The end of November normally brings snow and cold weather to Northern Ohio, which puts a damper on the golf season. It’s time to think about planning that golf trip to Florida, Arizona or points south. 
This month in Ohio Golf Journal we talk about the benefits of short golf courses. We golfers sometimes get locked into thinking we have to play a full championship golf course, but that is just not true. Some of the most fun I had this summer was playing on short courses. The Sandbox at Sand Valley, the Preserve at Bandon Dunes, Threetops at Treetops and my all-time favorite Ottawa Park in Toledo are three short courses that are always a joy to play and bring a smile to my face.
If the USGA and the PGA of America were really serious about growing the game, they should be investing in more short courses and practice facilities in urban areas. Using a portion of the millions that they have squirreled away for a rainy day to renovate existing rundown municipal tracts and turn them into par-3’s for juniors, women and beginners that would help bring a new segment of the population to golf.
In this issue, Mike May writes about a new survey that touts the benefits of playing golf for your health. Walking of course is always a good choice, but the act of swinging a golf club and mentally thinking you way around a golf course helps prevent dementia, as well.
His message, “Feel Better, Play more Golf!”
The World Golf Hall of Fame will induct a legend in golf, Peggy Kirk Bell, in June. Bell was born and raised in Ohio and went on to help start the LPGA, become one of the best teachers in the game, raise a family and operate a successful golf resort in Pinehurst. Her induction is long overdue.
We at Ohio Golf Journal want to wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving, as well as, a wonderful Holiday Season.
We will still be trying to get a few holes in, when the weather permits, so hopefully we will see you on the Back 9.
