Michigan Golf Journal March 2021

Michigan Golf Journal The Distance Debate flak from his 50-something ‘spring chicken’ buddies. “They don’t understand why I need an ‘advantage’ because I have an OK short game.” Though Bob has to mosey up fairways hitting multiple 3-woods, when flat-bellies are lofting irons. And what, exactly, constitutes a senior? 19 th -hole talk offers no concrete answer. AARP claims you at 50. The LPGA’s Legends qualifying age is 45, while Champions Tour rookies are 50. GAM’s senior status is 55, with super seniors at 65….and women ‘legends’ at 70. Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice President Golf Operations and Resort Sales at Boyne Resorts addressed these issues years ago . “We started with four tees and now have six tee options at all our courses as of 2018. We encourage our guests to play from yardages they are used to and not the perceived colors that have been associated with both genders. “Having six tees gives our guests the ability to play that “combo” tee option and have fun.” he added. “Four of our courses are between 4,100 and 4,500 yards from the Silver tees. And, we decreased our course watering by 50% in fairways so that the grass is firmer, which results in a golf ball going further. It’s a lot more fun to hit an 8-iron than a 4-iron and this gives players the chance to feel good about their game and not become discouraged.” For avid women seniors who wish to post legal scores, options are scarce. They can