Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 1 Summer 2023 PA • NJ • DE Region’s Most Read Golf Publication TriStateGolfer.net AMATEUR GOLF SOCIETY Join Now! FUN AND FRIENDLY COMPETITION FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS
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PO BOX 341 DREXEL HILL, PA 19026 TriStateGolfer.net FROM THE PUBLISHER GREEN GRASS ACCOUNTS JOE BURKHARDT ADVERTISING SALES (PA / NJ / DE / NATIONAL) JOE BURKHARDT 610.755.8767 tristategolf@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR GARO YEPREMIAN JR. GAROJRDESIGN.COM STAFF WRITER NATE OXMAN CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MATT BIONDI JIM BRINCKMAN DAVE DAUBERT MARK HOGAN MIKE MAY WAYNE MILLS TOM MCNICHOL AL RYDING MATT WARD GARO YEPREMIAN JR. SOCIAL MEDIA MARC BURKHARDT STAFF TEACHER BERTUS WESSELS CONTRIBUTING ASSOCIATIONS BIONDI MEDIA GOLF NEWS NETWORK KEVIN FRISCH PR LET’S GO GOLF TRAVEL NETWORK LPGA PGA OF AMERICA USGA Any opinions expressed in this magazine are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent the views of Tri State Golf. The information in this issue was accurate at the time of publication. All should be confirmed with the golf facility before making tee times and reservations. INSIDE THIS ISSUE • SUMMER 2023 10 COVER STORY Amateur Golf Society Fun And Friendly Competition For All Skill Levels 12 Golf Equipment SuperStroke Congratulates Emiliano Grillo on Playoff Victory at The Charles Schwab Challenge 13 Golf Refreshment Keep Your Drink Cold With A SIC Cup! 14 Women’s Golf Day 2023 Women’s Golf Day Reaches New Heights and Countries 15 Golf Instruction The Nemacolin Golf Academy Announces Two-Day Golf School, July 13-14 16 Oklahoma Golf Travel Shangri-La Resort and Crescent Hotels & Resorts 18 Course News Jim Nantz Named Design Consultant For Tepetonka Club’s Short Course 20 Georgia Golf Travel Golfers Are Headin’ For The Hills In Georgia 22 Tournament News KPMG Women’s PGA Championship 23 Golf Entertainment Centers Hey, King of Prussia: Topgolf Opens on June 19 24 Q&A GAP’s Chip Lutz Continues Carving Out Legacy 26 79th U.S. Women’s Open Registration Now Available for Volunteer Opportunities 27 Q&A Inside Nemacolin’s Elevated Golf in a Vacationer’s Paradise 28 Golf Simulators The Indoor Golf Shop Expands SkyTrak Partnership Internationally 31 Golf Game App Play Nine The Card Game Of Golf Is Available On Smart Device 32 Louisiana Golf Travel Golfing And Dining In The Bayou 35 Golf Equipment SuperStroke Congratulates Davis Riley on First-Career PGA Tour Victory at The Zurich Classic
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10 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 COVER STORY Q What age were you when you first picked a club up? Dan: I was 13 years old when I played golf for the first time. My family has a lake house in the mountains of Maine and while we almost never watched TV at the cabin, my mom would occasionally turn on golf, a sport she would watch regularly at home in Philadelphia. During one weekend round, I saw Payne Stewart with his famous argyle socks and decided to imitate him, coming downstairs from my bedroom and suggesting to my dad that we play the sport ourselves. My father, who to that point had never picked up a club, essentially told me to bug off, at which point my mom chastised him for being a jerk. Recognizing an opportunity to do something with his son, my father begrudgingly took us to the local muni, Mingo Springs Golf Course, and a combined 300+ swings later over 18 holes, we were hooked. Q Who taught you? Dan: It certainly wasn’t my aforementioned father! Thanks to a long run as a successful softball player growing up in Chicago, he swings a golf club like he’s trying to foul off a series of 0-2 breaking pitches and stay alive in the count. I received a handful of lessons in a variety of places from teaching professionals throughout Philadelphia and Maine, but never really committed to a set routine until much later in my golfing life. Q What made you get into golf? Dan: Besides the fashion sense of Payne Stewart? Pretty simply, once I began to play, I caught the bug. Golf is the best. It’s a new experience every time you play, providing opportunities for constant improvement and mental focus that are applicable in all walks of life. On top of that, the people you meet on the golf course--the variety of which is a major perk itself--are often some of the most enjoyable folks around. If you’re crazy enough to keep subjecting yourself to constant punishment while chasing that elusive high of a quality shot, you must have a great sense of humor. Q Did you play junior golf, high school golf or college golf? Dan: I didn’t have the opportunity to play competitively growing up; my schools never had teams and even if they did, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have added much value to the roster. I did, however, take recreational golf as my two semesters of PE credit at Cornell, and with a Robert Trent Jones course on campus, I applied myself with great commitment to ensuring I earned a passing grade for that class. Q You graduated from Cornell, what was your major and focus in business at the time? Dan: I was an American Studies major, more by default than by a particular passion for that field. I wanted to study sports journalism in advance of a career in sports media, but Cornell didn’t offer a program with that particular focus and I probably spent too much time my Freshman year doing anything but considering the best fit. A friend in my dorm was taking a class in the American Studies department with a professor he liked, who happened to offer a class about Baseball, so I chose American Studies in order to ensure I had access to that class. After that, I declared. Q How did the AGS Tour come about? Dan: I previously was a Co-Founder at Workhorse Brewing Company, and due to pandemic-enforced closures of our taproom and event space back in 2020, I created an amateur golf Tour (the Workhorse Tour) in order to take advantage of one of the few safe activities people could do outside of their home. The Tour enjoyed sizable growth over its first two years, scaling from 200 to nearly 700 members with 5x weekly engagement, as its unique format allowing amateurs to play competitive, tournamentstyle golf 100% on their schedule solved a real problem in the market. Towards the end of last season, buoyed by its quick success, I made the decision that the concept was easily scalable as a golf company and made more sense outside of Workhorse than it did as a beer-focused initiative in that organization. GAP expressed an interest in coming on board as a partner and the rest is history. Q How does it work for the Amateur Golfer? Are there different handicap flights? Dan: Each week-long AGS Tour event is hosted Monday through Sunday at a participating public course. Members can book any open tee time during that weeklong window and post one score to qualify for the individual tournament leaderboard, as well as the season-long standings. All AGS Tour events feature competition in six divisions: four divisions flighted by handicap, plus one each for women and seniors (55+). Each week, golfers will be automatically entered into a flight based on their Handicap Index at the beginning of that tournament week, while women and seniors will also compete in their respective divisions in addition to their net flight. Women over the age of 55 are eligible to compete in all three divisions (net flight, women and senior). Q How many events in a season? Any commitment? Dan: The 2023 AGS Tour season takes place at nearly 60 top public courses throughout Q&A With Dan Hershberg By Joe Burkhardt, Publisher General Manager/Founder, Amateur Golf Society of America Dan Hershberg (seated) with hip hop artist/ entrepreneur Chill Moody. Photo: Dejanaya Spicer
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 11 Southeastern PA, NJ and Delaware, running from April-October. There is no minimum commitment required: members can play in as many or as few events as their schedule permits. The more events in which you play, the more opportunities you have to earn weekly and season-long prizes. Q Are there any sign-up Fees involved or upfront commitments? What do they get for that Fee? Dan: A standard membership costs $75 for the 2023 season, with a $65 senior membership available for golfers aged 55 and over. We also offer a Premium Membership for $100, which includes early access to purchase spots at AGS Match Play events, a series of five one-day competitions at top private courses in the greater Philadelphia area. The only other costs are greens fees for each Tour event, which are typically identical to the rack rate at the course for that given tee time, so you’re paying the same amount that you’d pay as a daily fee golfer at the course, except members get exclusive, early access to event tee sheets and can win prizes if they perform well. Q What kind of prizes are they playing for? How do players find results? Dan: Weekly and season-long prizes range from gifts with Tour sponsors like TRUE Linkswear, Golf Galaxy and our own AGS Pro Shop, up to custom Bettinardi headcovers for major winners and a 7-night stay at the Hilton Dorado del Mar Beach Resort in Puerto Rico. Players are able to view real-time leaderboards--both weekly and season-long--by accessing our progressive web app upon completing registration. Q Do you have any strategic partners involved? Dan: The AGS Tour is presented by the Golf Association of Philadelphia, and we have a relationship with both the PGA Section of Philadelphia and the LPGA Amateurs Organization, a supporting partner of our women’s division. We’re also thrilled to have sponsorship support from companies like Comcast Business, Sazerac, Meridian Bank, Conlin’s Print & Copy, Five Iron Golf and Destination Montco Golf from the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board. Q How many states is the AGS Tour in now? Dan: We currently host events in three states: Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Q Where do you see the potential as far as expanding? Dan: We believe that the problem we solve- -increased access and opportunities for amateur golfers of all abilities--is one that adds value anywhere golf is played. We are also confident that our business model adds value to all stakeholders: our members, our course partners, our sponsors and AGAs. As such, we’re planning on taking the Tour across the country to create a community of AGS golfers for years to come. TSG AGS Match Play event at White Manor Golf Club, May 7, 2023. Photo: AGS Tour
12 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 SuperStroke, the No. 1 Putter Grip in golf and the leader in innovative Tourproven golf grip technology, congratulates 30-year-old Argentina native Emiliano Grillo on his second-career victory at The Charles Schwab Challenge. Grillo secured a two-year playing exemption on the Tour courtesy of his two-hole sudden-death playoff win. He closed with a gutsy finalround 68, overcoming a double bogey on the 72nd hole to earn a spot in the two-man playoff. He then drained a tournamentclinching birdie on the second playoff hole to capture his first victory since his triumph at the 2015 Frys.com Open. Grillo, who earned his spot in the 2024 Sentry Tournament of Champions, The Masters and Players Championship with this victory, used a SuperStroke Zenergy Flatso 1.0 XL putter grip to close out the win and collect the $1.566 million winner’s check. “The entire SuperStroke team congratulates Emiliano Grillo on capturing his first-career victory in dramatic fashion with his SuperStroke Zenergy Flatso 1.0 XL putter grip,” says SuperStroke CEO Dean Dingman. “Emiliano putted brilliantly all week, gaining 7.439 strokes on the field with his putting over all four rounds and ranking second in Strokes Gained Putting. What a performance!” Grillo finished eight-under-par over four rounds on the difficult Colonial Country Club layout, holding off the likes of world No. 1 golfer and the player who led the tournament after each of the first three rounds, to reach the playoff. The SuperStroke Flatso™ putter grip features a distinct pentagonal “Flatso” profile: a wide, flat front grip shape with five pronounced edges. Now with Enhanced Spyne™ Technology and MultiZone Texturing, the Flatso™ Series has been refined to offer even better feel and feedback. Available in wide array of colorways, the SuperStroke Flatso™ putter grip is one of the most popular grips played on professional tours. PGA TOUR professional Jordan Spieth trusted the Flatso™ grip for each of his three major championship victories. As part of Zenergy, SuperStroke’s latest line of putter grips featuring enhanced Spyne technology, the Zenergy Flatso putter grip features new multi-zone texturing, and our patented no-taper shape for unmatched confidence to quiet your hands – and your mind. FEATURES INCLUDE: Enhanced Spyne™ Technology – The new Spyne™ Technology has an improved, embossed ridge along the underside of the grip, engineered to make it easier to square the face at impact. New Multi-Zone Texturing – Strategically placed textured in highsensory areas designed to optimize feedback and comfort from the incredibly soft polyurethane outer layer. Tech-Port – Located at the top of SuperStroke grips, Tech-Port allows golfers to easily add game-improvement options including the patented CounterCore weight system and performance tracking sensors. SuperStroke grips are trusted by legions of top professional golfers. In 2022, SuperStroke users won 61 tournaments on golf’s major professional tours, totaling more than $58.5 million in first-place prize money in those events. SuperStroke’s putter grip line is a product of relentless innovation, fueled by feedback from more than 450 tour pros. From signature shapes and sizes to the cutting-edge materials, SuperStroke delivers unprecedented features into every putter grip while connecting golfer and putter like no other product on the market. For more details on SuperStroke’s range of innovative golf grips and to keep up with the latest news from the company, visit https://superstrokeusa.com/. GOLF EQUIPMENT SuperStroke Congratulates Emiliano Grillo on Playoff Victory at The Charles Schwab Challenge Two-time winner uses Zenergy Flatso 1.0 XL putter grip to outlast tight leaderboard.
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 13 GOLF REFRESHMENT SIC Cups is an insulated, stainless steel drinkware brand based out of Jacksonville, FL. SIC broke into the golf industry a few years back when they created the Dimpled Golf® drinkware line. The gloss white, dimpled exterior of the tumblers, bottles, and other reusable drinkware products was designed to mimic the exterior of a golf ball. SIC Custom Shop offers the ability to customize our drinkware products in-house. The combination of a golf exclusive design, superior insulation technology and the option of customization, is ideal for country clubs, golf resorts, private clubs, golf tournaments, and so much more. New to SIC Cups in 2023 is the Personalized Drinkware Program which offers the ability to personalize SIC products with your logo AND individual names. In addition to the exclusivity and novelty of the SIC Dimpled Golf® line is the sustainability aspect and the impact that reusable drinkware products such as SIC Cups is making on the environment. Millions of disposable, plastic water bottles are purchased, used, and disposed of on golf courses alone every single year. In recent attempts to become more environmentally friendly, we have seen golf courses make the switch from disposable plastics and styrofoam products, to reusable drinkware alternatives. SIC Cups has helped many customers save thousands of dollars on disposable drinkware AND help reduce the amount of waste on their golf course. Feel free to reach out to the SIC Custom Shop at custom@siccups.com or SIC Customer Service at getsic@siccups.com for more information on custom or wholesale orders. GET SIC and GO GREEN! Keep Your Drink Cold With A SIC Cup!
14 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 The first weeklong Women’s Golf Day (WGD) celebration drew to a close as the last event finished at Moorea Green Pearl Golf Club in French Polynesia on Tuesday evening, the 6th of June. More women and girls were able to access these celebratory events in 2023 than ever before given the new weeklong format and the increase in the number of participating countries and venues. Starting with WGD Palooza Digital Day and the ringing off the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) Opening Bell, the celebration continued throughout the week. New and existing female golfers around the globe dressed in red and white to share their experiences on social media. The new format generated a staggering 194million impressions, an increase of over 100million impressions verses 2022, with an incredible 397,143 engagements and 92million+ reach sharing a collective joy that perhaps can only be measured in smiles. Key highlights of Women’s Golf Day 2023 included: • WGD Palooza; a specially curated USGA Museum Tour, Instruction from Callaway and Titleist players, an interview with founding members of Project Ukraine and giveaways from WGD partners including The USGA, PGA, R&A, Callaway, Titleist, FootJoy, PGA TOUR Superstore, Imperial, Marco Simone, and Make Golf Your Thing • NYSE Opening; WGD Founder, Elisa Gaudet, was joined by a delegation including representatives from Acushnet and LPGA player Danielle Kang as Gaudet rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange • New Countries; Gambia, Greece, Peru, and Zambia joined the WGD community for the first time in 2023 taking the total number of participating countries to 84 • Japan Growth; after running 3 events in 2022, WGD and The Japanese Golf Federation worked in collaboration to grow the number of host locations in Japan from 3 to 139 in under 12 months • Championship Venues; More than 1,300 locations have hosted the event since 2016 including high profile venues like Marco Simone host of 2023 Ryder Cup, Pinehurst – host of the 2024 US Open, TPC Sawgrass- The PLAYERS Championship, Firestone Country Club – the World Series of Golf, TPC Scottsdale- WM Phoenix Open, Evian Resort- The Amundi Evian Championship in France, Taiheiyo Club Minori Course in Japan, and Aphrodite Hills Golf & Country Club in Cyprus • PGA TOUR Superstore (PGATSS) – Official Retailer of Women’s Golf Day held instore activation events. PGATSS held events at all stores across the USA, excluding California, Saturday June 3rd. There were driving contests in the simulators and basic instruction for new golfers as well as a putting contests and the chance to win a Women’s Golf Day branded Callaway Golf Bag. • Golf Town – Canadian retailer hosted WGD events on Tuesday June 6th at all 47 locations across Canada. “Every year we work to increase the number of facilities that host Women’s Golf Day and it was very exciting to welcome the 139 courses from Japan and watch on social media, in real time, the impact WGD has on golf around the globe. I experienced firsthand how important it is to have new and existing female golfers participate in WGD events to build confidence, new friendships and skills that do last a lifetime. Our goal is to create more opportunities and unity and we are achieving that on a global level,” commented Gaudet. She continued, “Growing demand for additional days from host locations prompted us to expand to a weeklong format, resulting in impactful and significant activation on each day this week. Starting on May 30th with the WGD Palooza digital day and May 31st ringing the opening bell at the NYSE with Acushnet (Titleist and FootJoy). It is important to have retail engagement and in store activation from both PGA TOUR Superstore and Golf Town as well as championship courses around the world hosing events. Having lived in NYC for 10 years it is thrilling to see WGD and Acushnet billboards running for a few weeks in Times Square as well as Silicon Valley. This support includes our partners, RBC, who are hosting the RBC Canadian Open this week.” Locations are invited to register now for 2024 allowing them to make full use of the promotional opportunities the Women’s Golf Day platform offers them throughout the year. Registered locations are encouraged to update their location page regularly throughout the year to promote other offerings at the club including travel/ trips, instruction, and ongoing events. They will also receive additional support through the WGD social media channels and direct marketing opportunities. For location registration visit: www.womensgolfday.com/register WOMEN’S GOLF DAY 2023 Women’s Golf Day Reaches New Heights and Countries From Times Square To Tokyo, WGD Brings Global Smiles
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 15 GOLF INSTRUCTION The Nemacolin Golf Academy, the game improvement epicenter at Pennsylvania’s premier luxury golf resort destination, announced a special Two-Day Golf School on July 13 - 14. The total-game-improvementfocused school will be led by Nemacolin’s director of instruction Mike LaBella, a Golf Digest Best Young Teacher along with the renowned Andrew Rice, one of Golf Digest’s 50 Best Teachers in America. “The Nemacolin Golf Academy is offering the ultimate game improvement experience this July,” says LaBella. “The opportunity to work with Andrew Rice, one of the leading minds in golf instruction, and our Nemacolin instruction staff in our stateof-the-art learning environment is the ideal way to turn the weaknesses in your game into strengths that help you play better and lower your handicap.” Golfers looking to improve any aspect of their full swing as well as the short game won’t want to miss this rare opportunity to work with this duo of top teachers in an academy setting optimized for fostering better play. The Nemacolin Golf Academy utilizes cutting-edge hardware like TrackMan launch monitors and simulators, Foresight Sports’ GCQuad launch monitor, and Swing Catalyst’s Balance and Dual Force Plates. The Golf Academy’s four spacious hitting bays, complete with a dedicated, 1,000-square-foot putting room, also opens up to the outdoor 25-station driving range that sits adjacent to two short-game practice areas, a large putting green. The July golf school with Rice and LaBella also includes custom video analysis and on-course lessons on one of Nemacolin’s acclaimed championship golf courses. Rice, one of the most sought-after instructors in the game, is the director of instruction at The Club at Savannah Harbor in Savannah, Ga., and has been teaching golf for 25 years. He is a Golf Pass Staff Instructor, a TrackMan Master and one of nine TrackMan University Partners in the world. Rice is also a Swing Catalyst and Arccos Ambassador. LaBella, who helms operations at The Nemacolin Golf Academy, cites his three most important characteristics for every golfer as course management, a strong short game, and placing an emphasis on specific shot skills rather than pictureperfect technique. For golfers looking for practical, repeatable skills that breed confidence and consistency, this Two-Day Golf School at the Nemacolin Golf Academy July 13 – 14 is the perfect chance to lower their handicaps in 2023. “I’m excited to come to Nemacolin and conduct this incredible learning experience in one of the finest teaching academies in the country. If you enroll in this Two-Day School, you’re going to leave with confidence and a working plan for practicing smarter and executing your best shots on the golf course.” Rice says. To register for this amazing Two-Day Golf School, please email GolfAcademy@ Nemacolin.com. The Nemacolin Golf Academy Announces Two-Day Golf School, July 13-14 Top Instructors Andrew Rice, Mike Labella Headline TotalGame Improvement Sessions Mike Labella Andrew Rice
16 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 Shangri-La Resort, Oklahoma’s premier waterfront golf and outdoor recreation destination, and Crescent Hotels & Resorts are celebrating the grand opening of The Battlefield, a spectacularly designed 18-hole par-3 golf course. Oklahoma government officials and other dignitaries – including Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell, State Representative and Gulf War veteran Josh West, and former Broadway performer Ron Young – will be on hand for the official Grand Opening and Dedication hosted by Shangri-La owner Eddy Gibbs, Executive Chairman Jason Sheffield, and President & CEO Barry Willingham, on Friday, June 30. The Tom Clark and Kevin Atkinsondesigned, 3,000-yard Battlefield layout is a short course of creative, articulated scale and vision, constructed on an exceptional piece of land that features more than 100 feet of elevation change across its acreage. The scenic, strategic course was completed for $15 million with each hole named in honor of an Oklahoma veteran of WWII. It’s a memorable, immersive playing experience from any of the five sets of tee boxes, plus up-close “Felix Tees” for beginners, youngsters or those wanting to work on their short game. This short course also has a 165-yard warm-up area and 10,000-square-foot putting green, and there’s also a practice range and short-game facility at the main clubhouse. While challenging from the back tees – the course record since the soft opening is just one-under-par – 12 holes-in-one have already been recorded in this thrilling, hilly funscape. “The Battlefield is a beautiful, captivating, and purposefully designed short course like no other,” says Director of Golf Operations Rob Yanovitch. “It’s an endlessly fun and engaging experience for golfers of every skill level that also recognizes our brave military personnel, with special commemorations to World War II veterans on every hole. Daily presentations in The Battlefield Clubhouse also honor military personnel and American veterans. The course has an energy and excitement that, along with our renovated, world-class 27hole championship course, elevates the golf experience at Shangri-La into the ‘Must Play’ category among Midwest destination resorts. We’re living in Shangri-La’s ‘Hello, World!’ era.” This enjoyable, accessible par-54 course which features holes from 110 to 245 yards, joins the acclaimed 27 championship holes at Shangri-La, the Legends, Heritage and Champions courses (framed elegantly on the shores of the expansive Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees) to present an extraordinary 45-hole golfer’s paradise that buddies’ trip groups and golf aficionados from all over the country will want to add to their bucket list. OKLAHOMA GOLF TRAVEL Shangri-La Resort and Crescent Hotels & Resorts to Celebrate Grand Opening of The Battlefield Golf Course New $15 million, Par-3 Course Features 100+ Feet of Elevation Change; June 30 Dedication Event Scheduled
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 17 READY FOR THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT Shangri-La’s visionary owner Gibbs has transformed the resort into the pride of Northeast Oklahoma and put the lakefront vacation oasis on the map nationally with an investment of more than $100 million into the property’s accommodations and upscale leisure amenities since taking it over in 2010. Crescent Hotels & Resorts, the award winning, nationally recognized, operator of hotels and resorts with over 120 properties in the United States & Canada, recently added the Shangri-La Resort & Marina to the growing list of properties Crescent manages under the Latitudes: Lifestyles by Crescent collection. In addition to the 119-room resort hotel, an indoor pool, 6,500 square-foot outdoor resort pool with splash pad and tanning ledge, luxury spa, full-service marina on gleaming, 46,500-acre Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, and six distinct dining and cocktails venues culminate in an unforgettable getaway for golfers, families, groups, corporate and association retreats, and weddings. Surrounded by the waters of Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees on three sides, the revered 27-hole championship Shangri-La golf course meanders through rolling parkland landscapes with elevated Bentgrass greens and clever bunkering along with more open, flowing fairways accented by ponds, streams and the breathtaking lakefront. The Legends ninth, “The Mickey Mantle Hole,” uniquely features two separate greens complexes separated by a blissful but daunting waterfall. It’s named after the New York Yankees legend who hosted his Mickey Mantle Golf Classic charity tournament at Shangri-La from 1991 until his death in 1995 and once holed an albatross on this iconic par five. The Anchor, a two-year-old, six-acre indoor/outdoor activity park has basketball, tennis, pickleball, cornhole, and a unique “Mini-Fenway” WIFFLE®Ball park, as well as a catch-and-release fishing pond for children under 12. The Anchor’s 11,000 squarefoot indoor space offers traditional arcade games plus virtual reality games, a LaserShot shooting simulator, and Trackman Golf simulators. A popular spot for drinks and dining, the Sports Bar at The Anchor features dozens of sports screens including two giant video walls, along with ping-pong, pool, shuffleboard, darts, and foosball. JUNE 30 GRAND OPENING AND DEDICATION The June 30 open-to-the-public Grand Opening and Dedication event begins at 10 a.m. with the formal presentation of colors by the Ritual Team from Grove American Legion Post 178 and Young’s stirring rendition of the National Anthem. Lieutenant Governor Pinnell (who also spoke at dedication ceremonies for The Anchor Activity Park and USS Oklahoma Memorial at Shangri-La in 2021) will keynote the opening. As Lieutenant Governor, Pinnell serves as Chairman of the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Commission and as Secretary of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage on Governor Kevin Stitt’s cabinet. In that role, he leads Oklahoma’s efforts to promote tourism, the state’s third largest industry. He is currently leading the launch of the Oklahoma Golf Trail. The Battlefield’s formal dedication by State Representative Josh West will honor all military veterans, but especially WWII veterans, in keeping with The Battlefield’s theme and mission. West, who earned the Purple Heart and Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor for his service in the U.S. Army, has since founded the Oklahoma Veterans Caucus in the Oklahoma legislature and remains involved in numerous veterans’ organizations. “We take great pride in Shangri-La having become a beloved destination for outdoor recreation, world-class golf, quality time with family and friends – all in an idyllic natural environment,” says ShangriLa President & CEO Barry Willingham. “The opening of The Battlefield, though, marks an achievement and source of pride that’s difficult to put into words. To have a grandscale living monument that honors our veterans and military service people fulfills a meaningful vision for our team and our commitment to never forget to honor those who have made our freedoms possible. We can’t wait for golfers of all ages to enjoy the special experience of playing The Battlefield.” Visit shangrilaok.com for more information.
18 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 BAYWOOD GREENS ...make us part of your beach vacation this summer! Baywood Greens 32267 Clubhouse Way • Long Neck, DE www.baywoodgreens.com 888.844.2254 • 302.947.9800 Please visit our new website for amazing imagery, www.baywoodgreens.com and please visit our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/baywoodgreens Tepetonka Club, a new, 228-acre, private golf destination located two hours west of the Twin Cities, today announced Jim Nantz will collaborate with Tepetonka’s design firm OCM Golf on the creation of The Prox, the club’s short course. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Mark Haugejorde for over 40 years and Tepetonka is his life’s calling,” said Jim Nantz, who has broadcast sporting events for CBS since the 1980s. “After visiting with Mark and the OCM Golf team nearly a year ago, it became apparent that they were on the brink of building something that will be legendary. I’m proud to be a founding member and honored to join COURSE NEWS Jim Nantz Named Design Consultant For Tepetonka Club’s Short Course Robust Sales Expected For Groundbreaking New SkyTrak+ Launch Monitor 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1 2 3 4 5 6 N E W S Hole Par Yards 1 5 480 - 575 2 4 320 - 430 3 3 110 - 165 4 4 290 - 330 5 4 350 - 360 6 4 365 - 440 7 3 130 - 220 8 5 450 - 550 9 4 330 - 425 OUT 36 2825 - 3495 10 3 160 - 255 11 4 320 - 405 12 3 120 - 130 13 4 370 - 410 14 5 440 - 575 15 3 100 - 145 16 4 275 - 470 17 4 310 - 425 18 4 300 - 455 IN 34 2395 - 3270 TOTAL 70 5220 - 6765 CARD OF THE COURSE 7 8 9
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 19 Central Bucks Location 1-1/2 miles from Rt 263 & York Road Intersection 440 Almshouse Rd, Jamison, PA 18929 www.NeshaminyGolf.com • 215.343.6930 HERO AND SENIORS RATES! Renovated 6th Green will be Playable in the Spring! Call or Book Tee Times Online 215 343 6930 www.NeshaminyGolf.com SINGLES CAN WALK ON COURSE NEWS Geoff, Mike, and Ashley as a consultant on The Prox. I have deep admiration for OCM and the forward-thinking creativity they are bringing to the game.” Tepetonka is Minnesota’s first entry into the highly popular private golf destination category, despite the state being renowned the world over for hosting events at historic venues. Led by the golf design team of OCM Golf’s three partners—Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking, Ashley Mead—and the architecture firm of Douglas Fredrikson Architects, the goal for each member or guest’s day is summed up in the phrase: “Can’t wait to get there—hate to leave!” The Prox is the club’s short course and practice facility, to which Nantz and OCM will bring their considerable combined golf experience. “After meeting with my old friend a few times, Jim said he wanted to become a member and I asked if he might be interested in a deeper involvement,” said Club Chairman Mark Haugejorde, a former teammate of Jim’s on the University of Houston golf team. “Jim personifies the three guiding principles of Tepetonka: camaraderie, community, and charity. And given the decades he’s spent calling tournaments at courses that include some of the world’s best par 3s, and the level of attention to detail he brings in all things he does, we know he’ll add his experience onsite with OCM in August. We can’t wait!” In August, Nantz, OCM, and Doug Fredrikson will present the entire master plan for golf, lodging, and supper club to Tepetonka members in Minneapolis. Founding memberships have been completed, with invitation-only memberships open. Given the interest, members are clearly embracing the club’s innovative, fractional ownership model, where the course is never crowded and the fun is always paramount. “Having had the opportunity to spend some time with Jim recently, it became apparent that he has a keen interest in golf course design and specifically in short courses,” said OCM’s Mike Cocking. “The Prox will be integrated into Tepetonka’s practice facility, and we’re looking forward to working with Jim on the design. His input and experience will be invaluable in what we’re creating.” For more information visit www.tepetonka.com. CBS Broadcaster Jim Nantz
20 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 Many golfers assume that the best mountain golf along the Eastern Seaboard is restricted to North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. The often overlooked state is Georgia. Many golfers are pleasantly surprised to know that three of the finest mountain golf locations are located in Georgia – specifically, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa in Young Harris; Valhalla Golf Club in Helen; and the Sky Valley Country Club in Sky Valley. It’s worth noting that those three golf courses are also a part of the Georgia Golf Trail. “There isn’t a better golf getaway, especially in the late spring, summer, and early fall, than North Georgia,” said Doug Hollandsworth, Founder, Georgia Golf Trail. “Georgia’s mountain golf courses are terrific.” Nestled among the mountains of North Georgia, Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa (706379-4613) is the quintessential mountain golf getaway. Even though Brasstown is located in the mountains, the golf course was built in a valley, which justifies its moniker – Brasstown Valley. Just a two-hour drive from Atlanta to the south and Chattanooga from the north, Brasstown Valley is easily accessible for golfers in the Southeast. At Brasstown Valley, the golf experience has clarity. The mountain air is clearer, cleaner, and crisper. The atmosphere is refreshing, relaxing, and re-energizing. The golf course is well maintained, cleverly designed, and entertaining to play. FYI: The golf course winds its way through wildlife preserves, ponds, and streams, as you have spectacular views of the surrounding mountainous terrain. The Valhalla Golf Club (706-878-2100) is nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia. Some golf pundits have referred to Valhalla’s par-72 layout as “Alpine mountain golf at its finest.” Others have referred to the Valhalla golf experience as “affordable golf in priceless surroundings.” The most memorable shot at Valhalla will be the downhill tee shot on the par-three 15th hole. FYI: The descent from tee to green is significant – at least 150 feet. When you visit Helen, you’ll see the strong German theme to its architecture and atmosphere. When walking or driving through Helen, you will feel that an Octoberfest-like celebration will be taking place that day and night. And, in the fall, it does! FYI: An ideal place to spend the night in Helen is at the luxurious Valhalla Resort, which is adjacent to the Valhalla GC. Sky Valley Country Club’s (706-7465302) average elevation of 3,500 feet makes it one of the highest elevation golf courses in Brasstown Valley’s 11th green Helen Georgia GEORGIA GOLF TRAVEL Golfers Are Headin’ For The Hills In Georgia By Mike May & Joe Burkhardt
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 21 Georgia. The Sky Valley CC is surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest. The many tee shots struck from raised tees add an element of excitement, intrigue, and strategy to the Sky Valley golf experience. FYI: Sky Valley’s tee-to-green course conditions are exemplary. A great place to eat breakfast, lunch and/or dinner in North Georgia is The Dillard House (706-746-5348) in Dillard. The Dillard House’s food is homemade and is served “family-style” -- Southern cooking at its finest, 365 days a year. Each menu item at The Dillard House comes from a Dillard family recipe. FYI: Famous patrons at The Dillard House include former President Jimmy Carter and the late, great country & western singer Waylon Jennings. If your travels to Georgia begin or end in Atlanta, play golf at the Stone Mountain Golf Club (770-465-3278), located just east of Atlanta. Located within Stone Mountain State Park, the golf club features “One Lake. One Mountain. Two Incredible Courses.” Those two courses are Lakemont and Stonemont. Both courses are part of the Georgia Golf Trail. Of the first 13 holes at Lakemont, water is present on eight of them. The course is not heavily bunkered, but its biggest defense mechanisms are the pine tree-lined fairways and Stone Mountain Lake. FYI: Some part of Stone Mountain is visible throughout the course. ‘Variety’ is the one word to describe Stonemont, a par-70 layout which opened in 1969. It features gently rolling fairways flanked by Georgia pines with many dramatic views of Stone Mountain. FYI: Putts at Stonemont tend to break away from Stone Mountain. After visiting the Georgia Golf Trail (www.GeorgiaGolfandTravel.), it won’t be easy leaving Georgia, but it will be easy returning. The Georgia Golf Trail awaits your arrival. TSG Sky Valley’s 8th hole tee shot Stone Mountain’s 1st green The Dillard House Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort
22 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 TOURNAMENT NEWS The best golfers in the world will compete in the 69th Edition of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship (www. kpmgwomenspgachampionship.com), one of five Major championships on the LPGA Tour and the most prestigious major championship in women’s golf, which will take place at historic Baltusrol Golf Club, in Springfield, N.J., from June 21-25, 2023. The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, operated by the PGA of America in close collaboration with the LPGA, was built on the history and tradition of the LPGA Championship, which began in 1955 and is the second-oldest major in women’s golf. The event, which will take place on the iconic and newly restored Lower Course at Baltusrol Golf Club for the first time ever, annually boasts one of the strongest fields in women’s golf. The 156-player field also includes the top eight finishers from the previous year’s LPGA Professionals National Championship plus the winner of the PGA Women’s Stroke Play Championship. Among the top women golfers in the world who will be competing in the 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship include world #1 Jin Young Ko, Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, Lydia Ko, defending champion In Gee Chun and rising star Rose Zhang, who recently became the first woman golfer to win in her professional debut since 1951. Adding to the 2023 field are two special exemptions: Mariah Stackhouse and Gabi Ruffels. Stackhouse was a four-year All-American at Stanford who helped the Cardinal to an NCAA title in 2015. In 2011, at the age of 17, she became the youngest African American woman to earn a spot in the field at the U.S. Open. In 2014, she became the first African American woman to make the Curtis Cup team, which the United States won. Ruffels, the 2019 US Women’s Amateur champion, plays on the Epson Tour and currently sits at #1 on the Race for the Card, after two wins in the past two months at the 2023 Carlisle Arizona Women’s Classic and the 2023 Garden City Charity Classic, respectively. “This is an exciting time for professional golf in New Jersey as the famous Lower Course at Baltusrol Golf Club will test the best players in the world when the PGA of America hosts the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship from June 21-25,” said Jackie Endsley, Championship Director, KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. “We can’t think of a better setting for this Major Championship, and we expect golf fans in New Jersey will embrace the Championship in a big way.” Broadcast in partnership with NBC and Golf Channel, one of the unique aspects of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the combination of a major golf championship with the KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and an ongoing charitable initiative called the KPMG Future Leaders Program – all focused on the development, advancement, and empowerment of women on and off the golf course. “Now in our 9th year as title sponsor of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, we are excited to help bring this Major Championship to the New York-Metropolitan market, while furthering our unmatched commitment to women’s leadership,” said Yesenia SchekerIzquierdo, KPMG New York Office Managing Partner. “The KPMG Women’s Leadership Summit and KPMG Future Leaders Program –- both components of this Championship – are making an impact for women away from the course, and we can’t think of a better location for this event than Baltusrol.” With Baltusrol Golf Club as the host venue, site of the 2005 and 2016 PGA Championships, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship continues the rich tradition of the LPGA Championship, by rotating among Major championship caliber courses in major metropolitan markets. A decorated major championship venue for both men and women, Baltusrol has previously hosted 11 major championships and looks to be a true test of golf for the best in the women’s game. The 2023 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship is the centerpiece of the Year of Women’s Golf in New Jersey, with four prestigious golf events across the Garden State. The other tournaments include the Cognizant Founders Cup, which took place May 11-14 at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, the Mizuho Americas Open, which took place June 1-4 at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, and the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer which took place from June 8-11 at Seaview in Galloway Township. For ticket information visit www. kpmgwomenspgachampionship.com, and keep up to date on the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship by following @ KPMGWOMENSPGA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Brings Major Championship Golf to Historic Baltusrol Golf Club From June 21-25 Boasting one of the Strongest Fields in Women’s Golf, Prestigious Major Will be Played on the Iconic and Newly Restored Lower Course at Baltusrol GC for the First Time Photo Credit: Baltusrol Golf Club
Summer 2023 | Tri State Golf 23 GOLF ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS THE BASICS Never been to a Topgolf venue? Think of it as a modern golf experience where anyone – including people who have never picked up a golf club and those who want to perfect their swing – can participate in the sport in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. You’ll take aim at giant targets on the field while playing virtual courses or Topgolf’s signature games like Angry Birds – and so you know, Topgolf celebrates the bad shots just as much as the beautiful swings. Located at 588 North Gulph Road, Topgolf King of Prussia will be situated near the King of Prussia shopping mall, King of Prussia Town Center and the Village at Valley Forge. This will be Topgolf’s third entertainment venue in Pennsylvania, following venues in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Globally, this will be Topgolf’s 89th outdoor venue when it opens on June 19. The venue will employ roughly 400 Playmakers. (That’s what Topgolf calls its Associates!) 100% GOLF Topgolf King of Prussia will have 102 outdoor climate-controlled hitting bays spanning three levels. Each bay has loungetype furniture or high-top tables where groups can cheer – or heckle – the other Players. The venue is equipped with Topgolf’s Toptracer technology, which traces each golf ball’s flight path, distance and other metrics. Bonus: On Tuesdays, game play is halfoff! Players can even partake in lessons through Topgolf’s Coach program, led by the venue’s Director of Instruction. 100% NOT GOLF Topgolf takes its “not golf” very seriously. That’s why a full-service restaurant manned by executive chefs, a 28-foot video wall, more than 200 HDTVs, music and year-round family-friendly programming is just as much a part of the Topgolf experience. Private event rooms and an outdoor area with backyard games also offer the ideal location for team outings, family gatherings, meetings or really anything Players are looking to celebrate. WHAT SHE SAID Topgolf Chief Operating Officer Gen Gray: “We want to bring more play to the world and are thrilled that King of Prussia is our next place to be able to do that. It’s not about how good you are at golf or if you even know how to hold a club – we can help with that. We just want you to have a good time.” For more info on Topgolf King of Prussia, visit the venue’s location page. Hey, King of Prussia: Topgolf Opens on June 19 Modern Golf Entertainment Leader Topgolf Announced Today It Will Open Its King Of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Venue On Monday, June 19
24 Tri State Golf | Summer 2023 Q Is there a story behind the golf-themed names in your family? Did your Mom and Dad disagree on this? Chip: I have never heard them disagree on names and it became apparent they needed to do something with 3 boys coming along when they decided to legally name us all John. We each have different family middle names but somewhere along the way we got Wedge, Chip (Chipper) and Putt (Putter). Likely my Father’s sense of humor and it obviously went with our golf history. My favorite is perhaps our dog’s name, Divot. Perhaps if there was any disagreement it came with our sister who they named Courtney (no golf name like Sandy). Q What are your earliest memories of watching, playing golf? Chip: My early moments watching golf really revolve around the copious amounts of time we spent at the Reading CC, watching our Dad and many of the other characters playing at the club and having an opportunity to caddy and observe. I remember my brother Wedge who was exactly one year older than I, imitating some of the nuances and idiosyncrasies of the many swings and personalities around the club. I think that helped our games by observing and seeing what worked best for our games. Of course Dad was always around to give us guidance but that was limited. We knew how good he was and that set a strong example of how to do it. So watching golf on tv came later in our youth but watching Arnie, Jack and the others go at it was fuel for the fire. Q Was your Dad your primary teacher? If so, what kind of teacher was he? Do you remember specific lessons on/off the course? Chip: Yes, Dad was our primary teacher but again it was more observation on our part and guidance on his at times when he felt necessary. A great deal of experimentation was extremely helpful with a watchful eye. Later on as I progressed and grew older, Dad was often there to watch and give gentle guidance that was often more of the basic and fundamental encouragement that helped us along the way. Q Did your dad spend any time with Byron Nelson at Reading CC? IF SO, Is there a story about Nelson that sticks with you? Chip: Dad took lessons from Byron and my earliest picture of them together was in 1938 of Byron giving him instruction. Byron was the Head Pro at the Reading from 1937 - 1939. Henry Clay Poe succeeded him and also helped my father greatly with his game. Byron won the 1937 Masters right before coming to the Reading and then won the 1939 US Open at Philadelphia CC in his last year in Reading. Q You played with a bunch of future pros at Florida. Anyone you admired or about their games? Chip: Yes, I played as a walk-on my first two years at University of Florida in 1972/1973 and 1973/1974 seasons where we won the NCAA in my first year. I did not start any matches and when I realized that with Title 9 reducing scholarships and only graduating one from our championship team that my odds of breaking into the lineup were remote. We had likely the two most notable players, Gary Koch and Andy Bean as our standouts that year. The thing that I recall vividly was how far Andy hit the ball and that was truly amazing. He also had a short game that complemented that as well. Gary was just a great all round player who was also successful as a player but is more well known as a golf announcer. A number of other players did not reach national prominence as players but were successful in many other ways, like Fred Ridley and Steve Smyers. Chip Lutz Q&A GAP’s Chip Lutz Continues Carving Out Legacy
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