As much as I love long summer days and nights in the Midwest, there is something special about fall golf in the Midwest. The courses are slightly less busy, the air is less humid, and the green fees are often reduced. Sounds like a win-win-win to me!
I am proud to say our 2023 Fall Issue features a great mix of Midwest stalwarts combined with warm-weather destinations designed to extend our golf season. We begin with our cover feature by Lead Staff Writer Matt Tevsh on Big Cedar Golf near Branson, Missouri. Bass Pro Shops Founder and President Johnny Morris has created a Midwest destination that rivals any in the nation, thanks to pairing with designers like Nicklaus, Fazio, Coore & Crenshaw, and most recently Tiger Woods. Payne’s Valley, which is the 15-Time Major Champions first public U.S. design, is off the charts in terms of playability and adventure according to Matt. Plus, the 19th hole has already been dubbed “The 8th Wonder of The World.”
We then pivot to Michigan where Deb Patton put together a great feature on why your next Couple’s Trip should be to BOYNE Golf near Petosky. As Deb explains, Boyne Golf Academy’s Couples Golf School is nationally recognized and a great way to improve in a fun environment. Another ideal couple’s destination is Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa in Galena, Illinois. The resort features 63 amazing holes and the brand new standalone Stonedrift Spa which is ideal for relaxing after a full day on the links. We finish the Midwest portion of the issue with a great story on Minnesota’s own Tom Lehman. The 64-year-old Lehman is continuing his distinguished golf course design career with a beautiful renovation of both Legacy Courses at Cragun’s Resort (Lehman 18 and Dutch 27) in Brainerd, Minnesota. Editor Glen Turk just spent three days there and came away thoroughly impressed with the property.
As I mentioned before, Midwesterners love warm weather locales to keep the season going. Fortunately, we have articles if your group wants to head west to Wolf Creek in Mesquite, east to Hilton Head Island, or south to either Alabama or Mississippi. I’ve been to the great states of Mississippi and Alabama and I am so happy they’re featured in this issue. Not only does each state have a who’s who Top 10 List, but both have countless other affordable gems to plan your trip around. In fact, Alabama is so rich with golf destinations, Glen discusses the Yellowhammer State in totality, while Matt delves into the Gulf Shores region.
Matt also chronicles the rise of Zoom Broom and their ingenious way to remove obstacles while playing, which is especially important during your fall rounds. As Matt describes, their downsized leaf blower serves as the perfect 15th club in your bag!
Finally, a Fall Issue of MGM wouldn’t be complete without Ask Annex, our Editor’s Choice Awards, and Holiday Gift Guide, Chip Shots, and Pro Page with Michael Crowley of Morningstar Golf Club, who recently finished T-3 at the Wisconsin State Open.
Make Some Birdies,
Jay Royle, Publisher
