July202 LIVHasbecomea hugeproblem forpgatour AmateurWinsOhioOpen DespiteTornadoGaylord isOpenforBusines
Professional Golf Has a Huge Mess on Its Hands July in Ohio means Golf, Golf and More Golf. In every town and golf course there are charity golf outings that provide funds to continue to provide services for those that need help. Get your favorite foursome together and join a charitable golf outing in your neighborhood today. Golf outings and charitable activities through golf generate over $4 billion annually across the country. No other sport comes close to the largess of golfers. Here’s a Big Attaboy if you have played in at least one charity golf outing this year. Hopefully you’ll add a couple more. The Ohio Amateur will be contested at Maketawah Golf Club in Cincinnati at the end of July and the Ohio Senior Amateur Hall of Fame Championship will be hosted by Plumbrook Country Club in Sandusky, August 1-2. Even if you don’t participate in the tournament, the Hall of Fame Dinner will induct Bob Sowards and Gary Taylor into the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame. In this issue we delve into the issues that are creating a tremendous divide in professional golf. The LIV Golf Series funded by Saudi Arabian money and led by Greg Norman is luring several top names to participate. The PGA TOUR and DP World Tour are scrambling to protect their players and product and have suspended those golfers playing in LIV events. Recent lawsuits filed in London by several LIV players are just the beginning for suspended LIV Players wanting to reclaim their eligibility on the DP World Tour, which will lead eventually to the PGATour, as well. It is a mess and hopefully we can clear up some of the confusion for golf fans. I can’t think about the LIV right now I’ve got a tee time. Hope I see you on the Back 9. FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Michigan Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report 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 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 19 21 28 36 The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! Gimme the Money—A Golf Fan’s Rant Gaylord Is OPEN for BUSINESS After Severe Tornado 06 13 21 News & Notes Pearl River Resort & Jackson Mississippi Offer Great Travel Adventures Book Review: Where Rainbows Never Die Amateur Wins 101st Ohio Open Ohio Golf News The OPEN Championship 2022 26 28 31 34 17 19 Our Contributors Fight For Life Golf Series Our Favorite Videos 38 36 39 Ohio Golf Journal
Rumors began surfacing in the spring of 2021 about a new professional golf tour to be based in the Middle East that would invite the best players to compete in their events. Greg Norman was named the CEO of the newly formed LIV Invitational Golf Series with an initial investment of $200 million committed to form the new league. What has happened since that time is one of the most intriguing stories to ever be experienced in the world of professional golf. Innuendo, threats of banishment, plus over $2 billion eventually ponied up by the LIV to get their new venture up and running simply boggles the mind of the average golf fan. The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! We are accustomed to professional golfers being paid millions of dollars for winning a golf tournament, plus we know they make much more fromsponsorship agreementswith golf equipment, apparel and Fortune 500 corporations. We are, however, shocked at players receiving multimillion dollar guaranteed contracts, before they hit the first tee shot, or earn the first dime in an actual tournament. The PGA TOUR has prided itself over the years as a competitive tour where players must earn their spot via a progression through various minor tours to compete at the highest level. Players who do not make the 36-hole cut go home that week without a paycheck. The LIV Invitational Series is Ohio Golf Journal
paying out exorbitant sums to top name players just to show up. Phil Mickelson is reported to have inked a deal worth $200 million, while Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka both received over $100 million guarantees. Lesser names such as Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen have received eight-figure deals in the $30-$50 million range. Who among us would not like to earn more money for working less hours? Professional golfers have not always been as well compensated as today’s jet-setting, million-dollar lifestyle players of today. Television found golf a viable programming option in the late 1950’s. Arnold Palmer’s slashing style and good looks were made for the small screen and golf fans immediately took notice. Arnold and corporate sponsors were a match made in heaven and the standard was set for professional golfers today. In all of the rhetoric of the fighting between the PGA TOUR and the LIV, several of the players seem to have forgotten the history that allowed them to become household names and earn millions for their families on the PGA TOUR. It has also been reported that the LIV is actively recruiting top collegiate players to forsake the hard road to a professional career via the PGA TOUR. 2021 U.S. Amateur Champion, James Piot just finished his college days at Michigan State and has opted to accept a lucrative offer from LIV. Pierceson Coody, grandson of Masters Champion, Charles Coody, was a three-time All American at the University of Texas and earned exemption to the Korn Ferry Tour by finishing first in the 2022 College Series. He reported that LIV offered a multi-million dollar guarantee to join the LIV Invitational Series, but he, unlike Piot, declined as it has always been his dream to compete with the best players in the world on the PGA TOUR. Another facet of professional golf in the United States is the charitable aspect of the hundreds of non-profit organizations that benefit from PGA TOUR events held in the cities across the country. It has always been somewhat easier explaining a tournament’s huge purse and million-dollar payout to the winners, when several million is generated for hometown charities. This will not be the case with the LIV. In addition, the lack of a few big names to enter PGA TOUR events might even dilute ticket sales, sponsorships and television revenues could decrease in the future. The PGA TOUR has been a victim of its own success. It has ruled the world of professional golf for several years and now with a rival they must examine every segment of their product and form a new long-term strategy going forward. Under the heading, ‘There is no such thing as bad PR,’ the LIV seems to be drawn to controversial players. Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Bryson
DeChambeau, Ian Poulter and even Brooks Koepka have all had their issues with media and fans. Greg Norman may have his hands full keeping them all in line on the LIV Tour. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is the largest investor in the LIV Investment Group. It is his money that is being thrown at the golfers. I would imagine he is willing to do this for the short term and expects to improve the government’s less than stellar image on civil rights issues, but at some future time he will want to get some of it back. With the addition of Brooks Koepka, along with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, Greg Norman may have just what he needs to attract a large Asian, or Russian company to invest money for LIV sponsorship rights. Plus, there has to be a European, or Asian television network willing to pay big bucks to be the sole media provider for the LIV Invitational Series tournaments. Back 9 Report discussed the impact of Brooks Koepka joining the LIV Invitational Series and what we can expect to see going forward. Mou, leave a black rectangle for the video Even with Commissioner Monahan vowing permanent exclusion for LIV players, I think it will be difficult for the PGA TOUR to permanently exclude former tour members. This drama has been playing out for over two years and there is no end in sight. The PGA TOUR will continue conducting tournaments and the LIV has plans to grow in the coming years. Two large opposing forces are racing headlong at each other. At some point something has to give. Negotiations are now ongoing to grant Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points to LIV tournaments. The players who have moved to the LIV want to maintain their Top 50 World Ranking to be eligible for major championships. PGA TOUR Commissioner, Jay Monahan sits on the board that will decide whether, or not to include LIV tournaments in the OWGR. I seriously doubt that he will be for their inclusion. This will be the final big hurdle the LIV will have to face to become a legitimate professional golf tour. Next the former PGA TOURmembers that have joined the LIV and been banished by Monahan will need to pursue legal action to regain their playing privileges for future PGA TOUR events. Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson both have won over 20 PGA TOUR events and have earned lifetime exemptions into those tournaments. Ohio Golf Journal
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Rumors about a new golf league surface Phil Mickelson wins the PGA Championship and becomes the oldest player to ever win a major championship. The Saudi International Tournament announces a new partnership with the Asian Tour. Greg Norman was named CEO of the LIV Invitational Golf Series. LIV, who’s main investor is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, announced a $200 million commitment to the Asian Tour and later increased it to $300 million. Phil Mickelson, in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi International, rips the PGA TOUR for its ‘Obnoxious Greed.’ Alan Shipnuck, who is writing an unauthorized biography of Mickelson, hypes the new book by releasing details of a conversation he had with Mickelson in November. Phil said he helped LIV Golf Investments draft the new league’s operating agreement, but referred to the Saudi’s negatively, and was excited that they were providing leverage over the PGA TOUR. Phil’s comments created a media fire storm, and he issued a statement of apology stating he would take a break from competition. Several of his sponsors cut ties with Mickelson. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan holds a mandatory players-only meeting, in which he reportedly tells players they would not be able to compete on the PGA Tour if they defected to the new Saudi league. Norman writes a letter to Monahan questioning the legality of a potential lifetime ban administered to any PGA Tour player who were to defect to a rival league. LIV Golf Investments announces the schedule for an eight-event, $255 million invitational series beginning on June 9 at Centurion Club in England. Phil Mickelson, the reigning PGA Champion and three-time Masters winner does not compete in the Masters at Augusta National. Robert Garrigus is the first player to publicly confirm he requested a conflicting-event release for the first LIV event to be held opposite the RBC Canadian Open. Mickelson officially registered to play the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, plus requested a release from the PGA TOUR to enter the first LIV event in London. Norman admitted that Phil’s comments had a negative effect on players considering joining the new tour. Lee Westwood and Richard Bland request releases to compete in the first LIV event. Sergio Garcia is heard to utter, “I can’t wait to leave this tour,” after becoming upset with a ruling in the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship. PGA Tour informs players that they will deny any releases for conflicting LIV events. LIV Golf ups their financial commitment to the new league to $2 billion, plus announce plans to expand to 10 tournaments in 2023 and 14 tournaments in 2024 and 2025. Norman vows to reimburse any player who faces potential discipline for playing in the LIV’s inaugural event in London. Mickelson becomes the first player since Tiger Woods (2008, because of knee surgery) to not defend his PGA title. Charl Schwartzel pockets $4.75 million for winning the inaugural LIV Invitational event in London. Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen are also in the field. Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Abraham Ancer, Pat Perez and Brooks Koepka join the LIV Tour. Spring 2021 May, 2021 September, 2021 October, 2021 February, 2022 February 17, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 24, 2022 March 16, 2022 April, 2022 April 18, 2022 April 25, 2022 May 2, 2022 May 4, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 12, 2022 May 13, 2022 June 13, 2022 Timeline - How We Got Here:
Its no secret that the LIV Golf Invitational Series is funded with Saudi Arabian oil money. This new golf tour may be several things, but it is not about growing golf’s participation around the world, nor creating playing opportunities for world class players, as was the rationale pushed hard by those fronting for this competitor to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Need convincing? Look at the actions of the LIV’s leader, Greg Norman. What he has done, not said. Norman initially said this new tour wanted to work with the established professional tours and not be a competitor. In reality, the LIV Golf Invitational Series is not only a competitor, but they are definitely not cooperating with the PGA Tour, or the DP World Tour. Gimme the Money— A Golf Fan’s Rant By Ed Travis The crux of Norman’s pitch was that the new tour would create additional playing opportunities for elite players, knowing that neither of the established circuits would allow their members to play in competing events. Either Norman and company thought we weren’t listening or were so gullible we wouldn’t see through the hyperbole. Justification from those players accepting the Saudi money and jumping to the LIV Golf Series are rationalizations, misstatements, and innuendo over what they say are issues with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. It’s not they weren’t making an extremely good return on their golfing talents, but that they want more. In itself this isn’t wrong, however most adults have figured out when decisions are made solely for the lure of money, things rarely work out.
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What no one seems to emphasize is that the PGA TOUR provided these defectors headed by Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Pat Perez, Louis Oosthuizen, Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia, the opportunity and a place to play against the best in the world, to develop their games and earn large sums of money. This group personally banked over $380 million in prize money, not including hundreds of millions of dollars more from sponsorships and endorsements. The PGA TOUR, which by the way is owned by the players themselves, made them very rich men. This cannot end happily. Most disturbing to me, some of the professionals choosing to leave the PGA Tour are indeed favorites of mine, but they won’t admit it’s a simple case of “Gimme the Money.” They skate around what LIV Golf is about deflecting attention from the human rights record of a misogynistic regime that happens to hold control over a significant portion of the world’s oil, not to mention having probable links to terrorists, such as those perpetrating the 9-11 massacre. Seeking other opinions, I talked with a veteran woman player who’s thinking surely reflects many others. “Why can’t these players go after the money? Everyone can try to find a new job that pays better. The Saudis faults and treatment of women are not on the players’ minds just the fact they can play a lot less and earn a lot more. After all its just golf.” It’s just golf is one point of view, but it ignores the reason the Saudi’s are putting up such immense sums of money with no hope of making a profit, hoping to make us forget the truth.
Hall of Fame member, Greg Norman has a 30-year vendetta against the PGA Tour, still the Saudi’s felt Greg was the guy to lead this rebel effort and accomplish their “sportswashing” efforts. The concept is certainly not a new public relations strategy. For those that don’t remember simply Google the 1936 Olympic Games held in Hitler’s pre-World War II Germany. Another long-time amateur player told me, they have sold their legacies in the game for life-altering sums of money. “The money is doing all the talking and until those guys realize that reputations are more long-lasting that’s the way it will be.” The LIV season is comprised of only eight 54-hole events and fields are limited to 48 players with a no-cut format, plus a mixture of individual and team scoring where everyone gets paid. It can best be described as a series of exhibitions with a few big names scattered in to gain attention. Won’t golf fans become weary of exhibitions that do not lead to an overall champion, or the threat of missing a cut? Charl Schwartzel was just paid $4 million for his win at the first LIV tournament in London last month, plus he earned an additional $750,000 for being allow participation by LIV Golf members. The USGA permitted them to compete in this year’s U.S. Open at The Country Club, plus THE OPEN Championship will accept their entries, if they are eligible. The Masters and the PGA Championship have yet to make a public statement about future participation. Whatever the future holds the LIV Golf Series’ attempt to carve a spot in professional golf is to the detriment of the established PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Fans, local communities, and charities will also be big losers. Right now, most world class golfers compete every week to build a reputation and a legacy of which they can be proud. They do it the old-fashioned way, “They Earn It.” The players that are escaping to the LIV Series are taking the approach that the easy money is more important. We will see if that approach can be sustained over time. a member of the winning team. By comparison it would take a minimum of three wins on the PGA TOUR to earn that much prize money. Schwartzel banked $4.75 million for just 54 holes of work. Don’t forget Charl was paid a guaranteed sum of money, rumored to be in the $30 million range, just to show up. That’s pretty good money for a 37-year old professional nearing the back end of his playing career. Phil Mickelson reportedly received $200 million, while Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka were paid well over $100 million each. The urgency to win a golf tournament loses its significance, when you already have several million in the bank account and don’t need the firstplace check. Winning no longer matters, only the speed with which you can sign your name on a guaranteed LIV contract. The wild card in all of this is what major championships will Ohio Golf Journal
AmateurWins 101st Ohio Open Jordan Gilkison a Sophomore at Kent State becomes only the sixth amateur to win the Ohio Open. During the second round of the Ohio Open youth and age were pitted against one another. Dublin’s Bob Sowards was trying to make history and become only the third player to win the Ohio Open for the fourth time. Sowards, 54, would have joined Denny Shute and Billy Burke as the only four-time winners of the Ohio Open. He would have also become the first and only player to win both the Ohio Open and the Ohio Senior Open in the same year. The second round was played under ideal conditions at Westfield Country Club with 62 players making the cut. Amateurs were the story of the day, as 24 players made the cut into the final round. Kent State Sophomore, Jordan Gilkison fired a 7-under 63 to post 5-under for 36 holes and put himself just one shot behind four players tied for the lead. One of which was his older brother, Josh, a Kent State graduate. Also tied for first after two rounds was first-year pro Mason Lenhart, from Cincinnati and Mikkel Mathieson, a native of Denmark and a junior at Wright State. Final Round: Gilkison Gets It Done Jordan Gilkison, who had jumped up the leaderboard in the second round with a 63, fired a 5-under 65 to win the Ohio Open. Gilkison
was a former Ohio High School Division I Champion and won by a single stroke over another amateur Mikkel Mathiesen. Bob Lewis was the last amateur to win the event in 1978. Only State and earlier this year won the Horizon League Championship and qualified for the Columbus Regional of the NCAA Division I Championship. Avery Schneider, from New Albany, was solo third. Trying to win a record fourth Ohio Open, Bob Sowards entered the last day tied for the 36-hole lead, but his final round 69 was not good enough to hold off the talented amateurs and he eventually finished tied for fourth with Jake McBride, Jaysen Hansen and Jordan Gilkison’s older brother Josh. Although this was a rare loss for Sowards, his legend in Ohio golf is secure. He will be inducted into the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame in August. 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 five other amateurs, including Jack Nicklaus in 1956, have won the Ohio Open, prior to Gilkison’s win this year. Mathieson, originally from Denmark is a junior at Wright Ohio Golf Journal
OhioGolf News T.J. Brudzinski Wins Ohio Senior Amateur T.J. Brudzinski from Columbus, carded 64-72 to win the 2022 Ohio Senior Amateur by two shots over Painesville’s Thomas Jereb. Contested at Youngstown Country Club Terry Wamack was solo third, Dave Antill fourth. Four players tied for fifth place, Rick Harmon, Mark Guadagni, Ken Kinkopf and Mark Brolin. Sovik Takes Super Senior Title In the Super Senior division, Raymond Sovik from Powell posted two rounds of 75-72 to win by a single shot over Marc Fried from Solon. Three players finished tied for third, Terry Tyson, Larry Lahnan and Robert Gintert. Sutton Wins Toledo Spring Amateur Sam Sutton, a junior at St Francis High School, came back from a three-shot deficit after the first round, to capture the Great Lakes Spring Am held last month at the Maumee Bay State Park Golf Course. Sutton, son of golf pro Dan Sutton of Heatherdowns Country Club, opened with a 5-over par, 77, but came back with a one-under par, 71 on Sunday for the one stroke victory. Seth Graff, who carded two consistent rounds of 75-74 finished runner-up. Leaders after the first round, Terry Tyson and Kyle Tracy, both shot 77 on Sunday, to finish three shots back, tied for 3rd. Mike Leopardo and Scott Winckowski finished fifth.
Ohio Amateur Championship The Ohio Amateur Championship will be held July 26-29 at Maketewah Golf Club in Cincinnati. It will be a 72-hole tournament with a 36 hole and 54 hole cuts. Jenn David Captures 2022 Women’s Ohio Amateur Title Jenn David birdied the first hole and the eighteenth hole to win the 99th Women’s Ohio State Golf Association Amateur Championship. In between, she led in her match with Susan Glassy by as much as three holes and was never trailed in the match. Glassy had clawed back to even heading into the final hole, but David’s birdie sealed the win for her. Jenn has been a member of the University of Akron’s Women’s Golf Team for the last two years but is transferring to Sam Houston State University in Texas this fall. Gonring Wins Women’s Mid-Am Title Allison Gonring won the Women’s State Mid-Am Championship by defeating Suzy Spotleson 3&2 in the final match. Ohio Golf Journal
Gaylord Is OPEN for BUSINESS After Severe Tornado Gaylord, a town of 4,200 residents, as well as some even smaller surrounding towns, have long been one of the Midwest’s best golf destinations. A marketing alliance, Gaylord Golf Mecca, led by Executive Director, Paul Beachnau, was created in 1987 to showcase the great golf available in the area. The ‘Mecca’ had grown to 17 courses and 21 lodging partners. Only Myrtle Beach Golf Holiday has been in business longer as a cooperative golf marketing effort. It’s a joint effort that has been very successful at bringing golfers, as well as outdoor enthusiasts to this Northern Michigan paradise. Gaylord was preparing to celebrate its Centennial this summer when the town experienced a frightful day. Mid-afternoon on May 20, with little advance warning, a severe tornado attacked. It cut a swath two football fields wide with maximum wind speeds of up to 150 miles per hour and stayed on the ground for 20 minutes. Two residents died, 44 were injured and many were without power for three days. Meteorologists said it was the strongest twister to hit Michigan in 10 years and the first in the Gaylord area since 2014. The town was prominent By Len Ziehm
in national news reports for three days, which didn’t bode well with the town’s golfing visitors starting to arrive. “A lot of media made it look like our town was levelled,’’ said Beachnau. “It wasn’t.’’ It was hard to ignore the vivid images in the television and print news coverage. However, Beachnau insisted, “None of our hotels were affected and virtually no damage was done on any of our golf courses. It missed all of our tourism aspects.’’ One course, we were told, they had golfers back on the course an hour after it had left the area. The tornado was dealt with aggressively by the entire community. “We had 1,500 volunteers come on the Sunday after the tornado,’’ said Beachnau, “and we raised a half-million dollars. That’s what can happen when people come together and work together. Our message is `We’re open for business.’’ Three weeks after the tornado, during our visit, we played 117 holes at eight Gaylord Golf Mecca courses, plus enjoyed plenty of fine dining opp-ortunities with govern m e n t a l and golf Ohio Golf Journal
industry leaders.We found Beachnau’s assessment of the damage reporting to be accurate. Otsego Resort’s Tribute course, arguably the toughest 18-holer in the Mecca, received minor damage with a few trees knocked down. Downed trees were more visible at the Rick Smith Tradition layout at Treetops Resort but that had nothing to do with the tornado. “This is the 25th anniversary of the Tradition,’’ said Barry Owens, General Manager of Treetops. “During the winter we took out a tremendous amount of trees, pushing 1,000.’’ The Tradition is being returned to its links-style heritage, and that cleanup effort was still in progress. “The Tradition doesn’t have the elevation changes our other courses do,’’ said Owens, “so when this project is completed it won’t have to be compared to its brothers and sisters. We’re very excited about it.’’ We have been visiting the Gaylord Golf Mecca for many years and we found every course in great shape and were highly impressed by a couple that we had not previously played. Heading that list was the Gaylord Golf Club, one of the oldest clubs in northern Michigan. It was established in 1924 and moved to its present location in 1975. This is a classic parkland design that was in top condition and, most important, is fun to play. The Black Lake Golf Club was No. 2 on my list. It’s a Rees Jones design, which opened in 2000 and is owned by the United Auto Workers. Rees Jones is known as the “Open Doctor’’ for his restoration work on already tough courses preparing to host a U.S. Open. Black Lake, set among the beautiful Northern Michigan woodlands, will entice golfers of all skill levels. Indian River is my No. 3, which also has deep historical roots. In 1922, Burt Lake Golf Club was no more than a cow pasture, but it gained popularity among local golfers, changed its name to Indian River Golf Club and hired an English
architect Wilfrid E. Reid to design a nine-hole course. In 1984 those original nine holes were re-routed, when additional land was acquired, and architect Warner Bowen converted the property into an enjoyable 18hole layout. One round on Treetops’ Smith Signature course was cut short by day-long rain, which was unfortunate, because it’s always been a favorite. Treetops has a total of 81 holes and five distinct courses. The one that’s gotten the most national attention is ‘Threetops,’ billed as “America’s No. 1-Rated Par-3 Course.’’ Several of golf’s best players have tested it, and Lee Trevino won $1,090,000 for making a hole-in-one in a nationally televised event held there 20 years ago. Outdoors.” Although golf still remains a key outdoor activity in Gaylord, swimming, rafting, fishing, hunting, paddling, biking, hiking, as well as skiing and snowmobiling in the winter are all outdoor activities that can be enjoyed to the max in Northern Michigan’s Gaylord. Learn more about all the Great Outdoor Adventure awaiting at: https://www. gaylordgolfmecca.com/ Though we didn’t play all the courses on this visit we did find the views at Treetops stunning, the elevation changes on the ski hills of Otsego’s Tribute breath-taking and The Natural, a short, but tricky Jerry Matthews creation at Beaver Creek Resort to be a challenge like no other. Gaylord is in the process of changing its moniker to “Gaylord, Michigan USA, All Ohio Golf Journal
The OPEN Championship 2022 A Poem By Mike May One of the world’s biggest events is coming to Scotland….and golf will be on center stage. For seven days, golf’s past, present, and future will be all the rage. It will be a celebration of the OPEN Championship’s 150th edition. This special event is not to be missed, as it will be a historic rendition. This year’s OPEN will held at St. Andrews, which is a big deal. The Old Course was the only choice because of its historic appeal. We will be reminded of the OPEN’s many past champs – many of whom are still alive. Charles, Player, Jacklin, Nicklaus, and Trevino are the oldest living five. St. Andrews has 112 bunkers scattered around the course. Those sand traps will be an issue, as will the rough filled with gorse. One of those sand traps is called Hell. Players must avoid it at all costs – this poem is here to tell. Another trap is the Road Hole bunker, alongside the 17th green. That trap may be worse than Hell, if you know what I mean. Another tough bunker is called Strath. Any player in that sand pit will definitely feel the wrath. Another nasty trap is named Deacon’s Sime. Getting out of that bunker will cost you a stroke and a little time. Along the 16th fairway, you’ll find three bunkers called the Principal’s Nose. Those traps are so small that there’s no room for your feet or your toes. This year, we’ll celebrate Bobby Jones’ 1930 Old Course win. One of his keys to victory that year was avoiding the Valley of Sin. Sixteen players have won this event -- back-to-back -- not an easy thing to do. The oldest living repeat champ is Lee Trevino – who won in ’71 & ’72. There will be former OPEN champs playing who have won at St. Andrews in the past. They include Woods, Oosthuizen, Johnson, and Daly, who I’m picking to finish last. Who will win at the Old Course and be named the Champion Golfer of the Year? I don’t know, but he will be celebrated with applause and a loud cheer. Roses are red and violets are blue. The countdown has begun to the OPEN Championship 2022.
News & Notes Dormie Network Hires David McLay Kidd to Design New Nebraska Course Dormie Network, a national network of private destination golf clubs will have David McLay Kidd design and build a new 18-hole private golf course, Graybull, in Nebraska. McLay Kidd, former design projects GrayBull will be Dormie Network’s seventh course and first facility built from the ground up, with a planned open date of 2024. “It has been my experience that the best-laid plans in ink often go to waste in the dirt. Our philosophy as golf designers subtly shifts, always adjusting to our current thinking and continued understanding of the game and what makes it popular,” McLay Kidd said. “However, the foundation of our philosophy remains focused on creating a course to be as natural, seamless, and as sustainable as possible. Dormie Network really knows what they’re doing, and I believe we’ll build something pretty impressive together.” In addition to an impeccable playing experience on McLay Kidd’s design, amenities will include a full-service clubhouse, a practice facility, lit putting green, custom fittings, and 60 beds onsite across 15 cottages for members to make the most of the evening entertainment available at network tournaments and private events. Learn more at dormienetwork. com/graybull. include, Bandon Dunes, Mammoth Dunes at SandValley, Nanea Golf Club, andThe Castle Course at St. Andrews Links. Dormie Network and McLay Kidd found a piece of land by the Platte River perfect for a new golf course. McLay Kidd said, “Golfers actually experience a location, and golf is the excuse for doing so. This land is special, there’s nothing, but you and mother nature in its rawest, simplest, most beautiful form.” Ohio Golf Journal
Trevor Immelman to Replace Nick Faldo on CBS CBS Sports announced that Sir Nick Faldo would leave their golf broadcasts at the end of the 2022 golf season. “After an incredible run, having the privilege of being the lead analyst for CBS for 16 seasons, I made the difficult decision earlier this year to step down from the 18th after this season,” said Faldo. “I had the second best and highly coveted seat in golf, sitting next to Jim Nantz. I am honored and humbled to have worked alongside this outstanding announce team, as well as the producers, directors, and crew members behind the scenes who make it all happen. I am excited for Trevor; he will be excellent in this role and the team is incredibly well positioned for the future. As I step away from broadcasting, I look forward to exploring new opportunities and partnerships, focusing list of lead analysts who have come before me as part of CBS Sports’ storied golf history,” said Immelman. “I have had the tremendous fortune of being mentored twice in my career by Sir Nick, first as a player and now as a broadcaster. I am forever grateful. Sitting in the 18th tower next to Jim Nantz, surrounded by the best broadcast team in golf, is a dream job. I can’t wait for next season when my dream becomes a reality.” Immelman won 11 titles worldwide in his professional career. He was named PGA TOUR’s Rookie of the Year in 2006 and was a member of two Presidents Cup Teams. He was a Vice-Captain for the International Team under Ernie Els for the 2019 Presidents Cup and will be the International Team Captain at the 2022 Presidents Cup to be held at Quail Hollow later this year. on growing the game of golf through the Faldo Series, as well as expanding the reach and growth of Faldo Designs.” The network was quick to name former Masters ChampionTrevor Immelman to fill the chair sitting next to Jim Nantz. Immelman has been a rising star on CBS golf broadcasts, as well as at the Golf Channel and will bring his past playing experience to the booth. “I am truly honored to be added to the distinguished
Worldwide Amateur Golf Championship Accepting Entries to National Championships The Worldwide Amateur Golf Championships has announced they are accepting entrants to qualify for Team USA at the National Championships to be played at LaTrobe, Pennsylvania in August. If you did not have a chance to qualify to earn a spot on Team USA for the Worldwide Amateur Golf Championship here is a second chance. For a low fee of $350 golfers can play in the two-day 36-hole qualifier. Day 1: Golfers will play 18 holes on Glengary Golf Club, in LaTrobe, followed by dinner at LaTrobe Country Club. The evening’s festivities will also include “Remembering the King!” with his longtime personal assistant, Doc Giffin. Day 2: Play 18 holes on Arnold Palmer’s home course, LaTrobe Country Club. After the two rounds the five Team USA members, one from each handicap division, that will compete against Team Scotland in April 2023 at Dumbarnie Golf Links, will be announced. Celebrate the life of Arnold Palmer, play golf at his home course in LaTrobe, and qualify to win a trip to Scotland. For more information and to register visit: https://www. teamusaworldwideamateurgolfchampionships. com/national-championships.html Ohio Golf Journal
Pearl River Resort & Jackson Mississippi Offer Great Travel Adventures Pearl River Resort and Dancing Rabbit What if I told you that you could play Augusta National, without actually being in Augusta? In the heart of Mississippi awaits a legendary experience with The two championship courses, “Dancing Rabbit” and “The Oaks” sit on a rolling piece of terrain with elevated tees and slopes a plenty that provide side-hill, down-hill and up-hill lies to test your golf game. The course boasts special ‘stay & play’ features, along with several other amenities. Golfers By Tim Corser, 517.Golf two beautiful eighteen-hole golf courses designed by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate. Commonly referred to as the “Augusta You Can Play.” The golf adventure at the Pearl River Resort starts with a legendary clubhouse set among the Azaleas, that steal the show in April, just like the Masters.
can stay in comfortable rooms on the second floor of the clubhouse, which are equipped with whirlpools, a common room, plus they include your own golf cart for access around the grounds. Golfers can also choose to stay at the Golden Moon Casino at Pearl River with two casinos, along with some of Mississippi’s finest dining options and a world-class spa. Pearl River Resort is owned and operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. The resort includes two casinos, Silver Star and Golden Moon. In addition, a 23-acre waterpark Geyser Falls has every water slide and attraction any kid could want. Even big kids like the cooling water attractions at Geyser Park, especially after a hot day on the golf course. Pearl River Resort has something for everyone in the family. The two casinos feature a variety of slot machines, table games and sportsbook for those looking for a little more excitement off the golf course. With over 1,000 rooms in the two hotels, two casinos, spa, water park and 36-holes of golf, The Jackson, Mississippi Just a short drive west of Pearl River Resort lies Jackson, Mississippi, which is the home of the blues, soul food and the civil rights movement. Mississippi was ground zero for the civil rights movement and two museums located in downtown Jackson explain the historical role it played in the civil rights movement. The Museum of Mississippi History takes visitors through the growth of the southern state and the Civil Rights Museum documents the struggles of African Americans gaining true freedom in the state. The Civil Rights museum is a very powerful experience and will leave an indelible image for every person that visits. Cathead Distillery The Cathead Distillery, located in Jackson, is the first distillery to be operated in Mississippi. The state outlawed alcohol in 1907 and Mississippi Ohio Golf Journal
was the last state to repeal prohibition.Two college friends shared a dream to operate and own their own distillery and rewrote history in 2010, when they began production. They currently produce Cathead Vodka, Bristow Gin, hoodoo Chicory Liqueur, Old South Bourbon and Cathead Sparkling. They also have plans to begin production of an American Scotch. The Refuge On the eastern edge of Jackson, near the airport the new Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel offers a comfortable night’s stay, plus golfers will enjoy the Refuge Golf Club. The Pro Shop is actually on the first floor of the hotel and guests can walk out the back of the hotel lobby and onto the first tee. The 18-hole championship golf course was originally designed by Roy Case and is one of the top public courses in the state. Recently the course underwent a complete renovation, which added three new holes and provides a more playable track. During your stay be sure to visit the rooftop bar for a cool refreshment while enjoying a gorgeous Mississippi sunset. Mississippi has history, delicious food, a musical flair and great golf. For more information visit: https://bit.ly/3A4enfo
“Hope Never Dies. You can always have hope, even when the odds are stacked against you.” Dr. Ryan Deweese is on the staff of IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette and recently wrote a book entitled, “Where Rainbows Never Die.” Dr. Deweese saw the worst of times during the COVID pandemic. His 160-bed hospital was jammed with 98 COVID Book Review: “Where Rainbows Never Die” deepens their bond and helps the three grow closer. The book also provides a glimpse into Incan culture. The elusive treasure contains an ancient bracelet with magical powers. With an element of history, fantasy, action, adventure, medical drama, comedy, and tragedy, plus a little golf, the book has something for everyone to enjoy. All funds generated from the sale of the book are donated to the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. Caroline was diagnosed with Wilms tumor disease, a type of patients, with more admitted every day. “It was, emotionally, pretty bad,” Deweese said. Even during these trying times, he found time to complete the book. “If I got down on myself, I would put the book down and then come back to it a couple of weeks later. Every time I returned, I felt it was an entertaining read, so that inspired me to keep after it.” The main character in the book, Dr. Beck, befriends a nine-yearold cancer patient, Emily, who is out of options for further chemotherapy and her only hope is costly experimental medication. Along with her guardian, Tiffany, the trio attempts to raise the funds necessary to save Emily’s life and they set out on an epic adventure to find a hidden treasure. With help from Emily and Tiffany, Dr. Beck also faces his own inner demons, which Ohio Golf Journal
kidney cancer, in 2008, one month before her fourth birthday. The disease was very aggressive and took her life one year later. The book sells for $12.99, but most buyers pay slightly more to donate to the charity. “They tell me to keep the change, donate the rest of the charity. We’ve probably made more money in the donations than book sales, which is the whole point.” Dr. Deweese’s interest in writing started in college, when he took several creative writing classes. He wrote the book because he wanted to share something that could make the world a better place, channeling his passion into something to help others. Deweese was good enough to play golf as a walk-on freshman at Butler University, but quickly realized that studies were more important than golf, if he wanted to attend IU’s Medical School. Dr. Deweese and his family reside in Newburgh, Indiana and he is a member of the Dormie Network Clubs at Victoria National, in Southern Indiana and Briggs Ranch, in San Antonio, Texas. “Where Rainbows Never Die” can be purchased on Amazon. All monies raised from the sale of the book go to fund pediatric cancer research through the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. Follow Dr. Deweese on Twitter @deweeseryan.
Fight For Life Golf Series Lets You Play Any Golf Course & Support Your Favorite Charity The Fight For Life Golf Series is part of the Joan L. Kidd, MD, Fight For Life Continuum, an organization providing fundraising programs and producing events that benefit nonprofits which have raised approximately $1 million for various non-profit organizations and cancer patients since 2016. Dr. Joan Kidd, a renowned physician, battled ovarian cancer A new and unique tournament format using state of the art technology, allows club and recreational golfers of all skill levels to compete against fellow golfers from around the country on a live leaderboard, while supporting their favorite charity, and possibly earn a trip to the National Championship, all from the comfort of their favorite golf course. Ohio Golf Journal
2022 Summer Series: Players Patriot Classic: July 1st, 2nd or 3rd Road Hole Challenge: July 15th, 16th or 17th GPG Championship: June 29th, 30th or 31st Challenge Cup: August 12th, 13th or 14th Chipd In Open: August 26th, 27th, or 28th Summer Championship: September 9th, 10th, or 11th for more than three years before her passing in 2015. Her husband, Tom Kidd, created the Continuum in her honor, and oversees its activities along with a board of directors. The Continuum has also served the needs of approximately 16,000 cancer patients and their families since 2016. “The Golf Series is a wonderful addition to our efforts for several reasons,” said Kidd. “For golfers, it is a way to support their favorite charity, while enjoying the game they love with their friends, and earning points toward qualifying for the National Championship in October 2022.” Every day it allows an opportunity for golfers to compete in a competitionwith a live leaderboard just like on the professional tours. The first event of the Summer Series kicked off in June, but there are still five events remaining to qualify for the National Championships. Competitors play a round of golf on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday of the scheduled tournament week at any course of their choosing. The Fight for Life Golf Series is powered by the Chipd In mobile app, which connects players so they are able to compete with other golfers nationwide on the same tournament weekend at any golf course in the U.S. A golf handicap will be calculated for each golfer (80% net scoring) so all skill levels are welcome to compete. In addition, the app will calculate a course handicap based on the par and slope rating of each player’s course to create a level playing field. If you and your favorite foursome would like to get in on the action register at: https://chipdin. com/pages/fight-for-life-media-golfers
Our Contributors This Month 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. Golfscribe@outlook.com Mike May is a freelance golf travel writer based inWellington, 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 Sun-Times. 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 Learn how YOU can win a Golf Trip to Scotland and represent TEAM USA. Former PGA Tour Professional and now WorldClass Instructor, David Ogin talks about the LIV and the limited affect it will have on professional golf and the world of golf. LIV is Creating a HUGE Mess for Professional Golf Lawsuits have begun to regain playing privileges and tempers are flaring between professional golfers that were once friendly rivals. Back 9 Report breaks down the latest issues created by the LIV Golf Series. Golf in Scotland Former Tour Pro, David Ogrin Says the LIV is a Limited Opportunity for Pro Golfers Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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