Happy New Year!! Welcome to 2025 and our second year of American Golf Journal. We hope you enjoy our writer’s insights into the game of golf. We endeavor to provide entertaining and informative content from the best golf writers. There was a lot of news and excitement in the golf world over the past couple of months. The PIF will make a huge investment into the PGA Tour Enterprise, Greg Norman has stepped down as LIV CEO and American Ryder Cup team members will be paid to play in the biennial event. It seems that professional greed is beginning to turn off golf fans. Television ratings are down across the board and when the LIV is on the CW Network, no one is watching. There is a rumor that Fox and LIV may be completing a deal to broadcast LIV events, which will help them reach a wider audience. Meanwhile, Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate the PGA Tour and is clearly the best player in the world, but Rory McIlroy seems to be poised to contend in majors this year. Best-selling author James Dodson shared an inspirational piece about a young man, who was born with severe physical issues, but found his best life through golf. The PGA Tour opened a new production studio in Ponte Vedra and will create even more video content in the future. Steve Pike takes us to Quivira at Cabo St. Lucas, Len Ziehm writes about the new Nick Price design in Florida and Mike May has a short piece about his trip to Scotland’s Royal Dornoch. As always, we hope you enjoy viewing American Golf Journal and maybe we will see you on the Back 9 of a Florida golf course this winter. FRED ALTVATER PUBLISHER Back 9 Media Group Also Publishes: Michigan Golf Journal Ohio Golf Journal Indiana Golf Journal Back 9 Report American Golf Journal
34 06 24 32 36 Pinehurst Continues To Offer A Top-Shelf Experience AJGA Names Jim Nugent Board Chairman Ryder Cup Anticipates Rowdy Crowd At Bethpage PGA Tour Studios Go Live In 2025 Is Distance Really That Important? Golf News Saved By Golf, & The Love Of God New Nick Price Designed, Soleta Opens in Florida Scotland’s Royal Dornoch Is A ‘Bucket-List’ Destination 06 10 16 20 26 12 32 24 28 New DarkSpeed Drivers From Cobra Quivira Celebrates 10th Anniversary Golf Tip: Drills To Avoid 3-Putts 30 34 36 Our Favorite Videos Our Contributors 41 40 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 American Golf Journal
Continues To Offer Guests A Top-Shelf Experience Pinehurst, ‘The Home of American Golf,’ is coming off of one of its most successful years ever, but their commitment to improve continues. In June famed Pinehurst No. 2 saw Bryson DeChambeau conquer the course to collect his second U.S. Open title and the resort officially opened its newest course, No. 10, designed by Tom Doak. With the addition of the new course, Pinehurst now includes ten championship courses, plus the ever-popular short course, The Cradle and putting course, Thistle Dhu. Pinehurst American Golf Journal
Sandmines No. 10 The Sandmines property encompasses more than 900 acres, most still undeveloped. Pinehurst No. 10 is highlighted by a ridge that runs through the property. A variety of future developments are being evaluated for the Sandmines property, including an additional 18hole golf course, a short course, clubhouse and cottages. Beginning in the 1920’s, the sandy soil on the property proved useful to mining operations, especially during World War II and the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. “There’s a lot of history at this place, and you just want to honor it,” says Angela Moser, Doak’s lead design associate on No. 10. “You want to have it be a part of what you’re building, so you’ll see reminders of it.” The rugged dunes, mounds and berms created by the mining excavations remained and were reclaimed by nature. Decades later, the land and the untouched surrounding areas have been reimagined to create Doak’s No. 10, which only used 250 acres of the total property. It is a walking-only course which features short and long holes, blind shots and severely undulating greens. With over 100 feet of elevation change Doak and his team designed holes that are rarely seen anywhere else. No. 10 offers a completely different golf experience than the other courses at Pinehurst. “Pinehurst’s past, present and future is right here in the sand,” says Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort President. “We look forward to seeing what more can be mined in this area.” Accommodations The Pinehurst Resort offers several different accommodations to meet the needs of every individual, or group.
For over a century the historic Carolina Inn has welcomed guests to Pinehurst. Their 230 Four-Diamond rooms and suites have been completely renovated and satisfy even the most discerning traveler. Opened in 1895, the Holly Inn was the very first hotel at Pinehurst. It is situated in the heart of the Village, offering easy access to dining and shopping. The Magnolia Inn is a quaint retreat offering a more intimate setting for smaller groups. Dating back to 1896, it invites guests to relax and sit in the rocking chairs on the porch. The rooms have been updated, but retain that classic feel. A renovation completed in 2019 has transformed the Manor, originally opened in 1923, into a contemporary hotel wrapped in classic charm. Comfortable, well-appointed rooms await guests, plus two private hospitality suites can be reserved for golf groups of up to 20 and make an ideal place to celebrate a successful round. golf, continues to tempt the palate of every guest, while the new Coffee House serves up quick bites and freshly brewed java. The North & South Bar, in the Manor is fully-stocked with adult beverages, while the nearby Pinehurst Brewing Company pours craft beer brewed on site. Villaggio Ristorante & Bar is situated on the ground floor of the Magnolia Inn, putting fine Italian dining at the fingertips of those residing above, as well as fortunate passersby. Other dining in the area includes, the 1895 Grille, Drum & Quill, Dugan’s Pub and the historic Pine Crest Inn. The resort also offers Villas and Condos for groups that want to stay together during their time at Pinehurst. The Pine Needles Lodge, MidPines and the Mid-South Golf Club also have excellent lodging options when visiting Pinehurst. Dining The Carolina Dining Room, home to the best breakfast in American Golf Journal
Over 30 Golf Courses In the Pinehurst Area The Pinehurst area includes over 30 courses in nearby Aberdeen and Southern Pines. Long a favorite of local golfers, the Southern Pines Golf Club was purchased by the owners of Pine Needles and Mid-Pines Golf Clubs to provide a triple-threat of great Donald Ross courses. Pine Needles has hosted several USGA National Championships and Mid-Pines may be Ross’ finest work. On a recent trip to Pinehurst Back 9 Report chatted with Kelly Miller, son-in-law of Peggy Kirk Bell and CEO of Pine Needles, Mid-Pines and Southern Pines, about the three courses, as well as the renovation of Southern Pines. Watch the full video interview HERE. Kelly Miller video thumbnail here Jack Niclaus, Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones Sr. Rees Jones and Gary Player have all designed courses in the immediate area. Shopping Treasures and keepsakes from you stay in Pinehurst can be found in the quaint shops in the Village, as well as in Aberdeen and Southern Pines. Golfers won’t want to miss browsing the historic golf memorabilia in The Old Golf Shop, or the Old Sport & Gallery. Add to your personal collection of golf mementos, or just enjoy looking at the items available. Other Activities The USGA has made Pinehurst its southern headquarters and tests new equipment for their approval. The World Golf Hall of Fame built a new facility and contains golfing memorabilia. Any trip to Pinehurst should include a visit to the Tufts Archives that preserves the history of the area, especially Donald Ross’ importance and development of the courses. Restaurants, Craft Breweries and even a distillery are all nearby and can satisfy any palate, or thirst. Why wait, make your reservations now. There has never been a better time to visit the Home of American Golf.
Jordan R. “Digger” Smith Steps Down as Chairman of AJGA Board of Directors. Jim Nugent Named New Chairman, Angela Rho Appointed President The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) announced that Jordan R. “Digger” Smith stepped down as Chairman of the AJGA Board of Directors, after 44 years of dedicated leadership and AJGA Names Jim Nugent Chairman of Board By Fred Altvater American Golf Journal
service. The organization also announced the appointment of Jim Nugent as the new Chairman of the Board and Angela Rho as President, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for the AJGA Board of Directors. Under Smith’s stewardship, the AJGA has become known as the premier organization for junior golf in the world, fostering the development of young talent and paving pathways for aspiring golfers to reach their full potential. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together as an organization,” said Smith. “The AJGA’s mission of helping young golfers achieve their dreams has always been close to my heart, and it has been a privilege to contribute to that vision.” the AJGA has been amazing. The leadership he provided to the Board motivated us to do everything we could to provide the staff the support it so richly deserved.” Back 9 Report talked with Jim Nugent about his involvement with AJGA and recent appointment. Watch the full video interview HERE. Put Nugent video thumbnail here. Angela Rho has served on the AJGA Board of Directors, since 2019. She is a former AJGA standout and will assume the role of President. “As someone who directly benefited from the opportunities the AJGA provides, I am very grateful to Digger for his vision, selfless dedication and contributions to the association,” Rho said. “As I assume this position I look forward to expanding our impact, promoting diversity and ensuring that junior golfers from all backgrounds can thrive.” Replacing Smith as AJGA Chairman, Jim Nugent is a longtime supporter of the AJGA and an influential figure in the golf industry. Nugent has served in various media roles prior to becoming the founder and publisher of Global Golf Post, a leading digital golf publication. He brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game, having served on the AJGA Board of Directors for 29 years as a member, Vice President and currently serving as President. “I am honored to take on the role of Chairman and continue the incredible legacy that Digger has built,” said Nugent. “Digger has been an inspiration to countless Board members over four decades. His vision for and commitment to the Mission and Purpose of
USGA Released 2024 Golf Scorecard The United States Golf Association (USGA) 2024 Golf Scorecard recognizes trends in recreational golf from data collected from the GHIN Scoring system. Over 77 million scores were recorded from 3.35 million golfers, in 2024. Key statistics: • A significant increase in 9-hole scores: There were a record number of 9-hole rounds played in 2024 with over 13 million scores posted – an 8% increase over 2023 and up nearly 40% since 2020. • More golfers with a Handicap Index®: Over 3.35 million golfers in the U.S. maintained a Handicap Index in 2024 – up over 6% year over year and up nearly 30% since 2020. • New golfers posting more 9-hole rounds: Those who established a Handicap Index in 2024 were more likely to play and post 9-hole rounds; women who started this year played 9-hole rounds over 50% of the time, whereas men new to the game played 9-hole rounds over 28 percent of the time. • Short courses have become more popular: Par-3 and short courses are now eligible to obtain a Course Rating™ and Slope Rating®. Over 180,000 scores were posted at more than 350 short courses nationwide. • Most rounds posted are recreational: A widely held notion that a Handicap Index is only for golfers who are playing in elite competitions continues to be dispelled by the data, as 94.5% of the 77 million rounds posted were recreational. Also, 25.4% of men and 23.7% of women posted at least one competitive score in 2024, meaning that over 75% of all golfers were playing and posting for fun. Golf News American Golf Journal
Morgan Stanley was the Founding Partner sponsor for the National Links Trust Championship that was held in October at East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, DC. Proceeds from the event benefitted the National Links Trust (NLT) and the Amateur Golf Alliance (AGA). “We believe providing affordable and accessible opportunities to amateur golfers is essential for building strong communities and will positively impact the future of competitive golf. I am pleased to see Morgan Stanley and the Amateur Golf Alliance come together to support this important cause.” said Alan Fadel a financial advisor at Morgan Stanley. Fadel founded the Concession Cup and is the driving force behind the Amateur Golf Alliance, with the sole purpose to enhance the amateur game. Founded in 2019, National Links Trust is a non-profit dedicated to positively impacting the community and positively affect lives through affordable and accessible municipal golf. NLT leases three Washington DC public golf courses - Rock Creek Park Golf, Langston Golf Course, and East Potomac Golf Links, all valuable historical and cultural assets. The National Links Trust Championship is one of several initiatives from NLT that aims to position the organization as the leading advocate and resource for municipal golf across the United States. “With this tournament, we want to showcase the full breadth of what golf is and who plays the game,” says NLT co-founder and interim Executive Director, Will Smith. “By hosting qualifiers at these types of facilities, we are looking to provide golfers of diverse backgrounds with the opportunity to compete in a world-class championship.” Click HERE to learn more about the National Links Trust. Morgan Stanley Sponsors the National Links Trust Championship
LPGA Shows Record Profit In 2023 The league distributed $98.5 million in total in prize money in 2023, although the financial outlook for 2024 is less optimistic. The LPGA is anticipating a $2 million shortfall for 2024 with the loss of one of its tournaments, plus the tour’s offering $131 million in prize money this past year. There will also be a change at the top of the LPGA as current Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan is and will be succeeded on any interim basis by the tour’s Chief Legal Officer Liz Moore. The questions for the LPGA become, can it continue to secure new sponsors, increase payouts for the players, while dealing with projected financial shortfalls amid the transition to new leadership? The LPGA reported $209 million in total revenue in 2023 which represents significant growth from the $180 million they recorded in 2022. American Golf Journal
The Ryder Cup is taking proactive measures to address potential unruly behavior by fans ahead of its matches scheduled for September, 2025, at Bethpage Black in New York. The PGA of America is implementing increased security to ensure that the spirited atmosphere of the event remains positive and does not detract from both the player and patron experience. “Passions are high. Energy is high,” European Captain Luke Donald said. “You want to see that amongst the players. You certainly don’t Ryder Cup Anticipates Rowdy Behavior At Bethpage By George McNeilly American Golf Journal
want to see the spirit of the Ryder Cup endangered in any way.” Appearing together at news conference, Donald and U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley acknowledged the challenges posed by the highly enthusiastic and passionate crowds, with Bradley drawing parallels to other iconic venues in the Big Apple. “Nobody on either team wants this to get uncomfortable or weird out there. But
Team USA To Pay Ryder Cup Players When Team USA tees it up at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, they will add a cool $200,000 to their bank account balance. In addition, the PGA will donate $300,000 to each team member’s favorite charity. “We added the $200,000 stipend out of respect for the players ... so the players could have a say in where the money goes,” PGA of America president Don Rea said in a letter, noting the stipend would be separate from what players get for expenses. “It’s recognition for all the players have done for the Ryder Cup over the years.” In the past Ryder Cuppers have not received payment directly for their participation, but since 1999, charitable donations were made in each player’s name. For the Rome matches in 2023, the entire $200,000 went to whatever charity, or foundation the players chose. The European Team players will not be paid directly and will play strictly for their country and team. Rory McIlroy said in an interview, “I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup. The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and it’s partly because of ... the purity of no money being involved.” listen, you come into Yankee Stadium, you come into Madison Square Garden, you come into these places, it’s a tough place to play, and Luke and the boys know that,” said Bradley, a seven-time winner on the PGA TOUR, most notably the 2011 PGA Championship. Bethpage Black is known for its difficulty, as indicated by a sign posted near the first hole tee box of the public golf course. “Warning: The Blac k course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.” Both captains said are open to selecting players from the Saudi-bankrolled LIV Golf series if they meet eligibility criteria. Historically, the European team has faced challenges on U.S. soil, with their last victory occurring in 2012, at Medinah, which will host the 2026 Presidents Cup. These precautions have merit. Spain’s Sergio Garcia was severely heckled when the course hosted the 2002 U.S. Open, and eventual 2019 PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka got much grief from fans there for surrendering his huge lead before hanging on eventually to hoist the trophy. Donald noted that the Europeans will certainly be considered underdogs in such a tough environment on Long Island. “The last few times we’ve played away, the results have been one-sided towards the U.S.,” added Donald. American Golf Journal
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The PGA TOUR is redefining how it creates and distributes content with its new PGA TOUR Studios, a state-of-the-art multi-media, three-level production facility located adjacent to headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. PGA TOUR Studios Go Live In 2025 By George McNeilly It’s a 165,000-square-foot building broke ground in 2022 and was put to the test with telecasts this past fall. The TOUR’s leadership says this is a pivotal next step of golf content production in a constantly changing media landscape. American Golf Journal
“With PGA TOUR Studios now live, our team can deliver for fans new, dynamic productions that chronicle the incredible stories of our athletes in a new era of golf media,” said Rick Anderson, PGA TOUR Chief Commercial Officer. “This production studio will help usher in the next chapter for the PGA TOUR as fans around the world further guide our decisionmaking through their valuable feedback to our Fan Forward initiative.” PGA TOUR Studios will soon deliver a previously announced new World Feed, produced and created exclusively for international media rights holders and their viewers with a customized graphics package and specific cameras focused on international golfers. This live broadcast will feature weekly on-site reporters and include up to six dedicated cameras at select FedEx Cup events, all providing increased coverage of international players, which also allows the TOUR to curate and distribute enhanced content across its social and digital platforms. Following its debut at THE PLAYERS in March, the World Feed will be produced for all remaining events on the 2025 schedule. The TOUR sees this as a step toward producing localized live feeds to specific countries in their native language to improve the international consumer experience. The former PGA TOUR Entertainment facility in St. Augustine was the home for TOUR productions since November 1997, and with the growth in popularity of professional golf came the increasing need for more technical
resources to deliver a better experience here in the United States. “PGA TOUR Studios is a landmark step in golf media, signaling a tangible investment to more deeply connect with our fans through energetic, compelling content that brings them further inside the ropes and closer to their favorite stars,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan. “Every new technology and forwardthinking innovation we introduce is about serving our fans and meeting them where they are, and the creative capabilities of PGA TOUR Studios will help us further that mission while showcasing the beauty of our sport.” The new facility now houses all media operations, including live production of PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, more than 5,000 hours of PGA TOUR LIVE on ESPN+, as well as an expansive roster of more than 50 original, social and digital media platforms. PGA TOUR Studios is also home to the largest library of golf content in the world, featuring more than 170,000 videos totaling 223,000 hours of content, with the earliest being a film transfer dating back nearly a century from 1920. With hardware and ample space to accommodate both current and future standards, PGA TOUR Studios enables the TOUR to produce creative content – even beyond the world of golf – while giving its creators freedom to experiment with the latest cutting-edge technologies. At launch, PGA TOUR Studios features eight production rooms, eight audio control rooms and seven LED-outfitted studios, including a 270-degree LED display in Studio 1A. The studios are capable of monitoring and displaying thousands of video and audio feeds, all capturing action from up to 144 cameras, or live feeds. The completion of the campus helped the TOUR achieve the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design BD+C Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, due to its sustainable design and operation with specific approaches to energy conservation, water use reduction and enhanced indoor air quality. American Golf Journal
New Nick Price Design, Soleta, Opens In Florida By Len Ziehm, Pictures by Joy Sarver “I developed a serious elbow injury and had surgery. When I came back after a year I couldn’t play, so I retired.’’ He co-designed 11 courses with established architects, like Tom Fazio and Steve Smyers, before starting his own his own design firm in 2001. He now has 27 courses on his resume spread around the world in the Dominican Republic, Ireland, South Africa, Mexico and China, as well as Florida. Nick Price is one of the great golfers who has become a successful course designer, a fact that is underscored by the recent unveiling of the Soleta course, near Sarasota. The 67-year-old Price was the No. 1 player in the Official World Golf Rankings for 43 weeks in the 1990’s and topped the PGA Tour money list twice. He grabbed two PGA Championship trophies, plus the 1994 OPEN Championship. The South African was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003. Price eventually found his way into course design, but it took a while. “I started with architecture toward the end of my career, but didn’t want to do anything while I still playing well.’’ Four years into his career on the Champions Tour that changed. American Golf Journal
Soleta is the Native American word for sandhill crane. The facility will be a family-oriented private club with 275 local members and 100 national members. When Soleta officially opened last month, they had already accepted 170 memberships with an initiation fee of $115,000. What makes the course special are its meandering tee areas, that can be as long as 120 yards with eight sets of color-coded markers on each tee. Soleta’s tees are ‘freeflowing’ and some even have doglegs. “I want the members to understand the versatility of the course and enjoy its variety. I’ve played in all four corners of the world and have gotten to see a lot of different types of golf. This one is more links-style, but I want players to keep in mind that they don’t have to play from a certain spot.’’ Water comes into play on only two holes and can be played as short as 5,145 yards, or as long at 7,411 yards. Most noteworthy is the liberal use of sugar sand, a white variety indigenous to the area which creates even more challenges for golfers. The course is a par-72 and the par-3 seventh is the most picturesque. The eighth green is 85 yards long and the 17th is a drivable par-4, measuring between 236 and 333 yards. The Fish Camp behind the fifth green and sixth tee box, near the Myakka River, can be used for special events. Soleta will also have a new clubhouse, 93 homesites, plus racquet sports facilities. Famed golf instructor, David Leadbetter designed the 30-acre practice facility at Soleto. It has the latest in TopTracer technology, with four cameras covering all 16 hitting bays. A chipping green and putting course are also included. The short par-3 course, the Colt has six greens with nine tee boxes.
By Fred Altvater distance stats picked off a win. Another interesting fact is that no winners on tour had a driving distance average under 290. For that two-year span, 2023-24, 84% of PGA Tour tournaments were won by players averaging 300, or more. If you hit it under 290, you have no chance. We all know that the top players today, Rory McIlroy, Wyndham Clark, Taylor Pendrith, Jhonattan Vegas, and Bryson DeChambeau average between 314 and 320. The most prolific winner, over that time span, Scottie Scheffler, averages 304. You don’t have to be the longest, but being longer than average is an absolute requirement. The short answer to that question is definitely, Yes, if you want to win professional golf tournaments, or beat your buddies in your weekly game. Compared to the average golfer you see at your club, or the local muni, every player on the PGA Tour is long. A ‘short’ hitter on tour has a driving distance of at least 280 yards. The fact is, however, most champions on tour average over 300 yards with the driver in hand. In 2023, 40 of the 45 PGA Tour events were won by golfers whose distance average for the season was 300 or more. This year 35 of 44 tournaments were won by golfers whose distance average for the season is in excess of 300 yards. Only four players from the bottom one third of the driving Is Distance Really That Important? Opinion American Golf Journal
Scheffler, the No. 1 player in the world, averages 304 off the tee, which ranks him 70th for distance, but he hits a ton of fairways and is No. 2 in ‘Strokes Gained off the Tee’ and total driving. You know the old saying, “the woods are full of long drives.” DeChambeau seems to be the only guy that can hit it 50 yards offline into the rough and still earnings and probably twice that much in sponsorships and appearance fees. Not a bad gig if you can get it. He admitted that he did not have a realistic chance of winning on long golf courses and asked by media why he even bothered to show up, he answered, “Because they give away a lot of money for 20th.” Over past two years LIV has forced the PGA Tour to increase purses by over 30% and all the players, long and short hitters, benefit from the larger purses. You can be a guy who hits it under 300 yards and still make a ton of money in professional golf, but you probably won’t be wearing too many Green Jackets, or hoisting too many trophies. find a way to make enough birdies to offset his bogeys. To be the very best requires a measure of accuracy. Scheffler, is proof that you don’t need to be the longest guy. You do, however, need to be somewhat long, but overall accuracy is still the main ingredient to hoist the hardware and pocket the big check on Sunday. On the other side of the distance debate, you can still earn a bunch of money on the PGA Tour even if you don’t hit it 300 yards. Kevin Kisner is a case in point. The television golf analyst joined the tour in 2006 and averages under 280 yards in driving distance. He is now 40 years old and is on the back 9 of his career, but has banked over $29 million in total career
Royal Dornoch Is a True ‘Bucket-List’ Destination More than 30 years ago, I read a story about a golf trip to Scotland by the late, great Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight. His account of the experience – particularly about his round at the Championship Course at the Royal Dornoch Golf Club in the Scottish Highlands community of Dornoch, left a major impression on me. It immediately became a ‘bucket-list’ destination until I was able to cross it off my list this past summer. Royal Dornoch is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, along the Dornoch Firth, well north of St. Andrews and the experience exceeded even my lofty expectations. The credit for designing Dornoch’s Championship Course is given to Old Tom Morris. Opening in 1877, it is one of global golf’s all-time treasures and best designs. It is routinely listed near the top of the best international golf courses in the world. By Mike May While the front nine on the Championship Course at Royal Dornoch is a brilliant design, the back nine is beyond compare, mainly because of the close proximity of Dornoch Firth which is on the golfer’s left, starting with the tee shot on the 10th hole. In true links fashion, the 10th tee of the Championship Course is not adjacent to the clubhouse. It is at the extreme end of the property, as far away from the clubhouse as you can get. Most links courses play away from the clubhouse on the front nine and return to the clubhouse on the back nine. Five-time (British) Open Champion Tom Watson, who is an honorary member at Royal Dornoch speaks highly of the course. “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had on a golf course.” The Championship Course at Royal Dornoch Golf Club, plus the first-class accommodations at the Dornoch Station Hotel await your arrival and hopefully my return one day. After golf, visit Bannerman Fish & Chips inside the restaurant at Royal Dornoch for a true English dining experience. American Golf Journal
By Ed Travis Cobra Golf new family of metal woods has been announced and is called Darkspeed, or DS-Adapt. All four model drivers in the series have an innovative hosel fitting adjustment feature with 33 independent loft and lie settings. New DS-Adapt Drivers from Cobra Golf American Golf Journal
Cobra has made use of the latest trends in driver design and construction with the new DS-Adapt series including a more aerodynamic shape for the carbon fiber crown and heel to reduce downswing drag and therefore increase clubhead speed. The other Cobra-unique and innovative feature that may need some explaining during a driver fitting is the 33 loft and lie hosel settings which offer the advantage of precisely filling the needs of almost any golfer. In that regard Jose Miraflor, VP of Product Architecture and Consumer Connections said, “FUTUREFIT33 is a true breakthrough in metalwood fitting. Never before has any hosel system provided 33 unique loft and lie settings that can be adjusted so quickly and easily. 33 settings is more than four times our previous hosel system and more than double our nearest competitor.” To improve the aerodynamics which is a quick way to pick up a mile an hour improvement in speed and that translates into more distance regardless of the player the crown and heel were built up make them more rounded and “slipperier.” The 33 position hosel adjustment system is a marvel of engineering giving players and their fitters more choices than ever before. Fast Facts DarkSpeed Adapt Drivers –– Four models –– Adjustable hosel—33 fittings FutureFit33 –– Reshaped more aerodynamic crown & heel –– Forged face insert –– Carbon fiber crown and sole –– Titanium frame –– Model-specific internal weighting PwrBridge –– MSRP: $549 DS-Adapt Max-K Driver –– Super game-improvement category –– 460cc clubhead –– Combined MOI 10k –– Oversize profile –– Fixed back weight –– Stock shaft: Denali Blue 60 –– Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline DS-Adapt Max-D Driver –– Super game-improvement category –– 460cc clubhead –– Draw bias heel weighting –– Fixed heel weight –– Stock shaft: Denali Red 50 –– Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline DS-Adapt X Driver –– Game-improvement category –– 460cc clubhead –– Sole weights—3g rear, 10g center –– Stock shaft: Denali Blue 60 –– Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline DS-Adapt LS Driver –– Better player category –– Low spin –– 445cc clubhead –– Three interchangeable sole weights— two 3g, one 10g –– Stock shaft: Denali Black 60 –– Stock grip: Lamkin Crossline
as “Unredeemable” and shuttled off to a mental institution for the rest of his life. I can’t think of a more moving story of faith, redemption, and gratitude than Alex Fourie’s incredible journey to wholeness. He is the top-ranked, onearmed golfer in America, according to the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance (USAGA), and the new head golf professional at an outstanding club in North Carolina that’s focused on making golf accessible to all. I called on Alex in his new post as head pro at The Five-Hundred Club in Statesville, North Carolina. Eighteen months ago, the semiprivate club, formerly known as the Larkin Community Country Club, was purchased My friend Mark Kehl, who runs a terrific organization called Autism Northwest in Thunder Bay, Ontario, sent me a 2023 awardwinning Golf Channel documentary about an extraordinary young man named Alex Fourie. Watch the full Golf Channel video HERE. Alex was born without a right arm near Chernobyl in 1992, just six years after the largest nuclear power plant disaster in history poisoned the region’s air and water supply, which passed through his pregnant birth mom causing Alex to be born without a right arm and a cleft lip and palate that would eventually require 22 surgeries. His parents gave up custody of Alex to the state, which placed him in orphanages for nearly seven years until he was adopted by a South African couple in Alabama through an improbable – dare I say miraculous -- series of incredible connections before he reached his seventh birthday, the age at which, under Ukrainian law, he would have been classified Saved By Golf & The Love of God By James Dodson American Golf Journal
by a management group that included eight former NASCAR winners of the Daytona 500, hence its new name. The owners transformed the dramatic rolling golf course club with a multi-million-dollar makeover and introduced exceptional casual family-friendly services aimed at redefining the modern sports club experience — with access for all. “In that respect,” Alex explained to us as we rambled around the golf course on a golden afternoon, “this is probably one of the most unique clubs in the country, one that focuses on fun and making everyone who comes here feel welcome and at home.” To that end, Alexis has introduced several programs designed to bring newcomers to the game — women and children, abled and disabled alike — by focusing on the power of golf to bring joy and fun. With input from the USGA, He recently created the North Carolina Adaptive Golf Association, a first of its kind aiming to build a network of teaching clinics across the state. A recent clinic he hosted in Greenville (SC) for physically challenged kids attracted a dozen one-armed kids from across the country. The 500 Club seems perfect for Alex Fourie, an extraordinary young man whose improbable life journey from an orphanage in Ukraine to his first head pro job in western North Carolina almost seems the stuff of divine intervention. “I sometime have to pinch myself for where life has led me. I wake up every day thankful to God that I’m able to do what I do in a game I love. This is really my mission in life, a way to give back to others. It’s not a job, it’s a blessing. God and golf saved me.” Reprinted with permission from James Dodson and Substack.
Quivira Golf Club Celebrates 10th Anniversary By Steve Pike, SpikeonGolfandTravel.com Quivira Golf Club, one of the top luxury golf courses in Los Cabos, Mexico, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Jack Nicklausdesigned layout features holes that play along the cliffs above the Sea of Cortez. Nicklaus said of his design, “I think Quivira is loaded with really, really good golf holes and unique golf holes. There is good golf even before you get to the ocean American Golf Journal
had and be they too difficult or not, you have to take advantage of it. It was just too unbelievable.” Quivira has been internationally acclaimed, since it opened and has stood the test of time, the ultimate accolade for any golf course. Two years ago, the debut of The Beach Club, an amenity for Quivira Los Cabos residents, required the elimination of the beachfront golf cart path that led to the former first tee. The par-4 18th hole, a classic links-style par 4 that plays to an infinity edge green, now serves as the first hole. Other hole numbering changes were required which allowed the ninth hole to reach the Oasis Club, the halfway house. “Quivira questions a foundational premise in golf architecture: that golf courses can only be as good as their routings. But holes like the short par-4 sixth and the jaw-dropping par 3’s at seven and 14 plummet sharply from rocky headlands down to greens notched onto the edges of cliffs 80 feet above the Pacific Ocean make the extended journeys worthwhile. When it comes to the importance of cohesive routings, enough of our panelists have determined there are exceptions to every rule.” An aesthetic marvel and triumph of engineering, Quivira stands on a pedestal of its own. Click HERE for additional information. holes, which will be unlike anything else in Cabo or many other places. I’ve never seen any place that has three holes hanging out over the ocean like this golf course does. They are unbelievable. This is a diverse golf course with inland settings: it’s got desert, it’s got ocean, it’s got rocks. It has a little bit of everything. It’s not a hard golf course; we made the course very player friendly. It will look difficult because of where it is, but I think you’re going to find that the course is very playable.” Asked if he had to challenge himself to match up his work to the canvas, Nicklaus said, “We had to help the golf course emerge from the natural terrain we were given. I thought it was a very challenging yet spectacular piece of property. Much of it is located on the side of a hill and although there were many opportunities (to place golf holes), we had to find them. Even though we found them, they still required an awful lot of effort to make certain that they work and that they remain stable.” While the layout is user-friendly for the average player from the forward tees, Nicklaus made sure that pros and low handicappers have all they can handle from the back tees. The property, Nicklaus said, was too unique to try to create a venue that would be a resort golf course suited solely for high handicappers. With its sheer cliffs and massive dunes and sharp elevation changes, the site was a tiger that could not be made into a pussycat. “It’s a golf course where you have to take advantage of all the spectacular situations you
Golf Tip Drive For Show & Avoid Three Putts After your last three-putt did you wonder how your percentage of made putts from various distances compared to PGA Tour players? On average from 10 feet tour pros make 41.9% of putts. At nine feet that number increases to 47.4%, 8 feet 53.2%, 7 feet 614%, 6 feet 70.9%, 5 feet 82.0%, 4 feet 92.2% and pros make those knee-knocking three footers over 99% of the time. Two things that don’t last very long, “Dogs that chase cars and pros putting for pars.” In 2005, Tiger Woods attempted 485 putts inside of five feet and did not miss a single putt. That is the statistic that separates the winners from the mediocre players. I would wager that most of the golfers that read this article haven’t had a single round in their lifetime where they made every putt inside of five feet. All the professionals you see on your big screens can hit the ball far and wedge it onto the green. The area of their game that requires over 60% of their practice sessions is short game, putting, chipping and shots from inside 150 yards. Students continually ask me how to stop three putting. I always reply with the same two questions. -How much practice time do you spend every week chipping? By Fred Altvater American Golf Journal
-How much practice time do you spend every week putting? Go to any driving range and you will see nearly every player reaching for their driver and trying to bang it 300 yards. A feat that will never happen for most golfers. Every golfer, however, could improve their chipping and putting. Most amateur golfers are lucky to hit five greens in an 18-hole round. That means they are chipping from off the green at least 13 times. If a golfer improves his chipping and gets the ball up and down from off the green just 50% of the time, he would immediately shave 6.5 shots off his scores. As you improve your chipping ability you will chip it closer, which will reduce three-putting. If you are serious about lowering your handicap, hit the chipping and putting green for some serious practice. Short Game Drills To Lower Your Scores Chipping: Chip ten balls at a particular hole on the practice green. Putt out each shot and keep score of how many you were able to get up and down. An acceptable goal would be to get at least six out of ten up and down every time. If you want to really lower your scores, keep doing the drill until you get 80% up and down and make at least one out of the ten chips. When you are satisfied with your results from the first location, move to another location
and repeat the drill. Choose different lies, use different clubs, 60-degree, sand wedge and pitching wedge to determine which works best for you. Do this drill a minimum of 45 minutes per week. If you have time do it more often. You will be amazed at how quickly your putting statistics will improve. Putting: Most putters are 34 inches long. Lay your putter on the ground with the head of your putter in the cup. Lay a golf ball two inches just outside the butt of your putter grip. Move your putter around the hole placing 10 balls in a three-foot circle around the cup. Putt all ten balls When you are satisfied with putts from three feet, move out to four feet, five feet and so on. For the average golfer it is not realistic to make 100% putts from five feet, but you should be able to make 70%, or 80%. It is best to choose a hole on the putting green that has slope, so that you can experience uphill, downhill, left to right and right to left putts while practicing. and keep score of how many you make. Keep doing the drill until you can make all ten putts. What you will find is that after you make the first six or seven you will begin to really grind on the last few because you are trying to make all ten putts. This is the closest to on-course pressure of trying to make a short putt to win a couple bucks off your buddy. American Golf Journal
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/ George McNeilly George McNeilly began his career as an awardwinning multimedia broadcaster, producer and writer with a journalism background that has spanned the globe from four Olympics, 17 Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, Major College Football, Basketball and Professional Golf. A former senior executive for ESPN and The Walt Disney Co., George teaches Sports Business at Full Sail University and is managing partner of McNeilly Communications. American Golf Journal
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