Labor Day signals the fact that the warm summer months of boating, fishing, hiking and golf are coming to a close in Michigan. Boat docks are being pulled from the water, while pontoon and ski boats are shrouded with plastic, sequestered in the dark confines of winter storage. Never fear intrepid Golfaholics! September and October in Northern Michigan are still perfect for golf, plus the hillsides covered with green in the summer, are now painted with vibrant reds, golds and yellows that add to the enjoyment of playing a round of Fall golf in Michigan. No where on earth are the colors as vibrant and the daytimes so alive as Michigan in the Fall. Millions travel to the state every year just to take in the color that God creates for us mere mortals. We, who live here year-round, are lucky to have the changing of the seasons to enjoy the beauty that surrounds us. Don’t wait, grab your favorite four-some, book your tee times and see for yourself just how wonderful Fall golf can be. In this issue we recognize seven women inducted into the Michigan Women’s Golf Hall of Fame and congratulate them for a life well lived in golf. We also recognize a few of the ‘Most Influential’ people around the state, who make Michigan golf successful and enjoyable for both visitors and residents. We apologize for anyone we overlooked and promise to do better next time. We hope you enjoy the September issue of Michigan Golf Journal and we will look for you on the Back 9 the next time we venture out to play. Michigan Is Awash With Color in September FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report Michigan Golf Journal
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Michigan Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with Michigan Golf Journal, Contact us for more information Be sure to take advantage of the links to social media, videos and other content provided within the articles 27 FIND INSIDE 11 16 24 31 Top 10 Most Influential People In The Michigan Golf Industry Michigan Women’s Golf Hall of Fame Inducts Seven New Members 10 Questions with the Founder of Miles of Golf, Chris Mile Tom Weiskopf Passes at the Age of 79 Kyle Martin Wins Michigan PGA Section Championship Stewart Golf Has Revolutionized the Golf Cart Market 06 18 11 14 16 24 How is “The Penalty Area” Defined UM Junior Monet Chun Finishes Runner-up at U.S. Women’s Amateur 23 21 Our Contributors GAM Answers Frequently Asked Questions about Handicaps Golf’s Beloved & Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham Area 419 Putters Can Help Reduce Your Scores TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedges Our Favorite Videos 36 27 31 34 30 37 Michigan Golf Journal
Stephen Kircher The family-owned BOYNE Resort properties are spread far and wide across the country. From his home base in Northern Michigan Steven Kircher presides as the President of Eastern Operations. In Michigan alone, BOYNE Resort operates 10 golf courses, multiple lodging options Top 10 Most Influential People In The Michigan Golf Industry at three locations and employs over 10,000 people. It is one of the largest entertainment and resort companies in the country with 13 facilities, 10 ski resorts and 11 golf courses. They have facilities not only in Michigan, but also in Montana, Washington, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Utah and British Columbia in Canada. Michigan Golf Journal
Chris Whitten Before Chris Whitten assumed the role of Chief Executive for the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), he was the Head Coach at the University of Michigan for eight years. GAM is only USGA Allied Association in the state and thus oversees Kevin Helm Kevin Helm has been the Executive Director of the Michigan PGA for nearly 18 years and works with the 800 PGA members employed at over 380 Michigan golf facilities. The Michigan PGA is the 12th largest of the 41 nationwide PGA Sections and is ranked No 2 in total number of courses. Michigan PGA is involved in PGA Junior League and Drive, Chip & Putt for junior golfers. They organize tournaments for section members, recognize the Michigan PGA Professional of the Year and manage the PGA REACH programs. USGA qualifiers, handicap maintenance, plus they conduct a complete schedule of amateur golf tournaments across the state. Included on Whitten’s resume, he played collegiately at Notre Dame, served as an assistant coach for the Golden Domer’s, worked at Miles of Golf and was an assistant at Inverness Club in Toledo. “The move to the GAM made sense for me on a personal level, too,” he said. “It was an opportunity to be more of a presence at home, and to keep our boys involved in golf. I saw a bigger team to be a part of and a team that had a lot of support.” Whitten’s father Buddy was the Head Professional at Blythefield Country Club, competed on the PGA Tour Champions and is a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. As the head of the 70,000 members of GAM, Whitten is one of the key players in the Michigan Golf industry.
Barry Owens Owens spent 24 years as General Manager of Garland Resort before moving to Treetops in 2010. Barry has seen it all and is one of the best resort managers in the business. He helped bring Treetops into the 21st century and is constantly working to improve the resort and make it one of the best in not only Michigan, but in the nation, as well. Bernie Friedrich Bernie Friedrich has been at BOYNE Resorts for 47 years and has had a hand in every facet of the ten golf courses at the three locations in Northern Michigan, as well as the other courses that BOYNE operates around the country. He is currently overseeing the renovations of all the courses in Michigan, as well as those in the Eastern United States. He has been honored with nearly every imaginable award and was inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 2019. Bernie is also recognized nationwide as one of the most knowledgeable golf executives in the country. Jada Paisley Jada Paisley serves the Michigan Golf Industry as the Executive Director of the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA). She began with the association over 11 years ago as the Membership Coordinator and moved up to the Associate Director. The MGCA works to preserve the best interests of the state’s golf industry through government advocacy, education and promotion. Said the President of the MGCOA Board of Directors and Managing Partner of The Majestic Golf Course, Bill Fountain, “Jada’s service to our association has been exemplary and we are excited to have her as the leader. She is knowledgeable and respected by the membership.” Michigan Golf Journal
Tony Mancilla Tony Mancilla was named the General Manager of the Island Resort and Casino in 2014. He graduated from New Mexico Law School and was instrumental in opening the Sweetgrass Course in 2008. The UP definitely has a short golf season, but the Island Resort & Casino has used its two championship courses, Sweetgrass and Sage Run to lure thousands of avid golfers to cross the Mackinaw Bridge and play their courses. In addition, Tony had the foresight to help Paul Beachnau Paul Beachnau saw an opportunity to bring several golf courses in Northern Michigan together as a marketing organization called the ‘Gaylord Golf Mecca.’ That was 35 years ago and Beachnau has been at the helm of the Gaylord Golf Mecca from the beginning. “We thought at the time we had a good collection of courses and we wanted to put Gaylord on the map as a golf destination. What we have now was beyond my imagination. I remember in 1992 four new golf courses opened in one year. People had decided let’s build there, land costs are fairly affordable, the terrain variety and the natural sand soils are perfect for golf and that helped attract some of the best golf course designers in the game. We kept working together, and here we are.” The Gaylord Golf Mecca is stronger than ever and currently includes 17 courses, four resort destinations, and 21 hotel properties that have amassed numerous golf awards. create the ‘Perfect 4some’ with Timberstone and Grey Walls, two other great courses in the UP. Mancilla also lured the EPSONTour to the UP in 2011 for the annual Island Resort Championship held on the Sweetgrass Course. It features 156 young women trying to play their way onto the LPGA Tour.
Jeff Fettig Jeff Fettig retired as Whirlpool Corporation’s Chairman of the Board in 2018 after 38 years with the company, 14 as a member of the Board of Directors. Benton Harbor in southeastern Michigan was severely affected by over 20 corporations that Dan Gilbert Dan Gilbert, founder of Rocket Mortgage, was involved with the PGA Tour for several years when Quicken Loans sponsored a tour event from 2014-2018 on the East Coast. In 2019, Gilbert brought the PGA Tour back to his hometown and the Rocket Mortgage Classic has been held at the Detroit Golf Club since that time. Charitable proceeds raised from the 2020 Rocket Mortgage Classic totaled over $2.7 million, surpassing the $1.2 million that was raised from the 2019 Rocket Mortgage Classic. More than $3.5 million of these proceeds were invested directly into Detroit and Southeast Michiganbased organizations. Funds are disbursed by the Rocket Giving Fund, the 501(c)(3) host Editor’s Note: We realize this is not a complete list of the ‘Most Influential People’ in Michigan’s Golf industry and we offer our apologies to those we may have excluded. It was a difficult decision to leave a few names off and hopefully we can add them in a future issue. depressed area and bring people back to Benton Harbor. It has done just that, plus the course has also generated dollars for the local economy by hosting the Senior PGA Championship five different times, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and again most recently this year. There are examples of golf courses helping to grow a community, but few are as inspiring and powerful as the affect The Club at Harbor Shores has had in Benton Harbor. organization that manages the Rocket Mortgage Classic. The 2022 edition of the Rocket Mortgage Classic donated $1.35 million to charity. The Rocket Mortgage Classic is helping to improve an impoverished area of Detroit and provides needed dollars for Detroit-area charities. closed their doors during the industrial decline in the United States in the mid-1980’s. It became a poster child for urban blight, decay, abandoned warehouses and waste along the Paw Paw River. The Whirlpool Company called Benton Harbor home and realized it was up to them to improve the conditions of the area. Fettig initiated the hiring of Jack Nicklaus to design and build a legendary golf course that would breathe new life into the Michigan Golf Journal
Chris Mile is one of the sharpest people I’ve met in the golf business in my 40 years covering the game. He is the founder and President of Miles of Golf (MOG) in Ann Arbor and Cincinnati. Many people forget that Chris was an accomplished golfer. He was twice a runner-up in the Michigan Amateur, losing in 1965 to Bud Stevens and thirty years later, in 1995 to Steve Maddalena. Over the years, running and fitness became a passion, but Chris never lost his enthusiasm for golf. With a keen business acumen, he built one of the most impressive golf facilities in Michigan, winning numerous awards for the golf range, retail sales and club-fitting. Questions with the Founder of Miles of Golf, Chris Mile Q Where did you grow up and get involved with golf? I grew up in the little town of Stanton, Michigan, northeast of Grand Rapids. I was crazy about golf and attended the Buick Open every year. I earned a college golf scholarship to the University of Miami (FL), played for four years and became a captain. In fact, another high school golfer from Michigan, Jim Gittleman from Alma went to Miami and we were teammates for four years. Q What happened after graduation from Miami? I went on to Columbia University, earning an MBA. I spent 10 years in New York City before returning to Michigan and purchasing a beer distributorship in Cadillac. Q How did Miles of Golf in Ann Arbor come about? The property has been associated with golf since 1952, as Pat’s Par 3 and Driving Range. Twentyseven years ago, I leased the property and we’ve been here ever since. Q Miles of Golf is now recognized throughout the state as a retailer, club-fitter, driving and practice range, plus the home of Kendall Academy. By Terry Moore 10
What’s been the biggest surprise during this time? I’d have to say the driving range because our business has doubled over the last several years. It’s been largely due to the success of Toptracer technology, which allows users to track every shot. We have data on over 25 million practice shots. It’s been a game changer for us because it got us in the entertainment side of golf and not merely game improvement. Q How else has Miles of Golf evolved? We became a regional golf facility able to attract golfers across the state looking for quality clubfitting and equipment. We also attract golfers from Ohio and Indiana and have found that serious golfers will travel an hour, or two for a fitting. The introduction of the Cluboratory was definitely a pivotal addition to our business. Q How have equipment and technology impacted the game and your business? We did an informal study and looked at equipment, through the help of club collector Gene Bolden, over the last several generations of hickory, steel and titanium. From hickory to steel-headed clubs, there was a 13% increase in distance. The transition from steel to titanium saw another 13% increase. Improvements to equipment alone has led to a 26% increase in distance. New golf ball technology has accelerated the distance factor, plus ball flight is much straighter, with newer clubs and balls. Q How did Covid affect your business? It was scary at first, as we were closed for two months. Our team, led by Doug Davis for the range, and Brent Norton for the retail and clubfitting, did a fantastic job during that uncertain time. One crucial decision we made was to take the federal assistance money and significantly increase the compensation level of some of employees. The result was our club-fitters are now able to make a career out of what they’re doing. It was a nervous time, but it turned out well and retention of key staff members is less of a concern. Q What are your thoughts on Covid being a boon to the golf business? Some have said, it was a far bigger influence than Tiger Woods becoming an icon in golf. We noticed our business gaining strength beginning in 2015. It’s been going up ever since and was given a boost by the pandemic. Our changes and additions like, the addition of Pat’s Tavern, Toptracer, and food service to our hitting bay suites, similar to Topgolf, also helped. Q Speaking of Topgolf, you have some interesting statistics on how golf has grown in that aspect. Yes, there are 25 million people, who play golf at a course, but another 12 million people play golf at a simulator, or at a practice range and don’t actually go to the course. In total are 37 million “golfers,” but because of Toptracer and simulators, Miles of Golf is also in the entertainment business. Q Have business fluctuations leveled off? Yes. When we first started, we made all our money in the spring and summer and just held on until the next year. Now we’re busy year-round as our range never closes. In the winter, customers still frequent us for simulators and Toptracer. Reprinted with permission from Terry Moore and the A Position. Michigan Golf Journal
Over the past two years Tom Weiskopf struggled with pancreatic cancer, but continued to work on course renovations and design, until the very end. Always in the shadow of Jack Nicklaus, his contemporary at Ohio State, as well as on the PGA Tour, Weiskopf was a curious study throughout his professional career. He could be moody and quiet, but when he became a golf announcer, his insight and intelligence was evident. He competed with Jack Nicklaus his entire golfing Tom Weiskopf Passes at the Age of 79 career and sometimes it seemed like being in the Golden Bear’s shadow was a bit too much to bear. He was famous for saying of Nicklaus, “Jack knew he was going to beat you. You knew Jack was going to beat you. And Jack knew you knew, he was going to beat you.” Weiskopf’s golf swing was a thing of beauty. He had 16 career PGA Tour victories, but under the heat of major competition, he failed to produce wins. Tom possessed mental demons that seemed to prevent him from achieving greatness. He won his lone major championship title at the 1973 British Open held at Troon over Johnny Miller, who had just won the U.S. Open one month earlier and Jack Nicklaus, who finished fourth. Ultimately, he became known more for the majors he didn’t win. He By Fred Altvater finished runner-up at the Masters on four occasions. Most famously in 1975, when Jack Nicklaus once again slipped past both Weiskopf and Johnny Miller to don his fifth Green Jacket, while Miller and Weiskopf were to be denied ever experiencing a Green Jacket Ceremony in Butler Cabin. Terrific Tom came close at the other two majors as well, finishing runner-up in the 1976 U.S. Open and third in the 1975 PGA Championship. After his playing days were over, he took to the broadcast booth, but primarily is known Michigan Golf Journal
for his 40 brilliant golf designs. He is credited with adding the Ocean and Cliffs Courses to the Olympic Club in San Francisco. His work at Troon North in Arizona and Loch Lomond in Scotland have been lauded worldwide. In Michigan we are blessed to have Weiskopf designs at both Shanty Creek and Forest Dunes. Both have been recognized as outstanding courses and are must-plays for golfers visiting the state. Tom Weiskopf was somewhat of an enigma as a golfer, but his golf course designs will live on as a testament to his love of the game and appreciation for providing the best elements of golf course design.
Lochmoor Golf Club Head Professional Kyle Martin landed a spot in the 2023 PGA Championship to be held at historic Oak Hill Golf Club in Rochester, New York, by winning the Michigan PGA Professional Championship held at Prestwick Village Golf Club. “I did have some good fortune and I didn’t have my best stuff by any means, but when it counted I produced shots,” said the 38-yearKyle Martin Wins Michigan PGA Section Championship old Grand Rapids native, who shot a final even-par 72 for an 8-under 208 total. “I hit it solid on the back nine and with the rain delay it was nice to just go back out and get it done.” Kyle Dobbs of Oak Pointe Country Club grabbed the runner-up spot with Josh Fryer of Franklin Hills Country Club third followed by Tim Pearce of Birmingham Country Club and the recent Michigan Golf Journal
Michigan PGA Senior Championship winner, Ron Beurmann of Country Club of Jackson rounding out the top five. Runner-up Dobbs, who was battling through a sore left hand said, “Kyle had some shots go in from across the green, and hit some close, and that’s tough to catch. I got in some trouble with a few shots where my hand wouldn’t close on the grip, but it was a good fight. Kyle is a good player. That was the first time I played with Kyle and I’m seeing there are a lot of good players out here.” Martin won $7,000, will have his name inscribed on the historic Gilbert A. Currie Trophy, plus he earned a sponsor’s exemption into the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club. The low nine golfers besides Scott Hebert of Traverse City and Jeff Roth of Boyne Golf Academy, who are already exempt, earned a spot in the 2023 PGA Professional National Championship next April at Twin Warriors & Santa Ana Pueblo Golf Clubs in New Mexico. They include: Dan Urban of Gull Lake Country Club, Josh Jeffords of Hills of Lenawee Golf Club in Adrian, George Bowman of Oakhurst Golf & Country Club in Clarkston and John Seltzer of Seltzer Golf School in Grand Rapids. The low 20 finishers in the PGA Professional National Championship in New Mexico earn spots in the PGA Championship next May at Oak Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York. Martin had a four-shot lead on Dobbs and Fryer through 13 holes following birdies at No. 8 with a holed sand shot, at 11 with a 60-foot birdie putt and 13 with a one-foot birdie putt. Martin has won two Michigan PGA Match Play titles but said winning the section championship in stroke play meant a lot to him. “It gets that monkey off my back that I can do more than match play. I can do both and then there’s the names on that trophy. There are some big names and to be in that same company is awesome.”
There are women who play golf, women who teach golf, women who talk golf and women who empower others through golf. They all create a positive change in people’s lives. These women are members of the Michigan Women’s Golf Association (MWGA). Realizing that their efforts should be recognized, Pat Meyers, a Founding Member of the MWGA, created The Hall of Fame in 2016. Election to the Michigan Women’s Golf Association (MWGA) Hall of Fame is a unique honor bestowed on those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, professionalism, good character and the highest standards of conduct associated with the extraordinary game of golf.These individuals have contributed greatly to the tradition, strength and ongoing success of golf MSU and EMU and the MWGA golf program. Most recently she has been coordinator for the MWGA Match Play league. Adrianne Danzeisen-Clor – Recognized by Golf Digest as America’s 100 Best Cub fitters, only one of twowomen receiving this honor. As a Class A Master Teaching Professional, she gives lessons, runs a junior golf camp and is a club fitter at Calderone Golf Club near Jackson. Patti DeMaire - Honorary Governor of for the GAM (Golf Association of Michigan), who has served as a Rules Official since 1995 for many GAM, MWGA and WMGA Tournaments. She was Course Rater of the year in 2014 and has trained many rookies in the art of Course Rating. Julie Massa - named GAM’s Senior Player of the Decade in 2020 and has been the GAM Senior Women’s Player of the year the last six years. in the state of Michigan. A sustained and consistent record of playing achievement and/ or contribution should be demonstrated. The 2022 MWGA’s Hall of Fame held a ceremonial breakfast for the seven inductees at the Hellenic Center in Westland Michigan. As I researched their profile and bios in preparation to interview each of them, I was both humbled and amazed as I learned of their various exemplary contributions to the game. Although their primary focus is on girls and women, their efforts inspire and touch many who are introduced to golf throughout the state of Michigan! Congratulations to the following inductees: Joan Cleland - Served on various MWGA committees including the Legacy Celebration which raised nearly $30,000 for the Women’s Golf Teams at U of M, Michigan Women’s Golf Hall of Fame Inducts Seven New Members By Phyllis Barone, Queen on the Green Michigan Golf Journal
She qualified and played in 20 USGA Championships, won 15 GAM Championships and was inducted into the Michigan Hall of Fame in 2021. Francine Pegues - responsible for the MWGA receiving grants for several special projects including theGirlsGolf Program. The GGP meets 10 times during the summer with qualified pros who instruct the kids in proper techniques, lessons in nutrition and health, and information about future education and careers. Barbara Porter - Developed the first MWGA Competitions Handbook which provided consistent quality to the MWGA Tournaments. In 2009, she guided the MWGA into Distinguished Service Award. She is best known for being a member of the Competitions Committee. As “The Money Lady”, she conducts the games and distributes skins, closest to the flag and chip-ins. She is present at every tournament to track golfers down to assure they receive their prize money! For detailed bio on each MWGA Hall of Fame inductee, visit mwga-hof.org the Women’s Golf Alliance, an association bringing together leaders of female golf associations throughout the US via their WARM conference. She is active in the Legacy Celebration and remains a volunteer for the Girls Golf Program. Darci Stocker - winner of five WGA Golfer of the Year Awards and five MWGA State Championships. As a successful girls and boys high school golf coach for the past 17 years, she has received several coaching and team awards. Darci currently serves on the Flint Junior Golf Association Board of Directors. Denise Buechel - recipient of this year’s Inaugural
UM Junior Monet Chun Finishes Runner-up at U.S. Women’s Amateur UM Junior Monet Chun finished Runner-up to Saki Baba from Japan in USWomen’s Amateur held at Chambers Bay Golf Club in Tacoma, Washington. Although she was soundly defeated in the final match, 119, Chun had a wonderful week at Chambers Bay. She finished Annabel Wilson, from Ireland in the Semi-Final Match. It’s a long week of golf in a USGA Women’s Amateur especially at a course as demanding as Chambers Bay, hard by the Puget Sound. Monet did not use a caddie through the Round of 16 but opted to have her mother carry her bag for the last three matches. Baba is the first player from Japan to win the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Chun said of Baba’s impressive performance in the final, “Honestly I was trying to match up, but it was pretty amazing just to watch. She was going for the stroke play segment at threeover par, good for a tie for 53rd to earn her spot in Match Play. Chun advanced by defeating 12th seeded, Lauren Gomez, 44th seed Amanda Sambach and Julia Gregg (60). It took 19 holes for her to slip by Brianna Navarrosa the 45th seed in the quarterfinals, and the 33rd seed Michigan Golf Journal
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H ow I s ‘The Penalty Area’ Defined? With the most recent changes to the Rules of Golf by the United States Golf Association, those ponds, creeks and other water related obstacles that golfers find occasionally on a golf course and formerly called hazards, are now referred to as penalty areas. By Mitch Moon were never painted, or had stakes put in the ground, to designate the penalty area, since its inception. Do you really need a painted line, or penalty stake to tell you that your ball has found a watery grave and will never be seen again? If you happen to find an unmarked penalty area while playing, it’s really not an issue. The Rules of Golf tell us, “The edge of the penalty area is defined by its natural boundaries (that is, where the ground slopes down to form the depression that can hold the water.).” The definition also lets us know that any penalty area that isn’t marked is by default a red penalty area and thus the player has a couple of options to choose from, when taking relief, which is something I will expand upon in the September edition of the Indiana Golf Journal. In the meantime, do yourself a favor, try to keep your ball out of the penalty areas and in the fairway! The new definition refers to, “Any body of water on the course including a sea, lake, pond, river, ditch, surface drainage ditch, or other open watercourse (even if not containing water).” It is one of the five defined areas within the Rules of Golf, and they are a common occurrence on golf courses throughout the world. What’s golf without a little water to go over, around, or just to look at. Depending on where you play, the golf course may be marked with red stakes, or paint, may only get marked for tournament play, or the course may never see a can of paint all year. Growing up on a small nine-hole golf course in Iowa, the creek and ponds that dot the course
Stewart Golf Has Revolutionized the Golf Cart Market Several years ago, while on a vacation in Florida with his family, Mark Stewart, from Great Britain, was still a teen-ager, but with encouragement from his father and grandfather, he began thinking about golf bag designs. “When we got home, I was just curious. We developed prototypes on and off for about three years.’’ By Len Ziehm Stewart went on to earn an engineering degree from Loughbrough University and his curiosity expanded beyond just golf bags. He focused on developing what the British call electric “golf trolleys.’’ “We wanted something remote-controlled, because there were some out there at the time, but they had trouble with balance and stability, plus the steering wasn’t very good.’’ In 2003 Stewart Golf was launched and the following year its X1 Remote model was on the market. Even in America, golf courses and players were very receptive the new carts. Michigan Golf Journal
“There was nothing controversial about it, ours just looked different. Trolleys were a huge advantage for playing, but there was a stigma attached to it. They were just for old guys who had a bad knee or some other disability. We were looking for amateur golfers walking the fairways, and if we could make it look different, we had a chance.’’ That chance paid off. Stewart Golf has now sold its products in 50 countries. The first sales in the United States were made in 2008, and they’ve since reached every state except Hawaii and Alaska. another level. It was not just eye-catching, but it was fun to watch something following someone down a fairway.’’ The present version, called the Q Follow, has a futuristic look as it follows automatically down the fairway with full remotecontrolled functionality. The golfer can putt out on a green, then remotely guide the trolley to the next tee without walking back to his bag. Initially golfers could strap their bags to Stewart Golf’s “trolley’’ and then enjoy their walks around the course without carrying their clubs. The bags could move with remote commands that a golfer would make with a hand-held device and could be attached to a belt, or in a pocket. Business really took off in 2015 when the “follow’’ system was launched, which made it possible for the bag to follow the golfer, much like a human caddie would. “It was a big change in our business, because it took us to
Stewart Golf took a huge financial gamble by introducing the electric caddies at the 2015 PGA Merchandise Show. “Everyone told us that no one walks in America. In the U.K. 98 percent of golfers walk. I’d be surprised if it was more than 20 percent in the United States. Our mission statement as a company is to show people a different way to play golf. The experience of walking a golf course is like nothing else. You get the exercise of walking, plus actually talking with your playing companions.’’ What the company found in America is that golfers will walk if they have the right incentive. Americans love their toys too. “Our business in America is four times what it was in 2019. That’s why it’s now our biggest market, followed by the U.K. and Canada. People were forced to walk during COVID and our demand went up.’’ In the United States, Stewart Golf’s products are called “Electric Caddies’’ rather than “trolleys.’’ They are made at a factory in Gloucester, a twohour drive from London. For their American operations, they also have a warehouse in Clearwater, Florida. “Electric Caddies’’ have one big advantage that might not be obvious, they aren’t affected by “Cart Path Only’’ restrictions, which also improves pace of play. Stewart Golf products can be easily purchased online, with a retail cost of approximately $2,500. Various models and colors are available to match your car, golf club bag, or personal preference. “Continually learning and gaining experience, we will continue make our products even better.’’ Find out more at: Stewartgolfusa.com Michigan Golf Journal
GAM Answers Frequently Asked Questions about Handicaps Keeping an honest handicap is important to every golfer, but even more so, when competing in a scramble, or amateur event, where net score will determine the winner. The rules for posting handicaps have changed and most golfers are unaware of what scores are important to post to maintain an accurate handicap. The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) recently answered some of the questions surrounding handicapping issues. By GAM.org Q: I just posted my score, when will my Handicap Index update? Handicap Indexes update overnight. Any scores posted by midnight EST will be used in your new calculation in the morning of the following day. Q: Can I post scores from the past? Yes, it is best to post scores the day you play, however past scores can be posted. This is very handy for people just starting a Handicap Index, who want to establish one quickly.
Q: Why are some 27-hole courses giving me an error message when trying to post scores? New USGA requirements reduce the options for 27-hole courses, only 18-hole rotations are listed. A 9-hole score can be posted, but you may need to search for the course again instead of selecting from a “recently played” course that only listed one of the nines. Q: Why can’t I find the course I played? We recommend typing in the first part of the course name and not including things like GC, CC, Golf Course, etc. For example, search Hawk Hollow, not Hawk Hollow GC. Q: What are examples of rounds I should not post? Rounds played by yourself, alternate shot and scramble formats, playing less than the minimum number of holes and rounds played at courses without an active Course and Slope Rating. Q: What is the required minimum number of holes played to post a 9-hole score, or an 18-hole score? Seven holes must be played to post a 9-hole score, or a minimum of 14 holes for an 18-hole score. Q: If I play 11 holes what do I post? Post a 9-hole score and disregard holes 10 and 11. Q: How is a score arrived at for the holes I don’t play or finish? If a hole has not been started, Net Par, or “ParPlus.” Par Plus is any handicap strokes received on the missed hole. Michigan Golf Journal
For example, if you are a 12 Course Handicap and the hole you didn’t play was the 7th Stroke Index (handicap) hole you would post Par + 1 ( or bogey) for that hole. If a hole was started the hole, but not completed, apply the “most likely score” which is the number of strokes and penalty strokes already taken plus the number of strokes most likely required to complete the hole using the following guidelines. – On the Putting Green less than 5 feet from the hole: Add 1 Additional Stroke – Between 5 feet and 20 yards from the hole: Add 2-3 Additional Strokes* – More than 20 yards from the hole: Add 3-4 Additional Strokes Q: Can a Four-Ball (best-ball) score be posted even the player picked up on certain holes? Yes, the “most likely score” concept would be used for the holes which were not played. Q: If I am playing Match Play should I post my score? Yes, scores should be posted using both “most likely score” guidelines, for holes not completed (including concessions) and Net Par (Par Plus) for holes not played, if your match ends early. Q: Where can I find a list of courses that have active Course and Slope Ratings? The USGA’s Course Rating and Slope Rating Database has a complete listing of all courses with a rating. Both the USGA and The R&A require courses be re-rated every 10 years. Posting scores from courses, who have do not had a current rating by their local golf association is not allowed. For questions, please contact handicap@gam.org.
TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedges The latest club enhancements from TaylorMade Golf are the Hi-Toe 3Wedges, which provide a versatile solution for getting up and down around the green. These wedges are designed with a wide four-way cambered sole and aggressive spin generation that features raised ribs between full face grooves. Having the proper wedge in the bag for the required shot is important and can easily make the difference between a par, bogey, or worse. In an effort to avoid the dreaded other, TaylorMade has redone the Hi-Toe line to provide more latitude for various scoring shots. The weight distribution is higher in the head, which helps provide a lower controllable launch. In combination with the raw finish on the face, the groove pattern provides additional spin. The wide sole and trailing edge helps with those scary flop shots and make them more doable with an open face setup. By Ed Travis Fast Facts TaylorMade Hi-Toe 3 Wedges – Made with 8620 Carbon steel – The larger toe design creates a higher center of gravity – Four-way camber sole – Full face grooves on higher lofts – Raised smaller ribs between grooves – Unfinished face rusts for added grip – Aged copper finish – Four bounce options – Stock lofts: 50° to 60° two degree increments – Stock shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 (115g) – Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline 360 Round (52g) – MSRP: $179.99 Taylormadeisalsoofferingextensivecustomization with three finishes, plus personalized text, logo and paint options. Bill Price, of the Product Creation, Wedges and Putters department said at the introduction, “Our athletes all offered great input individually, but collectively everyone wanted something versatile. They wanted a single wedge that could perform around the greens from deep rough, thick fescue, bunkers with different sands, in wet conditions and from tight lies. That’s a lot to fit into a single design, but with Hi-Toe 3 we’ve done it.” Michigan Golf Journal
Golf’s Beloved & Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham One of the must-play venues on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (RTJ), is the Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley, just outside Birmingham. It will provide a fair and thorough examination of your entire golf game and physical fitness. The Ridge was designed based on what Mother Nature provided and not what Mankind and a bulldozer desired. As the name of the course indicates, The Ridge offers elevation changes on nearly every hole, which many people are surprised to find in central Alabama. By Mike May Another feature, which adds to its allure, is the distance from the cart paths to each putting surface. These short ‘hikes,’ to the greens are often uphill, and are one of the appealing aspects of the course. Being physically fit pays off at the Ridge. “The Ridge course is, by far, the more popular layout here at Oxmoor Valley,” says Robert Whitt, the head professional at Oxmoor Valley. “The rolling terrain, large bent grass greens and scenic vistas certainly lend themselves to an incredible experience. It is truly a special course that many request on their return visit.”
Michigan Golf Journal
The greens at the Ridge are often bigger than what you normally expect elsewhere. If your approach to the green falls short and the pin is at the back of the green, a two-putt experience will be an adventure. One of the Ridge’s big takeaways is the overall quality of its four par-five holes. Some golf pundits have noted that the Ridge has the finest group of par-fives on the entire RTJ Golf Trail. I have experienced most the courses on the RTJ Trail, and I tend to agree. As expected, the Signature Hole at the Ridge is the par-five, third hole. It is cleverly designed as your tee shot must be hit to a peninsula-like fairway. The green, off in the distance, is raised from the fairway and is supported by a shelf of exposed shale rock and a few railroad ties, a testimonial connection to Birmingham’s historic links to the railroad industry. Another memorable hole is the downhill par-three eighth hole. The tee shot must carry a pond, but because of its downhill nature, you don’t need as much club as the distance would normally indicate. This is a fun hole to play as you watch a well-struck tee shot hanging in the air to go pinseeking. Although a hole-inone is always possible, it is not probable. Whitt is quick to give credit to the exceptional course condition to superintendent Jeff Christianson. “To keep the golf course looking great, his crew does lots of watering on the course with mobile watering systems and the high-powered fans keep the bent grass greens alive in the heat of the summer.” Overall, the Ridge is for passionate golfers who can appreciate the efforts of the course’s design team which has built a golf experience that will create an indelible memory for those who decide to play on what should be considered the ‘Beloved and Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham.’
Area 419 Putters Can Help Reduce Your Scores green, three putts, or more, are a common problem. Reducing the number of putts during a round exponentially reduces the overall score. A professional golfer normally accumulates 27-35 putts, but Joe Hacker will flail away with a putter over 40 times during his round. Are you beginning to see the problem here? Not every golfer can hit it 300 yards, but every golfer can improve their putting statistics. Area 419 Golf uses their knowledge of design, metal characteristics and balance to Ohio has long been a center for golf equipment innovation. Continuing that tradition, an Ohio-based company, Area 419 Golf, is bringing hi-tech design to the putter industry. Area 419 Golf is located just outside of Delta, in the northwest corner of the state. Area 419 is very well known among competitive marksmen for their high-quality rifles, firearms and reloading equipment. They send their products to every corner of the world. The owners of the company are avid golfers and recently By Fred Altvater brought their expertise in metal manufacturing and developing performance rifle barrels to creating a putter that will help take strokes off every skill-level of golfer’s game. Most golfers want to focus on finding that perfect driver and will spend well over $500 for such a weapon of mass destruction, which is used approximately 14 times during an 18-hole round. Putting, however, is the area where golfers can really take shots off their handicap. The putter is used on every hole and once a golfer finally gets to the Michigan Golf Journal
create putters with thousands of variations that will conform to each golfer’s unique physical needs. Heel and toe weighting alleviates off-center hits. The Maybe you aren’t a bad putter, you’re just using the wrong type of putter. If youare tiredof buyingChinesemade golf equipment and don’t want to spend a fortune on a driver, why not check out an Area 419 Golf putter, that will actually improve your scores? Learn more at their website. back can be customized with a blade, mallet or fang design. Plus, the putter face can be purchased with stainless steel, brass or copper inserts for maximum feel and roll. Area 419 Golf putters are ‘American Made’ and their inhouse precision manufacturing process allows them to design, produce, assemble and pack the highest quality parts with unmatched agility. “Our northwest Ohio employees assure that the box you open from Area 419 Golf delivers unsurpassed quality and performance. We make our products in America, from American materials, and we do it the American Way!”
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Mike May Phyllis Barone Ed Travis is a national award winning golf journalist and has had a lifelong love affair with the game. He has competed in tournament golf both as an amateur and as a senior professional and though his competitive days are behind him, he still plays regularly and carries a handicap of 2. Golfscribe@outlook.com Mike May is a freelance golf travel writer based in Wellington, Florida. As you would expect, he is a “Golfaholic” focused on beating ‘Old Man Par’ each time he steps on a golf course. Contact him at mmaymarketing@gmail. com Phyllis Barone aka “The Queen on the Green” worked several PGA Tour events including, THE PLAYERS Championship and the 1989 Ryder Cup at the Belfry. Now she is a Golfweek Course Rater, has published her own golf magazine and been involved with Golf Talk Radio, Michigan Golfer Television and Linksvideo/ Golf360 TV. Contact her at: queenonthegreen@gmai l . 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
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