Ohio Golf Journal May 2019

AHHH FINALLY! SPRING ARRIVES ALONG WITH 3-PUTTS! FRED ALTVATER You are a Golfaholic if: you own more than three sets of golf clubs and two of them are in time out in the corner of your garage. Hit it hard, boy. Then go find it and hit it again...... G olfers are a hardy lot, but it’s difficult negotiating a tee-to-green trek over and around snow banks. Hopefully the white stuff is gone until after Thanksgiving and Golfaholics can now get about the real business of life, chasing the little white ball. Even Boyne Resort reported that their courses are open for play and they are ready to book your summer golf buddy’s trip or girl’s golf getaway. Ask about their special pricing for groups. With Tiger Woods announcing his full comeback by winning the Masters last month plus the final round of the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur held at that iconic course, the spring golf season was kicked off in fine fashion We were lucky to visit a few southern resorts in our April Spring Break Tour and in this issue we talk about Pinehurst. Together James Tufts and Donald Ross created a collection of courses and attractions that have weathered the test of time. With a little help from Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, No. 2 is still as difficult and beautiful as it was when Ross was tinkering with it. Pinehurst will host the U.S. Amateur later this summer and in another first for the historic resort, the final championship 36-hole match will be contested over both the newly Gil Hanse renovated No. 4 and No. 2. Hanse did a masterful job on No. 4 and visitors to the new creation will find it rivals No. 2. We also enjoyed time in the historic Holly Hotel, the first hotel at the resort and a quick nine on the new par-3, Cradle. I have argued for more short courses at resorts and in urban areas and Hanse delivered a beauty. Rains have made it tricky to get in a few appointed rounds in our area, but I hope you have been able to slip out for a few warm up holes. When you do, look for me on the Back 9. Deacon Palmer’s advice to a young Arnold. Ohio Golf Journal