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It’s a beautiful spring day and I can’t play golf. It’s like my wife has thrown me in the dog house, and I haven’t done anything wrong! It’s important to know we haven’t done anything wrong and life (plus golf as we know it) will fully resume.
One way to get excited for all the golf you’re about to play is to comb through the pages of our loaded issue. Hopefully, you’ll agree that this respite has only strengthened your love of this incredible game.
When I paged through our Spring Issue it got me thinking of all the venues I’ve been fortunate enough to play, and a few I am chomping at the bit to get to. I guess our “Safe at Home” orders have all gotten us a little stir crazy.
The first road trip I’d recommend is featured on our cover, as the 10 courses that comprise BOYNE Golf in northwest Michigan can’t be beat! Honestly, I can’t think of a better place to social distance than near Traverse City, Michigan at one of Boyne’s incredible resorts.
Four hours south of Boyne on Michigan’s southwest coast resides Harbor Shores, a distinctive Jack Nicklaus design that is celebrating their 10th anniversary this summer. The golf is incredible, but the rags-to-riches backstory is even better!
Our journey across the Midwest then heads west to Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. In my home state we highlight three incredible buddies trip options – The Golf Central Wisconsin Trail, the North Star Mohican Casino and Resort, and The Club at Lac Belle, which is set to open on June 20, 2020. Gifted designer and president of Oliphant Golf Management, Craig Haltom, has renovated the 1896 gem into a course that will rival the big boys in the Badger State.
In the Gopher State we detail the 20th anniversary season at Dacotah Ridge Golf Club, a Rees Jones masterpiece in the small town of Morton. We then head north nearly to the Canadian border to spotlight Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik. This property has garnered more stars than the American Flag as media members far and wide can’t stop singing its praises.
Spirit Hollow in Burlington, Iowa is one of the most underrated properties in all of the Midwest. The Rick Jacobsen design is consistently rated as one of the top three courses in the Hawkeye State. Plus, they offer on-site lodging and a myriad of amenities including a lighted Topgolf Driving Range.
Our Spring Issue isn’t just about places, it’s about people as well. Our Forward Tees section is written by two-time Wisconsin Junior Player of The Year Rachel Kauflin and her journey to playing at Central Michigan University this fall. Finally, I know you’ll get a kick out of Turk’s Takes and his “Stuck at Home” diary.
Make Some Birdies and Stay Healthy,
Jay Royle – Publisher
