Susan Mayer: The executive director of City Golf USA has selected Scottsdale to launch her new golf-related business. As many already, staging a golf tournament is not as easy as knocking in a gimme, and in that regard, Mayer saw a “great opportunity.’’

“All anyone has to do is give me a date, a time and at least two courses where you would like to have your tournament,’’ Mayer explained. “I’ll do the negotiations with the golf courses, see what we can work out, and I’ll guarantee you that I’ll get you a better rate than if you had done all the work yourself, especially if you book it 30 days out.’’

Mayer, a Milwaukee native who graduated from Arizona State, has the experience. She is the former tournament director at Estrella Mountain Ranch in Goodyear, and previously had worked for Calvin Klein.

“I came up with the idea, ran it by a friend, Jeff Foster at Arizona Fairways Magazine, he endorsed it, and here we go,’’ she said. “I took the name -- City Golf USA -- because Jeff had used that name for some of his events in the past, and I liked it, because it doesn’t limit me to just Scottsdale-Phoenix.’’

Mayer said it also works for her overall business plan, as she eventually plans to branch out to San Diego and Las Vegas. “Basically, it’s a one-stop shop for tournaments,’’ she said. “From my past, I know all the details in regards to what it takes to put on a successful tournament, and really get the monkey off my clients’ backs.’’

Besides lining up such details as where, when and what, City Golf USA handles the on-line registration, playing format, pairings, scoring, special events, photography and prizes. “We’ll also handle the food and beverage needs,’’ Mayer noted. “Corporate outings or charity events, anything where there are eight or more people playing golf.’’

Even though Mayer won’t be playing in any tournaments her company will be handling, she still likes to play the game whenever possible. “I don’t have a handicap,’’ she said. “But I’m a really good scramble player.’’

To reach Mayer at City Golf USA, call (602) 558-0058 or visit www.citygolfusa.com.

NOTEWORTHY

Survey says: Over 50 courses in Arizona received votes recently in The Zagat Survey’s 2006-07 “Guide To America’s Top Golf Courses.’’ The survey, which was based on the experiences of 6,000 avid golfers over the past 12 months, turned up a variety of information. The big winner from Arizona was We-Ko-Pa on the Fort McDowell Reservation, which was the No. 1 course by region. Other findings that bode well for the Arizona golf industry include 1) 71 percent of those polled said they plan to take one to three golf-specific vacations in the next year, and 2) 54 percent of those polled said they would pay at least $200 to play a top-rated golf course. For the record, the average green fee for those who participated in the survey was $110.

More relief: Longbow Golf Club in Mesa will host a Golf for the Gulf Day on Friday, with green fees going to the Salvation Army’s efforts in that region. To book a tee time and contribute to the cause, call (480) 807-5400 or visit www.longbowgolf.com.

New look: For the first time since it opened in 1987, the Desert Course at the TPC of Scottsdale is being overseeded from tee to green. The overseeding process began Sept. 19, and the Desert Course will open for play on Sunday. To book a tee time, call (480) 585-3939 or visit www.tpc.com.

Volunteers needed: The Gila River Classic, which takes place Oct. 3-9 at Whirlwind Golf Club near Chandler, is seeking volunteers. For $25, volunteers receive a uniform, hat, daily badge, 10 daily tickets, meals and one round of golf at Whirlwind for every day worked. To volunteer, call (800) 556-5400 ext. 5004.

And finally: Numerous players on the PGA Tour have their own wine label, including Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Ernie Els and David Frost. Golf Connoisseur recently polled a panel of prominent wine experts, who tasted 19 different vintages by the above foursome. The winner in the best white wine category was Greg Norman’s 2002 Victoria Chardonnay ($19), while top red honors went to Ernie Els’ 2002 Stollenbosch ($93).