Don’tLetANTSRuin YourGolfGame JamesPiotHad QuiteAMonth LPGAFounder&Michigan NativeShirleySporkPases may202 Sr.PGAReturns toHarborShores
The excitement for 2022 golf in Michigan is growing. Golfers are finding their way back to the course and the first tournament, the Senior PGA Championship will be held at Harbor Shores at the end of the month. The Rocket Mortgage Classic, Meijer Classic, Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, Ally Challenge and three EPSON Tour events aren’t far behind. The pros will be making several trips to Michigan this summer. Plus, golfers from around the world will invade the wonderful Michigan golf resorts and courses. If you want tee times, you better not dally, tee sheets are filling up fast. Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, BOYNE, Treetops, Gaylord Golf Mecca and the four great courses in the U.P., Sweetgrass, Sage Run, Timberstone and Grey Walls are just a few of the fantastic golfing opportunities around the state. The Publisher of Global Golf Post, Jim Nugent is suggesting that Greg Norman should be fired by the new Saudi-back LIV Investment Series Golf League, because he has not delivered on his promise to bring top name talent to that league. We add our take in this issue. MSU college senior, James Piot certainly had an interesting two months playing golf in Florida and Georgia. He won an amateur showcase and played alongside the biggest names in the game on the best golf course in the world, Augusta National. Michigan native and of the pioneers of women’s golf, Shirley Spork died at the age of 94 last month. She grew up in Detroit and was one of 13 founders of the LPGA, plus she convinced that organization to start a women’s teaching division. Shirley received her teaching degree from Eastern Michigan and that school annually hosts the Shirley Spork Invitational for collegiate golfers. Golf is better for having Ms. Spork involved in it for over 70 years. I got a tee time. Hope I see you on the Back 9. No Place Better Than Summer Golf in Michigan FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report 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 16 22 36 Senior PGA Championship Returns to Benton Harbor THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational Offering Exemptions for Black Golfers Opinion: Jim Nugent Says It’s Time to Get Rid of Greg Norman LPGA Legend Shirley Spork Passes MSU’s James Piot Competes With the Big Boys Michigan’s Ray Hearn Is Tackling Several Projects at BOYNE Resort 06 18 10 14 16 28 World Amateur Handicap Championship Finale Moves to TPC Myrtle Beach Charles Chernock Wins Firestone Country Club Contest PXG 0311 Gen5 Club Family Michigan Golf News 22 26 32 20 Our Contributors Don’t Let ANTS Ruin Your Golf Game Lake Charles, Louisiana Always Bounces Back Our Favorite Videos 40 34 36 41 Michigan Golf Journal
The Senior PGA Championship will celebrate the 82nd edition at the Golf Club at Harbor Shores, in Benton Harbor, May 25-29. The first Senior PGA Championship was held at Augusta National Golf Club in 1937. Now as then, it recognizes the best professional golfer over the age of 50. Alex Chejka is the reigning Senior PGA Champion as he won last year at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Chejka recorded his best month ever as a professional golfer when he won the Tradition on May 9 and finished the month by winning the Senior PGA Championship. His first two wins on the Champions Tour were majors and quickly established him as a force on the senior circuit. In an interview with Back 9 Report Chejka talked about playing around the world, staying fit and winning two majors on the PGA Champions. Watch the full video here: Senior PGAChampionship Returns to Benton Harbor Michigan Golf Journal
Mou – insert black rectangle for video…can you make this larger and put it close to the image of Alex Chejka The Senior PGA will be returning to the Golf Club at Harbor Shores for the fifth time. Roger Champman from England won in 2012, Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie won in 2014, Rocco Mediate 2016 and England’s Paul Broadhurst won in 2018, the last time the tournament was held here. International players have won seven of the last nine Senior PGA Championships contested. With Bernhard Langer a consistent winner that trend could continue. Located in the Southwestern corner of Michigan on the Lake Michigan coast, Harbor Shores is a beach, golf and residential waterfront community. Benton Harbor had fallen upon hard times and when Jack Nicklaus was contracted to design a unique golf test it has brought an economic rebirth to the area. Only 90 minutes from Chicago, it is a popular vacation getaway for urbanites from the country’s third largest city to escape for beach time and great golf. The course has proved to be a true test for the world’s best golfers. Holes 1-6 are inland. The 7th, 8th and 9th holes traverse sand dunes and provide dramatic Lake Michigan views. Nos. 10-13 wind through Michigan woodlands with rolling hills. The Paw Paw River and Ox Creek wetlands affect play on the four finishing holes 14-18. The diverse terrain creates a unique blend of challenges for the golfers. Benton Harbor was a blue-collar manufacturing town and the industrial decline in the 1980’s and 1990’s drastically affected the town and the surrounding area. Urban blight, abandoned
warehouses and vast piles of scrap metal littered the area, making it nearly inhabitable. The Whirlpool Corporation has been proud to call Benton Harbor home and still maintains its headquarters here. The company was appalled at the wasteland left behind by more than 20 manufacturers that had left the area and provided seed capital to clear the desolation and build Harbor Shores Golf Club. More than 140,000 tons of debris were removed, and immaculate fairways designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus replaced the waste. The course proved to be a cornerstone on which the surrounding community transformed into a lakeside real estate haven. KerryWright, Harbor Shores’ director of real estate sales, described the unlikely chain of events that brought Mr. Nicklaus to Michigan. “Whirlpool’s nonprofit division saw this land on thewater that it wanted to transform. It was the idea of the company’s former CEO David Whitwam to build a golf course. Former board chairman Jeff Fettig had a friend from his alma mater of Indiana University who knew Jack Nicklaus. The only Michigan Golf Journal
question was, would Jack come here and take a look?” Jack did come and the final result is a one of a kind golf destination that is a must-play for every golf aficionado. The Senior PGA Championship offers the golfing public a chance to see these great professionals and walk the Nicklaus creation. One of the most popular attractions at the Senior PGA is the ‘Makers Trail 19th Hole Pavilion.’ This upgraded ticket option offers a fan experience like no other, providing attendees with special access to a covered pavilion with comfortable seating, views of play, TVs to keep an eye on the action and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy specially crafted beverages. This year the pavilion represents some of the finest in the Southwest Michigan area: • North Pier Brewing (Benton Harbor, MI) • Watermark Brewing (Stevensville, MI) • Dablon Vineyards &Winery (Baroda, MI) • Round Barn Winery (Baroda, MI) • Journeyman Distillery (Three Oaks, MI) • Peats Cider Social (Stevensville, MI) Flex Ticket packages are also available and for the fan that is all in, check out the Champions Club ticket package. The list of familiar names in the field for the Senior PGA Championship is long and distinguished. Twenty-seven former major champions will tee it up including; Rich Beem, Mark Brooks, Mark Calcavecchia, Darren Clarke, John Daly, David Duval, Ernie Els, Jim Furyk, Retief Goosen, Padraig Harrington, Lee Janzen, Bernhard Langer, Tom Lehman, Larry Mize, Corey Pavin, Vijay Singh, David Toms and the ever-popular Fred Couples. To purchase your tickets and find out more visit: https://www.srpgachampionship.com/ attend/2022/tickets
A detailed piece written by Global Golf Post’s Publisher, Jim Nugent calls for the firing of Greg Norman, who has failed to deliver on any of his promises to the LIV Investment group. Thus far, his attempts to lure any of the top names in golf to defect to the new super league have been futile. Watch an interview with Jim Nugent on Back 9 Report: Mou – leave black rectangle for video Opinion Jim Nugent Says It’s Time to Get Rid of Greg Norman By Fred Altvater Michigan Golf Journal
Jim Nugent, founder and publisher of Global Golf Post reports that the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series, with Greg Norman at the helm, seems to be in full retreat. Norman’s claims that top name players would jump at the chance to join a rival tour offering guaranteed money, plus fewer tournaments in which to compete, has not enticed any of the top players to jump from the PGA Tour, or DP World Tour. In fact, every attempt to recruit a big name has been thwarted. When it appeared Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau were ready to sign on with the LIV Golf Invitational Series, they instead decided to stay home and pledged their loyalty to the PGA Tour. Norman has been left with older players, who’s time at the top is well past. It has also been reported that the LIV Investment Series is offering top amateur collegiate players Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) guarantees to fill spots in tournaments. Nugent surmises that Augusta National Golf Club may have been a catalyst to influence players to shun the new league. The Masters is an invitational tournament. Augusta National officials have always invited past major champions to compete, but that is a tradition, not an official policy. Former past champions, like Dustin Johnson, may not be welcome at future Masters Tournaments, if they jumped to the rival league. “Norman tried to schedule a meeting with Augusta National Chairman, Fred Ridley, but was rebuffed until he made it good with the other institutions, meaning the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.” The absence of two-time Masters Champion, Phil Mickelson from the 2022 event, whether of his own accord, or at the behest of Augusta National, strongly confirms the fact that future appearances at The Masters are not guaranteed. This final fact seems to have put an end to the rebel uprising.
When the dealing was done, it seems Augusta National held all the aces in this high-stakes game. Phil’s attempt to lure other PGA Tour members to the new league solely to gain leverage to obtain personal media rights from the PGA Tour, left players with a sour taste in their mouth and has caused Mickelson’s exile from the tour, for the time being. Norman’s Saudi bosses at the LIV Investment Fund must be disappointed and embarrassed. “The Saudis didn’t sign up for a circuit of amateurs and aging tour players. They expected Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, DeChambeau and Mickelson. Instead, they have to settle for Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Kevin Na and a bunch of American college players.” LIV’s investment in the Asia Tour is a plus for that part of the world, but it is outside the parameters of the existing order of golf in the world. The ultimate winner of the Asian Tour will not be welcome in major championships, the DP World Tour, or the PGA Tour, thus there is no natural progression. “Despite stating over and over by Norman that his involvement is about growing the game and providing more and better playing opportunities for tour professionals, there always has been a sense among those paying attention that his (Norman’s) involvement is about one thing and one thing only: settling a 30-year-old grudge with the PGA Tour.” Nugent surmises, LIV Investments may be best served to lookelsewhere for anewleader. Someone experienced in international professional sports and media that can offer a return on their $500 million investment, rather than a sharp stick in the eye. Quotes from April 18, 2022, Global Golf Post, “Golf Saudi Must Jettison Norman,” written by Jim Nugent: https://bit.ly/3JU1shn Michigan Golf Journal
LPGA Legend Shirley Spork Passes In last month’s issue we wrote about the LPGA changing its rules for induction into the Hall of Fame to include Lorena Ochoa, as well as the original founders of the LPGA Tour. Just a few days after that announcement, Shirley Spork, one of the 13 original founders, died at the age of 94. She traveled the United States in the 1950’s with her other founding members and enjoyed seeing the country. Back 9 Report had a chance to chat with Shirley during the 2021 Solheim Cup at the Inverness Club in Toledo. You can watch the interview on Back 9 Report TV: Mou – insert black rectangle for video By Fred Altvater Michigan Golf Journal
Spork grewup inDetroit, Michigan, attended Eastern Michigan University and taught physical education at Bowling Green State University (BGSU). She taught golf to the young women at BGSU and along with legendary professional golfer, Peggy Kirk Bell, established the first women’s collegiate golf competitions between BGSU and the University of Findlay. Teaching golf was Shirley’s first love, and she convinced the LPGA to create the LPGA Teaching and Club Professional division to foster the growth of women’s golf. The road to the LPGA for Spork started during the Depression. Her family lived off the 17th fairway of Bonnie Brook Golf Course near Detroit, where they moved after her father lost his job and exchanged caretaker work for free rent. She bought her first golf club when she was 12, a putter she got for a dollar with money earned from selling golf balls she had found. She was forced to endure the laughter of the boys who caddied at Bonnie Brook because she used that putter to hit full shots. It was her only club. “Through the years I have met a lot of people and made a lot of dear friends,” Spork said. “It was fun to go to work every day and teach because people who came to me wanted to learn how to play. Learning to play the game of golf is like eating an elephant. It’s overwhelming unless you eat just one bite at a time and slowly digest it.” Shirley lived through the Great Depression and World War II, she helped found the most successful women’s sports leagues in the world and was one of the leading teachers of her time. She did it all with a quick wit and flair for life.
Michigan State golfer and reigning U.S. Amateur Champion James Piot seemed to be prepared for the Masters Tournament. He won the Georgia Cup The Georgia Cup, which is held annually the week prior to Masters, pits the British Amateur Champion, this year, Laird Shepard, against the U.S. Amateur champion, Piot. It is hosted by the Country Club of Georgia. The first Georgia Cup was held in 1998 with Matt Kuchar defeating Craig Watson. Piot won this year. MSU’s James Piot Competes With the Big Boys This event presents an opportunity for galleries to walk The Golf Club of Georgia. Entry is complimentary as spectators are invited to spend the day with the two finest amateur golfers in the world. In the spirit and intimacy of the Walker Cup matches, fans can walk with the players, unhindered by gallery ropes. The Georgia Cup has grown from an intimate Club event to a unique amateur championship known on both sides of the Atlantic. He competed in the Arnold Palmer Invitational As an added perk for winning the 2021 U.S. Amateur Championship, MSU’s James Piot was extended an Michigan Golf Journal
exemption into the Arnold Palmer Invitational to get a feel for playing alongside the professionals, before he got to Augusta. With two rounds of 78-78 he missed the 36-hole cut but got a taste of what is like to compete against the best golf professionals on the planet. Piot at the Masters As a member of the Spartan’s Golf Team, James Piot understands what an honor and privilege it is to play at Augusta National in the Masters. “I’m trying to be a kid as much as I can still. That’s what I’m telling people. It’s tough to do and it’s a big transition mentally as you’re playing next to golf’s greats, but I think I’ve done a good job of handling it. You can always be better, that’s my mentality in life.” He met Tiger Woods, played a practice round with long-hitting Bryson DeChambeau and tried to soak up the atmosphere that surrounds Augusta National. With rounds of 81-74, Piot missed the cut and did not play on the weekend but made a lifetime of memories competing in his first MastersTournament. Through all of this fanfare, Piot has remained grounded and is ready to complete his final season at MSU. “Through my time at Michigan State, I have met many extraordinary people and I can only hope that moving forward to my professional career I can have the same luck.” After the NCAA Championships, Piot plans to turn professional and try to make it to the PGA Tour full time. We are certain the lessons he learned and experiences he had while at MSU will come in handy competing in the demanding professional world of golf.
THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational Offering Exemptions for Black Golfers The THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational presented by Rocket Mortgage is an event designed to provide opportunities for Black men and women amateur and professional golfers. THE JOHN SHIPPEN Sports Business Summit will also return for its second year to address the lack of representation in business and leadership roles in golf and across professional sports for people of color. The events are named after John Shippen, Jr, who was both the first American-born golf professional and the country’s first Black golf professional. Jason Langwell, Executive Director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic said, “Building on the impact of the event’s inaugural year, THE JOHN SHIPPEN is introducing additional professional exemption opportunities that expand to new markets – creating more yearround exposure and Black representation in golf. The Intersport and Rocket Mortgage teams are passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and we partner with organizations committed to making a difference with their mission. This is why we’re particularly proud to be announcing Michigan Golf Journal
the second annual event – which aims to address barriers that have prevented talented Black golfers and aspiring business professionals.” The women’s competition of THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational will be held June 1–2 in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the men’s competition of THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational will take place July 23-24 at Detroit Golf Club. THE JOHN SHIPPEN Shoot-Out Presented by Cognizant is an 18-hole stroke play competition for Black women golfers taking place at Mountain Ridge Country Club in New Jersey on May 9. The winner of the event will be awarded an exemption into the LPGA’s Cognizant Founders Cup, May 12-15, in Clifton, New Jersey. THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational for Black women golfers will be held June 1-2 at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the home of the Meijer LPGA Classic. The winner of the event will earn an exemption into the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, as well as an exemption into the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, scheduled for July 13– 16 in Midland, Michigan. The men’s field of THE JOHN SHIPPEN National Golf Invitational presented by Rocket Mortgage will compete in a 36-hole stroke play competition at Detroit Golf Club July 23–24, and the winner will once again receive an exemption into the PGA TOUR’s Rocket Mortgage Classic. For updated information on THE JOHN SHIPPEN, please visit www.TheJohnShippen.com.
Golf News Michigan Michigan Junior Wins Drive, Chip & Putt Bentely Coon from Horton, Michigan won the Boys 10-11 age group at National Final Drive, Chip and Putt. With a 225 yard drive, a chip shot to within 3 feet and his best putt to two feet, Coon totaled 24.5 points, out of a total 30, to win his age division at Augusta National. Youth On Course Celebration Day Returns in 2022 GAM will host the 2nd Annual Youth on Course Celebration Day Golf Tournament at Crooked Creek Golf Course in Saginaw on Friday July 29th. The cost for the fun tournament is just $5 for YOC Members and includes a welcome gift, boxed lunch, putting contest, 18 holes of golf, dinner and awards for gender and age divisions. Adults can participate as well for $50 and play in a team competition with their junior golfer. For more information and to register, visit GAM.org/YOCDAY Michigan Golf Journal
Ron Dahlin Named Michigan Superintendent of Year By Greg Johnson, GAM.org GAM named Grand Valley State University’s Ron Dahlin as 2022 Michigan Superintendent of the Year. Dahlin retired at the end of December after spending 20 years as the superintendent of The Meadows at Grand Valley State University. “I’m slowly getting better at sleeping in. Of course, sleeping in is 6:30, but I’m making progress. It’s not those 4:30 mornings anymore.” Dahlin was nominated by Adam Ikamas, the executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), a group Dahlin was instrumental in helping found over 15 years ago. Dahlin is keeping busy in his new retirement by building a new home in Northern Michigan, just outside of Honor on the Platte River, for he and his wife KaLee. Prior to coming to The Meadows, Dahlin was the superintendent of the Valley course at Egypt Valley Country Club, where he worked for 10 years under Jeff Holmes. “I really think it is a noble sport, and a noble profession to be in. The people who work in golf are a great group of individuals to be associated with. They work hard, they try their best, there is great camaraderie and I latched on to that.”
World Amateur Handicap Championship Finale Moves to TPC Myrtle Beach Grande Dunes was scheduled to host the finale until the decision was made to conduct a massive renovation. Long one of the area’s most acclaimed layouts, Grand Dunes will close on May 16th and not re-open until September 15th. Architect John Harvey, who worked with Roger Rulewich on the original design and construction of the course in 2001, will lead the renovation project. The greens will be restored to their original size, reclaiming nearly 40,000 square feet of putting surface, that had been lost through the ravages of time. TifEagle ultradwarf bermudagrass will be installed on the greens, plus every bunker will be renovated with a Capillary Concrete liner installed to eliminate washouts and drastically improve drainage. The clubhouse will also be expanded with the pro shop to grow by 400 feet. An indoor/ outdoor bar will be added, plus the outdoor seating will be greatly expanded. “Grande Dunes is one of Myrtle Beach’s crown jewels, and this renovation project will ensure the Golf is always in season in Myrtle Beach, where the lead-in to the 39th annual Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship is underway, even though the tournament will not be held until September. Early entries are already at 1,400 and will reach over 3,000, assuring once again, that it will remain the world’s largest golf tournament. In a major announcement, organizers have moved the Flight Winners Playoff, the climax of five days of competition, from Grande Dunes Golf Club to TPC Myrtle Beach. By Len Ziehm Michigan Golf Journal
FLORIDA: Saddlebrook Resort, inWesley Chapel, has new owners with big plans and the course will be closed for a major overhaul. Saddlebook opened in 1981 and includes two Arnold Palmerdesigned golf courses, as well as the 45 tennis courts with the Harry Hopman Tennis Academy. Camilo Miguel, chief executive officer of new owner Mast Capital, said his firm is in the early stages of a major renovation of the entire property. “There is a lot of opportunity in elevating the property and bringing back some of its luster,’’ said Miguel. “There hasn’t been much investment in the property in decades.’’ course continues to provide the type of experience golfers have come to expect,’’ said Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International, the course’s parent company and owner of 21 Myrtle Beach courses. Scott Tomasello, the World Am tournament director, has no qualms about the move to TPC Myrtle Beach, a Tom Fazio design that displays many of Dustin Johnson’s trophies in its clubhouse and hosts DJ’s World Junior Championship among many big events. “We knew TPC would be a perfect landing spot,’’ said Tomasello. “We look forward to showcasing their beautiful property.’’ The final shootout follows 72 holes of age group net competition that begins on August 29th. Over 50 otherMB courseswill be used in the preliminary rounds. For more information checkout www. myrtlebeachworldamateur.com. Golf Travel Notes:
WISCONSIN: Sand Valley is adding a third course and will eventually a fourth. Plus, there is The Sandbox, a short course designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Sand Valley, the namesake course is also a Coore/Crenshaw creation and David McLay Kidd designed Mammoth Dunes. Tom Doak will begin work on Sedge Valley this year and is scheduled to open in 2024. The more intimate par 68, Lido will open to members and resort guests in 2023. “The golf experience at Sedge Valley is completely different from anything else on the property,’’ said Sand Valley co-owner Michael Keiser. “Tom Doak moves so easily from the large-scale engineering project of the Lido to this much more intimate design. Watching him identify and work his routing to these incredible natural green sites was a true `pinch me’ moment. This is how the great ones have always done it.’’ Michigan Golf Journal
Charles Chernock Wins Firestone Country Club Contest The winner of the Firestone Country Club drawing was Charles Chernock, from Hamilton, Ohio. Charles plays to a 17 handicap and competes in a league on the Mill Course at Winton Woods. He enjoys playing several courses in the Cincinnati area: Miami Whitewater, Sharon Woods, Circling Hills and Indian Ridge. Two of his favorites are Stonelick Hills in Batavia and Harbor Links Golf Club in Liberty, Indiana. When he isn’t on the golf course, Charles is involved in coaching and refereeing soccer. Historic Firestone Country Club Firestone Country Club’s South course opened in 1929 as a park and golf club primarily for the use of Firestone employees. Robert Trent Jones designed the North Course and it opened in 1969. The Fazio Course (formerly known as the West Course) was created by Tom Fazio and opened in 1989. The three courses offer their own unique golf experience and provide golfers a variety of scenic views, as well as, challenging golf shots. No course has hosted more professional golf events than Firestone. In 1974 the club hosted three televised PGA Tour events, the American Golf By Fred Altvater His love for the game of golf has been passed down to his son, Nick, who is currently enrolled in the PGA Management Program at Eastern Kentucky. Charles and a partner will enjoy three days at Firestone, including a round of golf on all three courses, North, South and Fazio. Plus, he and his partner will also stay two nights on site at Firestone. Thanks to all who entered the contest and congratulations to Charles. We know he will enjoy his time spent at one of the most historic and beautiful golf destinations in the world. Michigan Golf Journal
Classic, the CBS Golf Classic and the World Series of Golf. The first professional tournament held on the South Course was the Rubber City Open, 19541959. Three PGA Championships, 1960, 1965 and 1975 were contested on the South Course, plus the WGC Invitational was held on the South Course 19992018, except for 2002. Tiger Woods has been very successful at Firestone, winning eight WGC Invitationals on the South Course. Since 2019 the South Course has hosted the Senior PLAYERS Championship a major tournament on the PGA visit: https://www.clubcorp. com/clubs/firestone-countryclub/stay-play. Learn more about Firestone Country Club from this Back 9 Report interview with General Manager Jay Walkinshaw: Mou, put a black rectangle for the video Tour Champions. Winners have included, Reteif Goosen, Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly. Professional golf tournaments held at Firestone have generated over $30 million for Northern Ohio charities, since 1984. Although Firestone Country Club is for members only, stay and play packages are available for golfers that want to experience the history of this iconic golf venue. For more information
Michigan’s Ray Hearn Is Tackling Several Projects at BOYNE Resort Michigan-based architect Ray Hearn has worked on courses across the country for 25 years, but his mos t recent projects are closer to home and may have a more far-reaching impact. Stephen Kircher, Boyne’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Bernie Friedrich, Senior Vice-President of Golf, brought in Hearn, who has headquarters in Holland, Michigan, to tackle a variety of projects. One of the most interesting is on the Donald Ross Memorial course at Boyne Highlands Resort. Bill Newcomb was the original architect of the Donald Ross Memorial course. Each of its 18 holes is a reproduction of classic holes from other famous courses that he designed in the early part of the century. The Ross Memorial course opened in 1989 and Golf Digest tabbed it the ‘Best New Resort Course By Len Ziehm Michigan Golf Journal
in the U.S,’ in 1990. Its replica holes have been used in 14 U.S. Opens, 11 PGA Championships, eight U.S Amateurs and three Ryder Cups. Seminole, Oakland Hills, Detroit Golf Club, Pinehurst, Charlotte Country Club, Oak Hill, Plainfield, Scioto, Inverness, Oak Hill, Bob O’Link, Royal Dornoch, Salem Country Club, Aronimink and Wannamoisett all have holes that have been recreated. That’s quite a collection of holes, and Hearn is revising two of them. The first and the 16th holes of the Ross Memorial are receiving facelifts. No. 1 is a recreation of the sixth hole at Seminole and the 16th is a copy of the tenth at Ross’ beloved Pinehurst No. 2. “We’re capturing the flavor a little more than the first time through, when Bill Newcomb did it,’’ said Hearn. “There’s so much more information available for architects to work with now.’’ In the case of Seminole, that course was restored by the architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw two years ago. “We looked only at the original drawings of the hole. The bunkers were much larger. We took out quite a few trees to open the hole, like the original, in Florida. The result was the creation of massive waste areas on both sides of the hole.’’ Hearn is aware that tinkering with a Donald Ross design can be dangerous. “There’s a small percentage of Ross aficionados who question the idea of the Ross Memorial, but I think it’s good. A lot of players would never get the chance to play those other holes, so getting to play them is fun. But, for those who take them too seriously, I respect that, too.’’ Watch this Back 9 Report interview with BOYNE’s Bernie Friedrich talking about future renovations to The Highlands at Harbor Springs. Mou – insert black rectangle for the video Despite his firm’s 25-year history and its proximity to the resorts, this is the first time that Boyne Golf and Hearn have joined forces and his work there will extend far beyond the Ross Memorial. His biggest project there may be a redo of the Moor course, which opened in 1974. “We’re in Phase 1 of that,’’ said Hearn. “We’ve begun tree removal and adjustments of the grass lines of the fairways and greens.’’
The bunkers will be addressed next and the work on the Moor will be extensive. Hearn wants to create more angles and options for shots and adjust the course for changes in length. There’ll be new pin placement options on the greens, plus new run-up areas to the putting surfaces. Ken Griffin, Boyne’s Director of Golf Sales and Marketing, calls the changes, “subtle but significant.” Sounds like a new course might be in the making, but Hearn says that’s not the case. “I just like great golf. I’m not trying to put the Ray Hearn stamp on this,’’ he said. “I’m trying to create a throwback to a golden age look and feel – a tribute to that era.’’ Behind the Highland Lodge, Hearn will design a new par-3 course that will eliminate the modest one currently on the site. Boyne is joining the country-wide trend of building new short courses, Michigan Golf Journal
although ground-breaking is not expected until early 2023. “I’m creating my favorite nine greens from overseas, from Scotland, Ireland and England,’’ said Hearn. “This course will be visually stunning and interesting to play. It won’t have formal tees and it will have varying fairway levels. I want golfers to have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can practice options from different lies and angles.’’ Finally, The Monument Course at BOYNE Mountain, will also get some tender love and care. “It’s a very nice, enjoyable course,’’ said Hearn, “but the trees on it have gotten bigger and bigger and have started to infringe on the fairways.’’ Fewer trees will allow Hearn to open more angles to increase shot options from the tees and fairways. With ten courses spread over three Michigan resorts, BOYNE has long been a leader in golf while maintaining its similar role among ski resorts. “They’re always looking forward, always thinking of improving. They’re visionaries,’’ said Hearn. That vision extends beyond these golf course projects. The Main Lodge at Boyne Highlands has already undergone substantial upgrades, with more to come. The first phase involved the remodeling of 87 guestrooms and renamed them with Scottish and English heritage. The next phase begins this spring and involves construction of a new multi-level European spa and the redesign of theTower lobbies. Eventually a steak and sushi restaurant, plus a new convention center will be added.
PXG 0311 Gen5 Club Family By Ed Travis marketing them at a premium price. To a degree they have succeeded, and founder Bob Parsons has gained the reputation of making bold moves. When the company began marketing their clubs in 2014 every club was required to be professionally fitted to the individual. Plus, a full set of clubs cost upwards of $5,000.00. For the company to grow some things had to change. That pricing and commitment for the average weekend warrior golfer was not sustainable. The overall golf club manufacturing business has expanded to record levels in the past two years. PXG made the decision to reduce pricing, which increased their market share. Today they fall into the middle range of cost, although the “club company maverick” is still appropriate and the brash promotion hasn’t decreased. If you are looking to upgrade your old set of sticks that have been stuck in the corner of your garage over the winter, you may want to check out the new 0311 Gen5 club family, woods, hybrids, irons, from PXG. They have improvements over previous models that create faster ball speeds, less dispersion, plus have a higher MOI and better feel. PXG initially promoted itself as a maverick shaking up the traditional world of golf club manufacturing with innovative design and Michigan Golf Journal
Fast Facts PXG 0311 Gen5 Driver Aluminum vapor coated carbon fiber crown Adjustable hosel +/- 1.5° Improved aerodynamic shaped crown Three sole weights Face Ti412 titanium Head design dampens vibration Stock shafts: choice of four Stock grip: PXG Z5 Company President, Parsons extolled the introduction of the 0311 Gen5 models, “We absolutely killed it with these clubs. GEN5 is better in every way possible. From explosive distance to tight dispersion, to the oh-so sweet feel of forgiveness on every shot, these clubs are a master class in performance!” The technology of the drivers is interesting. PXG is the only company that applies the aluminum vapor coating to the carbon fiber crown inside a vacuum chamber. They contend this process stiffens the crown, thus lessening distortion at impact to increase the head’s Coefficient of Restitution to create faster ball speed as less energy is lost from crown deformation. For golfers that are not rocket scientists, Coefficient of Restitution, or COR is defined as the ratio of the final velocity to the initial velocity between two objects, after their collision. Basically, COR is a measurement of the energy loss, or retention when two objects collide. The bottom line is that there is less give in the crown of the club head, which creates a better launch off the face of the PXG Gen5 models, to make the ball go farther, as well as straighter. The XF model is longer from heel to toe with a larger profile, which makes it even more forgiving for those off center hits. Find out more at: https://www.pxg.com/en-us/ full-bag-deals
Don’t Let ANTS Ruin Your Golf Game By Greg Liberto Before Your Round - Do you focus on things out of your control such as your opponent, the weather, how poorly you played this course last time, or how fast the greens are today (and you hate fast greens)? During Your Round - Do you stand on the first tee thinking about everything except hitting your target? Do you see an out of bounds (OB) sign, and worry about hitting it there? Are you Have you ever stood over the ball thinking only negative thoughts about hitting a bad shot, and expected to play poorly? ANTS is an acronym for Automatic Negative Thoughts. It has been statistically proven that nearly 90% of your thought process is negative and occurs automatically. Golf and negative thinking are a bad combination, let’s look at where ANTS might exist in your game. Michigan Golf Journal
overly concerned with posting a number, and feel you have no control over what you will shoot that day? After the Round - Is your 19th hole chatter focused on all the shots you left out there, the bad breaks you got, or how you are much better than your opponent, yet the scorecard proves otherwise? These are all classic examples of the ANT Trap. Your negative thoughts and emotions have subconsciously hijacked your golf game. Stopping the ANTS Now that you better understand these pesky insects, let’s figure out how to STOP them with a simple, 3 Step Approach. Step 1 -Awareness -To STOP any type of negative energy, you must be aware when it happens. I have my students identify their TOP 10 ANT Traps, both on and off the course. Putting your ANT Traps on high alert makes it much easier to STOP them. Step 2 - STOP - If you want to STOP this negative energy wave, the best way is to physically STOP moving. By stopping, you create a what is known as a pattern interrupt which sends a new message to your brain. Step 3 - Repeat Your Strategy Aloud - In the January issue we shared the importance of playing golf with a Mental Game Strategy. To reverse your negative energy, simply say your strategy aloud. For example, if your Strategy for the day is Smile, then repeat the word 3 times to yourself and put a big Smile on your face! Since you can only have one thought at a time, it’s best to make it a positive one. Use these three steps to STOP the ANTS. Overcoming your ANTS will improve your confidence, lower your score and increase your enjoyment of the game. Overcoming your ANTS will improve your confidence, lower your score and increase your enjoyment of the game.
Lake Charles, in the southwestern corner of Louisiana has had a difficult couple of years. Since August 2020 the city has suffered through two hurricanes, a devastating flood, and a shocking deep freeze. The property damage has been massive, almost inconceivable. Add a pandemic to the mix and you might expect the ongoing misery to defeat its population, but Lake Charles always bounces back. Survival is imperative, because the nation depends on the wealth of natural resources from the region. The tourism industry around Lake Charles Lake Charles, Louisiana Always Bounces Back By Jim Grosjean can offer every visitor a wealth of opportunities to enjoy nature, play a game of chance at one of the modern casinos, or enjoy a round of golf on some truly spectacular courses. On a recent visit to Lake Charles, I found the golf to be better than ever. At the National Golf Club of Louisiana, a public course, that offers the friendly feel of a private club, I enjoyed a beautiful course full of lakes and well-maintained bunkers with ample opportunities for pars and birdies. I was thrilled by the new clubhouse and fabulous restaurant, The Max. The menu includes Michigan Golf Journal
Louisiana delicacies such as, crab cakes, oysters, gumbo, and etouffee, as well as plenty of craft burgers and sandwiches. It would be a shame to play here without a stop at The Max. Entertainment in the area centers around the L’Auberge Casino Resort and Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino, both just a short drive from Lake Charles Regional Airport. Activities for the entire family include swimming in world class pools, floating on the Lazy River at the L’Auberge, as well as boating along the canals and lakes, or the Calcasieu River, which flows directly into the Gulf of Mexico. Throw out a line and fish along the way, or just enjoy the scenery. Louisiana is well known for its cajun and creole cooking, but I must give a special shoutout to
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Chef Lyle at Barstool in L’Auberge for preparing a tasting menu that was simply outstanding. All the restaurants we visited in Lake Charles, The James 710, Darrells, plus the Crying Eagle Taproom and Bistro provided mouthwatering Louisiana fare. Contraband Bayou is a Tom Fazio designed gem at the L’Auberge. Hurricanes have thinned out the trees considerably, since a previous visit, but the course is very challenging and a joy to play. The marsh and lowland foliage add to the beauty, plus some of the sightlines have actually improved. Any course with the Fazio name attached is always a treat! Next door lies the Country Club at the Golden Nugget which is more open than its neighbor. Its primary defense is water, pretty to look at, but a nemesis for golf balls. InMarch, the Country Club at the Golden Nugget hosted the inaugural Lake Charles Championship, a stop on the Korn Ferry Tour. It was a treat to play with the pros even though I embarrassed myself in the pro-am. Due to unusually wet conditions, we could only play nine holes at the new Mallard Golf Club. I enjoyed the back nine immensely and look forward to playing the entire course. Only six months old, the future for this new course is very bright. Mother Nature hasn’t been kind to Lake Charles recently, but the casinos, restaurants and courses are open. The friendly staff and Louisiana hospitality are off the charts. Come down to Lake Charles and be a part of its resurgence, plus have a great time doing it. As they say down there: “Laissez le bon temps rouler!” Let the Good Times Roll! For more information visit: http://www. visitlakecharles.org
Our Contributors This Month Greg Liberto Ed Travis Jim Grosjean Greg Liberto developed various mental game training options and has been featured in several publications and on radio and television. He authored “18 Holes: 18 Game Changing Tips to Play Your Best Golf Ever” a book with mental game tips. https:// www. f acebook . com/ mymentalgamecoach/ Jim Grosjean is a former Buckeye, an avid golfer, who plays to a 7 handicap, and now resides in Tucson. He retired from his 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 is a national award winning golf journalist and has had a lifelong love affairwith 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 Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago SunTimes. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http:// lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Back 9 Report chatted with Global Golf Post Publisher, Jim Nugent about Greg Norman’s failure to lure top name talent to the new Saudibacked LIV Investment Series Golf League. Jack Nicklaus talked with Back 9 Report about learning the game from the greats and Tiger’s phenomenal performance at The Masters. Ben Crenshaw Talks with Back 9 Report Ben Crenshaw won two Green Jackets but is better known today for his golf course design company in partnership with Bill Coore. He talked with Back 9 Report last month about a couple of his best. Back 9 Report and Jim Nugent Discuss Greg Norman’s Future Jack Nicklaus Talks Tiger Woods at The Masters & How He Learned from Golf’s Greats. Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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