EPSONTourComing toAnArbor GAM202 ScheduleIncludes 30Tournaments NumberofGolfRounds ContinuetoSurge inMichigan TraverseCity’sAirport: Gatewayto NorthernMichigan MARCH2022 FrenchLickResort agolf&gaming paradise
Hopefully Spring isn’t Too Far Away! FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report As the calendar turns to March Michigan Golfers begin to think about getting back out onto a green grass fairway and making a few swings. French Lick Resort in southern Indiana is just close enough to be within driving distance, but far enough south to get an early jump on the golf season. Three courses, great accommodations, fabulous dining, two spas and a casino make French Lick Resort the perfect golf getaway. While we are talking about southern Indiana, another option is Victoria National Golf Club. It is a part of the Dormie Network and will test even the most proficient of golfers. This month in Michigan Golf Journal Ed Travis and I debate Greg Norman’s Saudi-backed Super Golf League’s advantages and disadvantages. Millions of dollars are at stake and the world of golf could be forever changed. At this writing is appears the big names will be staying on the PGA Tour, but the alternative tour has created a lot of noise. Tragedy hit Oakland Hills Country Club last month. A fire destroyed a large portion of the historic clubhouse. No one was injured, but the loss of valuable golf artifacts that were displayed is beyond calculation. Our friend, Jim Grosjean sent us a wonderful piece about a golf trip he experienced in Tucson. Many Michigan golfers head to Arizona in the winter months and Jim offers a few ideas for golf visits to Tucson. Congratulations go to the winner of our French Lick giveaway, Michael Martinico, from the Detroit area. Hope you enjoy your trip. We will be traveling in Coastal Alabama, Florida and Georgia in March. We will be looking for you on the Back 9. 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 28 FIND INSIDE 06 14 23 34 French Lick Is Everyone’s Favorite for Golf, Dining, Relaxation & Gaming Opinion - Is Professional Golf Slipping into the Mud? What Is Course Rating and How Is It Determined? Michigan Golf News News & Notes 06 11 14 17 33 Traverse City is the Gateway to Northern Michigan Find Sun, Fun & Great Golf in Tucson Take a Tip From The Pros, Work On Your Short Game GAM Offering A Full Schedule of Events for 2022 Florida’s World Woods to Become Cabot Citrus Farms 23 26 28 34 21 Our Contributors The Dormie Club Offers An Exclusive Golf Community Our Favorite Videos 38 36 39 Michigan Golf Journal
French Lick Is Everyone’s Favorite for Golf, Dining, Relaxation & Gaming French Lick in southern Indiana has long been a favorite for discerning travelers. In addition to the two fabulous championship golf courses, the Pete Dye and the Donald Ross, it boasts a historic nine-hole course – the Valley Links – that’s perfect for the entire family, or just a quick round to satisfy that golf itch. The Valley Links Course The Valley Links’ roots stretch back to 1907, when it was designed by the premier golf architect of the time, Tom Bendelow. It sits near the casino and is a very walkable nine-hole, par-36 course. Bendelow, was affectionately called “The Johnny Appleseed of American Golf.” In 1895, he built the first public golf course in New York City and is credited with designing more than 600 courses in his lifetime. Valley Links Course Michigan Golf Journal
The Valley Links course provides golfers of all ages and skill levels, an enjoyable, as well as, challenging round of golf. French Lick partnered with U.S. Kids Golf to renovate and develop the course for the entire family, but it is especially designed for children and beginners. For those golfers needing to slip away from the gaming tables for a short practice session, the driving range and practice area are also located along the Valley Links course. The Donald Ross Course Set on the rolling hills that dominate the southern Indiana landscape, the Donald Ross Course opened for play in 1917 and incorporates several of Ross’ classic design features. The topography allowed Ross to perch greens atop hills, which created uphill approach shots to greens with false fronts. His devilish undulations on the greens always make the dreaded three-putt the rule, rather than the exception and four putts are never out of the equation. To add to the challenge, 80 bunkers with flat bottoms and steep faces litter the property. The bunkers surrounding the greens are deep and require a deft touch to extricate one’s ball with any hope to salvage par. The 1924 PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen, was held on the Donald Ross Course at French Lick. The 1959 and 1960 LPGA Championships were also held there. Since 2017, the Donald Ross Course hosted the EPSON Tour’s (formerly the Symetra Tour) Donald Ross Classic, which features the talented young women professional golfers trying to make their way to the LPGA Tour. The Ross Course is annually rated the No. 2 publicaccess golf course in Indiana by GolfWeek. After your round, sit and enjoy a cold beverage and a tasty sandwich inHagen’s Clubhouse Restaurant. If the weather cooperates, the best seats can be found on the veranda with unobstructed views of the first and tenth tees, as well as, the ninth and 18th greens. Aerial of Donald Ross Course
The Pete Dye Course When the leadership at the French Lick Resort first asked Pete Dye to design a golf course atop the second highest peak in Indiana, he was not keen on the idea. But after more consideration, plus a few scratches on a cocktail napkin, Dye came up with a routing that created one of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the world. Using the steep terrain, he built several elevated tees that allow majestic views, as well as, provide every golfer an advantage with the driver. From the back tees at the 11th hole, golfers can see for more than 40 miles in every direction, but the fairway seems to be a small oasis far away in the distance. Every golfer, despite his or her handicap, must take the steep drive up the cart path to check out this amazing site and send at least one drive soaring into the great blue yonder. Be sure to appreciate the ‘volcano bunkers’ that reside in the right rough along the second fairway. To our knowledge, you will not see this unique design feature at any other golf course in the world. The Pete Dye Course has hosted several big tournaments: the 2010 PGA Professional National Championship, as well as, the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, won by Colin Montgomerie. Alice Dye hosted an annual charity event on the Dye Course at French Lick. The resort held a Legend’s Tour event for senior women professionals, every year beginning in 2013. In 2017, The Senior LPGA Championship became the first major tournament for senior women. Don’t forget to visit the Mount Aerie Mansion before you head back down the hill. Formerly the Taggert Family Mansion, it sits at the very top of the mountain and provides breathtaking views as you savor your favorite sandwich. There is a statue of Pete Dye near the mansion and the inscription is pure Pete Dye, “The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody would put a flagstick on top.” 16th green, Pete Dye Course Michigan Golf Journal
The French Lick Charity Classic Beginning in 2022, the EPSON Tour’s Donald Ross Classic will be renamed the French LickCharityChampionship and will be contested on the Pete Dye Course. Proceeds from the event will benefit Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, a longtime favorite of the French Lick Resort. With the average purse on the EPSON Tour being $200,000, French Lick has made a three-year commitment to offer a total purse of $335,000, with $50,000 going to the winner. The champion of the 2022 French Lick Charity Classic will be well on her way to the LPGA Tour in 2023. Pete Dye Course Above the Clouds
Dining Dining at the French Lick Resort is yet another one of the outstanding features of the resort. They take their food service very seriously. Both the 1895 Steakhouse in the French Lick Springs Hotel and Sinclair’s in the West Baden Springs Hotel serve only the finest cuts and dishes to please the most discerning diner. If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, French Lick has several options. The Power Plant Bar & Grill, The Grand Collonade and Pluto’s Pizzeria are all located in the French Lick Springs Hotel. With more than 700 slot machines in the spacious French Lick Casino, jackpot hunters are sure to find something they will like. In addition, French Lick is constantly updating its games with progressives and interactive games with bonus potential. Choose from more than 25 table games on the casino floor. Blackjack, craps, roulette and other popular games are all available. Plus, French Lick’s experienced dealers are glad to help the inexperienced player. The newly renovated Sportsbook Lounge with wall-towall television screens and comfortable club chairs in the French Lick Casino provide real time viewing, plus allows players to place wagers on all their favorites, as well as the underdogs, while enjoying their favorite food or adult beverage. It’s the perfect place to kick back and still enjoy all the action. New Rooms While the French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel embrace their distinguished history, the resort just completed the Valley Tower that added 71 new rooms adjacent to the Casino. They are comfortable, beautifully appointed and the rooms can be connected to accommodate families and various groups. Ballard’s in the Atrium at the West Baden Springs Hotel allows diners to take in the beauty of the eight-story domed lobby, while enjoying a delicious repast. Spas at French Lick Both the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel offer luxuriously appointed spas to help calm and soothe your tired muscles. Professional massage, facials, body wraps, scrubs, manicures and pedicures are all available inside the soothing spa atmosphere. Casino The casino at French Lick has every game of chance imaginable. Michigan Golf Journal
The rumors are flying fast and furious as men’s professional golf is slipping into the mud of controversy. Recent claims and counterclaims in prime time golf news outlets have made the situation worse, since it was revealed many of the top players have signed non-disclosure agreements with a proposed new tour. Greg Norman, CEO of LIV Golf Investments, financed by $300 million of Saudi Arabian money, has partnered with the Asian Tour. Norman made a huge presence at the Asian Tour’s Saudi International last month. Ten players from the PGA Tour were granted releases by the PGA Tour to play in Saudi Arabia for which they received huge appearance fees. Norman’s Asian Tour seems to be in direct conflict with the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour, but he Opinion Is Professional Golf Slipping into the Mud? By Ed Travis was quoted as saying, “He and LIV Golf were not in this for a fight, nor to compete with the two largest tours.” But in a comment sounding just the opposite he pointed out, “Nobody owns the golf space.” He complained also of being the target of unwarranted verbal attacks. “Those against what LIV Golf is doing don’t know the facts.” Norman has said he wants to work together with the other golf organizations, but both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour have firmly stated that those players who sign with any new competitive tour would lose membership, which would make them ineligible for the four major championships and the Ryder Cup.
One of the overriding controversies at the Saudi International and indeed the proposed LIVbacked tour cites Saudi Arabia’s poor record and restrictions on freedom of the press and human rights violations within the country. It would be fair to point out however no details of Norman’s new tour have been disclosed, nor have details of any discussions with players. The Saudi International field has 21 of the top 50 world ranked players, including three in the top 10, Dustin Johnson, Xander Schauffele and Bryson DeChambeau. Their appearance gave Norman attentive candidates for his pitch. A few of the rumors making the circuit in addition to the supposed non-disclosure agreements include: – Norman is talking with current stars, not those approaching the end of their careers. – Phil Mickelson said, “pretty much every player in the top 100 has been contacted at some point”. – Englishman Ian Poulter, member of both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, reportedly was offered a $30 million signing bonus. – Mickelson perhaps as justification for his talking with Norman said in a social media post, “The media rights are but a small fraction of everything else. And it is the [PGA] tour’s “obnoxious greed” that has really opened the door for opportunities elsewhere.” – Bryson DeChambeau denied being offered $135 million to ink a deal. Famed British golfer and European Ryder Cup star, Tony Jacklin has stated, “The PGA Tour and DP World Tour enjoy a monopoly on professional golf right now and they obviously don’t want to let that go. We are heading into a very complex, messy situation.” Jacklin is correct, and it looks as though it will get much worse before it improves. Professional golf is heading toward a very slippery slope, the mud will splatter everyone. Players must decide if they want to play for history…their legacy in the game, or for the money. Publisher’s Take on Greg Norman’s SaudiBacked Asian Tour By Fred Altvater Once players abandon the PGA Tour for the greener pastures and guaranteed money on the Asian Tour, the PGA TOUR will definitely take a hit with television ratings and fan approval. However, there are still quality players throughout the Top 500 players in the world and new stars will emerge. The Asian tour, even with $300 million, can only grab a handful of top name players. Will it be worth it to a Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, or Collin Morikawa to walk away from the history and prominence of the American Tour? I think not. It is much easier for a young man with a young family to jump on a plane and play events in the United States instead of Michigan Golf Journal
traveling to Asia, Australia, or Europe. American players have shown a disdain for traveling too far outside the country in the past. Will American fans really be that interested in an event in China, or Asia on a regular basis? The DP World Tour and the LPGA already boast that they are truly world tours and hold tournaments on several continents every year. I don’t think American golf fans will become too attached to a tournament in China at 3:00 AM. Norman is correct, there is a huge market for golf in other parts of the world and his idea will help fill that need. PGA Tour Deane Beman was wrong to shut him down in the 80’s. Personally I would love to see a true World Golf Tour that features the top players competing around the world. Carlos Torres and Fred Altvater proposed a World Golf Tour in this episode of the Back 9 Report. https://youtu.be/vfDCSdxk7bY Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington & even Phil Mickelson are all wonderful names, but all are on the back side of their careers. Will fans buy into a Mid-Am Pro Tour made up of players past their primes? My guess is that Norman’s Asian Tour will grab a few big-name golfers and will survive, but I doubt very seriously that it will ever reach the significance the PGA TOUR holds today. The brightest lights and biggest sponsors are still in the United States. The PGA TOUR may well be advised to tell any player to go if they must and God Speed. There are so many young players now in college and coming up through the minor tours that the PGA TOUR will continue to enjoy its place atop the world’s hierarchy of professional golf.
Three important numbers every golfer should know before they hit the first tee at a course they have never played, is Course Rating, Slope and length. These three numbers provide a ton of information about a course and can help the average golfer enjoy the game even more. Accurate course ratings require hundreds of accumulated rounds. Thus, the course rating for newly renovated, or opened courses may not be as helpful as mature courses on which the USGA has had thousands of rounds to factor in seasonality, and experience over time. As golfers have become more aware of ‘teeing it forward,’ understanding course rating, slope and distance have become important factors in determining which is the correct tee for them. What is Course Rating and How is it Determined? What is Course Rating? When you look at a scorecard of a Par 72 golf course the rating may be lower, or higher than the posted par. Course rating is a number, plus, or minus normal par, that a low handicap golfer would be expected to shoot for 18 holes. A Par 72 golf course with a course rating of 73.5 is a difficult course and a gentle warning to the average golfer to choose a more forward tee than he might normally use. Conversely a 68.5 rating on a Par 72 course would alert the golfer that the course is not quite as difficult, relative to par, and thus he may want to move back one tee box. Michigan Golf Journal
What is Slope? The posted Slope of a course is a relatively new concept. The USGA found in the 1980’s, they could determine, through collected handicap data, the relative difficulty of a course for the low handicapper versus the difficulty for a higher handicap golfer. For example, a course with several forced carries over water, or other hazards, elevated greens that require a higher ball flight over greenside bunkers, plus the severity of the bunkering around Distance With courses stretching in excess of 7,000 yards, distance is one of the most important factors in choosing which tees are right for you. There are many formulas to help decide which tee to choose, but an easy one to remember is to multiply the distance you normally carry your 5 iron by 36. Example: If you carry your 5 iron 100 yards X 36 = 3,600 yard course If you carry your 5 iron 150 yards X 36 = 5,400 yard course If you carry your 5 iron 200 yards X 36 = 7,200 yard course the course, will have a greater impact on the scorecard of an average golfer than on that of a scratch golfer. Slope is thus that difference of difficulty for a low handicap golfer versus a high handicap one. Why is this important? On courses that you are not familiar it is especially important to understand slope and course rating to help choose which set of tee boxes is right for you. Also checking the overall course distance is important, as well.
Avg. drive 300 yards 275 yards 250 yards 225 yards 200 yards 175 yards 150 yards 125 yards 100 yards Recommended Tees 7,150-7,400 yards 6,700-6,900 yards 6,200-6,400 yards 5,800-6,000 yards 5,200-5,400 yards 4,400-4,600 yards 3,500-3,700 yards 2,800-3,000 yards 2,100-2,300 yards Even though driver distance is an important factor, course rating and slope should be taken into consideration, when playing a new golf course. The USGA and Course Raters play an important role in the golfers’ overall enjoyment of the game. This is especially true for golfers that travel and play courses you haven’t played previously. Look over that scorecard before you hit the first tee, choose the correct yardage for your game and you’ll have more fun on the course. The PGA of America created this chart to suggest recommended course yardage based on the distance golfers hit their driver. Michigan Golf Journal
Golf News Michigan Historic Oakland Hills Country Club in Detroit experienced a nightmare on Thursday, February 17th. A fire destroyed a large section of the 110,000 square foot clubhouse. Oakland Hills boasts two Donald Ross designs. The South Course opened in 1918 and play began on the North Course in 1923. Six U.S. Opens, three PGA Championships, the 2004 Ryder Cup, plus the 2002 and 2016 U.S. Amateur were all held on the iconic South Course. It is one of only five clubs to have hosted a U.S. Open, a U.S. Women’s Open, a U.S. Amateur and a U.S. Women’s Amateur. Walter Hagen was the first Head Professional at Oakland Hills and Ben Hogan won the 1951 U.S. Open on the South Course and dubbed it “The Monster.” Lost in the fire were portraits of past champions at Oakland Hills, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Devastating Fire At Oakland Hills Country Club Ruins Historic Clubhouse Members were saddened by the loss. Everyone expressed the sentiment that the clubhouse could be rebuilt, but the golfing mementos lost to the fire could not. The last big events held at Oakland Hills were the 2008 PGA Championship, won by Padraig Harrington and the 2016 U.S. Amateur, won by Curtis Luck. In an effort to attract more prestigious tournaments to the famed South Course, it recently underwent an extensive renovation by Gil Hanse. The USGA announced in January that both the 2031 and 2042 U.S. Women’s Opens would be held at the club.
P.J. Maybank Wins Junior Heritage in South Carolina Cold and windy conditions at Hilton Head’s Sea Pines Resort couldn’t stop P.J. Maybank from winning the South Carolina Junior Golf Association’s Junior Heritage last month. Maybank finished runner-up in this event last year to Little John Daly. He began with a one-over par round on Atlantic Dunes but finished strong with a three-under par 68 on the Harbour Town Golf Links to claim the title, five shots ahead of runner-up, Jackson Byrd from Georgia. Maybank is a former Drive, Chip & Putt National Champion, has won the Michigan Junior Amateur twice, won the MHSAA State Championship and won two of the six AJGA events he entered in 2021. Last fall he announced that he will attend the University of Oklahoma. Epson Tour Brings Women’s Professional Golf Back to Travis Pointe Thanks to the Ann Arbor Sports Commission, women’s professional golf will return to Ann Arbor. The Epson Tour announced that Ann Arbor’s Road to the LPGA powered by the A2 Sports Commission will be played June 16-18, at Travis Pointe Country Club. The same venue that hosted the LPGA Volvik Championship from 2016 to 2018. “The LPGA loved the Travis Pointe Country Club set up, and to bring an Epson Tour event back to this club and the Ann Arbor area is good news for women’s golf,” said Mike Nichols, Chief Business Officer of LPGA Qualifying Tours. “The Volvik Championship received tremendous support from the club members, local sponsors, the volunteers, and the entire community. We believe the Epson Tour will give fans of all ages an even better chance to get close to these professionals and watch some amazing golf.” The Epson Tour, formerly the Symetra Tour, is the developmental tour for the LPGA. Now entering its 42nd season, it provides a golf tour for promising young women professionals to hone their game and qualify for the LPGA Tour. Back 9 Report recently talked with EPSON Tour CEO, Michael Nichols about the new events and larger purses for the LPGA developmental Tournament organizers announced a two-year contract with the Epson Tour with a field of 144 players competing for a total purse of $200,000. In 2022, The Epson Tour will hold 21 events across 13 states offering a record $4.41 million in total prize money. The season begins March 4-6 with Florida’s Natural Charity Classic in Winter Haven. Michigan Golf Journal
GAM Sees Rounds Continue to Surge in Michigan By Greg Johnson, GAM Current National Golf Foundation statistics show golf rounds played in 2021 were up an estimated 5.5 percent nationwide with a 5.6 percent increase in Michigan. Golf continued a surge started in the summer of 2020 and the Golf Association of Michigan has continued to add golfing members. “It was really another phenomenal year for golf, probably better than those in industry imagined,” said GAM Executive Director Chris Whitten. “GAM’s membership increased 11 percent in 2021. I was especially happy to see a balance between new private club members and public players joining for individual membership.” Whitten said the number of scores posted through the GAM to the World Handicap System™ was also up 31 percent. “There were more than 2 million rounds posted to GHIN and it was great to see people out enjoying the game so much and posting their scores.”
Michigan to Host 7 Professional Golf Tournaments This Year It was just a few years ago that none of the professional golf tours made stops in Michigan. With the announcement that Travis Pointe in Ann Arbor would host an Epson Tour event, June 1618, it will bring the total number of professional tournaments held in Michigan to seven. In addition to Ann Arbor, the Epson Tour will hold events on the Sweetgrass Course in the U.P. at the Island Resort & Casino. The Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship will be held at the Battle Creek Country Club, July 29-31. The LPGA Tour visits the state for two events, the Meijer Classic in Grand Rapids, June 16-19 and the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, July 13-16. The PGA Tour Champions Ally Challenge, to be held August 22-28 at Warwick Hills Golf Club outside of Flint, has been very successful, plus the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit (July 26-31) will enter it’s fourth year. Michigan Golf Journal
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) has a full slate golf tournaments to fill up the 2022 calendar, beginning with the Junior Kickoff at Washtenaw Golf Club in Ypsilanti, April 23-24. Qualifying tournaments for the 111th Michigan Amateur will begin in May at Gowanie, Salem Hills, Fieldstone, Washtenaw, Bedford Valley, Forest Akers and Edgewood. They will continue in June at Twin Lakes, Greywalls, Polo Fields, Clio, the Moor Course at the Highlands at Harbor Springs and Kaufman. The Michigan Amateur will be held June 27-July 1 at Hawk Hollow Golf Club. Both the Senior/Mid-Am Team Championship and the Women’s Mid-Am Championship will be held in May. The Net Match Play Championship and Women’s Amateur Championship are scheduled for June. Also set for June dates are four qualifiers for the Junior State Amateur with the Junior State Amateur to be held July 11-14 at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort. July will see another full slate of events with qualifying for the GAM Championship, Net Team Championship, the Super Senior, and 14 & Under Match Play. August will be a very busy month, with the Senior Four-Ball, both Senior and Men’s Net Amateur, Junior Stroke Play, andMen’s GAMChampionship. There are a host of women’s events scheduled for August. The Women’s Four-Ball, Women’s GAM Offering A Full Schedule of Events for 2022 Championship and Women’s Senior Championship will all be held that month. Five tournaments are scheduled for September. Both the Men’s and Women’s Senior Championshipswill be held, aswell as, the Junior Invitational, Two-Man Scramble and Men’s Four-Ball. The 2022 season will come to a close with both the Senior and GAM Tournament of Champions scheduled for October 3rd at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. The Golf Association of Michigan was founded in 1919 and is the governing body for amateur golf throughout the state. Their purpose is to represent, promote and serve the more than 60,000 members and over 400 golf courses in the state. They conduct 30 amateur championships and oversee 16 USGA qualifying tournaments. If you want to test your game, meet serious golfers and get more enjoyment from golf, register to compete in one of GAM’s events today. Click here to register.
Florida’s World Woods to Become Cabot Citrus Farms Thirty years ago, World Woods was one of the hottest golf properties in Florida. It featured two Tom Fazio-designed courses, Pine Barrens and Rolling Oaks, that opened on April 1, 1993. In addition, the Japanese owner, Yukihisa Inoue, had plans for much more. “The previous owner wanted this to be a destination golf resort that would bring in people from all over the world, especially Japan,’’ said Rick Kelso, now the resort’s director of golf. “He planned to build seven golf courses, plus a beautiful hotel to bring in the top Japanese players – but things changed.’’ Kelso was part of the excitement that World Woods generated in the beginning and is looking forward to a renewal of the resort now that the Canada-based Cabot group has completed purchasing the facility. Ben Cowan-Dewar, Cabot’s founder and chief executive officer, first saw World Woods 20 years ago and has considered buying it for the last ten years. Mike Keiser, whose golfing vision spurred the creation of Bandon Dunes, Sand Valley and Cabot Cliffs, will be involved in some capacity, with Cowan-Dewar. Kelso can’t say to what extent Keiser will be involved, but admits that he and Cowan-Dewar are “very good friends who talk all the time.’’ He suggests that Keiser is Cowan-Dewar’s “mentor’’ for golf projects and World Woods will be Cabot’s first venture in the United States. The company’s portfolio already includes Cabot Cape Breton, home of Cabot Cliffs and Cabot By Len Ziehm
Links, both highly ranked as golf destinations. Cabot St. Lucia and Cabot Revelstroke, in British Columbia, are under construction. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshawhave done several previous projects for both Keiser and Cowan-Dewar, plus they are currently working on the St. Lucia course. The architects for the World Woods project have not been chosen but will be announced in the very near future. Kelso also said, “The main architects have visited the site.’’ The densely wooded Pine Barrens was Golf Digest’s ‘Best New Resort Course of 1994’ and spent several years on that publication’s prestigious Top 100 list. Rolling Oaks ranks high among Florida courses. Pine Barrens has recorded 75,000 to 83,000 rounds each year with little maintenance and it is in dire need of some tender loving care. There is also a nine-hole short course, three practice holes, a putting course, plus a 360-degree driving range. Everything will receive a major renovation after the facility is closed later this spring. In addition to the 550 acres onwhich the golf courses sit, the Cabot purchase also includes Michigan Golf Journal
600 acres of undeveloped land, plus two other nearby courses, Sugarmille and Southern Woods. Retail outlets, restaurants and a spa are also being considered as an add-on to the property in the master plan. Once complete the name World Woods will be dropped and the new resort will be rebranded, Cabot Citrus Farms. “When we open again there will be lodging, as well as, a new clubhouse.” Visiting golfers have stayed in the nearby towns of Spring Hill and Crystal River in the past and made day visits from Orlando and Tampa as well. The Tampa airport is an hour away and Brooksville has an airport that can accommodate corporate jets. Kelso expects Cabot Citrus Farms to be more friendly for golfers who want to walk, and caddies will likely be available. Pine Barrens was the site of a final qualifier for the Senior PGA Tour in the 1990s and a Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf match between David Toms and Phil Mickelson. With Ben Cowan-Dewar, as well as, Mike Keiser involved in the restoration of this property, we can’t wait to see the finished product.
Traverse City is the Gateway to Northern Michigan By Fred Altvater With American, Delta, United and Allegiant offering flights in and out of Traverse City, travelers from around the country can visit the pristine golf courses and beautiful beaches, as well as experience the stunning views of Lake Michigan and Traverse Bay. Direct flights into Traverse City are available to and from Chicago, Charlotte, New York, Boston, Dallas, Philadelphia, Washington D.C, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Denver, Orlando and St. Petersburg. Some are only available in season. Check the Cherry Capital Airport website for availability. In addition to great golf, the Traverse City area in Northern Michigan is well-known for its other outdoor activities, hiking, biking, swimming, plus shopping. Don’t forget a variety wine tours and beer tastings. Michigan Golf Journal
Traverse City has become a mecca for the finest dining,vineyardsandmicro-breweries. Inaddition, it’s known for its variety of golfing opportunities, as well as, off the course entertainment. The area has long been known as the Cherry Capital of the World, but now the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas boast 40 vineyards that will please any wine-lover’s need for the fruit of the grape. The 45th parallel runs just north of Traverse City, which puts it on the same latitude as the famous wine regions of France. The favorable climate due to lake and bay breezes creates the perfect environment for superior wines. Excellent dining opportunities run the gamut from sophisticated establishments, like The Cook’s House and Amical, to the more casual collection of food trucks, called The Little Fleet, that serve up a delicious array of tempting treats. Let’s not forget the 16 micro-breweries in the Traverse City area and the various craft beer tours that allow visitors to sample several of the area’s finest beers. Several of the cherry groves on the peninsulas have been converted to hops farms to give the craft beers a local flavor. If you desire to wander a little farther into Northern Michigan, Sutton’s Bay, Glen Arbor, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Frankfort, Charlevoix, Petoskey and Gaylord are all nearby. With BOYNE, Treetops, Arcadia Bluffs, Shanty Creek, The Homestead and several other wonderful golfing opportunities just a short drive from Traverse City, the Cherry Capital Airport makes the perfect gateway to begin your Michigan Adventure.
Find Sun, Fun & Great Golf in Tucson By Jim Grosjean Growing up in northern Ohio, I am painfully aware of cold and dreary winters. However, now that I reside in Tucson, I’ve gotten used to a steady diet of sun, relative warmth, and best of all, golf! I recently attended Bill Huffman’s Media Classic, a get together of golf writers who engage in a friendly golf competition at some of Tucson’s best courses. Along the way we sampled great food and drink, Michigan Golf Journal
The Views Golf Club El Conquistador at Sunset caught up with old friends and learned about many of Tucson’s charms. We started our week with a practice round at the community-owned Views Golf Club. The club is aptly named, as mountain views are available from every hole. This is a player friendly course with wide fairways and well-groomed greens, but if your game goes south, one can always blame “The Views!” A visit to El Conquistador Golf came next. These two Greg Nash and Jeff Hardin courses are only seven minutes from The Views, but their styles are far apart from their neighbors. Severe uphill approach shots will test your club selection abilities. The Ventana Canyon Golf and Racquet Club is as fancy as it sounds.Two excellentTomFazio courses wind through the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains showcasing breathtaking views of the mountains, as well as, the city below. Each hole is so isolated that long cart rides between holes add to the excitement of what’s coming next. With first class lodging and amenities on site, Ventana should be on your radar.
No, 3 at Ventana Mountain Course Omni Tucson National Resort Our home base for the week was the Omni Tucson National Resort. In addition to providing two spectacular golf courses, there is a highly rated spa, three dining options including Bob’s Steak and Chop House, plus easy access to Tucson’s best outdoor activities. The Devlin-Van Hagge Catalina Course hosts the PGA Tour Champions Cologuard Classic every February and has hosted over 30 PGA Tour events. Unlike the other courses on our schedule, this is a true parklands style course; with large trees replacing the saguaro cactus and lakes instead of desert. Like any tour course, the challenges are great while the rewards are exhilarating. After golf, return to your spacious suite for a well-deserved rest, or head to the pool for a relaxing cool down. More options for golf include Arizona National and Sewailo Golf Club, but Tucson is so much more than great golf. Now considered a foodie destination, Tucson is home to the famous “23 Miles of Mexican Food.” This includes the oldest Mexican restaurant in the country continuously operated by the same family; El Charro, where the chimichanga was invented in 1922! To get a flavor of the old west, we even had a chuckwagon dinner at the White Stallion Ranch, one of the few “dude” ranches still in operation in Tucson. With average winter temperatures in the mid 60’s, great golf and food, Tucson is a can’t miss destination. For more information and to start planning your Southwestern Golf Getaway visit: http://www. visittucson.org Michigan Golf Journal
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News & Notes Annika Sorenstam to Compete on LPGA Senior Tour Annika Sorenstam intends to defend her 2021 U.S. Senior Women’s Open title at this year’s event to be held at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club. She has had success at Pine Needles in the past, when she won the 1996 U.S. Women’s Open there. Shewill alsocompete in the2022 Senior LPGA Championship to be contested, July 22-24, at Salina Country Club in Salina, Kansas. Annika finished runnerup at the 2002 U.S. Women’s Open at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas, 65 miles south of Salina. “I’m looking forward to getting back to Kansas for the first time in years to compete in my first Senior LPGA Championship,” said Sörenstam, a 10-time LPGA major champion. “The LPGA has meant so much to me and my career, so I want to support this event. We appreciate the opportunity to play.” The Senior LPGA Championship was held on The Pete Dye Course at French Lick from its inception in 2017 through last year. This will be the first time another course other than The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort will host the tournament. David Feherty To Host Hall of Fame Ceremony The World Golf Hall of Fame has announced that Emmy-nominated golf personality David Feherty will serve as host of its 2022 induction ceremony, to air live on the Golf Channel, March 9. The list of inductees will include, Susie Maxwell Berning, Tim Finchem, the late Marion Hollins and Tiger Woods. Feherty said of the honor of emceeing this event. “I’m thrilled to contribute in some small way to what will be a historic evening as the Hall of Fame honors its new inductees.” In addition to honoring the 2022 induction class, the ceremony will recognize Peter Ueberroth and the late Dick Ferris, as recipients of a newly created lifetime achievement to honor their contributions to the sport. Renee Powell also will be honored for her spirit in advancing diversity in golf, as the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company.
Take a Tip From The Pros, Work On Your Short Game By Fred Altvater A few years ago, when Jason Day was the No. 1 player in the world, I had the opportunity to ask him how much time he spent working on his short game. He replied that, when he wasn’t playing in a tournament and only practicing, he devoted a total of three hours strictly to chipping, putting and shots from 150 yards in. Of that, he spent 1 ½ hours on his wedges alone. The next time you head to the range take a few cones, or stakes and arrange them at 10-20 yard Once you have striped a drive down the fairway with your Weapon of Mass Destruction, do you routinely find the green, or are you forced to make a miraculous recovery from the fringe, rough or bunker, to avoid making a bogey, or worse? Everyone knows the old saying, “Drive for show and putt for dough.” But, what about the stuff in between? Although an accurate wedge shot isn’t as impressive as a 300-yard drive, it counts just the same and is more important to posting low scores. So, why do I see guys on the range immediately grab their drivers and start banging away? From 100 yards and in, do you have a “go-to” shot? Are you on a first-name basis with your Sand Wedge, Gap Wedge, Pitching Wedge and 9-Iron? How much time do you spend on the range practicing shots from 150 yards and in? Michigan Golf Journal
intervals and find the club that best works for you at each 10-yard interval. Many ranges have yardage markers positioned on the range at 100 and 150 yards, but to properly dial in your wedges and improve your short game, you must have a precise swing for those in between yardages. Zach Johnson was a member of the Drake University golf team and his coach quickly realized that Zach was never going to be a long hitter. To be competitive he had to become a strong wedge player. The coach built several twofoot by three-foot wooden targets and arranged them at 10-yard distances on the range. Zach was required to hit the target a certain number of times, in every ten tries. For years, Zach led the PGA Tour in short game accuracy, which allowed him to earn over $44 million on tour. Early on, I work with my students to develop wedge shots for 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 yard distances. The game becomes much easier, and your enjoyment quotient increases exponentially when you have your short game dialed in. You will also be surprised how quickly your scores decrease and your handicap becomes more respectable. Take a tip from Jason Day and Zach Johnson, hit a few less drivers on the range and learn to love your wedges.
The Dormie Club Offers An Exclusive Golf Community By David Theoret Once again, the design team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have created a stunning American golf course, in the Sandhills area near Pinehurst. The Dormie Club sits on 310 acres with native vegetation, and “natural sands.” The course winds through mature pine and hardwood forests, plus a couple of lakes. Fairway edges are not manicured or defined by deep rough. Most fairways are flanked by sandy soil, pine straw, native grasses, and fescues. The site of a former quail hunting retreat, Crenshaw and Coore spent several hours walking the grounds of what would become the Dormie Club. They followed the Donald Ross design principle of wide fairways, which rewards tee shots hit to a specific area of the fairway, while giving errant shots a chance at recovery, albeit with a bit of added difficulty. There are no paved cart paths on the course and signage is kept to a minimum. The few visible signs are designed to direct you to the next tee box. Holes are marked by posts with the hole number at the top. Moving from Number 6 to Number 7, one must pass by the tee box for Number 14, which includes a notice, “This Ain’t #7!” Michigan Golf Journal
From the back tees, the Dormie Club plays 6,883 yards with a course rating of 73.7 and a slope of 138. Four sets of tees plus a blended set on the scorecard produce yardages of 5,180 for the ladies to the championship distance. I found the blended tees (6,264/71.5/127) to be a good test and still let me leave with some dignity intact. As you make your way around the layout you will encounter three natural lakes and course aesthetics reminiscent of Scotland. Dormie Club features Bermuda fairways and tees with bent grass greens. Bunkers have been strategically placed to encourage creativity off the tee, on layups, and approaches. The greens have a lot of undulation in them. For example, the 3rd hole has no less than four separate mounds in it so you better hope you catch the pinsetter on a good day. Keeping it in the fairway at the Dormie Club is everything, however, the first three holes are short enough that if your driver isn’t working right out of the gate, you can still escape if you can make a good second shot. The elevation change can be seen on the 4th hole, a sweeping dogleg left that plays downhill. The green is very large and a front to back pin placement can easily be a three-club difference. Big things are happening at The Dormie Club. With the all-new 16,000-square-foot clubhouse and 15 Stay and Play cottages, they can host any size group. The cottages offer three options. Ten fourbedroom standard cottages include private bathrooms, a vaulted great room, with a snack area and 55” television, plus a comfortable lounging area. The four Executive cottages have four bedrooms each with their own private bathrooms and steam shower, plus kitchenette and seating area. The lounge has a separate TV area with a gas fireplace. The two-story owner’s cottage is also available for members. The Dormie Club is part of the Dormie network, a collection of six private clubs in Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, Indiana, North Carolina, and New Jersey. Becoming a member of one club makes you a member of all six. Each club offers a pure golf experience with 15-minute tee times, chefprepared cuisine, specialty cocktails, sommelierchosen wine, and deluxe en-suite cottages. With golf courses designed by the likes of Tom Fazio and Coore & Crenshaw, you’ll have full access to each club all under a single dues structure. The Dormie Network is the perfect second membership, especially for golfers who like to travel and demand the best that a country club has to offer. For more information on becoming a member of The Dormie Network, visit their website at www.dormienetwork.com.
Our Contributors This Month David Theoret Jim Grosjean David grew up playing hockey in Canada and after taking one too many pucks to the head, he decided Golf was a better alternative. He now resides in Lakeland, Florida and much of his time is spent on a golf course or practice range. You can find him at www.thegolfinguy.com or email him at: thegolfinguy@gmail.com JimGrosjean is a former Buckeye, an avid golfer, who plays to a 7 handicap, and now resides in Tucson. He retired fromhis day job, that spanned over 50 years, as a professional musician in Nashville. During that time, he performed with Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, Itzhak Perlman, Bruce Springsteen and hundreds more familiar names. You can find out more at: https://www. facebook.com/jim.grosjean 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. https://www.facebook.com/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: https://www.facebook. com/lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS When Sam Ryder and Carlos Ortiz made holes-inone at the stadium-like 16th hole during the WM Phoenix Open, rowdy fans dowsed the players with beer and threw cans onto the course. The CEO of the EPSON Tour, Michael Nichols talks about new events in Michigan and increased purses for 2022. Michigan Golf Fans will have three chances to see these future LPGA Tour stars. Brandel Chamblee Calls Out Phil Mickelson Always looking for a good media controversy, Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee called out Phil Mickelson for his comments about the PGA Tour’s ‘obnoxious greed.’ Did Fans at the WM Phoenix Open Go TOO Far? EPSON Tour CEO Michael Nichols Talks New Events in Michigan Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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