Thoughts From The Editor A State Finals Memory. If you are interested in obtaining an image of a friend, relative, classmate or teammate who played in this year’s IHSAA Girls State Golf Finals (September 29-30) at the Prairie View GC in Carmel, contact Double Edge Media via email: doubleedge317@ gmail.com. Indiana Cracks Golf Top-Ten Poll. According to data released by Gambling.com, Nebraska has been ranked the best U.S. state for golfers to retire. Indiana is ranked eighth. The state of New York is ranked last. Four of the key data points used to produce this ranking are golf courses per capita, green fee costs, sunlight, and home values. Crooked Stick’s Next Major. The United States Golf Association (USGA) has announced that the Crooked Stick Golf Club in Carmel will host the U.S. Senior Open Championship in 2028. This will be Crooked Stick’s second time hosting the U.S. Senior Open. Ryder Cup Remarks. Kudos to Marion County High School graduate Jim Gallagher, Jr. for his stellar job as a television analyst for NBC Sports during the recently completed Ryder Cup, held just outside Rome, Italy. It’s worth noting that Gallagher was a member of the winning 1993 U.S. Ryder Cup team and he defeated Spain’s Severiano Ballesteros, 3 & 2, in singles. As an aside, Jim won the Indiana Amateur in 1982 and 1983 plus the Indiana Open in 1983. French Lick’s Dynamic Duo. Golfweek’s “Best 2023: Top 50 Casino Golf Courses in the U.S.” list includes the two championship golf courses in French Lick: The Pete Dye Course is listed at #4, while The Donald Ross Course is listed at #9. Survey Says. Since 2020, golf has experienced its biggest boom since the playing prime of Tiger Woods. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of new golfers has increased to a record-high: 6.2 million golfers. The age group that spends the most time practicing and playing golf is the 60-69 agegroup demographic. 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 22 FIND INSIDE 06 11 20 29 Sweet Home Alabama: A Golf Destination Unlike Any Other IHSAA Girl’s Golf Results Franklin Lady Grizzly Cubs Were On A Mission 06 11 14 Indiana Golf Finalizes Plans for New Headquarters World Champions Cup Announces First Qualifiers 16 18 Our Contributors Hoosier Vineyards Visit Historic Omni Homestead Resort Makes Renovations News & Notes Tour Edge’s NEW Wedges & Putters Pinehurst Sets Opening Date for 10th Course Proper Nutrition To Improve Athletic Performance Our Favorite Golf Videos 38 36 20 22 26 29 32 39 Indiana Golf Journal
Sweet Home Alabama: A Golf Destination Unlike Any Other By Lee Pace Sweet Home Alabama is more than just a song or a movie, although they both certainly evoke the spirit of the beautiful state. It’s also a mantra for the hard-working, friendly folks that travelers encounter along the way. From the bagboys and beverage cart girls on the world-class golf courses to the servers and chefs in the award-winning restaurants, visitors are made to feel right at home, ensuring that time spent in Alabama is as sweet as the tea. Sweet Home Alabama is a golfing destination unlike any other, as home to the original golf trail, modern and historic golf resorts, and over 32 miles of sugar-white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Both the incomparable Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and the Arnold Palmerdesigned Craft Farms Resort in Gulf Shores put Alabama on the radar of traveling golf groups more than two decades ago. The ensuing years have upgraded the state’s position on all types of Indiana Golf Journal
vacation bucket lists by spawning award-winning hotels, spas, and luxurious resorts; exciting craft breweries with medal-quality beers; worldrenowned bass fishing events and red snapper rodeos; and a thriving culinary scene, ranging from fresh Gulf seafood and a unique BBQ Trail to James Beard-recognized chefs and restaurants. Just a few of the golf resorts that make Alabama so special are Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Birmingham, boasting an RTJ Golf Trail golf course, luxurious spa and delectable dining; Pursell Farms just 45 minutes south of Birmingham, which is a unique golf resort with lodging options ranging from a brand-new boutique inn, 4 bedroom golf cottages and an 8 bedroom lodge, along with the award-winning Farmlinks golf course; the century-and-a-halfold Grand Hotel Golf Resort and Spa on Mobile Bay, considered the “queen of Southern resorts;” and Kiva Dunes in Gulf Shores, Alabama’s only gulffront golf resort offering a Jerry Pate-designed course, clubhouse and fairway condominiums, as well as beach homes to rent. Here’s a snapshot of some of the golfing locales in the state to allow you to create a custom golf vacation to Sweet Home Alabama. Huntsville is a great place to start your Alabama golf journey, as the most northern location of the golf trail and home to the US Space & Rocket Center. But there’s also two more trails to enjoy while in the Rocket City. Wet your whistle on either the Downtown Huntsville Craft Beer Trail or the Craft Cocktail Trail, both with ten stops. Lodging options range from convenient hotels near golf to upscale accommodations downtown. Just west of Huntsville is one of the newer locations of the Trail. The Shoals area consists of the river town of Florence and Muscle Shoals, the “hit recording capital of the world.” The RTJ Golf Trail at The Shoals offers 36 holes and a luxurious Marriott Resort both located
right on the Tennessee River, although on different sides. Music lovers flock to the studios where so many great songs were recorded, foodies enjoy the variety of restaurants and golfers love the challenge of the courses. Alabama’s largest city, Birmingham is home to two RTJ Golf Trail sites (Ross Bridge and Oxmoor Valley) and the state’s most luxurious golf resort at Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa, plus the Barber Vintage Motor Sports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, James Beard Award winning/nominated chefs and restaurants, four craft breweries and exciting nightlife options that only a city this size can offer. You can choose to stay onsite at Ross Bridge, at an historic downtown hotel, a boutique inn or any number of convenient branded hotels. The sister cities of AuburnOpelika combine to create the coolest college town and one of the most intriguing small towns in the South. It’s also home to Robert Trent Jones’ favorite location on his trail. The RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National boast 54 holes of scenic and challenging golf along a gleaming lake. These two small towns have an abundance of great eateries too, plus the Red Clay Brewery and the award-winning John Emerald Distilling Company are located in historic downtown Opelika. Your overnight choices include the on-site Marriott Golf Resort & Spa at Grand National, the on-campus Auburn University Hotel and a bunch of hotels and B&Bs scattered around. Once called the Paris of the South, Mobile has long been the cultural center of the Gulf Coast and you’ll find an authentic experience like nowhere else in the southern United States. As the birthplace of America’s original Mardi Gras, a good time is easy to find in this port city. Attractions include the USS Alabama Battleship, Bellingrath Gardens & Home, riverboat dinner cruises, the Dauphin Street entertainment Indiana Golf Journal
district and a couple of craft breweries. Not only is the RTJ Golf Trail’s most southern stop, the 54-hole Magnolia Grove, in Mobile, but there are several other challenging courses to keep you in town a bit longer. And choosing to stay longer will be easier when you stay at either the historic Renaissance Battle House Hotel & Spa or the Renaissance Riverview Plaza, both part of the RTJ Golf Trail collection of hotels and resorts. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are home to 32 miles of white sandy beaches that line the pristine turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Add the nine premier golf courses to the numerous adventurous activities, including fishing, boating, kayaking and biking, and you’ll find there’s more to this small beach town than meets the eye. Then, after a full day of fun in the sun you can grab a hearty meal at one of the many locally-owned restaurants that specialize in everything from fresh Gulf seafood to sweet Alabama BBQ. And don’t forget to wash down your meal and end your day with a cold beer at 11 sites around the state, and Coastal Alabama Golf, the booking entity for the Gulf Shores-Orange Beach area, are eager to put together customized golf packages for your foursome or group. Check out GolfAlabama. org for more information on how you can make Sweet Home Alabama your next golf destination or visit RTJGolf.com and CoastalAlabamaGolf.com to book today. Big Beach Brewing Company or an infamous bushwacker (aka adult milkshake) at the legendary Flora-Bama Lounge & Oyster Bar. At the end of the night, you’ll want a comfy place to lay your head and fortunately Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have an outstanding selection of accommodations from hirise condos and colorful beach houses to nationally-branded hotels and resorts. The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, with its eight hotels/ resorts and 26 courses at
Carmel Wins IHSAA State Girls Golf TitleWestfield’s Samantha Brown Grabs Individual Crown This year’s Indiana High School Athletic Association’s (IHSAA) State Girl’s Golf Finals – held at the Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel -- featured more than 100 players and 15 five-player teams, all in search of individual and team titles. The Carmel Greyhounds were the defending state champions, while Ava Bunker, from Columbus North was last year’s individual state champion. In the team race, Carmel repeated as the state champion. It was the fourth state championship for the girl’s golf program at Carmel. In addition to last year’s win, Carmel won the IHSAA Girl’s golf state championship in 1980 and again in 2013. By Mike May
Carmel’s winning two-day total was 608. Westfield was second at 617, Homestead was third at 622 and Noblesville was fourth at 635. “Winning two in a row is a dream, but actually accomplishing it is very hard,” said Carmel head coach Kelly Kluesner. “We just wanted to stay patient, eliminate big numbers and, fortunately, we were able to pull away.” Carmel had the best team and was led by a pair of seniors – Michaela Headlee and Claire Swathwood. Headlee shot 146 (73-73) to finish tied for second, while Swathwood shot 149 (7574) to finish in sixth place. Carmel’s next two finishers were senior Camryn Williams and junior Sophie Mock. After 36 holes, Williams shot 156 (80-76; +12) which was a tie for 18th place. Mock finished at 157 (79-78; +13) which was a two-way tie for 22nd place. In the individual competition, Samantha Brown, a senior from Westfield High School, finished at two-under-par making her the individual state champion. Last year, as a junior, Brown finished in a 6th-place tie and in 2021, as a sophomore, she finished tied for 13th. Brown won by four strokes over four other girls, one of which was her teammate, junior Addi Kooi 145 (73-73). The other second-place finishers were Castle junior Ashley Kirkland (74-72); Batesville sophomore Ava South (73-73); and Carmel’s Headlee (73-73). Brown’s opening round 68 was the first bogeyfree round in her life and gave her a commanding five-shot lead. Kooi, who finished in a fourth-place tie at last fall’s IHSAA State Girls Golf Finals, shot a rollerIndiana Golf Journal
coaster first round of 73, as she was five-over-par on the front nine and four-under par on the back nine. As for South, who finished third last year, she had four bogeys and three birdies in her 73. The high point of Headlee’s 73 was making five birdies. Unfortunately, those five birdies were offset by two bogeys and two double bogeys. While Brown was the individual winner, she did not have the low round of the second round. There were three girls who shot even-par 72s during the second round. They were Castle’s Kirkland; East Central sophomore Rowan Pies (81-72 – 153; 14th-place tie); and Batesville junior Addyson Weiler (82-72 – 154; 16th place). In addition to being the individual state champion, Brown was named as the recipient of the IHSAA’s Mental Attitude Award this year for Girl’s high school golf. At Westfield, Brown has a 3.9 GPA and is involved with National Honor Society, Student Council, Girls on the Run and the Susan Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Next fall, Brown will attend Purdue University to study Business Management, while playing golf for the Boilermakers. The recipient of this award, nominated by her principal and coach, must excel in mental attitude, scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability in golf. A $1,000 check is being donated by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, an IHSAA corporate sponsor, to Westfield High School’s general scholarship fund in Samantha Brown’s name.
FRANKLIN’S LADY GRIZZLY CUBS WERE ON A MISSION One of the more interesting team stories at this year’s IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals was the Lady Grizzly Cubs from Franklin Community High School, coached by Ted Bishop and Crystal Morse. Franklin’s home course is the Legends Golf Club in Franklin where Bishop is the club’s general manager and Morse is the head golf professional. The Lady Grizzly Cubs qualified as a team for this year’s IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals for the first time since 1999. FCHS Girl’s team did not qualify for the state tournament the last two years, By Mike May but in 2021, then senior Ava Ray was third as an individual. Last year, freshman Lexi Ray finished in a sixth-place tie. This year’s five players from FCHS were Ray, now a sophomore; sophomore Ad dison Bright; junior Reese Phillips; senior Addison Livorno; and senior Kara Heuchan. After the first round, Ray shot a 79 (+7); Bright had a 78 (+6); Phillips recorded an 85 (+13); Livorno shot an 88 (+16); and Heuchan concluded her round at 135 (+43). For every team at the IHSAA’s Girls State Golf Finals, the scores of the Indiana Golf Journal
top four players are counted for the team total. Ray produced a solid 15 holes with 14 pars and a bogey, but three double-bogeys affected her score. In the second and final round, the team had a similar score (337) to round one (330). Ray shot 77 (155; +11; tie for 19th place); Bright had an 81 (159: +15; tie for 28th place); Livorno shot 87 (175; +31; 62nd place); Phillips recorded a 92 (177; +33; tied for 64th place); and Heuchan improved by nine shots to register a 98 (205; +61; tie for 97th). Both Morse and Bishop were proud of their players’ performances in Carmel. “Coach Bishop and I are extremely proud of the effort and overall performance of our team,” said Morse. “It was our goal from the very beginning of the season to build team culture centered around the theme “We Are Family” and with the leadership of our two seniors, Addie Livorno and Kara Heuchan, our team came together and will go down as one of the best teams in Franklin Community School history. Competing at the (IHSAA) State Finals for the first time in 24 year, the Grizzlies came away finishing eighth in the state. We hope this is just the beginning of a long stretch of State Finals appearances.” According to Bishop, his team set a goal at the beginning of the season and that mission was accomplished. “We set a goal from day one of going to the IHSAA State Girls Golf Finals,” said Bishop. “We had great support this week from friends and family as we prepared for Friday and Saturday. These girls will never forget this week or this season. It was the 11th time that FCHS girls have gone to State. It was the first time since 1999.” Going into the IHSAA State Girls Golf Finals, the overall record for FCHS was 108-21 (.837) with a school record 312.4 scoring average.
Indiana Golf has finally decided to move its headquarters to The Fort Golf Resort – again! The initial decision to move to The Fort was actually made about three years ago, but the Indiana Golf Foundation Board paused the process to make absolutely certain the right decision was being made for Indiana Golf’s future home. Last month Indiana Golf officially celebrated its Capital Campaign Kickoff. Thus far $4.3 million of the total goal of $6.5 million has been raised. Indiana Golf’s journey to find a new location began in 2017, when the organization decided Indiana Golf Announces New Headquarters & Capital Campaign Kickoff By Santana Shipley to find an Indianapolis-area location and sell the Franklin property that had served Indiana Golf for nearly 30 years. Indiana Golf quickly had its eyes set on The Fort for many reasons and then COVID forced a pause. In the summer of 2021, Indiana Golf found a temporary space in Indianapolis as work was taking place to secure Fort Harrison as the new homesite. Due to challenges at the proposed site, the Indiana Golf Foundation Board decided reevaluate its original decision. They considered alternate locations, but in the end their caution only reinforced the original decision that The Fort is the best choice as Indiana Golf’s long-term home. Indiana Golf Journal
The Fort offered a long list of positives: 1. A championship caliber Pete Dyedesigned golf course. 2. A central location, close to I-465, allowing for easy access. 3. A public facility that will always remain a golf course. 4. One of the most beautiful settings in Indianapolis. 5. Able to host Indiana Golf’s Championship events. 6. A 13,000 square foot facility to house Indiana Golf’s various endeavors This last item was very important because Indiana Golf has grown to include not only the Indiana Golf Association, but also the Indiana PGA, Indiana Women’s Golf Association, Indiana Golf Course Superintendents Association, Indiana High School Golf Coaches Association, and the Indiana Golf Foundation. The facility will also house the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, which will recognize past champions, as well as provide an interactive journey through Indiana Golf’s history. An indoor academy will be added to The Fort’s already great practice facility which will allow The First Tee and PGA HOPE to conduct programs even during inclement weather. When the land was gifted to the State of Indiana by the federal government, the stipulation was made that the golf course would remain intact. The fact that there will always be a public golf course at The Fort, was a major factor in the ultimate decision to move there. After breaking ground in the spring of 2024, the goal is to move into the new facility late in 2024 or early in 2025. As its new tagline states, Indiana Golf is ‘Your Link to the Game.’ As mentioned earlier, raising the necessary funding is ongoing. If you would like to help Indiana Golf reach its total funding commitment visit: indianagolf.org/capitalcampaign.
World Champions Cup Announces Qualifiers Indiana Golf Journal
Vijay Singh, Bernhard Langer and Steve Stricker are the first qualifiers to represent their respective teams in the inaugural playing of the World Champions Cup at Concession Club in Bradenton, Florida, December 7-10. Think of the World Champions Cup as the Presidents Cup & Ryder Cup rolled into one event, but for PGA Tour Champions players. Three teams, Team USA, Team International and Team Europe will compete for bragging rights. Ernie Els, Darren Clarke and Jim Furyk will serve as playing captains for their respective teams. Each team will be comprised of six competitors, all members of the PGA TOUR Champions. Popular golf commentator Peter Jacobsen will serve as the event Chairman. “I’m looking forward to competing alongside Vijay native has won 16 PGA TOUR Champions titles, including seven senior majors. He has won five times this season and currently leads the Charles Schwab Cup Money List by a wide margin. “Strick has been a friend of mine and a guy who I have relished competing with and against for years,” Furyk said. “Our experiences in Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups have been extremely meaningful, and getting the chance to add a new chapter to our team play experience with the World Champions Cup is something that I know we are both extremely excited for this December.” If you plan on being in Florida in December and would like to attend the event, tickets are now on sale at www. WorldChampionsCup.com. If you can’t be there in person it is set to air on ABC and ESPN. as we look to bring home the inaugural World Champions Cup trophy for Team International,” Els said. “Having played with and against him for the better part of three decades, I know just how competitive he is, and I expect him to be just as fired up as I am to battle against Team Europe and Team USA in this truly exciting new tournament.” “Having a player of Bernhard’s caliber gives Team Europe a significant leg up heading into the inaugural World Champions Cup,” Clarke said. “When you look at Bernhard’s level of play since joining the Champions Tour, there is no other player I’d want to be my teammate going into battle with the International and U.S. teams.” A 12-time PGA TOUR winner, Stricker has finished top-10 in 13 major championships. Since turning 50, the Wisconsin
Historic Omni Homestead Resort Makes Renovations What’s old is being made new again at the Omni Homestead Resort in the Alleghany Mountains in Western Virginia. This historic resort has been entertaining guests, including 23 U.S. presidents, for over 250 years. A recent $140 million renovation has restored this national treasure to grandeur. Every part of the resort has seen improvements including, a twoacre water park, two topranked golf courses, the spa and eight charming restaurants to provide an unforgettable dining experience. By Fred Altvater changes make choosing the correct club challenging. Beautiful views of the surrounding hillsides and the historic Omni Homestead Hotel add to the overall experience on the Old Course. The Cascades course has long been regarded as one of the finest mountain courses in the country. This William Flynn design opened for play in 1923 and has been recognized as one of the very best in Virginia ever since. A par 71, it can be stretched to just under 7,000 yards and will provide a true test for even the best golfer. A total of four tee options, 6,900 yards, 6,200 yards, 5,500 yards and 4,900 yards, assure every skill level of golfer will enjoy their round. Omni Homestead features two classic golf courses, The Cascades and The Old Course, that are pleasing to the eye and a joy to play. The Old Course sits directly behind the hotel and has been in continuous use since its opening in 1892. It boasts updates by William Flynn and Donald Ross and is always in tournament condition. At just under 6,100 yards from the tips this par 72 may seem a bit short by modern standards, but the rolling terrain with sidehill lies and elevation Indiana Golf Journal
The 210-yard, par 3, fourth hole is the Cascades signature hole. The green sits some 50 feet below the tee box and following your ball flight, as it hangs in the air, against the nearby mountainside is a special treat. When Flynn was first approached to build the course, he said it couldn’t be done because there just wasn’t enough acreage to create 18 holes. A dairy farm that bordered the property was purchased by the resort which added enough land to eventually build the course. An old family cemetery is still maintained near one of the tee boxes. The Spa at Omni Homestead offers total relaxation and expert care. The resort stresses Autumn is the perfect time to visit the Omni Homestead for the bright colors painted across the surrounding hillsides. Regardless of the season, any time spent at The Omni Homestead Resort is guaranteed to be memorable. For more information click HERE. health and wellness for the entire body and offers a variety of services to soothe achy muscles and relax a weary mind. Dining opportunities at the resort include fine dining, as well as casual. The American Audubon Dining Room, Jefferson’s Restaurant and Rubino’s at the Cascades are perfect for an upscale dining experience, while the Taproom and Woody’s have more traditional comfort food in a casual setting. Another unique aspect of the Omni Homestead Resort, Hall of Fame golfer, Sam Snead grew up nearby and spent his life at the Homestead. During your visit chat up golf professionals Barry Ryder and Mark Fry for entertaining stories about the irascible Snead.
News & Notes Hilton Head Offering Discount Packages With colder weather approaching, Hilton Head becomes a logical warm weather golf destination. The Sea Pines Resort is the ideal venue to enjoy all that the South Carolina Low Country has to offer with biking, hiking, swimming, tennis, pickleball and of course, world-class golf. Now is the time to book your next Hilton Head adventure with discount packages from Sea Pines. Home and villa rentals feature complimentary meals, and preferred golf rates at the resort’s three championship golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament. A four-night package starts at $185.00/night for a two-bedroom deluxe villa with additional amenities and access to the Sea Pines Resort Fitness Center and Harbour Town Pool. If you prefer to stay at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town guest, who book now will receive a $75 Gift Card, when you book a Sunday to Thursday Indiana Golf Journal
through the end of the year. The package also includes: • Complimentary adult bikes and reduced rates on children’s bikes • Reduced golf rates • Reduced tennis and pickleball rates at the Sea Pines Racquet Club • Special discounts on eco-adventures and activities • Complimentary access to the luxurious boutique pool and spa • Complimentary access to The Sea Pines Resort Fitness Center Click on this link and mention the promotion code, STAYTHREE, to receive the discounted rates. Volvik Names New Leadership Team Volvik, a rapidly-growing, premium high-performance golf ball company, has announced a new leadership team. Pete Kinney, PGA, has been named president, and John Holst is the new vice president of sales. Kinney and Holst have years of experience in the golf industry, in particular in the golf ball category – Kinney with Maxfli, Taylormade, Slazenger, Srixon/ Cleveland and Bridgestone Golf, and Holst with Maxfli, Mizuno, Wilson and Forethought Golf. lines and to enhance the growing recognition of Volvik throughout North America. Robert Trent Jones Ross Bridge Announces Reopening Date The Ross Bridge Course, the cornerstone of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, has undergone an extensive renovation and reopened this month. The renovation included replacing the bent grass greens with TifEagle Bermuda, which will result in a firmer and smoother playing surfaces. Each bunker across the property was revamped. They were completely rebuilt with fresh drainage systems and replenished sand. Several were removed and others were reshaped. Floors of the greenside bunkers were elevated to ensure more favorable lies for golfers trying to reach the putting surface. “We look forward to leading the Volvik team as we expand the presence and scope of this exciting brand,” Kinney said. “Volvik has always been known for leading the way in color, quality and innovation, appealing to golfers of all skill levels.” Kinney continued, “Our focus will continue to be developing groundbreaking technology, enhancing the colorful products that we are known for and, most importantly, being the brand that is associated with the word ‘fun’ for beginners to low handicappers. We will present the best lineup of products and pricing that we have ever offered in the United States.” Plans are in place to continue the expansion of various Volvik
Cart paths were repaired, plus several were strategically relocated to improve playability and drainage across the course. Five holes received dramatic architectural redesign. Plus, the golf cart fleet was updated with new EZ-GO carts with GPS and Bluetooth technology. Golfers will have the College Golf Experience (CGX), the leading junior golf showcase camp company connecting juniors and families with college coaches, announces its next four Top100 Showcase Camps hosted by 48 women’s and men’s college golf coaches. CGX’s Top100 East - Girls and Top100 East - Boys Showcase Camps will take place at Chateau Elan Golf Club, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia, November 11-12. The Wigwam Golf Resort near Phoenix, Arizona, will host the Top100 West - Girls Showcase Camp December 2-3 as well as the Top100 West - Boys Showcase Camp, December 16-17. CGX Top 100 Showcase Camps are tailor-made for junior golfers ages 13-18 in the top-300 of their class, juniors who want to learn from top college coaches and level up their game, and juniors and parents looking to build relationships with top coaches and programs in an immersive educational environment. CGX Top100 Showcase Camps are held over two days and provide: • Juniors with scripted outfits from adidas Golf to be worn during camp like what they would experience on a college golf team and in professional golf. • Juniors with Clippd, a data-driven performance platform to track their game on and off the course. exact yardages to carefully plan their next shot, and enjoy their tunes, or a ball game, while hunting for birdies and eagles on the golf course. For more information about the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and to plan your next golf adventure to Alabama click HERE. • Comprehensive education sessions for juniors and parents led by the marquee college golf coaches on college golf and the recruiting pathway. • On-course coach engagement and course management and strategy instruction during simulated college golf practice and tournament rounds. • Real-time evaluation and personalized feedback from coaches during a simulated college golf practice session to help each junior discover how to find the right collegiate program fit. • Name Image Likeness (NIL) discussions to recruiting questions, and tips on what juniors should do to prepare for college golf. If you would like to learn more, or register for one of these elite golf camps visit: www. collegegolfx.com. CGX Announces Four Top100 Camps With 48 Top DI Women’s and Men’s Coaches Indiana Golf Journal
Tour Edge has enlisted the help of Bernhard Langer to create improved performance wedges and putters to help the average golfer lower their scores and enjoy the game more. Exotics Wingman Wedges by Tour Edge Tour Edge’s latest wedge series, the Exotics Wingman, have been two years in development with PGA Tour Champions player Bernhard Langer providing input for the forged head design with a significant amount of offset. The name Wingman comes from the “winged” weight pad located on the clubhead toe which raises the center of gravity thus lowering the launch angle while increasing spin. Key in the development process of the new design was Langer who told us, “I am always looking for a forged wedge with the right amount of offset and eventually Tour Edge’s NEW Wedges & Improved Putters Help Lower Scores By Ed Travis started to ask the R&D team at Tour Edge what they thought could come up with. What came back has astounded me with its performance. I put one prototype right into play the week I tested it because I could just tell that the design was just plain easier to hit and far more consistent than my other wedges.” Indiana Golf Journal
Tour Edge Template Series Putters Having offset on a club places the hands in front of the leading edge which in turn means the impact will be more downward helping any player strike the ball more crisply with the correct trajectory and spin. This small amount of offset is a big help by creating a more consistent strike tending to ensure the sole hits the ground at the proper angle. Tour Edge’s TPU-filled pockets behind the face are specifically there to help create a confidencebuilding feel and make use of Tour Edge’s proprietary material branded VIBRCOR. Wingman wedges offer three sole grinds for different playing conditions and swing attack angles. The F/S Grind (6°/8° bounce) is for a firmer turf and players that tend to sweep the ball. The M/N Grind (10° Bounce) is for various ground Tour Edge has updated the Template putter series with four new designs and three modified shapes including mallets, mid-mallets and blades. They broadened their putter offerings with the Template Series each of which has a center of gravity and moment of inertia optimized for that particular shaped head. The first Template series was a hit due both to their performance and relatively low price point. The 2023 series is in keeping with company founder David Glod’s long time strategy of providing clubs to recreational players with the latest design, materials and technology at reasonable prices. The choice of PVD finishes (silver or black) complements the CNC milled Micro-Grooves conditions and players with a neutral setup. The S/D Grind (12°/14° Bounce) works well for softerground and those players with a more vertical attack angles which tends to dig into the turf. By Ed Travis Fast Facts Tour Edge Exotics Wingman Wedges –– Forged clubheads –– Vibration absorbing TPU-filled pockets –– Back weight: 5-gram standard—2.5, 7.5, 10, 12.5-gram custom –– All lofts 3mm offset –– Milled face, grooves & micro-grooves –– Three stock grinds –– Stock shaft: Dynamic Gold 115 –– MSRP $139.99 each which are 20% deeper, plus wider than the earlier Templates in order to generate topspin quickly after impact. It also helps with the Template’s feel along with the fact the heads are made from the softest stainless steel available. “The new Template putter series has taken leaps and bounds in the look and feel department,” said Glod. “This putter line is bringing together today’s technology with classic putter designs and perfectly blending the two, just like what Template golf holes are designed to do in course architecture.” The Template name comes from the use of a template golf hole in golf course architecture. Template holes were first utilized by American
golf course architect C.B. Macdonald. He spent his early years in Chicago and as a course designer instituted about 20 different template holes basing them on holes from well-known courses like St. Andrews, Prestwick, and North Berwick. Fast Facts Tour Edge Template Series Putters –– 304 Stainless steel heads –– Silver or black PVD finish –– CNC milled micro-grooved face –– Stock grip: Lamkin Deep Etched Pistol –– Alps-mallet, double bend hosel –– Biarritz—mallet, double bend face balance hosel –– Eden—blade, plumber’s neck hosel –– Maiden—mid-mallet, plumber’s neck hosel –– Narrows—Winged mid-mallet, slant neck hosel –– Narrows CS—Winged mid-mallet, center shaft –– Punchbowl—mallet, plumber’s neck hosel –– Valley—mid-mallet, plumber’s neck hosel –– Not available until Nov. 1, 2023 –– MSRP $129.99 Indiana Golf Journal
quarry where it gets downright crazy for a little bit, then the course gets up on the hill and there’s a beautiful, sweeping view. All of the holes coming in are challenging, even when you move down into the gentler terrain. It’s a dramatic golf course; more than I originally thought.” The highly-anticipated Tom Doak design, which only began construction this past January, will be the first original golf course Pinehurst has unveiled in nearly 30 years. Its opening comes just a few months before Pinehurst No. 2 will host the 2024 U.S. Open. “Pinehurst Resort has been fortunate to be hailed as the Cradle of American Golf, and we’re grateful for all of the major championships and historic moments that have come before,” says Pinehurst Resort CEO Bob Dedman Jr. “We’re delighted to have a date to begin presenting this incredible design by Tom Doak to our guests. April 3, 2024 will not only be another great day in Pinehurst’s history, but for our future as well.” Golfers will find the new Tenth Course to be quite different that other courses at the resort. The landscape underlying Doak’s newest design features native wiregrass, extensive sandscape, towering longleaf pines and rolling hills. Midway through the course, Doak takes advantage of the rugged dunes carved out by mining operations around the Pinehurst No. 10 To Open In April Next Year turn of the 20th century. The result is a spectacular course with more than 75 feet of elevation change that delivers a golf experience like no other. Doak said of his creation, “No. 10 starts out fairly gentle, then it starts going into the old
“We’re excited to show off Tom Doak’s masterful interpretation of Pinehurst golf,” says Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort. “From the initial routing of Pinehurst No. 10 to the shaping and design process, Doak and his associates excelled in all regards. Our very high expectations were exceeded, and we can’t wait for everyone to see it.” Place the video thumbnail here To watch a flyover preview of No. 10 watch this video The tenth course at Pinehurst Resort complements one of the best golf destinations in the world. In addition to ten great courses, the par-3 Cradle and putting course Thistle Dhu, make Pinehurst a must-play for serious golfers. Widely known as the Cradle of American Golf, Pinehurst has hosted more golf championships – including the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup and PGA TOUR Championship – than any other site in North America. Golfers enjoy layouts designed by the game’s greatest architects, including Donald Ross, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, Gil Hanse, Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio and Ellis Maples. To book tee times and golf packages visit: https:// www.homeofgolf.com/. Indiana Golf Journal
Proper nutrition can help enhance athletic performance. A physically active lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, and eating well are the wisest ways to perform your best. Proper Nutrition To Improve Athletic Performance By Franciscan Health Indiana Golf Journal
Determining The Right Diet For Each Athlete Eating a healthy diet can provide the energy you need to finish a race or just enjoy a casual sport or activity. But, when you don’t get the right mix of nutrients, you will feel tired and perform poorly during sports, especially in golf. The right diet depends on the intensity of the activity, total time spent training for your sport, age, sex, and specific sport, or activity. “People tend to overestimate the number of calories they burn per workout, so it is important to avoid taking in more energy than you expend exercising,” explained Patrick Miller, a certified athletic trainer with Franciscan Health Sports Medicine. How Many Carbohydrates Does An Athlete Need? Carbohydrates provide energy during sustained exercise and are stored in the muscles and liver. Simple sugars may give you an immediate burst of energy, but their effect does not last very long. Complex carbohydrates provide energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals. These foods are low in fat. Examples of complex carbohydrates include bagels, pasta, rice, and whole grain breads. Simple sugars provide a lot of calories, but they don’t provide vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. Examples of simple sugars to avoid include candy, jams and jellies, and soft drinks.
“What matters most is the total amount of carbohydrates you eat each day,” said Miller. “To perform at your peak, a little more than half of your calories should come from carbohydrates.” Eating Carbohydrates Before Strenuous Exercise If you’ll be exercising for longer than an hour, you need to eat carbohydrates before you start. We recommend a cup of yogurt, a glass of fruit juice, or a whole grain English muffin with jelly. It’s always best to limit the amount of fat you consume the hour before an athletic event, as doing so can interfere with carbohydrate breakdown in the body. Eating Carbohydrates During Strenuous Exercise If you’ll be doing more than an hour of intense aerobic exercise, your body also needs carbohydrates during exercise. You can satisfy this need by having 5 to 10 ounces of sports drink every 15 to 20 minutes, one-half to two-thirds cup of low-fat granola, or two to three handfuls of pretzels. Eating Carbohydrates After Strenuous Exercise “If you are working out heavily, you need to eat carbohydrates after exercise to rebuild the energy stored in your muscles,” explained Miller. If you exercise or train for more than 90 minutes, more carbohydrates are necessary, ideally paired with protein. A sports bar, trail mix with nuts, or yogurt and granola will suffice. If you work out for less than an hour, water should be constantly consumed, but you shouldn’t need any extra food if training for a shorter time. Indiana Golf Journal
How Much Protein Doses An Athlete Need? Protein is important for muscle growth and repairing body tissues. The body can also use protein for energy, but only after it uses stored carbohydrates. Athletes – even bodybuilders – need only a little extra protein to support muscle growth. Athletes can easily get this by consuming more total calories. Dangers Of Eating Too Much Protein Most people already eat almost twice as much protein as they need for muscle development. Too much protein in the diet can lead to loss of can lose several liters of sweat in just an hour of vigorous exercise. Clear urine is a good sign that you have fully rehydrated. Some ideas for keeping enough fluids in your body include: –– Drink plenty of fluids with every meal –– Drink 16 ounces of water before a workout –– Continue to drink water during and after exercise –– Replace any body weight loss during exercise with an equal amount of fluids –– Children especially should drink water during strenuous sports activities We hope these tips increase your stamina and improve enjoyment of your athletic activities. calcium, added burden on the kidneys, increased chance for dehydration and increased body fat. Athletes who consume extra protein for fitness may not get enough carbohydrates, the most important energy source during exercise. For peak athletic performance, Miller does not recommend taking amino acid supplements, or excessively eating protein. How Much Water And Other Fluids Does An Athlete Need? Water is the most important nutrient for any athlete. Water and fluids keep the body hydrated and at the right temperature. An athlete’s body
A Visit to Some Hoosier Wineries By Kurt Wieneke This past summer, we took a jaunt to Southeast Indiana to check out a couple of Hoosier wineries, namely Holtkamp Winery and Ertel Cellars. As a bonus, we didn’t have to spend all day driving because these wineries are only about an hour from Indianapolis. The first stop was Holtkamp Winery, established in 2013. The Holtkamps have a beautiful, offthe-beaten path winery about ten miles east of Batesville in the rolling hills of Dearborn County. They have an estate vineyard on premises and the winery itself feels like a sprawling ranch house. Indiana Golf Journal
The Holtkamp Winery offerings were a nice mix of not only local hybrid estate wines, but also some robust reds hailing from the Sierra Foothills region of California. The white wines definitely leaned toward the sweeter side, and most of their red wines had a significant punch of toasty oak. The best wines we tasted were their Traminette, the very wellbalanced Syrah. The favorite for the girls was a Black Raspberry dessert wine. Heading west towards Batesville, we traveled through measure, they also offer a California Chardonnay and Cabernet in the tasting room. The best wines we tasted were the Vidal Blanc and Marechal Foch. Most wineries make Marechal Foch as a red wine with skin contact during fermentation and oak barreling, but Ertel makes a fresh and brilliant rose-style version. The next time you plan to be ‘out and about’ in the Hoosier state, consider a visit to an Indiana estate winery (or two). Cheers! farml and and a few small towns, finally arriving at Ertel Cellars. Ertel has been around since 2006 and produces mainly hybrid wines such as Vidal Blanc and Vignoles, along with Chambourcin and Marechal Foch. For good
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis 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 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 Treetops General Manager Barry Owens talks about the renovations and changes at one of Michigan’s Best Resorts Treetops. Nemacolin Resort in the Alleghany Mountains in Western Pennsylvania is a luxury destination with activity and amenity imaginable. Donna Herto, Chris Anderson and Mike LaBella talk about the resort and explain why you should put it at the top of your bucket list. BOYNE Resort’s Director of Marketing, Ken Griffin talks about the International Tour Operators Convention coming to the northern Michigan resort next year for its annual convention. Barry Owens Talks About What’s NEW at Treetops Nemacolin Provides the Ultimate in Luxury & Amenities BOYNE To Host the 2024 International Tour Operators Convention Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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