Document text
Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend December 23, 2005 Vince Domenzain stands near what will be the green on the eighth hole of the new Centennial Golf Club. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli From the ground up Domenzain takes helm of developing course in Medford By TIM TROWER Mail Tribune Vince Domenzain will oversee all aspects of the running of Centennial Golf Club, an emerald jewel taking shape in the shadow of Rogue Valley Manor. Staffing, training and setting policy will fall to the recently appointed general manager and director of golf, as will responsibility for food and beverage, agronomy, sales and marketing. But purely and simply, he’s a golfer at heart, having taken up the game alongside his father at age 9, and it will be that phase of the operation that most excites him, brings out the kid from within. That was evident when he walked the rolling fairways of sprouting ryegrass, soaking in magnificent valley views and imagining the John Fought creation at its completion. That was when his pulse pushed Stimpmeter limits. Advertisement The opening of the 18-hole public course is set for the spring, perhaps late May or the first of June. Pending construction and weather concerns prevent setting a definitive date. Regardless, Domenzain might sneak out early. "I got the chance to physically walk down almost every fairway ... until I got rained on," says Domenzain. "That’s the way to really see a golf course. I wish I had my clubs." Domenzain isn’t used to being victimized by rain. He grew up in Arizona and much of his professional development occurred there. The previous eight years, the Class A member of the PGA of America was general manager at Aspen Valley Golf Club in Flagstaff, Ariz. Prior to that, he was the head professional at Prescott Valley Country Club in Arizona. He also worked at a handful of high-end clubs in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area and in Northern California. Domenzain was hired by OB Sports Golf Management, which operates the course. "His roots in the golf business," says Dave Goff, OB vice president of operations, "combined with his years of experience as a general manager make him a perfect fit for this new facility that is certain to be one of the top daily fee golf experiences in this region." Domenzain’s professional foray into Oregon is a first, but one he might have anticipated. His wife is from Washington, so being closer to family in the Northwest was appealing. So, too, was the opportunity to sign on at OB Sports, a highly regarded Scottsdale-based company that runs 22 other upscale courses in the United States and Mexico. Then there was the prospect of watching the Medford course evolve before his eyes. "I’ve always wanted to be involved in the start-up of a golf course from the ground up," he says. "I’ve been involved in remodels, but nothing of this magnitude. It’ll be a lot of fun. I can’t wait to get out and play it, having gotten a feel for it just walking around." He discovered enough to know that it compares favorably with other courses at which he’s worked. "With the design and playability of the course, it’s by far the best facility I’ve been at," says Domenzain. "It needs to mature, of course. We’ve planted about 3,500 trees and shrubs, and it’s already taking shape visually when you’re looking down the first fairway." The course itself is in its "growing in" phase — there’s even been some mowing of fairways — and the cart paths are complete. The priorities now are building the access road off North Phoenix Road and moving ahead with the clubhouse. The course Web site indicates the building will be spacious and have a "rustic, country-side charm." Original estimates put it at 10,000 square feet, but Domenzain says the plans are still being finalized. The clubhouse and an expansive practice area, with tee boxes at both ends of the driving range and a huge putting green, accentuate the facility. Covered hitting areas are being considered as well, says Domenzain. For those wondering about Quail Point, the Manor’s nine-hole course since 1994, it will continue to operate as a sister course to Centennial. Domenzain oversees it also and expects there to be some crossover and sharing of events. "They are doing really well, and they have a set base of customers," says Domenzain. Centennial, of course, will offer a championship layout alternative. It measures 7,323 yards, making it the longest course in the area. Domenzain is already thinking about trying to lure Oregon Golf Association or Pacific Northwest Section PGA tournaments. "We’d definitely welcome the chance to host championship events," he says. "When you bring high-quality golfers in, it’s a way to show off your course and challenge your course. From the black tees, I think Centennial will be all they would want." And he can’t wait to try them out himself. Reach sports editor Tim Trower at 776-4479, or e-mail From the ground up ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker dvd-r Distance Education Computer Security Ztech Media Hosting Sports Equipment Student Loans Online Pharmacy tcg student loan consolidation Online Casino Reviews Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Discount Hotel Reservations Southern Oregon Loans Online Casino News Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Salvia Divinorum Online Casino Advertisement s