Opportunities forJunior Golfers USGA OneStepCloserTo GolfBalRolback
Golf Season is HERE!! FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report When Michiganders see the beauty and wonder of the Masters on their big screens they know that its time to hit the links. In this issue we feature junior golf and the multitude of golf opportunities for young golfers. From local junior leagues to AJGA and USGA national tournaments there are competitions available for every level of junior golfer. If you have a child interested in learning to play the game the right way, get them involved in a junior golf program. It will help them build confidence and give them a game that will last a lifetime. Besides the ongoing LIV/PGA Tour fight that does not appear to have an end in sight, the USGA and The R&A last month announced another step in their campaign to rollback the distance a golf ball can travel for professionals and elite amateur golfers. This ‘bifurcation’ of the golf ball has been discussed for several years and golf’s ruling bodies intend to have the separation of golf balls in place by 2026. Golf fans are split on the issue and the future may spawn more lawsuits to overturn any change. In a special Back 9 Report, Kieran Clark and Mike May debate the pros and cons of changing the golf ball. See the full episode here: https://youtu.be/ rUK7Bw32K_E We hope you have had an enjoyable winter, but now its time for golf. I hope I see you on the Back 9 of a Michigan golf course this summer. 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 30 FIND INSIDE 06 13 25 34 There Are A Multitude of Golf Opportunities For Juniors Junior Golf Tournaments in Michigan Proposed USGA Rollback Making Waves Srixon Introduces Newest Enhancements to Z-Star Line Newest Hall of Famer From Michigan, Shirley Spork 06 10 13 21 16 Michigan Golf News Weight Loss Exercises You Can Do At Home 18 22 Our Contributors New Joint Event For LPGA & PGA Tours The Ultimate Five-Course Menu of Golf Along The Outer Banks Golf Simulators Projected to Triple by 2030 Mission Inn Resort Has New Owners, But Provides the Same Quality Experience Our Favorite Videos 36 28 30 34 25 37 Michigan Golf Journal
Most junior golfers originally become involved in the game via the influence of a parent, or grandparent. Many young golfers have seen professionals, like Tiger Woods, succeed at the highest levels and are motivated to practice and compete. Whatever reason draws kids to the game the golf industry has done an excellent job of creating multiple outlets for young people. It would be impossible to list every opportunity for juniors in golf, but the following list includes several of the more popular programs for juniors. To keep the game viable in the future, serious golfers understand the need to create avenues and opportunities for younger people to learn the game the right way. Several programs are available to juniors to do just that. The First Tee The First Tee was the vision of former PGA Tour Commi-ssioner, Tim Finchem. It was founded in 1997 as a joint effort by golf’s leading bodies, Augusta National Golf Club, the LPGA Tour, the PGA of America, the PGA TOUR and the USGA. The curriculum of the First Tee program stresses the development of character and is built around nine core values found within the game of golf. The First Tee has grown to a network of 150 chapters with programs delivered at 1,400 golf courses, 10,000 schools and 1,700 youth centers in all 50 states and select international locations. Youth on Course Youth on Course (YOC) is a relatively new organization that assures every child, no matter their economic status, has access to golf. Local golf courses join with YOC to allow junior golfers to play golf for $5.00 at their courses. They began in Northern California in 2006 and quickly spread to now include more than 140,000 There Are A Multitude of Golf Opportunities For Juniors By Fred Altvater Michigan Golf Journal
members in all 50 U.S. states and Canada. They provide access to nearly 2,000 courses across both the United States and Canada. High School seniors can also apply for college scholarships through YOC. Since the inception of the YOC Scholarship Program in 2008, they have awarded over $2.6 million to over 300 outstanding high school seniors to support their pursuit of higher education, many of which have become the first in their family to attend college. AJGA The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) provides a venue for the top junior golfers to compete at the highest level against the top talent in the country. College golf coaches can follow each player’s progress and they ultimately recruit AJGA members for their golf teams. AJGA understands the expense and financial burden for a family to allow their child to travel and compete in AJGA events. For this reason and with the help of their generous sponsors, the AJGA’s ACE Grant provides financial assistance to young men and women who aspire to earn a college golf scholarship through competitive junior golf tournaments. Many of the professional golfers you see today on the PGA and LPGA Tours competed in and won AJGA events. It is the premier junior golf program in the country and has provided a venue for thousands of junior golfers to impress college coaches and earn a college scholarship. Local Junior Golf Programs Over the years junior golf programs have sprung up in every city and town across the country. Local golf professionals organize a series of clinics and tournaments for junior golfers looking to enjoy competition and learn more about the game. For more information about any junior golf programs in your area, touch base with your local golf club, or course for their schedule of events. PGA Jr. Golf League The PGA of America through their 40,000 golf teaching professionals organized the PGA Junior Golf League. They provide fun team competitions for young players under the age of 17. All PGA Jr. League games are played with a two-person scramble format, which allows all players to hit shots and contribute to the team.
LPGA & USGA Girls Golf LPGA & USGA Girls Golf is the only national junior golf program that specializes in providing a friendly environment for girls to learn the game of golf. They make the game fun and teach much more than just stance and swing. The young women also learn valuable life skills like confidence and perseverance that will help them all through their lives. With over 500 Girls Golf sites around the country, they help prepare girls, ages 6 – 17, for a lifetime of enjoyment of the game while also inspiring them to gain confidence and build positive selfesteem. The Five E’s of Girls Golf: Empower, Enrich, Engage, Energize and Exercise prepare these young women to live active and healthy lives. High School Golf Team Nearly every high school has both a men’s and women’s golf team that compete against other golf teams in their league, region and for state titles. While local junior golf programs hold tournaments in the summer months, players that will be competing for their high school team in the Fall, or Spring use those programs to hone their games for the high school golf season. Playing golf for your school is a rewarding experience for any young golfer. Friendships are PGA Jr. League utilizes match play scoring, which focuses on performance versus a score-to-par as is traditional with golf. Within a PGA Jr. League game, the two-man teams play in a head-to-head, 9-hole match with each match broken into three flags. Each flag is three holes in a row, and each team has the opportunity to earn points at the end of each flag. PGA Jr. League provides a low stress program for young golfers to compete and continue to enjoy golf. Drive, Chip & Putt Drive, Chip & Putt (DCP) holds a number of local and regional qualifiers around the country to identify the best young golfers, which are invited to compete in the DCP National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club on Sunday prior to the Masters Tournament. In the Drive segment, junior golfers’ three attempts are rated both in length and accuracy. Participants get three tries to Chip a ball closet to the pin, plus the Putting competition involves putting from three various distances. The points from all three segments are totaled and a winner is recognized. The Finals are held on CBS. Watching these kids compete on Sunday morning, prior to the Masters, is always one of my favorite television shows. Michigan Golf Journal
developed that last a lifetime. These young athletes are encouraged to always exhibit proper golf etiquette, which help them become successful adults. Evans Scholars Chick Evans was a very successful amateur golfer, who won the 2016 U.S. Open. He also won the U.S. Amateur in the same year and was sought out for golf instruction and appearances. As an amateur, he was not able to accept prize money, appearance fees, or any other income earned from golf. His mother suggested a charitable foundation be formed that could accept the money. Evans spent many years as a caddy in the suburbs of Northern Chicago. Due to a lack of funds, he was forced to drop out of college. He took his mother’s suggestion, and those charitable efforts became the Evans Scholarship Foundation, which gives full-ride college scholarships to former caddies at clubs across the country. Since the Evans Scholarship Foundation officially began in 1930, they have granted 11,815 college scholarships to deserving young men and women caddies. Currently there are over 1,100 students enrolled at 22 universities. To view a list of Michigan caddies that were awarded college scholarships in 2023 visit, https:// wgaesf.org/the-latest-news/2165-twenty-fivemichigan-caddies-earn-evans-scholarships The Evans Scholarship program is one of the most successful and worthy charitable foundations in the world. To learn more about how you could become involved visit their website: https:// wgaesf.org. Play Golf With Your Kids & Grandkids There is a truly nothing better than playing a round of golf with your children, or grandchildren. The game teaches young people respect for others, plus helps them grow into successful adults. As you can see there are numerous programs available for young people to learn more about golf from people who know the game and will help your child learn the game the right way. Do your kids a favor and get them involved in golf this year. If you have any questions, please contact me at: Fred@Back9MediaGroup.com and I will help direct you to someone in your area that can help your child get started in golf.
Michigan offers a full schedule of junior golf tournaments. The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) junior golf schedule begins with the GAM Junior Kickoff, April 22-23 at Washtenaw Golf Club. It also includes qualifiers for the USGA’s Junior Amateur and Girls Junior Amateur. 2023 GAM Championships • GAM Junior Kickoff – April 22-23 at Washtenaw GC • Michigan Girls’ State Junior Amateur – June 26-29 at Forest Akers West Junior Golf Tournaments in Michigan • Michigan Boys State Junior Amateur – July 10-13 at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort (Sundance) • GAM 14 & Under Match Play Championship – August 15-16 at Woodside GC • GAM Junior Stroke Play Championship – August 2-3 at Forest Akers East • GAM Junior Invitational – September 30 – October 1 at Forest Akers West Entry forms available at: https://gam.org/ juniors/junior-tournaments/ 2023 USGA Qualifiers • U.S. Girls’ Junior Qualifier – June 16 at Selfridge ANGB • U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier – June 12 at The Meadows GC at GVSU • U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier – June 29 at Fieldstone GC U.S. Junior Amateur Main Website and U.S. Girls’ Junior Main Website GAM Foundation Player Grants In an effort to make golf available for the widest number of children in Michigan the GAM Foundation offers Player Grants. These need-based financial grants are available to junior competitors who participate in GAM championships. Michigan Golf Journal
A total of 36 grants of $275 each are available through an annual application process based primarily on family financial need and outside factors creating funding gaps for expenses related to competitive golf. One grant is intended to offset costs for one tournament; a junior player may request up to two grants per year. These funds highlight the GAM Foundation’s commitment to make golf affordable and accessible to the widest possible audience. Applications are now open and may be submitted by any junior golfer (or his / her parent or guardian) who has participated in or plans to participate in a GAM Championship,
AJGA Events in Michigan The AJGA is the leading series of tournaments for junior golfers wanting to attract the attention of college coaches. They will hold several tournaments around the state. Boyne Resort will host the Coca-Cola Junior Championship at the Highlands July 3-6. The Ann Arbor Preview will be held at Leslie Park Golf Course July 24-27. The UHY Junior at Forest Lake is scheduled for July 31-August 3. The Randy Wise Junior Open will be at Spring Meadows Country Club August 13-17. For more information, or to register visit: https:// www.ajga.org/schedule/2023?has_state=MI Michigan has a very active tournament schedule for junior golfers. If you have a child wants to become a better golfer get them enrolled in one, or more of these events today. USGA Championship, GAM Qualifier, or USGA Qualifier. Grant recipients must be eligible by age for GAM or USGA competition by the completion of the event. Michigan PGA Junior Championship The Michigan Section of the PGA will hold their state championship at Bedford Valley Golf Club in Battle Creek, June 22-23. The entry fee is $125.00, and the event is open to any Michigan resident ages 13-18 who is not a full-time college student. To enter, or for more information visit: Michigan Junior PGA Championship Michigan Golf Journal
Last month the USGA took another step and gave ‘notice and comment’ to golf fans and the golf industry that they are proceeding with plans to reduce the distance a golf ball can fly for professionals and elite amateurs. Given more athletic golfers and advancements to golf equipment, elite golfers can consistently drive over 300 yards. This prodigious distance is making older, more traditional golf courses obsolete for championship play. The required enhancements to golf courses to keep up with the longer carries are extremely expensive for the Proposed USGA Rollback Making Waves By Fred Altvater
golf courses, not to mention the additional costs to keep the additional yardage maintained. Golf fans are split on the benefits of the proposed rollback for professionals. One of the key aspects of golf is that average golfers can play many of the courses the pros play on and try to hit the same shots they see the pros pull off on television, with the same equipment. Golf ball manufacturers will be required to design and produce two different golf balls. One for PGA Tour, as well as USGA competitions and another for the everyday golfer. Titleist controls over 50% of the golf ball market and their President and CEO, David Maher issued this statement, “Playing by a unified set of rules is an essential part of the game’s allure, contributes to its global understanding and appeal, and eliminates the inconsistency and instability that would come from multiple sets of equipment standards. Unification is a powerfully positive force in the game, and we believe that equipment bifurcation would be detrimental to golf’s long-term wellbeing. As a result, we will actively participate in this conversation with the governing bodies, worldwide professional tours, PGA Professional organizations, amateur associations and federations, and golfers, in an effort to contribute to the continued enjoyment and growth of the game.” One of the leading golfers on the PGA Tour, Justin Thomas has openly spoken against the idea of different balls for professionals and average golfers. Mike May and Kieran Clark joined Back 9 Report to discuss the Pros and Cons of a golf ball rollback. You can see the entire episode here: Mou – leave a black rectangle Golf’s ruling bodies, the USGA and The R&A, have been studying this issue for over 20 years and have provided data that proves the everincreasing distance a golf ball can travel. Given that the trend continues on its current path, courses will be forced to add acreage and length to their courses. As early as 2017, when Tiger Woods was asked about mandating different golf balls for the professionals, he answered, “There is no reason why golf can’t be like baseball and have a line of demarcation between college, or amateur and the professional ranks, which would be the minor leagues all the way up to the bigs. My idea was to have it so that every professional Michigan Golf Journal
would have to play a reduced-flight ball. Even if you played a pro-member you would have a reduced-flight ball for the pro, and have to play with that type of ball, where as the amateur, go ahead and make it fun, juice the golf balls up, juice the clubs up and let them go have a great time. But at a professional level I see no reason why we can’t have it very similar to where baseball has it right now.” Jack Nicklaus has long proposed using a different golf ball for professionals, but the general golfing public is still not that enthusiastic about any change to the golf ball. Even though the gap between the average golfer and the professional is wider than it’s ever been, change is difficult for golfers.
It was announced last month that Shirley Spork would be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame, Monday, June 10, 2024, in Pinehurst. Spork, one of the original 13 founders of the LPGA, was born and raised near Detroit. She traveled with the other golfers during the fledgling days of the LPGA, but her passion leaned more to teaching the game. She earned a teaching degree from Eastern Michigan University and taught Physical Education at Bowling Green State University. Newest Hall of Famer From Michigan, Shirley Spork Shirley started the first women’s golf team at that school. She and her good friend Peggy Kirk Bell, who had also started a women’s team at nearby Findlay University arranged the first golf matches for women golfers. Spork went on to convince the LPGA to start an LPGA Teaching arm and helped bring more women into the game of golf. Back 9 Report was fortunate to interview Ms. Spork during the Solheim Cup held at The Michigan Golf Journal
Inverness Club in Toledo. Watch this entertaining interview here: Mou – insert black box Her family lived near the Bonnie Brook Golf Club and her first golf club was a putter that she bought for a dollar, at the age of 12, with money earned from selling golf balls she had found. She was forced to endure the laughter of the boys who caddied at the club 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 passed last year at the age of 94. She 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. Although a Buckeye, Tom Weiskopf, who designed golf courses at Forest Dunes and Shanty Creek, will also be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame class along with Padraig Harrington, Sandra Palmer, Johnny Farrell and Beverly Hanson.
Youth on Course Online Membership Registration Now Open Whether you were a Youth on Course member last year, or are interested in joining for the first time, the online join/renew section for Youth on Course is now available. The $15 annual membership will be valid for 365-days from the date of purchase which allows juniors to play at participating facilities for $5 or less. To register or learn more, please visit GAM.org/YOC. Registration Open for the 82nd GAM Father & Son/Parent & Child Championship Registration for the 82nd edition of the GAM Father & Son/Parent & Child Championship to be held July 31st, at Edgewood Country Club is now open. There will be a morning and afternoon shotgun, with the Parent & Child Championship & Pro Division taking place only during the a.m. session. Registration cost is $155 or $310 for the team and includes golf, cart, two meals, an 8x10 group photo and prizes for the gross and net flight winners! Mark your calendars! Golf News Michigan Michigan Golf Journal
Rocket Mortgage Classic Continues to Give More than $620,000 has been allocated toward the digital inclusion partnership Connect 313, bringing the total for Changing the Course initiative to more than $3.8 million The campaign to enroll Detroit families into the Affordable Connectivity Program (formerly the Emergency Broadband Benefit) recently surpassed 100,000 households. Through its donations the Rocket Mortgage Classic is helping the least digitally connected city in the country, Detroit, become a model for digital inclusion and has the highest rate of ACP signups nationwide. Since 2019, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has invested more than $6.8 million into local charitable organizations, including more than $3.8 million through its landmark “Changing the Course” digital inclusion effort. Connect 313 continues to be a national leader in driving digital connectivity. A partnership between the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Rocket Community Fund, Microsoft, City of Detroit and others, Connect 313 has recently surpassed its 100,000th household enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Detroit’s current ACP enrollment stands at 102,123 homes, representing more than 54% of qualified properties – the highest rate of enrollment nationwide for cities with more than 150,000 eligible households. “Closing the digital divide is one of the most important things we can do as a city to give Detroiters access to opportunity, and the Rocket Giving Fund has been a great partner in that effort,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “Thanks to its efforts with Connect 313 and others, more Detroiters of all ages are getting connected, at home and at 22 neighborhood tech hubs across the city.” The fifth-annual Rocket Mortgage Classic will be held June 27 – July 2 at the historic Detroit Golf Club.
Srixon Introduces Newest Enhancements to Z-Star Line By Ed Travis The golf ball has been making headlines recently due to the proposed roll back for professionals and elite amateur golfers. Titleist currently controls over 50% of the golf ball market. Callaway has 22% while the rest of golf ball manufacturers, Wilson, Vice, OnCore and Srixon compete for the remaining 28%. One of those, Srixon recently introduced their eighth rendition of their popular Z-Star line. Each of the Z-Star models feature a core with variable firmness, firmer on the outside and softer on the inside. This gradation of core response helps to provide higher ball speed and improved feel with the longer clubs. Srixon also reformulated their coating on the urethane cover called Spin Skin+. The improvement produces additional spin with short irons and wedges for more control. why technological advances like the new Spin Skin+ and FastLayer DG Core give players confidence that their ball is going to react how it should and excel in every category that matters – more spin, bite, and speed.” Fast Facts Srixon Z-Star Three-piece construction 6mm urethane cover 338 dimples Spin Skin+ White or yellow Srixon Z-Star XV Three-piece construction 5mm urethane cover 338 dimples Spin Skin+ White or yellow Srixon Z-Star Diamond Three-piece construction 6mm urethane cover 338 dimples Spin Skin+ White only The regular Z-Star is targeted for those with a 90+mph driver swing speed and has a mid-launch trajectory. The Z-Star XV is for higher swing speed players, 100+ mph, and produces a mid to high launch while the Z-Star Diamond fits neatly between the two. In addition, the Z-Star Divide is has returned, half white and half yellow, in the Z-Star and Z-Star XV models. “Finding the right golf ball for your game is just as important as finding the right irons or driver,” said Brian Schielke, General Manager of Srixon. “It’s the one piece of equipment you use on every single shot, which is
rest by walking until your heart rate returns to normal. Before you begin a new workout routine, check with your primary care physician to Weight Loss Exercises You Can Do At Home By Franciscan Health Some people are motivated by the social aspects of working out at the gym. Others worry about parking, gym fees or what may feel like critical glances from other people. You don’t really need to go outside the comfort of your own home to exercise and get fit. Before You Begin Warm up for at least three to five minutes before you start and cool down at the end. Engage your abdominal muscles as you exercise to build up your core strength. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid sitting down. If you need to take a break, Michigan Golf Journal
make sure it’s safe to do so, and follow any guidelines he or she provides. Strength-Training Exercises Full-body exercises build muscle and cardiovascular strength. THE PLANK – Lay face down on the ground. With your arms and legs extended, lift your body up, so your weight is rested on your hands and tiptoes. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat, working your way up to a full minute. SQUATS – Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend your knees until they’re in line with the tips of your toes at a 90-degree angle. Hold for a moment, then stand. Repeat for 15 repetitions. PUSH-UPS/SIT-UPS – Push-ups (starting on the knees or in a plank position) build bicep- and tricep- muscle strength, while sit-ups build your abdominal strength. Cardio Exercises The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that to ensure you’re getting all the benefits of cardio exercise; your target heart rate should be 64%-76% of your maximum heart rate for moderate-intensity physical activity and 77%-93% for vigorous physical activity. JUMPING JACKS/JUMPING ROPE – These traditional moves will get your heart rate going. According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, jumping rope for just 15 minutes is considered a moderateintensity workout. No jump rope? Mimic the motion and get the same results! MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS – Start in a plank position. Draw your right knee up toward your right arm, then back to starting position. Do the same with your left knee. Repeat quickly for 15 repetitions. STAIR-CLIMBING – Climbing up and down stairs in your home will strengthen your thigh and calf muscles, in addition to your heart. If you’ve got stairs leading to your apartment or inside your home, you’re in luck. Carrying heavy loads of groceries or other packages up the stairs could be considered a vigorous workout, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It recommends 75-150 minutes of this type of workout or 150-300 minutes of moderateintensity exercise per week in its publication, Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. No stairs? Simply jog or march in place. TIP: Take it up a notch by trying short intervals of cardio exercises, mixed with strength-training exercises. HealthDay News contributed to this article.
Mission Inn Resort Has New Owners, But Provides the Same Quality Experience By Len Ziehm Mission Inn Resort, one of Florida’s oldest golf resorts, is no stranger to hosting tournaments. The fourth playing of the Epson Tour’s Inova Mission Inn Resort & Club Championship is returning next month, but this time it’ll be different. In December, the Beucher family, who had owned the resort for 58 years, sold it to MMI Hotel Group, which has been owned by the Sturdevant family for 67 years. The family ownership aspect played a part in the sale and the Beuchers will continue to reside in the area, will remain as members of the club, plus will retain ownership of part of the property. MMI has deep roots in the Southeast, but its portfolio includes only one other golf facility, The King & Prince Beach and Golf Resort in St. Simons Island, Georgia. “We’re a golf resort, and golf is critical to our success and always will be,’’ said Dominick Buompastore, MMI vice president of operations.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this tournament. The Epson Tour is really great for us, and we have a contract for future years.” The Inovia Mission Inn Championship will be held, May 26-28. The field will be cut to the low 60 and ties after 36 holes. Two pro-am’s will be held on May 24 and 25, preceding tournament play. Previous winners at Mission Inn were Matilda Castren, Min Lee and Gina Kim. This year’s 144-player field will compete for $200,000 in prize money, with $30,000 going to the champion. Buompastore said an investment in technology has been the first order of business in the first three months of MMI’s ownership. Next comes an analysis of what should be done with the two golf courses, El Campeon, site of the Inova event with roots back to 1917, and Las Colinas, an 18-holer designed by ex-PGA Tour winner turned broadcaster Gary Koch in 1992. El Campeon is one of the oldest and most challenging courses in Florida. It was designed Michigan Golf Journal
by a Chicago architect, George O’Neil, and was brought into prominence after the Beuchers took over the resort in 1964. It has hosted a variety of high school, college and state professional tournaments, and its steeply-elevated terrain sets it apart from other Florida courses. Golf-wise the ownership change produced a significant staff adjustment. Michael Bowery, the former Director of Golf at Mission Inn, has turned that responsibility to Brian Mulry, while Bowery will assume a sales and marketing role under the new ownership. “It’ll allow me to go out to bring in things like this,’’ he said of the Inova Championship. “We’re always looking at those opportunities. We would love to host a televised LPGA event on this golf course.’’ The resort is a 35-minute drive northwest of Orlando. Its Spanish Colonial architecture features 176 hotel guest rooms, 131 deluxe rooms, 38 club suites, four one-bedroom suites, two twobedroom suites and one penthouse suite with three bedrooms. In addition to the two golf courses, Mission Inn has four restaurants, two lounges, plus a poolside bar. Amenities include tennis, pickleball, jogging, as well as cycling trails, volleyball courts, a spa, fitness center and a marina offering pontoons, bass boat and kayaks for eco-touring. More than 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space is available for meetings, banquets, holiday parties, weddings and special occasions. Mission Inn Resort makes a great place to stay slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando, but still close enough to drive into all the activities that the Orlando-area have to offer.
LastmonththePGATOURand LPGA Tour announced that a new mixed-team event, sponsored by Grant Thornton, will feature both women and men professionals competing Golf Club. The tournament will offer equal prize money and visibility for both the LPGA and the PGA Tour. The two tours last combined for a joint event in 1999 with the JC Penney Classic. The Wendy’s 3 Tour Challenge was held 19922013 and featured teams from the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and Champions Tour competing against each other. The Grant Thornton Invitational’s 32-player field will be comprised of 16 PGA TOUR New Joint Event For LPGA & PGA Tours By Fred Altvater together in a unique cosanctioned tournament. The Grant Thornton Invitational will be held at the end of the year,December4-10,atTiburón Michigan Golf Journal
and 16 LPGA Tour professionals competing for a $4 million purse and will be televised by NBC and Golf Channel. “We could not be more excited to add the Grant Thornton Invitational to our 2023 schedule,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “By joining forces with the PGA TOUR to host a mixed event where the top male and female golfers in the world compete alongside each other, we’re going to deliver a memorable and entertaining experience for all golf fans, showcasing our players’ incredible skills in a new context to a new audience. This is an important step forward for golf, women’s golf and the LPGA. We’re incredibly grateful for the leadership of our partners at the PGA TOUR and Grant Thornton, and we look forward to producing a best-in-class event that inspires, elevates and advances opportunities for golfers around the globe.” Grant Thornton CEO Seth Siegel echoes this sentiment: “At Grant Thornton, we believe golf can bring people together – to be their very best, to eliminate barriers to achievement and to help build inclusive communities. That’s why we are working with the PGA TOUR and the LPGA Tour to create a tournament where the world’s best golfers, both men and women, can compete head-to-head on a level playing field. We know that players and fans alike will enjoy this singular event and what it represents for sports and society.” “PGA TOUR athletes playing alongside the best athletes from the LPGA Tour is going to be incredible for our fans,” said Tony Finau, PGA TOUR professional golfer. “They’ve been wanting something like this for a long time. Our fans deserve it, and seeing Grant Thornton stepping up to help the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour put together this tournament, I think is very special.” “The Grant Thornton Invitational really is about being inclusive and showing people that golf can be accessible for everyone, no matter what way you play,” said Nelly Korda, LPGA Tour professional golfer. “This is going to be the perfect opportunity for me to do something important in helping to grow the game and inspire the next generation.” For more information visit: https:// grantthorntoninvitational.com/
The Ultimate Five-Course Menu of Golf Along The Outer Banks By Martin Armes The Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina has all the components needed to fashion a fivestar, five-course package full of food, fun and folic. There truly isn’t a better recreational activity than an 18-hole round out on warm, windswept links to build up an appetite, plus there isn’t a better destination to satisfy your need for a delicious meal than along the Tar Heel Coast. For those looking for the ultimate combination of great dining and golf, look no farther than the Outer Banks. For those looking to tee it up and drive their taste buds to another level, a round of golf at one of the five area golf courses will satisfy even the most demanding palate. Even better, string them all together over a course of days, and you come up with a five-course delight. First Course: The Appetizer There is no better place to start your OBX golf adventure than at The Pointe Golf Club in Powells Point because it is arguably the area’s most forgiving layout. This is a “wet-your-appetite” design, Michigan Golf Journal
features the best putting greens in the area and is a favorite among the locals. Nestled along the Currituck Sound, this forgiving design opened in the mid-1990s and is a unique blend of a traditional and a links-style layout. The wind is the great equalizer for scoring at The Pointe. It is located on the mainland and is closest to the beach, just west of the Wright Memorial Bridge. Second Course: The Soup The Carolina Club is the longest golf course in the region and is home to the only signature island green near the shore. The par-3, seventh hole highlights this outstanding 7,000-yard championship design featuring wetlands, water and bunkers galore. Now in its 25th year, The Carolina Club was designed by course legends Russell Breeden and Bob Moore. For those trying to finish with a low number on the scorecard, however, beware of the “soup” you have to hit over TWICE on the way to the 18th green. Third Course: The Salad Tree-lined and leafy green during the high season, Kilmarlic Golf Club is a mixing bowl of holes that will challenge all levels of golfers with its classic Tom Steele design located in Powells Point. As one of the more intricate layouts found anywhere across the state, Kilmarlic is continually looking to evolve its playing challenges and surfaces to keep up with golfer demand and intrigue. This marvel plays through a maritime forest and across sprawling wetlands where golf and the environment exist in perfect harmony.
Canopies of giant oak, pine and dogwood trees offer a unique setting for the game and several holes play in sight of the Albemarle Sound. Fourth Course: The Entrée As the OBX’s top-ranked layout according to statewide lists, The Currituck Club is the main course for many golfers visiting the region. It is over 20 years since it opened, but it will always remain the newest talk of the town. The sprawling 600-acre golf-resort property gives true meaning to “social spacing.” Its upscale ambiance situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Currituck Sound is also appropriate for both locals and visitors alike. Designed by famed architect Rees Jones, this big-league design winds through a beautiful maritime forest and offers prime views along the nearby sound and even out towards the Atlantic Ocean. Closing Course: The Dessert As the last but certainly not least is what could be considered the sweetest flavor of all, The Nags Head Golf Links. Cap off your memorable five-course menu with a round of golf unlike any you will ever experience again. As one of the area’s earliest designs, Nags Head Golf Links welcomes golfers to a wind-swept challenge and a “don’t mess with Mother Nature” experience playing hard along the Roanoke Sound. The appropriately named “Links” features as true a Scottish links replica design without requiring a long flight across the pond. Golfers who like to play later in the day are afforded a gorgeous summer sunset across the water. Ending your golf trip to the Outer Banks at Nags Head Links makes the perfect dessert for your trip to the Outer Banks. Check out the latest golf packages at: www.PlayOBXGolf.com Michigan Golf Journal
Playing indoor golf is one of the hottest trends in the golf industry. A recent report by Straits Research valued the golf simulator market at $1.3 billion in 2021, but that number is projected to triple by 2030. Golf Simulators are not just for commercial businesses, or the rich and famous. The simulator space has been dramatically expanding and becoming more affordable in the last ten years. Indoor multi-sport and golf simulator commercial play is booming. Food and entertainment businesses like Topgolf Swing Suite, X-Golf, and 5-Iron Golf have seen remarkable growth, with Topgolf indoor suites growing from 29 stores in 2019 to 120 plus locations. The development of indoor golf is not limited to commercial businesses. Recent technology advances in launch monitors have made home golf simulators more reliable and affordable, driving growth in residential installations as well. One company, Ace Indoor Golf, a leading golf simulator manufacturer and retailer in the United States, grew its business by more than 50% last year due to the popularity of home golf simulators. The company designs, sells, installs, and provides maintenance of golf simulators to businesses, golf clubs, individuals, golf teams, sim manufacturers, and the prominent golf retailers like PGA Tour Superstores and 5-Iron Golf. The company offers turnkey custom-designed solutions and “Do-ItGolf Simulators Projected to Triple by 2030 By Dave Daubert Michigan Golf Journal
Yourself” (DIY), off-the-shelf packages that fit golfers’ needs at every price point. Trevor Faust, Ace Indoor Golf’s president, has some excellent advice for golfers looking to put a simulator in their home. “For the DIYer, take your time, do the necessary research, and ask a lot of questions to be sure all of your components will work together correctly. The launch monitor, computer, hitting bay, projector, and screen must work together to provide a safe and enjoyable golf experience. Last, if your skills aren’t in building and technology, I’d suggest hiring a professional installer to prevent mistakes in your simulator setup that can cost you thousands of dollars.” The combination of consumer demand, affordability, and technological improvements has made simulator golf more popular than ever. If you are thinking about a residential, or commercial golf simulator, check out Ace Indoor Golf. They have years of experience, plus they can offer a variety of options to accommodate every budget.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Dave Daubert 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 Editor & Feature Writer at eSouthernGOLF, covering the Southeast USA, Texas and the Caribbean, Dave has been covering golf since the turn of the century. He was Managing Editor at a monthly regional golf magazine for 11 years and has been published in Canada and the IAGTO. Dave is also the Staff Writer for the Georgia Golf Trail. His insightful perspective brings the game of golf to life. Find him at https:// www.facebook.com/david.daubert.5 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 The winners of the five handicap divisions talk about the experience of playing Arnold Palmer’s home course Latrobe Country Club and winning a trip to Scotland to compete versus Team Scotland. Kieran Clark and Mike May join Back 9 Report to discuss the Pros & Cons of the USGA’s proposal to roll back the Golf ball for Pros and Elite Amateurs. The Masters will be held April 6-9. Here are some facts about the history of the course and the major championship. Team USA Versus Team Scotland Amateur Golf Championship Pros & Cons of Golf Ball Rollback Masters Facts Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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