June saw a lot of golf action in Michigan. The LPGA was in Grand Rapids for the Meijer Classic, the Epson Tour held the inaugural Ann Arbor’s Road to the LPGA Powered by the A2 Sports Commission and the Michigan Women’s Amateur saw sisters competing for the title in the final match. The Men’s Amateur is being held at the end of June, too late to get the results in this issue. The Epson Tour’s Island Resort Championship is also being contested in the U.P; we will have the results of both next month, as well as on our Facebook page. Looking ahead to July, The Rocket Mortgage Classic will be held at the end of the month and the LPGA’s Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational will be in Midland, July 13-16. All the golf courses and resorts we talk to from around the state are still seeing near record levels of play and tee sheets are staying full. Summer has finally brought warm sunny skies and the golfing in the Mitten State is near perfection. Golf Tip: If you want to play golf in Michigan make your tee times early! In this issue we try to inform our readers about the upheaval that is happening right now in professional golf. The PGA Tour is experiencing some unwanted competition from Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series. LIV is spending huge amounts of money to steal away several of the PGA Tour’s biggest names. The ramification for professional golfers has everyone scratching their heads and wondering what will become of the professional game going forward. Right the now the golfers are fattening their banking accounts, and this will be a big story in golf for a long time. We hope you enjoy this issue, but please excuse me, the sun is shining in Michigan, and I have a tee time. I hope I see you on the Back 9. Lots of Golf Action in Michigan in June and July FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report Michigan Golf Journal
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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 31 FIND INSIDE 20 25 28 35 The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! Michigan Golf News Gimme the Money—A Golf Fan’s Rant Fourth Edition of The Rocket Mortgage Classic Will Be Held July 28-31 The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational is For the Entire Family The OPEN Championship 2022 06 22 13 17 20 31 Open Championship Preview: The Sands of St. Andrews A-Ga-Ming Stakes Its Claim As A Top Michigan Golf Destination 28 25 News & Notes 32 Our Contributors Pearl River Resort & Jackson Mississippi Offer Great Travel Adventures Book Review: “Where Rainbows Never Die” Our Favorite Videos 40 35 38 41 Michigan Golf Journal
Rumors began surfacing in the spring of 2021 about a new professional golf tour to be based in the Middle East that would invite the best players to compete in their events. Greg Norman was named the CEO of the newly formed LIV Invitational Golf Series with an initial investment of $200 million committed to form the new league. What has happened since that time is one of the most intriguing stories to ever be experienced in the world of professional golf. Innuendo, threats of banishment, plus over $2 billion eventually ponied up by the LIV to get their new venture up and running simply boggles the mind of the average golf fan. The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! We are accustomed to professional golfers being paid millions of dollars for winning a golf tournament, plus we know they make much more fromsponsorship agreementswith golf equipment, apparel and Fortune 500 corporations. We are, however, shocked at players receiving multimillion dollar guaranteed contracts, before they hit the first tee shot, or earn the first dime in an actual tournament. The PGA TOUR has prided itself over the years as a competitive tour where players must earn their spot via a progression through various minor tours to compete at the highest level. Players who do not make the 36-hole cut go home that week without a paycheck. The LIV Invitational Series is Michigan Golf Journal
paying out exorbitant sums to top name players just to show up. Phil Mickelson is reported to have inked a deal worth $200 million, while Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka both received over $100 million guarantees. Lesser names such as Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen have received eight-figure deals in the $30-$50 million range. Who among us would not like to earn more money for working less hours? Professional golfers have not always been as well compensated as today’s jet-setting, million-dollar lifestyle players of today. Television found golf a viable programming option in the late 1950’s. Arnold Palmer’s slashing style and good looks were made for the small screen and golf fans immediately took notice. Arnold and corporate sponsors were a match made in heaven and the standard was set for professional golfers today. In all of the rhetoric of the fighting between the PGA TOUR and the LIV, several of the players seem to have forgotten the history that allowed them to become household names and earn millions for their families on the PGA TOUR. It has also been reported that the LIV is actively recruiting top collegiate players to forsake the hard road to a professional career via the PGA TOUR. 2021 U.S. Amateur Champion, James Piot just finished his college days at Michigan State and has opted to accept a lucrative offer from LIV. Pierceson Coody, grandson of Masters Champion, Charles Coody, was a three-time All American at the University of Texas and earned exemption to the Korn Ferry Tour by finishing first in the 2022 College Series. He reported that LIV offered a multi-million dollar guarantee to join the LIV Invitational Series, but he, unlike Piot, declined as it has always been his dream to compete with the best players in the world on the PGA TOUR. Another facet of professional golf in the United States is the charitable aspect of the hundreds of non-profit organizations that benefit from PGA TOUR events held in the cities across the country. It has always been somewhat easier explaining a tournament’s huge purse and million-dollar payout to the winners, when several million is generated for hometown charities. This will not be the case with the LIV. In addition, the lack of a few big names to enter PGA TOUR events might even dilute ticket sales, sponsorships and television revenues could decrease in the future. The PGA TOUR has been a victim of its own success. It has ruled the world of professional golf for several years and now with a rival they must examine every segment of their product and form a new long-term strategy going forward. Under the heading, ‘There is no such thing as bad PR,’ the LIV seems to be drawn to controversial players. Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Bryson
DeChambeau, Ian Poulter and even Brooks Koepka have all had their issues with media and fans. Greg Norman may have his hands full keeping them all in line on the LIV Tour. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is the largest investor in the LIV Investment Group. It is his money that is being thrown at the golfers. I would imagine he is willing to do this for the short term and expects to improve the government’s less than stellar image on civil rights issues, but at some future time he will want to get some of it back. With the addition of Brooks Koepka, along with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, Greg Norman may have just what he needs to attract a large Asian, or Russian company to invest money for LIV sponsorship rights. Plus, there has to be a European, or Asian television network willing to pay big bucks to be the sole media provider for the LIV Invitational Series tournaments. Back 9 Report discussed the impact of Brooks Koepka joining the LIV Invitational Series and what we can expect to see going forward. Mou, leave a black rectangle for the video Even with Commissioner Monahan vowing permanent exclusion for LIV players, I think it will be difficult for the PGA TOUR to permanently exclude former tour members. This drama has been playing out for over two years and there is no end in sight. The PGA TOUR will continue conducting tournaments and the LIV has plans to grow in the coming years. Two large opposing forces are racing headlong at each other. At some point something has to give. Negotiations are now ongoing to grant Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points to LIV tournaments. The players who have moved to the LIV want to maintain their Top 50 World Ranking to be eligible for major championships. PGA TOUR Commissioner, Jay Monahan sits on the board that will decide whether, or not to include LIV tournaments in the OWGR. I seriously doubt that he will be for their inclusion. This will be the final big hurdle the LIV will have to face to become a legitimate professional golf tour. Next the former PGA TOURmembers that have joined the LIV and been banished by Monahan will need to pursue legal action to regain their playing privileges for future PGA TOUR events. Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson both have won over 20 PGA TOUR events and have earned lifetime exemptions into those tournaments. Michigan Golf Journal
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Rumors about a new golf league surface Phil Mickelson wins the PGA Championship and becomes the oldest player to ever win a major championship. The Saudi International Tournament announces a new partnership with the Asian Tour. Greg Norman was named CEO of the LIV Invitational Golf Series. LIV, who’s main investor is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, announced a $200 million commitment to the Asian Tour and later increased it to $300 million. Phil Mickelson, in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi International, rips the PGA TOUR for its ‘Obnoxious Greed.’ Alan Shipnuck, who is writing an unauthorized biography of Mickelson, hypes the new book by releasing details of a conversation he had with Mickelson in November. Phil said he helped LIV Golf Investments draft the new league’s operating agreement, but referred to the Saudi’s negatively, and was excited that they were providing leverage over the PGA TOUR. Phil’s comments created a media fire storm, and he issued a statement of apology stating he would take a break from competition. Several of his sponsors cut ties with Mickelson. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan holds a mandatory players-only meeting, in which he reportedly tells players they would not be able to compete on the PGA Tour if they defected to the new Saudi league. Norman writes a letter to Monahan questioning the legality of a potential lifetime ban administered to any PGA Tour player who were to defect to a rival league. LIV Golf Investments announces the schedule for an eight-event, $255 million invitational series beginning on June 9 at Centurion Club in England. Phil Mickelson, the reigning PGA Champion and three-time Masters winner does not compete in the Masters at Augusta National. Robert Garrigus is the first player to publicly confirm he requested a conflicting-event release for the first LIV event to be held opposite the RBC Canadian Open. Mickelson officially registered to play the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, plus requested a release from the PGA TOUR to enter the first LIV event in London. Norman admitted that Phil’s comments had a negative effect on players considering joining the new tour. Lee Westwood and Richard Bland request releases to compete in the first LIV event. Sergio Garcia is heard to utter, “I can’t wait to leave this tour,” after becoming upset with a ruling in the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship. PGA Tour informs players that they will deny any releases for conflicting LIV events. LIV Golf ups their financial commitment to the new league to $2 billion, plus announce plans to expand to 10 tournaments in 2023 and 14 tournaments in 2024 and 2025. Norman vows to reimburse any player who faces potential discipline for playing in the LIV’s inaugural event in London. Mickelson becomes the first player since Tiger Woods (2008, because of knee surgery) to not defend his PGA title. Charl Schwartzel pockets $4.75 million for winning the inaugural LIV Invitational event in London. Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen are also in the field. Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Abraham Ancer, Pat Perez and Brooks Koepka join the LIV Tour. Spring 2021 May, 2021 September, 2021 October, 2021 February, 2022 February 17, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 24, 2022 March 16, 2022 April, 2022 April 18, 2022 April 25, 2022 May 2, 2022 May 4, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 12, 2022 May 13, 2022 June 13, 2022 Timeline - How We Got Here:
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Its no secret that the LIV Golf Invitational Series is funded with Saudi Arabian oil money. This new golf tour may be several things, but it is not about growing golf’s participation around the world, nor creating playing opportunities for world class players, as was the rationale pushed hard by those fronting for this competitor to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Need convincing? Look at the actions of the LIV’s leader, Greg Norman. What he has done, not said. Norman initially said this new tour wanted to work with the established professional tours and not be a competitor. In reality, the LIV Golf Invitational Series is not only a competitor, but they are definitely not cooperating with the PGA Tour, or the DP World Tour. Gimme the Money— A Golf Fan’s Rant By Ed Travis The crux of Norman’s pitch was that the new tour would create additional playing opportunities for elite players, knowing that neither of the established circuits would allow their members to play in competing events. Either Norman and company thought we weren’t listening or were so gullible we wouldn’t see through the hyperbole. Justification from those players accepting the Saudi money and jumping to the LIV Golf Series are rationalizations, misstatements, and innuendo over what they say are issues with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. It’s not they weren’t making an extremely good return on their golfing talents, but that they want more. In itself this isn’t wrong, however most adults have figured out when decisions are made solely for the lure of money, things rarely work out.
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What no one seems to emphasize is that the PGA TOUR provided these defectors headed by Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Pat Perez, Louis Oosthuizen, Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia, the opportunity and a place to play against the best in the world, to develop their games and earn large sums of money. This group personally banked over $380 million in prize money, not including hundreds of millions of dollars more from sponsorships and endorsements. The PGA TOUR, which by the way is owned by the players themselves, made them very rich men. This cannot end happily. Most disturbing to me, some of the professionals choosing to leave the PGA Tour are indeed favorites of mine, but they won’t admit it’s a simple case of “Gimme the Money.” They skate around what LIV Golf is about deflecting attention from the human rights record of a misogynistic regime that happens to hold control over a significant portion of the world’s oil, not to mention having probable links to terrorists, such as those perpetrating the 9-11 massacre. Seeking other opinions, I talked with a veteran woman player who’s thinking surely reflects many others. “Why can’t these players go after the money? Everyone can try to find a new job that pays better. The Saudis faults and treatment of women are not on the players’ minds just the fact they can play a lot less and earn a lot more. After all its just golf.” It’s just golf is one point of view, but it ignores the reason the Saudi’s are putting up such immense sums of money with no hope of making a profit, hoping to make us forget the truth.
Hall of Fame member, Greg Norman has a 30-year vendetta against the PGA Tour, still the Saudi’s felt Greg was the guy to lead this rebel effort and accomplish their “sportswashing” efforts. The concept is certainly not a new public relations strategy. For those that don’t remember simply Google the 1936 Olympic Games held in Hitler’s pre-World War II Germany. Another long-time amateur player told me, they have sold their legacies in the game for life-altering sums of money. “The money is doing all the talking and until those guys realize that reputations are more long-lasting that’s the way it will be.” The LIV season is comprised of only eight 54-hole events and fields are limited to 48 players with a no-cut format, plus a mixture of individual and team scoring where everyone gets paid. It can best be described as a series of exhibitions with a few big names scattered in to gain attention. Won’t golf fans become weary of exhibitions that do not lead to an overall champion, or the threat of missing a cut? Charl Schwartzel was just paid $4 million for his win at the first LIV tournament in London last month, plus he earned an additional $750,000 for being allow participation by LIV Golf members. The USGA permitted them to compete in this year’s U.S. Open at The Country Club, plus THE OPEN Championship will accept their entries, if they are eligible. The Masters and the PGA Championship have yet to make a public statement about future participation. Whatever the future holds the LIV Golf Series’ attempt to carve a spot in professional golf is to the detriment of the established PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Fans, local communities, and charities will also be big losers. Right now, most world class golfers compete every week to build a reputation and a legacy of which they can be proud. They do it the old-fashioned way, “They Earn It.” The players that are escaping to the LIV Series are taking the approach that the easy money is more important. We will see if that approach can be sustained over time. a member of the winning team. By comparison it would take a minimum of three wins on the PGA TOUR to earn that much prize money. Schwartzel banked $4.75 million for just 54 holes of work. Don’t forget Charl was paid a guaranteed sum of money, rumored to be in the $30 million range, just to show up. That’s pretty good money for a 37-year old professional nearing the back end of his playing career. Phil Mickelson reportedly received $200 million, while Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka were paid well over $100 million each. The urgency to win a golf tournament loses its significance, when you already have several million in the bank account and don’t need the firstplace check. Winning no longer matters, only the speed with which you can sign your name on a guaranteed LIV contract. The wild card in all of this is what major championships will Michigan Golf Journal
Fourth Edition of The Rocket Mortgage Classic Will Be Held July 28-31 The Rocket Mortgage Classic will once again feature the best players in the world competing for a piece of the $8.4 million purse. Last year Cameron Davis captured his maiden PGA Tour victory at Detroit Golf Club and pocketed $1.3 million. This year’s event will be held July 28-31 and will not be lacking for marquee talent as many of golf’s biggest names will be attendance. The field will not be finalized until later this month, but early commitments include defending champion Cameron Davis, PGA Championship and U.S. Open runner-up, Will Zalatoris, Olympic Gold Medalist and former U.S. Open Champion, Justin Rose, as well as, standouts, Tony Finau, Matt Kuchar, Jason Day, Kevin Kisner and Rickie Fowler. The inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic was held at the Detroit Golf Club in 2019.It was a huge success and raised more than $1 million for the benefit of local charities. The 2019 Rocket Mortgage Classic was honored as the Best Special Event by the PGA Tour and was recognized for Best Sales, as well as, receiving the Fair Way Award by the PGA Tour. After that very successful first tournament, $2.7 million was raised for area charities in 2020, despite the fact that no tickets were sold due to COVID. A television exhibition organized by Bubba Watson was a huge factor in raising the charitable dollars that year. In 2021 the tournament generated more than $1.35 million to support local nonprofits. The organizations also announced $805,000 of these funds were directed and invested with community partners supporting the event’s “Changing the Course” initiative, which is working to end Detroit’s digital divide. Jay Farmer, CEO of the Rocket Companies and Chairman of the Rocket Giving Fund said,
“It is our passion to use the Rocket Giving Fund as a force for change and an opportunity to bridge Detroit’s digital divide. Success of Changing the Course is measured by the number of Detroit families who are now able to access the internet as well as the brighter future digital inclusion provides. While we’ve already seen a near 70 percent improvement in the number of Detroiters with access to digital tools, we are driven even harder by this success to make an even greater impact through the 2022 event and beyond.” The title sponsor Rocket Mortgage has been very pleased with the event and last fall announced they will continue to be the primary sponsor through 2027. “The Rocket Mortgage Classic continues to get better by the year, and we expect this incredible momentum to maintain as we build the preeminent event on the PGA TOUR,” said Jason Langwell, Executive Director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic. “Our roster of the world’s best players continues to grow, the Detroit Golf Club’s classic layout is becoming a player favorite and our tournament has become the must-attend event of the summer.” Past winners of the event include Nate Lashley (2019), Bryson DeChambeau (2020) and Cameron Davis last year. The Rocket Mortgage Classic is the only PGA Tour event that has ever been held within Detroit Michigan Golf Journal
The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational is For the Entire Family The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational will once again be held at Midland Country Club and features two-player teams competing for a piece of the $2.5 million purse. In all, 72 teams, 144 of the best women golfers in the world, are set to tee off July 13th with the Golf Channel and CBS covering the action on network television. Four-Ball and Alternate Shot formats are used to determine the winning team over four rounds. The tournament was founded with the vision of building community and accelerating the efforts of the Great Lakes Bay Region and Dow’s strategy by building a world-class LPGA Tour event. The tournament incorporates more than just golf. The whole family is invited to a series of community events including the Eat Great food festival, as well as a number of youth activities surrounding the LPGA event. Last year sisters, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn took the title with a three-shot win over the team of Cyndey Clanton and Jasmine Suwannapura. Both those teams are already committed to be in the field, plus Lexi Thompson will return with her partner, Brittany Altomarie. Stacy Lewis is set to play with Maria Fassi, plus good friends Sophia Popov and Anne Van Damm are entered. Sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda were a team last year and finished tied for 17th. They have yet to officially enter for 2022. An amateur, Savannah Grewal from Ontario, Canada and a member of the Clemson Tiger’s Golf Team earned a Michigan Golf Journal
Golf News Michigan Michigan Amateur at Hawk Hollow The Michigan Amateur received 860 entries into this year’s tournament to decide the best amateur golfer in the state. That number has been pared down to the 156 golfers that will begin two days of medal play June 27-28 to determine the top 64 that will enter match play. GAM’s Director of Competition, Ken Hartmann said, “The golf course requires shot-making maybe more than some of our sites, and there is not as much distance available, although the yardage is pretty close to what we usually play. You have to keep the ball in play because there is trouble out there, and if you are not careful it can jump up and get you quickly. Someone who can drive it straight and keep it in play has an advantage I think, and maybe that brings in some of the guys with more experience to battle against the college golfers. Like Nate Clark (DeWitt) and Mike Anderson (Northville), who have won the GAM MidAm, or Ryan Johnson (Bloomfield Hills), one of our former Amateur champions. We expect a great championship on a great golf course and we will have a great champion in the end.” Kupcho Wins Meijer Classic in a Playoff Jennifer Kupcho validated her big win earlier this year at the Chevron Championship and captured the Meijer Classic last month. Kupcho finished the 72-hole event at 18-under par and tied with Leona MacGuire and World No. 2 ranked, Nelly Korda. In the playoff, Kupcho and Maguire advanced to a second playoff hole with birdies on the par-5. Kupcho then repeated with another birdie the second time through the 18th hole in the playoff and Maguire couldn’t match her. Kupcho was a standout for Wake Forest in college. She won the NCAA Division I Championship, was the No. 1 Ranked Amateur for 34 weeks and won the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship. This win boosts her 2022 earnings over the $1 million mark, moves her to No. 9 on the Rolex Rankings and No. 3 on the Race to the CME Globe. Michigan Golf Journal
Anci Dy Tops Big Sis to Win Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship It took Anci Dy 21 holes to finally beat her older sister Anika in the final match of the Michigan Women’s Amateur held at Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester. If was the first time the final match was contested by sisters. “I think she’s (Anika) really proud of me,” The 19-year-old Anci plays golf for the University of Indianapolis, while big sis Anika is a member of the University of Michigan women’s team. Anika has nothing to be ashamed of as she has won the Michigan Women’s Open and was named Miss Michigan Golfer during her high school years. After the match Anika said, “She (Anci) already hits it a lot farther than me, but I always had the short game, that was my edge. Now she’s getting the short game and putting. She played amazing; she really did. I feel great that I was 2-down and able to come back and force the match to extra holes, but she just made so many big putts.”
Kiira Riihijarvi Wins Ann Arbor Epson Tour Event Finland’s Kiira Riihijarvi won the inaugural ‘Ann Arbor’s Road to the LPGA Powered by the A2 Sports Commission’ last month at Travis Pointe Country Club, for her first career victory. Her 10-under par performance was two shots better than Pavarisa Yokutan, who had led both the first and second rounds. “I’m feeling great,” said Riihijarvi. “I don’t think it’s processed quite yet, but I’m happy.” Kiira has made five cuts in nine starts and came into Ann Arbor trying to focus on taking it one shot at a time and just doing my best because that’s all I could really do.” This win moves Kiira to No. 6 on the Epson Tour’s Road to the LPGATour.The top 10 at season’s end receive membership to the 2023 LPGA Tour. This is how the game should be played. Ambitious challenges. Stunning views. An old-school Donald Ross layout, and Pete Dye’s modern gem. It all comes together at Indiana’s favorite golf destination. frenchlick.com/golf • 888-936-9360 Just the way golf intended. 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 or text INGAMB to 53342! missing the cut in her last two Epson Tour appearances. This win puts her back on track heading into the second half of the season. “I had a good caddie this week, and we talked about a lot of stuff so that was keeping me calm,” said Riihijarvi. “I was really Michigan Golf Journal
A-Ga-Ming Stakes Its Claim As A Top Michigan Golf Destination shot-makers course that favors accuracy over length. Water comes into play on 11 of the 18 holes, as well as an abundance of mature woodlands. Torch is known as one of the most scenic golf courses in all of northern Michigan. Sundance opened to rave reviews in June 2005. It sits on glacier-carved bluffs and exemplifies the extraordinary natural beauty of northwest Michigan. With wide, playable fairways, superbly sculpted greens, vast windswept bunkers, heather-clad mounding and spectacular vistas, Sundance will delight the scratch golfer or a newly fledged beginner. Located just east of Grand Traverse Bay, along the shores of Torch Lake, the A-Ga-Ming Resort features four courses, Sundance, Charlevoix, Antrim Dells and the Torch. Each with its own history. It has grown to become a very popular Michigan golfing destination. As young Central Michigan alumni, Mike Brown and Larry Lavely moved to Northern Michigan and bought their first A-Ga-Ming course in 1996. A-Ga-Ming is native American for, “on the shore.’’ With nearby Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay, that’s exactly what these courses are. By Len Ziehm In the 1970’s, Roy Wetmore designed the original nine holes at A-Ga-Ming and Chick Harbert constructed the second nine in 1986. Well regarded Michigan golf architect Jerry Matthews has also added some touches to the course over the years. Matthews is also responsible for Charlevoix Country Club and Antrim Dells. The original A-Ga-Ming course was rerouted by Matthews, in 2005 and renamed the Torch. It is situated majestically on the ridges above Torch Lake and provides outstanding views. Playing nearly 6,700 yards from the tips, Torch is a challenging
Brown and Lavely added to their golf empire by purchasing Antrim Dells in 2010 and Charlevoix Country Club in 2017. Charlevoix was a private club at one point but, after suffering damage in a fire, it was on the brink of closing when Brown and Lavely saved it. Now, in addition to a particularly well-conditioned golf course with four of the toughest finishing holes in Michigan, it has such amenities as a fitness center, swimming pool and pickleball courts. Antrim Dells opened in 1971 and was the 36hole qualifying site for the Michigan Amateur throughout the 1980s, before the finalists moved on to the match play portion of the tourney at nearby Belvedere Country Club in Charlevoix. The Managing Partner at Antrim Dells, David Hill spent several years working at the Boyne Resort and calls Antrim Dells his “retirement gig.” After purchasing AntrimDells, over 500 trees were removed to make the course more user-friendly. Bird houses and yardage signs were made from redwoods on the original course, as well as the unique décor in the Sunset Bar & Grill to add a special touch to the facility. Antrim is a county in Ireland, and the clubhouse theme underscores that. A view of Grand Traverse Bay, and six of the holes can be viewed from the clubhouse patio. Hill told us, “We’re a family here and our four courses can stand with anybody.’’ A-Ga-Ming is spread out over 30 miles, but the courses offer visitors the true feel of Northern Michigan golf. The accommodations include Maplewood Ridge, Cedar Hollow and Vista Townhomes. Michigan Golf Journal
The Torch and Sundance are the southernmost courses, located in Kewadin. Antrim Dells is 12 miles away, in Ellsworth, while Charlevoix Country Club is 28 miles from the accommodations at A-Ga-Ming. “The three places are pretty easy to get to,’’ said Brown, “To create a great golf package you need three, or four courses. We have that and everyone stays at A-Ga-Ming. It’s worked out really well. ‘’ For a true Northern Michigan golfing adventure check out A-Ga-Ming for your next buddies golf trip, girls golf getaway, or family vacation. It’s close to everything that is good “UP North.”
Open Championship Preview: The Sands of St. Andrews Have you ever been in the Lion’s Mouth, visited The Coffins or been to Hell? If not, then you have not yet played golf at the historic Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. The Old Course will be the site of this year’s 150th edition of the Open Championship, July 14-17. While many golf courses name their holes, St. Andrews also names their bunkers. With over 100 bunkers, the players in the Open Championship will need to show their best bunker skills. The unique names include, Shell, Strath, Road Hole, The Principal’s Nose, The Spectacles, The Coffins, Lion’s Mouth, and Hell. If you successfully navigate the deep traps at St. Andrews, which appear on 16 of the holes, you also must avoid the Swilcan Burn on the 1st hole and the Valley of Sin at the 18th hole. By Mike May On all golf courses, bunkers are a hazard, but at St. Andrews, the bunkers take center-stage because the course’s biggest defense are the bunkers and the wind. The bunkers at St. Andrews range in size from the miniscule pot bunkers to the massive Hell bunker on the 14th hole. While the Hell bunker is the biggest sand trap on the course, six-and-a-half feet deep covering more than 300 square yards it takes a back seat to more famous and feared, The Road Hole bunker. This severe test of golf protects the front of the 17th green and is responsible for ruining many golfers’ dreams of hoisting the Claret Jug. In 1933, Gene Sarazen was competing in the Open Championship at the Old Course at Michigan Golf Journal
St. Andrews. In one of the rounds, Sarazen’s ball landed in Hell bunker. By the time he holed out at the 14th green, he had a triple bogey eight and missed being in a playoff for the Open Championship by one shot. At the 1978 Open Championship, the Road Hole bunker reared its ugly head and ruined Tommy Nakajima’s chances of a win. He was tied for the lead in the third round as he teed off on the 17th hole. After reaching the green in two, Nakajima’s first putt rolled off the green and found the Road Hole bunker. Four shots later he made it back on the green and finished with a quintuplebogey nine. The Road Hole bunker earned a new nickname that day, ‘The Sands of Nakajima.’ The Spectacles are two pot bunkers situated about 60 yards short of the putting surface on the fifth hole. The Spectacles are dastardly deep cesspools and are virtually identical. The toughest par three at the Old Course is the 11th hole, made more difficult by the presence of the Shell and Strath bunkers, which protect the entrance to the green. Tee shots that land in the Shell bunker require a long bunker shot to the green. Plugged lies are also common in the Strath bunker and can sometimes result in an unplayable lie. In the middle of the 13th fairway, just under 300 yards from the tee sit the three Coffin bunkers. They are situated side-by-side across the fairway and any player landing in them will not be able to reach the green in two shots.
Any player avoiding The Coffins must next negotiate the Lion’s Mouth bunker which guards the green. The 16th hole is best played up the right side of the fairway, but out-of-bounds lingers nearby, as do the three Principal’s Nose pot bunkers. Just past the Principal’s Nose, resides another diabolic sand trap, Deacon’s Sime, which is named after a local preacher who played many rounds at the Old Course during his life. The preacher noted that the bunker should be named after him, upon his death because he spent so much time in that bunker while alive, he had his ashes deposited there to spend eternity in that hazard. It’s fair to say that when playing the Old Course at St. Andrews, the best way to remember the bunkers is to avoid hitting into them. In other words, they are best seen, but not experienced. Any player that will hold the Claret Jug this year will need to successfully navigate the many bunkers at the Old Course. Michigan Golf Journal
The OPEN Championship 2022 A Poem By Mike May One of the world’s biggest events is coming to Scotland….and golf will be on center stage. For seven days, golf’s past, present, and future will be all the rage. It will be a celebration of the OPEN Championship’s 150th edition. This special event is not to be missed, as it will be a historic rendition. This year’s OPEN will held at St. Andrews, which is a big deal. The Old Course was the only choice because of its historic appeal. We will be reminded of the OPEN’s many past champs – many of whom are still alive. Charles, Player, Jacklin, Nicklaus, and Trevino are the oldest living five. St. Andrews has 112 bunkers scattered around the course. Those sand traps will be an issue, as will the rough filled with gorse. One of those sand traps is called Hell. Players must avoid it at all costs – this poem is here to tell. Another trap is the Road Hole bunker, alongside the 17th green. That trap may be worse than Hell, if you know what I mean. Another tough bunker is called Strath. Any player in that sand pit will definitely feel the wrath. Another nasty trap is named Deacon’s Sime. Getting out of that bunker will cost you a stroke and a little time. Along the 16th fairway, you’ll find three bunkers called the Principal’s Nose. Those traps are so small that there’s no room for your feet or your toes. This year, we’ll celebrate Bobby Jones’ 1930 Old Course win. One of his keys to victory that year was avoiding the Valley of Sin. Sixteen players have won this event -- back-to-back -- not an easy thing to do. The oldest living repeat champ is Lee Trevino – who won in ’71 & ’72. There will be former OPEN champs playing who have won at St. Andrews in the past. They include Woods, Oosthuizen, Johnson, and Daly, who I’m picking to finish last. Who will win at the Old Course and be named the Champion Golfer of the Year? I don’t know, but he will be celebrated with applause and a loud cheer. Roses are red and violets are blue. The countdown has begun to the OPEN Championship 2022.
News & Notes Dormie Network Hires David McLay Kidd to Design New Nebraska Course Dormie Network, a national network of private destination golf clubs will have David McLay Kidd design and build a new 18-hole private golf course, Graybull, in Nebraska. McLay Kidd, former design projects GrayBull will be Dormie Network’s seventh course and first facility built from the ground up, with a planned open date of 2024. “It has been my experience that the best-laid plans in ink often go to waste in the dirt. Our philosophy as golf designers subtly shifts, always adjusting to our current thinking and continued understanding of the game and what makes it popular,” McLay Kidd said. “However, the foundation of our philosophy remains focused on creating a course to be as natural, seamless, and as sustainable as possible. Dormie Network really knows what they’re doing, and I believe we’ll build something pretty impressive together.” In addition to an impeccable playing experience on McLay Kidd’s design, amenities will include a full-service clubhouse, a practice facility, lit putting green, custom fittings, and 60 beds onsite across 15 cottages for members to make the most of the evening entertainment available at network tournaments and private events. Learn more at dormienetwork. com/graybull. include, Bandon Dunes, Mammoth Dunes at SandValley, Nanea Golf Club, andThe Castle Course at St. Andrews Links. Dormie Network and McLay Kidd found a piece of land by the Platte River perfect for a new golf course. McLay Kidd said, “Golfers actually experience a location, and golf is the excuse for doing so. This land is special, there’s nothing, but you and mother nature in its rawest, simplest, most beautiful form.” Michigan Golf Journal
Trevor Immelman to Replace Nick Faldo on CBS CBS Sports announced that Sir Nick Faldo would leave their golf broadcasts at the end of the 2022 golf season. “After an incredible run, having the privilege of being the lead analyst for CBS for 16 seasons, I made the difficult decision earlier this year to step down from the 18th after this season,” said Faldo. “I had the second best and highly coveted seat in golf, sitting next to Jim Nantz. I am honored and humbled to have worked alongside this outstanding announce team, as well as the producers, directors, and crew members behind the scenes who make it all happen. I am excited for Trevor; he will be excellent in this role and the team is incredibly well positioned for the future. As I step away from broadcasting, I look forward to exploring new opportunities and partnerships, focusing list of lead analysts who have come before me as part of CBS Sports’ storied golf history,” said Immelman. “I have had the tremendous fortune of being mentored twice in my career by Sir Nick, first as a player and now as a broadcaster. I am forever grateful. Sitting in the 18th tower next to Jim Nantz, surrounded by the best broadcast team in golf, is a dream job. I can’t wait for next season when my dream becomes a reality.” Immelman won 11 titles worldwide in his professional career. He was named PGA TOUR’s Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was a member of two Presidents Cup Teams. He was a Vice-Captain for the International Team under Ernie Els for the 2019 Presidents Cup and will be the International Team Captain at the 2022 Presidents Cup to be held at Quail Hollow later this year. on growing the game of golf through the Faldo Series, as well as expanding the reach and growth of Faldo Designs.” The network was quick to name former Masters ChampionTrevor Immelman to fill the chair sitting next to Jim Nantz. Immelman has been a rising star on CBS golf broadcasts, as well as at the Golf Channel and will bring his past playing experience to the booth. “I am truly honored to be added to the distinguished
Pearl River Resort & Jackson Mississippi Offer Great Travel Adventures Pearl River Resort and Dancing Rabbit What if I told you that you could play Augusta National, without actually being in Augusta? In the heart of Mississippi awaits a legendary experience with The two championship courses, “Dancing Rabbit” and “The Oaks” sit on a rolling piece of terrain with elevated tees and slopes a plenty that provide side-hill, down-hill and up-hill lies to test your golf game. The course boasts special ‘stay & play’ features, along with several other amenities. Golfers By Tim Corser, 517.Golf two beautiful eighteen-hole golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate. Commonly referred to as the “Augusta You Can Play.” The golf adventure at the Pearl River Resort starts with a legendary clubhouse set among the Azaleas, that steal the show in April, just like the Masters.
can stay in comfortable rooms on the second floor of the clubhouse, which are equipped with whirlpools, a common room, plus they include your own golf cart for access around the grounds. Golfers can also choose to stay at the Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River with two casinos, along with some of Mississippi’s finest dining options and a world-class spa. Pearl River Resort is owned and operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The resort includes two casinos, Silver Star and Golden Moon. In addition, a 23-acre waterpark Geyser Falls has every water slide and attraction any kid could want. Even big kids like the cooling water attractions at Geyser Park, especially after a hot day on the golf course. Pearl River Resort has something for everyone in the family. The two casinos feature a variety of slot machines, table games and sportsbook for those looking for a little more excitement off the golf course. With over 1,000 rooms in the two hotels, two casinos, spa, water park and 36-holes of golf, The Jackson, Mississippi Just a short drive west of Pearl River Resort lies Jackson, Mississippi, which is the home of the blues, soul food and the civil rights movement. Mississippi was ground zero for the civil rights movement and two museums located in downtown Jackson explain the historical role it played in the civil rights movement. The Museum of Mississippi History takes visitors through the growth of the southern state and the Civil Rights Museum documents the struggles of African Americans gaining true freedom in the state. The Civil Rights museum is a very powerful experience and will leave an indelible image for every person that visits. Cathead Distillery The Cathead Distillery, located in Jackson, is the first distillery to be operated in Mississippi. The state outlawed alcohol in 1907 and Mississippi Michigan Golf Journal
was the last state to repeal prohibition.Two college friends shared a dream to operate and own their own distillery and rewrote history in 2010, when they began production. They currently produce Cathead Vodka, Bristow Gin, hoodoo Chicory Liqueur, Old South Bourbon and Cathead Sparkling. They also have plans to begin production of an American Scotch. The Refuge On the eastern edge of Jackson, near the airport the new Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel offers a comfortable night’s stay, plus golfers will enjoy the Refuge Golf Club. The Pro Shop is actually on the first floor of the hotel and guests can walk out the back of the hotel lobby and onto the first tee. The 18-hole championship golf course was originally designed by Roy Case and is one of the top public courses in the state. Recently the course underwent a complete renovation, which added three new holes and provides a more playable track. During your stay be sure to visit the rooftop bar for a cool refreshment while enjoying a gorgeous Mississippi sunset. Mississippi has history, delicious food, a musical flair and great golf. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3A4enfo
“Hope Never Dies. You can always have hope, even when the odds are stacked against you.” Dr. Ryan Deweese is on the staff of IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette and recently wrote a book entitled, “Where Rainbows Never Die.” Dr. Deweese saw the worst of times during the COVID pandemic. His 160-bed hospital was jammed with 98 COVID Book Review: “Where Rainbows Never Die” deepens their bond and helps the three grow closer. The book also provides a glimpse into Incan culture. The elusive treasure contains an ancient bracelet with magical powers. With an element of history, fantasy, action, adventure, medical drama, comedy, and tragedy, plus a little golf, the book has something for everyone to enjoy. All funds generated from the sale of the book are donated to the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. Caroline was diagnosed with Wilms tumor disease, a type of patients, with more admitted every day. “It was, emotionally, pretty bad,” Deweese said. Even during these trying times, he found time to complete the book. “If I got down on myself, I would put the book down and then come back to it a couple of weeks later. Every time I returned, I felt it was an entertaining read, so that inspired me to keep after it.” The main character in the book, Dr. Beck, befriends a nine-yearold cancer patient, Emily, who is out of options for further chemotherapy and her only hope is costly experimental medication. Along with her guardian, Tiffany, the trio attempts to raise the funds necessary to save Emily’s life and they set out on an epic adventure to find a hidden treasure. With help from Emily and Tiffany, Dr. Beck also faces his own inner demons, which Michigan Golf Journal
kidney cancer, in 2008, one month before her fourth birthday. The disease was very aggressive and took her life one year later. The book sells for $12.99, but most buyers pay slightly more to donate to the charity. “They tell me to keep the change, donate the rest of the charity. We’ve probably made more money in the donations than book sales, which is the whole point.” Dr. Deweese’s interest in writing started in college, when he took several creative writing classes. He wrote the book because he wanted to share something that could make the world a better place, channeling his passion into something to help others. Deweese was good enough to play golf as a walk-on freshman at Butler University, but quickly realized that studies were more important than golf, if he wanted to attend IU’s Medical School. Dr. Deweese and his family reside in Newburgh, Indiana and he is a member of the Dormie Network Clubs at Victoria National, in Southern Indiana and Briggs Ranch, in San Antonio, Texas. “Where Rainbows Never Die” can be purchased on Amazon. All monies raised from the sale of the book go to fund pediatric cancer research through the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. Follow Dr. Deweese on Twitter @deweeseryan.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Mike May 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. Golfscribe@outlook.com Mike May is a freelance golf travel writer based inWellington, 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 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: https://www.facebook.com/ lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Back 9 Report wonders if Brooks Koepka moving to the LIV Invitational Series is really a loss for the PGA Tour? Former PGA Tour Professional and now WorldClass Instructor, David Ogin talks about the LIV and the limited affect it will have on professional golf and the world of golf. Always Something NEW Happening at Pinehurst Pine Needles hosted the U.S. Women’s Open in June, the Pour Tour makes every visit FUN, Newly renovated Southern Pines is a must-play, PLUS there is Fantastic dining, shopping and other outdoor activities for the entire family. Is Brooks Koepka a Huge Loss to PGA Tour? Former Tour Pro, David Ogrin Says the LIV is a Limited Opportunity for Pro Golfers Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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