Michigan Is Perfect For Fall Golf H ere we are in October and the 2024 golf season is winding down. College golf season is underway and several Michigan colleges hosted collegiate events. Our feature this month is a tribute to long-time Michigan PGA professional Dave Kendall, who is struggling with cancer. His diagnosis is not good, but he is still teaching us how to enjoy life, whatever it may throw at us. Steve Pike writes about three Florida golf resorts that you may want to add to your winter golf getaways. We also visited northern Alabama last month and provide a few notes about some places you may want to visit when you are in the area. Len Ziehm reviews a new book about Tiger Woods and the PGA’s Project HOPE is helping veterans adjust to life after the military. It has been a very good golf season in Michigan and courses are already making plans for improvements for next year. I’m not ready to put away the sticks just yet and plan on getting several rounds played before the snow flies. Maybe I will see you on the Back 9. FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal American Golf Journal Back 9 Report Michigan Golf Journal
28 06 10 16 34 PGA Professional Dave Kendall’s Lesson’s Go Beyond The Golf Course Michigan Hosts Several Collegiate Events PXG Xtreme Tour and Tour X Balls Tiger’s Life As Never Told Before Florida Golf Courses To Visit This Winter THE SHOALS: ALABAMA’S AWESOME & ALLURING RTJ ATTRACTION You Can Have FUN And Play Golf At The Same Time Team USA Wins The Junior Presidents Cup 06 10 22 24 28 16 26 32 PGA HOPE Improves Veteran’s Lives 34 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors 39 38 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
Dave Kendall had a great golf career. He won several state major tournaments, including two Michigan Senior Open titles and one Michigan Senior PGA Championship. He’s also had 11 holes-in-one and three double-eagles. The first ace for Kendall, growing up in Jackson, came when he was 17, in 1972. The real story, however, isn’t about his own playing legacy, but it’s about the people he helped along the way as one of the most renowned golf instructors in Michigan. PGA Professional Dave Kendall’s Lesson’s Go Beyond The Golf Course From Michigan Section PGA Cadillac Country Club, before moving on to his own academy, but he still has one big lesson left to give, plus it’s free. Kendall is well into the back nine of his life. He has Stage-4 esophageal cancer and it has spread to his lungs and brain, where he had a golf ball-sized tumor removed in a mid-April surgery that left him bedridden for weeks, battling unbearable headaches and an inability to eat. He lost so much weight, plus his voice was barely was above a whisper. Kendall newest lesson; ‘The best way to die is to live.’ “I’ve been rolling sevens my whole life. What do I got to complain about?” Kendall said recently during a drive around Washtenaw Golf Club, which he co-owns. “I have a niece, and her husband died at 30 of leukemia because he got exposed to something in the service. He got a bad deal. Look at me. How can I complain, A member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, his lessons are hardly ever just about golf. Golf is a sport that mirrors life lessons, like honor, integrity, etiquette and accepting bad breaks. Dave’s lessons in golf come with a lot of stories and story-telling, and what you end up learning is life lessons. These days, Kendall, 69, is semiretired as a golf instructor. His career started as the head pro at Michigan Golf Journal
being (almost) 70, all the nice things that have happened in my life? I’m grateful. I’m not sad at all. I’ve never spent one day being sad. We’re all gonna go sometime.” Only given a few months to live, Dave attacked the cancer like he was Tiger Woods trying to win a major. “Maybe, I’m one of the lucky ones.” “People are telling me these miracle stories of people who beat the odds and lived 10 years. That’s nice. I hope I’m one of them. I really do, and I’ll do everything I can to be that. There still are things you can’t beat. You can have the best attitude in the world. It doesn’t mean if you died, you had a bad attitude.” The disease affected his appetite and he was down to 129 pounds and OK with the reality of his situation, both in life and in golf. After beginning chemo treatments, Kendall started eating again, and in July, he started chipping and putting, and played his first round. Just nine holes, from the red tees. The golf club felt like a
sledgehammer in his hands. “It felt tremendous.” He doesn’t hit the ball like he used to, he lost distance, and that’s understandable. His lone acceptance to the cancer was adding a hybrid club to his bag. Kendall mostly plays at Washtenaw, which he and some partners bought just before the pandemic. The ownership group has put significant dollars back into the course and Ray Hearn was brought in to lead the restoration. the flag stick square and ricochet 30 yards back and into sand or water. Just like life, It’s how you respond to adversity…... It’s not the shot, that defines you. With his diagnosis, Kendall hit the flag stick, but moved on. Dying isn’t a choice, everyone does it, eventually. Living life to its fullest, though, certainly is a choice, one that Kendall — predictably to all those he’s played with and worked with and taught over his five-plus decades in the sport, lives by. “Everybody’s rooting for Dave.” Said Doc Pearson, who’s worked at Washtenaw for seven years: “He did say to me, ‘Doc, I don’t know if I’ll play again.’ I said, ‘Dave, who knows? And if you can’t, you’ve given the game everything you can.” Golf is arguably the toughest sport on the planet. It can’t be perfected. Your game can be great one day and trash the next. It also can be totally unfair. You could hit the shot of your life but it could strike Michigan Golf Journal
Kendall was named Michigan’s golf professional of the year, and twice named Michigan’s teacher of the year. He previously served as president of the Michigan Section of the PGA. He played in the Senior PGA Championship. Golf Digest annually ranks the top teachers in every state, and Kendall is always near the top of Michigan’s list. Golf Range Magazine has named him a Top-50 teacher in the country. from friends and family. Golf is an individual sport, but everyone has come together to offer their support. Early in his diagnosis, when he was very frail and the immediate future was unclear, friends and family came to visit Dave. Karen let everyone in. She wanted them to see him. So many urged him to stay strong, and, yes, to play again. “Dave is a very humble and unassuming person,” said his wife Karen, a retired dental hygienist. “The amount of support in the golf community is amazing, and the friendships we have, there’s so much love and support and prayers and help. He is a super competitive individual and now playing golf again. In August, he collected his 11th lifetime hole-in-one at Washtenaw using the newly purchased six hybrid. He has made friends and influenced people his entire life, what more could you ask for in one man’s lifetime. Well Played Sir, A Life Well Played. This excerpt was Reprinted with permission from Michigan PGA. To read the entire article visit https:// michiganpga.com/ Kendall was inducted into the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame in 2011, the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 2015, mostly for his instruction and service to the sport, but also for his skills. He won numerous events in his 50’s but is not prone to give an exact count or list. The Kendalls have been overwhelmed by the support
Folds of Honor Collegiate In September the third annual Folds of Honor Collegiate was held at American Dunes Golf Club. The event showcases some of the very best college golf programs from around the country, including ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, and two HBCU Schools, Texas Southern and Virginia Union. Arizona’s first year head coach, Giovana Maymon saw the Wildcats win the team portion of the Folds of Honor Collegiate held at American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan Hosts Several Collegiate Events The 2024-25 Collegiate Golf season got underway last month and several Michigan colleges hosted tournaments. Women Michigan Golf Journal
Mary Fossum Invitational The Mary Fossum Invitational was held at Forest Akers Golf Course in East Lansing. The host, MSU, couldn’t hang with the A-Ga-Ming Invitational In the A-Ga-Ming Invitational hosted by Central Michigan, Bradley University placed four women in the top seven to win the team title by six shots over Bowling Green State University. Central Michigan and Western Michigan finished third and fourth respectively. Individually Bradley’s Caroline McConnel tied with Central Michigan’s Ella Zanatta for medalist honors. Olivia Hemmila from Oakland University was third with Western University’s Megha Vallabhaneni capturing fourth place. Cascades Clash In an NCAA Division III event held at Cascades Golf Club in Jackson, Michigan, and hosted by Albion University, Trine won the team portion by 38 strokes over Lourdes University. Trine’s Natalie Kulka won individual title by a single stroke over her teammate Rylee Smith. Six of Trine’s players finished inside the top 8 spots for the runaway win. Michigan. They had led after day one and finished three shots clear of Florida State. The Lady Buckeyes of Ohio State finished third. Mirabel Ting, from Florida State, fired a final round 68 to capture individual medalist honors. She finished two shots clear of the overnight leader, Arizona’s Carolina Melgrati. Ting played her last 10 holes in six under par, including a run of five consecutive birdies. For Ting, from Malaysia, this was her third collegiate win. eventual winner, Ole Miss, who won by 15 shots. Another BIG Ten school, Minnesota was third with Florida capturing the fourth spot. Caitlyn Macnab from Ole Miss was the medalist and posted 12-under par for the three rounds. Brooke Biermann, from MSU fired an 8-under par final round to finish runner-up. Florida’s Addison Klonowski was third and Nicole Gal, from Ole Miss was fourth. This is one of the major events in NCAA Division I Women’s Golf and other schools in attendance were, Miami (Florida), Michigan, Purdue and Notre Dame,
Kyle Campbell Memorial Olivet hosted the Kyle Campbell Memorial at Medalist Golf Club in Marshall. The NCAA Division II tournament was won by Trine with Mt. Union and Bluffton University finishing second and third. Although Trine won the team portion, Jocelyn Troyer from Mt. Union won the individual title over Trine’s Grace Dubec and Natalie Kulka. LTU Collegiate KickOff Lawrence Tech hosted the LTU Collegiate KickOff, an NAIA tournament, held at Crystal Mountain Resort. Bethel (Indiana) claimed the team title over Lawrence Tech’s The women from Illinois-Chicago (UIC) took the team title by 32 shots over Elmhurst University. Madonna was third and Saint Francis grabbed the fourth spot. UIC grabbed the top three spots in the individual segment. Ellie McDonald, Alejandra Ereno and Camille Rosier finished one, two and three. They placed a total of five players in the top six spots as teammates Chaewon Jeong was solo fifth and Sydney Terada tied for sixth. Western Michigan’s Saanvi Venkatesh was T-3 and her teammate, Madeline Blum was T-6. A Squad, with Lake Superior State finishing third and Lawrence Tech’s B Squad taking fourth. Bethel’s Aynslee Myer claimed medalist honors with her teammate Selah Unwin finishing two shots back and tied with Lawrence Tech’s Tanawan Vetchayanvivat and Kiera Cotter from Lake Superior for runner-up. Folds Of Honor Challenge The NCAA Division II Folds of Honor Challenge was hosted by Grand Valley State and held at The Meadows Golf Club. Defending Division II NCAA Champions the University of Findlay won the event by the slim margin over the host Grand Valley State with Ferris State claiming the third spot. Mary Kelly Mulchay won the individual title with three rounds at even par. Grand Valley State’s Olivia Stoll finished three shots back for runner-up and Ferris State’s Kamryn Shannon was third. Point O’ Woods Women’s Collegiate Michigan Golf Journal
Cleary University Invitational The ladies from Cleary University were not too hospitable to their guests as they won the Cleary University Invitational by 21 shots. Lourdes finished runner-up and Siena Heights was third. Skylar Whitman from Siena Heights posted three-over par to win the individual medalist honors by three shots. Claire Recker from Lourdes was runner-up with Lauryn Jerke, Madeline Swett and Alexis Sharplin, all from Cleary finishing third, fourth and fifth. Island Resort Intercollegiate Purdue won the team title at the Island Resort Intercollegiate held on the Sage Run Course. The Boilermakers finished 13 shots ahead of second place Boise State. St. Mary’s of California and Georgia finished third and fourth. The University of Michigan was fifth among the 12 teams that participated. Braden O’Grady, from Virginia Commonwealth and the University of Central Florida’s Chase Haygood tied for first individually with eight-under par efforts for the three rounds. Luke Cushman, from Boise State was third, while two players Georgia’s Buck Brumlow and UCF’s Lucas Dutarte tied for fourth. Hunter Thompson from Michigan finished tied for sixth. Folds Of Honor Collegiate nation and they proved they deserve their high status as they won the FOH by seven shots over a BIG Ten stalwart, Illinois. Texas, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Florida State and Ohio State rounded out the top seven spots in the team portion of the tournament. Bama’s Dominic Clemons won the individual title with a nine-under par effort for the three rounds. Tommy Morrison, from Texas, finished one shot back, Illinois’ Jackson Buchanan was third and Notre Dame’s Jacob Modleski tied for fourth with MSU’s Ashton McCulloch. Alabama players grabbed three of the top seven spots for the Tide. The Folds of Honor Collegiate (FOH) was hosted by Michigan State and held at American Dunes Golf Club. Alabama is annually one of the top-ranked teams in the Men
LTU Collegiate Kickoff The Lawrence Tech Collegiate Kickoff, an NAIA tournament, was held at Crystal Mountain Resort and the home team LTU claimed the top spot in the team portion. Lake Superior State finished 13 shots behind LTU for runner-up. LTU’s Liam McEvoy fired a total of six under par for the three rounds to win medalist honors, while his teammate Martin Wing tied for runner-up with Indiana East’s Sam Firebaugh. Al Watrous Invitational Saginaw Valley State hosted the NCAA Division II Al Watrous Invitational at Sawmill Golf Cascade Clash in Jackson, Michigan and they finished one and two. Team A finished five shots better than the B Squad. They finished 8 shots clear of the third-place Albion. Trine finished with four players in the top four spots in the individual portion of the tournament. Jack Besner won with a total of three-under par, followed by Carter Schnipke at two-under and Jack Bilby at one-under. Their teammate, Colin Crumrine finished tied for fourth with Blake Wagner from Albion, Axel Houdaille from Cleary and Charlie Robinson from Lourdes. Trine University sent two teams to the Cascade Clash Club. Wayne State’s B Team bested their A Team by eight shots to win the team portion. Saginaw Valley State captured third ahead of the University of Findlay’s A and B Teams. Michigan Golf Journal
Folds of Honor Challenge Host, Grand Valley State won the Folds of Honor Challenge, an NCAA Division II tournament. They were two shots better than Aurora. Mississippi Gulf Coast was third with Illinois Wesleyan capturing fourth place. Adam Bresnu, from Odessa, was the individual champion with a total of 12-under par for three rounds. Eight shots behind the winner, Grand Valley State’s Drew Coble was runner-up followed by Michael Spitzer, from Illinois Wesleyan and Caleb Negley, from Aurora. Point O’ Woods Men’s Collegiate Rochester University hosted the Point O’ Woods Men’s Collegiate at Benton Harbor Golf Club. Wheaton was 14 shots better than Colin Schadek, from the University of Findlay, was the medalist with a three-under par effort finishing one shot clear of Wayne State’s Max Leppelmeier. Five players tied for third at one-under par. Cleary with Madonna and the host Rochester grabbing third and fourth. Cleary’s Axel Houdaille was seven-under par for the two rounds to win the individual medalist honors by three shots over Wheaton’s Jonah Swartz. Two more Wheaton players, Wyatt Brown and Sam Obitts finished tied for third. Cleary University Invitational The Cleary University Invitational was hosted by Cleary University at Chemung Hills Country Club. The host won the team event by a single shot over Lourdes University. Siena Heights was third with Rochester coming in fourth. Cleary’s Axel Houdaille was the only player to finish under par for the event and grabbed medalist honors. Rochester’s Pete Greene was runner-up with Michigan-Dearborn’s Brandon Tirador tied for third with Lourdes’ Alban Bruyas. Get To Foundation Invitational Hillsdale College hosted the Get To Foundation at the newly renovated Saint John’s Resort. Wayne State won the team segment by a single stoke over the University of Findlay. The host Hillsdale came in third ahead of Saginaw Valley State. Hillsdale’s Robert Thompson tied with Luke Metzger from Findlay for medalist at even par. Wayne State’s Tyler Hurtubise was third while Alex Swinnerton from IUP was fourth.
THE SHOALS: ALABAMA’S AWESOME & ALLURING RTJ ATTRACTION Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail features 11 different locations spread across the state, 26 different golf courses and 468 golf holes. The best of the bunch may just be The Shoals 36 holes located in the northern section of Alabama. The combination of the gently rolling terrain, clever use of lakes, spectacular greens, wellmaintained fairways, raised tees, stunning views of the nearby Tennessee River, plus the Southern hospitality inside the clubhouse is genuine. The two 18-hole championship courses at The Shoals, The Fighting Joe and The Schoolmaster, honor two important historic names. The Fighting Joe is named after Joe Wheeler, a Confederate General in the Civil War, who later served as a general in the U. S. Army and is the By Mike May only Confederate General to rise to a similar rank in the U.S. Army, after the war. The Fighting Joe’s par-3 18th tee offers a jawdropping perspective as the green is carved into the side of the hill just below the beautiful clubhouse, as well as a view of Wilson Lake, which is formed by one of the many dams on the adjacent Tennessee River. The dam was Michigan Golf Journal
The locals agree that The Schoolmaster’s challenge is fraught with peril from the tall pines bordering the fairways, rolling terrain, and tricky undulating green complexes. The Schoolmaster requires that you do your homework in advance of your visit, to achieve success. After playing both courses at The Shoals, head across the river to Florence and spend the night in luxury at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa. The Marriott’s major attractions are its stunning views, overlooking the Tennessee River and the bridge that spans it. All 200 guest rooms are comfortable, plus the European-style spa will soothe achy muscles and provide relaxation after a day on the course. Dining is also a treat at the 360 Grille, Alabama’s only revolving restaurant that sits atop the hotel. Not only does the menu offer delicious entree’s, the constantly revolving tower provides constructed as part of the TVA, which has been so important to our country’s growth. To watch a short video from Back 9 Report about this gorgeous finishing hole click HERE. Place video #1 thumbnail here. The Schoolmaster is named after President Woodrow Wilson, who’s nickname was The Schoolmaster and was instrumental in getting the dam built.
breathtaking views up and down the Tennesse River, especially at sunset. When perusing menus don’t forget to sample southern favorites such as, fried green tomatoes and shrimp ‘n grits. Yum! year long, or just wet a line for the enjoyment and relaxation of a day spent near the water. We have just given you ‘FORE’ reasons to visit Muscle Shoals, golf, music, bass fishing, and food. Plus, when you play golf, don’t be tardy for your tee time at The Schoolmaster. Click HERE for a listing of all the RTJ Golf Trail locations, courses and lodging. More Places To Visit In Northern Alabama Joe Wheeler State Park, located just outside of Muscle Shoals also has an enjoyable 18-hole golf course, The General, cabins for rent by the lake, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities. Music fans are certainly aware of Muscle Shoals’ strong musical heritage and many recording studios which attracted many talented singers and musicians over the years. In fact, only Motown Records in Detroit produced more hit albums than the Muscle Shoals music studios. Another reason to visit northern Alabama is the outstanding bass fishing on the Tennessee River and the many lakes. The area hosts bass fishing tournaments all Another dining option at the Marriott is Swampers Bar & Grill, where the restaurant’s décor honors Alabama’s cultural heritage. Music fans are familiar with the Swampers, four young musicians, who founded Muscle Shoals Sound Studio and created platinum albums for famous artists such as, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, The Rolling Stones, Lynard Skynard, plus that tradition continues with today’s entertainers. Michigan Golf Journal
Daniella’s in the lodge at Joe Wheeler offers delicious Alabama country cooking at its best and the breakfast buffet has all your favorites, including biscuits and gravy, to start the day. As you move eastward toward Huntsville, Hampton Cove is yet another RTJ Golf Trail stop with two 18-hole championship courses, plus a challenging 18-hole par-3 course. The Highlands and River courses are two of the very best on the trail and will challenge beginners and skilled golfers alike. The Short Course is links-like, with water in play on 11 holes. It is a great venue for a quick round and allows golfers to hit every club in the bag. Huntsville is also the cite of NASA’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center. All the rockets used for space flight are produced nearby and the history of American space flight, as well as rocket advancement can be viewed here. It is a must stop for families with children, or anyone interested in the history of space flight. While in Huntsville stay in the heart of downtown at the 106 Jefferson Lifestyle Boutique Hotel by Hilton. Beautifully appointed rooms await weary travelers, plus enjoy excellently prepared cuisine in the Revivalist Restaurant. Don’t forget to catch the views, as well as an Alabama sunset from the Baker & Able rooftop bar and lounge. A little farther east is the Goose Pond Colony Resort at Scottsboro. Goose Pond Resort is famous for its outstanding fishing and hosts 70 bass tournaments annually. Two 18-hole championship courses, The Lake and The Plantation, are a joy to play and a treat for every skill level. These natural layouts provide views of the Tennessee River from nearly every hole and have been recognized as one the best places to play in the state. Lake-side cottages are available, plus just a short walk away is the Docks Restaurant. The entire menu at the Docks is outstanding, but the Shrimp & Grits is one of the best I have personally encountered. To learn more about the Scottsboro area and Goose Pond Colony Resort watch this short video with Rick Roden, President of the Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Place video thumbnail #2 Here While in Scottsboro be sure to visit the Unclaimed Baggage outlet store. Every member of your family will enjoy scouring this massive store for deals and keepsakes. When the national airlines have baggage that has not been claimed and can’t return it to the rightful owners, Unclaimed Baggage comes to the rescue. They clean and organize every item, stocking over 7,000 new items daily. Only one third of the items are resold. Another third is donated to charity, while the final third is discarded. One other thing to bear in mind is that these locations are all in the northernmost section of Alabama and can cut your drive time to find quality golf and excellent lodging considerably. When northern golfers need a golf fix in the late Fall, or early Spring, Huntsville, Muscle Shoals and Scottsboro make the perfect area for great golf, fishing, dining and relaxing.
By Ed Travis Review: The Allen Putter From PXG Players looking to find the right golf ball to fit their game should try PXG’s newest entry in the premium-priced “tour ball” category, the PXG Xtreme Tour and PXG Xtreme Tour X. Both the Xtreme Tour and Tour X, are three-piece urethane cover models with high a rebound center and rigid mantle encased in a urethane cover with 338 dimples. The difference between the two is the Tour X creates approximately 3% more spin FAST FACTS: –– Premium price category –– Three-piece construction –– Polybutadiene Core –– Ionomer mantle –– Urethane Cover –– 338 dimples –– Xtreme Tour choice of white or yellow –– MSRP: $50 per dozen off the driver, produceing more carry and a firmer feel compared to the Tour ball. “The launch of our first golf ball was a huge success,” said PXG Founder and CEO Bob Parsons. “Now, we’re taking it to the next level with the introduction of the new PXG Tour and Tour X golf balls. With these options, golfers can confidently be fitted for and choose the ball that best fits their playing style and performance goals.” Michigan Golf Journal
Blue Tees Series 4 Ultra Laser Rangefinder By Ed Travis If you are in the market for a new range finder Blue Tees newest release is the Series 4 Ultra Laser Rangefinder. It features a 350-yard flag lock, clear, concise OLED display, plus an on/off slope switch, at a golfer-friendly price. There are definitely more expensive laser rangefinders on the market, but Blue Tees made the Series 4 Ultra with all the newest technology. The result is worth considering, plus it’s less than $300. Those of us who require glasses to read will appreciate the improved OLED lens display that is sharp and clear with 6X magnification and brightness FAST FACTS: –– Improved OLED display –– 1,200-yard range –– Flag lock to 350-yards –– 6X magnification –– Auto-depth filter –– Slope compensation on/off switch –– On-target pulse vibration –– Weather resistant –– Magnetic strip for cart mounting –– Carrying case –– MSRP: $299.00 control. Making it unnecessary to don your glasses to get your yardage. Blue Tees knows that knocking around inside a golf bag, being mag clipped to a cart, exposed to dirt and dust, and rainy conditions can be a problem. They gets high marks for durability as the Series 4 Ultra has an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. “The Series 4 Ultra is the most advanced laser we’ve ever introduced,” said Taylor Herber, Vice President of Sales at Blue Tees Golf. “Its features are market-leading and can compete with any top premium rangefinders on the market, all while upholding our valuedriven philosophy.”
By Len Ziehm Tiger’s Life As Never Told Before Another book about Tiger Woods? When I first heard about “Tiger, Tiger,” by James Patterson, I wondered why. After all, his playing career is in obvious decline. But, then I considered the author, James Patterson, one of the most prolific writers over the last few decades, and also one of the very best. His works are popular in both fiction and non-fiction genres. He’s created some unforgettable characters, most notably, the Alex Cross series. He has done true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, as well as Princess Diana and brought to light the horrendous sex scandal account of Jeffrey Epstein. He’s coauthored novels with, among others, Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton and told his own story in the appropriately named “James Patterson by James Patterson.’’ What else could this guy do? Once again, Patterson created a well written and informative book about the real Tiger Woods. It seems the golfing public can never learn enough about the life of the 15-time major champion, who held the No. 1 spot on the Official World Golf Ranking for 683 weeks. “Tiger, Tiger,” published by Little Brown and Company, Hachette Book Group, is the first full-scale Woods biography. The complete title includes “His life as it’s never been told before.’’ Michigan Golf Journal
A lot of books have been written with Woods as the main character, but nothing from this perspective, as his extraordinary career merits. Arranged chronologically, the chapters are relatively short and each begins with a site, a location and a date. It’s only 439 pages, but you won’t breeze through it in just a few sittings. There are no pictures to break up, or enhance the copy, but it is an easy read. Woods’ relationship with his father, Earl, and his own with his son Charlie, are particularly endearing. For the avid golfer it stirs fond memories of Woods’ spectacular victories, as well as his human frailty and personal health challenges. All in all, It’s a very fair appraisal of Woods’ life. Tiger’s life has been recorded in the media since he was a junior golfer. In this book, Patterson offers a concise rendition of both the good times, as well as the bad. Click HERE to find “Tiger, Tiger” by James Patterson on Amazon. 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
I have always held to the mantra, “You can’t play golf and have fun at the same time.” Making a double bogey on the first couple of holes always seems to ruin a good round before it gets started. Losing a brand-new Titleist in a pond, deep woods, or tall fescue has the same affect and quickly brings one’s temperature up several degrees. I guess that is why most guys drink on the golf course. It helps drown the sorrows of golf balls forever lost, drowned in the depts of despair. However there have been on occasion a round that clings to your memory like a dead fly on sticky paper. Last August, I had one of the more memorable rounds in my 55 years of playing this stupid game. If you are not a professional golfer trying to fill your bank account, or trust fund with millions of dollars, golf is about spending a few hours on a verdant course losing expensive ProV1’s and having a few laughs. My good friend Len Ziehm, a Hall of Fame golf writer originally from Chicago and now residing in Florida, accepted an invitation to be my partner in the Cadillac Country Club Member/Guest. You Can Have FUN And Play Golf At The Same Time By Fred Altvater Michigan Golf Journal
We were not too concerned about winning anything. Our plan was to enjoy three days of camaraderie and golf. Plus, Len and his wife, Joy were just glad to be out of Florida’s extreme August heat. The first day’s competition consisted of the typical country club game, Four-Ball with handicap, and we ended up last in our group. We did, however, enjoy ourselves and did not let our poor play affect a delicious dinner. The second day, playing Alternate Shot, was one for the memory banks. On the short par-three 16th, Len holed his tee shot for his second lifetime hole-in-one. We could see it was tracking in the air, but from our vantage point, we did not see it actually go into the hole. Even though you are trying to do your best and beat the other players, you are happy for them when a competitor does something extraordinary. We had a blast and the entire experience was a success. Turns out you can have FUN and PLAY Golf at the same time. Maybe LIV and the PGA Tour should take a lesson. Let’s get back together enjoy competing against each other and bring a better product to golf fans. To learn more about Len’s Holein-One check out his account of the special occasion in eSouthernGolf.com. The group playing behind us, on the 15th green, had a better angle and did see it fall into the hole. Of course, they began hollering loud enough to alert the whole golf course and most of the neighborhood. His maiden hole out came at the tender age of 15 and this one was recorded 65 years later. I have yet to experience an elusive hole-in-one, but have witnessed several. I have to admit that it was a thrill to see the joy on my partner’s face, as well as the other contestants that left their fairways to come over and congratulate this rare feat. Everyone was so upbeat, it brought an element of excitement to the entire event. I have always said that you meet the best people on a golf course.
Florida Golf Courses To Visit This Winter By Steve Pike Hammock Beach Resort & Spa Hammock Beach has been a major attraction of the Palm Coast, just south of Jacksonville, since it opened in 2000 with the Nicklaus Ocean Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature course features six holes right on the Atlantic Ocean. The course was completely renovated by Nicklaus following Hurricane Matthew. The final four holes are known as the “Bear’s Claw.’’ The 18th hole, a 465-yard par-4, plays with the ocean along the left side and into an elevated green. It’s a great way to finish on one of Florida’s more memorable tracks. The second course at Hammock Beach, The Conservatory course was designed by Tom Watson and is one of the Southeast’s most unheralded layouts. It features streams, waterfalls, an island green, a plethora of bunkers and undulating greens. The Conservatory shows off Watson’s love of links-style golf and a feel for the Northeast Florida terrain. That combination makes the Conservatory one of Watson’s best designs and an absolute delight to play. Many feel it is better than the Ocean Course. The Nicklaus Ocean Course and the Watson’s Conservatory give Hammock provide two excellent courses at one location. Michigan Golf Journal
King & Bear and Slammer & Squire courses. “We’re excited to welcome golfers back to enjoy these improvements and experience a course that is both visually stunning and exceptionally playable.” The King & Bear Golf Course is renowned for its scenic beauty, with fairways framed by pristine lakes, towering loblolly pines, and majestic oak trees. Most notably, the course is the only design collaboration between two of golf’s greatest legends, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus. Cabot Citrus Farms On the west side of Florida, about 45 minutes north of Tampa, Cabot Citrus opened last year and is looking forward to seeing more golfers visit this outstanding location in 2024-25 winter season. The property was the former World Woods Golf Club and boasts dramatic elevation changes, sandy soil, and rolling Hammock Beach’s accommodations include a variety of guestrooms, suites, condos and villas, many of which overlook the Nicklaus Ocean Course and the Atlantic Ocean in the resort’s main tower. The resort is planning a 200-room boutique hotel where the Lodge now stands. “It will be a game-changer,’’ said Verdell Eckberg, director of sales and marketing at Hammock Beach. “There’s not going to by anything like in the general area.’’ The King & Bear Golf Course At World Golf Village Farther north at St. Augustine, the King & Bear Golf Course at World Golf Village reopens this month after an extensive fivemonth, $2.5 million restoration. All 18 greens were resurfaced, as well as the chipping and putting areas with TifEagle Bermuda grass which provides a smoother, more consistent surface. The practice areas were also upgraded with new grass, ensuring lush, healthy turf yearround. Improvements also included significant upgrades to the irrigation and drainage systems to promote water conservation, enhance turf health, and provide optimal playing conditions throughout the year. All bunkers were refreshed with new liners and sand, with eight receiving full renovations to improve drainage and consistency. “Our goal with this restoration was to elevate the playing experience while maintaining the integrity of the course’s original design,” said Lon Grundy, Chief Operating Officer of World Golf Village’s
hills canopied by towering sand pines, palmetto trees, and century-old moss-covered oaks. Anyone who has been to one of Ben Cowan-Dewar’s properties, Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, or Cabot Highlands in Scotland, knows firsthand that he demands everything be first-class. Cabot Citrus Farms has named their four courses, the Karoo, designed by, Kyle Franz. The Roost named after the wild turkeys that “roost’’ in the property’s large oak trees. The Squeeze, a 10-hole course designed by Mike Nuzzo, with holes ranging from 100 to 550 yards. Many of the holes are inspired by the world’s best short par fours. The Wedge is “There is no shortage of activity around here,’’ said Cabot Citrus Farms Managing Director Daniel Knight. “Part of our focus now is setting the stage to welcome guests and to have them experience everything people have come to expect from Cabot.’’ For more information about Cabot Citrus Farms visit: https:// cabotcitrusfarms.com/ an 11-hole par-3 course offering expansive waste areas and greens with dramatic slopes. Hole lengths range from 85 to 125 yards. Golfers have the option to play the short courses in between or after full rounds. The Karoo, Wedge and Squeeze courses opened in January last year and the Roost opened later. A new clubhouse and cottages have been constructed for golfers that want to stay on property. Cabot’s next phase of real estate will include five Fairway Homes. Michigan Golf Journal
Team USA Wins The Junior Presidents Cup The United States Junior Presidents Cup Team dominated the International Team in the final singles session to win the fourth Junior Presidents Cup by a score of 15 to 9. Holding a one-point lead heading into the day, the US squad needed 5.5 points to retain the cup. The Junior Presidents Cup is a two-day, team match-play competition featuring the top 24 junior boys, 19 years old and younger. The juniors are split into teams of 12, half from the United States and the other half from around the world, excluding Europe. Taking place just days before the start of Michigan Golf Journal
the biennial Presidents Cup, the Junior Presidents Cup was developed to give the world’s best non-European juniors a unique playing opportunity to compete in an international team match-play competition and showcase the global reach of junior golf . The 15 to 9 score marks the largest margin of victory in the event’s history. Despite the score being heavily in favor of the United States, many of the singles matches were close. Of the twelve matches, eight made it to the 18th hole, with five ending in a tie. “This week was awesome,” United States player Logan thought it was going to be. By the end of the week, I felt like these 12 kids were basically my children. I tried to pick them up when they were down and keep them from getting too far ahead of themselves. I’m so proud of them. Even though they didn’t come out on top, they gained friendships for the rest of their lives and the memories that will stay with them. I learned so much from them and that was the best part for me.” In 2026, the Junior Presidents Cup will be back in the United States, as Chicago’s Medinah Country Club will host the event. Reilly said. “It was the most fun week I’ve ever had. Being out here with the guys and representing the USA was just unreal. Being able to go undefeated during the week just makes you feel so good. You never get to do this as a team and to win in a different country it is something special for sure.” The International team put up a tough fight in the later matches, but couldn’t win enough points to catch the American Team. “It was a super special week,” International Captain Graham DeLaet said. “It was way more emotional than I
“Because of PGA HOPE, life is good when it wasn’t not that long ago.” PGA HOPE has been helping veterans find purpose for several years and there are thousands of stories about the positive effects this worthwhile program has generated for our military heroes. Jayme Turner is a retired Army Combat Medic that has his own significant story to tell. family moved to a small Alaskan Eskimo village. His parents divorced when he was nine and his mother, who was in the Army National Guard, raised five children on her own. Her military involvement means that the family moved around a lot, but finally landed in Utah where he lived through his teenage years. After high school, he got married and joined the Navy. He and his pregnant wife moved to Bremerton, Washington, where he was stationed aboard the USS Carl Vinson as an Aviation Ordnanceman, building bombs for jets. “I had a young marriage, the deployment was really difficult on it and we didn’t end up staying together. We just didn’t know how to be in a mature relationship where you’re developed emotionally and know all the things you need to know. It’s tough.” PGA HOPE Improves Veteran’s Lives From PGA.com “If me being straight up and brutally honest telling the world what I’ve been through, if it helps people understand that they’re not in uncommon situations. If I can go through that and still have hope in my life, it can work for other people. It’s important for people to know the truth.” Turner is a PGA HOPE Ambassador from the Utah PGA Section. He was born in Durham, North Carolina, but his Michigan Golf Journal
After his three-year obligation was over, he moved back to Utah and attended the Utah College of Massage Therapy. He was in class on September 11, 2001, a day he could not forget. A few months later Turner was part of a team that gave sports massages to Olympic athletes in the Olympic Village during the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City, but the events of 9-11 weighed on his mind. “I felt called to go back. I wanted to help save lives. I wanted to be a medic.” Turner was deployed to Iraq, in 2004, with the 4th Infantry Division. It was a difficult assignment, he treated more soldiers than he could count, was on a rooftop when a rocketcomplex post-traumatic stress disorder just as he left for his third deployment, which came in 2011. He earned the Capt. John R. Teal Leadership Award for his outstanding leadership skills, but his PTSD was becoming propelled grenade flew over his head and was in a Humvee when a mortar landed on the hood, but thankfully did not explode. Most of the second deployment was spent training Iraqi soldiers and was diagnosed with
an issue. Even though he could function during the day, every night he drank himself to sleep. By the time he returned from that deployment, he was suicidal. Seeking help, he was faced with a choice between staying in the military or leaving to work on his mental health. He retired. “Recovery from everything took quite a few years. I couldn’t go to a store. I couldn’t drive in traffic. I had to change times when I went to certain locations, and there were certain locations that I just couldn’t go to. I stayed in my house a lot. I was isolated. It took a long time for me to be close to functional.” Then Turner found golf when a friend sold him a set of clubs. “I picked my clubs back up again. After I went through it, it was the first time in a decade that I felt alive. I didn’t have any hobbies. I didn’t want to be social. I was isolated for pretty much a decade. PGA HOPE totally changed my life.” Turner was at the Veterans Affairs clinic in St. George, Utah, where he works as an Intermediate Care Technician, and saw a flier about the PGA HOPE program at a nearby golf course. He was asked to recruit Veterans to attend, but didn’t feel right about asking Veterans to do something that he hadn’t done himself. He said of his first PGA HOPE experience, “I picked up my clubs again. It was the first time in a decade that I felt alive. I didn’t have Michigan Golf Journal
any hobbies. I didn’t want to be social. I was isolated for pretty much a decade. PGA HOPE totally changed my life.” 13 handicap. He is now in a secure marriage. His son, Justis lives in North Carolina and is an engine mechanic in the Air Force. His daughter, Jordan lives in Georgia. “Through the PGA HOPE program and the pilot program I found a new mission and I still ride in line with who I am as a person in continuing to care for our nation’s Veterans. The value of that bond, that is deeper than deep.” Because of PGA HOPE, “Life is good when it wasn’t not all that long ago.” To learn more about how PGA HOPE helps veterans visit their website: https://www.pgareach. org/services/military. Two years later he has become deeply involved with PGA HOPE. He represented the Utah PGA Section as one of 20 Ambassadors last fall at National Golf and Wellness Week in Washington, D.C. He shares his experience with other Veterans and truly cares about them, on and off the golf course. He even started a new program called SCOUTS, supporting community outpatient urgent care telehealth services. He assists Veterans, age 65 and older, through telehealth visits with their physicians, physical assessments and anything that needs to be done following a surgery, or hospital visit. Turner does play golf in his spare time and is down to a
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 Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http:// lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenziehmongolf/ Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Back 9 Report visited the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail’s Shoals location, in Muscle Shoals and played the Fighting Joe Course. BOYNE’s Magnificnet 10 Golf Courses are set among three incredible resorts is the ultimate golf vacation destination. Mountain Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s President Rick Roden talks about the golf, fishing, dining, plus other outdoor activities available at Goose Pond Colony Resort in Scottsboro, Alabama. Par 3, 18th At RTJ Golf Trail’s Fighting Joe BOYNE GOLF: An Experience Like No Other Visit North Alabama For Golf, Good Eats, Fishing & Fun Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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