Archived Golf News

NW Indiana: Start is spectacular at Lost Marsh

By Len Ziehm Lost Marsh Clubhouse Hammond HAMMOND, Ind. - The Lost Marsh golf course didn't exist when I lived in Northwest Indiana from 1967-69 and was just getting serious about golf. What a shame! Back then, while working for the Hammond Times immediately after finishing college, the courses of choice were Wicker Park - it had a player-friendly course, the best hot dogs in Indiana and a most friendly staff - and the much newer Scherwood, in Schererville. Then there was Woodmar, right next to Wicker, but it was a private club and difficult to get on. (more…)

Erin Hills: Wisconsin layout will be a popular destination prior to ’17 Open

By Len Ziehm Erin HillsErin, Wis. - The hoopla was extraordinary when Erin Hills first welcomed golfers in 2006.  The very upscale public course on the outskirts of Milwaukee was even awarded a U.S. Golf Assn. national championship (the 2008 U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links) before its land was even seeded. By 2009 - following an ownership change from creator Bob Lang to Milwaukee businessman Andy Ziegler, co-founder of the investment firm Artisan Partners - Erin Hills was named a site for both the 2011 U.S. Amateur and the 2017 U.S. Open. Frankly, I couldn't understand why. (more…)

2013 Concierge & Hospitality Professionals Golf Outing Recap

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 Dean Gabey ClinicWe could not have picked a better day for our annual 'Concierge and Hospitality Professionals' Golf Event which was hosted this year by Lost Marsh Golf Course and The Hammond Port Authority. We at GOLF NOW! Chicago (your source for golf) coordinate this event every year as a way to get the concierge community excited about golf, to learn more about the game, and to give you a fun break to spend time with colleagues and friends for the day. The weather was super and we had concierges, hospitality professionals, and their guests come from all industry areas to attend including hotels, residential, businesses, clubs and more! (more…)

Lost Marsh is the Closet Golf Course to Chicago

...and they'll pick up your guests and clients with their 24-passenger shuttle! Concierges on the course 2013From Niko Sullivan, Director of Golf Operations at Lost Marsh: “Thank you all for attending the Concierge and Hospitality Outing hosted by the Lost Marsh Golf Course/ Hammond Port Authority and GOLF NOW! Chicago. We hope everyone had a great time and had the chance to enjoy our facilities. We encourage you to come back and experience all the outdoor activities available at a fraction of what you’d spend downtown, and we’re only 25 minutes away!” (more…)

One Week Until the 2013 Concierge and Hospitality Professionals Golf Event!

Lost Marsh Golf CourseHello concierge golfers!! Come out Wednesday, June 19, 2013 to Lost Marsh Golf Course in Hammond! Play a round of golf with your colleagues and network with fellow concierges and hospitality professionals. If you are a concierge or hospitality professional and play golf … this event is sure to be fun-filled and a great way to network with fellow colleagues and spend a day at the beautiful Lost Marsh Golf Course. You will also have an opportunity to experience first-hand all that Lost Marsh has to offer (more…)

PUBLISHER’S PICKS – An Easy Drive to Links, Drinks & Lovely Lodging!

South Haven, Saugatuck & Holland, Michigan HawksHead Publishers PicksHad the opportunity for a quick weekend getaway recently to South Haven, Saugatuck and Holland in the SW Michigan area.   It’s an easy drive from the south suburbs of Chicago or from downtown Chicago.    Stayed at HawksHead Inn for the first time which is 2 Miles from the Lake Michigan shoreline!  What a best kept secret for a wonderful relaxing getaway, with bed and breakfast-style accommodations, wonderful restaurant and a Rolex “World’s Top 1000” golf course right on property.   (more…)

Encompass Championship Approaches

North Shore Country Club Glenview, Illinois June 17-23, 2013 Encompass Championship North Shore Country Club GlenviewThe new Encompass Championship brings legends of golf and top celebrities to an exciting Pro-Am format new to the Chicagoland area.  The event will take place at the North Shore Country Club in Glenview, where a prestigious course designed by the renowned architect Harry Colt awaits some of the best players in the game. The major championship winners already scheduled to attend this event include: Mark Calcavecchia, Ben Crenshaw, Steve Elkington, Hale Irwin, Tom Kite, Bernhard Langer, Sandy Lyle, Mark O’Meara, Larry Mize, Corey Pavin, Nick Price, Jeff Sluman, Craig Stadler, Hal Sutton, Bob Tway, and Fuzzy Zoeller. (more…)

TRAVERSE CITY: Two resorts that have withstood the tests of time

By Len Ziehm TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Golf course openings are rare in these tough economic times. Three decades ago that wasn't the case, but none back then were as celebrated as Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort. Grand Traverse tower at The BearGrand Traverse, then just five years old, took an extraordinary step when The Bear was ready for play. Virtually every member of the media covering the 1985 U.S. Open at Oakland Hills was invited to play the layout the day after Andy North won his second Open title, and most of them showed up. That type of sendoff for a new golf course was unheard of, and media members from throughout the country found the layout appropriately named. It was indeed a bear. (more…)

Golf Tips from the Experts – Jay Williams

Jay Williams, 25-year PGA Member & Head Golf Professional at Briar Leaf Golf Club LaPorte, IN Question: I've decided to really make an effort to lower my handicap this year. What is the best way to reach my goal of consistently shooting lower scores? Answer: This is an easy one. The ONLY answer is to IMPROVE YOUR SHORT GAME. Approximately 65% of all strokes played during a round are taken from inside 100 yards. Building a reliable short game will pay immediate dividends and provides the payoff of measurable results in the form of lower scores. (more…)