January2023 FirstTeHelps TrainKids HapyNewYearfromMichiganGolfJournal NaplesBonitaBay ReboundsAfter HuricaneIan GolfNation:ANew KindofGolfChanel OFERSA COMPLETE EXPERIENCE
Happy NewYear FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report As we begin a new year there are several issues in the golf world that hopefully will find a resolution. What is to become of the LIV and PGA Tour? Are two world tours with the big names split between them the new norm? Will the increased purses on the PGA Tour be enough to keep the good young talent like, Schauffele, Morikawa, Cantlay, Zalatoris, Young and Scheffler? On another issue the USGA continues to look for ways to decrease the distance a golf ball flies, and it seems restricting the golf ball is their primary concern. Lydia Ko finished 2022 on a high note by winning the CME Championship which firmly placed her back at the top of women’s golf. She is such an accomplished young woman it was great to see her finally return to the winner’s circle and dominating again on the LPGA. Can she keep up the pace in 2023? With 44 Champions Tour titles, Bernhard Langer is only one win behind Hale Irwin. Can the 65-year old Langer continue to beat the 50-year old guys and pass Irwin? The PGA Show in January in Orlando appears to be returning to its perCOVID status as the premier gathering of golf professionals and industry executives in the world. Tee sheets are still being filled at golf courses and reports are that early bookings for 2023 golf trips and vacations are still running at record levels. If you are planning a golf vacation this year, book it now! We had a wonderful year in 2022 and eagerly look forward to 2023. We wish all our readers and advertisers a very Happy New Year and hope you lower your handicap and have the best year ever in 2023. Michigan Golf Journal
NOW, THIS IS GOLF Go to BoyneGolf.com or cal l 855-554-0289 BRING YOUR “A” GAME. With 10 magnificent courses, and non-stop flights to TVC from 17 popular destinations, why wait? Lock in your 2022 golf plans today.
Michigan Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with Michigan Golf Journal, Contact us for more information Be sure to take advantage of the links to social media, videos and other content provided within the articles 31 FIND INSIDE 06 22 26 36 BOYNE Golf: Go For Golf, Enjoy The Experience Ten Top 2022 Golf Stories Why Every Golfer Should Support The First Tee Michigan Golf News Golf Nation: A New Kind of Golf Channel Michigan-Based Tom Doak’s Renaissance Team Complete Cherry Hills Renovation 06 12 16 19 24 22 Our Contributors The Cypress Course at Bonita Bay Reopened After Massive Renovation Puppies & Golf Surpass $100,000 in Giving in 2022 Aurora Anguilla Beach Resort & Golf Club Adds Short Course GolfTrainingAids.com Acquires the Putting Arc Product Line I-95: Gateway To Great Golf On The Georgia Golf Trail Our Favorite Videos 38 26 34 36 29 31 39 Michigan Golf Journal
BOYNE Golf: Go For Golf, Enjoy The Experience It’s a NEW YEAR and the possibilities for great golf adventures in 2023 have never been better. Here in Michigan, we are extremely lucky to have one of the BEST Golf Resorts in the world right in our backyard. With ‘10 Magnificent Courses’ BOYNE Golf offers golfers the best opportunities to test their swing and putting stroke. Plus, the courses are constantly being renovated and updated to maintain their reputation as a destination just right for every skill level of golfer. The Highlands The Heather was the course that started it all at BOYNE Golf. It was the 2018 Michigan Golf Course of theYear and in 2019 it was named the National Golf Course of theYear by the National Golf Course Owners Association. The Heather was designed by Robert Trent Jones, opened for play in 1966 and began the trend for ski resorts to offer upscale golf in the summer. The Heather has hosted numerous Michigan Amateurs and is a favorite of every golfer that visits BOYNE. Michigan Golf Journal
After the Heather, three more courses were added to The Highlands. The Donald Ross Memorial, the Arthur Hills and the Moor combine to give golfers four different golf experiences at The Highlands. The Donald Ross Memorial is a recreation of his most memorable holes from around the world in one 18-hole golf course. Replica holes from; Seminole, Inverness, Pinehurst, Detroit Golf Club, Oakland Hills, Aronimink, Royal Dornach, plus a few more are represented in this compilation. Renovations on holes No. 1, No. 13 and No. 15 are complete and ready for play. The Arthur Hills Course at The Highlands may provide the truest test for golfers. Hills created majestic green complexes that will test any short game. The elevated 13th tee sits over 30 stories above the green and tee shots seem to hang in the air forever. Two years ago, a renovation of the Moor Course was completed which widened fairways and
expanded collection areas around the greens. It may be the easiest test at The Highlands, but it may also be the most fun to play. Boyne Mountain Boyne Mountain actually had the first golf course at the resort. Owner, Everett Kircher used a Ford tractor to carve out a nine-hole lay out, the Hemlock, to attract more guests to the ski resort in the summer. Today two championship courses, The Alpine and The Monument sit on the backside of Boyne Mountain. After a 1.2 mile golf cart ride to the top of the mountain, where the first tee for both courses can be found, they wind their way back down the mountain to finish at the pro shop. Both courses are challenging and provide jawdropping views of Deer Lake and the valley below. Bay Harbor Golf Club The Ruby in BOYNE Golf’s crown is the Bay Harbor Golf Club. Designed by Arthur Hills, it was the most expensive golf course built in the United States, when it opened for play in 1995. The golf club includes three nine-hole tracks, The Links, The Quarry and The Preserve, that are combined into three diverse layouts. Several holes on The Links nine run along a cliff above Little Traverse Bay and provide majestic views out into Lake Michigan. The Quarry loop runs through an abandoned stone quarry with elevated tees, rolling fairways and unique green complexes. Tees along the rim of the old quarry provide breathtaking views and challenging elevated tee shots. The final two holes on the Quarry finish along the lake and provide a fitting end to this unique golf experience. The Preserve winds its way through wildflowers, lush grass and native wetlands. It is a sanctuary filled with an abundance of wildlife. Saving the best for last, the ninth hole at the Preserve is a par3 situated on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Before you leave this gorgeous setting, be sure to check out Crooked Tree. It sits atop a ridge high above Bay Harbor. This 18-hole championship Michigan Golf Journal
course was recently renovated and has long been a favorite of BOYNE guests. The views are magnificent as the course sits over 200 feet above the lake. Your score at Crooked Tree becomes secondary to the aweinspiring views of Lake Michigan and Bay Harbor proper. To learn more about the wonderful golfing opportunities at BOYNE’s 10 courses watch this video: Mou Leave room for video thumbnail With these ‘10 Magnificent’ courses, BOYNE Golf is a mustplay destination. BUT WAIT There’s MORE!! The resort also several other reasons to visit. Accommodations The three locations within a 20-mile radius in Northern Michigan, each with their own individual style, offer something to please any guest. There are also several lodging options at Boyne Mountain. Chalet Edelweiss recently reopened after two years construction. It brings the sophistication of a European Alpine Village to Northern Michigan and is just right for golfing couples. With 220 rooms, the Mountain Grand Lodge offers sheer elegance and comfort. The Clock Tower Lodge is located at the base of the ski hill, just a short walk to Avalanche Bay Waterpark and features an outdoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as a fitness center. Boynehof is connected to the Clock Tower Lodge and is perfect for small families and couples. Along Deer Lake at the Boyne Mountain Golf complex is the Deer Lake Villas. These condominiums are perfect for groups, or families wanting to stay together. Mountain cabins, Creekside Condos, the Village At Disciples Ridge and Mountain Villas are also available for any size group, or family to stay comfortably. The Inn at Bay Harbor harkens back to earlier days and provides the absolute best for discerning travelers. The Marriot Autograph Collection Hotel is reminiscent of the turn of the century Victorian charm and modernday elegance. The Inn at Bay Harbor was recognized by Golf Digest as one of the “Top Ten Coastal Resorts” in the country, alongside, Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes. Little Traverse Bay provides the views as it merges into Lake Michigan. The rooms at the Main Lodge at The Highlands have undergone a massive renovation and each roomhas been tastefully updated and is even more comfortable, especially for couples and women’s groups. In addition to the English Tudor style lodge at The Highlands, groups may want to consider staying in one of the Donald Ross Cottages each with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, and 2 ½ baths, including a whirlpool-equipped master bath. The Arthur Hills Townhomes and Heather Highland Townhomes make the perfect home away from home for families and groups alike.
Dining Each of the three locations also have a variety of great dining options. The Vintage Chophouse and Wine Bar just off the lobby of the Inn at Bay Harbor touts a wine list with over 115 different bottles. The intimate, loungeinspired dining room serves American cuisine for both lunch and dinner with premium cuts of steak, plus a seasonal roster of classic and signature cocktails. This is for someone that is looking for the best dining experience less than 200 feet from Little Traverse Bay. The Sagamore Room at the Inn at Bay Harbor Overlooks Little Traverse Bay and serves a sumptuous breakfast buffet or order a la carte from the menu. The Inn Café has a coffee-house style charm, with gourmet sandwiches, salads and freshly baked pastries. The Cabana Bar is a seasonal outdoor option only. Located near the pool, lake shore large selection of beer and wine, while the menu features pizzas, salads, pasta dishes, grinders and more. Take a ride up the mountain and visit the Eagle’s Nest offering tasty food, plus a view of the entire valley below. If you need more choices, there is also the Apres Ski Pub, the Mountain Express Deli and Stein Eriksen’s, which overlooks the slopes and specializes in delicious comfort food, such as steaks, pasta dishes, hearty soups, sandwiches, and chili. The Highlands also offers several dining options. Bella Sorpresa at the Country Club of The Highlands embraces the Italian meal as a ritual and is a wonderful atmosphere to gather together for food, wine, and conversation. The Main Dining Room, located on the second level the hotel serves up a gourmet breakfast buffet complete with complimentary views of the mountain and slopes. Other more casual dining options and back lawn it is always a great location to watch guests enjoying outdoor activities. The Beach House at Boyne Mountain is one of my favorites anywhere. It sits on Deer Lake with a delicious menu and comfortable seating indoors, or out. In the summer months dine al fresco and watch kids playing on the beach and families enjoying swimming, boating and relaxing. The Mountain also has the Forty Acres Tavern, Everett’s serves an array of American cuisine including mouthwatering steaks, seafood, pasta dishes, sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads. The Trophy Room Pub & Pizzeria offers a Michigan Golf Journal
include, the 19th tee, and 55th tee. Spas If you need some relief from achy muscles after a day on the golf course, the spas at the Inn at Bay Harbor and Boyne Mountain offer a variety of soothing and relaxing treatments to get you feeling like Rory McIlroy. Each is designed to rejuvenate and recharge your body and a refuge where friends can reconnect while lounging in soft robes by the fire. It’s the perfect complement to a day on the links. Other Amenities Even BOYNE Golf understands that man does not live by golf alone and offers various activities to enjoy, when you are not on the links. The new Skybridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge and has proven to be a huge hit. Guests ride the historic Hemlock Scenic Chairlift to the mountain’s top, in New Hampshire, Brighton Resort in Utah, The Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington and Cypress Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia are all Boyne Resort properties. It has never been easier to get to BOYNE. Cherry Capital Airport is a little over one hour from the resort. American, Delta, United and Allegiant have 17 nonstop flights to and from cities across the United States. Destinations include Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis−Saint Paul, Denver, Dallas, DallasFort Worth, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington DC (Dulles and Reagan), Newark, Philadelphia, New York (LaGuardia), Boston, Punta Gorda, St. PeteClearwater, and Orlando. Boyne Resort’s three locations in Northern Michigan have something for the entire family, buddies golf trips, or girls golf getaways. For additional information, or to check out the latest packages available for 2023 visit: bit.ly/3FR6tHB. Don’t forget to BOOK EARLY!! If 2023 is anything like the last couple of years, they will fill up. then venture out along the exhilarating 1,200-foot long and 118-foot high pedestrian bridge. The 88,000 square foot Avalanche Bay Indoor Water Park has four pools and seven water slides to entertain the kid in all of us. The Zip Lines at BoyneMountain are yet another great activity for every family member. Nearby Petoskey, Boyne City and Harbor Springs have wineries, shopping and restaurants. Stroll along the city streets or update your bucket list while checking out the large lake yachts and boats in Harbor Springs Marina. In addition, there is hiking, biking, swimming, and fishing, plus nearly every outdoor activity you can think of at BOYNE. Boyne Resorts is one of the largest family owned and operated hospitality businesses in the country with several locations. Big Sky Resort in Montana, Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Pleasant Mountain in Maine, Loon Mountain Resort
1. PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf LIV Golf, fronted by Greg Norman and financed by money from the Saudi Arabian royal family lured several top players from the PGA Tour with signing bonuses of $100 million and up, plus promises of a limited field 54-hole no-cut eight event series paying prize money to every player regardless of score. The reaction in the usually laidback world of pro golf was just short of volcanic. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan withdrew membership status from the players who jumped ship, since they now were playing for a competitor and violating PGA Tour rules of membership. Over the year, acrimony and mudslinging have been a stiff price to pay for what seems to many TenTop 2022 Golf Stories as Norman’s ego-driven revenge for the Tour stomping on his idea of a world tour 30 years ago. Those sticking with the PGA Tour will receive the benefit of multimillion dollar purse increases which may or may not take some of the sting out of the LIV’s guaranteed offers. Unfortunately, any settlement between the two sides is more likely to be in the courts than on the course. 2. Woods inducted into The World Golf Hall of Fame TigerWoods during his March induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame voiced uncertainty when he would return to the PGA Tour, and as we could have guessed—it was the Masters in April. He finished out of contention in 47th and made his next appearance at the PGA Championship, while visibly limping and withdrew after a third round 79. The 15-time major winner then By Ed Travis Not since Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus engineer d the 1968 split from the PGA of America to start the PGA Tour has the professional game been so wrenched from business as usual. The advent of LIV Golf, the well-financed competitor to the established professional tours, has changed the world of those who are paid-to-play. That’s our top story of 2022 and along with some other interesting happenings the year generated a lot of ink. Michigan Golf Journal
withdrew from the U.S. Open and missed the cut at the British Open. While he did not play for the remainder of the year, his star power is still undeniable, and the soon-tobe-47Woods draws more attention than any other player by an order of magnitude. According to Forbes magazine his net worth topped $1 billion thus joining Lebron James and Michael Jordan in that exclusive club. 3. Lydia Ko: She’s Baaack! Lydia Ko had all but disappeared from view on the LPGA Tour, but reasserted herself with three wins in 2022, as well as winning the seasonending CME Championship and the $2 million first place check. After 14 wins her first four seasons, she admittedly struggled and was only able to take the top spot twice in the next five years and 109 starts. That’s all changed now since she overtook Nelly Korda as number one in the Rolex World Rankings and is this season’s leading money winner. 4. Phil Mickelson: A Damaged Legacy Just a few months after winning the 2021 PGA Championship, Phil Mickelson succeeded in shooting himself in the foot multiple times last year. He not only bolted to the LIV series, but made several outrageous comments about the PGA Tour, while trying to rationalize LIV’s connection and funding by the Saudi Arabian government. Mickelson lost sponsorships with KPMG, Callaway and Workday plus was fired as spokesman for the American Express event on the PGA Tour. Last year, as the reigning PGA Champion, he did not play in The Players, the Masters, nor defend his title at the PGA Championship. He did tee it up at the U.S. Open and the OPEN Championships, but missed the cut at both. Some even speculate that Lefty’s gambling debts were a factor for grabbing the reported $200 million in cash for signing with LIV Golf. 5. Scottie Scheffler Player of the Year with Rory McIlroy Number One Scotty Scheffler won the WGC Match Play Championship for his third win in 42 days. He took over the top spot of the World Golf Ranking, plus led in prize money for 2021-2022 with $14 million. His fourth win of the season at the Masters was a thrill for all golf fans even those numbed by CBS’s Tiger-centric coverage that featured multiple replays of Woods walking from the 72nd green to the clubhouse. Rory McIlroy overtook Scheffler in the world golf rankings with victories in the Tour Championship, Canadian Open and CJ Cup which also gave him
6. USGA Roll Back It’s a safe bet the USGA and R&A, arbiters of the Rules of Golf, are going to adopt a rule stipulating a reduction in golf ball or club performance particularly those played by the elites of our game, tour professionals and top amateurs. For the past several years the USGA has claimed players are hitting the ball too far and this is ruining the game. Limiting the distance of the golf ball seems to be the only possible solution. The arguments against roll back are futile since the ruling bodies have already stated regardless of the opinion of others or it would seem, the facts, they are going to proceed. The only question left is whether restrictions will be placed on golf balls, or clubs, or both. There are any number of comments that might be appropriate but the one this writer has had for many years is this is simply another example how out of touch the two associations are with average golfers. 7. LPGA Prize Money Increases Mollie Marcoux Samaan has already made history in just over a year as LPGA commissioner crafting a 33-event 2023 season that will have prize money topping $100 million for the first time, up from $85 million this year. The quality of the play has never been better with venues for next year such as Pebble Beach, TPC Harding Park, Shadow Creek and Baltusrol Golf Club reflecting the increasing fan interest. The LPGA is a true world tour with sponsored tournaments in 12 countries and multinational membership. 8. Women & Golf—A Winning Combination The burgeoning numbers of women playing golf are apparent even to the casual observer. The National Golf Foundation says the number of women taking up the game has risen by 600,000 in the last two years to 6.2 million. Retailers like PGA Tour Superstore have recognized this growing market segment and are actively promoting in-store programs such as group lessons and proactively managing inventory for style and performance. the FedEx Cup and along the way he took his fourth Vardon Trophy and the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai. Rory led the charge against the LIV and became an outspoken critic of it and Greg Norman, while championing the American PGA Tour and European DP World Tour. Michigan Golf Journal
Why Every Golfer Should Support The First Tee The First Tee helps kids build successful lives at several locations around Michigan. The First Tee of Greater Detroit, The First Tee of Eastern Michigan, The First Tee of Western Michigan and The First Tee of Northern Michigan create experiences for youth that will help them become the leaders of tomorrow. They are a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that will help them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, they create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. Their junior golf programs build these young people and help shape their lives. Experience is the best teacher, and The First Tee believes in creating experiences for young people that are fun and meaningful. Various programs help kids feel excited to grow and even fail but leave better equipped for whatever comes next. Through golf-based personal growth programs, the First Tee allows kids to build life and leadership skills that empower them in all areas of their life, Michigan Golf Journal
including school, friendships and eventually careers. Here is one example of how The First Tee has helped one young girl find her passion. Darcey Dorris first began participating in The First Tee of Western Michigan programs in third grade. Through a partnership with Bowen Elementary in Grand Rapids, her first exposure to The First Tee program was at Stormy Creek Golf Club. She participated in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade introductory level and was introduced to the Nine Core Values and golf fundamentals. She was able to continue with The First Tee when she reached the 6th grade at Crestwood Middle School. When she graduated to high school, The First Tee of Western Michigan entered into a partnership with the First African Methodist Episcopal Church and Darcy was able to continue with First Tee through that alliance. These three different community partnerships helped Darcey learn and grow at First Tee, keeping her involved until she eventually became a First Tee junior coach! Darcey enjoyed The First Tee because she was outdoors and spending time with her friends. She thrived as a discus and shot put thrower, but her maturity What is your favorite part of being a junior coach? “I just love the overall experience. Getting to know kids and teaching them what I learned when I was their age. Duringmytimeasa juniorcoach, I have learned to be patient and to go with my gut on things. This experience has helped me prepare for the career I want in the future. I know my future career will require being a good communicator, being patient, and understanding. All of those traits and more encourage me to make coaching at First Tee fun!” To help The First Tee continue their outstanding work donate today at: https://donorbox. org/2022-year-end-giving-ftwm and positivity helped land her a paid junior coach role at First Tee at the tender age of 15. Once in the role, Darcey’s confidence and maturity exploded. She even received a scholarship from Central State University in Ohio, to throw discus and shot put for the track team. Darcey’s Favorite Nine Core Value: Integrity. “Since I started in First Tee, I have learned more about the word integrity. Integrity simply means doing good when someone in authority isn’t around. I still think I have a bit of improvement to do but I feel like First Tee has helped me to understand the word more.”
Junior golfers play for $5.00 per round, but another perk for Youth on Course members is the opportunity to apply for college scholarships. High school Seniors, who want to continue their education can apply to receive one of the 25 Golf News Michigan These scholarships range from $4,000 to $20,000 and are distributed over four years. 2023 Applications are now being accepted through January 17, 2023. Visit https://youthoncourse. org/scholarships/ to apply. Apply for Youth on Course Educational Scholarships scholarships awarded every year from Youth on Course. Since 2008, over 300 outstanding seniors from all over the United States have benefited from the YOC scholarship, many of these individuals are the first in their family to attend college.
MSU’s Valery Plata Earns LPGA Tour Card From MSU Women’s Golf Last month in the LPGA Tour’s Qualifying Series, former Michigan State women’s golfer Valery Plata finished tied for third to earn her LPGA Tour card for 2023. Only the top 20 golfers and ties earn exemptions to the LPGA Tour, after grueling eight rounds of competition. “I’m still kind of in a daze to realize that this dream of mine is now a reality. This is just the start of the journey and I know I have a lot of work ahead of me, but I’m proud of myself and so thankful for all of the people who have supported me along the way, especially my family and my long-time coach, Pedro Russi. Coming to Michigan State was a big part of my journey and I can’t thank Head Coach history. She was a three-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and was the league’s Player of the Year in 2020, when she was selected an honorable mention All-American by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. Plata owns two of the top-10 single season scoring averages in program history, with her 72.26 average in 2021 third all-time, and last year’s 72.63 average seventh all-time. She finishes her career ranked third all-time in scoring average at Michigan State (73.15). Plata, who reached the semifinals of the U.S. Amateur in 2020 and the round of 32 in 2021, had an incredible summer in 2022, tying for second place during the first leg of the LPGA Q Series in California and experienced playing in three professional events, the AIG Women’s Open in Scotland, the Amundi Evian Championship in France and in the Meijer Classic. Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll and all the coaches for their guidance, not only on the course as a golfer, but for me as a person and as a student. My teammates are some of my best friends and their texts and messages these last two weeks meant the world to me. I’m a Spartan for Life and can’t wait to represent MSU on the LPGA Tour.” Plata, played her final semester with the Spartans last year and turned professional in November. “We are thrilled for Valery,” MSU Head Coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said. “This has been a dream of hers since she came to Michigan State five years ago and it’s an incredible feeling to see her not only earn full status on the LPGA Tour in her first try, but also put herself in a position to win Q Series.” Plata had one of the best careers in Michigan State Michigan Golf Journal
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Cherry Hills has hosted 14 major championships and was the site of Arnold Palmer’s lone U.S. Open victory in 1960. The iconic golf club just completed a decade-long restoration of its 1922 William Flynn design, ahead of hosting the 2023 United States Amateur Championship. Located in Denver, Cherry Hills commissioned acclaimed golf course architect Tom Doak and Renaissance Golf Design in 2007 to restore Michigan-Based Tom Doak’s Renaissance Team Complete Cherry Hills Renovation By Steve Pike the charm, character, and playability of Flynn’s original design, while also lengthening it over the years to maintain the club’s heritage of hosting prestigious national championships. Much of the work has taken place over the past decade under the direction of Renaissance associate Eric Iverson. The culminating phase of the restoration was the return to its original orientation of Little Dry Michigan Golf Journal
Creek, which was completed this past spring. Iverson oversaw the creek’s repositioning along several greens and fairways on both the front and back nines. While the project reengineered the Little Dry Creek to reduce flood potential and better manage water flow, it also brought back many of the strategic shot values Flynn created a century ago. To restore Flynn’s original design, Little Dry Creek was rerouted closer to the front of the green on the 14th hole, next to the green on the seventh, and then alongside the newly re-designed eighth hole. The creek now comes into play on the 15th hole, where the recent rediscovery and restoration of Flynn’s original left side of the green helped create a more thought-provoking approach. The creek now runs closer to the 15th green, down the 16th fairway and alongside the green, further highlighting the genius and creativity of Flynn’s original design. “You can see from all the hole drawings that Flynn routed the holes and implemented strategy based on Little Dry Creek,” Iverson said. “The way the creek plays now on these key holes brings exceptional strategy and challenge to these iconic approach shots. Holes 14 and 16, for example, are two of the finest and most difficult par fours in the country. But now, named after famed Muirfield in Scotland. Flynn, whose design work includes Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, The Country Club at Brookline, and The Kittansett Club, also did significant work at Pine Valley Golf Club and Merion Golf Club. His work at Pine Valley inspired the use of the interrupted fairways on several holes at Cherry Hills. “The transformation that Tom Doak and Eric Iverson of Renaissance Golf Design have brought to William Flynn’s classic design brings extraordinary pride to our membership,” said Cherry Hills President David Keyte. “In 2022 we celebrated 100 years as a club, and in 2023 we will be celebrating the centennial of our first round of golf at Cherry Hills, which coincides with us hosting the U.S. Amateur, which is very exciting. The restored shot values on display next summer will certainly remind the golfing world of Cherry Hills’ timelessness and stature as a world-class championship venue.” with the creek coming in closer to each green, the shot values and premium on the angles into the green are off-the-charts.” The Renaissance team also reintroduced the famous cross bunkering on the 17th hole, which features the first island green on a par five built in this country. Strategic bunker work was completed on several holes, plus the green complexes restored while other greens have been brought back to their original forms, to ensure all green complexes match the original Flynn plans. A major tree management program was also implemented, and several holes were lengthened to accommodate the modern game. Flynn’s ingenious routing of Cherry Hills is truly unique among Top 100 courses. The opening nine weaves as a figure eight on the inside of the property while the second nine wraps in a counterclockwise circle around the perimeter. Cherry Hills is one of only a handful of courses with this unique “Muirfield Plan” routing,
Golf Nation: A New Kind of Golf Channel For those golf fans that just can’t get enough and are tired of the same old, same old from the current golf networks, GolfNation.com will soon unveil its new video website complete with original content. Golf Nation will feature shows with former President of the PGA of America, Suzy Whaley, as well as, golf funnyman, David Feherty. It is the first and only producer of original golf-lifestyle shows with the ability for viewers to instantly purchase items via gives viewers entertaining reprieves from traditional golf shows. It also allows brands to build an audience, create engagement and generate sales tied to immersive content and commerce.” Shows available on Golf Nation include: • Ambush with David Feherty – Hidden camera hijinks • Don’t I Know You? – Golf’s “Newlywed Game;” first episode with Zach & Kim Johnson By Fred Altvater an on-screen “buy bar” while never leaving the screen. Each episode is commercial-free and five to 30 minutes while specials may be longer. Investor and one of the top businesswomen in the country, Mindy Grossman is a big believer in Golf Nation’s lifestyle concept and told us, “The future of direct-toconsumer shoppable video commerce, anchored by NBTV Channels’ technology, is here and now. Golf Nation’s curated golf-lifestyle programming Michigan Golf Journal
• Golf Unseen – Adventures to exotic golf courses with cultural experiences • No Judgment – Three female friends from Grueter Golf breaking down golf’s barriers • Tee Shots – Drink, chat, swing, repeat hosted by famous mixologist Bill Binder • Versus – Golf influencers compete headto-head • Watch. Buy. Play. – Hottest golf products on the planet Referred to as “Netflix Meets Home Shopping Network,” Golf Nation shows are free to watch on GolfNation.com. In early 2023 Golf Nation will be available via mobile app, connected-smart TVs, Apple TV, Android, Fire TV and Roku. Golf Nation is also the first shoppable entertainment network dedicated to your golf lifestyle. Everything you need to enjoy the game will be available simply by clicking on a link. To get a sneak peak of Golf Nation visit: https:// golfnation.com/. Another good reason to visit the website now is to enter for a chance to win golf balls for a year. One lucky winner will receive 52 sleeves of Titleist golf balls. That should be enough to fill the pond at your local track.
The Cypress Course at Bonita Bay Reopened After Massive Renovation Nearly every golf course in southern Florida was impacted by Hurricane Ian last September. Bonita Bay Club, near Naples, long recognized as one of the state’s premier facilities, felt Ian’s wrath. Bonita Bay, Florida’s largest private club, has five golf courses spread over two campuses that are 10 miles apart. The crowned by the hurricane. The trio there are Arthur Hills designs created between 1985 and 1994. The Tom Fazio Design Group created Cypress and Sabal in the late 1990s, with Cypress opening in 1997. Not only does Bonita Bay have five courses, it has everything else that might entice a By Len Ziehm jewel, the Cypress Course, re-opened after a 14-month renovation in October even though the damage from Hurricane Ian was relatively minor. Two courses, Cypress and Sabal are at the Naples location with the other three, Creekside, Marsh and Bay Island in Bonita Springs, which was harder hit Michigan Golf Journal
prospective club member and there is a long waiting list to join. “It took about a year to do the Cypress renovation, but we needed three years of planning,’’ said Paul Fissel, Bonita Bay’s greens committee chairman. “Both of our courses there needed refurbishing to bring them up to a more modern era. Tom Marzolf and his team delivered exactly what he said he would — a golf course that plays firm and fast in conditions now that normally are soft and wet.’’ Tom Marzolf, a senior associate of the Tom Fazio team since 1983, directed the effort. Marzolf was well qualified, having done work on such nationally known Perforated pipe was laid underground to steer water away from playable areas and the tee placements were increased from five to seven per hole. One tee was added in front of the previous front set and another was added behind what had been the tips. “We wanted the course to play shorter (to accommodate older players), plus the (Florida) section pros play a lot of their courses as Oakmont, Merion, Winged Foot, Firestone, Oak Hill and Riviera. At Cypress the entire course was raised by 12-18 inches to improve drainage. Six new lakes were created and four more expanded, resulting in 200,000 cubic yards of earth being spread over the property. The fairways were widened, and new catch basins added.
events there so we picked up yardage for the back tees,’’ said Marzolf. The course can play as short as 4,500 yards, or up to 7,500 yards from the back tees. “From a club professional’s perspective, we have a course that is championship-ready” said E.J. McDonnell, Bonita Bay’s director of golf. “Our members enjoy the variety of playing options afforded by having five courses,’’ said Paul Nussbaum, chairman of Bonita Bay’s board of directors. “Cypress remains our most competitive but – with seven sets of tees –our golfers will find the right challenge for their games.’’ The number of bunkers was reduced from 70 to 50, but now more are in play, plus the new bunkers add an Augusta look and feel. The greens and surrounds were re-designed, resulting in more challenging options to get the ball to the flagstick. Putting from off the green may now be more popular than chipping. Bonita Bay’s other courses are already slated for major renovations, according to the club’s Golf Master Plan. Creekside will get special attention in 2023 and Sabal in 2024. Among many projects discussed and pending approval are performance centers for both Marsh and Creekside and a renewed clubhouse at Naples. Michigan Golf Journal
GolfTrainingAids.com, home of the world’s largest selection of golf teaching and training aids, proudly announces that its totalgame-improvement platform is now the exclusive owner and distributor of one of golf’s most popular and enduring training aids, The Putting Arc. “The Putting Arc will be added to a line of game improvement products that can be used at the golf course or in the comfort of your home,” says Golf Training Aids President John Diulus. “More and more golfers are practicing their game at home, whether it’s in their office, basement, or garage. The Putting Arc is the perfect addition to create your own home putting studio.” Used by more than 1,500 touring professionals as well as coaches and golf academies worldwide, the original version of the Putting Arc was introduced in 2002, after being patented by PGA Instructor VJ Trolio and engineers Joey Hamilton and Dave Hamilton. The Putting Arc is designed to help golfers groove a consistent stroke in which the putter head moves inside-to square-to inside on a stable, precise arc, with the putter face remaining square to that arc. “The Putting Arc is one of the most proven training aids on the market, so bringing it to a large-scale audience on GolfTrainingAids.com is something we take great pride in delivering to golfers,” says GolfTrainingAids.com President John Diulus. “Playing professionals who use the GolfTrainingAids.com Acquires the Putting Arc Product Line Putting Arc have won more than 1,600 times worldwide and a group of top instructors will be helping us with video content explaining the benefits of putting on the proper path.” The Putting Arc is available in four models: the allpurpose, indoor-outdoor MSIII, the MS3D which has a mirror for feedback on eye and shoulder position, the T4 (designed exclusively for outdoor use) and the smaller T3 which is designed for easy packing and travel.
“When the Putting Arc was invented and patented more than 20 years ago, almost every golfer was taught to move the putter back and forth down the target line, keeping the putter face square to the line. Now almost everyone understands that the putting stroke is a small golf swing, and the putter moves on an inclined plane and the putter head moves inside to square to back inside during the stroke. Most of the best putters now putt this way, and this is the putting stroke that is perfected by using the Putting Arc,” says Dave Hamilton the Putting Arc’s President and Co-Founder. “The Putting Arc product line is in good hands. Golf Training Aids will do a great job continuing the legacy of the Putting Arc.” Learn more at GolfTrainingAids.com and ThePuttingArc.com.” This is how the game should be played. Ambitious challenges. Stunning views. An old-school Donald Ross layout, and Pete Dye’s modern gem. It all comes together at the Midwest’s favorite golf destination. frenchlick.com/golf • 888-936-9360 Just the way golf intended. Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice. Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT or text INGAMB to 53342! Michigan Golf Journal
While all the major highways that lead into Georgia are dotted with great golf courses to play along The Georgia Golf Trail , the one major thoroughfare which is filled with the most I-95: Gateway To Great Golf On The Georgia Golf Trail venues is I-95. Bring your golf clubs for an 18hole pitstop or two along The Georgia Golf Trail . “The Trail has many locations along I-95 in southeast Georgia,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, The Georgia Golf Trail. “The climate in southeast Georgia allows you to play golf 12 months a year. This part of Georgia also has a multitude of well-designed golf courses, tremendous accommodations, first-class restaurants, and access to our wonderful beaches. Jekyll Island is one of the best places in the U.S. where you can go to unwind and relax while enjoying golf, fresh seafood, long walks along the beach, poolside siestas, and time off the grid.” By Mike May
The Jekyll Island Golf Club is one of the most unique stops along The Georgia Golf Trail . Four courses, The Great Dunes, a nine-hole layout and three 18-hole courses, Indian Mound, Oleander and water impacts play on 11 of the 18 holes. The par fives are more difficult than their yardage indicates. The short par-four holes represent the best birdie opportunities. Oleander measures just more than 6,500 yards from the tips and has been the host course for the Georgia Open on four occasions. Designed by golf course architect Dick Wilson, Oleander is known as the most ‘distinct’ of the three 18-hole golf courses on Jekyll Island. Pine Lakes, designed by Clyde Johnson, first opened for play in 1968 and was renovated in 2002. The golf course meanders through forests and natural marsh hammocks. Pine Lakes, offer something for everyone to like. Indian Mound, constructed in 1975 by golf course designer Joe Lee, is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses and Michigan Golf Journal
Walter “Old Man” Travis built Great Dunes, the first golf course on Jekyll Island and he designed the best golf course that money could buy in 1928. When the seaside breeze picks up, the degree of difficulty of Great Dunes increases exponentially. The United States Golf Association once used Great Dunes as a testing facility for clubs, shafts, and golf balls. After golf, enjoy a post-round drink or snack at McCormick’s Grill. When it comes to the ‘stay’ part of your Jekyll Island adventure, there are four great overnight options, The Westin Jekyll of this club’s commitment to excellence. Farther north along I-95, Savannah’s only golf course along The Georgia Golf Trail is The Club at Savannah Harbor, which hosted the Legends of Golf event on the Champions Tour from 2003-2013. There is certainly no reason to leave your golf clubs stuck in a Michigan snow drift. Head down I-95 and check out these great Georgia Golf Trail courses along I-95. For more information visit: www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel. com. Island, the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island, the Jekyll Island Club Resort, and the property that is part Courtyard Jekyll Island and part Residence Inn by Marriott Jekyll Island. All four properties can claim to be the ultimate ‘rest & relaxation’ destination on Jekyll Island. “Clearly, Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s most popular stay-and-play destinations for golfers,” said Hollandsworth. Just north of Jekyll Island is the Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff. Surrounded by tidal marshes, saw palmettos, and live oak trees, this golf course’s greens are a reflection
animals to those battling PTSD, including $30,000 to K9 for Warriors. In 2022, Puppies & Golf provided grants to support therapy dogs for students affected by the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, TX. When Hurricane Ian struck Florida this fall, Puppies & Golf provided a grant to a shelter engaged in rescuing dogs from the storm. The Puppies & Golf board of directors mobilized volunteers and businesses to secure items for the shelter to comfortably house saved dogs. And last month, when tornadoes hit central Alabama, destroying a local shelter, Puppies & Golf partnered with Tractor Supply Company to replace lost kennel doors and dog houses. This year, Puppies & Golf established an advisory board of experts in the pet community and participated in the 2022 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week Event in Washington, D.C. If you would like to learn more about how you can support Puppies & Golf, please visit www. puppiesandgolf.org.
Richard Schulze is proof that even billionaires have bucket lists. For years he wanted to own a golf property and that came to fruition in 2020, when he acquired Aurora Anguilla Beach Resort & Golf Club in the British West Indies. The new Greg Norman-designed Avalon Links short course opened in November and is the perfect complement for the 18-hole championship course, International Course, also a Norman design. . A keen observer of such revered places as Augusta National and Pebble Beach (where he was among 110 owners until three years ago), Schulze knew that short courses, par-3’s and layouts in general less than 18 holes and holes no greater than 300 yards, were a growing common denominator among the world’s elite courses. Although the property was in disrepair when he bought it, he saw the possibilities. “I’m somewhat of an optimist.’’ In early 2021, Schulze asked Norman about creating a short course along a 19-acre piece of land between the International’s sixth and seventh holes. Aurora Anguilla Beach Resort & Golf Club Adds Short Course By Steve Pike, The Art of Travel Michigan Golf Journal
The project ended up being a complete rebuild of the International, which became known as, Norman Signature International, plus a new construction of the Avalon Links Short Course. The International can be stretched to a par 72 at 7,165 yards and fully opened in April. The ninehole Avalon Links, 1,315 yards, par 28, opened in November, with Schulze hitting the inaugural 95-yard tee shot high into the Caribbean Ocean backdrop. Avalon Links is a pure walking course with views of the Caribbean and the neighboring island of St. Martin, players can carry their bags or use pull carts, no riding carts allowed. “We‘re pulling a cart or carrying a bag. That’s really the way the game was made to be played,’’ said Schulze. The name “Avalon Links,’’ Schulze said, was chosen to represent a place to rest and rejuvenate. “Avalon is the king’s playground.’’ “The design was made to allow beginners to be able to hit shots and just have fun,’’ said Scott DeLong, the resort’s director of golf operations. “It’s also made for skilled golfers to hit different clubs and never just play the same clubs. But most of all, just have fun.’’ The resort has five outstanding food and beverage outlets, including the upscale D. Richard’s steakhouse, an amphitheater for concerts, and a soon-to-open water park. A 10,000 square-foot hydroponic farm features two greenhouses and provides produce for the restaurants. If you need a break and treatment for achy muscles after your round, the Sorana Spa has 12 treatment rooms, including two couples’ suites and a specialty space complete with a sand quartz table. Schulze has also made it easier to get to the resort via the Aurora Anguilla Private Charter Service. Flights depart from Westchester County Airport and arrive at the international airport, about a 15-minute drive from Aurora Anguilla Beach Resort & Golf Club. “My hope is that we can bring two groups a week to the island.” We also can fly from Europe, but it requires a stop in the Azores. You can bring families here and stay for an entire month.’’ To find out more about the Aurora Anguilla Beach Resort & Golf Club visit: bit.ly/3WGJBBu.
VIDEOS Back 9 Report counts down the top stories in golf from 2022. LIV, PGA Tour, LPGA, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Greg Norman, Lydia Ko and Bernhard Langer all made headlines last year. While the Official World Golf Rankings are trying to figure out how to handle the LIV Golf league, current PGA Tour pros are complaining about the inequality of the current points system. With 10 Magnificent Courses BOYNE Golf has something for everyone, but the fun doesn’t stop when you leave the course. Check out all the activities at BOYNE Resort. Top 2022 Golf Stories Official World Golf Ranking Has Problems Find Your Golf Happy Place at BOYNE Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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