SkingReplacesGolf inMichiganWinters Scholarships Awardedto28 MichiganCadies February2022 Plus: -PictoralbyJoySarver -WhentoPostWinterScores -MichiganGolfNews -Titleist&CalowayContinuetoLeadtheMarket BOYNEis racinginto thefuture
Skiing takes the Place of Golf, in Michigan, During the Winter FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report Everyone can agree that Michigan is the place to be for golf in the summer, but in the winter months the focus turns to skiing at several resorts that cater to both skiers and golfers. BOYNE boasts one of the largest ski areas in the Midwest. Treetops offers exciting runs, plus snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Caberfae is one on the oldest ski resorts in the country, plus Schuss Mountain, Snow Snake, Pine Mountain and The Homestead welcome skiers, when their courses are covered in the white fluffy stuff. As we are starting to see the light at the end of the COVID tunnel, Joy Sarver treats us to a few pictures she snapped from her travels in 2020 and 2021. The ominous shot of fans lounging around the 17th Island Green at TPC Sawgrass, before the PGA TOUR halted competition at the 2020 PLAYERS Championship, contrasts with the throngs of golf fans that lined the 18th fairway at Whistling Straits 18 months later, for the 2021 Ryder Cup. Every year the Evans Scholarship program awards full tuition, plus room and board to worthy caddies. This is one of the best charities in golf and deserves your support. The stories these former caddies tell during their oral interviews are outstanding. It is plain to see that the future of the nation should be in good hands. If you would like to join this worthy effort visit: https://wgaesf.org/ We were able to slip away to warmer climes in January and even played a little golf in Florida. Thanks to Gleneagles Country Club, in Delray Beach and Harbour Ridge in Palm City, for allowing us to visit their magnificent courses. Although Michigan Golf Courses are still covered with snow, we hope we see you on the Back 9 of a golf course somewhere warm. Fred Altvater Publisher 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 10 17 28 Boyne Continues to Improve & Impress In the Winter, Skiing Rather Than Golf Is the Sport of Choice for Michigan Golf Courses 28 Michigan Caddies Receive Evans Scholarships Pinehurst and Southern Pines: Golf’s “Title Town” 06 10 14 17 When to Post Winter Scores, To Keep Your Handicap Current Covid Golf Images Through the Eyes of Joy Sarver ‘DESKERCIZE:’ Get Fit at Home, or at the Office Michigan Golf News Titleist & Callaway Continue to Lead the Golf Ball Market, With New Innovations 23 26 28 32 20 Our Contributors Have More FUN on the Course! Our Favorite Videos 38 36 39 Michigan Golf Journal
Boyne Continues to Improve & Impress BOYNE Resort in Northern Michigan features ’10 Magnificent Courses’ that will please any golf aficionado. Accommodations at all three of the BOYNE properties - The Mountain, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, and Bay Harbor - are first class and are constantly being updated to meet even the most ardent traveler’s standards. The Heather course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., opened for play in 1966 and set the trend for ski resorts offering upscale golf in the summer. The Heather has hosted numerous Michigan Amateurs, been named by Golf Magazine in its “Top 100 Courses,” plus it was named the 2020 National Course of the Year by the Golf Course Owner’s Association. After the Heather, three more courses were added to The Highlands at Harbor Springs. The Donald Ross Memorial, the Arthur Hills and the Moor combine to give golfers a variety of golf experiences in a single location. The Donald Ross Memorial is a recreation of his most memorable holes from around the world in one 18-hole golf course. Familiar holes from Seminole, Inverness, Pinehurst, Detroit Golf Club, Oakland Hills, Aronimink, Royal Dornach, plus a few more, are represented in this compilation. The Arthur Hills Course at The Highlands may provide the truest test for golfers. Hills created majestic green complexes that will test any short BOYNE Golf: Heather #4 Michigan Golf Journal
game. The elevated 13th tee sits over 100 feet above the fairway and tee shots seem to hang in the air forever against the verdant green backdrop. The Moor Course just underwent a renovation to update the greens and surrounding areas. It may be the most fun course to play at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. The Lodge at The Highlands recently underwent a massive renovation with the rooms sporting a more modern feel. Guests won’t want to leave. The Highlands at Harbor Springs is slated to undergo massive changes over the next couple of years. Ray Hearns has been contracted to build a new short par-3 course that will lay just behind The Highlands Lodge, at the base of the ski hill. Between the lodge and the Heather pro shop, a new upscale steak and seafood restaurant will be built to keep guests well-fed while at the resort. In addition, other changes will be occurring in stages to upgrade the lodge and add a convention and events center. BOYNE Mountain actually had the first golf course at the resort. The owner, Evert Kircher, used a Ford tractor to carve out a ninehole lay out, the Hemlock, to expensive golf course built in the United States when it opened for play in 1995. The golf club includes three nine-hole tracks, The Links, The Quarry and The Preserve, that can be mixed and matched to a variety of combinations. Several holes on the Links nine run along a cliff above Little Traverse BOYNE Golf: Donald Ross Memorial #9 BOYNE Golf: The Alpine #15 attract more guests to the ski resort in the summer. Today, two championship courses, The Alpine and The Monument, sit on the backside or BOYNE Mountain. After a 1.2 mile golf cart ride to the top of the mountain, where the first tee for both courses can be found, golfers wind their way back down the mountain to finish at Deer Lake and the Beach House Restaurant. Both courses are challenging and provide jawdropping views of the lake and valley below. The ruby in BOYNE’s crown is the Inn at Bay Harbor and the Bay Harbor Golf Club. Designed by Arthur Hills, it was the most
Bay and provide majestic views of beautiful Lake Michigan. The Quarry loop runs through an abandoned stone quarry with elevated tees, rolling fairways and unique green complexes. The Preserve winds its way through wildflowers, lush grass and native wetlands. It is a sanctuary filled with an abundance of wildlife. Saving the best for last, the ninth hole at the Preserve is a par-3 situated on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Before you leave this gorgeous setting, be sure to enjoy a delicious meal on the veranda of the massive clubhouse overlooking the finishing hole of the Quarry nine. On a sand ridge high above Bay Harbor sits Crooked Tree, an 18-hole championship course that was recently renovated. It has BOYNE Golf: The Preserve #2/6 Shared Green BOYNE Golf: Quarry #8 BOYNE Golf: Crooked Tree #17 Michigan Golf Journal
long been a favorite and because it sits over 200 feet above the lake. Your score on the golf course becomes secondary to the awe-inspiring views of Lake Michigan. Just north from the Bay Harbor Golf Club, along the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay, sits the Inn at Bay Harbor. It is an Autograph Collection Hotel reminiscent of the turn of the century Victorian charm and modern-day elegance. In 2002, Golf Digest recognized the Inn at Bay Harbor as one of the “Top Ten Coastal Resorts” in the country, ranked alongside Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes. Also in 2002, the magazine named The Highlands, Boyne Mountain and Inn at Bay Harbor in the Top 75 Resorts in America.” All three BOYNE locations in Northern Michigan include world-class spas, a multitude of dining options, plus zip lining, fishing, hiking, biking horse-back riding, as well as, theYoungAmerican’s Dinner Theater. No guest leaves dissatisfied with their accommodations or time spent at BOYNE. BOYNE is not simply a Michigan company. In addition to the three golf and ski resorts in Northern Michigan, it operates the Big Sky Resort in Montana, Brighton Ski Resort near Salt Lake City, The Summit at Snoqualmie in the state of Washington, Loon Mountain in New Hampshire, Sugarloaf and Sunday River resorts in Maine, Cypress Mountain in Vancouver, which was the freestyle and snowboard venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, plus the Gatlinburg Sky Lift in the Great Smokey Mountains. BOYNE was started in 1947 by Evert Kircher on a 40-acre site where BOYNE Mountain sits today. BOYNE is still family owned and operated by the Kircher family and it will continue to provide high-quality golfing, skiing and outdoor sporting adventures for visitors for decades to come. 2022 ‘Stay & Play’ Packages Now is the time to book your golf getaway to Northern Michigan. BOYNE has redefined the premier golf travel experience and helped to cement Northern Michigan as “America’s Summer Golf Capital.” Michigan’s Magnificent 10 Vacation The Michigan Magnificent 10 includes five nights lodging at Boyne Highlands or Boyne Mountain with UNLIMITED golf on seven of BOYNE Golf’s championship courses. The package also includes a welcome party, a lesson at the Boyne Golf Academy, a session on TrackMan Range, and a $100 Shopping Card. Package price starts at $1,585 per person for the week. Super 5 Vacation This Super 5 includes five nights lodging at Boyne Highlands, or Boyne with UNLIMITED golf on five of BOYNE Golf’s championship courses. Guests can addThe Heather, Arthur Hills, or Bay Harbor Golf Club for an additional charge. The Super 5 also includes a welcome party and a session on TrackMan Range. Package price starts at $1,109 per person for the week. BOYNE Unlimited Golf Package The Unlimited package includes lodging at Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, or Crooked Tree along with UNLIMITED golf on The Moor, the Donald Ross Memorial at Boyne Highlands, The Alpine and The Monument at Boyne Mountain, or Crooked Tree Golf Club. The Heather or Arthur Hills courses at Boyne Highlands can be added for a slight upcharge.
In Michigan, golf courses and resorts do double duty. There is no better place to play golf than Northern Michigan in the summer months, but in the winter, while fluffy white snow covers golf courses, skiing becomes the sport of choice. Here are a few of Michigan’s resorts that offer both golf and skiing. BOYNE Resort Everyone knows that BOYNE Resort with its 10 magnificent golf courses is one of the premier I n t h e W i n t e r , Skiing Rather Than Golf Is the Sport of Choice for Michigan Golf Courses By Fred Altvater golf resorts in the nation. In the winter it is also one of the largest ski resorts. With 60 ski runs at the Mountain Resort and another 55 runs at the Highlands, they serve several thousand skiers every day. Evert Kircher, along with two partners, purchased 40 acres on BOYNE Mountain in 1947 and the Kirchner family has operated the property since that time. When he purchased the Highlands property in the mid-1960’s, Kircher commissioned Robert Trent Jones to build the Heather course and now BOYNE Resort features ten championship golf courses at the Highlands, the Mountain and Bay Harbor. Treetops Resort It all began when Ouelette “Lin” Meade opened the Sylvan Knob Ski Area in 1954. Harry Melling Michigan Golf Journal
purchased the property, from Meade, in 1983. Standing on a plateau overlooking the Pigeon River Valley, on what is now the sixth tee of the Masterpiece Course, Melling could see nothing but trees extending to the horizon, thus the name Treetops was born. With every outdoor activity available in the Gaylord area, Treetops is a sportsman’s dream come true. Skiing in the winter, plus golf, fishing, hiking, biking and any other outdoor activity you can think of is all available at Treetops. Caberfae Peaks Caberfae Peaks is the oldest ski slope in Northern Michigan and the fourth oldest ski slope in the United States. It can even boast that a former President, Gerald Ford was one of its early financial backers. In 1937 a group of avid ski and snow buffs convinced the Forest Service to construct a ski slope at Caberfae, just outside of Cadillac. The first ski lift, a rope tow, was powered by a Ford Model A engine, which was later replaced by a Packard engine. In 1939, operation and control of the area was turned over to a newly created group, the Caberfae Winter sports Club, formed by the Caberfae Ski Club and the Cadillac Chamber of Commerce. Billed as the “Largest Ski Resort in the Midwest” in the 1950’s Caberfae fell upon hard times in the 1980’s andwas purchased out of bankruptcy. It has continued to grow and satisfy ski enthusiasts, since that time. A nine-hole golf course was built at Caberfae in 1995. It boasts a maximum distance of 2,600 yards from the Champions Tees and sits at the base of the mountain. It can be enjoyed April through September. When the golf course is covered in snow thousands of skiers enjoy schussing down the slopes. Snow Snake The Snow Snake ski area, located at Clare, opened to skiers in 1948 and offered snow enthusiasts from down state a shorter drive to find good ski conditions. Jeff Gorney designed the 18-hole, Snow Snake Golf Course in 1994. It lays along the base of the ski slope and maximum yardage from the Blue tees is slightly over 6,100 yards. It is always well maintained and a joy to play. Pine Mountain Timberstone Golf Course at Pine Mountain in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a great golf experience, plus it has the only Olympic Ski Jumping Slope in Michigan. In 1939, Pine Mountain began when Fred Pabst, of Pabst Brewing, opened the ski area for Chicago and Wisconsin skiers to enjoy winter sports. The ski jump is the tallest man-made slope in North
America and has hosted several high-profile ski jumping events over the years. Timberstone Golf Course was built in 1996 at a cost of $12 million and is annually rated as one of the best tracks not only in the U.P, but also all of Michigan. Shanty Creek In the summer golfers enjoy hacking it around on Shanty Creek’s five championship courses. The Summit Golf Club was the first course to open at Shanty Creek, in 1965 and the Schuss Mountain Course followed in 1972. The Legend Club designed by Arnold Palmer opened for play in 1986 with the Tom Weiskopf’s Cedar River added in 1999. The final course, Hawk’s Eye was built in 2004, and was the final piece of the puzzle at Shanty Creek. These five distinctive courses are all top-shelf and will test every part of a golfer’s game. In the winter, Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek combines a variety of terrains, and wellmaintained ski slope conditions with friendly guest service and everyday low rates to create a spectacular winter getaway. Schuss Mountain at Shanty Creek Resort delivers phenomenal value, in addition to skiing, with its alpine tubing, over 28 kilometers of cross-country trails, and a host of family-friendly winter activities to enjoy. The Homestead Originally established as a Christian Science camp for boys in the 1920s, the 225-acre Glen Arbor resort property would eventually become Michigan Golf Journal
known as The Homestead, when it was purchased by Robert Kuras in 1975. The Homestead Resort is a year-round resort offering summer, as well as, winter activities. In the summer resort guests can play the par-3 executive course that plays up and down the steep slopes. Be sure to take along your camera to capture the views of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Glen Lake. The Arnold Palmer designed Manitou Passage Golf Club is a parkland style championship course. In the winter skiers schuss down the slopes, plus cross-country skiing is also a favorite pastime. Michigan is Perfect in Winter, or Summer Michigan ski operators learned long ago that the great ski conditions in the winter yield to sunshine and fantastic golf opportunities for the summer months. There is no place on earth better to be in either Winter or Summer. Learn more about Pure Michigan’s bountiful outdoor activities at: https://www.michigan.org/
28 Michigan Caddies Receive Evans Scholarships January is a very important month for former caddies at golf clubs around Michigan. Every year the Evans Scholarship Foundation awards full housing and tuition college grants to deserving young men and women who caddied at golf clubs that support the Evans Scholars Foundation. Each caddie must undergo a stringent application process including an interview in front of a selection committee. These interviews are normally held in person, but due to COVID they have been held virtually for the past two years. Every caddie has a unique story that reflects the scholarship’s four selection criteria: -strong caddie record -excellent academics -financial need -outstanding character “These young men and women are part of an exceptional incoming class of New Scholars from around the nation,” said WGA Chairman Joe Desch. “They represent what the Evans Scholars Program has been about since 1930.” Michigan Golf Journal
The winners for 2022, along with their location, home club, high school and university of choice are listed below. Name Ahmed Hamadah* Nadir Mostafa* Kevin Biergans* Abigail Zahra Treasure Gibson Myles Spencer-Walker Sutton Wright* Joseph Plieth* Joseph Scherff Joseph Miller Anna Rimatzki Jonathan Bartley William Combs Jacob Schornak Amarian Johnson Trevor Navarre Harrison Bullotta Gunner Bliss Blake Griffith Bailey Kulich David Garner TaNylah Jenkins Ryan Larson Jack Lewandowski Jeffrey Nugent Aidan Swenson Daniel Wisely Madalynn Pelto City Bloomfield Hills Bloomfield Hills Charlotte Commerce Twp Detroit Detroit Grosse Pointe Grosse Pointe Woods Keego Harbor Lake Orion Livonia Novi Okemos Petoskey Pontiac Pontiac Rochester Rochester Hills Rochester Hills Saint Joseph Southfield Southfield Spring Lake Troy Warren Waterford West Bloomfield White Lake Club Bloomfield Hills CC Bloomfield Hills CC CC of Lansing Orchard Lake CC Evanston GC CC of Detroit Lochmoor Club Lochmoor Club Pine Lake CC Bloomfield Hills CC Meadowbrook CC Meadowbrook CC CC of Lansing Wequetonsing GC Franklin Hills CC Pine Lake CC Oakland Hills CC Pine Lake CC Great Oaks CC Point O’ Woods CC Oakland Hills CC Evanston GC Wuskowhan Club Red Run GC Red Run GC Edgewood CC Orchard Lake CC Oakland Hills CC High School Bloomfield Hills HS Bloomfield Hills HS Lansing Catholic HS Walled Lake Central HS Cass Technical HS Roseville HS Grosse Pointe South HS Grosse Pointe North HS West Bloomfield HS Lake Orion Community HS Mercy HS Divine Child HS Lansing Christian School Petoskey HS West Bloomfield HS West Bloomfield HS Stoney Creek HS Avondale HS Stoney Creek HS Saint Joseph HS Bloomfield Hills HS Cass Technical HS Grand Haven HS Troy HS Warren Woods Tower HS Kettering HS West Bloomfield HS Walled Lake Northern University U of Michigan U of Michigan Michigan State U of Michigan Michigan State Michigan State U of Michigan Michigan State Michigan State U of Michigan U of Michigan Michigan State U of Michigan U of Michigan Michigan State Michigan State U of Michigan Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State Michigan State U of Michigan U of Michigan
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! Evans Scholars selection interviews are being held nationwide and when the process is complete over 300 caddies will be awarded full-ride Evans Scholarships. The Western Golf Association has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program since 1930. Known as one of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies. Currently, 1,070 caddies are enrolled at 21 universities across the nation in the Evans Scholars program. More than 11,500 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars, since the program was founded by famed Chicago amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. “These young students have each shown excellence in the classroom, in their communities and on the golf course,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “We are proud to welcome them to the Evans Scholars family.” To learn more about the Western Golf Association and the Evans Scholarship Foundation, visit www. wgaesf.org. Michigan Golf Journal
Pinehurst and Southern Pines: Golf’s “Title Town” By Brad King While savoring its rich history, the Home of American Golf also eagerly anticipates its championship future. The Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen region’s excitement boils down to two words: championship golf. Next up is the 77th U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines from June 2-5, 2022. This will be the fourth Women’s Open at Pine Needles, where Annika Sorenstam (1996), Karrie Webb (2001) and Cristie Kerr (2007) notched previous titles. In addition, the Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC) recently played host to the 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur. It was the third USGA event contested at CCNC since the club’s debut in 1963. Meanwhile, the USGA is busy constructing a second home at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club called “Golf House Pinehurst,” which will eventually be the site of the USGA’s equipment research and testing center, turfgrass agronomy and management offices, along with a museum and welcome center. The resort’s crown jewel, Pinehurst No. 2, was awarded the USGA’s first U.S Open anchor site, with five championships scheduled from 2024 through 2047. For the second time in 2029, No. 2 will host both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Opens in back-to-back weeks.
Other exciting news includes construction of The Lodge at Pinehurst hotel, a 64,000-square-foot, 34-room hotel on Pinehurst Resort’s campus that will overlook The Cradle Short Course. Plans for the hotel include meeting spaces, locker rooms, a fitness center and a bar. The Cradle has been an overwhelming smash hit with all golfers, particularly with the millennial crowd. Golfers can pay $50 and play as many holes as they like on the Gil Hanse-designed, par3 layout. The Cradle is now a “must play” — 789 yards of the most fun you’ll enjoy on a golf course. The Resort recently acquired one of the Village of Pinehurst’s most iconic hotels, The Magnolia Inn, along with Villaggio Ristorante & Bar. The Magnolia has served as the gateway to the Village since it opened in 1896, less than a year after Pinehurst was founded. Of course, there is plenty of additional golf buzz around the famed Sandhills, including a rousing renovation of Southern Pines Golf Club, a vintage Donald Ross-designed course dating to the early 1900s that is now und e r management of the company that owns and operates Pine Needles and Mid Pines. Architect Kyle Franz says the Southern Pines GC project evoked the essence of a Ross original, staying true to the well-preserved routing while removing elements that have been added through the years. More than 700 trees were removed, accentuating dramatic vistas throughout the property. The Ross greens have been revamped and the bunkers restored. Franz also uncovered Ross’s “Lost Hole” — which is not part of the current routing — while researching historic materials prior to the restoration. Other major renovation work has been done on area courses recently including Hanse’s facelift of Pinehurst No. 4, along with The New Course at Talamore Golf Resort, a popular Rees Jones original, and the neighboring Mid South Club, designed by Arnold Palmer. At the now private Dormie Club, there’s a new, spacious and stylish 16,000-squarefoot clubhouse, along with 15 cottages and a standalone pro shop among numerous other upgrades at the only original Bill Coore-Ben Crenshaw design in North Carolina. The Home of American Golf remains proud of its past — and equally excited about its future. For the latest news about nearly 40 area courses and package information, please visit www. HomeofGolf.com. Michigan Golf Journal
Golf News Michigan While most college students were home with family for the holidays, Michigan State Golfers, James Piot, Valery Plata and Brooke Biermann were joined by Haily Borja, from the University of Michigan to compete with 85 men and 41 women collegiate golfers at the Wigwam Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona, in the Patriot All America Invitational. Plata, the BIG Ten Player of the Year, made the most of the trip, when she birdied the final hole to finish at 12-under par and win the women’s division by three shots. players, from across every NCAA Division, to compete in the 54hole stroke play event. Each participant honors a severely wounded or fallen soldier by carrying a bag bearing that hero’s name. This was the first year a women’s division was held. A participant in the 2014 Patriot All America Invitational, Patrick Martinez from the University of Michigan said, “This was a life-changing event for me. I will never think of golf the same way again. I feel so grateful for our soldiers.” Connor Howe, from Georgia Tech, posted a final round 63 to get to 15-under par and win the men’s division by three shots over Notre Dame’s Jackson Palmer. MSU’s James Piot finished at five-under par good for T-19. His MSU teammate Troy Taylor finished at one-under par for the 54 holes, good for T-38. MSU’s Valery Plata Wins Patriot All America Invitational Plata said about her victory, “It feels really special – I’m just really happy to be able to get it done. It was a hard day today at the beginning so I’m just happy that things worked out my way today.” Plata’s teammate from MSU, Brooke Biermann finished at 4-under par for the 54 holes to garner a T-14. Coming in at 1-over par, Hailey Borja, from the University of Michigan, was T-23. The Patriot All America began in 2011 and invites elite collegiate Michigan Golf Journal
Brian Cairns Finishes Runner Up in Florida Brian Cairns, former PGA Tour member and golf coach for U.S. Amateur Champion, James Piot proved he can still play by finishing runner up in 64 and under division of the Quarter Century Championship at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie. The Quarter Century Championship is one of a series of tournaments conducted by the PGA for PGA Club Professionals, held at PGA Village.
Boyne Promotes Richter & Powers Previously the Director of Golf for BOYNE’s Michigan operations, Josh Richter, will officially step into his new role as Senior Vice President of Golf Operations on April 16. Richter first came to BOYNE in 1999 and also worked as Director of Snowsports Equipment Rental. While working at BOYNE, he earned a B.S. degree in Marketing from Ferris State University in 2001. Casey Powers currently serves as Head Golf Pro and Director of Retail for Boyne Mountain and will assume his new position as Director of Golf for the 2022 season. From Muskegon, Powers attended Hope College and was a member of the golf team, while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications in 1992. His first job was as an assistant professional at Windstar Country Club in Naples, Florida. He became a PGA member in 1995 and then was an assistant pro at Birchwood Golf and Country Club in Northern Michigan. Powers came to BOYNE Mountain in 1996, was named Director of Junior Golf Academy in 1999 and in 2005, was named the head pro at The Highlands’ Ross Golf Center. He returned to BOYNE Mountain in 2006 and has operated their successful retail program. He also served as Boyne City High School’s golf coach for 15 years (2002–2017) and is currently president of the Northern Michigan Chapter of Michigan PGA. Michigan Golf Journal
Titleist Continues Superior Golf Ball Tradition With New AVX Titleist & Callaway Continue to Lead the Golf Ball Market, With New Innovations By Ed Travis softer towards the center. This harder cover, in combination with a mantle that generates more flex at impact, reduces spin rate with the driver, which relates to added distance off the tee. The cast urethane cover, however, is engineered to provide spin from short irons and produce more control around the green. The outer shell is covered with seven varying sizes of dimples, The 2022 version of the AVX golf ball from Titleist with changes to both the urethane cover and core, is now in its third generation. The AVX provides a soft feel, low spin, low trajectory alternative to the Pro V1 and Pro V1x golf balls. Retaining its three-piece construction, AVX for 2022 has reformulated the core to add firmness on the outside, while it gradually becomes
Since Callaway made a major investment to upgrade their ball making facility, they are better able to control every step of the manufacturing process from start to finish, which is clearly evident in their new Chrome Soft, which have a new core formulation, as well as, cover pattern. Callaway Golf has improved its position in the golf ball market over the past few years becoming a solid number two behind Titleist. To help close the gap further and tackle the fact their top-of-the-line model lacked consistency, Callaway made a $50 million dollar investment in their Chicopee, Massachusetts manufacturing plant. The outlay seems to have paid off with big dividends for the average golfer. The latest Chrome Soft trio have a very low “concentricity offset,” a fancy way to say the ball’s core and outer layers are perfectly centered to improve their ability to deliver the performance, with the highest level of consistency. An off-center core will exaggerate the curvature of a hook, or slice making a controlled trajectory unlikely, plus result in less distance. Callaway’s Fast Facts Titleist AVX Golf Ball – Three-piece premium category ball – Cast urethane elastomer cover – Spherically tiled 348 catenary dimples – High flex mantle – New variable hardness core – Available in White, or Yellow – MSRP, $44.99 dozen so-called catenary tiling, to help produce a piercing lower trajectory. “All components of a golf ball are connected when it comes to performance,” said Mike Madson, Director of Aerodynamics and Research Engineering, Titleist. “When we set out to increase distance and enhance greenside spin, we looked at every layer of the golf ball for improvements. New AVX includes improvements to the core formulation, cover and aerodynamics. The dimple pattern is an area of constant innovation. We continuously design and test new dimple configurations so we can match an aerodynamic pattern specific to the golf ball construction. With AVX, the 348 catenary dimple pattern is optimized specifically for the low flight window of AVX to produce maximum distance.” The AVX is more proof that Titleist continues to search for the perfect combination of control and distance for every skill level of golfer. Callaway Chrome Soft Introduces 3 New Models in 2022 Michigan Golf Journal
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 new more precise control during manufacture includes a digital high-definition 3D X-ray of each ball to ensure all layers are the proper thickness and exactly centered. The three new Chrome Softs also have the benefits of a new core material, which Callaway claims is both softer with high rebound, plus the cover creates a lower drag with the new dimple configuration. Company testing proves the Chrome Soft is five yards longer, with lower spin than the previous model, Chrome Soft X is two yards longer and Chrome Soft X LS is four yards longer. Callaway balls have also yielded impressive results the PGA TOUR. U.S. Open Champion, Jon Rahm, PGA Championship winner, Phil Mickelson and Olympic Gold Medalist, Xander Schauffele all played Callaway’s Chrome Soft X model in 2021. We aren’t saying this has monumental significance only that these are the type of wins Titleist’s Pro V1 could usually point to. In fact, it has been rumored that world number one ranked, Jon Rahm switched from TaylorMade Golf clubs and balls to Callaway, primarily to be able to play the Chrome Soft X ball. Fast Facts Callaway Chrome Soft balls – Chrome Soft 3-piece recreational players – Chrome Soft X 4-piece high swing speed players – Chrome Soft X LS 4-piece low spin high swing speed players – Available in White, Yellow and Triple Track – Available in Golf Shops for $49.99 per dozen
When to Post Winter Scores, To Keep Your Handicap Current Posting handicap scores forMichiganGolf Courses ended October 31. However, if you travel over the winter months to Florida, Arizona, or some other warm weather location, you can keep your handicap up to date. Here is the official handicap posting rules from GAM. To Post or Not to Post - Winter Edition Q: I am playing a round of golf in Florida/Arizona this winter. Can I post that score? A: Yes, provided the round does not fall into one of the categories listed in the next question, it can be posted. Q: What are examples of rounds I should I not post? A: Rounds played by yourself, alternate shot and scramble formats, when you don’t play the minimum amount of holes (9), or rounds played at courses without active Course and Slope Ratings. Q: Is there a list of states and dates, where scores can be posted for my Handicap Index? A: Yes, you can view a full list of “Active Score Posting Seasons” across the country at: https:// bit.ly/3FKz8gb. Michigan Golf Journal
Q: What is the required minimum number of holes played to post a 9-hole score and an 18hole score? A: If you play at least 7 holes you must post a 9-hole score and if you play at least 14 holes you must post an 18-hole score. Q: If I play 11 holes what do I post? A: You would post a 9-hole score and disregard the scores on holes 10 and 11. Q: How do I come up with scores for the holes I don’t play or finish? A: If you have not started the hole, you apply what is known at Net Par or “Par-Plus” which is Par + any handicap strokes you would get on the hole. For example, if you are a 12 Course Handicap and the hole you didn’t play was the 7th Stroke Index (handicap) hole you would post Par + 1 (or bogey) for that hole. A: If you have started the hole but did not finish it, you apply the “most likely score” which is the number of strokes and penalty strokes already taken plus the number of strokes the player would most likely require to complete the hole using the following guidelines. – On the Putting Green less than 5 feet from the hole: Add 1 Additional Stroke – Between 5 feet and 20 yards from the hole: Add 2-3 Additional Strokes* – More than 20 yards from the hole: Add 3-4 Additional Strokes* *Depends on the position of the ball, the difficulty of the green and the ability of the player Q: Can I post Four-Ball (best-ball) scores even if I pick up on certain holes? A: Yes, you would apply the concept of “most likely score” in those scenarios where you picked up. Q: If I am playing Match Play should I post my score? A: Yes, you would post your score using both “most likely score” guidelines for holes not completed (including concessions) and Net Par (Par Plus) for holes not played if your match ends early. Q: Where can I find a list of courses that have active Course Ratings and Slope Ratings? A: At the USGA’s Course Rating and Slope Rating Database: https://ncrdb.usga.org/. The USGA and R&A require that courses be rerated every 10 years. Posting scores at these courses who choose not to get it redone by their local golf association is not allowed. For any other questions, please contact handicap@ gam.org.
Covid Golf Images Through the Eyes of Joy Sarver Joy Sarver and Len Ziehm travel the country to share stories and pictures documenting their golf experiences. COVID slowed them down considerably, in 2020 and 2021, but Joy was able to capture several beautiful images that Michigan Golf Journal is glad to share with our readers. On Wednesday, March 12, 2020, the day before Covid shut down the PGA TOUR, fans were leisurely enjoying the final practice round for THE PLAYERS Championship, around the famed 17th tee at TPC Sawgrass. The next morning, Hideki Matsuyama shot a 63 and later that day PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the tournament was cancelled. The Tour did not resume full field events for nearly four months and fans were not allowed at tournament sites until much later in the year. Michigan Golf Journal
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, a stop on the Georgia Golf Trail, located in the college town of Young Harris, Georgia, provided spectacular elevation changes. We love this view of the stairstep effect of the multiple tees up the hill covered with the early morning dew.
The spire on the PGA Golf Club Clubhouse in Port St. Lucie, Florida, looms over the Ryder Course and provides an excellent aiming point. One of three championship courses at PGA Village, the Ryder Course underwent a complete renovation a couple of years ago and is a real treat to play. During the summer in 2021, the couple headed north and stopped at Michigan’s Forest Dunes Resort for the unveiling of its new 10-hole short course. Its name, Bootleggers, refers to the role this area played during prohibition, moving illegal booze from Canada to the rest of the country. Michigan Golf Journal
LochenHeath is a beautiful Michigan course with an inspirational survival story. Providingmagnificent views of East Traverse Bay, it has been a public course for several years. The membership recently returned it to a fully private facility. As COVID concerns continued to ease, their final stop in 2021 was at Whistling Straits for the Ryder Cup. The fans were ecstatic and turned out in great numbers to root for Team USA, who handed the Europeans a 19-9 shellacking. This Picture captures the fans on both sides of the deep chasm that separates the 18th fairway on the Straits Course.
As Old ManWinter settles in, it’s time for golfers to get in shape for the 2022 golf season. Put down that piece of pumpkin pie, now is the time to work on stretching, strength, and flexibility, so you can be more like Bryson! It’s much easier than you think to incorporate exercise and fitness into your daily life, at home, or at the office, without spending hundreds of dollars for a fitness club membership. Check out these ten ‘deskercizes,’ created by Cedric X. Bryant, Chief Science Officer for the American Council on Exercise, and John Porcari, Get FitatHome, orat theOffice ‘DESKERCIZE:’ By Mike May Executive Director, La Crosse Exercise and Health Program at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. They can transform your life into a fun, fitness frenzy, plus they are perfect to keep you fit and flexible throughout the year. 1) Paper Pushups – With your arms outstretched while grabbing the edge of your desk, lean at 45 degrees, and do pushups. Start out slow. Just do four-five reps and build up to more as you are able. 2) Book Press – Pick up the heaviest book that you can hold with both hands. Extend Michigan Golf Journal
it above your head and lower it behind your neck. Repeat the process. This easy exercise increases tricep strength and firms those saggy muscles at the back of your arms 3) Shoulder Blade Squeezes – To improve your hunched posture, stand up and squeeze your shoulder blades back and forth. Hold the squeeze on your shoulder blades for 10 seconds. Keep doing this and build up to a set of ten. 4) Office Yoga – Keep a yoga matt at the office and lay it out on the floor for some impromptu stretching. There are a multitude of easy yoga poses for beginners online. Start slow and build up. You’ll be doing the Downward Dog in no time.
5) Chair Squats – Stand a few inches from the edge of your chair, lower yourself until you are seated in your chair, stretch out your arms parallel to the ground, and keep your back straight. This will help ease those lower back issues you incur from long hours hunched over at your desk 6) Tricep Desk Dips – With your back to a desk, reach back and grab the edge of the desk. Then, bend your arms and lower the body, while putting tension on your triceps. Be careful the first few times you do this. It seems simple, but once you get down, you have to be able to get back up. 7) Wall Sits – Stand next to a wall and lower your back along the wall until your legs are parallel to the floor. Hold that position, then have your back move up the wall to the original position. 8) Standing Calf Raises – While grabbing the back of your chair, put your feet together, and get up on your tippy toes. Hold this position for 10 seconds and repeat. This will strengthen those calf muscles and enhance those sexy calves when you wear your high heels. 9) Leg Raises – While sitting in a chair with your back straight, extend each leg, individually, holding that pose with the leg parallel to the floor for 10 seconds. Believe it or not, this is very good to tighten and strengthen your abs, which also helps reduce pressure on your lower back. 10) Phone Pacing – While making those big deals on the telephone, use a headset and walk around your office, rather than just sit in a chair. This little bit of cardio gets your heart pumping blood to your lower extremities, and you will see an increase in your focus, as well. Get fit and ready to hit it ‘Bubba Long,’ in 2022. Use these simple ‘deskercizes’ and be ready to hit the first tee when warmer weather finally gets here. Try ‘Deskercizes’ -- just for the health of it. Michigan Golf Journal
Have More FUN on the Course! By Fred Altvater 1. You are not a professional. You will still be able to put food on the table and your kids through college if you lose that $5.00 bet to your buddy. 2. It is not the end of the world if you miss a twofoot putt on the 18th green to finally break par or post your best-ever career round. It simply means you are improving and is just another part of the golfing process. 3. That last shot you hit in the water at the difficult par three will only cost you the price of the ball. Yeah, it slightly increases your score, but you were going to make a double, or triple bogey during your round anyway, so deal with it. As a devoted and unrepentant golfer for over 50 years, it has been my contention that it is impossible to have fun and play golf at the same time. That’s not entirely true, but in my younger days I took my scores, or my inability to lower them, much too seriously and it often affected my overall enjoyment of the game. It probably affected my playing partners adversely, as well. For that I apologize. As I matured, my scores became less of an issue. Today I simply enjoy playing with my wife, kids, grandchildren and friends. Here are a few tips to help you gain a bit more enjoyment from the game and reduce the frustration factor. Michigan Golf Journal
4. Think about how your behavior on the course is affecting your playing companions. No one wants to be on the golf course for four plus hours with someone that is constantly slamming clubs, cursing and being an a**. The gist of all of this is to change your attitude. You are an amateur, you don’t hit 500 balls every day and your livelihood does not depend on you breaking par, or even 90. Lighten up, get a life, look around. Most golf courses are pristine gardens of Eden. Stop and smell the roses, ragweed, or pine needles, whatever is available. Enjoy the company of your playing partners and try to be someone that you would like to be playing alongside. Side note: If playing with small children, remember they are learning from watching your behavior. Don’t throw a tantrum, or a club, when you miss that three-foot birdie putt. The sun will still come up tomorrow. Golf should be healthy exercise, a walk through a green oasis and provide a calm interlude from life’s travails. It shouldn’t require a doctor’s visit to renew your blood pressure prescription. I enjoy the hours spent on a golf course much more today. Even though, I still give myself the occasional mental lashing after missed birdies, or pars, I get over it much more quickly, plus I don’t want to be that guy, who is talked about in 19th hole as a bad playing companion. Hope this helps you have more FUN on the course and maybe I’ll see you on the Back 9.
Our Contributors This Month Mike May Mike May is a freelance golf travel writer based in Wellington, Florida. As you would expect, he is a “Golfaholic” focused on beating ‘Old Man Par’ each time he steps on a golf course. Contact him at mmaymarketing@ gmail.com Ed Travis 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. h t t p s : / /www. f a c e boo k . c om/ ed.travis.98 Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http://lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: ht tps : //www. facebook.com/ lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS By winning the Sony Open in Hawaii, Hideki Matsuyama has won twice in his last three starts and appears to be ready to defend his Masters title in April. The Back 9 Report previews the 2022 LPGA season that feature 34 events around the world and award nearly $85 million in total purses. Promedica Invests in the First Tee & Women’s Golf In January, the USGA announced a partnership with Toledo-based Promedica to assure the purse for the U.S. Women’s Open would be $10 million for 2022. In September, we chatted with the President and CEO of Promedica, Randy Oostra about their commitment to golf and support of the new joint First Tee and Boys & Girls Club facility in Toledo. at the Masters Preview of 2022 LPGA Season Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
FrenchLickResortPeteDyeCourse AlRightsReserved;Copyright202afpmarketing www.michigangolłournal.com
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ2Nzk4