Welcome To American Golf Journal MIKE MAY EDITOR Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Michigan Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report Welcome to the third issue of American Golf Journal. We are striving to bring positive golf news to golfers everywhere. In this issue we feature Ireland’s ridiculous wealth of wonderful golf and what courses you may want to add to your itinerary, when you visit the Erin Isle. We had the opportunity to be involved in the inaugural Intrepid Invitational at American Dunes Golf Club last month and came away very impressed. Dan Rooney began the Folds of Honor in 2007 with a mission to provide college scholarships to the families of fallen military heroes. Since first responder families have been included. The Folds of Honor has awarded over $244 million to 52,000 family members, since that time. It is a very worthy cause and American Golf Journal encourages everyone to help fund this very worthwhile charity. In addition to Irish Golf Travel, we hope you enjoy our pieces on Sand Valley and information on why public municipal golf courses are important by Ray Hearn, ASGCA. I will be doing a bit of traveling this summer and I hope I see you on the Back 9. American Golf Journal
36 06 18 24 38 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 FIND INSIDE Ireland Is A Golfer’s Dream Destination! Q&A With Ireland’s Alison Metcalfe Alabama High Schooler Fires 59 Inaugural Intrepid Invitational at American Dunes Wilson Dynapower Irons New For 2024 Ace Indoor Golf Simulators Add Excitement To Your Event Let SQAIRZ Golf Shoes Improve Your Game Sand Valley Is a 4-Season Resort 06 18 22 20 34 38 40 24 Len Ziehm Golf Book Reviews Importance of Municipal Golf Courses 30 36 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors 43 42 American Golf Journal
Royal Dublin On our latest adventure to Ireland, we flew overnight into Dublin airport arriving in the morning. Although extremely busy, we managed to slip through customs, secure our rental car and make our noon tee time at Royal Dublin Golf Club, with a few minutes to spare. With a multitude of courses in the Dublin area, to Royal County Down and Royal Portrush, in Northern Ireland, plus the outstanding links courses on the west coast, fantastic golf is a continuing theme on the Emerald Isle. Royal Dublin is the third oldest course in Ireland, opening for play in 1885. Harry Colt completed the design in 1920’s and Martin Hawtree renovated and extended the links in 2004. The course has hosted six Irish Opens and can be stretched to over 7,200 yards. We found it to be the perfect first round in Ireland. It is challenging, but can be enjoyed by any skill level player. Ireland Is A Golfer’s Dream Destination! American Golf Journal
Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links Jameson Golf Links first opened in 1995 and has been a hit with golfers. The course winds its way through the sand dunes along the Irish Sea. It hosted the 2008 and 2009 Ladies Irish Open, as well as the 2021 Irish Challenge. With elevated tees, blind approaches, doglegs, plus a stiff breeze Ardee Golf Club Ardee Golf Club dates back to 1911 and is a mature parkland golf course. Its traditional styling offers an enjoyable round for any skill level. It is challenging, but golfers will appreciate the oldstyle routing and condition of the course. off the Irish Sea, this course will impress links golf purists. Formerly named Portmarnock Links, the course was rebranded Jameson Golf Links to distinguish it from its neighbor Portmarnock. This is a real treat to play and is annually ranked near the top of any links course ratings in the world. The course has undergone several improvements over the years which has allowed the course to be open 365 days each year. This is a fun course and will not break your budget. It’s perfect for golf trips and groups traveling to the Dublin area.
Seapoint Golf Links Seapoint Golf Links is a relatively new course and sits just north of Dublin. It opened for play in 1993 with the clubhouse opening the following year and expanded in 2007. Seapoint is annually ranked as one of the best courses in Ireland and is always in tournament condition. It has hosted the Irish PGA Championship and most recently the 2024 Irish Legends. The course Ardee Dining If you are looking for a true Irish repast after your round at Ardee Golf Club, stop by Brian Muldoon & Son’s Pub in downtown Ardee. For over 55 years Brian Muldoon and his family have been welcoming guests to their restaurant. The luxurious lounge bar is beautifully appointed with brass and polished mahogany, creating a comfortable atmosphere for a couple of drinks with friends, or a full course meal. Brian Muldoon & Sons offers an ala carte menu, special fish dishes and succulent steaks. Everyone is welcome and assured to enjoy their time at Brian Muldoon and Sons. was originally designed by former Ryder Cup Vice Captain Des Smyth and Declan Branigan and has matured into one of Ireland’s finest links courses Perhaps three-time major champion Padraig Harrington said it best, “There is not a weak hole on the entire golf course.” American Golf Journal
The Golf Course at Luttrellstown Castle Resort Luttrellstown Castle Resort is a beautiful parkland course west of Dublin with a fully functional castle. Sitting just 20 minutes from the Dublin Airport it makes a wonderful location to begin your Irish adventure. The 18-hole championship Golf Course at Luttrellstown Castle is a 7,347-yard parkland White Sands Hotel We stayed in the White Sands Hotel, while in Dublin and found it to be quite comfortable. It has been in operation since 1620 and sits just a few steps from the beach. Its enticing pub and dining room are popular with tourists on holiday, as well as the locals. Ireland’s Outstanding Parkland Courses In addition to fantastic links golf, Ireland has some of the most beautiful parkland courses that can be found anywhere. course with links-style bunkering, water hazards and a modern clubhouse. This is a high-end property and like everything else at Luttrellstown the dining options are first class. In case you were wondering, the Castle is available for rent, but will make a rather large dent in your bank account. David Beckham and Posh Spice held their highly publicized wedding here.
Killeen Castle The Killeen Castle course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is a wonderful test of golf in the Irish hillside. The castle, was first built in the 1300’s and is currently undergoing a major renovation that will only add to the beauty and mystique of this property. Located just 30 minutes west of Dublin, it is easy to find. The course can be stretched to over 7,700 yards, but several tees box options are available for every skill level. The designer Jack Nicklaus said of his creation, “It is one of my proudest designs.” The course has hosted the Ladies Irish Open, the 2011 Solheim Cup and has been voted “The Best Parkland Course in the Greater Dublin Area” on several occasions. The K Club The K Club sits in the heart of County Kildare and since 1832 has been synonymous with the good life. Built on the original grounds of the Straffan Estate it was previously owned by Michael Smurfit before being sold to Michael Fetherston in 2020. “The glass is always full and the party is always in full swing at The K Club.” The K Club is a American Golf Journal
Adare Manor When you think of a first-class resort, Adare Manor immediately comes to mind. The course is always in magnificent condition and the manor house hotel is a true beauty. The hotel has been named “Ireland’s Leading Hotel” on several occasions. Robert Trent Jones designed the course, which opened in 1995. Tom Fazio completed a renovation in 2015 and each hole is a signature high-end resort for people who enjoy the finer things in life. It includes two Arnold Palmer designs and hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup. It was also the site of the to check out the magnificent French Chateau designed hotel. It is truly a work of art and not to be missed. The K Club offers the very best of Irish hospitality. No one does quite like The K Club. European Open, a stop on the DP World Tour, nine times. Rory McIlroy won the 2016 Irish Open on the K Club’s North Course. This is a gorgeous property and after your round be sure hole in itself. The course is strategic, can be enjoyed by all skill levels and is playable from March to October. Adare Manor will be the host course for the Ryder Cup. Originally scheduled for 2026, when announced in 2019, but COVID forced rescheduling to 2027. This is truly a top-shelf resort and grounds. It is immaculate and a must-play for visitors to this country.
West Coast Links Golf After our time in Dublin, we headed to the west coast of Ireland to visit some of the best links golf courses in the world. We were able to play Lahinch, Ballybunion, Doonbeg, Dooks and Tralee, five wonderful links courses, plus a quick stop at Spanish Point for a quick nine. Lahinch Golf Club Lahinch Golf Club was founded in 1892 and is considered the “St Andrews” of Ireland. The Trump International Golf Links: Doonbeg Doonbeg is a Trump International property and is original course was laid out by Old Tom Morris and Dr. Alister Mackenzie redesigned it in 1927. The rolling sand dunes add to the unique layout and the ever-present winds off the Atlantic Ocean add to the challenge. It has hosted several amateur and professional tournaments. Most recently it hosted the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open won by Jon Rahm. It will also host the 2026 Walker Cup Match. a delight to play. Sitting hard by the Atlantic Ocean, it is a true links course. Playing over and around the large sand dunes and gauging the heavy winds off the Atlantic is a true challenge. Originally designed by Greg Norman, in 2002, Doonbeg American Golf Journal
was purchased by Trump in 2014 and was renovated by Martin Hawtree. Hawtree transformed Doonbeg into one of the best links courses in the world and it annually ranks in the top ten of top links courses worldwide. Hawtree allowed the character of the land to flourish, while enhancing the playability of this wonderful property. Every hole has its own identity which will both reward and challenge each golfer. Doonbeg’s dining and lodging options are exquisite. This was one of our favorite stops in Ireland. Spanish Point Golf Club A friend, we met in Dublin, mentioned to us if we had time the little nine-hole course, Spanish Point was a great track for a quick round. On our drive from Lahinch down to Doonbeg we happened to drive past this locally-owned club and decided we needed to stop in. We were excited to find this out-of-the-way ninehole links course that plays up and over a large sand dune along the Atlantic Ocean. Played mainly by locals it was a fun experience that we enjoyed immensely. The people were very friendly and proud of their course. For golfers flying into Shannon, Spanish Point is just a 45-minute drive and would be the perfect place to begin your Irish golf adventure.
Tralee Golf Club The Tralee Golf Club was organized in 1896 and moved to the current site in 1980. Arnold Palmer designed Tralee, which features towering dunes, undulating fairways and elevated cliff top tees and greens. This is a rolling piece of ground over and around the sand dunes. An ancient tower that stands near the third green, overlooking the harbor, was built in 1190. Arnold Palmer said of his design at Tralee, “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine.” Ballybunion The Old Course at Ballybunion can date its history to 1893, but was not well received by the locals back then. The ever-present winds and tides of the Atlantic Ocean have eroded the property over time and efforts have been made to secure the coastline for the pleasure of future golfers. The first seven holes on the Old Course play along the east side of the huge dunes, but once you make the turn back to the clubhouse at No. 8 golfers are totally exposed to the winds off the ocean and must deal with blind shots, hidden greens, tight fairways and elevation changes over and around the sand dunes. I had very high expectations before playing here and Ballybunion exceeded them. This is one of the best links courses in the world and it is a joy to play. I can’t wait to return to this magnificent course. A second 18-hole course, The Cashen was built by Robert Trent Jones and if it were sitting anywhere else than beside Ballybunion’s Old American Golf Journal
Course it would receive far more attention from golf enthusiasts. The Old Course is annually voted one of the very best in Ireland, as well as the world. Ballybunion Lodging We found a very comfortable B&B, The Tides, just a few minutes from the course and our hosts, David and Doreen Walsh were accommodating and very knowledgeable of all the local courses and entertainment.
Dooks The final course on our Irish Golf Extravaganza was the Martin Hawtree designed Dooks Golf Club. Golf has been played in Dooks since 1889 which makes the course one of the oldest in Ireland. Originally named Dooks & Caragh Golf Club, it became affiliated to the Golf Union of Ireland in 1903. For 100 years the links remained a steadfastly quirky, nine-hole configuration, as the members resisted all efforts at modernization. It was extended to eighteen holes in the 1970’s under the guidance of Eddie Hackett. The course was further enhanced in 2002 by links golf expert designer, Martin Hawtree. Dooks might have been our final stop in Ireland, but it ranks high on our list of favorite courses we played on this trip. American Golf Journal
The course is close to the ocean, but does not receive the high winds prevalent at other links courses. With gorse, heather and beautiful wild flowers, it is a scenic beauty, as well as very player friendly. Heading Home Four famous Irish courses that we did not have time to visit on this trip were, Royal County Down and Portrush in Northern Ireland, as well as Waterville and Old Head farther south. We simply did not have sufficient time to visit more course which gives us an excellent reason to return. For more information about Irish Golf packages and destinations visit, https:// www.ireland.com/en-us/.
Q & A With Alison Metcalfe Of Tourism Ireland By Mike May During the Masters, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Alison Metcalfe, an Executive Vice President for Tourism Ireland. Q: What is the big appeal of planning a trip to Ireland? Metcalfe: The (British) Open Championship is returning to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland next year (2025) and the Ryder Cup will be held in Ireland at Adare Manor in 2027. Golf in Ireland is in a good Q: What are the popular times of the year to travel to Ireland for golf? Metcalfe: Most American visitors come to Ireland April through October. The best pricing is available in the ‘shoulder’ seasons, April, or October. position right now for visiting golfers. Q: What are some of the many appealing destinations for golfers who visit Ireland? Metcalfe: More than onethird of all the links golf courses in the world can be found in either The Irish Republic, or Northern Ireland. There are also many inland/parkland golf courses to play, such as the K-Club and Mt. Joliet. American Golf Journal
Q: Besides playing golf, what are other sights to see? Metcalfe: Ireland is much more than just a golf destination. Visitors enjoy hiking along our coastline, bicycling through the countryside, visiting historic castles, attending the many annual festivals, sightseeing in Dublin, Belfast, and Shannon. Throughout Ireland, many old railway tracks have been turned into walking paths. In August, Dublin will host the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, a football game between Florida State and the Georgia Tech. Q: What are some of the iconic views that are the must-see destinations for golfers visiting Ireland? Metcalfe: The views from 14th hole at Royal Portrush, the entire front nine at Port Stewart, the many blind tee shots at Royal County Down, the landscaping at Carne in northwest Ireland, and the many views from the golf course at Ballyliffin. Q: Of the many pubs scattered around Ireland, can you name a few of memorable destinations? Metcalfe: In Dublin, I highly suggest visiting the Old Stand and Foley’s. In Belfast, two of the famous pubs are The Crown Saloon and Fibber McGee’s. The entire country is filled with Metcalfe: Delta, American, and United and Aer Lingus have several daily trips directly to Dublin or Shannon. There are17 U.S. airports that offer direct flights to Dublin. Q: What is the best way to book a trip to Ireland and do some research on where to go, where to stay, what to do, and where to play golf? Metcalfe: Visit www.ireland. com/golf. There are links to experienced travel operators that specialize in golf packages for golfers, as well as the casual traveler. and tourists who want to come to Ireland. Ireland was named Europe’s Best Golf Destination 2020 at the World Golf Awards. great pubs, many of which serve delicious food. Q: What are some of the more popular and historic sightseeing destinations in Ireland? Metcalfe: Dublin has been voted one of the top ten friendliest cities in the world. The Giants Causeway, in Northern Ireland is something that everybody enjoys seeing. The West Coast of Ireland is the the longest coastal touring route in the world. Not many people realize this, but Belfast was the home of the Titanic Q: What is the best way to travel to Ireland?
Intrepid Invitational Holds Inaugural Event By Fred Altvater The first-ever Intrepid Invitational, featuring women who have had extraordinary careers in the military, or in the service to our country, was held last month at American Dunes Golf Club. American Golf Journal
Lopez, Jacqueline Rooney, wife of Dan Rooney and Vice Admiral (Ret) Nora Tyson. Tyson served in the Navy for 38 years and was the first woman to command the Third Fleet. Listening to these successful women talk about their careers and experiences was very inspiring. Two-time PGA Champion, Dave Stockton was on hand to give a putting lessons, plus a full color guard presented the colors. An Air Force flyover and a parachute team entertained golfers before teeing off. Back 9 Report also chatted with American Dunes General Manager Doug Bell, who talked about this unique event and Fold of Honor. Watch the full interview HERE. Pic of Doug Bell After the rounds were complete, guests were once again treated to a delicious meal and awards were passed out. This was a very worthy event and I urge everyone to put it on their schedules for 2025. Visit https://foldsofhonor.org/ for future dates and more information about The Intrepid Invitational, as well as Folds of Honor. The event was the vision of three women, who were supporters of the Folds of Honor and wanted to promote the accomplishments of women. LPGA Hall of Fame member Nancy Lopez was one of those ladies and she is totally invested in this worthy golf outing. Back 9 Report chatted with Nancy, click HERE to view the entire interview. Insert Nancy Lopez pic # here American Dunes, created by Folds of Honor founder Colonel Dan Rooney, was be the perfect course to host the event. Jack Nicklaus designed this beauty in southwestern Michigan (one-hour west of Grand Rapids) and dedicated it to the men and women of the armed services and first responders. The festivities began with a tasty dinner including an intimate concert with recording artist, Amy Grant, the night preceding the actual tournament. Ms. Grant had open-heart surgery in 2020 and sustained a career-threatening head injury in a freak bicycling accident in 2022. She was unconscious for ten minutes, which caused a traumatic brain injury. A cyst also formed in her throat and required a five-hour surgery to remove. Amy said of the injury, “I actually had to learn to sing again.” In the morning before teeing off a ‘Round Table’ discussion was held, moderated by former Golf Channel Host, Kelly Tilghman and featured Nancy
Alabama High School Player Fires 59 From Gregg DeWalt, AlabamaGolfNews.com Insane! Unreal! That’s how coaches and players described the 13-under-par 59 Chloe Ruble posted at a high school tournament at Canebrake Golf Club, located near Athens, Alabama, shattering the old course record of 62. A senior at Lindsay Lane Christian Academy, headed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the fall, Ruble was 9-under through nine holes on the way to shattering the course record from the red tees which is believed to be an Alabama High School Athletic Association record. From the red tees, Canebrake measures 4,882 yards with a slope of 119 and a 68.7 rating. It’s the home course for PGA Tour member Lee Hodges. Fellow Tour pro Nick Dunlap frequently plays there, as well when he is home in Huntsville. American Golf Journal
Ruble set the tone for the round, when she drove the first green and made a lengthy eagle putt. She quickly followed with birdies on Nos. 2 and 3, and then rolled in another long eagle putt after driving the green on the short par-4 fourth hole to go 6-under. “After the first hole I thought, ‘just keep it going,’” Ruble said. “After I made my first par, I thought maybe that was when it was going to simmer down and it would be back to normal.” Nothing was normal when she birdied the next three holes. Ruble missed a birdie putt to go 10-under through nine holes and she settled for a 9-under 27 on the front side. “When I got to the back nine, I wondered how low I could go?” Ruble added a couple of birdies to get to 11-under with two holes to play. A birdie at No. 17 positioned the high school senior for a run at 59. “When we got to the last hole, I told myself that if I made birdie I could shoot in the 50’s. It didn’t seem real. If you had told me that before the round, I would not have believed you.” The 18th hole at Canebrake is an uphill par 5 and provided yet another birdie for Ruble, who hit 17 greens in regulation. “I honestly was nervous the whole round. I was shaking the whole time. I don’t know what my heart rate was.” The other players in her group shot 67, 68 and 69 respectively, but lost to Ruble by eight shots. Ruble admitted shooting such a low number was unexpected. In her previous tournament she had posted rounds of 76-80, in a weekend tournament at the RTJ Golf Trail’s Hampton Cove. Reprinted with permission from Gregg Dewalt, Editor of Alabama Golf News.
Sand Valley has become one of North America’s top summer golf destinations. With four legendary golf courses, Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, The Lido and the par-3 Sandbox designed by top name golf architects, the new fifth course, Sedge Valley by Tom Doak, will open in June. Because it is located in the middle of cold and snowy Q: How important is the new Tennis Center to making Sand Valley a Year-Round Destination? Tennis provides another activity for golfers, lawn tennis is rare enough, but court tennis is a chance to really dig in and learn about the origins of the modern game. As the Sand Valley community grows to include more and more families, tennis Sand Valley Is Rapidly Becoming a 4-Season Destination By Steve Pike, SpikeOnGolfandTravel.com Wisconsin, Sand Valley has become more than just a golf and summer destination. In a conversation with Sand Valley’s Director of Marketing, Brandon Carter about the resort’s new, 13-000 square-foot Tennis Center, where in addition to 15 grass courts, the Keiser brothers, Chris and Michael, have created the country’s 11th American Tennis Court. American Golf Journal
and pond skating are also popular with families. Q: Are local people coming for the winter programs? Yes, we are offering B&B packages for Wisconsin residents to enjoy throughout the winter. The outdoor Sand County Classic attracts hockey enthusiasts from all over the state. Our Thanksgiving Dinner and New Year’s Eve programming are very well attended, plus our culinary programs have shown increased demand every year. Q: Other than golf and tennis what’s next on the list for Sand Valley? New restaurants, Bill’s BBQ at the Sandbox and the Gallery at the Tennis Center. The Tennis Center itself with Court Tennis and the new grass courts is a major expansion. There is also a new 40-acre lake that will offer aquatic sports and retreats, holiday getaways, wellness programs, ice sports, and culinary events. Plus, we have plans for additional programming and activities in the future Q: What has been the most popular winter sport/ activity this year? By far our most popular winter sports activity is the Sand County Classic Pond Hockey tournament. We have also become a popular outdoor curling destination. There are very few places where you can do outdoor curling. Sledding Q: Do you expect to attract “non-golfers?” There may be tennis clubs, who want to travel for grass courts. It’s certainly great for nongolfing guests, plus tennis also opens up the door for couples, groups and mixed golf/tennis club competitions. Q: How has this Winter season been as a four seasons destination? We are beginning to see guests, who came for golf in the summer, return over the winter. The winter schedule has evolved to include is a major draw. The Tennis Center itself, with a scenic patio and the Gallery restaurant is an amenity all its own.
additional club-style family amenities scheduled for 2026. Q: How do the Winter Food & Beverage experiences vary from the summer experiences? The Winter season allows the culinary team to commit to the farm-to-table experience by exploring new menu offerings that change based on seasonal availability. Winter Food & Beverage experiences are truncated. Mammoth Bar is the central winter venue for day-to-day operations and Aldo’s Farm to Table is open for dinner service Thursday through Saturday. We also offer in-cottage dining and grocery stocking during the winter, along with special culinary events throughout the season. Q: Plans for any new restaurants/dining experiences? The Gallery will open in May, with handcrafted pizzas, time-honored Italian specialties, and a curated wine list. Bill’s BBQ at the Sandbox will feature traditional BBQ and all the fixin’s. Q: Are more home buyers moving here permanently and what is the mix of permanent and seasonal home buyers? The Lido Conservancy has the highest number of permanent and seasonal residents. These are estate homes and operate with a limited rental pool available only to Lido members. The privatelyowned cottages at the Mammoth Conservancy and Sedge Village areas have owners who generally visit several times a year and participate in the rental pool when not on property. Sand Valley is already one of the country’s premier summer golf destinations. With future expansion and year-round programs, it’s popularity will also stretch into the fall and winter months. American Golf Journal
American Golf Journal
Book Reviews From Len Ziehm Being a fairly voracious reader, I have contributed book reviews to my social media outlets for several years. I have written about books that I’ve enjoyed on a variety of subjects, but have always restrained from reviewing political books, for obvious reasons. In this review I’m discussing books on one of my favorite topics, golf. There have been several new golf books published recently, many written by golf media colleagues and friends. Arnold Palmer, American Hero No one does coffee table books better than Martin Davis, who had several prominent golf writers contribute to this book. Marino Parascenzo, Jaime Diaz, Adam Schupak, Alex Miceli and Jeff Babineau are just a few of the contributors. Martin has edited, or published 39 golf books, and I particularly enjoyed his book on the Ryder Cup. He is a historian of the game and this latest book is filled with classic pictures of golf’s most charismatic and photogenic player, Arnold Palmer. Coffee table books are, by definition, large and this one may be the biggest in my collection. It’s 370 pages and weighs seven pounds. This book needs to be read at a leisurely pace to savor the memories of this most special individual, who just happens to have been a champion golfer. Life On The Green Ann Liguori’s career has been in sports broadcasting, but she has also been a dominant winner in the International Network of Golf’s annual Media Awards for her writing efforts. Jim Nantz provided a glowing forward for the book. Each of the 12 chapters spotlight a legend of the game from her unique perspective. The subjects
are an excellent mix of men and women golfers, plus other important contributors to the game. The chapters spotlight, Amy Alcott, Ben Crenshaw, Padraig Harrington, Bernhard Langer, Nancy Lopez, Jack Nicklaus, Dottie Petter, Gary Player, Renee Powell, Annika Sorenstam, Jan Stephenson and Tom Watson. Those names should spark any golfer’s interest. One of the special anecdotes in the book come from the 1985 Masters, in which Bernhard Langer and Seve Ballesteros played in the nextto-the last pairing on Sunday, just ahead of Raymond Floyd and Curtis Strange. Langer and Ballesteros were great rivals in Europe and both, of course, were Masters champions. On the first tee, Ballesteros turned to Langer and said, ``Good luck, and let’s make sure one of us wins and not the Americans.’’ Langer, went on to win his first Green Jacket that day and said he found extra meaning in the comment, ``No doubt about it. Even at the Masters, which is so individualistic, obviously (Seve) wanted to win it, but if he couldn’t then the next best thing was just to keep it away from the Americans.’’ That singular comment stills resonates today, when we watch the European Ryder Cup Team want so badly to beat the American team. The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National The author of “The Legendary Caddies of Augusta National,” Ward Clayton, was the sports editor for the Augusta Chronicle for ten years, and produced a 2019 television documentary, ``The Caddie’s Long Walk.’’ He is more than qualified to write a book on Augusta National caddies. The caddies nicknamed, Stovepipe, Burnt Biscuits, Skillet, Skinny and Marble Eye witnessed some great moments, both public and private, in their days on the hallowed grounds of Augusta National. New Books If you get through those interesting reads, there were two new books released last month. ``Rainmaker’’ is the autobiography of Hughes Norton, with George Peper and ``Drive, the Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods,’’ was written by Bob Harig. Norton was Woods’ first agent and a tantalizing excerpt of the book has run in Golf Digest. Harig previously authored the book, ``Tiger and Phil’’ and has been a leader in the ongoing coverage of developments involving the PGA Tour and LIV Golf League. When you aren’t on the course and head to the beach this summer grab a couple of these interesting reads. American Golf Journal
Wilson Dynapower Irons for 2024 By Ed Travis Wilson’s new Dynapower irons are designed to aid players wanting consistent solid impact and feature the iconic Wilson feel with added resistance to twisting. The classic Dynapower irons were first made in 1956 and the newest modern model was designed with a tip of the hat to the almost 70-year-old Dynapower tradition. Fast Facts Game-improvement category, for average golfers Variable thickness face Sole Power Holes Toe-bias weighting Low center of gravity Stock lofts: 5-iron 21°, pitching wedge 42° Stock shafts: KBS Max Ultralite, UST Recoil Dart 65 Stock Grip: Lamkin Crossline 360 MSRP: 7-club set steel shafts $800 or $900 graphite Power Holes are Wilson’s label for three slots in the iron sole allowing added face flexing when the ball is struck. This construction helps retain ball speed across the face, particularly if the ball is struck near the toe, the tendency of 65% of average golfers. The head’s toe-biased weighting makes resistance to twisting (MOI) high and the low center of gravity creates a higher launch angle. Dynapowers also have sufficient hosel and shaft offset to promote another desirable position at impact, having the hands ahead of the ball. These newer models are made with recreational golfers in mind, many of whom have swing issues that prevent consistent ball striking. The variable thickness face was created after using artificial intelligence to analyze thousands of face configurations, or Power Holes, to achieve the maximum result, when impact is not in the center of the face.
Why Municipal Golf Courses Are Important According to recent statistics golf has been growing rapidly over the past four years. Women and juniors have seen the biggest jump in participation and golf courses everywhere have experienced increased play. Many of the golfers you see competing on the PGA, or LPGA Tours today got their start at their local municipal golf course. Even Tiger Woods learned to play at a young age on a muni track. What better place to take your kids than to a golf course and spend their days chipping, putting and playing golf? The problem is that municipal golf courses have not received the care and maintenance required to keep them viable over the years. Even though the economic benefits of having a thriving municipal golf course to your community include, additional jobs for local residents, increased tourism dollars for restaurants, lodging and other retail establishments. Not everyone can afford private country club membership, thus it falls on the community to assure public course remain an option for community members wanting to play golf. In addition to the environmental benefits of green space, providing wildlife and wetland habitats, it also helps provide clean air and water, plus a buffer for excessive storm water. Exercise, fitness and a competitive athletic outlet are just a few of the recreational benefits provided by a municipal golf course. Spending time on a golf course also helps to reset the mind by providing time outside, social interaction with playing companions and improves mental well-being. The problem is that many of the historic municipal courses have fallen under hard times. City government officials don’t understand the importance to the community of maintaining a viable public golf course. By Ray Hearn, ASGCA American Golf Journal
Tax revenues get stretched and strained for local governments, but it needs to be a priority to keep public owned courses current and relevant to attract more play. A certified golf architect can help create a master plan for municipal governments to determine if a renovation is viable for the local community. Plus, they can develop the direction and detail of any proposed remodeling efforts. American Society of Landscape Architects and the USGA. He specializes in restoration and renovation of golf courses around the country. For more information visit: www.rhgd.com. In many localities the municipal golf course is a part of the local park system. Adjacent walking paths, biking trails, frisbee golf courses and picnic areas all should be considered when entering into a golf course renovation project. About the Author: Ray Hearn is a veteran golf course architect and member of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), the
Add Excitement to Your Next Event with ACE Indoor Golf Simulators Ace Indoor Golf, a leader in mobile golf simulator rentals nationwide, is teeing up a great way to add excitement to your next event. Their fully customizable, state-ofthe-art simulators are perfect for trade shows, conventions, birthday parties, conferences, and corporate events. Ace Indoor Golf’s portable simulators can be used indoors or outdoors, making them a versatile option for any event space. Ace’s bythe-day mobile golf simulator rentals come with a team of experienced staff to help you set up and run your event so you can relax and enjoy the fun. In addition to golf, Ace Indoor Golf offers a variety of games to choose from, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a complete beginner, Ace has a golf simulator rental for events package that’s perfect American Golf Journal
for you. Guests can unleash their inner golfer using real golf clubs and actual balls into durable, high-tech screens. Golf, not your game? Ace Indoor Golf’s portable simulators offer a wide variety of virtual sports experiences, perfect for keeping things interesting during multi-day events. We have something for everyone: Rally Baseball, Slapshot Hockey, Breakaway Soccer, Foot Golf, Bowl-a-Rama, Disc-Go-Golf, Zombie Dodgeball, and Wild West Shooting. And kids aren’t left out! Our games are geared to be fun for all ages, making birthday parties and bar mitzvahs unforgettable with a touch of cuttingedge tech. Benefits of Renting a Golf Simulator from Ace Indoor Golf: • Add excitement to your event: Golf simulators are a great way to add a fun and interactive element to your event. • Perfect for all skill levels: Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a complete beginner, Ace Indoor Golf has a simulator rental package that’s perfect for you. • Versatile: Ace Indoor Golf’s portable simulators can be used indoors or outdoors, making them an excellent option for any event space. • Stress-free: Ace Indoor Golf’s experienced staff does all the work for you. They’ve worked with Fortune 500 companies nationwide in all types of venues producing engaging, high-quality entertainment allowing you to sit back and have fun. For more information or to schedule a golf simulator rental for your next event, visit Ace Indoor Golf https://aceindoorgolf.com/. We’ll do the hard work if you don’t want to. Custom or DIY Golf Simulator Sales & Installation. www.aceindoorgolf.com l 855-926-3283
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.
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 Len Ziehm Len Ziehm spent 41 years as a golf columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. He now free lances golf travel pieces and posts for http:// lenziehmongolf.com/. Find Len on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lenziehmongolf/ Gregg DeWalt Gregg Dewalt is the former sports editor of the TimesDaily in Florence, Alabama and the Decatur (Ala.) Daily. He played college golf at the University of North Alabama, has six holesin-one and is currently the editor/owner of Alabamagolfnews.com. American Golf Journal
VIDEOS The General Manager of American Dunes Golf Club in southwest Michigan talks about how the course honors military veterans and their families. Dave Stockton won two PGA Championships and is a well-known putting guru. He also has a few thoughts on the rival LIV Tour. Nancy Lopez was a driving force behind the inaugural Intrepid Invitational at American Dunes. She joined with two other women and the Folds of Honor to start this event as a tribute to Women who serve in our military and first responders. American Dunes GM Doug Bell Talks About The Course and Folds of Honor Dave Stockton Talks Putting & LIV Nancy Lopez Hosts Inaugural Intrepid Invitational Watch Now Watch Now Watch Now
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