Team USA vs Team Scotland 2024 Fall-Winter 2024 Visit Canton-Ohio’s Golf Capital Cragun’s Golf Resort-Minnesota’s Finest Golf Shoe's Review
Another spring-summer golf season has passed. The smell of Fall is starting to fill the air. Soon snow will begin to fly. UGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG! Ok, I have calmed down now. No, not really! I hate winter anymore. There is a beach in my very near future and I hope yours too. This is going to be a fun issue. We’ll take you to Cragun’s Golf Resort in Minnesota. Then jump on a jet and head to St. Andrews, Scotland. Finally, we’ll kick a field goal and head to Canton, Ohio. As always, I’m grateful for every single day on God’s Earth. And for his gift of Golf in my life. Hacker Extraordinaire, Randy “Tank” Tantlinger Letter from Randy Golfin’ Around 2
Content 04 42 14 30 24 22 32 34 38 Craguns Resort on Gull LakeMinnesota’s Finest SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES Team USA Amateur Golf Championships 2025 Visit Canton-Ohio’s Golf Capital Ireland’s Galgorm Collection acquires Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort Scottish Golf Accommodations The World’s best Rain Gear Ball Marker That Made Headlines on TOUR Now Available Gull Lake Golf Resort-Michigan From Fairway to Footwear: The Birth of TRUE linkswear
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The legend of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox has made Brainerd memorable. Built in 1938 Cragun’s Resort has always been a tradition for many families and golf groups who come back year after year. Here you’ll find “Minnesota Nice” is a way of life. Friendliness and Lake Life abounds here. For incredible videos of Cragun’s go to our “Golfin’ Around TV-RadioMagazine” You Tube page. Cragun’s has been awarded the “Golfin’ Around-Golf Resort of the Year” for 2024! Golfin’ Around Traveled to Ireland, Scotland and some incredible state side resorts in 2024. But the selection of Cragun’s as our “Golfin’ Around-Golf Resort of the Year” was an easy selection. The people we met at Cragun’s tipped the scales in their favor above all else. “Minnesota Nice” is more than a
saying it is truly who they are. And in a world that seems to have lost it’s moral compass and a sense of decency, isn’t it nice to know that the good people at Cragun’s love to share their happiness with everyone. “Explore a world of lodging at Cragun’s Resort and discover more affordable choices than any other Minnesota resort. Select a cozy lakeside cabin or lakeside in one of the 260 Lodge Hotel Rooms with a balcony, offering enchanting views of beautiful Gull Lake. Choose a poolside Lodge Hotel Room overlooking the indoor pool with Gull Lake views just beyond. From 1-bedroom suites to 10-bedroom cabins and everything in between, our accommodations, which include the luxury of air conditioning, are designed to provide the utmost comfort. That’s why Cragun’s Resort consistently earns its reputation as one of the finest resorts in Minnesota. Discover the perfect golf retreat in our Homes at The Legacy, the ideal lodging for those who want to immerse themselves in the championship golf experience offered by the Legacy Courses Golfin’ Around 8
at Cragun’s. Great for larger family stays in the off-season. Be among the inaugural guests to experience the luxury of our meticulously furnished private homes situated alongside the breathtaking Lehman 18 at Cragun’s Legacy Courses.”, states their website. designed the original holes. In 2020 Minnesota native, Lehman was hired to redesign some holes and design new ones. Two challenging testes of golf await your swing. Called the “Cragun’s Legacy Courses” If golf is your passion, then look no further than the Championship Golf presented by Craguns. Robert Trent Jones Jr. and Tom Lehman have lent their design expertise to the grand golf here at Cragun’s. Jones’
she is home to The Dutch 18 and the Lehman 18. With more to come! The pedigree of a quality golf resort not only rests on awards won, but more importantly proving the host destination for any pro golf tour. The PGA Americas Tour and The CRMC Championship, is held annually at Cragun’s. 2024 was the third year for this growing event. “The majesty of the incredible nature that abounds in Minnesota is on full display on both courses. Lakes and ponds come into play throughout. Towering pines and Golfin’ Around 10
hardwoods stand as cathedrals and frame the courses. The “Lehman 18” is Tom’s signature 7,400yard championship golf course. This beautiful course layout moves perfectly through a 1,000-acre wooded sanctuary working its way around Stephens Lake and through many natural wetlands, a true Minnesota backdrop. The 18-hole course features challenging fairways, playful greens, and tee boxes for all levels.”
The Lehman is an out and back design that allows you to commune with nature. Tom Lehman has constructed and incredible design. He uses reverted bunkers emulating the great bunkers of Scotland. The Lehman 18 provides elevated vistas of Stephens Lake in the back ground from fairways, tee boxes and greens. You could spend an afternoon here watching Lake Life from above. The lake birds sing and dance throughout your round as they play around the lakes and ponds. Calmness overtakes your golf game here as the stress slips away, just like that last putt you missed. White Sand with elements of quartz make the bunkers “pop” against dazzling blue skies and carpets of emerald green. “The Dutch 18 Golf Course at Cragun’s Resort is a picturesque and challenging course nestled in the stunning surroundings of Brainerd, Minnesota. This meticulously designed course offers a blend of natural beauty and strategic layout, providing an unforgettable golfing experience.” The Dutch 18 is the host course for the CRMC Championship. These 18 holes of Championship golf take golfers on a journey throughout the lake side topography. She is also adding 9 more stunning holes with incredible vistas, challenging carries, Par 3’s that will challenge and amaze. If you are considering your next golf adventure or you want to beat the heat of Southern States in summer, go discover great Championship Golf and “Minnesota Nice” at Cragun’s. And maybe you’ll find out exactly why the group of golfers I first met when I arrived had been coming back for over twenty years in a row to Cragun’s. Or like the group of fishermen and old friends I met at breakfast that were now on their thirty seventh year of their annual poker and fishing get together here at Cragun’s. Golfin’ Around 12
aheadweb.com 800.282.2246 Proudly Supporting the Golf Industry for Nearly 30 Years. Ahead, LLC We Imagine. We Create. We Deliver.
Team USA Amateur Golf Championships 2025 Visit Canton-Ohio’s Golf Capital Canton, Ohio! Say those words and every sports fan thinks of one thing, GOLF! Yes, Golf! By Randy Tantlinger Oh, there is that shrine that immortalizes football god’s and legends that is in Canton as well, The Pro Football Hall of Fame! http://www.visitcanton.com Golfin’ Around 14
If Football, Golf, Fun and Excitement are your passions, then look no further than Canton, Ohio. With over eleven golf courses in the Canton area, it’s no wonder it’s, “Ohio’s Golf Capital”. And it’s no wonder Team USA Golf Events has selected Canton to host the 2025 Team USA National Championships for The Team USA vs Team Scotland Amateur Golf Championships! August 22nd-24th amateur golfers from across the country will visit canton and play in the National Championships. win a trip to St. Andrews, Scotland to play against Team Scotland in 2026. Log onto www.usascotlandgolf. com for details and to register. Amateur Golfers will compete in Five Flights. No USGA-GHIN is required to play. The Five Flight winners will be crowned Team USA National Champions and
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Two of Canton’s best courses will play host to the 2025 Team USA National Championships. The Quarry and Glenmoore CC. Following the opening ceremonies on Friday night that feature a tour of the pro Football Hall of Fame by the amateur golfers and an evening of fun at The BrewKettle located overlooking Tom Benson Stadium in the Hall of Fame Village, the golfers will tee it up for two days of competitive golf. Round One will be played on The Quarry. The Quarry was selected “The Golfin’ Around-2024 Public Course of the Year”. It’s that good. The Las Vegas Raiders and the Cincy Bengals have chosen The Quarry to host their Hall of Fame Induction weekend golf outings. This should speak volumes as to the quality and service here at The Quarry. Voted Best of the Best in Stark County in both 2020 and 2021, ranked 3rd in the State of Ohio and 42nd in the Country by Golf Week Magazine. The course runs through a old stone quarry with dramatic cliffs and rolling hills. Team USA Golfers will be tested on this incredible layout. The Quarry, situated just minutes from
Downtown Canton, is a unique target-style golf course. It is built on an old quarry dating back to the 1800’s. The terrain consists of natural waste areas, 100 foot plus cliffs, streams, and deep water lakes. These unforgettable land features wind through and around each hole, giving them their own unique identity. Although a quarry site, the course is predominantly wooded with many tree-lined fairways. The course features bent grass Golfin’ Around 18
tees, greens and fairways framed by rock outcroppings and native grasses. Several tee shots are visually intimidating, but do not be deceived – the landing areas are much more generous than they appear. Five sets of tees will enable golfers of all skill levels to enjoy incredible scenic vistas throughout the golf course. The Quarry GC is a spectacular design and a true test of golf. Amateur Golfers who play on flat courses in Florida and Arizona will find that their 6 Handicap will play like a 13 here at The Quarry. Every stick in a golfers bag must be used to navigate uphill, downhill, elevated tee shots, massive sand bunkers and water. Choosing a favorite hole at The Quarry isn’t easy. It may be a worn out cliche but, every hole here is a Signature Hole. She’s the kind of course that you say, “Man, I wish this course was in my hometown!” And if it was, you’d play it three times a week and never get bored with her. Would you get bored if you were married to Miss America? I don’t think so!
The Championship Round of The Team USA National Championships will be played at the venerable and historic Glenmoor Country Club. When speaking with Shawn the Head Pro at Glenmoor CC you simply fall in love with the course and it’s rich history. Simply put, Glenmoor is a salute to Scotland. What better venue to host the 2025 Team USA National Championships. Originally built in 1930 and established as a Seminary, it’s beautiful and stately architectural were a marvel to behold. The Wolstein Family purchased the 381 acres of land and building in 1989. Who better than Ohio’s native son; Jack Nicklaus was hired to design and craft the golf course here at Glenmoor CC. She opened for play in 1992. Since then she has become known as The Grand Dame of Stark County. Impressively, an endless list of NFL Superstars call upon Glenmoor to play at least one round of golf if they are in Canton for Hall of Fame Induction weekend or other NFL events. Golfin’ Around 20
Upon entering the main entry you are greeted by a Armour Knight. You will feel as if you have walked into an ancient Scottish Castle. Tartan Plaid carpets, Swords, Scottish themed bars and restaurants adorn Gleenmoor CC. Glenmoor CC is home to the lovely Bertram Inn and Spa. “The Bertram Inn” at Glenmoor bears the aura of an upland Scottish castle set on rolling green hills. Nestled amidst a scenic Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, the Bertram Inn at Glenmoor boasts a beautiful full Spa and Salon, three unique dining rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and eleven private meeting rooms. The ideal location for hosting business associates, weddings, special occasions, or a weekend getaway. Seventy-three overnight rooms in various styles, unlike any other resort. All rooms provide the perfect escape. The Spa at Glenmoor is ideal for unwinding, relaxing, and escaping. For your chance to Visit Canton, Ohio and play in the Team USA 2025 National Championships, log onto www. usascotlandgolf.com
The World’s best Rain Gear By Randy Tantlinger Every year I take our Team USA Golf Events winners to Ireland and Scotland. Every year our players ask should I take rain gear? “YES, it’s Ireland. It’s Scotland!”, I answer. www.proquipgolf.net “Ultimate HTX is ProQuip’s first rain jacket capable of recycling and transferring body heat for improved performance in cold weather. HTX (Heat Technology Extreme) works using a metallic base liner, sewn inside the jacket, to capture body heat and reflect it onto the golfer’s body, warming the trunk, lower and mid-back for improved flexibility and mobility during the swing. ProQuip Ultimate HTX – Rainwear with intelligent heat transfer Ultimate HTX is ProQuip’s first rain jacket capable of In both countries you can tee off in sunshine on Hole # 5 and by the green of #6 it’s pouring down rain sideways. Then by Hole # 9 tee box the sun is shining again. This is golf in the North Atlantic. Rain gear is essential to a golfer no matter where you’re playing. I have found the world’s best rain gear, Pro Quip’s Ultimate HTX. Why is it so good? One, it keeps you dry! Two, it helps keep you warm! Three, it’s light weight material does not impede your swing! What more can you ask for in your rain gear? Golfin’ Around 22
recycling and transferring body heat for improved performance in cold weather. HTX (Heat Technology Extreme) works using a metallic base liner, sewn inside the jacket, to capture body heat and reflect it onto the golfer’s body, warming the trunk, lower and mid-back for improved flexibility and mobility during the swing. The metallic inner liner is highly breathable, allowing excess heat and moisture to dissipate while retaining and transferring the optimal level of warmth to support a f uller turn and better rotation in colder conditions.” Features and Benefits • 3-year waterproof guarantee • Reflective metallic lining transfers heat to lower back and trunk – reducing layers needed in cold weather • Four-way stretch fabric for freedom of movement and best-fit • Outer shell and lining are breathable for thermo-regulation • Storm cuffs keep wrists and forearms free of excess moisture • Waterproof zips • Side adjuster tabs • Fully adjustable shock cord drawstring for best fit at waist • Machine washable
Scottish Golf Accommodations CHARLETON ESTATE & GOLF: ST. ANDREWS, SCOTLAND: www.charletonestate.com Every golfer dreams of having their picture taken on the Swilcan Bridge in front of the R&A Clubhouse. These are the very same grounds Old Tom Morris walked upon in St. Andrews. The courses are as legendary as well. The Old Course, Kingsbarn’s, Dumbarnie, Crail and more. You’ll want to call the Charleton Castle and Golf Estate home away from home during your stay in St. Andrews. The estate By Randy Tantlinger When you’re planning your great Scottish Golf Journey, you have to start with your accommodations. They will be home base during your visit to the home of golf. Here’s three stellar accommodations in three of Scotland’s historic golf regions. St. Andrews, The Ayrshire Coast and Scotland’s Golf Coast. Golfin’ Around 24
is home to it’s very own parkland course that does not disappoint. Here at Charleton you’ll have several options for accommodations. There are Eco Lodges or Cottages. Eco Lodges: Built from Scottish larchwood, reclaimed slate and green sedum roof, the lodges are nestled beautifully in natural woodland surroundings adjacent to the Charleton Golf Course with spectacular views over looking the the Firth of Forth with North Berwick across the water. The lodges are equipped with all the modern comforts including fabulous comfy beds. Cottages: There are two cottages you can choose from. Welcome to these unique, private and newly renovated getaways at the center of the Charleton Estate. The cottages are located in a peaceful location at the edge of the estate’s landscaped gardens offering lots of space and access to wonderful woodland walks. The interiors are tastefully decorated with period prints and furniture as well as all the modern comforts you require. Super cozy with the newly installed central heating as well as a log burning fire place.
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at Dundonald Links has been carefully designed to combine contemporary and legacy, to create something unique. Our hotel rooms are just a swing away from the clubhouse itself, and equipped with everything the modern golfer might need. Each suite incorporates subtle reflections of the surrounding landscape of Scotland: from cedar cladding to our sloping roofs, they are a nod to the outstanding natural beauty around us.” “Each of our luxury lodges are custom-built, to offer both timeless style and ultimate comfort for golfers. Our lodges vary in size and location across the course, and each has been beautifully designed to offer our guests the perfect space to relax and unwind during their stay.” DUNDONALD GOLF RESORT: THE AYRSHIRE COAST: dundonaldlinks.com You may not know the name but you do know the courses that dot the ocean sand dunes on the West Coast of Scotland, The Ayrshire Coast. Prestwick Links, site of the first Open Championship in 1860, Royal Troon, Trump Turnberry and my favorite Western Gailes. For your accommodation may I suggest the Dundonald Links & Resort. First off she’s home to an incredible links golf course that is immaculate in every aspect. Here you’ll discover her award winning clubhouse as well. You’ll have the choice of Hotel Rooms or Lodges. “As with our luxury lodges, our hotel room accommodation
GARLETON LODGE: SCOTLAND GOLF COAST: www.garletonlodge.co.uk www.scotlandsgolfcoast.com Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital. Some say it’s the most beautiful city in all of Europe. With Edinburgh Castle sitting high atop a rock formation over looking the city and landscape for miles in every direct, Edinburgh is an ancient city. If you prefer to spend more time playing golf than traveling, Scotland’s Golf Coast is the perfect choice. She has twenty three of the world’s greatest courses. Stretching along stunning coastline from Edinburgh to the Scottish Border and into Northumberland, Scotland’s Golf Coast is readily accessible – Edinburgh and its airport are close-by, with Newcastle Airport and the North Sea ferry port also providing ready access offering a true Gateway to Scotland’s Golf Coast. Scotland’s Golf Coast stretches from Edinburgh and to the East. Here you’ll find golf’s greatest courses. Muirfield, North Berwick, Kilspindie mongst the many. Garleton Lodge will serve as your castle during your stay. Their website states, “ We welcome you to Garleton Lodge: Luxury Accommodation & Spa – and our home – in the heart of East Lothian … Edinburgh’s Coast & Countryside. We offer six en-suite rooms, residents’ lounge/ bar, spa, relaxation room & hot tub all with spectacular 360-degree panoramic views across Edinburgh, the Forth and surrounding countryside. Golfin’ Around 28
Situated less than 30 minutes from Edinburgh City Centre & Airport, Garleton Lodge offers a great location for your weekend getaway or longer stay. We provide an ideal base for golf parties playing the numerous courses on Scotland’s Golf Coast. Take a look at our Stay & Play Golf Packages! The Spa @Garleton Lodge has three treatment rooms, hot tub and relaxation room offering a wide range of holistic and Garleton Lodge holds Visit Scotland 5-star accreditation. Voted as the TripAdvisor No.1 Best Value Place to Stay in East Lothian and awarded a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence in both 2018 & 2019 and a Traveller’s Choice Award in 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023, we have also been awarded a MUST STAY and FEATURED MUST by Must Visit Scotland and a further RECOMMENDATION when they revisited the spa in 2022.” therapeutic treatments for both men and women including massages, facials, manicures & pedicures. Take a look at our Spa Treatment Menu.
Ireland’s Galgorm Collection acquires Galgorm Castle Estate and Roe Park Resort www.galgorm.com The Galgorm Collection, Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hospitality group, announced a landmark £50 million investment in the region’s hospitality and tourism sector following the acquisition of two of the region’s most iconic properties: Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and Roe Park Resort in Limavady. Galgorm Collection, which owns a suite of leading properties including the iconic Galgorm, The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat, Golfin’ Around 30
and The Old Inn, acquired the historic, internationally renowned Galgorm Castle Estate in Ballymena and the four-star Roe Park Resort & Spa, set in in a magnificent countryside estate in Limavady. Building on Galgorm Collection’s vision for exceptional luxury experiences, this investment promises to transform and confirm both properties as must-visit destinations. At Roe Park Resort, guests will experience an enhanced family-friendly atmosphere, a new bespoke adult-only spa designed for ultimate relaxation, and continued Galgorm Castle Estate, as its already impressive golf course is elevated with the bold ambition of becoming the top parkland course in Ireland. Detailed plans will be unveiled in the coming months, solidifying the Estate’s reputation as a premier destination for world class golfing experiences. improvements to its renowned golf offering. The developments will position Roe Park as a top destination for families, golf enthusiasts, and those seeking a luxurious escape. Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts can look forward to significant developments at
Ball Marker That Made Headlines on TOUR Now Available The ball marker that made headlines at the Valspar Championship is now available just in time for the holidays. Witch Way, designed by proven golf innovator Rick Reimers, is a new, rotating ball marker on a spike with a line on top to achieve perfect aim on the green. Witch Way can shave strokes off your score and boost your putting confidence. Witch Way is USGA conforming and available for $9.99 as a single and $29.99 in a five-pack with a handy carry case. Check it out at https://www.finnscooters. com/pages/witchway. Golfin’ Around 32
Witch Way is a precise, rotating ball marker on a spike with a line on top to achieve perfect aiming of the line on your ball. It also has a notch which shows marker movement using a blade of grass as a reference. To use Witch Way: when initially marking your ball, get the line on the ball marker close to your putting line. Pick your ball up, stand behind it a few feet, look at where the line is pointing relative to the hole, seeing the marker and the hole at the same time. Then make the precision adjustment required. Lastly, match the ball line with the marker line. Use of this product during a round is permissible under rule 4.3a of the Rules of Golf. Witch Way inventor Rick Reimers explained, “If you want to aim something accurately, you need to be able to see what you are aiming and the target at the same time. One degree error at 10 feet is 2 inches. One degree of adjustment of your marker might be only one half of one blade of grass!” Reimers continued, “Using Witch Way is far more accurate than conventional putting, where you can see the hole or your putter, but not both at once, and aiming with Witch Way can be done quickly, mostly before it is your turn to putt!”
Gull Lake Golf Resort-Michigan Home to Six Incredible Golf Courses-Why Would Your Ever Leave? www.gulllakeview.com Golfin’ Around 34
A wildly popular Southwestern Michigan golf destination came about because of one man’s vision. A superintendent at nearby Gull Lake Country Club in Richland, Michigan, for 25 years, Darl Scott decided to tap into his entrepreneurial spirit in the early 1960s. He and his wife, who already owned and operated a nearby motel, set out to build the Gull Lake View West golf course in 1962 on adjacent land. Little did the couple know that the small motel and golf course business would lead the couple to become pioneers in destination golf. Today, this stay-and-play lake country golf destination is one of the largest family-owned golf resorts in the country. One that offers an affordable value proposition not commonly found with larger multi-course golf resorts. Gull Lake View’s six championship courses offer a special experience for golfers, all while not breaking the bank. Imagine, for the price of one round at Pebble Beach or Bandon Dunes, golfers could experience a three-day, two-night golf package and play up to three or four rounds of golf. The original Gull Lake View West is depicted by fields, ravines, hills, woods, ponds, and domed greens. In the early 1970s, the couple sold the motel and built Gull Lake View East – which features hilly scenic terrain,
lots of unique water hazards, and demands good shot placement. Alongside the East course, Darl built villastyle condos for golf groups to stay in, which was a new experience at the time. During the late 1980s and 1990s golf course boom, the Scotts’ son Charlie, who had built golf courses for Wadsworth Construction for seven years before coming home to build the East course, designed and built Stonehedge South nearby in of the six that is not designed by the talented family with landscape architecture backgrounds. And now, the course is ranked in the state’s top 5. Unlike anything else in Michigan, it’s located on one of the highest points in Kalamazoo County and commands sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It’s a special course with a dramatic design that inspires golfers to play their best. “Most of our guests will spend a whole day at Stonehedge during one of their days visiting, playing the North and South,” says Johnson. “They like to play the East and West together, as well. And then Stoatin Brae, which we’ve done a lot of work on to make 1988. The golf course is set on dramatic, rolling wooded countryside reminiscent of the Carolinas. Then, in 1995, Charlie and his son Jon built Stonehedge North, which showcases dramatic elevation changes and plays roughly five shots easier than the South. At the same time, the family bought and refurbished nearby Bedford Valley Country Club, a local course that had hosted multiple Michigan Opens but fell into disrepair. Stoatin Brae is only the second course Golfin’ Around 36
it more playable. It’s mature now and it’s beautiful. The views are great, and it’s totally different than any of the other golf courses. And Bedford Valley gives you that old country club feel. And it’s a big golf course that we can stretch to way over 7,000 yards if need be. These six courses have withstood the test of time. They’re just good-quality golf courses. And everybody knows when they come here, they’re gonna get great conditions.” “We pride ourselves on country club conditions,” continues Johnson. “We’re all about golf, and we have the amenities, restaurants, snack bars, and condos that people love. We’re located right in the middle of Detroit and Chicago, an easy drive from both or from up north and As popular as Gull Lake View has become— particularly since the pandemic—ownership is reinvesting roughly $2 million per year into improving the course conditions, irrigation, accommodations, and infrastructure in an effort to keep everything top-notch. They really care about the overall experience. Golfers will likely see that spill over into more rooms available in the near future, as well. Going on the fourth generation of ownership since the early 1960s, this simple yet charming golf resort is a fun and rewarding experience for everyday golfers. It is the ultimate destination where buddies can have the same experience and camaraderie without breaking the bank or traveling great distances to high-end or oceanfront destinations that often receive all the attention. Visit https://gulllakeview.com Wisconsin. It’s really grown in popularity.” For people in the Detroit-toChicago corridor, it’s a much shorter drive than going to Northern Michigan, and the golf quality is equally good. What’s really special about all six courses is that they’re playable for all skill levels. Golf has become more about fun, relaxation, and hanging out with friends. That’s what Gull Lake View emanates. You don’t have to be a great player to enjoy your stay.
TRUE LINKS WEAR: From Fairway to Footwear: The Birth of TRUE linkswear Reviews 2024 It’s 2009. Jason Moore is caddying for his older brother Ryan, who plays on the PGA Tour. The boys have always had a tight relationship – even though five years separated them – and seem destined to work in golf. They’d spent much of their childhood on their father’s Linksman driving range in Tacoma. Ryan would pound balls on the range while Jason worked a stand peddling balls he pulled from the range collection for 50 cents apiece. By 2009, Jason’s looping for Ryan, training with him, and practicing with him every day. Then Jason reads a new book – Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and The Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen written by Christopher McDougall – that’s essentially about indigenous tribes that don’t wear shoes and the health benefits that they experience because of it. A bell goes off in his head; Why are there no minimalist golf shoes? Golf Shoe www.truelinkswear.com Golfin’ Around 38
our first shoe to the public in 2010, with no idea if it would sell. They sold quite fast and we thought we might be onto something and if other people are resonating with this, let’s keep it going. We were really proud of the products” GROWING PAINS But they quickly found out that not everyone appreciated those original shoes. “We realized not everyone has the same exact food shape or preferences, taste in style, or features required,” says Jason. “What some people find comfortable, others don’t. So, as we’ve evolved, we realized different golfers need different types of fits, feels and styles. With more customers now, we continue to serve that same barefoot style shoes with our OG lineup. And that’s going to be in our line forever. But we’ve also built more lifestylebased footwear for people who don’t spend all day walking around on soft turf. Maybe you’re on concrete or traveling, or working in an office. We have footwear designed for that audience. And our Tour Performance Collection is inspired by feedback from our PGA Tour ambassadors, investors and owners.” They have since expanded their products well beyond shoes – always believing that if they had a selfish desire for a product that didn’t exist, they should try to build it. For example, TRUE’s pant collection was inspired by the fact no one was making rugged lifestyle, versatile pants that had water-repellent tendencies. “We play a lot of golf in the rain up here in the Pacific Northwest, and wearing rain pants isn’t any fun,” says Jason. “We made super lightweight, breathable stretchy pants that look good “Ryan and I started working on these concepts and consulted expert podiatrists who were key to helping us understand the benefits of zero-drop footwear with wide toeboxes,” recalls Jason. “It was a mental breakthrough. Fortuitously, we got connected with a couple of guys who had an idea of starting a minimalist golf shoe company and we all came together. From those meetings, we created some prototypes and samples. The whole first generation of footwear was based on this idea of barefoot style footwear with a wide toe box, anatomically shaped, lightweight, flexible sole and zero drop – meaning it’s level from heel to forefoot. Our first styles were built around those five key frameworks.” And TRUE linkswear was born. At that point, they had no intention of starting a shoe empire. They just wanted to make a product that didn’t exist and found a factory to produce a prototype. Ryan started wearing it during rounds and said his feet felt amazing. After he wore it in tour events, the Moores realized they needed to come up with a business plan. “In the early stages, it was a lot of guesswork and experimenting,” recalls Jason. “We released
enough to wear to the office or to the course but also repels water.” PUSHING FORWARD In 2024, customers have seen expanded offerings across TRUE’s product line, including the Lux G – the perfect dichotomy of a shoe that’s both waterproof and easy to clean while remaining breathable, lightweight, and flexible – and the FS-Tour, a modern take on the American wingtip, featuring waterproof topgrain oiled Napa leather upper on top of TRUE’s tour-tested sneaker sole to create a natural blend of style and signature TRUE comfort. The new OG Cush, however, brings TRUE’s barefoot/zero-drop innovations full circle and into the next generation. The first redesign of the OG footwear platform that put TRUE and the Moores on the map, the OG Cush has the stylish appearance of a fashion-forward athletic-sneaker still upper and ample cushion for unrivaled comfort. All of that design, though, is the Trojan Horse concealing TRUE’s signature zero-drop, wide toe box comfort and performance in a lightweight shoe that looks great on the course, on the town, or in the office. All day comfort takes a giant leap forward with this bold redesign of TRUE’s original shoe platform. OWNING THEIR ROLES It’s clear that each Moore knows his own role at TRUE. Jason is the creative director behind products and the brand, with a passion for the golf community and golf footwear. And Ryan checks in daily, running a lot of research and development testing, providing feedback on products, coming up with new product ideas, connecting the brand with more Tour players to wear TRUE, and cultivating connections with resorts and event venues. “He’s not just a brand evangelist, he cares about the products that we release,” says Jason. “At one point I built three new models. And he called me one day and asked if I would wear all three. I said I’d only wear two and don’t actually like the third one but somebody probably would. He quickly asked why we would make that third model then. That’s been a guiding ethos moment for our company. If we wouldn’t wear it or recommend it, then why would we produce it? I think that’s a huge differentiator when you compare our approach to other brands who put out products solely because of revenue targets or just to have a spring announcement. We’ve avoided that kind of mindset. If it has a TRUE stamp on it, that’s only because we actually think it needs to exist.” Golfin’ Around 40
A NOVEL APPROACH TO TOUR PLAYER RELATIONSHIPS For the record, the company doesn’t throw money at Tour pros to wear the shoes. Today, TRUE ambassadors who have the footwear on in tournaments include Chris Kirk, Joel Dahmen, Mark Hubbard, Oliver Wilson, Ryan Brehm, Dylan Wu, and Christina Kim. Many of them have personally invested money into TRUE and are part owners – also providing valuable feedback. The company also gets feedback from loyal customers both online and through tournaments it’s begun hosting. “It’s an awesome chance for us to engage with customers who we’ve never met from around the country,” says Jason. “We get some of our social media influencers out there and people from “Hopefully, we’ve answered some of those problems with innovative solutions. People wanted a shoe they could wear all day every day, no matter where they were, so we gave the new OG Cush maximum cushioning and an aesthetic where they don’t have to take the shoe off. We gave it that tread that works just as well on and off the course, even on trails, because our clientele is outdoorsy and loves to hike. People wanted an OG that made their feet feel more refreshed and cushioned throughout the day when they were among concrete. So, we added just the right amount of EVA midsole to give you more comfort without distracting and from that barefoot and minimalist feel. Customers should see our newest shoes and say, “This is the answer to one of my pain points, or small frustrations, I had with my favorite shoe and it’s a much better experience now.” our brand. And it’s a blast. We read every review from our online customers, and our sales force talks to our retailers about what’s working, what’s not, fits, styles, materials and waterproofing techniques. When we put out a shoe, we’re expecting it to get a 4.5 or better average customer rating because we’ve listened for a decade now. That’s definitely not commonplace in the industry.” When consumers wear newer iterations of TRUE’s footwear designs, Moore wants them to feel like he and his colleagues listened to customer, Tour player, and avid fan feedback and incorporated all the best ideas and desires into these latest designs. “These past seven years, especially, we’ve made it a real point to listen to our customers’ feedback,” Moore says.
SQAIRZ GOLF SHOES SQAIRZ patented toe box is roomier for your toes to spread naturally, creating better balance and more ground connection. Look at the image below of a golfers foot. It simple you can cram your feet into a narrow shoe or a pair of SQAIRZ. They allow your toes to spread out in their natural state, they create better balance, they provide stability. SQAIRZ has even perfected the golf shoe lace! One tie and your done for the round. They have invented numbs on their laces that binds the lace together and no slipping while you play. Golf Digest has awarded SQAIRZ their “Shoe of the Year” Four Years in a row! Wow! The Golf Advisory Council Review: “Best Golf Shoes of 2024”. SQAIRZ golf shoes are incredible! So, much thought and technology goes into them, it’s only natural they may be the world’s best golf shoe. www.sqairz.com By Randy Tantlinger Golfin’ Around 42
Below is their review of three popular models. “Throughout this rigorous testing phase, it became clear that these shoes are a serious tool, designed to enhance performance by improving the fundamentals of balance, stability, and traction. The difference was not just felt in the physical comfort but seen in the consistency of my shots and, ultimately, in the scores on my card. 1. ProS2 - Classic meets contemporary. At $200, this model doesn’t just walk the fine line between tradition and innovation— it dances on it. It has their new super lightweight ComfortFlex microfiber upper, and it adds a cool breathable grain texture while keeping you shielded from the elements. This model is for the golfer who respects the heritage of the game but is not afraid to embrace the future. 2. SPEED2 - Rolling in at $180, and let me tell you, it’s the next chapter in the SPEED series saga. It’s not just any shoe; it’s a leap forward in design and function, with features like embossing on the sides to add structure and lightweight foam that bring agility and dynamism to the forefront. 3. VELO - for those looking to really dial up their game, the VELO at $220 is the ticket. Golf’s first speed-rated shoe, folks. We’re talking about a shoe that not only talks the talk with its enhanced balance and NRG Direct Technology but walks the walk, channeling every ounce of power directly into your swing.”
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