July202 LIVHasbecomea hugeproblem forpgatour ExcitementBuildingforNEW IndianaGolfHeadquarters ValparaisoSophomoreWins IHSAStateGOLFTitle
The OPEN Championship is a July Highlight Thank you for checking out the July edition of the Indiana Golf Journal. We hope you enjoying reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it all together. In this issue, we report on the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s 2022 boys high school state tournament that was held in mid-June at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. Kudos to Prairie View GC for another first-class effort in hosting this year’s tournament and congratulations to individual medalist Aiden Gutierrez, a sophomore fromValparaiso High. For me, July is always a special month as it’s when we see the (British) Open Championship. I was fortunate to attend all four rounds of the Open, in July 1983. As a way of showcasing my enthusiasm for this year’s Open Championship, I have crafted a preview of the tournament in the form of a poem. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. A special shout-out to WISH-TV sports director Anthony Calhoun whose 10th AC Golf Classic in June raised $450,000 for TeachersTreasures, an Indianapolis non-profit store where teachers can obtain school supplies for students in need. Since the first AC Golf Classic in 2013, athletes, coaches, educators, celebrities, and business and community leaders have helped raise nearly $3 million for Teachers’ Treasures. Well done, to AC! This issue has another interesting rules explanation from Mitch Moon, an LPGA Rules official. And, Kurt Wieneke, our guru of the vineyards, shares his thoughts on great wines of the Midwest. Enjoy summer golf in the great state of Indiana….and share this issue of the Indiana Golf Journal with fellow golfers. As always, we welcome your feedback. Mike May, Editor in Chief MIKE MAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUBSCRIBE Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Michigan Golf Journal Back 9 Report Indiana Golf Journal
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Indiana Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with Indiana 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 28 FIND INSIDE 17 24 26 34 The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! Gimme the Money—A Golf Fan’s Rant Excitement Is Building For The New Indiana Golf Office Valparaiso 10th Grader Aidan Gutierrez Wins IHSAA Boys Golf State Title 06 13 17 20 Ross Bridge: Alabama’s Golfing ‘Trophy’ Indiana’s Dream 18: 13, 14, And 15 French Lick Resort Charity Classic to Offer Largest Purse in Epson Tour History Sultan’s Run: One of Indiana’s Magnificent Masterpieces 24 26 28 22 Our Contributors Midwest Wine Trips: Worth Your Time & Travel Book Review: “Where Rainbows Never Die” The Open Championship 2022 Damaged Clubs Are Not Always Damaged Goods Why Do My Joints Make Noise? Our Favorite Videos 40 36 38 31 32 34 41 Indiana Golf Journal
Rumors began surfacing in the spring of 2021 about a new professional golf tour to be based in the Middle East that would invite the best players to compete in their events. Greg Norman was named the CEO of the newly formed LIV Invitational Golf Series with an initial investment of $200 million committed to form the new league. What has happened since that time is one of the most intriguing stories to ever be experienced in the world of professional golf. Innuendo, threats of banishment, plus over $2 billion eventually ponied up by the LIV to get their new venture up and running simply boggles the mind of the average golf fan. The LIV Invitational Series Is Turning Professional Golf UPSIDE DOWN! We are accustomed to professional golfers being paid millions of dollars for winning a golf tournament, plus we know they make much more fromsponsorship agreementswith golf equipment, apparel and Fortune 500 corporations. We are, however, shocked at players receiving multimillion dollar guaranteed contracts, before they hit the first tee shot, or earn the first dime in an actual tournament. The PGA TOUR has prided itself over the years as a competitive tour where players must earn their spot via a progression through various minor tours to compete at the highest level. Players who do not make the 36-hole cut go home that week without a paycheck. The LIV Invitational Series is Indiana Golf Journal
paying out exorbitant sums to top name players just to show up. Phil Mickelson is reported to have inked a deal worth $200 million, while Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka both received over $100 million guarantees. Lesser names such as Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Louis Oosthuizen have received eight-figure deals in the $30-$50 million range. Who among us would not like to earn more money for working less hours? Professional golfers have not always been as well compensated as today’s jet-setting, million-dollar lifestyle players of today. Television found golf a viable programming option in the late 1950’s. Arnold Palmer’s slashing style and good looks were made for the small screen and golf fans immediately took notice. Arnold and corporate sponsors were a match made in heaven and the standard was set for professional golfers today. In all of the rhetoric of the fighting between the PGA TOUR and the LIV, several of the players seem to have forgotten the history that allowed them to become household names and earn millions for their families on the PGA TOUR. It has also been reported that the LIV is actively recruiting top collegiate players to forsake the hard road to a professional career via the PGA TOUR. 2021 U.S. Amateur Champion, James Piot just finished his college days at Michigan State and has opted to accept a lucrative offer from LIV. Pierceson Coody, grandson of Masters Champion, Charles Coody, was a three-time All American at the University of Texas and earned exemption to the Korn Ferry Tour by finishing first in the 2022 College Series. He reported that LIV offered a multi-million dollar guarantee to join the LIV Invitational Series, but he, unlike Piot, declined as it has always been his dream to compete with the best players in the world on the PGA TOUR. Another facet of professional golf in the United States is the charitable aspect of the hundreds of non-profit organizations that benefit from PGA TOUR events held in the cities across the country. It has always been somewhat easier explaining a tournament’s huge purse and million-dollar payout to the winners, when several million is generated for hometown charities. This will not be the case with the LIV. In addition, the lack of a few big names to enter PGA TOUR events might even dilute ticket sales, sponsorships and television revenues could decrease in the future. The PGA TOUR has been a victim of its own success. It has ruled the world of professional golf for several years and now with a rival they must examine every segment of their product and form a new long-term strategy going forward. Under the heading, ‘There is no such thing as bad PR,’ the LIV seems to be drawn to controversial players. Sergio Garcia, Patrick Reed, Bryson
DeChambeau, Ian Poulter and even Brooks Koepka have all had their issues with media and fans. Greg Norman may have his hands full keeping them all in line on the LIV Tour. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia is the largest investor in the LIV Investment Group. It is his money that is being thrown at the golfers. I would imagine he is willing to do this for the short term and expects to improve the government’s less than stellar image on civil rights issues, but at some future time he will want to get some of it back. With the addition of Brooks Koepka, along with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson, Greg Norman may have just what he needs to attract a large Asian, or Russian company to invest money for LIV sponsorship rights. Plus, there has to be a European, or Asian television network willing to pay big bucks to be the sole media provider for the LIV Invitational Series tournaments. Back 9 Report discussed the impact of Brooks Koepka joining the LIV Invitational Series and what we can expect to see going forward. Mou, leave a black rectangle for the video Even with Commissioner Monahan vowing permanent exclusion for LIV players, I think it will be difficult for the PGA TOUR to permanently exclude former tour members. This drama has been playing out for over two years and there is no end in sight. The PGA TOUR will continue conducting tournaments and the LIV has plans to grow in the coming years. Two large opposing forces are racing headlong at each other. At some point something has to give. Negotiations are now ongoing to grant Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points to LIV tournaments. The players who have moved to the LIV want to maintain their Top 50 World Ranking to be eligible for major championships. PGA TOUR Commissioner, Jay Monahan sits on the board that will decide whether, or not to include LIV tournaments in the OWGR. I seriously doubt that he will be for their inclusion. This will be the final big hurdle the LIV will have to face to become a legitimate professional golf tour. Next the former PGA TOURmembers that have joined the LIV and been banished by Monahan will need to pursue legal action to regain their playing privileges for future PGA TOUR events. Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson both have won over 20 PGA TOUR events and have earned lifetime exemptions into those tournaments. Indiana Golf Journal
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Rumors about a new golf league surface Phil Mickelson wins the PGA Championship and becomes the oldest player to ever win a major championship. The Saudi International Tournament announces a new partnership with the Asian Tour. Greg Norman was named CEO of the LIV Invitational Golf Series. LIV, who’s main investor is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, announced a $200 million commitment to the Asian Tour and later increased it to $300 million. Phil Mickelson, in Saudi Arabia for the Saudi International, rips the PGA TOUR for its ‘Obnoxious Greed.’ Alan Shipnuck, who is writing an unauthorized biography of Mickelson, hypes the new book by releasing details of a conversation he had with Mickelson in November. Phil said he helped LIV Golf Investments draft the new league’s operating agreement, but referred to the Saudi’s negatively, and was excited that they were providing leverage over the PGA TOUR. Phil’s comments created a media fire storm, and he issued a statement of apology stating he would take a break from competition. Several of his sponsors cut ties with Mickelson. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan holds a mandatory players-only meeting, in which he reportedly tells players they would not be able to compete on the PGA Tour if they defected to the new Saudi league. Norman writes a letter to Monahan questioning the legality of a potential lifetime ban administered to any PGA Tour player who were to defect to a rival league. LIV Golf Investments announces the schedule for an eight-event, $255 million invitational series beginning on June 9 at Centurion Club in England. Phil Mickelson, the reigning PGA Champion and three-time Masters winner does not compete in the Masters at Augusta National. Robert Garrigus is the first player to publicly confirm he requested a conflicting-event release for the first LIV event to be held opposite the RBC Canadian Open. Mickelson officially registered to play the PGA Championship and U.S. Open, plus requested a release from the PGA TOUR to enter the first LIV event in London. Norman admitted that Phil’s comments had a negative effect on players considering joining the new tour. Lee Westwood and Richard Bland request releases to compete in the first LIV event. Sergio Garcia is heard to utter, “I can’t wait to leave this tour,” after becoming upset with a ruling in the first round of the Wells Fargo Championship. PGA Tour informs players that they will deny any releases for conflicting LIV events. LIV Golf ups their financial commitment to the new league to $2 billion, plus announce plans to expand to 10 tournaments in 2023 and 14 tournaments in 2024 and 2025. Norman vows to reimburse any player who faces potential discipline for playing in the LIV’s inaugural event in London. Mickelson becomes the first player since Tiger Woods (2008, because of knee surgery) to not defend his PGA title. Charl Schwartzel pockets $4.75 million for winning the inaugural LIV Invitational event in London. Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson and Louis Oosthuizen are also in the field. Patrick Reed, Bryson DeChambeau, Abraham Ancer, Pat Perez and Brooks Koepka join the LIV Tour. Spring 2021 May, 2021 September, 2021 October, 2021 February, 2022 February 17, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 24, 2022 March 16, 2022 April, 2022 April 18, 2022 April 25, 2022 May 2, 2022 May 4, 2022 May 5, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 11, 2022 May 12, 2022 May 13, 2022 June 13, 2022 Timeline - How We Got Here:
Its no secret that the LIV Golf Invitational Series is funded with Saudi Arabian oil money. This new golf tour may be several things, but it is not about growing golf’s participation around the world, nor creating playing opportunities for world class players, as was the rationale pushed hard by those fronting for this competitor to the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Need convincing? Look at the actions of the LIV’s leader, Greg Norman. What he has done, not said. Norman initially said this new tour wanted to work with the established professional tours and not be a competitor. In reality, the LIV Golf Invitational Series is not only a competitor, but they are definitely not cooperating with the PGA Tour, or the DP World Tour. Gimme the Money— A Golf Fan’s Rant By Ed Travis The crux of Norman’s pitch was that the new tour would create additional playing opportunities for elite players, knowing that neither of the established circuits would allow their members to play in competing events. Either Norman and company thought we weren’t listening or were so gullible we wouldn’t see through the hyperbole. Justification from those players accepting the Saudi money and jumping to the LIV Golf Series are rationalizations, misstatements, and innuendo over what they say are issues with the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. It’s not they weren’t making an extremely good return on their golfing talents, but that they want more. In itself this isn’t wrong, however most adults have figured out when decisions are made solely for the lure of money, things rarely work out.
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What no one seems to emphasize is that the PGA TOUR provided these defectors headed by Phil Mickelson, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Pat Perez, Louis Oosthuizen, Patrick Reed and Sergio Garcia, the opportunity and a place to play against the best in the world, to develop their games and earn large sums of money. This group personally banked over $380 million in prize money, not including hundreds of millions of dollars more from sponsorships and endorsements. The PGA TOUR, which by the way is owned by the players themselves, made them very rich men. This cannot end happily. Most disturbing to me, some of the professionals choosing to leave the PGA Tour are indeed favorites of mine, but they won’t admit it’s a simple case of “Gimme the Money.” They skate around what LIV Golf is about deflecting attention from the human rights record of a misogynistic regime that happens to hold control over a significant portion of the world’s oil, not to mention having probable links to terrorists, such as those perpetrating the 9-11 massacre. Seeking other opinions, I talked with a veteran woman player who’s thinking surely reflects many others. “Why can’t these players go after the money? Everyone can try to find a new job that pays better. The Saudis faults and treatment of women are not on the players’ minds just the fact they can play a lot less and earn a lot more. After all its just golf.” It’s just golf is one point of view, but it ignores the reason the Saudi’s are putting up such immense sums of money with no hope of making a profit, hoping to make us forget the truth.
Hall of Fame member, Greg Norman has a 30-year vendetta against the PGA Tour, still the Saudi’s felt Greg was the guy to lead this rebel effort and accomplish their “sportswashing” efforts. The concept is certainly not a new public relations strategy. For those that don’t remember simply Google the 1936 Olympic Games held in Hitler’s pre-World War II Germany. Another long-time amateur player told me, they have sold their legacies in the game for life-altering sums of money. “The money is doing all the talking and until those guys realize that reputations are more long-lasting that’s the way it will be.” The LIV season is comprised of only eight 54-hole events and fields are limited to 48 players with a no-cut format, plus a mixture of individual and team scoring where everyone gets paid. It can best be described as a series of exhibitions with a few big names scattered in to gain attention. Won’t golf fans become weary of exhibitions that do not lead to an overall champion, or the threat of missing a cut? Charl Schwartzel was just paid $4 million for his win at the first LIV tournament in London last month, plus he earned an additional $750,000 for being allow participation by LIV Golf members. The USGA permitted them to compete in this year’s U.S. Open at The Country Club, plus THE OPEN Championship will accept their entries, if they are eligible. The Masters and the PGA Championship have yet to make a public statement about future participation. Whatever the future holds the LIV Golf Series’ attempt to carve a spot in professional golf is to the detriment of the established PGA Tour and DP World Tour. Fans, local communities, and charities will also be big losers. Right now, most world class golfers compete every week to build a reputation and a legacy of which they can be proud. They do it the old-fashioned way, “They Earn It.” The players that are escaping to the LIV Series are taking the approach that the easy money is more important. We will see if that approach can be sustained over time. a member of the winning team. By comparison it would take a minimum of three wins on the PGA TOUR to earn that much prize money. Schwartzel banked $4.75 million for just 54 holes of work. Don’t forget Charl was paid a guaranteed sum of money, rumored to be in the $30 million range, just to show up. That’s pretty good money for a 37-year old professional nearing the back end of his playing career. Phil Mickelson reportedly received $200 million, while Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka were paid well over $100 million each. The urgency to win a golf tournament loses its significance, when you already have several million in the bank account and don’t need the firstplace check. Winning no longer matters, only the speed with which you can sign your name on a guaranteed LIV contract. The wild card in all of this is what major championships will Indiana Golf Journal
Excitement Is Building For The New Indiana Golf Office Indiana Golf Office (IGO) recently sold its property in Franklin and will move to a new IGO Headquarters at The Fort Golf Resort near Indianapolis. Everyone at IGO is excited for the move to new headquarters, even though they have enjoyed a long and positive relationship with The Legends of Indiana. For more than 25 years, the Golf Office called The Legends of Indiana home. The relationship began in the late 1990’s when Indiana Golf was looking for a new home that would provide more visibility, access to a championship golf course, and the ability to expand the Hall of Fame and administrative space. All of these criteria were met at the Legends Golf Club. During their time at the Legends, the Indiana Golf Foundation was begun, as well as a camp program that reached more than 5,000 kids at its peak. The IGO continued to expand and added the First Tee-Indiana with the goal to ‘Teach Life Lessons Through the Game of Golf.’
Camp numbers began to decline, however, as more focus and resources were shifted to The First Tee programming. Finally, the decision was made to discontinue the camp and shift the emphasis to Indianapolis and other outreach golf offerings. After considering multiple new sites, the Indiana Golf Foundation board unanimously decided that The Fort Golf Resort would be the perfect choice as the future home of Indiana Golf. Working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Parks and the National Parks Service a final agreement was made that provided a prime location adjacent to the entrance to The Fort Golf Club, near the practice facility. The partnership provides Indiana Golf with a highly visible location at a Pete Dye redesigned public golf course that is universally recognized as one of the best public courses in the state. The new facility is to be named “The Pete and Alice Dye Indiana Golf Center,” to honor the unmatched legacy the Dye’s left the Indiana golf community. Plans are still being finalized, with the goal to break ground on the new facility yet this Fall. The new IGO will house the offices of the Indiana Golf Association, Indiana PGA and Indiana Golf Foundation with the space to house additional golf-related associations in the future. The building will also house the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame which will be an exciting and interactive tribute to the history of Indiana Golf. In addition to hosting a few Championships on an annual basis, The Fort will serve as a location for the First Tee, PGA HOPE, and the newly planned adaptive golf programming. Indiana Golf Journal
Fundraising efforts are underway, and Indiana Golf plans to be in the new facility by late summer of 2023. For more information contact the IGO office at: indianagolf.org
Valparaiso 10th Grader Aidan Gutierrez Wins IHSAA Boys Golf State Title stroke, 602-603. In 2021, Guerin Catholic finished second in the team championship to Center Grove. The top 15 team scores: Guerin Catholic 602, Westfield 603, Hamilton Southeastern 615, Indianapolis Cathedral 627, Silver Creek 627, Bloomington South 631, Valparaiso 633, Warsaw 637, Leo 638, Noblesville 641, Evansville North 642, Penn 660, Jasper 665, Covenant Christian 679, and Evansville Memorial 717 By Mike May Most years the Indiana High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) Boys State Golf individual champion is determined after 36 holes of play. The 85th annual IHSAA state boys golf tournament held June 14-15, at the Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, took an extra three holes to determine the state champion. Aiden Gutierrez, a sophomore from Valparaiso High School, emerged victorious in a playoff defeating Ryan Ford of Cathedral High School to become the 2022 IHSAA Boys Golf Champion. In the overall team event, topranked Guerin Catholic defeated number three-ranked Westfield – which uses Prairie View as its home golf course – by one Indiana Golf Journal
JUST ASK OUR COURSE RECORD HOLDERS: PHIL MICKELSON, FRED COUPLES, LEE JANZEN & AN UNKNOWN AMATEUR. (We’re not kidding!) Can’t Top That. WWW.TREETOPS.COM | 81 SPECTACULAR HOLES BY GOLF’S GREAT DESIGNERS. EASY. GOLF IS The top 16 individual scores: 142 (-2): Aidan Gutierrez,Valparaiso, 75-67; Ryan Ford, Indianapolis Cathedral, 74-68 (Gutierrez won playoff for medalist honors) 143 (-1): Derek Tabor, New Castle, 76-67; Hunter Melton, Fort Wayne Carroll, 72-71 145 (+1): Will Perkins, Noblesville, 77-68; Jacob Modleski, Guerin Catholic, 74-71 146 (+2): Cal Hoskins, Warsaw, 77-69; Justin Hicks, Leo, 74-72 147 (+3): Adam Melliere, Zionsville, 73-74 148 (+4): Leo Wessel, Guerin Catholic, 76-72; Jake Cesare, Westfield, 74-74 149 (+5): Brayden Miller, Fairfield, 77-72; Peyton Blackard, Gibson Southern, 73-76; Cody Coleman, Silver Creek, 72-77 150 (+6): Lane Zedrick, Hamilton Southeastern, 78-72; Alec Cesare, Westfield, 79-71 Wilson Staff Duo golf ball, the official golf ball of the IHSAA state golf tournament, was provided as a commemorative gift to all the players, but they were not required to use it in tournament play. On the secondday of the tournament –Wednesday, June 15 – IHSAAtv.org provided ‘live’ video coverage (with no commentary) of the 18th hole at the Prairie View GC. Carter Smith from Silver Creek High School was awarded The Fred A. Keesling Mental Attitude Award, presented by Indiana Farm Bureau.
French Lick Resort Charity Classic to Offer Largest Purse in Epson Tour History In early August, while the LPGA’s top players will be playing in Scotland at the AIG Women’s British Open, the future stars of the LPGA will be competing at Indiana’s French Lick Resort. The young women competing on the Epson Tour will be playing in the French Lick Resort Charity Classic, presented by Old National Bank. The 72hole tournament will be contested on The Pete Dye Course with the players vying for a share of $335,000, the largest purse in the Epson Tour’s history. “We are grateful to partners like French Lick Resort who fully embrace the ‘Road to the LPGA’ mission of identifying the next generation of LPGA Tour stars,” said Mike Nichols, Chief Business Officer of LPGA Qualifying Tours. “The Pete Dye Course has a tradition of hosting major championship golf. By elevating the tournament experience for the Epson Tour, the French Lick Resort sets an example for our current and future partners of how we can ally to support these professional athletes chasing their dreams.” By Mike May Indiana Golf Journal
In past years, French Lick Resort hosted the Epson Tour on its historic Donald Ross Course, which also previously hosted the LPGA Championship in 1959 and 1960. Patty Tavatanakit, the winner of the 2021 LPGA Chevron Championship, won the Donald Ross Classic in 2019. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick has made its mark hosting numerous notable golf tournaments since its opening in 2009. The course hosted the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, the LPGA Senior Championships from 2017-2021, as well as the PGA Professional National Championship. The Big 10 Men’s Championship returned to The Pete Dye Course at French Lick this past spring and it also hosted the Indiana Men’s Amateur in late June. “The French Lick Resort has enjoyed hosting the Epson Tour since 2017, and we are proud to lead the way in elevating this tournament and tour in support of these aspiring LPGA Tour players,” said Dave Harner, Director of Golf at French Lick Resort. “We have a proud history of hosting both major professional and amateur championship golf on both the Donald Ross and Pete Dye courses and are proud to add the French Lick Resort Charity Classic to this legacy in 2022.” The actual tournament will be preceded by a kid’s clinic, Tuesday, August 2 and a pro-am on Wednesday, August 3. The tournament will benefit the Riley Children’s Foundation, plus other local charities. The third and fourth rounds of the French Lick Resort Charity Classic will be livestreamed, so the Epson Tour experience can be viewed on a global scale. Additionally, the tournament will be designated as the Tour’s flagship event, meaning it will receive the most Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings points of any tournament throughout the season. Learn more at French Lick’s website https:// frenchlick.com/golf/events/flrcharityclassic This is how the game should be played. Ambitious challenges. Stunning views. An old-school Donald Ross layout, and Pete Dye’s modern gem. It all comes together at Indiana’s favorite golf destination. frenchlick.com/golf • 888-936-9360 Just the way golf intended. Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice. Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT or text INGAMB to 53342!
Sultan’s Run: One of Indiana’s Magnificent Masterpieces “The Sultan’s experience is unique in that we are secluded fromthe hustle and bustle of bigcity noise,” said Jeff Howerton, headgolf professional at Sultan’s Run. “Upon arrival at Sultan’s Run, the golfer only sees woods, lakes and the golf course, which is unusual in today’s time with housing developments and resorts. It’s a great experience coming to hole number 18 with the beautiful vista from the top of the hill while teeing off and culminating with the 18th green being surrounded by a rock wall, trees and the waterfall!” The left-to-right dogleg par four 18th, the signature Hole at Sultan’s Run, is possibly the most dramatic home hole in When you make plans to visit southwest Indiana, possibly for Strassenfest in Jasper (August 4-7), you must set aside time to play the Sultan’s Run Golf Club. Designed by Tim Liddy, a protégé of Pete Dye, this 18-hole layout is one of the marvels of golf in Indiana. The property on which Sultan’s Run now sits was once the home turf of the famous horse Supreme Sultan, who sired a record number of world champion American Saddlebred horses. In his honor the logo for Sultan’s Run features the silhouette of an American Saddlebred. Each hole at Sultan’s Run is named after a world champion horse sired by Supreme Sultan, By Mike May Foxfire’s Prophet (4th), Magic Marvel (8th), Candledance (12th), Starpina (14th), and Bellissima (15th). Supreme Sultan’s presence can be felt as you walk the course. Sultan’s Run, which provides beautiful views of the scenic southern Indiana countryside, features rolling hills, wonderful bunkering, bent grass greens, and a beautiful waterfall behind the 18th green, which makes the perfect backdrop for a photo op of you and your golf buddies. Only a handful of holes at Sultan’s Run don’t have some type of elevation change, plus water hazards exist on ten of the 18 holes at Sultan’s Run. Indiana Golf Journal
Indiana. The tee shot is struck from a high perch to a wide, spacious, bunkered fairway in the distance. Don’t swing too much club on the uphill approach and airmail the putting surface, or you will get an up close and personal view with the afore-mentioned waterfall. Be sure to take in the view back down the 18th fairway to keep a fond memory of Supreme Sultan’s former homestead. In 2015, Sultan’s Run was voted the #1 golf course in Indiana by the Indiana Golf Owners Association. When you play Sultan’s Run, make plans to eat afterwards at the nearby Schnitzelbank German restaurant in Jasper. I highly recommend the German Sampler as an appetizer with either the wiener schnitzel or the schweine schnitzel, both served with German fries, for your entrée. The apple strudel, German chocolate pie, or the Black Forest cake are beyond compare and will provide the perfect ending to your culinary experience at the Schnitzelbank. You will be hard-pressed to discover a better 18-hole golf experience than Sultan’s Run. We think you will agree, it’s one of the marvels of golf in Indiana.
Ross Bridge: Alabama’s Golfing ‘Trophy’ very wide fairways off the tees. At Ross Bridge, the onus is on the approach shot.” The course architects were mindful of this location’s historical past, as a working mine and saved an old gristmill, which stands adjacent to the 4th green. Adding to the property’s beauty, a multi-tiered waterfall starts at the gristmill and drops 80 feet between the 9th and 18th greens. At just over 6,200 yards, the white tees at Ross Bridge offer the best overall experience for Some of the most desired places to play golf in the U.S. are Augusta National, Seminole, and Pine Valley, but they are inaccessible for the average golfer. If you want to experience your own unforgettable golfing memory, find it on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones (RTJ) Golf Trail, which features 468 holes of championship golf, on 26 courses, at 11 different sites. While each course is special, challenging, fun, memorable, and affordable, the ‘jewel’ of the RTJ Golf Trail is Ross Bridge near Birmingham. When golfers walk off the 18th green at Ross By Mike May Bridge, they admit that they just experienced an unforgettable golfingmemory at the ‘Cathedral of the Trail.’ “It all starts when people drive onto our property and see the castle-like structure that is the resort,” says Chip Purser, the director of golf at Ross Bridge. “On the golf side, our job is to keep that ‘Wow’ factor alive. We have an incredible golf product that is lots of fun. At Ross Bridge, that service factor is important for our guests who come to play golf, plus the views are spectacular.” While all golf courses have one ‘signature hole,’ Ross Bridge, in my opinion, has 18 of them which are both appealing to the eye and irresistible. Ross Bridge presents golfers with a true, thorough and fulfilling golf experience. “It’s not a d a u n t i n g course. We have Indiana Golf Journal
any visitor. Birdies are always a possibility, pars are common, and the occasional eagle on a par five remains an accessible dream. Of course, bogeys and worse are forever looming at Ross Bridge. “When I first walked on the golf course and stood on the 8th tee, it reminded me of the 11th at Augusta National,” recalls Purser. “The second shot to 17 is great because you see the 18th green, the gristmill, and the big waterfall in the background.” The Clubhouse at Ross Bridge was named one of Golf Digest’s “Favorite 19th Holes.” Other activities at the Renaissance Ross Bridge Resort & Spa include, tennis, relaxing by the pool, soaking in the outdoor hot tub, or time at the Spa at Ross Bridge. Every day, just before sunset, a bagpiper walks around the hotel property and plays an assortment of songs and hymns. When you combine a world-class resort with a world-class golfing destination, RTJ’s Ross Bridge can be mentioned alongside Augusta National, Seminole, and Pine Valley as one of the most special places to play golf in the U.S., plus hear the bagpipes at sunset!
Indiana’s Dream 18: Holes 13, 14, And 15 Visit Indiana Golf has highlighted the best 18 golf holes from 18 different public-access golf courses across the Hoosier State. In this issue we highlight the three middle holes, 13, 14, and 15, of the back nine. The 13th at Chariot Run Golf Club Chariot Run is considered one of Indiana’s top public championship courses and was ranked in 2018 as Indiana’s #4 Best Course You Can Play by Golfweek. The 13th hole at Chariot Run is a short par four that requires a pinpoint drive. The fairway of this rightto-left uphill dogleg is divided by a sand bunker with the primary goal being to hit your ball to the left or right of that trap. From the fairway, you have a short, but blind shot to an elevated green. If you go pin-seeking from the tee with a driver, avoid the bunker that is greenside left. It takes more brains than brawn to play the 13th at Chariot Run. By Josh Alsip Indiana Golf Journal
The 14th at The Pfau Course The Pfau Course in Bloomington was designed by highly acclaimed architect Steve Smyers and two-time major championship winner, Fuzzy Zoeller. It was built on the same land as the old Indiana University Championship Golf Course. With a variety of tee boxes, the 14th can play anywhere from 268 yards to 459 yards. Smyers designed a sharp dogleg right with ten deep “eyebrow” bunkers, that guard the right side of the fairway. From the forward tees, it can play as a risk-reward drivable hole, but from the back tees, it’s a strong par four that begins with a daunting tee shot. The ten “eyebrow” bunkers on the 14th are only a small percentage of the 147 bunkers strewn throughout the entire course. The 15th at The Ackerman-Allen Course The Ackerman-Allen Course is part of the Birck-Boilermaker Golf Complex on the Purdue Campus in West Lafayette. The 15th is one of the strongest par fours in Indiana measuring over 400 yards from four of the five tee choices. It’s ranked the most difficult hole on this course and most golfers will require an up and down with a greenside chip to make par. Just finding this green in regulation is worthy of a fist-pump celebration.
The OPEN Championship 2022 A Poem By Mike May One of the world’s biggest events is coming to Scotland….and golf will be on center stage. For seven days, golf’s past, present, and future will be all the rage. It will be a celebration of the OPEN Championship’s 150th edition. This special event is not to be missed, as it will be a historic rendition. This year’s OPEN will held at St. Andrews, which is a big deal. The Old Course was the only choice because of its historic appeal. We will be reminded of the OPEN’s many past champs – many of whom are still alive. Charles, Player, Jacklin, Nicklaus, and Trevino are the oldest living five. St. Andrews has 112 bunkers scattered around the course. Those sand traps will be an issue, as will the rough filled with gorse. One of those sand traps is called Hell. Players must avoid it at all costs – this poem is here to tell. Another trap is the Road Hole bunker, alongside the 17th green. That trap may be worse than Hell, if you know what I mean. Another tough bunker is called Strath. Any player in that sand pit will definitely feel the wrath. Another nasty trap is named Deacon’s Sime. Getting out of that bunker will cost you a stroke and a little time. Along the 16th fairway, you’ll find three bunkers called the Principal’s Nose. Those traps are so small that there’s no room for your feet or your toes. This year, we’ll celebrate Bobby Jones’ 1930 Old Course win. One of his keys to victory that year was avoiding the Valley of Sin. Sixteen players have won this event -- back-to-back -- not an easy thing to do. The oldest living repeat champ is Lee Trevino – who won in ’71 & ’72. There will be former OPEN champs playing who have won at St. Andrews in the past. They include Woods, Oosthuizen, Johnson, and Daly, who I’m picking to finish last. Who will win at the Old Course and be named the Champion Golfer of the Year? I don’t know, but he will be celebrated with applause and a loud cheer. Roses are red and violets are blue. The countdown has begun to the OPEN Championship 2022.
Damaged Clubs Are Not Always Damaged Goods Most people know about the existence of the 14club rule in golf, but few are aware of a significant rule change made in 2019 pertaining to damaged clubs. Before that change, any type of damage to any of the clubs in your bag would cause it to become nonconforming and you were forced to immediately take it out of play. Rule 4.1a now states that, “no matter what the nature or cause of the damage, the damaged club is treated as conforming for the rest of the round.” By Mitch Moon Indiana Golf Journal
At this year’s KPMG Championship last month at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, Emma Talley became upset after a missed putt, and she struck her foot with the putter. As a result, the putter head became loose. She determined the club to be non-conforming and did not use it over the final three holes. She finished her round by putting with a wedge. According to the revised Rule 4.1, but unbeknownst to her, she could have tightened the head back to its original position, or she could have continued to use it as it was. There are a couple interesting caveats to this rule. Once the round is complete, that damaged club can no longer be used unless it is restored to its original condition, or as near as possible. If you, as a player, happen to do this during the final round and subsequently need a playoff to determine the winner, that damaged club is considered non-conforming and cannot be used in a playoff. Know the Rules of Golf, they are there to help you and make the game equitable for everyone competing.
Whether you’re a habitual knuckle-cracker or your joints pop on their own accord, it’s important to know what’s causing your joints to make noise and when to be alarmed. “It’s normal for joints to make cracking and popping sounds from time to time,” says Michael Kralovec, MD, orthopedic surgeon and clinical director of the Franciscan Health Center for Joint Surgery in Munster. “It’s nothing to be concerned about if it’s not painful.” However, if your noisy joints cause a burst of pain each time they crack or pop, it’s time to talk with a doctor. Dull aching after joint pops can also mean that something is wrong. What Causes Painful Noisy Joints? Knuckles, ankles, knees, hips and shoulder joints can occasionally be noisy. It can happen while waking up, working out, stretching, or as you stand. Natural-occurring nitrogen gas bubbles in your joints, pop and will cause a loud cracking noise. Whenyour joints pop, or crackwithaccompanying pain, arthritis is the most common cause. Arthritis is a condition in which the cartilage covering the ends of the bones begins to wear away, exposing the bare bone underneath the cartilage. The bare bone causes a painful grinding sensation and can even lead to “bone on bone” degeneration. According to the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, almost 25 per cent of all adults, roughly 58.5 million people, have arthritis. The older you get, the more likely you are to have arthritis in your joints. Managing arthritis early with lifestyle changes will help protect your joints. Another common cause for a painful and noisy knee joint is an injured meniscus, which is a Why Do My Joints Make Noise? By Franciscan Health Indiana Golf Journal
piece of stabilizing cartilage in your knee. If your meniscus tears, it will move in and out of place, causing a painful popping sensation. The meniscus gets weaker as you age, so while a meniscus tear can happen at any age, it is most common in adults 65 and older. “There are many non-operative and operative treatments available,” said Dr. Kralovec. “I like to discuss all the treatment options with my patients and then work together to come up with a treatment plan based on their symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.” Is there a way to avoid noisy joint pops? It is not entirely possible to avoid noisy joint pops, however, there are ways to reduce inflammation and increase synovial fluid, which acts as a lubricant in your joints. When the synovial fluid is low, your joints have more friction and are more likely to crack and pop. 5 Tips To Help Avoid Noisy Joints: 1. Stay hydrated Drink half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. 2. Manage and maintain a healthy weight Extra weight adds extra stress on your joints. 3. Eat a nutrient-rich diet Focus on foods with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and protein. 4. Get regular cardiovascular exercise Improve your heart health and circulation. 5. Stay physically active Yoga, gentle stretching, and other lowimpact activities like walking are great ways to get moving.
Let’s face it, sometimes it takes too much time, money, and planning to go to Napa Valley, California or Willamette Valley, Oregon. And if you’ve previously been to California or Oregon on a wine trip, maybe your urge to revisit those areas has run its course. For wine lovers who like to travel, there are two great Midwestern wine regions worth visiting, specifically Missouri and Michigan. In recent years, my wife and I have traveled to each of these wine regions, so here is a thumbnail guide to what you’ll find: Missouri It is not misery to taste the wines of Missouri! The wineries are located about an hour west of St. Louis, in and around the towns of Hermann and Augusta. This region is steeped in wine history. It can appeal as much to the weekend warrior as it can the savvy wine consumer. Wine pioneer George Husmann began planting grapes here in 1858. The little town of Augusta and its few surrounding wineries represent the very first AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation given in the United States. Missouri wines are mainly from hybrid grapes such as Traminette, Chardonel, and Chambourcin, but there is also the historic Norton grape, with a mystique all its own. Be sure to visit wineries like Oak Glenn and Adam Puchta, where some of the Norton/ Cynthiana vines are more than 100 years old. Midwest Wine Trips: Worth Your Time & Travel By Kurt Wieneke Indiana Golf Journal
Michigan Hail to the wines of southern Michigan! Lake Michigan Shore AVA is located in the southwest corner of the state, across the border from Indiana. Because of its proximity to Lake Michigan, this wine region is temperate enough to produce wines using standard vinifera grapes such as Cabernet, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The heart of wine country in Lake Michigan Shore AVA is around Berrien Springs, but the region extends as far east as Kalamazoo. It is relaxing, outdoorsy, and fun to spend a day wine tasting in southern Michigan. Be on the lookout for the signature red wine in this area - Cabernet Franc. This grape truly shines in southern Michigan, always offering fruit-forward cherry berry flavors along with a hint of earthy loam. My favorite wineries of this area for high quality winemaking and winery experience are Free Run Cellars, Cody Kresta Winery, and Modales Wines. You don’t have to travel to California for great American wines. Michigan and Missouri are proof positive.
“Hope Never Dies. You can always have hope, even when the odds are stacked against you.” Dr. Ryan Deweese is on the staff of IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette and recently wrote a book entitled, “Where Rainbows Never Die.” Dr. Deweese saw the worst of times during the COVID pandemic. His 160-bed hospital was jammed with 98 COVID Book Review: “Where Rainbows Never Die” deepens their bond and helps the three grow closer. The book also provides a glimpse into Incan culture. The elusive treasure contains an ancient bracelet with magical powers. With an element of history, fantasy, action, adventure, medical drama, comedy, and tragedy, plus a little golf, the book has something for everyone to enjoy. All funds generated from the sale of the book are donated to the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. Caroline was diagnosed with Wilms tumor disease, a type of kidney patients, with more admitted every day. “It was, emotionally, pretty bad,” Deweese said. Even during these trying times, he found time to complete the book. “If I got down on myself, I would put the book down and then come back to it a couple of weeks later. Every time I returned, I felt it was an entertaining read, so that inspired me to keep after it.” The main character in the book, Dr. Beck, befriends a nine-yearold cancer patient, Emily, who is out of options for further chemotherapy and her only hope is costly experimental medication. Along with her guardian, Tiffany, the trio attempts to raise the funds necessary to save Emily’s life and they set out on an epic adventure to find a hidden treasure. With help from Emily and Tiffany, Dr. Beck also faces his own inner demons, which Indiana Golf Journal
The book sells for $12.99, but most buyers pay slightly more to donate to the charity. “They tell me to keep the change, donate the rest of the charity. We’ve probably made more money in the donations than book sales, which is the whole point.” Dr. Deweese’s interest in writing started in college, when he took several creative writing classes. He wrote the book because he wanted to share something that could make the world a better place, channeling his passion into something to help others. Deweese was good enough to play golf as a walkon freshman at Butler University, but quickly realized that studies were more important than golf, if he wanted to attend IU’s Medical School. Dr. Deweese and his family reside in Newburgh. Although it is a drive, he enjoys the Dormie Network golf club atVictoria National, plus he is a member of Briggs Ranch in San Antonio, another Dormie Network Club and enjoys competing in Dormie Club matches. “Those Dormie Matches are one of the things I like to put high on my priority list every year. You play against the groups and the pros from all the other clubs, and you get to know the pros from every club pretty well. That makes it special, too.” “Where Rainbows Never Die” can be purchased on Amazon. All monies raised from the sale of the book go to fund pediatric cancer research through the Caroline Symmes Children’s Cancer Endowment. Follow Dr. Deweese on Twitter @ deweeseryan.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Mitch Moon Ed Travis is a national award winning golf journalist and has had a lifelong love affair with the game. He has competed in tournament golf both as an amateur and as a senior professional and though his competitive days are behind him, he still plays regularly and carries a handicap of 2. Golfscribe@outlook.com Mitch Moon grew up in West Branch, Iowa alongside a small 9-hole golf course. He played collegiately at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduation, he worked for a junior golf association outside of Atlanta and moved to the EPSON Tour (Symetra Tour) in 2018. In 2019, he was promoted to the LPGA Tour and currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kurt Wieneke Kurt Wieneke, akaWine Guy Kurt, a freelance wine writer who grew up in Seymour and is now based in Indianapolis. Kurt, an avid wine taster, enjoys sharing his 30 years of experience in collecting and tasting fine wines. Indiana Golf Journal
VIDEOS Back 9 Report wonders if Brooks Koepka moving to the LIV Invitational Series is really a loss for the PGA Tour? Former PGA Tour Professional and now WorldClass Instructor, David Ogin talks about the LIV and the limited affect it will have on professional golf and the world of golf. Always Something NEW Happening at Pinehurst Pine Needles hosted the U.S. Women’s Open in June, the Pour Tour makes every visit FUN, Newly renovated Southern Pines is a must-play, PLUS there is Fantastic dining, shopping and other outdoor activities for the entire family. Is Brooks Koepka a Huge Loss to PGA Tour? Former Tour Pro, David Ogrin Says the LIV is a Limited Opportunity for Pro Golfers Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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