December2021 Golfaholic’s Leter toSanta NotetoCities: FixUpThose MunyCourses HapyHolidaysfromOhioGolfJournal golfjournal Golf’sBIGnames wilbemia atpgashow FirstTe’sNew Facilityis openfor busines
Out with OLD! In with the NEW! FRED ALTVATER You are a Golfaholic if: You look at the four inches of snow outside your office window and dream you were in Florida playing golf. I hit some of the worst shots you’ve ever seen. But I go find it and hit it again. It’s managing those shots and not letting it bother you, then going and hitting the next one............ The December issue marks the end of a fantastic Year of Golf! Tiger Woods, smack in the middle of his remarkable return to prominence on the PGA Tour, was involved in a horrific car crash and spent most of the year undergoing a grueling rehabilitation. The ever-young Phil Mickelson won the PGA Championship at Kiawah Island at the age of 51, becoming the oldest player to win a major title. Team USA finally won the Ryder Cup in a convincing fashion at Whistling Straits, but the LPGA women lost to Europe in the Solheim Cup at Inverness. 2022 promises to be even better. Both the LPGA and PGA Tour have increased prize money. The ladies will be playing for a total of $87 million and the men’s tour has increased the FedEx Cup payout to $18 million. For Ohioans, the Solheim Cup held at Inverness was one of the biggest sporting events the Buckeye state has ever seen. Kudos to Tournament Director Becky Newell and her staff. Everything went off without a hitch, except for the fact that the Europeans handed the Americans a 15-13 loss. Ohio golf courses continue to see record levels of golfers coming out to play. With supply chains stretched to maximum capacity, equipment companies can’t keep up with demand. COVID was still a minor issue in 2021, but the golf industry, as a whole, benefitted greatly. Women and juniors continue to find golf attractive and are a key component of the overall growth. With the January 2022 issue, Ohio Golf Journal will be entering its eighth year and we are excited to see who wins the majors, what new names appear to dominate and return to playing the game we love so much. Hope I see you on the Back 9. ~ Dustin Johnson Ohio Golf Journal
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Ohio Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with Ohio 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 26 FIND INSIDE 06 09 16 31 First Tee Of Lake Erie Creates a Safe Learning Space for Kids Major No-Shows at PGA Show More Awards for Renee Powell Why Cities & Towns Should Invest $$ In Their Municipal Golf Courses 06 09 12 14 Ohio Native Jason Kokrak Wins Again on PGA TOUR Payntr Golf Shoes Golfaholic’s Letter to Santa Oxford ProAms Offer The BEST Courses & Destinations LPGA News What is Course Rating and How is it Determined? Ohio Golf News 20 16 24 26 29 18 33 Our Contributors News & Notes Our Favorite Videos 36 32 37
First Tee Of Lake Erie Creates a Safe Learning Space for Kids On a beautiful September evening, right before the Solheim Cup was set to begin, The First Tee of Lake Erie and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Toledo held a grand opening gala to officially open their new joint facility, located on Hill Road adjacent to the Inverness Club. This one-of-a-kind facility is focused completely on teaching kids and providing skills to help them navigate the world. To get something this big created in Toledo was a major plan in place to help with their expansion program. The Boys and Girls Club of Toledo and The First Tee spent three years discussing exactly how a marriage of the two nonprofit organizations could work and finally came up with a plan. This state-of-the-art training and learning facility for area youth includes a driving range, putting area and short game practice area for golf. For inclement weather a gym and indoor golf simulator will allow the kids to remain active. project and took the efforts of a lot of people. The 43-acre tract on which the new facility resides was obtained in 2016, but it took nearly five years to raise the monies necessary to complete construction. In all, over 250 donors understood the importance for area youth and graciously opened their wallets to raise $7.6 million dollars. The combined effort came about because The Boys and Girls Clubs were looking to expand their reach and The First Tee already had a site with a Ohio Golf Journal
There are also classrooms and a curriculum that will teach the kids various vocational skills that can be used to obtain jobs in the community. Toledo should be extremely proud. It is the only facility of its kind in the country. Executive Director of The First Tee of Lake Erie, Adam Reny told us, “Golf can open a lot of doors. I was fortunate enough to be a caddie at Inverness and met several people, who helped me along the way. The main idea for this joint facility is to provide a place to train kids and provide opportunities for them to succeed.” “To maintain a healthy community involves people eating right and staying active. We must teach kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle and this facility will help in that effort.” See the complete interview with Mr. Oostra below or on Back 9 Report TV. Twenty-five percent of the children in Lucas Country live in poverty and have adverse stress in their lives. Part of the unique concept of this facility Watch the full interview with Reny below or on Back 9 Report TV: Promedica, a large health care provider in the Toledo area, understands the importance of a healthy lifestyle. They were a major contributor to the creation of this new facility, which will teach kids about correct eating habits and the importance of leading an active life. CEO of Promedica, Randy Oostra told us,
will provide children a safe place that is free of stress and help them lead a healthier life. “By being able to offer golf programs and access to other sports, we will get kids who would not have thought about picking up a golf club involved,” Reny continued. “We hope to serve over 1,000 kids every year.” Program Director for The First Tee of Lake Erie, Michael Prothe said, “The Boys and Girls Clubs are really good at working with kids indoors and The First Tee is really good at finding things for kids to do outdoors. This partnership creates a melting pot of activities for children.” He added, “Kids who come out to First Tee will be provided with everything they need. We like to say if they get here, we’ll take care of the rest.” To watch the entire interview with Michael Prothe below or visit Back 9 Report TV. Mr. Oostra said one of the key aspects of this facility is to help children reach their dreams, “We are providing a safe environment, a place for kids to meet adults, who can lend a helping hand, teach sound life values and offer opportunities that might not otherwise be available to them. It’s about helping kids fulfill their dreams.” In addition to golf skills, The First Tee focuses on “9 Core Values” to teach kids social skills such as, introducing themselves, developing more patience, respect, integrity, and honesty. The First Tee’s ultimate goal is to make golf affordable and accessible for all children and hopes to reach thousands of children in the greater Toledo area. “This facility is something the kids can think of as theirs,” Prothe said. “The kids are the members and no one else. I think that is very special.” The First Tee of Lake Erie relies on donations for equipment, and volunteers to help supervise the activities. Retirees, high school and college students, as well as, PGA professionals are urged to reach out to Reny, or Prothe to become involved. To contribute or volunteer visit: https://www. firstteelakeerie.org/giving/volunteering/ Ohio Golf Journal
Major No-Shows at PGA Show Every January the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando hosts the largest gathering of the golf industry’s movers and shakers. Since its humble beginnings in a parking lot in 1954, it has grown to be the event that anyone and everyone connected with golf, has to attend. Planning for the 69th PGA Merchandise Show is well underway, but the latest list of exhibitors does not include two of golf’s largest companies, Callaway and Acushnet, as well as, smaller manufacturers, Tour Edge and Wilson. Also missing are PXG and TaylorMade. PXG has never had a presence at the show and TaylorMade has not rented booth space for the last three years. Callaway’s subsidiaries, Odyssey, Jack Wolfskin, TopGolf, OGIO and Travis Mathew will also be no shows. The lack of Acushnet, the maker of Titleist equipment, FootJoy shoes and apparel, plus Scotty Cameron putters and Vokey Wedges also creates a huge void at the 2022 merchandise show. The absence of Callaway, Titleist and their subsidiaries from the 2022 PGA Merchandise Show relates to millions in lost revenues. Joe Gomes, Director of Communications for Titleist responded, “Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, and with an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our associates, we will not be exhibiting in January of 2022. While we continue to be major supporters of the PGA of America and Reed Exhibitions and are disappointed to not attend this important event on the golf industry calendar, we look forward to returning in 2023.” By Ed Travis
The Show is scheduled for January 25-28, in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, after a one-year hiatus, due to the pandemic. Sponsored by the PGA of America and tagged “The Major of the Golf Business,” it has occupied one million square feet of exhibit space, while drawing 40,000 industry members, including PGA Professionals, suppliers, and media. Early estimates for 2022 indicate attendance will be down compared to previous years, plus the number of exhibitors will be substantially lower than the past several years. A media release, in October, from PGA Golf Expositions cited, “A recent survey completed by PGA Professionals and top buyers who frequently attend the PGA Show revealed that 70 percent of PGA Professionals and top buyers currently plan to attend the 2022 PGA Show; 19 percent are undecided with plans to be made within two months prior to the event.” Concerning the 2022 Show PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon was quoted, “While we anticipate a temporary contraction in participation this year, we are pleased to share that we are on course to welcome more than 600 golf brands and thousands of industry stakeholders to the 2022 PGA Show.” Reflecting Simon’s comments there is no doubt people have become more cautious regarding travel and personal interaction, but tradeshow industry experts often point out, while online, or virtual meetings are useful, businesspeople still believe personal contact is the best way to build long-term mutually beneficial relationships. Ohio Golf Journal
Large companies require a multimillion-dollar sales budget to exhibit at the show and some observers believe that expense has been subjected to re-evaluation in the boardrooms of corporate America. Costs for a floor exhibit include, renting space, furnishings and setup, plus staff travel, lodging and expenses for a week in Orlando which can run into the millions of dollars. Golf equipment and apparel companies have recorded record sales over the past 24 months through virtual marketing. These online sales demonstrate, quite clearly, that customers can be served via the telephone, email, and online software. For many golf companies, face-to-face meetings may be significantly reduced, if not eliminated entirely. In the past, a strong inducement for companies to attend the Orlando show is exposure to potential customers, but modern technology provides a clear solution. Using sophisticated algorithms to match computer IP addresses with purchase-intent data lists, buyers are identified and targeted. Marketing departments place customer-specific advertising on viewed websites and initiate email, or telephone contact. Some golf industry sales and marketing experts have pointed out even the most sophisticated marketing programs cannot replace personal face-to-face relationships. For now, the solution of real-time marketing versus virtual sales, in the golf industry is not clear. While no one is saying the PGA Merchandise Show is dead, organizers must find ways to generate an appropriate return on investment for attendees and companies of all sizes. Play 18. Repeat. Now’s the time to play two award-winning courses to their fullest. Our Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses have been #1 and #2 on GolfWeek’s “Best You Can Play” in Indiana for 10 years running. Book your round in 2020, and replays are free the same day at The Pete Dye Course (forecaddie fee additional) while same-day Donald Ross replays are $50. Visit frenchlick.com/golf or call (888) 936-9360 to get that road trip rolling. Double Down on Bucket-List Golf Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice. Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT!
More Awards for Renee Powell Ohiogolfing legend, ReneePowell has received some of the most prestigious awards in golf over the past several years. In 2017, she and her father, William were the first father and daughter inducted into the PGA Hall of Fame and this past year, she Captained the American Junior Solheim Cup Team. She was one of the first women to become full members of the Royal & Ancient, plus The University of St. Andrews named a building in her honor. The World Golf Hall of Fame recently created the Charlie Sifford Award to honor golfers who advance diversity in the game. Powell will be the first recipient of this high award and will be recognized during the 2022 World Golf Hall of Fame induction ceremony, which is held during the PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Powell was the second African American woman to ever compete on the LPGA Tour and after her competitive days were over, she promoted the game through teaching. She has organized international trips to Scotland and Africa for minority junior golfers and is active in PGA HOPE and REACH, especially for female veterans. “As a youngster my parents fought to get me into tournaments when I was not welcomed because of the color of my skin, which instilled in me how important it is to get young people into the game to help build their self-confidence,” said Powell. “I’m honored to be the first recipient of this award and to see Charlie Sifford be recognized for breaking down barriers that never should have been put in front of him and all others of color who strived to play this game. I was taught early on by my parents that golf should be a sport for everyone, and we can all diversify this game in so many ways.” Renee competed in more than 250 professional tournaments and played as a member of the LPGA Tour from 1967-1980. Since 1995, she has also served as the head PGA/LPGA professional at Clearview Golf Club, the club built by her father, William, in 1946. It was the first golf course in the United States, designed, built, owned and operated by an African American. The Clearview Legacy Foundation focuses on education, preservation, and research, utilizing Ohio Golf Journal
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Why Cities & Towns Should Invest $$ In Their Municipal Golf Courses By Fred Altvater In nearly every town throughout America, municipal golf courses are under loved and suffer silently in poor condition. Local real estate developers drool at the prospect of buying up the land on the cheap to create strip malls and condos. While city administrators spend millions for roundabouts, plus grant tax abatements like they are passing out candy at Halloween, a potential source of sustainable revenue is actually draining dollars from the city’s coffers. IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE THIS WAY!! Municipal golf courses are perfect for junior golfers, who are willing to put down their smart phones and tablets to venture outside but need a place to hang out. Golf is the perfect answer. We hear story after story of golf professionals, who relished their early golfing years. Their parents dropped them off at the local public golf course on their way to work and the junior golfers spent the day, dreaming of hitting shots and sinking putts to win major championships. More women than ever are finding that golf is an excellent venue to exercise outdoors, socialize with friends and spend quality family time with their children and/or husband. They’re not all country club types and need a place to learn the game, practice, and play. How many men would like to play more golf, but find it difficult, due to a lack of quality public golf facilities in their area? One success story is the Winter Park 9 (WP9) in Orlando, Florida, which opened for play in 1914. A mere six years ago, WP9 was hemorrhaging money and lost $250,000. The city committed to a renovation by Keith Rhebb and Riley Johns, which brought the course up to modern-day standards and it is now a joy to play. At only 2,800 yards from the tips, but with large, contoured greens, it presents a challenge for golfers of every skill level. It is one of my favorite courses to play and I look forward to every visit. Read about our most recent visit to WP9 in the March 2021 issue: https://ohiogolfjournal. com/2021/March/34/index.html. Ohio Golf Journal Opinion
A scant six years after the renovation, gross income at the WP9 climbed to over $1 million and net profits exceeded $200,000. The recent growth in golf stimulated by COVID will subside, but hopefully many of the golfers that have come back to the game, will want to continue to play at city-owned public golf courses. The city of Toledo owns three golf courses, Ottawa Park, Detwiler and Collins Park. They are all in various states of disrepair and need to be updated. Greens fees are cheap, but the quality of golf is not the best. They are collectively treated like the proverbial red-headed stepchild, rather than diamonds in the rough, that just need a good buffing and spit shine. Ottawa Park was the first public golf course built west of NewYork City and could be a historic masterpiece with some tender love and care. Detwiler Park was one of Arthur Hills’ earliest designs and is near the Maumee River. Collins Park sits in Oregon and is so far gone, very few will venture to even try it. I have not talked to a single friend that has been to Collins Park in years. Golf is undergoing a renaissance, it’s time for city officials to realize what an opportunity they have to create a legacy for their community and reinvest in their local municipal courses.
Ohio-native Jason Kokrak got his 2021-2022 PGA TOUR season off to a strong start with a win in November at the Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Houston Open. Kokrak has been on a hot streak over the past two years. Last season was by far his best on tour with two wins and five top-25 finishes He earned over $5 million and ended the year at No. 11 in the FedEx Cup standings. With three wins in 13 months, he has moved up to No. 22 in the Official World Golf Ranking and is one of the hottest golfers in the world right now. Kokrak has been somewhat of a late bloomer. He spent eight years on the PGA TOUR and entered Ohio Native Jason Kokrak Wins Again on PGA TOUR By Fred Altvater over 230 events before capturing his first win at the 2020 CJ Cup. He has been involved with golf since his dad and grandparents introduced him to the game at the age of three. He led John F. Kennedy High School in Warren to two OHSAA Championships and was twice OHSAA State Tournament Division III medalist. He was voted 2003 OHSAA Golfer of the Year and was recruited by 40 Division 1 colleges. He could have attended any big-time collegiate program but decided to stay in Ohio and attend Xavier University. He joined the professional ranks in 2008 without much success early on. In 2011, he won twice on Ohio Golf Journal
the Korn Ferry Tour (Web.com Tour) to earn full PGA TOUR membership for 2012. He had a solid season in 2020 with three top 10 finishes and qualified for the FedEx Cup Playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. Kokrak has always been long hitter and solid iron player, but his putting was a weakness. Hard work, plus increased confidence on the short grass drastically improved his putting statistics, which resulted in the better finishes. One other area of improvement has been his focus and mental attitude. In past years he has been his worst critic and would tend to allow mistakes on the course distract him and affect his scores. With the improved putting stroke, newfound confidence and winning attitude, he is ready to contend in the bigger events. The win last month in Houston validates his strong play from last year and he should be a player to watch as The PLAYERS, Masters, PGA, U.S. Open and OPEN Championship come around in 2022. We hope to see Jason Kokrak’s name on PGA TOUR leaderboards next year.
Marathon Classic Gets New Name In a statement issued last month, Judd Silverman, Tournament Director for the annual LPGA Tournament held in Toledo, announced that the event would be getting a new name. Dana Corporation, one of the leaders in manufacture of efficient propulsion and energy management solutions for automobiles and machinery, will become the title sponsor of the Dana Open presented by Marathon, effective 2022. Dana Corporation has been involved with first, the Jamie LPGA News in Sylvania. The best women golfers in the world will compete for a piece of the $1.75 million purse and the Golf Channel will air 11 hours of live coverage. “We’re extremely grateful to Dana Incorporated for this major commitment,” stated tournament director Judd Silverman. “Dana has been a loyal sponsor of the tournament since its beginning in 1984, and we couldn’t be happier to have this historic northwest Ohio company as our new title sponsor. At the same time, we’re also grateful to Marathon Petroleum for their generous support over the past nine years as title sponsor and decision to continue supporting the tournament as the presenting sponsor.” Dana’s participation will only enhance the generation of funds for local children’s charities. Over the tournament’s 37-year history, nearly $13 million dollars has been raised for more than 200 children’s charities in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Farr Toledo Classic and then the Marathon Classic, since 1984. Dana was founded in 1904 and is based in Maumee. The company has annual sales of 47.1 billion and employs 38,000 people in 33 countries around the world. The tournament has seen continuedgrowthwithMarathon Petroleum as the title sponsor for the past nine seasons. Marathon was also a major sponsor for the Solheim Cup held in Toledo this past summer. The Dana Open presented by Marathon will be contested August 29 through September 4 at Highland Meadows Golf Club Ohio Golf Journal
Inaugural Kroger Queen City Classic Making Plans The inaugural Kroger Queen City Classic presented by P&G, is a new event on the LPGA Tour. It’s scheduled for September 8-11, at historic Kenwood Country Club, and has added two key members to its tournament staff. Emily Norell, has been named Tournament Director, plus Nate Herman was hired as the club’s Director of Agronomy & Grounds. Herman is a veteran at preparing courses for professional tournament play. In his most recent post at Harbor Shores Golf Club, he was tasked with preparing the course for the Kitchenaid Senior PGA Championship, a major on the Champions Tour. He also spent time at Victoria National, which hosted a stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, plus he apprenticed at Pine Valley, Oakland Hills and Crooked Stick. Tournament Director Emily Norell served as the Tournament Director of the Pure Silk Bahamas LPGA Classic, before moving to the LPGA as Director of Tournament Business Affairs. While at the LPGA, she worked to increase total prize funds and participated in developing, as well as, implementing the LPGA Tournament Partner Diversity, Equity and Inclusion grant program. Norell also implemented the LPGA’s Back to Play protocols and COVID-19 testing program in 2020. The Kroger Queen City Championship presented by P&G will be played September 8-11, 2022. It will feature a purse of $1.75 million with over 12 hours of live Golf Channel coverage distributed around the globe.
UT Golfer Doesn’t Beat Leukemia During the height of COVID in March 2020, Saranlak Tumfong, from Thailand, a member of the University of Toledo Women’s Golf team, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Her parents could not travel to the United States, thus the entire UT Athletic Family filled whatever roles were needed to facilitate Tumfong’s care until her mother was allowed to travel to Toledo. “It’s what family members do for each other when called for help. The love and care we have for all our family members does not end with their passing.” Affectionately nicknamed ‘Namwa,’ she fought with grace, dignity and poise, but succumbed to the disease on October 19. The Toledo women’s golf team hosted a Celebration of Life for her on the UT campus, October 30. UT Women’s Golf Coach, Jenny Coluccio said, “Her beautiful soul impacted so many of us in such a short time in Toledo. Throughout Namwa’s cancer journey, she continued to smile and maintained a positive attitude. She continued to touch our lives, helped us regain perspective, and continued to help us appreciate the beauty in the world around us.” Sara is survived by her parents Sudsakorn (father) and Suphalak (mother) Tumfong. Inverness To Host 2029 U.S. Amateur For an encore after conducting the successful 2021 Solheim Cup, the famed Inverness Club in Toledo was granted the 2029 U.S. Amateur Championship. The Inverness Club is truly one of the great private clubs in the country. Golfweek ranks it as the best course in Ohio and it has hosted four U.S. Opens and two PGA Championships. Craig Stadler hoisted the U.S. Amateur trophy, when he won the 1973 U.S. Amateur, held at Inverness. The historic club has also hosted two U.S. Senior Opens and the 2019 U.S. Junior Amateur. Over the years several well-known designers made tweaks and alterations to the course. The latest renovation completed by Andrew Green in 2019 is by far the best. Green built a new par three, which helped provide better traffic flow for fans. He rerouted the remaining par three holes and enlarged several greens to add a variety of pin placements. Ohio Golf News Ohio Golf Journal
Greaser Named Miami Valley Golf Association Player of the Year There was very little doubt who would be named Miami Valley Golf Association’s 2021 Player of the Year. The 2020 Ohio Amateur Champion, Austin Greaser couldn’t defend his title, due to a scheduling conflict with the 120th Western Amateur at the Glen View Golf Club outside of Chicago. He finished 13th in stroke play, which put him into match play, where he lost in the semi-final match to the eventual champion, Michael Thorbjornsen. At the U.S. Amateur at Oakmont Country Club, Greaser made it to the final match with James Piot. He was leading 3-UP with nine holes to play, but Piot, from Michigan State, was able to rally to win on the 35th hole. The runner-up finish will put Greaser in a couple of major in 2022. Be sure to watch for more from this University of North Carolina Junior. Four Ohio Assistants Compete in National PGA Event Congratulations to Michael Balcar, who finished T-25 and Darin de Lelys, who was T-55 at the Assistants PGA Professional Championship held at PGA Village in Port St. Lucie last month. Both had qualified via the Northern Ohio PGA Section. Also from Ohio, Ian Prats and Chris Rossi failed to make the final round cut. Marissa Steen Secures 2022 LPGA Tour Card Marissa Steen originally from Cincinnati, and played collegiately at Memphis, finished inside the top 100 on the Race to the CME Globe to keep her LPGA Tour card for 2022. Steen finished the year at No. 90 in the Race to the CME Globe, with two top 10 finishes and $197,000 in earnings for the year. Three other Ohio women, Jaclyn Lee, Jessica Porvasnik and Jillian Hollis finished the year outside the top 100 and will have to earn 2022 cards via the LPGA Q Series.
Southern Ohio PGA 2021 Award Winners Patriot Award Mike Stills, PGA, Head Professional at Rattlesnake Ridge Golf Club, is the 2020 and 2021 recipient of the Southern Ohio PGA Section’s Patriot Award. He played a key role in establishing the Folds of Honor Chapter for Southern Ohio and currently serves as a Director and PGA Representative on the Chapter’s Board of Directors. In 2019, Stills organized the first PGA Patriot Cup Pro-Am at Rattlesnake Ridge and has since recruited his fellow PGA Professionals around the Section to participate in raising funds for the Folds of Honor Chapter. Teacher of the Year Since 2005, Don Sargent, Jr. has been the Director of Golf at Scioto Country Club. He has given more lessons than he can count and developed several junior golfers that competed on a national level. Sargent has been recognized by Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and PGA of America for his dedication to teaching the game. This was his fifth Teacher of the Year award, he previously won it in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013. Professional of the Year After 30 years as a Golf Professional, Rob Karnes, PGA is still as excited and energetic about promoting the game as he was on his first day in the industry. Although he worked at his family’s 9-hole public golf course growing up in Montpelier, OH, Karnes officially became an Associate in 1991. Since his election to PGA Membership, Karnes has been a Member of the NorthernOhio Section and theMichigan Section before settling in the Southern Ohio Section in 2013. Throughout his career, Karnes has been focused on gaining knowledge and experience required to be a well-rounded professional. His passion for directing an operation that excels in all areas has pushed him to never stop learning and seeking out new opportunities for mentoring, networking, and personal growth. Karnes is currently the Director of Golf at NCR Country Club in Kettering, Ohio. He was previously the Head Professional at Dayton Country Club in Dayton, Ohio beginning in 2013 until 2019. Ohio Golf Journal
Former Buckeye Kristen White Inducted into WCGA HOF Former Buckeye Golfer, Kristen White was inducted into the Women’s Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) Players Hall of Fame on December 5, in a ceremony at Planet Hollywood Resort in Las Vegas. A three-time WGCA All-American at Ohio State, White helped lead the Buckeyes to four consecutive Big Ten titles and four top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. After earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year accolades, she went on to become Ohio State’s only two-time Big Ten Player of the Year (2003, 2005) and earned the individual Big Ten title her senior year. The OSU record books are littered with her accomplishments. She ranks top-five in both career wins (4) and career scoring average (75.26), while holding the school record in career eagles (12). She was also inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011. White won the 2005 Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor and is the Buckeyes only four-time WGCA All-American Scholar.
In keeping with the times, computer data and swing biomechanics were used to develop PAYNTR Golf shoes. They have created a modern golf shoe that comfortably supports the foot, plus it enhances performance to maximize impact speed. The water impermeable design will also keep your feet dry in the rain, or on those dewy morning rounds. Based in Portland, Oregon, PAYNTR Golf was started by David Paynter, a former professional cricketer and Mike Forsey, an industry executive with experience at several of the leading footwear companies. Building on what they learned designing shoes for cricket they felt their shoe would work well for golf and had a belief that the global market was ready for an innovative golf shoe. The shoe features a TPU outsole with a foam midsole for a cushioning affect, plus a graphite “Propulsion Plate” that helps Payntr Golf Shoes By Ed Travis Currently the shoes are only available online at PAYNTRGOLF. com website. We found these shoes to be very comfortable with an excess of lateral support for even the most aggressive swing. Comparison with competitive shoe models is difficult but PAYNTR’s pricing is in the range of similar performance shoes. Fast Facts PAYNTR X 001 F Golf Shoes Lightweight (24 oz. pair) Spikeless—nubs vary by location Water impermeable TPU outsole PMX Foam midsole with graphite plate Upper choice--woven Jacquard, textile base Clarino microfiber skin Color choices: Black/Gray/Black, White/Gray/Red, Gray/Charcoal/Black Listed pricing on the website: $160.00 per pair to control the rotational energy of a golf swing. The design was specifically engineered to help recreational players make more efficient use of ground force. This three-dimensional traction provides golfers the ability to better control linear motion, resist rotational movement, and more effectively harness vertical ground forces to produce more power. A water impermeable upper, flexible textile base with Clarino microfiber skin, are treated with a superhydrophobic NeverWet solution. Our black colorway is an engineered mesh, TPU threads give support, & nylon thread for lightweight flexibility. Ohio Golf Journal
Golfaholic’s Letter to Santa Dear Santa, I have tried very hard to be a good little Golfaholic this year. I didn’t throw too many clubs. I repaired my ball marks, plus a few others and I hardly ever used swear words, even after an awful shot. I really appreciate the great golf gear you brought last year and there are just a few things that would help me be an even better player in 2022. To stay relaxed on the golf course it would be great to find a Bushnell Wingman under the tree. I could jam to my favorite tunes, which would help me stay relaxed and the yardage finder application will help me play faster so I can get home and help my wife around the house. Ohio Golf Journal
Speaking of three-foot putts, the Putting Arc training device has helped thousands of golfers improve their short games. Lord knows mine could use some help. Even the professionals you see on TV are using it to make more putts. You know Santa, it gets pretty cold here in Ohio in the winter. It makes it very difficult to get out to play with four inches of snow on the ground. ACE Indoor Golf has developed Gimmee Simulators for guys just like me that want to keep their swings sharp indoors over the cold winter months. I can check my ball speed, spin rate and launch angle to lower my handicap next spring, when I hit the first tee. Santa, I played golf with a guy that had his own personal golf glove a couple of months ago. Brand the Hand can custom design a golf glove with anything. Use your company logo, or personal brand. Brand the Hand gloves come in cabretta leather, or nylon. They also make batting gloves, work gloves and mittens. She would like that. I guess you could say the Wingman is really for her benefit, not mine. BTW Santa you can find out more about the Wingman on Amazon at: https://amzn. to/3d32lX1 Santa because I have washed my old golf shirts too many times, plus the fact I had a few too many cold ones after my rounds this summer, I really need a few larger golf shirts and Gear Up Sportswear has just what I need. Gear Up shirts come in a variety of styles and colors. They are moisture wicking to keep me cool as a cucumber over those three-foot putts and they are guaranteed to never shrink, fade, or wrinkle.
Check them out at: http://brandthehandnow. com/index.php/products/ You know Santa there have been a lot of new rule changes the past couple of years and it is so confusing to read that USGA Rules of Golf book. Richard Todd has created a series of golf books that easily break down those confusing, red line, yellow line, white line, what is a hazard and where do I drop, questions. They use short stories to illustrate the rules and are fun to read. Find out more at: https://www. amazon.com/Richard-E.-Todd/e/B00GJWEC52 My old rain gear leaks like a sieve and I get soaked to the bone, when I get caught in a storm. Galway Bay Rain Gear would keep me warm and dry, plus they look good too. They block wind and rain, plus allow golfers to stretch and move freely. They have been designed by expert tailors using 100-percent waterproof/ breathable materials, Galway Bay’s outerwear feature a softer, quieter fabric than typical rain gear. I really hope I find a new rain jacket and pants from Galway Bay under the tree this year: https:// galwaybaygolf.com/ Finally, Santa, I have been fighting a nasty hook off the tee, my 7-iron comes up woefully short and I have developed a bad case of the shanks with my pitching wedge. I know a few golf lessons would help get me back to par. I know a guy and you can find him at: https://toledoohiogolflessons.com/. Thanks Santa you’re the best! I hope you have cured that nasty slice you had working this fall. Oh, and about that 10 spot I owe you from last week, I’ll catch you on the Back 9. Ohio Golf Journal
By Fred Altvater If you and your buddies are looking for a little better golf trip than normal, maybe you should consider Oxford National Pro-Am events. Oxford National has hosted premier Pro-Am events for 25 years and since a single event, in 1997, has grown to six impressive tournaments. The Oxford National Pro-Am has become one of the nation’s premier and most recognized Pro-Am events in the country. Each event strives to create an atmosphere of competition and camaraderie for Golf Professionals, as well as, their Amateur partners. The Oxford National Pro-Am utilizes Las Vegas’ best golf venues, plus the area’s 24-hour entertainment industrymakes playing in anOxford National Pro-Am a very memorable experience. Shadow Creek will be the site of next Pro-Am to be held, March 6-9, 2022. Oxford ProAms Offer The BEST Courses & Destinations
Stay for four nights at the beautiful Bellagio Hotel, plus play 54 holes on Shadow Creek, site of The Match, between Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The course also hosted both the 2020 and 2021 CJ Cup on the PGA TOUR. For one registration fee every amateur will receive: • 4 nights single occupancy lodging at the BELLAGIO HOTEL • 3 rounds of golf including: cart and range balls at famed SHADOW CREEK! • Limousine for the team to and from Shadow Creek daily • Daily Breakfast at golf course • Complimentary Food & Beverage Service at golf course • Sunday Night Welcome Party • Awards & Cocktails at Shadow Creek following Wednesday’s final round • Enhanced Prize Purse (Team Skins Incuded) • Amateur Tournament Favors of $675 value The designer of Shadow Creek, Tom Fazio said of the course, “Shadow Creek is without a doubt one of the most unique golf course experiences in the world. In fact, I believe if a non-golfer ever visited the course, they would say it is one of the most amazing places they ever visited.” Play one of the BEST and MOST exclusive courses in the country, stay at the Bellagio, plus have fun in Las Vegas. This is definitely a win-win-win for Golfaholics! For more information on this or any of Oxford Pro-Am events visit: https://www.oxfordproam. com/ Ohio Golf Journal
News & Notes So, You Say There’s a Chance Late last month, Tiger Woods posted a picture hitting soft wedges. If you remember it was just over eight months ago that Woods had a horrific car crash in California, which did severe damage to his right leg. At the time doctors were concerned that he may never walk again, let along be able to walk a fairway in a PGA TOUR event. If Woods could manage a return to golf at Augusta National for the Masters in early April, it would be one of the greatest moments in sports history. Condoleezza Rice to Receive Ambassador of Golf Award Former Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice was recently named recipient of the Ambassador of Golf Award. She will be recognized in July during the Bridgestone Senior PLAYERS Championship at Firestone Country Club. The Ambassador of Golf Award honors a person, who fosters the ideals of the game on an international level and whose concern for others extends beyond the golf course. Former award winners include, Bing Crosby, Byron Nelson, Gene Sarazen, Barbara Nicklaus, as well as, a host of recognizable names. Her work in the U.S. government, as a former professor and provost at Stanford, plus being one of the first female members of Augusta National Golf Club, makes Rice a worthy candidate for this award. Historic Belvedere To Host International Hickory Tournament Belvedere Golf Club, located in Charlevoix, Michigan, has been selected to host The Hickory Grail in 2023. The Hickory Grail is a Ryder Cup style event, pitting a team from the United States versus a team from Great Britain/Europe, in the oldest international hickory match in golf. The 2021 Hickory Grail was contested at St. Andrews, in which two Belvedere members Ross Hays and Jerry Esselman, plus head pro Marty Joy competed.
“With Belvedere’s history and the passion that our club members have for hickory club play, it was a natural fit for us to be selected to host The Grail Cup”, said Joy. “To have been able to participate in this prestigious event at St. Andrews, the home of golf, and now to play host is a dream come true for all of us at the club. We are very proud to welcome this event and fellow hickory players from across the Atlantic to play the game as it was meant to be played.” The Hickory Grail was founded in 2000 and the biennial event is conducted under the auspices of The British Golf Collectors Society, with current membership of 700+ members in Great Britain, America and around the world. Belvedere is the only club in the U.S. to have as many as 44 antique hickory club players. It hosts Hickory tournaments annually, plus the club hosted the 2019 U.S. Hickory Open. Competitors dress in period appropriate apparel, including knickers, ties, and jackets. Conservative estimates of the total number of hickory players in the world now total about 3,000 and growing. The course has long been a favorite of many golf greats, including legend Walter Hagen, who won the first Great Lakes Open at Belvedere, and five-time British Open winner Tom Watson, who as a youngster honed his game playing summers at Belvedere. He remains a member today and calls the short par-four 16th hole one of the great par fours in America. Ohio Golf Journal
Three important numbers every golfer should know before they hit the first tee at a course they have never played, is Course Rating, Slope and length. These three numbers provide a ton of information about a course and can help the average golfer enjoy the game even more. Accurate course ratings require hundreds of accumulated rounds. Thus, the course rating for newly renovated, or opened courses may not be as helpful as mature courses on which the USGA has had thousands of rounds to factor in seasonality, and experience over time. As golfers have become more aware of ‘teeing it forward,’ understanding course rating, slope and distance have become important factors in determining which is the correct tee for them. What is Course Rating and How is it Determined? What is Course Rating? When you look at a scorecard of a Par 72 golf course the rating may be lower, or higher than the posted par. Course rating is a number, plus, or minus normal par, that a low handicap golfer would be expected to shoot for 18 holes. A Par 72 golf course with a course rating of 73.5 is a difficult course and a gentle warning to the average golfer to choose a more forward tee than he might normally use. Conversely a 68.5 rating on a Par 72 course would alert the golfer that the course is not quite as difficult, relative to par, and thus he may want to move back one tee box.
What is Slope? The posted Slope of a course is a relatively new concept. The USGA found in the 1980’s, they could determine, through collected handicap data, the relative difficulty of a course for the low handicapper versus the difficulty for a higher handicap golfer. For example, a course with several forced carries over water, or other hazards, elevated greens that require a higher ball flight over greenside bunkers, plus the severity of the bunkering around Distance With courses stretching in excess of 7,000 yards, distance is one of the most important factors in choosing which tees are right for you. There are many formulas to help decide which tee to choose, but an easy one to remember is to multiply the distance you normally carry your 5 iron by 36. Example: If you carry your 5 iron 100 yards X 36 = 3,600 yard course If you carry your 5 iron 150 yards X 36 = 5,400 yard course If you carry your 5 iron 200 yards X 36 = 7,200 yard course the course, will have a greater impact on the scorecard of an average golfer than on that of a scratch golfer. Slope is thus that difference of difficulty for a low handicap golfer versus a high handicap one. Why is this important? On courses that you are not familiar it is especially important to understand slope and course rating to help choose which set of tee boxes is right for you. Also checking the overall course distance is important, as well. Ohio Golf Journal
Avg. drive 300 yards 275 yards 250 yards 225 yards 200 yards 175 yards 150 yards 125 yards 100 yards Recommended Tees 7,150-7,400 yards 6,700-6,900 yards 6,200-6,400 yards 5,800-6,000 yards 5,200-5,400 yards 4,400-4,600 yards 3,500-3,700 yards 2,800-3,000 yards 2,100-2,300 yards Even though driver distance is an important factor, course rating and slope should be taken into consideration, when playing a new golf course. The USGA and Course Raters play an important role in the golfers’ overall enjoyment of the game. This is especially true for golfers that travel and play courses you haven’t played previously. Look over that scorecard before you hit the first tee, choose the correct yardage for your game and you’ll have more fun on the course. The PGA of America created this chart to suggest recommended course yardage based on the distance golfers hit their driver.
VIDEOS Bushnell’s Wingman provides tunes and yardages on the golf course. Wingman was introduced a few years ago at the PGA Show and it is still the best combination of rangefinder and speaker in the business. The magnet keeps Wingman attached to the cart and the removable chip easily fits into your pocket. With a simple push of the button front, back and middle yardages are broadcast over the speaker. We spoke with Bushnell at the show and here is our interview. Jin Young Ko won the final event of the 2021 LPGA Tour season and collected a cool $2.5 million for her efforts. Back 9 Report recognizes her as the ‘Undisputed Queen of Women’s Golf.’ Quivira Resort in Los Cabos If you are already dreaming of warmer weather, head south of the border down old Mexico way. We know just the place to cure thoseWinter Blues. Quivira Resort at the tip of the Baja Peninsula is truly one of the most beautiful resorts in the world. Bushnell Wing Man Back 9 Report TV Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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