If Its March, The Masters Is Nigh FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal American Golf Journal Back 9 Report March means that April with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, Drive, Chip & Putt, plus that little event called The Masters is less than one month away. These big events annually signal the start of the golf season in Michigan. With the LIV and the PGA Tour still at each other’s throats, professional golf has reached a stage of unbelievable mediocrity. LIV’s television broadcasts are nearly unwatchable, the fields at several of the early PGA Tour tournaments resemble a Korn Ferry Tour stop and it is still uncertain when this madness will end. Greed in professional golf is at an all-time high and it is not being perceived well by golf fans. Television ratings have declined significantly, and sponsors have taken notice. Who wants to pony up $20 million to sponsor a PGA Tour event with minor stars and low television ratings. While the LIV and PGA Tour compete for the biggest numbskull award, amateur golf is flourishing. More people, especially women and juniors, are playing the game than ever before. Full tee sheets mean more profits for golf courses and we are seeing a boom in course renovation and upgrading of facilities across the state. We hope you enjoy the March issue of Michigan Golf Journal and as always, I hope I see you on the Back 9 this Spring. Michigan Golf Journal
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 24 FIND INSIDE 06 14 20 30 French Lick Resort: One Of A Kind Golf & Vacation Destination Field Set For 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur Michigan Golf News Three New SQAIRZ Performance-Based Golf Models for 2024 Evans Scholarship Foundation Awards 20 FullRide Scholarships How & Why To Buy Used Golf Clubs Barry Cronin’s Michigan Golf Odyssey 06 10 14 28 12 26 20 Ladies European Tour Begins 2024 Season In Florida Two Days of Glorious Golf in Southeastern Florida 24 30 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Golf Tips for Aging Golfers 41 40 36 Michigan Golf Journal
The French Lick Resort has been serving travelers since 1845. When the West Baden Inn was completed in 1902, with its free-span dome that extends 200-feet above the floor, it was considered the 8th wonder of the world. French Lick Resort has been the winter home of a traveling circus, the Chicago Cubs held spring training at the resort There are no golf resorts in the country that can boast courses designed by Tom Bendelow, Donald Ross and Pete Dye. Bendelow designed the nineholeValley Links Course in 1907. The Donald Ross Course opened for play in 1917 and hosted the 1924 PGA Championship, won by the great Walter Hagen. When Pete Dye first viewed the hilly terrain allotted for a golf course, he thought it would be French Lick Resort: One Of A Kind Golf & Vacation Destination before they won the 1908 World Series and the 1924 PGA Championship was held on the Donald Ross Course. Through time, this National Historical Landmark has also been a Jesuit Seminary and U.S. Army Hospital, as well as a private college. Yes, French Lick has a rich and storied past, but its present is pretty amazing, as well. Michigan Golf Journal
October 3-6 on the Pete Dye Course and will award 30 PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season. French Lick Resort is also planning to expand its golf by developing a totally new golf experience near the existing Valley Links Course. More details on that project will be released soon. In addition to the great golf at the Ross, Dye and Valley Links Courses, the training center has the latest technology and teaching professionals to improve any game. Plus, the practice facility at the Dye Course is second to none. Visitors to the West Baden Inn will be happy to know that the repair efforts for the hail damage to the roof is well underway. Contractors have been working feverishly to replace 12,000 square feet of glass panels that were destroyed last summer. The construction timeline remains on track and should be complete by late April. The first section is already finished and Trish Johnson on the Pete Dye Course. The Pete Dye Course has also hosted the BIG Ten Championship, the PGA Professional Championship and the Senior PGA Championship. In 2024, French Lick Resort enters a new era of professional golf as it will host the Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance. Ronald D. Romain, United Leasing & Finance Executive Chairman said, “We are looking forward to our partnership with French Lick Resort and working with their team of great people. I am very pleased and excited for the new partnership with Steve Ferguson, Joseph Vezzoso and Dave Harner. The Pete Dye Course is a world-class venue and I am anxious to see how the Korn Ferry Tour players navigate their way around this difficult course.” The Korn Ferry Tour Championship will be held impossible to build. After some head scratching and scribbling on a napkin, he came up with a routing that created one of the most memorable layouts in the world. The views, atop the second highest hill in Indiana, stretch for 40 miles in every direction. In addition to a major championship, French Lick Resort has been hosting professional golf tournaments for several years. The French Lick Charity Classic was held 2017-2023 and featured the best young women golfers on the EPSON Tour. French Lick has always been a huge supporter of women’s professional golf and in 2017 they hosted the very first Senior LPGA Championship won by
allows the sun to shine once again in the West Baden Inn’s awe-inspiring atrium. The golf is wonderful at French Lick, but there is so much more that, even if you have a rain out, there are plenty of activities to keep one from being bored. The Billiard and Bowling Pavilion is being renovated and will open this fall. The historic building on the West Baden courts have been built to accommodate guests that want to work up a sweat, plus Yoga classes and two world-class spas will keep visitors relaxed, refreshed and ready to tackle anything. Inn grounds has been sitting empty for decades, but the sounds of tumbling pins and the crack of pool balls will echo off the walls once again later this year. Six lanes, plus several billiard tables, as well as a dining area offering pizza and sandwiches, will certainly become a highlight for guests. New hiking and walking trails traverse over 3,000 acres on the property. Additional Pickleball Michigan Golf Journal
World-class dining is one of the best reasons to visit the French Lick Resort. It is one of the best resorts in the country and they added more menu options for the popular Power Plant Bar & Grill. A new awning has been added to 1875; The Steakhouse for outdoor dining and a food trailer will offer tasty treats for swimmers splashing around in the French Lick Springs Hotel outdoor pool. Dinners at Sunset will also return for this year. Enjoy a world-class dining experience while taking in a gorgeous Southern Indiana Sunset. and has been recognized as such by all the major travel and golf publications over the years. Their staff is always looking for new ways to create the perfect vacation for their guests. Come see for yourself and you will wonder why you didn’t visit sooner. Click HERE to find out more. every type of slot machine, a renovated sports book and popular table games to lure thrill seekers to the casino floor. It is one of the most elegant and friendly casinos that you will ever visit. The French Lick Springs Hotel, the West Baden Inn and the new French Lick Valley Tower provide the best in accommodations and will please even the most demanding traveler. French Lick Resort is one of the best resorts in the country Last, but certainly not least, the French Lick Casino has
Field Set For 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champions in Tsubasa Kajitani and Anna Davis, along with topranked amateur and three-time participant Ingrid Lindblad. The competition will include 54 holes of stroke play, with a cut to 30 players and ties taking place after 36 holes. The first two rounds will take place on the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday, April 3, and Thursday, April 4. The entire field will then play Augusta National for an official practice round on Friday, April 5. The final round will feature the top 30 players who made the cut and will take place on Saturday, April 6 at Augusta National Golf Club. The first and second rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur will be broadcast live, 1:30-3:30 PM on Golf Channel. NBC Sports will broadcast three hours of the final round from Augusta National Golf Club, Noon-3 PM, on Saturday, April 6. Rose Zhang won the title last year by defeating Jenny Bae in a playoff. The winner will receive an invitation to the next five Augusta National Women’s Amateurs, the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2024 Women’s Open, the 2024 Chevron Championship, the 2024 Evian Championship and any USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur championships for which she is eligible for one year. For more information, visit www.ANWAgolf.com full field of 72 golfers have confirmed for the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) to be held April 3-6. The top 43 eligible amateurs from the World Amateur Golf Rankings have accepted invitations to compete. The field includes players from 18 countries and six continents, including two of the last three A
12,040 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the Program was founded in 1930. “We are thrilled to welcome this new group of student caddies to the Evans Scholars family,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis. “Their dedication in the classroom, on the golf course and in their communities represents what our Program has been about since 1930.” For this year 340 caddies nationwide are expected to be awarded an Evans Scholarship. Funds for the Scholarship are received from a number of sources. More than 36,000 golfers across the country lead the donation efforts by belonging Evans Scholarship Foundation Awards 20 Full-Ride Scholarships From Evans Scholarship Foundation the Evans Scholars Foundation, since 1930. Known as one of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies. To qualify for the Evans Scholarship, each student must meet the Program’s four selection criteria and show a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. Currently, 1,130 former caddies are enrolled at 24 universities nationwide. That includes 59 students at Michigan and 87 at Michigan State. More than Twenty Michigan caddies were awarded a full-ride Evans Scholarship at the final selection meeting interviews held at Pine Lake Country Club in January. The award winners will begin college this fall at either the University of Michigan, or Michigan State University. The Evans Scholarship is valued at more than $125,000 for the four-year degree. The Western Golf Association (WGA), headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through Michigan Golf Journal
to the Evans Scholars Par Club program. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $15 million annually, plus all proceeds from the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship, also benefit the Program. Congratulations to the following former Michigan caddies that have received an Evans Scholarship this year: Luke Deighan Mustafa Hamadah Nilah Hughes Liliana Chaney Grayson Johnson Lillee-Ann Jacobs Andrew Blood Ryan Winter Dane Benner Nathan Lee Mia Hamdan Sebastian Alvarado-Ruiz Rene Belmares Hector Herrera Marco Martinez Mohamed Erreghaoui Payden Pittman Sara Linsdeau Kevin Myrtollari Emanuel Rodriguez Birmingham Bloomfield Hills Brownstown Commerce Township Dearborn Flint Jackson Lansing Lathrup Village Livonia Novi Pontiac Pontiac Pontiac Pontiac Southfield Spring Lake St. Clair Shores Troy West Bloomfield Oakland Hills Bloomfield Hills Meadowbrook Oakland Hills Plum Hollow Warwick Hills CC of Jackson CC of Lansing Red Run Golf Club Bloomfield Hills Meadowbrook Oakland Hills Oakland Hills Oakland Hills Oakland Hills Bloomfield Hills Wuskowhan Players Club CC of Detroit Bloomfield Hills Oakland Hills Name Hometown Sponsoring Club
Golf News Michigan Michigan Public Courses Rank #2 On Golf Digest List A recent Golf Digest ranking of states with the best public golf courses lists Wisconsin as No. 1 with Michigan tied for second place with California. Even with Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, Sand Valley, Sentryworld and Lawsonia, Wisconsin is not a runaway winner in this golfing sweepstakes. The Whistling Straits course is just one of the four outstanding courses at this Wisconsin resort, plus the American Club which offers five-star accommodations for discerning golfers. The courses at Kohler have hosted, Ryder Cups, U.S. Women’s Opens and three PGA Championships. Erin Hills hosted the 2017 U.S. Open, won by Brooks Koepka and is a course to be remembered. Sand Valley is a Mike Keiser property that rests on a huge sand belt in the middle of the state. Three championship courses, plus the ever-popular par 3 Sandbox, assure that every visitor to Sand Valley leaves with their golf appetite completely sated. Michigan Golf Journal
Everyone agrees after playing Lawsonia, it is one of the most underrated public golf courses in the country. California has topranked public golf including Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Pasatiempo, Torrey Pines, Cordevalle, Spanish Bay, PGA West and Poppy Hills. That little water hazard called the Pacific Ocean provides unbelievable views and an idyllic setting for golf courses. Pebble Beach is considered by many to be the best public golf course in the world and has hosted U.S. Opens, as well as the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Torrey Pines also hosts one of the more lucrative events on the PGA Tour every year and was the site of one of the most memorable major championships, the 2008 U.S. Open, when Tiger Woods prevailed over Rocco Mediate on a broken leg. Michigan public courses haven’t hosted as many major PGA Tour events as Wisconsin, or California, but their quantity and quality of top-ranked public courses place them squarely in the same league as the other two states. Michigan’s top-ranked public courses include, Arcadia Bluffs, with two exceptional courses, BOYNE Golf features ten public courses, Forest Dunes’ Weiskopf course and The LOOP offer golfers three very different golfing experiences. The combination of Tullymore and St. Ives, Harbor Shores, the DeVries masterpiece, Greywalls, in Michigan’s U.P. and Gaylord Golf Mecca’s 16 courses assure that any golf getaway to the Mitten State will be memorable. Oregon follows Michigan at No. 4. With Bandon Dunes, Pronghorn, Sun Valley, Pumpkin Ridge, as well as Silvies Valley, the state also provides a plethora of great public golfing opportunities. Michigan should be proud of its place among the leaders in public golf offerings in the country.
Michigan Amateur Champions To Receive USGA Exemptions By: Greg Johnson The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that exemptions for state championships like the Michigan Men’s and Women’s Amateur Champions will be awarded exemptions into the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Women’s Amateur. Likewise, the winners of the Michigan Girls’ Junior State Amateur and Boy’s Junior State Amateur Championships will earn exemptions into the U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur and U.S. Junior Amateur. Previously, the champions of the four Michigan tournaments had to compete in qualifiers with other qualified golfers to earn starting spots in those four USGA national championships. The USGA also announced changes to the qualifying process for the U.S. Amateur. Starting this year there will be local and regional qualifying events for the U.S. Amateur. Of special note to Michigan golfers, also starting in 2024, the quarterfinalists in the Michigan Amateur – providing they have entered the national championship by the May 29 deadline – are exempt from Local Qualifying and move directly to Final Qualifying. GAM will host one of 45 Local Qualifying tournaments for the U.S. Amateur on July 1, at Oakland University’s Katke-Cousins course in Rochester. GAM will host a U.S. Women’s Amateur Local Qualifier on July 9, at the University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor. The U.S. Junior Amateur is being hosted in Michigan this year by Oakland Hills Country Club, July 22-27. The Local Qualifier is scheduled for June 10, at Country Club of Lansing. Michigan Golf Journal
The U.S. Junior Girls’ Local Qualifier is June 17 at Forest Akers West Golf Course/Michigan State University in East Lansing. Ken Hartmann, senior director of competitions and USGA services for the GAM, said in order for golfers to be eligible to take advantage of exemptions they earn in the Michigan championships they must have entered the USGA championship by each tournament’s entry deadline. “They are not going to allow a late entry even though you earned the exemption. Essentially you have to enter both the Michigan championship and the national championship by the deadlines to take advantage of the exemptions.” 2024 USGA Qualifiers Schedule Finalized GAM.org We’ll do the hard work if you don’t want to. Custom or DIY Golf Simulator Sales & Installation. www.aceindoorgolf.com l 855-926-3283 The GAM will be conducting over a dozen 18-hole qualifiers for national championships. All registration for USGA Qualifiers, as well as entry eligibility information, can be found at USGA.org. GAM tournament and GAM Golf Day registration starts Feb. 14 at 10 a.m. The GAM Tournament and GAM Golf Day schedules can be viewed on GAM.org, with information on registration opening dates for each event included. All registration for GAM Tournaments and GAM Golf Days is conducted through Golf Genius. To register, you must have an active GAM Membership and have created a GAM Golf Genius account. Learn more at GAM.org.
Part 1: A Michigan Golf Odyssey rated by Golfweek. The Mitten State finished tied for runnerup with California, behind only Wisconsin, in a recent Golf Digest ranking of the “Best States For Public Golf Courses.” This entire Michigan Golf Odyssey took eight days, covered more than 800 miles with 153 holes of some of the finest golf imaginable and best of all did not require schlepping golf clubs through an airport. The first stop was Gull Lake View Resort, a fourthgeneration family-owned resort located near Kalamazoo. Gull Lake View has a total of six courses, with the most intriguing being, Stoatin Brae, Gaelic for ‘Grand Hill.’ Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design team Part 1 of a 3-part series on Michigan Golf Resorts. Michigan is the land of Ford, GM, Chrysler, the UAW, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, Eminen, the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and the hapless Pistons. Michigan is also known for its pleasant summer weather that is paired perfectly with 20 of the “Best Courses You Can Play” as By Barry Cronin, Editor Chicago District Golfer Michigan Golf Journal
crafted this ‘American Links’ style course in 2017 and course raters for the national golf magazines swooned. As its name suggests, the course sits on one of the highest points in Kalamazoo County. It’s a rugged, mostly down service, pillow mints and “welcome” goodie bags, be forewarned: Gull Lake View is not that, catering to mostly the “guys trip” demographic with everything-you-need-andnothing-you-don’t lodging, comfortable beds, refrigerators, microwaves, big screens and indestructible furniture. Go to dinner in bustling Kalamazoo, home of Western Michigan University, as well breweries, such as Bell’s, which has its own restaurant. Gull Lake View Resort might not be the ideal honeymoon getaway, but if moderately priced golf within a reasonable driving distance of Chicago is tree-free landscape with roller coaster greens and plenty of wind. The other five courses are no slouches either, but a bit more traditional, parklandstyle, perfect for outings and golfers of various skills. If the word “resort” conjures visions of valet parking, turn-
what you crave, it’s perfect. About an hour north of Gull Lake View lies Tullymore Golf Resort, which features two fine courses, Tullymore and St. Ives. of Tullymore, I joined a threesome that was making its way through Michigan playing elite private and public courses. Naturally, Forest Dunes, with two courses included among Golfweek’s Top 100 You Can Play, was on their list. They’d come to play Tom Weiskopf’s parkland-style Forest Dunes course (2002) and Tom Doak’s reversible The Loop (2017), a mind boggling two courses in one. Weiskopf’s traditional course features bentgrass tees, greens and fairways. It plays through gorgeous Michigan pines on the front nine and opens up on the back nine that features Weiskopf’s signature short par 4 No. 17 and a 560-yard par-5 finishing hole along a lake. Challenging, beautiful and deserving of its ranking. The former was named Best New Upscale Course in 2002 thanks to architect Jim Engh’s innovative bunkering and unique green design, plus the accommodations were first-rate. The single golfer never knows where his next partners will be coming from, which adds interest. At world-class Forest Dunes Resort in Roscommon, deep in central Michigan’s Huron National Forest and two hours north Michigan Golf Journal
The Loop makes one understand why Doak’s fertile imagination has made him one of this generation’s more important course architects. I mean, who thinks this way? Standing on a green at The Loop and looking back to the tee box, you inevitably see a gaping moon-surface bunker facing you. Why? It’s tomorrow’s fairway bunker, the one you’ll be trying to avoid off the tee when you play the hole in the opposite direction. The Loop features fescue grass fairways that’ll have your ball Augusta National, a former U.S. Open contestant and a third dude who was more of an average golfer, like yours truly. He and I helped one another find our occasional errant shots while the other cart sped to the green. Because The Loop is an everyother-day experience, you have to spend at least one night. The good news is the accommodations and dining are first class, but there are only 131rooms currently available. New owners of Forest Dunes have committed to add more lodging and are also planning another golf course, possibly a Gil Hanse design. Although it is somewhat remote, Forest Dunes is a treasure. It is a pure golf resort without a swimming pool, spa or other resort amenities. Just golf, golf and more golf. Sublime golf at that. Reprinted with permission from Barry Cronin and Chicago District Golfer. running in the determined Scottish manner it’s designed to mimic. Hopefully, your ball will stop short of the native plant areas that tightly border the fairways (lost ball alert!). Large undulating greens await with many hole location options to confound the wouldbe two-putter. Wrap up the day at the 10-hole Bootlegger course, a dynamic pitch-andputt designed by Riley Jahns and Keith Rebb. By the way, my other three players at the Loop Black course were a member of
Ladies European Tour Begins 2024 Season In Florida Even in these times of turmoil for professional golf tours it was shocking to learn that the Ladies European Tour (LET) will play its first event of the year, March 8-10, with an Aramco Team Series event, to be held at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater. Wait a minute! An LET event is being played on American soil? Then consider that the $1 million purse is being put up by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia, While it’s an LET event, the Aramco field at Feather Sound also includes American LPGA stars Brittany Lincicome, Lexi Thompson and Megan Khang. Aramco is a global integrated energy and chemicals company partnered with the Saudi Federation “as part of the company’s efforts in female empowerment.’’ Lincicome was featured at the tourney’s kickoff press conference last month. This will be her first appearance in the Aramco Series, but this course the very same group that is funding the controversial LIV Tour in its ongoing battle with the PGA Tour. Plus, the Golf Channel will provide television coverage, a rarity for that network to cover an event with any LIV connections. PIF is the presenting sponsor of the entire series. While best known for its LIV involvement, it also bankrolled the $5 million Aramco Saudi Ladies International, an LET event won by Thailand’s Patty Tavatanakit in Riyadh. By Len Ziehm & Pictures by Joy Sarver Michigan Golf Journal
is just three miles from her home and she knows Feather Sound quite well. “It’s just a beautiful place. I love going there. Just to have other Tour players see this course is going to be a real treat, because they’re going to love it.’’ Feather Sound was officially notified of its selection only a few weeks prior to the tournament start, but it will be ready to welcome spectators before the start of play. The Aramco Series consists of five team events held at locations around the world, always evolving in the game of golf, and to have the team competition with amateurs and then going into singles – why not?’’ The Aramco Team Series tournament will be the only LET event held in the United States this year. The tournament has been held twice before in the U.S. In 2022, Lexi Thompson won when it was held in New York and Carlota Ciganda won last year at Trump International in Florida. Officially named the Aramco Team Series-Tampa, this year’s schedule also has events in Seoul, London and Asia with the final event being held in Riyadh, in late October. The LET’s 46th season includes a total of 31 events, held in 20 different countries. plus each tournament includes an individual competition. Captains of each team pick one team member. The LET staff will choose two additional teammates for each team, one a professional from the LET entry list and the fourth team member will be an amateur. Teams and individuals will compete together over the first two rounds, but only the low 60 and ties will compete for the individual title on the final day. The prize money will be split, with $500,000 awarded to the winning team and $500,000 for the individual play segment. This unusual format is no problem for Brittany Lincicome, who was recently named an assistant captain for the U.S. Solheim Cup team. “A team component is something different. We’re
How & Why To Buy Used Golf Clubs By Ed Schmidt Jr, The Golf Travel Guru For average golfers spending $500-$700 for a new driver is a huge hit on the family budget, but what if you could get the benefit of updated technology, thus longer drives by buying slightly used clubs at a discount. be ready to plunk down a few grand for a newer set. Most golf retailers typically have a used club section or a clearance barrel, but the easiest way to buy used clubs is at popular websites. They perform thorough inspections and grade the clubs according to wear and tear. All of them offer great discounts, especially around holidays and the four Majors as well as the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. New club models come out once or twice for some companies and much like new cars they lose value rather quickly, especially when similar clubs are introduced. You’ll find lots of great deals on last If you are just starting out, spending thousands on a new set of golf clubs just doesn’t make sense. Used, or preowned is a much better option. Learn the game, develop your own swing and then you may Michigan Golf Journal
year’s models. Be patient in your research and pay close attention to the type of shaft and lie angle you desire and don’t forget about evaluating the grips. You can often trade in your old clubs and receive a credit toward your purchase of used clubs. When your favorite club breaks or wears out significantly and it has been discontinued, it’s a great idea to check out the following used golf club sites. Callaway Pre-Owned This is the creme de la creme of pre-owned golf club sites. Callaway Pre-owned performs a 10-point inspection on each club, as well as confirming each club’s authenticity. The prices are among the lowest on the Internet, the selection is impressive and the customer service level is among the best I’ve experienced. They also offers a 15-day money back guarantee. Global Golf If you want lots of selection, Global Golf is one of the biggest golf equipment sites on the Web. It has a huge selection of pre-owned clubs including drivers, fairways woods, hybrids, wedges, Rock Bottom Golf I’ve used Rock Bottom Golf for several years and have always been impressed with their selection, value and prompt shipping. Besides pre-owned clubs with every big-name manufacturer, they also offer open box return specials on new equipment and 25 to 50% off clearance items. If you want to save money, Rock Bottom Golf has a low price guarantee, 30-day playable guarantee on pre-owned clubs, plus a 90-day performance guarantee on new clubs. putters and iron sets. They have every brand from Titlelist to TaylorMade. Each club receives a 6-point inspection, and a 12-month limited warranty. 2nd Swing One of the things I really like about 2nd Swing is that they rate the condition of each club. For example, a rating of 9.5 means it’s in mint condition and a 6.0 rating means it’s in poor condition with the majority in the 7.0 and 8.0 range.
Three New SQAIRZ Performance-Based Golf Models for 2024 By Ed Travis SQAIRZ Golf Shoes squaretoe construction was first introduced at the 2020 PGA Show. Now just four years later the company has been one of the biggest success stories in the golf industry and are offering three new models for the 2024 golf season. They have even branched out into baseball shoes, worn by MLB players, plus a new Pickleball shoe, that will soon be finding their way onto pickleball courts near you. The wider shoe base and heel stabilizer construction provide improved balance and stability which are important keys in hitting better golf shots. Robert Winskowicz, SQAIRZ Founder and CEO, talked about the significance of the changes their technology has brought to the market. The idea for SQAIRZ golf shoes came from observing someone wearing square toed dress shoes at a driving range and was followed by extensive research in foot movement biomechanics and ground force reaction throughout the golf swing. The result is a patented square-toe design giving the wearer’s toes room to lie more naturally and comfortably, while creating a wider footprint. “SQAIRZ’s unique design broke the mold of traditional shoes to provide better balance and ground reaction force, resulting in increased swing speed and more consistent accuracy. Tour pros are winning while wearing SQAIRZ on tour, plus thousands of satisfied customers are playing the best rounds of their lives.” Michigan Golf Journal
The new models are designed for 18-hole comfort, plus they are 100% waterproof. The outsole traction pattern was created using sophisticated artificial intelligence software programming with the nubs of varying heights located in a rotational pattern with Softspikes PIVIX cleats. The company says this creates remarkable traction having 290 points of contact with the ground and helping to create “optimal ground force production.” Wearers will also like the Sta-Put laces which have tiny nubs of silicone on each lace to assure a snug fit and do not come undone during your round. The ProS2 retails for $199.97 in a choice of black, gray, white with black accents, or white with a blue accent. Speed2, priced at $179.97, is offered in five color combinations, while the Velo model, at $219.97, is available in either black/white, or blue/white combinations. All three of the new models will be available for preorder March 1, with shipment beginning March 14. If you are a serious golfer trying to gain any advantage on the course, try SQAIRZ performance-based golf shoes to create better balance and stability throughout your golf swing, then watch your handicap decrease. Each of the new models also has a breathable textured tongue and an external foot stabilizer running from the heel to the arch. In keeping with the goal of making golf shoes with the extra features golfers appreciate the new ProS2, Speed2 and Velo also have a removable compression foam footbed and side gussets around the tongue for complete protection from moisture or debris entering.
Two Days of Glorious Golf in Southeastern Florida By Russ Pyles Michigan Golf Journal
If golf is a gentlemen’s game, then why did they invite me? I play less than six rounds of golf each year, thus a chance to schedule 36 holes with my old college buddy, Geoff in southeastern Florida was highly anticipated. We have staged some glorious clashes over the last 40 years. The fact that our first round was booked at the exquisite Tesoro Golf Club in Port St Lucie really made it a treat, plus the price was right. College buddies who can arrange complimentary golf at a high-end private facility like Tesoro are priceless. Joining us for the round were a couple of weathered golf writers, Mike and Fred. Although Mike is extremely well traveled in his role as a scorer with the LPGA Tour, he became completely discombobulated, when the starter asked us to begin play on the back nine. Mike’s Mulligan on that first tee was richly deserved. I sincerely hope he did not injure any alligators in that swamp. The course was immaculate, there were no other golfers in sight and the only reason the round took 4.5 hours to play was the cumulative total of our foursome approached the half a millennium mark.
My round started with a tap in par, followed by a quadruple-9, a birdie two and another par. Consistency on the course is not one of my forte’s. Back-toback sevens were followed with many more 3-putt bogies than tap in pars. Fred is definitely a believer in ‘Play it Forward’ and created his own course by playing from the “Fred Combo Tees.” He missed very few fairways and chipping close for a crack at par with tap in bogies was Fred’s modus operandi. Geoff, who spent nearly a week with his coach refining his swing over the winter had his new game on full display with a “best shot of the year” arching hybrid from the light rough on the par 5 second hole. Immediately after flushing the shot and while the ball was still rising, Geoff exclaimed, “It doesn’t get any better than that!” Unfortunately, that proved prophetic as his Par-Par start quickly dissipated with a triple on the third hole and concluded with seven sixes over the final 10 holes. Mike’s birdie two at the par 3 brought the match close and the air was punctuated by a battle roar he learned while playing Scrum Half for the Florida Gator rugby team. It was scary and beautiful all at the same time. Tiger Woods’ fist pump has nothing on Mike’s celebratory machinations. My round was encapsulated on the 17th hole. Best drive of the day followed by the best fairway wood of the day followed by the best 9 iron of the day to within 4 feet followed by a pull-shank putt that missed so far short and left that Fred actually laughed out loud and said he thought he had seen everything in his 70 plus years, but now he was sure he had. You know the old saying if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it. At the turn, Fred insisted on paying for my 1.5 oz bag of Beef Jerky. Fred’s face turned as white as a brand new ProV1 when he saw Michigan Golf Journal
the damage for a small bag of jerky and a pack of peanut butter crackers. I saw him text his retirement fund administrator for an advance to cover the tab. Even with our inconsistent play, Geoff and I were able to win the day over our playing companions. Apres Golf We adjourned to a local sports bar for recaps, jokes and hilarious stories. I, being a good Samaritan, picked up the tab without hesitation. The one thing I learned from Mike and Fred about their golf is, “If they have to pay, they don’t play.” I figured there was no way they would ever pay for their meals and since Geoff had arranged the golf, taking care of the bill for these guys seemed like the natural thing to do. What a guy, right? I can be a gentleman. The Second Day What should have been a 40-minute drive to the course on the second day turned into a 1.5 hour marathon, when I realized I had left my laptop at Geoff’s house. I blame Geoff because he had laid extra blankets and pillows on top of it. Thus, there was very little time to warm up before heading to the first tee. This round was at a public course, The Champions Club at Summerfield, a far cry from Tesoro. There were golfers everywhere! The local chapter of the First Tee was holding an event and there were kids everywhere. The parents shouted encouragement, while course rangers barked orders. We quickly fell behind the pace after only 3 holes. It takes time to complete a hole when the group is slicing and dicing their way to three triples and a quad. After a botany lesson from Fred about the miracles of a seemingly dead palm tree growing new roots. Geoff continued his string of sixes while I managed three seven’s, plus a pair of sixes for a full house. Miraculously, Geoff and I halved the front nine because Fred found himself with bogie putts that were just outside the friendship zone, plus nothing seemed to want to go into the hole. On the back nine, Geoff rekindled his passion for the game while lugging me and my double bogies on his back. After falling two down with five holes to play, a par cut it to one, but Mike’s par on the 15th put us two down in the match once again with three to play. An amazing sandy on 16 cut
the lead to one. When the extra energy from the Snickers, I had choked down, kicked into gear on the final hole, I smashed a drive, striped a 5-wood, nipped a wedge then followed with two putts to halve the match. This, however, seemingly went unnoticed by Fred and Mike as Fred was imparting deep golf wisdom to Mike in the fairway. Evidently, he had finally seen too many of his partner’s errant efforts scorching the earth, or sailing into the ever-present water hazards. Something needed to be done about it. We walked off the 18th green feeling we had certainly got our money’s worth. I enjoyed the company immensely and my hope is to spend another 36 holes with these guys someday, it was a hoot. When all we see on the golf news today is professional golfers grabbing for every million dollars they can get, its nice to return what is really important. Golf is meant to be played as a friendly competition among friends and that is exactly what we had for two wonderful days in Florida. Notable Quotes Heard on the Course Fred’s statement, “the key to good play is deceleration” was put to practice on both days. Another gem, “hitting greens in regulation is highly overrated” will stick with me forever. I can only hope to be as consistent as Fred once I hit 70 plus. Must be all the GMO’s he’s ingested? Michigan Golf Journal
Mike made it clear from our opening tee shot that, “A good round is finishing with more golf balls than you started with.” He had hit so many errant shots in the junk, that he found success, leaving with way more balls than he began with. Although not his best golf, Mike’s positive attitude never waivered. He was as an enthusiastic golf partner both days. Geoff, who displayed remarkable patience throughout the 36 holes, finally lamented on the cart ride to the parking lot, when he proclaimed, “If I even think I will ever play like this again, I won’t even bother to tee off.” All was quickly forgotten, however, as he booked his next tee time before we threw our sticks in the trunk of his car. After two days of golf and more shots than I care to admit, my seven-hour drive back to Tallahassee seemed like a daunting task. I kept myself busy by going over each shot from both days and arrived home before I knew it. In retrospect, despite losing more golf balls than I had anticipated possible, I kept harking back to the one mantra that has served millions of golfers for years, “A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at the office.” That is what keeps bringing me back, plus free golf doesn’t hurt either.
Golf Tips for Aging Golfers By Fred Altvater As golfers age our bodies do not respond well to the twisting and turning a full golf swing requires. Flexibility exercises will help alleviate some of those issues. Here are a few more ideas on how to enjoy the game as we grow older. Exercise at Home Gaining flexibility and better movement does not require spending a bunch of money on expensive equipment, or a gym membership. There are plenty of on-line tips for exercises and routines that can be done in the comfort of your own home. A quick Google search, ‘golf exercises for seniors’ yielded over 44 million options. USA Today had an informative article last year about several easy Yoga poses for senior citizens. You can find it HERE. Michigan Golf Journal
Start slow, you will not be able to fully reach the full yoga pose the first day. It will not take long, however, for you to see positive results and your overall flexibility will improve rapidly. While you are waiting for something to finish cooking in the oven, bend over and touch your toes, kick your legs like a Rockette, and turn from side to side. Just or just go by yourself. Walking not only helps with flexibility, but also helps grow stamina and the peacefulness may even help clear your mind. If you are adventurous, carry your bag, or take a pushcart and walk nine holes. You can start with a few holes and work your way up to a full round. GolfForever Adds Distance Scottie Scheffler is a believer in the GolfForever program. Their a few minutes every day of these simple stretches will yield valuable results. Pilates, Yoga & Zoomba Classes Your local fitness center offers classes for gaining flexibility. Google gyms in your area and find one that fits your needs. Just Walk Baby! One of the best exercises you can do is simply go for a walk. Take your dog, take your spouse,
unique training equipment and program will not only add strength to your swing, but also helps with flexibility, swing speed and recovery time after your round. If it works for the World No. 1, it will probably help you too. Stretchy bands are available at any sporting goods store and can be a valuable addition to any exercise regimen. Play It Forward! It’s been over ten years since the PGA came up with this catchy phrase and still most golfers play from tees not aligned with their ability. A National Golf Foundation survey of core golfers found that 73% could recall the Tee It Forward initiative, but only 30% had actually moved up. Those golfers, who actually did move Michigan Golf Journal
yards, you should be playing a course in the 5,800 yard range. Don’t be afraid to Play it Forward. Conclusion The main idea for seniors to enjoy golf more, get your nose out of the television, or your technology, get up off the couch and out of that recliner. Stretch, walk, swing a weighted club, or get some exercise equipment and just do it! Yes, it will hurt and you will find new aches and pains along the way, but that is just God’s way of telling you that you are still alive and able to move more than what you thought. Pickleball is fine for seniors, but get healthy and enjoy golf, ‘the game for a lifetime.’ to a forward tee, have enjoyed the benefits with 75% saying their scores are lower, plus 80% agree that their fun quotient has improved dramatically. Finally, accept the fact that your 300-yard driving days are well behind you. Find more fairways, gain accuracy with the WMD and work on your short game. Remember, a fivefoot putt counts just the same as a long drive into the rough. Don’t be afraid to move up to the forward tees. Why struggle from the normal tees you formerly used? If your driving distance struggles to 225
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Ed Schmidt Jr Len Ziehm Barry Cronin 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 An intrepid traveler and storyteller, author of three books and more than 3,400 published articles, columns and blog posts, Ed Schmidt Jr., aka The Golf Travel Guru, is well versed in a variety of topics including, golf lifestyle, luxury travel, wine travel destinations, sports and health. Find him at: http://www. thegolftravelguru.com/ 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/ Barry Cronin is a former golf writer for the Chicago Sun-Times and is currently the Editor for Chicago District Golfer. He owns and operates Cronin Communications with clients such as the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic and Western Golf Association. He brings a unique “extra-journalistic” perspective to his writing. Contact Barry at: https://www.facebook.com/barry.cronin.7 Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Mike May and Fred Altvater are on location at the Palm Beach Par 3 to discuss recent Golf events and news. 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! Jason Straka and Druids Glen Director of Golf, Marcus Doyle talk about the new Dana Fry and Jason Straka design in Ireland, Curracloe Links to open in 2026, located just a wee bit south of Dublin. Back 9 Report LIVE From Palm Beach Par 3 Preview Team USA vs Team Ireland in 2024 Amateur Golf Championship Dana Fry & Jason Straka to Design New Irish Course: Curracloe Links Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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