Fall Is A Delight For Golf In Indiana Thanks for reading the September issue of the Indiana Golf Journal. Our goal is to make every issue better than the one before it. While we are beginning to reach the tail end of the prime golf season here in Indiana, I have always felt that fall golf in Indiana is some of the best in the country. When the temperature is in the mid-60’s, it’s an absolute delight to visit the courses in Indiana to play golf. In this issue, we have a great story from Franciscan Health that may help all of us to age gracefully. We always appreciate Franciscan Health’s regular editorial contributions to our digital publication. They are an Indianabased group focused on the health of fellow residents of Indiana. In a few weeks, the Indiana High School Athletic Association will stage its annual girls state golf finals which will be held in Carmel at the Prairie View Golf Club. The 36-hole finale will be October 4-5. Carmel High School is the defending state champion. I hope you enjoy my recap of a recent trip that I made to Scotland in August. It was my first trip to the ‘Home of Golf.’ While there, I shared information about why people in Scotland should seriously consider a golf trip to Indiana, with their golf clubs I particularly want to thank Indiana Golf, French Lick Resort, Crooked Stick Golf Club, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Bridgestone Golf, Tour Edge, Bionic Glove, and Antigua Apparel for their support of my Scottish Golf Adventure. Mike 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
27 06 16 22 30 Pinehurst Area Basking in U.S. Open Glow Lydia Ko Wins Gold Medal & Hall of Fame Invitation Luzcka Wins Indiana MidAmateur BOYNE’s 3 Locations Receive Special Treatment French Lick To Host Korn Ferry Tour Finals Golf’s Grass Mowing Grandma A Traveling Golf Meteorologist Health Tips To Stay Active & Injury Free Two Great Courses In MidMichigan Exploring Links Golf In Scotland 06 12 20 22 30 16 18 36 40 27 USGA Needs A Few Good Interns 34 Our Favorite Videos 41 FIND INSIDE 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 Indiana Golf Journal
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A rare bright spot during the eye of the pandemic came in early September 2020, when the United States Golf Association named Pinehurst Resort and Country Club’s legendary No. 2 course as its first “anchor site” for U.S. Open Championships. Due in large part to the success of the four previous U.S. Opens at No. 2, including the Women’s U.S. Open in 2014, the Donald Ross masterpiece in the North Pinehurst Area Basking in U.S. Open Glow By Brad King enjoy on and away from the golf course. In the time since the big announcement, the USGA has transported much of its Liberty Corner, New Jersey operations to its new, second headquarters in Pinehurst — the six-acre “Golf House Pinehurst” complex near Carolina Sandhills was tapped to host the organization’s preeminent championships in 2024, 2029 — for a second men’s and women’s back-toback — 2035, 2041 and 2047. The USGA’s landmark announcement only fueled the continuation of growth around the “Home of American Golf.” Even if you’ve recently visited to the Sandhills region, you’ll quickly discover that Pinehurst ‘24 is a decidedly different destination, with a host of creations and attractions to
the Pinehurst Country Club clubhouse — under a multi-million incentive package approved by state and local leaders. “We go to the game’s greatest venues for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open, all of our championships — the cathedrals of the game. Pinehurst is one of those,” says John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s Chief Championships Officer. As part of the USGA’s Pinehurst campus, The World Golf Hall of Fame — which opened 50 years ago in Pinehurst before relocating to north Florida — is back with an exciting new, trimmeddown appearance. The state-of-the-art museum showcases extensive player memorabilia and collections honoring the game’s greats. The USGA campus and World Golf Hall of Fame at Pinehurst Resort tee up a must-see experience during any golfer’s visit to the Sandhills. The other dominant golf headline around the Sandhills in 2024 is the arrival of Pinehurst No. 10. Tom Doak’s new design on land that once housed The Pit debuted in April 2024 and is the first start-from-scratch course at the resort and club since the Tom Fazio-designed No. 8 opened in 1996. “We’ve got a really cool piece of land,” Doak says. “This ground has more variety and a different feeling to it than any of the other courses at the resort. There is a lot going on on this land. It keeps building up and getting more dramatic.” No. 10 is a walking course, where golfers enjoy the option of carrying their bag, pulling a trolley or hiring a caddie. Doak was green lighted to find the best 18 holes without returning the ninth hole to the clubhouse, giving the new design an oldschool feel. Indiana Golf Journal
Strantz, who worked a decade with legendary architect Tom Fazio before setting off on his own from his base outside Charleston, South Carolina, designed eight courses, working them one at a time and setting up camp for a year or more at each site. He was a rising star in the industry before his life was cut short by cancer in 2005 at the young age of 50 years old. The Sandhills area is gifted with two original Strantz designs. In addition to Tot Hill Farm, Tobacco Road opened in 1998 and is just over 20 miles to the northeast of Pinehurst and draws golf groups traveling from the north through Raleigh and Durham, wowing them with the craggy edges, blind shots and dramatic Other recent additions at Pinehurst Resort include the immensely enjoyable par-3 Cradle course, a restaurant with outdoor seating behind the 18th green at No. 2, and a micropub in the Village. Of late, Southern Pines Golf Club unveiled the 18-hole Overhills Putting Course, designed by Kyle Franz. In addition, Kris Spence “resurrected” Woodlake Country Club in Vass, while Mike Strantz’s Tot Hill Farm in nearby Asheboro received a refurbishing under new ownership. Tot Hill Farm opened in 2000 on a rocky site with an ever-present creek running through the course, featuring an 1800s farmhouse converted into a clubhouse and golf shop.
ups and downs whittled from the site of an old sand quarry. “‘Sensory overload’ is a phrase you hear often where Strantz courses are concerned,” said Greg Wood, the operations manager at Tot Hill Farm. “(Strantz) was at the height of his career when he was here, just coming off the accolades for Tobacco Road.” Free and open to the public, the Tufts Archives display an impressive collection of Donald Ross course maps and over 125,000 photographs of historic Pinehurst Village. The Archives are located in the Given Memorial Library and open Monday through Saturday. Hours of operation vary seasonally, so check before you go. The No. 1 grip on Tour is headquartered in Pinehurst just a short drive from downtown. At Golf Pride’s Global Innovation Center and Retail Lab, golf fans and equipment enthusiasts get an up-close look at the latest grip technology and history. Visitors can also test exclusive grips and get grip fit from an official Tour technician. Retired Army veterans Brad and Jessica Halling have opened the BHAWK distillery headquarters in Southern Pines, where they are raising the American spirit and expressing gratitude for extraordinary service through two premium brands, Sergeant’s Valor and Madam Colonel. Only six months after opening, Brad received Gold medals for both Sergeant’s Valor Select Bourbon and Sergeant’s Valor Select Rye at the USA Spirits Ratings and Sergeant’s Valor was named Rye Whiskey of the Year. In addition, Southern Pines Brewing Company transformed the old Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory, located in downtown Carthage, into a two-story brewery and restaurant featuring more than 50 taps, a downstairs speakeasy, a worldclass cocktail program and pizza flights. North Carolina’s Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area boasts a storied legacy of golf unlike any other place in the country, and it keeps getting better. The latest developments in a place as steeped in history as the “Home of American Golf” only accentuate all this region has to offer. Plan your visit to the Sandhills by visiting HomeofGolf.com. Indiana Golf Journal
Lydia Ko Wins Olympic Gold Plus a Spot in the Hall of Fame With her gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Lydia Ko earned the 27 points necessary for induction into the LPGA Hall of Fame. The 27-year-old New Zealand native achieved this milestone through a stellar career that includes LPGA Hall of Fame points earned for 20 LPGA Tour victories, highlighted by two major championship titles, two Rolex LPGA Player of the Year awards, twice earning the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy really couldn’t have gotten any better than I could have imagined, and I’ve had somany grateful things that happened in my career so far, and this really tops it. I couldn’t have asked for anything more to be honest.” Ko is now a three-time Olympic medalist, taking silver at the 2016 in Brazil and added a bronze at the 2020 games in Japan. Ko has amassed 20 LPGA Tour victories since for the season’s lowest scoring average and now the Olympic gold medal. Ko becomes the 35th individual enshrined in the LPGA Hall of Fame, joining the ranks of the most accomplished and influential athletes in the history of women’s golf. “For it to have happened here at the Olympics, unreal. I do feel like I’m a mythical character in a story tale. It Indiana Golf Journal
2012, including major titles at the 2015 Amundi Evian Championship and the 2016 Chevron Championship. She earned 18 of her titles since her rookie season in 2014, having won the 2012 and 2013 CPKC Women’s Open as an amateur prior to becoming an LPGA Tour Member. Ko was the 2015 and 2022 Rolex LPGA Player of the Year and won the Glenna Collett Vare Trophy, awarded to the player with the season’s lowest scoring average, in 2021 and 2022. In addition, Ko has seven wins on the Ladies European Tour, five wins on the WPGA Tour of Australasia and one win on the Korean LPGA Tour. She also partnered with Jason Day to win the inaugural Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed-team unofficial event featuring PGA Tour and LPGA Tour stars, in 2023. The newest Hall of Famer has set numerous Youngest Ever marks in her career. In August, 2012, she became the youngest winner, in LPGA Tour history, by winning the CPKC Women’s Open at 15 years, 4 months and 2 days. She became the youngest player, male or female, to reach World No. 1 when she ascended to the top of the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings in Febuary, 2015, at 17 years, 9 months and 9 days. Later that year, she became the youngest female major winner when she captured the 2015 Amundi Evian Championship at 18 years, 4 months and 20 days. She then became the youngest female ever to win two major championships at 18 years, 11 months and 9 days following her win at the 2016 Chevron Championship. Now at 27 years, 3 months and 17 days, Ko becomes the youngest player to be inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame under its current criteria. Prior to March 2022, induction criteria included the requirement that a player be active on Tour for 10 years. Karrie Webb reached the 27-point threshold at age 25 with her victory at the 2000 U.S. Women’s Open but did not reach the 10year requirement until age 30 in 2005. “Lydia’s qualification into the LPGA Hall of Fame isn’t just a milestone in her extraordinary career; it’s a testament to her generational talent, having built an unmatched resume of success at such a young age,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan. “Beyond her unprecedented achievements on the golf course, Lydia has inspired so many through her perseverance, kindness, generosity, and commitment to leaving the game better than she found it. She is a role model to us all and particularly to young girls, to whom she has
shown what a true champion is, in sport and in life. Cementing her place in the Hall of Fame by winning the gold medal achievements and the impact she’s made on the world of golf and in global sports.” The most recent inductees of the LPGA Hall of Fame were Lorena Ochoa and eight of the LPGA Tour’s original Founding Members. Ochoa had earned enough points to qualify when she retired in 2010 after eight seasons but did not receive enshrinement until the 10-year requirement was lifted in 2022. These nine women were honored in March 2022 for their years with the LPGA Tour. Prior to that, Inbee Park was the last player enshrined in the LPGA Hall of Fame when she earned the honor in 2016. here in Paris is iconic, and it is something we will all remember for a long time. We are immensely proud of Lydia’s Indiana Golf Journal
Patti Emerson, a 63-year-old mother, grandmother, and retired postal work from Seymour, Indiana, is doing a job which she never considered doing in her lifetime, but loves doing. Emerson works on the grounds crew, cutting grass on tees and fairways at Seymour’s Shadowood Golf Course, four mornings each week in the Spring, Summer and Fall. She relishes the experience of driving a riding lawnmower. “I love to mow grass. It relaxes me. It gives me time to myself and I think it is relaxing. I put my headphones on and stream my music and just mow.” Not only is Shadowood a great place to work, it’s also a wonderful place to mingle with the golfers. “Everyone on the course is so nice. They always wave at me and speak to me. I’ve met so many kind people.” Emerson’s career path to operating a mower was not conventional. “I had retired and was looking for something to do. My husband Dave started working in the Shadowood pro shop. They had an ad for high school-age cart attendants, so Dave asked Ryan Myers (Shadowood’s owner) if I could work carts. Ryan asked me to come to the golf course.” Upon arrival, she was hired. “I worked as a cart attendant the first year and then superintendent Tony Rutherford asked me if I would be interested in mowing. I said I would and the next year, I mowed two days a week and still did carts two days a week. Golf’s GrassMowing Grandma By Mike May Indiana Golf Journal
I have since switched strictly to mowing four days a week.” Emerson now has great respect for what it takes to maintain a golf course. “I did not know so much was involved in taking care of the course and maintaining the equipment. I didn’t realize greens have to be mowed everyday along with fairways.” Emerson has been a welcome addition to Shadowood’s maintenance team. “The people I work with are great. They helped me learn to mow fairways when I was having a difficult time seeing the correct line. I still have trouble sometimes, but I’m doing much better.” Rutherford says very few women have ever worked for him, but Emerson is a hard-working and an effective member of his team. “In my 20 years as a golf course superintendent, Patti is only the second woman to ever work for me at a golf course,” said Rutherford. “She has a good work ethic, has picked up things up quickly, and is very detail-oriented. Her confidence has grown quickly in the job.” For Emerson, working at Shadowood requires an early arrival, as it takes at least two hours to mow all the greens. “If we have an event going on, sometimes I have to come in at 5:30 AM to make sure I get all greens mowed before they start, especially if it’s a shotgun start. In the early spring, we usually start at 7:00 AM, for most of the summer, we start at 6:00 am.” When Emerson is not working at Shadowood, she babysits her granddaughter on Mondays and Wednesdays. Golf at Seymour’s Shadowood Golf Club will remain a great experience for all, as long as Patti Emerson continues to do her mowing job, and she does it very well.
While the focal point was on the golfers at the Epson Tour’s Otter Creek Championship, in June, one of the most important individuals on-site that week was meteorologist, Marcus Hustedde. that could affect play and the fans. The LPGA, who owns the EPSON Tour, hires a qualified meteorologist from a company called DTN for every LPGA and Epson Tour event to assure players, caddies, tournament officials, as well as spectators are aware of local weather conditions and sound the alarm if severe weather is headed for the golf course. For Hustedde, his job is less demanding when the sun is shining, the sky is blue and conditions are calm, which is often true, but not always the case. The weather is a crucial element at every golf tournament and requires that Hustedde arrives early and has the proper equipment to keep everyone safe. “I’m up early preparing that day’s weather forecast,” said Hustedde. “I prepare and send out my weather forecast an hour before that day’s first tee time. And, if the weather changes, I’ll prepare another A Traveling Golf Meteorologist While golf fans were at the Otter Creek Golf Club to watch the Epson Tour players pursue low scores, Hustedde was watching the skies and his computer screen to be alert for any developing weather conditions By Mike May Indiana Golf Journal
forecast. I prepare at least two weather forecasts every day.” While golf has a reputation of being played in glorious sunshine, that’s not always the case. “We have days on Tour that are cold, damp, and rainy, but as long as there’s no thunder or lightning, tournament play will continue in the rain. My job is to keep an eye on any weather that’s coming toward the golf course, as much as a week in advance.” The LPGA Rules officials rely heavily on Hustedde’s knowledge and expertise every day, but especially during the weekend, after the cut is made when there are fewer players left in the field. “Based on my projections, especially if bad weather is headed our way, the LPGA will adjust tee times for the following day so we can maximize open windows of good weather to finish tournament play before stormy conditions arrive. They will always ask me what tomorrow’s weather is likely to be.” In addition to working professional golf tournaments, Hustedde is the meteorologist for Notre Dame home football games in the fall and their outdoor graduation ceremony in the spring. “When the weather is nice in the fall, I sit in the press box at Notre Dame Stadium and enjoy a great game of college football. Then I travel to another golf tournament.” When he’s not traveling the world with professional golf, he enjoys storm chasing throughout the Midwest. Based in St. Louis, Hustedde also told us, “It’s been a busy and interesting year for weather. I’ve taken some amazing pictures of the skies this year.” As a golf tournament meteorologist, he tracks bad weather, but as a storm chaser, he pursues it, but when the weather is calm, he relaxes and watches golf being played by some of the world’s best golfers.
In a dramatic display of skill and composure, Cameron Luczka, from Whitestown, emerged as the champion of the 2024 Fortune’s Fool Indiana Golf Association’s Mid-Amateur Championship, held at Old Oakland Golf Club. It took a tense four-hole playoff with Noblesville’s Kenny Cook to seal the deal. Luczka was in top form carding rounds of 67 and 69 for a total of eight-under par. A pivotal eagle on the 16th and a clutch birdie on the 18th propelled him into the playoff. “I feel great. Our whole group played well, and anytime we play good golf, it’s always fun.” His words encapsulated the camaraderie and fierce competition that defined the event. Luczka missed several birdie opportunities in the final round, but remained focused and finished strong to force the playoff with Cook. “I didn’t make many birdies, but I was able to finish strong with that eagle and birdie coming in.” The nerve-wracking playoff began with matched pars on the first three holes, but on the fourth Cook missed a short putt opening the door for Luczka. With the championship on the line, Luczka demonstrated nerves of steel, calmly sinking his putt to secure the title. In his post-round interview, Luczka reflected on the playoff’s intensity and his overall performance. “Kenny was great out there. I missed a lot of birdie putts and had a couple of bad wedges, but making that 20-footer for par on the last was something special.” Luczka’s triumph at the 2024 Fortune’s Fool IGA Mid-Amateur Championship not only underscores his resilience under pressure but also solidifies his status as one of Indiana’s premier golfers. By Renee Adam Cameron Luczka Wins Indiana Mid-Amateur Indiana Golf Journal
All Three Locations At BOYNE Resort Are Getting Special Treatment Having three top golf resorts is somewhat like having three children. How do you decide which one gets taken care of first? That’s the dilemma at Boyne Mountain, The Highlands and Bay Harbor, three resorts with a combined ten golf courses, plus other amenities and attractions. By Len Ziehm with Pictures by Joy Sarver Indiana Golf Journal
So, how does the Boyne management make those difficult decisions? It’s all about the ten-year plan that was drawn up in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. “We have a 10-year plan for every hole on every course at all the resorts,’’ said Ken Griffin, the director of sales and marketing for the resorts. “There are very specific plans for continual upgrades.’’ And it’s been working – though not without an occasional hiccup. The biggest was at The Highlands, where the new par-3 course, Doon Brae was to be installed. They were almost finished last year, then a super storm hit. “We only had two holes to go,’’ said Griffin. “Then we got 25 to 30 inches of rain. We had three-four feet of sand ripped out in the first week of November.’’ Work resumed in the spring but neither the course, dubbed Doon Brae (Scottish for “short walk downhill’’), or the 27-hole putting course have opened to the public yet. The Grand Opening for both has been pushed back to 2025. Michigan architect Ray Hearn did the design work as part of a series of projects he’s undertaken at the resorts. Each of the nine greens at Doon Brae has a different template, each reflecting a style of green — Ridan, Punch Bowl, Volcano, Postage — played in Scotland.
Just as intriguing is the course’s location. “It’ll be the only course that we know of where golf is played in the summer and skiing is done in the winter,’’ said Griffin. Doon Brae will be a walking course, but the walks up the ski hill will be minimal. The longest hole is 136 yards and only two holes require uphill walks. Though pushcarts and carry bags will be available, Griffin expects many players will simply carry a few clubs to play the short course. Despite the weather problems, affecting Doon Brae, upgrades are continuing full speed at all three resorts. Boyne Mountain received an impressive Skybridge last year, and it’s become a major tourist attraction, plus extensive work has begun on the lodge at The Highlands. BOYNE has also taken on a new tournament beginning next year. The Epson Tour will conduct a tournament the next three years on The Heather course at The Highlands. The resorts’ courses haven’t been lacking for players, but pro tour events are another matter. “We’ve never done a tournament like that,’’ said Griffin. “Pre-Covid we were close to getting a Champions Tour event, but negotiations fell apart.’’ Rain problems and tournaments aside, the beat goes on with new projects at the resorts. “We’re re-investing at a higher level than I’ve ever seen,’’ said Griffin, who has worked for the resorts for 16 years. HERE’S WHAT’S been happening at each Boyne resort: BOYNE Mountain, located in Boyne Falls, is the oldest and celebrated its 75th anniversary last year with the addition of the Skybridge. Hearn also supervised major upgrades on their two courses, the Alpine and the Monument. The Mountain has only two courses, but that could change one of these days. Legendary architect Pete Dye designed a course for that resort prior to his death in 2020. Center lines were cut, then work ended abruptly because Indiana Golf Journal
Boyne management preferred to build a water park. It opened in 2004 and is now the largest indoor water park in Michigan. Land for a future Dye course, however, is still available. “There’s no further design plans for a course, but we designed around the world and revisions have been completed to holes 1, 2, 13, 15 and 16. Work is being done one hole at a time to minimize a reduction in play and No. 10 is being tackled this year, meaning the Ross is temporarily a 17-hole course. know that we have the space for one,’’ said Griffin. THE Highlands has four courses and renovations to the Donald Ross Memorial course won’t be completed quickly. Every hole but one is a replica of holes that Ross
Skybridge Michigan has become a popular tourist attraction at the Boyne Mountain Resort. It stretches 1,200 feet in length and hangs 120 feet above the valley below. Skybridge can be accessed via the historic Hemlock Scenic Chairlift, the first chairlift built in the United States and installed at Sun Valley, Idaho, in 1938. It was later transferred to Michigan and rebuilt at BOYNE, in 1948. The bridge offers spectacular panoramic views, plus the glass floor in the middle of the bridge enhances the views of the Valley floor. September and October are the best times to visit Skybridge. “It’s so much about how the valley looks then,’’ said Ken Griffin, director of sales and marketing at the Boyne resorts. He said the bridge could hold 5,000 people but never more than 500 have been on it at one time. No. 10, a replica of the 14th hole at Scotland’s Royal Dornoch, is the only one of the 18 holes that wasn’t designed by Ross himself. “But it’s the course where he grew up, where he learned golf,’’ said Griffin. It’s also the course where Ross worked as a golf professional for the first time. The Ross course is not a project to be taken lightly. The BOYNE hierarchy wants each hole to be as accurate as possible. To show how serious the staff takes this project is reflected by the work undertaken on the 15th hole – a replica of No. 11 at Aronimink in Pennysylvania. The original version at The Highlands had five bunkers. Now, after a renovation, it has 22. “We thought what we had was the original, but it wasn’t,’’ said Griffin, “so we moved it up the line and redid it.’’ The Bay Harbor Golf Club offers three nine-hole layouts, The Links, Quarry and Preserve. The Links/Quarry combination, designed by the late Arthur Hills, may be the best of BOYNE’s 10 courses, but Crooked Tree may be a bigger success story there. Harry Bowers was the original architect, and Boyne purchased the course from the family that had built it. “It’s the only of one of our 10 courses that we didn’t build.’’ said Griffin. “The last three holes (16, 17 and 18) were not good holes. Ten years ago, Crooked Tree recorded the lowest number of rounds compared to the other BOYNE courses, however, after a redesign by Arthur Hills it has become one of the top three courses guests want to play, along with the Heather and the Hills Courses.’’ BOYNE Resort is in a class by itself in the Mitten State and management’s commitment to consistent improvements will keep it so a long time in the future. Indiana Golf Journal
Exploring Links Golf In Scotland By Mike May During a recent 13-day trip to Scotland, I spent half of my time working on R2 Innovative Technologies’ scoring team at the LPGA’s ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, held at the Dundonald Links in western Scotland, and the other half of my trip I was able to play some of Scotland’s most spectacular and historic links courses. The first two rounds of my golf adventure were played at the Western Gailes Golf Club and Prestwick Golf Club. Both are perched along the Firth of Clyde, on the west coast of Scotland. If you can imagine an ideal links golf destination, Western Gailes is simply brilliant.
Prestwick is a true memory maker and is historically significant as the site of the first Open Championship held in October 1860. The last Open held at Prestwick was in 1925. Next stop was the Scottish Highlands, where I played the Championship Course and the Struie Course, at Royal Dornoch. The Championship Course is one of golf’s alltime best designs. The back nine of the Championship Course is filled with seaside views of the adjacent Dornoch Firth. The view out to sea from the 7th tee is well worth the uphill trek from the 6th green. The Struie Course, which will deliver a fun links golf experience, is considered one of Scotland’s top 50 links courses. While the Royal Dornoch has been in existence since 1877, golf has been played here since early in the 17th Century. Researcher Wade Cormack uncovered evidence that John, the 13th Earl of Sutherland, played golf on this property in 1616, more than 400 years ago. Golf Digest has ranked the Championship course at Royal Dornoch as high as No. 3 on its Top 100 International golf courses. David Brice referred to Royal Dornoch as “the king of Scottish links Indiana Golf Journal
courses.” The Championship Course has also been listed No. 1 in the world by Golfscape, the online golf reservation service. Tom Watson, who is an honorary member at Royal Dornoch offers high praise, “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.” Patty Gates of Worcester, Massachusetts, echoed Watson’s praise, “My overall memory at Royal Dornoch was that it was the most fun and happy round of golf I’ve ever played.” During my three-day, three-round experience at Royal Dornoch, I stayed at the Dornoch Station Hotel. The well-decorated Bar Ross, with its snooker table, is a popular destination at night for hotel guests. The quality of the fare served at The Golden Gorse restaurant, plus its overall ambiance add to the appeal of the Dornoch Station Hotel. Upon leaving Dornoch, I headed south to Nairn, which is another small community based along the Moray Firth. I stayed at the Gulfview Hotel & Spa for three days and two nights and enjoyed the view of the Moray Firth. The Coast Spa, which includes a heated indoor pool, is truly first-class. The hotel’s overall service, as well as the Hickory Restaurant is superb. Nairn is the home of both Nairn and Castle Stuart Golf Links. Nairn has hosted the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup and the 2021 Men’s (British) Amateur Championship. Avid golfers say golf at Nairn is as exciting as playing the Old Course at St. Andrews. When you play Nairn, make a pit shop for a snack, drink or a bathroom break at the halfway house known as the Bothy, which is adjacent to the 9th green. More than 100 years ago, former five-time (British) Open champion James Braid recognized Nairn’s positive qualities, which continue to this day. Braid fired a 69 on Nairn in 1901 and was the first player to break 70 on the course. “The texture of the turf and character of the greens are unrivalled.” In my opinion, Castle Stuart is a ‘Mona Lisa,’ as it’s one of the most perfect golf course layouts in the world. It’s also a four-time host of the Scottish Open. Western Gailes, Prestwick, Royal Dornoch, Castle Stuart, and Nairn – plus the Dornoch Station Hotel and the Gulfview Hotel & Spa -- await your arrival and my return.
Korn Ferry Visits French Lick’s Pete Dye Course For Season-Ending Event The Korn Ferry Tour Finals will be held at French Lick Resort in Indiana September 29-October 6. The Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance will be contested on The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort, September 29 to October 6. Korn Ferry’s annual season-ending tournament and the hallowed PGA Tour Card Ceremony will be on The Pete Dye Course through 2028 as part of a five-year partnership with the resort. “We are looking forward to our partnership with French Lick Resort and working with their team of great people,” said Ronald D. Romain, Executive Chairman of United Leasing & Finance, an official sponsor of Korn Ferry Tour events since 2012. “The Pete Dye Course is a world-class venue, and I am eager to see By Steve Pike Indiana Golf Journal
how Korn Ferry Tour players navigate their way around this difficult golf course.” Founded in 1990 and owned and operated by the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry is the developmental circuit of the PGA Tour. It awards 30 PGA Tour cards based off its points list in 2023, with the No. 1 player earning exemptions into the following year’s Players Championship and U.S. Open. With more than 600 PGA Tour titles, 28 major championships and six FedEx Cup champions, Korn Ferry Tour alumni make up 88 percent of the PGA Tour’s current membership. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort was named Jemsek National Course of the Year by the National Golf Course Owners Association in 2009 and again in 2017. The course was also No. 19 in the 2023 edition of Golf Digest’s ranking of America’s 100 Greatest course to our schedule, especially for our seasonending event, ensures the topperforming players on the Korn Ferry Tour will be put to the test as they compete to earn PGA Tour membership.” Make your plans today to visit French Lick for the Korn Ferry Tour’s Finals and play the historic Donald Ross course and Valley Links, while you are there. Click HERE for more information. Public Courses, and it has been named No. 1 public course in Indiana for 15 consecutive years in Golfweek’s “Best You Can Play” ratings. “We are incredibly excited for the future of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance as it moves to The Pete Dye Course at French Lick,” said Korn Ferry Tour President Alex Baldwin. “Adding a demanding, championship-caliber golf
French Lick Resort’s famed Pete Dye and Donald Ross courses and nine-hole Valley Links are about to have company with a fourth course set to open at the resort. The Sand Creek Course at French Lick Resort is located adjacent to the Valley Links course and driving range. It will feature nine holes ranging between 35 and 90 yards with both clubs and balls provided with the greens fee, or guests may use their own clubs if they wish. French Lick Resort CEO Chuck Franz explained, “We’re always wanting to play into our history with different attractions and projects across property, and with the popularity of golf coming out of the pandemic, another 9 holes of some sort was always on our radar to advance us to 54 holes of golf resort-wide,” Franz said. “Dave Harner, our Director of Golf, is fantastic about growing the game, and the more people you can get on course enjoying golf here at French Lick, that’s a great thing.” The Sand Creek Course will be open year-round, lights have able to play this course. It’s not a miniature golf experience but it’s not a true, serious champ golf course experience. It’s a lot of fun, and I think when people get out there and play, they’ll get hooked on it. It will have miniature versions of the Dye volcano bunkers, and some of the Ross greens contours. The rock formation that we use around the lakes at Dye we’re using around the water retention area here.” Visit FrenchLick.com for more information. French Lick Resort To Add 4th Course been installed for play after dark, piped-in music will play on the course, plus a food truck will keep guests fueled up to play all day. Dave Harner, Director of Golf Operations at French Lick told us, “It’s a simple, easy place to play. It adds to our experience in that it gives you an alternative to the championship course – a place where beginners, families, corporate groups, whether they all play golf or not, they’ll be Indiana Golf Journal
USGA Is Looking For A FEW Good Young Interns As golf continues to grow the demand for qualified staff at golf clubs has increased tremendously. The United State Golf Association (USGA) is helping to funnel emerging talent to a broad range of job opportunities that exist in the game. This year the USGA had 323 interns enrolled and directed their recruiting efforts to This year’s pool of interns represents a broad spectrum of disciplines – including students majoring in science and technology, data analytics, research, education and nonprofit management. The interns were then matched with USGA core service and program teams that profited from the interns’ knowledge, while also providing a platform for progress and growth. From USGA.org individuals representing a wide range of backgrounds and communities. They saw a 59-percent increase in applicants from historically underrepresented backgrounds across the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program from 2023 to 2024, as well as a 12-percent increase in women participating in USGA internships. Indiana Golf Journal
“It’s important that we don’t think of these young people simply as interns, but rather the future leaders of our game,” said USGA CEO Mike Whan. “The proof is in the numbers – we are providing more opportunities and in turn, seeing higher percentages of USGA interns working full-time across the golf industry.” Of note, 201 individuals are completing P.J. Boatwright Internships this year across the USGA’s network of 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) providing interns with on-the-job training in golf administration. In 2024, the USGA provided $2.1 million in grants to AGAs to support wages, travel costs and operational support. The Boatwright program began in 1991 and has had a large impact. Across AGAs, 33 percent of executive directors and 38 percent of all AGA staff members are former programs and advanced technologies. Earlier this summer, 112 undergraduate and graduate students had the opportunity to intern at the U.S. Open in Pinehurst, N.C., providing them with first-hand access and exposure to job functions that power a major sporting event. Championship and Merchandising interns were immersed in a variety of operational jobs, while the 24 Pathways Interns took advantage of career exploration and networking opportunities. Research released by the American Golf Industry Coalition in 2023 highlighted golf’s $102 billion national economic impact, plus the 1.65 million jobs required to bring golf to the masses. The USGA is committed to collaborate with partners to identify, attract and engage more talent from diverse backgrounds to lead the game forward. Boatwrights. Upon completion of the program, interns will join a network of more than 3,300 alumni working across sports and beyond who launched their careers as Boatwrights. As golf evolves, so too do the roles and functions of interns. In 2024, a number of interns are immersed in specialized areas focused on sustainability and inclusion initiatives, including supporting adaptive golf programs, turfgrass research and management through the USGA’s Green Section, diversity
Knee Braces Help Golfers & Other Athletes Have you ever noticed athletes sporting knee braces during games or runs and have you also wondered if they help? Jenna Walls, MD, a sports medicine physician with Franciscan Health, explains how these braces can be the first line of defense against common knee injuries. She has seen knee braces help with patellofemoral pain syndrome (cartilage damage under the kneecap), patellar By Franciscan Health Doctors frequently advise athletes and active individuals to use knee braces. Wearing knee braces can prevent injuries or support previously injured knees. How Can Knee Braces Manage Pain And Help With Recovery? If you’re experiencing knee pain or recovering from an injury, knee braces might be the solution. “Functional and rehabilitative knee braces offer some control of knee rotation,” Dr. Walls said. While these braces can enhance the stability and function of an injured knee, it’s essential to prioritize lower extremity muscle strengthening, flexibility, and biomechanical factors over solely relying on braces. Focusing on the lower legs ensures comprehensive rehabilitation and reduces the risk of recurring injuries. tendinopathy (jumper’s knee) and iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome. “Common knee injuries we see in patients include ligament tears or sprains, meniscus tears and cartilage injuries,” said Dr. Walls. “Older athletes may struggle with knee pain because of osteoarthritis.” Knee braces can reduce knee pain, prevent knee injuries and help an athlete recover after an injury. Indiana Golf Journal
Knee Braces For Pain Relief Versus Recovery The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) categorizes knee braces into several types: • Prophylactic: Used for preventing or reducing the severity of knee injuries. They can help with medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries. • Functional: Help with injuries such as anterior collateral ligament (ACL) tears or posterior collateral ligament (PCL) injuries. They can offer support after ACL surgery. • Rehabilitative: Designed to allow protected, controlled motion, doctors recommend rehabilitative devices during the rehabilitation of an injured knee. • Patellofemoral: Improve patellar tracking (when the kneecap shifts out of place) and relieve anterior knee pain. Knee braces can help with pain relief, injury prevention or recovery after injury. Understanding the different types of support can help you determine which type of knee brace aligns best with your specific needs. How Do You Get A Good Fit And Avoid Discomfort? Ensuring your knee brace fits snugly is crucial. Excessively tight knee braces can interfere with circulation, and loose ones fail to provide adequate support. Properly using the braces and regularly tightening the straps and adjustable closures will help prevent the brace from shifting. Additionally, you should promptly replace broken or damaged knee braces. A physician, physical therapist or athletic trainer can provide invaluable guidance in selecting the best brace based on your goals and needs. Can Wearing A Knee Brace Make Knee Problems Worse? While knee braces offer valuable support and protection, there’s a caveat.
“Research suggests that wearing a knee brace can create a false sense of security for injured and previously injured athletes,” said Dr. Walls. Despite the added support provided by knee braces, you should recognize that wearing a brace doesn’t protect you against further injury. “Athletes should limit any activity that causes a significant increase in knee pain, even if they are wearing a brace,” added Dr. Walls. Overlooking warning signs and pushing beyond pain thresholds can make existing injuries worse or lead to new ones. And if you’re recovering from surgery, proceed with caution. Rushing the rehabilitation process by using a brace can delay proper healing and potentially prolong recovery time. current knee pain, current activity level, activity goals and your strength and biomechanics. A Balanced Approach to Knee Health Knee braces are a valuable tool in your efforts to prevent injury, reduce pain relief and help with recovery. But, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Remember to include strength training, flexibility exercises and proper rehabilitation to get your knees feeling better. Let our sports medicine team help you with your athletic recovery. And if you’re looking for a new training program, our coaches offer athletic development and sports performance training designed to address your specific goals. When Should You Talk To Your Provider? Athletes who have questions about whether a knee brace is appropriate can also benefit from consulting a physician. Your provider will consider many factors when determining the best recovery plan, including your injury history, Indiana Golf Journal
Our Contributors This Month Len Ziehm Ed Travis 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/ 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 Steve Pike Steve Pike is a multiple award-winning journalist and author. He has written for Golfweek, Golf World, The New York Times Magazine Group, Golf Digest and as a golf business writer for PGA.com. You can find more from Steve at Spike’s Peeks: The Art of Travel, as well as, Links Magazine, Hotelinteractive.com, Coastal Star Newspaper, NewEngland.golf and Golf-Hound.com Indiana Golf Journal
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