June Is A Prime Time For Indiana Golf I want to acknowledge some newsworthy achievements by many of the individual collegiate golfers enrolled at colleges and universities in Indiana. TOP GOLFER. Hanover College men’s golfer Dawson Long, a native of Paoli, Indiana, was honored as the 2023 Hanover College athletic department Male Athlete of the Year. Earlier this year, Long became the first Hanover College Panther to be ranked on the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). He was the only Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference student-athlete to claim the honor. SCHOLASTIC STARS. Of the 350 student-athletes who have been named as 2022-23 Daktronics NAIA Women’s Golf Scholar-Athletes, three of them were female golfers at Marion University: Mackendzie Dresbaugh, Sidney Parmer, and Lili Schneider. To be nominated for this award, studentathletes must maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, they must appear on the eligibility certificate for the sport and have attended one full year at the said institution. THREE-PEAT WINNER. For the third straight year, Caleb VanArragon, a senior on the Valparaiso University men’s golf team, was named the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Scholar-Athlete of the Year, which adds to his long list of accolades that also includes the MVC Elite 17 Award – which is presented to the highest cumulative grade point average among top finishers at the MVC Championship – for the third season in a row. Teammate sophomore Anthony Delisanti joined VanArragon on the MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team. VALPOS VIPs. Valparaiso’s Caleb VanArragon and Anthony Delisanti, who both qualified for NCAA Regionals, finished with the best two single-season scoring averages in modern program history at Valpo. VanArragon shattered his own program record by finishing the season at 71.08, while Delisanti ranks second in program history at 71.17. Moving forward, good luck to Long, Dresbaugh, Parmer, Schneider, VanArragon, Delisanti, and their teammates in amateur events this summer and next season. And, don’t forget to include the Senior LPGA Championship on your viewing calendar. It will be June 29July 1 at the Sultan’s Run GC in Jasper. Complete details can be read inside this issue. Mike May (Editor in Chief; Indiana Golf Journal) MIKE MAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUBSCRIBE Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Michigan Golf Journal Back 9 Report Indiana Golf Journal
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 26 FIND INSIDE 06 10 20 30 2023 Indiana Collegiate Wrap Up Senior LPGA Championship: Less Than A Month Away Cat Benson Becomes First Woman to Serve as Indiana Section PGA President 06 10 14 Travel Notes From Len Ziehm Shot Scope Pro L2—What Else Could You Need? LIV’s Brooks Koepka’s PGA Championship Victory Creates More Controversy 20 24 18 Our Contributors Need New Wedges? Cobra’s Snakebite Line Might Be In Your Future Magnificent Mountain Golf in Northern Georgia What Is A Sports Medicine Specialist? Grapes From Another Mother LPGA Restricts Use of Green Reading Materials Our Favorite Golf Videos 36 25 26 30 33 34 37 Indiana Golf Journal
LAST MAN STANDING Indiana University junior Drew Salyers competed in this year’s NCAA Men’s Golf Championships which took place in late May at the Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. Salyers was one of six individual players from a non-advancing regional team to make it to Scottsdale. He was also the number one seed of those six players entering the championships. The NCAA Championships took place from Friday, May 26 to Wednesday, May 31. Indiana Golf Journal wants to congratulate all the collegiate golfers around the state that participated in the NCAA College Championships. 2023 Indiana Collegiate Wrap Up Stroke play was from May 26-29 and match play was on May 30-31. WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR The Purdue University men’s golf team’s season came to an end in the final round of the NCAA Clemson Regional, finishing 12th after shooting 2-under par 862 (283-296-283) over the threeday event at the Cliffs at Keowee Falls in South Carolina. The Boilermakers fell short of qualifying Indiana Golf Journal
for the NCAA Men’s Division I Golf Championships in Arizona in late May by missing out on one of the five coveted spots from the Clemson Regional. PURDUE WOMEN The Boilermakers Women’s Golf Team was selected to compete in the Raleigh, North Carolina Regional hosted by North Carolina State. They finished in sixth place and missed moving on to the National Championship. IRISH REPRESENTATION The University of Notre Dame Men’s Golf program sent two individuals to compete in the NCAA Bath Regional on May 15-17 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in East Lansing, Michigan. Senior Palmer Jackson and freshman Nate Stevens represented the Irish, finishing T20 and T29, respectively. LONE LADY Notre Dame women’s golf senior Lauren Beaudreau competed as an individual in the NCAA Westfield Regional on May 8-10 at the Club at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana. Beaudreau finished T26 as she recorded eight birdies during the three rounds, shooting oneover-par (+1) for a collective score of 217. Beaudreau shot a 74 in round one, a 72 in round two, and a 71 in round three. ‘ACE’ IN THE HOLE University of Evansville Purple Aces junior men’s golfer Nicholas Gushrowski has earned a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Scholar-Athlete First Team. Gushrowski holds a 3.815 GPA as a civil engineering major and completed the season with a 74.08 stroke average, which was the lowest on the team. He played a total of 25 rounds, with his low effort, a 69 coming in the opening round of the MVC Championship. He recorded five top-20 finishes, including top 10 finishes in the Alabama A&M Fall Invite and the TSU Big Blue Intercollegiate. At the MVC Championship, he finished T11 and was the Purple Aces’ top finisher. TOP TWO TIGERS While DePauw University’s men’s golf team finished fourth at the North Coast Athletic
Conference Men’s Golf Championships in May, senior James Gilmore earned allNCAC first team honors after finishing fourth with a 221 (7669-76), while freshman Nolan Hall, from Westfield, Indiana, garnered a spot on the all-NCAC second team after tying for 10th with a 225 (80-72-73). Gilmore previously earned second team honors in 2021. PANTHER PRIDE Hanover College men’s senior golfer Dawson Long claimed medalist honors as part of this year’s Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC) Championship, earning him All-Conference accolades for the second consecutive season. Long currently holds the Hanover College 18-hole record of 66 -- as well as the all-time 54-hole record of 216 strokes. In 2022, Long set a Hanover record Sidney Parmer, who competed as individuals in the NAIA National Championship. VALPO’S VIPs Valparaiso University senior Caleb VanArragon and sophomore Anthony Delisanti, who both qualified for NCAA Regionals, finished with the best two single-season scoring averages in modern program history at Valpo. VanArragon shattered his own program record by finishing the season at 71.08, while Delisanti now ranks second in program history at 71.17. with a season-low average of 73.4 strokes. In his college career, Dawson has claimed 10 all-tournament finishes, three of which were for medalist honors. FINAL FINISH The Marion University women’s golf team season came to an end after the second round of the NAIA National Championship golf tournament. The Lady Knights did not make the cut and finished in 26th place. They were represented by Keara Eder, Ava Hedrick, Elizabeth Hedrick, Mackendzie Dresbaugh and Indiana Golf Journal
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Senior LPGA Championship: Less Than A Month Away In less than 30 days, the LPGA’s top senior (age 45+) golfers will be peppering the pins in pursuit of eagles, birdies and pars at Sultan’s Run Golf Club in Jasper to decide the winner of the 6th Senior LPGA Championship. The players will be competing for a share of the $400,000 purse in By Mike May the 54-hole tournament that starts on Thursday, June 29 and concludes on Saturday, July 1. Of the 78 players, 74 players are exempt, two are sponsor exemptions and two are from a local qualifier. The field will include winners of Indiana Golf Journal
nearly 20 major championships. The defending champion is Australian Karrie Webb. There will be no cut and $60,000 will go to the winner. General admission tickets are $15 each, plus children 15 and under are free with a paid adult. General admission parking at nearby Jasper High School is free. Complimentary shuttles will take fans back and forth. Tickets can be purchased at the Sultans Run GC or online at www.sultansrun. com. This will be the Senior LPGA Championship’s fifth visit to southwestern Indiana. It was hosted on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021. Last year it was held at the Salina Country Club in Kansas. “It is the biggest golf event to be held in Dubois County!” said Whitney Lubbers, executive director, Dubois County Visitors Center. Sultan’s Run is also preparing for the ladies. “Preparations are going well,” said Chris Tretter, co-owner/general manager of the Sultan’s Run Golf Club. “We are under the gun because we did not get the full year that most other hosts get to prepare for a tournament, but we are all pushing hard to get it done. Final preparations are occurring rapidly.” According to Tretter, fans are encouraged to attend the event as spectators, but they are also in need of additional volunteers. The biggest needs are marshals and walking scorers. Interested volunteers should call the Sultan’s Run pro shop (812.482.1009) or contact Larry Harmon at lharmon@sultansrun.com to register. If interested in participating in the pro-am, contact Tretter: 812.482.1009 or ctretter@sultansrun. com. As of May 29, there were three pro-am spots available. The cost is $6,500 per team and each team has four amateurs teamed with one of the professionals. The Senior LPGA Championship will have many fan-friendly vantage points for fans. “Sultan’s Run is setup well for fans with easy access from the clubhouse to holes 1, 6, 7, 9,
10, 12 and 18,” said Tretter. “No seating is being installed, spectators are permitted to bring their own bag chair.” Two of that week’s featured events will be the Ladies Clinic on Tuesday, June 27 from 12:30 – 2:30 pm and the Junior Clinic (ages 7-18), sponsored by Wings and Rings of Jasper, on Wednesday, June 28 from 1:30 – 3:00 pm. You must pre-register as each event is limited to 40 people and the cost is $10 each. Contact Becky Weisman (bweisman@ sultansrun.com) to reserve a spot. spectators,” said Trettor. “That information is being posted to our website as it is provided.” DC Multisport is this tournament’s charitable partner. Fans will be allowed to have their cell phones on the course, but they must be on silent at all times. Past winners of this tournament include Trish Johnson (2017 and 2021), Laura Davies (2018), Helen Afredsson (2019), and Karrie Webb (2022). In 2020, the tournament was cancelled due to COVID. For fans interested in watching the tournament, but not available to attend the event, they can follow the action on a cell phone, tablet or computer. “It will be streamed live on Snipitz with Brian Hammons doing play-by-play,” added Trettor. “The link to the livestream is available on our website.” After tournament play finishes each day, there is still more to see and do. “We have evening events planned for the players and Indiana Golf Journal
Catherine “Cat” Benson is no stranger to the role of being a female in a male-dominated field. To her, she is simply a PGA member who has dedicated much of her career to improving the lives of her fellow members and future PGA members, as well. This past February, the Indiana Section of the PGA voted Benson as its next president. Benson -- the chair and dean of Trine University’s Ketner School of Business and Director of the Golf Management Program in Angola, Indiana -- is the first woman to serve as the Indiana PGA President. Prior to being named president, Benson was also named as the first female officer on the Indiana PGA Board of Directors in 2019, when she was elected as secretary. The decision was a popular one with her PGA peers. Cat Benson Becomes First Woman to Serve as Indiana Section PGA President “Becoming the first female president of the Indiana Section PGA is certainly a very noteworthy accomplishment,” said Indiana Golf Executive Director Mike David. “The landscape of the PGA has changed over the last 20 years, for the better, and there are more opportunities for women to advance. But knowing Cat, she is solely focused on what she can do during her time in the office to better the lives of Indiana PGA members and associates. It’s never about her. It’s always about helping others where she is concerned.” “Cat is such a great representative of the Indiana PGA because of the mix of skills and personal characteristics she possesses,” said Bill Pollert, a past Indiana PGA President and Director of Golf at Highland Golf & Country Club in Indianapolis. “Cat is very smart and has a ‘common-sense’ approach to her leadership style which works By Santana Shipley Indiana Golf Journal
great for our Association. When you spend a little time with Cat, you quickly realize how much she truly cares for our organization and the people she serves -- her friends and family, her students and faculty at Trine, and her fellow PGA professionals across the state of Indiana.” Benson has also been instrumental in forming the Annual Indiana PGA Career Night – an idea that stemmed from an event that she created for “Tee It Up Trine,” which is a student organization focused on philanthropy, instruction and the promotion of golf. While working with her students to find meaningful internships and jobs, Benson provides valuable information regarding some of the work that the Indiana PGA Section does. She has worked with a variety of facilities -- public, private, resort, club fitting, teaching, and more. She felt that gathering objective information about all types of jobs and facilities out there in the current market can help direct some of the work that is done as a section for recruiting, retention, and networking. With students looking to get into golf, she also gets to hear about what they are looking for, what types of offers or work arrangements are out there, and what appeals to them from the employment side. When Benson learned that she can provide helpful insight to the Section, she decided to give it a shot and volunteer with the Indiana PGA. “I have always operated under the premise that you should earn everything. I am grateful that former officers saw something in me to ask that I volunteer with the Indiana Section PGA, but I hope it was on my own merits and that I bring positive attributes to the table. Despite these beliefs, it is not lost on me that we have a great opportunity to inspire young ladies to pursue opportunities in golf and strive to do big things,” said Benson.
Coming into this position as president, Benson’s primary goals revolve around the challenges related to recruiting new people to work in the business and retaining the PGA professionals and associates that are already working in golf. Benson and the Indiana PGA Board of Directors are working to identify new ways to market careers in golf, change the perception of working in golf, and make current employers more aware of what young professionals are seeking. Benson also places an emphasis on continuing to identify ways to get women into the game, even if it is just socially or recreationally. Benson recognizes the importance of making the game fun and engaging, in order to welcome females of all ages and skill levels to the game of golf. Benson’s first job after college was serving as the head women’s golf coach at Bethel College in McKenzie, Tennessee. Cat moved on to serve as the director of golf for the city of Richmond, Indiana, but jumped at the opportunity to get back into the college setting with Trine University’s director of golf management opening in 2012. Benson has also been chair for the Ketner School of Business since 2016 and now serves as the Dean. Indiana Golf Journal
Last month at the PGA Championship Brooks Koepka added more controversy to professional golf by winning the Wanamaker Cup. It was his third PGA Championship win and fifth major championship victory. Koepka also held the 54-hole lead at the Masters in April eventually finishing runner-up behind Jon Rahm. The PGA win places Koepka in some very exclusive company. Only 11 golfers in history have won more majors than he has. Plus, at the age of 33, he may very well win more. His spot in the World Golf Hall of Fame is secure, but what will his legacy in the game be? LIV’s Brooks Koepka’s PGA Championship Victory Creates More Controversy When faced with a knee injury that prevented him from playing his best, he opted to take the guaranteed money from the upstart Saudi-backed LIV Series. His knee has since healed and he has returned to his world-class level of performance. The win guarantees he will be exempt into the four major championships for the next five years, plus it moves him to No. 13 on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), even though he does not earn OWGR points when he competes in LIV events. One of the questions that arose at the PGA Championship, would Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson be invited to be on the U.S. Team for the upcoming Ryder Cup? Johnson and Koepka By Fred Altvater Indiana Golf Journal
are clearly two of the very best players from the United States and would be locks to be on the Ryder Cup team, but their suspensions from the PGA Tour may be a problem. When the Koepka, Johnson, Phil Mickelson and the other PGA Tour players decided to leave the tour for the greener pastures of the LIV, PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan immediately suspended all of the players that bolted for the LIV. The PGA of America, along with the DP World Tour owns the Ryder Cup and the PGA Tour does not really have a say in who is eligible to be on the teams, however, the PGA Tour does own a substantial piece of the DP World Tour and Monahan sits on the European Tour’s Board of Directors. Could Monahan use his position to block LIV players from being on either the American, or European Teams? Be assured the battle for supremacy in professional golf right now is fierce. Commissioner Monahan and the CEO of the LIV Tour, Greg Norman are not willing to play nice and both sides are at odds with each other. American Team Ryder Cup Captain, Zach Johnson has been put squarely in the middle of this debate and is keeping his options open. He surely would love to have players the caliber of Koepka and Dustin Johnson on his Ryder Cup Team, but that decision will ultimately be made by someone with a higher pay grade. Stay tuned golf fans with legal maneuverings working their way through the courts and players taking to social media to make comments, the LIV versus PGA Tour battle is just warming up.
Reynolds Lake Oconee Famed architect Tom Fazio is returning to this beautiful Georgia resort to add nine holes on the existing Bluffs nine on the National Course, which will result in a completely new 18-hole layout. Fazio originally designed the first 18 holes at the National course, which opened in 1997 with two nines, The Ridge and The Bluffs. He returned to add the nine-hole Cove in 2000, to meet the ever-growing demand at Reynolds Lake Oconee. The new nine will be attached to the existing Bluff nine and be built on land that includes a creek, natural boulders and an existing pond. The tract slopes down to a cove of Lake Oconee and includes more than 100 feet of elevation change. It is scheduled to open in late 2024 and will be private, accessible only to Reynolds Lake Oconee members. The membership will have two private 18-hole championship courses, as well as the other 90 holes available for resort guests to play. The demand for new upscale golf courses continues to expand with big name designers currently renovating, or adding new courses to existing resorts, as well as creating completely new golf destinations. Here are a few new projects currently underway. Travel Notes From Len Ziehm By Len Ziehm Indiana Golf Journal
Myrtle Beach The folks at Myrtle Beach in South Carolina are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the World Amateur Handicap Championship. It’s rightly billed as the “World’s Largest’’ tournament and registration has already topped 2,400 for the event that runs, August 28, to September 1. The tourney normally draws about 3,200 competitors with players coming from all 50 states and over 25 countries, but this one could be even bigger. Players are flighted by gender, age and handicap. Over 50 courses will be used during the week of competition as golfers compete for over $100,000 in prizes. Cragun’s Resort The season is just getting underway at this 36-hole facility in Brainerd, Minnesota. The Lehman 18, is a part of a multi-million-dollar renovation supervised by Minnesota native and PGA Tour Champions player Tom Lehman. The Dutch 27 at Cragun’s includes three nine-hole layouts dubbed the Red, White and Blue. They offer a variety of playing options, although the Red course is set to undergo a Lehman renovation and will be closed beginning July 1 and won’t reopen until 2024. Walt Disney World The world-famous Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando currently has four courses operated by the Arnold Palmer Management firm. World Disney World just concluded its 50th anniversary festivities and will begin work towards its centennial with a renovation underway to its Magnolia Course. A Joe Lee design, it’s the longest of the Disney courses and hosted a PGA Tour event for several years. An extensive renovation has limited play to 14 holes, but the course will be at full strength before the year is out. The 14th through 17th holes are being reconfigured and all 18 greens are being enhanced. In keeping with a family theme at Disney, a new putting course was added that is perfect for a family golf day, while visiting the parks.
Rodeo Dunes Be on the lookout for a new project from Michael and Chris Keiser, sons of famed golf course developer, Mike Keiser and owners of Wisconsin’s Sand Valley. They are building a new golf destination in the Denver area with two new 18-hole courses. The tract has additional space for as many as six courses. Knowing the Keiser reputation for success and creating memorable golf resorts, this should be yet another diamond in the growing Keiser golf empire. Pinehurst North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort is adding a tenth course, and Michigan resident, Tom Doak is designing it. In addition, the Southern Pines Golf Course renovation is progressing and is now open for play. It is a wonderful Donald Ross design and fits nicely with Pine Needles and Mid-Pines to create the perfect Pinehurst golf getaway. Back 9 Report talked with Kelly Miller, who is the CEO of Pine Needles, Mid-Pines and their newest course, Southern Pines. Watch the full video at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=zGkcogNghoQ&t=17s. GrayBull The Dormie network is adding its seventh destination, GrayBull in the sandhills of Nebraska. Construction of the David McLay Kidd creation has started, but the course will not be ready for play until next year. The golf industry continues to grow and the demand for new places to play has never been more prominent. When you are making your travel plans add one of these great destinations to your itinerary. Indiana Golf Journal
Award-winning dining, a booming craft beer scene, luxurious resorts, and exceptional year-round golf on courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail await you in Alabama. Plus, with Jerry Pate’s Kiva Dunes and Arnold Palmer’s Craft Farms in Gulf Shores, from the mountain lakes to the Gulf Coast, you can take it all in. Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Birmingham www.GolfAlabama.org Back 9-Golf Journals.qxp_Layout 1 1/25/22 3:54 PM Page 1
Shot Scope Pro L2— What Else Could You Need?By Ed Travis Shot Scope, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, has made a great reputation for their golf technology and the latest release, the Pro L2 laser rangefinder, has most all the bells and whistles a golfer needs at a wallet-friendly price. Shot Scope CEO David Hunter says, “Our mission remains to provide the best in performance and accuracy at an affordable price point, and we believe PRO L2 meets that objective.” Shot Scope’s Pro L2 laser rangefinder does all of that and more. It does lack the ability to track game performance on the course, plus it doesn’t use satellites for GPS distances. The Pro L2 does have on/off slope, vibrates when the target is acquired and has the same accuracy as other brands that cost considerably more. Fast Facts Shot Scope Pro L2 Laser Rangefinder Slope adjustment (tournament on/off switch) 6x magnification 700-yard range Target lock vibration Scan mode Adjustable eyepiece Water resistant Case, cleaning cloth, carry clip, cart magnet CR2-3V battery 2-year warranty Blue or Grey accent $149.99 The choice should be obvious. At less than $150.00 retail, Shot Scope is a very attractive range finder choice and is sure to build a loyal following. Indiana Golf Journal
Need New Wedges? Cobra’s Snakebite Line Might Be In Your Future By Ed Travis Three new Cobra Snakebite wedges hit retail stores recently with the groove configuration maximized for spin, adding bite on the greens, plus there is even a new game-improvement model, the Snakebite-X. Cobra had a real hit with the original Snakebit wedges introduced two years ago. At the time they earned kudos for a great name in a club category not known for original monikers. For the latest 2023 models the grooves have been redesigned to provide more spin and the milling is 11% deeper with 40% sharper edges. The big news for this year is the addition to the lineup of regular and One Length models of the Snakebite-X, specifically designed for those needing help with their wedge play. These clubs have a hollow cavity back with a TPU insert. Cobra touts improved feel, plus forgiveness for off-center hits has been ratcheted up a notch. The teardrop design makes hitting shots from a variety of lies and the most difficult turf condition much easier. Fast Facts Cobra Snakebite Wedges Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline $159 Snakebite Three grind options Stock shaft: KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 Stock lofts: 48° to 60° in 2° increments Snakebite One Length Stock shaft: 37.5” KBS Hi-Rev 2.0 Stock lofts: 48° to 60°, except 58° Snakebite-X Hollow cavity back TPU insert Stock lofts: 48°, 52°, 56°, 60° Stock Shaft: KBS MAX 85
Magnificent Mountain Golf in Northern Georgia By Mike May As summer approaches and temperatures near the boiling point in various parts of the country, the mountains of Northern Georgia stay cool all summer, with long lazy days to enjoy golf. The best mountain golf along the Eastern Seaboard is not restricted to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Georgia is often overlooked and golfers are pleasantly surprised to know that three courses, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa, Valhalla Golf Club and Sky Valley Country Club are three of the best mountain courses to be found. All three courses are also members of the Georgia Golf Trail. “There isn’t a better golf getaway, especially in the late spring, summer, and early fall, than North Georgia,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “Georgia’s mountain golf courses are terrific.” Nestled in the mountains of North Georgia, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa is the quintessential mountain golf getaway. Even though Brasstown Valley is located in a mountainous terrain, the golf course was built in a valley. Just a two-hour drive from both Atlanta and Chattanooga, it is easily accessible for golfers in the Southeast. At Brasstown Valley, the mountain air is clearer, cleaner, and crisper, plus the atmosphere is refreshing and re-energizing. The golf course winds its way through wildlife preserves, ponds, and streams, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. FYI: Brasstown Bald, elevation: 4,784 feet is the highest peak in Georgia and a beautiful sight from the golf course. The Valhalla Golf Club, nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, has been referred to by several golf pundits as “Alpine mountain golf at its finest.” It is truly “affordable golf in priceless Indiana Golf Journal
FYI: An ideal place to spend the night in Helen is at the luxurious Valhalla Resort, which is adjacent to the Valhalla GC. Sky Valley Country Club has an average elevation of 3,500 feet which makes it one of the highest elevation golf courses in Georgia. Sky Valley is surrounded by the Nantahala surroundings.” The most memorable shot at Valhalla is the downhill tee shot on the par-three 15th with a significant 150-foot drop from tee to green. The nearby town of Helen has a strong German theme to its architecture and atmosphere. You will feel an Octoberfestlike celebration every day. National Forest. Several elevated tees add an element of excitement, intrigue, and strategy to the Sky Valley golf experience. FYI: Sky Valley is always well maintained and the tee-togreen course conditions are exemplary. While at Sky Valley don’t miss the opportunity to eat at The Dillard House. The food is homemade and is served “family-style.” It is Southern cooking at its finest, 365 days
a year. Each menu item is a family recipe and from the dining room, you can see the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. FYI: Famous patrons at The Dillard House include former President Jimmy Carter and the late, great country & western singer Waylon Jennings. If your travels to Georgia begin or end in Atlanta, play golf at Stonemont, a par-70 layout, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. It features gently rolling fairways flanked by Georgia pines with many dramatic views of Stone Mountain. Tip to the wise, putts at Stonemont tend to break away from Stone Mountain. FYI: Comfortable accommodations with views of Stone Mountain Lake are available at the Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort. After visiting the Georgia Golf Trail, it won’t be easy leaving Georgia, but it will be easy to plan a return visit. the Stone Mountain Golf Club, just east of Atlanta. Located within Stone Mountain State Park, the golf club features “One Lake, One Mountain, and two Incredible Courses,” Lakemont and Stonemont. Water is present on eight of the first 13 holes on the Lakemont course. It is not heavily bunkered, but its biggest defense mechanisms are the pine tree-lined fairways and Stone Mountain Lake. FYI: Wonderful views of Stone Mountain are present throughout the course. ‘Peaceful’ is the one word to describe the setting at Indiana Golf Journal
What Is A Sports Medicine Specialist? By Henry O. Akinbobuyi Sports medicine specialists are medical professionals who have received specialized training in sports medicine. They are equipped to handle various types of sports-related injuries, from sprains and strains to concussions and fractures. They can identify, treat, and prevent injuries related to physical activity, exercise, and sports. Theywork with professional athletes, amateur sports enthusiasts, as well as active individuals of all ages to help them maintain their physical fitness and avoid injuries. “I tend to use the analogy that we’re like the primary care of orthopedics,” said Blake Averill, MD, sports medicine specialist with Franciscan Health. “We’re not surgeons, but we should be the first person you see for any sports-related injuries or concerns.” Dr. Averill emphasizes that athletes should visit a sports medicine specialist for even the slightest ache, pain, or injury experienced during or immediately after playing a sport to avoid worsening. There are patients with several conditions that sports medicine physicians like Dr. Averill may see, such as teenagers with twisted ankles, middle-aged patients attempting to get physically active, while dealing with hamstring Indiana Golf Journal
issues, or even the elderly playing light sports with sore shoulders. Is A Sports Medicine Specialist Different From A Primary Care Physician? “The majority of sports medicine specialists do complete a residency in family medicine, but then go on to do an additional fellowship in sports medicine,” said Dr. Averill. “Still, it’s not just family medicine, you could go on to do that sports med training if you did a residency in pediatrics, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and physiatry.” Dr. Averill explained that most sports medicine specialists come from different medical backgrounds, but have chosen to get that additional training to focus on musculoskeletal medicine. Who Can Benefit By Seeing A Sports Medicine Specialist? A sports medicine physician offers several benefits for athletes. Their roles in helping prevent and treat sports-related injuries include: • Examining and diagnosing injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, and concussions. • Developing and supervising rehabilitation programs to help patients recover from injuries. • Monitoring patients’ progress and making any necessary adjustments to their treatment plans. • Advising athletes and other active individuals on ways to prevent future injuries and maintain their physical fitness. • Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physical therapists and trainers, to provide comprehensive medical care. Young Athletes And Parents Children and their parents can also significantly benefit from the help of sports medicine specialists. Some children can be very excited and energetic while competing in their favorite sports. Understandably, immersion in a sport can distract a child from proper form and movement, which can lead to injuries over time. “We see a lot of kids after the fact, so if they have any type of pain or curiosity at all, they can come in and we can do a full assessment in my office where I can look at their dynamics, arches, how
they walk and run, and how their shoulders are moving,” Dr. Averill said. Dr. Averill explained that all the assessment methods used, along with sports medicinetrained physical therapists, can help children avoid injuries and even improve their overall performance by correcting their form and helping them use the correct muscles as a runner or thrower, for example. Injured Athletes and AthletesIn-Training “I think the majority of people we see is going to be after acute injuries like falls, shoulder dislocations, or calf muscle sprains, but I’d like to see people sport they have in mind for preparation. “We can get you connected with dieticians, physician therapists, occupation therapists, and even our athletic training staff,” said Dr. Averill. “I can also talk to our orthopedic surgeons if there’s an issue, so we do a really good job of making sure we bring everyone to the table and give you the best information you can have.” Sports Medicine Specialists diagnose injuries and develop rehab plans to help injured athletes get back into the game. They also provide guidance on injury prevention to help athletes perform at their optimal levels in their chosen sport. more before the fact,” Dr. Averill said. “Still, we do have a good amount of people who will come and see us before they start training.” Dr. Averill mentioned how people may visit him while preparing for extensive running, such as training for a 5K or a half marathon, to receive suggestions for performing at their best while avoiding injuries. “The uniqueness and what I enjoy about sports medicine is how well we collaborate with other people,” said Dr. Averill. Sports medicine specialists can assist patients by referring them to other specialists depending on their injury or the specific Indiana Golf Journal
We all come from somewhere, even when it comes to lineage and genealogy. The same is true for grapes. Grape breeding is the intentional cross-pollination of two different grape varietals, but wasn’t until the 1990’s that DNA fingerprinting of grapevines was fully developed at the University of California at Davis. DNA technology revealed that even some of the world’s classic grapes varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay - have different parents. Cabernet Sauvignon is actually a ‘cross’ between Grapes From Another Mother By Kurt Wieneke Foch. Americans have had a big impact in grape breeding, as well. The Traminette grape, prevalent throughout the Midwest, was invented in 1965 at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Elmer Swenson from Wisconsin, is considered the pioneer of Midwest grape growing. His endless tinkering with grape hybrids was instrumental in convincing Midwest farmers to consider other crop options like reliably hardy, diseaseresistant, relatively lucrative, and in-demand grapes that would make decent wine. Due to the research and grower’s willingness to experiment with various crossbreeding techniques the wine business in the Midwest has grown and flourished. Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s interesting that they used the names of both parents! Most parts of the Midwest, including Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, have cold winters and hot, humid summers. Most of the classic vitis vinifera varietals, such as Cabernet and Chardonnay, cannot grow in these conditions. Frigid winters can kill the vines and humid conditions can lead to disease, pests, or rot. This is why hybrid grapevines such as Chambourcin, Seyval Blanc, and Traminette were invented - to be more adaptable to the cold climate and humidity, so that the vines can produce fruit year after year. Grape breeding has been around a long time. Sometimes you hear about French hybrids, as some people in France were fairly prolific breeders in the late 1800s, developing grapes such as Chambourcin, De Chaunac, and Marechal
LPGA Restricts Use of Green Reading Materials By Mitch Moon A new rule that the LPGA implemented this year, which players and caddies are still getting used to, is the restriction on green reading materials. The LPGA was one of the last professional tours to do adopt the rule. Greens Books are no longer allowed, while the drawings of any green in yardage books have been stripped down to the bare necessities. You no longer see a player on the green pull out a book and study how the putt will break, which is bringing the essential skill of reading greens back into the game. The greens reading books had become so detailed that a player would locate the nearest sprinkler head to their golf ball in their book and find their exact spot, knowing how the putt would break down to the tenth of a percentage point. In the new books, sprinkler heads and other identifying objects have been removed and only showcase the slopes that are more than four percent in grade. Contour lines have also been taken away and directional arrows are the only source of information available to the player. Another caveat to this is that LPGA players are no longer allowed to use any devices on the tournament putting greens throughout the week and any notes taken in their book must have been seen by their own eyes, either through putting and rolling golf balls on the green, or watching a telecast. Will this lead to more missed putts on the LPGA Tour, probably, but it has made the golfers rely on their skill at greens reading to identify the best overall golfers every week on the LPGA. Indiana Golf Journal
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Mitch Moon Kurt Wieneke Ed Travis is a national award winning golf journalist and has had a lifelong love affair with the game. He has competed in tournament golf both as an amateur and as a senior professional and though his competitive days are behind him, he still plays regularly and carries a handicap of 2. https://www.facebook.com/ed.travis.98 Mitch Moon grew up in West Branch, Iowa alongside a small 9-hole golf course. He played collegiately at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. After graduation, he worked for a junior golf association outside of Atlanta and moved to the EPSON Tour (Symetra Tour) in 2018. In 2019, he was promoted to the LPGA Tour and currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Kurt Wieneke, aka Wine Guy Kurt, a free-lance wine writer who grew up in Seymour and is now based in Indianapolis. Kurt, an avid wine taster, enjoys sharing his 30 years of experience in collecting and tasting fine wines. Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http://lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ lenziehmongolf/ Indiana Golf Journal
VIDEOS Back 9 Report visited North Berwick, the fourth oldest course in the world, an Old Tom Morris design. https://youtu.be/gog_1MK0OUo Brooks Koepka’s huge win at the PGA Championship puts him squarely on track to be on the U.S. Ryder Cup Team. Will his association with the LIV Tour keep him off the team? https://youtu.be/xgzocehTNj8 Back 9 Report talked with Beau Welling, one of the designers for Fields Ranch, about the new PGA facility in Frisco, Texas. https://youtu.be/wAeFtfsxunw Playing the 4th Oldest Course in the World, North Berwick Koepka’s PGA Win Creates Ryder Cup Controversy Designer Beau Welling Talks About The PGA’s New Mega Facility Fields Ranch Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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