Spring Is Coming Quickly To Indiana Rising Temperatures. As we meander through March, I hope some of you have had a chance to make a spur-of-the-moment dash to the first tee at your nearest golf course since the daytime highs are creeping closer to 60-65 degrees than to 40-45 degrees, especially in southern Indiana. Boys High School Golf. The first official day of practice for boys high school golf in Indiana was March 11. The first official date for a boys high school golf match is March 25. And, the dates of the boys state golf finals this year will be June 11-12. Major Championship Near You. Make plans to attend this year’s PGA Championship which is returning to the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from May 16-19. If you can’t make it in person, televsion coverage will be provided by ESPN and CBS. Be A Volunteer. For the fourth time in its history, the Kampen-Cosler Course at Purdue University’s Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex will host a Men’s Golf NCAA Regional. It’s scheduled from May 13 - 15. Volunteers will play a pivotal role in guaranteeing an enjoyable experience for student-athletes, coaches, and spectators. Each volunteer will receive a Purdue pullover and/or cap to wear during the tournament. Additionally, volunteers will receive a box lunch each day of their service. If you’re interested in volunteering at the 2024 Men’s NCAA Regional, contact the Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex: 765-494-3139 or bbgc@ purdue.edu. Official Day of Spring? This year, the spring equinox happens on March 19th at 11:06 (EDT). So, while the vernal equinox takes place on the evening of March 19 here in the U.S., it will already be March 20 for most of the world. Mike May Editor in Chief IndianaGolfJournal.com MIKE MAY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SUBSCRIBE Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Ohio Golf Journal Michigan Golf Journal American Golf Journal Back 9 Report Indiana Golf Journal
24 06 10 12 30 French Lick Resort: One Of A Kind Golf & Vacation Destination Field Set For 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur Indiana PGA Award Winners Barry Cronin’s Michigan Golf Odyssey Evans Scholarship Foundation Awards 20 FullRide Scholarships A Masters Poem Indiana-Born Golfers On The PGA Tour 06 10 14 24 12 22 18 Get A Grip: Crystal Morse, PGA, Golf Tip Three New SQAIRZ Performance-Based Golf Models for 2024 20 28 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Two Days of Glorious Golf in Southeastern Florida Acupuncture for Sports Injuries 41 40 30 36 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 FIND INSIDE Indiana Golf Journal
The French Lick Resort has been serving travelers since 1845. When the West Baden Inn was completed in 1902, with its free-span dome that extends 200-feet above the floor, it was considered the 8th wonder of the world. French Lick Resort has been the winter home of a traveling circus, the Chicago Cubs held spring training at the resort There are no golf resorts in the country that can boast courses designed by Tom Bendelow, Donald Ross and Pete Dye. Bendelow designed the nineholeValley Links Course in 1907. The Donald Ross Course opened for play in 1917 and hosted the 1924 PGA Championship, won by the great Walter Hagen. When Pete Dye first viewed the hilly terrain allotted for a golf course, he thought it would be French Lick Resort: One Of A Kind Golf & Vacation Destination before they won the 1908 World Series and the 1924 PGA Championship was held on the Donald Ross Course. Through time, this National Historical Landmark has also been a Jesuit Seminary and U.S. Army Hospital, as well as a private college. Yes, French Lick has a rich and storied past, but its present is pretty amazing, as well. Indiana Golf Journal
October 3-6 on the Pete Dye Course and will award 30 PGA Tour cards for the 2025 season. French Lick Resort is also planning to expand its golf by developing a totally new golf experience near the existing Valley Links Course. More details on that project will be released soon. In addition to the great golf at the Ross, Dye and Valley Links Courses, the training center has the latest technology and teaching professionals to improve any game. Plus, the practice facility at the Dye Course is second to none. Visitors to the West Baden Inn will be happy to know that the repair efforts for the hail damage to the roof is well underway. Contractors have been working feverishly to replace 12,000 square feet of glass panels that were destroyed last summer. The construction timeline remains on track and should be complete by late April. The first section is already finished and Trish Johnson on the Pete Dye Course. The Pete Dye Course has also hosted the BIG Ten Championship, the PGA Professional Championship and the Senior PGA Championship. In 2024, French Lick Resort enters a new era of professional golf as it will host the Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance. Ronald D. Romain, United Leasing & Finance Executive Chairman said, “We are looking forward to our partnership with French Lick Resort and working with their team of great people. I am very pleased and excited for the new partnership with Steve Ferguson, Joseph Vezzoso and Dave Harner. The Pete Dye Course is a world-class venue and I am anxious to see how the Korn Ferry Tour players navigate their way around this difficult course.” The Korn Ferry Tour Championship will be held impossible to build. After some head scratching and scribbling on a napkin, he came up with a routing that created one of the most memorable layouts in the world. The views, atop the second highest hill in Indiana, stretch for 40 miles in every direction. In addition to a major championship, French Lick Resort has been hosting professional golf tournaments for several years. The French Lick Charity Classic was held 2017-2023 and featured the best young women golfers on the EPSON Tour. French Lick has always been a huge supporter of women’s professional golf and in 2017 they hosted the very first Senior LPGA Championship won by
allows the sun to shine once again in the West Baden Inn’s awe-inspiring atrium. The golf is wonderful at French Lick, but there is so much more that, even if you have a rain out, there are plenty of activities to keep one from being bored. The Billiard and Bowling Pavilion is being renovated and will open this fall. The historic building on the West Baden courts have been built to accommodate guests that want to work up a sweat, plus Yoga classes and two world-class spas will keep visitors relaxed, refreshed and ready to tackle anything. Inn grounds has been sitting empty for decades, but the sounds of tumbling pins and the crack of pool balls will echo off the walls once again later this year. Six lanes, plus several billiard tables, as well as a dining area offering pizza and sandwiches, will certainly become a highlight for guests. New hiking and walking trails traverse over 3,000 acres on the property. Additional Pickleball Indiana Golf Journal
World-class dining is one of the best reasons to visit the French Lick Resort. It is one of the best resorts in the country and they added more menu options for the popular Power Plant Bar & Grill. A new awning has been added to 1875; The Steakhouse for outdoor dining and a food trailer will offer tasty treats for swimmers splashing around in the French Lick Springs Hotel outdoor pool. Dinners at Sunset will also return for this year. Enjoy a world-class dining experience while taking in a gorgeous Southern Indiana Sunset. and has been recognized as such by all the major travel and golf publications over the years. Their staff is always looking for new ways to create the perfect vacation for their guests. Come see for yourself and you will wonder why you didn’t visit sooner. Click HERE to find out more. every type of slot machine, a renovated sports book and popular table games to lure thrill seekers to the casino floor. It is one of the most elegant and friendly casinos that you will ever visit. The French Lick Springs Hotel, the West Baden Inn and the new French Lick Valley Tower provide the best in accommodations and will please even the most demanding traveler. French Lick Resort is one of the best resorts in the country Last, but certainly not least, the French Lick Casino has
Field Set For 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur champions in Tsubasa Kajitani and Anna Davis, along with topranked amateur and three-time participant Ingrid Lindblad. The competition will include 54 holes of stroke play, with a cut to 30 players and ties taking place after 36 holes. The first two rounds will take place on the Island and Bluff nines at Champions Retreat Golf Club on Wednesday, April 3, and Thursday, April 4. The entire field will then play Augusta National for an official practice round on Friday, April 5. The final round will feature the top 30 players who made the cut and will take place on Saturday, April 6 at Augusta National Golf Club. The first and second rounds of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur will be broadcast live, 1:30-3:30 PM on Golf Channel. NBC Sports will broadcast three hours of the final round from Augusta National Golf Club, Noon-3 PM, on Saturday, April 6. Rose Zhang won the title last year by defeating Jenny Bae in a playoff. The winner will receive an invitation to the next five Augusta National Women’s Amateurs, the 2024 U.S. Women’s Open, the 2024 Women’s Open, the 2024 Chevron Championship, the 2024 Evian Championship and any USGA, R&A and PGA of America amateur championships for which she is eligible for one year. For more information, visit www.ANWAgolf.com full field of 72 golfers have confirmed for the 2024 Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) to be held April 3-6. The top 43 eligible amateurs from the World Amateur Golf Rankings have accepted invitations to compete. The field includes players from 18 countries and six continents, including two of the last three A
family,” said WGA Chairman Steve Colnitis. “Their dedication in the classroom, on the golf course and in their communities represents what our Program has been about since 1930.” For this year 345 caddies nationwide are expected to be awarded an Evans Scholarship. Funds for the Scholarship come mostly from contributions by more than 36,000 golfers across the country, who belong to the Evans Scholars Par Club program. Evans Scholars Alumni donate more than $15 million annually, and all proceeds from the BMW Championship, the penultimate 18 Indiana Caddies earn Full-Ride College Scholarships From Evans Scholarship Foundation must meet the Program’s four selection criteria and show a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need and outstanding character. Currently, a record 1,130 caddies are enrolled at 24 universities nationwide. More than 12,040 caddies have graduated as Evans Scholars since the program was founded by famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. in 1930. “We are thrilled to welcome this new group of student caddies to the Evans Scholars Eighteen former caddies from Indiana have been awarded full-ride Evans Scholarships at the final selection interviews held at Briar Ridge Country Club in Schererville, Indiana. The Western Golf Association (WGA), headquartered in Glenview, Illinois, has supported the Chick Evans Scholarship Program through the Evans Scholars Foundation since 1930. Known as one of golf’s favorite charities, it is the nation’s largest scholarship program for caddies. To qualify for the Evans Scholarship, each student Indiana Golf Journal
PGA TOUR Playoff event in the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup competition, benefit the Program. In 2024, the BMW Championship will be held from Aug. 20-25 at Castle Pines Golf Club in the Denver area. Charles McGuckin McKinley Woodward Edward Everett Hudson Shroyer Macy Hall Owen Weisensteiner Faheesat Alase-Makanjuola Christian Herron Addison Miller Lucy Pappas Madilyn Russell Elizabeth Wadle Mary Neary Nelly Serrano Samuel Oberley Matthew Hruskocy Sydnee Keith Matthew Chaney Carmel Carmel Decatur Fort Wayne French Lick French Lick Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis Indianapolis LaPorte Michigan City Michigan City Monroeville Portage Syracuse Terre Haute Woodland Crooked Stick Orchard Ridge Fort Wayne French Lick Resort French Lick Resort Prairie View Hillcrest Hillcrest Meridian Hills Prairie View Long Beach Long Beach Long Beach Orchard Ridge Long Beach Tippecanoe Lake CC of Terre Haute Name Hometown Sponsoring Club
2024 Indiana PGA Special Awards Last month Indiana Golf acknowledged the recipients of the Indiana Section PGA Special Awards during its Annual Business Meeting in Muncie, Indiana. Heartfelt congratulations to each winner for this well-deserved honor. The esteemed awardees include: Robert Koontz Merchandiser of the Year – Resort Award French Lick Resort – The Pete Dye Course Jeffrey Williams Merchandiser of the Year – Public Award Brickyard Crossing Nate Holm Merchandiser of the Year – Private Award The Woodstock Club By Santana Shipley Merchandisers of the Year – Established 1988 The Merchandiser of the Year Awards recognizes those PGA professionals who have demonstrated superior skills as merchandisers in the promotion of golf. The award is given for excellence in golf shop operations in three categories: Private, Resort and Public/Municipal/Military/Semi-Private. Indiana Golf Journal
Scott Barla PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year Award Barla Golf Academy Teacher of the Year – Established 1986 The Teacher of the Year Award bestows special recognition on a PGA golf professional that has performed outstanding service as a golf instructor. Criteria to be considered are: overall performance as a golf professional at his/her facility, service to his/her Section and the Association, leadership ability, image and ability to inspire fellow professionals, use of teaching aids and the ability to illustrate their effectiveness, involvement in junior golf activities at the facility and in the community, techniques for teaching small and large groups, articles written for publication in books and magazines. Mark Nance PGA Golf Professional of the Year Award Parsons Xtreme Golf (PXG) PGA Professional Development Award – Established 1976 The Professional Development Award is designed to recognize individual golf professionals for their outstanding and continuing contributions to developing and improving education opportunities for the PGA golf professional. Crystal Morse PGA Player Development Award The Legends Golf Club Player Development Award – Established 2014 The Player Development Award is designed to recognize a PGA Professional for extraordinary and exemplary contributions and achievements in the area of player development. This award considers the PGA Professional’s growth of the game leadership commitment at the Section and National levels and the impact made at the facility.
Roger Lundy PGA Youth Player Development Award Indiana Golf Youth Player Development Award – Established 1989 The Youth Player Development Award (formerly the Junior Golf Leader Award) is designed to pay recognition to a PGA Golf Professional who is a leader in junior golf, reflects the qualities and ideals of those who work with our nation’s youth, and provides opportunities and experiences for juniors to learn and play golf. Jim Poole Deacon Palmer Award Prestwick Country Club Deacon Palmer Award – Established 2014 The “Deacon Palmer Award” bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who personally displays outstanding integrity, character and leadership, in the effort to overcome a major obstacle in their life. This individual is an unsung hero/heroine at their facility and in their community, who serve to inspire, empower and assist others, both inside and outside of the game. This award was first given in 2014 to Arnold Palmer in honor of his Father who the Award is named after. Pete Makarov Assistant of the Year Award Crooked Stick Golf Club Assistant of the Year Award – Established 2001 The Assistant of the Year Award, established in 2001, is designed to recognize an individual assistant golf professional for his or her dedication to the game and commitment to the profession. Criteria that are considered are: commitment to customer service, leadership ability and academic history. Catherine Benson Bill Strausbaugh Award Trine University Bill Strausbaugh Award – Established 1979 The Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to those PGA members who by their day-today efforts have distinguished themselves in the field of club relations, causing dramatic improvements in employment conditions in their local Section and/or the PGA of America. Indiana Golf Journal
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Indiana-Born Golfers On The PGA Tour By Mike May PGA Tour Update. At this year’s Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches which was held at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida from February 29-March 3, there were three golfers in the field from Indiana. They were Adam Schenk, Tyler Duncan, and Jeff Overton. Overton earned a spot in the field by winning the Monday morning qualifier. Only Schenk made the cut, finishing four rounds at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Champion course at fourunder par in a four-way tie for 53rd place. Duncan shot rounds of 71-73 (+2), but missed the 36-hole cut. Overton, who reached -2 (two under par) at one point in the first round, shot rounds of 71-74 (+3) to miss the 36-hole cut, as well. The winner of the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches, with a four-round total of 17 under par, was Austin Eckroat. Schenk is a native of Vincennes, Duncan hails from Columbus, and Overton, who was a member of the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team, comes from Evansville. Both Schenk and Duncan played their college golf at Purdue University, while Overton played for Indiana University.
Attention All Golfers: Get The Right Grip The foundation for any good golf swing is getting the proper grip on the club. That’s what Crystal Morse, the head golf professional at the Legends Golf Club in Franklin, says to all the golfers she interacts with on a daily basis. “The right grip is the most important aspect of any golf swing,” said Morse. “More than 90 percent of all (righthanded) golfers don’t have the right grip on the club. As a result, they slice the ball to the right, the ball misses the fairway and the ball ends up in the rough.” By Crystal Morse, PGA contact Crystal Morse at The Legends Golf Club website, or call 317-370-3100. According to Morse, when right-handed golfers grip the club with their left hand, they should see two knuckles on their left hand (converse for left-handed golfers). Those are the knuckles of the index finger and the middle finger. The left thumb should not be on top of the club. Instead, it should be offset slightly to the right side of the grip. “Getting the left hand properly gripping the club will allow you to help square the club, thereby giving you a better chance of hitting the ball straight,” added Morse. “After the left hand is gripping the club, then apply the right hand. Both thumbs should be offset one another.” To check your grip, or improve your swing Indiana Golf Journal
Masters 2024: Where Players Rarely Yell ‘FORE’ By Mike May As we begin the countdown to the Masters this year. It will inspire all of us to get our short game in top gear. It’s true that the playing of the Masters is a rite of spring. It’s like enjoying Coca-Cola, as the Masters is also the real thing. One of this event’s special traditions is the Tuesday night Champions’ dinner. It’s attended by players who have all earned the title: Masters winner. At Augusta, Jack, Tom, and Gary will each hit tee shots on day one. Being present for those legends is a true thrill and lots of fun. The Masters attracts players who all want to win the Jacket colored Green. It will probably be given to the player who is that week’s top putting machine. The Masters celebrates and honors the players from the present and the past. But, Augusta’s hilly terrain makes it tough for older players to avoid finishing last. At the Masters, amateurs are invited to live and sleep in the Crow’s Nest. Here, it’s spacious and comfy, which makes that area the best for daily rest. This year’s Masters favorites will truly be international in scope, As players from Asia, Europe, and Africa will play with confidence and hope. The top Americans will be Justin, Dustin, Brooks, and Scottie, too. Each of those players could easily win this year’s Masters, if not quite a few. You can watch all the action on your phone, tablet, computer and your TV. The best coverage will be on CBS which will be free for all to see. If Bobby Jones were alive today to see how this event has grown, He’d be amazed by the course’s beauty and how the grass is grown. Of course, the food at the Masters is always tasty and sold at a fair price. That gives patrons more money to spend on souvenirs which is always nice. Roses are red and violets are blue. The world of golf is looking forward to its annual Amen Corner rendezvous. Indiana Golf Journal
Part 1: A Michigan Golf Odyssey rated by Golfweek. The Mitten State finished tied for runnerup with California, behind only Wisconsin, in a recent Golf Digest ranking of the “Best States For Public Golf Courses.” This entire Michigan Golf Odyssey took eight days, covered more than 800 miles with 153 holes of some of the finest golf imaginable and best of all did not require schlepping golf clubs through an airport. The first stop was Gull Lake View Resort, a fourthgeneration family-owned resort located near Kalamazoo. Gull Lake View has a total of six courses, with the most intriguing being, Stoatin Brae, Gaelic for ‘Grand Hill.’ Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design team Part 1 of a 3-part series on Michigan Golf Resorts. Michigan is the land of Ford, GM, Chrysler, the UAW, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, Eminen, the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and the hapless Pistons. Michigan is also known for its pleasant summer weather that is paired perfectly with 20 of the “Best Courses You Can Play” as By Barry Cronin, Editor Chicago District Golfer Indiana Golf Journal
crafted this ‘American Links’ style course in 2017 and course raters for the national golf magazines swooned. As its name suggests, the course sits on one of the highest points in Kalamazoo County. It’s a rugged, mostly down service, pillow mints and “welcome” goodie bags, be forewarned: Gull Lake View is not that, catering to mostly the “guys trip” demographic with everything-you-need-andnothing-you-don’t lodging, comfortable beds, refrigerators, microwaves, big screens and indestructible furniture. Go to dinner in bustling Kalamazoo, home of Western Michigan University, as well breweries, such as Bell’s, which has its own restaurant. Gull Lake View Resort might not be the ideal honeymoon getaway, but if moderately priced golf within a reasonable driving distance of Chicago is tree-free landscape with roller coaster greens and plenty of wind. The other five courses are no slouches either, but a bit more traditional, parklandstyle, perfect for outings and golfers of various skills. If the word “resort” conjures visions of valet parking, turn-
what you crave, it’s perfect. About an hour north of Gull Lake View lies Tullymore Golf Resort, which features two fine courses, Tullymore and St. Ives. of Tullymore, I joined a threesome that was making its way through Michigan playing elite private and public courses. Naturally, Forest Dunes, with two courses included among Golfweek’s Top 100 You Can Play, was on their list. They’d come to play Tom Weiskopf’s parkland-style Forest Dunes course (2002) and Tom Doak’s reversible The Loop (2017), a mind boggling two courses in one. Weiskopf’s traditional course features bentgrass tees, greens and fairways. It plays through gorgeous Michigan pines on the front nine and opens up on the back nine that features Weiskopf’s signature short par 4 No. 17 and a 560-yard par-5 finishing hole along a lake. Challenging, beautiful and deserving of its ranking. The former was named Best New Upscale Course in 2002 thanks to architect Jim Engh’s innovative bunkering and unique green design, plus the accommodations were first-rate. The single golfer never knows where his next partners will be coming from, which adds interest. At world-class Forest Dunes Resort in Roscommon, deep in central Michigan’s Huron National Forest and two hours north Indiana Golf Journal
The Loop makes one understand why Doak’s fertile imagination has made him one of this generation’s more important course architects. I mean, who thinks this way? Standing on a green at The Loop and looking back to the tee box, you inevitably see a gaping moon-surface bunker facing you. Why? It’s tomorrow’s fairway bunker, the one you’ll be trying to avoid off the tee when you play the hole in the opposite direction. The Loop features fescue grass fairways that’ll have your ball Augusta National, a former U.S. Open contestant and a third dude who was more of an average golfer, like yours truly. He and I helped one another find our occasional errant shots while the other cart sped to the green. Because The Loop is an everyother-day experience, you have to spend at least one night. The good news is the accommodations and dining are first class, but there are only 131rooms currently available. New owners of Forest Dunes have committed to add more lodging and are also planning another golf course, possibly a Gil Hanse design. Although it is somewhat remote, Forest Dunes is a treasure. It is a pure golf resort without a swimming pool, spa or other resort amenities. Just golf, golf and more golf. Sublime golf at that. Reprinted with permission from Barry Cronin and Chicago District Golfer. running in the determined Scottish manner it’s designed to mimic. Hopefully, your ball will stop short of the native plant areas that tightly border the fairways (lost ball alert!). Large undulating greens await with many hole location options to confound the wouldbe two-putter. Wrap up the day at the 10-hole Bootlegger course, a dynamic pitch-andputt designed by Riley Jahns and Keith Rebb. By the way, my other three players at the Loop Black course were a member of
Three New SQAIRZ Performance-Based Golf Models for 2024 By Ed Travis SQAIRZ Golf Shoes squaretoe construction was first introduced at the 2020 PGA Show. Now just four years later the company has been one of the biggest success stories in the golf industry and are offering three new models for the 2024 golf season. They have even branched out into baseball shoes, worn by MLB players, plus a new Pickleball shoe, that will soon be finding their way onto pickleball courts near you. The wider shoe base and heel stabilizer construction provide improved balance and stability which are important keys in hitting better golf shots. Robert Winskowicz, SQAIRZ Founder and CEO, talked about the significance of the changes their technology has brought to the market. The idea for SQAIRZ golf shoes came from observing someone wearing square toed dress shoes at a driving range and was followed by extensive research in foot movement biomechanics and ground force reaction throughout the golf swing. The result is a patented square-toe design giving the wearer’s toes room to lie more naturally and comfortably, while creating a wider footprint. “SQAIRZ’s unique design broke the mold of traditional shoes to provide better balance and ground reaction force, resulting in increased swing speed and more consistent accuracy. Tour pros are winning while wearing SQAIRZ on tour, plus thousands of satisfied customers are playing the best rounds of their lives.” Indiana Golf Journal
The new models are designed for 18-hole comfort, plus they are 100% waterproof. The outsole traction pattern was created using sophisticated artificial intelligence software programming with the nubs of varying heights located in a rotational pattern with Softspikes PIVIX cleats. The company says this creates remarkable traction having 290 points of contact with the ground and helping to create “optimal ground force production.” Wearers will also like the Sta-Put laces which have tiny nubs of silicone on each lace to assure a snug fit and do not come undone during your round. The ProS2 retails for $199.97 in a choice of black, gray, white with black accents, or white with a blue accent. Speed2, priced at $179.97, is offered in five color combinations, while the Velo model, at $219.97, is available in either black/white, or blue/white combinations. All three of the new models will be available for preorder March 1, with shipment beginning March 14. If you are a serious golfer trying to gain any advantage on the course, try SQAIRZ performance-based golf shoes to create better balance and stability throughout your golf swing, then watch your handicap decrease. Each of the new models also has a breathable textured tongue and an external foot stabilizer running from the heel to the arch. In keeping with the goal of making golf shoes with the extra features golfers appreciate the new ProS2, Speed2 and Velo also have a removable compression foam footbed and side gussets around the tongue for complete protection from moisture or debris entering.
Two Days of Glorious Golf in Southeastern Florida By Russ Pyles Indiana Golf Journal
If golf is a gentlemen’s game, then why did they invite me? I play less than six rounds of golf each year, thus a chance to schedule 36 holes with my old college buddy, Geoff in southeastern Florida was highly anticipated. We have staged some glorious clashes over the last 40 years. The fact that our first round was booked at the exquisite Tesoro Golf Club in Port St Lucie really made it a treat, plus the price was right. College buddies who can arrange complimentary golf at a high-end private facility like Tesoro are priceless. Joining us for the round were a couple of weathered golf writers, Mike and Fred. Although Mike is extremely well traveled in his role as a scorer with the LPGA Tour, he became completely discombobulated, when the starter asked us to begin play on the back nine. Mike’s Mulligan on that first tee was richly deserved. I sincerely hope he did not injure any alligators in that swamp. The course was immaculate, there were no other golfers in sight and the only reason the round took 4.5 hours to play was the cumulative total of our foursome approached the half a millennium mark.
My round started with a tap in par, followed by a quadruple-9, a birdie two and another par. Consistency on the course is not one of my forte’s. Back-toback sevens were followed with many more 3-putt bogies than tap in pars. Fred is definitely a believer in ‘Play it Forward’ and created his own course by playing from the “Fred Combo Tees.” He missed very few fairways and chipping close for a crack at par with tap in bogies was Fred’s modus operandi. Geoff, who spent nearly a week with his coach refining his swing over the winter had his new game on full display with a “best shot of the year” arching hybrid from the light rough on the par 5 second hole. Immediately after flushing the shot and while the ball was still rising, Geoff exclaimed, “It doesn’t get any better than that!” Unfortunately, that proved prophetic as his Par-Par start quickly dissipated with a triple on the third hole and concluded with seven sixes over the final 10 holes. Mike’s birdie two at the par 3 brought the match close and the air was punctuated by a battle roar he learned while playing Scrum Half for the Florida Gator rugby team. It was scary and beautiful all at the same time. Tiger Woods’ fist pump has nothing on Mike’s celebratory machinations. My round was encapsulated on the 17th hole. Best drive of the day followed by the best fairway wood of the day followed by the best 9 iron of the day to within 4 feet followed by a pull-shank putt that missed so far short and left that Fred actually laughed out loud and said he thought he had seen everything in his 70 plus years, but now he was sure he had. You know the old saying if you have to ask the price, you probably can’t afford it. At the turn, Fred insisted on paying for my 1.5 oz bag of Beef Jerky. Fred’s face turned as white as a brand new ProV1 when he saw Indiana Golf Journal
the damage for a small bag of jerky and a pack of peanut butter crackers. I saw him text his retirement fund administrator for an advance to cover the tab. Even with our inconsistent play, Geoff and I were able to win the day over our playing companions. Apres Golf We adjourned to a local sports bar for recaps, jokes and hilarious stories. I, being a good Samaritan, picked up the tab without hesitation. The one thing I learned from Mike and Fred about their golf is, “If they have to pay, they don’t play.” I figured there was no way they would ever pay for their meals and since Geoff had arranged the golf, taking care of the bill for these guys seemed like the natural thing to do. What a guy, right? I can be a gentleman. The Second Day What should have been a 40-minute drive to the course on the second day turned into a 1.5 hour marathon, when I realized I had left my laptop at Geoff’s house. I blame Geoff because he had laid extra blankets and pillows on top of it. Thus, there was very little time to warm up before heading to the first tee. This round was at a public course, The Champions Club at Summerfield, a far cry from Tesoro. There were golfers everywhere! The local chapter of the First Tee was holding an event and there were kids everywhere. The parents shouted encouragement, while course rangers barked orders. We quickly fell behind the pace after only 3 holes. It takes time to complete a hole when the group is slicing and dicing their way to three triples and a quad. After a botany lesson from Fred about the miracles of a seemingly dead palm tree growing new roots. Geoff continued his string of sixes while I managed three seven’s, plus a pair of sixes for a full house. Miraculously, Geoff and I halved the front nine because Fred found himself with bogie putts that were just outside the friendship zone, plus nothing seemed to want to go into the hole. On the back nine, Geoff rekindled his passion for the game while lugging me and my double bogies on his back. After falling two down with five holes to play, a par cut it to one, but Mike’s par on the 15th put us two down in the match once again with three to play. An amazing sandy on 16 cut
the lead to one. When the extra energy from the Snickers, I had choked down, kicked into gear on the final hole, I smashed a drive, striped a 5-wood, nipped a wedge then followed with two putts to halve the match. This, however, seemingly went unnoticed by Fred and Mike as Fred was imparting deep golf wisdom to Mike in the fairway. Evidently, he had finally seen too many of his partner’s errant efforts scorching the earth, or sailing into the ever-present water hazards. Something needed to be done about it. We walked off the 18th green feeling we had certainly got our money’s worth. I enjoyed the company immensely and my hope is to spend another 36 holes with these guys someday, it was a hoot. When all we see on the golf news today is professional golfers grabbing for every million dollars they can get, its nice to return what is really important. Golf is meant to be played as a friendly competition among friends and that is exactly what we had for two wonderful days in Florida. Notable Quotes Heard on the Course Fred’s statement, “the key to good play is deceleration” was put to practice on both days. Another gem, “hitting greens in regulation is highly overrated” will stick with me forever. I can only hope to be as consistent as Fred once I hit 70 plus. Must be all the GMO’s he’s ingested? Indiana Golf Journal
Mike made it clear from our opening tee shot that, “A good round is finishing with more golf balls than you started with.” He had hit so many errant shots in the junk, that he found success, leaving with way more balls than he began with. Although not his best golf, Mike’s positive attitude never waivered. He was as an enthusiastic golf partner both days. Geoff, who displayed remarkable patience throughout the 36 holes, finally lamented on the cart ride to the parking lot, when he proclaimed, “If I even think I will ever play like this again, I won’t even bother to tee off.” All was quickly forgotten, however, as he booked his next tee time before we threw our sticks in the trunk of his car. After two days of golf and more shots than I care to admit, my seven-hour drive back to Tallahassee seemed like a daunting task. I kept myself busy by going over each shot from both days and arrived home before I knew it. In retrospect, despite losing more golf balls than I had anticipated possible, I kept harking back to the one mantra that has served millions of golfers for years, “A bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at the office.” That is what keeps bringing me back, plus free golf doesn’t hurt either.
Acupuncture For Sports Injuries By Franciscan Health Sports injuries can cause a significant setback for athletes, often requiring extended recovery periods and impacting their overall performance. While conventional treatment methods play a crucial role in rehabilitation, some athletes are turning to acupuncture to supplement their recovery process. “Acupuncture is a way of trying to encourage the body to promote natural healing and go back to its normal set point,” said Franciscan Physician Network sports medicine doctor and Indianapolis acupuncturist Catherine Reese, MD. “We use small, thin little Indiana Golf Journal
needles as well as, at times, some electrical stimulation to try to influence the body to get back to that point.” What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points, known as acupuncture points or acupoints, lie along energy pathways called meridians. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the balance of energy flowing through these meridians is needed to maintain health and wellbeing. Injury, inflammation or local and within the body that your body is creating those. So that’s a pretty natural way to treat pain. Or it’ll help the nerve stimulation. And we’ve had people with chronic nerve conditions, or peripheral neuropathy even at times, who respond and who start to get that nerve function back with acupuncture.” illness can disrupt this flow, but acupuncture is believed to help restore harmony and facilitate healing in the body. “There’s the thinking - that has some research and scientific evidence behind it - that as we’re inserting these needles, we will be influencing neurotransmitters and chemicals in the body. And, that can be in the brain, it can be in the spinal cord, and it can be in peripheral nerves to help reset some of that body,” said Dr. Reese. “Sometimes it’ll release natural opioids, which are kind of what we get in narcotic medicines, but it is The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in a wide range of orthopedic and sports medicine problems.
What Sports Injuries Can Acupuncture Help? In sports medicine, acupuncture can be used to address a range of issues that affect athletes, including pain, injury and performance enhancement. “As a sports medicine specialist, for me it makes sense to treat people with acupuncture with injuries or pains or neurologic conditions in terms of any problems with muscles and nerves in the body,” said Dr. Reese. Here are some ways acupuncture is used in sports medicine: Pain management Acupuncture can help alleviate pain caused by sports injuries, such as sprains, strains and tendonitis. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin, providing immediate pain relief and reducing discomfort. Injury rehabilitation Acupuncture can be used as part of an overall rehabilitation plan for athletes recovering from injuries. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and increasing range of motion, acupuncture can help speed up the healing process. Performance enhancement Acupuncture can be used to enhance athletic performance by improving circulation, increasing energy levels and reducing stress and anxiety. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can help promote balance and harmony within the body, which can help athletes perform at their best. Indiana Golf Journal
tennis elbow, low back pain, neck pain, various forms of tendinitis, osteoarthritis and neck pain. It’s important to note that acupuncture should be used as a complementary therapy and not as a substitute for conventional medical treatment. If you’re considering acupuncture for an orthopedic or neurological condition, it’s important to talk to your doctor to determine if it’s right for you. Stress reduction Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common issues for athletes. By promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body, acupuncture can help athletes feel calmer and more focused, which can help them perform better. What Common Conditions Can Acupuncture Help? In addition to treating sports injuries, acupuncture can help athletes experiencing other common neurological and orthopedic conditions. Neurological and muscular disorders that can be treated by acupuncture include headaches, migraines, postconcussion syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy and rib nerve pain. Orthopedic conditions that may be treated with acupuncture include frozen shoulder, sciatica,
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Barry Cronin 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 Barry Cronin is a former golf writer for the Chicago Sun-Times and is currently the Editor for Chicago District Golfer. He owns and operates Cronin Communications with clients such as the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic and Western Golf Association. He brings a unique “extra-journalistic” perspective to his writing. Contact Barry at: https://www.facebook.com/barry.cronin.7 Indiana Golf Journal
VIDEOS Mike May and Fred Altvater are on location at the Palm Beach Par 3 to discuss recent Golf events and news. Team USA is set to travel to Ireland in April of 2024 to compete on Irish links courses. The very best of Irish parkland golf and castles will play host during their trip! Amateur Golfers NO USGA GHIN Handicap required to play in Team USA Qualifiers! You could win a trip and play for Team USA in Ireland in 2025! Jason Straka and Druids Glen Director of Golf, Marcus Doyle talk about the new Dana Fry and Jason Straka design in Ireland, Curracloe Links to open in 2026, located just a wee bit south of Dublin. Back 9 Report LIVE From Palm Beach Par 3 Preview Team USA vs Team Ireland in 2024 Amateur Golf Championship Dana Fry & Jason Straka to Design New Irish Course: Curracloe Links Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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