Charley Yandell: The new executive director of the Scottsdale-based Grey Goose Gateway Tour said his goal it to “continue the momentum of the last four years, and make this the best possible avenue for future professional tournament players.’’ Yandell, who is a retired businessman and an aspiring professional golfer on the senior circuit, replaces Chris Stutts, who founded the Grey Goose Gateway Tour in 2002.

“We are excited to have Charley come aboard,’’ said Stutts, who will remain with the tour in an advisory role while continuing to sell real estate for Discoveryland Properties. “His expertise and relationships in both the business arena and the golf industry will be integral in our efforts to continue to grow the tour.’’

Yandell was born and raised in North Carolina, and played golf for Wingate College and the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in 1975 with a degree in business management. He moved to the West Coast in 1980, where he worked for the Syva Corporation, Anthem Electronics and Fry’s Electronics. He retired in 2002, and lives with his wife, Pam, at Mirabel Golf Club in Scottsdale.

“I think what’s been impressive about the Grey Goose Gateway Tour is that we really are helping these young players get to the next level,’’ said the 55-year-old Yandell. “Just look at the numbers: Last year, 111 of our players got to the second stage of (PGA Tour) qualifying school, and 47 made it to the finals. You look at our (past players) like Sean O’Hair, Joey Snyder III and Jerry Smith, and those are real success stories.’’

Yandell knows about the difficulty of playing professional golf. He has attempted to qualify for the Champions Tour three times without success. Disappointing, especially considering Yandell retired with the specific goal of playing on the 50-and-over tour.

Despite his “retiree’’ status, he’s now back working a 40-hour week, at least for the next few years. “This job, for me, is a chance to give back a little bit to the game,’’ Yandell said. “We’ve got a great tournament staff, so I’ll be concentrating on improving the players’ benefits along with building the purses.’’

On his game: “I’m a scratch, with my best score being a 64 – twice. I guess the highlight of my golf career came in 2004, when I finished third in the Arizona Senior Open, fifth in the Colorado Senior Open, and fifth in the New Mexico Senior Open.’’

Speaking frankly: “Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to help some of these kids realize their dreams. And if they can’t make it eventually on the (PGA Tour), then perhaps they’ll still have a chance for a career in the golf industry in some other capacity.’’

PRO RANKS

Tucson trend: Looking for a winner who fits the mold in Tucson this week? How about Bubba Watson, the rookie who hits it a country mile. In all, 14 players have made Tucson their first win on Tour, including such notables as Bruce Lietzke, Phil Mickelson and Lee Janzen. In fact, the past two winners, Heath Slocum and defending champ Geoff Ogilvy, never had won before.

Signed: John Daly has found a new major sponsor in TaylorMade-adidas, which he signed with on Tuesday. Terms of the contract were not divulged. This is Daly’s fourth major club deal, as he earlier carried the bag of Wilson, Callaway and Dunlop.

Re-signed: Apparently the snubs of Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Retief Goosen have failed to deter Mercedes from its continued sponsorship of the season-opening Mercedes Championship. On Wednesday, the luxury car dealer extended its contract through 2010 for the winners-only event.

NOTEWORTHY

Honored: Golf For Women magazine has announced its “Top 50 Teachers for 2006,’’ and five instructors from the East Valley made the list. They include Dr. Debbie Crews from Arizona State, Kathy Murphy from the Karsten Course at ASU, Sandy LaBauve from Kierland, and Lynn Marriott and Pia Nilsson from Golf 54.

Hired: Noted instructor Scott Watkins of Scottsdale has been named director of instruction at Arizona Country Club. In his new role, Watkins will work with the membership as well as current students, who are not club members.

Dating game: At long last, a dating service just for golfers. According to its website, golfmate.com is the world’s premier online dating service designed specifically for the golfing community. And, yes, it’s all about the tee time, unless of course the two players in question hit it off.