Agostini on Golf: Beyer grad enjoying life as a course pro

By Ron Agostini
ragostini@modbee.com

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Eric Lippert has lived his golf dream, and so what if he didn't become the next Tiger Woods?

For starters, Matt Bettencourt, one of Lippert's teammates at Beyer High, has reached the PGA Tour. For another, Lippert has stayed in the golf business, finding a career in the game he loved. A proud father of a 2-year-old son, the resident of Marina has adjusted to family life.

"It's easier to play now, now that I have a family," said Lippert, 34, wrapping up his sixth year as an assistant head pro at Del Monte in Monterey. "You get a little more perspective as you grow older. I was so focused on trying to make it as a player. Now, if I hit a bad shot, whatever."

We ran into Lippert last month as he worked on the press room scoreboard at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He also has logged time on the 18th green leaderboard at the Wal-Mart First Tee Open.

What he still enjoys the most, however, are the Monday tournaments on the Northern California PGA tournament trail. He's currently second in the 2009 points race behind Del Rio Country Club's Mitch Lowe.

Lippert played one year at Modesto Junior College and later placed third place on two occasions for Cal State San Bernardino at the NCAA Division II Championships (1997-98).

He plied his trade without much success on the Canadian Tour ("I'm making more money now!") and finally was hired by Pebble Beach Company. After a stint at Spanish Bay, he bounced to historic Del Monte, the oldest course West of the Mississippi River (1897).

"I still can get in some national tournaments through the PGA," Lippert said. "The game right now is a lot of fun."

THE WOODS FACTOR — Tiger Woods' return to golf last week after an injury-induced eight-month absence was gladly noted at facilities such as McHenry Golf Center. Owner Ken Miller says his Sunday business often increases after Woods and the tournament finish on TV.

"I ask our employees to count our customers about an hour before the telecast ends," Miller said. "Within an hour after it's over, they'll be 30 or even 50 more people hitting balls. Guys will be trying shots Tiger hit, like that stinger he hits with a long iron or metal club. On Sundays, it can get crazy out here."

This just in: Tiger Woods is good business for golf.

"I'm glad to have him back," Miller said. "I love him. If he wanted to, he could be president."

DAY WITH THE PROS — Ex-Cal State Stanislaus stars Ryan Thornberry, Marc Lawless and Andy Moren will pass on their expertise to young players during the second annual Day With the Pros, to be held held March 14 at River Oaks from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Coaches, juniors, high school and collegiate players are invited to the event that also features River Oaks assistant pro Derek Sidell. Thornberry and Lawless once again will play on the 2009 Canadian Tour, while Moren will try to qualify later this month in San Diego.

"We had 52 turn out last year. We'd like to see more of the schools attend," River Oaks' Greg Silva said. The entry fee is $20 per player, which includes lunch and drinks. Call Silva at 667-7272 or 537-4653.

NO TAX — Golfers achieved a major victory when the proposed state tax on golf-related activities — including rounds of golf on municipal courses — was rejected by legislators.

The proposal, introduced by Gov. Schwarzenegger, was framed as a partial solution for the massive budget deficit. It was successfully challenged, however, by the California Alliance for Golf, a coalition of state industry leaders.

The tax targeted green fees, practice balls, cart rentals, lessons and private-club membership fees and dues. It could have increased costs by up to 10 percent and would have taken effect April 1.

Critics argued the tax would have resulted in less play and lower revenues, which would would have led to reduced course maintenance and more layoffs. Among those fighting the proposal were officials of both the Northern California and Southern California golf associations, the PGA of America and other public and private course owners and superintendents.

HOLES-IN-ONE — Randy Jones, Turlock, 160-yard fourth at Stevinson Ranch, 8-iron. ... Les Azevedo, Hilmar, 142-yard 12th at Stevinson Ranch, 9-iron.

Bee sports columnist Ron Agostini can be reached at ragostini@modbee.com or 578-2302.