2012 Overseeding at SilverHorn Golf Club

The use of cool season turf grass for overseeding into warm season grasses is a common practice that many clubs in the southern and southwestern regions of the states experience every fall.

The dates for Fall overseeing of Bermuda grass can vary as much as 4 to 6 weeks because of climate differences associated with location. Here at SilverHorn, overseeding of our Tri-dwarf Bermuda greens with cool season Bluegrass is scheduled for Monday, October 22^nd and Tuesday, October 23^rd. In order to complete the greens overseeing in two days, the putting green and the front nine greens will be closed on the 22^nd and the back nine will be closed on the 23^rd. We will seed and topdress (sand) our par three tees on Tuesday, October 16^th. The practice tee will be seeded on Tuesday, October 30^th and will be closed all day to accomplish the prep work, seeding, fertilization, and initial watering of the seed. Due to the seeding, our members and guests will utilize mats for several weeks as we establish Rye grass seed on the practice tee.

In order to establish a successful overseeing, light daytime watering (overhead irrigation sprinklers) several times during the day is required to germinate the seed quickly and establish the winter grass for our putting surfaces, par three tees, and our practice tee. This process usually takes about 7-10 days from the date of seeing on the greens, par 3 tees and about 2-3 weeks on the practice tee.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we go through this overseeing process in order to provide optimal putting surfaces for our members and guests in the spring months.

-Golf Course Maintenance Staff

Callaway Demo Day

Intermediate Target

[Image Source]

Tonight Rob Myers, PGA is here to talk about intermediate targets...

This evening I'm going to spend some time talking about alignment, in particular finding intermediate targets.  For those of you who are not familar with using intermediate targets this will no doubt improve your alignment.  You will find after reading the following few paragraphs that intermediate targets can be used for better alignment on all of your shots from the full swing, to chipping, and even on the putting green.

The first step to finding an intermediate target is getting behind the golf ball so that the ball is directly between you and your intended target.  Next draw an imaginary line from your intended target back to yourself disecting the golf ball on the way.  Once you have that imaginary line, pick out something on the ground just in front of the ball ( 6 inches - 6 feet, normally the closer the better) that your imaginary line intersects as well.  That "something" that you pick out on the ground could be a broken tee, a leaf, a discoloration in the grass, or even an old divot.  You will call this spot that you have chosen on the ground your intermediate target.  When you address the golf ball you want to line the club face up with the intermediate target that you have chosen and this will help you to get properly aligned to the target.  You will find it much easier to line up to a target that is within several inches or a couple of feet of the golf ball rather than something that is a couple hundred yards away. 

Next time you are on the driving range try practicing with an intermediate target and see how much easier it will be to get properly aligned to your intended target.  The margin for error on getting aligned to something that is closer to you is significantly less than trying to get lined up to something that is far distance from you.  As always, good luck and let me know if you have any questions!  Make it a great day! 

Holiday Parties at SilverHorn

Patriot Golf Day 2012

Patriot Golf Day 2012

August 31- September 3rd (the dates SilverHorn will be participating)

Come in and play golf 8/31- 9/3 and you will be able to support the children and spouses of military men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation.

Just let the golf shop associate checking you in that you would like to add a $1 to your round and that $1 will then be donated.

For more details please visit the Patriot Golf Day website or call the SilverHorn Golf Shop at 210-545-5300.

Fantasy Football Drafts!



Book a Tee Time from your Smart Phone

[Image Source]

Smart phones are on the rise and are making life easier and easier. We want to make booking a tee time also easier from your cell phone... so bookmark this link to your smart phone browser and easily schedule your next tee time for a round of 18!

Smart Phone Tee Time Booking

Race to the Ryder Cup!

Image Source

The Race to the Ryder Cup!

Tighten up your spikes and start your golf cart engines!

It’s time to see who can play the most golf over the next 7 weeks.

The Race runs August 1, 2012 thru September 16, 2012

There will be a category for Loyalty Club Members and Senior Club Members

The Loyalty and Senior Club Members who play the most between

August 1^st and September 16^th

at SilverHorn will win the following prizes:

1^st Place: $150 online Callaway Gift Card

2^nd Place: $100 online Callaway Gift Card

3^rd Place: $75 online Callaway Gift Card

Identify yourself as a “Race Participant” at the golf shop counter during check in and be sure to swipe your membership card- this is how we will track your playing points and determine winners!

Each round= 1 point (1 point per member per day maximum)

At the end of the race there’s MORE…

The top 3 winners and ties at each club will be entered into a drawing against all Arnold Palmer Golf Management courses for a chance at the following prizes:

GRAND PRIZE (winner chooses 1):

2 tickets to Saturday and Sunday’s 2012 Ryder Cup rounds

or

Legends Golf Package- Myrtle Beach, SC

or

$1,000 online Callaway shopping spree

2^nd Prize:

$500 online Callaway shopping spree


**Loyalty and Senior Club Memberships are just $10 annual! Sign up today and get in the race to the Ryder Cup!**

Proper Divot Patterns on the Range

As a golfer it can be a real downer to hear the phrase, "we're on the mats today". We all know that practicing your golf game off of artificial mats is no where near the real experience you receive practicing off the grass. One of the reasons that we do hit off the mats is because the range can honestly not handle the traffic that it takes on a daily basis. A simple way that we as golfers can fix this is trying to follow a divot pattern on the range. We at SilverHorn found this article from the USGA so very helpful to explain what it means to follow a divot pattern on the driving range. If you have a moment check out this article and pass it on to fellow golfers who you know practice on the driving range. Let's all do our part to keep the driving range and real grass in the best possible condition that we can. 

Images via USGA

Because We Could all Use a Little Humor

Image via Golfer's Corner

The 2012 Club Championship

Cart Path Only- Why?

Many golfers dread the phrase, "today we are cart path only". It can be an inconvenience in what was to be a relaxing day on the golf course. The fact of the matter is that the cart path only rule is put into effective after careful evaluation of our superintendent on the current condition of the golf course. Cart path only is a measure taken to protect the golf course and keep it in pristine playing condition. Recently a cart path question was asked in the USGA newsletter and we think their answer is very helpful in understanding cart path only so we are going to re-post it here for you today: 

Q: For some reason, our golf course staff does not want golf carts to be used on our hybrid bermudagrass fairways during January, February, and March. I know of no other golf course in our part of the world that has this guide, and a large majority of our golfers disagree with it. What do you say?

A: This is a case where the maintenance standards of the golf course have placed a premium on having the best possible hybrid bermudagrass fairways in the winter and spring.  As a result, your course has decided appropriately to restrict carts to the path during January, February, and March. On the other side of the coin, we receive calls or emails during March from golfers who complain "there's no grass on the fairways."  This happens because carts beat down the dormant bermudagrass. Our position is that as long as the course officials know the facts, they are free to decide what's best for them.

Flop Shots- Golf Tips From Rob Myers, PGA

Today, I am going to talk about the challenging, yet fun shot that is commonly known as the flop shot.  We have all seen the guys on TV execute this shot to perfection all the while making it look easy!  For those of you who have rushed out and tried to duplicate this shot at your local range or course you have probably found that it's not as easy as it looks.  Before we get into the details let me first define the flop shot.  A flop shot can best be described as a greenside shot that is designed to fly higher than your normal chip or pitch and land on the green softly.  This type of shot requires an enormous amount of touch and feel as well as the proper fundamentals.

The key to hitting a successful flop shot is to make sure you have the proper setup.  So with that being said, lets first start with the proper setup to perform a flop shot.  Grab your highest lofted wedge (sand or lob) and begin by addressing the ball as you normally would for a standard chip shot.  The first adjustment you will make is to move the ball from the middle or back third of your stance to the front third.  Next you will pull your front foot back so that your stance is open.  You should now feel as though you are aiming left (for right handers) of the target.  In order to make up for being aligned left, you will lay the club face open so that the leading edge of the club is pointed at the target.  This adjustment has added loft to the club while still keeping your club pointed towards the target.  At this point you are now setup properly for this shot and ready to give it a try.  You will make an effort to swing the club along your foot line which will have the club moving from what feels like the "outside in" or "across" the ball.  By moving the club this way you are able to put fade spin on the ball which helps it to land softer on the green.  Notice that the bulk of these adjustments were made in your setup, so as you get more comfortable with this new setup you should start to see some better flop shot results.

It is my strong recommendation that you try this shot for the first time on the driving range where a poor result will not end up jeopordizing anybodys physical well being.  Once you gain some confidence in your ability to perform this shot successfully than you can try it around the green where there are other people practicing.  Please let me know if you have any questions as you practice, and I look forward to hearing your feedback!  Make it a great day!

Visit Rob at: www.riimgolf.com 

Call             210-545-5300       ext. 1 to book a private lesson.

Rob offers discounted lessons for SilverHorn members and you can become a member for just $10 a YEAR!

Call for Sponsors

2nd Annual Hero Appreciation Scramble- July 22nd

SilverHorn would like to thank all current and former Military, Fire, EMT and Law Enforcement for all that you do by inviting you to play in a 4-person scramble event. (Each 4- some must have at least one hero). Price is only $32 per player. Shotguns will be at 8am and 1:30pm. Your round includes 2 drink tickets, a burger buffet and awards after your round.  Deadline for registration is July 16th so sign up ASAP.  Call the Golf Shop at 210-545-5300 x 1  or e-mail Andrew Bustamante at abustamante@centurygolf.com Last year's event was a huge success with a full field of 144 golfers, so this year we want to grow even bigger and have a double shotgun with hopes of drawing over 200 golfers.  *If you are someone looking to donate an item for prizes or other form of donation to the event please e-mail abustamante@centurygolf.com* Photos from last year's event:

Don't Stop!

Rob Myers is here today to give us all a little advice on our putting.

I often run into people having difficulty putting due to the inconsistency in the length of their putting stroke. Many amateurs have a tendency to take the putter too far back on the backstroke and then stop their putter upon impact with the ball. This type of putting stroke normally leads to decelerating the putter causing a change in the club face angle just prior to and at impact. I think many people feel that once the ball has been struck that the stroke is finished. So, how can you ensure that you accelerate the putter and follow through after impact? One of the best ways I have found to help ensure acceleration is to shorten the backstroke. By shortening the backstroke you will encourage yourself to to swing the putter forward with more speed to get the ball to the hole. As the putter speeds up on the forward stroke it will help to maintain a square putter face leading to more consistent results.

The next time you are on the practice green try taking the putter back a shorter distance. You should find that it will encourage you to accelerate the putter on the forward stroke leading to a longer follow through and more consistent results. As always, good luck and let me know if you have any questions!

Visit Rob at: www.riimgolf.com 

Call 210-545-5300 ext. 1 to book a private lesson with Rob.

Rob offers discounted lessons for SilverHorn members and you can become a member for just $10 a YEAR!

Refer a Friend- Reap the Rewards

Are you a SilverHorn member looking to score a free dozen ProV1 golfballs? Simply bring in someone with you next time you come out to SilverHorn and if they sign up for a Player's Club Membership or a Bundle Membership you will be rewarded with a dozen ProV1 golfballs*. This offer is valid until June 2012 so you must act fast. Find a buddy, sign them up and start using your free dozen ProV1's today!

*New membership referals must sign up for a minimum of a 3 month membership to qualify current member for reward.

Early Release Tee Times



Introducing another reward for being a SilverHorn member- Member Early Release Tee Times on weekends.

From time to time we will release a handful of tee times available in the mornings that you will be able to lock in paying your member rate for (even though it will be a morning weekend time).

In order to book one of these tee times you must call after 1 pm the day before. For example after 1 pm on a Friday you could call for one of the morning early release member tee times on Saturday.

These tee times will be available on a first come first serve basis. It is important to follow along here on the blog, on Facebook or Twitter to see before hand which tee times will be available. You can also subscribe to our blog via e-mail to receive blog posts directly to your e-mail and therefore be alerted first when these tee times are up for grabs.

The tee times that are listed are the only times available, so if it is taken we will not be able to offer the next tee time at the same offer. Again, this is why it is important to be "in the know"- Facebook, Blog, Twitter, E-mail, etc.

Here are the member early release tee times available for this Saturday and Sunday:

Saturday- 10:16 am

Sunday- 9:20 am, 9:52 am, 10:24 am, 10:56 am

*Remember you must call after 1 pm the day before to book this tee time at your member rate.

Get to Know Lauren Bird

Lauren Bird is the only female in the SilverHorn office and most may not know a whole lot about her, but let's get to know Lauren today.

1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn?

I started working at SilverHorn in August of 2010. 

2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique?

The beauty of SilverHorn is incredible. Sometimes I forget how stunning our golf course is when I'm cooped up in the office. I am instantly reminded when I'm able to step out on the golf course and  am instantly transported to a secluded golf course that is in reality located in the city. 

3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why?

My favorite golf hole at SilverHorn is #7 because I honestly have some weird luck on that hole and always manage to do well. Most of my time these days is spent wedding planning however. 

4. Where are you from?

I just moved to San Antonio two years ago from Denver, Colorado. I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska but was raised in Denver. Denver is a big part of me and one of my most favorite places to be.

5. What do you when you're not at SilverHorn?

I love to hang out with my fiance and two chocolate labs. I run a greeting card shop online and also love to blog. I'm trying to get back into golfing and practicing. more and more. 

6. What is one think most people at SilverHorn don't know about you? 

I would say that most people don't know I have 47 cousins. 

LBird@centurygolf.com

Get to Know Neil Thrailkill

Most people may be accustom to seeing our Superintendent Neil Thrailkill out driving on the course- but how much do you really know about Neil? 

 

1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn?

I have worked at SilverHorn for 17 years--was the first employee hired in April 1995.

2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique?

SilverHorn is unique in that the location is only a few miles from San Antonio International airport but the course has a Hill country (get away type feel to it). Just a great property to build a golf course on and in a great location. Could easily play this course every day and not get tired of it.

3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why?

Since I was blessed to be able to be part of the design/construction of SilverHorn I would say that all the holes are my favorites. To be able to see the holes take shape during the construction process was an awesome experience especially having walked the property before any clearing or construction.

4. Where are you from?

I am from Robbins, North Carolina--same small home town as my buddy John Edwards.

5. What do you when you're not at SilverHorn?

Love to play golf, spend time boating, church activities, and sit on my butt when I am not at SilverHorn.

6. What is one think most people at SilverHorn don't know about you? 

Most people probably do not know that I was in our volunteer rescue squad unit when I was in High school and had the opportunity to deliver a baby while on duty one day--in the back of a Volkswagon Bug!!

Nthrailkill@centurygolf.com

Range Closure This Week

The driving range will be closed this Wednesday (June 13th) from 8 am until around 5 pm. The reason for the closing is our maintenance staff will be re-soding the practice facility. Please call the golf shop at 210-545-5300 if you have any questions and thank you for your patience and understanding.

Get to Know: Jon L'Insalata

If you don't know Jon L'Insalata our Food and Beverage Director you are missing out. The next time you stop in at SilverHorn make sure you swing by the bar and shout hello to Jon, but in the mean time here is a little bit more about Jon...

1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn?

I have worked at SilverHorn for 5 years wonderful years.

2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique?

Silverhorn is unique because we have the best course maintenance guys in the business and our golf course is always in great shape. Our staff is the friendliest in town and we will go above beyond to make sure that are customers are always taken care of.  

3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why?

My favorite hole at SilverHorn is the 19th hole. We have the best burger of any golf course in San Antonio.

4. Where are you from?
I was born and raised in El Paso and moved to Sante Fe for a couple of years.Then i was in Rockport for the following years until I moved to San Antonio.

5. What do you when you're not at SilverHorn? 
When I am not at the Horn I am with my family. My six year old daughter and my wife of nine years. I also love to to go offshore fishing when i get the chance, workout, watch movies, cook and go to the beach as much as possible.

6. What is one think most people at SilverHorn don't know about you? 

Nothing . I am a very open book, ask me and i will tell you.


JLinsalata@centurygolf.com 


Make sure you check back to the blog often to see recipes from Jon posted in our series called Chef Jon's Cookbook. 

Get to Know: Mike Norton

We were so lucky to add Mike Norton to our team just a couple years ago as our Director of Sales. 

1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn? 

Almost 2 years.

2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique?

Hill country atmosphere in middle of city.

3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why? 

Not sure-sorry have not played them all.

4. Where are you from? 

Texas.

5. What do you when you're not at SilverHorn? 

Give tennis lessons, hike, kayak, concerts, and take care of my family.

6. What is one think most people at SilverHorn don't know about you? 

How about the time I fell out of the raft going down the Colorado river in Colorado and almost bit the dust.............

Get to Know: Mike Gati

As we continue our get to know the SilverHorn staff series we move onto our general manager, Mike Gati. 

1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn?

Will be 4 years this month.

2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique?

All the great programs and incentives to play here to go along with the great conditions of the course.

3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why?

#1, i like the wide fairway. I need it. 

4. Where are you from?

Born in New Jersey, Grew up in Louisiana. Geaux Tigers 

5. What do you when you're not at SilverHorn?

 Raise 2 kids with my wife and play basketball.

6. What is one think most people at SilverHorn don't know about you?

Absolutely love to read, especially history.  Before I was promoted to the management side of the golf business I was actually in the process of interviewing for jobs as a junior high history teacher.  I took my first golf job while getting my certification to teach.

mgati@centurygolf.com

Driving Range Transition

The driving range at SilverHorn is currently going through a transition phase. This usually takes place around the month of June every year as the overseed with Ryegrass that is planted in the fall dies. We overseed with Ryegrass in October to provide a nice surface to practice on during the winter and spring months. In combination with very heavy usage of the practice facility the Bermuda grass on the range needs time to fill in after the Ryegrass dies. We will need need to utilize the synthetic turf mats for the most part of June while we aggressively work on cultural practices and fertility rates to help grow the Bermuda grass back in on the tee. 


We kindly ask for your patience during this process and appreciate your understanding. 


-Golf Course Maintenance Staff 

Get to Know: Adam Alviar- Head Golf Professional

As we continue our "Get to Know the SilverHorn Staff" series- we move onto Head Golf Professional, Adam Alviar. 


                                              


1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn?
Over 10 years.

 2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique? 

2 things. 
1.)  Our employees.  By far, we have the most sociable staff in town.  We always greet our members with a smile and we know everyone by their name. 
2.)  Our course conditions.  They never vary.  SilverHorn is always in immaculate shape!

 3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why?  

That's easy.   My favorite SilverHorn hole is 1 thru 14, and 16 thru 18.  :)

 4. Where are you from?  

I was born in McAllen, Tx.  But I spent almost all of my school years in Heidelberg, Germany (14 years in total).

 5. What do you when you're not at SilverHorn?  

When I am not at SilverHorn, I am with my boys at their Martial Arts class or sports practice (Baseball, Football, and Soccer).  If I am not doing that, I am vegging on the sofa with my wife watching TV.

 6. What is the one thing most people at SilverHorn don't know about you? 

Hmmm...interesting question.  Well, everyone knows that I am die hard COWBOY fan.  So not that.  Hmmm....Got it!  Most people do not know, or believe, that I am introvert and incredibly shy.




aalviar@centurygolf.com

Get to Know: Rob Myers, PGA

Rob Myers, PGA

Rob Myers is the first staff member in our series, "Getting to Know the SilverHorn Staff". Rob Myers is a regular around SilverHorn- Rob is our director of instruction. He has a passion for teaching that shines through in his daily commitment to SilverHorn and his students. 

1. How long have you worked at SilverHorn?

Five years.

2. What is it that you think makes SilverHorn unique?
The wide variety of skill levels in golfers that SilverHorn attracts is unique. 

3. What is your favorite golf hole at SilverHorn and why?

I love the 18th hole!  Short enough to make eagle with a couple good shots, but still enough trouble to make a big number

4. Where are you from? 

San Antonio.

5. What do you do when you're not at SilverHorn? 

When I'm not at the horn (almost never) I enjoy going to the gym, running, and listening to music!

6. What is one think most people at SilverHorn don't know about you?  
People might not know that I didn't really start playing golf until I was 14 years old.  Kind of a late start for kids these days!

Would you like to learn more about Rob Myers? E-mail him at rmyers@centurygolf.com or visit his website at www.riimgolf.com. 

Make Your Practice Count

Make Practice Count by:

Rob Myers, PGA (Director of Instruction at SilverHorn)

I'm happy to say that over the past several weeks I have seen 

a number of new faces around the golf course practicing.  

Since this is a time of year where people spend a fair amount of time practicing, that is what I'm going to discuss today.  I would like to spend a few minutes talking about how to make your practice count.

Too often I hear people on the range talk about how long they practiced for, or how many golf balls they hit in a practice session.  While both of those things are admirable, it says very little about the quality of the practice.  I'm sure everybody is familiar with the saying, "practice like you play."  There is a lot of truth to that saying, especially with golf.  One of the most important things you can do on the driving range to have more meaningful practice is to slow down.  How often do you hit 4 shots in a matter of 60 seconds on the golf course?  Hopefully never, but it happens quite a bit on the range.  Next time you are at the range try taking your time in between shots.  Whether it's getting a drink of water, taking a practice swing, taking a deep breath, or simply just walking back to your golf bag to clean your club, make sure that you are slowing down your practice and giving each shot a little more thought. 

You might find that you hit half as many balls this way, but the shots you do hit will be well thought out, quality golf shots.  Remember it's not the amount of time you practice, but rather the quality of your practice that counts.  As always, good luck! 

Visit Rob at: www.riimgolf.com 

Call 210-545-5300 ext. 1 to book a private lesson with Rob