Enter Reno and Northern Nevada where some positive headlines are coming to light. Enter a new focus on outdoor recreation.

In the last eight months, two national magazines have labeled Reno in their “Best Towns” features.

In the April edition of Men’s Health in an article titled “Ski and Climb Without the Crowds”, the Reno image of downtown casinos and their accompanying all-night buffets are debunked, giving way to a more “hipper” way of life. Men’s Health talks to Reno’s proximity to Lake Tahoe and the four season recreational opportunities available. It also tells about Reno’s new attractions: The Truckee River, coffeehouses, artists’ galleries and a younger-targeted night-life scene. (to read the article, go to: http://bit.ly/9lGiLb )

In a recent edition of Outdoor, the magazine labeled the down town rafting and kayaking park, the new Aces ball park, a rejuvenation of the downtown area and affordable housing prices as a reason to put Reno on your relocation list if you are an outdoor enthusiast. (to read article, go to: http://bit.ly/aIb2mh).

If outdoor recreation is your passion and a second home in an area that offers great amenities to pursue your interests is your goal, why not consider Reno? It’s really a no brainer. Currently, there are sellers motivated to sell, interest rates are low and loans are available to qualified buyers. Prices in our market are very affordable making Reno a great place to invest in a second home.

Les Maisons at Montreux, built by award-winning custom home builder Pearce Construction, features Country-French architectural design highlighted by a striking roof design showcasing 18:12 and 16:12 pitches engineered exclusively for the community. These exquisite homes include as standard, 3-car garages, full landscaping and year-round maintenance as well as all of the luxury upgrades you’d expect in a one-of-a-kind Tahoe home, yet it is located in the heart of Montreux, minutes from both Lake Tahoe and the bigger-city conveniences you need and desire.

Visit Les Maisons today and learn about this one-time, limited opportunity to secure a home backing The Parc in Phase One. These single level living two story homes range from 3,200 to 3,600 square feet. These may be some of the finest homes and lots in all of Les Maisons at Montreux. Starting at $1,535,000.

OPEN HOUSE each Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.

Red Hawk Features:
     – Voted “Best Public Golf Course” 8 times by Nevada Magazine
     – Voted “Best Golf Course” 7 times by Reno Gazette-Journal
     – Award winning Private Golf Course
     – Two-Tiered Grass Driving Range
     – No cart fees
     – 9,000 sq. ft. chipping area
     – PGA Instructional Staff

I have always enjoyed my meals at David’s Grill, which is open to the public, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner, and in the summer, enjoy our outside patio dining. David’s offers a diverse menu, including healthy salads and sandwiches, along with specialty entrees.   They also have a good wine list, offer a number of beers on tap and have a full bar.  The Events Center accommodates groups of up to 300; there are also smaller venues, to host a business meeting or an anniversary party. Red Hawk offers off site full-service catering.

The Swim and Fitness Center at Red Hawk has memberships available, offering a full-sized pool and over 60 classes, including Pilates, Yoga and Spinning. The Private Club boasts an incredible Clubhouse, with steam and saunas as well as a private dining room and meeting room; Private Club memberships are currently available. In addition, The Resort offers great Stay and Play, Romantic Escape and Honeymoon packages where you can stay in luxurious golf villas.

The Wingfield Springs neighborhood has recently added a grocery store and other shopping nearly completing the neighborhood.  Homes in the neighborhood range from in size from 1000+ sq. ft.  Townhomes to 5000 + sq. ft. custom built homes with golf course views.  Prices for resale homes range from the mid $100’s to $1.1 mil.   The neighborhood that has it All!

How tight should we hold onto the club? Often when I am playing with amateurs, I notice the “whites” of their knuckles in their set-up and witness a tense swing where the ball tends to “slice”.   Gripping the club to firmly causes tension in the body and the club is not allowed to swing freely, so the golfer usually ends up with a “hit” and not a swing.   Afterall, the clubhead weighs more than the grip therefore in order to utilize the club properly we must allow the club to “naturally” accelerate with gravity.

First, we need to find our ideal grip pressure. Start by gripping the club with just your thumb & forefinger of both hands and hit a ball with this 4 fingered grip – and call this pressure level 1. Next grip the club normally, but as lightly as you can & hit another ball – calling this pressure level 2. Hit eight more balls gradually increasing your grip pressure, until you are squeezing as hard as you can – level 10. You’ll find that you will produce your best swings in the 3-6 grip pressure range.

Under pressure situations on the golf course we all tend grip the club with a bit more pressure than we need to pull off our shot. Being able to recognize that you are gripping tighter than the 3-6 range will enable you to swing more freely under “the pressure”.   

Here in the Greater Reno/Carson City area you may not often find yourself playing in the rain (on average 200+ days of sunshine) but when you do this tip will greatly increase your efficiency and make it at least somewhat enjoyable. In the rain, your paramount concern is to keep your hands and grips dry. Have your umbrella handy and use a cover for the top of your clubs – this keeps the water off the grips. Keep a dry towel and an extra glove or two in your bag and cart. Hanging a small towel under the struts of your umbrella helps keep the towel dry and allows easy access before taking your grip. Collapse the umbrella as you prepare to play so the wind can’t flip it. Between shots, keep your hands in your pockets. Whenever possible, walk with your palms facing down – this simple trick will keep the “business” side of your hands dry…in cold weather I recommend also utililizing those charcoal based hand warmers these will greatly increase your feel.

How to Play in the Rain!!
It’s vital to stay in balance and the swing with more control. Most golfers tend to
over-swing, so wearing a rain jacket becomes a blessing because it makes a three-quarter swing essential. On most shots you’ll want to take more club maybe even two – because the ball doesn’t fly as far in heavy, cold, wet air.

If the ground is sloppy, widen your stance slightly and use less leg action. Use more arms and shoulders. If you’re playing in a competitive match, realize that the level of play is not going to be as good in poor weather. For ME, the idea isn’t to make birdies, but to not hurt myself making bogeys.

I want to thank you for your time in reading this blog….this the first installment of many to come I look forward to not only providing golf tips and information on local golf courses but be the source of Real Estate information as it pertains to our local market focusing on Golf Course Properties.

Below are links to local courses and winter rates

www.washoegolf.org Winter rates at site
http://sierrasagegolf.org Winter rates at site

ArrowCreek Golf Course
www.arrowcreekcc.com
Winter Rates are $45 until 2:00 pm and $25 after 2:00 pm

Lakeridge Golf Course
www.lakeridgegolf.com
Winter Rates:$50 everyday

D’Andrea Golf Course
http://www.dandreagolf.com – Home page
http://www.dandreagolf.com/golf-d-andrea/rates/ – Rate page
http://www.dandreagolf.com/golf-d-andrea/player-s-club/ – Players Club page

Fernely Golf Course (775) 835-6933
Rates are as follows:

Monday thru Friday:$30 until noon $25 after noon
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: $35 until noon and $25 after noon

We have a special on Thursday: $25 all day and this includes a hotdog and soda.

These rates all include a cart.

One of the best examples is being able to go to the local golf courses, without having to make a tee time, and enjoying the perfectly green grass and great playing conditions which come together at this time of year.  After a long winter our courses can be a little rough in the early season, but after a long summer the courses are in their absolute best condition in late August through September.

This is also a wonderful time for hiking and biking with slightly cooler temperatures but absolutely gorgeous surroundings.  Or maybe you prefer to relax on what feels like a private beach or take out the boat in what can be incredibly calm and private waters.

You can wrap up your days with a comfortable evening on the deck of one of our many fine restaurants.  Not only will you be seated immediately, but many of the establishments will also offer seasonal discounts to all of their patrons.

The combination of colder mornings and numerous ski shop sales also make us start thinking of what brought us here . . . ski season!!  Believe it or not, it’s just around the corner.