Michigan Golfer, Spring 2015

Page 1


Online: Video

http://michigangolfer.com MICHIGAN GOLFER Publisher/Editor Art McCafferty artmccaf@glsp.com Editor Emeritus Terry Moore Associate Publisher/Producer Jennie McCafferty Writers Peter Allen Martin Ames Susan Bairley Troy Barnhart Phyllis Barone Jack Berry Mike Duff Keith Gornick Greg Johnson Doug Joy Brad King Tom Lang Chris Lewis Scott Moore Bill Shelton Scott Sullivan MikeTerrell

Photo/Video Kevin Frisch Dave Richards Carter Sherline Clarence Sormin Scott Sullivan Brian Walters

Director of Accounting Cheryl Clark

Michigan Golfer is produced by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc.

GLSP Advertising & Business Office 4007 Carpenter Road, #366 Ypsilanti, MI 48197 734.507.0241 734.434.4765 FAX info@glsp.com glsp.com

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Michigan Golfer is published online four times a year by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc., 4007 Carpenter Rd, #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. All contents of this publication are copyrighted, all rights reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. All unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope, bearing sufficient postage; publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials. The views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect endorsement of views and/or philosophy of Michigan Golfer. Back Issues: May be ordered by sending $5.00 with your name, address and issue requested to Michigan Golfer, 4007 Carpenter Road, #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

2

• • • • • • • • • •

http://michigangolfer.tv http://michigantravel.tv http://youtube.com (search “glsp”)

Danny and Alice Scott, America's Golfing Couple Visit Traverse City The Majestic at Lake Walden - A Jerry Matthews Design, with Jack Berry Turning Stone Resort - Shenendoah GC - A Rick Smith Design Notah Begay III Foundation Challenge, Turning Stone Resort Notah Begay III: Family, Faith & Fun, Verona, NY Eagle Crest Golf Course, Fall 2014 Birmingham Golf - Lincoln Hills Golf Course - A Matthews Design Birmingham Golf - Springdale Golf Course - A Matthews Design The Glen Echo CC - Olympic Golf's First Venue in 1904 - With Rob Stewart 2014 MGCOA Course of the Year - The Legend at Shanty Creek The Golf Course Designs of Jerry Matthews - with Jack Berry Tullymore Golf Club at The Resorts of Tullymore Birmingham Golf with Jerry Matthews and Jack Berry Youth Golf with Lily Zylstra - West Michigan Golf Show West Michigan Golf Show Memories 2015 Building the Treetops Par 3 Hole at the West Michigan Golf Show Brian Manzella - Top 50 Golf Instructor - West Michigan Golf Show Michigan PGA's Justin Phillips Outlines the Section Youth Programs Michigan PGA Tournament Season With Justin Phillips and Jack Berry FireKeepers & Battle Creek CC Host Symetra Tour Kathy Gildersleeve-Jensen - What Most Students Have Trouble With With Jack Berry Gull Lake View Golf Adds a 6th Course - With Wes Wandell Forest Dunes GM Todd Campbell Discusses Upcoming Season and New Doak Course Mackinaw Island Golf - Featuring Chuck Olson of Wawashkamo and Jason Horricks of the Jewel Eagle Crest Golf Course - An Introduction by Wes Blevins GAM's David Graham Chats About 2015 With Jack Berry Tullymore Classic Symetra Tournament Preview Tom Doak's Black Forest with Dave Smith and Jack Berry Treetops Folds of Honor with Kevin McKinley of Treetops and the Michigan PGA Michigan Golf - with Jeff Lesson & Jack Berry Anne Gajda Top 50 Kids Teacher - With Jack Berry Jim McGuigan and Judy Mason - the 1-2 Instruction Punch at Treetops Scott Moore & Jacquelyn Brito Talk About Birmingham Golf Arcadia Bluffs - A Michigan Golf Course Icon with Bill Shriver & Jack Berry Grand Traverse Resort & Spa - New Things Are Happening French Lick Resort to Host Senior PGA Championship - Presented by KitchenAid LochenHeath Golf Club with Kevin O'Brien and Jack Berry Shanty Creek Reinvents its Golf Game - With Brian Kautz & Jack Berry Forest Dunes- The New Red and Blue Doak Course

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


In This Issue VOLUME 33

4

SPRING

2015

NUMBER

1

A Century of Golf Design in Blossomland By John W. Dresh, Sr.

14

The Berry Patch: Spring at Last By Jack Berry

18

Mississippi – A Perfect Place for Spring Training – and Gaming By Susan Bairley

21

ISPS Handa Cup & the LPGA Legends

23

Jack Binion’s Steak

24

2015 PGA Championship, Whistling Straits

By Susan Bairley

By Susan Bairley

By Peter Allen and Troy Barnhart

29

Williamsburg Golf By Tom Lang

34

Glenn Johnson – Color and Pizzazz By Jack Berry

36

Inner Beauty By Martin Ames and Brad King

40

Michigan Golf Show Celebrates its 25th Anniversary By Chris Lewis

45

Slice of Life:  Q & A with Jack Berry By Terry Moore

About the cover: Robert Trent Jones is the architect of the course at Point O’ Woods Golf and Country Club, Benton Harbor, Michigan. Photo of Hole Number 6 is by Niles Young, Jr.

Michigan Golfer News Weekly email newsletter To join: email artmccaf@glsp.com

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

3


A Century of Golf Design in Blossomland – Golf Course Architecture in Berrien County, Michigan 1912 - 2010

Photo by Clarence Sormin

By John W. Dresh, Sr.

Ryan Moore in the Western Amateur, Point O’Woods


B

errien County in Michigan’s fertile southwest is home to 17 golf courses– 11 public and 6 private. Some sport 18 holes, some, 9 holes and one consists of 27 holes for our golfing pleasure. The variety is significant enough to challenge both the novice and PGA touring professional as well as those in between.

These little plots of land which can be the source of joy as well as occasional profanity are the results of the unique talents of local individuals as well some of the greatest golf architects ever to design these playgrounds. It is of note that some persons interested in the game had the foresight to obtain the services of the best “builders of the greens” available. This should not overshadow the efforts of those going it on their own. These folks are to be commended for tackling the huge

task of building and then maintaining a usable golf course. The efforts of these golf architects represent a combined body of work well in excess of 1000 designed or redesigned courses, a portion of which are represented by the fairways and greens of Berrien County. It is appropriate to expand a little upon the design work of a few of these practitioners who were requested to ply their trade locally. In terms of volume no one can match the ubiquitous Tom Bendelow who in the early 20th century spread golf across the nation. He designed over 600 courses, earning him the handle “the Johnny Appleseed of Golf.”

Photo courtesy of Lost Dunes

Glacial movement, eons ago, left a composite of earth and sand that support many different things that grow– witness the wealth of agricultural produce generated in this region for around two centuries. Over the course of 98 years 270 plots with varieties of grasses spread over approximately 1,890 acres of

land. This land, designed to entertain pursuants of the game of golf, has been shaped and molded into the golf holes that dot the landscape of Berrien County.

Hole No. 15, Tom Doak’s Lost Dunes in Bridgeman MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

5


While many were of a rudimentary nature he also conjured up quite a few which, with some tweaking, have stood the test of time eg, Medinah #3 ,#2, #1 and Olympia Fields South. A native of Scotland he was hired by Spalding and influenced American golf as much as anyone in the games’ history. He was involved in three courses in Berrien County two of which remain– Grand Beach and Plym Park. Photo courtesy of Stuart Bendelow

Robert Trent Jones Sr. is recognized as one of the most significant forces in golf architecture with more than 500 courses to his credit over a 70 year career. Most, including the acclaimed Point O’ Woods, have survived which is testament to his skills.

Tom Bendelow

Tom Doak is still working on his first 100, but among his minimalistic efforts are some of the very best venues within golfdom, including Lost Dunes in Bridgman.

Photo courtesy of Michigan Golfer Archives

Last, but certainly not least, is Jack Nicklaus who is well known for developing demanding tests of golf, some which can be met by only the very best in the game. With Harbor Shores, he responded to an extreme design challenge. Nicklaus was confronted with the development of a combination resort/championship layout to be built on a toxic waste site which had lain fallow for decades. His response rendered Harbor Shores which is having a significant influence upon the greater community.

Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

6

Although the origins of the game are generally credited to Scotland and the 16th century, American golf really sprang to life in 1913 when Frances Ouimet, the young amateur, famously won the US Open at

Brookline, Mass., over the international superstar Harry Vardon and his fellow Channel Isle British professional, the long hitting Ted Ray. While the list of present courses indicate play was initiated at Grand Beach in 1912 a record of golf being played by residents of St Joe/Benton Harbor exists as early as 1909. Golf was played on land just off Niles Ave and adjacent to the St Joseph River which in 1968 evolved into Wyndwicke, a good golf course designed by Arthur Hills. In 1986 it was renamed The Oaks which, unfortunately, succumbed to housing development around 2005. The original course was the Berrien County Country Club (1909) which was moved to the present location of Berrien Hills Golf Club in 1924. The course existed as the 9 hole Martin Hill golf course from 1924 until it gave way to development of Wyndwicke. The year designated as the origin of golf courses, in general, is a bit of a misnomer and would be more correctly noted as “play started or initiated” since most courses are years in the planning, site acquisition, design/routing, shaping, irrigating, planting, growing in and final mowing– all culminating in the actual date of “balls in the air” ie,”date built.” While it seems likely some semblance of golf may have preexisted 1909 this is the information currently available;

Pioneers 1912 Grand Beach Golf Course – New Buffalo- Tom Bendelow architect – 9 holes - semi-private – Originally an 18 hole golf course built in conjunction with the 175

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


room Golfmore Hotel which was destroyed by fire. Fortunately, in 1939 local homeowners paid $6000 to purchase 9 holes which remain in play.

Photo by Art McCafferty

1915 Orchard Hills Country Club – Buchanan - members designed - 18 holes -private. Original 9 holes built in 1915, added 9 more member-designed holes in 1965. 1920 Chickaming Country Club – Lakeside - Harry G Collis architect - 18 holes - private.

Tom Doak

1923 Pebblewood Country Club –Bridgman - George B Ferry architect - 18 holes - public. Originated as Bridgman Country Club then became Bowling Green Golf Club and ultimately Pebblewood CC.

Photo by Jennie McCafferty

1922 Plym Park Golf Course – Niles - Tom Bendelow architect - 9 holes – municipal.

1924 Berrien Hills Golf Club – Benton Harbor – 18 holes. Founded in 1909 as Berrien County Country Club at a different location which, in 1924, would become Martin Hill Golf Club. It was then redesigned for 18 holes in 1968 and named Wyndwicke Golf. In 1986 that course was renamed The Oaks (NLE). BHGC includes a partial (4 hole) alteration by Larry Packard and a redesign in 1968 by Dick Nugent and Ken Killian.

Post War 1952 Blossom Trails Golf Club - Benton Harbor - W Bruce Mathews - 27 holes – public.

Jack Nicklaus signs autographs during the grand opening of Harbor Shores. 1957 Pipestone Creek Golf Course – Eau Claire - Bruce Dustin owner/designer - 18 holes – public. 1958 Point O Woods Golf & Country Club – Benton Harbor Robert Trent Jones, Sr. architect 18 holes - private. Ranked at one time in Golf Digest’s top 30 golf courses in America. Hosted the Western Amateur Golf Tournament 40 times. 1964 Signal Point Golf Club Niles - Robert Bruce Harris architect - 9 holes – private. At one time ranked by Sports Illustrated as the

7th best 9 hole course in America. 1964 Brookwood Golf Club – Buchanan - William James Spear architect - 18 holes – public. 1967 Lake Michigan Hills Golf Course – Benton Harbor - Charles Maddox architect - 18 holes - public Built by & originally named Benton Harbor Elks Golf Club. The course is a perennial qualifying site for the Western Amateur Golf Tournament.

Modern 1989 The Dunes Club – New

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

7


Buffalo - Dick Nugent architect 9 holes - private. Sports Illustrated praised this as the best 9 hole course in America. 1996 Whittaker Woods Golf Club - New Buffalo - Ken Killian architect - 18 holes - public. 1998 Milan Creek Golf Club Baroda - Neal Mead owner/designer - 9 holes - public. 1999 Lost Dunes Golf Club Bridgman - Tom Doak architect 18 holes - private. Ranked in Golf Digest’s 100 Best Courses in America and Golfweek’s 50 Best Modern Courses in America.

1909 Berrien County Country Club - St Joseph - architect unknown - 9 holes - private. Opened in 1909 the membership purchased and developed new property in 1924 and named the new private club Berrien Hills Country Club. 1923 Michicago Field Club Golf - Benton Harbor - Tom Bendelow architect - 18 holes - public. Developed by the Chicago based Michicago Field Club this was intended to be a 54 hole complex drawing golfers from the entire midwest. Tom Bendelow, the architect, said, “the Michicago Field Club will someday be the city’s (Benton Harbor) best asset.” By 1930 it was known as Twin City Golf and Aviation Club and did not survive the depression.

1924 Martin Hill Golf – St Joseph - architect unknown - 9 holes – public. Became a public course in 1924 when the Berrien County Country Club moved to a new location and the course then become an 18 hole layout in 1968 named Wyndwicke. 1940 (?) Tabor’s Farm Resort – Sodus - architect unknown - 9 holes - public. As part of the resort this little course operated in the middle of the century and ceased operation in 1990. 1964 Brandywine Country Club - Niles - architect unknown – 9 holes public. Open for play less than one season, it was forced out of business when the superintendent absconded with much of the equipment and reportedly sold it in Florida. 1968 Wyndwicke Golf Club -

Photo courtesy of Harbor Shores Golf Club

2010 Harbor Shores Golf Club - Benton Harbor - Jack Nicklaus architect - 18 holes - public. Host to the 2012 and 2014 Senior PGA Championships.

No Longer Exist

Three holes at Harbor Shores have frontage on Lake Michigan. 8

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE



Photo by Clarence Sormin

Ryan Moore plays in the final round of the 102nd Western Amateur at Point O’Woods in 2004. St Joseph - Arthur Hills architect 18 holes - public. This 18 holes course was developed on the site previously occupied by Martin Hill Golf and Berrien County CC as a 9 hole course. In 1986 it was renamed The Oaks golf course which ceased operations in 2005. 1978 Sandy Lane Golf Course Niles - Dr. Kenneth Fraser owner/designer - 9 holes - public. Built by Dr. Fraser & his son Willis as a labor of love, the course was available for play with an honors payment plan ( leave the $1 (child) or $2 (adult) green fee in an envelope at the “club house” near the first tee ) until 1993 when it ceased operation. 10

Golf architects offer very interesting case studies some of which have been chronicled and can provide very interesting reads on their own. Those most successful in the art/science of golf course architecture blend unique combinations of skills enabling them to reshape Mother Nature into green highways and undulating destinations to challenge golfers of all levels. The best of the trade deliver golfing playgrounds that can be almost uplifting and are pleasures to both view and play. The worst will have us toil on turf that would have been better left to crops or housing. That being said, golfers are able to appreciate how architects have blended their inherited and learned talents to allow us to

experience a gambit of emotions, high and low, during an 18 or 9 hole outing. We hope there will always be these practitioners to design new courses or alter old ones for our enjoyment and leisure. In 1940 5,209 golf courses existed in America of which 3,288 (61%) were private. However, only 27% of golfers were members of private clubs which foretold an expected boom in new courses– many of which would be of a daily fee, public variety. Only the lingering effect of a depression still holding the nation in its’ grip was in the way. World War II abruptly ended that grip but stood squarely in the way of leisurely pursuits and stalled devel-

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


opment of new public courses. But once the war weary nation got on with redirecting post war industrialization the golf boom was on its way, finding many entrepreneurs pursuing new courses to appeal to a US labor force with both more leisure time and more money. This demand was enthusiastically met by a growing number of bona fide golf course architects as golf now became a game for more than just the country club set.

Many current and past participants of the PGA and Senior PGA tours consider the tournament and venue among their favorite memories in golf. Berrien County golf fans now see the stars of the Senior PGA at Harbor Shores and can remember when they were the “flat bellies” at Point O’ Woods. Some who come to mind are Tom Watson, Fred Couples, Ben Crenshaw, Craig Stadler, John Cook,

and Jay Haas. Golfing greats such as Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller have been in the galleries watching their sons participate in the Western Am. Craig Stadler caddied for his son Kevin. The ranks of the PGA tour are filled with former Western Am/POW players including Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Justin Leonard, and Scott Verplank, who won both the Western Amateur and

Until the recent appearance of the Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shores the most significant golfing event within Berrien County has been the WGA’s Western Amateur Golf Tournament with a history almost as rich as the US Amateur. Often referred to as the “Masters of Amateur Golf” the marriage of that venerable event within the confines of Point O’ Woods was one of near perfection.

Photo by Clarence Sormin

A side note is that a number of golf courses were developed during the depression era by WPA government funds. That was not a factor in Berrien County, however, where the only course not funded by private funds is Plym Park, the municipal layout in Niles. After the pioneering course development, it was almost three decades before the post war courses (66% public) came along to augment the early courses of which only 16% were available for public play. Then almost another three decades passed before the first of five modern courses were built, three of which are public. All in all 65% (11 of 17) of Berrien County golf is available to public play which accurately identifies the increased popularity of the game through the 20th and into the 21st centuries.

Ryan Moore won the 102nd Western Amateur at Point O’Woods in 2004. Moore’s titles that year included the U.S. Amateur, the U.S. Amateur Public Links, the NCAA Individual Championship, and Arnold Palmer’s Turning Point Tournament.

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

11


© Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Colin Montgomerie (l) won the Senior PGA Championships at Harbor Shores in 2014. Craig Thomas (center) and Bob Friend shared low Club Professional honors. Western Open in 1984. The list goes on. It is highly laudable there have been 41 recipients of Chick Evans Scholarships from the Point O’ Woods caddie ranks who received full educational costs at major universities. It is very unfortunate this event left Point O’ Woods as its permanent site and Berrien County golf fans no longer maintain what was an affectionate connection to many of golf’s outstanding amateurs, some of whom have become golfing greats. On a happier note the Western Am will be making a one year return to POW in 2019. It is testimony to the game’s longevity that 17 courses have sur12

vived the impact of world wars, the great depression and multiple recessions. Golf’s popularity in “Blossomland” is revealed when it is realized there are slightly more courses per capita in Berrien County (9117) than in “golf rich” Michigan (9360) and more than twice as many per capita as in the whole of the United States (21,903). The golf community of Berrien County owes a debt of gratitude not only to those with the prescience to build these courses but also, even more importantly, to those with the fortitude and love for the game to commit the time and money required to maintain golf’s green playgrounds.

Thanks to you, one and all. Fairways & Greens ! Acknowledgments: – The Golf Course by Geoffrey S Cornish & Ronald E Whitten. – Golf’s Magnificent Challenge by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. – Thomas ‘Tom’ Bendelow by Stuart W Bendelow. – The Michigan Golfer, edited by Art McCafferty

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE

John W Dresh,Sr. December, 2014 jwdresh@comcast.net - MG -



The Berry Patch

Spring at Last By Jack Berry

T

As tired as we’ve been of five layers of clothing, flannel, wool, Jack Berry waterproof, windproof, of rock salt and bottomless potholes, we’ve been able to drive to big golf shows in Grand Rapids and Novi,

check all the resorts and courses, load up a bag full of brochures, buy experienced top-line balls and try the new miracle clubs that guarantee longer, straighter shots that will soar high, far and land soft. We’ve gone to a dome and blasted away in comfort, one smack after another. They didn’t do that in Boston. Their swings were with shovels. So, with fingers crossed that Michigan courses won’t suffer winter kill like last year, we’re ready.

Fittingly this young season tees off with an emphasis on young players as golf’s old heads adopt baseball’s Little League and the National Football League’s Punt Pass and Kick programs to enlist boys and girls into a game they can play for life. First up is the Drive Chip and Putt championship, the brainchild of the PGA of America, the United States Golf Association and the Augusta National Golf Club, and the cherry on top is the trip to the Masters Tournament. Five

Photo courtesy of Greywalls

Photo by Art McCafferty

hank God we’re not in Boston!

Hole No. 6 of Greywalls in Marquette, a Mike DeVries design. 14

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


© Carter Sherline / Frog Prince Studios

Suzann Pettersen finished in third place at the inaugural Meijer LPGA Classic at Blythfield Country Club. Michigan youngsters qualified last summer at Prestwick Village GC, and they’ll compete April 5, the Sunday before the Masters – Coalter Smith of Grosse Pointe Farms, P.J. Maybank of Cheboygan, Anika Dy of Traverse City, Jordan Jurmu of Marquette and Satchel Pierce of Union. They’ll be treated like royalty, a big dinner at the club with their parents and badges for the entire week of the Masters Tournament. Last year was the first Drive Chip and Putt championship for the kids, age 7 to 15 and divided into four divisions, 7-9, 10-11, 12-13 and 1415. It was televised day long by Golf Channel and was a sensational success with the youngsters showing amazing talent. The 11-year-old winning girl, Luci Li, later qualified

Registration for this year’s Drive Chip and Putt tournament is open now and runs through August. There will be 253 sites nationwide and registration is at www.drivechipandputt.com. There is no charge. Michigan PGA professionals and staff and volunteers from the Golf Association of Michigan will operate nine sites this summer.

“This is our third year in the PGA Junior League,” said Justin Phillips of the Michigan PGA Section. “We started with 24 teams, then 57 last year and it’ll be 75 to 80 this year with 10-12 kids on each team, and we’re looking at five or six leagues around the state. It’s for boys and girls 13 and younger, and we have teams around the state, Traverse City, Treetops, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Lansing and the Detroit area. The program started in 2011 with 16 teams and 170 youngsters. Now it’s in all 41 sections of the PGA across the country, and last year there were 17,000 players.”

“It’s also a great way to get parents out and playing with their kids,” said GAM executive director David Graham.

Players have team jerseys and play a scramble format, changing players in three-hole segments and everyone gets to play. Parents get involved and while

for and played in the U.S. Women’s Open at Pinehurst. She shot 78-78 and missed the cut on the toughest course of the year, made a triple bogey in each round and went parbirdie after the first one and birdie after the second 78. No sweat.

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

15


the program is getting youngsters interested in the game, it might just get the parents too. Phillips said there’s an intention to move up beyond the 13-year-old age limit. That could be a feeder to high school programs. Michigan has 549 boys high school teams and 325 girls. Beyond that there are college programs, and they continue to grow and draw young players from Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. Golf could be very popular next year in the Olympics.

W

here college football builds big stadiums, college golf has drawn the game’s leading architects from C.B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor at Yale and Alister Mackenzie at Michigan and Ohio State in the 1920s to justannounced Gil Hanse at Mississippi State University. Hanse designed the course for the Olympics, and back

when Tom Doak was doing his second course, Black Forest at Wilderness Valley, Hanse and Mike DeVries were working for him. All three of those superstar designers were featured on Golf Channel’s Architects Week in February. Mentioning football and the accent on youth golf brings to mind Footgolf which puts a smile on Fox Hills coowner Kathy Aznavorian’s face at the 63-hole complex in Plymouth where there is a Footgolf course on the Strategic Fox short layout. “My sister (Sandy Dul) and daughter (Jennifer) and I saw a demonstration of it last year at the National Golf Course Owners Association convention and it was fabulous so we decided to try it,” Aznavorian said. “It’s an interesting demographic. I’d say from they’re 20 to 35 (years old). Golf has lost young people and Footgolfers are like snowboarders used to be. They were compared to regular skiers, and some regular skiers didn’t like them. Some of the Footgolfers never have been on a golf course. They’re having fun, they come in, have a beer, they’re smiling and having a good time,” Aznavorian said, adding that it isn’t necessarily “shhhh” golf.

Photo by Jennie McCafferty

Footgolf is played with a soccer ball and the cups are 21 inches wide. It’s played from conventional tees and there’s a flag in the cup. No driver, irons or putter, no soccer cleats. Regular Pumas. No blocking, no penalty shots and no goalie. Fox Hills’ cups are just to the side or back of the regular greens. Christel Boeljon of the Netherlands signs a flag for Lily Zylstra after the Meijer LPGA Classic Pro-Am. 16

Now the surprise.

“We had 7,000 rounds last year,” Aznavorian said. “That was as many as our regular par 3 rounds.” Players supply their own ball or rent one for $4. Last year it was $10 for 9 holes, $18 for 18. Footgolfers can mix with regular players – “Grandparents could play regular golf and the kids play Footgolf,” she said. So far Fox Hills has the only Footgolf course in the state. Think those 7,000 rounds might spark interest?

I

N OTHER NEWS — West Michigan is whipping East Michigan on the professional tournament scene led by the Meijersponsored LPGA tournament at Blythefield CC, July 23-26, plus three Symetra tournaments, the Firekeepers Casino Hotel event at Battle Creek CC, June 5-7; the Island Resort at Sweetgrass CC in the Upper Peninsula, June 26-28; and the Tullymore Classic, July 3-5. Unlike some PGA Tour stops that scratch for the stars, the LPGA stars support all their tournaments. The Meijer drew every star in the book last year, and unlike many male stars who breeze past autograph seekers, the women were friendly and approachable. The Symetra Tour is the LPGA’s feeder source like the PGA Tour’s Web.com where you see tomorrow’s stars today. The East Side of the state has been without big time golf since the demise of the Buick Open but Oakland Hills will celebrate its centennial next year with the United States Amateur Championship. Correspondent Terry Moore pointed out a few weeks ago that it was the 30th anniversary of

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


Michigan Golf Hall of Famer John Morse’s victory in the Hawaiian Open. Another anniversary comes up next year – 2016 is the 30th anniversary of the last Michigan pro winning on the PGA Tour. Dan Pohl won twice in 1986. Our lads haven’t done as well as the Texans, Floridians, Alabamians, Georgians… well, a bunch. Tops on Tour currently are Jackson native Brian Stuard, an Oakland University graduate, and Justin Hicks of Wyandotte, a University of Michigan alum. Stuard won $1.8

Photo by Jennie McCafferty

Photo below: Water, grass, sand and hills protect this green at Streamsong Blue, designed by Tom Doak.

million last year and Hicks won $1.5 million but no victories. I believe Traverse City is No. 1 in the home of top-ranked golf course architects. Tom Doak has been a top designer for years with Pacific Dunes, the top course at Bandon Dunes, and now the Blue course at Streamsong in Florida. Doak presently is working at Forest Dunes on a course that can be played both straight out and then back to front. Mike DeVries, who grew up working at Crystal Downs and then worked for Doak, got two raves from Golf Channel’s traveling rater,

Matt Ginella, last month. While appearing on Architects Week, Ginella said DeVries is the most underrated of today’s name designers, and his Kingsley Club private course outside Traverse City is one of the country’s most underrated courses. DeVries, who worked on Pilgrim’s Run, Diamond Springs and The Mines on the west side of the state and Greywalls in the U.P., went way, way, way west for his latest creation, Cape Wickham Links in the Tasman Sea south of Australia. Check it at http://www.capewickham.com.au and be blown away. - MG -


Photo courtesy of Old Waverly

Mississippi – A Perfect Place for Spring Training – and Gaming

Old Waverly Clubhouse By Susan Bairley

L

ooking for a great place to warm up your golf game, and maybe win a little cash, before Michigan’s courses are in full swing? Consider heading to northern Mississippi. Just 35 miles south of an easy flight to Memphis, Tenn., you’ll find the town of Tunica, or Tunica Resorts, as its often called. Tunica has eight resort casinos, and two local golf courses – Tunica National Golf and Tennis, and River Bend Links Golf Course. 18

While not a Myrtle Beach-style golf mecca, it’s a great place to get your spring game on. Tunica National is a municipal course designed by Mark McCumber. A par 72, it checks in at 7,204 yards from the championship tees and 5,180 yards from the front. As you’d expect on a riverbed delta, the course is broadly open and mostly flat with some mounding, fluffy sand bunkers and lovely ponds. You’ll enjoy its openness,

the views of farm fields and ‘distant’ resorts, and the down-home ambiance of the area. The water hazards are largely in play, so be forewarned, if you’re not a sure-target player, a sleeve of extra balls may be a good idea. For cross-trainers and dual sport enthusiasts, the club also has an impressive indoor tennis facility. In addition, Tunica National’s Bar and Grille serves a nice selection of entrees, sandwiches and delightful fried pickles. These deep-fried ham-

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE



Photo of courtesy of Tunica National

Photo of courtesy of Tunica National

Photos courtesy of Tunica National

Tunica National clubhouse

Tunica National Golf and Tennis 20

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE

Fried dill pickles are a local treat.


burger dill chips are a must-try, while the official ‘home’ of the deep fried pickle is just a stone’s throw away, at the nearby Hollywood Cafe.

ISPS Handa Cup & the LPGA Legends

River Bend Links, built in 1998 and designed by Clyde B. Johnston, is said to be the only true Scottish links course in the mid-South. Although I didn’t have time to play it, the course is a 6,923-yard, par 72, and on this riverbed delta, the open, rugged links design is a natural fit. After a couple of days in Tunica, you may want to travel south to the Old Waverly Golf Club, nestled in the hills area of Mississippi in the city of West Point. Here you’ll experience a grander, more traditional South. Opened in 1988 by developer George Bryan, his wife, Marcia, and 29 other founders, the 360acre Old Waverly golf club community consists of large estate homes, cottages, condominiums and two-story villas surrounding a Jerry Pate and Bob Cupp-designed championship golf course and the

By Susan Bairley

I

went to Mississippi to golf and tour, but my main draw last September was the 9th annual ISPS Handa Cup competition at the Old Waverly Golf Club.

With a format that parallels the Ryder Cup, the annual ISPS Handa Cup is a stellar exhibition of competitive women’s golf featuring 12 International- and 12 U.S.-born LPGA Legends in head-to-head individual and team play. Originally contested in match play format, it switched to stroke play within the matches after its sixth year, which resulted in tighter competition, and ultimately more golf.

At Old Waverly, it was a delight to see and meet the LPGA players of my younger adult golfing years – Nancy Lopez, Pat Bradley, Juli Inkster, Rosie Jones, Beth Daniel, Laura Davies, Liselotte Neumann, Helen Alfredsson, Sally Little. And it was especially great to meet and cheer on those with Michigan ties – Barb Mucha, Meg Mallon and Team USA Assistant Captain Elaine Crosby.

And while American teams faltered in the last three Ryder Cup matches and in the last two Solheim Cups, Team USA defeated the World Team 28-20 at Old Waverly, improving the Americans’ record to 7-1-1 in the series.

Photo courtesy of Old Waverly

This year, the 10th annual ISPS Handa Cup will be in Florida at the Palm-Aire Country Club in Sarasota, Nov 12-14. For more information, visit www.thelegendstour.com

In the meantime, however, there’s no need to wait that long or travel that far to see some of the great LPGA Legends. The 2015 Wendy’s Charity Classic will be Aug. 9-10 at Country Club of Jackson, right here in Michigan. Old Waverly lodging is furnished with antiques.

- MG -

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

21


stately Waverly Mansion clubhouse. Recent host to the 2014 ISPS – International Sports Promotion Society – Handa Cup, the club is nothing short of glorious.

Photo courtesy of Old Waverly

Scenic, stately and gently sprawling, Old Waverly is a private club, whose public play is limited to members and those staying on property in any of the rentable units. And it’s a beautiful place to stay. Our villa was a three-bedroom. Up the stairs and you’re in a nice sized living space with full kitchen, 3 baths, dining/living great room and balcony that overlooks the course. It was furnished with antiques, including a vintage four-poster bed in the master bedroom and some shabby chic touches–all well done, except for the over-the-top red-red restroom, which was at the very least, a great conversation starter.

Water comes into play on the Old Waverly course.

The Old Waverly course is a very playable track for golfers of all levels. A par 72 course, it measures 7,088 yards from the tips and 5,126 yards from the front, red, tees. For the most part the fairways are wide and forgiving, although dotted with ‘welcoming’ bunkers. The greens are fast, but true, requiring a careful read and patient, soft touch. Favorite holes may be the No. 7, par 3, with its bridge and babbling brook, and the No. 9, par 5, which offers an expansive, grand view of the Old Waverly Clubhouse.

Photo courtesy of Old Waverly

The 6th hole, puts a blind water hazard into play for long hitters, but has its own unexpected beauty once you get to the pond and green. For more information on Tunica and stay and play packages, visit http://www.tunicatravel.com For more information on Old Waverly Golf Club and accommodations, visit http://oldwaverly.com or call, 662-494-6463. A brook is part of Old Waverly course scenery. 22

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE

- MG -


Jack Binion’s Steak – a Tunica Palate Pleaser By Susan Bairley

A

s its name suggests, you might think of Jack Binion’s Steak, in the Horseshoe Casino Resort in Tunica, Miss., as a meat lover’s paradise, but quite frankly, everything at Jack Binion’s is delicious, well-prepared and exquisitely presented.

potato gratin. I could have had just a bit of each as my entree and been satisfied. They were that good.

Located in the heart of the Horseshoe casino, Jack Binion’s has an Old Las Vegas-style decor – Tufted red-leather booths, red or white leather seating around rich mahogany-colored round tables, crown molded recessed ceiling squares with spoked chandeliers of contemporary lighting, and a long bar with leather chairs. Visiting with a bigger group, I was able to try a broad sampling of appetizers, sides and desserts and taste a few main courses. Everything was delicious and ample.

A definite people pleaser, dinner at Binion’s is well worth the visit. For more information, visit horseshoetunica.com and click on ‘restaurants’.

Among the appetizers, we had lump crab meat, cold jumbo shrimp and jumbo lump crab cake with classic remoulade and fresh citrus relish. We also had the most delightful smoked duck, and tasty seared giant scallops.

- MG -

Photo courtesy of Jack Binion’s Steak

The strong pressed coffee was excellent, as were the desserts, which included the creme brulee taster – about a 2-3 tablespoon sampler each of coconut, mocha, chocolate and saffron brulees (minus the burnt sugar crust – my only disappointment), a tall chocolate cake with berries, a giant slice of carrot cake, and my favorite, Binion’s signature bread pudding with brandied pecans and hot creme anglaise. Yum.

Three at the table, (one and two who shared) ordered the Tomahawk rib-eye steak. Weighing in at 24 ounces, the Tomahawk is enormous, and its bone-in gives it a carnivorous ax look. All that’s missing is Fred Flintstone’s ‘abadabadoo!’ Those who had it, loved it. Among our sides, I tried the creamed spinach, asparagus, corn pudding and scalloped

Photo courtesy of Jack Binion’s Steak

Our main dishes were fantastic. I had Binion’s signature flight — a petite filet with asparagus, beef short rib with garlic mashed potatoes and a flat-iron steak with cipollini onions. All were amazing.

Dishes at Jack Binion’s are exquisitely presented.

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

23


2015 PGA Championship, Whistling Straits

Photo courtesy of Kohler Golf

By Peter Allen and Troy Barnhart


I

n late June of 2014 six frustrated athletes that think they can still play basketball left Michigan and set off to Wisconsin to play golf. We all wanted to thank our league owner and treat him to golf at Whistling Straits and Blackwolf Run. Only six of our eleven players were able to participate.

60 Minutes Sports on Showtime has an excellent segment on the courses designed by Pete and Alice Dye. Alice is in charge of one hole on each course. The wonderful par 3, 17th hole on The Straits Course is her design. Steve Kroft does the interview and a portion of the segment includes Herb Kohler and Pete Dye reminiscing on planning the four world class courses. This program can be found on Showtime’s ON DEMAND (60 Minutes Sports Season 2, Episode 8). When it came time to build Whistling Straits Herb Kohler picked two miles of flatlands on Lake Michigan and directed Pete Dye to make it look like a course in Ireland and he did. The terrain defines the links style Straits Course. The Course is rated #2 in Golf Digest’s rankings of America’s 100

Photo courtesy of the PGA of America

Here’s a quick history on the Kohler, Wisconsin Resort. Blackwolf Run has two courses; The River Course and The Meadows Valley Course opened in 1996. It was up to Pete and Alice Dye to bring Herb Kohler’s vision to life. He went on to develop two more courses with architect Pete Dye. The Irish Course and The Straits Course opened in 1998. The Straits Course soon became a favorite of the PGA. The PGA Championship was held there in 2005 and 2010. The last one is notably best remembered for Dustin Johnson grounding his club

in a bunker and probably costing him the win to Martin Kaymar.

SPRING 2015

25


used what nature had to offer to create a truly unique experience.

the shores of Lake Michigan. Whistling Straits will also host the 2020 Ryder Cup.

From August 10-16, 2015 the PGA Championship will return to

Photo courtesy of Kohler Golf

Greatest Public Courses (2013/2014). There are 1000 bunkers and about 100 are in play. The bunkers, moguls, and panoramic views add to the ambiance. Pete

Photo courtesy of Kohler Golf

Pete Dye

Whistling Straits 18th

Jason Mengel is Director for the 2015 PGA Championship. Jason is a Michigan native who graduated from Brighton High School. He has worked at The Buick Open and the PGA. He is proud to point out improvements at Whistling Straits since the 2010 Championship. A new ramp has been added to the expressway for easier access to the grounds and all parking will be on site (no shuttles necessary). The improved infrastructure also brings fans closer to the action and the tournament merchandise location.

Photo by Art McCafferty

For 2015 PGA Championship inquires please contact the Tournament Office (920) 547-4977 or http://2015pga@pgahq.com. A scene from the 2010 PGA Championship 26

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE

- MG -



Golden Horseshoe Golf Club

Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg


Williamsburg Golf By Tom Lang


G

olf is one the oldest and most tradition-filled sports we can play. Combine such boundless history with a trip back in time at Colonial Williamsburg and it’s hard to find a better travel combination for the patriotic golfer at heart. Golfers who also appreciate the struggles and successes of America’s earliest settlers can combine a stroll through time in the restored city – with modern-day comforts at the resort across the road – for a memorable experience in temperate coastal Virginia almost any month of the year. “It’s a place that seems to have stood a little still in time,” said Glen Byrnes, director of golf and recreation. “You have tavern dining experiences and the restored buildings, the museum collections. You really need to plan several days to understand what it’s all about and see the treasures.” Those treasures include golf, which is in abundance at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club and the surrounding Williamsburg area. Three courses on site can provide totally unique experiences despite the fact they play nearly side-by-side on the impressive, naturally-rugged Virginia terrain. The Gold Course is a nationally-renowned Robert Trent Jones, Sr. layout from the early 1960s that has hosted the 2007 NCAA Championships and numerous U.S. Kids Golf World Championships. The Green Course, designed by son Rees Jones and opened in 1991, has hosted three national USGA events – the Women’s Public Links, the Men’s and Women’s Team State 30

Championships (concurrently on the Green and Gold), and the Senior Women’s Amateur. Spotswood Course – a distinguishable 9-hole layout named for Colonial Governor Alexander Spotswood – is less than 1900 yards that combines a par 5, two par fours and six par threes. At Spotswood, Jones, Sr. re-sculpted the original Williamsburg Inn’s 1947 golf layout into one of the most unique experiences one can muster, with tight sightlines and some very small greens. “During the golf course building boom in the 1980s it was the perfect answer to bring in Rees Jones to build our Green course, because it fit right in to the values of Colonial Williamsburg, being father and son, two of the great architects of the game,” Byrnes said. The Gold Course draws the most attention, and rightfully so. Robert Trent Jones used the natural terrain as well or better than any course I have played to date, moving barely an inch of dirt except for building green complexes and level tees. The routing is arguably the best feature. The layout is very walk-able via green to next tee, but walking would be tough with all the elevation changes. Eleven of the 18 holes have a bend in the fairway and each of the four par 3s are downhill over water. Overall, it’s a gorgeous natural setting of rolling hills and tree-

lined fairways that Jones maximized for a great golf experience that has stood 50-plus years, with minor adjustments by son Rees in 1998. “It’s one of those great designs that is not 7,500-yards long and stands the test of time just because of the terrain and because it’s target golf, but in the most natural of settings,” Byrnes said. “In my career here I hear from so many people who say our par 3s are the best quartet of par 3s they’ve ever seen on one golf course, especially if you keep the golf ball dry.” Once the Golden Horseshoe trio of courses have been tamed, or attempted to be, golfers and families can venture to other nearby attractions such as Busch Gardens, or three championship courses at Kingsmill Resort, where the LPGA plays annually.

Home for the Ryder Cup Even the most savvy golf expert likely has no idea that the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club displays 24/7/365 one of the rare Ryder Cup certified duplications anywhere – and it has the talented old-world craftsmen of Colonial Williamsburg to thank for it. According to Byrnes, during shipment of the Ryder Cup from England to the U.S. in the 1980s, the fragile, thin stem was damaged. After some

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


Golden Horseshoe Golf Club

Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg


research, European officials discovered that the silversmiths at Colonial Williamsburg could fix the revered trophy here on American soil. He said silversmith expert Mark Frankel was able to fix the stem and also make it sturdier for the long haul. Officials were so impressed with the work they commissioned the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation silversmiths to make the actual-size replica cup for the next several Ryder Cup winning captains and host courses. An additional one was under development, “when they started making them again in England and we were fortunate that the PGA of America allowed us to keep the last one that we made here and it is always on display in the pro shop,” Byrnes said.

Beyond the Greens Hopefully Colonial Williamsburg needs little introduction as it has been the country’s major restoration

of our historic roots for many decades, where nearly one million visitors flock each year to tour the buildings, museums and participate in colonial wartime reenactments. The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation was established in 1926 and in the 1950s the Rockefeller family infused huge sums of money for major fixes to some of the 88 original buildings and nearly 500 reconstructions that sit on 301 acres of the original town. Quite simply, Colonial Williamsburg’s buildings and streetscapes are a walk-able masterpiece of U.S. history in motion. One experience in particular is the chance to dine at historic Shields Tavern, circa 1754, from the estate of James Shields. Menu items range from 18th-century recipes such as Crayfish and Shrimp Stew, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Salmon Croquettes, Duck

Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg

In another trophy damaged situa-

tion that effected the PGA, Byrnes said the vaulted Wannamaker Trophy was also repaired many years later at Williamsburg, following damage occurred in the 1950s when rolling around in the trunk of a winner’s automobile. He said the lid was damaged and stayed that way for a while, before Williamsburg got the call to fix it and make it stronger. The PGA of America headquarters now has the original on display, “but when you’re watching TV and you see the Wannamaker Trophy hoisted into the air, that’s the one made by Mark Frankel here in Colonial Williamsburg.”

Colonial Army Demonstration 32

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


Photo courtesy of Colonial Williamsburg

No. 6 green with No. 7 fairway in the background Sausage and Potted Beef Pye… and whipped chocolate pudding or assorted fruit pies for dessert. The resort area includes six hotel properties (some designed in colonial style of course), 11 restaurants, an excellent spa and fitness center, eight tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, lawn bowling and walking trails. Tempting the food lovers even more, a recent expansion is the Taste Studio, where visitors can watch resort chefs cook and comment on the fares of the day. Headed by Travis Brust, who won the World Chef Competition in Las Vegas in 2012 and was runner up in ’13, the Taste Studio develops lots of experimentation with local fresh ingredients that allow the resort’s chef, “an escape from reality,” Brust

said during one demonstration of many delectable uses for pumpkins.

things are a little different at Colonial Williamsburg.

Adding to the freshness factor is a program that began in 2012 whereby Colonial Williamsburg Foundation chefs grow much of their ingredients in the Historic Area gardens. From apprentice chefs to the executive head, many are frequently found planting seedlings, covering young plants with cheesecloth and harvesting their efforts.

“The golf course was built to enhance people’s visits here,” Byrnes said. “Yet any proceeds we are able to derive from golf go directly to preserving the important lessons of American history.

“When we have invested so much in the process, we really do not want to overcook the carrots,” Brust said.

Not for Profit, but for Fun While businesses and resorts that golfers could visit are understandably in operation to make a profit,

“The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is committed in the most genuine way to provide a great guest experience. That’s what’s wonderful about this place; it’s not out of a playbook, it’s very genuine. The guests are why we are here. If you trust in us enough to come here to enjoy the game, any proceeds from that will go to preserving our country’s history and those values.” - MG -

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

33


Glenn Johnson – Color and Pizzazz By Jack Berry

T

That was confidence and that was Glenn Johnson.

since he played in the prestigious Grosse Ile Invitational in Arnie’s amateur days.

“I had fun with the clothes. I hated to play (after a morning round) without cleaning up,” Johnson said. “One time a guy asked me why I was always changing colors, why I didn’t wear black or white. I went out that afternoon in red, white, blue, black, everything. He was 2 down after the first two holes. “I liked match play. I enjoyed the psychology, watching the opponent. I had more fun without saying anything,” Johnson said. “I’d look at their grip and they’d be thinking ‘Is something wrong with my grip?’” There was no one like him in Michigan golf and he passed away to the green course in the sky on Dec. 11 at the age of 92. The later years were difficult but there were so many good times, so many matches won and memories like the Michigan sectional qualifying held at Birmingham Country Club for the 1972 United States Open at 34

After the two Palmer rounds Johnson hooked up with defending Open champion Lee Trevino on Wednesday, his third round with two of golf’s superstars on one of the most famous courses in the world. That was Glenn.

Photo courtesy of Michigan Golf Hall of Fame

he PGA Tour had Doug Sanders. The European Tour has Ian Poulter. The LPGA has Paula Creamer. But for all out color and pizzazz, we had Glenn Johnson of Grosse Ile. Johnson arrived in Charlevoix for the Michigan Amateur in a Cadillac top down convertible packed with clothing changes for three double round days of match play.

Glenn Johnson Pebble Beach. Chuck Thorpe, the confident young brother of the PGA Tour’s Jim Thorpe, and Johnson were tied after regulation. Thorpe, a brash smasher, figured to win on the first hole. A par five. Thorpe didn’t use a tee. He’d stomp his heel into the ground and place the ball on top of the upturned turf. But he only made par and so did Johnson. The second hole was a short par four with the green short of the river, unlike today’s position. It was driveable but Thorpe didn’t drive it, made bogey and Johnson won with a par and was off to Pebble Beach. Johnson played the Monday and Tuesday practice rounds before “immense crowds.” He’d called Arnold Palmer and asked to play with him. Johnson knew Palmer

Johnson didn’t play golf until after service in World War II as a pilot, teaching men how to fly the B-24 Liberator bomber, and then college at Michigan State. He won nine letters in sports at Grosse Ile High School, had three years in at Michigan State before the military service and returned to play quarterback his senior year. He played against Miami in the Orange Bowl stadium, played against Santa Clara on the West Coast and said that rules permitted only one substitute per quarter so “If you were first string, you played about 50 minutes every game.” Johnson’s father was a captain in Ford’s lake freighter fleet and the family settled on Grosse Ile in 1927. Glenn naturally took to the water and sailed the Port Huron to Mackinac race and was first mate on a winner. He was a lifelong fisherman with a boat docked by his house. He finally connected with golf “because the practice tee was 200 yards from my house” and said he

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


Association championships, was low amateur in the 1981 Open at Oakland Hills, and won 15 Grosse Ile club championships.

Arnold Palmer played two practice rounds at Pebble Beach with Johnson. worked hard at it. His short game was especially sharp. “I didn’t hit it that far but I knew where to hit it” and match play was his game. Johnson won five Michigan Amateur championships, second only to six by Chuck Kocsis. When the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame was established, Kocsis was in the first threesome with World Golf Hall of Famer Walter Hagen and Oakland Hills professional Al Watrous. Johnson was in the second threesome with two-time Masters champion Horton Smith and PGA champion Walter Burkemo. Four legendary professionals and two superb amateurs formed the first six members of the Hall of Fame. When Johnson came to golf, he came full force. He played in 43 Michigan Amateurs, at one point won 23 straight matches, qualified to play in 17 United States Golf

He looked out for young players at Grosse Ile, and Emily Gail, a top junior, said “Glenn was a huge factor in my being encouraged to be a good female athlete. He was a great mentor and friend. I called him a couple weeks ago as I would do a couple times a year to tell him how much I appreciated his encouragement. He helped me learn how to love hitting balls and practice which I still do.” And because Johnson also was a skier, two of Michigan’s best holiday golf tournaments were established.

Grosse Ile members and friends of Johnson celebrated his 90th birthday at the club and unveiled an exhibition of his many trophies, medals and awards received over the years. There’s a full length painting of Johnson with trousers as colorful as a tropical garden. “I’ve had a fantastic run,” Johnson said when he was a guest of honor at the 100th Michigan Amateur in 2011 at the Heather course, his favorite, at Boyne Highlands. Fittingly, he was wearing a sweater of many colors. - MG -

“I skied at Boyne Mountain and became friends with (owner) Everett Kircher. He had a golf course and Labor Day weekend was deadsville. I told him he had all those empty beds and he should start a two man tournament.” Kircher took the advice, made Johnson co-chairman and the Kircher Cup is nearly four decades old with a full field every year. Then Johnson, assisted by the late Bucky Brower, real estate salesman and something of the unofficial mayor of Boyne Country, talked Kircher into starting a tournament in another “deadsville” period, Memorial Day weekend. Now it’s the Nike State Pro-Am.

Photo: Michigan Golfer Archives

Photo: Michigan Golfer Archives

As a senior he helped form the Society of Seniors, an organization of the best senior amateurs in the country. He won the Eastern Seniors five times and a North and South Senior.

Besides his golf, skiing, boating, and interest in the Red Wings – he had seats right behind the goal in the Olympia Stadium days, Johnson was an accomplished artist. One of his favorite subjects was clowns and one of his paintings is in the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame collections of members’ memorabilia.

Johnson inspired Everett Kircher to start the Kircher Cup Tournament.

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

35


Photo by Russell Kirk/ Golflinksphotography.com

Cobblestone Park By Martin Ames and Brad King

Visitors to South Carolina’s historic Olde English District enjoy not only a wide variety of the Palmetto State’s most popular recreational activity; they also experience a walk back in time along the pathway of America’s foundation.

OLDE ENGLISH DISTRICT, S.C. (January 2015) — Although the good people inhabiting or visiting the Olde English District drive on the “right” side of the road, that doesn’t make the golf being played there any less proper. That’s because this is not the game played in the British Isles links 36

land, but rather on the cushiony soil of northern central South Carolina. “The OED,” as it is more popularly referred, is a land where the famed golfing Sandhills to the north meet the Lowcountry to the south and east. It is a place where small towns, medium prices and big-name golf course architects blend together. This Palmetto State region has become renowned as a wonderfully surprising and affordable golf destination. Most of the golf in the area is situated along the stretch of Interstate 77 from Rock Hill to Columbia, S.C. With 18 golf courses in this region alone and many others in the near surrounding area, it is an ideal place to settle in for

two days, three days or even a week. But that’s not nearly all there is to see and do around the OED. There are local bands to be heard and sumptuous fare to be enjoyed. Along the way, you’ll learn plenty of rich Revolutionary War history. There’s also Civil War intrigue to be experienced. Folks who live in this part of the South Carolina say that the OED name evokes time of yesteryear and a place of southern significance that dates back to the 1700s and the Revolutionary War. In reality, it’s even older than that.

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE

Names of meaningful places and


Inner Beauty

features — some with Native American Indian origins — like Rock Hill, Catawba, Camden, Kershaw, Winnsboro and Cheraw — are just a few examples reflecting the rich history of the region and helping generate an attraction that is impossible to duplicate anywhere else.

est history unfolded on the shores of South Carolina. But it was inland from there where roads, rivers and trains deposited adventurous travelers, and where hotels — then golf courses — began to spring up over time. These days there are plenty of opportunities for golfers to get tipsy over.

Though some of the traditions of the old country can be found — pub-style dining, train riding, steeplechase horse racing and golfing in and around historic enclaves, to name a few — there still remains a distinctly downhome American quality to this welcoming land.

Speaking of which, moonshine whiskey, a distinctly American concoction, is actually sold in this part of South Carolina. During the early years of our nation, government control of the alcohol trade prompted folks to secretly make their own whiskey — under the light of the moon — and an entire culture resulted.

Sure, some of our nation’s earli-

At any rate, the “shine” still flows in this part of the south adding to the area’s wonderful blend of English and American influences. Together, they make a golf trip to its Olde English District (OED) a unique and special one. A visit to the Olde English District can begin in a number of locations, but the unquestionable “capital” of the district is Rock Hill/York County, located a swift and easy 30 minutes south of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. It is there that you’ll discover fine layouts like Springfield Golf Club in Fort Mill. Further south toward Columbia is Cobblestone Park Golf Club in

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

37


Blythewood — home to the University of South Carolina Gamecock golf teams and a Top 30 Palmetto State stalwart.

A few other OED headliners include the Donald Ross designed Camden Country Club — located in the state’s oldest inland city and bisected by active train tracks — and on the more modern side of things, the Bruce Brodsky-designed Edgewater Golf Club in a Fuzzy Zoeller lake and golf community in Lancaster. In all, South Carolina’s Olde English District provides everything the adventurous traveller should want. Once there, however, make sure to take your time staying there

and playing there. Go exploring, both on and off the fairways. You won’t leave disappointed. 2015 golf package information available at http://OldeEnglishGolf.com and http://www.GolfPackagesofSC.com/ olde-english.asp.

Media contacts: Martin Armes (919) 608-7260, martinarmes@nc.rr.com Brad King (336) 306-9219, king@bradkingcommunications.com

- MG -

Photo courtesy of Olde English District

Of course, there are other gems, like the Tom Jackson designed Cheraw State Park Course built around 309-acre Lake Juniper, if you don’t mind taking some time and driving east along the “right” side of some scenic South Carolina highways getting there. Located along the banks of the Pee Dee River, Cheraw previously served as a major shipping port to Charleston and Georgetown and a strategic commercial and military staging area, littered with famous battles

and conflicts of allegiance centuries ago.

Hole No. 10, Springfield Golf Club, Fort Mill, South Carolina


Photo courtesy of Olde English District Photo courtesy of Olde English District

Camden CC, Hole No. 18

Cheraw, Hole No. 17

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

39


Michigan Golf Show Celebrates its 25th Anniversary – A Look Back at This Year’s Top Vendors By Chris Lewis

A

s thousands of attendees visited the 25th annual Michigan Golf Show during the first weekend of March, it was apparent that spring fever was in full force – and for good reason. Not only had the long winter cold spell finally ended, but Novi’s Suburban Collection Showplace was also the host of one of the United States’ largest golf shows.

With 400 exhibitors and over 40,000 attendees in 2015 alone, the show’s popularity seems to be increasing with each passing year. Nevertheless, despite the show’s current status as one of the golf industry’s best, it certainly had humble roots. In fact, back in 1990, when it was first hosted at the Novi Expo Center, the show only attracted 22 exhibitors and 800 attendeess. So why has the show become so

popular? Are there any contributing factors behind its exponential growth? According to show founder Todd Smith, the answer is simple: the show can cover everything in golf – all within one area. From putters and training aids to ball retrievals and gloves, the Michigan Golf Show offers something for everyone. In celebration of the show’s diversity and everincreasing popularity, here are some vendors that especially stood out to Michigan Golfer magazine this year.

Ember Exotic Wood Putters

Photo courtesy of Ember Exotic Wood Putters

Shortly after he retired from a career in the service industry, Michael Keith, founder of Ember Exotic Wood Putters, began to wonder what types of hobbies he could pursue. A lifelong woodworker, he decided to create wood putters for some of his family’s most avid golfers. Yet, he never realized his craftsmanship had business potential until he attended a golf show and sold several putters in a matter of minutes. As a result of the unexpected demand, Keith acquired USGA approval and started his own business. Today, Ember Exotic Wood Putters sells custom fit putters Ember Exotic Wood Putter 40

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


Additionally, they can even have their names engraved on their putters and, if they prefer, also have inlays like jewels, fossils, and precious metals embedded into them. Having been an Army helicopter pilot in Vietnam, Keith also specializes in military putters with challenge coin and insignia inlays. “We take great pride in the quality of our putters,” said Keith. “They are unlike any other putters you will see on the market.”

Photo courtesy of X-ion-X

designed with 60 different types of exotic woods. Customers can choose which wood type they prefer, ranging from African blackwood to Zebrawood.

X-ion-X’s performance bands

When X-ion-X first developed its performance bands, golfers were not originally perceived as potential customers. That all changed when Dr. Howard Fidler, DC, an elite sports chiropractor, ran a blind test on golfers and found that, by using the performance bands, their driving distance increased by 15 yards on average, while their club head speed rose by an average of 3.2 m.p.h. Shortly afterwards, current CEO Bruce Greene and his partner, Frank Murphy, began to offer BallDriver performance bands, which are essentially bracelets made with 100 percent surgical grade silicone. They also feature copper-layered holograms that increase the production of negative ions, molecules that have been proven to improve mental and physical energy.

Photo courtesy of Fair Weather Golf

X-ion-X’s BallDriver Performance Bands

365 Putting Training Aid M I C H I GAN G O L F E R MAGAZ I N E • MAY / J U N E 2 0 1 4

41


“The good news is once people get consistent with the training aid, they really develop a confidence they can take to the golf course.”

Consequently, customers have more stamina, less pain, better circulation, and improved mental focus and concentration, amongst other benefits.

In response, he developed the Scramblestick, a ball retriever created in the United States and specifically designed for scramble play, a format in which golfing with physical handicaps can be especially difficult. Of course, if golfers choose, they can use the retriever during typical nine or 18-hole rounds too, as well as other golfing formats. Furthermore, the retriever has a lifetime guarantee. If any Scramblestick has a defect, Ott will replace it free of charge.

“This product has already enhanced the golfing world, and will continue to do so as it is discovered by more and more customers in the future,” Greene stated.

Fair Weather Golf’s 365 Putting Training Aid Co-founders Fred Ligrow and Joe Mikla had one primary vision in mind when they developed their 365 Putting Training Aid: to help golfers maintain consistent putting strokes.

The overall difficulty of the training aid’s narrow ramp (not to mention its small golf hole) forces golfers to accelerate through their putts, ensure their putter faces are square upon impact, and develop better habits, ultimately leading to more consistency. “Our training aid tugs at the ego a little bit. Everybody knows they can make a three-foot putt, but making a three-foot putt on our training aid is a little more difficult because they only have a limited range to work with,” said Ligrow. 42

“I have yet to replace a Scramblestick for defects though, as we always put a lot of tender, loving care into each and every one of our products,” Ott said.

Photo courtesy of GolfCliks

By forcing golfers to putt a ball along a one-inch wide upward-sloping ramp (and into a three-inch cup), golfers immediately receive feedback on their putting strokes, particularly whether their putter faces are open or closed upon impact.

due to amputations or bad backs, knees, hips, and other physical ailments?

GolfCliks

GolfCliks app for a golfers’ social network

Scramblestick In 1999, Charles Ott survived a violent motorcycle accident, which led to the amputation of his left leg, and, ultimately, two years of rehabilitation. A frequent golfer prior to the accident, Ott doubted whether he would ever be able to golf again, as his prosthetic leg would only allow him to bend so much. But then he had an idea. Why not create a ball retriever for golfers with similar conditions – those who have been forced to quit the game

Last year, Ron Schoenherr and his colleagues began to develop GolfCliks, a private social network specifically designed for golfers, allowing them to discuss any issue relating to golf in a secure manner. However, to increase the social network’s popularity, Schoenherr and his team soon realized additional features were necessary. In response, he added a real-time scorecard application that allows users to create digital golf matches, which they can enjoy with friends and family members. The data then feeds into each GolfCliks member’s “Player’s Profile” page, tracking their past and current statistics. Much like Facebook, members can also post comments, photographs, and videos.

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


As if that weren’t enough, members also receive regular offers for greens fees, travel, and equipment from golf courses, manufacturers, and other organizations.

will help golf course owners and operators realize a greater ROI on their digital marketing spend on a long-term basis,” Schoenherr stated.

gertips) also helps golfers grip their clubs in the palms of their hands more comfortably, especially when their hands are wet, resulting in more consistent swings.

“We are very committed to building a marketing platform that

Enlow Grips

“I instinctively knew that current grips are incorrect, so I began the process of learning how we control the things we hold. The only two issues for golfers are how do the grips feel to you and how do they work for you,” founder Brad Enlow said. “The other benefits are mostly related to anti-shock and injury reduction, as golfers’ hands are better protected when they hit shots with clubs that have Enlow Grips.”

Unlike any other grip available in today’s marketplace, Enlow Grips are actually narrow at the top of the club and wider towards the end of the grips where golfers place their fingertips, a direct contrast to the ways in which grips have been manufactured in the past.

My Dab’s Swing Lube Imagine a day without pain. Thanks to My Dab, a manufacturer

Photo courtesy of My Dab

As a result, the grips are heavier, larger, and more durable than average grips, leading to a decline in swing weight (as weight is actually shifted towards the end of the grip) and a more powerful swing. An increase in grip width (near the fin-

Swing Lube MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

43


able to play more golf than they have in a long time, freed from the sensation of pain for the first time in months or even years,” said Phyllis Burzeé, founder and CEO.

The company’s Swing Lube features a unique blend of botanicals and natural ingredients that will help relax golfers’ muscles and remove their sensation of pain for

Golfdotz Whenever golfers want to distinguish their golf balls from their playing partners’ balls, they’ll more than likely grab a marker and add a dot or an X to their balls. Or, if they are feeling really “creative” at the time, they’ll write their names across the balls. But, David Poole, founder of Golfdotz, has imagined an alternative: transferable ink “tattoos” that can be applied to balls in a matter of seconds and are extremely durable, as they will not be smeared or washed off by water.

Photo courtesy of Golfdotz

Golfdotz are available in all types of designs, from clovers and frogs to flamingos and footballs. Conforming to USGA and R&A rules, they have even been used by touring professionals like Rory Sabbatini, Lydia Ko, and Rocco Mediate.

Golfdotz upwards of six to 12 hours at a time. Better yet, if golfers apply the lube to their aching muscles prior to or during their rounds, they do not have to worry about any leftover, oily residue on their fingers, so they can immediately swing a club after using the product. “Since Swing Lube starts working in a matter of seconds, users will be 44

“Touring professionals seem to especially like the visual appeal of the products, as Golfdotz are now in use on all major tours,” said Poole. “I am so grateful to all the players that enjoy our products and I am hoping for a primetime lip shot – as the ball drops into the hole in slow motion!”

Leadbetter Correct Grip Golf Gloves According to John Grasha, President and CEO, Correct Grip LLC, over 80 percent of golfers grip

Photo courtesy of Correct Grip, LLC

of botanical products that also offers golfers a product line designed specifically with them in mind, a pain-free day on the golf course is now possible.

Correct Grip Golf Glove the club incorrectly. To help golfers overcome this significant issue, Grasha and his team offer a unique product line: the Correct Grip Golf Glove, endorsed by one of the world’s most popular golf instructors, David Leadbetter. Unlike any other glove on the market, the Correct Grip Golf Glove contains patented markings that provide visual feedback to golfers, ensuring they grip the club correctly on each and every shot. “The grip is very, very important because it’s a golfer’s only connection to the club,” Grasha said. “By wearing the Correct Grip Golf Glove, golfers essentially receive grip lessons from David Leadbetter himself before they hit their shots.”

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE

- MG -


Slice of Life Q & A with Jack Berry By Terry Moore

In those early days, the magazine made a little name for itself for doing several high profile and exclusive interviews with such prominent names as former President Gerald R. Ford, Tom Watson and Ken Venturi. In 1984, I also conducted an interview with Berry when he was the President of the Golf Writers Association of America, a prestigious organization where he later served for nine years as its SecretaryTreasurer. 30 years later, I’ve finally gotten around to a follow up interview. Please excuse my procrastination! Over that time span, Berry has continued to cover golf—for a vari-

Photo courtesy of Golf Writers Association of America

E

ven before I became the founding editor of the Michigan Golfer in 1982, I knew the name of Jack Berry. His by-line in the Detroit Free Press and later in The Detroit News was the one I sought out in my morning newspaper routine. If you wanted to know about golf in Michigan, you read Jack Berry. He was the man before the man. Later when I nervously took the editorial reins of Michigan Golfer, I told the publisher—my friend and business partner Art McCafferty—we had to secure Berry as a regular contributor. Fortunately, after a cordial and disarming lunch meeting with Art and me, Jack agreed to be the regular and not overly compensated lead columnist. I still recall leaving the restaurant and saying to Art, “We’ll be alright. Jack Berry’s with us.”

From left: Greg Johnson, Jack Berry (with his PGA Lifetime Achievement in Journalism award) and Terry Moore. ety of media outlets, including internet TV—with passion, accuracy and keen insight. Along the way, the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member has received a number of wellearned national awards including the PGA of America’s Lifetime Journalism Award and the Masters Major Achievement Award—which included as a perk a reserved Media parking spot!—for covering more than 40 Masters tournaments. On a personal note, I’ve been enriched by his friendship, company, humor and counsel. I’m still muttering, “We’ll be alright. Jack Berry’s with us.” —Terry Moore

Even though print has changed dramatically, I still read and follow Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golfweek and SI Golf Plus. As far as national writers, I admire Jaime Diaz, Tim Rosaforte, Brian Hewitt, John Garrity, Jeff Rude, Jim McCabe and Karen Crouse, to mention a few names. Of course, Doug Ferguson of the Associated Press does a great job. He’s in that select and rare company that covers golf, mainly the PGA Tour, on a full-time basis. Very few people do that anymore.

Being a voracious reader, share some of your golf reading habits.

I like golf writers with a light touch. There are a number of writers who have a gift for a strong lede

What do you look for and admire in good golf writing?

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

45


sive. It’s the essence of good in-depth newspaper writing.

Screenshot by Art McCafferty

And what about your non-golf reading favorites?

Jack Berry as host of Michigan Golfer TV and know how to maintain a clever voice while telling a good story. I also look for the score! (Laughing.) Even today, you’ll see some established writers omitting the player’s or the tournament score. I must confess it happened to me a few times when I used to cover the Detroit Red Wings. Yep, I occasionally left out the final score in my game story. Then I either caught it at the last moment or the copy desk bailed me out. But in general, a good story gets back to the five W’s: who, what, when, where and why.

Talk about the work and craft of sportswriting. To write well is hard work. And you have to ask a lot of good questions. Then you take those answers and turn them into an interesting story or article. For example, I was proud of the Detroit Free Press story about the guy who walked 21 miles a day and took several buses to get to and from work. It became a national sensation. To be able to write a story about such a hard-working person, someone not complaining or asking for any special favors was very impres46

Well, I love reading the novels and short stories of Jim Harrison, a Michigan native who attended Michigan State, my alma mater. Before moving to Arizona and Montana, he spent a number of years in northern Michigan and frequently writes about it and the Upper Peninsula. He’s fun to read and has a great take on life and circumstances. I particularly enjoyed The English Major. Is the game of golf really in trouble or has its woes been overstated? Recently the USGA President made the observation that although golf’s participation is not growing, the only two sports that are showing any growth are lacrosse and soccer. What’s your take? I share the opinion that’s it’s been overstated. I’m really impressed with such initiatives as the Drive, Chip & Putt Championship and the PGA Junior Golf League. Both are growing like crazy. There’s definitely cultural and social factors going on—such as time constraints for families and so many recreational choices for kids—but I don’t think golf is dead. With the passing of Billy Casper, what are your memories of him and his 1958 Buick Open victory at Warwick Hills? I remember in ‘58 Palmer (Arnold) shot a course record 67 in

the second round and then a big storm hit that prevented the rest of the field from finishing. In those days, the Tour just washed out all the posted scores and started over the next day from scratch. It was a bad break for Palmer and good one for Casper as he went on to win the tournament. Speaking of Casper, I had the chance to see David Feherty’s re-airing of his Casper interview and it was excellent. Casper was just terrific in it. From your early days with the Detroit Free Press, talk about one of your first encounters with Ben Hogan. Billy Casper once described Ben Hogan as having an “abrupt personality.” I’d say, tell me about it! At the 1961 U.S. Open at Oakland Hills—my first Open— I was up in the men’s locker room on Monday during tournament week along with John Walter, the longtime golf writer of The Detroit News and a few other reporters and we were chatting with Hogan. Suddenly, Hogan asked in a sharp tone, “Why wasn’t there any Open stories in the Free Press yesterday (Sunday)?” So I spoke up and said, “Well, that was my day off.” He was still in a huff about it when John came to my defense by saying, “It’s not Jack’s fault, Ben, it’s the paper’s. He wasn’t working.” I really appreciated John saying that. Nowadays there would always be a Sunday advance on a major tournament. But back then, it didn’t happen and Hogan wasn’t happy about it. Yessir, he was quite abrupt. In Michigan, what individuals did you chat with and lean on for the latest information?

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


On that note, as a reporter didn’t you compile a “worst ball” score for the Michigan Open at The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort? Yes, I took a little devilish delight in doing it. Back then, The Bear had the reputation as one of the toughest courses not only in Michigan but in the country. So I did my part by keeping and reporting on highest score recorded on each hole. One year the worst ball nines were 81-82. And given this time of year, what about your Masters experiences? I’ve been fortunate to have attended 43 of them. It’s the best run tournament and event not only in golf but in all of sport.

Everything from the concessions to the facilities to the way people are treated are all unbeatable. And if you’re any kind of sports or golf fan at all, you know that golf course even if you haven’t been there in person. That’s the advantage of the Masters and Augusta National: it’s a part of everyone’s television history. Besides, the Masters doesn’t need loud music, dancing and fireworks to make it “an experience.” Talk about your involvement with the Free Press Junior Golf School and some of the young players you met. I got to know the Parrott youngsters in that school—Janina and her brothers. Their father was a great guy and a Detroit firefighter. He always called me “Mr. Berry.” And Janina Parrott Jacobs became one of the best women players in the state. I also met Joyce Kazmierski during that time. Later becoming a prominent college and LPGA player, she also served as President of the LPGA. Another junior player in the program was Ernie Harwell’s son, Gray. In fact, Gray won the boy’s championship one year.

If one of your grandchildren or somebody’s else’s ever asked you about becoming a writer or a journalist, what would say? Well, I’d say to them that I loved it. But I’d also tell them they’d never get rich doing it. But the intrinsics far exceed the external rewards. I’ve met many great people and have visited so many beautiful places because of my career and golf. It’s been a wonderful experience. John Walter said it best about the golf beat, “You meet the nicest people and go to the nicest places.” I couldn’t agree more. And unlike some of the team sports I covered, golfers spoke in complete sentences and I didn’t have to bleep out anything.

A member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, Terry Moore lives in Grand Rapids and serves as a Governor for the Golf Association of Michigan and as a Board member for the Michigan Golf Foundation. - MG -

Photo by Art McCafferty

Walter Burkemo, who won the 1953 PGA, always had good stories. He was a friendly Detroiter from the east side and a fine player, particularly at match play. I also enjoyed some of the old club pros like Chet Jawor, Ray McGuire, Bill Uzelac and Warren Orlick—to mention just a few names—because they always knew what was going on. Warren was a past President of the PGA of America and became the Chairman of the PGA Rules Committee where he was usually seen at most of the majors. One time, he was working the famed island green 17th hole at the TPC Stadium Course. After a round, I asked him how many balls he saw go in the water. Warren refused to tell me because he felt the information would be embarrassing to the players. Today the networks keep a running tally of the drowned shots.

True North architect, Jim Engh and Jack Berry

MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE • SPRING 2015

47


Now on iPad

issuu.com/michigan_golfer/docs 48

SPRING 2015 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.