Ohio Golf Journal July 2020

I jokingly tell my friends that Ohio is the CENTER of the Golf Universe. There is so much golfing history that has been made in the state and the number of great golfers that have ties to Ohio is mind boggling. Just the fact thatTheGolden Bear, Jack Nicklaus was born and raised here, plus attended Ohio State University provides instant proof of the golfing pedigree of the Buckeye state. This year that statement has never been more true as Muirfield Village will host two consecutive events on the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour will finally begin its 2020 restart with a pair of events in Toledo. The newly created Drive On Championship will be the first event held on the ladies tour since they began cancelling tournaments in February. It will be held at historic Inverness, the same course that will host the 2021 Solheim Cup, July 31-August 2, 2021. To accommodate the Drive On Championship, the Marathon Classic was moved to the following week, August 6-9. Tournament Director, Judd Silverman explained in this interview with Back 9 Report that screenings will be completed in the parking lot prior to fans boarding shuttle buses. The Drive On Championship will be played without spectators and pro-ams. The $1 million purse is being funded by the generosity of previously cancelled events. It will feature a 144-player field for the 54-hole event. Toledo has been blessed to host the LPGA Tour, since 1984 and Highland Meadows Golf Club has been the home venue for the Marathon Classic, since 1989. Highland Meadows demands a combination of length, accuracy, and a deft touch around the greens, which is why a large percentage of past winners at the Marathon Classic also have major championship titles on their resumes. Ohio is the Center of the Golf Universe! At least for a few weeks in July and August this year. By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal