Head South Golfers FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report With the days becoming shorter and temperatures cooler, golfers are thinking about finding some warmer climates to keep their games sharp. In this issue we feature some of our favorite southern resorts, Gulf Shores, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, several top courses in Mississippi and the Homestead, in Virginia. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail has long been the leading golf destination for golfers from the north looking to play quality courses with impeccable accommodations. With 26 championship courses at 11 locations, the RTJ Golf Trail has something for everyone. The Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area along the Alabama coastline has a plethora of courses and plenty of white sandy beaches for relaxing after your round. Len Ziehm visited the top courses in Mississippi and tells us they have much to offer, plus their golf season can last most of the year. I had the chance to visit the newly renovated Omni Homestead on the VirginiaWest Virginia line and can confidently state that these two historic courses, The Cascades and Old Course, are some of the best you will ever play. The Homestead was the home of Sam Snead and he left an indelible mark on this first-class resort. The PGA Tour Champions announced the first players that will compete in December in the World Champions Cup at Concession Club in Bradenton, Florida. This is a Ryder Cup-Presidents Cup style international team event with six players on each of the three teams, Europe, International and USA. The University of Michigan got their fall golf season underway with a win at the Island Resort Intercollegiate, in Escanaba, while Michigan State finished runner-up at the Folds of Honor Collegiate Invitational at American Dunes. It appears that both Michigan schools are ready for another successful season of golf. I’m still trying to get my final rounds in for the year, hopefully I will see you on the Back 9. 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 29 FIND INSIDE 06 11 24 32 Sweet Home Alabama: A Golf Destination Unlike Any Other Michigan Hosts Two Collegiate Tournaments Michigan Golfer Wins USGA Women’s MidAmateur Tour Edge’s NEW Wedges & Putters Zambri Named Head Coach For National Development Program Historic Omni Homestead Resort Makes Renovations World Champions Cup Announces First Qualifiers 06 11 16 26 14 24 18 Golf News & Notes Pinehurst Sets Opening Date for 10th Course 20 29 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Great Golf Opportunities In Mississippi 37 36 32 Michigan Golf Journal
Sweet Home Alabama: A Golf Destination Unlike Any Other By Lee Pace Sweet Home Alabama is more than just a song or a movie, although they both certainly evoke the spirit of the beautiful state. It’s also a mantra for the hard-working, friendly folks that travelers encounter along the way. From the bagboys and beverage cart girls on the world-class golf courses to the servers and chefs in the award-winning restaurants, visitors are made to feel right at home, ensuring that time spent in Alabama is as sweet as the tea. Sweet Home Alabama is a golfing destination unlike any other, as home to the original golf trail, modern and historic golf resorts, and over 32 miles of sugar-white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Both the incomparable Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the Arnold Palmerdesigned Craft Farms Resort in Gulf Shores put Alabama on the radar of traveling golf groups more than two decades ago. The ensuing years have upgraded the state’s position on all types of Michigan Golf Journal
vacation bucket lists by spawning award-winning hotels, spas, and luxurious resorts; exciting craft breweries with medal-quality beers; worldrenowned bass fishing events and red snapper rodeos; and a thriving culinary scene, ranging from fresh Gulf seafood and a unique BBQ Trail to James Beard-recognized chefs and restaurants. Just a few of the golf resorts that make Alabama so special are Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, boasting an RTJ Golf Trail golf course, luxurious spa and delectable dining; Pursell Farms just 45 minutes south of Birmingham, which is a unique golf resort with lodging options ranging from a brand-new boutique inn, 4 bedroom golf cottages and an 8 bedroom lodge, along with the award-winning Farmlinks golf course; the century-and-a-halfold Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa on Mobile Bay, considered the “queen of Southern resorts;” and Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores, Alabama’s only gulffront golf resort offering a Jerry Pate-designed course, clubhouse and fairway condominiums, as well as beach homes to rent. Here’s a snapshot of some of the golfing locales in the state to allow you to create a custom golf vacation to Sweet Home Alabama. Huntsville is a great place to start your Alabama golf journey, as the most northern location of the golf trail and home to the US Space & Rocket Center. But there’s also two more trails to enjoy while in the Rocket City. Wet your whistle on either the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail or the Craft Cocktail Trail, both with ten stops. Lodging options range from convenient hotels near golf to upscale accommodations downtown. Just west of Huntsville is one of the newer locations of the Trail. The Shoals area consists of the river town of Florence and Muscle Shoals, the “hit recording capital of the world.” The RTJ Golf Trail at The Shoals offers 36 holes and a luxurious Marriott Resort both located
right on the Tennessee River, although on different sides. Music lovers flock to the studios where so many great songs were recorded, foodies enjoy the variety of restaurants and golfers love the challenge of the courses. Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham is home to two RTJ Golf Trail sites (Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley) and the state’s most luxurious golf resort at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, plus the Barber Vintage Motor Sports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, James Beard Award winning/nominated chefs and restaurants, four craft breweries and exciting nightlife options that only a city this size can offer. You can choose to stay onsite at Ross Bridge, at an historic downtown hotel, a boutique inn or any number of convenient branded hotels. The sister cities of AuburnOpelika combine to create the coolest college town and one of the most intriguing small towns in the South. It’s also home to Robert Trent Jones’ favorite location on his trail. The RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National boast 54 holes of scenic and challenging golf along a gleaming lake. These two small towns have an abundance of great eateries too, plus the Red Clay Brewery and the award-winning John Emerald Distilling Company are located in historic downtown Opelika. Your overnight choices include the on-site Marriott Golf Resort & Spa at Grand National, the on-campus Auburn University Hotel and a bunch of hotels and B&Bs scattered around. Once called the Paris of the South, Mobile has long been the cultural center of the Gulf Coast and you’ll find an authentic experience like nowhere else in the southern United States. As the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras, a good time is easy to find in this port city. Attractions include the USS Alabama Battleship, Bellingrath Gardens & Home, riverboat dinner cruises, the Dauphin Street entertainment Michigan Golf Journal
district and a couple of craft breweries. Not only is the RTJ Golf Trail’s most southern stop, the 54-hole Magnolia Grove, in Mobile, but there are several other challenging courses to keep you in town a bit longer. And choosing to stay longer will be easier when you stay at either the historic Renaissance Battle House Hotel & Spa or the Renaissance Riverview Plaza, both part of the RTJ Golf Trail collection of hotels and resorts. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to 32 miles of white sandy beaches that line the pristine turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Add the nine premier golf courses to the numerous adventurous activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking and biking, and you’ll find there’s more to this small beach town than meets the eye. Then, after a full day of fun in the sun you can grab a hearty meal at one of the many locally-owned restaurants that specialize in everything from fresh Gulf seafood to sweet Alabama BBQ. And don’t forget to wash down your meal and end your day with a cold beer at 11 sites around the state, and Coastal Alabama Golf, the booking entity for the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area, are eager to put together customized golf packages for your foursome or group. Check out GolfAlabama. org for more information on how you can make Sweet Home Alabama your next golf destination or visit RTJGolf.com and CoastalAlabamaGolf.com to book today. Big Beach Brewing Company or an infamous bushwacker (aka adult milkshake) at the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar. At the end of the night, you’ll want a comfy place to lay your head and fortunately Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have an outstanding selection of accommodations from hirise condos and colorful beach houses to nationally-branded hotels and resorts. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, with its eight hotels/ resorts and 26 courses at
Two Collegiate Golf Tournaments Were Held In Michigan UM Men Win In The UP The University of Michigan Men’s Golf Team kicked off their 2023-24 golf season in Escanaba with a win at the Island Resort Intercollegiate held on the Sage Run Golf Course in Michigan’s UP. The event was hosted by South Dakota State and featured ten college teams. In the second round, Ben Hoagland, a red-shirt freshman, fired a 64 and junior Hunter Thomson added his career-low, 65 to vault Michigan into the 36-hole lead. In the final round, both Hoagland and Thomson kept up the hot pace. Hoagland fired a final round two-under par 70 to finish third in the individual segment of the tournament, while Thomson followed a superb 66 to finish solo third, three shots behind the individual winner Alex McCulla from Illinois State. Combined with the low rounds by Thomson and Hoagland, the combined team total of 30-under par was good enough for a five-shot win over runner-up Illinois State. Jack O’Donnell posted three rounds of 71-7272, a personal low to tie for 27th. Junior Yuqi Liu finished at even par, 75-72-69, also a career-best, tying him for 29th. Will Anderson finished at fiveover par to round out the scoring for the starters. Freshman Jason Gordon, playing as an individual in his first college event, tied for 65th. The Wolverines also competed in the 54-hole Chicago Highlands Collegiate Invitational, September 18-19, featuring 14 of the top college golf programs in the country. The College of Charleston, Duke, Furman, Houston, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Penn State,
Rutgers, Virginia, Wake Forest and Yale made up the field for this prestigious college tournament hosted by Wake Forest. Just after Labor Day, Michigan State University Men’s Golf Team opened their 2023-24 golf season by hosting the Folds of Honor (FOH) Collegiate at American Dunes in Grand Haven. Notre Dame took the title with the Spartans finishing a mere shot back to claim runner-up honors. The field for the second edition of the Folds of Honor Collegiate featured some of the top men’s golf programs in the country. All three military academies, Air Force, West Point and the Naval Academy, participated. Two HBCU schools, Texas Southern and Virginia Union competed along with Arizona, Arkansas, Florida A&M, Florida State, Grand Valley State, Howard, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Memphis, MSU, NC State, Notre Dame, Oregon State and South Carolina. The Folds of Honor Collegiate was first held last year. It highlights FOH Scholarship Recipients from several of the country’s strongest NCAA Golf Programs. The programs include the armed forces ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, and two HBCU Schools, Texas Southern and Virginia Union. MSU shot a 7-over par in the final round, but couldn’t match Notre Dame’s team total of twounder par. It left the Irish eight-over par for the tournament, just one shot better than the Spartan’s nine over par total. Arkansas finished in third place at 11-over par, with South Carolina fourth and Arizona in fifth place. Spartans Finish Runner-up at Folds of Honor Collegiate Michigan Golf Journal
Senior August Meekhof led the way for the Spartans, tying for sixth place at 1-over par. Senior Bradley Smithson and junior Ashton McCulloch tied for 12th. Graduate student Drew Hackett, finished in a tie for 16th place, while freshman Lorenzo Pinili was 48th. “Despite the one-shot deficit, this a dream come true for Michigan State Golf, “Lubahn said. “I hope it’s a dream for Folds of Honors and the Golf Coaches Association of America and everybody who’s involved that we pulled off something very special. That’s going to be our legacy 20 years from now when this tournament is one of the grandest. No one will remember what happened on their strong play in Chicago and finished 15th out of the 15 teams in the field. The Spartans next scheduled events are the Windon Memorial in Lake Forest, Illinois at the end of September and the Fighting Irish Classic at Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course October 1-2. 18 today, but we’ll remember the impact we had on our communities and our military families.” Michigan State next competed in the Fighting Illini Invite held at historic Olympia Fields in Chicago. Weather was an issue and washed out the final round. The Spartans couldn’t maintain
The United States Golf Association (USGA) created the National Development Program to help amateur golfers succeed by delivering competitive opportunities, plus support and training to develop American golf talent and reduce financial burdens. The program provides education, USGA Names Chris Zambri Head Coach For National Development Program Michigan Golf Journal
experiences and mentorship to help athletes achieve success at every level and is committed to fostering a positive pathway for American golfers to follow their dreams and reach the pinnacle of the sport. The USGA recently named Pepperdine Associate Head Coach Chris Zambri as the first head coach in the history of the United States National Development Program (USNDP). Zambri will be tasked with leading the overall direction of the USNDP’s program, as well as providing support and guidance to the elite golfers selected to represent their country in international competition as part of national teams. He will lead the day-to-day coaching operations, including playing a key role in developing a network of qualified coaches at the regional and state levels to support the USNDP’s mission of identifying and developing American golf talent. Zambri will also work closely with Senior Player Development Advisor Dr. Beth Brown to create an elite golf program designed to expose athletes to the physical, technical and mental loads required to compete successfully at the highest levels of the sport. Prior to joining the USGA, Zambri served as an Associate Head Coach at Pepperdine. He played a huge role in guiding the Waves to the 2021 NCAA national championship and their semifinal appearance in 2022. Before joining Pepperdine, he spent 14 years on the coaching staff at USC, including being their head coach. The Trojans won 33 events, including three conference titles (2007, 2011, 2018) and three NCAA Regional titles (2008, 2012, 2017). His 2015 squad was the runner-up at the NCAA national championship. Seven different golfers earned All-American first, second or third team honors a total of 13 times under his tutelage. Zambri also served as the head coach of the victorious United States squad at the 2010 Palmer Cup. As a player, Zambri spent nearly seven years on the Korn Ferry Tour and was an active teaching professional, when not competing. He competed in the 1995 and 1999 U.S. Opens, as well as four PGA Tour events. A 1993 USC graduate, Zambri was a two-time All-Pac-10 second team selection in 1991 and 1993. “It is an honor to be named as the first head coach in the history of the U.S. National Development Program,” said Zambri. “This country boasts an incredible depth of golfing talent, and I look forward to playing a key role in developing and supporting the next generation of truly great American players.” Announced in February, the U.S. National Development Program is designed to ensure that American golf is the global leader in the game by focusing on six key pillars: talent identification, access to competition, national teams, athlete resources, player development and relations and athlete financial support. Next year, the program will launch a Junior National Team, coached by Zambri, with both an amateur national team and young professional national team to follow over the coming years. To learn more, click here.
school, after college, has been awesome, and to win it, just incredible.” Her win was also remarkable in that she broke her ankle skiing in January and didn’t pick up a club until April. Dinh attended Wisconsin University (20122015) and played on the women’s golf team. She was a four-time Academic All-Big Ten scholar athlete and graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. Chugg, from Salt Lake City, was playing in her third U.S. Women’s Mid-Am final match Michigan Golfer Wins USGA Women’s Mid-Am Championship Kimberly Dinh, of Midland, won her first USGA National title by overcoming a 3-down deficit to defeat the 2017 USGA Mid-Amateur Champion, Kelsey Chugg. The 2023 Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship was hosted by Stonewall Golf Club near Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just west of Philadelphia. “In college, I never really played in any USGA events, mostly because by the time the summer came around, I was burned out and I didn’t want to travel. So having an opportunity to compete in a USGA championship after grad By Fred Altvater Michigan Golf Journal
in the last six years and it appeared she would add another trophy to her collection, when she jumped out to a 3-up lead after just seven holes. After trading pars over the next four holes, Chugg maintained her 3-up lead through 11 holes, normally the kiss of death in match play. Over the final seven holes the pair would not tie a single hole. When Chugg’s putter became a problem, Dinh won six of the last seven holes giving the Michigan native the 2-up victory. “To lose a couple holes pretty quickly was a little bit frustrating, but I just kind of dug deep and never really panicked,” said Dinh. “Kelsey was playing great golf, but both of us were going to make mistakes at some point, so I just kind of had to weather that and keep playing. I said to myself, ‘I’ll keep putting one good swing on the ball after another and see where it takes me.’” Dinh won the 2022 Michigan Amateur Championship and said of that experience. “I have learned something every time I’ve gotten to match play, just every time I’ve played it, I’ve gotten more comfortable with it. I’ve learned that even if you get down to not panic. At [the Michigan Amateur] this past year, I had a couple matches that went to extra holes and I had to make putts to get to extra holes, so I’ve been in high-pressure situations and have gotten used to it.” For Dinh, it’s the icing on an incredible midamateur career that has included a win at the Michigan Women’s Amateur, as well as two wins at the Michigan Women’s Mid-Amateur. Earlier this year, Dinh played in her first ever LPGA event, the Dow Great Lakes Invitational, sponsored by her employer, Dow, where she works as a senior research specialist. For the win Dinh receives; a gold medal, the Mildred Gardiner Prunaret Trophy, and exemptions into the next 10 U.S. Women’s MidAm Championships, both the 2024 and 2025 U.S. Women’s Amateurs, as well as entry into the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open.
World Champions Cup Announces Qualifiers Michigan Golf Journal
Vijay Singh, Bernhard Langer and Steve Stricker are the first qualifiers to represent their respective teams in the inaugural playing of the World Champions Cup at Concession Club in Bradenton, Florida, December 7-10. Think of the World Champions Cup as the Presidents Cup & Ryder Cup rolled into one event, but for PGA Tour Champions players. Three teams, Team USA, Team International and Team Europe will compete for bragging rights. Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Jim Furyk will serve as playing captains for their respective teams. Each team will be comprised of six competitors, all members of the PGA TOUR Champions. Popular golf commentator Peter Jacobsen will serve as the event Chairman. “I’m looking forward to competing alongside Vijay native has won 16 PGA TOUR Champions titles, including seven senior majors. He has won five times this season and currently leads the Charles Schwab Cup Money List by a wide margin. “Strick has been a friend of mine and a guy who I have relished competing with and against for years,” Furyk said. “Our experiences in Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups have been extremely meaningful, and getting the chance to add a new chapter to our team play experience with the World Champions Cup is something that I know we are both extremely excited for this December.” If you plan on being in Florida in December and would like to attend the event, tickets are now on sale at www. WorldChampionsCup.com. If you can’t be there in person it is set to air on ABC and ESPN. as we look to bring home the inaugural World Champions Cup trophy for Team International,” Els said. “Having played with and against him for the better part of three decades, I know just how competitive he is, and I expect him to be just as fired up as I am to battle against Team Europe and Team USA in this truly exciting new tournament.” “Having a player of Bernhard’s caliber gives Team Europe a significant leg up heading into the inaugural World Champions Cup,” Clarke said. “When you look at Bernhard’s level of play since joining the Champions Tour, there is no other player I’d want to be my teammate going into battle with the International and U.S. teams.” A 12-time PGA TOUR winner, Stricker has finished top-10 in 13 major championships. Since turning 50, the Wisconsin
News & Notes Hilton Head Offering Discount Packages With colder weather approaching, Hilton Head becomes a logical warm weather golf destination. The Sea Pines Resort is the ideal venue to enjoy all that the South Carolina Low Country has to offer with biking, hiking, swimming, tennis, pickleball and of course, world-class golf. Now is the time to book your next Hilton Head adventure with discount packages from Sea Pines. Home and villa rentals feature complimentary meals, and preferred golf rates at the resort’s three championship golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament. A four-night package starts at $185.00/night for a two-bedroom deluxe villa with additional amenities and access to the Sea Pines Resort Fitness Center and Harbour Town Pool. If you prefer to stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town guest, who book now will receive a $75 Gift Card, when you book a Sunday to Thursday Michigan Golf Journal
through the end of the year. The package also includes: • Complimentary adult bikes and reduced rates on children’s bikes • Reduced golf rates • Reduced tennis and pickleball rates at the Sea Pines Racquet Club • Special discounts on eco-adventures and activities • Complimentary access to the luxurious boutique pool and spa • Complimentary access to The Sea Pines Resort Fitness Center Click on this link and mention the promotion code, STAYTHREE, to receive the discounted rates. Volvik Names New Leadership Team Volvik, a rapidly-growing, premium high-performance golf ball company, has announced a new leadership team. Pete Kinney, PGA, has been named president, and John Holst is the new vice president of sales. Kinney and Holst have years of experience in the golf industry, in particular in the golf ball category – Kinney with Maxfli, Taylormade, Slazenger, Srixon/ Cleveland and Bridgestone Golf, and Holst with Maxfli, Mizuno, Wilson and Forethought Golf. lines and to enhance the growing recognition of Volvik throughout North America. Robert Trent Jones Ross Bridge Announces Reopening Date The Ross Bridge Course, the cornerstone of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, has undergone an extensive renovation and reopened this month. The renovation included replacing the bent grass greens with TifEagle Bermuda, which will result in a firmer and smoother playing surfaces. Each bunker across the property was revamped. They were completely rebuilt with fresh drainage systems and replenished sand. Several were removed and others were reshaped. Floors of the greenside bunkers were elevated to ensure more favorable lies for golfers trying to reach the putting surface. “We look forward to leading the Volvik team as we expand the presence and scope of this exciting brand,” Kinney said. “Volvik has always been known for leading the way in color, quality and innovation, appealing to golfers of all skill levels.” Kinney continued, “Our focus will continue to be developing groundbreaking technology, enhancing the colorful products that we are known for and, most importantly, being the brand that is associated with the word ‘fun’ for beginners to low handicappers. We will present the best lineup of products and pricing that we have ever offered in the United States.” Plans are in place to continue the expansion of various Volvik
Cart paths were repaired, plus several were strategically relocated to improve playability and drainage across the course. Five holes received dramatic architectural redesign. Plus, the golf cart fleet was updated with new EZ-GO carts with GPS and Bluetooth technology. Golfers will have the College Golf Experience (CGX), the leading junior golf showcase camp company connecting juniors and families with college coaches, announces its next four Top100 Showcase Camps hosted by 48 women’s and men’s college golf coaches. CGX’s Top100 East - Girls and Top100 East - Boys Showcase Camps will take place at Chateau Elan Golf Club, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, November 11-12. The Wigwam Golf Resort near Phoenix, Arizona, will host the Top100 West - Girls Showcase Camp December 2-3 as well as the Top100 West - Boys Showcase Camp, December 16-17. CGX Top 100 Showcase Camps are tailor-made for junior golfers ages 13-18 in the top-300 of their class, juniors who want to learn from top college coaches and level up their game, and juniors and parents looking to build relationships with top coaches and programs in an immersive educational environment. CGX Top100 Showcase Camps are held over two days and provide: • Juniors with scripted outfits from adidas Golf to be worn during camp like what they would experience on a college golf team and in professional golf. • Juniors with Clippd, a data-driven performance platform to track their game on and off the course. exact yardages to carefully plan their next shot, and enjoy their tunes, or a ball game, while hunting for birdies and eagles on the golf course. For more information about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and to plan your next golf adventure to Alabama click HERE. • Comprehensive education sessions for juniors and parents led by the marquee college golf coaches on college golf and the recruiting pathway. • On-course coach engagement and course management and strategy instruction during simulated college golf practice and tournament rounds. • Real-time evaluation and personalized feedback from coaches during a simulated college golf practice session to help each junior discover how to find the right collegiate program fit. • Name Image Likeness (NIL) discussions to recruiting questions, and tips on what juniors should do to prepare for college golf. If you would like to learn more, or register for one of these elite golf camps visit: www. collegegolfx.com. CGX Announces Four Top100 Camps With 48 Top DI Women’s and Men’s Coaches Michigan Golf Journal
Historic Omni Homestead Resort Makes Renovations What’s old is being made new again at the Omni Homestead Resort in the Alleghany Mountains in Western Virginia. This historic resort has been entertaining guests, including 23 U.S. presidents, for over 250 years. A recent $140 million renovation has restored this national treasure to grandeur. Every part of the resort has seen improvements including, a twoacre water park, two topranked golf courses, the spa and eight charming restaurants to provide an unforgettable dining experience. By Fred Altvater changes make choosing the correct club challenging. Beautiful views of the surrounding hillsides and the historic Omni Homestead Hotel add to the overall experience on the Old Course. The Cascades course has long been regarded as one of the finest mountain courses in the country. This William Flynn design opened for play in 1923 and has been recognized as one of the very best in Virginia ever since. A par 71, it can be stretched to just under 7,000 yards and will provide a true test for even the best golfer. A total of four tee options, 6,900 yards, 6,200 yards, 5,500 yards and 4,900 yards, assure every skill level of golfer will enjoy their round. Omni Homestead features two classic golf courses, The Cascades and The Old Course, that are pleasing to the eye and a joy to play. The Old Course sits directly behind the hotel and has been in continuous use since its opening in 1892. It boasts updates by William Flynn and Donald Ross and is always in tournament condition. At just under 6,100 yards from the tips this par 72 may seem a bit short by modern standards, but the rolling terrain with sidehill lies and elevation Michigan Golf Journal
The 210-yard, par 3, fourth hole is the Cascades signature hole. The green sits some 50 feet below the tee box and following your ball flight, as it hangs in the air, against the nearby mountainside is a special treat. When Flynn was first approached to build the course, he said it couldn’t be done because there just wasn’t enough acreage to create 18 holes. A dairy farm that bordered the property was purchased by the resort which added enough land to eventually build the course. An old family cemetery is still maintained near one of the tee boxes. The Spa at Omni Homestead offers total relaxation and expert care. The resort stresses Autumn is the perfect time to visit the Omni Homestead for the bright colors painted across the surrounding hillsides. Regardless of the season, any time spent at The Omni Homestead Resort is guaranteed to be memorable. For more information click HERE. health and wellness for the entire body and offers a variety of services to soothe achy muscles and relax a weary mind. Dining opportunities at the resort include fine dining, as well as casual. The American Audubon Dining Room, Jefferson’s Restaurant and Rubino’s at the Cascades are perfect for an upscale dining experience, while the Taproom and Woody’s have more traditional comfort food in a casual setting. Another unique aspect of the Omni Homestead Resort, Hall of Fame golfer, Sam Snead grew up nearby and spent his life at the Homestead. During your visit chat up golf professionals Barry Ryder and Mark Fry for entertaining stories about the irascible Snead.
Tour Edge has enlisted the help of Bernhard Langer to create improved performance wedges and putters to help the average golfer lower their scores and enjoy the game more. Exotics Wingman Wedges by Tour Edge Tour Edge’s latest wedge series, the Exotics Wingman, have been two years in development with PGA Tour Champions player Bernhard Langer providing input for the forged head design with a significant amount of offset. The name Wingman comes from the “winged” weight pad located on the clubhead toe which raises the center of gravity thus lowering the launch angle while increasing spin. Key in the development process of the new design was Langer who told us, “I am always looking for a forged wedge with the right amount of offset and eventually Tour Edge’s NEW Wedges & Improved Putters Help Lower Scores By Ed Travis started to ask the R&D team at Tour Edge what they thought could come up with. What came back has astounded me with its performance. I put one prototype right into play the week I tested it because I could just tell that the design was just plain easier to hit and far more consistent than my other wedges.” Michigan Golf Journal
Tour Edge Template Series Putters Having offset on a club places the hands in front of the leading edge which in turn means the impact will be more downward helping any player strike the ball more crisply with the correct trajectory and spin. This small amount of offset is a big help by creating a more consistent strike tending to ensure the sole hits the ground at the proper angle. Tour Edge’s TPU-filled pockets behind the face are specifically there to help create a confidencebuilding feel and make use of Tour Edge’s proprietary material branded VIBRCOR. Wingman wedges offer three sole grinds for different playing conditions and swing attack angles. The F/S Grind (6°/8° bounce) is for a firmer turf and players that tend to sweep the ball. The M/N Grind (10° Bounce) is for various ground Tour Edge has updated the Template putter series with four new designs and three modified shapes including mallets, mid-mallets and blades. They broadened their putter offerings with the Template Series each of which has a center of gravity and moment of inertia optimized for that particular shaped head. The first Template series was a hit due both to their performance and relatively low price point. The 2023 series is in keeping with company founder David Glod’s long time strategy of providing clubs to recreational players with the latest design, materials and technology at reasonable prices. The choice of PVD finishes (silver or black) complements the CNC milled Micro-Grooves conditions and players with a neutral setup. The S/D Grind (12°/14° Bounce) works well for softerground and those players with a more vertical attack angles which tends to dig into the turf. By Ed Travis Fast Facts Tour Edge Exotics Wingman Wedges –– Forged clubheads –– Vibration absorbing TPU-filled pockets –– Back weight: 5-gram standard—2.5, 7.5, 10, 12.5-gram custom –– All lofts 3mm offset –– Milled face, grooves & micro-grooves –– Three stock grinds –– Stock shaft: Dynamic Gold 115 –– MSRP $139.99 each which are 20% deeper, plus wider than the earlier Templates in order to generate topspin quickly after impact. It also helps with the Template’s feel along with the fact the heads are made from the softest stainless steel available. “The new Template putter series has taken leaps and bounds in the look and feel department,” said Glod. “This putter line is bringing together today’s technology with classic putter designs and perfectly blending the two, just like what Template golf holes are designed to do in course architecture.” The Template name comes from the use of a template golf hole in golf course architecture. Template holes were first utilized by American
golf course architect C.B. Macdonald. He spent his early years in Chicago and as a course designer instituted about 20 different template holes basing them on holes from well-known courses like St. Andrews, Prestwick, and North Berwick. Fast Facts Tour Edge Template Series Putters –– 304 Stainless steel heads –– Silver or black PVD finish –– CNC milled micro-grooved face –– Stock grip: Lamkin Deep Etched Pistol –– Alps-mallet, double bend hosel –– Biarritz—mallet, double bend face balance hosel –– Eden—blade, plumber’s neck hosel –– Maiden—mid-mallet, plumber’s neck hosel –– Narrows—Winged mid-mallet, slant neck hosel –– Narrows CS—Winged mid-mallet, center shaft –– Punchbowl—mallet, plumber’s neck hosel –– Valley—mid-mallet, plumber’s neck hosel –– Not available until Nov. 1, 2023 –– MSRP $129.99 Michigan Golf Journal
quarry where it gets downright crazy for a little bit, then the course gets up on the hill and there’s a beautiful, sweeping view. All of the holes coming in are challenging, even when you move down into the gentler terrain. It’s a dramatic golf course; more than I originally thought.” The highly-anticipated Tom Doak design, which only began construction this past January, will be the first original golf course Pinehurst has unveiled in nearly 30 years. Its opening comes just a few months before Pinehurst No. 2 will host the 2024 U.S. Open. “Pinehurst Resort has been fortunate to be hailed as the Cradle of American Golf, and we’re grateful for all of the major championships and historic moments that have come before,” says Pinehurst Resort CEO Bob Dedman Jr. “We’re delighted to have a date to begin presenting this incredible design by Tom Doak to our guests. April 3, 2024 will not only be another great day in Pinehurst’s history, but for our future as well.” Golfers will find the new Tenth Course to be quite different that other courses at the resort. The landscape underlying Doak’s newest design features native wiregrass, extensive sandscape, towering longleaf pines and rolling hills. Midway through the course, Doak takes advantage of the rugged dunes carved out by mining operations around the Pinehurst No. 10 To Open In April Next Year turn of the 20th century. The result is a spectacular course with more than 75 feet of elevation change that delivers a golf experience like no other. Doak said of his creation, “No. 10 starts out fairly gentle, then it starts going into the old
“We’re excited to show off Tom Doak’s masterful interpretation of Pinehurst golf,” says Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort. “From the initial routing of Pinehurst No. 10 to the shaping and design process, Doak and his associates excelled in all regards. Our very high expectations were exceeded, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it.” Place the video thumbnail here To watch a flyover preview of No. 10 watch this video The tenth course at Pinehurst Resort complements one of the best golf destinations in the world. In addition to ten great courses, the par-3 Cradle and putting course Thistle Dhu, make Pinehurst a must-play for serious golfers. Widely known as the Cradle of American Golf, Pinehurst has hosted more golf championships – including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and PGA TOUR Championship – than any other site in North America. Golfers enjoy layouts designed by the game’s greatest architects, including Donald Ross, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Gil Hanse, Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio and Ellis Maples. To book tee times and golf packages visit: https:// www.homeofgolf.com/. Michigan Golf Journal
Starkville. While The Azalea, No. 5 and The Oaks Course, No. 8 are at Dancing Rabbit in the middle of Mississippi. Fallen Oak & The Beau Rivage Beau Rivage sits on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast and the 32-story hotel and casino is Mississippi’s tallest building. It offers spectacular views of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as Biloxi’s Back Bay. Tom Fazio’s Fallen Oak has long been the consensus No. 1 among the state’s courses and has hosted a PGA Tour Champions tournament since 2010. Tom Fazio is known as a top designer and Fallen Oak is considered one of his best creations. Mississippi Offer Great Golf Opportunities By Len Ziehm With cooler temperatures beginning to creep into our area, golfers in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana may want to consider heading south to Mississippi for great golf and amenities. Top-notch golf is spread across the state from the Gulf Coast’s No 1 rated Fallen Oak, No. 6 Grand Bear and No. 10 Shell Landing. No. 2 Mossy Oak and No. 3 Old Waverly are located in the northeastern section of the state, near Michigan Golf Journal
Beau Rivage recently completed $100 million in property enhancements including a $55 million remodeling of each of its 1,645 hotel rooms. The resort offers live entertainment in its 1,550-seat theater, an upscale shopping promenade with 12 retail shops, the Black Clover Lounge and Topgolf Swing Suite and a world-class spa. It also has 12 restaurants in addition to an 85,000 -square foot gaming area. Fallen Oak opened in 2006 and is consistently ranked as the No. 2 casino course in the United States, trailing only Shadow Creek, its MGM sister course in Las Vegas. Because only Beau Rivage members and resort guests can play Fallen Oak the course is the bestconditioned of the layouts our group played. Shell Landing Shell Landing is a heavilyplayed public course in Gautier and gives Coastal Mississippi a third course in the state’s top 10. Shell Landing, designed by Davis Love III, was immediately well-received by national golf publications when it opened in 2002. In addition to its popular 18-hole championship course, Shell Landing also has a 15-acre practice facility. Pearl River Resort The Pearl River Resort sits in the middle of the state and is operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Dancing Rabbit opened in 1997 and has two 18-hole courses, The Azaleas and The Oaks. Both were designed by Tom Fazio in conjunction with Jerry Pate and both feature elevation changes and tighter fairways than we found at the Coastal courses. With more than 6,000 employees, the Choctaw Tribe is one of the top five private Grand Bear, a Jack Nicklaus design stepped in to host the Champions Tour in 2022, when Fallen Oak had to decline. Grand Bear is a public course, which opened in 1999. We considered it to be fantastic and on par with Fallen Oak. Nicklaus courses are generally very demanding and this one is literally “a Bear” from each tee placement. The front tees are called Teddy Bear, progressing to the Black Bear, the Brown Bear, the Golden Bear and the Grizzly Bear tees are for the low handicappers.
employers in Mississippi and the Pearl River Resort is one of its biggest properties. It encompasses two hotels and casinos, the Silver Star and Golden Moon. The Silver Star has a spa and salon where guests can enjoy a full complement of skin and body treatments, soothing steam baths, a whirlpool, sauna and outdoor pool. Its fitness center is filled with state-of-the-art equipment. Golden Moon is a bit different with its amenities including, The Whiskey Bean (for coffee, sandwiches and pastries), Bistro 24 (for a broader menu that includes mouth-watering steak), Timeout Lounge (for easy TV viewing while enjoying a variety of drink selections) and the excellent restaurant, Mama `n’ Em, with particularly interesting menu offerings. Visitors will find it difficult to find a better meal and service than that of Phillip M’s Steakhouse at Pearl River. Old Waverly Country Club West Point has been a golf hotbed since George Bryan’s Old Waverly Country Club opened in 1988. The club hosted the 1999 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2014 Handa Cup, a team event for senior women stars and the 2019 U.S. Women’s Amateur. Local residents, Bryan and Toxie Haas, rallied a few friends to add a second course, Mossy Oak. It’s a sporty but Michigan Golf Journal
challenging layout that also is the home of the Mississippi State University men’s and women’s golf teams. “Our whole goal with that course was to develop a different atmosphere,’’ said Greg Flannagan, the director of golf who is in his 23rd year at Old Waverly. “We didn’t want golfers to get bored with the stay-and-play option.’’ Old Waverly is private, but it can be played by those staying at either the Mossy Oak Cottages, or Old Waverly’s lodging. Mossy Oak is comparatively new and is officially public, but most of its play comes from stay-andplay packages. Mississippi State University hosts an annual men’s collegiate tournament at Mossy Oak, while the women’s team conducts its tournement on Old Waverly. Both courses have accompanying cottages that make for most pleasant stay-and-play visits. To learn more about the great resorts and courses in Mississippi visit: VisitMississippi.org/ golf.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis 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 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 Treetops General Manager Barry Owens talks about the renovations and changes at one of Michigan’s Best Resorts Treetops. Nemacolin Resort in the Alleghany Mountains in Western Pennsylvania is a luxury destination with activity and amenity imaginable. Donna Herto, Chris Anderson and Mike LaBella talk about the resort and explain why you should put it at the top of your bucket list. BOYNE Resort’s Director of Marketing, Ken Griffin talks about the International Tour Operators Convention coming to the northern Michigan resort next year for its annual convention. Barry Owens Talks About What’s NEW at Treetops Nemacolin Provides the Ultimate in Luxury & Amenities BOYNE To Host the 2024 International Tour Operators Convention Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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