Welcome to American Golf Journal FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Michigan Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report Welcome to this inaugural issue of American Golf Journal. We hope to provide the best in golf information, travel, style and opinion. We are fortunate to have an experienced group of golf writers that provide knowledgeable and informative articles about the golf industry and travel. Ed Travis is widely known for his articles about golf equipment. Steve Pike, Ed Schmidt Jr. and Len Ziehm travel extensively and share their experiences with our readers. We even have an international reach as our good friend from Scotland, Kieran Clark submitted a piece about the greed and drama surrounding the LIV and PGA Tour merger. The headlines surrounding this money grab is not what real golf is about and average golfers need to remember a round of golf should be about time well spent with friends. We want to thank BOYNE Golf for their support over the years and we are happy to feature the exciting things happening at this iconic Northern Michigan resort. American Golf Journal is meant to complement our current monthly digital magazines, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan Golf Journals, plus Back 9 Report TV on YouTube. We hope you enjoy our newest publication and maybe we will see you on the Back 9 of a golf course near you. American Golf Journal
American Golf Journal is Published By Back 9 Media Group Publisher: Fred Altvater, USGTF Teaching Professional Advertise with American 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 30 FIND INSIDE 06 14 18 36 BOYNE Set To Open 11th Course: Doone Brae Who is Trying to Kill Golf Quicker……LIV or USGA? The PGA & Golf Bring Families Closer Together Team USA Wins Inaugural World Champions Cup How the Grinch Stole Christmas For Golfers 2024 PGA Show Continues Bounce Back Men’s Professional Golf Doesn’t Deserve Our Respect 06 10 18 30 14 28 20 Let SQAIRZ Golf Shoes Improve Your Game Tiger Woods & Justin Timberlake Open New Luxe Bar 26 33 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors Cabot Citrus Set for January Opening Ace Indoor Golf Is A Leader In Golf Simulators 41 40 36 38 American Golf Journal
Doon Brae will be the 11th course at BOYNE when it opens is 2024. The new short course was designed by Ray Hearn and sits at the base of the ski hill behind The Highlands Lodge. “As far as I know, this is the first modern golf course ever built on a ski hill,” said Bernie Friedrich, Director of look different and are big. We also sodded all of the fairways, which will be well-maintained and surrounded by some tall fescue for that whisper look and feel. It’s going to be quite stunning. There’s a lot of excitement about short courses. We want to keep people excited about golf and wanting to play. If playing 18 or 36 holes is not enough on any day, this gives golfers another option.” BOYNE Set To Open 11th Course: Doon Brae Golf Course Renovations and Development at Boyne Resorts. “What excites me most is how beautiful and different it is. There are three or four stacked wall bunkers. Instead of using tee boxes, we’ll have just one marker on each hole and let guests play wherever they want. And the greens are inspired by some of the great ones around the world. They’re not copies of any specific greens, but they American Golf Journal
In Scottish, Doon Brae translates to, Doon, going downhill into a valley, while Brae refers to a hillside. Sitting at the base of the Highlands ski hill, that is exactly what this 9-hole short course is. The course maxes out at 993 yards with the forward tees being 678 yards. Holes will vary in length from the shortest 57 yards to the longest at 134 yards. Due to the elevation and slope of the hillside, uphill, downhill, as well as side-hill lies will add to the challenge. we both fell in love with Royal County Down and it inspired us during the design of Doon Brae.” Hearn drew inspiration from the iconic links greens in Scotland and Ireland. Golfers will find Hearn’s tribute to the Eden green, Punch Bowl, Redan, Reverse Redan, Volcano, Steep Slope, Postage Stamp, and even a Biarritz green. Doon Brae will also be lit for night play and a quick round will be the perfect end to a day Golf designer Ray Hearn, who has been working closely with BOYNE to renovate several of the resort’s courses, was chosen to build this new course. “Working with Stephen Kircher and Bernie Friedrich on this project has been really exciting,” said Hearn, who was inspired by his many overseas trips to Scotland and Ireland and in particular, Royal County Down. “Stephen came over to Ireland on one of the first architecture seminars overseas while teaching at MSU and
convention. They will get to experience what great golf Northern Michigan has to offer. “With three locations and 162 holes under our control we are one of the largest golf resorts in the country.’’ said Griffin. “It’s not just the holes. It’s the total golf experience. We’ve become an international destination.’’ Back 9 Report talked with Ken Griffin, Director of Sales & Marketing, about golf at BOYNE and the international tour operators coming to the resort. To watch the full interview, click HERE. Renovations BOYNE has been working closely with course designer Ray Hearn to renovate several of their courses. The Moor course expanded fairways and updated the green surrounds to improve the playability of the course. Hearn updated several holes on the Ross Course and by using modern technology, he made them more closely replicate the original Donald Ross designs. Bernie Friedrich spoke with Back 9 Report about the renovations and new short course on the links. The short course is also the ideal family activity. BOYNE To Host IAGTO In June, Boyne resorts will host 350 tour operators from around the world at the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) American Golf Journal
Cherry Capital Airport Has 18 Direct Flights It’s never been easier to get to BOYNE. The Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City now offers nonstop flights to 18 cities across the United States. American, Delta, United, Sun Country and Allegiant fly direct to Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, Denver, Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington D.C. (Dulles and Reagan), Newark, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando. Upon arrival breeze through the Cherry Capital Airport and be on the first tee at a BOYNE Golf course within two hours of touchdown. With the long summer days in Northern Michigan, there will be ample sunlight to get in a full round in the afternoon. Why Wait Book NOW! BOYNE Golf has a 10-year plan for systematic renovation to their properties and to continue to offer the best vacation experience imaginable. Now is the perfect time to book your 2024 Golf Getaway to BOYNE Golf. at The Highlands. To view the full interview click HERE. Lodging BOYNE has also been busy updating their accommodations and they have never been better. With three locations, The Highlands, The Mountain and the luxurious Inn at Bay Harbor, they have something for everyone. All three locations provide world-class lodging, plus they offer several wonderful dining options. Other Amenities When you are not on one of the 11 courses, zip lining, hiking, biking, swimming and other outdoor activities are available. BOYNE also boasts the largest indoor water park in Michigan at The Mountain location. The world’s longest and tallest timber-towered suspension bridge, SkyBridge Michigan is also located at Boyne Mountain. At 1,203 feet long and 118 feet above the valley floor, resort guests can access SkyBridge via a chairlift, or hike the trail to the top.
Who is Trying to Kill Golf Quicker…… LIV or USGA? Opinion Since 2020 the golf industry has experienced a resurgence of popularity and golf course owners are experiencing the highest levels of profitability they have ever seen. Women and juniors are taking up the game in record numbers and tee sheets at golf courses are filled with enthusiastic golfers. By Fred Altvater The golf equipment and apparel segments are seeing record sales of golfing paraphernalia. Everything seems to be booming in the golf world, but is it really? When there is big money to be made, others want a piece of the pie. That is exactly what is happening right now and it will alter the game as we know it. The LIV and PGA Tour are in a battle to the death to control the professional game. The United States Golf Association (USGA), in their infinite wisdom has decided that the golf ball goes too far and plans to limit it for everyone, not just elite golfers, by 2030. Both of these issues are causing everyday golfers to sit back and wonder about the health of the game. There are a total of 25 million golfers in the United States that play on over 15,000 courses. One of the arguments raised by the USGA is that golf courses are being shrunk due to the distances the golf ball travels. American Golf Journal
Between the Korn Ferry Tour, LPGA Tour and PGA Tour fewer than 150 golf courses host professional golf tournaments. Add in the 15 national championship events and qualifiers that the USGA hosts that brings the total number of courses used for professional than .1% of all golfers are the cause for concern? Average amateur golfers with swing speeds of 100 mph, or less will not see a big difference in distance lost, but why should a 20 handicapper’s enjoyment of the game be reduced, due and elite amateur events to less than 200, or 1.3% of the 15,000 courses. There are approximately 2,000 tour professionals which is less than .1% of all golfers. Why is the USGA rolling back the golf ball for everyone, when less
to limitations placed on his equipment? In a game that can be frustrating, why would anyone want to limit the average hacker that pays for tee times, golf equipment and watches golf on their big screen. That brings me to the next culprits, the PGA Tour and the rival LIV. The LIV is raiding the best talent from the PGA Tour for exorbitant sums of money, which lowers the quality of product the PGA Tour is producing for the golfing public. When the PGA Tour negotiated their most recent television contracts, CBS, NBC and ESPN pay the tour over $700 million annually to broadcast tournaments on their respective media platforms. In addition, the Discovery Channel pays $177 million every year for international broadcast rights. million in 2024, up from $18 million last year. How long will sponsors pony up these large amounts of dollars to support the PGA Tour’s lack of star power and lower quality product? If television and sponsor money decreases, or even disappears, what becomes of the PGA Tour. Purses will decrease and tournaments will disappear, which lowers the professional’s ability to earn money. We hear the phrase, “Grow the Game” repeatedly from the USGA, PGA and the PGA Tour, I’m not sure how the PGA Tour going down the tubes and the USGA rolling back the golf ball will help “Grow the Game.” In fact, I feel that the golf industry is at the precipice of a sharp decline. Sponsors have been willing to shell out upwards of $20 million for the naming rights to individual tournaments. Between the FedEx St. Jude Classic and the FedEx Cup the huge logistics company shells out over $90 million annually. The winner of the FedEx Cup will receive $25 American Golf Journal
How the Grinch Stole Christmas For Golfers By Ed Travis American Golf Journal
The United States Golf Association (USGA) and The Royal and Ancient (The R&A), could very easily be called the Grinch that Stole Christmas for Golfers. Just before Christmas it was announced that the distance the golf balls you, me and the professionals on the PGA Tour hit, go too far. Their solution is to roll back allowable performance to what it was 20 years ago, with the restriction to take effect in 2028. The Ruling Bodies are looking into the future, but are zooming into the past. Whether you like their idea or not, we can get over this, as well as the negativity surrounding this issue and move on. Their logic says that for the past two decades the driving distance of elite players has steadily increased and should that trend continue, for another 20 years the game will be in serious trouble. In their eyes the problem is the golf ball. Their solution is to tell manufacturers the only ball that will be permitted is one that flies less distance. For PGA Tour players this difference is reported to be five percent, approximately 12-15 yards, for recreational players closer to a loss five yards. Recent surveys show that there are approximately 66 million golfers around the world. Professional tours account for around 5,000-6,000, less than .09 % of all golfers. Less than 10% (170,000) of American golfers carry a handicap of five, or less and are considered elite amateurs. The mass percentage of golfers in the world are being affected by less than 10% of all golfers. Restricting ball performance does not address improvements to driver technology, golf course conditioning, nor physical conditioning and training of elite golfers. Which begs the questions, Will there still be a distance problem 20 years into the future? Has the whole problem become a tin can and merely kicked down the road? The good news is the USGA by pushing the implementation date to 2028 may have avoided lawsuits from golf ball manufacturers, plus this
blanket distance restriction would not require a bifurcation of the rules between recreational players and elite players. We should be thankful for both of those “gifts,” but they do not compensate for stealing Christmas by fixing a problem that doesn’t really exist. Golf is in such a good place right now. The numbers of golfers have been steadily growing since 2020. Does it make sense to pour vinegar in the eggnog by creating another controversy and ruling against the desires of the overwhelming number of golfers. The heart of the USGA’s argument is the ball goes farther when hit by pros and elite amateurs, thus courses must be built longer to accommodate them. Since most courses don’t hold professional events, worrying about a few extra yards is a smoke screen. Only a tiny percentage of courses ever hold a PGA Tour event, much less a major championship. The biggest factor accounting for the length being added to courses is most likely a reflection of the course owner’s ego, “my course is longer than your course.” Think about that the next time you hear a statement from the USGA justifying disruption of our game. American Golf Journal
The golf ball rollback is just the beginning. The amount of titanium and carbon fiber in the driver’s clubface increases the rebound effect at impact, which adds distance. Both the USGA and The R&A understand that more-forgiving drivers are the real problem of added distance, so that’s likely next on their agenda. Course setup and more physically conditioned athletes are also huge factors in the distance argument, but they are not being addressed with this most recent edict. Ignoring those two parts of the equation is yet another logic-defying aspect of the USGA and The R&A’s reasoning. Recreational player surveys are overwhelmingly against this restriction. The PGA Tour, the PGA of America, as well as ball manufacturers have also expressed serious complaints to the ruling bodies, but these two governing bodies, the USGA and The R&A, have decided they know better saying, “It’s for the good of the game.” The entire process was further flawed by the USGA and The R&A having already made up their collective minds before solicitation of outside input and a formal comment period from “stakeholders.” Some observers see this as strikingly disingenuous. Mike Davis, former CEO of the USGA until retirement two years ago, was quoted on several occasions that he was going to affect a curtailment of golf ball distance if it was the last thing he did. Current USGA CEO Michael Whan has also been vocal about ball distances and presumably this opinion was an important part of him getting the job after Davis. The pandemic may have delayed the inevitable outcome, but now they are getting their wish. Lest you think this rant is really whining, it is something that has been reflected in this writer’s columns for a long time. We are, however, all big boys and girls, so even though the decision is faulty and went against our reasoning, just like other tough obstacles in our lives, we will survive it. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” The decision to roll back the ball was made years ago, but the Grinch finally got around to telling us just in time for the Holidays.
The PGA & Golf Bring Families Closer Together From PGA of America American Golf Journal
The inaugural PGA Family Golf Championship was held last month at PGA West in La Quinta, California. Families were required to participate in a minimum of one PGA Family Golf event in 2023 and be nominated by their local PGA Professional Coach to compete in the National Championship. There was both amateur and professional divisions in the two-day alternate shot format. PGA Family Golf was launched in 2022, inspired by the success of the PGA’s Jr. League program, Family Golf teams can be comprised of 2-4 players. “PGA Family Golf is redefining quality time, and we’re proud to have PGA Professionals at the forefront of creating spaces for families to connect and come together,” said PGA President John Lindert, PGA Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing in Lansing, Michigan. “We hosted pilot programs for PGA Family Golf at my facility and saw firsthand how families enjoy the competition and have fun on the course together. The PGA of America is excited to host the inaugural PGA Family Golf Championship at PGA West as families compete for a national title.” Mike Abate has been a PGA Professional in North Carolina for over 20 years and participated in the National Team Championship. “When I first saw the news about the Family Championship, I thought it was a home run. It’s a nice destination and a chance for us to get away and play. Shouldn’t every golf professional be doing this? Our job is to promote the game and find different avenues to get people plugged in.” Abate, like many PGA professionals, believes getting the family involved in golf is a very good thing. “PGA Family Golf creates an environment where people feel connected. Any time you can share your passion with your family . . . that’s why we do it. And what other sport or hobby can an entire family go out there and enjoy?” If you would like to get your family involved visit: PGAFamilyGolf.com to find a PGA Family Golf event near you.
Men’s Professional Golf Doesn’t Deserve Our Respect or Attention “I am proud to join LIV Golf and be part of something new that is bringing growth to the sport,” Jon Rahm There it is yet again. ‘Grow the game,’ a nauseatingly trite phrase routinely deployed to justify any questionable decision, or action in the golf industry. Jon Rahm has shown himself to be just the latest golfing mercenary for whom words are cheap in the pursuit of gargantuan signing bonuses and rich tournament purses. From Kieran Clark, GolfShake.com American Golf Journal
How can one criticize him for seemingly turning his back on everything he once believed? He is just trying to admirably ‘grow the game.’ Gratefully, this game of golf that is apparently in need of constant growth will happily continue to exist and thrive. It doesn’t even require the input of Rahm, or any other professional on LIV and the PGA Tour who are often united in possessing an overinflated sense of worth. Regular four-balls will still take place at your local club on a Saturday. Families and friends will be outside enjoying the physical and mental health benefits offered by golf. Keen players will be working tirelessly at the range in that constant search of improvement. The busting communities of golf societies are busy planning their buddy’s trips and girl’s golf getaways for next season. None of this has anything to do with profiteering, or ‘growing the game.’ The game of golf is not what you see on TV. Professional golf was always nothing more than a window into the game, but the view it offers is not one that deserves our respect or attention anymore. Many people have contributed to this regrettable reality, while enriching themselves along the way. The PGA Tour created a monopoly by launching its year-round FedEx Cup schedule, effectively keeping the best players in America, which made
the environment untenable for events played outside the United States, weakening historic tournaments in Europe and the national opens of South Africa and Australia. Was that part of ‘growing the game’ too? This provided the opportunity for the LIV to emerge to readdress that balance, backed by Saudi Arabia’s seemingly limitless Public Investment Fund and the indulgence of its golf fanatic governor Yasir AlRumayyan. What the suits at the PGA Tour never considered was that one day another organization would have the means to buy the weak loyalty of its top players. Breaking Jon Rahm’s professed “fealty” to the established circuit was more household names. Chris Stroud, who earned over $13m in his career, recently declared, “The tour has never tried to give back to the players and that the leadership didn’t care about those ranked outside the top 30.” Everyone (even the LIV defectors) are entitled t o seek a better deal for themselves, but where is the perspective to any of this? Mr. Stroud could walk into any golf club and signing the guestbook would be the only autograph he would be asked for. But PGA Tour players do have legitimate reasons to question what is going on since the Framework Agreement was expensive than others, but the outcome was exactly the same. Where it leaves us now is a curious, absurd position where the product that is men’s professional golf has been diluted and weakened beyond recognition, but the players themselves have never been more rewarded financially. The PGA Tour has thrown money at the FedEx Cup and its Signature Events to the extent that it’s now begging tournament sponsors for more support, while its ‘Player Impact Program’ this year handed a bonus of $100 million divided between 20 players just for sticking around. Modern tour golf is a recipe for entitlement and not just for the American Golf Journal
announced with the Public Investment Fund in June. This came one year after, PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan weaponized the grief of 9/11 families in a PR move against the Saudis, only to disgracefully betray the trust of those people he used and declare a deal that remains unratified. Sports Illustrated has now reported that Patrick Cantlay is somehow in a position in that he is driving talks with the Saudis and other potential investors. The American is someone permanently determined to accrue more dollars, presumably to compensate for his complete absence of personality. No wonder Rory McIlroy resigned from the Policy Board. of millions spent, it has failed to gain any traction beyond a tiny niche within the already small niche that is the golf audience. Like other contracted mouthpieces before him, Rahm was quick to point to the ‘innovation’ and ‘team’ appeals of LIV. Naturally, these came a joint-close second to growing the game in his ranking of motivations and way ahead of the reported £450m he could earn. These revolutionary innovations appear to be that instead of having 72-holes of stroke play, 54 holes and a shotgun start are sufficient. What a groundbreaking innovation! There is also a separate The future is even murkier than it was before. Rahm may believe that his crossing of the divide could help to push unity, at least when it comes to LIV players representing Europe in the Ryder Cup, but does anyone really care? When a sport and its participants reek of dishonesty, it ceases to have credibility. When it’s just about the money, it becomes crass beyond measure. Combined those two failings make much of what you see on television meaningless. Setting aside the moral and sportswashing concerns that instantly turned many people against LIV, for all its hundreds
leaderboard charting the progress of teams that sound like they’re part of a Christmas pub quiz. The Majesticks, The RangeGoats, The Cleeks, The Toilet Seats, I just made up that last one. There really is a team called the Rippers. You’ve got to love the Rippers! Rahm ludicrously compared this contrived and artificial setup to his childhood football team, Athletic Bilbao, eight-time winners of La Liga who proudly represent the Basque Country by famously only selecting players native to that region. That is team with meaning. the late David Warner decides to pursue the doomed lovers Rose and Jack to get his hands on a priceless diamond in spite of the fact that he is likely facing certain death as the dining room floods around him. Cameron removed this sequence from the film because the audience wouldn’t believe anyone would actually do that. But it feels somewhat apt for the corporate melodrama that is men’s professional golf. The ship has struck the iceberg, it’s sinking, it cannot be saved, but the characters are getting their hands on what gold they can on the way down to the bottom of the ocean. DP World Tour star Eddie Pepperrell summed it up best when he recently tweeted, “Pro golf is on a one-way street to nowhere. Lost its mind, and I’ve lost my respect and love for it.” He is not alone. But thankfully - despite the noise - showbiz golf really isn’t the game. We can simply ignore it and get on with what truly matters. The friendship, companionship, challenge and rewards that golf enduringly provides. I look forward to seeing you on the first tee. That’s not to say that we don’t require change in the everyday diet of televised events. But it’s a moot point with everything being so irretrievably fractured and in danger of sliding into further public irrelevance. Whatever happens during the coming years, few will be satisfied, apart from the bank managers and agents of players for whom greed is dressed up in that celebrated virtue of ‘growing the game.’ There is a deleted scene from the 1997 epic blockbuster Titanic in which a villainous henchman called Spicer Lovejoy played by American Golf Journal
Let SQAIRZ Golf Shoes Improve Your Game It has been proven, time after time, that the biomechanics of the golf swing begin from the ground up. The legs, hips, shoulders and arms are all reliant on a solid foundation created by the feet. With SQAIRZ square-toe design, wider footprint and contact with the ground, they provide a stable base, which creates better balance for a more rapid turn, thus more club By Fred Altvater head speed is produced, which relates to more distance. Golf shoes should allow for limited slippage and provide stable contact with the ground, but also have structure to permit adequate movement for correct weight distribution. Today’s lightweight, flexible, sneaker-like shoes cannot hold up to the weight shifts and forces created during the swing. Phil Stotter, Director of Sports Science at V1 Sports & Ground Force, one of the top experts in biomechanics and the use of ground force stated: “When we talk about biomechanics of the golf swing, it all starts with the body and its contact with the ground. The feet are the only two objects that actually touch the ground. If there are limitations in balance or stability with the ground, the golf swing will be affected and result in less than satisfactory performance.” Since, PGA Tour professional Sepp Straka switched to SQAIRZ Golf Shoes he collected victories at the 2022 Honda Classic and 2023 John Deere Classic and qualified for the European Ryder Cup Team. After his win at the 2022 Honda Classic, he was quoted, American Golf Journal
“SQAIRZ Shoes allowed me to really go after it, make three birdies in the final five holes, plus hit the longest drive of the week on the final hole to win the Honda Classic.” When six-time major champion and Hall of Fame member Sir Nick Faldo tried SQAIRZ for the first time, he immediately contacted the company and raved about the improvement he received in his golf swing. “Once I tried SQAIRZ, I’ve never worn any other golf shoe. SQAIRZ provides more distance, as well as more comfort.” The rage in golf shoes over the past decade has been for softer materials, but that is counter productive to obtaining the best balance and stability for the feet, which is necessary to create a strong turn through the golf ball. It has been scientifically proven that for distance and comfort SQAIRZ can’t be beat. The proof, however, is how they perform and improve your game. To find out more visit their website, plus check out their informative videos on SQAIRZ Golf on YouTube. If you are looking for a golf shoe that creates the best balance and stability throughout the entire golf swing, then look no further than SQAIRZ and their scientifically proven approach to golf shoe design.
2024 PGA Show Continues Bounce Back By Ed Travis efficient way to potential purchasers, plus several hundred members of the media from around the world. Thirdly and perhaps the most attractive is that the Show provides the opportunity to connect, person to person, with friends and business acquaintances, to fuel more business growth. Prior to the opening of the exhibit floor on Wednesday, January, 24, Demo Day will be held at Orange County National Golf Center’s driving range, on Tuesday. Not only are the latest in clubs and technology available for hands on investigation, but the PGA also holds workshops on club fitting and coaching. PGA of America President John Lindert, Director of Golf at The Country Club of Lansing, in Lansing, Michigan said in a press release concerning the Show’s objectives, “The PGA Show attracts the largest annual gathering of PGA of America Golf Professionals and is the most significant The 71st PGA Show will be held this month in Orlando and will be larger than the 2023 show. The return to prepandemic numbers of attendees and exhibitors should continue. The “Major of the Golf Business,” held annually and hosted by the PGA of America, is the largest annual meeting of the industry. The 2023 Show drew about 30,000 PGA Professionals and industry executives roughly double that of 2022, while the 2021 Show was held virtually due to the covid pandemic. This year over 35,000 golf industry professionals are expected to attend. In 2023, just over 800 exhibitors attended, twice as many as 2022. Early registrations for the 2023 PGA Show exceeded 840 and the final number of exhibitors is expected to reach 900. The Show is not open to the public and performs three important functions for the golf industry. Education sessions are held for PGA Professionals to further their knowledge of teaching, marketing and business, while earning continuing education credits. Secondly it provides golf companies with an ideal way to expose their products and services in a constructive, American Golf Journal
business event for the global golf community each year. From discovering the latest game innovations, networking with some of the Association’s finest Professionals, to attending widespread educational and business programs, our PGA of America Members return from the PGA Show better equipped to improve the the world,” said PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon. “Education, business, career and peer networking programs, plus opportunities to unwind together in the evenings, are also important aspects of a packed PGA Show Week that help to recharge our professional growth and build up the business of golf.” everyday golfer’s journey at all levels and influence the growth of the sport.” “The expansive mix of market leaders, veteran manufacturers and inventive start-ups at the annual PGA Show creates an unparalleled marketplace for thousands of golf industry professionals from around
American Golf Journal
Team USA Wins Inaugural World Champions Cup David Toms made a birdie on the eighth hole of the final singles group at The Concession Golf Club to put the American Team in the lead, then split the available points on the ninth and final hole as Team USA held on for the victory. Team USA’s 221 points was just two points better than Team International’s tally over the three-day tournament, while Team Europe finished third with 208. The World Champions Cup is a three-team, three-day competition contested across nine-hole matches featuring team formats and singles play, with points being earned for each “I’m just so happy for them. It was a pleasure to be their captain. It was a pleasure to work with them all week. We’re good buddies every week of the year, but to get together as a team is really cool. Just so happy for everyone.” Following Thursday’s opening day, Team Europe held a slim lead, with 55.5 points to Team USA’s 55 and Team International’s 51.5. Friday’s rounds featured the same format but saw slightly different results, as the International squad surged into the lead with 111.5 points, followed by Team USA with 111 and Team Europe with 101.5. Team International continued to play well in Sunday morning’s singles round, though their 167 points heading into the tournament’s final nine holes hardly gave them a comfortable lead. Team USA was just a half point behind, and Team Europe was also within striking distance with 153.5. Toms scored 11 of an available 27 points in his Sunday morning match, while Kelly totaled 12.5 and Steve Sticker had 10. In the afternoon hole won in each of the event’s 24 matches. Each of the three teams competing in the World Champions Cup consisted of six players, including a Playing Captain. Inspired by the passion and tradition of the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, the World Champions Cup is officially sanctioned by PGA TOUR Champions. Jerry Kelly led all 18 players in the competition with 61 total points. He scored double-digit points in five of the six sessions. “These guys just fought, and I mean fought really hard,” Team USA Captain Jim Furyk said.
groups, Toms and Kelly each totaled 10, while Vice Captain Billy Andrade, pressed into action when Furyk’s back issues kept him off the course, scored 11 in a matchup with Miguel Angel Jimenez and Hall of Famer Vijay Singh. Andrade had never played in a Ryder Cup, or Presidents Cup. “Just being with this team is amazing,” Andrade said. “You know, I just wanted to not be the anchor. I really wanted to contribute as much as I could. I’m just absolutely floored to be a part of this and have this experience, especially at my age.” The International team got 12 points from Captain Ernie Els on Sunday morning, along with No. 18 was playing tough and the U.S. guys just kept grinding out the 18th. We just couldn’t make that one putt up the hill. I missed it, K.J. missed it, Vijay missed it. Unfortunately, Retief had such a tough lie.” Els felt the event was a huge success, “What a week, what a format. This thing works.” 10 each from Singh and Steven Alker. Stephen Ames scored 10.5 points in the afternoon, Alker had 10, and Els and K.J. Choi each totaled 9.5, but it wasn’t enough. “The U.S. team played solid,” said Team International Captain Ernie Els. “Coming down the stretch, I played with Brett Quigley, he made a solid birdie on 17 and a solid par on 18. American Golf Journal
Tiger Woods & Justin Timberlake Open NEW Luxe Bar in New York Golf superstar Tiger Woods and entertainment icon Justin Timberlake have teamed up to open T-Squared Social, a 22,000 square foot luxury bar and restaurant in Manhattan. T-Squared Social, situated between Bryant Park and Grand Central Station at 7 East 42nd Street, is fashioned for sports fans who want a luxurious ambiance that transcends your traditional sports bar. By Ed Schmidt Jr. The Golf Travel Guru
Woods and self-proclaimed golf fanatic Timberlake are partnering with NEXUS Luxury Collection and 8AM Golf in the venture. The sprawling T-Squared Social sits within the grand lobby of the Emigrant Savings Bank building, one of the United States’ oldest banks. Even if you don’t know a golf ball from a bowling ball, Woods and Timberlake have provided a multi-faceted variety of activities, cuisine and drinks in the spacious restaurant with 24foot open ceilings. T-Squared Social has four state-of-theart Full Swing Simulators, four duckpin bowling lanes, 38 highdefinition screens for television viewing and New York City’s space that transcends the typical sports bar experience. You can go to be entertained without sacrificing quality or comfort. We’re excited to be partnering with 8AM Golf on this incredible opportunity right in the heart of one of the greatest cities in the world.” Designed by NYC-based design studio Forrest Perkins, a focal point is the stunning 32-foot green-tiled and marble bar anchoring the restaurant. Additional dining and viewing areas include multiple low- and high-top tables; a variety of plush lounge areas; and reservations-only luxury “Box Seats” featuring tables in front of the 200-inch, high- definition screen. As a nod to the historic building, the “Vault” offers a 12largest flat-screen 200-inch television. Woods said the idea for T-Squared Social originated during a round of golf with Timberlake in the Bahamas. “Justin and I thought it would be cool to create a place that combines our favorite things and brings together people to just have a great time,” Woods said in a media release. “We always knew we wanted to do something together, and NEXUS gave us the platform to bring our idea to life.” Timberlake added, “We knew a concept like T-Squared Social would thrive in New York. It’s a beautiful American Golf Journal
seat private dining room for a more secure dining experience. Personal touches from Tiger and Timberlake envelop the space, including large-format glossy photographs of Tiger on the golf course and Justin in concert. Customized golf bags inscribed with both their names adorn the walls, plus a selection of branded- merchandise and coasters etched with their signatures add to the ambiance. The innovative beverage menu offers bespoke craft cocktails; inventive, from-scratch non- alcoholic mocktails; draft domestic and international beers; and a vast selection of local and international wines. A robust selection of canned selections like a Hot Burrata Flatbread, Salmon Reuben Sandwich and Madison Avenue Grass-Fed Beef Burger. Tiger and Justin have given us so many amazing times on the course and stage. Now they have partnered to give us more fun times in their new generation, high-end, sports inspired restaurant/bar in the heart of Manhattan. options — with and without spirits – are available for easy sipping. T-Squared Social has four separate dining areas with an extensive menu includes an elevated take on the classics, such as flatbreads, sandwiches and salads; small and large shareable plates; and an abundant raw bar. A cursory glance at the menu reveals
Cabot Citrus Farms Set For January Opening Anyone who has been to Ben CowanDewar’s properties, Cabot Cape Breton in Nova Scotia, or Cabot Highlands in Scotland, knows firsthand that he demands everything be first-class and beyond. By Steve Pike Cabot Citrus Farms will be the most highly anticipated new Florida golf destination in over a decade, when it opens in January. Cabot Citrus Farms, located just north of Tampa, will have four outstanding golf courses, but it will also have other amenities new to Cabot properties, including a Sporting Club that will offer clay shooting, archery and ax-throwing. “We have an amazing property here and a lot of land (1,200 acres) American Golf Journal
to work with,’’ Cabot Citrus Farms Managing Director Daniel Knight told me. Other non-golf activities will include nature trails, racket sports, swimming pool, food trucks and Grange Hall, grab n’ go general store, bar and an outdoor fire pit lounge. Cabot Citrus Farms has renamed its four courses, the Cabot Barrens Course, designed by Kyle Franz, is now called Karoo, named after the “We’re excited to showcase Kyle’s vision and creativity, how special the land is here and all of the work our team has been able to accomplish,’’ Knight said. “Squeeze and Wedge show off Mike’s unbelievable creativity.’’ Meanwhile, construction continues on the Village and The Cottages, the latter of which is a collection of 36 two- and four-bedroom residences, each designed to celebrate historic Floridian architectural styles. Cabot’s next phase of real estate will also debut in 2024, including five Fairway Homes. “There is no shortage of activity around here,’’ Knight said. “Part of our focus now is setting the stage to welcome guests and to have them experience everything people have come to expect from Cabot.’’ For more information about Cabot Citrus Farms visit: https:// cabotcitrusfarms.com/ noise local Sandhill Cranes make around the property. The Cabot Oaks Course is now the Roost named after the wild turkeys that “roost’’ in the property’s large oak trees. The Squeeze is a 10-hole course designed by Mike Nuzzo, with holes ranging from 100 to 550 yards. Many of the holes are inspired by the world’s best short par 4s. The Wedge is an 11-hole par-3 course offering expansive waste areas and greens with dramatic slopes. Hole lengths range from 85 to 125 yards. Golfers have the option to play the short courses in between or after full rounds. “We wanted names (on the short courses) that reflect the fun and excitement of the courses,’’ Knight said. “You can ‘squeeze’ in a few holes or ‘wedge’ in a few holes.’’ The Karoo, Wedge and Squeeze courses will open for a media preview January, 22. The Roost will not open until April.
Ace Indoor Is a Leader in Golf Simulators Ace Indoor Golf is a leading company in the golf simulator industry, offering custom design, installation, and sales nationwide. The company was founded by Tom Dewire and Joe Neumeyer, former AboutGolf executives who saw a need for a nationwide, trusted golf simulator expert who could help golfers bring the sport indoors and avoid costly installation mistakes. Ace products and installations are trusted by top golf retailers like PGA Tour SuperStore, Edwin Watts, Roger Dunn, Worldwide Golf, and more. In fact, Ace has provided products and installation for 5-Iron By Len Ziehm Golf, GolfTec, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foresight, and Uneekor. The company sells a wide range of simulators for various playing levels and budgets, including beginners, juniors, and professionals. A golf simulator manufacturer and retailer, Ace offers DIY online golf simulator sales and a free 30-minute consultation with a simulator consultant to help you find the right solution. For golfers who want a home or commercial golf simulator solution, one of Ace Indoor Golf’s core services is custom golf simulator design. For a small fee, the company will work closely with clients to identify their unique needs and preferences. The latest design tools and technologies are used to create 3D models and blueprints of the proposed simulator, giving clients a realistic feel of what the final product will look like. Their trusted designers and American Golf Journal
engineers provide valuable insight and solutions based on decades of experience. Ace’s designs are tailored to fit any space, budget, and golfing ability, allowing for players an immersive and enjoyable experience without leaving their homes or commercial golf facilities. Apart from design, Ace Indoor Golf also provides installation services throughout North America, ensuring that the simulators are set up correctly and efficiently. Ace Indoor Golf’s installers are experienced and well-equipped to handle any installation challenge, ensuring that the final product performs optimally, meets all safety standards, and offers an entertaining and valuable golf experience. Clients’ convenience is valued, and installations are scheduled based on clients’ preferences, with minimal disruption to their daily routines. In addition to design and installation, Ace Indoor Golf is known for its high-quality golf screens and enclosures, manufactured in-house to the highest standards with top-quality materials, state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment, and rigorous quality control checks. Screens and enclosures come in various sizes and designs, ensuring they suit any space and style. Ace Indoor Golf keeps itself updated with the latest trends and products in the evolving sport of golf and collaborates with industryleading companies to offer the best products and services. Partnerships with leading brands such as Trackman, Foresight, and SkyTrak enable Ace Indoor Golf to deliver cutting-edge golf simulators, ensuring clients get the best possible experience. In conclusion, Ace Indoor Golf is a company that strives to bring the game of golf indoors. The services offered include custom design, installation, and sales of golf simulators, as well as the high-quality manufacturing of screens and enclosures. Ace Indoor Golf’s experienced, passionate, and knowledgeable team ensures you get the dream golf simulator you’ve always wanted.
Our Contributors This Month Ed Travis Steve Pike 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 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 Kieran Clark Kieran Clark is a native of Scotland and a Golf Historian. His insightful articles can be found in Golfshake.com and Golfbreaks. com. He can be heard as a Special Co Host for Back 9 Report or find him on Twitter: @ KieranClarkGolf Ed Schmidt Jr. An intrepid traveler and storyteller, author of three books and more than 3,400 published articles, columns and blog posts, Ed Schmidt Jr., aka The Golf Travel Guru, is well versed in a variety of topics including, golf lifestyle, luxury travel, wine travel destinations, sports and health. Find him at: http://www. thegolftravelguru.com/ American Golf Journal
VIDEOS Ray Hearn is responsible for renovating or designing over 150 golf courses worldwide. He recently completed work at St. John’s Resort near Detroit and has ongoing renovations at BOYNE Resort in Northern Michigan. His designs are perfect for the average golfer, plus he always strives to make golf courses sustainable and environmentally sound. 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! To register visit: https:// www.usairelandgolf.com/#/ Back 9 Report breaks down three of the biggest golf news stories from 2023. Tiger Returned, sort of. USGA to limit golf ball. PGA Tour/LIV drama continued. Golf Designer Ray Hearn Discusses Recent Work & Sustainability Preview Team USA vs Team Ireland in 2024 Amateur Golf Championship Top 2023 Golf Stories Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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