Christmas Is Around The Corner!! FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal American Golf Journal Back 9 Report WAIT, WHAT? It’s November already? Thanksgiving is nigh and Christmas is rapidly approaching. If you have a golfer on your shopping list, we have a few ideas that will make this the best Christmas ever at your house. Courses have closed and the golf season officially wrapped up in Michigan last month with the end of season awards. Three new members were officially inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. Greg Johnson’s, Stephen Kircher’s and Kevin VandenBerg’s plaques will forever be enshrined into that elite group of outstanding Michigan golfers. Congratulations to all three, who are well deserving of this honor. The MHSAA Girls State Golf Championships were held with the teams from Northville (D1), Farmington Hills Mercy (D2), Grand Rapids Catholic Central (D3) and Kalamazoo Christian (D4) winning their respective divisions. Alena Li, from Okemos (D1), Dexter’s Avery Manning (D2), Lillian O’Grady, from Grand Rapids (D3) and Grace Slocum, from Traverse City (D4), won Individual titles at the MHSAA State Championships. Congratulations to Harbor Shores, in Benton Harbor for being named Michigan Golf Course of the Year. Also in this month’s issue, Len Ziehm writes about the historic Jekyll Island and Reynold Lake Oconee officially opens its newest course, Richland Golf Course designed by Tom Fazio. It’s starting to get cold in Northern Michigan and I am dreaming of playing golf on the Back 9 of a Florida Golf Course. Maybe I will see you there. Michigan Golf Journal
22 06 10 18 29 Christmas Ideas For Your Favorite Golfer Harbor Shores Named Michigan Golf Course Of The Year MHSAA Girls State Championship Results Historic Jekyll Island Cobra Introduces New Irons Three Inducted Into Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Golf News Reynolds Lake Oconee Unveils New Fazio Course 06 10 15 18 26 12 22 29 Healing Power of PRP Injections 32 Our Favorite Videos 36 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 FIND INSIDE Michigan Golf Journal
We know that every Santa wants to get the perfect gift for their loved one. If your guy, or girl is a golfer we have a few ideas that will help make this the best Christmas ever! SQAIRZ Golf Shoes SQAIRZ Golf Shoes have taken the golf world by storm and become one of the most important parts of your golf attire. The company’s extensive research combined with modern technology allows SQAIRZ Golf Shoes create a stable foundation to help produce a balanced golf swing. Nick Faldo believes in them and Sepp Straka wins, on the PGA Tour, with them. Every golfer will be happy to find a new pair of SQAIRZ Golf shoes under the tree this Christmas. Find out more at: https://sqairz.com/ Christmas Ideas For Your Favorite Golfer Volvik Golf Balls Golf balls seem to have a way of losing themselves. A constant supply of golf balls is always a necessity for any golfer. Why not give your favorite golfer a gift that he can really use, or lose, as the case may be. The most colorful ball in golf makes the ideal gift for any golfer on your Christmas list. Volvik has over 40 years’ experience in golf ball production. Their innovations have led the industry in the production of 3- and 4-piece multi-layer high performance golf balls for players of every skill set. They created the world’s first matte finished golf ball and they continue to expand their product line with their newest Vivid ball. Volvik golf balls have been in use on the world’s professional tours since 2012. Help your favorite golfer stand out in the crowd and play with colorful Volvik golf balls. Find out more at: https://volvik. com/ Michigan Golf Journal
ACE Indoor Golf Golf simulators have become one of the fastest growing segments of the golf industry. Inhome simulators are a fun activity for the entire family. Imagine playing Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, or one of the other top courses in the country without leaving your home. ACE Indoor Golf can provide insight into the technology and components that are just right for your space and can help you make the right decision. They can even offer on-site visits. Eliminate the hassle and headaches of a golf simulator installation, ACE Indoor Golf has a team of skilled installers who have worked with customers worldwide. Ace Indoor Golf has everything you need to add a golf simulator to your man-cave, or den. Visit their website ACE Indoor Golf for a free consultation and recommendation. Gear Up Sportswear If your favorite golfer could use a little upgrade in his oncourse wardrobe, Gear Up Sportswear has a variety of golf shirts, jackets and caps that will make him, or her look like a pro. Gear Up Sportswear shirts will never wrinkle, shrink or personalized with their favorite NFL, NHL, or NCAA team’s logo. In addition to looking good on the golf course, the various sizes of grips allow each golfer have the perfect feel to make more putts and lower those handicaps. Something new, SuperStroke and Marvel recently announced Available in men’s and women’s styles at: https:// gearupsportswear.com/ fade, even after hundreds of washings. Their proprietary blend of fabrics keep golfers cool and looking good on and off the course. Your favorite golfer will love them, they are the most durable, comfortable and affordable shirts you can buy. SuperStroke Grip Perhaps, your golfer could use a new putter grip. Something the release of the Zenergy Tour 2.0 grips, inspired by Marvel’s Venom. These Super Hero putter grips are inspired by Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Deadpool, and Wolverine. Plus, the Venom Zenergy Tour 2.0 grip comes with a full-color matching ball marker. Visit their website, https:// superstrokeusa.com/ for more information and to order.
GolfForever Training System The GolfForever Training System will help any golfer gain flexibility and create a better golf swing. They use an intuitive APP and golf-specific tools to optimize flexibility, strength and movement. Increased flexibility and strength will improve your posture over the ball and increase distance with every club. GolfForever has helped Scottie Scheffler become the No. 1 ranked player in the world. It will help your golfer get fit and lower their scores too. Available online at: https://golfforever.com/ Golf Getaway Every golfer dreams of visiting one of the many golf resorts around the country to play the different courses and dedicating the whole day to just playing golf. The Midwest is loaded with great golf resorts that can fit your Christmas budget. Here are just a few for you to consider. Click on each to visit their website for more information. BOYNE Golf, French Lick Resort & Casino, Treetops, Gaylord Golf Mecca, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Each has their own special amenities, plus a variety of beautiful courses to please any golfer. Michigan Golf Journal
The Jack Nicklaus Signature design course at Harbor Shores Resort has been named the 2024 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA). “I think this is one of the biggest honors a golf facility can receive in the state of Michigan,” said Josh Doxtator, PGA General Manager at the resort. “Harbor Shores has been the catalyst for the community and honors like this continue to prove that point and tell our story.” Harbor Shores Named 2024 Michigan Golf Course of the Year Michigan Golf Journal
The award honors an MGCA 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. “Harbor Shores embodies all of the characteristics of the award,” Jada Paisley, Executive Director of the MGCA said. “The golf course, through its development on reclaimed land, involvement with the PGA Tour Champions, the onsite First Tee program and more has fostered a vibrant community hub where people can come together for golfing, socializing and events while supporting charitable causes that benefit the broader community.” helped to revitalize the area and provide economic growth and continuing development. Harbor Shores is a not-for-profit facility, and a portion of fees collected help maintain the area’s trail systems and beach at adjacent Jean Klock Park. The course was honored in several best new course rankings in 2010 and has been honored as environmental leaders by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. In 2023 it was named to Golf Digest’s biennial list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses. Doxtator went on to say about Haror Shores, “We have built a staff that is dedicated and welcoming and always trying to make each golfer’s experience memorable,” he said. “The golf course does its part as the only Jack Nicklaus designed course with holes on the shores of Lake Michigan. We are 90 miles from Chicago. The Inn at Harbor Shores, the development of condominiums on site, being involved in the community are all part of it. It’s a place that we can talk about, but it must be experienced and then you realize it is a powerful example of the impact golf can have.” For more information about Harbor Shores click HERE. Harbor Shores hosted the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship every other year starting in 2012 and in August it hosted the 2024 Michigan PGA Professional Championship. Doxtator added the resort is more than just a host of championships. “Harbor Shores has been committed to the community since 2010 and before when the vision first started, and it has been served with a great golf course, the revitalized part of the community, been a big part of Whirlpool’s charitable efforts, created a First Tee program that serves so many kids on-site, and more.” The development of Harbor Shores, which opened in 2010, reclaimed abandoned industrial and polluted land as part of a non-profit effort. It
Three Inducted Into Michigan Golf Hall of Fame CEO of BOYNE Resorts. He becomes the second Kircher inducted into the MGHOF, as his father is also a member of this illustrious group. Under his leadership the BOYNE has expanded and updated all of their properties and they have become one of the leading vacation destinations and golf resorts in the country. Boyne Resorts is the largest family-owned resort in North America. With a total of 11 golf courses at three locations in Michigan alone, BOYNE has hosted numerous Michigan championships. Kircher became a scratch golfer and has been involved in promoting golf and travel to Michigan. He was a founding member of America’s Summer Golf Capital that helped bring new golfers to the state resorts. He was instrumental in attracting Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf to Bay Harbor and has been a long-time supporter of junior golf, as well as the First Tee. Kircher is a past chair of the Michigan Travel Commission and served two terms as a governor-appointed commissioner. Kevin VandenBerg has been a top-notch player for many years and also served as the President of the Kalamazoon Golf Association for seven years. He is the only player to win the Michigan Three prominent members of the Michigan golf community were inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF) last month. Award-winning journalist, Greg Johnson, Stephen Kircher, the President and CEO of Boyne Resorts, and top amateur golfer, Kevin VandenBerg, were inducted in a ceremony held October 27 at Ferris State University. Greg Johnson has been a newspaper sports journalist and golf writer in Michigan for many years. He covered all the big golf events in the state, as well as the Masters. He has been recognized for sports writing by the Michigan Press Association. For more than ten years Johnson has been involved in media relations for the golf organizations in Michigan and is the Chairperson of the MGHOF. In this role he has written about tournament action for Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), the Michigan PGA and the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association. He received the Bruce Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Golf Course Association in 2012. Stephen Kircher followed in his father, Evertt’s footsteps and assumed the reins as President and Michigan Golf Journal
Amateur, GAM Championship and GAM MidAmateur Championship in the same year. Now living in Pulaski, New York and over the age of 55 he has become a top-ranked senior golfer. He has competed in two U.S. Senior Amateurs and six other USGA national championships. VandenBerg was runner-up for Golfweek Magzine’s Senior Player of the Year, in 2022 and was named Senior Player of the Year last season. In the 2023 golf season he accumulated 13 topfive finishes in 20 starts on the national amateur tournament circuit and in May, 2023, he won the GAM Senior Match Play Championship. There are currently 137 members of the MGHOF including, Walter Hagen, Chuck Kocsis, Dave Hill, Dan Pohl, Meg Mallon and Kelly Robbins. The plaques and memorabilia can be viewed at the Ken Janke Sr. Golf Learning Center at Ferris State University.
MHSAA Wraps Up Girls High School Golf Season The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) wrapped up the 2024 Girls Golf season with the state finals last month. Michigan State University’s Forest Akers West Course hosted Division 4 (D4), Bedford Valley at Battle Creek was the site for Division 3 (D3), The Meadows at Grand Valley State held the Division 2 (D2) Finals, while Division 1 (D1) was contested at Singhal, Naaz Gill and Cam Baker, all fired matching 162 for 36 holes to tie for eighth and lead their team to the MHSAA State Championship. Alena Li, from Okemos, won the D1 Individual title by firing 73-73 for the two rounds, four shots better than Romeo’s Tula Puzzoli, who finished runner-up. Copelin O’Krangley, from Caledonia was third, while Madison Yang the Katke Course at Ferris State University in Big Rapids. Division 1 At Katke Golf Course, Northville won the Division 1 Finals by 18 shots over the girls from Caledonia. They were the most balanced of the 18 teams that qualified for the finals, placing four players in the top 8 spots. Northville teammates, McKenzie Stevens, Sanya
and Ananya Kumar, both from Rochester finished 4th and 5th respectively. Division 2 The team from Farmington Hills Mercy was victorious at the Meadows Golf Course. Their two-round total of 677 was five shots better than runner-up Dexter High School. Lowell, Bloomfield Hills and South Lyon rounded out the top five spots in the D2 State Final. Arbor Greenhills rounded out the top five spots. Traverse City St. Francis’ Grace Slocum won the D4 Individual Title by five strokes over Logan Bentley, from Brooklyn Columbia Central, who was runner-up. Mia Melendez, From Ann Arbor Greenhills was third, Jordyn Bonnema, from Kalamazoo Christian was fourth and Rachel Fay, from Wixom St. Catherine was fifth. Congratulations to all the winners and participants, who qualified for the state tournament. Individually Avery Manning, from Dexter, fired two rounds of 69-72 to grab the 2024 MHSAA Girls State Title. Spring Lake’s Zoe Dull was runner-up, with Chaille Payne from GR Forest Hills Northern finished third, Maeve Casey, from Farmington Hills and Madison Webb, from Sturgis rounded out the top five places. Division 3 Grand Rapids Catholic Central fired a combined total of 652 for the two rounds at Bedford Valley Golf Club to win the MHSAA D3 crown. Detroit Country Day finished second. Williamston was third, Goodrich fourth and Grand Rapids South Christian rounded out the top five spots. GR Christian’s Lillian O’Grady won the D3 Individual title with two rounds of 75-70 and won by nine strokes over runner-up Averie Pumford, from Freeland. Kelsey Preston, GR Catholic Central was third. Sanora Kochan, from Goodrich and Williamston’s Paige Radebach both tied for fourth place with matching scores of 162. Division 4 Kalamazoo Christian won the D4 team title over Grand Rapids North Pointe Christian and Brooklyn Columbia Central Lansing, who tied for second, 16 shots back of the leader. Catholic and Ann Michigan Golf Journal
Written by Len Ziehm with Pictures by Joy Sarver Jekyll Island Transforms & Honors Its Rich History Without question, Jekyll Island is the very best state park in Georgia and it has received a sparkling new look. The 600 residents on the island, located on Georgia’s Atlantic Coast, between Savannah, and Jacksonville, enjoy the relaxed life only an island oasis like Jekyll Island can provide. Island attractions include, a 22-mile bike/hiking trail, the Sea Turtle Center, a water park, The Wharf restaurant, the enchanting Driftwood Beach, tennis courts, croquet, fishing centers, horse stables, a wide variety of lodging, plus a camp ground, as well as 63 holes of golf. If you are a history buff, there really isn’t another place quite like Jekyll Island, plus Vincent Astor, Joseph Pulitzer, William Vanderbilt and Marshall Field. The club became known as a “Southern Haven for America’s Millionaires.’’ Guests arrived by boat and traveled around the island in carriages. Electricity was available before it came to most of the rest of the country. Life was good on this little slice of heaven. Residents designed their own cottages and the variety of architectural styles adds to the beauty and mystique of the island. In addition to the Jekyll Island Club Resort hotel, 12 cottages were built by members. The biggest being the Crane the island underwent a $25 million renovation that touched nearly every area of this historic property. “A Master Plan was put into effect 10-12 years ago,’’ said Kevin Baker, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Jekyll Island Club Resort. “That included a Convention Center and Beach Village. The majority of the big construction is done. A lot of things have been completed and the Master Plan is pretty much complete.’’ Back in 1888, fifty of the wealthiest families in America combined to create “the richest, most exclusive and most inaccessible club in the world.’’ Early members included J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Michigan Golf Journal
Cottage (Crane Plumbing), which had 20 guest rooms and 17 baths. The recent renovation reduced the number of guest rooms to 13 and is popular housing option for destination weddings held on Jekyll. In 1896, famed banker J.P. Morgan built the San Souci Cottage and introduced the shared ownership concept with it becoming the first condominium. The Federal Reserve System got its start at a secret meeting of the nation’s business titans, held here, in 1907. The first transcontinental phone call was also made from Jekyll, in 1915. The USGA also used the nine-hole golf course to test new products and certify them for use in the United States.
The island’s downfall began during the Great Depression of the 1930’s and World War II sped up the process. Members were afraid that German submarines could invade local waters and they sold their cottages, bringing an end to “the Club Era.’’ From 1942 to 1948 the island deteriorated. Items left behind by the rich and famous were stored and in 1948, Jekyll was declared a State Park. The on history. It’s been more like a coastal eclectic look while honoring the past.’’ The rooms have all been tastefully redone. All have fireplaces, and the Grand Dining Room was completely renovated and serves breakfast, as well as a delicious Sunday buffet. “The guest rooms are now at the level of comfort and style of the luxury hotels, but what makes us special is our history.’’ The Mosaic Museum is the base for daily guided tours of the island. Visitors can also traverse the island by bicycles, which are readily available. Other lodging on Jekyll include, a Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Holiday Inn and Days Inn hotels. flavor of the good old days was missing until recently, when the Jekyll Island Club was upgraded. “Every single guest room was completely renovated. More color was brought into the rooms. In the past everything was painted white. The exterior of the buildings hasn’t changed, but now the colors in the rooms really pop. We maintained the historic rooms. It was a modern take Michigan Golf Journal
The Georgia Sea Turtle Center and Driftwood Beach are not to be missed. Beach Village is separate from the Historic District and features the Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar, plus a splash pad has been added for youngsters. The Village is also loaded with shops, which makes it an ideal spot to take One thing that you can’t miss are the magnificent trees. The one that stands out is a Plantation Oak. It’s the biggest and oldest, estimated to be 350 years old. Jekyll Island celebrates its history, but the recent renovations provide a modern and relaxed vibe for every traveler. a relaxing stroll and retail therapy. Churches are in abundance, too, starting with the Faith Chappel that opened as an interdenominational church for members in 1904. It now offers an Episcopal service and there are also Baptist, Catholic, Presbyterian and Methodist churches.
Golf News Golf Viewership Declines In a disturbing trend, both CBS and NBC saw significant decreases in television viewership in 2024. CBS saw their weekend telecasts decrease by 17% compared to 2023. This is the second year of the lower Nielsen ratings for golf coverage. Last year saw viewer numbers drop by 14%. With both year’s losses reaching 31%, this decline cannot be making sponsors and advertisers too happy. Shifting Viewership to Digital and Streaming Platforms NBC viewership decline was not as noticeable only decreasing by 5% for early rounds and Sunday final rounds dipping by 2%. Inclement weather was a factor at a few of the events, but that is something that the tour deals with every year. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has said that the PGA Tour APP and website saw a 17% increase in visits to these platforms. Social media engagement and PGA Tour videos also saw improved numbers, rising by 6%. Streaming on ESPN+ average minutes watched grew by 15%. Although television network viewing is in decline, streaming and social media increases help offset the network losses. Michigan Golf Journal
LIV’s Impact Although LIV seems to be an insignificant competitor for television time, the fact that several big names have jumped to the rival league and are absent from PGA Tour broadcasts is having a negative effect on the PGA Tour viewership. Golfers want to see Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Cam Smith and Dustin Johnson battling for PGA Tour hardware. That coupled with the mass golfing public disturbed by the money-grubbing of professional golfers has contributed to the reduced viewership. Also, failed negotiations, plus the ongoing tensions between the PGA Tour and LIV have led to viewer apathy. Golf fans are more divided than ever about the game.
PGA Tour Vs LIV Golf Match To Be Shown On TNT On December 17th the newest rendition of an exhibition match, “The Showdown” between Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, from the LIV Tour, take on the PGA Tour’s Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler. It will take place at Shadow Creek Golf Club, in Las Vegas. TNT will be the main broadcaster for the event. The head-to-head competition will have a prime time slot and will be streamed live on MAX. Rory McIlroy informed the media that he had told PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monohan, that he and Scottie Scheffler would play regardless of any consequences. “We all want to see more of the best golfers in the world going head-to-head, battling it out on the back nine of a tournament,” McIlroy said. “At a time where the professional game has felt divided, we believe this event can bring fans an incredible day of entertainment.” - Rory McIlroy. Michigan Golf Journal
St Andrews To Upgrade Clubhouse Since the pandemic, interest in golf has surged worldwide. St. Andrews always has full tee sheets and has recorded more than 283,000 rounds played at their five courses with revenues exceeding £40 million. The growth has enabled the Links Trust invest in upgrades that will benefit golfers. Part of that overall improvement plan involves significant upgrades to the clubhouse, which serves the Old, New and Jubilee Courses. The planned renovations include: • A New Café and Bag Drop: Expanding amenities for players with a designated space for equipment storage and a café to accommodate the increased number of visitors. • Enhanced Retail Space: Providing a broader range of merchandise and golf essentials, while improving the shopping experience. • Upgraded Locker Rooms: Renovated changing facilities for golfers to provide a more comfortable and modern experience. In addition, the clubhouse will feature new windows offering uninterrupted views of the Links courses, a key part of the clubhouse’s appeal. The popular bar and grill area will also benefit from an upgraded roof terrace, offering enhanced seating and a scenic overlook of the course, with views extending back towards the picturesque town of St Andrews.
King Tour, King CB & MB Black Irons Cobra’s new King Tour and King MB/CB irons have a black meal finish and are for better players and professionals. The Tour Black model has a CNC machined back cavity with a Thermoplastic Urethane filling to redistribute weight progressively from deeper in the long irons to shallower in the short, creating more control. Additionally, the lofts of the Tour Blacks are set two degrees stronger than the CB and MB models pushing them almost into a distance iron category. The MB and CB Blacks have the same lofts, so combination sets make a lot of sense; CB long irons for more forgiveness and MB short irons to help with scoring shots. As an added bonus, Arccos tracking sensors are available at no charge for each of the models and Cobra is offering a no charge trial of the Arccos APP. Jose Miraflor, Vice President Product Architecture & Consumer Connections at Cobra said, “Cobra was on a mission to create the most durable black finish on the market. These are not just irons; they are a statement. Proof of our intent to not only create the highest performing technologies in the game, but the most visually and aesthetically pleasing.” Cobra Introduces New Irons By Ed Travis Michigan Golf Journal
Cobra King Tec Irons By Ed Travis King Tour Black Edition Irons – Better player category – Five-step forging process 1025 carbon steel – Finished by CNC milling heads & grooves – Diamonized Black Metal finish – TPU insert – Stock lofts: 5-iron 25°, pitching wedge 44° – Stock shaft: KBS $-Taper – Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline – MSRP for seven irons $1399.00 King CB/MB Black Irons – Better player category – Five-step forging process 1025 carbon steel – CB cavity back added offset – MB muscle back – Diamonized Black Metal finish – Stock lofts: 5-iron 27°, pitching wedge 46° – Stock shaft: KBS $-Taper – Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline – MSRP for seven irons $1299.00 Cobra Golf has also introduced the fifth generation of their King Tec irons targeted for better players and the King Tec-X for midhandicaps, as well as a new One Length King Tec-X. Better players have always liked the King Forged Tec line brought to market in 2022. The newest edition, the 2025 King Tec has several features that will please low handicap golfers. Forged irons are usually made in four steps, but Cobra added a fifth. This new line Fast Facts a players iron. The internal weighting on the King Tec-X is much higher, 70 vs. 20 grams that produces a higher initial trajectory, requiring slightly stronger lofts. The King Tec-X also is available in Cobra’s redesigned One Length model with a 7-iron length shaft of 37.25 inches. The 4-6 irons have a 1.5mm wider sole than the regular shaft length version, more offset and weaker lofts all to aid slower swing speed players. Their MSRP is the same as King Tec-X. is forged with 2000 tons of pressure at 700° centigrade, which creates a uniform grain structure and produces a solid smooth feel. The face is an update of the H.O.T. design that is thicker in the center and thinner towards the perimeter for more rebound and distance. The King Tec-X has a similar shape, but with a larger profile than the King Tec, plus more offset. The uninformed may think you are playing with
Cobra King Tec Irons – Better players distance iron category – 5-step forged 1025 carbon steel hollow urethane sphere-filled body – Variable thickness L-shaped face – 20g internal weight near heel 4-7 irons – Arccos sensors at no charge – Standard lofts: 5-iron 23°, pitching wedge 44° – Stock shaft: KBS $-Taper Lite – Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline – At retail Nov. 8, 2024 – MSRP for set of seven irons $1,299.00 Cobra King Tec-X Irons – Game-improvement category – Cast 431 stainless steel hollow urethane sphere-filled body – Variable thickness L-shaped 17-4 stainless steel forged face – 70g internal weight near heel 4-7 irons – Arccos sensors at no charge – Standard lofts: 5-iron 21°, pitching wedge 42° – Stock shaft: KBS Tour Lite, KBS TGI Graphite – Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline – At retail Nov. 8, 2024 – Price: set of seven irons $1,299 steel shafts, $1,399 graphite Fast Facts Michigan Golf Journal
Reynolds Lake Oconee Unveils New Fazio Course By Fred Altvater Tom Fazio has long been one of the world’s leading golf architects, with hundreds of his designs in countries around the world. He recently completed another one of his gems at Reynolds Lake Oconee Lake Oconee. They cater to the needs of their members with boating, hiking, tennis, pickleball and, of course, golf. The new course, Richland Golf Course, was built using in central Georgia, the Richland Golf Course. Reynolds Lake Oconee is a residential community encompassing over 4,000 homes and abuts the expansive
an existing nine holes of the 27-hole National Golf Course and adding nine holes to create a completely new 18 hole championship golf course. Holes 1-5 were part of the original nine, but were renovated and updated to match the new holes, 6-14. The final four holes, 15-18, were also from the original course. Fazio made use of the natural rolling terrain to create a magnificent mixture of treelined and open fairways with native grasses defining fairways and roughs. He is a master at accessible and has the benefit of warm weather twelve months every year. The seven courses, people and staff at Reynolds Lake Oconee are some of the best to be found anywhere. using slope and contours for green complexes. This new Richland Course benefits greatly from his masterful design features. Reynolds Lake Oconee sits an hour East of Atlanta, is easily Michigan Golf Journal
The Healing Power of PRP Injections If you’ve ever been sidelined by a sports injury, like tennis elbow, you might have wished for a faster way to heal. Plateletrich plasma (PRP) injections are becoming a game-changer in sports medicine, offering accelerated recovery times for overused tendons and more. This treatment even has uses beyond sports injuries. Catherine Reese, MD, a primary care sports medicine physician with Franciscan Health, helps us understand PRP therapy, its various uses and how plateletrich plasma can get you back in action. What Is PRP Therapy? PRP therapy uses your blood’s healing capabilities to speed recovery. Blood includes 93 percent red cells, six percent platelets, one percent white blood cells, and the plasma that moves the components throughout your body. Human then take out the part rich in platelets,” said Dr. Reese. They then inject it into your damaged tissue. It’s a concentrated platelet product rich in growth factors, proteins, cytokines and other molecules, which are important in tissue healing. What Conditions Are Treated With PRP Injections? PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon By Franciscan Health platelets are naturally rich in connective tissue growth factors. “Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments, tendons and joints stimulates the body’s natural repair process,” said Dr. Reese. In PRP therapy, providers concentrate the platelets so you can benefit from their natural healing proteins. “In the sports medicine office, to get platelet-rich plasma, we draw the patient’s blood, spin it down in a centrifuge and Michigan Golf Journal
sprains or strains that haven’t responded well to traditional therapies. Injuries and conditions that benefit from PRP injections include: • Achilles tendinosis and plantar fasciitis • Arthritis in knee and hip joints • Chronic tendon issues like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow • Hamstring tendinosis • Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendinosis • Rotator cuff and other shoulder injuries • Shoulder pain and instability What Are The Benefits Of PRP? For athletes who’ve tried everything from physical therapy to anti-inflammatory medicine without success, PRP therapy offers a promising alternative. “Imagine your tendons start out like a brand-new box of spaghetti - straight and organized. Over time, they get cooked, twisted and disorganized,” added Dr. Reese. “PRP reorganizes and strengthens these ‘noodles’ by stimulating a natural repair process.” PRP injections help with the following: • Healing sports injuries • Maxillofacial procedures (jaw surgery) • Skin rejuvenation in dermatology What To Expect From PRP Treatment? The PRP procedure is straightforward and takes 30 to 40 minutes in the office. It begins with a blood draw (like getting a blood test), isolating the platelets, and then numbing the treatment area. The concentrated platelets are then injected under ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. “It’s a quick procedure with potentially huge benefits for recovery and long-term health,” said Dr. Reese.
What Are The Potential Outcomes Of PRP Injections? Studies show an 80 to 85 percent improvement in reduced pain and enhanced function. Some people experience complete relief from their pain. It usually takes about three to 12 months to feel the full benefits of PRP. “I would say three months is kind of that magic number to get that full benefit from it,” said Dr. Reese. “It’s not an immediate magical cure. The goal of PRP is to create long-term healing. So, it’s not a quick fix.” Should I Avoid Any Medications When Having PRP? A week before the injections and a month after, it’s critical to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, which can interfere with the healing response. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication. How Long Do PRP Injections Last? After the initial treatment, your doctor will schedule a follow-up visit four to eight weeks later to check on the healing progress. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, some people need two or three treatments. In those cases, doctors provide injections every eight to 12 weeks. Get Care For Your Injury Don’t let injuries hold you back. Schedule your PRP therapy consultation at Franciscan Health Sports Medicine today and start your journey back to peak performance. Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Short video of Nos. 5 & 6 at the Tom Fazio designed, Richland Golf Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee. The Oconee Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee is a treat to play and always in excellent condition. One of the Best Golf Designers in the World, Tom Fazio talks, the new Richland Course at Reynolds Lake Oconee, USGA rolling back golf ball & sustainability in golf course design. The Richland Course At Reynolds Lake Oconee The Oconee Course At Reynolds Lake Oconee Tom Fazio Talks New Course, Ball Rollback & Sustainability Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now Michigan Golf Journal
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