January2022 NewsAbout GolfShow Season202 Golf Simulator Tips 4golfers withOhioties performwel inbermuda WomenArean Important FactorinGolf Retail ohio golfjournal
HAPPY NEW YEAR GOLFAHOLICS!! FRED ALTVATER You are a Golfaholic if: You watched the PNC Pro-Am on Friday just to see the return of Tiger Woods playing with his son, Charlie. That next shot should be the most important shot of your life. It should be more important than breathing............ With COVID, Tiger Woods’ accident, a full PGA TOUR schedule, Korda and Ko battling for the top spot in women’s golf, the Americans winning the Ryder Cup in grand fashion and of course, Toledo hosting the Solheim Cup, 2021 was full of great golf. There are a few things we are looking forward to in 2022 and we list them in this issue. Although the numbers are beginning to decrease slightly, golf is still booming worldwide. Due to high demand and shipping delays, equipment manufacturers and golf companies can’t fill the backlog of orders. Some golf shows are scheduled to resume in 2022, after shutting down last year. The Toledo Golf Show will be the only show in Ohio this year. Novi and Grand Rapids in Michigan, as well as, Chicago are also planning to hold golf shows this winter. The grandaddy of them all the PGA Merchandise Show is set to open its doors to golf industry professionals in January. As Ed Travis tells us golf retailers understand the importance of the increasing numbers of women that are coming to the game of golf. New clubs, apparel and marketing campaigns are all aimed at women golfers. As I write this, the snow is coming down outside my office window and I am anxious to head south for palm trees waving, white sandy beaches, green golf courses and warm sunny skies. I hope I see you on the Back 9 of a Florida or South Alabama Golf Course. ~ Tiger Woods’ advice to his son Charlie Ohio Golf Journal
NOW, THIS IS GOLF Go to BoyneGolf.com or cal l 855-554-0289 BRING YOUR “A” GAME. With 10 magnificent courses, and non-stop flights to TVC from 17 popular destinations, why wait? Lock in your 2022 golf plans today.
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 31 FIND INSIDE 12 18 26 36 Some Golf Shows Return in 2022 Kaye Kessler Passes at the Age of 97 The Long & Illustrious Career of Bernhard Langer Ohio Golf News 06 10 12 15 Four Golfers with Ohio Ties Perform Well in Bermuda Women Are The Focus at PGA Tour Superstore KINONA’s Fall Collection Is Sure To Please Book Reviews from Len Ziehm Jekyll Island: Georgia’s Grand Getaway A Few Things We are Looking Forward To in 2022 Bandon Dunes Experiencing a Growth Spurt Golf Simulator Practice Tips 20 16 22 26 28 31 18 36 Our Contributors News & Notes Our Favorite Videos 38 34 39
Some Golf Shows Return in 2022 The Golf Shows normally held in Cleveland and Columbus have already announced that they will not be held in 2022. Not to worry, however, the Toledo Golf Show will be held February 18-20 to offer discounts on equipment and travel. In surrounding states, The Michigan Golf Show in Novi and the West Michigan Golf Show in Grand Rapids will go on as normal. After being held virtually in 2021 the PGA Merchandise Show will be held in Orlando, January 25-28. PGA Show With over 40,000 annually attending the PGA Merchandise Show, it is the largest golf show in the world, but it is not open to the general public. New products are rolled out to club professionals, golf industry executives and the media. The top golf manufacturers, resellers and club professionals can see, feel and touch the latest golf products that everyone will want for the upcoming season. During the show, PGA Professionals and industry leaders form a dynamic international Ohio Golf Journal
community to network and test the newest products, programs and ideas to inspire innovation, create solutions, and build business and passion for the game. By discovering all that is new, PGA Professionals and buyers drive more value to their facility, differentiate their shop from competitors and further their career. Attendees experience a demo day, training sessions, and leading industry executives talking about the state of the industry and what golf professionals need to know to help their membership better enjoy the game and courses prosper. With a few large companies choosing to drop out of this year’s PGA Merchandise Show it may be a bit smaller than normal, but just the fact that it is being held is a very good sign for the overall health of golf. Toledo Golf Show February 18-20, golfers will be able to view the latest apparel and get great deals on all the equipment they need for the upcoming season at the Toledo Golf Show. Show Manager Andrew Brown told us, “Even though some merchandisers are having difficulty maintaining inven-tory, the Toledo Golf Show will have two equipment, apparel and merchandise vendors to offer sweet deals on clubs, balls, apparel and anything a golfer needs.” Terry Desmond, owner of GearUP Sportswear said, “I always look forward to seeing many old friends at the ToledoGolf.We’ll have a complete line of shirts discounted for our loyal patrons.” Michigan Golf Show in Novi For those that want to venture outside the state, the Michigan Golf Show is scheduled for March 4-6 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. It bills itself as the “Largest Consumer Golf Show in the Country.” With nearly every golf manufacturer, retail outlet and golf resort represented, it has something for every Golfaholic. West Michigan Golf Show Except for last year, the West Michigan Golf Show has been held annually for 30 years. The DeVos Place Convention Center, located in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan provides nearby parking garages for easy entrance.
North Coast Golf said in a statement, “Due to the ongoing Covid fears and supply chain issues for retailers, we feel that our shows would not meet our usual high standards. We feel that if we held our 2022 events, our 38-year reputation of excellence would be impacted for years to come. We strive to produce the best golf show experience for attendees and exhibitors and due to this pandemic, we don’t think that this is possible at this time.” Golf has experienced an explosion over the past two years. Golfers are buying up nearly every piece of new golf equipment and online purchases are subject to long delivery times. These golf shows have new, as well as, used equipment in stock and can be taken home that day. Plus, every golfer can find discounted pricing for buddies’ golf trips and girl’s golf getaways at every major golf resort. Thousands of golfers roam the isles looking for an opportunity to book golf travel to the best golf resorts, get golf tips, meet other golfers, and pick a new club, intent on finding the best deal on that new driver that will add an additional five yards off the tee. Cleveland & Columbus Shows Cancelled Again for 2022 North Coast Golf & Travel Shows, have canceled both the Cleveland and Columbus Golf Shows. These two events were canceled along with the six other regional golf shows the company manages, due to concerns about COVID regulations and supply chain issues with equipment retailers. Ohio Golf Journal
Kaye Kessler Passes at the Age of 97 If it happened in Central Ohio, Kaye Kessler wrote about it. I began reading Kaye Kessler’s sports coverage in 1969, while attending Ohio State University. He always had the inside scoop on Woody Hayes, Fred Taylor and the Buckeyes. He began covering Jack Nicklaus, when he was just a 10-year-old kid, before he became the Golden Bear. Kessler covered every Memorial Tournament since its beginning in 1976. In 2016, Nicklaus honored Kaye, in a short ceremony held in the media room, as the only golf writer to have covered all 40 Memorials. His accomplishments are too many to list, but he was one of the great sports writers of his time and was universally recognized as such. Born in Toledo in 1923 he knew at an early age he wanted to write about sports and began working for the Columbus Citizen newspaper, while still in high school. Except for his service in the Army’s Intelligence Corps during World War II, Kaye could be found at various sporting events. He graduated with a journalism degree from OSU and was a sportswriter and columnist from 1946 until the demise of both the Citizen and the Citizen Journal. Hewas a very prolificwriter, who tirelessly covered Ohio State sports, Jack Nicklaus, the Masters, the U.S. Open, The World Series, The Super Bowl, The Olympics, and many other sports. He served as president of the Golf Writers Association of America and in 1984 was named Ohio Sportswriter of the Year. He won the Jake Wade award from the College Sports Information Directors. Perhaps Jack Nicklaus said it best in a tribute he posted to his Facebook account. “Writing for the Columbus Citizen-Journal, Kaye Kessler was the first sportswriter to cover me when I picked up the game at age 10. He went on to cover me throughout my career, becoming not only a trusted writer but a close friend to Barbara, me and our entire family. Kaye loved his craft, but I believe he loved the people in the game and around him even more. He was always a welcomed face, whether you were an athlete, or a fellow scribe. He informed and entertained By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
us with his writing and story telling. While his writing provided us countless memories to cherish, what is more important is we will always cherish the memory of Kaye Kessler.” Kaye always sat in the back row inside the Memorial Tournament’s media room and it was there that I first had the opportunity to meet Mr. Kessler. I have had the great privilege of meeting a few of my idols, but none ranked higher than Kaye Kessler. Through membership in the Golf Writers Association of America, I was able to get to know him a little better and will cherish the few short conversations we had. If there are sports events in heaven, I know Kaye Kessler will be covering them and perhaps he and Woody are having a good laugh right now.
The Long & Illustrious Career of Bernhard Langer One of the most amazing stories in golf that no one seems to talk about is the long and illustrious career of Bernhard Langer. In 2021, the ageless German won the Charles Schwab Cup for the sixth time at the age of 64. Since 2010 he has either won or finished runnerup in nine of the last 11 Charles Schwab Cup races. Over the past two years, he played in all 39 PGA Tour Champions events and never missed one cut. Along the way he garnered two wins and collected 24 top tens. 24! He finished inside the top ten in over 60% of the events he entered on the Champions Tour in 2020-21! While 20 and 30 somethings complain about the travel and playing in more than three consecutive events, Langer has only missed one PGA Tour Champions event in the last 11 years. That’s right, I said 11 years, which is a total of 292 tournaments out of a possible 293. Did I mention that he battled By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
through a thumb injury and is bothered by a bad back? While most 64-year-olds are ready for the rocking chair and cashing social security checks, Langer is still trying to win more trophies. Back 9 Report talks about Bernhard Langer’s sixth Charles Schwab Cup win and his long career: It is difficult for pro golfers to sustain a 20-year career. Simply keeping a tour card every year is an impossible task for most tour professionals. Add to the mix the arduous travel between Europe and the United States. Adapting to a different culture, uprooting your family and moving to Florida, all add to the difficulty of playing professional golf at a high level. Bernhard first turned pro-fessional in 1974 and has been competing in professional golf tournaments around the world for 47 years. He won over $30 million before the age of 50 and has won an additional $32 million on the PGA Tour Champions. When the Official World Golf Ranking was established in 1986, Bernhard was the first player to hold the No. 1 ranking.
In addition to winning two Masters’ Green Jackets (1985 and 1993), he won titles on six continents and from every major golf association. In 2020, at the age of 63, he made the cut at the Masters on a very long Augusta National golf course. He won 42 DP World Tour (European Tour) events, which is second only to Seve Ballesteros’ 50 wins. Langer has competed in 106 major championships. In addition to the two Masters’ wins, he has finished runner up twice at The OPEN Championship and has a total of 19 top ten finishes in major championship competition. The most recent came in 2014, when he tied for eighth at the Masters. Since turning 50 and joining the PGA Tour Champions, Langer has won 42 titles on that tour, second only to Hale Irwin. The smart money is that Bernhard will surpass Irwin before his playing days are over. And don’t forget, Langer has won 11 Senior Major titles. He has achieved the Senior Career Grand Slam by winning all five Senior Major titles at least once. The PGA Tour Champions does not receive the headlines and bright lights the young guys get on the regular tour, but the longevity of Bernhard Langer’s career is one of the most remarkable feats ever witnessed in golf. Stand by for more though, he isn’t done yet. Ohio Golf Journal
OhioGolf News Haylee Harford Earns 2022 LPGA Tour Card Via Q-School Every year the LPGA Tour holds a Q-School for players seeking playing privileges, but have not previously either kept their cards, or qualified via the Symetra Tour. The top 45 women after the 144-hole grind earn full playing privileges for the following season. The first four rounds of Q-School were held November 29th through December 5th, at Magnolia Grove in Mobile, a part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. The final week of competition was held at another Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail facility, HighlandOaks in Dothan, Alabama, December 6th through December 12th. Haylee Harford, 25 from Leavittsburg, finished T-32, at sixunder par for the eight rounds to make it to the LPGA Tour for the first time. Haylee has played the past two seasons on the Symetra Tour finishing at 15th and 20th in the Race to the Card. She played collegiately at Furman University and was the 2019 Southern Conference Player of the Year. Former OSU golfer, Jaclyn Lee missed the final cut in the final stage, but will have status on the Symetra Tour for 2022.
Strongsville’s Jake Scott Wins PGA Tournament in Florida From NorthernOhio.Golf Jake Scott of Strongsville, Ohio continued his dominant play Tuesday, shooting a 3-under 69 to win Event No. 5 of the 2021/22 PGA Tournament Series at PGA Golf Club in Port St. Lucie, FL. Scott outdueled Series stalwart Bob Sowards of Dublin, on the back nine of the Dye Course to claim his second PGA Series victory this year, finishing with a two-shot win at 7-under 137. Scott has had a very good season in Florida. He also finished second, third and fifth in previous Series events. The $5,000 first place prize clinched the money title for Scott, who earned $16,632 this season. PGA Village has been very kind to Scott, the 34-year-old also won the 2012 National Car Rental PGA Assistant Professional Championship here. Ohio’s Jason Kokrak Partners With Kevin Na to Win QBE Ohio native, Jason Kokrak has been on a fantastic hot streak! After not winning on the PGA TOUR for eight years, he recorded three individual wins, over the past 13 months. Plus, last month, he combined with Kevin Na to win the QBE Shootout, a two-man team event, at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. The QBE, formerly the Shark Shootout, featured 20 twoman teams competing for a total purse of $3.6 million, with $447,000.00 being shared by the winners. In the final round four-ball on Sunday, Kokrak and Na started the day three shots behind the leaders. Beginning with Na holing putts from everywhere on the front side, Kokrak picked up the pace on the back nine and they birdied 12 of the final 13 holes to edge the team of Billy Horschel and Sam Burns by a single stroke. Both Kokrak and Na now reside in Las Vegas, play practice rounds together and share the same coach, Drew Steckel. Kokrak finished 2021 at No. 21 in the Official World Golf Ranking and heads into 2022 looking for a major title to add to his resume. Ohio Golf Journal
Austin Greaser Receives Masters Invite Receiving an invitation to the Masters is something that every golfer dreams about, yet very few ever actually receive the real thing. Austin Greaser, who finished runner-up to James Piot at the 2021 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont last summer just received his official Masters Invitation and posted it to his Twitter account. Greaser, the 2020 Ohio Amateur champion, is looking forward to his junior season as a member of the University of North Carolina golf team.
As we turn our focus to 2022, we are excited about the new possibilities and once the temperatures climb above freezing and the snow melts, we can’t wait for the upcoming golf season. Ohio always hosts several professional golf tournaments, The Memorial, The Senior PLAYERS at Firestone, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital A FewThings We are Looking Forward To in 2022 By Fred Altvater Championship and the Dana Open. In 2022, the LPGA will also play the inaugural Kroger Queen City Classic at the newly renovated, Kenwood Golf Club in Cincinnati. The Queen City was a regular stop on the LPGA Tour in years past and we are excited to see them return to southeastern Ohio. We always enjoy traveling around the Buckeye state and playing new courses. Ohio is home to some of the best courses in the country, plus the public golf opportunities around the state are boundless. Will Tiger Woods be able to return to PGA Tour action?We sawTiger last month at the PNC Parent/ Child event in Florida. Tiger confesses that he has Ohio Golf Journal
not seen the return of sufficient club head speed to create the distance necessary to compete on the PGA TOUR, but it was certainly a joy to see him back on a golf course, a mere eight months after his horrific car crash. We especially enjoyed the budding competition between Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko on the LPGA Tour last year and we want more. Now that COVID is waning and Jin Young Ko is expected to play a full schedule in the United States, we should see these two bright stars going head-tohead on a more regular basis. We can only hope. What will Phil do Next? Will he jump into a TV booth, play more on the PGA TOUR Champions, or will he win again on the PGA Tour? Phil surprised everyone with his win last season at the PGA Championship at Kiawah. With a new fiveyear exemption into the majors and seemingly ageless body, would another Masters title be entirely out of the question? We can’t wait to watch Ohio Native Austin Greaser, who finished runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont, compete at The Masters. 2020 Ohio Amateur Champion and University of North Carolina golf team member, Greaser nearly won the U.S. Amateur last year, but his second-place finish assures him an invitation to golf’s greatest event, The Masters, in April. Speaking of Ohio golfers that are on a roll. We can’t wait to see if one the hottest golfers on the planet right now, Jason Kokrak, can add a major title to his resume in 2022. With three wins in the past 13 months, plus the QBE Shootout title, won with partner, Kevin Na in December, Kokrak seems to be poised to take the next step in his golf career. Last, but certainly not least, we will report on a full schedule of amateur events around Ohio from The Ohio Golf Association, Northern Ohio Golf Association, Miami Valley Golf Association and the Cincinnati Golf Association. Ohio Golfers are lucky indeed to have these four experienced USGA Allied Partners to conduct tournaments, maintain handicaps and keep golf running smoothly.
Golf Simulator Practice Tips 2. Don’t just pick one of the hardest golf courses on the simulator. On every golf simulator there is a driving range option for practice. Set a target distance and actually learn to control your distance with each club. 3. Check out the Spin rate, launch angle, ball speed and face angle after each shot. Every golfer can learn a lot from just these four statistics. The face angle at impact quickly demonstrates why you are constantly pulling the ball left, or pushing it to the right. See Tip #1 and go back to your wedge with a shorter swing until you can square the club face. 4. Don’t stay too long the first time. Typically, a one-hour session will give you plenty of practice, without straining something that you may need to use later. Again remember, you have been filling up on pumpkin pie and sitting on your duff watching non-stop football for over two months, plus you are not as young as you think you are. By Fred Altvater So, you’re heading some place warmer to play a little golf and break up the winter. You have been so busy bowling, watching football and attending Christmas parties, you haven’t touched a club since you stuck them in the corner of your garage, in October. Rather than just jumping on to the first tee in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, or Arizona and banging out bombs, you may want to visit your local golf simulator and work out a few kinks. Here are a few Golf Simulator Do’s and Don’ts: 1. Don’t just grab the driver and begin swinging as hard as you can. You’re not Bryson DeChambeau and you definitely aren’t as young as you used to be. Grab your pitching wedge and bring your tempo down. Take a few short swings to get a feel for getting the ball airborne and work up through the bag. Ohio Golf Journal
5. Study the trajectory lines of each shot individually and as a grouping. You’ve heard Tiger talk about ‘controlling his traj.’ The simulator gives you the perfect opportunity to see exactly what your golf ball is doing in the air. If your ball flight is more like an elephant’s hiney; high, round, and stinky, you need to shallow out your swing path. If you are constantly hitting low shots. or worm burners, try staying down on the ball longer and creating a more descending blow. These are just a couple tips to help you get ready for your trip to warmer climes. If these don’t work, you could always try to get in a quick lesson, or two from a qualified golf professional. It’s actually a lot cheaper than spending $599 on the new driver. If you’re not heading south, grab some buddies and go to the simulator on a regular basis to keep your game sharp.
PGA Tour Superstore (PGATSS), the largest golf-specific retailer in the U.S., continues to have record sales while expanding the number of locations, and says clubs, apparel, and accessories specifically for women are an important focus to fuel additional growth. In an exclusive interview with PGATSS CEO and President Dick Sullivan, he described how the company is working to erase the traditional malecentric approach to golf retailing with an ongoing program to create a woman-friendly experience Women Are The Focus at PGA Tour Superstore By Ed Travis in their stores. This initiative is already producing impressive results. To illustrate, Sullivan related that at the grand opening of a new store in Fairfax, Virginia, last August, they saw more women’s apparel being sold than men’s, a complete reversal of the usual pattern. Consumers respond to retailers with a large stock of aggressively priced inventory, plus friendly and knowledgeable salespeople. This of course applies Ohio Golf Journal
to golf, especially when targeting women golfers, many of whom are looking for help purchasing equipment, plus they are demanding functional, yet stylish apparel. Golfers of both sexes are drawn to PGATSS’s size with locations up to 50,000 square feet with multiple hitting bays, computer simulators for lessons or practice, adequate inventory of equipment, shoes, clothing and anything needed to improve enjoyment of the game. As the pandemic changed everyone’s life, golf quickly became the perfect antidote for cabinfever as an outdoor activity, in which the entire family could participate. The number of golfers and number of rounds saw a dramatic rise of roughly 3 million in 2020 and the National Golf Foundation is forecasting the number to be higher in 2021. A major part of this increase was due to women finding the game fun and recent data shows about 40% of new participants on and off course are women. According to Sullivan, “Thirty four percent of the new women golfers are under 18 years of age, and we plan to encourage them with more in-store events, such as clinics. Women’s golf apparel has become a reflection of their lifestyle. Women are shopping for and choosing functional apparel for a more relaxed wardrobe.” In addition to golf, fitness and wellness spending is exploding. Wardrobes are more casual and leisure attire is more acceptable on and off the course. PGATSS is a sponsor of “Get Golf Ready” a series of six one-hour group sessions for novice women golfers. The goal is to make women more comfortable with golf jargon, etiquette, and rules. Participants are taught the basic swing and clubs are provided, if necessary. PGATSS is the official retailer of the nationwide Women’sGolfDay anda sponsor of other programs introducing women to the game. Showing the across-the-board commitment is a slogan the company often uses, “Girls Got Drive.” Additional support is also provided to several other organizations dedicated to bringing more women into the game including “SheWho Golfs,” “Fore the Ladies,” and “Women on Course” Sullivan was candid about the company’s struggle during the pandemic. “All our stores were closed for 54 days during the Covid pandemic, but every vendor was paid on time and not a single employee was furloughed.” Inventory and supply chain concerns were an issue in 2021, leading to some items being in short supply. “Push carts and package club sets for women and juniors, were going out the door as soon as they came in.” At times, extraordinary efforts were called for to meet customer demand. Sullivan told of taking delivery of several thousand wedges without grips to speed up deliver. Making lemonade from lemons, PGATSS due to the lack of a stock grip meant that each wedge’s grip could be customized for the individual golfer.
Speaking of the bounce back from being hit with the problems from closure and inventory supply Sullivan said, “We were able to have a rapid recovery, quick pick up and there was no slow down going into 2021.” Addressing the future of PGATSS Sullivan related, “We did as much business in the first half of 2021 as all of 2019, which was a record year and projections for 2021 have been increased 20 percent.” PGATSS continues to grow, by the start of 2022 there will be 50 stores nationwide with plans to add as many as 10 each year. A National Hiring Day was held in early November to find the new employees required to adequately staff each location. Sullivan closed our interview with, “We are most proud of overcoming traditional barriers in golf retail, while keeping our culture and attitude to be customer friendly.” Ohio Golf Journal
KINONA’s Fall Collection Is Sure To Please Women Golfers By Belinda Theoret In 2017, KINONA, the trendy women’s golf apparel line, was founded by Dianne Celuch and Tami Fujii, a pair of friends, who are now corporate executives-turned-entrepreneurs. Simply put, KINONA golf apparel makes women look good and feel good. When that happens, women tend to have more fun on the golf course. KINONA’s fun, course-tested styles are crafted from Italian fabrics and feature sun protection. The apparel also has subtle features like tee holders and back pockets, which allows ladies to bring a chic, contemporary, and functional fashion to the fairway. When you’re wearing KINONA apparel, you’re part of the wave that is shifting the paradigm in women’s golf apparel. What has always set KINONA apart from other women’s golf apparel companies is the fabric they use. The Italian fabrics used are a combination of ECONYL high-quality regenerated nylon and lycra, which give ladies terrific fit, feel, and performance. Other design innovations -- such as higher waistbands and princess seam lines that accentuate a lady’s shape -- have been built into all of its products. Leg warmers have also become a staple in women’s golf apparel and KINONA’s Sun’s Out Thigh Highs are a great idea because they are multi-purpose. Firstly, these leg warmers have UPF 50+ sun protection that keeps the sun’s harmful rays at bay. Secondly, they’ll keep you warm on those chilly mornings. Unlike full-length leggings, they’re easy to get on and off thanks to the zippers at the bottoms which means you don’t even have to take off your golf shoes. The fact that they look fantastic and are super comfortable thanks to the no-slip grippers at the top of the legs only adds to their value. The Sun’s Out Thigh Highs are available in several colors including navy blue, black, and white. Are you looking for something a little less traditional? The new Tailored Track Golf Pant is sewn from KINONA’s unique new stretch woven fabric, and this trouser-style women’s golf pant is long enough to cover most ankles. The Track Golf Ohio Golf Journal
Pant transitions easily from the golf course to a business meeting without you missing a beat. The zipped pockets keep valuables secure and in place. The new tailored look may just make this your new go-to pant. The Tailored Track Golf Pant is available in navy blue, black, black/chartreuse yellow, blueberry blue, and several other colors and prints. Whether you’re looking to keep the sun at bay or just want something a little warmer up top, KINONA’s Keep It Covered Longsleeve Golf Top is a great transitional piece to wear. The fabric is lighter than its other top fabrics and can easily be worn under a jacket or a vest. But just because the fabric is lighter doesn’t mean it lacks function! Like KINONA’s other great tops, the Keep It Covered Longsleeve Golf Top wicks away moisture, keeps you smelling fresh, and is easy to wash-and-wear. The quarter zip neckline is versatile and can be zipped up or worn open. The Keep It Covered Longsleeve Golf Top is available in a wide range of colors including Hidden-in-Site orange, navy blue, white, black, raspberry red, ombre print, and foulard. KINONA’s latest collections also feature apparel that stretches, compresses, and conceals in just the right places to flatter all figures. To see more, visit www.kinonasport.com. JUST ASK OUR COURSE RECORD HOLDERS: PHIL MICKELSON, FRED COUPLES, LEE JANZEN & AN UNKNOWN AMATEUR. (We’re not kidding!) Can’t Top That. WWW.TREETOPS.COM | 81 SPECTACULAR HOLES BY GOLF’S GREAT DESIGNERS. EASY. GOLF IS
As part of my pre-tournament coverage at a PGA TOUR events, I liked to walk at least nine holes in the first two rounds with a player just to get a handle on the course. There was no player I’d enjoyed following more than Bubba Watson. Sure, over most of those years he was one of the PGATour’s top players but that wasn’t why I’d spend time with him. I did it because he was fascinating to watch. His creative shot-making skills were obvious, whether he was playing good or bad. He would try to bend shots right or left, over or around trees or hazards. That was his style. There’s a lot more to Bubba Watson than the shot-making skills witnessed on the golf course. We get a better insight into the two-time Masters Champ in his book, “Up & Down: Victories and Struggles with the Course of Life,’’ written during the pandemic stoppage with the help of Don Jaeger. In our frequent travels we passed through the small town of Bagdad, Florida, many times and found it unusual that a town of less than 4,000 near the Alabama line could spawn three PGA Tour players, Watson, Heath Slocum and Boo Weekley. Bubba still lives there and is active in the Pensacola community in a variety of ways, not the least of which, as a part-ownership of the local minor league baseball team, the Blue Wahoos. A few things that I found interesting in the book. Bubba’s wife, Angie was a star basketball player, they have two adopted children, plus he struggles playing golf in front of crowds. BookReviews from Len Ziehm Up & Down: Victories and Struggles with the Course of Life Ohio Golf Journal
“Best Seat in the House’’ written by, the oldest son of the Golden Bear, Jack Nicklaus II, was also a collaboration with Don Yaeger. The book is a son’s loving tribute to a father, who is both famous and exemplary. “Best Seat in the House’’ is much more, however. It’s a guide to good parenting and a portrait of how a functional family operates. Plus, it provides unusual insight into what makes an athlete great. Jack Nicklaus II frequently caddied for his famous father, He candidly reveals these on and off the course issues, his growing religious faith, his battles with anxiety and his ongoing efforts to make himself a better person. In short, the book reveals what makes Bubba tick and I found it most interesting. I heartily recommend reading it. Copies can be found on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3yVWsFi most notably at the 1986 Masters, that Jack won at age of 46. In my nearly 60 years reporting on a wide variety of sports, it was one of the most dramatic individual victories in sports history. Like his father, Jack II is the father of five, president of the golf course design company that his father created, a member of the board of directors of Nicklaus Children’s Health Best Seat in the House
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! Care Foundation, which has generated millions of dollars for children’s healthcare. He is also the chairman of both the Muirfield Village Golf Club, in Columbus and the Memorial Tournament. What’s it like being the son, and namesake, of Jack Nicklaus? Jack II has experienced it and explains in a most touching way. I had a hard time putting the book down and apparently Jack did, too. In the forward, Nicklaus admitted, “I did not realize what the impact some of our experiences together had meant to him. I will treasure these words forever.’’ Reflections on big tournament victories were almost incidental in comparison to the father-son interaction when Jack II was growing up and the period of growth for both after the days of PGA Tour glory were winding down. You’ll find this book well worth reading. Find it at: https://amzn.to/3yR6GGR Ohio Golf Journal
By Mike May Question: Where in the U.S. can you find ten miles of marvelous oceanside beaches, kayak tours, bicycle rides, bird watching, tennis, paddle boarding, horseback riding, fishing, boating, canoeing, croquet, world-class accommodations, plus 63 holes of golf? Answer: Jekyll Island, on the Georgia coastline. “Jekyll Island is one of the best places in the U.S. where you can go to unwind and relax while enjoying golf, fresh seafood, long walks along the beach, poolside siestas, and time off the grid,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, the Georgia Golf Trail. “For golfers, the 63-hole Jekyll Island Golf Club features four courses at one location which makes it one of the most popular getaways on the Georgia Golf Trail. For golfers, Jekyll Island is one of Georgia’s most popular stay-andplay destinations.” When it comes to the ‘stay’ part of your Jekyll Island adventure, there are three great overnight options -- The Westin Jekyll Island, the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island, and the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort. All three properties are the ultimate ‘rest & relaxation’ destination. The Westin Jekyll Island and the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island provide easy access to the beaches, wonderful poolside destinations, and tremendous views of the ocean, while the Jekyll Island Club Resort is one of the most historic structures on the island. The Jekyll Island Club Resort was built in the 1800’s to provide overnight accommodations for the rich and famous, such as: the Rockefeller’s, Morgan’s, Vanderbilt’s, and Pulitzer’s, all of whom frequently vacationed on Jekyll Island. The croquet courts located near the resort’s entrance are a popular outdoor recreation outlet, while The Wharf provides fresh, tasty, and delicious seafood selections, while overlooking the surrounding marshlands. The Pool House Jekyll Island: Georgia’s Grand Getaway
is another great dining option, while lounging poolside at the resort. When it comes to the ‘play’ part of your Jekyll Island adventure, the Jekyll Island Golf Club includes three 18-hole courses, Indian Mound, Oleander and Pine Lakes, plus the original ninehole layout, the Great Dunes. Indian Mound, constructed in 1975 by golf course designer Joe Lee, is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses with water impacting play on 11 of the 18 holes. The par fives provide more difficulty than their yardage indicates, and the short par four holes provide the best birdie opportunities. Oleander, which measures just more than 6,500 yards from the tips, has been the host course for the Georgia Open on four occasions. Designed by golf course architect Dick Wilson, Oleander is known as the most ‘distinct’ of the three 18-hole golf courses on Jekyll Island. Ohio Golf Journal
Pine Lakes, designed by Clyde Johnson, was first opened for play in 1968 andwas renovated in 2002. It meanders through forests and natural marsh hammocks. Golfers agree that Pine Lakes is peaceful, quiet, as well as, tranquil, yet a challenge for any skill level. Great Dunes was the first course on Jekyll Island and was built by Walter Travis. Asked to design and build the best golf course money could buy, Travis did just that. Work on the Great Dunes Course began in 1926 and it opened for play in 1928. It sits just a drive and wedge from the beach. When the seaside breezes pick up, the degree of difficulty of Great Dunes also increases. At one time the United States Golf Association used Great Dunes as a testing facility for clubs, shafts, and golf balls. After golf, enjoy a post-round drink or snack at McCormick’s Grill. It’s a welcome 19th hole! To book your visit to Jekyll Island, check out JekyllIsland.com or GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com. Don’t forget, ten miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and 63 holes of golf await your arrival.
News & Notes World Golf Hall of Fame to Induct Tiger Woods & Three Others in March The World Golf Hall of Fame and the PGA TOUR announced that the 2022 induction ceremony will be staged at the PGA TOUR’s corporate headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, during THE PLAYERS Championship. It will be aired live on Golf Channel, Wednesday, March 9th, at 7 PM. “We are excited to conduct the Hall of Fame’s 2022 induction ceremony in partnership with the PGA TOUR at their new Global Home,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, World Golf Hall of Fame. “It will serve as an exciting venue for a historic evening among those in attendance, as well as those tuning in from around the world on the eve of THE PLAYERS Championship.” The induction ceremony in March will center around the newest Hall of Fame class: competitors Susie Maxwell Berning and Tiger Woods, along with contributors Tim Finchem and the late Marion Hollins. On Saturday (Dec. 4), the Hall of Fame will unveil a new exhibit dedicated to celebrating the 2022 class. On display will be personal items and artifacts from the new inductees, including trophies and memorabilia collected during their respective careers. The addition of these four individuals will bring the total number of Hall of Fame members to 164. In addition to honoring the four newest Hall of Fame members, the induction ceremony in March will also recognize Dick Ferris and Peter Ueberroth, as recipients of a newly created lifetime achievement award for their contributions to the sport. Additionally, Renee Powell will be honored for her spirit in advancing diversity in golf, as the inaugural recipient of the Charlie Sifford Award presented by Southern Company. Ohio Golf Journal
Marathon LPGA Classic Donates Record $815,810 to Area Charities The Marathon LPGA Classic Presented by Dana distributed a record $815,810 to 29 area children’s charities as a result of this year’s tournament. The tournament has now raised close to $13 million for 200 northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan children’s charities since its inception in 1984. “We are very pleased to announce that the Marathon LPGA Classic Presented by Dana will contribute more than $800,000 to support charities this year,” said John Rice, Manager of Brand Marketing & Commerce at Marathon Petroleum. “Tournament staff did a great job planning the event around ongoing COVID-19 concerns and in the shadow of the largest event in ladies professional golf, The Solheim Cup, played right here in Toledo within weeks of The Classic. The continued success of this event in setting yet another record for charitable support is a clear testament to the commitment of local sponsors, volunteers, and fans of the Marathon LPGA Classic.” “Today is one of my favorite days of the year,” stated Alex Gerken, Toledo City President, FifthThirdBankandChairman, Toledo Classic Inc. “It’s a culmination of all of the hard work of the Board, the Staff, the community volunteers and most importantly a testament to the tremendous sponsors that have supported this event over the past 30 plus years, even in times as trying as the most recent 2 years. This is so much more than a weeklong LPGA event. We are thrilled to celebrate this record setting charitable contribution that directly benefits so many children’s’ charities in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.” In 2022 the tournament will become, the Dana Open Presented by Marathon and will be held August 29 – September 4 at Highland Meadows Golf Club. For more information please visit www. danaopen.com
Bandon Dunes Experiencing a Growth Spurt As COVID restrictions eased golfers flocked to Bandon Dunes and the existing five courses have been filled to capacity. Due to the immense popularity, the owner Mike Keiser decided a greater supply of courses were necessary, to satisfy Golfaholics. The last addition to the resort, the Sheep Ranch has been open for less than two years and Keiser recently announced a new course will be added on a separate ocean-side property just south of the town of Bandon, Operations Jeff Simonds talked about the history of Bandon Dunes: The new 18-hole course named, New River Dunes, will be designed by David McLay Kidd and will reside on a separate piece of property south of Bandon. Keiser has been in plus a new par-3 short course will be added to the existing Bandon Dunes Resort. Bandon Dunes already offers golfers five memorable 18hole tracts, Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Old MacDonald, Bandon Trails and the Sheep Ranch. For a little variety there is also the par-3 Bandon Preserve, the Punch Bowl putting course and Shorty’s Practice Range. Back 9 Report visited Bandon Dunes in 2019 and Director of By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
negotiations with government officials for ten years to get the project started. A new par-3 course will be created by Tom Doak and sit adjacent to the existing Bandon Preserve. Both Doak and Kidd have history at Bandon. McLay Kidd designed the first course at Bandon, Bandon Dunes. Doak is responsible for Pacific Dunes, Old MacDonald and the Punch Bowl. The award-winning team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw designed Bandon Trails, the Sheep Ranch, as well as, the 13-hole par-3 Bandon Preserve. Obtaining the necessary Federal permits before construction can begin makes it impossible to predict an opening date. “The bureaucratic ball is beginning to roll,” said Keiser, “We’ve just begun the process of getting approvals on both of the new courses. You never know whether they will be forthcoming or whether they will demand changes, or who knows what.” Another reason more courses will be needed at Bandon Dunes Resort is that the USGA will hold 13 national championships on Bandon Dunes’ courses through 2045. The resort has already hosted a very successful USGA Four-Ball Championship and the 2020 U.S. Amateur. Mike Keiser has set the standard for how new golf resorts are conceived. He along with his two sons, Mike and Chris are involved in all aspects of the courses. The Keisers also own Sand Valley in Wisconsin, Cabot Cape Breton, in Nova Scotia, as well as, Cabot Saint Lucia, which is currently under construction in the Caribbean.
Our Contributors This Month Belinda Theoret Belinda Theoret & her husband, David, The Golfin’ Guy, travel the country to help golfers choose the best golf destination for their next golf getaway. Belinda also has an interest in golf fashion and provides reviews of the latest trends. You can find Belinda on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/bel inda. theoret Ed Travis Mike May 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 Mike May is a freelance golf travel writer based in Wellington, Florida. As you would expect, he is a “Golfaholic” focused on beating ‘Old Man Par’ each time he steps on a golf course. Contact him at mmaymarketing@gmail. com Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago SunTimes. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http:// lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/lenziehmongolf/ Ohio Golf Journal
VIDEOS The Americans under the direction of Captain Steve Stricker completely dominated the European Team in the 2021 Ryder Cup held at Whistling Straits. Back 9 Report ranked it the second biggest golf story of the year. During the 2021 LPGA Golf Season Nelly Korda and Jin Young Ko battled for the top spot in women’s golf. Back 9 Report TV tagged their year-long battle as one of the top golf stories of the year. Europeans Win Solheim Cup at Inverness Tournament Director, Becky Newell and her staff did a fantastic job of putting on the Solheim Cup at the Inverness Club. It was well attended, even though European fans weren’t allowed to travel. The Europeans led by Catriona Matthew and her secret weapon, Leona McGuire were too much for the Americans to handle. Ryder Cup: Team USA Blows Out the European Team Nelly Korda & Jin Young Ko Battle for Supremecy Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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