Jay’s Tee Box
It is once again the Summer of Swing in the Midwest. The lush landscapes of our favorite courses look the best this time of year and lead to thoughts of where I should play while the getting is good. Midwest Golfing Magazine is here to help answer that million-dollar question within the pages of our Summer Issue.
We begin with our cover feature on America’s Summer Golf Capital – the perfect title to describe eight prominent properties in Northern Michigan that partnered together decades ago under the premise that a rising tide lifts all boats. Three distinctive Boyne Resorts, Grand Traverse Resort, A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, Garland Lodge & Golf Resort, Crystal Mountain Resort, and Treetops Resort are all amazing when played individually, but as Editor Glen Turk explains, when you pair them together over a weeklong journey, the results are off the charts.
The great state of Wisconsin is also prominently featured within our Summer Issue thanks to a series of stories that embody why Wisconsin is one of the best destinations in the entire world. We begin with Sand Valley Resort, who will be opening The Commons in 2026 – a 12-hole, 4,000-yard course designed by Jim Craig. Once completed, Sand Valley will boast 111 dynamic holes in the sand dunes of The Badger State three hours northwest of Milwaukee.
Lead staff writer Matt Tevsh is a Cheesehead through and through and is thrilled to highlight Trappers Turn in Wisconsin Dells and Abbey Springs in Fontana, right near the Wisconsin/Illinois border. Both have been long-term supporters of Midwest Golfing Magazine, and we are always honored to tell their exciting stories.
YouTube might have Grant Horvat, but MGM is thrilled to have a Grant of our own. Grant Taebel is in his second year as one of our valued staff writers, and I love the younger prospective he gives to the game. Grant not only visited Lake Windsor CC near Madison for a feature but also traveled to the Janesville/Edgerton region (home of Steve Stricker) for a piece on what makes the area a golf hotspot.
Speaking of content creation, Shangri-La Resort in Oklahoma will be hosting their 2nd Annual Good Good Golf Shootout at The Battlefield on September 20th. The Battlefield, an award-winning, 18-hole, par-3 layout, is one of the coolest short courses you’ll ever see. But that is only the start at Shangri-La, as 27 championship holes and a collection of top-notch amenities make it a must-visit destination.
Finally, an issue of MGM wouldn’t be complete without Chip Shots, Ask Annex, our Summer Product Guide, Pro Page with Michael Crowley, and the never duplicated Turk’s Takes.
Make Some Birdies,
Jay Royle – Publisher
