Winding its way through the Verde Valley showcasing views of the Tonto National Forest, Four Peaks, the Superstition Moutains and Weavers Needle is a desert masterpiece every golfer must add to their list of "must play" layouts when visiting the Phoenix / Scottsdale area. Vista Verde Golf Club, opened in a 2006, is a Ken Kavanaugh design.

A fixture at regional golf events and USGA national championships for nearly 30 years, Grossman, 79, will receive the award at the USGA's annual meeting on Feb. 4 in Houston. Hearing the news had a profound effect on him, at least initially.

Central Oklahoma and St. Edward's University took low team honors at the NCAA D2 Regional Preview at Jefferson City Country Club hosted by the University of Missouri-St. Louis. The host Tritons of UMSL finished in 7th place, 16 shots behind the leaders

After a few modest weeks, The Back Nine bounces back strong with a 7-3-2 record with one game still on the schedule for Week 6. This takes our season record against the spread to 48-36-5.

Joe Hallett of ProMentalCoach.com joins The Back Nine's Dustin Ashby and Adam Frillman to discuss the mental side of golf and ways to improve your mental aptitude on the course.