FrenchLickResort agolf&gaming paradise I-90inNorthern IndianaHasGreatGolf Indiana’sDream18: Holes4,5,and6 MastersTrivia& PlacestoPlay inGeorgia EvansAwards17 ColegeScholarships MARCH2022
The Masters is Just Around the Corner March is here, the days are getting a little longer, the sun is a little brighter, and the mercury in the thermostat is beginning to inch a little higher. That’s great news for all golfers as tee times start to become an item of daily and weekly concern. Our feature story in this month’s edition focuses on the French Lick Resort. There’s more to do in French Lick than play golf and enjoy the world-class accommodations. Speaking of French Lick, congratulations to Michael Martinico, winner of Indiana Golf Journal’s French Lick Contest. We know you will enjoy your time there. In this month’s issue, our goal is to tantalize you with information that will inspire you to play golf throughout the state of Indiana and to do so with new apparel and equipment, courtesy of stories provided by Belinda Theoret and Ed Travis. In addition, your short game will be enhanced with great advice from Crystal Morse, the head pro at the Legends Golf Club. The true value of a deep sleep is emphasized in a story provided by our good friends at Franciscan Health. Finally, looking ahead to the Masters in April, there’s a story which will provide you with interesting aspects of the Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters tournament and will add to your knowledge of this iconic sports event. Do you know who won the first Par 3 tournament at the Masters, which is always held on the Wednesday of Masters week? If you are headed to Augusta to watch the action, we provide a few places you might want to visit in the Peach State. Hint, hint: Have you ever heard of the Georgia Golf Trail? Enjoy this issue and I look forward to seeing you on the first tee of a course near you. 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 33 FIND INSIDE 06 11 22 34 French Lick Is Everyone’s Favorite for Golf, Dining, Relaxation & Gaming The Masters Tournament is Truly Second-To-None Masters Trip On The Georgia Golf Trail Hoosier Hysteria Of Golf Along I-90 In Northern Indiana Evans Awards 17 College Scholarships To 17 Indiana Caddies 06 11 14 16 18 Srixon’s Q-Star Tour Golf Balls: For Slower Swing Speeds The Reward Of Giving Back The ‘2 + 2 Rule:’ Be Aware of Your Options Now, I Lay Me Down to Sleep…The Night Before Playing Golf College Report: ND’s Palmer Jackson Wins Prestigious Jones Cup Indiana’s Dream 18: Holes 4, 5, and 6 22 25 26 29 30 20 Our Contributors Real Zinfandel Spring Golf Tip: Diversify Your Club Selection Around the Green Lacoste LIVE and Lacoste Sport – Two Collections with an Edge! Dormie Network Takes Private Golf Equipment Fitting to a New Level Our Favorite Videos 40 38 33 34 36 41 Indiana Golf Journal
French Lick Is Everyone’s Favorite for Golf, Dining, Relaxation & Gaming French Lick in southern Indiana has long been a favorite for discerning travelers. In addition to the two fabulous championship golf courses, the Pete Dye and the Donald Ross, it boasts a historic nine-hole course – the Valley Links – that’s perfect for the entire family, or just a quick round to satisfy that golf itch. The Valley Links Course The Valley Links’ roots stretch back to 1907, when it was designed by the premier golf architect of the time, Tom Bendelow. It sits near the casino and is a very walkable nine-hole, par-36 course. Bendelow, was affectionately called “The Johnny Appleseed of American Golf.” In 1895, he built the first public golf course in New York City and is credited with designing more than 600 courses in his lifetime. Valley Links Course Indiana Golf Journal
The Valley Links course provides golfers of all ages and skill levels, an enjoyable, as well as, challenging round of golf. French Lick partnered with U.S. Kids Golf to renovate and develop the course for the entire family, but it is especially designed for children and beginners. For those golfers needing to slip away from the gaming tables for a short practice session, the driving range and practice area are also located along the Valley Links course. The Donald Ross Course Set on the rolling hills that dominate the southern Indiana landscape, the Donald Ross Course opened for play in 1917 and incorporates several of Ross’ classic design features. The topography allowed Ross to perch greens atop hills, which created uphill approach shots to greens with false fronts. His devilish undulations on the greens always make the dreaded three-putt the rule, rather than the exception and four putts are never out of the equation. To add to the challenge, 80 bunkers with flat bottoms and steep faces litter the property. The bunkers surrounding the greens are deep and require a deft touch to extricate one’s ball with any hope to salvage par. The 1924 PGA Championship, won by Walter Hagen, was held on the Donald Ross Course at French Lick. The 1959 and 1960 LPGA Championships were also held there. Since 2017, the Donald Ross Course hosted the EPSON Tour’s (formerly the Symetra Tour) Donald Ross Classic, which features the talented young women professional golfers trying to make their way to the LPGA Tour. The Ross Course is annually rated the No. 2 publicaccess golf course in Indiana by GolfWeek. After your round, sit and enjoy a cold beverage and a tasty sandwich inHagen’s Clubhouse Restaurant. If the weather cooperates, the best seats can be found on the veranda with unobstructed views of the first and tenth tees, as well as, the ninth and 18th greens. Aerial of Donald Ross Course
The Pete Dye Course When the leadership at the French Lick Resort first asked Pete Dye to design a golf course atop the second highest peak in Indiana, he was not keen on the idea. But after more consideration, plus a few scratches on a cocktail napkin, Dye came up with a routing that created one of the most challenging and beautiful golf courses in the world. Using the steep terrain, he built several elevated tees that allow majestic views, as well as, provide every golfer an advantage with the driver. From the back tees at the 11th hole, golfers can see for more than 40 miles in every direction, but the fairway seems to be a small oasis far away in the distance. Every golfer, despite his or her handicap, must take the steep drive up the cart path to check out this amazing site and send at least one drive soaring into the great blue yonder. Be sure to appreciate the ‘volcano bunkers’ that reside in the right rough along the second fairway. To our knowledge, you will not see this unique design feature at any other golf course in the world. The Pete Dye Course has hosted several big tournaments: the 2010 PGA Professional National Championship, as well as, the 2015 Senior PGA Championship, won by Colin Montgomerie. Alice Dye hosted an annual charity event on the Dye Course at French Lick. The resort held a Legend’s Tour event for senior women professionals, every year beginning in 2013. In 2017, The Senior LPGA Championship became the first major tournament for senior women. Don’t forget to visit the Mount Aerie Mansion before you head back down the hill. Formerly the Taggert Family Mansion, it sits at the very top of the mountain and provides breathtaking views as you savor your favorite sandwich. There is a statue of Pete Dye near the mansion and the inscription is pure Pete Dye, “The ardent golfer would play Mount Everest if somebody would put a flagstick on top.” 16th green, Pete Dye Course Indiana Golf Journal
The French Lick Charity Classic Beginning in 2022, the EPSON Tour’s Donald Ross Classic will be renamed the French LickCharityChampionship and will be contested on the Pete Dye Course. Proceeds from the event will benefit Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, a longtime favorite of the French Lick Resort. With the average purse on the EPSON Tour being $200,000, French Lick has made a three-year commitment to offer a total purse of $335,000, with $50,000 going to the winner. The champion of the 2022 French Lick Charity Classic will be well on her way to the LPGA Tour in 2023. Pete Dye Course Above the Clouds
Dining Dining at the French Lick Resort is yet another one of the outstanding features of the resort. They take their food service very seriously. Both the 1895 Steakhouse in the French Lick Springs Hotel and Sinclair’s in the West Baden Springs Hotel serve only the finest cuts and dishes to please the most discerning diner. If you are looking for a more casual dining experience, French Lick has several options. The Power Plant Bar & Grill, The Grand Collonade and Pluto’s Pizzeria are all located in the French Lick Springs Hotel. With more than 700 slot machines in the spacious French Lick Casino, jackpot hunters are sure to find something they will like. In addition, French Lick is constantly updating its games with progressives and interactive games with bonus potential. Choose from more than 25 table games on the casino floor. Blackjack, craps, roulette and other popular games are all available. Plus, French Lick’s experienced dealers are glad to help the inexperienced player. The newly renovated Sportsbook Lounge with wall-towall television screens and comfortable club chairs in the French Lick Casino provide real time viewing, plus allows players to place wagers on all their favorites, as well as the underdogs, while enjoying their favorite food or adult beverage. It’s the perfect place to kick back and still enjoy all the action. New Rooms While the French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel embrace their distinguished history, the resort just completed the Valley Tower that added 71 new rooms adjacent to the Casino. They are comfortable, beautifully appointed and the rooms can be connected to accommodate families and various groups. Ballard’s in the Atrium at the West Baden Springs Hotel allows diners to take in the beauty of the eight-story domed lobby, while enjoying a delicious repast. Spas at French Lick Both the French Lick Springs Hotel and the West Baden Springs Hotel offer luxuriously appointed spas to help calm and soothe your tired muscles. Professional massage, facials, body wraps, scrubs, manicures and pedicures are all available inside the soothing spa atmosphere. Casino The casino at French Lick has every game of chance imaginable. Indiana Golf Journal
You really don’t really need to understand golf to enjoyTheMasters.Whether youwatch the broadcast on your television, laptop, tablet, or smart phone, there is always an element of excitement and beauty surrounding Augusta National. There are a number of newsworthy aspects of The Masters that makes it, ‘second-to-none,’ ‘ a cut above the rest,’ and ‘a tradition unlike any other.’ Dinner Reservations. The winner of the Masters each year is invited that night to join the members of the Augusta National Golf Club for dinner in theTrophy Room inside the clubhouse. Sleepover Special. Amateurs who play in the Masters are invited to stay in the Crow’s Nest, atop the Augusta National clubhouse. The Masters Tournament is Truly Second-To-None By Mike May 01 02
03 07 11 05 09 04 06 08 10 12 Trophy Time. The permanent trophy weighs 100 pounds and features the name of the winner, as well as the runner-up. The Masters Champion receives a replica and a gold medal, both of which he is allowed to keep, but the replica weighs only 20 pounds. The Clubhouse. The Augusta National clubhouse predates the building of the golf course as it was originally a private home built in 1854. Keeping Up with the Jones’. In the first edition of the Masters (in 1934), then known as the Augusta National Invitation Tournament, Bobby Jones competed in the event, where he finished in a 13th place tie with Denny Shute and Walter Hagen. Jones finished ten shots behind the winner, Horton Smith. Naming Rights. Credit for naming each hole at the Augusta National Golf Club is given to Louis Alphonse Berckman, Bobby Jones, and Clifford Roberts, who adorned each hole with a plant for which it is named. Arnie’s Plaque. On April 4, 1995, a bronze plaque, in honor of Arnold Palmer’s contributions as the first four-time winner of The Masters, was unveiled. The plaque is affixed to the water fountain which sits behind the 16th tee. Jack’s Plaque. OnApril 7, 1998, aplaque, inhonor of JackNicklaus’ play andcontributions as the only six-time Masters champion, was unveiled. The plaque is affixed to a drinking fountain that sits between the 16th and 17th holes. Who Is Rae? Rae’s Creek, which appears on the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes at Augusta National, is named after John Rae, who died in 1780. Rae’s house was the farthest fortress up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta. His house kept residents safe during Indian attacks when Fort Augusta was out of reach. The Green Jacket. The tradition of awarding The Green Jacket to the winner of The Masters started in 1949, when Sam Snead won. The tradition of the members wearing a green coat started in 1937. Each Green Jacket is adorned with brass buttons with the Augusta National logo on each. Par 3 Tournament. The Par 3 Contest at The Masters was first held in 1960 and was won by Sam Snead. To date, no player has ever won both the Par 3 Contest and the Masters in the same year. Winner Buys -- Next Year. A tradition that began with Ben Hogan in 1952, previous Masters Champions gather Tuesday evening for the Champions Dinner, held in the main clubhouse. The defending champion of the Masters selects the menu and hosts the dinner. The only non-winner to attend the dinner is the current chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club. Indiana Golf Journal
13 14 The Bridges Over Rae’s Creek. The Hogan bridge across Rae’s Creek, allows players to reach the 12th green. The Nelson bridge spans Rae’s Creek, at the 13th green. The Sarazen bridge allows players to reach the 15th green. Michelson’s Moment in Time. In 2010, Phil Mickelson drove the ball through the 13th fairway into the pine straw behind the trees during the fourth round. Undaunted, Mickelson struck a perfect six iron that came to rest on the green, which led to a birdie. A plaque was placed on the exact spot he struck that incredible shot. Next time you get together with friends to watch the Masters, enlighten your colleagues with these key facts about the Masters, which is truly ‘secondto-none,’ ‘a cut above the rest,’ and ‘a tradition unlike any other.’
Masters Trip On The Georgia Golf Trail By Mike May The Oleander Course is the most difficult on Jekyll and has hosted the Georgia Open on four occasions. The longest of the three, Pine Lakes opened in 1968 and meanders through ocean forests and natural marsh hammocks. After four days of golf on Jekyll, head north along I-95 to Savannah, the home of antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and one-of-a-kind nightspots. Along the way take a slight detour to the Sapelo Hammock Golf Club in Shellman Bluff. Surrounded by tidal marshes, saw palmettos, and live oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, this golf course’s greens are a reflection of this club’s commitment to excellence. Instead of watching the blossoming dogwoods and azaleas on television, go see and smell them for yourself. The Georgia Golf Trail includes a series of over 20 courses from Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in north Georgia to Jekyll Island in southeastern Georgia. A great place to begin any pre-Masters, or post-Masters, trip would be on Jekyll Island, located in southeast Georgia, just an hour’s drive north of Jacksonville, Florida. “Jekyll Island may well be the best place in Georgia to unwind and relax while enjoying golf, fresh seafood, long walks along the beach, poolside siestas, and time off the grid,” said Georgia Golf Trail Founder Doug Hollandsworth. When on Jekyll Island, you can spend the night at the historic Jekyll Island Club Resort, along the beach at the Westin Jekyll Island, or at the Hampton Inn & Suites. As for golf, the Jekyll Island Golf Club is blessed with four golf courses. The Great Dunes Course, a nine-hole layout, plus three 18-hole courses, Indian Mound, Oleander, and the Pine Lakes Course. Walter “Old Man” Travis was the architect of the Great Dunes Course, Jekyll Island’s first golf course that opened for play in 1926. The Indian Mound course was constructed in 1975 by course designer Joe Lee and is the shortest of the three 18-hole courses. Indiana Golf Journal
When you arrive in Savannah, play The Club at Savannah Harbor, which hosted the Legends of Golf event on the Champions Tour from 2003-2013. If you stay on-site at the nearby Westin Savannah Harbor, you’ll receive complimentary water ferry service to River Street in Savannah. Sample the great restaurants along River Street. “The appeal of the Club at Savannah Harbor and Savannah as a getaway destination is what keeps people coming back to Savannah year after year,” adds Hollandsworth. Your seventh round of golf in seven days should be played at the Wallace Adams Golf Course, located in the Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, a two-hour drive west of Savannah. This course is nicknamed ‘Little Augusta.’ It is dominated by loblolly pines, which divide many of the fairways, and the pine straw beneath the trees adds to the Augusta National feel. After golf, spend the night on-site at the lodge and dine at the Fairway Grill restaurant. If you are lucky enough to have tickets to the Masters, it’s less than a three-hour drive from McRae to Augusta. For more details on the Georgia Golf Trail, visit: www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.com.
Hoosier Hysteria Of Golf Along I-90 In Northern Indiana By Mike May If you are looking for “A Memory Making Golf Experience,” focus on northern Indiana. For most making the trek across northern Indiana on I-90, it’s simply the shortest route to, or from Chicago. Golfers have a different perspective, however. With six golf courses, from Angola to Crown Point, I-90 is the gateway to great golf in the Hoosier state. Zollner Golf Course If a golf course’s reputation is based on what tournaments it has hosted, then the Zollner Golf Course in Angola deserves top billing. It was the site of the NAIA Men’s National Tournament in 1987, 1990 and 1992; hosted the Pepsi Junior Tour for nine years; and was the site of the 2012 NCAA Division III Women’s Golf National Championship. The Zollner Golf Course has also been the home for the Trine University’s men’s and women’s golf teams since the 1970s. As this golf course’s website states, “With its many elevation changes, Zollner is truly a thinking player’s golf course. Strategically placed bunkers and reconfigured fairways offer even more interest and challenge.” Cobblestone Golf Course The Cobblestone Golf Course in Kendallville, located just outside Fort Wayne, has been ranked as one of the premier golf outlets in Indiana for more than 20 years. Cobblestone was selected as one of “America’s Best New Courses” for 1999 and “Best Places to Play” in 2002 and 2003. Noble Hawk Golf Links Also in Kendallville, you can play the Noble Hawk Golf Links, one of northeast Indiana’s most popular public golf facilities. Noble Hawk, nicknamed “The Hawk,” features a memorable design as it’s the perfect combination of links Indiana Golf Journal
and traditional golf while showcasing a variety of beautifully designed golf holes. Two of the better holes at Noble Hawk are the 7th and 13th. The 7th – named Short & Sweet -- is a short, downhill par four. When the wind is at your back, a good drive will reach the green. The 13th – named The Jugular – is a somewhat tight three-shot par five to a multi-tiered green, where disaster lurks from tee to green. Warren Golf Course In South Bend, you’ll find The Warren Golf Course, perched on the northern edge of the University of Notre Dame campus. The Warren GC, nestled on 250 acres of woodlands, has been designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. While playing this par-70 course, you’ll encounter fescue fairways and a gently rolling terrain. You can see the famous golden dome on the Notre Dame campus from the golf course. Golf course architects Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore were delighted with what they produced at the Warren. “We wanted an old-fashioned, traditional golf course -- one based on subtleties, not special effects,” stated Crenshaw and Coore in a joint statement. They succeeded. The greatest endorsements bestowed on The Warren came from the USGA which staged the 2019 U.S. Senior Open at the Warren. Blackthorn Golf Club Question:What do the Blackthorn Golf Club, built on 226 acres of rolling terrain, and Wisconsin’s Erin Hills, the host of the 2017 U.S. Open, both have in common? Answer: Both courses were designed by golf course architect Dr. Michael Hurdzan. While the Blackthorn Golf Club, located in South Bend, will probably never host a U.S. Open, it does have an element of star power as it’s the host of the Four Winds Invitational on the LPGA’s Epson Tour. When golfers play the par-72 layout, they will face a course with great diversity -- nearly 80 bunkers, broad fairways, wetlands, ponds, native prairie grasses and bent grass greens. White Hawk Country Club The White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point is one of northwest Indiana’s top golf destinations. White Hawk features four nine-hole layouts: Red, Grey, Black, and Silver courses. This layout has been carved out of 600 acres of woodlands, prairies, streams, and natural wetlands. It’s a perfect combination of Mother Nature and golf existing in perfect harmony. Located close to I-65 and I-394, it’s easily accessible, especially for golfers from Chicago to the north and Indianapolis to the south. When you combine the quality of each golf course and northern Indiana’s scenic beauty, it’s easy to see why playing golf in northern Indiana can easily be referred to as “A Memory Making Golf Experience.”
By Fred Altvater normally held in person, but due to COVID they have been held virtually for the past two years. Every caddie has a unique story that reflects the scholarship’s four selection criteria: - strong caddie record - excellent academics - financial need - outstanding character These exceptional students will enter college in the fall of 2022, with all but one attending either Indiana, or Purdue University. Caitlyn Novak from Peotone, Illinois has been accepted and chosen to attend the University of Illinois, the original home for the Evans Scholarship. The scholarship is valued at more than $120,000 over the four years of college and it’s life-changing for many of these worthy caddies. “These young men and women are part of an exceptional incoming class of new scholars from January is a very important month for former caddies at golf clubs around Indiana. Every year, the Evans Scholarship Foundation awards full housing and tuition college grants to deserving young men and women, who caddied at golf clubs that support the Evans Scholars Foundation. Each caddie must undergo a stringent application process, including an oral interview before a selection committee. These interviews are Evans Awards 17 College Scholarships To 17 Indiana Caddies Indiana Golf Journal
Name Simbarashe Hlupo Anne Conway Michael Lupke Carter Craig Kasey Craig Miranda Freeman Evan Niemeyer Jason Reust Deanna Aguilar-Hernandez John Barfield Tabitha Njoroge Lizzet Ochoa Lilliana Rondinella Maria Wadle Seth Palmer Marcus McGuire Caitlyn Novak City Avon Carmel Fishers Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Fort Wayne Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis La Porte Michigan City Paoli Peotone (IL) Club Hillcrest CC Crooked Stick Golf Club Prairie View Golf Club Fort Wayne CC Fort Wayne CC Orchard Ridge CC Orchard Ridge CC Orchard Ridge CC Prairie View Golf Club Hillcrest CC Hillcrest CC Prairie View Golf Club Hillcrest CC Long Beach CC Long Beach CC French Lick Resort Briar Ridge CC High School Avon HS Carmel HS Cathedral HS Northside HS North Side HS Leo HS Heritage Jr/Sr HS Homestead HS Riverside HS Colonial Christian Pike HS Ben Davis HS Lawrence North HS Marquette Catholic Michigan City HS Paoli Jr Sr HS Bishop McNamara University Indiana Purdue Indiana Purdue Indiana Purdue Indiana Purdue Purdue Purdue Indiana Purdue Indiana Purdue Purdue Indiana University of Illinois An estimated 315 caddies nationwide will receive the Evans Scholarship for 2022. Currently 1,070 former caddies are enrolled at 21 universities and more than 11,500 have successfully graduated via the Evans Scholars program founded by Charles “Chick” Evans Jr, who won the U.S. Open as an amateur in 1916. “These young students have each shown excellence in the classroom, in their communities and on the golf course,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. “We are proud to welcome them to the Evans Scholars family.” Scholarship funds come mostly from the generous contributions from nearly 35,000 supporters, plus Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $17 million annually. In addition, all proceeds from the BMW Championship are donated to the Evans Scholars Foundation. To learn more about the Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation, visit: www.wgaesf. org. around the nation,” saidWGA Chairman Joe Desch.“They represent what the Evans Scholars Program has been about since 1930.” The following is a list of the recipient, city, golf club where they caddied, their high school and the university they plan to attend:
College Report: ND’s Palmer Jackson Wins Prestigious Jones Cup By Fred Altvater Palmer Jackson, a junior on the University of Notre Dame men’s golf team, is rapidly rising up the amateur golf rankings. Jackson recently won the prestigious 54-hole Jones Cup at the Rees Jones-designed Ocean Forest Golf Club on Sea Island, Georgia. The Jones Cup is held every year at Ocean Forest. In fact, the win moves him onto the watch list for the Ben Hogan Award, annually given to the top collegiate golfer in the U.S., as voted on by the Golf Coaches Association of America. Past winners of the Ben Hogan Award include, Ball State’s Jamie Broce, as well as familiar names like Bill Haas, Rickie Fowler, Patrick Cantlay, Jon Rahm (twice) and Victor Hovland. The Jones Cup is an invitation-only affair with top amateurs chosen from AJGA ranking, World Amateur Golf Rankings, NCAA performance, U.S. Amateur finishes, Walker Cup Team appearance and from results in several other high-profile amateur golf events. Jackson has been on a hot streak of late. He finished runner-up in the Patriot All America Invitational at the end of 2021 in Arizona and he tied for first in the Jackson T. Stephens Cup held in Arkansas last October. The Jones Cup was born from the love of amateur golf by the A.W. Jones family, which founded the Cloister and Sea Island Golf Club (Georgia) in 1928. At the Jones Cup, Jackson was five-under par and won by three shots over Oklahoma’s Logan McCallister. The win moved him to No. 47 on the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Several big-name college programs -- such as Stanford, Duke and Oklahoma State -- tried to recruit Jackson, but he wanted to attend a college where he could have a lasting impact on the school’s golf program. He has certainly accomplished that feat. Indiana Golf Journal
Notre Dame’s golf program has certainly been overshadowed by its football teams, but in recent years, the golfers are beginning to make their mark on the national collegiate golf scene. Notre Dame’s 2019-20 men’s team won four events. The 2020-2021 team made it to the NCAA Regionals for the first time in eight years. Jackson advanced to the quarterfinals at the 2019 U.S. Amateur and two of his teammates made it into match-play portion of the 2020 U.S. Amateur. And, at the 2021 U.S. Amateur at Oakmont CC, teammate Davis Chatfield lost in the quarterfinals. Other Indiana collegians who participated in the Jones Cup: Purdue’s Herman Wibe Sekne finished solo 15th and Jackson’s current ND teammate Davis Chatfield was T-16. The complete leaderboard for the 2022 Jones Cup is available here. 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
Indiana’s Dream 18: Holes 4, 5, and 6 By Josh Alsip No 4: The Plum Creek Golf Club in Carmel is home to the 4th hole. From the intimidating championship tees to more forgiving forward tees, this unique Pete Dye-designed course was specially constructed with varying degrees of difficulty, so the entire family can enjoy the game. This par-72 layout features strategically placed FYI: The presence of the Lynnwood Farm barn on the premises of Plum Creek is a reminder of this property’s agricultural roots, a staple of the Hoosier economy and Indiana’s traditional way of life. No. 5: Covered Bridge Golf Club in Sellersburg. Covered Bridge Golf Club is a Fuzzy Zoeller/Clyde Johnston creation. This 18-hole golf course is carved throughout the gorgeous southern Indiana terrain. Each hole offers a new and exciting opportunity. Multiple lakes and strategically placed bunkers add to the beauty of the slightly undulated greens. The 5th hole at Covered Bridge is an exciting “risk/reward” hole. The green on this serpentine par 5 can be reached in two, but the pond to the right of the green Visit Indiana Golf has highlighted the best 18 golf holes – Indiana’s Signature 18 -- from 18 different public golf courses across Indiana. In this issue of the Indiana Golf Journal, we highlight the 4th, 5th, and 6th holes from the list. bunkers, undulating greens, and multiple water features. One of the highlight holes at Plum Creek is the 4th hole, which measures 423 yards from the championship tees and nearly 400 yards from the member tees. It features a dual fairway – one is straight ahead with another veering left. The putting surface is guarded on its right flank by a sentry bunker. Indiana Golf Journal
will “sink” your chances of a sub-par score, if your second shot veers too far right. Play it safe by hitting a mid-iron layup and give yourself a birdie putt with a wedge to the green. FYI: The 9th and 18th holes are both par fives, run parallel to each other and share a huge double green. The clubhouse, built on an adjacent lofty perch, overlooks both finishing holes. No. 6: Kampen Course at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex, located on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette. The Kampen Course is an 18-hole, links-style, par-72 championship golf course featuring large bentgrass greens, fairways, and tees. The layout presents a memorable experience for golfers of all abilities with vast sand bunkers, native grasslands, ponds, and a natural celery bog. The Kampen is rated one of the top collegiate courses in the nation and has been awarded 4.5 stars on Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.” The 6th hole at Kampen is tough, yet fair, but par must be earned. The tee shot is struck from an elevated tee with an ideal tee shot being a fade, moving around the Celery Bog, which means shot placement is important. Be sure to steer clear of the water hazard and the bunkers – both of which protect the right side of the green. FYI: The Kampen Course at Birck Boilermaker is one of seven different courses on Indiana’s Pete Dye Golf Trail.
Srixon’s Q-Star Tour Golf Balls: For Slower Swing Speeds By Ed Travis The FastLayer Core is softer in the center and transitions to firmer on the outside to add distance off the tee, but with the softer feel many players prefer for shorter shots. The new Q-Star uses Srxion’s SpinSkin cover, a thin urethane coating to improve wedge spin by providing more interaction and friction on the grooves, adding spin and control. Plus, they retail for $34.99/ dozen, which hurts a lot less when you dunk them in the pond. Srixon’s new Q-Star Tour golf ball is targeted for players with moderate swing speeds, who are looking for the advantages of urethane cover performance, at less than premium price. An average golfer, with a swing speed under 90 mph, does not create sufficient impact on a 90, or 100 compression golf ball to generate spin off the irons. The new Q-Star has a low compression urethane cover that Srixon says should be played by those of us with lower driver clubhead speed than professionals but are looking for the advantages of a Tour ball for iron shots and chip shots, to provide more control and lower scoring. “The new and improved Q-STAR TOUR continues to deliver tour-caliber performance with a softer feel compared to our other tour-level offerings,” said Brian Schielke, General Manager at Srixon. “This ball provides the distance all golfers need with the greenside spin and control to attack the toughest of pins.” Fast Fact Srixon Q-Star Tour Balls – 3-piece construction – 72 compression – Urethane 0.5mm thick cover – Variable firmness core – SpinSkin urethane coating – 338 dimple cover – available in White, or Yellow – MSRP $34.99 dozen
The Reward Of Giving Back One of the Indiana Section PGA’s goals is to grow the game of golf, whether that’s getting more juniors and women involved in the game, retaining more casual golfers, or finding ways to help those in need, using golf as a way to reach them. One specific program that the Indiana PGA dedicates time and effort to is supporting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) PGA HOPE PGA HOPE is a part of the PGA REACH program, a charitable foundation of the PGA of America with a mission of positively impacting the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf. By Kelly Churney Indiana Golf Journal
PGA HOPE is a year-round golf program for all military Veterans, designed to enhance their rehabilitation and assimilation back into society. TheHOPE programprovides aworking partnership with physical therapists, introduces the participant to golf instruction, playing opportunities, as well as social events. The goal is to use golf as an activity to assist veterans with their progress in rehab, along with helping them to assimilate and mainstream into their local communities and family life. ForVeterans and PGA Professionals alike, teaching and learning golf goes way beyond the game itself. It’s a way to mentally unwind, to compete, to get outside, to feel accomplished, and to make lasting friendships. For Veterans, golf is a way to re-enter society, after fearlessly serving our country. Nationwide, there are 162 PGA HOPE programs with 38 participating PGA Sections. Five years ago, the HOPE program was started in Indiana with theVA Domiciliary. The experience has been life changing -- not only for Veterans, but arguably more so for PGA Professionals in Indiana. Stacey Dorman, Director of Player Development at Indiana Golf, is the lead PGA Professional with the HOPE program in Indiana and oversees 17 programs in Indianapolis. “It has been an absolute honor to be a part of this program,” said Dorman. “I love that we can use golf as a tool to help Veterans connect with one another and help them with their rehabilitation and assimilation back into society. The experience for me, personally, has also been priceless.” Scott Barla, Plum Creek Golf Club’s Director of Instruction, echoed those thoughts. “The program is transformative for the Veterans, but also for the PGA Professionals,” said Barla. It brings veterans back together and it helps me learn new ways to cope with my injuries,” said Russell Carney, U.S. Army Veteran. “I’m able to be a lot more open and honest about things than I used to be. I love getting outside and doing things I used to do before I joined the Army. When you spend a day with the instructors learning golf, you leave feeling more positive. And you take that positivity with you everywhere you go, added Bill Caywood, U.S. Army Veteran.
“You never know how impactful the program is to the Veterans until they share their personal golf experiences, or how golf has recharged their spirits to do tasks outside of golf.” Bill Pollert, Head Golf Professional at Highland Golf and Country Club, is an annual host of the PGA HOPE program. His experience with the program has been eye-opening and has made him even more grateful for his health. “The little things that we all take for granted, these Veterans appreciate so much,” said Pollert. “Not just being able to hit a golf ball long and straight or make a putt, but to have our physical and mental health. All the opportunities we are afforded as golf professionals are something that we should never take for granted.” One of the goals of PGA HOPE is to utilize golf as a form of therapy. Statistics show 22Veterans a day commit suicide, PGA HOPE is working to drastically lower that number. Through a robust program strategy, PGA HOPE aspires to create a physically and emotionally healthier Veterans community by shaping lives, changing lives, and possibly saving lives through the game of golf. The Indiana PGA has reached more than 150 Veterans to date, with a continued effort of expanding programming statewide. My first year being involved with the program, I instructed aVeteran who was always working to get back on his feet,” said Roger Lundy, First Tee-Indiana Regional Director-South. “Each week, he was enthusiastic about being there, but golf was never our main focus. Near the end of our session, he stopped coming and I wondered what happened. When I was getting off the airplane after a recent work trip in Indianapolis, I ran into him near the baggage claim. He told me how positive his life had become. He got a job, was helping other Veterans, and seemed happy. I feel that what we did made a real difference and reminded me why I got into the golf business in the first place. Indiana Golf Journal
The ‘2 + 2 Rule:’ Be Aware of Your Options As you play golf with your buddies on the weekends, during a weeknight league, or in a competitive tournament at your club, it’s a good idea to be aware of the ‘2 + 2 rule.’ The rule revolves around the issue of a sprinkler head being on your line of play, when putting or chipping to the green. The ‘2+2 Rule’ is a Local Rule which allows the option of the Committee (the person or group in charge of a competition or a course) to provide relief from sprinkler heads and immovable obstructions, if the sprinkler head is within two club lengths of the green and the ball is within two club lengths of the sprinkler head (with some other provisions) even if there’s no physical interference from the obstruction. This is a common occurrence on the LPGA Tour, however each rules official must check to make sure every organization, USGA, PGA of America and The R&A, allow it when working one of their events. It is very popular in Europe, where players try to keep the ball on the ground By Mitch Moon (Manager Rules & Competition; LPGA Tour) She was denied relief and chose to chip the ball, instead of putting it. Next time your ball finishes within two clubs of a sprinkler head and is also within two club lengths of the green, you will be entitled to free relief (if the Committee has allowed it). That could be the difference between winning or losing a match, getting up and down for par, or breaking 80. Know the Rules, they are your friend. as much as possible versus chipping more frequently in the United States. I was faced with a ruling concerning the ‘2 + 2 Rule’ at the Gainbridge LPGA Championship at Boca Rio in Boca Raton, Florida earlier this year. In that instance, a player met all the requirements to get relief except that her ball was in the first cut, rather than the fairway. One of the provisions within the ‘2 + 2 Rule’ is that, “Both the obstruction and ball must lie in grass that is fairway height or less.”
Now, I Lay Me Down to Sleep… The Night Before Playing Golf By Franciscan Health Sleep plays an important role in our health, especially for golfers with early morning tee times. A good night’s sleep is like a charger, helping the body to recover and energize, ready to tackle a new day and a new round of golf. The eye-opening reality is that nearly half of adults, as well as youngsters in the United States, report they feel sleepy during the day, between three to seven days each week, according to the Sleep Foundation. “We use sleep to help mitigate many underlying conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure,” said Tapan A. Desai, MD, a pulmonologist with Franciscan Physician Network who practices in Crown Point, Indiana. “Many underlying chronic medical conditions may be impacted by chronic sleep disorders.” How Many Hours Do I Need? “It varies, depending on age groups,” saidMeredith W. Cousin, MD, who leads the Franciscan Health Sleep Center in Indianapolis and is a member of JWM Neurology. “Adults 18 and older should get seven to nine hours sleep daily.” Dr. Cousin also recommends that teens need eight to 10 hours sleep; school-age youngsters need nine to 12 hours; and preschoolers need 10 to 13 hours. Indiana Golf Journal
Common Disorders and Treatments One of the most common disorders is obstructive sleep apnea, which affects 26 percent of Americans between the ages of 30 and 70. This occurs when throat muscles intermittently relax and block your airway during sleep. A noticeable sign of obstructive sleep apnea is snoring. A sleep study is required to establish a diagnosis prior to treatment. Insomnia is another problem, and its sources include stress, an irregular sleep schedule, poor sleeping habits, mental health disorders like anxiety and depression, physical illnesses and pain medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia can help control or eliminate negative thoughts and actions that keep you awake and is generally recommended as the primary treatment for people with insomnia. Other approaches include appropriatemedications to improve sleep, patients keeping diaries to document their experiences and relaxation and meditation exercise. “Sleep disorders are still underdiagnosed because patients don’t always let their primary care providers know what’s going on so a disorder can be further investigated,” said Dr. Cousin. Key Tips for Better Sleep • Devote hours before bed to relaxing activities and pursuits. • Thirty minutes before going to bed, practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, non-active yoga and journaling. • Go to bed the same time every night and wake up at the same time every day. • Avoid heavy meals close to bedtime. A light snack may help to induce sleep. • Regular exercise in the late afternoon may deepen sleep, however, vigorous exercise within 3-4 hours of bedtime may interfere with sleep. • Minimize noise, light and excessive temperature during sleep. A white noise machine may help block out extra sound. • Turn off noisy distractions such as televisions and cell phones. • Avoid nicotine near bedtime and upon awakening in the middle of the night. • Discontinue caffeine 6 - 8 hours prior to bedtime and minimize total daily use. LEARN MORE at: https://www. franciscanhealth.org/
Spring Golf Tip: Diversify Your Club Selection Around the Green By Crystal Morse Spring golf in Indiana is a wonderful thing to enjoy after a long winter, but less than ideal ground and turf conditions may stand in the way of you and lower golf scores. Knowing that the greens will roll slower because the ground will be wet -- and not allow for much roll out -- you need to approach your short-game shots differently than you would in late summer, when course conditions are dry and firm. 1. Club Selection: Don’t automatically grab your lob wedge, or sand wedge. Choose a club that is going to allow more forgiveness at contact and roll out, such as a nine iron. My gap wedge, pitching wedge and nine iron are go-to clubs in the spring. They provide enough loft to hop the ball over the rough, or fringe, plus provide the necessary roll. It also means you don’t need to be perfect with your landing spot, which is also a benefit early in the year. 2. Setup: To prevent chunked shots or bladed shots, play the ball slightly back in your stance (towards your right foot for right-handed golfers) and make sure you create a forward shaft lean. Check your position by making sure that your grip/hands are in line with the inside of your left thigh. Don’t overlook the fundamentals this spring when it comes to short game. With a little creativity in club selection and setup, you can start the spring shooting scores that make you want to come back to play again and again, even in less-than-ideal conditions. Play well! Crystal Morse is the Head PGA Professional at The Legends Golf Club in Franklin, Indiana.
Lacoste LIVE and Lacoste Sport – Two Collections with an Edge! By Belinda Theoret Lacoste’s golf apparel lineup includes several pieces from the Lacoste LIVE Collection, which combines trendy, loose-fitting garments with modern slim fits and edgy, playful urban designs. The ever-present LacosteAlligator assures comfort, durability and performance. A leading piece of the urban wardrobe, the iconic Men’s Regular Fit Movement polo is sewn from an ultra-lightweight organic cotton and recycled polyester that is both breathable and moisturewicking. It features a two-button placket with a ribbed polo collar and a small practical pocket on the side seam. When you’re looking for a garment to keep you warm on those cool fall mornings, look no further than Lacoste’s Men’s Wool Trucker Sweater. It’s soft, warm, and sure to enhance any guy’s golf wardrobe. This eco-friendly, 100% wool jersey outer-piece features a trucker-style zippered standup collar, and a ribbed finish at the wristbands and hem of the garment. The Women’s Cropped Cotton Fleece Sweatshirt has been reborn in the Lacoste Live Collection. It features a loose, cropped fit and is sewn from solid cotton fleece. It’s a stylish, comfortable piece with raglan sleeves and tone-on-tone ribbed Indiana Golf Journal
finishes. Stay on top of the trends when you wear it with high-waisted flared pants. The Embroidered Two-Tone Fleece Trackpants are another unisex piece from Lacoste’s LIVE Collection and has its graphic color block and streetwear look. These trackpants are made from an unbrushed soft cotton fleece with an elasticized waistband with a concealed drawstring and elasticized finishes on ankles. With two side pockets and one back pocket, they are both comfortable and functional. With its signature athletic design, the Women’s Contrast Collar Stretch Cotton Piqué Polo Dress is crafted in stretch cotton mini-piqué and features a fitted-cut and mid-length sleeves. There’s a threebutton placket and a ribbed two-tone contrasting polo collar and a tone-on-tone crocodile on the chest. You may not have the perfect swing, but you’ll have a lot of style with the Women’s SPORT Regular Fit Stretch Piqué Golf Polo. This signature Lacoste Sport polo is crafted in stretchy cotton piqué and flows with your movements as you play. The contrasting ribbed open collar and striped ribbed finishes at the sleeve ends make this a must-have for any ladies’ golf wardrobe. Show off your edgy side with the new LIVE Crew Neck Contrast Accent Ribbed T-Shirt. The lightweight, stretchy ribbed fabric provides a comfortable fit and the contrasting neck and sleeve ends give this T-shirt a crisp edgy look. These are just a few of the pieces available from the new Lacoste LIVE and Sport Collections. See them all at www.lacoste.com.
Dormie Network Takes Private Golf Equipment Fitting to a New Level By Brad King As the concept of custom fitting continues to gain traction, getting the right combination of club head, shaft and ball to fit your game is not just for the best players. A proper golf fitting can make the game more enjoyable for every skill level of golfer. Adam Lash is a Dormie Network Master Fitting Specialist, who spent seven years as a PGA Professional at Victoria National in Newburgh, Indiana. He is certified in both FlightScope and TrackMan systems, as well as a certified professional fitter for Titleist, TaylorMade, PXG, PING, and Callaway. “Every single person is totally different in their golf swing and how they deliver the club to the golf ball. That’s why there’s a thousand shaft companies, different head manufacturers, as well as golf balls.” Lash travels constantly to all six — soon to be seven — Dormie Network properties. His goal is to enhance the custom fitting process and make it more entertaining. “I’ve got music going. There’s usually a cocktail not too far away. Everybody is loose. It’s a fun, interactive thing.” All Dormie Network custom equipment fittings are performed using a variety of turf conditions and full-length ball flight. Trackman, along with all the latest equipment from a wide variety of clubhead and shaft manufactures, provide a tourlevel fitting. The Dormie Network’s fitting experience does not end with just the clubs. Golfers also need to make sure they are using the correct golf ball. “There’s a big reason why they make different types of golf balls. It’s fascinating to take a player and have them play a variety of shots at different Indiana Golf Journal
speeds, with different golf balls. The data is amazingly interesting.” A Dormie Network concierge can help schedule a one-on-one private session, a group clinic, or corporate event. They can be scheduled before, or after golf, with cocktails, or an evening driver fitting with a long drive contest, under the lights. “We’re always going to have the one-on-one fittings, but we’re trending towards more group, corporate fitting experiences.” Rather than a shirt, hat or other swag bag items, Lash suggests scheduling a customwedge fitting for corporate outing guests. Outing guests go home with a custom fitted wedge, something they can really use. “There are major upgrades ongoing at every Dormie Network club right now. It’s awesome to be a part of it. I’m lucky it’s something that I love doing. I get so jacked up to help people, to watch people hit golf balls well. That’s what it comes down to. I’m just lucky to be a part of it.” For more information about the Dormie Network of clubs and benefits, including a custom club fitting experience, visit their website.
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