March 2021 Ohio Golf Journal

Spring Awakens Golf & the Country FRED ALTVATER You are a Golfaholic if: You completely ignore the beautiful vistas in Sedona, Arizona and get angry over a missed three-foot putt. The human body brings in 11 million bits of information every second. The less information we give ourselves the better. The brain works a lot better when you give it one idea and let it operate.......... It was one year ago that the COVID pandemic shut down our country and we were forced to take sanctuary in our homes. As we approach March 2021, the vaccines seem to be working and the pressure on our medical professionals is lessening. The populace is beginning to return to normal allowing restaurants and entertainment businesses to reopen. Like every year, trees will bud, flowers will bloom, and the Masters in April will herald the beginning of spring for northern Golfaholics. With the rearranged PGA Tour schedule, the Players will be held in March and the Masters will not be far behind in early April. The Florida Swing events will allow a limited number of fans to attend and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship for junior golfers will once again be contested. The World seems to be returning to normal. We traveled to Sedona, Arizona and Branson, Missouri in February and March, encountering COVID protocols firmly in place. We felt safe everywhere we traveled. Although Golf Shows were not held this year, every golf resort, equipment vendor and golf-related business is offering discounts for early purchase. Visit their websites and get in on the great deals. Even if you are concerned about air travel, Ohio is an easy drive away from many great golf destinations. In this month’s issue our award-winning golf writers take you to Alabama, Pinehurst, Georgia and Florida. One of Ohio’s best amateur golfers, Bob Lewis, will be honored with the USGA’s highest honor in May, the Bobby Jones Award. Lewis has had a remarkable amateur career culminated by captaining two Walker Cup Teams. It won’t be long until the warm sun welcomes golfers back to Ohio Golf Courses. Get vaccinated, wear those masks and I hope I see you on the Back 9. ~ Christopher Smith, Director of Golf at Eugene Country Club in Oregon. Ohio Golf Journal