@gmail.com