As the calendar turns to June, golf season swings into high gear in Ohio. Another Memorial Tournament is history and the U.S. Open will be contested at Shinnecock Hills on Long Island. Will the USGA try to kill all the grass at the historic course? Will they let the rough grow so thick that small children could be lost forever? Will the greens resemble the texture of a parking lot?
The USGA in their infinite wisdom has very strong ideas on what constitutes a golf course that tests all facets of a player’s game and sometimes their imaginations run amok. Reference Chambers Bay in 2015 and greens exceeding 15 on the Stimpmeter at Oakmont in 2016.
Whatever the course conditions, someone will win the second major championship of 2018 and we will be watching every minute of the action.
In Ohio, outings and tournament play highlight the month. The total amount generated by charitable golf outings in this country is $3.9 billion. Do your part, sign up for a golf outing near you and keep the generosity from golfers going.
In this issue we pay tribute to one of golf’s grand ladies, Carol Mann, who passed last month. She was a leader, helped make women’s professional golf a sound business and was a champion for Title IX, which drastically changed the face of women’s sports forever.
The Marathon Classic will be holding its 33rd renewal of the annual LPGA Tour event in July and Marathon has been a welcomed partner for the event.
There are rumors of a new World Golf Tour that would offer $20 million purses. We explore that possibility and what it would mean for the PGA and European Tours.
The Boyne Resorts in Northern Michigan are ready for golfers and French Lick will host two professional tournaments this summer.
We are looking forward to a great summer of golf in Ohio and hope we see you on the Back 9.
