Wrapping Up Another Summer of Golf in Indiana As we make the transition from summer to fall later this month, there are still many more days to enjoy pursuing Old Man Par before the eventual arrival of Old Man Winter. We don’t have as many hours of daylight to play golf after Labor Day, but temperatures are not nearly as extreme, as the summer months, which makes a day on the links more enjoyable. I hope you enjoy the diversity of content in this month’s edition of the Indiana Golf Journal. We continue to strive to provide a wide variety of stories which touch on as many aspects of golf in Indiana as possible. We remain open to story ideas which you feel should be told. If you have an idea, please send me an email: mmaymarketing@gmail.com. The Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville is our featured course this month. I played an editorial, fact-finding round at Purgatory back in July and walked away thoroughly impressed. We think you will, too, when you play it. Kudos to the French Lick Resorts for successfully hosting yet another high-profile golf tournament in early August at The Pete Dye Course. Inside this issue, we provide a few pictorial memories from the 72-hole French Lick Charity Classic. In our effort to highlight any Indiana connection to the event, there’s a short story about Ben Harpring, a native of Columbus, who is one of the social media gurus for the Epson Tour. We also glance back at one of the more historical moments in Indiana golf, provide some golf fashion ideas from Kinona, reveal the fascination for golf by WISH-TV’s Anthony Calhoun, and give you an update from Indiana Golf. Again, I hope you enjoy this issue of the Indiana Golf Journal as much as we enjoyed putting it all together. Mike May, Editor in Chief MIKE MAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUBSCRIBE Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Michigan Golf Journal Back 9 Report Indiana Golf Journal
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Indiana Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with Indiana Golf Journal, Contact us for more information Be sure to take advantage of the links to social media, videos and other content provided within the articles 28 FIND INSIDE 15 24 26 38 Most Influential People in Indiana Golf Industry Indiana Golf Welcomes the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association Looking Back at 1991 PGA Championship AT Crooked Stick Pictures From The French Lick Charity Classic Indiana Golf News 06 11 13 18 15 Makenna O’Bryan Enjoys A Golfing Lifestyle BOYNE’s Donald Ross Memorial Features His Best Hoosier Spearheads Epson Tour Social Media Efforts Anthony Calhoun: A Diehard Golfer & Supporter of Teachers 22 24 26 21 Our Contributors What is Thumb Arthritis? An Awesome Autumn Adventure Awaits In North Georgia Three Key Things to Know About Wine Purgatory Golf Club is The Gateway to Golfing Heaven Golf’s Beloved & Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham KINONA 2022 Collection Adds New Styles and Prints Our Favorite Videos 42 36 38 40 28 30 34 43 Indiana Golf Journal
Mike David Mike David has been the Executive Director of Indiana Golf for over 32 years. He was born and raised in Columbus, Indiana and was inducted into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame in 2020. He was a four-year letterman for the Columbus North High School golf team, four-time All South Central Conference selection, four-time state finalist, 2nd team all-state Indiana selection, and a member of the 1982 team which was a runner-up in the Indiana State High School Golf Tournament. At Ball State, he was four-year letterman and after graduation accepted a role as assistant tournament director with Indiana Golf. When the role of Executive Director opened up, he applied and was offered the position at the age of 27 and has been leading Indiana Golf since then. When it comes to promoting and supporting the game of golf in Indiana, there are many people, club professionals, directors of golf, golf course architects, professional golfers, and college and high school golf coaches, in positions of influence who help ‘move the needle’ and make significant contributions to golf in the Hoosier state. While that list is certainly lengthy, there is a short list of people who are worth recognizing and thanking for what they have done and what they continue to do on a daily basis to promote the game and to encourage people to play golf, here in Indiana. Most Influential People in Indiana Golf Industry Indiana Golf Journal
Dave Harner Dave Harner is the Director of Golf Operations the French Lick Resorts. In that role he is in charge of two of the finest golf courses, The Pete Dye Course and The Donald Ross Course, not only in the state, but in the entire country. Over the years, Harner has received many awards and honors such as the Indiana PGA Resort Merchandiser of the Year in 1994, 2004, and 2009. In 2012, he was named Indiana’s Professional of the Year and in 2020, was given the Bill Strausburgh Award by the Indiana Section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. This award is given annually to the PGA member who “by their day-to-day efforts have distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations and through service to the community.” Harner has worked in the golf industry for more than 40 years and been instrumental in the growth of golf at French Lick Resort. Tony Pancake The Director of Golf at Crooked Stick Golf Club, Tony Pancake has been at the club in Carmel for 17 years. He grew up in Seymour and was and all-state golfer for the Seymour High School. He was not heavily recruited by any major golf programs and chose to attend the University of Alabama, where he could work on his game throughout the winter. “I was determined to go to the warmest-weather school that offered me a scholarship,” says Pancake. Before becoming the head golf professional, he was asked to partner with course designer, Pete Dye, who lived in a home along the 18th fairway, in the Dye Cup at the course. Clearly, Pancake played well enough to impress Mr. Dye and the rest is history. Since his arrival at Crooked Stick in the early 2000s, he has had a guiding administrative role in every major tournament held there, including the 2005 Solheim Cup, as well as, both the 2012 and 2020 BMW Championships. Pancake is married to the former Libby Akers, who was a finalist in the U.S. Girls Junior Amateur in 1980 and a scholarship golfer at Arizona State University. They have four children, one of whom (Annabelle) plays collegiate golf at Clemson University.
Ted Bishop Owner and General Manager of The Legends Golf Club in Franklin, Ted Bishop is forever dedicated to the game of golf and those who play it. His career as a golf administrator was rewarded when he was named and served as the 38th president of the PGA of America. “Ted Bishop’s progressive term as president of the PGA of America seemed to pack 10 years into two and raised the profile and prestige of the organization. Golf is better with Ted Bishop in it,” said longtime golf writer and Golf Channel personality, Jamie Diaz. Bishop became the voice for recreational golfers when he led the PGA’s opposition to the USGA ban on the anchored events. Bethpage Black became the site of the 2019 PGA Championship as well as the 2024 Ryder Cup. Harding Park in San Francisco was tabbed for the 2020 PGA Championship. He also mended fences when he resurrected a strained relationship between the PGA and Arnold Palmer with the formation of the Deacon Palmer Award which is presented annually to a PGA professional who has overcome a major obstacle in their career. Bishop’s final impact as PGA President was the formation of the Ryder Cup Task Force which has produced dramatic changes for theU.S. team’s entire process. Bishop is a 1976 graduate of Purdue University and was inducted into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame in 2014. stroke. He quickly formed a close relationship with then PGA Tour Commissioner, Tim Finchem, and the two organizations became allies with a strong working relationship. He broke with tradition and named public golf courses as host sites for the PGA’s major Fuzzy Zoeller Fuzzy Zoeller is easily the most well-known and accomplished PGA Tour professional from Indiana. Zoeller, who grew up and still lives in southern Indiana, had a distinguished playing career which was highlighted by his victories in the 1979 Masters and the 1984 U.S. Open. He amassed 10 PGA Tour victories in his career and also won the 2002 PGA Senior Championship. Zoeller has contributed greatly to the sport by designing golf courses that can be enjoyed by the average golfer. His two courses, Covered Bridge Golf Club in Sellersburg and the Champions Pointe Golf Club in Henryville top that list. At Covered Bridge a statue of Zoeller stands sentry outside the entrance to the pro shop, which also displays a list of his playing accomplishments, beginning with his first victory in the Andy Williams-San Diego Open Invitational in January 1979. Indiana Golf Journal
Don ‘Chip’ Essig Chip Essig’s accolades and honors in golf are significant; he was only the third member of the Indiana PGA Section to ever be named national PGA Golf Professional of the Year. He was born in Indianapolis and grew up playing on the course his father owned, the Jack Barber Jack Barber dreamed of being a professional baseball player, but when his golf game improved at Russell High School in Kentucky, he accepted a golf scholarship to Eastern Kentucky University. He was a top amateur and competing in both the U.S. Amateur and Western Amateur Championships. He began his professional career as an assistant at the nine-hole Ironton Country Club, in Ohio, before returning to Eastern Kentucky as an Assistant Pro. After a stint as an assistant at Highland Golf Club in Indianapolis, his first Head Professional position came at the age of 27 at the Lexington (Kentucky) Country Club. In 1986, he was named Head Professional at Meridian Hills in Indianapolis and has served that club for the past 26 years. He is a former President of the Indiana PGA Section and has mentored 20 assistant professionals. Currently, nine of Barber’s former assistants are PGA head professionals. In 2009, Barber was honored as he received the PGA’s highest annual honor for PGA Professionals and was named National PGA Professional of the Year. former Hoosier Links in New Palestine and performed virtually every job at the course. In 1987, Essig graduated from Purdue University and earned his PGA membership in 1990. He is the co-owner of Essig Golf LLC, a golf course management company that oversees three facilities in the Indianapolis area. Essig has been very involved in the Indiana PGA Section, serving on the Board of Directors, since 1998 and was the Section President, 2006-2008. Since 2000, he has been a board member of the Indiana Golf Foundation and a member of the USGA Men’s Amateur Public Links Committee. In 1998, Essig was appointed to the PGA Rules Committee. His high-profile assignments have included the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup, the Masters, U.S. Senior Opens, among others.
Pete and Alice Dye This story about great figures in Indiana golf would not be accurate if it didn’t include the names of the late Pete and Alice Dye. Pete Dye was 94 when he passed in 2020, but his legacy in the game will live forever, as his brilliant designs will stand the test of time. It’s not a stretch to say that Pete Dye was the Donald Ross of his generation and his footprint on golf in Indiana is prolific. Golf legend Jack Nicklaus, himself a worldrenowned golf course architect, is a big fan of Dye’s. “I think Pete Dye was the most creative, imaginative, and unconventional golf course designer that I have ever been around”. While Dye’s most publicized project is probably the Stadium Course at the TPC in Ponte Vedra Bill Cook Because of the ‘Miracle Waters’ at French Lick the area’s history of Beach, Florida, the roots of his golf design genius are in Indiana. Dye’s first 18-hole creation was the Maple Creek Golf and Country Club. opened in 1961, in Indianapolis. The seven courses of the Pete Dye Trail, The Pete Dye Course at French Lick, Brickyard Crossing Golf Club, The Fort Golf Course, Maple Creek Golf & Country Club, Tippecanoe Country Club, and the Ackerman-Alan and Kampen courses at the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex are only a small sampling of what Dye meant to the state of Indiana. accommodating visitors dates back before the Civil War. The first hotel was built in 1888 and has had various owners over the years. In 2005, the French Lick Resort was in need of a major renovation and luckily Bill Cook, his wife Gayle and their son, Carl were there to purchase the historic property and provide the funds needed to bring it into the 21st century. The Cooks owned a medical device manufacturing company headquartered in Bloomington and made the commitment to restore the resort to its former glory. A casino license was granted by the state and the West Baden Inn underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration. Under the Cook’s ownership, the Donald Ross Course has been updated and the Pete Dye course was built atop Mt. Airie, the second highest peak in Indiana, affording sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside. In all the Cooks invested over $600 million in the resort. Golfers and guests have returned to the resort by the thousands, contributing to the overall prosperity of not only, French Lick, but of the entire Southern Indiana economy. Indiana Golf Journal
The Vision Statement for Indiana Golf is to provide a hub for golf in Indiana by positively influencing the golfers of today and tomorrow.That influence recently expanded when the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association (IGCSA) joined the list of organizations headquartered under the Indiana Golf umbrella. In August, the IGCSA and its 50 members are now part of the Indiana Golf family that includes four other golf-related not-for-profits. The IGCSA has never had a full-time staff and has had to rely on a volunteer board to administer all aspects of the organization. The goal will be to increase the overall visibility of the organization and grow its membership. Early changes will be a revised website, updated member newsletter, and an effort to reach out to potential new members. Golf course superintendents are, obviously, a vital part of the golf industry and bringing them into our organization makes sense from the standpoint of continuing to work toward a unified voice and cooperative working relationship for as many golf-related organizations as possible. That cooperative effort has had a long history in the state. Indiana Golf also houses the Indiana Golf Association, Indiana Section PGA, Indiana Women’s Golf Association, Indiana Golf Foundation, plus the IGCSA. In 1972, Indiana’s golf leaders had the vision of establishing the IGA-PGA. The IGA-PGA is a separate organization that was formed by the Indiana Golf Association and the Indiana Section PGA. The joint organization was designed to serve as the administrative body of Indiana Golf. By Mike David Indiana Golf Welcomes the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association
For the last 50years, the IGA-PGAhas administered the state’s handicapping program and provided financial coverage for all Indiana Golf staffing and other administrative expenses. This has allowed the IGA and Indiana PGA to be free of any administrative expenses and to concentrate their resources on serving their respective association members. Over time, that administrative coverage has expanded to include even more golf- related entities, but the overall concept remains to provide a “one-stop shop” for golf in Indiana and to have a unified voice on the game and its programs and services. In most other areas of the country, these various organizations frequently compete for sponsorship money, tournament sites and handicapping revenues. In addition, many of the services they offer overlap with their counterparts. IGCSA President Jim Loupee, based at The Bridgewater Club in Carmel, is delighted to see the merger take place. “On behalf of the Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association, we are pleased to partner with the Indiana Golf Association to better serve our members and further grow the game of golf,” said Loupee. “With their vision and passion for the game, it only makes sense to team up to have both associations moving forward to achieve our goals.” These partnerships remain the cornerstone of Indiana Golf and will allow us to continue to serve as the vital hub for golf, and golfers, in Indiana. Mike David has served as the Executive Director of Indiana Golf for over 30 years and is one of the most respected golf administrators in the country. Indiana Golf Journal
In August 1991, the focal point of the golfing world was on Indiana, specifically the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel. The 73rd edition of the PGA was being held in our state for just the second time. The first time was during the ‘Roaring 20’s,’ when flamboyant Walter Hagen won the 1924 PGA Championship, then a match-play event, at French Lick on what was then called The Hills Course, now known as The Donald Ross Course. Hagen garnered his second PGA Championship victory by defeating Jim Barnes in the final match, 3 & 2. Hagen had won it in 1921 and would also hoist the Wanamaker Trophy in 1925, 1926 and 1927, winning it a total of five times. Looking Back at 1991 PGA Championship AT Crooked Stick In 1991, the PGA Championship was a 72-hole stroke play event, as it remains to this day. One of the least known golfers in the field, in that year, was the eighth alternate and final man to be added to the tournament. The young blond haired, long-hitting John Daly, from Arkansas, blistered Crooked Stick with his aggressive play off the tees to grab the Wanamaker Cup. His four-day total of 276 was 12 under par and three strokes clear of his nearest pursuer, Bruce Lietzke and five ahead of third-place finisher, Jim Gallagher, Jr. Three prominent names on the leaderboard were three former PGA Championship winners, Ray Floyd, Hal Sutton, and Jack Nicklaus, a five-time By Mike May
winner of this event, who was 51 years old at the time. Other major championship winners, who Daly outplayed that week were Craig Stadler, Payne Stewart, Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Nick Faldo, Mark Calcavecchia, and Sandy Lyle. If you look closely at the final leaderboard from that PGA Championship, you’ll see the Irish Ryder Cupper, turned broadcaster, David Feherty, who finished in a tie for 7th. His best performance in a major championship. The tournament director that year was Jeff Parsons, who is now the general manager at the Country Club of Indianapolis. Finally, Daly’s first-place check was $230,000 out of the $1.4 million purse. In comparison, Justin Thomas, the winner of this year’s PGA Championship at Southern Hills in Tulsa, Oklahoma was awarded a first-place check of $2.7 million out of a $15 million purse. Oh, how times have changed! It’s worth noting that Crooked Stick, known as The Stick among members, was designed by the late, great Pete Dye, who maintained a home along the 18th fairway at Crooked Stick. 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! Indiana Golf Journal
Golf Heritage Society Returns to Indy IndianaGolf News Attention golf historians! From September 21-24, the Golf Heritage Society (GHS) will hold its 51st National Convention at the Wyndham Indianapolis West Hotel, near the Indianapolis International Airport. “The GHS will host a memorable national convention in Indianapolis, with a variety of programs and activities for attendees to enjoy,” said Dr. Bern Bernacki, president of the Golf Heritage Society, “It will include stories and tributes to will include some of the world’s most fascinating golf collectibles available for trade, or purchase. The trade show will take place on Saturday, September 24. It is open to the public at no charge, as is the PBA Galleries Auction which is scheduled for September 21. Founded in 1970, the GHS is a global nonprofit organization that honors and preserves golf’s history. For more information about the GHS, visit GolfHeritage.org. Pete and Alice Dye, as well as an architects panel discussion – and plenty of camaraderie.” Other activities on the schedule for the national convention will be two golf outings, one at Eagle Creek Golf Club and the other at The Country Club of Indianapolis. Attendees will also want to attend a cocktail reception and banquet, featuring keynote speaker Chris Wirthwein, author and Crooked Stick Golf Club historian. In addition, the GHS golf memorabilia trade show
Anabelle Pancake Remains In the News Longtime Zionsville resident and current Clemson University junior Annabelle Pancake had two memorable competitive golf experiences last month. In early August, she competed in the Epson Tour’s French Lick Charity Classic, held at The Pete Dye Course. She was the only Indiana resident in the field, made the cut and finished in a tie for 45th place. After French Lick, she was off to Chambers Bay in Tacoma, Washington for the 122nd U.S. Women’s Amateur and made it to the third round of Match Play before being knocked out. Her caddy at both events was her father, Tony Pancake, the director of golf at the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel. Well done, Annabelle. Golfweek Crowns Hoosier Amateur Winners On August 8-9, the Golfweek Hoosier Amateur was played on the Pfau Course at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. The winner of the women’s division was Siarra Stout, a resident of Franklin, Tennessee and a sixth-year senior at Lipscomb University in Nashville. One shot back, Jocelyn Bruch, a redshirt sophomore at Purdue, finished runner-up. Stout played well enough to win. After three back-nine bogeys, she rallied with a birdie at 16 followed by two closing pars at 17 and 18. Indiana Golf Journal
Back9 Indy Opens Its Doors On Friday, August 9th, Back9 Indy, the new 58,500-square foot golf and entertainment venue along the banks of the White River in Indianapolis, officially opened for business after a ribboncutting ceremony. Located at 1415 Drover Street, Back9 Indy is a three-story driving range which features 75 golf bays, a 350-person music pavilion, outdoor beer garden, restaurant, meeting rooms, and a game area. It has the most advanced ball-tracking system used in televised golf tournaments. At Back9 Indy, you can play several different games such from veteran golf professional Sam Foley. Executive Chef Mike Cole has put together a vast menu, which includes smash burgers, ribs, sushi poke, and a variety of pizzas. If you are looking for an enjoyable night out, check out the FUN activities at Back9 Indy. as Bullseye, Twenty One, and Longest Drive, plus golfers can play some of the nation’s top golf courses, virtually. When you play at Back9 Indy, you can bring your own clubs, or use the ones which are provided. If you want to improve your game, golf lessons are available “Anything can happen on this golf course, but I think it just helped me kind of keep my poise as I finished off 17 and 18,” said Stout afterwards. In the men’s division of the Golfweek Hoosier Amateur, the winner was decided in a five-hole playoff between a Boilermaker and a Hoosier. In the end, Noblesville’s Nels Surtani, a junior at Purdue, outlasted Cal Hoskins, an incoming freshman at IU, to win the title. To get in the playoff, Surtani, the 36-hole leader, had to make a downhill, six-foot putt to tie Hoskins at two-over-par after 54 holes. Surtani fought fatigue in the playoff, but he had enough mental power to survive. “I could tell I was getting fatigued, and I really had to concentrate to stay in it,” remarked Surtani, afterwards.
Pictures From The French Lick Charity Classic By Mike May In August, the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort hosted yet another big golf tournament, the French Lick Charity Classic, a stop along the Epson Tour’s “Race to the Card.” The tour is the final stepping-stone to secure full status on the LPGA Tour for these young ladies. The field competed for a share of the $335,000 purse, the largest ever on the Epson Tour. Xiaowen Yin of China garnered her second win, received $50,250 and now with over $100,000.00 in earnings is guaranteed her 2023 LPGA Tour card. Photo Credit to Greg Wise: Morning aerial image of the 2nd and 3rd holes at The Pete Dye Course. Epson Tour players provided one-on-one instruction during Ladies Day. Indiana Golf Journal
The biggest winner in French Lick that week was the tournament’s charity, the Riley Children’s Foundation, which received a check for $135,000. In addition to the actual 72-hole tournament, a Ladies Day Clinic was conducted, a pro-am dinner banquet was held and a sold-out pro-am was staged at the Dye course, as well. A few Riley’s Kids made the trip to French Lick and posed with Epson Tour players. French Lick donates $135,000 to Riley Children’s Foundation.
If you saw images on social media of the Epson Tour’s French Lick Charity Classic from The Pete Dye Course in French Lick in early August, those posts were created by a Hoosier – Ben Harpring from Columbus, who is a content producer for the Epson Tour. “In French Lick, my main role was taking photos and getting those photos shared with the media,” said Harpring. “Outlets across the country and around the world use the photos to help better tell the stories that happened on any given day. I also helped update our social media pages, giving updates on what happened throughout the day.” According to Harpring, a 2013 graduate of Columbus East High Hoosier Spearheads Epson Tour Social Media Efforts By Mike May the golf bug. I played golf during the summer and fall, but I was locked in for baseball season and put the clubs away then,” In college, he played some club golf events for IUPUC. “We played against Big Ten club golf teams and other bigger schools,” added Harpring. Harpring has been attending and working LPGA tournaments since 2017, but this is his first year working for the Epson Tour. Working in professional golf has its perks, but it’s not a lifestyle for everyone. “Once this year is complete, I will have spent around 3032 weeks on the road,” says Harpring. And, when Harpring is not working, Columbus remains his home. School, some social media outlets have a bigger reach than others. “At this point, I believe Instagram gives the Epson Tour its greatest exposure,” says Harpring. While Harpring generates a great deal of content himself, he’s not the only one on the Epson Tour collecting and distributing pictures and videos. “We utilize photos and videos that often get shared by players and others in the golf industry, and this gives us quite a bit of awareness,” says Harpring. “We also share links to our website stories, and this gives us more traffic to the website.” While Harpring thoroughly enjoys his role in the golf industry, golf was not always his number-one sport of choice. “I did not play golf in high school, not competitively anyway,” adds Harpring. “I was a baseball player, and during the summer ahead of my junior year, I got hooked with
Anthony Calhoun: A Diehard Golfer & Supporter of Teachers By Mike May his house, where we played a replica of Pebble Beach’s famous par-three 7th hole that he has in his backyard.” Places that Calhoun would like to play golf include Bandon Dunes in Oregon, St. Andrews in Scotland, and the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. “I did have a chance to step inside Butler Cabin back in 2019 when I attended the Masters as a fan. That was a thrill.” While Calhoun loves the challenge of chasing Old Man Par, he’s equally committed to using golf as a vehicle to raise funds for education in the greater Indianapolis area. Calhoun, who graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in broadcasting, realizes that he has benefitted from having great teachers in his life. He shows support for teachers, who, in return, provide a great education to their students. He feels that he’s not the only one with that mindset. “People like supporting teachers, especially those who teach inner-city students.” To that end, in 2013, Calhoun started hosting an annual golf tournament, The AC Golf Classic, to raise money for One of Indiana’s most passionate golfers is WISH-TV sports director Anthony Calhoun, who has been at the station since 1998. “I didn’t pick up the game of golf until after I graduated from college, but only in the last five years have I become more serious about it.” Like all passionate golfers, Calhoun has had some memorable experiences in golf and met some interesting people. “My coolest experience in golf was playing Cypress Point in California with Jim Nantz of CBS Sports. After golf, Jim invited our group back to Indiana Golf Journal
Teachers’ Treasures, the Indianapolis-based nonprofit store, where teachers can obtain school supplies for their classrooms. This year, the one-day benefit raised $450,000 for Teachers’ Treasures and over the past ten years the event has generated nearly $3 million to support Teachers’ Treasures. This year’s event was held in June at theWoodland Country Club in Carmel. Because of his many connections, Calhoun has been able to get many prominent athletes, coaches, celebrities, community leaders, business executives, and passionate educators to participate and support the AC Golf Classic. “I’m also very grateful for everyone who has volunteered to help us raise money for Teachers’ Treasures. I’m blessed to have a positive impact on this community and make a difference for inner-city youth education and teachers.” The 11th AC Golf Classic will return next June, at a yet-to-be-determined location. If you would like to learn more about Teacher’s Treasures visit: https://www.teacherstreasures. org/ 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
Golf has given Makenna O’Bryan amazing opportunities and, she can thank one of her grandparents for that. “I’ve been playing golf since 7th grade. My grandpa introduced me to golf and, at first, I just did it to make him happy and give us something to do together, but it turned into something that I really enjoy.” In May, Makenna graduated from Northeast Dubois High School, but she played four years of high school golf at Linton Stockton High and had a memorable high school golf experience. Makenna O’Bryan Enjoys A Golfing Lifestyle By Mike May “I played all four years with amazing teammates and competitors.” She will continue her golf career at Kentucky Wesleyan College and is excited about making major life decisions, while at college “I’m not sure of my major, but I know I’m thinking about STEM. I love the science and math side of things. I’m hoping my first year at KWC will help me figure things out for sure.” In recent years, when she’s not in school, doing homework or playing high school golf, she works at The Donald Ross Course at the French Lick Resort in the golf cart staging area. She sees the golfers at the beginning and end of their rounds and enjoys meeting so many different people there. “I’ve worked at The Donald Ross Course the past two summers. I love it so much and plan to go back and work there next summer, as well!” One of the benefits of working at The Ross Course is that O’Bryan gets to play lots of golf at no charge, as long as she replaces her divots and repairs ball marks on the greens. Indiana Golf Journal
“One of the perks of working at the Ross is that I get to play it a decent amount. I’m very lucky. Some days, I’ll get a tee time and show up like any other golfer. Other days, when I clock out, I’ll grab a cart and go play after work. Our bosses are very good about making sure that we get to go out and play as much as we want to play.” When it comes to her golf gear, she is very aware of high-performance brands. She plays Taylor Made clubs, wears Foot Joy shoes, and uses golf balls produced by Titleist, Precept, and Bridgestone. As O’Bryan analyzes her own game, she’s most confidant on the putting surface. “I’m pretty good at reading the greens and lining up my putts accurately.” The biggest perk of being employed at The Ross Course is the networking opportunities with other golfers. “By working at The Donald Ross Course, I’ve met some amazing golfers. Rachel Rohanna (now on the LPGA Tour) played in the Symetra (now Epson) Tour event last year (2021). She finished third and I got to watch her play at our course for a couple of days. She is an amazing golfer!” If Makenna O’Bryan continues to improve and remains passionate about the sport, maybe one day in the future, she will be competing on the EPSON Tour in the French Lick Charity Championship, now held on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick and other young female golfers can follow her lead.
“One Unforgettable Golf Experience!” That’s what golfers get when they play BOYNE Resort’s Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course at The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Michigan. While this layout was not designed by Ross himself, it was inspired by his great designs. All 18 holes are replicas of some of his finest holes. In all, 14 of Ross’s classic course designs, both from the United State and from his native Scotland, were used as the source for the 18 holes. Several avid golfers from BOYNE traveled to each of these Donald Ross designs and hand picked the holes that would be added to this reproduction of the master’s greatest works. The Donald Ross Memorial is one of four 18-hole championship golf courses at Boyne Highlands at Harbor Springs. The other three courses include: The Heather, designated 2019 National Golf Course of the Year, the Arthur Hills, and The Moor. The Donald Ross Memorial features holes from ten states, Florida, New Jersey, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. It also includes a replica of the 14th hole from Royal Dornoch Golf Club. BOYNE’s Donald Ross Memorial Features His Best By Mike May Indiana Golf Journal
A sampling of the famous holes replicated are the 6th hole at Seminole, the 2nd at Pinehurst Country Club’s No. 2 course; the 18th from the Inverness Club; and the 16th at Oakland Hills Country Club. Every golfer must try to replicate Bob Tway’s hole out from the bunker on 18 at Inverness to beat Greg Norman in the 1986 PGA Championship. Oakland Hills also brings to mind Ben Hogan’s 1951 U.S. Open triumph there, when he shot a three-under par round of 67 in the final round for the win. Holes from Plainfield Country Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Scioto Country Club, Charlotte Country Club, Bob O’Link Golf Club, Salem Country Club, Detroit Golf Club, Aronimink Golf Club, and Wannamoisett Country Club are also represented. The courses at Donald Ross Memorial have hosted 14 U.S. Opens, 11 PGA Championships, eight U.S. Amateurs, and five Ryder Cups. Located just 90 minutes from Traverse City, BOYNE Resort ant the Donald Ross Memorial Golf Course are easily accessible via direct flights into the Cherry Capital Airport from several major cities around the country. When you are ready for “One Unforgettable Golf Experience,” head to the Donald Ross Memorial at Boyne Highlands at Harbor Springs.
Purgatory Golf Club is The Gateway to Golfing Heaven Purgatory, in Noblesville, is where souls must overcome obstacles to pay for their earthly mistakes to gain entry into heaven and attain eternal happiness. Golfers need to avoid Purgatory’s numerous bunkers and tall thick grass to attain the heavenly achievement and eternal happiness of birdies and pars. The course is a sight to behold and a course worth playing, time and time again. As it claims on their website, ‘It’s Your Gateway to Golfing Heaven.’ The course features more than 130 bunkers and every hole has a name. Some of the more intriguing monikers are Stains of the Inferno, Eunoe, River of Flames, The Valley of the Kings, Sweet Misery and The Gryphon. The most pronounced bunkering occurs on the 17th hole, ‘Hell’s Half Acre,’ Purgatory’s ‘signature hole. The par three 17th features an island green completely surrounded by two acres of sand. Birdies here are memorable and pars are celebrated. This inland links-style course, which uses prairie-like grass for rough, has earned strong words of praise. It has been rated the top golf course in Indiana, appears on a list of the top 50 golf courses in the U.S. for women, and has been By Mike May Indiana Golf Journal
ranked as one of the top 100 public golf courses in the U.S. Six sets of tees can accommodate any skill level. The championship tees are called Purgatory, but to create a length that is more suitable to higher handicap players, the club has created a ‘pretty’ scorecard which is a mixture of holes from three different tees and measures slightly more than 6,000 yards. The scorecard suggests which of the six sets of tees you should use based on the average distance that you hit your driver. If you make the right decision, you’ll enjoy your round and pace of play improves. There’s a sense of peaceful serenity on site with no houses along the course. It’s just you and Mother Nature as you pass through Purgatory’s 18 tests. The 17th is Purgatory’s most famous hole, but the 10th hole, named Paradise, may be the best hole. Bunkers in the landing area of the par four 10th should be avoided. The slightly elevated green, which slopes backto-front, is well-protected by bunkers on both sides. A missed green on any side will leave the golfer with intriguing and challenging chipping opportunities. A number of significant golf events have been contested at Purgatory in recent years such as the Indiana State Open, Indianapolis Open, Indiana Women’s State Open, Indiana State Amateur, and the NCAA Women’s Super-Regional golf tournament. So, if you want to revive your golf game and experience a ‘gateway to golfing heaven,’ make plans to visit the Purgatory Golf Club. It truly is a sight to behold and a golf course that will make your path through Purgatory enjoyable.
Golf’s Beloved & Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham One of the must-play venues on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail (RTJ), is the Ridge Course at Oxmoor Valley, just outside Birmingham. It will provide a fair and thorough examination of your entire golf game and physical fitness. The Ridge was designed based on what Mother Nature provided and not what Mankind and a bulldozer desired. As the name of the course indicates, The Ridge offers elevation changes on nearly every hole, which many people are surprised to find in central Alabama. By Mike May Another feature, which adds to its allure, is the distance from the cart paths to each putting surface. These short ‘hikes,’ to the greens are often uphill, and are one of the appealing aspects of the course. Being physically fit pays off at the Ridge. “The Ridge course is, by far, the more popular layout here at Oxmoor Valley,” says Robert Whitt, the head professional at Oxmoor Valley. “The rolling terrain, large bent grass greens and scenic vistas certainly lend themselves to an incredible experience. It is truly a special course that many request on their return visit.” Indiana Golf Journal
The greens at the Ridge are often bigger than what you normally expect elsewhere. If your approach to the green falls short and the pin is at the back of the green, a two-putt experience will be an adventure. One of the Ridge’s big takeaways is the overall quality of its four par-five holes. Some golf pundits have noted that the Ridge has the finest group of par-fives on the entire RTJ Golf Trail. I have experienced most the courses on the RTJ Trail, and I tend to agree. As expected, the Signature Hole at the Ridge is the par-five, third hole. It is cleverly designed as your tee shot must be hit to a peninsula-like fairway. The green, off in the distance, is raised from the fairway and is supported by a shelf of exposed shale rock and a few railroad ties, a testimonial connection to Birmingham’s historic links to the railroad industry. Another memorable hole is the downhill par-three eighth hole. The tee shot must carry a pond, but because of its downhill nature, you don’t need as much club as the distance would normally indicate. This is a fun hole to play as you watch a well-struck tee shot hanging in the air to go pinseeking. Although a hole-inone is always possible, it is not probable. Whitt is quick to give credit to the exceptional course condition to superintendent Jeff Christianson. “To keep the golf course looking great, his crew does lots of watering on the course with mobile watering systems and the high-powered fans keep the bent grass greens alive in the heat of the summer.” Overall, the Ridge is for passionate golfers who can appreciate the efforts of the course’s design team which has built a golf experience that will create an indelible memory for those who decide to play on what should be considered the ‘Beloved and Beautiful Badlands of Birmingham.’ Indiana Golf Journal
KINONA 2022 Collection Adds New Styles and Prints If you are interested in adding flair and style to your golf wardrobe while looking good at the same time, consider adding KINONA’s apparel to your closet. The latest iteration of KINONA’S On Par line is the classic sleeveless golf top which has a great sporty look with a high V-neck and johnny collar that looks great on its own or layered under your favorite long-sleeve top. The top features KINONA’s Italian fabric with four-way stretch and all the great garment technology you’ve come to expect from KINONA along with some sporty piping detail. By Belinda Theoret Indiana Golf Journal
With its quarter-zip collar and Navy Blue trim detail, KINONA’s Gimme Putt Golf Top presents a great alternative to that every day, run-of-the-mill golf polo. Made from KINONA’s Italian fabric with fourway stretch, the top has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection, is antimicrobial, and is moisture-wicking. KINONA’s new Tough in the Rough Short Sleeve Golf Shirt has a snap-front closure and can be worn tucked in or out. The princess seaming gives you great shape and the four-way stretch of KINONA’s Italian fabric moves with you through every phase of your golf swing. The Tough in the Rough Short Sleeve golf shirt is currently available in the Vinca Print and Picnic Plaid. For more details on the KINONA collection, visit www.kinonasport.com.
What is Thumb Arthritis? MD, an orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeon with the Franciscan Physician Network Orthopedic Specialists in Indianapolis. People with thumb arthritis might also notice a decreased range of thumb motion and an enlargement in the appearance of their thumb joint. What Are the Risk Factors for Thumb Arthritis? People over the age of 40 are most at risk for thumb arthritis as the condition is caused by a breakdown of joint cartilage over time – a natural effect of aging. Women are more likely to develop arthritis in the thumb than men. People whose normal daily activities place frequent stress on their thumbs may also be more likely to develop carpometacarpal joint arthritis. Patients with certain conditions that cause malformed joints and those who have suffered injuries to their thumb joint could also be at higher risk of developing arthritis in the thumb. How Is Thumb Arthritis Treated? Physicians recommend treating thumb arthritis, initially, with over-the-counter non-steroidal antiBasilar joint thumb arthritis, also known as carpometacarpal joint arthritis, is marked by pain, stiffness and swelling in the joint at the base of the thumb. A common condition, carpometacarpal joint arthritis develops when the cartilage in the thumb joint becomes degenerative over time, causing the bones of the thumb to rub together painfully. What Are Common Symptoms of Thumb Arthritis? “In addition to stiffness and swelling in the thumb, patients with arthritis in the thumb may also notice a weakened grip and feelings of pain when trying to “grip or pinch, such as when opening a door, jar or can,” says Kelly Graner, By Franciscan Health Indiana Golf Journal
inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as Advil and Aleve, or Tylenol. Placing a heating pad, or heating wrap on the joint, or if the patient prefers, icing the joint, can also soothe pain and swelling. Patients may also find using a thumb brace or splint to modify and reduce movement of their thumb helps further alleviate pain. Avoiding activities, such as sports, or hobbies, that seem to worsen the thumb pain for several weeks can also help address the condition. “These are easy things patients can try at home before seeking more advanced medical attention,” says Dr. Graner. If at-home remedies fail to reduce pain and swelling, patients can talk to their health care providers about the next tier of arthritis treatment options, including steroid injections. A single steroid injection can often provide many months of joint pain relief. “Surgery for symptomatic thumb carpometacarpal arthritis is a reconstructive procedure which typically involves removing the trapezium bone from the wrist and stabilizing the thumb metacarpal base, however this procedure is not appropriate in every clinical situation,” explains Dr. Graner. Your physician can help you decide the best treatment path for your particular case. “We work with patients to do whatever is best to get their thumb arthritis symptoms under control,” adds Dr. Graner. If you have noticed pain, swelling or weakness in your thumb, ask your doctor if you could be experiencing symptoms of thumb arthritis. This common condition can be successfully treated with a range of both at-home and providerrecommended interventions.
The Sky Valley golf course lays in a valley totally surrounded by colorful tree-lined mountains. The tee-to-green course conditions at Sky Valley are first-class and playing there is a rare treat. The Innsbruck Golf Club is true mountain golf and the par-three 15th hole is a memory maker. Stay at the adjacent Valhalla Hotel for first-class service and amenities. When it’s time to eat, visit downtown Helen for delicious German food. Indiana Golf Journal
An Awesome Autumn Adventure Awaits In North Georgia As fans of college and professional football flock to stadiums around the U.S., golfers in the Midwest should consider a long weekend trip to North Georgia for a fall swing through four Georgia Golf Trail golf courses located in the northern part of the Peach State. Sky Valley Country Club, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Innsbruck Golf Club, and the Currahee Club in Toccoa provide a first-class golf destination, plus the colors from the surrounding mountain sides will almost take your breath away. “There isn’t a better place to play golf in the fall than inNorthGeorgia,”saidDougHollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “We have terrific mountain golf opportunities in Georgia.” For more information about North Georgia golf and other courses visit the Georgia Golf Trail, website. By Mike May Golf at Brasstown Valley is as good as advertised and the views of the surrounding mountains from the course are stunning. It’s always in terrific shape and worth a same-day replay. The Currahee Club, in Toccoa, features a Jim Fazio-designed par-72, 18-hole golf course, which is worthy of its championship title. Currahee Club offers first-class accommodation options and recreational opportunities, as well as great golf.
Three Key Things to Know About Wine By Kurt Wieneke I have been a wine collector for many years and enjoy shopping for wine. When a large wine store opened here in Indianapolis, I remember seeing some younger customers walking through the wine section and looking fairly overwhelmed. Mind you, the wine section in that particular store takes up half the store as there are more than 8,000 different wines and the staff is Sauvignon Blanc, it has a distinctive taste, different from anywhere else. Here is a starting point for understanding wine regions. For every country that produces wine, study and learn the main wine regions. Start with the United States, Australia, South America, and Spain. Then, move on to the advanced course which is France and Italy. not always there to help. Wine buying doesn’t have to be a daunting task. When you are armed with some basics, you with have the confidence you need to select a decent bottle of wine. Know The Regions – All great wines have what is called ‘terroir’, or in simple terms, a sense of place. For example, when you drink a New Zealand Indiana Golf Journal
Know The Vintages – Not all vintages are created equal. Most winemakers will tell you that it’s weather that determines how good the grapes and resulting wine will be. There are vintage charts on the internet, so it’s easy to review. Spend time reviewing the last four to five vintages on several websites to find out which vintages are great and which ones are just good or mediocre. Case in point: 2016 was a truly great vintage all across Europe, and even in the United States and Australia. The only exception being South America, where 2016 was just average. The vintage year on the label is key information for a wine buyer. Know The Producers – There is an old saying in the wine business: “Producer, Producer, Producer.” Knowing the producers, or families, who make the best quality wines is the most difficult to learn because that comes more from experience and talking with merchants. Recently, I was able to use knowledge of producers when browsing at a store in Indianapolis. Looking at the French Rosé wines, the cheapest one was called La Ferme Julien with a goat on the label. But, on the back label in fine print, it said it was made by Famille Perrin (the Perrin family), which is one of the best producers in the Rhone and the wine was very good! Do some homework, it’s important to know a little bit about the regions, vintages, and the producers, when shopping for that next bottle of wine.
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