Jay’s Tee Box
I didn’t know that for the last 21 years we could have named our publication “Misnomer Golfing Magazine” as technically we weren’t serving every Midwest state within the United States of America. Thanks to a quick google search, the U.S. Government identifies our current distribution states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri along with North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, and Nebraska as the true Midwest.
And since who am I to argue with the government, (well, maybe on my tax bill) new for 2024, Midwest Golfing Magazine is expanding into those four states, bringing our total to a robust 12. Lead Staff Writer Matt Tevsh has been tasked with highlighting the great golf that exists in each state, and we can’t wait to produce a series of articles throughout the year.
Our 2024 Golf Show cover feature is no stranger to MGM, as Editor Glen Turk advances the remarkable 65+-year story of BOYNE Golf in Northern Michigan. Not only is the Donald Ross Memorial course set to open for its first full season after a thoughtful remodel from Ray Hearn, but Doon Brae (a 9-hole par-3 gem at The Highlands) is set to debut in 2024.
We stay in Michigan with a feature on Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. The 90-hole property is highlighted by five championship courses and a bevy of lodging options. Matt Tevsh had the pleasure of checking it out last year, and provides a recap.
As you read this, it’s good bet you’re thinking about heading south for an early spring golf trip. MGM’s suggests, either to the RTJ Golf Trail in Alabama or Brunswick Islands in North Carolina. Both destinations offer public golf at its finest and a host of off-the-course activities to enjoy.
Another option a bit closer to home is Explore Branson in southern Missouri. The live music capital of the world is now also known as one of the top golf destinations in the world thanks to the vision of Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops and Big Cedar Golf. The natural terrain of Branson was made for golf, as Big Cedar’s 77 holes of marvelous golf attest.
We are also thrilled to chronicle the remarkable story of Nemacolin in Pennsylvania. Glen Turk was fortunate enough to explore the 2,200-acre palatial estate last September and came back mesmerized by its stunning beauty.
And of course, a Golf Show Issue of MGM wouldn’t be complete without Chip Shots, Must Haves, Pro Page with Michael Crowley of Morningstar Golfer’s Club, and Turk’s Takes.
Finally, as you probably already saw on our cover, we are introducing a new logo for 2024. We are also advancing our social media presence as part of our resolute commitment to being the Midwest public golfer’s definitive resource for all things golf.
Make Some Birdies,
Jay Royle, Publisher