U.S.AdaptiveGolf AlianceHelps DisabledPlay MoreWomen arePlaying Golf Father’sDay GiftIdeasfor GolfingDads ohio golfjournal Travelto Misisipi GulfCoast June202
Golf Season Heats Up in Ohio FRED ALTVATER A Disability is NOT an Inability to Play Golf......... Memorial Day is in the rearview mirror and the summer is upon us. That means there will be lots of golf action around the state. June begins with Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Golf Tournament that annually brings the best golfers in the world to Columbus. It always provides great golf action and raises millions of dollars for Nationwide Children’s Hospitals every year. Right after the Memorial, the USGA conducts the final qualifiers for the U.S. Open that will be held June 16-19 at the historic Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Ohio hosts three qualifiers, Wedgewood Country Club and Kinsale Golf Club, both near Columbus, plus Springfield Country Club. Speaking of historic, the Ohio Open will be conducted June 2729 at Westfield Country Club. Past champions include, Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson and Tom Weiskopf. Both the Ohio men’s and women’s amateurs will be contested and entries for those qualifiers can be found at the Ohio Golf Association website. If your game is ready to be tested at the highest level, every local golf course hosts numerous charity golf outings and events that are a blast to enter. These events help generate over $4 billion annually that goes to charities from thousands of small golf outings around the country. Do your part, get your buddies together and sign up for a golf outing in your community. June also means Father’s Day. We want to help you get the right gift for you golfing dad. See our list of great gifts in this issue. To learn more about the golf happenings around the state check out the Ohio Golf News section in this issue. Sorry, but I have to go, I’m late for my tee time at the next charity golf outing. Hope I see you on the Back 9. ~ U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance 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 22 FIND INSIDE 10 13 16 28 U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance is Helping Physically Disabled Across the World Father’s Day Gifts for a Golfing Dad Titleist Introduces NEW Tour Speed & Tour Soft 06 10 20 Mississippi Gulf Coast Offers Something For Everyone Len Ziehm Book Review: Tiger & Phil Women’s Golf Continues to Grow News and Notes Tips to Get the Most From Your Practice Session History Surrounds 122nd U.S. Open at Brookline Ohio Golf News Picture of the Month 21 22 26 28 31 34 13 16 Our Contributors Rush Job: The Life of a Tour Professional Our Favorite Videos 38 36 39 Ohio Golf Journal
The U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA) is a national coalition of 40 adaptive golf organizations with one U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance is Helping Physically Disabled Across the World They modify the rules and equipment to fit each individual need to allow people with disabilities to become involved. There are several benefits for the physically impaired to take up golf. The swing can improve balance, as well as hand-eye coordination. It can improve decision making, increases endurance, as well as range of motion. Being involved in a physical activity, like golf, builds strength, improves self-esteem, plus as one of the USAGA members told us, “being out there makes me feel normal.” mission, “to make playing golf a reality for 20 million physically disabled individuals who want to play.” Through the USAGA, member associations work together to conduct a series of tournaments, provide instruction and serve individuals across all disability types. Regardless of current health, physical, mental, sensory capability and wellbeing of the individual, the USAGA introduces the game and encourages everyone to play. Ohio Golf Journal
According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 19% of the population has some type of disability. In a study conducted by Indiana and Clemson Universities: • 10% of persons with a disability play golf. • 22% of those with disabilities played golf before incurring their disability but are not playing now. • 35% of individuals with disabilities are interested in learning but are not currently playing golf. The study also identified key factors why those 35 percent would like to play, but are not: • 33% are uncomfortable playing in front of others. • 31% believed that the course staff would not know how to assist them. • 36%said that they needed a better understanding of the fundamentals of golf. golf tournaments around the country that culminate with the National Adaptive Golf Association’s (NAGA) National Amputee & Disabled Golf Championships and the 32nd NAGA National Senior Amputee Golf Championship that will be held October 24th28th at Celebration Golf Club in Celebration, Florida. The USAGA works with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to assign a fair handicap rating system that takes into account the individual • 38% stated a need for lessons specific to their disability. Instruction With the instruction available through the USAGA member organizations, they are trying to meet these concerns. USAGA AdaptiveGolf coachesworkwith participants on fundamentals such as balance, posture, setup and swing path. USAGA clinics use regular and adapted golf equipment to best fit the needs and abilities of the participants. A list of instructional clinics can be found at the USAGA website by clicking on the Clinics tab. Note to Golf Instructors: if you would like to become more involved and help teach physically disabled golfers, learn more by contacting USAGA’s Director of Golf Operations, Jonathan Snyder, at jsnyder@ usaga.org Competition The U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance hosts a series of
athlete’s particular disability. As a result, USAGA has identified and defined 14 different sport classes by which golfers with disabilities are ranked. The USAGA Golf Ranking System (USAGR™) allows equitable scoring at USAGA sanctioned events. From their annual series of tournaments each year the top players are recognized, and national para-golf teams are chosen for international competitions. matches being held biennially. The 2022 Cairns Cup was just completed, May 7-14 at the Seve Ballesteros designed Shire Club in London, England. The Ryder Cup style format includes team and singles matches. Team USA prevailed for the win, but that is not the most important thing in this golf tournament. Two 16-man teams comprised of physically disabled golfers came together in a friendly competition. All the competitors play hard but are happy to be involved and to compete. To watch a promotional video about the Cairns Cup click here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vWfBtw_q3uY The 2024 Cairns Cup will be held at The Fortress Golf Club in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Golfers come in all shapes, sizes and abilities. The USAGA is working to provide a place for individuals with disabilities a chance to learn, compete and enjoy an athletic endeavor. A Disability is NOT Inability! The Carins Cup: A Disability is Not Inability The Cairns Cup is one such international golf tournament featuring serious golf competition for physically challenged golfers. It sprang from the 2018 Phoenix Cup, which was held in Florida. Billy Cairns was a member of the European Team, but unfortunately died soon after arriving in Florida for the competition. The emotions created by his death and the camaraderie between the two sides led to the Ohio Golf Journal
Putting Arc Does your father struggle with the dreaded 3-Putt Syndrome? It is a malady that affects many golfers especially after raising children. A once confident young man with steady nerves and a smooth putting stroke becomes a mere shell of himself on the greens from the stresses of dealing with children. Not toworry, we have a cure for dear old dad. The Putting Arc has helped thousands of golfers improve their putting strokes, lower their scores and increase their enjoyment of the game. The Putting Arc is the number one training aid that helps groove a perfect putting stroke. Simply Father’s Day Gifts for a Golfing Dad follow the correct path and the hands, arms and shoulders rotate as one unit, which creates a square clubface through the stroke. Find them in golf shops around the country, or visit their website: https://theputtingarc.com/ By the way, Dad will be in a better mood when he gets home from the course, when you want to borrow the car, or a quick $20. Ohio Golf Journal
Gear Up Sportswear Does your dad need a little help with his apparel scripting when he heads to the course? Gear Up Sportswear can help with that. Gear Up Sportswear is the BEST Golf shirt on the market and guaranteed to never shrink, fade or wrinkle. They come in a wide variety of styles and sizes to fit every dad. Company owner, Terry Desmond designed a golf shirt for real men, plus the moms like them too. Visit their website today and order a couple to surprise your favorite golfing dad on Father’s Day. https://gearupsportswear.com/ SQAIRZ SQAIRZ Golf Shoes have been scientifically proven to create better balance and stability through the golf swing, which in turn provides more distance and accuracy on every shot. Six-time major champion Nick Faldo is a believer and wears them when he competes on the Champions Tour. For the third consecutive year Golf Digest named SQAIRZ the “Best Men’s Golf Shoe.” Since the company was founded in 2020, SQAIRZ has been named to Golf Digest’s list every year. Learn more about SQAIRZ from CEO Robert Winskowicz, in this Back 9 Report interview. Mou – insert rectangle for video Sepp Straka was wearing SQAIRZ golf shoes, when he won the Honda Classi c in February on the PGA TOUR. They will help your dad, too. Don’t forget to ENTER your Dad’s name to win a Collector’s Pair of SQAIRZ Golf Shoes signed by Sir Nick Faldo. Register Here: https:// michigangolfjournal.com/registercontest/
Golf Lessons Are you tired of hearing your father complain about his lack of a competent golf game? Well, you can do something about it. Instead of buying a new club, balls or attire, give a gift certificate for a golf lesson, or two from a qualified golf teaching professional. Dad’s enjoyment will go up and you might just become his favorite child. If you’re located in SE Michigan or NW Ohio visit: https://toledoohiogolflessons. com Greens Fees Every dad wants to play more golf. The perfect gift for Father’s Day is to buy him a round on you. Your Dad’s favorite course will be happy to provide a gift card, or certificate for a round of golf. If you reallywant tomake dad happy, set aside the time to play with him. For any father spending a few hours on the golf course with his children, or grandchildren is a gift that will not soon be forgotten. Ohio Golf Journal
The U.S. Open will be held June 16-19 at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts near Boston. This historic club hosted the 1913 U.S. Open won by a 20-yearold amateur Francis Ouimet, when he outdueled the great Harry Vardon and Ted Ray. Seeing this son of immigrants, successfully defeating two of the game’s greats, on a course reserved for the upper class, ignited a huge golf boom in this country. Ouimet’s victory is considered one of the greatest upsets in the history of sport andwas elegantly History Surrounds 122nd U.S. Open at Brookline By Fred Altvater This is the 13th time that the number of entries exceeded 9,000. Entries were accepted from golfers in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and 79 foreign countries. Jon Rahm won this event last year at Torrey Pines in California. He is currently ranked No. 2 in the world, behind Scott Scheffler, who won the Masters Tournament in April. Other fully exempt players include 11 past champions, Bryson DeChambeau (2020), JimFuryk (2003), Dustin Johnson brought to the big screen in the movie, “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” This will be the 122nd U.S. Open Championship hosted by the United States Golf Association, which first began in 1895 in Newport, Rhode Island, with England’s Horace Rawlins getting the win. Any golfer with a handicap index of 1.4 or less is welcome to qualify for the U.S. Open. Only 48 players are fully exempt into the 2022 tournament. With a total field of 156 golfers, 9,265 hopefuls submitted entries to qualify for the remaining spots, including a couple of past champions, Graeme McDowell and Lucas Glover. Local qualifiers have already been held at 109 courses in the U.S. and Canada. Two final qualifiers were held in Dallas, Texas and in Japan on May 23. In addition, ten locations in Canada and the United States will host final qualifiers on June 6th.
(2016), Martin Kaymer (2014), Brooks Koepka (2017, 2018), Rory McIlroy (2011), Justin Rose (2013), Webb Simpson (2012), Jordan Spieth (2015), Gary Woodland (2019) and Tiger Woods (2000, 2002, 2008). The top 60 on the Official World Golf Ranking, as of May 23 and June 6 will also be fully exempt, plus anymultiplewinners of PGA Tour events that award a fullpoint allocation for the seasonending Tour Championship will also earn exemptions. The Country Club has hosted the U.S. Open three times previously, 1913, 1963 and 1988, with each requiring an 18-hole Monday playoff. In 1988, Curtis Strange won the It is rare that the general public is invited inside the gates at this exclusive private club. It should once again provide an excellent setting for the 122nd U.S. Open. first of his two consecutive U.S. Open titles, when he defeated Nick Faldo by four strokes. Both Ouimet (1913) and Julius Boros (1963) needed extra holes to hoist the U.S. Open Trophy. The Country Club is one of the original five founding member clubs of the USGA and will host its 17th USGA championship. Ohio Golf Journal
OhioGolf News Austin Greaser and UNC Golf Team Make NCAA Championship Former Ohio Amateur Champion and 2021 U.S. Amateur Runner-up Austin Greaser finished T-25 in the NCAA Division I National Championship Individual stroke play tournament. His University of North Carolina teammate Ryan Burnett finished in a four-way tie for first but lost to Vanderbilt’s Gordon Sargent in the playoff. Greaser fired a 69 in the final round at Grayhawk Country Club in Scottsdale, on Monday, May 30 to help push the Tar Heels into a 3-way tie for first in the team competition with Vanderbilt and Oklahoma. They advanced to the match play segment of the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive year. Ohio Amateur Qualifiers Nineteen players advance to the Ohio Amateur from the qualifier held at Chagrin Valley Country Club in May. Connor Gdovin and Bryan Kordupel finished tied with even par 71’s to earn medalist honors. May 31, Dayton Country Club hosted 120 players competing for 26 spots in the 116th Ohio Amateur. Ohio Amateur qualifiers will also be held June 13, at Findlay Country Club, Pinnacle Golf Club, June 20, Squaw Creek, June 28 and Losantiville Country Club, June 29. The Ohio Amateur is scheduled for July 25-29 at Maketewah Country Club in Cincinnati Ohio. Ohio Golf Journal
U.S. Amateur Information Last year it was exciting to watch Ohio’s Austin Greaser compete in the final match versus the eventual winner, James Piot from Michigan at Oakmont Country Club. This year the U.S. Amateur will be held at The Ridgewood Country Club and Arcola Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey, August 15-21. Entry deadline is Jun 22. The U.S. Amateur will be coming to Toledo’s Inverness Club in 2029. Six Teams from Ohio Compete in U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship The U.S. Amateur Four-Ball Championship was held at the Country Club of Birmingham last month with six teams with Ohio connections in the field. John Angelo from Mayfield Heights and Marcus Carano from Columbus finished runner-up last fall at the Sand Ridge Country Club qualifier for the USGA’s Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Michael Cress and Kevin Grabeman, both from Columbus finished fourth to also grab an exemption into the event. Two more Ohio teams qualified at the Oasis Country Club, Mark Daniel from Cincinnati teamed with Eric Fuldner from Kentucky. Matthew Abenroth and Ben Silverman, both fromToledo, also made it through to the national championship. At the Resort at Glade Springs qualifier Jared Wilson, from Columbiana, partnered with Chris Vandette from Canada to also earn berths in the national championship. In Las Vegas, Jack Koslowski, from Columbus, teamed with Trevor Oldkowski, from Las Vegas to finish third in their qualifier to punch their ticket to the national championship. None of the Ohio teams made it through to the Match Play portion of the event, which was won by a pair of Wake Forest alums, Chad Wilfong and Davis Womble.
Ohio Senior Amateur Golf Tournaments Senior golfers, over the age of 50, that want to test their golf games against the best senior amateurs in Ohio can enter the Ohio Senior Amateur Championship to be held at Youngstown Country Club June 21-23. To enter visit: https://bit.ly/3NHQYnq Also don’t forget the Ohio Senior Amateur Hall of Fame Championship at Plumbrook Country Club August 1-2. More information here: https://bit.ly/3m3ZRft In conjunction with the tournament the Hall of Fame dinner will induct two new members to the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame, Bob Sowards and Gary Taylor. Tickets Available for U.S. Senior Women’s Open Tickets are now available for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open that will be held August 25-28 at NCR Country Club in Kettering. Various packages are offered at: https://bit.ly/3x16vcJ The U.S. Senior Women’s Open is one of the very few professional tournaments that offers fans the opportunity to be inside the ropes with the players. Attendees can watch the action up close and walk the fairways with the competitors. Annika Sorenstam will be in the field as the defending champion, along with former USGA champions, Juli Inkster, Laura Davies and Jane Geddes, who won the 1986 U.S. Open at NCR. This will be the fifth USGA Championship held at NCR and 41st USGA Championship held in Ohio. Ohio Golf Journal
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 Northern Ohio PGA Will Host A Full Slate of Events The Northern Ohio Section of the Professional Golfers Association of America begins its 76th season and will conduct 38 tournaments in 2022. The historic Ohio Open will be played for the 101st time on Westfield Group Country Club’s North and South Courses. June 27-29. The Ohio Open has been won by such notables as Jack Nicklaus, Byron Nelson, Tom Weiskopf and Herman Keiser. The major events on this year’s schedule include: The 37th Ohio Senior Open (June 1-2) The 101st Ohio Open Championship, (June 2729) The 37th Senior Professional Championship (August 18-19) The Second Ladies Professional Championship (August 22-23) The 72d Professional Championship (August 2224) The 52d Assistants Championship (September 6) The 92d Toledo Open (September 12-13) The 20th Mitchell-Haskell Tour Championship (September 19-20) The 26th Ohio Cup Matches (October 4-5) The 47th Denny Shute Memorial Match Play Championship (October 17-19).
Fast Facts Titleist Tour Speed 3-piece construction Urethane 346 dimple cover High speed 1.55” diameter core High flex mantle casing layer White or yellow Manufacturer Suggested Retail: $40.00 per dozen Titleist Tour Soft 2-piece construction 4CE 346 dimple cover Large 1.60” diameter core White or yellow Manufacturer Suggested Retail: $35.00 per dozen Titleist Introduces NEW Tour Speed & Tour Soft By Ed Travis Titleist has introduced new versions of the 3-piece Tour Speed and the 2-piece Tour Soft golf balls citing enhanced distance and overall performance. The three-piece Tour Speed and two-piece Tour Soft both use a quadrilateral dipyramid dimple pattern, which creates a penetrating flight. Plus, they are priced significantly less than the premium Pro V1, or Pro V1x models, which are targeted for lower handicap players. The Tour Speed has a soft feel, and the Tour Soft is even softer. Both fall in the mid-trajectory category with low spin for the longer clubs and medium spin rates with short clubs. If you tend to have a slower than average swing speed, or tend to lose a bunch of golf balls, these may be perfect for your game. The basic choice would appear for those not choosing to use the more expensive, but popular Pro V1 and Pro V1x, but still want to use a Titleist ball. Tour Speed’s, urethane cover provides added control around the greens with a higher ball flight than the Tour Soft. The Tour Soft will work better for golfers with slower swing speeds and is considered a distance category ball. Titleist is the leader in golf ball technology and manufacture. These new golf balls should help them maintain their superiority. Ohio Golf Journal
“Gentlemen Please Repair Your Ball Marks!” Hail damage to one of the greens on Pitman Golf Club, Hereford, Texas at the beginning of May. It would take a ton of guys with divot tools to fix those divots. Best way to fix this? For light hail damage regular mowing and rolling will suffice. For these deep craters, verti-cuttingandsand topdressing several times will be required. It will take a couple of weeks for the smoothness and a consistent roll to return. Picture of the Month
By Fred Altvater I can safely report that golf opportunities in Mississippi are abundant and enjoyable. On a recent trip to the Magnolia State, we were able to visit several top golf courses and resorts that would make any buddies trip, girls golf getaway, or family vacation the best ever. This was not my first trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast; I have always enjoyed my time there and this trip did not disappoint. The white sandy beaches, warm breezes and deep blue water of the Gulf Coast will calm any troubled soul. This trip my eyes were opened to spectacular golf, the best Mississippi Gulf Coast Offers Something For Everyone Ohio Golf Journal
dining to be found, as well as plenty of options for entertainment away from the golf course. The first thing you notice, when you arrive in the Gulfport/Biloxi are the number of casinos and high-rise condos stretching along the beautiful white beaches. There are 12 casinos on the Mississippi Gulf Coast with every game of chance known to modern man. We enjoyed staying in the Island View Resort, which actually includes two casinos, the Beach View and the Island View. The Beach View is smoke-free and both offer live entertainment. I can confidently report that the dining in the area is first rate. On our very first night we were treated to one of the most delicious meals prepared by the resort’s chef. Every item was a piece of culinary art and the Bread Pudding for dessert was the best I have ever tasted. My roomwas located on the 8th floor and afforded a gorgeous view along the beach. Since hurricane Katrina, nearly every hotel, restaurant and casino has been renovated, or rebuilt. The room was modern, spacious and comfortable. While in Gulfport we played three golf courses, Windance Country Club, The Club at Diamondhead and Grand Bear Golf Club. Windance Country Club Windance Country Club is aligned withThe Island View Resort with stay & play packages available. The course was designed by Mark McCumber, opened in 1986 and features over 6,600 yards of challenging golf complete with breathtaking landscapes, rolling hills and lush greens. Since the Island View Casino Resort purchased the course in 2007, Windance has undergone significant renovation to make it one of the most enjoyable courses in the area, plus it is always immaculately maintained. Windance has a received a 4-star rating by Golf Digest magazine and has hosted Ben Hogan and Nike tour tournaments. Past winners include, Jim Furyk, Tom Lehman, and Alan Doyle. Windance Country Club is the perfect addition to any golf trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Club at Diamondhead The Club at Diamondhead has two championship golf courses, plus the only indoor/outdoor, state-of-the-art Golf Academy along the MS Gulf Coast. Ten lighted, hydra-clay tennis courts are available at The Tennis Club, plus the community boasts a marina with direct access to the Bay of St. Louis and an airport. Golf, tennis, swimming and boating, the Club at Diamondhead has it all. available using Trackman and FlightScope technology. Grand Bear Golf Club The PGA Tour C h a mp i o n s annually visits Gulfport for the Rapsican Systems Classic. It is normally held at Fallen Oak, yet another excellent course in the area, but due to renovations that took longer than planned, they could not host the event this year. Grand Bear, always in tournament condition, graciously stepped in. The tournament was won by Steven Alker and was held just a couple of weeks before we visited Grand Bear. I rate Grand Bear one of the best courses I have played anywhere. This Jack Nicklaus design gets out at a little over 6,700 yards. The Cardinal has a slope rating of 131 and five sets of tees to accommodate every skill level. The Pine Course is slightly more difficult with a 136 slope, but also allows players to choose from five tee options. If your game could use a little help, 2016 PGA Teacher of the Year, Hoppy Smith at the Academy at Diamondhead has everything to improve your swing. Individual lessons, club fitting and skill testing are all Both the Cardinal and Pine Courses at Diamondhead max Ohio Golf Journal
A+ marks for every feature. The course sits in the middle of the Desoto National Forest and requires a six-mile journey through a heavily wooded area to reach the beautiful log clubhouse. With no housing developments around the course, this is pure golf with only squirrels, deer and other woodland creatures to disrupt your golf. As we left the first tee and headed down the fairway, the green surround was gorgeous. The contours and framing of the bunkers combined with the undulations of the green fit nicely into the surrounding terrain and were very pleasing to the eye. Every subsequent hole experience was as good as the first. This is definitely one of Jack’s best works and worth the trip to Mississippi. covered with the black goo, they decided to build the world-class Mississippi Aquarium, that rivals anything that can be found anywhere in the world. They succeeded in creating a beautifully arranged aquarium that features nearly every type of fish to be found. Even alligators and crocodiles have their own residence in this all-inclusive attraction. If you visit Gulfport with children, the Mississippi Aquarium is a must see for every family. Mississippi Aquarium When Gulfport received their share of the damages BP Oil was forced to pay for the well leak disaster that left miles of Mississippi beaches With 62 miles of beautiful beaches, a wide variety of entertainment, excellent dining, casinos for excitement, plus great golf, what are you waiting for? Make your plans to head to the Mississippi Gulf Coast today.
Len Ziehm Book Review: Tiger & Phil The bottom line is that `Tiger & Phil: Golf’s Most Fascinating Rivalry’ stands by itself. I’ll take issue with calling this, “golf’s most fascinating rivalry.” Having written about the sport for well over 50 years, I still lean a bit more towards Nelson versus Hogan, or Nicklaus versus Palmer. Both seemed to be more intense personal rivalries, than Woods versus Mickelson. Harig has nicely blended the careers of Woods and Mickelson into a very comprehensive and balanced report that begins when both were amateurs, plus it captures both the highs and lows as professionals. I was personally involved in many of those highs and lows, which made the book even more intriguing to me. I especially loved the reading about Mickelson’s building frustration through 46 major championship attempts, until he won his first major at the 2004 Masters. Harig’s account of the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, with Phil once more relegated to runner-up behind Payne Stewart, but flying home for the birth of his At first, I felt bad for Bob Harig, a friend of mine, who authored the recently released `Tiger & Phil: Golf’s Most Fascinating Rivalry.’ Bob and I both grew up in the Chicago suburbs and became friends covering the pro golf scene for various media outlets. Publishing deadlines are tricky, and that meant he couldn’t include the most recent developments in the lives of these two great golfers. Tiger’s dramatic return to the 2022 Masters and successfully making the 36-hole cut, after his long layoff and recovery from his tragic auto accident, could not be included. Phil’s controversial stance and fall from PGA Tour grace involving the Saudi-backed golf tour and Phil’s efforts to leverage other players into joining the rival league, could also not be included. However, upon further reflection, I realized the lack of attention to those newsworthy items was not relevant. There will be much more to cover in the careers of both Woods and Mickelson, which will provide Harig with more than adequate material for a sequel. By Len Ziehm Ohio Golf Journal
first child the next day, was a touching moment in the book. Phil’s collapse on the final hole of the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot and ultimately handing the title to Geoff Ogilvy, illustrated Phil’s frustration of six runners-up in U.S. Open competition. It is still the only major championship that Phil has failed to win. As for Tiger, his flops in competition were few and far between, making his run of victories seem all the more staggering. The 2008 U.S. Open win in a playoff with Rocco Mediate at Torrey Pines, on a broken leg, is perhaps the most dramatic of them all. His story is not yet complete, whether you love him, or hate him, Woods’ numerous battles with off-course issues make him front page news every time he makes a comeback. Their personalities and backgrounds are as completely different as are their playing records. Both were less than spectacular in Ryder Cup play, a fact that has always puzzled me. While the exploits of both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have been covered extensively by media over the years, Harig’s version of combining their careers into one book was a great idea. Both are still competing and there is still more to tell. Hopefully, Bob Harig will be one to do it the best. Find Bob Harig’s, “Tiger & Phil: Golf’s Most Fascinating Rivalry” on Amazon at: amzn. to/3LucxXn
Women’s Golf Continues to Grow More and more women are learning that golf is the perfect healthy athletic endeavor for themselves and their families. COVID certainly gave golf a boost due to it being the only safe sports activity during the pandemic. Now that the worst of the shutdown is over, golf is still reaping the benefits of more people finding the game to be a fun and healthy activity for the whole family. For 2021 the National Golf Foundation is reporting that 6.2 million women played on a golf course and comprise 25% of all golfers. Over 3 million juniors played golf in 2021. That number was similar to 2020, when golfers under the age of 18 grew by 24%. Of the total number of junior golfers, 36% were girls. That is a tremendous increase from 20 years ago, when only 15% of kids playing golf were girls. Women’s professional golf tournaments are now being broadcast on network television. The Golf Channel has had a long history with the LPGA, but now with several LPGA events being aired on CBS and NBC, the game will reach even more households. Attendance at golf tournaments like the U.S. Women’s Open and the Solheim Cup are reaching new levels of attendance. At the Solheim Cup last year in Toledo, total attendance reached in excess of 100,000 attendees and would have been even higher if travel restrictions had been lifted on Europeans wanting to attend. NCAA Women’s golf teams can be seen competing in collegiate events on televisions Ohio Golf Journal
across the country. The NCAA Championship is aired on the Golf Channel, as well as the East Lake Cup. The USGA’s Women’s Four-Ball and Women’s Amateur are also broadcast. All of this airtime gives young girls, watching at home, a chance to dream and see themselves in that same place. As a result, more young women are competing on high school golf teams and entering high profile AJGA tournaments. For 2022, the LPGA has a record number of events available for competition with players vying for a record $87.5 million of total prize money. Just a few years ago there were no LPGA events in Michigan. Now the Meijer LPGA Classic and the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational are two of the most popular stops on the LPGA Tour. Plus, the EPSON Tour visits Michigan for three events. The Island Resort Championship, in Escanaba, Firekeepers Hotel Championship is contested in Battle Creek and new in 2022, Ann Arbor’s Road to the LPGA will be contested at Travis Pointe Golf Club, June 13-18. Women are indeed finding golf to be an attractive and safe method to connect with friends, spend time outdoors in a safe environment, and get some exercise in a fun way.
News & Notes Brett Jaffee, like a lot of golfers, likes to have a caddy when he plays golf. Finding it difficult to locate a competent caddy at most golf courses he set about solving that problem with a new APP, Caddy Time. Less than one year ago, he and his business partner started the service to provide caddies for nearly every golf course around the world. Less than 10 months into their new venture it has blown up. golf with a caddy whenever you play. To learn more watch this Back 9 Report interview with Jaffee: Mou leave rectangular box for video Be the envy of your golfing buddies and find a caddy for your next round. Who’s Your Caddy? “We are providing caddies not only in the United States, but also in seven countries spread over four continents. We let the genie out of the bottle, and it is everywhere.” You don’t have to be a PGA Tour professional to have a caddy to tote your sticks, wash your clubs, read tricky putts and just be a companion during your round of golf. Simply visit CaddyTime. com, or download the Caddy Time APP and begin enjoying
Rounds Played Down for April 2022 The National Golf Foundation is reporting that rounds of golf played in Ohio are down 2% over 2021. Those numbers can be somewhat attributed to colder and wetter conditions throughout the month. Michigan was one of only 10 states that experienced more than 2% growth over last April. Nationally rounds of golf are down nearly 13% for the month of April and have decreased nearly 10% year to date. The golf industry may be seeing the current golf boom beginning to slow down. Ohio Golf Journal
Ace Indoor Golf/Gimme Simulators Names Trevor Faust President Toledo based, Ace Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators has named Trevor Faust its new president. Faust brings more than 15 years of management experience to his new position “We’re excited about the direction Ace Indoor Golf and Gimme Simulators are poised to take with the direction, experience and industry savvy of our new company President Trevor Faust,” says Co-Founder Joe Neumeyer. “We couldn’t have asked for someone more ideally suited to this role. Trevor knows how to sell, market and fulfill world-class indoor experiences like few others in this business. His energy and ingenuity will help drive our success as the Ace and Gimme become more household names in indoor golf.” Faust has been president of Mobile Golf Experiences since 2012 and was Vice President of Global Sales for OptiShot from 2016 to until he joined Ace/Gimme. Faust was also Midwest Sales Manager for TrackMan 2012 to 2016 and served on the sales and strategic account management teams for aboutGolf Limited for eight years. He is positioned to help take Ace Indoor Golf, a bestin-class installer of purpose-built golf simulators and the consumer- and DIY-focused Gimme Simulators to the next level. “Ace IndoorGolf is positionedverywellwithin the industry, and has tremendous growth potential,” says Faust. “While golf industry veterans know us well, average golfers looking to install an indoor golf solution don’t fully comprehend the reach Ace Indoor Golf has within the space. Indoor golf is evolving and becoming more commonplace. We want to be a part of it from the initial design phase through the build-out. We are confident we can deliver world class solutions based on the client’s desired budget or cosmetic needs.” Treetops 5-3-1 Program Treetops Resort has a wide variety of golf courses from which to choose. Five courses with 81 distinctive holes of golf await the traveling golfer. Well-known designers like, Robert Trent Jones Sr, Tom Fazio and Rich Smith have all put their unique stamp on Treetops courses. Treetops also boasts one of the best Par 3 Courses in North America, Threetops. With their new 5-3-1 (5 Courses, 3 Nights, 1 Crazy Good DEAL) Package every golfer can take advantage of the GREAT Golf at Treetops and save a ton of money to boot. The 5-3-1 Package begins at $465.00 per person and includes: 5 rounds on the Premier, Tradition, Signature, Masterpiece and Threetops, plus a 3 night’s stay. What are you waiting for? Get your group together and head for Treetops. https://www.treetops. com/deals/5-3-1/
Tips to Get the Most From Your Practice Session Are you one of those golfers that never goes to the range? And when you do simply reach in the bag for the ‘Big Dog’ and starts slicing, hooking and topping mishit drivers? Here are a few tips for getting more benefit from your time spent on the practice range. 1. Start by stretching and warming up before you even take the first swing. You aren’t as young as you once were and those muscles in your back and shoulders are tight from hours sitting at a desk staring at a computer. 2. Pull your pitching wedge and hit a few full swings with it. The wedge is the easiest club in the bag to hit and sets a better rhythm as you move up to longer clubs. By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
3. Don’t stand there and bang out more than a few balls with each club. When you are on the course, you never hit the same club consecutively, unless you have missed it so badly the first time you need a mulligan. 4. Pick a target. When you are playing on the course, you always have an exact target that you are trying to hit. Work a driver into a fairway, fly a 7-iron onto a green, or chip to a certain spot on a green. Visualize a particular hole on your course and play that hole on the range. You won’t believe how much that single tip will help you on that hole the next time you play it. bombs on the range, but those chunked, or bladed chip shots are just as important as a 300-yard drive, maybe more so. 7. Have a plan. School teachers have a lesson plan for every day of school. Good golfers have a practice plan and stick to it. Keep a log of good shots versus poor efforts. Work on those weak areas and watch your scores come down. I hope these few tips help and you are able to fleece your golfing buddies for a couple bucks next time out. 5. Work on the club that you struggle with on the course. Don’t simply ignore it and give it a time out. You have to develop a loving relationship and spend time nurturing it. 6. Don’t forget to practice short game, chipping and putting. Everyone likes to show off hitting
R u s h J o b : The Life of a Tour Professional The life of a tour professional is not all glitter and big checks. James Nicholas is a young golf professional trying to make his way on the Korn Ferry Tour. He did not make it into the field for the AdventHealth Championship in Kansas City, Missouri, via the Monday qualifier. He was the ninth alternate, with very little chance of getting into the field and decided to fly back home to New York the following day. Arriving home his status had improved to the seventh alternate position by Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM EDT. A couple hours later at 9:30 PM EDT, he found out he was now the first alternate. He decided to return to Kansas City in the hope that a spot may open up.While sitting at LaGuardia Airport, for his return flight on Thursday morning, he learned that Eric Cole dropped out and he was officially in the field, if he could get there on time. By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
His flight was slated to arrive in the Kansas City airport at 10:47 CDT, so there was ample time to make a 12:05 CDT tee time. Easier said than done. His flight leaving New York was delayed by over an hour. When the flight finally arrived in Kansas City, a stewardess asked other passengers to wait to disembark to allow James to jump off first. Everyone was clapping and cheering for him to make it to the course as he deplaned and did his best O.J. impression, racing through the airport. He knew he didn’t have adequate time to retrieve his clubs and left them spinning on the baggage carrousel. Eric Cole’s caddie was waiting outside the terminal to rush him to Blue Hills Golf Club, site of the AdventHealth Championship. Without, clubs, balls, shoes, or glove, he lined up replacement equipment from the Blue Hills Head Golf Professional. With borrowed equipment and running from the car to the first tee, he striped a drive down the first fairway to begin his round. Unfortunately, the first two rounds didn’t go his way and he missed the 36-hole cut. When asked if he would do it all again, he answered, “Yeah!” “In this game, all you need is a chance. There are so many kids back home wishing they had a chance. The next chance I get, I’m going to take, and hopefully that one turns out right.” Here is a video link to James Nicholas’ post round interview from the Korn Ferry Tour: https:// fb.watch/da4UDjOzYZ/
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis 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 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 Brett Jaffee from CaddyTime.com wants every golfer to have their own caddy at courses across America, as well as, Internationally. Simply visit their website caddytime.com, or download the CaddyTime APP. Pine Needles is set to host the U.S. Women’s Open June 2-5, the Pour Tour makes every visit FUN. Newly renovated Southern Pines is a mustplay, PLUS there is fantastic dining, shopping and other outdoor activities for the entire family. Latest News and Rumors about Greg Norman and LIV Golf During the PGA Championship rumors were flying and opinions about the Greg Norman’s Saudi-Backed LIV Investment Golf League were rampant. Back 9 Report sorts it all out in this video. Who’s YOUR Caddy? Always Something NEW Happening at Pinehurst Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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