Happy New Year Golfaholics! FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report The calendar has turned over once again and expectations for the 2024 golf season begin by attending one of the golf shows in our area. Grand Rapids and Novi both host large golf shows that feature low pricing on new and used golf equipment, plus apparel. Golf groups can chat with resort representatives and receive discounted pricing on their next Buddies’ Trip, Girls’ Golf Getaway, or Family vacation. If you feel like traveling, Chicago, Toledo and Cleveland all have golf shows in either February, or March. In this issue, Ed Travis reviews the new Kirkland driver from Costco. BOYNE is set to open its newest course. Steve Pike writes about the renovated Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota. Plus, we wonder who is trying to kill golf quicker, the LIV, or the USGA. We will be down in Florida in January for the PGA Golf Show in Orlando and will spend time visiting golf resorts in the Sunshine State. Hopefully we will also catch a beautiful sunset, or two from a beach chair on the Gulf Coast. We hope you hit it long and straight, plus limit those nasty three putts this year. HAPPY NEWYEAR, GOLFAHOLICS!! Michigan Golf Journal
BoyneGolf.com Getting to BOYNE Golf has never been easier... drive, or take advantage of the new updates to our 5200’ airport at Boyne Mountain. And with convenient non-stop flights into Traverse City (TVC) from 18 U.S. cities, it is so easy to have your friends join you too. Call 866.966.6910 to plan your 2024 trip now! THE GOLF, EPIC. THE TRIP, EASY. BOOKING 2024, EVEN EASIER.
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 32 FIND INSIDE 06 10 28 38 Let It Snow…..It’s Golf Show Season! MGCA 2023 Award Winners BOYNE Set to Open 11th Course: Doon Brae Men’s Professional Golf Doesn’t Deserve Our Respect Michigan Golf News Enjoy A Relaxed Atmosphere on Jekyll Island 2024 PGA Golf Show Continues to Bounce Back 06 10 18 32 14 28 21 Who’s Trying to Kill Golf Quicker…LIV or USGA? Kirkland Signature Adjustable Driver by Costco 24 37 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Sarasota’s Bobby Jones Golf Club Reopened 41 40 38 Michigan Golf Journal
Even though it’s winter, visions of warm summer days and lush green fairways dance in every golfer’s mind. This is the season that golfers yearn for straight drives and long curling putts that find the center of the fairway and the hole every time. It’s Golf Show Season and golfers are ready to get a head start on 2024 with new clubs, balls and apparel, plus a new golf swing to start the new year. Michigan hosts two large shows in Grand Rapids and Novi, but golfers may want to take West Michigan Golf Show After rumors the West Michigan Golf Show was not going to be held in 2024, it is back and bigger than ever. For over 35 years, the West Michigan Golf Show has started the golf season. With the area’s top equipment dealers, courses and resorts, you can plan you r entire golf season and even book your first tee-time of the year. Let It Snow….. It’s Golf Show Season! the opportunity to travel to Chicago, Cleveland, or Toledo for more variety. Michigan Golf Journal
Cleveland Golf & Travel Show The Cleveland Golf and Travel Show will be held February 16-18 at the International Exposition Center near Hopkins International Airport. Adult admission is $12.00 at the door. Children 12 and under are free. Attendees won’t want to miss, the $100 HoleOut Challenge, Closest to the Pin Contest, plus the Long Putt Contest worth $10,000. Entrance fee is $12.00 for adults and children under the age of 14 can enter for free. The Western Michigan Golf Show will once again be held at the Devos Center, in Grand Rapids and features used, as well as new clubs, with low pricing on apparel, equipment and everything a golfer needs to play his best. Show dates and times are: Show Hours & Admission: Friday, February 9 Saturday, February 10 Sunday, February 11 Friday, February 16 Saturday, February 17 Sunday, February 18 2:00-8:00 PM 9:00 AM-6:00 PM 10:00 AM-3:00 PM 2:00 PM -7:00 PM 9:00 AM-5:00 PM 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Friday evening features live music, raffles and other fun activities. Visit the 9,000 square foot Manufacturer’s Demo Range to try the newest clubs, or just get in a little early season practice. All the major equipment manufacturers will have clubs available to try and improve your game.
Toledo Golf Show The 16th annual Toledo Golf Show is scheduled for February 23-25 at the Tam-O-Shater Sports and Exhibition center in Sylvania. Chicago Golf Show The Chicago Golf Show will be held February 23-25 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Admission for Adults is $8.00 at the door, or $7.00 in advance, while children 12 & under are free. Show dates and times: Friday, February 23, 2024 Saturday, February 24, 2024 Sunday, February 25, 2024 3 PM to 8 PM 9 AM to 6 PM 10 AM to 4 PM Show hours and entry fees are: Friday, February 23 Saturday, February 24 Sunday, February 25 Admission, $7.00 Admission, $12.00 Admission, $12.00 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM To save $1.00 per ticket, plus skip the line at the door, purchase tickets at one of the following locations: Flicks in Lambertville, Forestview Lanes in Temperance, Fore Golfers Indoor Golf, Components Plus, Pro Golf Fairways, Reset, Rossford, Fallen Timbers Fairways and BlueSkies Forever in Point Place. There is always a lot of free giveaways, fun activities, as well as the best deals on clubs and equipment, plus tips from pros, at the Toledo Golf Show. Don’t forget to book your next golf getaway, at discounted pricing, from one of the many resorts that will be at the show. There will also be a Long Putt Challenge and Long Drive Championship, as well as presentations on the stage and golf tips from PGA Teaching Professionals. Talk to golf travel destinations and check out the latest golf equipment at the Cleveland Golf Show. Michigan Golf Journal
MiCHiGAN Golf Show The MiCHiGAN Golf Show will be held once again at the Suburban Collection Showplace on Grand River Avenue in Novi. Hundreds of exhibitors will be promoting Michigan courses, new and used golf equipment, plus everything a golfer needs to hit the links this year. The 2024 MiCHiGAN Golf Show hours are as follows: The entry fee is $12.00 each for adults, while children under the age of 12 are allowed to enter for free. Tickets for Junior Golfers ages 12-15 are $4.00 for every session and Children under the age of 12 are free. If you have a favorite foursome, the VALUE PACK is available and provides four tickets for either Saturday or Sunday admission for $36.00, but must be purchased online. Show dates and times: Friday, March 8 Saturday, March 9 Sunday, March 10 2:00 PM - 7:00 PM 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Attendees can test their skills and one lucky golfer will win $10,000 in the Putting and the Par 3 contests sponsored by Garland Lodge and Golf Resort. Of course, there will a food, plus cold beer available on the show floor. Area Golf Shows are always well attended with golfers strolling the aisles to find the best pricing on travel, equipment and every necessity to hit the links this spring. Round up your favorite foursome, we hope we see you at a golf show near you this winter.
MGCA 2023 Award Winners The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) announced their award winners for 2023 at their annual meeting. “We are excited to honor award winners that have built legacies and exemplified the spirit of servant leadership in the Michigan golf industry,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA said. “These award winners have left an indelible mark, not just through their successful businesses but by selflessly supporting their peers and the growth of the industry. It promises to be an unforgettable evening, dedicated to those who have truly made a difference.” Jeff Hoag, owner and general manager at Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park, received the Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award. It is given to an individual or organization that over the span of a lifetime has provided steadfast leadership, outstanding service, and continuous commitment to the Michigan golf industry. Michigan Golf Journal
In 2023 Hoag celebrated his 50th year in the golf industry. Over the years he has expanded Scott Lake from an 18-hole facility to 33 holes of golf with a state-of-the-art practice facility. Hoag also has served the Michigan golf industry for 42 years as a member of the MGCA Board of Directors where he has served two terms as president and a total of 16 years on the executive committee. In addition, he has been a member of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) for 36 years, including a stint as president. He is currently serving as the national group’s treasurer. “Known for his professionalism, business acumen and advocacy for the business of surfaces for all Michigan residents and was instrumental in helping to create a new MGCA program. “Carey played a very important role with developing our competencies for the MGCA Registered Apprenticeship/ Golf Course Maintenance Technician,” Paisley said. “Using his knowledge from his day-to-day role as general manager at College Fields to develop the job learning competencies was a key part in having our program recognized and registered by the U.S. Department of Labor.” Kari Kahanec, from Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth, was the recipient of the John Dodge CARPE golf, Jeff is one of the most respected leaders in the national golf industry,” Paisley said. “He selflessly gives to others for the betterment of the golf industry and shares advice freely with anyone who approaches him. He has spent 50 years dedicating himself to the development and growth of Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center, his staff, and the community that surrounds the golf course.” Carey Mitchelson, Director of Operations at College Fields Golf Club in Okemos, was awarded the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award. Mitchelson is also the Executive Director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, which promotes safe, healthy turf
DIEM Award. Kahanec was honored for being a team member of a MGCA member course and demonstrated creativity and success as defined by the legacy of the late John Dodge. She received a grant from the MGCA Scott Family Educational Support Foundation. Maple Hill Golf was named the recipient of the Dul Family Player Development Award. Maple Hill is honored as the MGCA member course that demonstrated creativity and success in growing the game by developing new golfers and new rounds by overcoming perceived barriers. Maple Hill will also receive a grant award from the Scott Family Educational Support Foundation to support continued golf programming for kids, women and beginners. Also honored at the MGCA Awards Banquet, Sundance at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, was named the Michigan Golf Course of the Year. Sundance, designed by Jerry Matthews, opened in 2005, is one of two courses at the main campus of A-Ga-Ming and sits atop glacier-carved bluffs between Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan. The MGCA Course of the Year Award honors a member course that meets four criteria: Unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; significant contribution to the game. Michigan Golf Journal
Golf News Michigan Team BOYNE Raised $80,000 For Charity In Annual Harbor Cup For 27 years PGA professionals from BOYNE Golf have raised more than $700,000 through the annual Harbor Cup golf event, benefiting local charities including Manna Food Project and First Tee-Northern Michigan. The annual event was held at the Harbor Point Golf Club in Harbor Springs. PGA professionals from BOYNE Golf’s properties were pitted against PGA professionals from Petoskey-area golf courses featuring a 54-hole Ryder Cup style format. Team Harbor won this year’s event 13-11, but Team BOYNE raised over $80,000 for charity. The donations are the result of the year-long fundraising effort leading up to and following the event and support the Harbor Cup Charitable Fund, a component fund of the Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation. Many of the donations came from the members of the Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club, merchandise sales, plus pro-am and scramble golf events around the area. Through the Harbor Cup Charitable Fund, the BOYNE Golf Harbor Cup team proudly presented donation checks to Manna Food Project ($70,000.00) and First Tee-Northern Michigan ($10,000). “For the past 27 years BOYNE and Petoskey area PGA professionals have come together and created this long-standing tradition of charitable contributions that has had a significant impact in our Northern Michigan community. To be a part of this wonderful event Michigan Golf Journal
Rocket Mortgage Classic Contributes $1.61 Million to Local Nonprofits The 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic raised a total of $1.61 million to support local Detroit nonprofits. Connect 313, a collaborative partnership focused on bridging Detroit’s digital divide, founded in 2020, received $581,400 of the proceeds. Since 2019, the Rocket Mortgage Classic has invested more than $8.4 million into local charitable organizations, including $4.3 million in contributions to the event’s landmark “Changing the Course” initiative to connect Detroit residents to high-speed internet, digital devices and digital training. “With the support of the Rocket Mortgage Classic’s ‘Changing the Course’ initiative, more than 141,000 Detroit households have enrolled in the ACP. But that’s just the beginning,” said Connect 313 Board Chair Laura Grannemann, and see the impact it is having has been very gratifying,” said Steve Niezgoda, Bay Harbor Golf Club Head Professional and Team BOYNE’s Harbor Cup Captain. “We also could not do any of this without all the support we receive from the Harbor Cup Charitable Fund, a component fund of the PetoskeyHarbor Springs Area Community Foundation, along with the Country Club of Boyne and Bay Harbor Golf Club members, area businesses, vendors, and homeowners.” For more information on BOYNE Golf, visit www.BOYNEgolf.com. who is also a member of the Rocket Giving Fund board and serves as the Executive Director
of the Rocket Community Fund. “Through our partnership with Connect 313, we are working hard to provide every Detroit resident the resources they need to connect and thrive.” The Rocket Mortgage Classic was honored for the second time with the PGA TOUR’s “Fair Way Award” for its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The award recognizes the event’s staging of The John Shippen National Invitational, Detroit Community Days and Youth Golf Clinic. “Connect 313 starts with the premise that an internet connection is no longer a luxury but a needed utility for success in the 21st century,” Katanski said. “Detroit residents deserve access to affordable high-speed internet, appropriate digital devices and the opportunity to learn critical digital skills. With the support of our partners, we have strategically placed neighborhood tech hubs across the city to provide these services free of charge within a short walking distance for any resident.” The sixth-annual Rocket Mortgage Classic will be held June 25-30, 2024, at historic Detroit Golf Club. Michigan Golf Journal
BOYNE Set To Open 11th Course: Doon Brae Doon Brae will be the 11th course at BOYNE when it opens is 2024. The new short course was designed by Ray Hearn and sits at the base of the ski hill behind The Highlands Lodge. “As far as I know, this is the first modern golf course ever built on a ski hill,” said Bernie Friedrich, Director of Golf Course Renovations and Development at Boyne Resorts. “What excites me most is how beautiful and different it is. There are three or four stacked wall bunkers. Michigan Golf Journal
Instead of using tee boxes, we’ll have just one marker on each hole and let guests play wherever they want. And the greens are inspired by some of the great ones around the world. They’re not copies of any specific greens, but they look different and are big. We also sodded all of the fairways, which will be well-maintained and surrounded by some tall fescue for that whisper look and feel. It’s going to be quite stunning. There’s a lot of excitement about short courses. We want to keep people excited about golf and wanting to play. If playing 18 or 36 holes is not enough on any day, this gives golfers another option.” In Scottish, Doon Brae translates to, Doon, going downhill into a valley, while Brae refers to a hillside. Sitting at the base of the Highlands ski hill, that is exactly what this 9-hole short course is. The course maxes out at 993 yards with the forward tees being 678 yards. Holes will vary in length from the shortest 57 yards to the longest at 134 yards. Due to the elevation and slope of the hillside, uphill, downhill, as well as side-hill lies will add to the challenge. Golf designer Ray Hearn, who has been working closely with BOYNE to renovate several of the resort’s courses, was chosen to build this new course. “Working with Stephen Kircher and Bernie Friedrich on this project has been really exciting,” said Hearn, who was inspired by his many overseas trips to Scotland and Ireland and in particular, Royal County Down. “Stephen came over to Ireland on one of the first architecture seminars overseas while teaching at MSU and we both fell in love with Royal County Down and it inspired us during the design of Doon Brae.” Hearn drew inspiration from the iconic links greens in Scotland and Ireland. Golfers will find Hearn’s tribute to the Eden green, Punch Bowl, Redan, Reverse Redan, Volcano, Steep Slope, Postage Stamp, and even a Biarritz green. Doon Brae will also be lit for night play and a quick round will be the perfect end to a day on the links. The short course is also the ideal family activity.
2024 PGA Show Continues Bounce Back By Ed Travis efficient way to potential purchasers, plus several hundred members of the media from around the world. Thirdly and perhaps the most attractive is that the Show provides the opportunity to connect, person to person, with friends and business acquaintances, to fuel more business growth. Prior to the opening of the exhibit floor on Wednesday, January, 24, Demo Day will be held at Orange County National Golf Center’s driving range, on Tuesday. Not only are the latest in clubs and technology available for hands on investigation, but the PGA also holds workshops on club fitting and coaching. PGA of America President John Lindert, Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing, in Lansing, Michigan said in a press release concerning the Show’s objectives, “The PGA Show attracts the largest annual gathering of PGA of America Golf Professionals and is the most significant The 71st PGA Show will be held this month in Orlando and will be larger than the 2023 show. The return to prepandemic numbers of attendees and exhibitors should continue. The “Major of the Golf Business,” held annually and hosted by the PGA of America, is the largest annual meeting of the industry. The 2023 Show drew about 30,000 PGA Professionals and industry executives roughly double that of 2022, while the 2021 Show was held virtually due to the covid pandemic. This year over 35,000 golf industry professionals are expected to attend. In 2023, just over 800 exhibitors attended, twice as many as 2022. Early registrations for the 2023 PGA Show exceeded 840 and the final number of exhibitors is expected to reach 900. The Show is not open to the public and performs three important functions for the golf industry. Education sessions are held for PGA Professionals to further their knowledge of teaching, marketing and business, while earning continuing education credits. Secondly it provides golf companies with an ideal way to expose their products and services in a constructive,
business event for the global golf community each year. From discovering the latest game innovations, networking with some of the Association’s finest Professionals, to attending widespread educational and business programs, our PGA of America Members return from the PGA Show better equipped to improve the the world,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon. “Education, business, career and peer networking programs, plus opportunities to unwind together in the evenings, are also important aspects of a packed PGA Show Week that help to recharge our professional growth and build up the business of golf.” everyday golfer’s journey at all levels and influence the growth of the sport.” “The expansive mix of market leaders, veteran manufacturers and inventive start-ups at the annual PGA Show creates an unparalleled marketplace for thousands of golf industry professionals from around Michigan Golf Journal
Who is Trying to Kill Golf Quicker…… LIV or USGA? Opinion Since 2020 the golf industry has experienced a resurgence of popularity and golf course owners are experiencing the highest levels of profitability they have ever seen. Women and juniors are taking up the game in record numbers and tee sheets at golf courses are filled with enthusiastic golfers. By Fred Altvater The golf equipment and apparel segments are seeing record sales of golfing paraphernalia. Everything seems to be booming in the golf world, but is it really? When there is big money to be made, others want a piece of the pie. That is exactly what is happening right now and it will alter the game as we know it. The LIV and PGA Tour are in a battle to the death to control the professional game. The United States Golf Association (USGA), in their infinite wisdom has decided that the golf ball goes too far and plans to limit it for everyone, not just elite golfers, by 2030. Both of these issues are causing everyday golfers to sit back and wonder about the health of the game. There are a total of 25 million golfers in the United States that play on over 15,000 courses. One of the arguments raised by the USGA is that golf courses are being shrunk due to the distances the golf ball travels. Michigan Golf Journal
Between the Korn Ferry Tour, LPGA Tour and PGA Tour fewer than 150 golf courses host professional golf tournaments. Add in the 15 national championship events and qualifiers that the USGA hosts that brings the total number of courses used for professional than .1% of all golfers are the cause for concern? Average amateur golfers with swing speeds of 100 mph, or less will not see a big difference in distance lost, but why should a 20 handicapper’s enjoyment of the game be reduced, due and elite amateur events to less than 200, or 1.3% of the 15,000 courses. There are approximately 2,000 tour professionals which is less than .1% of all golfers. Why is the USGA rolling back the golf ball for everyone, when less
to limitations placed on his equipment? In a game that can be frustrating, why would anyone want to limit the average hacker that pays for tee times, golf equipment and watches golf on their big screen. That brings me to the next culprits, the PGA Tour and the rival LIV. The LIV is raiding the best talent from the PGA Tour for exorbitant sums of money, which lowers the quality of product the PGA Tour is producing for the golfing public. When the PGA Tour negotiated their most recent television contracts, CBS, NBC and ESPN pay the tour over $700 million annually to broadcast tournaments on their respective media platforms. In addition, the Discovery Channel pays $177 million every year for international broadcast rights. million in 2024, up from $18 million last year. How long will sponsors pony up these large amounts of dollars to support the PGA Tour’s lack of star power and lower quality product? If television and sponsor money decreases, or even disappears, what becomes of the PGA Tour. Purses will decrease and tournaments will disappear, which lowers the professional’s ability to earn money. We hear the phrase, “Grow the Game” repeatedly from the USGA, PGA and the PGA Tour, I’m not sure how the PGA Tour going down the tubes and the USGA rolling back the golf ball will help “Grow the Game.” In fact, I feel that the golf industry is at the precipice of a sharp decline. Sponsors have been willing to shell out upwards of $20 million for the naming rights to individual tournaments. Between the FedEx St. Jude Classic and the FedEx Cup the huge logistics company shells out over $90 million annually. The winner of the FedEx Cup will receive $25 Michigan Golf Journal
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Enjoy A Quiet Relaxed Atmosphere On Georgia’s Jekyll Island By Mike May If you are seeking a restful and relaxed destination in the Southeast that has everything that you could possibly want, look no further than Jekyll Island, Georgia, in the extreme southeastern corner of the Peach State. With ten miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, kayaking, biking, bird watching, tennis, paddle boarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating, canoeing, croquet, as well as 63 holes of golf, Jekyll Island has it all. Michigan Golf Journal
With easy access off I-95 and located not far from airports in Jacksonville and Savannah, Jekyll Island is easy to get to. “Jekyll Island is one of the best places in the country 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,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, the Georgia Golf Trail. “For golfers, the Jekyll Island Golf Club is one of the most popular getaways on the Georgia Golf Trail, plus the island is ideal for golfers and their families.” The Jekyll Island Club Resort combines luxury and history. In 1910, a meeting of financial and business leaders was held on the Island and led to the creation the Federal Reserve System, The Jekyll Island Club’s late-19th Century charm, historical accommodations, diverse dining venues, on-site activities, and direct access to the National Landmark Jekyll Island Historic District make it a wonderful place to stay. This resort also has a sun-soaked swimming pool with a fire pit nearby. For beach lovers, there’s a complimentary shuttle which will take you to and from the nearby seashore. The finely manicured croquet courts are also popular with hotel guests. In the late 1800’s, the Jekyll Island Club Resort provided overnight accommodations for wealthy families of the time, such as the Rockefeller’s, Morgan’s, Vanderbilt’s, and Pulitzer’s, all of whom made regular annual trips to Jekyll Island.
In addition to rooms at the Resort, guests have two other accommodation options – the Jekyll Ocean Club, which is built along the beach, or one of three on-site historic cottages, Crane, Cherokee, and Sans Souci. Built in 1917, the Crane Cottage features Victorian era architecture with a fabulous garden. The Cherokee Cottage is an Italian Renaissance structure, built in 1904. The Victorian-style Sans Souci was once owned by the late J.P. Morgan. At the Resort, there are six on-site dining destinations: The Wharf, Grand Dining Room, Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar, The Pantry, The Pool House and The Bar & Alexander Lounge. The Jekyll Island Golf Club features three 18-hole championship courses. plus a ninehole layout. The three 18-holers, Indian Mound, Oleander, and Pine Lakes, are joined by the original nine-hole course, Great Dunes. Indian Mound, constructed in 1975 by golf course designer Joe Lee, is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses. Designed by golf course architect Dick Wilson, Oleander is known as the most ‘distinct’ of the three championship courses and measures 6,500 yards from the back tees. Pine Lakes, designed by Clyde Johnson, was first opened for play in 1968 and renovated in 2002. The golf course meanders through ocean forests and natural marsh hammocks. Great Dunes was the first golf course on Jekyll Island. The architect of this coastal jewel was Walter “Old Man” Travis and he was tasked with designing the best golf course money could buy in 1928. After golf, enjoy a post-round drink or snack at McCormick’s Grill. Michigan Golf Journal
To book your visit to Jekyll Island visit JekyllIsland.com, or GeorgiaGolfandTravel. com. With miles of Atlantic Coastal Beaches, 63 holes of golf, delicious seafood dishes and a laid-back atmosphere, Jekyll Island makes the perfect golf, or vacation destination.
Men’s Professional Golf Doesn’t Deserve Our Respect or Attention “I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport,” Jon Rahm There it is yet again. ‘Grow the game,’ a nauseatingly trite phrase routinely deployed to justify any questionable decision, or action in the golf industry. Jon Rahm has shown himself to be just the latest golfing mercenary for whom words are cheap in the pursuit of gargantuan signing bonuses and rich tournament purses. From Kieran Clark, GolfShake.com Michigan Golf Journal
How can one criticize him for seemingly turning his back on everything he once believed? He is just trying to admirably ‘grow the game.’ Gratefully, this game of golf that is apparently in need of constant growth will happily continue to exist and thrive. It doesn’t even require the input of Rahm, or any other professional on LIV and the PGA Tour who are often united in possessing an overinflated sense of worth. Regular four-balls will still take place at your local club on a Saturday. Families and friends will be outside enjoying the physical and mental health benefits offered by golf. Keen players will be working tirelessly at the range in that constant search of improvement. The busting communities of golf societies are busy planning their buddy’s trips and girl’s golf getaways for next season. None of this has anything to do with profiteering, or ‘growing the game.’ The game of golf is not what you see on TV. Professional golf was always nothing more than a window into the game, but the view it offers is not one that deserves our respect or attention anymore. Many people have contributed to this regrettable reality, while enriching themselves along the way. The PGA Tour created a monopoly by launching its year-round FedEx Cup schedule, effectively keeping the best players in America, which made
the environment untenable for events played outside the United States, weakening historic tournaments in Europe and the national opens of South Africa and Australia. Was that part of ‘growing the game’ too? This provided the opportunity for the LIV to emerge to readdress that balance, backed by Saudi Arabia’s seemingly limitless Public Investment Fund and the indulgence of its golf fanatic governor Yasir AlRumayyan. What the suits at the PGA Tour never considered was that one day another organization would have the means to buy the weak loyalty of its top players. Breaking Jon Rahm’s professed “fealty” to the established circuit was more household names. Chris Stroud, who earned over $13m in his career, recently declared, “The tour has never tried to give back to the players and that the leadership didn’t care about those ranked outside the top 30.” Everyone (even the LIV defectors) are entitled t o seek a better deal for themselves, but where is the perspective to any of this? Mr. Stroud could walk into any golf club and signing the guestbook would be the only autograph he would be asked for. But PGA Tour players do have legitimate reasons to question what is going on since the Framework Agreement was expensive than others, but the outcome was exactly the same. Where it leaves us now is a curious, absurd position where the product that is men’s professional golf has been diluted and weakened beyond recognition, but the players themselves have never been more rewarded financially. The PGA Tour has thrown money at the FedEx Cup and its Signature Events to the extent that it’s now begging tournament sponsors for more support, while its ‘Player Impact Program’ this year handed a bonus of $100 million divided between 20 players just for sticking around. Modern tour golf is a recipe for entitlement and not just for the Michigan Golf Journal
announced with the Public Investment Fund in June. This came one year after, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan weaponized the grief of 9/11 families in a PR move against the Saudis, only to disgracefully betray the trust of those people he used and declare a deal that remains unratified. Sports Illustrated has now reported that Patrick Cantlay is somehow in a position in that he is driving talks with the Saudis and other potential investors. The American is someone permanently determined to accrue more dollars, presumably to compensate for his complete absence of personality. No wonder Rory McIlroy resigned from the Policy Board. of millions spent, it has failed to gain any traction beyond a tiny niche within the already small niche that is the golf audience. Like other contracted mouthpieces before him, Rahm was quick to point to the ‘innovation’ and ‘team’ appeals of LIV. Naturally, these came a joint-close second to growing the game in his ranking of motivations and way ahead of the reported £450m he could earn. These revolutionary innovations appear to be that instead of having 72-holes of stroke play, 54 holes and a shotgun start are sufficient. What a groundbreaking innovation! There is also a separate The future is even murkier than it was before. Rahm may believe that his crossing of the divide could help to push unity, at least when it comes to LIV players representing Europe in the Ryder Cup, but does anyone really care? When a sport and its participants reek of dishonesty, it ceases to have credibility. When it’s just about the money, it becomes crass beyond measure. Combined those two failings make much of what you see on television meaningless. Setting aside the moral and sportswashing concerns that instantly turned many people against LIV, for all its hundreds
leaderboard charting the progress of teams that sound like they’re part of a Christmas pub quiz. The Majesticks, The RangeGoats, The Cleeks, The Toilet Seats, I just made up that last one. There really is a team called the Rippers. You’ve got to love the Rippers! Rahm ludicrously compared this contrived and artificial setup to his childhood football team, Athletic Bilbao, eight-time winners of La Liga who proudly represent the Basque Country by famously only selecting players native to that region. That is team with meaning. the late David Warner decides to pursue the doomed lovers Rose and Jack to get his hands on a priceless diamond in spite of the fact that he is likely facing certain death as the dining room floods around him. Cameron removed this sequence from the film because the audience wouldn’t believe anyone would actually do that. But it feels somewhat apt for the corporate melodrama that is men’s professional golf. The ship has struck the iceberg, it’s sinking, it cannot be saved, but the characters are getting their hands on what gold they can on the way down to the bottom of the ocean. DP World Tour star Eddie Pepperrell summed it up best when he recently tweeted, “Pro golf is on a one-way street to nowhere. Lost its mind, and I’ve lost my respect and love for it.” He is not alone. But thankfully - despite the noise - showbiz golf really isn’t the game. We can simply ignore it and get on with what truly matters. The friendship, companionship, challenge and rewards that golf enduringly provides. I look forward to seeing you on the first tee. That’s not to say that we don’t require change in the everyday diet of televised events. But it’s a moot point with everything being so irretrievably fractured and in danger of sliding into further public irrelevance. Whatever happens during the coming years, few will be satisfied, apart from the bank managers and agents of players for whom greed is dressed up in that celebrated virtue of ‘growing the game.’ There is a deleted scene from the 1997 epic blockbuster Titanic in which a villainous henchman called Spicer Lovejoy played by Michigan Golf Journal
Kirkland Signature Adjustable Driver by Costco By Ed Travis Giant warehouse retailer Costco, has been in the golf retail business for some time and is now offering a low-price driver under the Kirkland Signature brand. It has multi-material construction and an adjustable hosel. When you visit Costco, in addition to buying groceries, televisions, lawn furniture, jewelry and just about anything else you might need, you can put a carbon-titanium-headed, graphite-shafted driver in your cart. In the past, Costco has been very successful with their lineup of golf gloves and balls, plus they recently added a set of game-improvement irons to their lineup. They also offer package sets from Nancy Lopez Golf and Callaway. The Kirkland Signature Adjustable driver was just recently announced but is already sold out. The store I visited didn’t know when they would receive new stock. The standard driver loft is 10.5° but adjusts one degree down to 9.5° and one degree up to 11.5°. Adjustments can be made to result in a a 10.5° draw setting for all you slicers out there. The crown is constructed with a carbon fiber composite, plus the face is made with variable thickness of titanium, for those off-center hits. Titanium is also used in the sole. A weight screw in the rear of the club helps to adjust the weight balance. Golfers will want to know if the Kirkl and Signature is a solid value. I am not able to answer that question definitively because we have not had the opportunity to try it. Even with their low pricing, it is still prudent to “drive before you buy,” although Costco does have a good return policy. Fast Facts Kirkland Signature Adjustable Driver Game-improvement category Right hand only (Sorry Lefties) Adjustable hosel with three degrees of loft adjustment Stock shaft: True Temper EvenFlow Riptide Regular flex only Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline 360 MSRP: $199.99
Sarasota’s Bobby Jones Golf Club Reopened By Steve Pike, SpikeonGolfandTravel.com If you are heading to Florida this winter and looking for a new place to play, the Bobby Jones Golf Club and Nature Trail, in Sarasota, reopened, after extensive renovations. The 199-acre municipal golf course was restored to its original layout as designed by famed golf architect Donald Ross. conservation easement on the property, it will be protected in perpetuity. There’s no question Bobby Jones will be an urban oasis for those who enjoy green space and being outdoors for generations to come.” The new complex features, a completely resorted 18-hole Donald Ross design, the 9-hole adjustable Gillespie Course, a 25-acre practice facility featuring; 70 hitting bays, short game area, plus a 21,000 square foot putting green. “Bobby Jones Golf Club in Sarasota is as significant as they come because the land on which Donald Ross created this masterpiece is still intact, allowing us to restore his original plan,” said Richard Mandell, golf course architect.” The golf course yardage extends from a very playable 4,583 yards to a more challenging 6,714 yards. “By adding forward tee distances, we’re welcoming a “This will be a day to celebrate and remember,” said Mayor Liz Alpert. “Our historic municipal golf course has been restored and is a beautiful amenity for the community. The new wetlands already are cleaning stormwater and attracting wildlife. And, the nature park and trails will be a destination for birders, bicyclists, and walkers. With a Michigan Golf Journal
wider range of golfers at different skill levels,” said Sue Martin, Parks and Recreation team member who managed the golf course and shepherded the restoration. “Traditionally, red tees have been the closest to a hole, then white and blue tees farther away. Golf is evolving. With three additional tee distances, more options are available for golfers at Bobby Jones to have fun and add variety to their game, whether they’re a novice or lifelong player.” The adjoining 90-acre Nature Park features crushed shell and decommissioned golf cart paths repurposed into walking/bicycling trails around the newly created wetlands teeming with wildlife. The primary 1.57-mile Eagle Trail has three offshoots, Prairie Trail (.4 mile), Hammock Trail (.12 mile) and Osprey Trail (.07 mile). The nature park is free and open to the public daily from dawn to dusk. For more information, or to book a tee time visit: www.BobbyJonesGolfClub.com.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Steve Pike Ed Travis is a national award winning golf journalist and has had a lifelong love affair with the game. He has competed in tournament golf both as an amateur and as a senior professional and though his competitive days are behind him, he still plays regularly and carries a handicap of 2. https://www.facebook.com/ed.travis.98 Steve Pike is a multiple award-winning journalist and author. He has written for Golfweek, Golf World, The New York Times Magazine Group, Golf Digest and as a golf business writer for PGA.com. You can find more from Steve at Spike’s Peeks: The Art of Travel, as well as, Links Magazine, Hotelinteractive.com, Coastal Star Newspaper, NewEngland.golf and Golf-Hound.com Kieran Clark Kieran Clark is a native of Scotland and a Golf Historian. His insightful articles can be found in Golfshake.com and Golfbreaks. com. He can be heard as a Special Co Host for Back 9 Report or find him on Twitter: @ KieranClarkGolf Mike May Mike May is a freelance golf travel writer based in Wellington, Florida. As you would expect, he is a “Golfaholic” focused on beating ‘Old Man Par’ each time he steps on a golf course. Contact him at mmaymarketing@gmail.com Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Ray Hearn is responsible for renovating or designing over 150 golf courses worldwide. He recently completed work at St. John’s Resort near Detroit and has ongoing renovations at BOYNE Resort in Northern Michigan. His designs are perfect for the average golfer, plus he always strives to make golf courses sustainable and environmentally sound. Team USA is set to travel to Ireland in April of 2024 to compete on Irish links courses. The very best of Irish parkland golf and castles will play host during their trip! Amateur Golfers NO USGA GHIN Handicap required to play in Team USA Qualifiers! You could win a trip and play for Team USA in Ireland in 2025! To register visit: https:// www.usairelandgolf.com/#/ Back 9 Report breaks down three of the biggest golf news stories from 2023. Tiger Returned, sort of. USGA to limit golf ball. PGA Tour/LIV drama continued. Golf Designer Ray Hearn Discusses Recent Work & Sustainability Preview Team USA vs Team Ireland in 2024 Amateur Golf Championship Top 2023 Golf Stories Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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