MAY 13TH, 2025
in this ISSUE
FROM THE CLUB PRESIDENT TODD HALL
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FROM THE HEAD PROFESSIONAL BLAKE BERRY
END OF SEASON PHOTO GALLERY
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PGA CHAMPIONSHIP POOL
HANDICAP COMMITTEE
MGA
WGA
LNGA
LADY PUTTERS
MEN’S PUTTING LEAGUE
FROM THE CLUB PRESIDENT TODD HALL
It’s quite around here lately, and the tee sheet availability is great. I hope all our snow-bird members have arrived, wherever you spend your summers, safely, and I’m sure you’re already counting the days to return to paradise. You got out of here just in time as the temperatures hit the century mark the past few days…but at least it’s a “dry heat.” Our Golf Club survey ended on Friday, and 500 members contributed their thoughts and ideas to help shape the Club’s future. It’s remarkable, but not surprising, that over 60% of our members completed the survey. Thank you to everyone who completed it. Over the next few months, the Board and Committees will review the survey's feedback, look for common themes and trends, and communicate with members. We anticipate that some follow-up will likely be needed to add context; one of our ideas is to hold small group listening sessions on the emerging topics. If you believe this approach would be beneficial and you would be willing to participate in such sessions, please send an email to TVGCBOD@TontoGolf.com expressing your support. Having been in this role for a month now, I have been reminded of how people view any issue through the lens of their personal priorities. Whether it’s course maintenance, events, Club policies, green speeds, desert
maintenance, entry and exit gates, raking of the bunkers, or the color of the tee markers, our members naturally consider how these issues impact their enjoyment, convenience, and overall connection to Tonto Verde Golf Club. Our collective opportunity, as a Club, is to embrace this diversity of viewpoints, allowing it to foster a vibrant golf community where constructive dialogue and mutual respect guide our decisions, ensuring that we address opportunities in a way that strengthens our shared commitment to an exceptional golfing experience. I would love to have TVGC be the type of club where “Policies and Rules” were not needed because the Culture was so good that members cleared the chipping green, raked the bunkers properly, fixed divots and pitch marks, and genuinely behaved with a lack of entitlement because they cared more about their fellow member’s golfing experience than they did about their own. Utopia, probably…but how good would that be? Enjoy your summer, and please think about what you can do to make Tonto Verde better for others.
Todd Hall, TVGC President Todd Hall
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FROM THE HEAD PROFESSIONAL BLAKE BERRY
On behalf of the entire golf staff, I’d like to thank our membership for all of their support this season. The enthusiastic crowds that showed up to cheer on our employees during the Staff Championship and Shootout at the end of April, along with the generous contributions to the Club’s Employee Appreciation Fund, are great examples of how much you truly care. We’ve been fortunate to attract and retain an outstanding staff, and so much of it is due to the genuine interest that members take in our lives. EMPLOYEE STROKE PLAY CHAMPION: MATT TOLAN Congratulations to Matt Tolan, who made an incredible 25-foot birdie putt on the 36 th hole of the Championship to take home the win in our 3 rd annual Employee Stroke Play Championship at the end of April! STAFF TEAM SHOOTOUT CHAMPIONS: BLAKE BERRY AND JOEY CASTANEDA The team of Joey Castaneda and myself displayed impressive chemistry and poise throughout the Staff Team Shootout. Joey sank clutch putts throughout the shootout to keep our team afloat which enabled us to secure the win and bragging rights for the next 12 months.
Matt Tolan
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FROM THE HEAD PROFESSIONAL BLAKE BERRY
SUMMER COURSE SCHEDULE As we prepare to transition to the summer season, there are some operational adjustments that you should be aware of. The Ranch course will be closed May 12 th – June 8 th . Considering there are no major projects for either course, the course closure schedule will alternate between Peaks and Ranch as the summer progresses. CLICK HERE to view a complete schedule of summer courses and practice facility closures. SUMMER GOLF SHOP HOURS The Golf Shop has shifted to summer hours as of yesterday which means that we’ll be open Wednesday-Sunday from 6 am-3 pm and fleet carts will need to be returned by 3:30 pm daily. Although the Golf Shop will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, we will still have staff member(s) on duty outside to ensure that the range is set up, fleet carts are available for golfers playing in the morning, and all the water stations are refreshed. GOLF CALENDER 2025-2026 We’ve had several inquiries about the Golf Calendar for the 2025-2026 season as members look ahead to make travel plans CLICK HERE to view the calendar. HOLE IN ONE FUND All members will be billed for the Hole-in- One fund this month. The Hole in One fund is $20 per golfer.
UPCOMING SUMMER EVENT On Friday, June 20th, we will be hosting a Forward Tee Train Wreck event on the Ranch Course - 8:30 Shotgun The Foretees registration for the Forward Tee Train Wreck will open on May 20th for members to sign up in teams of four (any
combination of men and women). SUMMER GROUP PLAY DIRECTORY
Keep in mind that all the groups are required to be inclusive to newcomers in exchange for their pre-booked access to prime times on the tee sheets. CLICK HERE to view the 2025 Summer Group Play Directory. RECIPROCAL PLAY Reciprocal play opportunities will be available starting June 1st. CLICK HERE to view a list of reciprocal clubs with details on our arrangements for the summer months. Please keep in mind that most private clubs will only book tee times 3 days in advance starting in June and single tee time groups have a much better chance of being accommodated with morning tee times. Blake Berry, Head Professional Blake Berry
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another at tonto verde great 8
season
breathtaking views
times on the patio good
events for everyone
long-lasting friendships
TONTO VERDE'S 2025 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP POOL COST : $20 Per Entry (Member Charge or Cash) HOW IT WORKS : All players in the PGA Championship field have been categorized into 11 groups. Everyone picks a team of 12 golfers (2 from “The Favorites” group and 1 from every other group). Add your best 6 of 12 golfers scores, each day, to form your team score. The best team score wins the pool. Cut golfers (and anyone who doesn’t finish 4 rounds) get 80 for any rounds not completed. Playoff holes do not count. The team with the best performance for each round of the tournament will receive a $50 daily bonus. In the event of a tie for the daily best team score, the winning teams will split shares. All payouts will be in golf shop credit. PAY OUT: The balance of the purse will be paid out to the top 10 entries according to the following scale: 1st =27%, 2nd =19%, 3rd =13%, 4th =10%, 5th =8%, 6th =7%, 7th =6%, 8th =4%, 9th&10th = 3% each You will also be prompted to predict the winning golfer’s score as a tiebreaker.
HOW TO JOIN THE POOL: Pick your team of golfers here: http://www.easyofficepools.com/join/?p=405280&e=mlkk LIVE LEADERBOARD: Follow the action live http://www.easyofficepools.com/leaderboard/?p=405280
IMPORTANT: We will not be running any money through easyofficepools.com. Instead all entrants will be charged $20 on their May statement unless cash is received in the Golf Shop by the end of day on Wednesday. Non-members are allowed to participate but must clearly indicate which member they’re affiliated with on their entry. Feel free to contact the Golf Shop with any questions. 14
HANDICAP COMMITTEE
For major competitions at Tonto, we run Posting Percentage Reports starting after sign-ups close. These reports cover postings/rounds for the previous 365 days. We keep track of this information as a report card on our progress helping players avoid missed postings. Thought we would share the results we’ve seen this season.
MEN’S MATCH PLAY
MGA MEMBER MEMBER
MEN’S STROKE PLAY
MGA ECLECTIC
MGA 4 MEMBER
DESERT CLASSIC
MGA CUP
MGA 666
AVERAGE
# PLAYERS
173
150
91
176
177
76
80
83
126
100%
10.4% 12.7% 8.8% 9.1% 11.9% 9.2% 10% 15.7% 11%
80 - 99%
71.1% 68% 71.4% 74.4% 70% 65.8% 70% 72.3% 70.4%
<80%
18.5% 19.3% 19.8% 16.5% 18.1% 25% 20% 12% 18.7%
WGA MEMBER MEMBER
WOMEN'S MATCH PLAY
WGA 4 MEMBER
WOMEN'S STROKE PLAY
HOHOKAM
WGA CUP AVERAGE
# Players
132
38
152
45
32
53
75
100%
21.2% 10.5% 19.1% 20.0% 18.8% 22.6% 18.7%
80 - 99%
68.9% 81.6% 71.7% 66.7% 78.1% 77.4% 74.1%
<80%
9.9%
7.9%
9.2%
13.3%
3.1%
0.0%
7.2%
100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
For example, results from the report for the MGA 6-6-6: There were 173 participants. 10.4% of them had posted 100% of their rounds. 71.1% had posted between 80 and 99%. 18.5% had posted less than 80%.
For players entering competitions, we recommend accessing your Peer Review Report in ForeTees weekly. If your posting percentage is under 80, check out our suggestions on how to avoid missed postings (which will increase posting percentages). Use this link to a detailed list on Tonto’s website. We welcome your questions and comments. Our contact email address is handicapcommittee@tontogolf.com.
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MGA
MGA CUP CHAMP
As the 2024-2025 golf season ends, I want to extend my appreciation for your support and participation in celebrating the Tonto Verde Men’s Golf Association’s 30 anniversary. th We welcomed 32 new players and ended the year with 419 members. Led by the MGA board and Tonto Verde head golf professional, Blake Berry, the MGA hosted 15 events, including: The Verdes Cup : A victory against our neighbors, Rio Verde Golf Club. We look forward to defending the title on their course next season. The Desert Classic was played over 4 days with 72 teams competing on both courses. Congratulations to our division champions: Kevin Fitzgerald (Nicklaus) and Larry Hay (Palmer). Each was celebrated at a banquet attended by over 250 members, spouses and guests at the awards ceremony. The MGA Cup : A two-day, Stableford scoring event, where qualifying members shared a $10,000 cash prize purse. Congratulations to Chris Johnson, this year’s champion, outlasting flight winners Bob Buhler, Rob Bachrach and Dan Owen in a two hole shoot out. SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Chrriiss
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MGA
PAST PRESIDENTS GOLF & DINNER MEETING
THANK YOU & WELCOME NEW LEADERS A special thanks to outgoing board members Rob Bachrach (4 years) and Terry Palmer (7 years) for serving on the MGA board. At the April 23rd annual meeting, we welcomed David Kettell and Jim Wallace as new board members. The 2025-2026 MGA Board and Officers: President: Ralph Robinson Vice President: Doug Benschoter Jim McEneany, Bill Reimer, Jim Wallace Past President: Ron O’Neal Membership/Communications: Jon Lynch Golf Shop Liaison: Blake Berry Treasurer: Bill Goerich Secretary: David Kettell Directors: Barry Alexa, Thank you for another great season. Enjoy a safe and relaxing summer, and I look forward to seeing you back at Tonto Verde for another great season of golf next year.
This very special annual event was held on April 18, with 29 Past Presidents attending along with the MGA current board, Jeff, and Blake. Golf on the Ranch Course with perfect weather was fun and competitive followed by a wonderful dinner and as is traditional, with all Past Presidents sharing historical memories from the years of their leadership. Rob Bachrach served as host and MC. A great day and evening was enjoyed by all. th LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025-2026 We’ll continue refining our event formats to ensure they’re challenging, fun and inclusive for all skill levels. Key focuses include: Adjusting prize purses to enhance payouts and participation. Supporting the Handicap Committee to ensure accurate, timely score posting - critical to fair competition.
Ron O’Neal, MGA President Ron O’Neal
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WGA CUP CHAMP
Sarrah
WGA
WGA WRAPUP FOR 2024-2025 The 30 anniversary year of the WGA concluded with golf, dinner, installation of officers and awards ceremony on April 22 . Outgoing President Christie Gorsline recognized the contributions and expressed her gratitude to the WGA board as well as to all of the members of the WGA for the successful 2024 -2025 season. Incoming President Mary Ann Welsh introduced the 2025-2026 board of Vice President Mickey Shield, Treasurer Sue Molina, and Secretary Glenda O’Neal. th nd
WGA CUP: The 2025 WGA Cup was held on 4/15 and 4/17. The top 60 players, plus ties, qualified to play by earning participation points throughout the year. The format was Individual Net Stableford Points. WGA CUP RESULTS:
Flight 1 - Sarah Berg, 78 Points Flight 2 - Kay Birdsell, 77 Points Flight 3 - Terri Kennedy, 79 Points
The 3 flight winners, plus the player with the most overall points who was not a flight winner (Pattie Green with 77) participated in a shootout for the overall winner. Sarah Berg won the shootout to become the WGA Cup Champion for 2025. Congratulations to all who participated and to the winners! From Christie Gorsline: I apologize for skipping Chris Hickey's announcement of the WGA Cup winners at our closing dinner. Super Congratulations to the winners! SUMMER NEWS: Please share your summer golf news or travels including pictures with your WGA friends. Send to Victoriawilds6@gmail.com for inclusion in the summer editions of the Divot Digest. Have a happy and healthy summer!
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER AWARD:
Congratulations Patti Milliken, for winning the Most Improved Player award! INTERCLUB NEWS:
The 2024-2025 interclub season has come to a close. Thank you to all the Captains, Co-captains and players for representing Tonto Verde so well. Tonto Verde hosted Cactus League Fun Day at May 7 with golf, a luncheon and meeting. The 2025- 2026 teams have been organized and play will commence in November 2025.Also the Spring/Summer Interclub dates are now on Foretees for signup. Karen Wilhelm is the contact for this league. th
Viki Wilds, WGA Communication Viki Wilds
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LNGA
The closing day was topped off with a wonderful dinner and the presentation of awards. END OF 2024-25 SEASON
Bobbi Odom Award: Diane Blaha Lynne Nelson
Most Pars: Kate Schroeder Most Chip Ins: Diane Blaha Libby Martens
Most Winning PTs: Lynne Nelson
Best Attendance: Libby Martens Kim Schulke
Most Birdies: Lori Childers
Most Improved Golfer: Kim Schulke
NINERS LIKE IT HOT The LNGA season may be over, but Niners Like it Hot (summer golf group) will continue with our new leaders, Donna Christenberry and Margie Roberts. Opening day is Wednesday, May 21st, with tee times starting at 7:45 am on the Peaks. Sign-ups will start on May 14th. The deadline is May 18th at noon to sign up. We will have lunch at 11:30 am. You will automatically be signed up for lunch when you sign up to play.
Carol Noonan Communication Carol Noonan If you do not want to stay for lunch, please get in touch with Cindi Reuvers at 602- 325-8304. If anyone who has not previously played with this group and is interested in playing, contact them at 2025ninerslikeithot@gmail.com
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LADY PUTTERS
You can count on TV Lady Putters to be having fun right to the end! The 2024-25 season wound up on April 16 with an Easter-themed afternoon putting competition followed by a celebration dinner in the Cimmaron Dining room. Club members, Golf shop, and Clubhouse staff all got right into the groove at our “Hippety Hoppity Hat” event, welcoming the Easter bunny with some imaginative Easter bonnets and colorful costume designs. Patty Milliken (below, 2 from the left, was hailed as the 2024-25 season’s Hole-in- One champion with a total of 10 HIOs and kudos went to Julie Maas, a very gracious runner up. Outgoing president Kristen McLinden introduced the new Executive members of the TCLP Board for 2025-26 (below left, L-R: Janice Steinbrecher, Patty Milliken, Susan Pedersen, Kathryn Stredonsky, with Past President Kristen McLinden and Lady Putters’ Pro-shop coordinator, Jacob Trimble). nd
This season was a special one in many ways. Celebrating how fortunate we are to be active and living in the Tonto Verde Community, members once again donated generously to the Helping Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills; and instead of the traditional donation of a piece of art to enhance the grounds around the putting green, Lady Putters purchased two wheel chairs which were donated to Verde Cares.
All in all, 2024-25 was a memorable putting season and “Hats off” to Tonto Verde Lady Putters for having fun while caring for others in our community. Also, a heart-felt “Thank you” to retiring members of the outgoing Board: Kristin McLinden (President), Julie Maas (Past President), Shary John (Treasurer), Sheryl Coup (Registration) and our Pro-shop coordinator, Jacob Trimble who made sure that every competition was as challenging as it was fun. Judith Potter, TVLP Communications Judith Potter
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MEN’S PUTTING LEAGUE
Are you looking for a fun way to socialize with your Tonto neighbors and sharpen your putting skills? We invite you to join us at the Putting Course this Thursday afternoon. We’ll kick things off at 2:45 PM and start putting at 3:00 PM. It's a great chance to challenge yourself, enjoy some friendly competition, and connect with neighbors.
Just a $5 entry fee plus your trusty putter and golf ball is all you need. Each week brings new games and fresh fun! We hope to see you out on the course! for questions, please contact Jim Crego at bow_crystal@yahoo.com
Dan Witthaus Dan Witthaus
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