Warm Summer Months Are Winding Down in Michigan As the days continue to grow shorter, cooler weather will begin to replace those long warm sunny days. The upside to that is that the leaves will begin to reach their full color and Northern Michigan will be ablaze with golds, yellows, reds and nearly every color in the rainbow. September can be the best time to play golf in northern Michigan, the views from some of the higher tee boxes and elevations are jaw dropping. Something to watch for: Treetops will host the second annual Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner on the Masterpiece course, October 4, 5, 11 and 12. I had the pleasure of attending this event last year and was duly impressed. The views and colors around the course that Jones Sr. designed at Treetops was awe inspiring and the food was wonderful. Even if you are not a golf aficionado, you will enjoy this colorful and tasty event. We visited BOYNE Resort last month and were completely blown away by the changes and improvements that the staff at BOYNE are continually making to this all-encompassing resort. The new short course Doon Brae won’t officially open until next spring, but we were able to view it and walk around the course. It will provide the perfect spot for serious golfers, as well as juniors and families to spend time together. Throw on a sweatshirt, grab a jacket and get out there. Get a few extra rounds in and as always I hope I 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
30 06 16 22 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 Pinehurst Area Basking in U.S. Open Glow Lydia Ko Wins Gold Medal & Hall of Fame Invitation BOYNE’s 3 Locations Receive Special Treatment PXG & Callaway Equipment Reviews French Lick To Host Korn Ferry Tour Finals Golf News Off The Fringe With Ed Travis USGA Needs A Few Good Interns Health Tips To Stay Active & Injury Free 06 12 22 27 30 16 20 34 36 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors 41 40 Michigan Golf Journal
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A rare bright spot during the eye of the pandemic came in early September 2020, when the United States Golf Association named Pinehurst Resort and Country Club’s legendary No. 2 course as its first “anchor site” for U.S. Open Championships. Due in large part to the success of the four previous U.S. Opens at No. 2, including the Women’s U.S. Open in 2014, the Donald Ross masterpiece in the North Pinehurst Area Basking in U.S. Open Glow By Brad King enjoy on and away from the golf course. In the time since the big announcement, the USGA has transported much of its Liberty Corner, New Jersey operations to its new, second headquarters in Pinehurst — the six-acre “Golf House Pinehurst” complex near Carolina Sandhills was tapped to host the organization’s preeminent championships in 2024, 2029 — for a second men’s and women’s back-toback — 2035, 2041 and 2047. The USGA’s landmark announcement only fueled the continuation of growth around the “Home of American Golf.” Even if you’ve recently visited to the Sandhills region, you’ll quickly discover that Pinehurst ‘24 is a decidedly different destination, with a host of creations and attractions to
the Pinehurst Country Club clubhouse — under a multi-million incentive package approved by state and local leaders. “We go to the game’s greatest venues for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open, all of our championships — the cathedrals of the game. Pinehurst is one of those,” says John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s Chief Championships Officer. As part of the USGA’s Pinehurst campus, The World Golf Hall of Fame — which opened 50 years ago in Pinehurst before relocating to north Florida — is back with an exciting new, trimmeddown appearance. The state-of-the-art museum showcases extensive player memorabilia and collections honoring the game’s greats. The USGA campus and World Golf Hall of Fame at Pinehurst Resort tee up a must-see experience during any golfer’s visit to the Sandhills. The other dominant golf headline around the Sandhills in 2024 is the arrival of Pinehurst No. 10. Tom Doak’s new design on land that once housed The Pit debuted in April 2024 and is the first start-from-scratch course at the resort and club since the Tom Fazio-designed No. 8 opened in 1996. “We’ve got a really cool piece of land,” Doak says. “This ground has more variety and a different feeling to it than any of the other courses at the resort. There is a lot going on on this land. It keeps building up and getting more dramatic.” No. 10 is a walking course, where golfers enjoy the option of carrying their bag, pulling a trolley or hiring a caddie. Doak was green lighted to find the best 18 holes without returning the ninth hole to the clubhouse, giving the new design an oldschool feel. Michigan Golf Journal
Strantz, who worked a decade with legendary architect Tom Fazio before setting off on his own from his base outside Charleston, South Carolina, designed eight courses, working them one at a time and setting up camp for a year or more at each site. He was a rising star in the industry before his life was cut short by cancer in 2005 at the young age of 50 years old. The Sandhills area is gifted with two original Strantz designs. In addition to Tot Hill Farm, Tobacco Road opened in 1998 and is just over 20 miles to the northeast of Pinehurst and draws golf groups traveling from the north through Raleigh and Durham, wowing them with the craggy edges, blind shots and dramatic Other recent additions at Pinehurst Resort include the immensely enjoyable par-3 Cradle course, a restaurant with outdoor seating behind the 18th green at No. 2, and a micropub in the Village. Of late, Southern Pines Golf Club unveiled the 18-hole Overhills Putting Course, designed by Kyle Franz. In addition, Kris Spence “resurrected” Woodlake Country Club in Vass, while Mike Strantz’s Tot Hill Farm in nearby Asheboro received a refurbishing under new ownership. Tot Hill Farm opened in 2000 on a rocky site with an ever-present creek running through the course, featuring an 1800s farmhouse converted into a clubhouse and golf shop.
ups and downs whittled from the site of an old sand quarry. “‘Sensory overload’ is a phrase you hear often where Strantz courses are concerned,” said Greg Wood, the operations manager at Tot Hill Farm. “(Strantz) was at the height of his career when he was here, just coming off the accolades for Tobacco Road.” Free and open to the public, the Tufts Archives display an impressive collection of Donald Ross course maps and over 125,000 photographs of historic Pinehurst Village. The Archives are located in the Given Memorial Library and open Monday through Saturday. Hours of operation vary seasonally, so check before you go. The No. 1 grip on Tour is headquartered in Pinehurst just a short drive from downtown. At Golf Pride’s Global Innovation Center and Retail Lab, golf fans and equipment enthusiasts get an up-close look at the latest grip technology and history. Visitors can also test exclusive grips and get grip fit from an official Tour technician. Retired Army veterans Brad and Jessica Halling have opened the BHAWK distillery headquarters in Southern Pines, where they are raising the American spirit and expressing gratitude for extraordinary service through two premium brands, Sergeant’s Valor and Madam Colonel. Only six months after opening, Brad received Gold medals for both Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon and Sergeant’s Valor Select Rye at the USA Spirits Ratings and Sergeant’s Valor was named Rye Whiskey of the Year. In addition, Southern Pines Brewing Company transformed the old Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory, located in downtown Carthage, into a two-story brewery and restaurant featuring more than 50 taps, a downstairs speakeasy, a worldclass cocktail program and pizza flights. North Carolina’s Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area boasts a storied legacy of golf unlike any other place in the country, and it keeps getting better. The latest developments in a place as steeped in history as the “Home of American Golf” only accentuate all this region has to offer. Plan your visit to the Sandhills by visiting HomeofGolf.com. Michigan Golf Journal
Lydia Ko Wins Olympic Gold Plus a Spot in the Hall of Fame With her gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Lydia Ko earned the 27 points necessary for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. The 27-year-old New Zealand native achieved this milestone through a stellar career that includes LPGA Hall of Fame points earned for 20 LPGA Tour victories, highlighted by two major championship titles, two Rolex LPGA Player of the Year awards, twice earning the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy really couldn’t have gotten any better than I could have imagined, and I’ve had somany grateful things that happened in my career so far, and this really tops it. I couldn’t have asked for anything more to be honest.” Ko is now a three-time Olympic medalist, taking silver at the 2016 in Brazil and added a bronze at the 2020 games in Japan. Ko has amassed 20 LPGA Tour victories since for the season’s lowest scoring average and now the Olympic gold medal. Ko becomes the 35th individual enshrined in the LPGA Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the most accomplished and influential athletes in the history of women’s golf. “For it to have happened here at the Olympics, unreal. I do feel like I’m a mythical character in a story tale. It Michigan Golf Journal
2012, including major titles at the 2015 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2016 Chevron Championship. She earned 18 of her titles since her rookie season in 2014, having won the 2012 and 2013 CPKC Women’s Open as an amateur prior to becoming an LPGA Tour Member. Ko was the 2015 and 2022 Rolex LPGA Player of the Year and won the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy, awarded to the player with the season’s lowest scoring average, in 2021 and 2022. In addition, Ko has seven wins on the Ladies European Tour, five wins on the WPGA Tour of Australasia and one win on the Korean LPGA Tour. She also partnered with Jason Day to win the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team unofficial event featuring PGA Tour and LPGA Tour stars, in 2023. The newest Hall of Famer has set numerous Youngest Ever marks in her career. In August, 2012, she became the youngest winner, in LPGA Tour history, by winning the CPKC Women’s Open at 15 years, 4 months and 2 days. She became the youngest player, male or female, to reach World No. 1 when she ascended to the top of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings in Febuary, 2015, at 17 years, 9 months and 9 days. Later that year, she became the youngest female major winner when she captured the 2015 Amundi Evian Championship at 18 years, 4 months and 20 days. She then became the youngest female ever to win two major championships at 18 years, 11 months and 9 days following her win at the 2016 Chevron Championship. Now at 27 years, 3 months and 17 days, Ko becomes the youngest player to be inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame under its current criteria. Prior to March 2022, induction criteria included the requirement that a player be active on Tour for 10 years. Karrie Webb reached the 27-point threshold at age 25 with her victory at the 2000 U.S. Women’s Open but did not reach the 10year requirement until age 30 in 2005. “Lydia’s qualification into the LPGA Hall of Fame isn’t just a milestone in her extraordinary career; it’s a testament to her generational talent, having built an unmatched resume of success at such a young age,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “Beyond her unprecedented achievements on the golf course, Lydia has inspired so many through her perseverance, kindness, generosity, and commitment to leaving the game better than she found it. She is a role model to us all and particularly to young girls, to whom she has
shown what a true champion is, in sport and in life. Cementing her place in the Hall of Fame by winning the gold medal achievements and the impact she’s made on the world of golf and in global sports.” The most recent inductees of the LPGA Hall of Fame were Lorena Ochoa and eight of the LPGA Tour’s original Founding Members. Ochoa had earned enough points to qualify when she retired in 2010 after eight seasons but did not receive enshrinement until the 10-year requirement was lifted in 2022. These nine women were honored in March 2022 for their years with the LPGA Tour. Prior to that, Inbee Park was the last player enshrined in the LPGA Hall of Fame when she earned the honor in 2016. here in Paris is iconic, and it is something we will all remember for a long time. We are immensely proud of Lydia’s Michigan Golf Journal
Golf News Novi native Watson Mercier won his first GAM trophy and Hannah Kim of Troy won her second title at the GAM 12 & Under Junior Championship held at Twin Beach Country Club. Mercier shot a closing nine-hole round of 38 for a 2-over 75 total to win going away among the boys, and Kim shot 39 for an 81 to win by a single shot among the girls. The new GAM tournament serves as an introductory tournament for the youngest members who want to try competition. Zander Hendriks of Commerce Township shot a final 45 for 87 and second play among the boys. Bentley Allen of Troy, who shot 46 for 90, and Cal Peters of Plymouth, who shot 45 for 91, rounded out the top four. Mercier & Kim Win Inaugural GAM 12 & Under Junior Championship Michigan Golf Journal
The girls’ competition featured a close battle at the top. Belen Berishaj of Birmingham shot a final 41 for 82, finishing second by one shot. Victoria TheinAn McCullough of Shelby Township, who shot 49 for 92, and Presley Kiebler of South Lyon, who shot 46 for 94, rounded out the top four. Mercier, 12 and a student at Geisler Middle School in the Walled Lake School System, said he has played better with an even-par best for nine holes at Twin Beach. Treetops Resort has announced the dates for their Fall Color Tour and Progressive Dinner. On October 4th, 5th, 11th, and 12th the event will feature blend of seasonal cuisine, Michigan beer and wine tastings, plus breathtaking fall views, creating an unforgettable autumn experience. Guests will embark on a leisurely golf cart ride along the Jones Masterpiece Golf “I had some good shots,” he said. “I feel really good about winning, especially because it’s at my home course.” Kim, who recently turned 12 and also won the GAM Junior Stoke Play Girls’ title, said she didn’t play well in her first-round 42 and was happy she played better in the final round. “Because of yesterday, I told myself to just play good today, and it will be fine,” she said. “I went and practiced at my home course (Pine Trace Golf Club) after yesterday, too. I think that helped.” Course, guided by a knowledgeable Treetops staff member. Throughout the tour, you’ll make several stops to savor Michigan-made beer or wine, paired with expertly crafted, autumn-themed hors d’oeuvres. This journey through the vibrant fall foliage showcases the natural beauty of Northern Michigan’s most spectacular resort. The evening will conclude with live entertainment, a delicious main course and desert at Legends restaurant. Whether you’re a local or visiting from afar, our Fall Progressive Dinner is the perfect way to celebrate the season. Individual pricing and weekend packages are available to suit your needs. Click HERE to reserve your spot for the Fall Color Tour & Progressive Dinner at Treetops Resort! Treetops To Host 2nd Annual Fall Color Tour & Progressive Dinner
The United States Golf Association (USGA) announced that Whistling Straits has been chosen to host three future USGA championships, the 2028 U.S. Amateur, the 2033 U.S. Junior Amateur and the 2037 U.S. Girls’ Junior. “The USGA is excited to reignite our commitment with Kohler, and look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship,” said Mark Hill, USGA managing director, Championships. “Whistling Straits is renowned for its performance on an international stage, and we know it will challenge and thoroughly impress the world’s best amateur players.” to Whistling Straits, building on our legacy of hosting memorable and recordbreaking events,” said Dirk Willis, vice president – Golf, Landscape & Retail. “Amateur golf is the heart of the game, while junior golf helps fuel the next generation of passionate players, and it’s a great honor to host these elite men and women over the next 10 years. We look forward to showcasing their incredible talent in front of our proud Wisconsin golf fans and providing a world-class golf experiences for all involved.” Hosting these lesser known USGA Championships normally leads to receiving a U.S. Open tournament at a future date. Whistling Straits To Host USGA Events Previously Whistling Straits has hosted several PGA Championships, such as the 2021 Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship. Vijay Singh won the 2004 PGA held there, while Martin Kaymer captured the 2010 PGA and Jason Day the 2015 PGA Championship. Whistling Straits has hosted three USGA Championships in the past. The 2007 U.S. Senior Open won by Brad Bryant, was held on the Straits Course, plus its sister course Blackwolf Run hosted the 1998 and 2012 U.S. Women’s Opens. “We are pleased to partner with the USGA to bring these prestigious golf championships Michigan Golf Journal
With professional golf being the beneficiary of all the warm fuzzy feelings coming out of the Olympics it is realistic to remember the divisive situation facing all of us who care about men’s pro golf future. In case it needs reminding, the problem is the agreement between the PGA Tour/DP World Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund LIV Golf. Since the announcement of the potential agreement 14 months ago there seems to have been no progress and in fact, digression since PGAT stars, namely Jon Rahm, were recruited by PIF/LIV for a reported $300 million. Defecting players such as Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson knew they would be suspended from the PGAT and were jeopardy of being able to qualify for major championships and international competitions such as the Presidents Cup, Ryder Cup and Olympics. They took the money instead, perhaps assuming something could be worked out or the This means the likes of Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia and Tyrell Haddon must hope for a pick by team captain Luke Donald. Qualification for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team begins the end of Aug. at the Betfred British Masters. Short Putts If Scottie Scheffler was flying high after six wins on the PGA Tour his spectacular come from behind victory in the Olympics put him into interstellar space. For the record the Gold Medal did not earn him official prize nor is it considered a win by the Tour however the U.S. Olympic Committee did pay him $37,500. Off The Fringe— Warm Fuzzy Feelings traditional tours bought off or they felt the inexorability of the billions behind the PIF would win in the end. LIV Golf Slap Down Automatic qualification for the European 2025 Ryder Cup team will be based on points earned on the DP World and PGA Tours only. World ranking will no longer be considered. Many LIV golfers were formerly on DP World Tour and relinquished Tour membership or have refused to pay fines for playing unsanctioned competing events. With the new policy automatic selection would appear to be impossible. By Ed Travis Michigan Golf Journal
The world number one recorded six PGA Tour wins this season, plus two runners up to go along with his Olympic Gold Medal, heading into the FedEX Cup Playoffs. He added an $8 million dollar bonus to the $28 million in prize money he earned this season. Due to his unsurmountable lead in the Comcast Business Tour’s TOP 10 award, he was able to skip the season-ending Wyndham Championship and still collect the $8 million prize. 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
All Three Locations At BOYNE Resort Are Getting Special Treatment Having three top golf resorts is somewhat like having three children. How do you decide which one gets taken care of first? That’s the dilemma at Boyne Mountain, The Highlands and Bay Harbor, three resorts with a combined ten golf courses, plus other amenities and attractions. By Len Ziehm with Pictures by Joy Sarver Michigan Golf Journal
So, how does the Boyne management make those difficult decisions? It’s all about the ten-year plan that was drawn up in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. “We have a 10-year plan for every hole on every course at all the resorts,’’ said Ken Griffin, the director of sales and marketing for the resorts. “There are very specific plans for continual upgrades.’’ And it’s been working – though not without an occasional hiccup. The biggest was at The Highlands, where the new par-3 course, Doon Brae was to be installed. They were almost finished last year, then a super storm hit. “We only had two holes to go,’’ said Griffin. “Then we got 25 to 30 inches of rain. We had three-four feet of sand ripped out in the first week of November.’’ Work resumed in the spring but neither the course, dubbed Doon Brae (Scottish for “short walk downhill’’), or the 27-hole putting course have opened to the public yet. The Grand Opening for both has been pushed back to 2025. Michigan architect Ray Hearn did the design work as part of a series of projects he’s undertaken at the resorts. Each of the nine greens at Doon Brae has a different template, each reflecting a style of green — Ridan, Punch Bowl, Volcano, Postage — played in Scotland.
Just as intriguing is the course’s location. “It’ll be the only course that we know of where golf is played in the summer and skiing is done in the winter,’’ said Griffin. Doon Brae will be a walking course, but the walks up the ski hill will be minimal. The longest hole is 136 yards and only two holes require uphill walks. Though pushcarts and carry bags will be available, Griffin expects many players will simply carry a few clubs to play the short course. Despite the weather problems, affecting Doon Brae, upgrades are continuing full speed at all three resorts. Boyne Mountain received an impressive Skybridge last year, and it’s become a major tourist attraction, plus extensive work has begun on the lodge at The Highlands. BOYNE has also taken on a new tournament beginning next year. The Epson Tour will conduct a tournament the next three years on The Heather course at The Highlands. The resorts’ courses haven’t been lacking for players, but pro tour events are another matter. “We’ve never done a tournament like that,’’ said Griffin. “Pre-Covid we were close to getting a Champions Tour event, but negotiations fell apart.’’ Rain problems and tournaments aside, the beat goes on with new projects at the resorts. “We’re re-investing at a higher level than I’ve ever seen,’’ said Griffin, who has worked for the resorts for 16 years. HERE’S WHAT’S been happening at each Boyne resort: BOYNE Mountain, located in Boyne Falls, is the oldest and celebrated its 75th anniversary last year with the addition of the Skybridge. Hearn also supervised major upgrades on their two courses, the Alpine and the Monument. The Mountain has only two courses, but that could change one of these days. Legendary architect Pete Dye designed a course for that resort prior to his death in 2020. Center lines were cut, then work ended abruptly because Michigan Golf Journal
Boyne management preferred to build a water park. It opened in 2004 and is now the largest indoor water park in Michigan. Land for a future Dye course, however, is still available. “There’s no further design plans for a course, but we designed around the world and revisions have been completed to holes 1, 2, 13, 15 and 16. Work is being done one hole at a time to minimize a reduction in play and No. 10 is being tackled this year, meaning the Ross is temporarily a 17-hole course. know that we have the space for one,’’ said Griffin. THE Highlands has four courses and renovations to the Donald Ross Memorial course won’t be completed quickly. Every hole but one is a replica of holes that Ross
Skybridge Michigan has become a popular tourist attraction at the Boyne Mountain Resort. It stretches 1,200 feet in length and hangs 120 feet above the valley below. Skybridge can be accessed via the historic Hemlock Scenic Chairlift, the first chairlift built in the United States and installed at Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1938. It was later transferred to Michigan and rebuilt at BOYNE, in 1948. The bridge offers spectacular panoramic views, plus the glass floor in the middle of the bridge enhances the views of the Valley floor. September and October are the best times to visit Skybridge. “It’s so much about how the valley looks then,’’ said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing at the Boyne resorts. He said the bridge could hold 5,000 people but never more than 500 have been on it at one time. No. 10, a replica of the 14th hole at Scotland’s Royal Dornoch, is the only one of the 18 holes that wasn’t designed by Ross himself. “But it’s the course where he grew up, where he learned golf,’’ said Griffin. It’s also the course where Ross worked as a golf professional for the first time. The Ross course is not a project to be taken lightly. The BOYNE hierarchy wants each hole to be as accurate as possible. To show how serious the staff takes this project is reflected by the work undertaken on the 15th hole – a replica of No. 11 at Aronimink in Pennysylvania. The original version at The Highlands had five bunkers. Now, after a renovation, it has 22. “We thought what we had was the original, but it wasn’t,’’ said Griffin, “so we moved it up the line and redid it.’’ The Bay Harbor Golf Club offers three nine-hole layouts, The Links, Quarry and Preserve. The Links/Quarry combination, designed by the late Arthur Hills, may be the best of BOYNE’s 10 courses, but Crooked Tree may be a bigger success story there. Harry Bowers was the original architect, and Boyne purchased the course from the family that had built it. “It’s the only of one of our 10 courses that we didn’t build.’’ said Griffin. “The last three holes (16, 17 and 18) were not good holes. Ten years ago, Crooked Tree recorded the lowest number of rounds compared to the other BOYNE courses, however, after a redesign by Arthur Hills it has become one of the top three courses guests want to play, along with the Heather and the Hills Courses.’’ BOYNE Resort is in a class by itself in the Mitten State and management’s commitment to consistent improvements will keep it so a long time in the future. Michigan Golf Journal
PXG Introduces New P & XP 0311 GEN7 Irons By Ed Travis In their first 11 years of producing highquality golf clubs, PXG has made a huge impact in the golf equipment business. Their latest introduction of the 0311 GEN7 irons offers a choice of the P or XP models with chrome, or Xtreme Dark finishes. PXG has paid close attention to the playability of the new 0311 GEN7 irons. Playability for average golfers means irons with a balance of forgiveness and workability. This is achieved by the distribution of weight around the perimeter and the toe, plus a weight placed inside the titanium collar in the center of the backside of the iron. During a fitting, the weights can be adjusted to the proper swing weight, for the individual golfer, plus it aids in precisely locating the head’s true center of gravity. The differences between the P and XP models are mostly apparent in the head size, the gameimprovement XP being larger plus it has more offset than the Model P, for those golfers that struggle with excessive left to right ball flights.
Callaway Apex Ai200 & Apex Ai300 Irons PXG 0311 P GEN7 Irons – Players category – Moderate offset – 4-9 irons, wedge, Gap wedge available – Stock lofts: 5-iron 23°, pitching wedge 44° PXG 0311 XP GEN7 Irons – Game-improvement category – Larger head, more offset – 4-9 irons, wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge, lob wedge available Fast Facts PXG 0311 GEN7 Irons – Five times forged, milled – Hollow construction – High COR design—0.050” variable thickness steel face – 20g tungsten toe weight – Back weighting – Low weight titanium ring center of back – MSRP: $350.00 The new Callaway Apex Ai200 and Apex Ai300 were constructed with an elevated look and feel featuring premium performance and consistency. Callaway’s redo of the Apex iron line was targeted at providing greater consistency in distances and spin rates while providing better distance for players having a range of skill levels. One of the keys is the Ai Smart Face with their supercomputer analyzing data gathered from “real golfers” which provides a better fit for each individual’s swing. Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for PXG 0311 GEN 7 Irons: Chrome finish $229.99 per club with Chrome finish, or $239.99 per club for Xtreme Dark finish. Both iron models make use of metal injection molding or MIM for exact placement of the internal weighting and have Callaway’s Dynamic Sole to give less turf interaction. Visually the two models are similar with the Ai200 having a slightly shorter blade and the Ai300 more offset. Lofts of the Ai200 are one degree weaker so it would be possible to build a mixed set of Ai300 long irons and Ai200 short irons. Zack Oakley, the Senior Product Manager at Callaway said during the announcement, “The Michigan Golf Journal
– Callaway Apex Ai Series Irons 2024 – Forged hollow 1020 steel body – Forged 455 steel variable thickness face cup – Pre-Sale August 15th – At retail August 23rd – Price: $1400/7 piece set ($200per club) – Apex Ai200 – Player’s distance category – Thin topline & sole – Stock lofts: 5-iron 23°, pitching wedge 43° – Stock shafts: True Temper DG Mid 100, UST Mamiya HDC Dart 80 – Stock grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip – Apex Ai300 – Game-improvement category – Cavity back – Thicker topline& sole – Stock lofts: 5-iron 22°, pitching wedge 42° – Stock shafts: True Temper DG Mid 90, UST Mamiya HDC Recoil Dart 70 – Stock grip: Golf Pride Z-Grip Fast Facts – AI 200 is that core players’ distance iron that’s going to be for a player who wants the look of a player’s iron, the feel of a player’s iron but doesn’t want to sacrifice distance, doesn’t want to sacrifice feel or consistency. This is going to be a little bit more of a compact version of a players’ distance iron, a little bit thinner top line and sole width, hollow body construction, and it’s going to give you kind of that nice midlaunch.” Oakley continued, “The AI 300 is going to be that game improvement iron, a little bit higher launch, a little bit more forgiveness, going to have a lot of the same tech as you’re going to see across the platform here but in a more forgiving profile.”
Korn Ferry Visits French Lick’s Pete Dye Course For Season-Ending Event The Korn Ferry Tour Finals will be held at French Lick Resort in Indiana September 29-October 6. The Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance will be contested on The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, September 29 to October 6. Korn Ferry’s annual season-ending tournament and the hallowed PGA Tour Card Ceremony will be on The Pete Dye Course through 2028 as part of a five-year partnership with the resort. “We are looking forward to our partnership with French Lick Resort and working with their team of great people,” said Ronald D. Romain, Executive Chairman of United Leasing & Finance, an official sponsor of Korn Ferry Tour events since 2012. “The Pete Dye Course is a world-class venue, and I am eager to see By Steve Pike Michigan Golf Journal
how Korn Ferry Tour players navigate their way around this difficult golf course.” Founded in 1990 and owned and operated by the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry is the developmental circuit of the PGA Tour. It awards 30 PGA Tour cards based off its points list in 2023, with the No. 1 player earning exemptions into the following year’s Players Championship and U.S. Open. With more than 600 PGA Tour titles, 28 major championships and six FedEx Cup champions, Korn Ferry Tour alumni make up 88 percent of the PGA Tour’s current membership. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort was named Jemsek National Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association in 2009 and again in 2017. The course was also No. 19 in the 2023 edition of Golf Digest’s ranking of America’s 100 Greatest course to our schedule, especially for our seasonending event, ensures the topperforming players on the Korn Ferry Tour will be put to the test as they compete to earn PGA Tour membership.” Make your plans today to visit French Lick for the Korn Ferry Tour’s Finals and play the historic Donald Ross course and Valley Links, while you are there. Click HERE for more information. Public Courses, and it has been named No. 1 public course in Indiana for 15 consecutive years in Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play” ratings. “We are incredibly excited for the future of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance as it moves to The Pete Dye Course at French Lick,” said Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin. “Adding a demanding, championship-caliber golf
French Lick Resort’s famed Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses and nine-hole Valley Links are about to have company with a fourth course set to open at the resort. The Sand Creek Course at French Lick Resort is located adjacent to the Valley Links course and driving range. It will feature nine holes ranging between 35 and 90 yards with both clubs and balls provided with the greens fee, or guests may use their own clubs if they wish. French Lick Resort CEO Chuck Franz explained, “We’re always wanting to play into our history with different attractions and projects across property, and with the popularity of golf coming out of the pandemic, another 9 holes of some sort was always on our radar to advance us to 54 holes of golf resort-wide,” Franz said. “Dave Harner, our Director of Golf, is fantastic about growing the game, and the more people you can get on course enjoying golf here at French Lick, that’s a great thing.” The Sand Creek Course will be open year-round, lights have able to play this course. It’s not a miniature golf experience but it’s not a true, serious champ golf course experience. It’s a lot of fun, and I think when people get out there and play, they’ll get hooked on it. It will have miniature versions of the Dye volcano bunkers, and some of the Ross greens contours. The rock formation that we use around the lakes at Dye we’re using around the water retention area here.” Visit FrenchLick.com for more information. French Lick Resort To Add 4th Course been installed for play after dark, piped-in music will play on the course, plus a food truck will keep guests fueled up to play all day. Dave Harner, Director of Golf Operations at French Lick told us, “It’s a simple, easy place to play. It adds to our experience in that it gives you an alternative to the championship course – a place where beginners, families, corporate groups, whether they all play golf or not, they’ll be Michigan Golf Journal
USGA Is Looking For A FEW Good Young Interns As golf continues to grow the demand for qualified staff at golf clubs has increased tremendously. The United State Golf Association (USGA) is helping to funnel emerging talent to a broad range of job opportunities that exist in the game. This year the USGA had 323 interns enrolled and directed their recruiting efforts to This year’s pool of interns represents a broad spectrum of disciplines – including students majoring in science and technology, data analytics, research, education and nonprofit management. The interns were then matched with USGA core service and program teams that profited from the interns’ knowledge, while also providing a platform for progress and growth. From USGA.org individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds and communities. They saw a 59-percent increase in applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds across the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program from 2023 to 2024, as well as a 12-percent increase in women participating in USGA internships. Michigan Golf Journal
“It’s important that we don’t think of these young people simply as interns, but rather the future leaders of our game,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “The proof is in the numbers – we are providing more opportunities and in turn, seeing higher percentages of USGA interns working full-time across the golf industry.” Of note, 201 individuals are completing P.J. Boatwright Internships this year across the USGA’s network of 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) providing interns with on-the-job training in golf administration. In 2024, the USGA provided $2.1 million in grants to AGAs to support wages, travel costs and operational support. The Boatwright program began in 1991 and has had a large impact. Across AGAs, 33 percent of executive directors and 38 percent of all AGA staff members are former programs and advanced technologies. Earlier this summer, 112 undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to intern at the U.S. Open in Pinehurst, N.C., providing them with first-hand access and exposure to job functions that power a major sporting event. Championship and Merchandising interns were immersed in a variety of operational jobs, while the 24 Pathways Interns took advantage of career exploration and networking opportunities. Research released by the American Golf Industry Coalition in 2023 highlighted golf’s $102 billion national economic impact, plus the 1.65 million jobs required to bring golf to the masses. The USGA is committed to collaborate with partners to identify, attract and engage more talent from diverse backgrounds to lead the game forward. Boatwrights. Upon completion of the program, interns will join a network of more than 3,300 alumni working across sports and beyond who launched their careers as Boatwrights. As golf evolves, so too do the roles and functions of interns. In 2024, a number of interns are immersed in specialized areas focused on sustainability and inclusion initiatives, including supporting adaptive golf programs, turfgrass research and management through the USGA’s Green Section, diversity
GEN-X ATHLETES: STAY ACTIVE AND INJURY-FREE As we age, our approach to physical activity and sports needs to evolve. This reality is especially true for athletes in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Many aging athletes assume they should avoid vigorous exercise. Recent research shows that short bouts of moderate-to-high intensity exercise can increase muscle strength in older athletes, reducing their risk of injury. By Franciscan Health Michigan Golf Journal
“A misconception with aging athletes is that aches and pains should be an accepted part of staying active,” said Jenna Walls, MD, with Franciscan Sports Medicine in Indianapolis. “Pain may actually suggest an injury, weakness or biomechanical disturbances, improper form or overtraining, and you shouldn’t consider it a ‘normal’ part of exercise.” Common Sports Injuries In Gen-X Athletes Common sports injuries that older athletes face include muscle strains, Achillies tendon overuse, and stress fractures. Aging And Risk Of Injury Physical changes can affect athletic performance and injury risk. These may include: • decreased bone density, raising the risk of fractures and injuries; • diminished coordination and balance, increasing the risk of a fall and related injuries; • lessened flexibility, leading to stiffness and reduced range of motion; • reduced muscle mass, impacting your strength and endurance. As we age, our heart and lung health can change, too, making it harder to do long, intense activities without straining these organs. “It’s important to adapt your exercise routine and activities to ensure you remain safe,” added Dr. Walls. “These adjustments are not just about maintaining performance, but about safeguarding your health and minimizing the risk of injury.” Which Sports Pose A Risk? Gen X athletes should reconsider sports and athletic endeavors such as football, tennis, high jumps and high-intensity interval training. Athletes can protect themselves by regularly assessing their physical condition and considering lower-impact alternatives. Exercises For Injury Prevention The American Heart Association and American College of Sports Medicine offer specific recommendations for aging athletes regarding aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening, flexibility and balance training. Activities such as riding a stationary bike, swimming, walking, tai chi, yoga, and Pilates are great forms of exercise which will help avoid injury.
(stretching, jumping jacks, cycling, jogging or walking) will help prepare your body for exercise. Recover Slowly Recovery is important for athletes of any age, but our bodies may need extra attention as we age. To recover and recuperate from workouts, keep in mind nutrition, hydration, sleep, and active recovery. Strategies To Manage Previous Injuries Pay attention to any aches or pains during physical activity and modify your exercise routine to avoid increased pain. Adjustments may involve taking more rest days or focusing on lower-impact activities instead of ‘pushing through’ pain. “It is important to start slowly when returning to exercise and to consider cross-training to help avoid re-injury,” said Dr. Walls. “Gen-X athletes should also understand that mental adjustment is important to the return-to-sport process. Maintaining a positive outlook can help with recovery.” Seek medical advice for any severe pain, swelling or bruising. Maintaining a positive outlook and setting realistic goals will help athletes overcome fear and hesitation when returning from an injury. Talking with a therapist and relaxation techniques also can help athletes identify mental blocks to their recovery. Other Injury Prevention Tactics Injuries can set back a fitness enthusiast at any age. But, with the right approach, you can often prevent them. Follow Good Form Using the wrong technique, especially in weightlifting and strenuous exercise, can put added stress on your joints, ligaments and muscles. Having good form is not just about avoiding injury but about making every move count and ensuring your body works as one unit, which enhances overall fitness and health. Warm Up And Cool Down Research shows that cold muscles may be more prone to injury, so doing five to ten minutes of light aerobic activity Michigan Golf Journal
Our Contributors This Month Len Ziehm Ed Travis 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/ 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 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 Michigan Golf Journal
VIDEOS Director of Marketing for BOYNE Golf Ken Griffin talks about the new short Doon Brae and renovations to The Donald Ross Memorial Course. Bandon Dunes Director of Operations, Jeff Simonds talks about their four courses, the par-3 Preserve and putting course, the Punch Bowl. Ray Hearn is responsible for renovating or designing over 150 golf courses worldwide. He recently completed work at St. John’s Resort near Detroit and has ongoing renovations at #BOYNEResort in Northern Michigan. His designs are perfect for the average golfer and he always strives to make golf courses sustainable and environmentally sound. Ken Griffin Talks BOYNE’s New Course & Renovations Bandon Dunes: The Way Golf Was Meant To Be Ray Hearn Talks Recent Golf Design & Sustainability Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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