Jimmy Buffett Loved Life & Golf FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report “I love cajun martinis and playin’ golf in the afternoon.” Like most Americans, I was a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett. The music downloads on my phone are filled with most of his light-hearted, yet meaningful and timeless creations. The “son of a son of a sailor” was a man of many talents and interests. A singer, pilot, author, song writer, “A pirate and a poet, but never a Lawyer, a Thief, or a Banker.” His musical genius was only matched by his business sense, as he was one of the most successful businessmen in the entertainment industry. Golf was also a passion. While on tour, he would schedule a round, or two at courses around the world. He played Portmarnock, while in Dublin and caught a quick round in France, before a concert in Paris. Jimmy even spent time as a caddie for Patricia Ehrhart, in 2018 during a practice round for the inaugural Senior Women’s Open at Chicago Country Club. His songs touched that tuning fork deep in our souls, made us want to wear brightly colored beach shirts and dance like no one was watching. He took us all to a hammock by the beach and his music could always make a difficult day at the office seem less grim. He was a “dreamer of dreams and a travelin’ man.” He lived a life bigger than most, but managed to keep it all in perspective. “Yes, he was a Pirate, but a Jolly Mon,” as well. Jimmy made the world a better place and will be sorely missed on concert stages, as well as golf courses around the world. I hope you enjoy the final issue of 2023. Plus, Hope I see you on the Back 9 on a Florida Golf Course this winter. 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 22 28 38 Top Golf Stories In 2023 2023 Saw Worthy Champions In Michigan Tournaments Three Inducted Into Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Pinehurst No. 10 To Open in April….No. 11 Coming Soon Michigan Pros Win National PGA Awards Ace Indoor Is A Leader In Golf Simulators Last Minute Golf Gifts 06 11 17 30 15 28 19 Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Continues to Impress! Shot Scope Unveils My Strategy 22 34 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors 5 Best Online Websites For Discount Golf Equipment Cabot Citrus Farms Set For January Opening 41 40 36 38 Michigan Golf Journal
Golf Continues Steady Growth Pattern Golf benefitted greatly from the COVID pandemic, but the numbers of golfers have continued to increase well after the major threat has dissipated. According to the National Golf Foundation year-to-date rounds played were 3% above 2022. Public courses have seen an increase of 3.7%, while private club’s rounds increased by 1.6% for the year. As the ranks of golfers continue to grow, albeit at a slow rate, the numbers of Juniors and Women taking up the game are increasing rapidly, accounting for 60% of the overall increase. Golf’s continued growth around the world was definitely one of the biggest stories in golf last year. Ryder Cup The highly anticipated 2023 Ryder Cup was held in the Italy Top Golf Stories In 2023 These increases can also be seen in gains in the sales of golfrelated equipment. Total golf equipment sales in 2022 was $8.37 billion. The numbers for this year are on track to reach $8.74 billion, up 4.4%. Golf is now more than ever a global sport and the wars in various parts of the world are affecting international growth. Still, sales of golf equipment worldwide are projected to reach nearly $10 billion by 2028. Michigan Golf Journal
and there were the normal players who were overlooked. One of the reasons for allowing six Captain’s picks was to assure the hottest players, could be granted spots on the team. No one, except for Viktor Hovland, was playing better than Lucas Glover, who won two consecutive events in August. He won the final event of the regular season, the Wyndham Championship and then added the first FedEx Cup Playoff tournament, the FedEx St. Jude Championship, for back-toback victories. Glover ended the season just shy of the number of points necessary to automatically qualify for the team and was not chosen as a Captain’s pick by Zach Johnson. Instead, Johnson chose Justin Thomas, who had a less than spectacular year. Thomas was not much of a factor in the Ryder Cup earning a grand total of 1.5 points for the American Team. Patrick Cantlay created more drama and disruption during Ryder Cup week by complaining about not receiving compensation for his Ryder Cup participation. He actively demonstrated by refusing to wear a cap during play and many feel his actions created a huge rift in the team dynamic. With all the drama surrounding Team USA, the European Team did what they always do, they bonded and beat the Americans handily. Led by Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland they swept the first session 4-0. Team USA only managed three halves in the afternoon session. The Europeans led by 3.5 points after the first day and never looked back. For the eighth time in the last 11 Ryder Cups, the Americans were vanquished by a final score 16.5-11.5. Rory McIlroy keeps up the Good Fight When the LIV began luring top players like, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Patrick Reed and later Cam Smith to the rival tour with gigantic monetary
guarantees, Rory McIlroy remained loyal to the PGA Tour and led the fight against the LIV. When the secret agreement, between Jay Monahan and PIF’s Yasir Al-Rumayyan was announced, Rory was displeased with the overall deal, plus the fact that as a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, he was only given two-hour’s notice before the deal was made public. It is the custom to keep Policy Board members, who represent the rank and file of the PGA Tour, abreast of issues confronting the tour and seek their feedback. Rory had led the charge in the media and was completely faithful to the corporate line. He felt betrayed by Monahan’s actions and lost faith in the PGA Tour. He resigned his seat on the Policy Board and is even making plans to move back to Ireland. The PGA Tour seems to have lost the faith and support of one of its biggest remaining stars. He only competed in two events in the 202223 season. He finished T-45 at the Genesis Invitational and after two rounds of 74-73 missed the cut at The Masters. Woods was in obvious pain during The Masters and underwent ankle surgery in April. He has been in recovery since, but is scheduled to compete in the Hero World Challenge and the PNC Parent/Child in December. Hopefully he has recovered enough to be competitive and we will see more of him in 2024. Tiger Woods Has More Surgery Everyone knows that Tiger Woods is the main focus in golf, even when he is not playing. PGA Tour & PIF strike Secret Deal With attorney’s fees draining the PGA Tour’s coffers and the Saudi PIF with a seemingly endless bank account, PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan struck a deal with Yasir AlRumayyan to stop the litigation and form a merger agreement. With a large investment into the PGA Tour, the agreement would place Al-Rumayyan as the head of a new world golf entity that would oversee the PGA and DP World Tours, as well as the LIV. Monahan would remain as CEO and run the everyday operations. This new deal did not sit well with a number of players on the PGA Tour that had remained loyal to the brand. With a December 31st deadline looming to complete the proposed deal with the PIF, it is becoming unlikely that it will actually come to fruition. Michigan Golf Journal
PGA Championship The PGA Championship was played at historic Oak Hill Golf Club and Brooks Koepka overcame his collapse at Augusta to win his fifth major championship title. The victory earned him a spot on the Ryder Cup Team and guarantees Koepka a spot in all the majors through the 2028 season. U.S. Open Championship Wyndham Clark has been a solid player on the PGA Tour. His first win came in May at the Wells Fargo Championship and followed that by 2023 Major Champions The four major championships are always the highlight of every golf season and 2023 was no different. Although LIV players had limited access to qualify for the majors, a couple of LIV players performed well. The Masters LIV player Brooks Koepka seemed to be in complete control for 54 holes at Augusta, but on Sunday he faltered and Jon Rahm passed him to win his second major title and first Green Jacket. This was one of four wins for Rahm in 2023. He has become one of the most dominant players on tour.
winning the U.S. Open at L.A. Country Club in June. His year included 25 made cuts, eight top ten finishes with over $10 million in earnings. He has esconsed himself as one of the best players on tour, but will be hard pressed to improve over last year’s performance. in Puerto Rico. With just 98 events played on tour, Viktor has six wins and 20 Top Five finishes. In August he won both the BMW Championship and The Tour Championship to finish out the FedEx Cup Playoffs and pocket the $18 million bonus. He finished out the year helping the Europeans soundly defeat the Americans in the Ryder Cup. Hovland has yet to win a major championship, but with top ten finishes in three of the four majors, including a runner up at the 2023 PGA Championship, don’t be surprised to see the Norwegian hoisting a major trophy sooner than later. The OPEN Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Harman used a second round 65 to jump into the lead that he never relinquished. Missing greens in regulation, he calmly displayed his mastery of chipping and putting to hoist the Claret Jug. Harman gives hope to short hitters everywhere. Victor Hovland Reaches Elite Status With FedEx Cup Win After winning the 2018 U.S. Amateur, Viktor Hovland quickly earned his PGA Tour membership for 2019. He quickly gained his maiden PGA Tour victory in February, 2020 The OPEN Championship Short-hitting journeyman professional, Brian Harman used a dynamite short game to capture Michigan Golf Journal
2023 Saw Worthy Champions In Michigan Tournaments Rickie Fowler Won The Rocket Mortgage Classic The PGA Tour visited Detroit Golf Club for the fifth Rocket Mortgage Classic and fan favorite, Rickie Fowler came away with his first win on the PGA Tour since the 2016 Waste Management Open. Fowler had fallen outside of the Top 50 in the world and this win put him squarely back into the mix as one of golf’s elite players. Since 2019, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has invested more than $6.8 million into Detroit charitable organizations, including more than $3.8 million through its landmark “Changing the Course” digital inclusion effort. Learn more about this year’s beneficiaries and how ‘Connect 313’ helps the community at: https://www.rocketmortgageclassic.com/beneficiaries. By Fred Altvater Meijer LPGA Classic This year’s winner in Grand Rapids, Leona Macguire chose to continue a tradition started by 2021 Meijer LPGA Classic winner, Nelly Korda and continued by 2022 winner, Jennifer Kupcho, by donating $25,000 of her first-place check to the ‘Kid’s Food Basket.’ Macguire is one of the current rising stars on the LPGA and is the perfect champion to represent the Meijer LPGA Classic. Michigan Hosts Two LPGA Tournaments Michigan golf fans have been supporting LPGA events in the state for many years and 2023 was no different. The Meijer LPGA Classic and Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational (DGLBI) were held in Grand Rapids and Midland with worthy champions crowned and needed dollars generated for Michigan charities.
Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational Cheyenne Knight and Elizabeth Szokol teamed up to win the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Midland. This was the second LPGA win for Knight, who won the 2019 Volunteers of America Classic. For the 28-year-old Szokol this was her first LPGA Tour win, but she also won the 2018 IOA Classic on the EPSON Tour. The Dow GLBI donates to charities across the Great Lakes Bay Region and has awarded more than $1.5 million since its inception in 2019. PGA Tour Champions Visited Warwick Hills for the Ally Challenge With 34 PGA Tour wins, three of which came at Warwick Hills and 66 worldwide victories, Vijay Singh collected his fifth PGA Tour Champions win at the Ally Challenge in Grand Blanc. Singh got a little help from Paul Goydos, who five putted the 17th green to hand the title to Singh. It was Singh’s first PGA Tour Champions title in nearly five years. His last win came at the 2018 at the season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship. The primary beneficiary of the proceeds from the Ally Challenge is the United Way of Genesee County. Since its inception in 2018, The Ally Challenge presented by McLaren has donated a total of more than $4.5 million in support of local charities in the greater Flint area and beyond. Michigan Hosts Two EPSON Tour Events The EPSON Tour provides a series of professional tournaments for young women trying to advance to the LPGA Tour. Michigan Golf Journal
Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship Wake Forest alumna, Siyun Liu started the final day of the Firekeepers Casino Hotel Championship in a four-way tie for the lead with Amelia Garvey, Lindsey McCurdy, and Min-G Kim. In that last round she battled inclement weather, her nerves, and a charging Amelia Garvey to secure a one-shot victory at Battle Creek Country Club. In 2022, Liu worked as an intern for EPSON America and one year later she became a firsttime EPSON Tour winner. She had been showing signs of playing winning golf, coming into the tournament, with a tie for ninth at the LOTTE Championship on the LPGA Tour and another top ten at the EPSON Tour’s Casino Del Sol Golf Classic. Island Resort Championship This was the 12th year that Sweetgrass Golf Club at the Island Resort Casino in Escanaba hosted the EPSON Tour. The field of 156 young women from all over the world competed for the $225,000 purse and their chance to earn an automatic exemption onto the 2024 LPGA Tour. In her rookie season, Tsai Cheng Tseng won the 2023 Island Resort Championship in just her second start on the EPSON Tour. This was not her first professional win, she previously won the 2022 SAMPO Ladies Open in Taiwan. But, the $33,750 first- place check earned her full membership on the EPSON Tour and leg up on making it to the 2024 LPGA Tour. Michigan Golf Fans Support Professional Golf Michigan has a great history of hosting professional golf tournaments and 2023 proved to be another successful season. Michigan golf fans love to watch the best players in the world compete on local courses, plus their support helps local Michigan Charities.
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Michigan Pros Win PGA National Awards From PGA of America Last month the PGA of America held their annual meeting in their new facilities in Frisco, Texas. Two Michigan golf industry professionals were recognized and won national awards from the PGA. Bernie Friedrich: PGA Golf Executive Of The Year Bernie Friedrich, named the 2023 PGA Golf Executive of Friedrich started as a Golf Professional at Boyne Resorts in 1976 and has been instrumental in helping to make BOYNE one of the leading golf destinations in the country. He oversees all of BOYNE Golf’s 13 courses and semiprivate clubs in Michigan, Maine and Montana, including all staff, course agronomy and marketing nationwide, plus two golf membership groups— the Year, has been with BOYNE Golf Resort for over 45 years and is currently the Senior Vice President of Golf Operations for Boyne Resorts. The honor recognizes outstanding services in an Executive Management position, as well as leadership, vision, courage, moral character and a substantial record of service to the Association and the game.
Bay Harbor Golf Club and the Country Club of Boyne. A multi award-winning PGA Member at the Section level, Friedrich has been recognized as the Golf Professional of the Year twice (1998, 2001), Bill Strausbaugh Award recipient (2019), PGA Golf Executive of the Year (2021) and five times as Merchandiser of the Year (1990-’92, 1995-’96). In 2019, he was inducted into both the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. His commitment to service and supporting philanthropic initiatives runs deep. He currently serves on the Michigan PGA Employment Committee, is a founding member and board member of The First Tee of Northern Michigan and is a co-founder of the Harbor Cup Fund, a charitable fund that has raised more than $700,000, since its inception in 1997. This year, Team Boyne, led by Friedrich, raised a record-breaking $90,000 for the Manna Food Project, a local food bank, and the First Tee of Northern Michigan. The donation to Manna provided 240,000 meals to local families in need. Friedrich attended Northern Michigan University and has also been involved in course development during his tenure with BOYNE Resorts. Ian Ziska: PGA Merchandiser of the Year For Public Courses Ian Ziska, American Dunes’ Head Golf Professional, was named the recipient of the 2023 PGA Merchandiser of the Year Award for Public Golf. The award recognizes a PGA Professional, who has excelled in business and merchandising in the promotion of golf. Ziska oversees the retail operation at American Dunes offering a widespread collection of patriotic golf gear. All profits from the sale of merchandise at American Dunes supports the Folds of Honor Foundation. Ziska takes pride in designing creative displays that showcase patriotism, innovative style and new trends. He is a seven-time Michigan PGA Section Merchandiser of the Year (Public Category - 2014, ‘16, ‘17, ’18, ‘21, ‘22; and Resort Category - 2010). He has also been awarded the Section’s Horton Smith Award in 2018, Youth Player Development Award in both 2006 and 2016. He received the 2016 Bill Strausbaugh Award. Ziska graduated from the Ferris State University’s PGA Golf Management Program, where he played on the men’s golf team and earned his PGA Membership. He has served as the Michigan PGA Section Tournament Chair, as well as the Northern Michigan PGA Chapter President, Vice President and Tournament Chair. Prior to his arrival at American Dunes Golf Club in 2019, Ziska spent seven years as the Manager & PGA Head Golf Professional at Ferris State University’s Katke Golf Course and 11 years at Manistee National Golf and Resort, ascending to serve as the facility’s PGA Head Golf Professional. Michigan Golf Journal
Three Inducted Into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame By Greg Johnson, GAM.org 2023 Inductees are Jerry Faubel, Doug LaBelle and Jean Murray Gerald “Jerry” Faubel was the superintendent at Saginaw Country Club for over 35 years and a national turfgrass leader. Doug LaBelle II was a golf professional that played on the PGA Tour, as well as other professional tours around the world. Jean Murray was a standout player, Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) volunteer and high school golf coach. These three join the other 137 members enshrined into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF). The MGHOF, founded in 1982, also presented just a sixth Historical Special Award to the Michigan Section PGA, which in 2022 celebrated 100 years as one of the 41 sections of the PGA of America. Jerry Faubel, who passed away at home in Arcadia in December of 2022 at the age of 81, was a native of Iowa who came to Michigan for the superintendent’s job at Saginaw Country Club in 1969. He was the first president of the MidMichigan Turf Association and was a board member for seven years with the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Faubel also traveled around the world to promote turfgrass studies and research, served with United States Golf Association (USGA) committees in multiple roles, helped found Executive Golf Search Inc. to aid superintendents in job placement, and with legendary golf course architect Robert Trent Jones created a scholarship endowment fund. Doug LaBelle II, 48 and a real-estate broker in Mount Pleasant, played tour golf for 16 years, including four on the PGA Tour and eight on what is now the PGA’s Korn Ferry Tour. He collected 96 PGA Tour starts including a pair of U.S. Opens and a British Open,
plus he played in 150 Korn Ferry tournaments. He won over $2.4 million combined and collected two Korn Ferry wins. At the University of New Mexico, he was a two-time All-American and won three individual titles. In 1998 he was a prestigious Palmer Cup selection for Team USA. While growing up he won multiple junior golf titles, was an allstate selection in high school and in the 1996 Michigan Amateur Championship was the runner-up to legend Pete Green. Jean Murray, 85 a former GAM Governor and now Honorary Governor, continues to volunteer, won the inaugural GAM Senior Women’s Championship in 1997 and four times was in the top 10 on the GAM Honor Roll. She won multiple Michigan Women’s Golf Association titles and was the Mount Pleasant Country Club’s Champion 22 honor its history and the work of over 800 members. PGA Professionals not only compete, but teach the game, direct golf facilities and are involved in various philanthropic efforts like Project Hope and Folds of Honor supporting military veterans, the Midnight Golf Program in Detroit and growthe-game junior golf initiatives like PGA Junior League and Drive, Chip & Putt. The MGHOF is a heralded collection of portraits, plaques and memorabilia that commemorate its 137 members, including Walter Hagen and Chuck Kocsis and Al Watrous, and more current notables Meg Mallon, Dan Pohl and Kelly Robbins. The collection is housed and displayed in the Ken Janke Sr. Golf Learning Center, which is named in honor of the MGHOF co-founder. For more information and to learn about the current members of the Hall of Fame, visit mghof.org. times. In 2009 at age 71 after two hip replacements, she won the prestigious Spring Lake Invitational. She also coached the girls’ golf team at Mount Pleasant High for 10 years, winning a state title in 1978 and leading four state runnerup teams. She also served the Mid-Michigan District Women’s Golf Association and the Saginaw Valley Women’s Golf Association. The Michigan Section PGA received the Special Award to Michigan Golf Journal
Last Minute Golf Gifts Volvik Golf Balls The most colorful ball in golf makes the ideal gift for any golfer on your Christmas list. Volvik has over 40 years’ experience in golf ball production. Their innovations have led the industry in the production of 3- and 4-piece multi-layer high performance golf balls for players of every skill set. They created the world’s first matte finished golf ball and they continue to expand their product line with their newest Vivid ball. Volvik golf balls have been in use on the world’s professional tours since 2012. Just in time for Christmas, purchase two dozen Vivid golf balls and receive a free leather belt. (Offer expires 12-10-2023) Help your favorite golfer stand out in the crowd and play with colorful Volvik golf balls. Find out more at: https://volvik.com/ Gear Up Sportswear If your favorite golfer could use a little upgrade in his oncourse wardrobe, Gear Up Sportswear has a variety of golf shirts that will make him, or her look like a pro. Gear Up Sportswear shirts will never wrinkle, shrink or fade, even after hundreds of washings. Their proprietary blend of fabrics keep golfers cool and looking good on the course, or off. Your favorite golfer will love them, they are the most durable, comfortable and affordable shirts you can buy. Available in men’s and women’s styles. Order today at: https://gearupsportswear.com/ Ace Indoor Golf Simulators How about an in-home golf simulator for the golfers in your life. Ace Indoor Golf has been customizing simulators to fit every situation. Want something simple in the garage, or more formal for the man cave, Ace Indoor has the
experience to bring golf into your home for the whole family to enjoy. If your guy is a DIY’er, Ace Indoor Golf has the individual components to build your own simulator at a price every Santa can afford. Visit their website: https:// aceindoorgolf.com/ SQAIRZ Golf Shoes SQAIRZ Golf Shoes have taken the golf world by storm. A blend of research and modern technology SQAIRZ Golf Shoes provide a stable foundation to help produce a balanced golf swing. Nick Faldo believes in them and Sepp Straka wins with them, on the PGA Tour. Every golfer will be happy to find a new pair of SQAIRZ Golf shoes in their stocking this Christmas. Find out more at: https://sqairz. com/ Michigan Golf Journal
Square Launcher Xccelerator Makes Golf Simple Again The Square Launcher Xccelerator helps reduce unruly swing thoughts to create a repeatable swing that produces a square club face and makes the game easier. By helping to imitate a natural underhand tossing motion the Square Launcher Xccelerator provides one easy repeatable motion to more consistently produce solid contact and better golf shots. The inventors of the Square Launcher Xccelerator tested over 60 different methods of golf improvement aids, but found this to be the best solution. Improve your practice sessions and build muscle memory using the Square Launcher Xccelerator to create more consistency in your game. To learn more watch this short video, https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=zc-UEks7HXE and visit their website: https://squarelaunchergolf. com/. Brand the Hand Help your golfer stand out on the course with a personalized golf glove from Brand the Hand. Simply choose your personal design, or logo and they will create a custom designed golf glove. These also make great gifts for corporations to give at Christmas, or anytime. To order yours visit: https://brandthehandnow. com/. Golf Lessons For Your Favorite Golfer If you are tired of listening to your favorite golfer complain about the state of his game, why not purchase golf lessons for his Christmas gift? Gift Certificates are available to slip in his stocking and make 2024 a better year on the golf course. To purchase a series of lessons visit: https:// toledoohiogolflessons.com/
Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail Continues To Impress! By Fred Altvater As every golfer knows, Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (RTJ Golf Trail) with 11 locations stretching from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee state line, is one of the best golf values in the country. As early as the late-1980’s Dr. David Bronner, head of the Alabama state employee retirement fund, was seeking options to widen their investments to benefit the state. He believed that a system of golf courses would not only serve Alabama residents, but would also help lure more industry to the state, thus create more jobs. Michigan Golf Journal
Most top-name designers rejected Bronner’s idea of building eight locations simultaneously and completing them in 18 months. Robert Trent Jones Sr. accepted the challenge, and the Trail officially began operations in 1992. It has become one of the most successful economic development ventures of all time, attracting hoards of golf travelers, as well as, several corporations, like Mercedes and Hyundai, to build new plants within Alabama borders. Click HERE to learn more about the beginnings of the RTJ Golf Trail and Dr. David enjoying the hospitality and comfort of the Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa. Ross Bridge is the highest rated course on the RTJ Golf Trail and is a masterpiece. The naturally rolling terrain makes for interesting side-hill lies, while three-putts await on the slick undulating greens. Oxmoor Valley, with two championship courses, The Ridge and The Valley, plus Ross Bridge are located within a few minutes of each other and provide 54 holes of challenging golf. The Trail’s most recent addition, The Back Yard at Oxmoor Bronner in the October 2015 issue of Ohio Golf Journal. On a recent visit to the RTJ Golf Trail, we flew into Birmingham, played Oxmoor Valley and Ross Bridge, while
Valley, is a nine-hole walking course that will appeal to low handicappers as well as juniors and beginners. The Back Yard’s rolling terrain provides a variety of shot values, plus there are no water hazards to drown wayward shots. The shortest hole is just 59 yards and the longest 132 yards. A warning: once you play The Back Yard you may want to cancel your tee times on the big course and replay it a number of times. We dined locally at the newly re-opened Brock’s at the Renaissance Ross Bridge and the awardwinning Saw’s Soul Kitchen. These great culinary options, and the addition of The Back Yard make Birmingham a must-play destination for serious Golfaholics. Golf Journalist and course rater, Queen on the Green, Phyllis Barone loved the golf, the lodging and the food, “ The luxurious golf resorts and spas on the RTJ Golf Trail, offer golf travelers the very best in courses, accommodations, and dining. The Southern hospitality will surely exceed all expectations. Practice your putting and experience the tasty Nana Puddin’.” Our next stop on the RTJ Trail was at Capitol Hill, just north of Montgomery, the state capital. Capitol Hill’s three championship courses, The Judge, The Legislator and the Senator, have hosted several professional and top amateur tournaments. The Marriot at Capitol Hill also offers comfortable accommodations, as well as delicious dining options. The first tee on the Judge immediately grabs your attention, as it sits 200 feet above the fairway, plus water comes into play on several holes. The Legislator is more traditional with treelined fairways overlooking the Alabama River. The Senator is an homage to links golf. Wind Michigan Golf Journal
is normally present and pot bunkers litter the fairways. Our journey ended at the RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National in Auburn-Opelika. Grand National has two championship courses, The Links and The Lake, plus a short course. Robert Trent Jones Sr. called this site the single greatest natural terrain for a golf course he had ever seen. Lake Saugahatchee comes into play on 32 of the 54 holes at Grand National. The onsite Marriott Golf Resort and Spa at Grand National offers great stay and play options. It also features lighted tennis and pickleball courts, a resort pool and tiki bar, plus a three-story luxurious spa. While in town, we were able to visit Auburn University’s football stadium and the new Rane Culinary Center at AU. This innovative center is educating the next generation of great chefs, sommeliers, brewers and those seeking careers in the hospitality industry. After our tours, drinks on the rooftop of the boutique Laurel Hotel began our
evening, and we ended with dinner at local favorite The Hound, featuring everything “bacon and bourbon”. If the RTJ Golf Trail doesn’t have enough golf to suit your football fans, the Crimson Tide stadium provided a fascinating tour. While in Tuscaloosa, we stayed in the 118-room boutique hotel, The Alamite, which makes the perfect overnight stop. The Forte’ Restaurant features French staples and the steakhouse inspired menu pairs nicely with their collection of wines and cocktails. If you want a more relaxed dining experience, Dreamland BBQ located in Tuscaloosa has the best ribs, chicken and pork barbeque to be found. Word to the wise: Be sure to save room for the Banana Pudding (nana puddin’) for dessert. fancy, Ol Colony, a municipal course located in Tuscaloosa and designed by Jerry Pate, is a treat that will please every skill-level of golfer. Although it’s major enemy territory for both Ohio State and Michigan Michigan Golf Journal
The Trail has eight Marriot and Renaissance luxury hotels scattered across the state that provide visitors with comfort, class and easy access to the golf courses. Play where the pros play, several courses on the Trail have hosted PGA TOUR, PGA Tour Champions, Korn Ferry and LPGA Tour events. From the Gulf Coast to the rolling hills of northern Alabama, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offers a variety of challenging courses, delicious dining opportunities, comfortable lodging and, of course, the best value golf to be found anywhere. Visit www.GolfAlabama.org for more information.
Ace Indoor Is a Leader in Golf Simulators Ace Indoor Golf is a leading company in the golf simulator industry, offering custom design, installation, and sales nationwide. The company was founded by Tom Dewire and Joe Neumeyer, former AboutGolf executives who saw a need for a nationwide, trusted golf simulator expert who could help golfers bring the sport indoors and avoid costly installation mistakes. Ace products and installations are trusted by top golf retailers like PGA Tour SuperStore, Edwin Watts, Roger Dunn, Worldwide Golf, and more. In fact, Ace has provided products and installation for 5-Iron By Len Ziehm Golf, GolfTec, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foresight, and Uneekor. The company sells a wide range of simulators for various playing levels and budgets, including beginners, juniors, and professionals. A golf simulator manufacturer and retailer, Ace offers DIY online golf simulator sales and a free 30-minute consultation with a simulator consultant to help you find the right solution. For golfers who want a home or commercial golf simulator solution, one of Ace Indoor Golf’s core services is custom golf simulator design. For a small fee, the company will work closely with clients to identify their unique needs and preferences. The latest design tools and technologies are used to create 3D models and blueprints of the proposed simulator, giving clients a realistic feel of what the final product will look like. Their trusted designers and Michigan Golf Journal
engineers provide valuable insight and solutions based on decades of experience. Ace’s designs are tailored to fit any space, budget, and golfing ability, allowing for players an immersive and enjoyable experience without leaving their homes or commercial golf facilities. Apart from design, Ace Indoor Golf also provides installation services throughout North America, ensuring that the simulators are set up correctly and efficiently. Ace Indoor Golf’s installers are experienced and well-equipped to handle any installation challenge, ensuring that the final product performs optimally, meets all safety standards, and offers an entertaining and valuable golf experience. Clients’ convenience is valued, and installations are scheduled based on clients’ preferences, with minimal disruption to their daily routines. In addition to design and installation, Ace Indoor Golf is known for its high-quality golf screens and enclosures, manufactured in-house to the highest standards with top-quality materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, and rigorous quality control checks. Screens and enclosures come in various sizes and designs, ensuring they suit any space and style. Ace Indoor Golf keeps itself updated with the latest trends and products in the evolving sport of golf and collaborates with industryleading companies to offer the best products and services. Partnerships with leading brands such as Trackman, Foresight, and SkyTrak enable Ace Indoor Golf to deliver cutting-edge golf simulators, ensuring clients get the best possible experience. In conclusion, Ace Indoor Golf is a company that strives to bring the game of golf indoors. The services offered include custom design, installation, and sales of golf simulators, as well as the high-quality manufacturing of screens and enclosures. Ace Indoor Golf’s experienced, passionate, and knowledgeable team ensures you get the dream golf simulator you’ve always wanted. We’ll do the hard work if you don’t want to. Custom or DIY Golf Simulator Sales & Installation. www.aceindoorgolf.com l 855-926-3283
Pinehurst No. 10 To Open In April…No. 11 Coming Soon Pinehurst is truly the “Cradle of American Golf’ and continues to grow. The Pinehurst Resort has announced that it will open Pinehurst 10, in April next year. Soon after, the USGA will open Golf House Pinehurst in July, with the World Golf Hall of Fame to be ready shortly after that. By Len Ziehm with Pictures By Joy Sarver Michigan Golf Journal
The USGA is moving its headquarters from New Jersey to Pinehurst and the Hall of Fame is being shifted to the area from St. Augustine, Florida. Construction is well underway on both projects, located between The Carolina Hotel and the first tee of Pinehurst No. 2, which is set to host the 2024 U.S. Open, in June. Of these upcoming events, the opening of the 10th course at Pinehurst might be the most significant. Spoiler alert: An 11th course at Pinehurst is already on the drawing board. Pinehurst No. 10 will also be the site for the USGA’s equipment testing facility. “Pinehurst gave us 40 acres of land over there, some of which will be used as our test pavilion for club’s and balls’ compliance,’’ said Janeen Driscoll, USGA’s Director ofBrandCommunications. ”Turfgrass research may also be done there.” Tee times are already being booked for No. 10, for those Golfaholics wanting to be among the course’s first players. The new course designed by Tom Doak was put next must-play course, and that didn’t bode well for The Pit,‘’ said Farren. The Pit had been closed, but Pinehurst bought it in 2010, and that brought the total acreage up to 900 acres. For a decade nothing was done with the acreage, until the decision was made to hire Doak to build a new course, but getting the project underway wasn’t easy. “Tom wanted the job, but couldn’t start until 2025, or 2026 (because of other projects he was working on),’’ said Farren. “We wanted it done this year. Tom said together in a surprisingly short time on land that once housed ‘The Pit,’ a Dan Maples design, built in the early 1980’s. “The Pit was successful for a long time,’’ said Bob Farren, director of golf course & grounds management at Pinehurst. “Guys always wanted to play The Pit. It had its niche and was a unique golf course with rugged, short, mounds of dirt. It was successful for 25 years, until Michael Strantz built Tobacco Road.’’ Farren describes Tobacco Road as, “a larger version of The Pit.’’ “Tobacco Road became the
he needed to be finished by September. We had our doubts about that, due to obtaining the proper permits and approvals.’’ Finding a capable crew at short notice was also a problem. A New Jersey firm offered 65 workers to begin work in January, 2023, but two-thirds of them would be needed for other projects, within months. Clearing the site started in late December of 2022, with the real work set to begin in January. Angela Moser came on site as Doak’s associate architect and by midSeptember Pinehurst No. 10 looked very much like a very intriguing golf course. While that work was being completed Pinehurst administrators were already making plans for course No. 11. Although not yet formally announced, Farren is sure it will be coming soon. The architects have been chosen and preliminary work has begun. According to Farren, this new project has an interesting history, as well. “Robert Trent Jones (Sr.) had owned the property there, and we bought it. Rees Jones (son of Robert Sr.) had built No. 7 and the first version of No. 4. fairways, centipede turf rough with native sandscape and some wiregrass plants in the bunkers. The 10th hole on No. 10 will be a 640-yard monster par 5 with lots of humps and bumps. There won’t be much water on the course, mainly just an irrigation pond at No. 17. The new course will be walkingonly with caddies. Holes 9 and 15 will share a the same tee, plus there will be three styles of bunkers, some Then 9/11 happened. We had to put a chain on the gates.” That’s where the No. 11 project stands now, but probably not for long. “No. 10 will be a destination by itself with No. 11 alongside. Cottages are planned to be added, as well, so people can stay on the property.’’ A tour of No. 10 with Farren demonstrated that it is cut from the same fabric as No. 2 and No. 4, with broad, expansive Michigan Golf Journal
made even more difficult with native plants in them. The most talked about hole on the Tenth Course will be the par-4 eighth. The tee shot must be carried over, or around an unusually high mound with four more large mounds surrounding the green. It’ll be a hole you won’t forget. Already with famed tournament course No. 2, Gil Hanse’s brilliant re-design of No. 4, the par-3 Cradle and the historic Pinehurst Inn, Pinehurst has long been one of America’s best golf destinations. Now with the addition of No. 10 and a future course, No. 11, Pinehurst is continuing to offer the best in golf travel and lodging.
Shot Scope Unveils My Strategy Since it was founded less than 10 years ago, Shot Scope based in Edinburgh, Scotland has been a leader in shot tracking and GPS applications. They now offer a new feature for their mobile app called My Strategy. My Strategy allows players prior to the round to plot out the best way to play each hole which makes it great for traveling and serious golfers. How many times have you played an unfamiliar course and your ball found a water hazard, or bunker that you couldn’t see and didn’t realize was there? The APP uses data from 30 of your most recent wood and shots to suggest the best routing for you to attack the hole. By Ed Travis with each hole and truly build a game plan ahead of a round,” said David Hunter, CEO, Shot Scope. “This insight is invaluable for competitive tournament players, or golfers playing a new course for the first time. MyStrategy, as a feature is available across all of our Shot Scope game tracking products, allows golfers to play their best and improve their score on any course, anywhere.” Click HERE to learn more about Shot Scope’s MyStrategy. Available for both Android and iOS, the Shot Scope APP syncs data from Shot Scopes GPS rangefinders, Smart Watches and tracking tags to show the best club off the tee, aiming point and line to avoid both the rough and hazards. The data tracks an individual’s shot tendencies and typical distance with each club to provide the most effective course management. Shot dispersion tendency, plus wind and elevation adjustments are also available for each shot. “Any golfer can now go online and look at a course and hole layout, but with the MyStrategy feature Shot Scope golfers can actually match their performance stats Michigan Golf Journal
The Five Best Online Websites For Discount Golf Equipment From Ed Schmidt Jr; The Golf Travel Guru 1. Global Golf Featuring a massive inventory with every big name brand imaginable, Global Golf offers lots of big discounts and specials on a regular basis. Opened in 2006, Global Golf boasts that, “it combines an unprecedented personal touch with unique expertise from numerous inhouse PGA Professionals and a renowned e-commerce capability to satisfy golfers of all skill levels”. 3. Hurricane Golf Hurricane Golf carries only new and authentic golf brands such as Callaway, Adidas, TaylorMade and Cleveland to name just a few. Most of these brands are acquired directly from the manufacturer or through pro shop overstocks. It’s a great site to get Big Name Brands at Discount Prices Buying golf equipment online can be a scary proposition. Knock offs of big-name brands are common and a buyer can never be sure he is getting exactly what he is paying for. After surfing the Internet, we have compiled a list of the best websites, from which to buy discount golf equipment. 2. Rock Bottom Golf Rock Bottom boldly claims that “ we have the guaranteed lowest prices on golf clubs, apparel, balls, bags and more.” They back it up with a Low Price Guarantee. For deep discounts try the 25% Off Clearance Cave. Michigan Golf Journal
4. WorldWide Golf Shops This one-stop site features an unbelievable selection of equipment, footwear, apparel, bags, balls and more at affordable prices. Represented on World Wide Golf Shops are some of the most respected names in the golf retail industry like Edwin Watts, Roger Dunn Golf Shops and Golfers’ Warehouse. 5. Golf Discount Founded in 1995, GolfDiscount.com offers guaranteed lowest price, free shipping on orders over $99 with some exceptions and a 5 Star Google rating for customer service. You name it, they’ve got it with a mammoth selection of clubs, bags, carts, shoes and apparel for both men and women as well as GPS and rangefinders. Also, don’t miss the special closeout section, which has some amazing deals. Buying any golf equipment on the internet can be risky, but these online shops offer the brand names and quality products golfers need to perform their absolute best on the course.
Cabot Citrus Farms Set For January Opening Anyone who has been to Ben CowanDewar’s properties, Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, or Cabot Highlands in Scotland, knows firsthand that he demands everything be first-class and beyond. By Steve Pike Cabot Citrus Farms will be the most highly anticipated new Florida golf destination in over a decade, when it opens in January. Cabot Citrus Farms, located just north of Tampa, will have four outstanding golf courses, but it will also have other amenities new to Cabot properties, including a Sporting Club that will offer clay shooting, archery and ax-throwing. “We have an amazing property here and a lot of land (1,200 acres) Michigan Golf Journal
to work with,’’ Cabot Citrus Farms Managing Director Daniel Knight told me. Other non-golf activities will include nature trails, racket sports, swimming pool, food trucks and Grange Hall, grab n’ go general store, bar and an outdoor fire pit lounge. Cabot Citrus Farms has renamed its four courses, the Cabot Barrens Course, designed by Kyle Franz, is now called Karoo, named after the “We’re excited to showcase Kyle’s vision and creativity, how special the land is here and all of the work our team has been able to accomplish,’’ Knight said. “Squeeze and Wedge show off Mike’s unbelievable creativity.’’ Meanwhile, construction continues on the Village and The Cottages, the latter of which is a collection of 36 two- and four-bedroom residences, each designed to celebrate historic Floridian architectural styles. Cabot’s next phase of real estate will also debut in 2024, including five Fairway Homes. “There is no shortage of activity around here,’’ Knight said. “Part of our focus now is setting the stage to welcome guests and to have them experience everything people have come to expect from Cabot.’’ For more information about Cabot Citrus Farms visit: https:// cabotcitrusfarms.com/ noise local Sandhill Cranes make around the property. The Cabot Oaks Course is now the Roost named after the wild turkeys that “roost’’ in the property’s large oak trees. The Squeeze is a 10-hole course designed by Mike Nuzzo, with holes ranging from 100 to 550 yards. Many of the holes are inspired by the world’s best short par 4s. The Wedge is an 11-hole par-3 course offering expansive waste areas and greens with dramatic slopes. Hole lengths range from 85 to 125 yards. Golfers have the option to play the short courses in between or after full rounds. “We wanted names (on the short courses) that reflect the fun and excitement of the courses,’’ Knight said. “You can ‘squeeze’ in a few holes or ‘wedge’ in a few holes.’’ The Karoo, Wedge and Squeeze courses will open for a media preview January, 22. The Roost will not open until April.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Mike May Steve Pike 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 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 Steve Pike is a multiple award-winning journalist and author. He has written for Golfweek, Golf World, The New York Times Magazine Group, Golf Digest and as a golf business writer for PGA.com. You can find more from Steve at Spike’s Peeks: The Art of Travel, as well as, Links Magazine, Hotelinteractive.com, Coastal Star Newspaper, NewEngland.golf and Golf-Hound.com Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http://lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Mike May joins Back 9 Report to discuss recent events in the world of Golf. Tiger Woods is set to return to the Hero World Challenge, Rory McIlroy resigned from PGATour Policy Board, the TGL Arena Golf has been cancelled until 2025 and the LPGA gave out year-end awards. Treetops’ Barry Owens tells Back 9 Report about all the renovations and changes at the resort. It has been reported that World No. 3 JonRahm is leaving the PGATour for the LIV and has been offered $600 million in guarantees. Carlos Torres joins Back 9 Report to discuss the ramifications. Tiger Returns, Rory Quits, TGL Delayed and LPGA Hands Out Awards Barry Owens Talks About What’s New at Treetops Resort Jon Rahm Reportedly Heading to LIV for $600 Million Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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