Texas Golf Hall Of Fame Where Eagles Fly

In case you haven’t figured it out yet, Texas is the greatest state for golf in the country. And it isn’t even close, according to Executive Director of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, Katie Manor.

Ten of the 30 U.S. Ryder Cup Captains, 85 major winners, 897 LPGA/ PGA Tour winners, are all individuals from the Lone Star State, and every single one is a member of the prestigious Texas Golf Hall of Fame.

And those numbers don’t include future members like Stacy Lewis, Jordan Spieth, or Scottie Scheffler.

Did we mention 24 of the 164 of the World Golf Hall of Fame members (15%) are in the Texas Golf Hall of Fame? Our state has produced generations of incredible golf talent, and not just professional players. Six of the 67 PGA of America Golf Professionals of the Year are from Texas. 25 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Team Titles have been won by Texas universities (including a record 16 by the University of Houston). And 13 U.S Amateur titles have been claimed by Texan men and women. When listed all together, the stats are truly staggering. Every two years the Texas Golf Hall of Fame recognizes up to five membership categories. They are Amateur Player, Professional Player, Golf Professional/ Teacher, Lifetime Achievement, and Texas Registry of Historic Golf Courses. There are stringent requirements to be considered a finalist, including a professional having won at least four times on the LPGA or PGA Tour. Just 150 individuals and 14 golf courses have been inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame since its inception in 1978.

The Class of 2022 (Ryan Palmer, Brad Elder, Barney Adams, Ronny Glanton, PGA, Gordon Johnson, PGA, and Houston Country Club) were inducted last October.

Professional Player - Ryan Palmer

Amateur - Brad Elder

Lifetime Achievement - Barney Adams

Golf Professional/Teacher - Gordon Johnson

Golf Professional/Teacher - Ronny Glanton

Texas Registry of Historic Golf CoursesHouston Country Club

On October 17th, 2022 the Texas Golf Hall of Fame inducted its newest individuals and golf course into its storied membership in a day-long event called The Gathering of Eagles.

Until Manor’s hiring in October 2021 (she is the first ever full-time employed staff member), that was the extent of what was done to celebrate the membership. During COVID, The Texas Golf Hall of Fame Board of Directors conducted a feasibility study to determine the future of the organization. Texas golf, and Texas Golf Hall of Fame members, deserved so much more in recognition and awareness of achievements, and the Board moved quickly to bring on someone who could live and breathe the Hall every day.

Since starting in her role, Manor has made sure the future of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame is bright. Starting with social media followers, which have grown from a little over 100 in December 2021 to almost 3,000 at the end of 2022, there are big plans in place to properly honor the past, celebrate the present, and create the future greats of Texas golf. The Hall is making moves to ensure its members, and Texas golf, is acknowledged on a grand and lasting scale.

The Texas Golf Hall of Fame will unveil a new physical structure in the fall of 2023 at PGA Frisco on the Northern Texas PGA’s campus. The Frisco anchor site will be an addition to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame’s footprint in the state, joining the Texas Golf Walk of Fame at Brackenridge Park Golf Course.

“The opportunity to have a prominent presence on the Northern Texas PGA campus at PGA Frisco is an incredible addition to the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, and significantly helps us reach our goal to bring as much awareness as possible to the greatest golf hall of fame in the country,” said Manor. “It is the modern home of golf in America and Texas golf will be on display in all ways.”

In addition, the Hall has a new partnership with Veritex Community Bank - the Official Bank of the Texas Golf Hall of Fame and Presenting Sponsor of the future Texas Golf Hall of Fame anchor site at PGA Frisco. Veritex’s commitment to golf in Texas is unparalleled and felt at all levels. It sponsors 23 LPGA/PGA/ Korn Ferry/Champions Tour players, including TGHoF Member Ryan

Palmer and 2022 Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler. It is also the Title Sponsor of both the Veritex Bank Championship Korn Ferry Tour event and the historic Veritex Bank Byron Nelson Junior Championship.

“Golf has always been aligned with our brand, which is why this partnership made sense and we are known as the Golf Bank of Texas,” says Malcolm Holland, CEO & President of Veritex Community Bank.

Finally, both the Walk of Fame in San Antonio and PGA Frisco location will incorporate QR codes which will lead visitors to a one-of-a-kind interactive virtual museum highlighting individual members with his/her own digital exhibit and collection.

These exhibits will include high-level films about each member, as well as separate videos diving into specific details of the individual’s career and artifacts. In addition, a comprehensive library of artifacts, photos, memorabilia, trophies, and articles will be made available in a digital archive. Future special exhibits are also planned, to broaden the scope of stories captured and brought to life.

Manor has even provided readers with a sneak preview of some of the completed content: Scan the QR Code.

“The entire history of Texas golf will be in the palm of your hand through this incredible platform and resource. Texas greats looking back at you, telling you their stories and anecdotes. It is a gift that the Texas Golf Hall of Fame is giving back to the game, to our great state, and to anyone who visits our virtual exhibits from anywhere in the world,” Manor added.

And so, Texas golf just keeps getting better – and bigger – just as we do with everything in this great state.

Keep up with all the latest happenings with the Texas Golf Hall of Fame, including details about the unveiling of the PGA Frisco Anchor Site and Digital Museum, by following on social media: Instagram: Texas.golf.hof

Facebook: Texas Golf Hall of Fame

LinkedIn: Texas Golf Hall of Fame

For more information on how to support these initiatives through the Texas Golf Hall of Fame’s capital campaign, please contact Katie Manor, via phone or email: 214.294.7967 or katie@texasgolfhof.org.

by Andrew Marshall

Buy your airline ticket, pack your golf clubs and get ready to unleash your inner Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy or Jason Day. Here’s six of the best public golf courses in the USA...

SOUTH CAROLINA - Caledonia

Golf & Fish Club.

Voted the “Fifth Best New Public Course in America” upon opening its gates in 1994, the accolades have never stopped rolling in for Mark Strantz’s first design on the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach. It feels like a journey back in time as you drive along the grand entrance lined with rows of centuries-old live oaks draped with Spanish moss to reach the Old South clubhouse. Often compared to Augusta National for its exquisite style, floral beauty, and velvety fairways and greens, Caledonia has a sleepy ambiance that embraces its Southern roots.

Built on the site of an old rice plantation and overlooking the picturesque Waccamaw River, Strantz has artfully crafted the site’s streams, ponds and mosscovered oaks to create a hugely enjoyable test of golf. Amid the scenic backdrop of blooming flowers and colourful shrubs are some memorable holes such as the picturesque par-3 11th with a snaking creek to the green, the par-4 13th that doglegs around a giant oak tree and the wonderful closing hole.

The par-4 18th borders the Plantation’s old rice field, and requires a precise drive that sets up a difficult second shot - a forced carry onto a green at the foot of the clubhouse, where its tradition for onlookers sitting in rocking chairs sipping their drinks, to respond appropriately and sometimes bet on the results of player’s shots. After your round, pull up a rocking chair on the clubhouse porch and enjoy a cold beer, while taking in what must be one of America’s best 19th-holes. Visit us atwww.fishclub.com for more information.

NEVADA – Wolf Creek

Located 77 miles north of Las Vegas at Mesquite, this is 18 holes of fantasy golf at its ultimate best. Opened in 2000, this visually captivating desert design immediately drew rave reviews and Wolf Creek is now firmly established as one of America’s top public courses. There are precious few courses that can generate a genuine sense of awe for several holes at a stretch and exceedingly rare is the layout that can sustain the feeling for an entire round;Wolf Creek is such a place.

Set high above the desert floor among red-rock canyons, teeming waterfalls and glistening creeks, it looks as though strips of green velvet have been laid out on a Mars-like landscape. After the tee shot at the 579-yard par-5 opening hole its a roller-coaster golfing adventure among sculpted hills and canyons with several elevation changes, 98 bunkers and forced carries over streams and ravines.

Developer Doug Clemetson was determined to leave the distinctive natural landscape in place, accepting that a number of non-traditional golf holes would result. On the 2nd tee box, for example, 90 granite steps lead up to the driving area, which is located some 11 stories high. The 3rd hole plays uphill to one of the highest points on the course with 70-mile views, and par-3 11th’s green is an island in a sea of red rock and typical of Wolf Creek’s dazzling visual appeal. Visit us at www. golfwolfcreek.com

WISCONSIN – Whistling Straits

Billionaire bathroom supplier Herb Kohler had a dream of building a Scottishstyle links sculpted along a two-mile stretch of the Lake Michigan shoreline in Wisconsin, and Pete Dye’s creation in 1998 exceeded his expectations, going on to become a major championship venue. The course first hosted the fourth major of the year, the PGA Championship, in 2004 when Vijay Singh was the champion, and since then,

Martin Kaymer in 2010 and Jason Day in 2015 have made up the trio of golfers to lift the Wanamaker Trophy. It also hosted the Ryder Cup in 2021.

Rendering of Hotel Entrance

It’s a rugged, windswept layout which is more akin to an Irish or Scottish links with undulating fairways bordered by wispy fescue grasses, contoured greens and roughly 1000 bunkers, which must be heading for a world record. There are several standout holes including two memorable shore-hugging par-3’s; hole-7 (Shipwreck) and hole-17 (Pinched Nerve) with spectacular views over Lake Michigan. Polls regularly acknowledge Whistling Straits as one of America’s top 10 greatest public courses.Visit www. americanclubresort.com

CALIFORNIA – Pebble Beach

“If I had only one more round to play, I would choose to play it at Pebble Beach. I’ve loved this course from the first time I saw it. It’s possibly the best in the world,” said 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, and there are few thrills in golf to match teeing off for the first time on Pebble Beach Golf Links, ranked number one on Golf Digest’s ‘100 Greatest Public Courses in America List 2015/2016.’The course oozes history and atmosphere, and since opening in 1919 it has hosted some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, including six U.S. Open Championships and the annual AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am.

Over the years, the exquisite beauty and unique challenge of Pebble Beach has thrilled golfers and spectators alike. The course hugs the rugged coastline, providing wide-open vistas, and cliffside fairways and greens, with the ocean’s crashing surf as a backdrop. Some of the most spectacular holes are five to eight, which are on the promontory between Stillwater Cove and the Pacific Ocean. As you walk in the footsteps of legends, you anticipate each and every storied hole while recounting magical moments in golf history, such as the par-3 17th, where Tom Watson chipped in during the 1982 U.S.Open. Is it worth the eye-watering green fee of $595? Yes, at least once in a lifetime.Visit us at www. pebblebeach.com

NORTH CAROLINA - Pinehurst No. 2

This star attraction of Pinehurst Resort’s nine courses remains one of the world’s best and most celebrated golf courses. Pinehurst no.2 has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America and, in 2014, made history again, becoming the first to serve as host to the U.S. Open and U.S.Women’s Open Championships in consecutive weeks. Opened in 1907, Pinehurst No. 2 was designed by Donald Ross, who called it “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.” Ross was associated with the course for nearly a half-century, improving the course continually until his death in 1948.

Pinehurst No. 2 is best known for its crowned, undulating greens, which are some of the most complex and widely hailed in the world. In March 2011, the course reopened following a yearlong, $2.5 million restoration by the design firm of Coore & Crenshaw that restored the course’s natural and historic character. Over the years, its champions have included some of the greatest players in history including Walter Hagen, Sam

Snead, Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus and Payne Stewart. The course will host the U.S. Open once again in 2024.Visit pinehurst.com

ARIZONA – Troon North

Troon North is the essence of the desert golf experience, with two topnotch 18-hole layouts (the Monument and Pinnacle Courses) stretching through natural ravines and foothills of the high Sonoran desert, in the shadows of Pinnacle Peak. Both immaculately groomed courses will challenge you with their lush green fairways bordered by boulders, rock formations and huge Saguaro cactus that can reach heights of 45 feet. It’s the kind of environment where you half expect to see the ‘Magnificent Seven’ come riding over the horizon on horseback as you tee off. There are some great holes at Troon North, and none better than the Monument Course’s third, aptly named ‘The Monument.’ This 564-yard, par-5 is an intriguing hole with plenty of riskreward options, that first requires you to dodge a giant boulder anchored in the middle of the fairway. Over the years Troon North has won a multitude of accolades and awards including Golf Magazine’s “Top 100 CoursesYou can Play in the US” and Conde Nast Traveler’s “Top 100 Golf Resorts in North America and the Caribbean.” Make sure to add it to your bucket list of places to play in the USA .... go to www.troonnorthgolf.com

•

Kerrville Scott Schreiner Golf Course

Best Kept Secret Of The Southwest

Scott Schreiner Golf Course is an 18-hole course that is nestled among the rolling hills in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Redesigned by renowned golf course architect Joe Finger in 1999, it is one of the best kept secrets of the southwest.

The layout features mounded greens in a variety of sizes and shapes. The fairways offer generous landing areas, yet are tight enough to present a comfortable challenge. The signature hole is number 17, a 535-yard par-5. Water comes into play on the second shot, then again on the approach to the green, which is surrounded by water on three sides. A waterfall to the left of the green adds a pleasing aesthetic. Set against the beautiful hills and rustic Texas landscape, this course is fun for all.

The course is located in Kerrville, Texas making it an easy drive from San Antonio or Austin. A putting green, driving range, chipping greens with sand bunker, complete pro shop, and available golf lessons are some of the amenities found at the course.

Kerrville boasts over 900 acres of public spaces to paddle, bike and play in. Enjoy eclectic restaurants, local music and local breweries and wine during your stay.

Type: M=Municipal, PR=Private, P=Public, SP= Semi-Private.

ACCOMODATIONS/ DINING

Alabama | Ad Page 2

Alabama | www.golfalabama.org

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 84

777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263

Double Schotts Sports Bar & Grill| Map #22 | Ad Pg 43

2055 Central Plaza # 102 | New Braunfels, TX www.doubleschotts.com | 830-632-5355

Driftwood Golf & Ranch Club| Ad Page 22

582 Thurman Roberts Way, Driftwood, TX | www.driftwoodgolfclub.com | 737-241-3500

Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 87 | Ad Page 26

288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.rockinjranch.net | 830-833-2266

SentryWorld Golf| Ad Page 74 www.SentryWorld.com | 866-479-6753

Terrace Rooftop Bar & Kitchen| Map #23 | Ad Pg 43

2031 Central Plaza # 101 | New Braunfels, TX www.terraceskybar.com | 830-358-7316

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map# 87 | Ad Page 29

228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 | www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706

SHOPPING/SERVICES

Bash in the Box | Ad Page 66 www.bashinthebox.com

Coby Stevens | Ad Page 14 www.cobystevens.com

Edwin Watts | Map # 3 | Ad Page 38-39

1050 N,.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 210-822-4060

Edwin Watts | Map # 83 | Ad Page 38-39

4526 South Padre Island Dr., Corpus Christi, TX www.worldwidegolfshops.com | 361-852-0358

Facebook Live ‘Golf After Hours’ | Ad Page 21

Thurdays 7-8 pm |

The Golf Ranch | Map #84 | Ad Page 7

610 N Austin Ave., Georgetown, TX | 35 & Williams Drive at exit 262 www.golfranchshop.com | 512-863-4573

INSTRUCTION/TOURNAMENTS

David Orgin Golf Academy | MAP # 42 | Ad Page 42 1235 Wald Rd., New Braunfels, TX 78132 www.davidorgingolfacademy.com | 830-660-3998

Vaaler Creek Golf Club | Map #87 | Ad Page 29

Golf Lessons with Edwin Dickens | 228 Jeff Vaughn, Blanco, TX 78606 www.vcgc.golf | 830-833-0706\Real Estate

Rockin’ J Ranch | Map# 2 | Ad Page 26 288 John Price, Blanco, TX 78606

Rio Grande Valley

By Art Striclkin, Contributing Writer

The golf dreamers, doers and devoted all flocked here to the massive Orange Country Center in late January, by the tens of thousands, intent of celebrating the traditional start of the 2023 golf season boosted by the continued postCOVID boom.

More than 800 golf companies took part in the annual gathering to showcase the weird, wacky and wonderful products which will be appearing on golf store shelves later this spring.

“The energy on the PGA Show floor was fantastic. I grew up on a trading floor (on the New York Stock Exchange) and this reminds me of the energy and enthusiasm of a busy trading day. It is reflective of the (golf) industry, basically booming. The industry played defense for a couple of years during the pandemic, but this week has underscored that golf is back and the PGA Show is back in a big way,” said Seth Waugh, Frisco-Texas-based PGA of America CEO.

Among the many new trends at the 2023 PGA Show, technology was one of the leaders, with golf companies of all kinds using everyday technology to further enhance their products and introduce new people to the game.

Texas-based Top Tracer technology had a massive display on the show floor where golfers could line up their practice shot on a I-pad sized computer screen and then see how close they could get to their target line

“This is the first computer-based system which can hold you accountable to practice and send your results to a teacher or golf pro,” said Shaun Hansen, an executive with Top Tracer.

The system will debut at the new public Omni PGA Frisco Resort, which opens in May, giving golfers and hotel guest instant feedback on their game and their skills

Martin Wyeth brought the technology

of Power Tee from his home in England, where his company controls 80% of the UK Market including the Old Course at St. Andrews, to America.

“We have to see customers here, both current and potential.You have to give them the best experience and that’s the difference between the demo day and the convention center, you can see balls flying in the air here and we have people going from a skeptic to why doesn’t everybody do this.”

The Power Tee is a synthetic turf platform elevated 8 inches from the ground, with an automatic tee up for each ball and automatic shot display.

Another giant leap in technology came from one of the most unlikely of sources, Augusta National Golf Club. They teamed with EA Sports and the PGA Tour to produce the Majors Collection. It features an exacting computer replica of Augusta National, allowing players to play the famed, highly exclusive course or even insert themselves as a player in the 2023 Masters Tournament.

While the tournament clings to its manual scoreboards and $1.50 egg salad sandwiches, the current club staff is downright progressive on what technology can bring the Masters and the game of golf.

The game, which can be purchased on-line or in retail shops, will include all four major championship venues this year plus the Ryder Cup and 30 of the top courses in the world all in colorful, exact detail.

When it comes to technology of a different kind, incorporated into a golf shoe, Mike Forsey, the co-founder and CEO of Payntr Golf engineers classic spiked and spikeless golf shoes.

They include a clear propulsion plate to help with lift off the ground, full leather uppers and soles and the first blister proof guarantee, something any golfer who’s tried to break in new pair of shoes can appreciate.

“We are seeing sales boom 580% year over date. We seemed to have solved the supply chain crisis and we are getting the shoes into the hands of more people every day,” he said.

A first timer to the show, Kenneth Duncan, the CEO of Atlanta-based Renegade Golf, was on site with his newly conforming USGA approved golf balls and custom golf bags.

“I wanted to come to the show to see how the big boys do it vs. the small guys like me. I want to grow my business, but I don’t have any celebrities like they do. I’m just here learning.”

“I want to make golf and golf balls more accessible, cheaper and cooler. Nobody in my circle at home plays golf, we have to reach those people. We’ve got to get busy.”

Another popular product at the show were golf-related food and drinks. There was chocolate to give you more energy on the course, CBD gummies to give you more passion and Ginn Fizz drinks promoted by Annika Sorenstam to help you forget any bad shots.

Austin-based Old Trapper jerky is available for consideration in your essential snacking or golf stories. Old Trapper is the 2nd largest jerky brand in the world.

Another golf-related organization which is a major part of the 2023 PGA Show is the Oklahoma-based Folds of Honor organization, which provides college scholarship to children of fallen military, first respond and others.

“We come to the PGA Show every year with grateful hearts and thanks for the many people who have helped us,” said Folds of Honor founder Col. Dan Rooney.

Rooney said Folds of Honor has raised a staggering $55 million dollars to help those in need through Patriot Golf Days at golf courses all over the country, corporate sponsors and the new American Dunes course in Michigan designed by Jack Nicklaus.

There were also plenty of golf destinations and travel companies here at the show. Ireland and Scotland had large booths here along with the new Ryder Cup site in Rome and many locations in the Caribbean.

ACCOMODATIONS / DINING

Alabama | Ad Page 2

Alabama | www.golfalabama.org

Coushatta Casino | Ad Page 84

777 Coushatta Drive, Kinder, LA | www.CoushattaCasinoResort.com | 800-584-7263

SentryWorld Golf| Ad Page 74 www.SentryWorld.com | 866-479-6753

Somervill County | Ad Page 82

Explore Glen Rose, TX www.exploreglenrose.org

The Colony CVB | Ad Page 57

6900 Main Street, The Colony, TX | 75056 www.visitthecolonytx.com | 972-624-5253

The Hideout Golf Club & Resort | Map# 44 | Ad Page 83 185 Hideout Lane, Brownwood, TX 76801 www.thehideouttexas.com | 325-208-1937

SHOPPING / SERVICES

Bash in the Box | Ad Pg 66 www.bashinthebox.com

Coby Stevens | Ad Page 14 www.cobystevens.com

Golf After Hours | Ad Pg 21 Facebook Live Thursdays 7-8pm