WHAT KOHLER GOLF REALLY NEEDS

Posted on 11/20/2017 by mhagenbach

As the holidays approach, golf in this part of the country is pretty much concluded. A few die-hards hope to squeeze out a few more holes for 2017. Major League Baseball has its hot stove league, speculation on player movement and team strategy for next season. Golf too has similar conversations. Maybe you call it the “hot iron” league.

Up in Wisconsin there is still much debate swirling around Kohler Golf’s new fifth course along Lake Michigan. Currently it appears the Town of Wilson, the small enclave just south of Sheboygan, is attempting to gain a temporary injunction against any construction. The “he said — she said” battle is ongoing. While it is probable one day Herb Kohler will secure the rights to build a new course in Sheboygan County, the question is when?

Why Kohler needs a fifth course is puzzling. The destination already sports four very strong Pete Dye courses offering different topography and vistas. Some say it’s the best collection of holes contained at one destination. However once Mike Keiser introduced Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast, the debate heated up. Yet that is another topic and one I’ve previously addressed. Being a shrewd businessman, what exactly is Herb Kohler looking for in another golf course?

Some talk centers around the luring of a men’s US Open to the area. While Blackwolf Run has hosted the women on occasion, nothing says the USGA would be interested in a new, unproven site unless it was over-the-top exceptional. I doubt if their Executive Board was thrilled with birdie-fest at Erin Hills this summer. Whistling Straits will likely host its last major competition with the Ryder Cup now that the PGA of America has moved its championship to May. I’m sure when that shoe dropped Herb Kohler uttered a few choice words. But you have to commend him for bringing three major championships to Wisconsin along with the premier international golf competition in 2020.

The fate of Kohler Golf now lies in its ability to deliver guests to one of the finest lodging experiences world wide. You can thoroughly enjoy the place without playing golf. The relaxed setting offers a unique get-away from the rigors of everyday life. Gourmet wining and dining, invigorating spa services, tennis, hunting, hiking or even shopping for bath and kitchen fixtures are some of the available activities. So what is that one thing to further enhance a golfer’s experience? I don’t believe it’s a fifth course. It doesn’t make business sense. Rather I think if Herb wants to add more holes, do it in a par three layout.

Just as the Jones Trail in Alabama introduced the added attraction of par three layouts, others have followed suit. The newest resort golf facility in Wisconsin, Keiser’s Sand Valley currently has two courses and a par three with room to add thirty-six more holes if desired. I’m sure the concept of a Kohler par three has been discussed. They have the land. Here is why it makes sense.

For golfers spending three days or more at the resort the option of a par three attracts the attention of avid players wondering what to do after they have completed their rounds. Playing thirty-six holes in one day at either Blackwolf Run or Whistling Straits is demanding. Replaying nine holes can be done at the Irish, Straits and Meadow/Valleys but is dependent on availability. There are cost and time considerations as well. It usually takes 5 hours or more to play one of the courses. Grab lunch, tell a few tales, down a beer or two and the question comes up. “What should we do now?”

A par three offering will attract more play from a variety of players — guys, couples, beginners, juniors, families, instructional opportunities, the versatility makes dollars and cents, so to speak. It adds in a different way than a fifth course. It is known to be successful for other golf properties. Why not Kohler?

I’m not proposing this as a way to “keep up with the Keisers”, instead I see it as a way to add to the golfer’s experience. As I said, hanging their hopes on attracting another men’s major championship is unlikely. Revenue is going to be derived from the affluent clientele that walks through the American Club’s doors. The more activities, the better the adventure. It should be considered and something that could be done now without waiting for the legal ramifications to play out along the shores of Lake Michigan.

THE GOLF NUMBERS THAT REALLY MATTER

Posted on 11/15/2017 by mhagenbach

As golf moves through the 21st century the game has changed on several levels. Perhaps the biggest change involves equipment and the distance increase. As technology continues to evolve at a dizzying pace, it impacts every phase of our lives. “Smart” phones, cars, appliances, HVAC systems, you name it, technology is now a part of it. In sport, technology allows us to dissect every aspect affecting performance. Today you can find the most minute detail influencing everything from cycling to swimming, football to table tennis. I saw a story the other day regarding the Ohio State football team. They are tracking the activity of their players by GPS. Apparently a chip sewn into their practice and game uniforms tracks every move an OSU player makes. It records whether players are at optimum performance levels during various drills or during actual games. Imagine coming off the practice field with a printout of your activity level. Does this translate into wins every week? I wonder what the reports indicated in Iowa City a few weeks ago.

Golf has also become exposed to technological voodoo over the years. Crude video analysis gave way to digital cameras recording every conceivable angle to the Trackmans of today. Most of you know these new gizmos measure several aspects of the golf shot, how it flies, spin rate, launch angle while illustrating the actual ball flight of the shot and total distance. Numbers are collected, collated and averaged then spit out for the player’s reference.

When I was growing up years ago whacking balata balls with persimmon woods, there was only one set of numbers I cared about. Actually they’re the only numbers I still care about today. It’s those numbers I write down in the little boxes on the scorecard. I honestly can’t say the times I’ve recorded a birdie my launch angle was dead solid perfect nor were the times I made a triple due to a higher spin rate. Birdies and big numbers have a direct correlation to the player, not a computer.

There are times I’ve worked with social players, the folks who tee it up twice a week and want to play better. Maybe they want to take their score from triple digits to the nineties. Perhaps a player is dying to break ninety. Do you think putting these people on a Trackman is going to greatly enhance their development? It may in some ways however they need to learn more about playing the game. Since in most cases players don’t play a round in a succession of perfect shots, why have a machine put pressure on the golfer to produce ideal numbers? Can you see the scenario? A player has a lesson with a Trackman, goes out to play a few holes after, fires his second shot on hole #1 into a water hazard and immediately wonders if his launch angle was to blame. It happens.

Golf is a difficult game and for many it is utterly complex. Some instructors want to maintain this perception. It gives them more areas to address and more lessons to give. Yet in my view golf is about getting a small ball into a slightly larger hole in as few strokes as possible. There is only one set of numbers that count. The other compilation of techno-voodoo numbers can help with some aspects of the game but my concern is two sets of numbers divide a player’s attention. Remember, I’m all about fundamental simplicity. Plus I do best when focusing on one thing — my score.

I’d agree that better players are more apt to tap into techno resources. Certainly players who make their livelihood in golf rely on every resource available to them. The small percentage of people who have the talent to play professional golf is dwarfed by the players who get out two to three times a week. Professionals have the time and the ability to look at both sets of numbers. Amateurs, stick to the golf numbers that really matter — score. There are plenty of ways to make ’em without the use of technology.

PGA Championship Moving To May (?)

Posted on 07/19/2017 by mhagenbach

Things have been very quiet down in Palm Beach Gardens, home of the PGA of America. Naturally the Open Championship is occupying the major stage at the moment. The association is possibly considering a date change with it’s major championship. It seems the PGA Tour (no affiliation with the PGA of America) would like to wrap their season up early before the full onset of the NFL schedule. They are nudging PGA CEO Pete Bevacqua to make the switch along with the Tour moving their flagship event, the TPC, back to March from May. It all makes perfect sense on paper, paper printed in dollar denominations.

I’ve commented on this issue previously. Frankly, I don’t want to see a change. There are a variety of reasons. I’ll highlight a few of them.

First, an August event offers a summer opportunity for some PGA members to take family and friends to the event. By August, professionals standing behind the counter and on the practice tee could use a break. I’ve taken my family to several PGA’s in the Midwest – Chicago, Minneapolis and Kohler. Attending a PGA in May with family wouldn’t allow the flexibility a summer date provides simply because kids are still in school.

Second, moving the date to May would certainly eliminate a Hazletine, Medinah, Whistling Straits, Oakland Hills or an Oak Hill from ever hosting a PGA Championship. The courses simply would not be ready in time. Taking these courses out of the rotation would be a huge mistake and alienate golf fans in northern locales. That’s not a wise decision when your association is promoting a game that is seeing it’s participation rate decline.

Third, Bevaqua has pointed out past championships have been played in nine of the twelve months of the year. Yet the last time the tournament was played outside of the summer occurred in 1971 at PGA National in Florida. In 1970 it was contested at Southern Hills in Tulsa, in August. Apparently Bevaqua doesn’t think forty-six years is a significant milestone in golf.

Yet another important consideration involves the selection of Ryder Cup/President’s Cup team members at the year’s final major. Nothing against the Open Championship but imagine it being the final major of the year. Now contemplate the impact of players trying to make their teams while competing in rain and 20+ mph winds. You say it’s the same for everyone. Not if you get stuck on the wrong side of the tee time draw.

I could cite additional reasons for not moving the date but those observations have probably been written already. I even see Jack Nicklaus is willing to allow his Muirfield Village host a PGA should the decision be made to switch dates. Now I like Nicklaus and his course is a great track, but Jack, don’t do fans north of Columbus who want to see live golf any favors.

Perhaps the two biggest reasons I am opposed to such a switch revolves around the association and it’s membership. Someone stands to make quite a profit from an August to May switchero and trust me, it won’t be the members of the PGA. Ahh, but the PGA is a non-profit organization so members are not allowed to partake in any monies gathered by the association. Yet you have to believe Bevacqua’s compensation is tied to bringing dollars into the PGA’s coffers. I would hope the CEO is not looking at this prospective change from a dollar and cents view, but I’ve never met the man and simply don’t know much about him. The only time he did attract national attention was during the silly dismissal process of past PGA President Ted Bishop – an un-professional moment for the world’s largest professional sporting organization.

I have a sickening feeling that once the PGA Championship arrives in Charlotte at Quail Hollow this August there will be a “surprise” announcement. Bevacqua and the PGA Officers (who you rarely see) will announce the Championship will move to May, perhaps in 2020. The PGA website indicates future venues through 2019 being contested in August. After that, things could change.

To me there is only one equitable way to decide whether to accommodate the PGA Tour by moving the event to May. Put it to a vote of the membership. After all, it is our championship. I’m sure every eligible voting member would like to have a say.

Don’t be surprised to see the major line up change in the near future. In the shadows of the firm breeze and gray skies encompassing Royal Birkdale this week the wheels are turning at PGA headquarters in Florida. One game, played over thousands of yards stands to lose the battle with one played over one hundred yards.

Bob Lang — An Open Conversation

Posted on 04/20/2017 by mhagenbach

Many associated with golf understand the special nature of the game that creates a vast array of experiences. Some are casual, others memorable while the truly special ones are life-altering.

In many cases golf becomes a passion. It’s easy to develop this state of mind. First of all, it is a tremendous game. Secondly, you’ll meet wonderful people within its realm. Third, it can take you to some incredible venues and forge memories that will last a lifetime. It doesn’t matter if you’re a competitive player or a casual participant, once golf gets in your blood it’s all good in so many ways.

This story may follow various paths. My keyboard often takes me to unforeseen places. Yet this article is wrapped around the game but it is more about a man, a man I consider to be a friend. Had our paths not crossed at Erin Hills, I know my life would lack a certain spirit. Bob Lang eludes that type of feeling.

This summer the 2017 Men’s US Open golf championship will be contested at Erin Hills, just west of Milwaukee. It is likely to be one of the most, if not THE most, significant sporting events in Wisconsin’s history (sorry Ice Bowl fans). Folks in the Badger state are avid supporters of sport in all shapes and sizes. This US Open will be a tremendous success and I’ll guarantee the USGA will quickly award another championship to the course soon after this one has been decided.

Bob Lang, whether he likes it or not, is responsible for the US Open coming to Erin Hills. Lang built the course but later was forced to sell the property in 2009 when the money ran out. Recently I had a phone conversation with Bob that was much more about life thankfully than golf. As he told me, this year’s Open is the story — the players, the fans, the venue, the game. It is not about him.

Having been a part of this game for most of my life, I’ve met people like Bob. They do incredible things but more importantly, they are incredible individuals. The funny thing is, they’re really just ordinary folks who understand life and opportunity. Lang is a creative sort, philosophical in many ways. While having to step aside from an amazing golf property seems hard to grasp, Bob is pretty much the same guy now as when I first met him. I remember that summer day, Bob holding a rake in his hand with dirt covering his boots, constructing a new teeing ground for the current seventh hole.

I penned a previous article featuring a behind-the-scenes look at what transpired at Erin Hills regarding the change of ownership. In the piece I offered my interpretation as to what happened. I did not interview Bob Lang about the story. In no way did he share anything about the details of selling the property to Andy Ziegler at the time.

Getting to the heart of this story, I’m not going to discuss the US Open being awarded to Erin Hills. During my phone conversation with Lang he made it clear that this summer’s event is only about the players, the tournament and people like Mike Davis, the Executive Director/CEO of the USGA. Several folks in the golf media have contacted Bob about an angle to the development of Erin Hills, but he’s not likely to talk. As he said, it’s not about him.

So what did we talk about you might ask? Well, we talked about life, people, opportunities, family, each of us volunteering anecdotes from our life experiences, some relating to golf. We laughed along the way. There were personal stories shared during the conversation. In truth I didn’t want to hang up the phone.

One of the things I took away from talking with Bob is that he values relationships. He spoke of his high regard for his staff in those days starting out where everyone pitched in and did what had to be done. Sadly I learned one of his former employees, a person I had worked alongside at Blackwolf Run, had passed away. I cannot ever remember this man not having a smile on his face. His enthusiasm was infectious.

For those who have ever worked in the golf business, they clearly see the common thread that sews people together through their love of the game. I believe it’s one of the things that has impacted Lang the most through his experience at Erin Hills. He has plenty of stories and speaks highly of the people who worked WITH him, not necessarily for him.

At one point in our conversation we arrived at the place when Bob simply wanted to build a nine-hole golf course for his friends and family. Nothing over the top, just a place to spend some down time swapping stories over a few good shots and a cold drink. As he told me, the process involved with developing anything goes from idea — dream — execution — reality. So it happened with Erin Hills. The dream changed, as they so often do. In the end to Lang, it wasn’t a bad thing.

After I hung up the phone I sat for a minute to digest the conversation we shared. Anytime you learn a little bit more about an individual that confirms your initial impression, chalk that up to time well spent. If there was perhaps one message Bob may have wanted to convey it would be this:

Don’t allow things that people do overshadow who they are.

Count it as a golf lesson and a life lesson.

This June I’ll be heading down to Erin Hills to catch some of the action on the fairways. Yet I’ll be looking at other things behind the scenes Bob shared with me. Nothing that might interest a casual observer but for me, you know I like those “Now you know the rest of the story,” aspects.

Oh, and by the way Bob, if you happen to read this, thanks for picking up the phone.

One Day Closer To Spring Golf 2017

Posted on 03/01/2017 by mhagenbach

We’ve just turned the calendar page to March, which is a sign spring golf is coming to Wisconsin. Even though it’s snowing outside, spring training is underway with exhibition baseball being played, NCAA hoops is on the doorstep of their tournament and spring is one day closer. I love everything about this time of year except having to compile my tax returns. Oh well, just a minor inconvenience.

Golf in the Badger State looks exceptional this season. The US Open is coming to Erin Hills in June. Mike Keiser is officially opening his Coore/Crenshaw design at Sand Valley in May. The LPGA is conducting their first event in Green Bay at Thornberry Creek while the Seniors will be back in Madison at University Ridge. Gas prices are down so it looks like a great opportunity to travel about and see it or tee it at some of the states best venues.

With its wrap around season (something I still am not used to), the PGA Tour has featured a variety of champions. A few youngsters grabbed titles. Fowler, Spieth and DJ made us not forget about the upper echelon. Jason Day seems to have a bit of a problem getting it in gear so far but I doubt he’ll disappear. The big question continues to hover over Tiger and the state of his health. He gave it a go in two events, was talkative with the media but since his set back in Dubai, TW has reverted back to his ole, silent self. The “comeback” is no longer a topic.

It certainly appears that in this day and age of professional golf the biggest obstacle for players to avoid is injury. In an effort to propell a golf ball further and further, players line up with their TrackMans attempting to record numbers that may not necessarily translate to winning. It’s a different time and a different game.

Who can last a whole season? DJ would be my pick. The guy is simply an athlete. Spieth hasn’t appeared to get real bulky. I suspect Jason Day might have episodes of unexpected maladies from week to week. Thomas Pieters from Belgium, who played his college golf at Illinois, looks to be an intriguing player from the Euro Tour who could make some noise this season. Plenty of possibilities, plenty of names to consider as we creep towards the first major.

Speaking of Augusta, you know all bets are off trying to pick a winner at the National. Once the invitees drive down Magnolia Lane, the green fountain of youth seeps into player’s swings creating infinite possibilities as to who might don a green jacket. OK, I understand you want my pick. I’m going to go with Olympic Champion Justin Rose. Let’s see how that works out.

Another aspect of this year’s Masters is the absence of one of the games greatest ambassadors, Arnold Palmer. Anyone watching the ceremonial tee shots last April saw the King sitting as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player fired balls down the first fairway. The faraway look in Arnie’s eyes told all of us the curtain was coming down, as much as we didn’t want to believe it. I’m sure the membership will have some special memorial activities to reflect on Mr. Palmer’s impact at the Masters. I suggested all players entering the press room be asked to remove their caps during their conferences, as a tribute to Arnie. I even sent a note to Mr. Payne recommending that be done. We’ll see what happens.

The equipment front continues to be ultra-competitive. Whether it’s shoes, balls, drivers, irons, putters or bags, the selections are endless. You probably saw Costco’s Kirkland golf ball garner a bit of attention. Turns out the ball was very good but apparently it served as a way for the manufacturer to reduce existing inventory. If you’re waiting for the Costco shelves to be restocked with those balls this spring, don’t hold your breathe. That venture is all done.

Does anyone believe that paying $300.00 per iron is the right way to proceed when picking a new set? The PXG phenomenon is filtering its way through the tours. Slowly through the amateur ranks the club is starting to appear. It comes down to the old question, can you buy a game? Certainly. The more important question is, with that kind of expense, can you buy a better game? Time will tell. During my years as a golf professional I’ve seen numerous companies come and go. From the days when it was Wilson, Spalding and Hogan to today’s landscape of Callaway, TaylorMade and Ping you wonder if the ultra club niche will serve PXG with longevity. I’ve never seen or hit them. Eventually I’m sure I will.

As I write, a story broke today detailing some of the proposed rules changes by the USGA and R&A. It is long overdue. Some of the silliness in the rules tends to make the game less enjoyable for new players. It also distracts experienced players. While there is something to be said about a game where rulings are often self imposed, the time has come to move forward and make the game less intimidating for all players. Even though we might give up those lively grill room rules debates, having a clearer understanding of things would be healthy.

Lastly, what plans do you have for your game this season? Are you looking to play more? What improvements will you focus on? Are you looking at that special golf trip? The main thing I want you to strive for this year is twofold. First, meet a new friend on the links. The relationship may be one that significantly impacts your life. Many of my closest friends share a love of the game. They are quality people. Secondly, don’t discount any opportunity you have to play the game. No matter where, how many holes, or the quality of your play, enjoy the experience. You’re playing the greatest game in the world.

Enjoy the new season. Have fun with family and friends. Visit some new venues. Above all, don’t forget to PurePlay!

A Golf Conundrum — Keiser or Kohler?

Posted on 02/27/2017 by mhagenbach

Since the inception of Herb Kohler’s first golf course at Blackwolf Run in 1987, public access ulra-golf has been synonymous with the small village an hour north of Milwaukee. However, with the recent introduction of Sand Valley near Wisconsin Rapids, Mike Keiser is seeking to establish a presence in the Badger State similar to the one he etched in the Oregon coastline at Bandon Dunes. Golfers now have great choices to consider — Keiser or Kohler. Can’t decide? I’ll help you out.

To be fair, I want to set the record straight. I have worked for Herb Kohler. I have never met Mike Keiser. Until a recent trip to Sand Valley, I had not played a Keiser layout except for his first effort in New Buffalo, MI, the Dunes Club. It is an exceptional nine hole layout carved through sandy terrain about a mile from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Naturally I’ve played all four Dye courses in Kohler, the two at Blackwolf Run and the duo at Whistling Straits.

To make a comparison of the two men and their properties is like explaining the difference between bent grass and fescue – both surfaces are very playable but there are nuances to each one. Herb Kohler never really played much golf. Keiser, on the other hand, admits he found a school (Amherst College) with a bad enough golf team he could make. Whereas Herb has learned much about the game through his relationship with Pete Dye and the development of his golf business, Keiser gained perspective through the eyes of being a competitive player earlier in his life.

The courses at Kohler came about as the last puzzle piece to complete the Five Diamond resort facilities in eastern Wisconsin. Keiser’s Sand Valley came about because a friend of his stumbled upon an incredible parcel of sand in the middle of northern Wisconsin. It is claimed the sand goes down more than a hundred feet, thus the name Sand Valley. Sand is the best medium for a golf course. Keiser has plenty of it. It was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

In building Whistling Straits on a defunct Army training base along Lake Michigan, Herb Kohler purchased truckloads (reports claim 105,000 cubic yards) of sand to allow Pete Dye to shape the flat terrain into a memorable course. The resulting layout has hosted three PGA Championships and looks forward to welcoming the Ryder Cup in 2020. Keiser, on the other hand, didn’t pay a dime for his stockpile of sand. It came with the site.

If your primary question is which courses should you play, the answer is easy. Play them all. Sand Valley will open it’s first course this spring, the Coore & Crenshaw design. David McLay Kidd is in the process of building the second course as I write. He designed Keiser’s first layout at Bandon Dunes. There is still room for more golf at Sand Valley but it appears Keiser would like to get the two initial layouts established before committing to more.

Here are some other differences between the two developers:

Herb Kohler selected only one designer for his courses — Pete Dye. Keiser has recruited several top designers, Coore & Crenshaw, Tom Doak, McLay Kidd and has even mentioned Gil Hanse, the Olympic Course designer, getting a crack at a future site.

Perhaps the main reason Kohler has stuck with Dye is because the two have grown on each other over the years. I liken them to the old New York Yankee baseball brain trust of George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin. At the outset there were several confrontations between the two. Dye has probably been fired as many times as Martin during the span of his career. Of course it is well known that working for Kohler is no easy task. It’s likely out of a foursome of different designers one or two of them would walk away from the controlling eccentricities of Herb Kohler.

Keiser appears to be a 180 from the plumbing magnate. Each one of his courses at Bandon Dunes are included in someone’s Top 100 Listing. Is it just luck or simply an ideal working relationship between owner and designer? I would say it is the experience of building courses in four different locales with various designers that has brought about the best work. Keiser has developed courses in Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan, Nova Scotia and Tasmania. His reach is much broader than Kohler’s. While any golf course project demands intense oversight, Keiser seems to loosen the leash a bit more with his design teams. He trusts their vision will meet his.

Another divergence between the two men lies in the presentation. Imagine you have a world class painting no one has seen. It is not framed. With Kohler, nobody would be allowed to see it until the perfect frame is selected (by you know who) and it can be properly displayed in a stunning arena.

Keiser follows a different drummer. He wants those who will appreciate the work to see it as soon as possible, regardless if it is framed or not. The painting on grass stands on its own merit, not on its surroundings. In order to be appreciated it doesn’t have to be polished.

Go see Sand Valley. When it opened last year players meandered down an entrance road of compacted sand. A graveled area defined the parking lot. A couple of shipping containers served as the golf headquarters. Bare bones amenities greeted players for sure. But after playing the course you felt privileged to have walked the collection of holes in their infancy. Knowledgeable players can see how the layout will mature into another terrific effort by Coore and Crenshaw. This will truly become a great golf destination much like Keiser’s other projects.

Golf in Wisconsin is now garnering an international spotlight. Thanks to Herb Kohler’s collection of fine courses, everyone who loves to play (amateurs and professionals) can come to the Badger State to tee it up. The 2017 US Open will be contested at Erin Hills, just west of Milwaukee. SentryWorld recently completed a fabulous renovation with new holes and turf conditions that rival any top ranked course. Wisconsin Dells has always been deserving of a quality facility and Wild Rock has found its place on a “Must Play” list. Taking a week out of your summer to tour the state’s best courses is an inviting proposition. Anyone choosing to do so will not be disappointed.

It looks as if a fifth Kohler course may be built along the shores of Lake Michigan just south of Sheboygan. Dye will do the construction. Herb Kohler will control the process. Will it be another gem in his golf treasure chest? However there are still some hoops to jump through with regards to permits and environmental concerns. At this time the project is still on hold.

Finally, I can’t resist “comparing cards” between the two men and the incredible facilities they’ve already created. In January I ventured out to Oregon to see what all the fuss was about regarding Keiser’s premier property, Bandon Dunes. During my stay I played the four 18 hole layouts but missed the par three course, Bandon Preserve. Two days of great weather (55, sunny) greeted us the first two rounds. Day three was rough with wind, rain and colder temps buffeting our foursome around the Bandon Dunes layout. The final day at Bandon Trails featured a bit of rain but the majority of the round was played in overcast conditions, much like you’d find in Scotland. It was an enjoyable walk through a great routing orchestrated by Coore and Crenshaw.

There were a few distinct traits I found at Bandon Dunes. Number one, the golf courses weren’t as penal as those in Kohler. Secondly, the courses played much firmer than what you would experience in Wisconsin due to the sandy loam along the Oregon coast. Third, Bandon Dunes, at least in January, has the feel of an adult golf camp. The after-golf amenities are less formal, which is good when you’re traveling with a bunch of buddies. Despite the weather, all of the tee times were booked during our stay. Folks coming to Bandon in January were die-hards, willing to match their games and rain gear against whatever elements might prevail.

Accommodations differ between the two. Kohler’s lodging is more on a grand scale while Bandon offers comfortable options that are a bit more homey. You won’t find a spa at Keiser’s resort but in Kohler there is a full service facility that will rub you down and cover your face with mud, for a price mind you. The other difference is you’re apt to find a more diverse guest population at Kohler. They cater to weddings, corporate retreats, hunters, and couples getaways. Bandon is all golf 24/7. The banter (usually loud) in Oregon often gravitates to disasters on #4 at Pacific, triumphs at #16 Dunes, or an incredible 2 putt on Old Mac #8.

Just for the fun of it let’s look at a golf trip scorecard of Bandon Dunes vs. Destination Kohler. In a few years we might be able to plug in Sand Valley for Bandon Dunes and preview a “home” game.

Bandon Dunes Destination Kohler

Ocean views Lake views

Ultimate buddies trip Ultimate couples getaway

Different designers One designer

Tough to get to Relatively accessible

Open 12 months Open 6 months

Easier on the pocketbook off-season Expensive all year

Comfortable lodging Exceptional lodging

No professional majors Five professional majors

5 courses 4 courses

Par 3 course No par 3 course

Limited non-golf activities More non-golf activities

The ocean is louder The lake is quieter

Airport in North Bend Airport in Sheboygan

Introduced 1999 Introduced 1988

You make the call. Add your own criteria. Either way you can’t lose. Herb Kohler and Mike Keiser have introduced some exceptional courses to the world of golf and the state of Wisconsin. It’s now up to us to go play them and thank them for the opportunity.

Kohler’s FernGully

Posted on 11/21/201603/01/2017 by mhagenbach

It’s a different time in the golf industry especially when it comes to building courses. the American market has virtually dried up. Unless you have the deep pockets of a Donald Trump, Mike Keiser or Herb Kohler, new layouts are a scarce commodity.

There is no denying Destination Kohler features some of the finest golf in the world. Four stringent Pete Dye venues are sure to give every golfer a complete bashing. Yet the players keep coming. The settings at Blackwolf Run and Whistling Straits are as different as a gutta-percha and ProV-1. Plus, if the ball striking becomes too taxing, guests can always lick their wounds in the comfy confines of the Five-Star American Club.

Recently, there is talk of adding a fifth course to Kohler’s portfolio in Wisconsin. Pete Dye would again be the builder of an eighteen hole layout along the shores of lake Michigan just south of Sheboygan. The land is owned by Kohler Company and features a forested tract, wetlands, beachfront dunes, as well as Indian artifacts. It would make for quite a course.

The animated movie, FernGully (my son loves it) depicts a story of the last rainforest being cut down and claimed for a logging company. It’s a typical tale pitting environmentalists against business. In a way, the same things occurring in the fictional rendering are being played out with Kohler’s new course proposal, without the fairies.

It appears there is a strong opposition to this project, some of it coming from a group calling themselves “Friends of the Black River Forest”. They don’t want any part of another Kohler golf course disrupting their piece of paradise. If you look at the site, in person or on Google Earth, you can see a fair amount of trees would have to harvested to accommodate the layout. Sure, this is Kohler land and they can do what they like but such a proposal is so against the nature of Herb Kohler. You see, Herb Kohler loves nature. More specifically, he loves trees.

From the time Blackwolf Run was first created Herb Kohler defended every tree on the property. Pete Dye, had to calculate his way around the owner, almost coming to blows with Kohler about the green site on the initial eighth hole at Blackwolf Run. Over time, the two have come to understand each other and are good friends. But Herb’s love of trees has prevented him from removing a few of the leafy obstacles at Blackwolf Run that would enhance the playing lines. That’s why it is such a surprise he is willing to clear the land for a fifth course.

Even more puzzling is why Kohler feels the need to build a fifth course in Sheboygan County. There are supposed factors in the discussion but it boils down to one primary reason. This is nothing more than an “Ego-Build”.

Since jumping into the resort golf business in the late nineteen eighties, Herb Kohler has garnered much more attention than from manufacturing toilets. Golf has been good to him. He likes hosting major championships. Behind the scenes he likes competing with the likes of Mike Keiser, he of Bandon Dunes fame and other developers. In fact it’s been said when national golf publications rate destinations Herb Kohler is keenly aware of his property’s stature in relation to that of Keiser. The fact Keiser is adding two courses just outside of Wisconsin Rapids makes things more interesting. Both men have differing philosophies on the character of their properties but both are also competing to get players on their fairways.

It has also been speculated that the proposed “#5” would be capable of attracting another Men’s US Open to Wisconsin. With the first one scheduled to be played at Erin Hills, just west of Milwaukee next summer, that seems unlikely. Should Erin Hills achieve major success, the USGA would be prone to stick with it for future Open opportunities.

Another reason might stem from the fact that the Straits Course is a terrible spectator layout. Traffic gets congested in choked corridors, the mounding is slippery and hazardous, and patrons are squeezed between holes going out and coming in. Perhaps a new course could attract a future PGA Championship after the Ryder Cup is contested at the Straits in 2020.

Another head scratcher is the potential for added profitability. Kohler golf is its own corporate division and is expected to add to the bottom line. International acquisitions haven’t gone as planned and have put a bit of a strain on the operation. The purchase of the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews wasn’t as smooth as anticipated. Renovations called for a more invasive project than what was originally thought. In addition, the four courses in Sheboygan at two different locations aren’t as efficient revenue sources as they could be. I was once told that Whistling Straits would have been much better off with just the one course. The Irish Course didn’t bring the bang for the buck it was expected to.

Which brings us back to the FernGully dilemma. Why build #5? Why cut down the trees? Why add a course that is going to tax your bottom line? Why indeed? Because Herb Kohler wants to, that’s why. Because Herb Kohler has a few billion dollars lining his pockets. Pete Dye wants one last shot at it also. So as much as it doesn’t make business sense or environmental sense, you’ll likely see another Kohler course on the shores of Lake Michigan. It will be interesting during construction to see if the fairies show up.

There Was Only One Arnold Palmer

Posted on 09/26/2016 by mhagenbach

It’s a day many of us knew would come but didn’t want to think about. Arnold Palmer passed away at the age of 87 on Sunday. Not only has the golf world lost a true icon, but anyone who recognized the name Palmer feels a true sense of loss. While most will identify him with the game, his work off the golf course — health care facilities, broadcasting, even developing his trademark beverage, allowed him to touch so many who had never picked up a club.

Words cannot begin to tell the story of the man raised in the hills of western Pennsylvania, son of a course superintendent in the small town of Latrobe. Handsome, rugged, confident, Arnold Palmer was cool before the word began to define those qualities. His bold style on the fairways coincided with the introduction of televised golf, bringing it to the forefront of sports entertainment. Television could not have partnered with a better figure than Arnold Palmer. Not only did he grow the game in America, he did so in Britain. His two major victories at the Open Championship encouraged America players to make the journey across the pond and play links golf.

I was fortunate to grow up in the Palmer era. He was the guy I pretended to be making the three footer on the putting green to win the US Open. He was the player who defied the odds, took a gamble and made it pay off more times than not. The charisma, the flair of his lashing swing, his connection with Arnie’s Army, everyone wanted to be like Arnold. He was a big reason why I made golf a major component of my life.

I first saw Palmer playing in the 1975 US Open at Medinah CC outside of Chicago. He would have been 45 at the time. Watching him tee it up you could see he still thought he could win even though he hadn’t claimed victory in two years. The galleries identified where he was as he made his way around the tree-lined course. They shared his intensity, his triumphs and mishaps, everyone who ever followed Arnie felt what he felt. He was one of us. He allowed us into his world like no other touring professional.

I saw him play his second to last Masters Tournament in 2003. On a rain-drenched Augusta National the King played with vigor although he often could not reach the par fours in regulation. Along the way he’d head towards the gallery ropes, going out of his way to give his regards to long time friends. Once again it was his way of giving back to a game that had given him so much. Those in attendance got a little bonus golf from the King since his second round had to be completed on Saturday morning due to the weather delays. You could never get too much of Arnold Palmer.

My generation is blessed to have been impacted by such a great man. While there have been other professionals who have achieved more on the course, there isn’t one who has approached Palmer’s impact on it or off of it. In typical fashion, Arnie placed the game on his broads shoulders in the 1960’s and carried it forward to a prosperous future. Every player since then who has made a dollar from playing golf owes $.90 of it to Arnold Palmer.

Even as he aged you knew just having Arnie on this earth made it a better place. He assured everyone things would be OK, he encouraged folks to do their best and most importantly he taught others how to conduct themselves appropriately, an art that has sadly eroded in this country. If he gave you a thumbs up gesture, it signified his approval and that all was right in the world.

Perhaps the defining characteristic of Mr. Palmer lies in the mountains of letters and correspondence he received over the years. He kept every one and remarkably, replied to those who sent them, signing each one personally. Palmer didn’t have to do that. He could have allowed his staff to send out form letters with a stamped signature. Heck, he didn’t need to reply at all. Yet that wasn’t the proper way of doing things. It wasn’t the “Palmer” way.

There are so many stories regarding Mr. Palmer. I’d like to convey a couple of them.

Back when I was the professional at Green Bay CC, we hosted a charity event that included some long drive professionals. One of them was a fellow named Scott DeCandia, a short, stocky pro who could send it a long way. He won the National Long Drive Championship in 1980 at Oak Hill CC. We got to talking while out on the course entertaining the day’s participants. Somehow Arnie’s name came up. He asked if I had ever met him. I had not. He then relayed his story about Mr. Palmer.

Apparently Palmer invited Scott to the Bay Hill Club in Orlando for a long drive exhibition. DeCandia had never met Palmer until he arrived. Once he was situated in his guest room at the lodge DeCandia was told Palmer would meet him for breakfast the next morning and go over plans for the day. The next morning at 6:00 am DeCandia heard a knock on his door and rolled out of bed. When he opened it, there stood Palmer ready to go. Scott quickly showered and dressed then followed Palmer down to the kitchen where The King cooked breakfast for the two of them. It was one of those behind-the-scenes instances where Palmer was just one of the guys. Scott admitted it was one of the best times of his life — he and Arnie chatting about golf over a fry pan of scrambled eggs in the Bay Hill kitchen. DeCandia said Palmer treated him like a friend he had known his whole life.

My second story about Mr. Palmer arose from a challenge my wife gave me a couple of years ago regarding a birthday present for my son Ryan, who is autistic. She wanted something unique and golf related for him. Ryan does not possess the motor skills to play but enjoys going out with us to the course serving as our caddie. I figured I’d get him a caddie bib.

I looked online for options but nothing caught my eye. Finally I thought to myself, “Which caddie bib would be appropriate?” It dawned on me one from Mr. Palmer’s tournament at Bay Hill would fit the bill. As I am inclined to do, I sent a letter to Mr. Palmer. A couple of weeks later a package arrived on my doorstep. I couldn’t remember ordering anything but when I picked up the package and saw the Bay Hill address I knew what it was. Inside was a caddie bib from the tournament along with a signed letter from Mr. Palmer. He wanted to wish Ryan a happy birthday and thanked my wife and I for being good parents. While I never met him personally, it was as if an old friend of our family took time out from his day to brighten ours. Each time we go out to play Ryan wears his bib from the Arnold Palmer Invitational. That was the magic of Arnold Palmer. No one has ever done it better.

Going forward it is a certainty we will never see another Arnold Palmer. We won’t have the thrill of watching him attack a golf course, hoist a trophy or sign scores of autographs, legibly. There will never be a professional golfer who cared so much about his fans. While most will say he gave more to the game than he took from it, Palmer seized the opportunity to mold it into what it has become today. He personified the professionalism, the appropriateness, the sportsmanship, the perseverance, the hope and true spirit of the game. He embraced everything it offered and continued to make it better.

Arnold Palmer was truly the king of his sport. An extraordinary gentleman doing things in so many ordinary ways. He was as comfortable in a board room as he was in a bar room. He treated people the way he wanted to be treated. Arnie realized it wasn’t hard to be nice. We should all follow his lead.

Life contains milestones that define our time on earth. Among my list are JFK’s assassination, the moon landing, the Challenger disaster, 9/11, and now the passing of Arnold Palmer. With each instance I remember where I was and how I felt. In each case I felt a tremendous sense of loss. I feel that way today and probably will for weeks to come.

Thank you Mr. Palmer for your life, your passion and your guiding hand. It is now up to us to carry the “Palmer Spirit” forward and ensure that it thrives for future generations.

Step Up In 2016 – A Lil’ Bit

Posted on 01/23/201601/23/2016 by mhagenbach

It’s January. A major snow storm is slamming the east coast. Tour players are blessed with warm temps in Palm Springs, Hawaii or Abu Dhabi. Even though the official year for the PGA Tour started in October, it’s just getting underway now with the sightings of Spieth, McIlroy, Fowler, Stenson and Phil the Thrill. I like watching golf on these winter weekends because each one that goes by brings me a week closer to spring. Any sign of warm weather will give me a chance to brush off the rust and see where my golf year will take me. I’m sure many of you are in the same boat if you reside north of the Mason-Dixon Line.

What are you expecting for this new golf year? Maybe you’re planning a trip to the ultimate destination with close friends. If a major championship or the Ryder Cup is coming your way perhaps you’ll get up close and personal with the best players in the world. A new instructional regimen might be on the docket. Certain areas of your game might be placed under the microscope. You may possibly be searching for fewer putts, better shorts shots, hitting more fairways or eliminating penalty strokes. Whatever your ambition I have a suggestion as to how you might go about things while still enjoying your game.

The secret is “little successes”. You might remember an old Bill Murray movie, What About Bob. Richard Dreyfuss played Bob’s (Murray’s) shrink and promotes his new book, Baby Steps. Of course Murray does his best to pursue the doctrine but in the end everything that can go wrong does. It’s a funny flick with Murray acting like a goof although some might question if Murray needs to act at all.

It might be similar to making New Year’s resolutions but as the calendar page turns to a new number golfers set goals for their season. Some are heightened, some more realistic. Yet when things don’t quite fall into place the results can have a dramatic impact on players. They get discouraged, they try to figure things out by running through a lengthy checklist, or they just try too damn hard. Golf is a tough game. Don’t allow it to disrupt your life.

The fact that it is a game is key. There are plenty of other things that should be placed higher on the priority list. Say what you want but being outside on a green parcel of land with a few buddies simply doesn’t allow for a bad time does it? Not in my book. As I age the scores that matter most are the smiles and laughs had in 18 holes.

But this isn’t to say I don’t look for ways to play better. However there aren’t any drastic changes I’m searching for. Instead I want to pile up as many “little successes” as possible. Those might change from round to round but I’ll take note of any positive changes and seek to keep them in the bag for the next round. I see it as a trip up a flight of stairs. I want to climb as many steps without slipping backwards.

For my students I want them to be as realistic as possible. Rather than placing number goals in front of them, I encourage them to focus on playing the game better, smarter, with more imagination, with less effort. Any little success needs to be “banked” in order to raise the confidence level for future rounds. Confidence is king in this game and once a player grabs hold of it improvement can occur quickly..

So check your ego at the door this year. Pick a few steps that will lead to those little successes. Make them yours, not someone else’s. Yes it would be great to putt like Jordan Spieth or hit your driver like Rory but chances are you don’t play for a living. Be who you are. For 2016 adopting this approach of achieving little successes will lead to big gains. Be like Bob — take Baby Steps.

A Key Golf Principle — PracticePlay from PurePlayGolf

Posted on 01/07/201601/07/2016 by mhagenbach

There are seven Principles for improvement in the PurePlayGolf curriculum. PracticePlay is one of them.

If the desire to improve encourages golfers to practice why are they so poor at it? The majority of players get out to the course 1-3 times per week. The pure enjoyment of golf comes from playing. How many hours are players willing to work at their games? What are their goals for improvement? How do they PracticePlay?

The problem today with practice is twofold. First, many are chasing the elusive “PERFECT” swing. Amateur players watch their favorite pros on TV having their swings dissected by cutting edge technology from every conceivable angle. Let’s make one point very clear; pros play for a living, are finely conditioned physically and work on their practice regimen daily. Amateurs are not in this arena even though at times they imagine they are. Amateurs chasing perfection are doomed to fail.

Secondly, by pursuing this quest to achieve the “PERFECT” swing, golfers never properly learn how to play the game. They assume if they can hit it well they can score. That leads to thinking they can only score if they’re hitting good shots. All of us who have played know there are days when the ball striking is sub-par. It’s crucial to learn how to play when that happens.

The key to improved PracticePlay is to balance time between the practice areas and the course. Obviously for a beginner the first priority is learning to feel a swinging motion and making contact. Once they are comfortable the instructor should engage them in a playing lesson on the course to address the prerequisites for playing golf, common rules, hazards, pace of play, the putting green, care for the course, etc.

The best areas for practice are the putting green and short game chipping/pitching area. If there is a practice bunker incorporated in the setup, all the better. It’s commonly stated shots played within 100 yards of the flagstick account for 70% of all shots during a round. Let’s say your average is 90 strokes for eighteen holes. At least 63 shots in that round will be played within the 100 yard range, 63 shots! Let’s also assume you are a decent putter averaging 34 putts per round. That leaves 29 additional opportunities from wedge distance. Only 27 shots will be played from the teeing ground to the 100 yard marker. Hopefully by studying this example you can see the majority of practice time should be spent in the short game areas.

Of course many will ask about honing their prowess with their long game. This is where you take it to the course. Hitting buckets of balls on perfectly flat surfaces at stationary targets help a bit in the process but the monotony will quickly dull most golfer’s interest. Find those off-peak times when you can get out and play a few holes, maybe hitting a few shots from the fairway or off the tee and engaging in the process of playing the game. On the practice tee you don’t have to play your misses. On the course you do.

I often see players walking up to “Maniac Hill”, dropping their bucket of balls and initiating their session by removing the driver cover. Without a warm up, an alignment aid or a well thought out plan they whack balls all over the place, unaware of their shot pattern. As long as they’ve hammered one or two balls they feel their practice session produced good results. If I had a dollar for every time I witnessed this exercise I’d have my own plane.

Another consideration is quantity versus quality. Ever have an outstanding twenty minute practice session? How about a dreadful two hour range experience? Both are possible, it’s just that one occurs more often than the other. Guess which one?

You can hit putts for twenty minutes and walk away with time well spent. Some of us only have a few minutes. Don’t get tied into thinking more time and more shots struck is necessarily a better routine. When a session doesn’t go the way you want it’s best to walk away. Why imbed bad thoughts? Tomorrow is another day.

When playing the course, whether alone or with others keep a “path” score. Track where your tee shots go, where your approaches land, how many putts you take, penalty shots and short shots around the green. Over a few rounds you’ll begin to see patterns of play that can be addressed. You’ll also get used to training your eyes and your mind to commit to shots. Golf is a process and better understanding how the process works through more effective PracticePlay will lead to an improved game.

One key to remember is each player’s practice routine, like their swing, is their own. With that said I am a strong believer in the simple notion that if a person wants to play better, they should spend more time on the golf course. The playing process is more memorable and produces better learning experiences.

It is widely known Ben Hogan spent many hours on the practice tee beating balls. He admitted he dug his swing out of the dirt. Yet in his only appearance in the Open Championship Hogan played several practice rounds often playing two balls off the tee to determine the proper line of play. Reportedly he arrived in Scotland two weeks prior to the tournament in order to prepare. Spending more time hitting balls than playing would not have acclimated him to a course he’d never played, firm turf he’d never hit from, plus winds he’d never encountered. His PracticePlay focused more on the process at hand. Hogan won his only Open Championship by four shots.

If you aren’t maximizing your practice time let PurePlayGolf help design a more meaningful way to work on your game. PracticePlay is merely one of seven Principles that can improve your game. Visit my website at http://getpureplaygolf.com for more resources.