June Is Busy Month For Golf In Ohio The golf season is going full speed in Ohio. The best golfers in the world will be in Columbus for the Memorial Tournament at the beginning of the month. The Ohio Golf Association, Northern Ohio PGA, Northern Ohio Golf Association, Southern Ohio PGA, Miami Valley Golf Association and Cincinnati Golf Association all have a full slate of events throughout the summer months. Ohio State’s Men’s Golf Team made it all the way to the NCAA National Championship semifinals before being eliminated by the No. 1 Ranked Auburn Tigers. This epic match could not have been any closer as it was tied at 2-2 when the final match had to go 21 holes to be decided. Congratulations to the Bucks and their coach Jay Mosely. Kent State Women’s Golf Team won the MAC Championship for the 25th consecutive year. No other MAC Women’s Golf Team has ever won the Women’s MAC Championship. What an accomplishment for Kent State ladies. Toledo is gearing up for the Dana Open. This will be the 40th anniversary for the annual LPGA Tour event held at Highland Meadows Golf Club. It has generated millions of dollars for local children’s charities and just announced a new initiative that will hopefully bring more funds for these worthwhile charities. There are a full slate of outings and tournaments around the state. Maybe I will see you on the Back 9 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
30 FIND INSIDE 06 14 24 34 U.S. Open Returns to Pinehurst No. 2 Will U.S. Open Qualifiers Bring The Magic Has PGA Tour Forgotten Retired Players Ohio Women Qualify for NCAA’s Thomas Grzywinski Inducted Into Caddie Hall of Fame Myrtle Beach Hosts PGA Tour Event Dana Open Celebrates 40 Years of Charitable Giving 06 10 18 14 16 24 20 Ohio Golfers In Senior PGA at Harbor Shores Review: Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond MAX Driver Walt Disney Slept Here 22 28 30 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Crystal Mountain Is A Year-Round Resort 39 38 34 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
There are a multitude of questions heading into the 124th U.S. Open that will be held on famed Pinehurst No. 2 later this month. -Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele captured the first two major titles of 2024, but will they add a U.S. Open Trophy to their collections? -Tiger Woods will give it one more go at famed No. 2. Will his injury ravaged body let him advancements to clubs and balls? These are just a few of the questions that golf fans ponder as the time for the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst nears. Past U.S. Open Champions at Pinehurst Payne Stewart famously won the 1999 U.S. Open at Pinehurst, but was killed just a few months later, when the private jet he was rise to the occasion one more time, or will this just be another fruitless trip to capture major title number 16? -Will LIV players, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm or Cam Smith be in the mix to win a U.S. Open Trophy? -Will famed Pinehurst No. 2 remain a relevant test for today’s golfers and be able to weather the onslaught of technological The U.S. Open Returns to Pinehurst No. 2 Ohio Golf Journal
riding in, crashed killing Stewart and four other people. Golf fans remember his final round duel with a young Phil Mickelson and Stewart hugging Phil on the 72nd green, telling him he would have many more chances to grab a U.S. Open trophy. Sadly, we lost the colorful Stewart just a short time later. Mickelson, now 53 years old, has six major titles, plus six runner-up finishes in the U.S. Open, but it appears his time London by sinking a six-foot birdie putt on the final hole. Campbell found himself four shots behind the leader Retief Goosen after 54 holes, but a final round 69 gave the Kiwi the title. He was the only golfer in the final two groups to break 80 among the four contenders. Campbell became only the second New Zealander ever to win a major championship. Fellow countryman, Bob Charles won the 1963 OPEN Championship. Campbell was also the second winner to ever win the U.S. Open via qualifying in a sectional event. In 2014, Martin Kaymer fired a final round 69 to win the U.S. Open on Pinehurst No. 2 by may have passed to grab a U.S. Open Trophy and complete his career Grand Slam. Michael Campbell, from New Zealand had 20 career worldwide wins, but only one came in the United States, the 2005 U.S. Open held at Pinehurst. The Kiwi was a consistent contender on the PGA Tour and qualified for the 2005 U.S. Open at a sectional event held at Walton Heath Golf Club in
eight shots over Erik Compton and Rickie Fowler. Kaymer fired a 69 in the final round to record the second-lowest score in U.S. Open history. It was his second major title, he also won the 2020 PGA Championship at Whistling Straits. A huge part of the mystique surrounding the U.S. Open is the qualifying process that allows any golfer with a handicap of less than .4 a chance qualify via sectional and regional tournaments. Every young American golfer visualizes sinking a putt to win the U.S. Open. Scottie Scheffler’s brother-in-law, Andrew Paysse, who is married to Scheffler’s older sister, Callie, made it through a sectional qualifier in Texas and will compete in the U.S. Open Qualifier held in Springfield, Ohio. LPGA legend, Peggy Kirk Bell’s grandson, Michael McGowan carded a 3-under 68 in a U.S. Open local qualifier at Hillendale Country Club in Phoenix, Maryland last month. The former University of North Carolina golfer and Ohio Golf Journal
now 33-year-old professional has chosen to play his 36-hole final qualifier in Dallas, Texas. Francis Ouimet made golf history, when he defeated of Francis, made it through a local qualifier in Darien, Connecticut and will attempt to make it to the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst via a qualifier at Canoe Brook Country Club on June 3. What better setting than Pinehurst No. 2 once again hosting our national championship. Donald Ross lived on the course and spent his life tweaking and perfecting his masterpiece. No. 2 has been the site of phenomenal golf. The USGA always sets up the U.S. Open course to demand the very best from competitors and it will once again provide a stern test for today’s golfers. Harry Vardon and Ted Ray, the two most prominent British golfers of the era, in the 1913 U.S. Open at Brookline Golf Club. Another Ouimet, Arthur, a distant descendant
Will Magic Happen at the U.S. Open By Len Ziehm Golf’s third major championship of 2024, the U.S. Open, tees off this month at America’s Home of Golf, Pinehurst. Donald Ross’ lifetime pet project, No. 2 will host the U.S. Open for the fourth time. The USGA entered into a long-term agreement with Pinehurst to host several national championships over the next 20 years. Donald Ross was one of the most prodigious golf course designers of his day and his courses have stood the test of time. Famed No. 2 is recognized as one of the best courses in the country, as well as the world. June 13-16, 156 of the world’s best golfers will compete for the trophy. Over 10,000 entries, both amateur and professional, were received for the tournament. Making it through local and regional qualifying is Ohio Golf Journal
nearly impossible, but many are willing to try for a shot at golfing immortality. Young kids envision making a five-foot putt to win the U.S. Open while they are learning the game at their local track. The U.S. Open and the Open Championship are the two most democratic golf tournaments in the world. Anyone with a .4 handicap, or less, can enter a qualifier. Who knows where the next U.S, Open Champion will come from? That is the beauty of the event. Along with the commitment to bring the U.S. Open to Pinehurst on multiple occasions, it is also the new home of the United States Golf Association (USGA). Pinehurst has hosted the championship on three previous occasions and it will return to Pinehurst again in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047. Staging a U.S. Open is a massive project for the USGA. This year’s tourney requires 109 local qualifying sessions spread over 44 states and Canada. The survivors and players exempt from locals will go through the 36-hole final eliminations that begin May 20 in England, Japan and one U.S. site. Nine other U.S. sites will host the final stage of qualifying on June 3, “the longest day in golf,” and another will be held in Canada that day. Only two golfers have ever made it through qualifying and win the U.S. Open. Ken Venturi survived extremely hot conditions to win the 1964 U.S. Open at Congressional Country Club and Orville Moody won the 1969 U.S. Open at Champions Club in Houston. Magic does happen golf, who knows maybe a local qualifier will defy the odds and hoist the U.S. Open trophy on Father’s Day.
The Ohio State University Men’s Golf Team ended their season at the NCAA Men’s National Championship with a loss in the semifinal match to the No. 1 ranked Auburn Tigers. Ohio State qualified for the match play segment by finishing seventh after four rounds of stroke play, BIG Ten Runner-up, Illinois won the stroke play portion, but lost in the quarterfinals to Georgia Tech. OSU defeated Vanderbilt in the quarterfinals before meeting Auburn, the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, in the semifinals. Their semifinal match could not have been any closer. OSU won two matches on the 18th hole 1 up. Auburn won two matches 1 up and 2 & 1. The fifth and deciding match, between OSU’s Adam Wallin and Auburn’s Jackson Koivun, was not decided until the 21st hole. The Buckeyes got wins from Max Moldovan and Tyler Sabo. Jackson Chandler and Neal Shipley both lost close matches to their Auburn counterparts. After defeating the Buckeyes, Auburn went on to defeat Florida State in the final match to win the 2024 NCAA Men’s Division I title. To qualify for the NCAA Men’s Division 1 National Championship, at Omni La Costa Resort, in Southern California, the Bucks finished fourth at the Baton Rouge Regional, where Auburn finished first, 21 shots better than Ohio State. Adam Wallin had led the team in the stroke play portion of the National Championship and was the 54-hole leader, but had to settle for a tie for eighth, oneunder par for the week, just two shots behind the winner. Congratulations to Head Coach, Jay Mosely, his staff and the Buckeye golfers for a job well done. Buckeyes Make It To NCAA Semis Ohio Golf Journal
Ohio Women Wrap Up NCAA Spring Season KSU women Do IT AGAIN!! Kent State is still the only women’s golf team to win the Mid-America Conference (MAC) Women’s Golf Championship. In the 25-year history of the MAC Women’s Golf Championship, KSU has won every title. Two of the Golden Flashes, sophomore Leon Takagi and senior Hester Sicking both finished tied atop the MAC leaderboard and shared the individual title. Veronika Kedronova finished just two strokes behind the leaders and placed third overall. KSU Women Qualify for NCAA Division I Women’s Regional By virtue of winning the MAC Championship they drew an automatic bid into the NCAA Division I Women’s Regionals. Competing in Las Vegas, at the Spanish Trail Country Club, the Golden Flashes finished in eighth as a team and did not qualify for the Women’s National in search of their second NCAA Division II National Championship last month when they won the East Regional Qualifier for the NCAA Championship at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana. The Lady Oilers placed three women in the top five. Mary Mulcahy finished runner-up, while Gabby Woods and Erin Mulcahy were tied for third place. Championship. Veronika Kedronova finished sixth in the individual competition and moved on to the Women’s National Championship held at La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, California. Kedronova fired three rounds of 75-80-81to wrap up her most excellent Freshman season. Four Ohio Division II Schools Qualify for Regional Tournament Lady Oilers Make It To NCAA Div II Finals Again! The University of Findlay Women’s Golf Team was Ohio Golf Journal
At the NCAA Women’s Division II National Championship held at Orange County National Golf Resort, in Winter Garden, Florida, they finished fifth. The Lady Oilers slipped by Lynn University in the quarterfinal match, but lost to St Mary’s (Texas) in the semifinals. UF’s Gabby Woods Wins Division II National Individual Title With a nine-under par total for the three rounds, University of play portion and did not qualify for match play. Ohio Dominican Women End Season at NCAA Division II Regionals The Ohio Dominican University Women’s Golf Team ended their 2024 season with a 12th place finish at the Women’s NCAA Division II Regional held at Prairie View Golf Club, in Carmel, Indiana. We’ll do the hard work if you don’t want to. Custom or DIY Golf Simulator Sales & Installation. www.aceindoorgolf.com l 855-926-3283 Findlay Senior, Gabby Woods, from Sabina, Ohio, won the Division II National Individual Title. Woods improved on her runner-up finish from last year and is the winningest player in UF’s history. Ashland Women Make It to NCAA Division II Finals With a fourth-place finish at the Carmel, Indiana Regional, the University of Ashland Women’s Golf Team also qualified for the Division II NCAA Championship. They finished 17th in the stroke
Long Time Toledo Caddy Master Inducted Into Caddy Hall of Fame Thomas Grzywinski taught in the Toledo public school system for 35 years with 30 of those spent at Woodward High School, his high school alma mater. He also served as a baseball and football coach for 25 years, plus he officiated high school and college basketball in the Mid-American, Big East, Horizon, Mid- Continent and Great Lakes Valley conferences. During the summer months, Tom mentored and developed caddies for Toledo-area golf clubs. Grzywinski was a caddie master for a total of 37 years, 33 of those at Sylvania Country Club where he continues to mold young men and women to be successful caddies, as well as better people. His caddie mentorship has resulted in 112 caddies being awarded the Evans Scholarship, representing a monumental $11 million in fullride tuition and housing to a university. To recognize his many years of service creating caddies, he was inducted into the National Caddie Hall of Fame. Grzywinski was also inducted into the Ohio Golf Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Plumbrook Country Club in 2020. The Caddie Hall of Fame recognizes the vital role of caddies in golf and honors those who have used their platform to help improve lives. His induction places him among legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Gene Sarazen, Charles “Chick” Evans, Steve Williams, Jim “Bones” Mackay, Peter Ueberroth, and Joe LaCava. Tom Grzywinski has helped two generations of young people grow and learn life lessons through caddying. His induction into the Caddy Hall of Fame is a well-deserved honor. Ohio Golf Journal
Has the PGA Tour Forgotten Former Winners? Opinion The PGA Tour recently received a large investment of $1.5 billion from several large sports team owners and is in the process of dividing much of it among current players to buy their loyalty to the PGA Tour. The tour seeking outside financing was prompted by the LIV Tour raiding top name players and signing them to guaranteed contracts. The Fenway Group, owners of the Boston Red Sox, as well as the Liverpool Football Club, along with the owners of the Celtics, Mets and Brewers, plus Arthur Blanc, owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, have invested $1.5 billion into the tour to bolster tournament purses. This huge windfall is to be distributed among 192 PGA Tour members, in an effort to keep them on the American tour. Negotiations are continuing with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, the owners of the LIV, that could bring in as much as an additional $2 billion of new investment. Does Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy really need another $50 million windfall when they have already earned millions over their careers? It seems the tour has completely forgotten about the players that helped build the tour in the past and do not have any plan to share the wealth with retired players. The PGA Tour has always been owned by the players, but it appears that the Commissioner and his administrative officers were making all the decisions. With recent changes to the Player’s Policy Board, the players gained control and have taken a more active role in the decision-making. The current plan is to split this new investment capital among current players. Back 9 Report talked with retired PGA Tour winner, Dan Pohl about being left out of the discussions and his thoughts on the current financial arrangements of the tour. View the complete interview HERE. Insert video Thumbnail Here It appears that current day players are once again being greedy and selfish, omitting former tour members from these current negotiations and revenue disbursement. By Fred Altvater Ohio Golf Journal
Dana Open Announces “Champions for Children” to Support Local Children’s Charities The Dana Open, one of the longest running events on the LPGA Tour schedule, announced that it will expand on the tournament’s four-decade commitment to raising local support and national awareness for the charities committed to improving the lives of children. “Champions for Children” emphasizes a holistic focus on children’s health and the factors that can impact a child’s overall well-being. Throughout the tournament week, the Dana Open will be highlighting “Patient Champions,” whose stories of success will inspire and encourage the community. Since 1984, the Dana Open has raised nearly $14 million for 215 northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan children’s charities. “Since inception, the tournament’s mission has always Foundation, Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity: Women Build, Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo, ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House Charities. The 2024 Dana Open will be held the week of July 15-21, at Highland Meadows Golf Club. The tournament attracts all ages to watch the greatest women golfers in the world compete, including Linn Grant, the 2023 Dana Open champion who is scheduled to defend her title. For more information visit their website, https://danaopen. com/, or to volunteer please call the tournament office at (419) 531-3277. been to focus on supporting children’s charities,” said Judd Silverman, tournament director. “A child’s health is impacted by many factors— including where they live, learn and play—not just the care they receive at a health care facility. There has never been a more important time to focus on the health and well-being of children in our community.” According to local children’s organizations: • 1 out of every 4 children in Lucas County is food insecure • Housing and shelter remain the most requested category for the United Way of Greater Toledo • The child poverty rate in Toledo is 36 percent • In 2023, 32 percent of Lucas County parents reported their child had more than one health condition The beneficiaries for this year’s tournament include, the Jamie Farr Scholarship Fund of the Toledo Community Ohio Golf Journal
By Fred Altvater In May, the 84th Senior PGA Championship was held at Harbor Shores Golf Club in Benton Harbor, Michigan for the sixth time in the last 12 years. It was also the last time it will be held there. Roger Chapman won the title the first time the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship visited Harbor Shores with an impressive win over John Cook. Colin Montgomerie won his first of two consecutive Senior PGA titles at Harbor Shores in 2014, when he beat Tom Watson by four strokes. Monty, who never won a regular tour major championship, also won the Senior PGA the following year on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick. Senior PGA Visited Harbor Shores For 6th & Last Time Ohio Golf Journal
Rocco Mediate won the 2016 championship, besting the defending champion, Montgomerie by three strokes. In 2018, Paul Broadhurst beat Tim Petrovic to hoist the trophy. Harbor Shores hosted the 2022 Senior PGA won by Steven Alker, who fired a closing round 63 to capture the title by three strokes over Stephen Ames. Harbor Shores Golf Club has a unique history and helped alter the fortunes of the economically distressed Benton Harbor area, providing much needed jobs. In addition to the additional employment opportunities, the tournament has brought golf groups to the community that want to experience this Jack Nicklaus design, stay in the overnight lodging and enjoy dining in this southwestern Michigan destination. Padraig Harrington said about the course, “This golf course is quite a tricky course for me because there of the risk-reward. Players need to hit it pretty straight. A lot of 3-woods off the tee and not a lot of drivers. So, yeah, you don’t want to lose focus too often out here. There is trouble out there. If you are hitting good shots there are plenty their shot at competing with the big boys. The PGA of America Golf Professionals here are looking to find magic much like Bob Sowards, Director of Instruction at Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio, who tied for fifth three years ago and earned a six-figure check at Southern Hills in Tulsa. Sowards was once again in the field this year at Harbor Shores and finished tied for 67th. Toledo’s Mike Stone was the first alternate and made it into the field when John Daly withdrew due to an injury. Stone made the most of his opportunity, made the cut and finished tied for 75th. Harbor Shores has been an every-other-year host since 2012. KitchenAid and the PGA of America have enjoyed an impactful 13-year run, making a huge mark in this Michigan community. of opportunities, especially with the way the greens are designed. There is a lot of collection areas, so if you’re hitting good shots the ball moves towards the flag and if you’re hitting bad shots, you’re leaving yourself in trouble.” Bernhard Langer shared these thoughts about Harbor Shores, “I thought this was a great golf course from the very get go. I think from tee-to-green it’s one of the best there is. Just some of the greens are a little bit severe, that’s all. But it’s always been in great condition and very well received.” Last month’s KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship marks the last dance for the event at Harbor Shores under the umbrella of the PGA of America in Benton Harbor. Included in the field for the Senior PGA were 40 PGA Golf Professionals, club pros, taking
Myrtle Beach, The Golf Capitol Of The World, Hosts PGA Tour Event By Len Ziehm, with pictures by Joy Sarver With nearly 100 courses near the pristine beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, plus a variety of lodging and dining options, Myrtle Beach has been a popular destination for golfers, for over 50 years. For some reason, however it was never quite good enough to garner the field event versus the Wells Fargo Championship, but that didn’t damper the excitement of area golfers. “This high-profile sporting event not only enhances our area’s reputation as The Golf Capital of the World, but also PGA Tour’s attention, until this year. Golf’s premier circuit brought its first-ever tournament to the stunning Dunes Golf & Beach Club last month and the event received a warm welcome from area golf fans. It was an opposite Ohio Golf Journal
reinforces the strong community spirit that defines the Grand Strand,’’ said Karen Riordan, president and chief executive officer of Visit Myrtle Beach. She called the inaugural playing of the event “a standout success.’’ Tournament director Darren Nelson praised the support of the 1,300 volunteers that assured the Myrtle Beach Classic was successful. “With the continued dedication and support from the Myrtle Beach community the event is poised to continue to grow and evolve, further spotlighting the Grand Strand as a premier destination for golf and recreation.” The tourney reported that over 40,000 spectators attended the pro-am. The 15,281 ticketholders for Saturday’s third round was 5,000 more than expected, plus the tournament was broadcast by the Golf Channel. Chris Gotterup, a 24-year-old former Oklahoma Sooner, won by six strokes on a course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, in 1948. During the week, Thorbjorn Oleson added a little excitement by firing a 10-under par 61, a new course record. Vanna White, Wheel of Fortune host and a North Myrtle Beach resident, played in the pro-am and said what many were thinking about the only new tournament on the PGA Tour in 2024.
“We relate Myrtle Beach to golf, and it’s been that way for a long time. It’s time the PGA Tour came here.’’ The question now becomes, Will the PGA Tour and Myrtle Beach both benefit from the new relationship? Myrtle Beach also hosts the largest amateur tournament in the world. The 41st World Amateur Handicap Championship has been a huge annual attraction and over 3,000 amateur golfers will compete in the event, August 26-30. The Myrtle Beach golf community are continually upgrading area courses. Grande Dunes recently underwent a lengthy renovation and it will once again be the host course for the Flight Winner’s Playoff, the climax to the World Amateur. We not only visited Grand Dunes on our most recent trip to Myrtle Beach, but we also played Myrtlewood, a 36-hole facility that offers the Pinehills and Palmetto courses. We played Pinehills, a layout in the final stages of a bunker renovation, but rains limited our play to just ten holes. It was a fun day and we look forward to a return visit in the near future. Finally, we hit the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, arguably Myrtle Beach’s most popular course and our favorite course in the area. Along with Caledonia’s neighbor, True Blue, they make for a challenging double-round day. We can also attest to the quality of several other area courses. Pine Lakes, River Club, Pawleys Plantation, TPC Myrtle Beach, Founders Club, Barefoot Resort’s, Fazio, Dye and Love courses, King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, Oyster Bay and Thistle are all wonderful tracks and make picking the courses you want to play in Myrtle Beach a difficult task. Bottom Line: The key to Myrtle Beach’s success isn’t due to the PGA Tour holding an event there. It’s because the quality and quantity of Myrtle Beach golf courses allow golfers to play a variety of excellent courses, enjoy a multitude of dining options, plus spend off-course time on their beautiful beaches. That’s why Myrtle Beach has maintained its prominent position as “The Golf Capitol of the World” for over 50 years. Ohio Golf Journal
Callaway has expanded the Paradym Ai Smoke family with the Triple Diamond MAX Driver, a 460cc clubhead model, which the company claims has better workability. The low-spin Triple Diamond driver has been a favorite of touring professionals for the past several years and was used by Xander Schauffele for his win last week at the PGA Championship. The new Triple Diamond MAX, however, is turning heads on practice tees and has found its way into some Callaway staff players’ bags already. An addition to the Ai Smoke family (MAX, MAX D, MAX Fast and Triple Diamond) the new MAX compared to the regular Triple Diamond has a clubhead of 460cc versus 450cc. The MAX also provides less dispersion and is more forgiving. The club’s workability that better players prefer has been increased by adding slightly more spin to the Ai-designed face which has less face progression than the regular Triple Diamond. To help with precisely adjusting the center of gravity location to that desired by the user there are two sole weights, a 10-gram rear and 4-gram front, which may be switched to increase ball speed and lower spin. The Ai Smart Face that was designed with data from thousands of real players allows for micro deflections at impact to give the best launch possible when the ball strike is not in the exact center. Callaway claims, “the result is sweet spots not just in the center, but all over the face.” The clubhead’s body has also been tweaked to refine the weight distribution and the internal titanium supports have been reduced in weight by 15% to improve weight redistribution. Fast Facts: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond MAX Driver 460cc clubhead model, which the Callaway claims has better workability. Better player category Ai-designed Smart face Two sole weights, 10g rear & 4g front Lofts: 9°, 10.5° Stock shaft: Denali Project X Blue Available in Retail Stores: 6/7/2024 Pricing: $599.99 Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond MAX Driver By Ed Travis Ohio Golf Journal
By Steve Pike, Spike On Golf and Travel Walt Disney Slept Here As a youngster growing up in suburban Chicago in the early 1900’s, Walt Disney spent winters in the warm rolling hills of Central Florida. Walt ventured to fellow Chicagoan William John Howey’s Florida Hotel in the town he founded named, Howey-in-the-Hills. Disney remembered the wonderful times he spent in Florida and the region’s vast openness certainly affected his decision when he was searching for the perfect location for his second theme park – Disney World. Ohio Golf Journal
That Florida Hotel now is Mission Resort + Club, which features a tile mosaic of a smiling “Uncle Walt’’ on its second floor balcony. Mission Inn + Club has survived the “Disneyfication’’ of Central Florida and continues to be a popular Central Florida destination. Mission Resort + Club, acquired in 2023 by MMI Hotel Group from the Beucher family that had owned it since 1964, shows off the best of Lake County. Recently inducted into the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the resort, best known for its Spanish architecture, features a marina on Lake Harr, a spa, hiking trails, tennis, boat rentals, four restaurants and 176 hotel guest rooms, 131 deluxe rooms, 38 club suites, four onebedroom suites, two two-bedroom suites and one penthouse suite with three bedrooms. The resort’s Saturday Night Prime Rib and Seafood Fest at Nicker’s is popular with guests and locals alike. Mission Resort + Club also has 30,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. Thanks in large part to its aforementioned Spanish architecture, the resort is a popular destination for weddings, family reunions and other get togethers. Mission Resort’s most popular calling card is its two golf courses, particularly El Campeon. Built by George O’ Neal in 1917, El Campeon is one of the older courses in the South. Its classic design features unusually sharp elevation changes not normally seen in the predominantly flat Florida terrain. It has hosted multiple high school, college and professional tournaments. In contrast, the Las Colinas course was created in 1992 by former PGA Tour winner and Florida native Gary Koch. Las Colinas is more player friendly, but it’s still a good challenge for most resort players. Both courses at Mission Resort + Club features undulating greens surrounded by tropical vegetation and incorporates large water hazards on several holes. If you survive El Campeon’s signature 17th hole that has a long double dogleg, consider it a good round.
Colinas designed through the residences and the tree lines which gives you a very different look and character. Mission is also unique because when you drive here, you don’t feel the hustle and bustle. Once you arrive in Howey-in-the-Hills and our resort, it is very quiet and secluded like a ‘kept secret’ in a way. It’s a very special place.” Mulry said he has been repeatedly told by golfing guests that the beauty far outweighs the difficulty of the two courses. Mulry expects more golfers to comment on the difficulty of the two courses, but they don’t. For Bryan Mulry, who was appointed PGA Director of Golf in March 2023, the uniqueness and beauty of the facility makes Mission Resort + Club a “mustplay” golfing destination. “There are not too many places where you can play two different courses at the same facility in one day and they are unique because they are two very different layouts. So, on the same property, you have one course that is played on undulating landscape with water on a lot of strategic holes and then you have Las Ohio Golf Journal
“What they say is that it is beautiful. The rolling landscape isn’t typically seen in Central Florida. They see the challenge, yet many love the scenery here. If you go to La Hacienda restaurant and sit on the back patio as the sun sets, I will put that up against a lot of other views, even an ocean view, because you are looking over the lake, the golf course, the 18th, the first hole and the clubhouse. It’s very picturesque. And if you go out to hole No. 7 late in the evening and watch the sunset from there, it’s incredible.” Mulry feels a level of excitement every day that he works at Mission Resort + Club. “You’ve got 36 holes of golf here that you don’t have anywhere else. It’s in the middle of an area that has terrain that’s unnoticeable until you actually go see it. Playing here is an experience that everyone is going to have a different feel for.’’ To find out more about Mission Resort + Club, or to make a reservation visit: https://www. missionresortandclub.com/
By David Theoret, The Golfinguy Crystal Mountain: One of Michigan’s Best Year-Round Resorts Depending on your favorite season, Crystal Mountain Resort is either a ski resort with 59 well-groomed downhill runs, or a golf resort with 36 holes of championship golf. Regardless of the season, it’s one of Northern Michigan’s best resorts. Crystal Mountain began as a school project when a geography teacher at nearby Benzonia High School tasked his students to find the best place in the county to start a ski area. The students determined the Buck Hills Range offered the best combination of terrain and snowfall. The Buck Hills Ski Area became a reality in 1956 with a rope tow powered by an old pickup truck engine and a warming hut built with donated lumber. In 1960, Buck Hills became Crystal Mountain Resort when it was purchased by 96 shareholders, many of whom had homes nearby. The new owners made substantial upgrades including a new lodge with dining and lodging for overnight guests. By 1966, the number of owners had dwindled to a small handful, who realized that the best way for the resort to be profitable was to make it a year-round destination. Fast forward to 1981 Ohio Golf Journal
and sole ownership of Crystal Mountain fell to the George Petritz family and the Petritz family has owned and operated the resort since that time. Golf entered the equation at Crystal Mountain in 1977 with the opening of the Betsie Valley golf course. A second course, Mountain Ridge followed in 1995. Both courses have received the prestigious 4-star rating from Golf Digest Magazine and are members of America’s Summer Golf Capital, a collection of resort properties that feature 26 golf courses across northern Michigan. The Thistle restaurant and bar, plus an outdoor patio oftentimes features live music. recognized as one of the best golf schools by Golf Digest. Since opening in 1977, the Betsie Valley course has received many upgrades, most recently in 2021. Renovations included widening the fairways, building new tee boxes, a forestry management project to The Crystal Mountain’s 10-acre learning center and practice facility features a targeted grass range, along with a short game area, featuring chipping and putting greens, complete with sand bunkers for practicing. The Learning Center is also home to Crystal Mountain Golf School, which has been
clear out brush, redesigned cart paths, and more. Even with all of these changes, the course still retains its original character and is now more playable than ever before. Betsie Valley is spread across the rolling terrain which is blanketed in mature forests of pine and hardwoods. Water comes into play on several holes, and although there are only a few bunkers on the entire course, the majority of golfers tend to find at least one during their rounds. The tight, tree-lined fairways are often accented with wildflowers and lead to small, severely sloped greens making Betsie Valley more of a shotmaker’s course. The Mountain Ridge course was carved from the mountainside, ranging from 6,973 to 5,018 yards to accommodate golfers of all abilities. With a course this beautiful there are many memorable holes but what I remember most are the par 3s; they were scenic, challenging, and fun to play. The second hole plays 143 yards, slightly downhill into an hourglass-shaped green with bunkers on either side as well as water on the left. The green is deeper than it is wide, so distance control is important. When it comes to lodging, Crystal Mountain offers a wide variety of accommodations. offering both a challenge and some terrific views. The golf course covers a range of elevation changes from subtle to spectacular. In total, navigating the course requires golfers to ascend over 200 feet during their round. Mountain Ridge is situated among huge Northern Michigan pine trees that frame many of the fairways and greens. Water is a predominant factor on the first four holes. Bunkers and sandy waste areas are more prevalent on Mountain Ridge than on Betsie Valley and usually factor into play. This course emphasizes brains over brawn, and having a sound strategy for each hole is important. Both Betsie Valley, Mountain Ridge offer four sets of tees and combo yardage with distances Ohio Golf Journal
Visitors can choose from hotelstyle rooms that sleep two or four guests to mountainside homes that sleep up to 14. There are also bungalows and cottages that are equipped with everything you will need during your stay. Crystal Mountain offers several dining alternatives from pizza and subs at Betsie River Pizza to casual fine dining at property where skiers can enjoy a cocktail and shareables outside under the twinkling lights of the Michigan sky. A golf vacation to Northern Michigan just isn’t complete without a visit to Crystal Mountain. Visit their website at www.crystalmountain.com to see everything they have to offer year-round and plan your next visit. The Thistle. As its name implies, this Scottish-themed venue has something for everyone. It’s best described as come-as-youare fine dining. The menu is eclectic with everything from burgers and fries to Cornish hen and rack of lamb. Breakfast is served daily at the Wild Tomato and they also serve lunch and dinner. During the winter, Wild Tomato adds several “igloos” to their
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/ David Theoret David grew up playing hockey in Canada and after taking one too many pucks to the head, he decided Golf was a better alternative. He now resides in Lakeland, Florida and much of his time is spent on a golf course or practice range. You can find him at www.thegolfinguy. com or email him at: thegolfinguy@gmail.com Ohio Golf Journal
VIDEOS BOYNE’s Director of Marketing and Sales, Ken Griffin talks about the International Association of Golf Tour Operators that will hold their annual convention at the resort this year. Even though Team Scotland won the actual competition, there were no losers at the Team USA vs Team Scotland Amateur Golf Championship held in Scotland. Back 9 Report chatted with Dan Pohl, former PGA Tour winner and asked about the $1.2 billion windfall for current tour players, while former tour players, that built the tour, have been completely forgotten. Boyne To Host The International Association of Golf Tour Operators Team USA Lost to Team Scotland, But a Good Time Was Had By All Has The PGA Tour Forgotten The Retired Players Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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