
Picking up where we left off last time ...

Richard Evans has had a career as a writer, tennis historian, author (of 22 books) even at times working within the tennis network of the ATP and definitely an authority on the world of tennis since its earliest beginnings.

While these mountains bear the name “White,” we will focus on flowers that are reddish, that is red, orange or pink.

May I be frank with you? Or Wayne, or Connie or Bob? Seriously, we all have an ego. You would love to hit that little golf ball farther than you do. Admit it – you want more distance, as you think it will help you lower your score.

Many of you remember the cute little girl from Prescott, who went to Abi Judd elementary school, and learned the game of tennis at the Prescott Racquet Club under the tutelage of Sterling Fetty, and spent lots of time on the surrounding courts of Prescott … practicing, drilling and playing matches.

Now that summer has arrived, it’s time to think about hiking cooler.

The new French Open Champion, Novak Djokovic, not only won his 3rd championship there- which is a crazy feat in itself, he won his 23rd Grand Slam singles title which makes him the GOAT of tennis in so many ways, an achievement that will probably only be broken by himself as he continues his winning ways on the ATP tour.

Two weeks ago, we discussed some common courtesies that as golfers, we should be aware of and apply to make the game of golf better for everyone. Just like before, common courtesies are like common sense.

Thanks to the Friends of Spring Valley Library, I have access to Arizona Highways magazine.

Open up a copy of the Rules of Golf or on your smart phone, load and open the app USGA Rules of Golf. Start with Rule 1-2a, Conduct Expected of All Players.

Recently, I played in a pickleball tournament, have enjoyed a two-hour playing group and played in two tennis tournaments and a league match, so it’s been an interesting time of getting a feel for what I enjoyed about each and what I maybe didn’t like quite as much.

Using the team building exercise, “Two Truths and a Lie,” see if you can spot phony claims as I attempt to use it to provide a clear picture of my “hike” on the north side of Granite Mountain from the Williamson Valley Trailhead.

By now, most of you think I am a little different. Sorry to disappoint you, but I am VERY different, not a little!

I’m only 68, but when you’re out on the court from five to six hours a day, six days a week, your body starts talking to you here and there.

Catalina State Park lies adjacent to the Coronado National Forest, offering many trails inside the Park and beyond.

I have had the privilege of assisting many high schools in the area with their golf programs (teams), providing professional coaching/instruction these past six years.

It’s been a whirlwind of tennis activity for some of our local and former local tennis players on courts from the Phoenix area, to Texas to Portugal.

Most hikers to the “top” of Granite Mountain never get near it and for good reason.

Balance, rhythm, tempo, and timing are crucial to any golf swing. You cannot be taught these fundamentals, but you can learn how to incorporate them to improve ball contact.

Two weekends ago (April 6 to 9), Andrew Bogdanov won his first singles and doubles ITF professional titles at Indian Wells, California which moved his world ranking in the wheelchair quad division to No. 38. His doubles ranking is now at 31.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as I drove into Red Rock Crossing.

Here is another in our series to highlight some of our local Golf Professionals who have significant impact on the Prescott area golf scene.

They needed help with the scoring system, which side to start serving from, not stepping into the kitchen and occasionally letting the ball bounce once instead of serving and approaching; but the name recognition and skills of the former best players in the world of tennis, Andre Agassi (52) and Andy Roddick (40) playing against John McEnroe (64) and Michael Chang (51), as teammates in a singles and then doubles competed for $1 million dollars in what was dubbed the Pickleball Slam in Hollywood.

First ascents often boost egos. Therefore, we set our sights on Red Mountain in the New River Mountains.

Here is another in our series to highlight some of our local PGA Professionals who have significant impact on the Prescott area golf scene.