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We Are Thankful As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I can’t help but be extremely thankful for the many different individuals and organizations that have helped with the launch and subsequent growth of the Indiana Golf Journal. A big Thank-You to Indiana Golf, Franciscan Health, and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, who all helped with editorial content, as well as distribution. I also want to also thank our key advertisers, who make these issues possible. Our goal is to do more for you than you do for us! Thanks to our many contributors – Len Ziehm, Ed Travis, Fred Altvater, Santana Shipley, Kurt Wieneke, Catherine Bowie, Mitch Moon, Belinda Theoret - for providing interesting and entertaining content. I can honestly say that Indiana is a top ten state for golf. The quality and diversity of the courses, as well as the top-notch architects, whose artistry Hoosiers can enjoy include Donald Ross, Tom Bendelow, Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Pete Dye, Rees Jones, Tim Liddy, and Steve Smyers. Make your plans now to play these great Indiana golf courses in 2023. To make it more affordable, purchase the “Valley Golf Card,” which provides major discounts to 26 golf courses in the greater Terre Haute area. There will also be discounts to golf courses in the greater Indianapolis area. For more details, call 812-230-5936, or go online: www.mywabashvalley. com/valley-golf-card/ Finally, I want to acknowledge the strong youth movement in girls high school golf as four of the top five girls at the IHSAA girls state finals were either freshmen or sophomores. The winner, Ava Bunker, was a freshman from Columbus North H.S. Have a happy holiday season and thanks for reading the Indiana Golf Journal. Our best days are in the future, and we look forward to being in your future, too. Happy Thanksgiving! 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 30 FIND INSIDE 22 24 25 34 SQAIRZ Golf Shoes Are A Great Success Story SQAIRZ Launches NEW 3:16 Golf Shoe Christmas Ideas for Your Favorite Golfer Indiana’s Lance Ringler Is Committed to Collegiate Golf 06 11 12 16 The Inaugural Indiana Adaptive Golf Championship Was A Huge Success News and Notes Plum Creek Golf Club: A Must-Play Midwest Venue Aching Joints & Osteoarthritis Crystal Morse Golf Tip: The Long Bunker Shot 21 22 26 24 18 Our Contributors PXG Introduces New 0211 Driver & Lower Pricing Golf In Sedona Will Take Your Breath Away The Hoosier State is All About Whiskers Golf Shoelaces Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler in Louisiana 2022 Hoosier Junior Championship Three Must-Play Myrtle Beach Courses Our Favorite Videos 44 33 34 38 40 25 30 45 Indiana Golf Journal
Why are SQAIRZ Golf Shoes one of the fastest growing companies in the world today? Because their success is based on the latest technology and performance where it counts, on the golf course. SQAIRZ Golf Shoes Are A Great Success Story It has been proven time after time that the biomechanics of the golf swing begins from the ground up. The legs, hips, shoulders and arms are all reliant on a solid foundation created by the feet. With SQAIRZ square-toe design, wider footprint and contact with the ground, they provide a more stable base, which creates better balance for a more rapid turn, thus more club head speed is produced, which relates to more distance. Testing has proven that weight distribution and stability are two key factors in creating a consistent golf swing. Golf shoes should allow for limited slippage and provide stable contact Indiana Golf Journal
with the ground, but also have structure to permit adequate movement for correct weight distribution. Today’s lightweight, flexible, sneaker-like shoes cannot hold up to the weight shifts and forces created during the swing. To create distance and balance during the swing, you need to use the ground and the only connection to the ground is the golf shoe. The founder of SQAIRZ, Robert Winskowicz loves golf and is constantly searching for ways to improve performance on the course. He joined with three highly recognized footwear designers to develop SQAIRZ Golf Shoes to maximize stability and swing speed. Phil Stotter, Director of Sports Science at V1 Sports & Ground Force, one of the top experts in biomechanics and the use of ground force stated: “When we talk about biomechanics of the golf swing, it all starts with the body and its contact with the ground. The feet are the only two objects that actually touch the ground. If there are limitations in balance or stability with the ground, the golf swing will be affected and result in less than satisfactory performance.” Proven Results Before SQAIRZ were released for sale to the golfing public, months of independent testing versus competitive golf shoes proved that they produced more ground surface area connection than any other golf shoe. This greater ground force reaction, balance and stability, results in more accuracy and distance for every golf shot. Last season, PGA Tour professional Sepp Straka switched to SQAIRZ Golf Shoes and had a career year. Straka had five top ten finishes, including a win at the Honda Classic to go with one runner-up, as well as a third-place finish. He earned a career high $4.7 million and finished the season at No. 7 on the FedEx Cup points list, which earned him another $1.75 million from the FedEx Cup bonus pool. He was quoted after his win at the Honda Classic, “SQAIRZ Shoes allowed me to really go after it, make three birdies in the final five holes, plus hit the longest drive of the week on the final hole to win the Honda Classic.”
Golf instructor to the pros, Jim McLean feels that balance is key to a good golf swing. “The downswing begins with the feet, knees and hips. It is important to have proper balance between the feet and heels to create the correct weight shift throughout the golf swing.” Winskowicz stressed the importance of ground contact and maintaining balance and stability throughout the golf swing in an interview with Back 9 Report: Mou – leave a black square for the video. The rage in golf shoes over the past decade has been for softer materials, but that is counterproductive to obtaining the best balance and stability for the feet, which is necessary to create a strong turn through the golf ball. It has been scientifically proven that for distance and comfort SQAIRZ can’t be beat. The proof, however, is how they perform and improve your game. To find out more visit their website, plus check out their informative videos on SQAIRZ Golf on YouTube. If you are looking for a golf shoe that creates the best balance and stability throughout the Straka’s strong performance has carried over to the 2022-23 fall season. In just two starts, he has made both cuts and finished runnerup at the Sanderson Farms Championship last month. If it works this good for a PGATour pro, shouldn’t you try SQAIRZ Golf Shoes? When six-time major Champion and Hall of Fame member Sir Nick Faldo tried SQAIRZ for the first time, he immediately contacted the company and raved about the improvement he received in his golf swing. “Once I tried SQAIRZ, I’ve never worn any other golf shoe. The new SQAIRZ Speeds provides more distance, as well as more comfort.” Faldo has become a spokesperson for the company and extolls the virtues of SQAIRZ to everyone he talks with. Two-time major champion, John Daly is a believer in the benefits from SQAIRZ, plus top golf instructors, Rick Smith, Nick Bradley and Jim McLean teach the importance of ground force to improve performance and urge their students to wear SQAIRZ shoes. Indiana Golf Journal
entire golf swing, then look no further than SQAIRZ and their scientifically proven approach to golf shoe design.
The fastest growing golf shoe company in the world, SQAIRZ announced the launch of their newest creation the limited-edition 3:16 with portions of the proceeds going to benefit Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to people around the world. They have helped meet the needs of victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine since 1970. Beginning in 1983, Operation Christmas Child has collected and distributed more than 198 million shoebox gifts filled with toys, school supplies and hygiene items to children in more than 170 countries. Robert Winskowicz, Founder and CEO of SQAIRZ has been a supporter of Operation Christmas Child for several years. SQAIRZ Launches NEW 3:16 Golf Shoe “I have been active in supporting Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox program. The very thought of the joy this brings to a child somewhere in the world was my motivation behind designing this shoe and partnering with Samaritan’s Purse. The shoe celebrates the word and message of John 3:16 and symbolizes the act of giving. I hope golfers will join us in providing a moment of happiness to a child somewhere in the world, regardless of their nationality, faith, or ethnicity.” Winskowicz and SQAIRZ’s commitment to helping children across the world is one more example how golfers always dig deep to provide billions of dollars of charitable dollars every year to people in need. Find out how you can purchase a pair of these limited-edition 3:16 SQAIRZ golf shoes HERE.
Christmas is just around the corner and if you have an avid golfer on your list, we have a few ideas for just the right gift. Bushnell PRO X3 Range Finder Buhsnell has long been known for producing the best range finders for golfers. Their latest the PRO X3 will help take your favorite golfer’s game to the next level. The PRO X3 features, slope with adjustable elevation, a dual display, slope-switch technology, visual Pinseeker JOLT, magnetic cart mount and is fully waterproof. Christmas Ideas for Your Favorite Golfer The Pro X3 has taken the world’s best-performing rangefinder to the next level. It has the ability to accurately provide distance even at 600 yards, with 7X magnification, and an enhanced ultrabright backlit display to provide crisp, clear data output in the LCD. Trust me, any golfer would be ecstatic to find this beauty under the Christmas Tree. Learn more at: https://www.bushnellgolf.com/ Sun Mountain Mid-Stripe Golf Bag Just in time for Christmas, Sun Mountain has created the Mid-Stripe Golf Bag along with a collection of matching accessories. This new bag offers a classic look but is loaded with modern conveniences. The built-in handle makes is easy to lift into your trunk, or golf cart. Dual shoulder straps make the bag comfortable for those that like to walk and carry. Other matching items include, an overnight bag, alignment stick cover, towel and tees. The Mid-Stripe Stand Bag is available in a variety of colors, and you can always count Indiana Golf Journal
on Sun Mountain to build high-quality golf equipment. Visit www.sunmountain.com to find out more. Putting Arc Are you tired of listening to your favorite golfer complain about three-putt greens? The Putting Arc has been helping golfers develop a confident and repeatable putting stroke for years. They understand the physics behind the stroke and their training aid will help you become more consistent on the greens. Over the years they have helped hundreds of professional golfers win championships and they can help any golfer putt better and lower their scores. In fact, Grant Waite, Charley Hull and Keegan Bradley all recently won professional titles after honing their putting stroke by using The Putting Arc. Visit their website for more information: https:// theputtingarc.com/. Gear Up Sportswear Every golfer wants to look and feel their best both on the course and off. Gear Up Sportswear has a variety of great styles to fit every size for both men and women. These comfortable shirts are guaranteed to never shrink, fade or wrinkle, plus their unique design keeps golfers cool, calm and collected even when staring down a five-foot putt. Gear Up Sportswear shirts are available in a variety of sizes and their bold patterns keep you
looking sharp while you are struggling to make a double bogey. Find out more and order online at: https:// gearupsportswear.com/. ACE Indoor Golf Simulator If you know someone who eats, sleeps and lives golf, how about an indoor simulator? This is for a Santa with a slightly larger budget, but if you have a game room, or man cave that could use more entertainment, ACE Indoor Golf has the perfect option and system for you. They were born from years of development and the proprietary perimeter-weighting technology delivers performance advantages for every skilllevel. They have found the magic formula to increase Moment of Inertia with lower spin rates, tighter dispersion and better aerodynamic lift that yields a more stable ball flight. All this techno-babble means that OnCore has created a better golf ball for the average golfer. Find out more at: https://www.oncoregolf.com/ Whiskers Golf Shoelaces Does the golfer on your list like to be color coordinated, or is just in need of a bit of They have years of experience and are one of the leading Indoor Golf Simulator companies in the country and can transform any room into an entertainment center for the entire family. With the advancement of technology most indoor simulators can be programmed for other games and activities, in addition to golf. Be the Santa with the Mostest, check out ACE Indoor Golf at: https://www.aceindoorgolf.com/ OnCore Golf Balls OnCore Golf Balls have not been on the market for that long, but they are rapidly becoming the go-to ball for golfers around the world. Indiana Golf Journal
color to his game? Whiskers Golf Shoelaces are the perfect answer to either of those questions. They are designed to hold up under the pressures of the golf swing or walking for over five hours on a wet soggy golf course, plus look good while doing it. Available in a variety of team colors and patterns, Whiskers Shoelaces are made in the USA and will add a little pep to every golfer’s step. Remember, if you feel good, you play good. Learn more, order online at: https://www. whiskerslaces.com/ Golf Lessons A great gift for any current golfer, or someone who may want to learn the game is a series of lessons from a certified teaching professional. Don’t forget your kids. Golf lessons for children can open a window that will give them a lifetime of enjoyment, plus help them gain confidence, while getting away from the electronic devices and getting much needed outdoor exercise. Google search PGA, or USGTF Teaching Professionals in your area code and a host of qualified instructors will instantly pop up to help your golfer improve their game and drastically increase their enjoyment level.
Indiana’s Lance Ringler Is Committed to Collegiate Golf Both Lance Ringler’s personal and professional lives have been intertwined with golf for the last 25 years, that it’s difficult imagining him involved in anything else. Currently Ringler is involved in promoting, publicizing and organizing the Hoosier Amateur golf tournament. It is a 54-hole event, held every August at the new Pfau Course at Indiana University, featuring both male and female collegiate golfers. “I started the Hoosier Amateur Golf Tournament during the pandemic, when college golf was cancelled.” Ringler was born and still lives in Ellettsville, Indiana with his wife, who was herself a top collegiate golfer. He credits her with the inspiration to start the event. “My start in golf came with my wife, who was a good junior, amateur golfer in her own right. She attended Iowa State on a golf scholarship. I also attended Iowa State after going to Vincennes JuniorCollege.Iworked in theathleticdepartment at ISU in media relations and marketing, plus I spent one summer with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) running events around the country. After that I worked as sportswriter at the Bloomington Herald-Times before heading out on the PGA Tour to caddy for Craig Bowden in 1997.” After his caddy experience, Ringler expanded his horizons in the golf business. From 1998-1999, he was the assistant men’s and women’s golf coach at the University of Idaho and spent the 1999 fall season as an assistant at Iowa State. He also worked with Jeff Sagarin to develop a golf ranking system and then sold it to Golfweek, where it became the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings. “They brought me on full-time to manage the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings in 2000 and I have been with them, since then, but my job has evolved a lot. I now run more than a dozen events per year all over the country.” He has covered every NCAA Division 1 men’s and women’s golf tournament since 2000, for Golfweek. Another big event has also been added to his schedule for next year. He will serve as the Tournament Director for The National Golf By Mike May Indiana Golf Journal
Invitational (NGI), sponsored by Golfweek, to be held in May 2023, at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Arizona, just south of Phoenix. In 2022, the NCAA approved for colleges and universities not in the NCAA Golf Tournament to play in an alternate end-of-season golf tournament. “Think of it as the NIT of college golf.” The NGI will feature both men and women, with a maximum of 18 teams, playing 54 holes of stroke play. The women will play from May 11-14 and the men will play the following week, which will be May 18-21. The field will be invitational-only as decided by a committee using both the Golfweek/Sagarin and Golfstat rankings, along with a committee decision. “This is something I have talked about for many years and am extremely excited to make this a reality. Many coaches over that time have expressed the desire and a need for a second post-season event like we see in other sports and the sport is ready to support another postseason tournament. With the NCAA’s approval for teams that don’t qualify for NCAA regional play, they can now have an option.” When Ringler is not busy organizing golf tournaments and writing about them, he tries to find time to improve his seven handicap.
Do you have achy joints? Do your knees or hips hurt constantly? If so, you could have osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is described as “wear and tear” on your joints. It’s caused by the breakdown of cartilage between the bones of the joints and tendons, as well as the ligaments around the joints. The culprit can be routine daily activities or sudden injuries. Osteoarthritis typically affects your knees and hips, but may also impact your hands, lower back and neck. Severe osteoarthritis can make daily tasks, including walking and standing, difficult. Aching Joints & Osteoarthritis From Franciscan Health Who’s At Risk for Osteoarthritis? According to John McClellan, MD, an orthopedic surgeon with Specialty Physicians of Illinois, LLC, an independent physician who practices at FranciscanHealthOlympiaFields, nearlyeveryone has some risk of developing osteoarthritis. “The lifetime risk of developing osteoarthritis is fairly high in both men and women.” There are several risk-boosting factors for osteoarthritis: • aging • family history Indiana Golf Journal
• obesity • previous joint injury • joint deformity Pain-Reduction Strategies for Aching Joints “Staying physically active is one of the best things you can do to slow osteoarthritis,” said Lindsay Johnson, PA-C, a physician assistant with Franciscan Physician Network Joint Replacement Surgeons in Carmel, Indiana. “Activity is one of the great components of treatment, especially for the hips and knees — joints that are meant to move.” If you have osteoarthritis, exercises that keep your joints comfortable are best: • walking • swimming/water exercises • cycling • elliptical machine Exercise also contributes to another tactic for reducing your pain and slowing osteoarthritis, maintaining a healthy weight. “It’s not uncommon for patients preparing for joint replacement surgery to find that losing as little as 20 pounds reduces their symptoms of pain and swelling, enough so that they feel comfortable delaying surgery for a few more years,” said Dr. McClellan. Don’t expectmajor changes overnight, however, as symptom improvement takes time, advises Ahmad Salah, DO, a rheumatologist with Franciscan Physician Network in Munster, Indiana. “I always stress the importance of leading an active lifestyle, exercise, eating right and sleeping well.” What Osteoarthritis Treatments Are Available? Your doctor may suggest medication, but there are also non-medication options for your osteoarthritis. A knee brace may reduce pressure on your knees, plus increase support and stability. Physical therapy can improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles around your joints. Eventually, osteoporosis will wear away your remaining cartilage, and your joints will grind “bone-on-bone.” The bones may become deformed, or bone spurs could develop. Surgery, or a joint replacement may be recommended based on X-rays. “Joint replacement is an excellent option, and it’s life-changing for many patients who have limited mobility and pain,” said Dr. Salah. “But it’s a final step in treating osteoarthritis, and that’s why it’s important for patients to actively seek treatment for the disease as early as possible.”
Crystal Morse, Head PGA Golf Professional at The Legends Golf Club, has a few tips for golfers facing one of the most difficult shots in golf, the long bunker shot. If your ball has found a bunker, but is still 20-50 yards from the green, here are a few tips for safely extricating your ball and hopefully giving yourself a chance to save par. The most critical decision is choosing the correct club. Don’t just grab the 60-degree lob wedge, or even the 56-degree sand wedge, or drop down a club, or two. Chances are that you will take too much sand with these clubs and leave the ball woefully short and possibly still in the bunker. A 54-degree wedge, or 52-degree gap wedge is much easier to control for this shot. If there is no lip to contend with the ball will come out slightly lower and roll out slightly more on the green. Next, set your stance slightly open to the target and let the swing follow your shoulder line. Don’t try to overswing, or force it, let it flow naturally. We also want to limit any wrist action in the bunker. Releasing the club too soon will result in taking too much sand or create a low bladed shot that will zoom over the green. Watch this video of Crystal explaining the correct way to hit a long bunker shot. Mou – insert black box for video To Review: 1. Choose the right club 2. Slightly open your stance 3. Limit any wrist action If you follow these tips, you may just see your handicap begin to drop. Crystal Morse Golf Tip: The Long Bunker Shot
The Inaugural Indiana Adaptive Golf Championship Was A Huge Success By Santana Shipley Twenty-seven players from 11 states competed in the Inaugural Indiana Adaptive Golf Championship, in September, at the Plum Creek Golf Club. The Championship included both Overall and Senior divisions with nine different impairment categories as defined by the United States Adaptive Golf Alliance Player Classification system. David McCready, from Brownsburg, is a part of the Midwestern Adaptive Golf Association and approached Indiana Golf Executive Director Mike David with the idea for the event. “We are excited to become involved in the Adaptive Golf arena. We think there is a tremendous interest from this segment of the population and golf is a sport that can be played by everyone,” said McCready. “We hope to grow our programming for adaptive players in the future. This was the first step.” There were many interesting stories about the contestants. Alex Rivera, 22, from Columbus, Indiana, finished well down the leaderboard, but was happy to be competing. He competes in the Below the Knee Division and has been golfing since he was two years old. Rivera played high school golf but became a serious snowboarder. While he was training in Colorado for the Paralympics a bad fall left him with a shattered right arm, the subsequent recovery dashed his Paralympics dream. He returned to golf to stay active and positive. Kyle Erickson, from Minneapolis, who has been playing golf for most of his life, shot a final round 71 to secure the first-ever Men’s Overall Champion of the Indiana Adaptive Golf Championship. Indiana Golf Journal
The Inaugural Indiana Adaptive Golf Championship Was A Huge Success 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 Erickson started the final round two strokes behind dayone leader, Evan Mathias of Indianapolis. Erickson carded three birdies and finished the final round at one-under par to amass a four-stroke lead for the win. “The fact that Indiana Golf is stepping up to do this is awesome and every state University and holds the ParaLong Drive Cup record at 398 yards. The overall Senior Division champion was Les Meade of West Lafayette, Indiana, who finished 80-94. Meade has been playing golf for roughly 30 years and was more than thrilled to find out that the IGA was hosting this tournament. should be taking part,” said Erickson. “I promise that this will become one of the biggest tournaments on the Adaptive Golf circuit because Indiana Golf did an amazing job putting this on.” The runner-up, and Multiple Leg Division winner, Evan Mathias, participated on the men’s golf team at Marian Above Knee (G1) - John Bell Arm-Assisted (G5) - Jonathan Snyder Arm-Unassisted (G4) - James Warren Below Knee (G2) - Kyle Erickson Blind (G13) - Kenny Gentile CP/MD (G8) - Robby Donarski Multiple Leg (G3) - Evan Mathias Seated (G9) - Steve Doubt Short Stature (G14) - Ethan Crough 1st: Kyle Erickson 2nd: Evan Mathias 1st: Les Meade Division Champions Overall Men’s Division Overall Senior Division
The Plum Creek Golf Club at Lynnwood Farm in Carmel is a ‘peach’ of a golfing destination and it may well become the ‘apple’ of your eye. There are very few destinations as welcoming to golfers of all abilities as Plum Creek. The course was designed by legendary golf course architect and Indiana native Pete Dye. Plum Creek is a proven championship venue. It has hosted several prestigious events such as, the 1998 Indianapolis Open, 2000 Club Professionals Championship, 2003 Indiana Open, and this year’s Inaugural Indiana Adaptive Golf Championship. “Plum Creek Golf Club has a unique course design,” said Plum Creek Golf Club: A Must-Play Midwest Venue Water is present on six holes on the back nine. There are also five doglegs, and two terrific parthree holes. When played from the back tees, these par-threes rival any on the PGA Tour. A well-struck tee shot from the Championship tees on the 11th at Plum Creek is a joy to watch as it’s played from a raised tee box. Don’t miss the Lynnwood Farm barn on the 16th hole. It is a reminder of the property’s agricultural roots, a staple of the Hoosier economy and Indiana’s farming heritage. Once you complete an 18-hole round at Plum Creek, you’ll see why this golf club is a ‘peach’ of a golfing destination and the ‘apple’ of your eye. By Mike May Plum Creek Golf Club General Manager Kelly Kluesner. “It provides a challenge to highly skilled players while also being a very enjoyable course for beginners or higher handicappers. The staff of Plum Creek is truly what will make your visit enjoyable. From the cart staff and golf pros, to the food and beverage staff and the grounds crew, you will see smiling faces that treat you like the family we are.” One of the highlight holes of the front nine is the 4th hole, which features dual fairways. A small winding creek splits the two fairway options forcing golfers to choose their best path to the green. After the drive a mid-iron shot is required from either fairway. Indiana Golf Journal
The Indiana Hoosier Junior was held in October at the Otter Creek Golf Course in Columbus. In all, 82 boys and 28 girls competed in the 36-hole tournament. Jacob Modleski of Noblesville won the boys division with rounds of 69-72, three-under-par effort. Modleski was tied for first after the first round with eventual runner-up Happy Gilmore of Bloomfield. Both battled for the entire second round, but Modleski was able to eke out the one-stroke lead to claim the title for the second consecutive year. In the girls division, Michaela Headlee of Carmel finished four-over par with rounds of 76-72, to defeat Addison Kooi, of Westfield, by two strokes. Headlee began the final round in third place, but her second round of even-par, 72 was good enough to secure the victory. By Santana Shipley 2022 Hoosier Junior Championship
New BMW’s Available For Guests at Pinehurst Pinehurst Resort, home of the 2024 U.S. Open, announced an exclusive partnership with BMW of North America to provide their guests with complimentary access to the latest BMW vehicles via the “Guest Drive Program.” Guests of the “Cradle of American Golf” will have the opportunity to explore North Carolina’s famed Sandhills region behind the wheel of an “Ultimate Driving Machine.” The “Guest Drive Program” is available to all registered guests with a valid driver’s license from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., every Wednesday through Sunday. A wide selection of BMW’s are available to experience firsthand, plus next year the 2023 program will feature BMW’s all-new fully-electric vehicles – the BMW iX Sports ActivityVehicle and the BMW i4 Gran Coupe. Introducing new electric driving experiences for guests connects with Pinehurst Resort’s sustainability initiatives of the last decade-plus. Several courses, including Nos. 2, 3 and 4, have News & Notes undergone restorations and reimaginations, significantly reducing the amount of irrigable turf and overall water usage. The 43-room Manor Inn was completely renovated in 2019 following LEED® standards, and the venerable Carolina Hotel is undergoing significant upgrades to all guest and conference rooms, hallways, the lobby and Coffee House. For more information, visit www.pinehurst.com. Keegan Bradley Uses The Putting Arc to Win Zozo Championship We all know that since the USGA and The R&A banned anchored putters, Keegan Bradley has struggled to stay on PGA Tour leaderboards. To improve his putting technique and performance, Indiana Golf Journal
he has been using The Putting Arc teaching aide and it worked. His final round two-under par 68, at the Zozo Championship in Japan, was good enough to collect his first win, since the 2018 BMW Championship. As every golfer knows a consistent putting stroke is the difference between good golf scores and great golf scores. Learn how The Putting Arc can help you game at: www.thePuttingArc.com. Sweet Golf Deals From Alabama Looking to escape the winter snow and cold, plus play a few rounds of golf? Well Alabama can help with both of those issues for golfers. With friendly bag boys and beverage cart girls on the courses, plus servers and chefs in the award-winning restaurants, visitors to Alabama are made to feel right at home. Here are three exciting offers to make it easier than ever to book your next golf trip to Alabama. 1. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail The popular Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is offering unlimited golf, including cart and range balls, beginning at $95.00 per person, per day. If you want to stretch your stay for two, or more days that price can drop to $75.00 per day. The offer runs from November 7th through March 12, 2023 and excludes Ross Bridge and Lakewood Club. Click Here For Details 2. Peninsula & Craft Farms Six-Pack Offer In Gulf Shores at the Peninsula Club and Craft Farms, golfers can buy six rounds of discounted golf. Golfers can save as much as $40.00 per round, but don’t delay this ‘Six-Pack- offer is only available until November 15th, plus only a limited quantity are available. Click Here for Details 3. Kiva Dunes Winter Patron Golf Card Kiva Dunes is yet another great golf, beach and vacation destination on the Alabama coastline. Their Winter Patron Golf Card offers rounds beginning as low as $73.00 per round. Kiva Dunes is a Jerry Pate/JimEdgemon design and has been rated Gulf Shores No. 1 Public Golf Course. The card can be used anytime between November 1 and March 14, 2023, but must be purchased before November 15, 2022. Click Here For Details
Plus, Coastal Alabama has so much more than just golf. There are plenty of palm trees, white sandy beaches, a variety of dining options, plus other attractions and entertainment for the entire family. Learn more from Len Ziehm’s report on his recent visit to Gulf Shores in the October issue of Michigan Golf Journal. Pueblo Bonito Wins Travel Awards If you have considered traveling south of the border this winter for sun, fun and golf, consider staying at award-winning Pueblo Bonito Resorts. This year two Pueblo Bonito resorts, Pueblo Bonito Mazatlan Beach Resort and Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort, were recognized for excellence in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards. The winning properties were selected by the prestigious publication’s readers in the “Top 20 Resorts in Western Mexico” category. The winning resorts were chosen by reviews from over 240,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers, that shared their recent travel knowledge of the world’s top hotels, and resorts. Pueblo Bonito Mazatlán Beach Resort first opened in 1987 and recently completed a major renovation project. Located along the Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone of Mazatlan, the original Pueblo Bonito hotel set the bar for luxury travel in Mazatlan. The extensive makeover paid homage to the hotel’s Old-World charm, while elevating all elements of the property, including the guest suites and restaurants as well as the lobbies, pools, and façade. The resort’s deluxe all-inclusive plan features meals at a variety of on-site restaurants, from Angelo’s to the reimagined Cilantro’s seafood restaurant. Guests can also access dining outlets at a sister property, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay Resort & Spa as well as Casa 46, a destination restaurant in a historic home in the heart of colonial Mazatlán. Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Golf & Spa Resort, a family-friendly setting on a coastal bluff high above the beach and sea, welcomes guests to an oasis of lush gardens and stylish accommodations. The beautifully appointed suites at Sunset Beach offer deluxe accommodations and ocean views from every room. The resort’s extensive list of amenities include an award-winning Armonia Spa, The Market at Quivira (a culinary food hall with an enticing array of themed eateries), six swimming pools and a luxury all-inclusive plan. As a bonus, resort guests enjoy exclusive access to Quivira Golf Club, its spectacular Jack Nicklaus-designed course set along sheer cliffs at Land’s End. Back 9 Report visited Pueblo Bonito’s Quivira Resort and filed this video report about our Indiana Golf Journal
trip to paradise: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=xUe0TglzlPE If you want to bring the entire family, there are also plenty of activities to keep kids of all ages busy. The Sunset Beach Kids Clubs organizes arts and crafts projects, board games, pool games and movies. Tweens and teens, ages 12 to 19 can gravitate to the Fun Lab, a lounge and recreation center built for teenagers that offers video games, pool tables, a movie and karaoke theater, plus a soda fountain that serves pizza, nachos and popcorn. The unforgettable sunsets over the ocean can best be viewed at the Sky Pool at Sunset Beach. This two-tiered infinity pool is perched 250 feet above sea level and is one of the best selfie spots in all of Los Cabos. Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts is one of Mexico’s premier hotel brands and has been earning travel awards, as well as praise from guests, since 2007. The family-owned hospitality company has attracted a loyal following over the past 30 years and consistently delivers great vacation experiences. For more information on Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts, please visit www.pueblobonito.com.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club With sister course True Blue standing nearby this golf opportunity is unmatched in South Carolina’s Grand Strand area. All the major golf publications have recognized the beauty of Caledonia, to say nothing of the good food served in its clubhouse. It was named Golf Digest’s Best New Course of 1997. The lateMike Strantz designed Caledonia Golf & Fish Club on Pawleys Island. Unfortunately, Strantz, succumbed to cancer at age 50 in 2005, while at the peak of his designing career. He also designed both True Blue, adjacent to Caledonia and Tobacco Road, near Pinehurst, another wellregarded Carolina layout. I find it hard to pick a course better than Caledonia in the Myrtle Beach area, but a survey of club professionals ranked Caledonia second behind the Dunes Club. It had been six years since our last visit to Caledonia and our morning tee time was drenched in bright sunshine. The course seemed even better than we remembered and given all that has happened in the golf world in recent years, we found that a most pleasant surprise. Myrtle Beach has been South Carolina’s golf hotbed for many years. We have visited several times over the past 13 years, but our latest visit was a bit different. Our travel writing itinerary called for stops at three courses, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, World Tour Golf Links and the Love Course at Barefoot Resort. Caledonia, a Mike Strantz classic, is one of the most decorated of Myrtle Beach’s nearly 100 courses. At World Tour Golf Links we uncovered a course that we had never heard of, and in the Love Course we got our first good taste of a four-course facility that holds a unique place in golf history. All three have their own story to tell. By Len Ziehm Indiana Golf Journal
World Tour Golf Links Golf course architect Melvin Graham’s original concept for World Tour Golf Links included three nine–hole loops. The Open 9 included holes inspired by the U.S. and British national open championships. The Championship 9 drew inspiration from courses that have hosted the Masters, U.S. Open, PGA Championship and British Open. The International 9, which no longer exists, included holes from other famous courses. Graham’s project was eight years in the planning stages before it opened as a 27-hole facility in 1999. The 18 holes in operation today come from 14 courses in three countries and nine states. The course allows golfers to get a feel for the famous courses they see on television, but never get a chance to visit in person. Plaques on each hole provide historical anecdotes of events that occurred on the original versions. I actually played six of these holes at the real course, plus have seen many of the others on televised events. Some of the holes might seem a bit of a stretch, compared to the real ones. However, the opportunity to make birdie on the replica of the par-3 sixteenth hole at Augusta National was a thrill that would be hard to duplicate with a birdie on just another course. Augusta National is represented with four holes at World Tour Golf Links. The par-3 16th is No. 7 on the Open 9. On the Championship 9, players can experience the thrill of Augusta’s famed ‘Amen Corner’ as the 4-6 holes replicate holes 11-13. St. Andrews has two holes with Pinehurst No. 2, TPC Sawgrass, Colonial, English Turn, Pine Valley, the National Country Club of Canada, Winged Foot East, Cypress Point, Royal Troon, Olympic Club, Oakmont and Bay Hill all represented with replica holes, as well.
The Love Course at Barefoot Resort The Love Course is the most popularof the four championship courses at Barefoot Resort. The courses were designed by golfing legends, Davis Love III, of an antebellum plantation were placed around the green at Nos. 4 and 6. All four Barefoot courses opened together on the same day, April 13, 2000. Such a feat was never done before and has not been duplicated in American golf. All four courses are immaculately maintained and are popular with golfers visiting Myrtle Beach. Greg Norman, Tom Fazio and Pete Dye. We were only able to play the Love Course and will have to wait to compare it with the other three on successive trips. They were all designed as championship layouts and if they are anything like the Love Course, they will all test your golfing skills. This was Love’s design breakthrough, and he gave it a special touch. Faux ruins Indiana Golf Journal
PXG Introduces New 0211 Driver & Lower Pricing When the 0211 driver was introduced in January of 2021, we questioned PXG’s pricing strategy. The titanium body, carbon fiber crown and replaceable sole weight design, normally priced at $375.00 was discounted to $245.00. Did this mark a new and interesting trend for PXG? Were they forsaking the ultra-priced end of the market to sell greater volume to golfers not willing to pay $500.00, or more for a single club? The answer is now clear. PXG has lowered their pricing on their entire line. The 2022 version of the 0211 driver is now being offered at the rock bottom price of $219.00. Even the top of the line 0311 Gen5 driver originally listed for $499.0 has been dropped by $150.00 to $349.00. The newest 0211 version lacks the carbon fiber crown and the sole weights but retains the adjustable hosel with a Ti412 titanium variable By Ed Travis thickness face and Ti811 titanium body including crown. PXG says compared to the old version the 0211 creates 1.7 mph more ball speed, thus adding 4.9 yards of carry. A part of this gain can be attributed to the lower spin of the new version, which tested below 2,600 rpm, almost 150 rpm less than the previous model. PXG founder and CEO Bob Parsons was quoted, “With these sticks you get far more than you pay for! These golf clubs represent a well-researched design that strips away all distractions while employing top-quality materials and advanced technologies to help make the game easier and more enjoyable for golfers across the board.” The answer is clear, PXG has made a conscious effort to reach more golfers, by lowering the pricing on their high-quality golf clubs. Now every golfer can try the mystique of the PXG brand for themselves.
Golf In Sedona Will Take Your Breath Away Sedona, Arizona is one of the most majestic areas we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. We love the area and continue to return year after year. In addition to the awe-inspiring views, great hiking and various dining opportunities, we have experienced golf at three of the area’s courses. Sedona Golf Resort and Oak Creek Country Club are both public facilities. Seven Canyons is a private course surrounded by an upscale residential community near Boynton Canyon. All three courses are a joy to play, but it is difficult to focus on your golf game with jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. By Fred Altvater Indiana Golf Journal
Sedona Golf Resort sits a few miles south of Sedona proper, in the Village of Oak Creek. The 18-hole championship course winds its way over two miles back into a gorgeous canyon before turning back to the clubhouse for another nine holes of vista filled golf. Hilton Vacation Club can provide several options for accommodations. The Ridge at Sedona Golf Club has various condo-style rooms and is easily located for travel about the area, plus the views aren’t too bad either.
Oak Creek Country Club also sits just outside of the town of Sedona near Bell Rock. Oak Creek Country Club is a public play facility that is known for its hospitality. Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. it features five tee options to accommodate every skill level golfer. Ask you traverse the course, don’t forget to look around and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you on all sides. Indiana Golf Journal
Seven Canyons is a private golf club including a residential community offering various housing options from villas, fractional housing, custom-built homes and condominiums. It sits at the base of huge red cliffs and the course winds through the verdant valley. The course and community are in perfect harmony with the natural environment and the spirit of Sedona. It is a one-of-a-kind oasis retreat where golf, social activities, and a luxury residential community are elevated to provide you with a relaxed atmosphere of distinction.
Stare at golfers’ feet and there’s a good chance you see shoelaces saluting the colors of Indiana University, Purdue, the Colts and the Pacers. Whiskers is America’s foremost designer and manufacturer of men’s and women’s premium shoelaces sold a la carte. Laces represent an accessory that adds just the right amount of color pop and patterns to wardrobes. Whiskers golf-specific shoelaces come super close to colors regularly donned by fans of our beloved Hoosier state sports teams. Talk about a new, fun way to celebrate your allegiances while The Hoosier State is All About Whiskers Golf Shoelaces By Rich Katz traversing four-plus miles, tee to green, for fourplus hours per round. “A lot of our customers reside in Indiana,” says Kyle Groth, Co-Founder and CEO of Whiskers. “They’re not only sporting golf shoelaces representing their favorite home-state teams and schools; they’re also collecting dozens of other Whiskers colors and patterns.” Groth is an entrepreneur in the spirits business, but he stepped into (pun intended) the laces business as a fluke of sorts. Four years ago, while readying for a wedding, he snapped a shoelace. The only Indiana Golf Journal
replacement he could find was the cheap, inferior variety carried in a local drugstore. Groth saw an open lane to create a business that “upscaled” the lace offering. He studied the category with a proxy to the growing popularity of premium-made, colorful socks. He teamed up with Mike Gossett, a veteran product creator for Nike and Crocs and, voila, Whiskers was born. While the company is big in dress and casual shoes, sneakers and boots categories, its push in golf is masterful. Anchored by a “do as the pros do” theme, Whiskers boasts more than 100 PGA and LPGA Tour players and caddies noticeably wearing its laces. This includes major winners and perennial Ryder Cup and President’s Cup stars weaving Whiskers into their FootJoy, adidas, Nike and ECCO kicks. Whiskers laces are also darling gifts for golfers in tournaments and outings in Indiana, as well as nationally. These colorful laces are perfect for swag bags. Lacing up takes approximately three minutes and the resulting splash of flash injects personality to even the dullest of footwear. Match the lace color with your shirt and perhaps Milan runways are in your future. Unlike buying the latest-and-greatest $500 driver which technology will likely render antiquated in six months, Whiskers’ fabrications mean the laces are built to last. They’re affordable and come in more than 70 colors and patterns. Find out more at: www.whiskerslaces.com. 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 the Midwest’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!
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler in Louisiana By Jim Grosjean Indiana Golf Journal
Winter is just around the corner here in the north, but that doesn’t mean you and your golf clubs must hibernate for the next five months. A trip to Louisiana could be just the cure for your cold weather blahs! As the Cajuns say in Louisiana, “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler.” (Let the Good Times Roll!) Golf enjoys a year-long season in Louisiana, but the prime time starts in October and runs through May, exactly right for northern visitors. Every trip to Louisiana should begin in New Orleans, known for its superior dining and music. The Golf Club at Audubon Park will get your golf trip off to a great start. Don’t be fooled though, at only 4,220 yards from the tips, it is an extremely challenging track. The historic course opened in 1898, but there are live oak trees much older lining the fairways throughout the course. Denis Griffiths redesigned the course in 2001,
adding Bermuda grass to the fairways and TifEagle on the greens, which are quite fast. Expect more than a few three-putts. Visitors to New Orleans should also make the 15-mile trip to play the TPC of Louisiana, home of the PGA Tour Zurich Classic. Pete Dye supplied a visually stunning and rewarding course full of pitfalls and rewards. Six tees range from 5,121 yards to a robust 7,425 providing every level of golfer a fighting chance to score well. Beware you must avoid more than 100 bunkers and numerous lakes that await to attract your golf ball. A few miles to the north lies Baton Rouge and the Santa Maria Golf Course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The Baton Rouge Recreation Department does an excellent job maintaining the live oaks and fifteen lakes with an ever-watchful eye towards conservation. Just west of New Orleans, near Morgan City, we found the Atchafalaya at Idlewild Golf Course. Spanish moss hangs from the trees, while gators lurk around in the ponds. Cypress knees are used as 150-yard markers and once again, we experienced fast greens, that are common in southern Louisiana. Slightly further west along the Audubon Golf Trail is Farm d’Allie Golf Club near Lafayette. Water is visible on fifteen holes and there are enough bunkers to keep things interesting. Architect Jeff Blume designed a course that’s playable, yet fun for all golfers. Indiana Golf Journal
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