ChristmasGuide forGolfers GAM2021 Playerofthe YearAwardWiners Beginers Guidefor BetingOnGolf WhatMakesA GreatPlaying Companion? December2021 Let’sHead South
Letter From the Publisher FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report It was another banner GOLF year for Michigan. Every golf resort saw near capacity rounds played. Treetops and BOYNE made major renovations to their accommodations, with more to come. Forest Dunes and Arcadia Bluffs continue to attract golfers to try their hand at those diverse tracks, plus the PGA TOUR, LPGA, Symetra and PGA TOUR Champions all held tournament around the state. Air travel service toTraverse City is bringing thousands of golfers toMichigan from all over the country. Without question the biggest story of 2021 was Michigan State University’s James Piot capturing the U.S. Amateur at Oakmont. It was the first ever U.S. Amateur win for a Michigan golfer. He also led the Spartans to a couple memorable wins this fall and will lead the team to try for an NCAA Division 1 in the Spring. He will play at August National for the Masters in April – we wish him well! His collegiate competitive days will be ending after the Spring Season and then we’ll have an opportunity to watch him on tour. The Michigan State University Women also have had another fantastic year in 2021 and are set to compete for the BIGTen title and a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Michigan Golf Journal strives to bring Michigan Golfers the very best in news, travel, equipment reviews and opinion every month of the year. We hope you enjoy reading our content, will tell your friends to sign up to receive each month’s issue and will support our advertisers. Michigan is truly one of the best golf states in the nation and Michigan Golf Journal intends to keep you abreast of all the happenings in the golf world. Michigan Golf Journal
NOW, THIS IS GOLF Go to BoyneGolf.com or cal l 855-554-0289 BRING YOUR “A” GAME. With 10 magnificent courses, and non-stop flights to TVC from 17 popular destinations, why wait? Lock in your 2022 golf plans today.
Michigan Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with Michigan Golf Journal, Contact us for more information Be sure to take advantage of the links to social media, Videos and other content provided within the articles 26 FIND INSIDE 06 07 12 34 Let’s Head South Coastal Alabama is Perfect for Golfing, Dining and Beaching Mission Inn: The Perfect Place to Play Golf, Plus Relax & Unwind Jekyll Island Club Resort Offers an Idyllic Respite & Golf Experience 06 07 10 12 Saddlebrook Resort: A Premier Meeting, Golf and Tennis Resort Michigan PGA Golf News Golfaholic’s Letter to Santa PING i59 Irons Affordable (Public) Golf in Orlando What Makes A Great Playing Companion? GAM 2021 Player of the Year Award Winners 20 14 22 26 29 17 34 Our Contributors Beginners Guide for Betting on Golf Our Favorite Videos 38 30 39
By Fred Altvater Let’s Head South!! As the temperatures begin to drop below freezing, Michigan Golfers begin to think about heading south for warm sunny skies, sandy beaches, with palm trees waving and green golf courses. If you have not yet made your reservations to Florida, Georgia, Alabama, or Arizona, you may be in for a shock. Golfers are traveling at a record pace and many resorts are already booked up, or soon will be. In the next few pages Michigan Golf Journal talks about a few of our favorite southern golf destinations. Coastal Alabama has it all. Several fantastic golf courses and beautiful beaches, when you aren’t on the course. Mission Inn is a family-run golf resort with 36 holes and wonderful accommodations. It is less than a one-hour drive to the Orlando attractions and is the perfect spot to spend a few days. As you are heading south to Florida, or maybe on your way back, Jekyll Island is one of our favorite stopovers. It is quiet, unassuming with plenty of golf to please any skill level. The beaches are some of the best to be found anywhere and are usually not crowded. Saddlebrook, located near Tampa, has two 18hole championship courses, plus is the home of the Saddlebrook Golf Academy. Aspiring junior golfers live on site, attend classes in the morning and work on their golf games, with some of the best golf instructors in the afternoons. Individual lessons are also available for adults. Orlando is famous for Disney World and Universal Theme Park, but there is also great public golf available. Our favorite is the cityowned Winter Park 9 that was renovated and is one of the best municipal tracks you will ever play. We hope you get to take a golf trip south this winter to take advantage of the great golf and hospitality that awaits. Michigan Golf Journal
By Fred Altvater Coastal Alabama is Perfect for Golfing, Dining & Beaching Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on the Gulf Coast of Alabama have been providing the perfect beach and golf resort for travelers for over 30 years. Gulf Shores was a one-course, sleepy retirement village in the early 1980’s. In1985, a local sod farmer, Robert Craft was searching for ways to increase his business. He came up with a plan to build a golf course, which would attract more vacationers to the area. Hopefully the warm gulf breezes, white sandy beaches and relaxing atmosphere would entice a few of them to stick around, build a new home and buy his sod for their new lawn. Making a long story short, he contracted Arnold Palmer to build two 18-hole courses at Craft Farms that provided the impetus to change Gulf Shores into the vibrant vacation hotspot and community it is today. (Read the full story on Robert Craft, Arnold Palmer and Craft Farms in the November 2016 Ohio Golf Journal: http://nwo.back9mediagroup.com/2016/ November/files/assets/basic-html/page-10.html) Now Gulf Shores annually welcomes millions of visitors. Fantastic golf is available, not only at Craft Farms, but also at Golf Shores Golf Club, Kiva Dunes and Peninsula Golf Club, which are all highly-ranked and are must-play courses for golfers visiting Coastal Alabama. The two 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature courses at Craft Farms, Cotton Creek and Cypress Bend
challenge all golfers and provide a serene environment with the natural Alabama landscape. The rambling clubhouse is perfect for a quick bite between rounds, or a leisurely repast. Gulf Shores Golf Club is the oldest golf course in the area and open to the public. It’s southern charm and plantation-style clubhouse welcomes golfers and the course is a treat to play. The course layout is suitable for any skill level and especially welcoming to juniors and women. From the back tees it is a true test for the low handicapper, as well. Golf at Kiva Dunes, one of Alabama’s highest-ranked course, is only one reason to visit. Located on a peninsula, it has over a mile of sugar-white private beachfront, plus the new Kiva Beach Club is a full restaurant with breathtaking views of the Gulf. Plus, you never have to leave your beach umbrella. Kiva Dunes is the only coastal resort offering food and drink service on the beach. Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club offers a memorable round of golf and has been rated 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest. Earl Stone designed the 27 hole layout at Peninsula to maintain a close connection to the local wildlife at nearby Bon Secour Wildlife Preserve. In addition to the challenging golf, gorgeous live Oaks and Cypress trees, plus alligators, cranes and eagles create a delightful distraction from your golf. Off the golf course and beach, every type of dining experience awaits. The Hangout or The Gulf are perfect of a casual lunch. Fin & Fork will cook up anything you may catch on a fishing trip. The Lodge at Gulf Shores State Park, The Zoo and the Voyagers at Perdido Beach Resort offer exquisite menus for more serious dining options. Michigan Golf Journal
Don’t forget to save room for dessert at The Yard. Their quart-size milk shakes come in a variety of flavors and you will want to try all of them, before you leave Gulf Shores. Coastal Alabama and Gulf Shores has great golf, beautiful beaches, fantastic dining, as well as, many other activities to please any family member. Find out more at: http://www.visitcoastalalabama. org/
By Len Ziehm Mission Inn: The Perfect Place to Play Golf, Plus Relax & Unwind Mission Inn and Resort includes one of the Sunshine State’s oldest courses, El Campeon, which opened for play just after WW I, in 1917. The companion course, 27-year old Las Colinas, isn’t exactly new, but is a nice complement to the older course. Even at 100 years old, El Campeon is the more difficult of the two courses and has held up well to top-level amateur competition. Both courses are always well-conditioned and used regularly for the Florida high school championships. College events and several USGA qualifiers have been held here, as well. George O’Neil, a Chicago teaching pro who dabbled in course design, created the course for owner, William Howey, a citrus magnate, who wanted something to entertain visitors to his estate. The 6,300-yard course was originally called Chain O’ Lakes and featured oiled and hard-packed sand greens until 1938. Without irrigation systems, the rest of the course was unkempt. A Scottish architect, Charles Clarke, refurbished the course and it attracted some very famous visitors, Ben Hogan, Patty Berg and Babe Zaharias. Nick Beucher bought the facility in 1964 and gradually transformed the place into a Spanish colonial- themed resort. Beucher once took a 39day, 1,400-mile horseback ride from Del Rio, Texas to Mexico City, stopping at old missions along the way for lodging, which inspired his fascination with Spanish design. Under Beucher’s ownership, El Campeon was stretched to 7,015 yards and the resort and hotel became the Mission Inn. Other amenities at the Mission Inn include, The El Conquistador restaurant, which provides an upscale dining experience, plus La Hacienda that serves a delicious breakfast and lunch menu. The Spa Mirabella will relieve stress By Len Ziehm Michigan Golf Journal
and soothe achy muscles. The El Cornedor Fitness Center is available for getting sweaty and the Plaza de las Palmas, is a beautiful outdoor bar and favorite gathering place. Other hotel locations, San Angel, San Diego and San Miguel offer hideaways for quiet time. El Campeon features several large elevation changes, plus a double-dogleg hole dubbed, Devil’s Delight. The green is fronted by a live oak tree in the center of the fairway and a pond. This double trouble makes bogeys, doubles and the dreaded other, a constant worry. Former PGA Tour player, Gary Koch created the original Las Colinas design in 1992 and veteran Florida architect Ron Garl renovated it in 2007. It is the perfect resort layout and much more user friendly than the more difficult El Campeon. The 1,100-acre Mission Inn also boast a 30,000 square foot conference venue, with 19 meeting rooms and two large ballrooms. The 176 guest rooms, suites and villas are supplemented by two lounges and a poolside bar. Although Beacher passed in 2005 at the age of 88, he passed on his enthusiasm for the resort business to his six children. His son Bob serves as president and another son, Bud, as vice-president and general manager. Two daughters also play prominent roles in the resort’s operation. There is something at Mission Inn for everyone. Four lighted clay courts and two all-weather courts, along with two pickleball courts, will please tennis buffs. A rock-climbing wall, boat rides to nearby Mount Dora, and trips to nearby Tavares, the self-proclaimed “Seaplane Capitol of the World,” provide other must-see attractions in the area. Historic Mission Inn is a place for great golf, but it’s also the perfect resort to unwind and enjoy an escape from the rigors of daily life.
This year as you are making your winter golf travel plans I suggest you include Georgia’s Jekyll Island to your itinerary. It is one of the most relaxing islands we have ever visited, and we can’t wait to go back. Owned entirely by the state of Georgia, Jekyll Island sits approximately 40 miles north of the FloridaGeorgia state line and is riddled with miles of biking and hiking trails that wander through the thousands of acres of unspoiled natural habitat. The beaches are a treasure of their own and will provide hours of relaxation to unwind and recharge. Visitors to the island can take a step back in time at the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. It is completely restored and updated to make the perfect place to spend a tranquil vacation. In 1886, the Jekyll Island Club Resort was the winter home for the rich and famous. It was a very exclusive retreat and soon became recognized as “the richest, most inaccessible club in the world.” Such names as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field built cottages on the island. In the early 1900’s more wealthy Americans built vacation cottages and found it the perfect respite from harsh winters in the North. The island became a financial and political center for the most powerful men in the country. After abanking scare in1907 threatened to disrupt the government, politicians and businessmen realized a central banking system was needed. In 1910, a U.S. Senator, and several business tycoons met at Jekyll Island to reform the Jekyll IslandClubResort Offers an Idyllic Respite & Golf Experience By Fred Altvater Michigan Golf Journal
nation’s banking system. The meeting was a closely guarded secret and the participants did not admit the meeting had even occurred until the 1930s. That important meeting on Jekyll Island laid a plan for the Federal Reserve System. Jekyll Island has a deep respect for its past and has preserved much of this heritage and is recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Much of the area has been preserved near the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The State of Georgia gained possession of Jekyll Island after WW II and has designated it a wildlife sanctuary. They have restricted residential and retail growth on the island, which has helped keep the native lowlands and forest, plus miles of beaches pristine, just like Mother Nature intended. Golf Three championship courses, Oleander, Indian Mound and Pine Lakes will please any skill level of golfer, plus the nine-hole Great Dunes is a treat not to be missed. The nine-hole Great Dunes Course was designed by Walter J. Travis and opened for play in 1928. Jekyll Island was a testing ground and a leader in golf equipment innovation. Long before Carlsbad, Iron Byron and Trackman, Jekyll Island was a testing ground and a leader in golf equipment innovation. In 1924, the USGA tested the steel shafts that would replace hickory. Plus, ball size & density testing was conducted, all of which changed the game of golf forever. To learn more about Jekyll Island watch this video from Back 9 Report TV. Take a trip back in time and enjoy idyllic beaches, natural habitat hiking, as well as, great golf all at one place, Jekyll Island.
Saddlebrook Resort: A Premier Meeting, Golf and Tennis Resort For over 40 years, Saddlebrook Resort has been a golfing haven, with two Arnold Palmer-designed golf courses. There’s more to the Saddlebrook story than just great golf, however. Owner Tom Dempsey, who made his mark in the publishing industry in Cleveland, was a member at Palmer’s Bay Hill Club in Orlando, when he gained ownership of Saddlebrook nearTampa. The facility only had one 18-hole course designed by Dean Refram, who had played on the PGA Tour. Palmer was hired to remodel the original Saddlebrook Course, after Dempsey took ownership and later designed a second track, the Palmer Course. The Saddlebook Course measures 6,510 yards from the back tees and the Palmer maxes out at 6,273 from the tips, which are both considered short by today’s standards, but make them perfect for resort play. In Saddlebrook’s early years, the highest-profile athletes on the grounds were tennis players. Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Jennifer Capriati and Monica Seles were among big-name tennis stars, who trained there in the 1980s and 1990s. Legendary tennis coach Harry Hopman was in charge until selling to Dempsey in 1986. Now named the Tampa Tennis Academy, it includes 45 courts, including surfaces from all four of the Grand Slam tournaments. “We still do well with that,’’ said Pat Farrell, Saddlebrook’s director of golf sales, “but American tennis isn’t what it used to be.’’ The glory years of Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe and Chris Evert are long gone. As it pertains to Saddlebrook, however, the athletes enjoying the golf courses are now hockey players. That all started in 2018 when USA Hockey chose Saddlebrook to host the U.S. women’s team when it was preparing for the Winter Olympics. By Len Ziehm Michigan Golf Journal
“The team stayed for seven months. They trained in the morning, then come back here and played golf in the afternoon,’’ said Farrell. Saddlebrook provided a ‘gold-medal’ training experience, as the women’s team claimed the gold. Due to Covid, hockey players are back at Saddlebrook.More than 600 young hockey players from 50 U.S. Premier Hockey League teams have created a bubble and filled empty rooms at the resort from January through February. They held practices and games at the nearby Tampa Bay Lightning training center. “Of the 540 rooms in our rental pool, they take up 470,’’ said Farrell. “We’re very fortunate because a lot of other (resorts), from a room perspective, are dying on the vine.’’ Saddlebrook also includes a Preparatory Teaching Academy is on the premises. It has highschool age students from 20 countries starting at the age of 13. Classes are limited to 12 students with 30 instructors on staff. A unique aspect in the design of the resort requires guests park their cars upon arrival and are transported via shuttles to their rooms and around the resort. During the PGA Tour’s shutdown in March, April and May of 2020, Sungjae Im stayed at the resort and practiced daily. Golf academy students benefitted from having a PGA Tour pro on the grounds and he seemed to enjoy working with the junior golfers. The par-70 Saddlebrook Course, has a stunning 429-yard finishing hole but its trademark is the cypress trees, some of which have grown to nearly 100 feet in height. The par-71 Palmer Course has generous driving areas with lots of humps and bumps to add to the challenge. The greens are firm, fast and undulating with a rare par-3 as its finishing hole. Both courses
are undergoing a structured improvement program that started in 2016. There’s also a 16-acre training center for the golfers that was designed by Mike Angus, the architect for the Phil MickelsonGolf Course Design Company. Saddlebrook makes the perfect resort to host any size event. It has a variety of meeting rooms that can accommodate large, or small corporate gatherings, weddings, or other events. The dining options are all delicious and the culinary staff can handle any event size, as well. Saddlebrook has a wide variety of amenities and dining options to satisfy any traveler looking for an upscale resort. To learn more about Saddlebrook’s packages visit: https://www. saddlebrook.com/ Michigan Golf Journal
Affordable (Public) Golf in Orlando During our annual trip to Florida in January, we had the opportunity to play three public golf courses, in the Orlando area and thoroughly enjoyed each one. Dubsdread Winter Park is a bustling suburb just north of downtown Orlando and the home of Rollins College. We found twowonderful historic courses there, Dubsdread and the Winter Park 9. Dubsdread was designed by Tom Bendelow and opened for play in 1924. Golf courses in Florida must have water hazards and the low areas at Dubsdread are environmental necessities for nearby I-95, as they provide adequate runoff areas for heavy rains in the area. Side note: Dubsdread is derived from the intent of instilling dread in “dubs,” or novice golfers as they were called in Scotland. In the 1940s, Pete Dye played Dubsdread, while attending nearby Rollins College, where he was captain of the golf team. He would later become one of Golf’s most noted golf designers and a member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. During his time at the course, he happened to meet Alice O’Neal, who was on the Rollins Women’s Golf Team. She later became his wife and actively worked with Pete on his famous golf creations. Dye said of his time at Rollins, “I wasn’t the greatest student, but I met my bride there and played some good golf.” We won’t guarantee that you will meet the girl of your dreams at Dubsdread, but we can guarantee you will have an enjoyable day on the links. For more, watch this interview with Brendan Sweeney about Dubsdread. By Fred Altvater
Winter Park 9 I first played the Winter Park 9 (WP9) in 2018 and couldn’t wait to return. It opened for play in 1918 and was one of the first courses in the Orlando area. On this trip my wife and grandson accompanied me and we had a great day on the course. The WP9 is nestled in a quiet residential area with homes bordering the course. One of the unique features is the cemetery that borders the left side of the fourth hole, a dogleg par 5. Any pull, or hook may come to rest beside a grave maker. Holes No. 5, 6 and 7 play along a nearby railroad, plus walking the entire nine holes requires crossing nei-ghborhood streets at least five times. Riley Johns and Keith Rhebb were commissioned by the city to redesign and renovate the old course. They introduced new fairways, roughs, greens, plus additional playing strategies. They totally enhanced the charm and aesthetic appeal of the course, while preserving its dualpurpose as community park and golf course. WP9 reopened in 2016 and the 40-acre course has become the model for public municipal golf courses. The greens are some of the best that you can play. The course promotes walking, but golf carts are available for golfers, who are physically unable to walk. One of my top criteria for rating a golf course is the ‘Fun-Factor’ for juniors and women. The WP9 rates a solid 10 for both these requirements. Moms and kids can have a great time joining dad and the rest of the family for a round at the WP9. This is one of the best public facilities to be found. The PGA, USGA and PGA Tour through the World Golf Foundation, should study and recreate this plan in every urban area in the country. Back 9 Report TV chatted with Head Professional Greg Pascale with our masks firmly in place. Michigan Golf Journal
Rockledge Country Club Rockledge Country Club, near Cocoa Beach, is a mere 50-minute drive from Orlando. It was a private club for most of its 100-plus years, but recently opened to daily fee play. This par-71 with a slope of 126, opened in 1924. It features Bermuda throughout and plays to a maximum of 6,436 yards. Its proximity to the Atlantic guarantees sufficient ocean breezes to make one feel the course is actually much longer. A driving range and practice facility will get you tuned for your round. This is a typical country club style course, accommodating fairways and large greens make for an enjoyable round that won’t leave you completely exhausted. We would suggest dining in themassive clubhouse after your round. The food and service are top shelf with a variety of delectable options on their menu. Relaxing on the nearby beaches at Cocoa Beach, or a side trip to Kennedy Space Center could round out your day on the Space Coast. Summary You don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy golf in Orlando, or Central Florida. The city and the area have done a wonderful job of preserving their public facilities and keeping them affordable for everyone to enjoy. Shake Shack Burger Joint When you are done with your round at either Dubsdread, or the Winter Park 9, I suggest you visit the Shake Shack on Orlando Avenue inWinter Park. Their delicious burgers and fries are best washed down with a creamy chocolate shake. The perfect repast after an enjoyable day on the links.
U.S. Amateur Champion James Piot Named GAM’s POY James Piot, MSU standout as well as the 2021 U.S. Amateur Champion was named GAM’s Player of the Year. He is the only Michigan golfer to ever win the U.S. Amateur Championship. The 23-year-old Piot was GAM’s biggest points earner for the second consecutive year. In addition to the U.S. Amateur trophy, Piot also won the GAM Championship at Franklin Hills Country Club. The largest amount of points came from the U.S. Amateur and GAM wins, but Piot also made the final 16 in the Western Amateur Championship. Patrick Sullivan, a member of the University of Michigan Jerry Gunthorpe Tops Senior Men’s Points List Even though Jerry Gunthorpe lost to Gene Elliott, from Iowa, at the U.S. Senior Amateur Championship at the Country Club of Detroit last summer, he was the top points earner for GAM’s Senior Player of theYear. Gunthorpe, who plays out of Owosso Country Club, edged out Tom Gieselman, from Oakland Hills Country Club, who reached the quarterfinals of the Senior Amateur. GAM 2021 Player of the Year Award Winners month with his Michigan State coaches, Casey Lubahn and Dan Ellis, plus an MSU Alum, who is also a member at Augusta National. “Winning the U.S. Am is something you think you can do, but you don’t always picture it happening,” Piot said. “Things have been crazy since it happened. I’m super blessed by all the things that have happened because of it. It was the coolest moment of my life.” Next year, after he plays in the Masters, and the spring college season ends, he plans to turn professional. Golf Team, won the Michigan Amateur Championship, which included a match play victory over Piot in their quarterfinal round match. West Bloomfield’s Grant Haefner, a member of the Jacksonville University Golf Team, was third. Bradley Smithson, also on the MSU Golf Team, was fourth in the points list. He became the just the sixth amateur to win the Michigan Open Championship. Tyler Rayman, an Eastern Michigan University golfer, was runnerup to Sullivan in the Michigan Amateur and finished fifth on the points list. Piot called winning the U.S. Amateur, “life-changing.” The U.S. Amateur win qualifies him for the Masters Tournament, in April. He snuck in a practice round at Augusta National last Michigan Golf Journal
Rick Herpich Tops Super Senior Points List Rick Herpich of Orchard Lake was comedalist in the U.S. Senior Amateur Qualifier, and he struck the very first shot in the U.S. Senior Amateur at the Country Club of Detroit. “Being co-medalist in the U.S. Senior Am qualifier at Oakland Hills, then getting to play here in our hometown at Country Club of Detroit, hitting the very first tee shot to begin the tournament with my son there, my wife, my brother all there, and then to make match play at (age) 68,” he said. “That was a pretty cool thing.” Herpich added a win in the Super Senior division of the GAM Senior Championship and finished second in the GAM Super Senior Championship. This was his second consecutive GAM Super Senior Player of the Year award. Mike Raymond, who plays out of the Country Club of Jackson, posted a series of top finishes through the summer, was second with 208 points.
Boyne’s Bernie Friedrich Named Michigan PGA Golf Executive of the Year Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President of Golf at BOYNE Resorts, has captured the first Golf Executive of the Year, awarded by the Michigan PGA. The honor bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional, who has performed outstanding services for a multiple facility/ course management/ownership operation, allied association, or golf industry executive management position. As one of the highest honors the PGA can bestow, candidates must possess outstanding qualities of leadership, vision, courage, strong moral character, and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game of golf. “I am thrilled to receive this award,” says Friedrich, a 38-year PGA member who oversees BOYNE Golf’s 13 courses and semi-private clubs in Michigan, Maine, and Montana that includes all staff, course agronomy and marketing nationwide plus two golf membership groups— Bay Harbor Golf Club and Country Club of Boyne. “It’s such an honor to be recognized for helping BOYNE become the premier golf destination in the Midwest. Our staff here is best-in-class, and this award is every bit representative of their hard work as much as mine.” Friedrich was born in Germany and moved to Michigan as a young boy. He started as a golf professional at Boyne Mountain and on August 26th celebrated his 46th year at Michigan’s largest resort. Michigan Golf Journal
Soph i s t i cat i on and moder n comfor t come toge ther at our l andmark four-d i amond re sor t wi th go l f cour s e, 5 i ve St eakhous e, heat ed and covered dr i v i ng range wi th Trackman , and the ar eas l arge s t re t a i l go l f s t ore - Car l ’s Go l f l and . For s t ay & p l ay package s , re sor t re s ervat i ons and t ee t ime s ca l l 734-414-0600 or v i s i t the i nnat s t j ohns . com. 44045 Fi ve Mi l e Road Pl ymouth , MI 48170 The Michigan PGA inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2019, plus he received the Bill Strausbaugh Award the same year. In addition, he was named Professional of the Year twice (1998, 2001), and was Merchandiser of the Year on five occasions (1990, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996). Friedrich is also a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and received the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award (2018) from the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association (MGCOA) where he also serves on their Board of Directors. He was recognized by the American Junior Golf Association (A.J.G.A.) as the Golf Course Executive of theYear and serves on Adidas’ Dassler Board. In Northern Michigan, Friedrich is a founding member andpast boardmember of theAmerica’s Summer Golf Capital, a founding member and board member of The First Tee of Northern Michigan and co-founder of the Harbor Cup Fund, a charitable fund that has raised over $525,000 since its inception in 1997. Back 9 Report congratulated Mr. Friedrich and chatted with him when we visited Boyne last month.
Michigan PGA Golf News Michigan Section of the PGA Fall Meeting The Michigan Section of the PGA recognized the 2021 award winners. Special Awards Chairman Doug Bell presented each with a plaque to commemorate the occasion. Assistant Professional of the Year– Brandon Dean Bill Strausbaugh-Chris Sobieck Distinguished Service Award-Justin Phillips Media Award-Anna Epkey Merchandiser of theYear-Private-Paul Lehnert Merchandiser of the Year -Public-Ian Ziska Merchandiser of the Year -Resort-Elliott Oscar Patriot Award-Wally Sierakowski Player Development Award-Andre Pillow Professional Development Award-Glenn Pulice Youth Player Development Award-Kelly Kuhlman Teacher & Coach of the Year-Jason Guss Golf Executive of the Year-Bernie Friedrich Golf Professional of the Year -Dean Kolstad General business was conducted, and Dr. Gary Wiren gave a very interesting presentation about “Life & Lessons On & Off the Course.” Play 18. Repeat. Now’s the time to play two award-winning courses to their fullest. Our Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses have been #1 and #2 on GolfWeek’s “Best You Can Play” in Indiana for 10 years running. Book your round in 2020, and replays are free the same day at The Pete Dye Course (forecaddie fee additional) while same-day Donald Ross replays are $50. Visit frenchlick.com/golf or call (888) 936-9360 to get that road trip rolling. Double Down on Bucket-List Golf Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice. Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT! Michigan Golf Journal
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Golfaholic’s Letter to Santa Dear Santa, I have tried very hard to be a good little Golfaholic this year. I didn’t throw too many clubs. I repaired my ball marks, plus a few others and I hardly ever used swear words, even after an awful shot. I really appreciate the great golf gear you brought last year and there are just a few things that would help me be an even better player in 2022. To stay relaxed on the golf course it would be great to find a Bushnell Wingman under the tree. I could jam to my favorite tunes, which would help me stay relaxed and the yardage finder application will help me play faster so I can get home and help my wife around the house. Michigan Golf Journal
Speaking of three-foot putts, the Putting Arc training device has helped thousands of golfers improve their short games. Lord knows mine could use some help. Even the professionals you see on TV are using it to make more putts. You know Santa, it gets pretty cold here in Ohio in the winter. It makes it very difficult to get out to play with four inches of snow on the ground. ACE Indoor Golf has developed Gimmee Simulators for guys just like me that want to keep their swings sharp indoors over the cold winter months. I can check my ball speed, spin rate and launch angle to lower my handicap next spring, when I hit the first tee. Santa, I played golf with a guy that had his own personal golf glove a couple of months ago. Brand the Hand can custom design a golf glove with anything. Use your company logo, or personal brand. Brand the Hand gloves come in cabretta leather, or nylon. They also make batting gloves, work gloves and mittens. She would like that. I guess you could say the Wingman is really for her benefit, not mine. BTW Santa you can find out more about the Wingman on Amazon at: https://amzn. to/3d32lX1 Santa because I have washed my old golf shirts too many times, plus the fact I had a few too many cold ones after my rounds this summer, I really need a few larger golf shirts and Gear Up Sportswear has just what I need. Gear Up shirts come in a variety of styles and colors. They are moisture wicking to keep me cool as a cucumber over those three-foot putts and they are guaranteed to never shrink, fade, or wrinkle. Michigan Golf Journal
Check them out at: http://brandthehandnow. com/index.php/products/ You know Santa there have been a lot of new rule changes the past couple of years and it is so confusing to read that USGA Rules of Golf book. Richard Todd has created a series of golf books that easily break down those confusing, red line, yellow line, white line, what is a hazard and where do I drop, questions. They use short stories to illustrate the rules and are fun to read. Find out more at: https://www. amazon.com/Richard-E.-Todd/e/B00GJWEC52 My old rain gear leaks like a sieve and I get soaked to the bone, when I get caught in a storm. Galway Bay Rain Gear would keep me warm and dry, plus they look good too. They block wind and rain, plus allow golfers to stretch and move freely. They have been designed by expert tailors using 100-percent waterproof/ breathable materials, Galway Bay’s outerwear feature a softer, quieter fabric than typical rain gear. I really hope I find a new rain jacket and pants from Galway Bay under the tree this year: https:// galwaybaygolf.com/ Finally, Santa, I have been fighting a nasty hook off the tee, my 7-iron comes up woefully short and I have developed a bad case of the shanks with my pitching wedge. I know a few golf lessons would help get me back to par. I know a guy and you can find him at: https:// toledoohiogolflessons.com/. Thanks Santa you’re the best! I hope you have cured that nasty slice you had working this fall. Oh, and about that 10 spot I owe you from last week, I’ll catch you on the Back 9. Michigan Golf Journal
Once again, PING has raised the bar for highquality irons with the introduction of the i59s. They not only look great, but have some very interesting features, which includes using an aluminum insert between the forged body and face. The AlumiCore Technology insert is comprised of lighter than steel, aerospace aluminum, which permitted PING engineers to move 30 grams of weight from the middle of the club to the to the hosel and toe. This weight distribution measurably increased the resistance to twisting at impact (MOI) for more forgiveness, something even the best players appreciate. “There’s been a lot of anticipation for the i59 iron since we took them out on tour a few months ago, so we’re very excited to bring them to Fast Facts: Ping i59 Irons Better-player category irons Body forged 1025 carbon steel Face 17-4 laser cut stainless steel MicroMax milled grooves AlumiCore insert Toe weight Hosel weight Arccos sensor grip Stock shafts: Project X LS, UST Recoil 760 ES Stock grip: Arccos Golf Pride New Decade MCC White Retail Pricing: $275 per club steel shafts, $290 per club graphite shafts golfers around the world,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “It’s a true forged blade on the outside, but inside it’s like nothing ever engineered in golf equipment. Our team took on the challenge of disrupting an iron category that traditionally has lacked a lot of performance innovation and they developed an iron unlike any other. The combination of the look, feel and forgiveness ‘when you need it’ sets it apart from anything else in the industry. Once golfers hit it, they’ll be pleasantly surprised by its versatility. The i59 will clearly appeal to better golfers but the combination of forgiveness and clean appearance will attract golfers of all skill levels.” Continuing PING’s commitment to quality, each i59 iron receives an individual inspection at several points in the manufacturing process such as, forging, face machining and sole shaping. PING i59 Irons By Ed Travis
Historically, most wagering in golf was accomplished on the course, between the competitors. Now, everyone can simply grab a phone, or laptop and lay down a bet without having to make that miraculous 20-footer for par to beat a fellow hacker. Betting online, or at a sportsbook site is here to stay. You can opt to get on the bus or get run over by it. The PGA TOUR has embraced sports betting and has gone to great lengths to protect the integrity of their competitions. Beginners Guide for Betting On Golf By Ed Schmidt Jr. Here is a short primer for beginners and those who may be wondering if betting on golf is right for them. PGA TOUR Is Bullish on Betting The PGA TOUR is in love with fan engagement on social media and making money. Nothing says fan engagement better than putting a few bucks on the line. They have designated DraftKings as “TheOfficial BettingTour Operator of the PGA TOUR”. In addition, DraftKings is Michigan Golf Journal
the first “Official Daily Fantasy Game of the PGA TOUR”. After the Supreme Court’s repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act three years ago, the tour developed an integrity program in collaboration with Genius Sports to guard against competition corruption. The TOUR also has a global partnership with IMG ARENA to license its official, live scoring data to betting operators all over the world. There will be on-site betting, too. The PGA Tour and DraftKings have partnered to open a sportsbook on-site at TPC Scottsdale—site of the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open. Hey buddy, I’ll have two Bud Lights, plus put a C-Note on Jordan Spieth to birdie No. 16. This is going to make this wild tournament even wilder. Most Common Ways To Bet on Golf To Win: Who do you think will win the entire event? Typically, this bet is made as a futures wager before the start of the tournament. First Round Leader: If you want to up the anticipation factor for the beginning of an event, a bet on the first-round leader will get your juices flowing and make the first day of the tournament more exciting. Versus the Field: You’re wagering on a particular golfer and how they will perform against another group of players. Most of the time, the bet centers around one of the tourney favorites. Head-to-Head: Select who will post a lower score between golfers. Many sportsbooks offer multiple head-to-head matchups for the tour’s best and most well-known players.
Group Matchups: This is similar to head-tohead bets, but with group matchups you can bet on groups of three or four golfers of similar career performance. EachWay: Much like betting on someone to win an event, in each-way betting you can wager on a golfer to place in the top three, five, or 10. Prop Bets: Golf is tailor made for various prop bets. (A wager on an individual player or specific event.) One very popular prop bet is to select the best golfer (the one who will finish the highest) from each nationality in a specific tournament. Prop bets can take many different forms: Will the winner of the tournament be over or under 35? How many majors will a player win? The Masters always has some great prop bets such as: Who will be the top lefty finisher? Will there be a double eagle? What will be the winning margin? Will there be a bogey free round in the tournament? Betting Sites: You might know golf, but before you blindly start throwing your Ben Franklins around, you need to find a reliable, highly rated site with good odds on a wide variety of tournaments and events. Sports Betting Dime has compiled an exceptional list of the best golf betting sites and provided some extremely valuable insider tips on betting. If you’re a beginner, definitely hit up this post. Sports Betting Dime-Golf Betting Sites for 2021. States Where You Can Bet: Betting on golf online is easy if you live in one of the states that offers legal sports betting. Presently, about two dozen offer some form of legal sports betting and a couple of others will launch soon. Some of the bigger states include New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania. Check out the Action Network, which has a comprehensive list of states that allow sports betting as well as projected legalization for other states. Good luck, Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner! New! Direct Flights to Hilton Head Island from LaGuardia and Newark HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com HILTON HEAD ISLAND Plan Your Next Golf Vacation Online Today! S O U T H C A R O L I N A Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III www.SeaPines.com Palmetto Dunes Fazio Course www.PalmettoDunes.com Oyster Reef Golf Club www.HiltonHeadGolf.net Photo provided by The Sea Pines Resort & Rob Tipton - Harbour Town Golf Links - Hole No. 18 Voted the 2020 Best Island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler No PlaceDoes AGolf Vacation Like The Golf Island Michigan Golf Journal
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Golf is a beguiling game of inconsistencies and contradictions, where both good and bad shots can have the same result, but perhaps the most striking example of that nature is that this most individualistic of sports also surpasses any other when it comes to companionship. When you’re on a course with another golfer, it’s a shared experience. You are navigating the unfortunate bounce, rare moments of glory, and the elements, together, akin to a pair of mountaineers climbing a peak, or fishermen waiting patiently on the riverbank. What Makes A Great Playing Companion? By Kieran Clark Legendary author P.G. Wodehouse famously stated, “To find a man’s true character, play golf with him.” Everyone is different, and all golfers will have horror stories of being paired with someone whose behavior cast a shadow over the round, but there are key traits which stand out and make even the least successful days rewarding. A realization for all is becoming aware that your actions and attitude will directly impact the enjoyment of those around you. Taking stock of that Michigan Golf Journal
and being conscious of others is the first vital step to becoming the perfect playing partner. Here are some long-standing observations of what is required to be the best possible partner on the golf course. Hit a bad shot, curse yourself, and move on, don’t let it dwell, as that will ruin the leisure time of your playing partners. The pathologically angry golfer is the one we should be determined to avoid. Good Humor Even the greatest golfers in history have been made to look foolish during a round, never mind the rest of us, who just aren’t very good. The overwhelming majority of players will routinely make stupid mistakes and hit unforgivably bad shots - but it doesn’t mean anything, it doesn’t really matter. Sharing the undoubted ridiculousness golf provides can be a joy with the right person, who will relish in the good moments, but also laugh when things go wrong. Being able to poke fun at that shank, duffed chip, or missed putt is another key step to be the perfect playing partner. Consequently, there’s a lot of humor to my rounds. Even Temper There’s nothing worse than putting up with a temperamental personality constantly throwing clubs and blaming everyone and everything for their poor play. There is nothing wrong with expressing frustration, or even uttering the odd swear word, after hitting a bad shot. However, when that becomes the prevailing personality of the round, there is a problem. Pace of Play There are three categories of pace on the course - slow, fast, relaxed. Waiting on every hole, is frustrating, but one shouldn’t feel rushed either. The ideal playing partner plays at a reasonable pace, but leaves room for conversation and the enjoyment of the surroundings. A round of golf should marinate.
Doesn’t Just Talk About Themselves While there is nothing wrong with mentioning your new set of clubs, or that new swing thought from the range, it is important to show an equal interest in your playing companions and learn their unique stories. In these days of social media driven selfabsorption, it’s nice to take a step back from that environment and the golf course can be the ideal social media free sanctuary. Have a real conversation and don’t be one of those tiresome know-it-alls, who believes they have all the answers! Understand Basic Rules & Etiquette Most golfers can’t be expected to memorize the Rules of Golf, but some basics are a necessity. Penalty drops and relief options are helpful, plus a little bit of rules knowledge will keep the round moving and enjoyable. Additionally, the simplest etiquette is essential. You would be amazed by some of the behavior I have seen on the links at St Andrews. Do not talk during someone’s swing and know where to place your bag off the green before heading to the next tee! Ability to Add Up Scores Correctly If you’re playing for a score, then please work on the ability to add them up! It becomes somewhat tiring when waiting at the edge of the green while your playing companion is trying to reconstruct his multitude of shots on the completed hole. It’s something that can stall the progressive momentum of a round - especially if it happens 18 times. Keep track of what you’ve scored and let’s keep going! Be Mindful of Others Ultimately, the key for everyone is understanding that your behavior can make or break the experience for your playing partners. Have the awareness to respect their round, be mindful of them to be the best possible companion. Walking off the final green, doff your cap, look your partner in the eye and firmly shake his, or her hand. Ultimately, your performance as a fellow golfer is much more important than your final score. When played with the correct perspective - a shared round of golf can be uniquely rewarding. Michigan Golf Journal
Our Contributors This Month Kieran Clark Kieran Clark is a native of Scotland and a Golf Historian. His insightful articles can be found in Golfshake.com and Golfbreaks.com. He can be heard as a Special CoHost for Back 9 Report or find him on Twitter: @ KieranClarkGolf Ed Travis Ed Schmidt Jr. Ed Travis is a national award winning golf journalist and has had a lifelong love affair with the game. He has competed in tournament golf both as an amateur and as a senior professional and though his competitive days are behind him, he still plays regularly and carries a handicap of 2. https://www.facebook. com/ed.travis.98 An intrepid traveler and storyteller, author of three books and more than 3,400 published articles, columns and blog posts, Ed Schmidt Jr., aka The Golf Travel Guru, is well versed in a variety of topics including, golf lifestyle, luxury travel, wine travel destinations, sports and health. Find him at: http:// www.thegolftravelguru. com/ Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago SunTimes. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http:// lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Bushnell’s Wingman provides tunes and yardages on the golf course. Wingman was introduced a few years ago at the PGA Show and it is still the best combination of rangefinder and speaker in the business. The magnet keeps Wingman attached to the cart and the removable chip easily fits into your pocket. With a simple push of the button front, back and middle yardages are broadcast over the speaker. We spoke with Bushnell at the show and here is our interview. Jin Young Ko won the final event of the 2021 LPGA Tour season and collected a cool $2.5 million for her efforts. Back 9 Report recognizes her as the ‘Undisputed Queen of Women’s Golf.’ Quivira Resort in Los Cabos If you are already dreaming of warmer weather, head south of the border down old Mexico way. We know just the place to cure thoseWinter Blues. Quivira Resort at the tip of the Baja Peninsula is truly one of the most beautiful resorts in the world. Bushnell Wing Man Back 9 Report TV Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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