The Masters Signals Spring & Golf Season As Jim Nantz says with his lilting and smooth voice, “Hello Friends.” In Ohio, The Masters annually signals the onset of Spring and golf season. Augusta National’s green fairways and beautiful flowers in full bloom, always pop on the big screen and gets any golfer’s heart pounding. It’s not all Pimento Cheese Sandwiches and Green Jackets at The Masters. The separation of the LIV from the PGA Tour and the lack of a return to the American Tour by LIV players leaves a division of the players. Maintaining a quality field with some of the LIV players in the field is a very difficult endeavor for the Green Jacket crowd. Even with the division in the men’s game, we know you will enjoy the Masters coverage on CBS. With all of the chaos in men’s professional golf, many are calling for the firing of PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan. We wonder if he is really the ‘bad guy’ here? Inside Len Ziehm takes us to Jekyll Island, a quiet, relaxed destination off the Georgia Coast. Ed Travis has two equipment reviews to help lower your scores. Just for the ladies, we talked with Stacey Latona, from Detroit, who has an exciting new line of women’s golf apparel. We hope you enjoy this issue of Ohio Golf Journal and I look forward to seeing you on the Back 9 real soon. FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Michigan Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal American Golf Journal Back 9 Report Ohio Golf Journal
BoyneGolf.com Getting to BOYNE Golf has never been easier... drive, or take advantage of the new updates to our 5200’ airport at Boyne Mountain. And with convenient non-stop flights into Traverse City (TVC) from 18 U.S. cities, it is so easy to have your friends join you too. Call 877.749.0745 to plan your 2024 trip now! THE GOLF, EPIC. THE TRIP, EASY. BOOKING 2024, EVEN EASIER.
34 FIND INSIDE 06 10 24 40 Gaylord Golf Mecca Is the PERFECT Golf Destination Part 2: Michigan Golf Odyssey Even The Masters Can’t Control The LIV Is Jay Monahan Really The Bad Guy? Golf Equipment Reviews Golf News 06 10 20 16 30 24 Teenage Golfer Gets NIL Deal Jekyll Island Honors Rich History 26 34 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Pinehurst Names New Course Sandmines 43 42 40 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
Gaylord Golf Mecca is annually ranked as one of the finest golf destinations in the country. Gaylord Golf Mecca has been providing the finest golf, accommodations and dining for travelers for nearly 40 years. Today the Gaylord Golf Mecca is comprised of 17 golf courses, dining opportunities, as well as other entertainment options make it the perfect after-round destination. According to Paul Beachnau, Executive Director of the Gaylord Golf Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, “The golf mecca started as a simple idea in 1987 to promote seven area courses. The founding members included the Robert Trent Jones’ Masterpiece at Treetops Resort, both the East and West Courses at Garland, the Gaylord Golf Club, Michaywe Pines, the Classic at the Otsego Club and Wilderness Valley. Twenty years later, this premier Michigan golf destination now offers 17 courses and 21 hotel properties all within a 45-minute drive.” at eight locations and includes 21 partner hotel properties that provide accommodations to fit every need. Gaylord is a quaint city with a Swiss Alps theme running through the local architecture. It has a calming and captivating atmosphere, plus the many small shops, wide variety of By Phyllis C. Barone (Queen on The Green) Gaylord Golf Mecca Is the PERFECT Golf Destination Ohio Golf Journal
The properties have changed over the years as more courses were added. Older favorites have undergone renovation, plus more lodging choices provide suitable accommodations for any size group. Garland Resort New ownership at the Garland Resort has enhanced the entire golf experience with bunker renovations, comfortable accommodations and exceptional dining. The Fountains Course is cited as their Premier course, of the four championship layouts, featuring bent grass from tee to green, creating a most pristine appearance. The Tamarak Dining room and Antler’s Bar and Grille present top-notch appetizers and entre’ choices. The bone marrow crusted filet garnished with succulent pieces of Northern Michigan’s seasoned asparagus deserves a five-star rating and is a great alternative to those that prefer Michigan’s popular Walleye! changes and lush greens. The Signature, designed by Rick Smith features slick bentgrass greens and visually majestic landscapes. The Premier, the only Tom Fazio designed course in the state of Michigan, is player-friendly with wide open fairways and challenging greens. Three and four putts are always lurking. The par 3, Threetops is another Rick Smith design and is frequently ranked as one of the top Par 3 courses in America. It is also famous for the ‘Shot Heard Around the World.’ In 2001, Lee Trevino pocketed a $1 million prize for his hole-in-one on the 7th hole during a made-for-television exhibition. A plaque inserted on the tee box commemorates the historic event. For dessert, the strawberry brownie sundae is a decadent choice, while a short walk to the Tiki Bar, after dinner, provides the ideal place to catch up with friends, while discussing the best shots of the day, or settling wagers. Treetops Resort Treetops boasts courses designed by some of the best architects in the world. The Jones Masterpiece, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., has scenic views with dramatic elevation
Otsego Resort Only a six-minute drive from Treetops is Otsego Resort, with The Tribute, a Robbins/Koch design that provides a 1,100-acre tour of the stunning Sturgeon River. Elevation changes on every hole are breathtaking and memorable. If you have a large group and prefer to stay together, Hilltop at Otsego Resort is an excellent option. The kitchen is located in the center with a comfortable family style setting for all to gather. Otsego Resort offers several lodging and package options. But Wait There’s MORE! Lakes of the North, The Pines at Michaywe, Gaylord Golf Club, Indian River and Black Lake are independent courses central to the quality and quantity of golf at Gaylord Golf Meca. Multiple price points, to fit every budget, and community cooperation are the hallmarks of the ‘Mecca.’ All offer a different golf experience and are a joy to play. When you add these six courses to the four at Garland Lodge, the five at Treetops and two at Otsego Resort, these 17 member courses in Gaylord provide a unique quality and quantity of golf not found anywhere else in the world. Rick Smith also designed the Tradition, which underwent a successful restoration in 2022 to bring the course back to an American links-style walkable course, as Smith originally envisioned. The Tradition is a real treat and is rapidly becoming one of the favorites at Treetops. Insert Doug Hoeh thumbnail here Click HERE to watch a Back 9 Report TV interview with Treetops’ Director of Recreation, Doug Hoeh as he talks about the recent renovation to the Tradition Course. New chalets, that were built to accommodate groups and families elevate your golfing experience to yet another level. Each contains two bedrooms with two full bathrooms, a living room, kitchen and televisions in every room. They provide a comfy, convenient stay when visiting this acclaimed Resort. Barry Owens, Treetops General Manager, told Back 9 Report TV about the recent upgrades and new additions to the resort. To view the full interview click HERE. Insert Barry Owens Thumbnail here Ohio Golf Journal
A Rising Tide Raises All Ships This was the mantra Paul Beachnau used when the Gaylord Golf Mecca was first conceived back in the 80’s. These individual golf course owners and resorts realized that banding together to market the area as a whole would help all concerned and it worked. “You can take any one of our independent courses and compare them to resort properties anywhere else and they offer as good or most of the time a better golf experience.” Twenty-one lodging partners offer a variety of accommodations ranging from shiny new hotel rooms to rustic cabins. The Gaylord Golf Mecca partners can package and arrange the right rooms paired with tee times to provide a fresh and memorable golf getaway any golf group. Apres’ Golf In addition to the spectacular golf, Gaylord’s Alpine Village, Getting There With non-stop flights from 17 domestic airports into Traverse City’s Cherry Capital Airport, getting to the Gaylord Golf Mecca has never been easier. If you are driving, I-75 makes it easy to get to Gaylord. Book NOW! The Gaylord Golf Mecca also gets five stars for its ability to offer golf courses that appeal to any golfer’s palette. It is a player’s paradise and doesn’t get any better! Golfers have known for years that the Gaylord Golf Mecca offers the best facilities, courses and pricing in the country. Word to the wise, tee times and accommodations fill up fast. Don’t wait, book your next golf adventure, or to learn more about the Gaylord Golf Mecca at: https://gaylordgolfmecca. com/ enjoys a long standing tradition of independently owned shops, restaurants and 90 inland lakes to experience and appreciate, when visiting the area. There are several top-flight dining options in Gaylord. Bennethum’s Northern Inn is a local favorite that offers quality cuisine in a comfortable atmosphere. Big Buck Brewery, the Alpine Tavern and the Alpine Chocolate Haus are not to be missed.
Barry Cronin’s Michigan Golf Odyssey By Mike May Part 2: Ohio Golf Journal
By Barry Cronin, Editor Chicago District Golfer The first part of Barry Cronin’s Michigan Golf Odyssey can be found in March issue of Michigan Golf Journal and featured Gull Lake View Resort, Tullymore Golf Club, St. Ives and Forest Dunes. Forest Dunes was my last stop in Part 1. Heading about 90 miles farther north through Michigan’s tall pines and forgotten small towns sits the granddaddy of all the great Michigan golf resorts, BOYNE. It’s welcoming halo extends across the state with 10 Magnificent Courses and is the biggest resort in the state. BOYNE was originally a haven for skiers, but over the last halfcentury it has evolved. Today, in addition to being a premier winter destination, it now owns 10 golf courses, known collectively as Boyne Golf, that serve golfers of all levels from the single digit handicapper to beginners and “infrequents” who pick up their clubs strictly while on vacation. In 1966, BOYNE founder Everett Kircher hired Robert the views at Bay Harbor are breathtaking, magnificent and awe-inspiring, but all would be an understatement. Something new for 2024, a nine-hole short course, Doon Brae, plus a Himalayasstyle putting green are under construction near the Main Lodge at The Highlands location and will open for play later this summer. BOYNE has the resort thing down and can easily handle family vacations, couple’s escapes, buddy’s trips and girl’s getaways. Rooms feature uber-comfortable beds made especially for the resort by a manufacturer near Detroit. The 15-year veteran omelet cook in the restaurant at the Main Lodge worked with the Trent Jones, Sr. to design the resort’s first course, The Heather, to provide a summer activity for guests and to keep his work force busy, once the ski season ended. The Heather turned out so well, it was recognized by Golf Digest and Golf magazines for its excellence. In 2019, the Heather was recognized as the ‘Course of the Year’ by the National Golf Course Owner’s Association. Over the years, Kircher and his successors continued to build and acquire more courses. In addition to The Heather, golf aficionados will appreciate The Hills, the Donald Ross Memorial and the ridiculously spectacular 27 holes at the Bay Harbor Club, which plays along Lake Michigan and Little Traverse Bay. You can say
speed, efficiency and quality of Tom Brady diagnosing an opposing defense. Plus, there is plenty to do beyond golf at BOYNE. Do we really need to play 36 a day? Forget about your three-putts with a walk on the new Skybridge Michigan, the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge overlooking Boyne Mountain and environs. BOYNE also has multiple spas at Boyne Mountain and Bay Harbor, as well as The Highlands. There is also a Zipline Adventure, chairlift rides and fishing, as well as hiking and biking. Ohio Golf Journal
After spending time at BOYNE Resort I didn’t think my trip could get any better, but there is so much wonderful golf in Michigan to completely sate an golfing appetite. A short 40 -minute drive from Boyne to Charlevoix brings you to the historic Belvedere Golf Club. Designed in 1923 by storied architect William Watson, Belvedere is the If you enjoy five-star accommodations, book a room at Chalet Edelweiss; you’ll think you’re at the Four Seasons. Want to hit the local community? A 10-minute drive takes you to the sparkling waterfront resort village of Harbor Springs, where art galleries, restaurants, fudge shops and clothing retailers conspire to make you wonder why you don’t stay all year.
course that has definitely survived the test of time and a who’s who among golf’s great champions have played. A young Tom Watson honed his skills at Belvedere while on summer family vacations. Watson and his father played their final round together here. I was told that Tom Watson had come to play the course by himself, just three weeks before my visit and he still has a locker in the members’ clubhouse. Belvedere’s signature hole is № 16 and the assistant pro told me an interesting story. When Ken Venturi was playing a Senior PGA Tour event in Traverse City in the early 1990’s , he came into the tiny white clapboard pro shop and announced that a friend had told him he just had to see the 16th hole, a classic short par 4. “Who’s your friend?” the head pro asked. “Gene Sarazen,” Venturi replied. He was promptly taken to № 16. Ohio Golf Journal
Belvedere is a private club, but non-members are allowed to play. Contact head pro Marty Joy, who helped oversee Bruce Hepner’s 2017 course renovation afte William Watson’s long lost original plans were discovered in a building in Charlevoix prior to its demolition. He also maintains the small shop that is more like a museum of the Hall of Fame golfers that have played at Belvedere. Watch for Part 3 of Barry Cronin’s Most Excellent Michigan Golf Odyssey in our May issue. Reprinted by permission from Barry Cronin and Chicago District Golfer.
Is Jay Monahan Really the Bad Guy Here? Opinion By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
PGA Commissioner, Jay Monahan seems to be the guy that everyone points to as incompetent during the recent LIV/PGA Tour impasse. But is he really? The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF), led by Yasir Al-Rumayyan wanted to become financially involved with the PGA Tour to help offset negative publicity and world perception surrounding human rights issues, seemingly condoned by the Saudi government. Funded by quarterly profits of $40 billion, from the government-owned Aramco Oil, the PIF has invested in sporting events around the world to improve its image. When they wanted to put money into the PGA Tour, some control over how that money was spent. With visions of the falling twin towers and 9-11 still on everyone’s mind, PGA Tour officials did not see a partnership with the Saudi’s to be popular with golf fans. It could lead to negative press in this country and undermine the charitable efforts of the PGA Tour. The Saudi’s decided to start their own professional golf Commissioner Jay Monahan and the tour leadership told them, “Thanks, but no thanks.” When the Saudi’s originally met with PGA Tour, most of the questions asked by the tour were about Saudi human rights violations and their answers were not satisfactory to the PGA Tour brass and attorneys. The PIF wished to be supporting sponsor, not really take over, but be involved from a financial perspective. For anyone this would be a very scary business arrangement. You know the old saying, “He who has the gold rules.” In this case if the PIF put billions of dollars into the PGA Tour, you know they most certainly would want
tour, the LIV, led by Greg Norman and become direct competitors of the PGA Tour, in a fight to the death for control of professional golf. Greg Norman was the perfect person to lead the new start up. He was still stinging from a rebuke, by the PGA Tour, when he tried to start a new World Tour back in the 1980’s. Norman took to his new role like a duck to water and with no financial limits began luring the top talent on the PGA Tour with millions of dollars in guarantees. Phil Mickelson also became a pawn of the Saudi’s and helped Norman bring in more big names to the rival PIF. Other top names, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau joined Mickelson and jumped at the guaranteed money, leaving the PGA Tour. When a problem arises in large corporations, someone has to be the fall guy. Jay Monahan inherited a major problem, when the LIV came calling. If you were the leader of one of the most successful businesses in the world and someone with substantial past human rights violations wanted to jump in bed with you, How would you react? The PGA Tour had been on an endless string of successes dating back to 1968, when Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer led the split from the PGA of America and formed the PGA Tour. Deep-pocket Fortune 500 corporations were more than willing to sponsor tour events. Total purses for the tour continually grew annually, professionals had a full slate of tournaments in which to play and made millions. Why fix something that isn’t broken? Unless someone with unlimited funds decides to make you a deal you can’t refuse. Former PGA Tour Commissioners, Deane Beman and Tim Finchem successfully grew the PGA Tour, during their tenures. Monahan has been forced to deal first with the COVID pandemic and then with an invasion of not just another business takeover, but a foreign government’s deep pockets that is trying to destroy the PGA Tour. He may not be doing things the way golf fans, media, or even some of the PGA Tour membership want, but Jay Monahan should be commended for the fact that there is still a PGA Tour. Plus, he appears to have created a plan that will assure a place for professional golfers to earn a living for the foreseeable future. Ohio Golf Journal
Even The Masters Can’t Control The LIV The membership at Augusta National has been very good at controlling anything and everything that could distract from the pomp and circumstance of this annual rite of spring. Corporate signage is not allowed and they even dictate the timing of advertisements to the television networks that are broadcasting the event. The membership of Augusta National Golf Club is comprised of CEO’s, CFO’s and other leaders of corporate American, who are accustomed to controlling every aspect of their business and By Fred Altvater that mindset spills over the administration of the Masters tournament. This year the elephant in the room is the combination of LIV and PGA Tour players that are coming together for the first time this year. Fred Ridley, current Chairman of Augusta National and the Masters, can’t control who joins, or doesn’t join the LIV, but he does control who receives an invitation. Rory McIlroy has toned back his rhetoric, but a general chippiness is apparent among other Ohio Golf Journal
players on both tours. The unpleasantness has continued both in media interviews, as well as on social media. The move by defending Masters champion, Jon Rahm to switch to the rival LIV has been an especially explosive topic in the golf world. Last year it was predicted that LIV players would not perform well at the Masters, due to their shorter schedule, 54-hole events and lack of competition against PGA Tour quality players. That prediction was never valid due to the fact that there are several major championship winners among the LIV membership namely, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Cam Smith, Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel. Brooks Koepka, who always gets excited for the majors, led most of the way through the first three rounds of the Masters last year, but slipped in the final round on Sunday to let Jon Rahm pass him for the victory. Rahm was a member of the PGA Tour at the time. Koepka did come back to win the PGA Championship the next month. After the dust had settled on Sunday evening, at the Masters, Koepka and Mickelson finished tied for runner-up, behind Rahm, while Patrick Reed tied for fourth, giving LIV players three of the top six spots at the 2023 Masters. Even though the LIV Tour does not receive Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points and many of the top names on that tour are rapidly sliding down the world rankings, several LIV players will tee it up this year at the 2024 Masters. Top 50 in the OWGR is just one of several criteria to earn a Masters invitation, plus past winners are normally given an automatic invite. Past major championship winners like, Rahm, Johnson, Mickelson, Garcia, Reed and a few other LIV players have five-year exemptions into all
Ohio Golf Journal
four major championships, which includes the Masters. The LIV has split the loyalties of the players and it is unfortunate that we now only get to see the best players compete against one another on four occasions each year. Without OWGR points awarded to the LIV and as exemptions from winning previous majors expires, these opportunities will become even less rare. That is a huge loss for professional golf. The Masters can control a few special invitees and does have a tradition of inviting leading international players who are not otherwise qualified for the tournament. This year Chairman Ridley gave a special invitation to Joaquin Niemann, who qualified for the tournament in years past, before he switched to the LIV. Augusta National and The Masters can normally dictate everything that happens at the Masters Tournament, but they can’t mend the broken professional golf scene right now. They will still host The Masters and golf fans will still be amazed at the beauty and tradition of this annual harbinger of spring. Hopefully Augusta National and the other ruling bodies in golf, the USGA, the PGA and DP World Tour can find a solution to this rift in men’s professional game and get back to producing competitive golf featuring the biggest names and best players for golf fans to enjoy.
Golf News Stacey Latona, a native Detroiter, didn’t care for the lack of style, quality and abundance of women’s golf apparel, so she set out to do something about it. As a woman in the business world, Stacey began playing golf over 20 years ago to meet the guys on the course and build business relationships. She is currently involved with the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Sales and Marketing for the PGA Tour event. LATONA Golf is on a mission to get more women playing the game and bring true fashion to women’s golf apparel. They want to drive the conversation, as to what is “acceptable” on a Ladies do not want to look like men on the golf course, they want their own style and flair. Whether you are 18, 80 or somewhere in between, LATONA offers a premier, fashion-forward, performance brand in which you will feel more confident wearing. Join the Latona movement, be classy, sporty, sexy, comfortable and functional with Latona Golf wear for women. golf course for women. Latona has created a quality women’s golf apparel line that not only fits appropriately, but ladies can appreciate as fashion forward, modern and athletic. Stacey grew tired of waiting for someone else to get it right. “It’s not about bucking tradition; it’s about evolving our choices. We need an overhaul; and women have been underserved with golf apparel options, for way too long.” Back 9 Report first met Stacey at the Michigan Golf Show in Novi and had a chat with her about the new women’s apparel line. Watch the full interview HERE. Women’s Apparel Is Just Right For Golf & After Ohio Golf Journal
Old Course Changes Tee Time Process You won’t see golfers camped out on the benches at St. Andrews in the early morning hours waiting for a chance to get onto the iconic course after the St. Andrews Trust announced that beginning in March there will be a new sign up procedure. Prospective singles, or twosomes must now register at either the pavilion beside the first tee at the Old Course, or at the St. Andrews Links Clubhouse between 9 AM and 5 PM the day before they wish to play. The Links Trust will then hold a lottery drawing to determine who will receive a tee time for the next day and notify the hopeful golfer via text of their good fortune. “We are excited to introduce the new digital solution for the Old Course Singles Daily Draw, which makes securing a tee time as a single golfer at the Home of Golf safer, more equitable and ultimately a more enjoyable experience,” said Neil Coulson, the Links Trust’s Chief Executive. “The significant growth in the number of golfers utilizing the singles queue in the past decade has been such that we felt it was impacting the customer experience and becoming increasingly challenging for our dedicated team to manage expectations.”
Financial Investment Firm Signs NIL Deal With 15-Year-Old Amateur Golfer Junior Golf Transcend Capital Advisors has signed a multi-year Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) partnership with 15-yearold amateur golfer Miles Russell, currently ranked youngest-ever winner of the AJGA’s Rolex Junior Player of the Year Award in 2023, surpassing the record previously held by Tiger Woods for 32 years. No. 1 in the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) Boys rankings. Russell, from Jacksonville Beach, Florida, was the By Steve Pike Ohio Golf Journal
Following an exemplary run on the Florida Junior Tour circuit, amassing 14 wins and 34 top-five finishes in 42 starts, Russell burst onto the national scene last year, when he won two AJGA Junior All-Star events – the TaylorMade TP5 Junior All-Star and Moon Golf Junior AllStar – by a combined 15 strokes. He was a member of Team USA at the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup in Rome, Italy, teaming up with fellow Team Transcend member Yana Wilson in foursome and fourball matches. become the youngest-ever champion in event history. Russell closed out his sensational year with a second-place finish at the South Beach International Amateur, including a course recordtying 10-under par round of 60 in his second round, finishing two shots behind fellow Team Transcend member, Ben James. The only amateur to advance to the final Monday qualifier for last week’s Puerto Rico Open, Russell fired a fiveunder par 67 and advanced to a playoff for the last qualifying spot, but fell just short in his effort to become one of the youngest players to qualify for a PGA TOUR event. Russell has emerged as one of the game’s most exciting young talents. At the beginning of August, he won the 2023 Junior PGA Championship, shooting 18-under par over four rounds, seven shots clear of his nearest competitor. A few weeks later, he followed up with a win at the Junior PLAYERS Championship to I am so excited to be a part of Team Transcend, said Russell. “Joining this team of exceptional amateur players is humbling and makes me want to work hard and get better every day. Thanks to Transcend’s support, I am able to pursue my golf dreams to the fullest and I couldn’t be more grateful for their belief in me.”
Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) financial arrangements are all the rage in college sports. It has been rumored that a Division I college football program is required to offer $3 million in NIL guarantees to sign a topnotch quarterback out of the transfer portal. It appears that amateur golfers are becoming attractive partners for large businesses, as well. In the previous story Miles Russell, a top-ranked 15-yearold amateur golfer from Florida, has signed an NIL Agreement with Transcend Capital Partners. Transcend has similar deals with other amateur golfers, but Russell is the youngest golfer they currently have under contract. The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and the Amateur Golf Alliance (AGA) has had programs to cover expenses for deserving young amateur golfers for years, but the NIL aspect for amateur golfers is totally new. In the past the United States Golf Association (USGA) has stripped golfers of their amateur status for accepting financial rewards, or even expensive gifts. The answer to the question, Should a teenage amateur Opinion Should Teenage Amateur Golfers Receive NIL Money? By Fred Altvater golfer receive NIL compensation, is simple. It is now legal to do so and if someone wants to shell out money to a talented teenager, it would be irresponsible for a parent not to accept it. Competing in big-time amateur golf tournaments around the country is an expensive proposition and can be a hardship for many families. One only hopes that the young men and women that are receiving the NIL funds have families, or trusted advisors to help allocate the monies wisely and provide for future financial security. Ohio Golf Journal
Golf Equipment Reviews Golf Pride Introduces Reverse Taper Grips Golf Pride has added three reverse taper putter grips to their lineup, a design to aid in keeping the hands less active and quieter during the stroke. If you struggle with distance control and starting your golf ball on the correct line when you putt, you may want to try By Ed Travis provide better consistency and distance control. Golf Pride is introducing three basic grip shapes with the smaller upper section gradually tapering to a larger lower section. The grips have a dimpled polyurethane surface, a soft feel and they are slightly out Golf Pride’s new line of reverse taper putter grips. Reverse taper grips help stabilize the hands, thus preventing the hands from slapping, or turning during a putting stroke. The grips should help with overall contact with the ball and Ohio Golf Journal
Miura IC-602 Irons Miura Golf new IC-602 irons are designed for improved distance coupled with forgiveness, plus that iconic Miura feel and look. By Ed Travis tacky. The distinctive color pattern of the grips aids in consistent placement of the hands. Golf Pride has done extensive testing with various putter grips and they think they finally have it right. “Within the putter grip category, we observed a trend in which manufacturers were actively trying to design products that removed the hands from the putting process, whereas our research indicates that by optimizing the connection between the hands and grip that players can improve their performance,” says James Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “Through hundreds of concept iterations, our innovation team created Reverse Taper, which has tested quite positively with players of all skill levels.” Fast Facts Golf Pride Reverse Taper Grips Three cross sections Lower portion of grip larger Pistol: 64 gram for left-hand low Round: 62 gram circular upper section enlarging to lower Flat: 62 gram oval upper section Polyurethane construction with a dimpled surface These new grips will not be available until April 15, 2024 and will retail for $29.99 each. Miura’s new IC-602 irons are yet another of imaginative designs manufactured with quality materials to precise performance standards.
Miura’s club designer, the legendary Shinei Miura has created an iron for better players that is both forgiving and produces added distance, but retains the traditional Miura look at address. The center of gravity was relocated to give improved launch angles and proper spin for control. The face angle progression and loft were optimized for each iron to improve consistency. Players will also like the Miura Versatile Sole, stepped configuration where the leading part is higher than the trailing portion. This minimizes contact with the turf regardless of the attack angle. “The feedback we received from our customers regarding the creation of our new hollow body iron, was that they had no expectations about Miura being the longest one around, but rather would be loyal to the brand providing we deliver a sound and feel consistent with our forged models,” said Miura. “This epiphany allowed my design process on the IC-602 to become laser focused.” Miura Golf is part of 8AM Golf, a holding company owned by Howard Milstein, which also includes Golf Magazine, GOLF.com, the Nicklaus Companies, True Spec Golf and six other golf-related companies. Entertainer Justin Timberlake is also an investor in the company. Fast Facts Miura IC602 Irons Better player category Hollow body construction 8620 mild carbon steel Face: #3-#9 chrome molybdenum, PW GW S35C steel Toe weight Tungsten weight insert Polymer injected interior Miura Versatile Sole Stock lofts: 5-iron 25°, pitching wedge 45° Stock shafts: KBS Tour R, Project X Steel 5.5, True Temper Dynamic Gold Stock grip: Miura UTX Grey The clubs will not be in pro shops until April 16, 2024 with pricing beginning at $350 per club, or $2,450 for a 7-piece set Ohio Golf Journal
Jekyll Island Transformation Honors Rich History By Len Ziehm with Pictures by Joy Sarver Ohio Golf Journal
Georgia State parks are impressive, but one in particular stands out, Jekyll Island is historic, plus it has a sparkling new look. There are only 600 residents on the entire island, located off the Georgia coastline, not too far from either Savannah, or Jacksonville. In addition to 63 holes of golf, Jekyll Island offers 22 miles of biking and hiking trails, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, the Summer Waves Water Park, The Wharf Restaurant, the enchanting Driftwood Beach, tennis, croquet and fishing, horse riding, a campground, plus a wide variety of lodging and gift shops, for retail therapy. What Jekyll is really all about, though, is history. The state recently invested $25 million renovation project to preserve those historic aspects. “There was a Master Plan put into effect 10-12 years ago,’’ said Kevin Baker, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Jekyll Island Club Resort. “That included a Convention Center and Beach Village, but it feels different here now because the majority of the big construction is done. A lot of things were completed last year and the Master Plan is pretty much
complete. Just little bits and pieces are still being upgraded.’’ The first residents included, J.P. Morgan, William Rockefeller, Vincent Astor, Joseph Pulitzer, William Vanderbilt and Marshall Field, when the Jekyll Club opened in 1888. It was considered “the richest, most exclusive and most inaccessible club in the world.’’ The island could only be accessed by boat, but electricity was available on the island before it became available to the rest of the country. Residents could design and build their own homes, or cottages. The variety of tastes and architectural looks added to the island’s beauty and mystique. There were originally 12 cottages and three of those were addressed in the most recent renovation. The biggest, the Crane Cottage, built in 1917, had 20 guest rooms and 17 baths. In the renovation it is a favorite for wedding parties, family reunions and corporate retreats. The San Souci Cottage, built in 1896 by J.P. Morgan, became the first condominium in the country and the first transcontinental phone call was made from Jekyll in 1915. More importantly, The Federal Reserve System was conceived in a secret meeting, among Jekyll’s rich and powerful, in 1907. The Great Depression signaled the club’s downfall and World War II sped up the process. Afraid that German submarines would invade the local waters, members sold their cottages, bringing an end to Jekyll’s “Club Era.’’ In 1948, Jekyll was declared a Georgia State Park. Old buildings were used by visitors, but the flavor of the good old days was missing until recently, when 200 guest room at the Jekyll Island Club were upgraded. Ohio Golf Journal
“Every single guest room was completely renovated. More color was brought into the rooms. In the past everything was painted white. The exterior of the buildings hasn’t changed, but now the colors in the rooms really pop. We maintained the historic rooms. It was a modern take on history. It’s been more like a coastal eclectic look while honoring the past.’’ The rooms have all been tastefully updated. The Grand Dining Room was completely renovated and serves breakfast, as well as a delicious Sunday buffet. “By no means is it modern, but it’s very historic. That’s why people come here. Luxury and style were elevated to a level that it should be. The guest rooms are now at the level of comfort and style of the luxury hotels, but what makes us special is our history.’’ Tours are conducted daily beginning from the Mosaic Museum. While it is easy to drive around the island, bicycling, or walking is the preferred method of traversing the island. The historic Jekyll Island Hotel, or cottages are not the only accommodations available. Other lodging includes, Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Holiday Inn, plus Days Inn. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is an especially interesting attraction, and it is given extra
promotion with stuffed turtles in every guest room. Beach Village gives the island a major attraction apart from the Historic District. Located near the ocean, it features the Eighty Ocean Kitchen and Bar, plus retail shops and is an ideal spot for a relaxing stroll. One thing that you can’t miss are the magnificent trees. The one that stands out is a Plantation Oak estimated to be about 350 years old. Visitors also are amazed by the eerily twisted and gnarled trees on Driftwood Beach, easily one of the most distinct attractions on Jekyll. One quick note for pet lovers, Jekyll Island is very pet friendly. Most restaurants offer outside seating and dogs are welcome to join in your dining experience. To conclude, Jekyll Island has a unique history, but with the recent renovations it offers visitors a relaxed and modern vacation destination with everything a seasoned traveler could want. To book your next adventure to Jekyll Island visit GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com Ohio Golf Journal
10th Course At Pinehurst Gets A Name Pinehurst Resort’s first original golf course in three decades now has more than just the number “10’’ as its moniker. Reflecting the features and history of the North Carolina sandhills, the Tom Doak-designed course will be named Pinehurst Sandmines. Located on more than 900 acres and just a few minutes from Pinehurst Resort proper, Sandmines will offer Pinehurst guests yet one more extraordinary golfing experience. Future developments for the property include; a second 18-hole golf course, a short course, clubhouse and guest cottages. Sandmines sits on the property once occupied by The Pit, a Dan Maples-designed course. Pinehurst Resort purchased the property more than a decade ago. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw created the first routing on the property, while they were renovating Pinehurst No. 2, but that never came to fruition. Tom Doak created a design running along the property’s northwest ridge that likely will be second only to the famed Pinehurst No. 2. An 11th course will probably use the Coore/ Crenshaw design, whenever it is built. “A year ago, we were excited to announce that Tom Doak would begin carving a new era of Pinehurst golf on this exceptional property,” says Bob Dedman Jr., CEO of Pinehurst Resort. By Steve Pike Ohio Golf Journal
“Today, we take another step forward into our continued evolution with a nod to what came before.” Beginning in the 1920s, the sandy soil in this location proved useful to multiple mining operations, specifically Pleasants Sand and Supply, which was founded after World War II. Over the next half century, sand mined in Aberdeen was shipped along the adjoining railroad for building projects all over the United States, notably including another North Carolina landmark – the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Following Pleasants’ closure in the mid-1970s, rugged dunes, mounds and berms forged from mining excavations were left behind to be reclaimed by nature. Now, decades later, that land and the untouched surrounding areas are being reimagined among the towering pines that restored it, the first fruit of which will be Doak’s newest original, No. 10, which uses about 250 acres of the total property. “There’s a lot of history at this place, and you just want to honor it,” said Angela Moser, Doak’s lead design associate on No. 10. “You want to have it be a part of what you’re building, so you’ll see reminders of it.” That is also reflected in the Pinehurst Sandmines’ logo. A rail car, dashed in railroad red color befitting the area’s industrial innovations, features subtle hints about the property’s past – and its future – within the car’s structure and design. The car carries a “matterhorn” shaped mound that resembles the 25-foot sand deposit framing No. 10’s dramatic 8th hole – a tangible, signature remnant of the commercial mine’s influence that Doak freshly incorporated into No. 10’s routing. “Pinehurst’s past, present and future is right here in the sand,” said Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort President. “We look forward to seeing what more can be mined in this area.”
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Steve Pike 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 Steve Pike is a multiple award-winning journalist and author. He has written for Golfweek, Golf World, The New York Times Magazine Group, Golf Digest and as a golf business writer for PGA.com. You can find more from Steve at Spike’s Peeks: The Art of Travel, as well as, Links Magazine, Hotelinteractive.com, Coastal Star Newspaper, NewEngland.golf and Golf-Hound.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/ Phyllis Barone The Queen of the Green, Phyllis Barone is an experienced golf columnist and reporter. She also creates video interviews for Great Lakes Sports, Michigan Golfer and Golf360TV. Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook. com/phyllis.c.barone Ohio Golf Journal
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