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long drive is a good thing on the golf course, but often a bad start to a family vacation. Luckily, you don’t have to go far to find a golf getaway with plenty to offer everyone in the family. HITTING “Families are looking to get away in that one-tank (of gas) travel trip,” said Chip Day, vice president of brand management at Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa in New York. “It’s a great getaway without the aggravation.” THE ROAD Taking into account today’s hustle and bustle and the added costs and difficulties Plenty of destinations offer family fun, of flying, the road trip is making a come- back for some families. golf hot spots within drivable distances “The old-fashioned, get-in-the-car-and- drive vacation — it’s not too far and yet Stories by ERIC STOESSEL ■ [email protected] you’re still getting away,” said Lynn Swann, manager of public relations at The Green- brier in White Sulpher Springs, W. Va. Oglebay Resort & Conference Center You could go to Myrtle Beach for golf. PAGE G-8 You might go to the Caribbean for fun in the sun, maybe even Disney World to keep Nemacolin Woodlands Resort the kids happy. PAGE G-8 But there are plenty of destinations closer The Greenbrier to home for the golfer seeking activities for PAGE G-8 everyone to enjoy. Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center “People these days really want some- thing specific to their likes and dislikes, PAGE G-9 whether it’s golf or a family that enjoys Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa hiking or bicycling or the husband enjoys PAGE G-10 one thing and the wife another thing,” said Maumee Bay Resort and Conference Center Tamara Brown, public relations manager PAGE G-10 for the Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism. “They look for a place that offers up all the amenities.”

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G-2 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007

like the Cleveland Cavaliers logo or a magician falling under the hyp- notic spell of a rabbit he’s pulled Designer drivers from a hat. While word-of-mouth has drawn some customers, Mooney said 90% Westlake business gives clubs one-of-a-kind of his sales are over the Internet through golf forums, and customers treatment with custom, hand-painted details have come from all over the world. Most of his work has been done By JOHN BOOTH logos, college-themed designs and on driver heads, but Mooney says [email protected] other images onto duffers’ drivers. he can powder-coat any club, Mooney, who used to own a adding, however, that “to do shafts, hould Charles Mooney ever local family entertainment center, you’ve got to be a little crazy.” get frustrated enough to started Golfin’ Colors in February Northern Ohio Golf Association hurl one of his golf clubs 2006 after reading about powder- executive director Scotte Rorabaugh into the woods, he’s unlikely coating on the Internet. Powder- S says he’s seen custom golf clubs to have trouble finding it. coating is a dry finishing process over the years, ranging from initials “I’ve got fire. I’ve got flames. I’ve during which pigment and resin got shamrocks. I’ve got an Irish are sprayed onto products and embedded in driver heads to busi- flag,” said the founder of Golfin’ then baked to a glazed finish. ness-logo-emblazoned putters offered as tournament giveaways. Colors, a powder-coating golf club “I like doing colorful and artsy JANINE BENTIVEGNA refinishing business. “Each one of things, so I just learned the busi- However, he says customization Charles Mooney, founder of Golfin’ Colors, uses a powder-coating process to seems to have been more prevalent my steel-shafted irons is a differ- ness,” Mooney said, “and I thought, refinish and customize golf clubs. ent color, and they all have col- ‘There’s a need to refinish golf in the days of wooden driver heads. ored grips, so my clubs look like a clubs instead of buying new ones,’ The refinishing process — which said. “You just practice to get the art “Nowadays, when you’re paying bag of rainbows.” and the custom designs evolved takes between two and three hours down. It just takes time.” four or five hundred dollars for a golf From his studio in Westlake, from that.” for a club head and longer for shafts After the powder is electrostati- club, you might not want to put a lot Mooney is putting a little bit of Mooney said the custom designs and custom designs — requires an cally applied, the club is put into an of markings on it,” Rorabaugh said. pizzazz in other golfers’ collections now account for between 25% and eye for detail. The piece to be re- oven, where the powder becomes a But Paul Gange, who owns as well. 30% of his business. He wouldn’t finished has to be stripped to bare smooth and durable surface and is Reliance Orthodontic Products in In addition to refinishing clubs, disclose sales figures or profits, but metal and cleaned before the areas then buffed to a gloss. Itasca, Ill., has been thrilled with Golfin’ Colors customizes club he estimates he’s refinished about not being powder-coated can be The paint used in the decoration the four custom clubs he’s ordered heads upon request, working with 200 clubs so far, with about 60 of painstakingly masked off. is mixed with a hardening agent to from Mooney after seeing a display graphic designer Chris Macmahan, those getting custom designs after “I use eighth-of-an-inch tape make it more durable, and since the at a golf show. He’s ordered a who has hand-painted corporate the powder-coating process. and a jeweler’s visor,” Mooney impact of the ball is on the club face University of Michigan club, a and not the top, Mooney expects Chicago Cubs design, and two the finish and custom designs to others with company logos. last for years. “It’s amazing the number of calls The custom jobs range from the I’ve gotten from people saying, relatively simple, like a driver striped ‘Where did you have this done?’” What’s it like to work with people with the red white and green of the Gange said. “It’s an awesome Italian flag, to intricate renderings concept.” ■ who love what they do? The results are now in! Courses focus on membership

Our annual Service Quality following Premier, EAGL merger Measurement Survey results are in. By JOHN BOOTH The results show, once again, that rather than big-ticket capital [email protected] improvements. the people of Grant Thornton For the Medina clubs, that means bring a passion to everything they he courses at Fox Meadow a membership promotion that in- do. The survey measured the audit and Weymouth in Medina cludes dropping the initial fees and, and tax service attributes most and Signature in Solon will if a member gets a friend to join, T look and feel this season rolling back the dues for that person important to clients in assessing much as they have in the past. as well for a year. satisfaction. Clients ranked There will be some added drainage “Most of our competitors lowered Grant Thornton higher in to bunkers here and there, and tree their initiation fee, and it was really satisfaction than the averages of work to tidy up the edges, but the (done) to compete in that market,” biggest changes at the trio of clubs Ross said. “We’ve rolled it out at the top 50 firms and of the Big 4.* have taken place off the fairways several EAGL properties in the past, and away from the greens. and it’s really been very successful. With Grant Thornton you get At the top of the organizational We anticipate upwards of about 60 easy access to partners that’s been pyramid, California-based Premier new members joining at each club.” the hallmark of Grant Thornton in Golf Management, which bought The other member-centric addi- the U.S. for 80 years. And you get the three courses in early 2006, tion at the clubs is the formation of started off this year by announcing member advisory boards to commu- the benefit of Grant Thornton a merger with Dallas-based Ever- nicate with club management. International member firms in green Alliance Golf Limited, “The membership will now have a 112 countries, that fast-growth known as EAGL. voice in what we do,” Ross said. “It’s companies look for in today’s The new company will retain the been well-received, and members EAGL name and will own or operate are excited to have the opportunity global markets. 54 courses around the country, to get involved in our facilities.” making it the seventh-largest in the Weymouth general manager Why not give our Managing Partner, United States, according to regional Robert Teichert says the boards Jim Sanfilippo, a call at 216.858.3601 vice president Rob Ross. should also ease members’ minds or contact our partners at Texas is home to 21 EAGL- about the clubs’ direction and www.grantthornton.com? managed properties, the largest ownership. piece of the company pie, but “There’s been three different Find out how it feels to work with Ohio’s next in line with nine and owners here in the last two years,” that gap could narrow. Teichert pointed out. “That’s very people who love what they do! “We do have plans — not specific concerning for the membership, plans I can announce — but our and it’s one reason we did the plans are to increase the number advisory board. We felt it was a really of properties in Ohio,” Ross said. good opportunity, with EAGL EAGL’s other Buckeye State courses coming on board and having a little are all in the southwest corner of more financial power behind us.” the state. The seven-member boards will The focus at Fox Meadow, Wey- not only voice member concerns, * Based on 2005 Grant Thornton client satisfaction study and mouth and Signature has been on but also take an active role in plan- independent client satisfaction research survey sent to clients of the Big 4 and Top 50 U.S. accounting firms. For building membership and improv- ning club events, said Signature details visit www.GrantThornton.com/GTSurvey2005. ing members’ ties to the clubs general manager David Schmidt. ■ CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 3 CCLB 4/25/2007 1:35 PM Page 1

APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS G-3

tree,” Moss said. “There was noth- penalty instead. “The bottom line is you have to ing else around the green. We That’s happened to Moss as look in the mirror,” said Canterbury knew the ball was up there.” well. caddie and former golf writer Pete The next thing Moss knew, his “I once lost a ball in an ever- Gaughan. “If you start cheating, you’ll By the book partner’s caddie was climbing the green out in Boise on the Nike never know how good you are.” tree. Tour,” he said. “Unfortunately, I Area pros, caddies and rules “His caddie took off his sandals, couldn’t scale the tree, nor could officials all agree that a casual golf Lengthy roster of rules can turn golf into and he went up it like he was walk- my caddie.” round can include some of the ing on a ladder — a 25- to 30-foot unwritten rules, like mulligans or Honest mistakes tricky game for even well-seasoned players tree.” gimmes. They found and identified the Those are extreme examples at “If you’re not talking tourna- By ERIC STOESSEL Despite finding their balls, both ball and the player was able to take high-level competitions. The aver- ment golf, and it’s you and three of [email protected] had to declare them lost and re-tee an unplayable lie and drop within age player isn’t going to have a your buddies and you’re playing with a one-stroke penalty. two club lengths of the tree with a rules official by his side for help. for some beers, play by whatever lay it as it lies or play it while Another time, while playing in stroke penalty. Still, two longtime caddies at rules you want,” Nageotte said. you lie? the Philippines, Moss had a unique “He chipped up and made the Canterbury Golf Club in Beach- “Just make sure you’re all playing Not many golfers would encounter. one-putt for bogey,” Moss said. wood say they rarely see anyone by the same rules.” P admit to the second choice, He said it was the 17th hole at the “The rules official and I were like, intentionally breaking the rules. But, he added “if they eventually but that’s not to say the rules of golf Philippine Open in Manila when ‘Wow.’ The pro said, ‘My caddie is “If I see it, it’s more of an honest want to get into competitive golf, don’t come into play for even the his playing partner hit into a palm the best tree climber in Manila.’” mistake,” said Mike Nagy, who’s they may have some trouble because most advanced player. tree just to the left of the green. If the ball wasn’t found, it would caddied on and off the last 20 years, they’ll find out things they do are There are only 34 rules of golf. The “It flew right into the top of the have been a stroke-and-distance including at a couple PGA events. against the rules.” ■ most basic is to play the ball as it lies. That means you can’t move the ball out of the rough, tee it up on the grass, even move it out of a divot. But those 34 rules all have multiple parts. And every two years the United States Golf Association and the R&A in St. Andrews, Scotland, publish a book titled “Decisions on the Rules You’ve assembled a strong team of Golf.” The 2006-07 edition is 515 pages, with more than 1,200 deci- sions clarifying instances that have for your business. come up during the course of play. Unlike other sports, it’s up to the players to know the rules because there aren’t referees watching. “There’s no such thing as a rules expert,” said Joe Nageotte, rules director for the Northern Ohio So have we. Section of the PGA, who’s been a member of the section since 1949 and also served on national rules committees. “We’re all just students of the rules. Maybe we’re a little better students than most, but we’re still just students.” That’s because the rules aren’t the easiest of subject matters. “I’m the worst person to talk to,” said Grey Hawk Golf Club pro Todd Casabella. “I don’t know the rules very well.” He’s not alone. “What’s amazing is how many good players, even PGA pros, who don’t know the rules as well as they should,” said David Griffith, the tournament director for the North- ern Ohio Section of the PGA. Fifth Third Orange trees and evergreens Imagine you’re on vacation and playing golf in Florida. You hit the Commercial Banking shot of your life, a perfectly struck 3-iron faded around a slight dogleg. The ball just clips an orange tree, and As one of the nation’s largest commercial banks, plugs into an orange underneath it. Fifth Third has a strong team of local Commercial Bankers with Play it as it lies? Yep, according to decision 23/10, the orange isn’t a the experience, market knowledge and creativity to help your team loose impediment. You just got reach its goals. We can help make all your hard work today squeezed by the rules. Never could happen? Well, if it’s mean more for your tomorrow. in the book, it did. “Not knowing the rules can be a huge disadvantage,” said Elyria Call 216-274-5404 to speak with Country Club pro Rob Moss, who competed on what is now the a Fifth Third Commercial Banking Specialist today. Nationwide Tour through the 1990s and in 2000 and in Asia for five years. He said he’s been lucky and never had any serious rules issues while playing competitively. He’s seen a couple strange ones, though. Once in college, he said, two of his Kent State University team- mates were playing consecutive holes that went in opposite direc- tions. Both players missed their respective fairways to the same side and their balls ended up yards apart. The problem was, they didn’t put an extra mark on the balls and Fifth Third and Fifth Third Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC. both were playing the exact same brand and number. CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 4 CCLB 4/25/2007 1:35 PM Page 1

G-4 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007 Living near the links

the par-4 third hole, are surrounded Granite’s Medina, Canton developments by housing on both sides. Even in CALL TODAY. those cases, Cavey said, Granite will emphasize golf first, housing second ensured in its development plans SELL MORE. golfers would have ample room to 440-575-7000 • WWW.SALESCONCEPTSINC.COM • 800-346-3724 By JOEL HAMMOND Cavey said. “We’re golf-course play comfortably, no matter the [email protected] people first, developers second. affliction in their swing. The lots will sell better if it’s a great “Golfers are familiar with devel- f Mike Cavey had his wish, he’d golf course. If it’s a lousy golf opment courses by going to Myrtle take the best qualities of golf course, it will become a negative to Beach and Arizona,” Cavey said. hotbeds like Myrtle Beach, S.C., selling the lots.” “Those communities have corridors IFlorida and Arizona and trans- And Granite has its collective where your shots bounce off houses port them to Northeast Ohio. in both directions. Even at Shale MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS But for Cavey, president of “If you’re a developer Creek, the only hole like that is a Medina-based Granite Golf Proper- first, you want to par 3, where you’re supposed to be SAWMILL CREEK RESORT & CONFERENCE CENTER ties, that infusion would include landing on the green anyway — only the 12 months of sun and maximize your lots; if theoretically. • NEW! 16,000 s.f. Ballroom • Golf warm weather, not the makeup of you’re a golf person first, “If you’re a developer first, you 35,000 s.f. Total Function Space • Lakefront Marina those regions’ golf course commu- you want to maximize want to maximize your lots; if nities, where he says developers the quality of your golf you’re a golf person first, you want have overemphasized housing at to maximize the quality of your the expense of quality golf. course.” golf course,” said Cavey, who Granite has opened its first two – Mike Cavey, president, projected the cost of each course courses this spring — Shale Creek Granite Golf Properties at $4 million to $4.5 million. “Our Golf Club in Medina and The Quarry corridors are 100-plus feet wide, Golf Club in Canton — and devel- sights set on more projects in the where some development courses opment of housing communities near future, including a housing have corridors that are 50 feet around those courses is moving development of Medina Country wide. To take all that land out of right along. Club, a project that at Crain’s press the development and say it’s going Granite’s communities will offer time, was still in the works. Cavey to be all golf course … you don’t members access to not only golf, but said part of that development have many developers who will do also a fitness center and swimming project would include building a that.” pool. Essentially, the goal is to new company headquarters at the Brad Cavey, Mike Cavey’s son provide something for each member Medina Country Club. who has served as the general of the family. Granite’s growth goals were what manager in Shale Creek’s infant sawmillcreek.com “It’s a public-course facility with attracted Taylor to get involved in stages and is now the company’s private-club amenities,” Cavey the company, though he said the marketing director, said Granite’s Sandusky/Huron, OH 44839 1-800-729-6455 said. “When most people think of whirlwind of starting Shale Creek approach to the communities golf course communities, they and The Quarry may temper the actually benefits the developer, think California, Arizona, Florida company’s plans beyond Medina the golfer and the non-golfing and the Carolinas. Michigan has Country Club. community member. been in the top five in construction “I’ve always been growth- “People who have seen develop- of golf course communities for 10 oriented; if it’s not growing, I’m ment courses in other places like years with this model.” not interested,” said Taylor, whose Florida or South Carolina have Construction on some of the 320 telemarketing company reported fears of their house getting hit, or lots allocated on the Shale Creek $137,900,000 in revenue for 2005 of having golfers right on top of property is under way, and two and had 820 employees in Summit them,” Brad Cavey said. “We offer weeks ago The Quarry’s land was County as of Jan. 1, 2006, according a great experience for golfers, but annexed into Canton, which Cavey to Crain’s research. “In the short- we can also sell lots because we said will allow sales and construc- term, we may wait another year, just can sell (customers) on the ability tion of the projected 150 homes to to make sure everything is working to have a barbecue, or your kids follow closely behind. (at Shale Creek and The Quarry).” being able to play in the backyard.” Homes at Shale Creek start at How important is the makeup around $200,000, according to Cavey, The golf matters of the golf course to the Granite and average around $275,000. Granite has modeled Shale trust? The group has turned down opportunities at communities where Coming back home Creek and The Quarry and will model Medina Country Club after the developers were unwilling to Cavey got his start in golf as a a “pods” approach, with wide adhere to the golf course people’s caddie in the 1960s at the Medina corridors and, at most, houses on standards. Country Club, then earned his PGA only one side of the fairways. The “If a developer comes to us as card and served as vice president courses Cavey points to as exam- partners, we’re going to design of the PGA of Western Ohio until ples of what to avoid in community the golf course or we won’t do it,” 1982, when a Medina Country Club golf feature housing on both sides Mike Cavey said. “We want open- member asked him if he wanted to of narrow corridors. ness and paralleling holes, so if get into the business of golf. At Shale Creek, only the par-3 you’re a slicer or a hooker, you can He served as a general partner in 17th hole, and at The Quarry, only find playable areas.” ■ Medina Country Club Ltd. until he bought out his original partner’s shares in that venture. Then, he teamed in 2005 with Gary Taylor, the owner of Cleveland-based JULY 31 - AUGUST 5, 2007 telemarketing firm InfoCision, to form Granite. FIRESTONE C.C. AKRON, OH As their first projects, Cavey and Taylor set their sights on Shale The Best on the PGA TOUR! Creek and The Quarry — Granite’s first foray into integrating housing developments on their golf proper- ties. The perfect investment in your client relationships. At Shale Creek, Granite operates the golf side of the project, while New entertainment and ticket packages ranging Ryan Homes serves as developer. At The Quarry, meanwhile, Granite from $500 to $4000. bought into an already-begun project and bought out the existing developer to run both sides of the worldgolfchampionships.com Ô 877.WGC.4TIX operation. RUGGERO FATICA “The developers are more Mike Cavey (left), president of Granite Golf Properties, and his son Brad, the concerned with the number of lots company’s marketing director, have worked to open two courses — Shale Creek PLAYERS PICTURED EXPECTED TO COMPETE. APPEARANCE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES. than they are with the golf course,” Golf Club in Medina and The Quarry Golf Club in Canton. CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 5 CCLB 4/25/2007 1:34 PM Page 1

APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS G-5

Area businesses give golfers tech-savvy way to analyze swing

By CHUCK SODER located at a private residence in [email protected] Akron. Ed Echan said he discovered Golf GolfTEC att Echan’s best shot off Getaway late last year while he and owner Nick the tee traveled about some coworkers at nearby PolyOne Paez helps eight feet. Even so, his Corp. were on a lunch break. customer dad, Ed, told him to keep He was impressed with the M Kara Barclay up the good work. accuracy of the simulator, so he with her That’s because the younger came back a few more times over technique, Echan would’ve hit the ball more the winter. The indoor practice using than 280 yards had he been on an helped him keep his game sharp GolfTEC’s actual golf course, according to the for a Florida trip he took in March. sensor-based AboutGolf simulator in front of him. Romer said the simulator cannot swing analysis Instead, Echan’s ball rocketed recreate the act of chipping, but technology. into a ceiling-to-floor screen the Echans said it otherwise seems displaying the lush greens of an realistic. JANINE BENTIVEGNA imaginary course. The real ball “It feels it,” Matt Echan said. dropped, but its virtual counter- “Absolutely,” his father added. part on the mock driving range in In a different twist on technology, front of him continued well past golfers at GolfTEC wear sensors his other shots. around the waist and shoulders to “You take that shot every time,” measure the bend, turn and tilt of his dad said. the shoulders and hips before, The Solon father-son duo during and after a swing. recently spent an evening at Golf That data is compared with aver- Getaway in Avon Lake, just one of ages from 150 PGA Tour players. a growing number of places in Numbers that match the pros’ aver- Northeast Ohio offering golfers ages appear in green, those that are high-tech ways to perfect their slightly off are displayed in tan and techniques. those that are worlds away in red. As proof of this, the number of GolfTEC also records customers’ Northeast Ohio locations using swings on video and can compare AboutGolf simulators nearly them with video of professional doubled in 2006, from just four a golfers. year earlier. Plus, the region’s first Owner Nick Paez said the tech- GolfTEC franchise opened in nology allows instructors to slow North Olmsted this month, and down and dissect customers’ golf the owner said he plans to spread swings, which can whiz by at more the chain’s sensor-based swing than 100 mph, depending on the analysis technology to three new golfer. stores in the next three years. “The swing happens so fast that High-tech swing of things it’s hard to pick up the small intri- cacies,” Paez said. When Golf Getaway opened in Golfers can have their swings September at the Landings analyzed in four bays at the North Shopping Center in Avon Lake, it Olmsted store at 26669 Brookpark became the seventh location in Road Extension in Cheradon Plaza. Northeast Ohio to offer AboutGolf Those taking lessons through simulators. GolfTEC might hit on a course While owner Jeremy Romer after about six lessons, he said. originally wanted to open a store Paez aims to open stores near that focused solely on customizing Beachwood, near Independence golf clubs, that changed when he and in Akron during the next three stumbled across information years, he said. about Maumee, Ohio-based AboutGolf Limited. From all sides Behind the screen of the simula- Technology also has made its tors is a radar dish that emits way onto local courses. Golf fitness microwaves to read the speed and expert Bruce Sherman and golf pro trajectory of the ball. The system John Fiander use electromagnetic catches information Romer then technology to analyze golf swings, uses to customize clubs, including which they will do during their ball speed, ball rotation, club fifth annual clinic May 3 and 5 at speed and launch angle. the Cleveland Metroparks’ Sleepy “It picks up everything,” he said. Hollow Golf Course in Brecksville. Even golfers who already have a Sherman used to run a golf refined set of clubs can go to Golf academy at the Cleveland Jewish Getaway for lessons or just to enjoy a Community Center in Beachwood, few holes. But they just can’t expect and Fiander is the head pro at their PlayStation golf skills to trans- Sleepy Hollow. late when a club is in their hands. Sherman, who has a doctorate in “If you slice, you’re going to slice exercise physiology, said Skill Tech here. If you hook, you’re going to 3-D Golf technology surrounds the hook here,” Romer said. golfer with electromagnetic waves, Other simulators are located at recording his or her position Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Great throughout the swing. That informa- Northern Mall in North Olmsted; tion is used to create a 3-D image of Fore Edges in Huron; Golf Galaxy the golfer that can be viewed from in Akron; and the North Ridge all sides. It also compares the swing Racquet Club in North Ridgeville. to those of pro golfers, just as Students at Ashland University use GolfTEC’s technology does. a simulator at the university’s “It’s basically an MRI of your recreation center, and another is golf swing,” he said. ■ CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 6 CCLB 4/25/2007 3:18 PM Page 1

G-6 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007

Trademark Ross

Ross courses are generally noted for three characteristics: greens, Timeless tees bunkers and the way they are routed, or designed. “I find it amazing how well he NE Ohio courses designed by Donald Ross worked with the lay of the existing land and how well he could make a feature rolling terrain, challenging greens golf course flow on the land he was given,” said Sean McHugh, Cleve- By ERIC STOESSEL N.C. “Which means the relevance of land Metroparks chief superinten- [email protected] the course is still there after all these dent of golf and turf. years.” All four Cleveland-area courses o two Donald Ross-designed Ross’ most famous design is have a similar feel because of the courses look alike, but the Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina, rolling terrain. four in Cleveland are proof which has played host to numerous “He tried to emulate the natural- Nof one thing: They have all amateur and professional champi- ness of the land,” said Dean DiBer- survived the test of time. onships, including the 2005 U.S. ardino, an assistant pro at Acacia The Scotsman, who came to the Open Championship. Country Club. “Nothing really looks United States in 1899, designed The most renowned Ohio artificial with his golf courses. The Acacia Country Club in Lyndhurst, design is the Inverness Club in land was not changed all that much Hawthorne Valley Country Club in Toledo, also host to several when it was built.” PHOTO PROVIDED Solon, Manakiki Golf Club in majors. Just outside of Cleveland, DiBerardino said Ross’ greens and Acacia Country Club course in Lyndhurst is one of more than 400 golf courses Willoughby Hills and Shaker Ross also designed Brookside tees usually were placed on ridges or in the United States and Canada designed by Donald Ross. This photograph fea- Heights Country Club. Manakiki, a Country Club in Canton, Congress in higher spots to help with drainage. tures the rolling terrain of Acacia’s 13th hole. Cleveland Metroparks course, is the Lake Club in Hartville and “At Shaker, we have 15 greens that only public course among the four. Youngstown Country Club. have remained intact,” said Thomas his time. The soil was pushed to- to play the hole. But with a Ross When these courses were built, In addition to the mark he left Fussaro, Shaker’s pro, who also used gether to create an elevated green so course, there’s a lot more strategy they were considered to be some on Northeast Ohio, Ross is credited to work at Acacia. “Some are elevated water would drain off. The result and decision-making.” of the best courses in the area. with the design of more than 400 greens with false fronts and collec- often was an undulating green that Today, they still are. courses in the United States and tion areas. The other (Cleveland) golf was challenging to land — and keep Pleasure, not a penance “None were built any later than Canada. According to biographer courses have a similar look with their — a ball on. Ross’ famous statement was 1924 or 1925,” said Michael J. Fay, Bradley S. Klein, Ross-designed green complexes.” “That second shot looks pretty “golf should be a pleasure, not a executive director of the Donald courses have hosted more than 100 McHugh said most of Ross’ greens tempting to hit into a certain area,” penance.” Fay said Ross’ motto Ross Society, located in Pinehurst, U.S. national championships. were the “push-up” style common to Fussaro said. “But if you don’t hit it was evident in the way he designed there, you’re left with a very diffi- courses, so people of all abilities cult chip or putt. The greens are could play — and enjoy — them. visually beautiful.” “Today most courses are too The elevated greens — some- tough for the average player,” said times called “crowned” or “turtle- DiBerardino, who worked at Pine- back” — also were a defense for hurst for eight years. “One of the players who would try to play lower nice things about Acacia — it’s not THIS IS ED. shots that would roll onto the green, the toughest, or easiest, course in a style more common in the early Cleveland. It’s a good golf course for part of the 20th century. any golfer to enjoy on a day-to-day HE'S A LAWYER. Ross rarely put sand traps in basis — a lot more than some of the front of greens, to allow for that modern golf courses being built that run-up shot, but he did take are very penal.” HE COLLECTS ANTIQUE CARS. advantage of cross bunkers. These Today, Ross courses that hazards were strategically placed haven’t been updated are shorter in and around the fairway to than many of the newer courses. AND MOVIE TICKET STUBS. penalize a wayward shot before Designers at the turn of the century getting to the green. didn’t imagine today’s advances in “Canton Brookside is a great equipment and the distance play- CLEVELAND.COM IS HIS example of a Ross course,” DiBer- ers are now hitting the ball. ardino said about the country club, Acacia is the longest of the four which recently went through a Cleveland courses at about 6,700 HOME PAGE. major renovation to lengthen the yards, while the others are closer course and restore it to the original to 6,500 yards. AND ED IS JUST ONE OF MANY. design. “One of the things they did But the greens are what ultimate- That's why every business owner who advertises on cleveland.com was widen their fairways and put ly makes a Ross course a challenge. a lot of fairway bunkers back in. “It’s tough to get those same shot benefits. Whether your business is about playing games or making There’s a good example, when you values,” Fussaro said. “Shots hit with music, when you advertise on cleveland.com your message reaches play a golf course today there’s mid-irons are now hit with a pitch- over 998,000 unique visitors*. A large, local, quality audience, that's out-of-bounds on one side, water ing wedge. But that said, the green cleveland.com. on the other. There’s only one way still presents a challenge today.” ■

*Source: 2006 Visual Sciences 9 Month Average (January - September)

FIND OUT HOW TO REACH POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS ON Chip in for charity this season CLEVELAND.COM/MEDIAKIT OR CALL 216-515-1180. Throughout the ON THE WEB See listings a good cause. region, the charity at www.CrainsCleveland For information Everything Cleveland golf event season is .com/CharityGolf07 on more than 60 about to heat up, with of the area’s charity endless opportunities to play a round golf outings, go to www.Crains of golf, have a great time and support Cleveland.com/CharityGolf07. cleveland.com is the online home of The Plain Dealer and Sun News. CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 7 CCLB 4/26/2007 9:46 AM Page 1

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Grand Opening Party! BVn.i]™*"-eb Join us for great Golfers, courses reap benefits giveaways! “We’re Teeing It Up 50% OFF Initial Swing In Cleveland!” Evaluations! from more sophisticated GPS :me^gZh*$&($%,

By JOEL HAMMOND ™8Zgi^ÅZYEZghdcVa8dVX]Zh [email protected] ™HjeZg^dgHl^c\IZX]cdad\n s golf course administrators ™EgdkZcIZVX]^c\6eegdVX] vie for every last tee time, they are employing every * Apossible amenity to help Cdgi]DabhiZY achieve that goal. 26669 Brookpark Rd. Extension golftec.com After all, if it takes six hours to 440.348.1757 play a round, carts are unreliable Expect To ImproveSM and the clubhouse is poorly main- tained, chances are that the perfect fairways, lush rough and smooth greens will be overshadowed. More than ever, Global Position- ing System technology is rising to the top of the list of available amenities. Sophisticated well beyond its original form, the possibilities in modern GPS are numerous. It not PHOTO PROVIDED only gives yardage, but it allows The latest Global Positioning System technology from Austin, Texas-based UpLink golfers to see tips from the club pro Corporation allows golfers to see yardage and tournament leaderboards, as well and order food and beverages. as order food and drinks to be ready at the turn, all at the touch of a button. “From the golfer’s point of view, they love the product because it Goodwin Golf and installed its Michigan and Pennsylvania. “If you enhances their game and enriches RangerPlus product on each individ- talk to course administrators, their experience,” said Larry Bain, a ual cart. Grey Hawk lacks a course- you’re finding that there are areas Pepper Pike native and president wide system on site like Little Moun- that are very oversaturated, and and CEO of Chandler, Ariz.-based tain and Blue Heron, but Todd they’re looking for ways to make ProLink Solutions, whose GPS prod- Casabella, head golf pro at Grey themselves different from the guy uct is in place at more than 700 Hawk, said his customers still benefit. down the street.” courses worldwide, including more “We’ve had nothing but positive Since the technology cuts approxi- than 500 in the United States. feedback from customers,” mately 32 minutes off a round, “They play quicker, and they have Casabella said. “It’s a tool that according to Bain, courses are able to more information at the touch of a helps the golfers on the course, get three or four more foursomes on button than they’ve ever had before,” which was our main goal. I’ve the course per day. In addition, the Bain said. “It lets them concentrate found that it’s especially helpful to ability to advertise on the monitors is more on how they’re playing.” golfers who are here for the first another tool with which courses can time; it really helps get them generate revenue to offset the cost of Good positions around the course.” the systems. ■ Jimmy Hanlin, part-owner and Blue Heron, still in its early stages director of golf at Little Mountain and named one of Golf Digest’s top Country Club, is diplomatic about new public courses under $75 in the benefits of his club’s decision to 2006, also attracts many first-time add the technology. golfers. The GPS has been extremely He says the No. 1 reason the club beneficial for players unfamiliar with included GPS in its operation was the course’s challenging layout. because it “added greatly to the con- “With a course as unique as Blue sumer’s round of golf.” He’d be lying, Heron, we’d hate to send golfers out though, if he said the technology there blind,” Knox said. “The system wasn’t an invaluable resource for his allows us to give tips to golfers for golf course, located in Concord. each hole, tell them how far away a “When people think of GPS at a bunker is from a tee box, etc.” golf course, they think yardage,” said Hanlin, whose club uses Austin, Navigating to growth Texas-based UpLink Corporation as ProLink and UpLink offer their its GPS resource. “That was one of products for about $250,000 on a the last reasons we decided to go four- to five-year lease basis, and with it. For us, it’s a management both companies are growing expo- tool.” Little Mountain, according to nentially. UpLink’s web site, is the firm’s only ProLink added 56 courses in the client in Ohio. first quarter of this year alone, and Blue Heron Golf Club in Medina is on pace to grow by 30% this year, is one of 12 Ohio courses employ- Bain said. The company had $10 ing ProLink’s technology. David million in sales in 2004, and $24 Knox, the director of golf at Blue million in 2006. Heron, which opened in 2005 and is UpLink is now used at more than managed by Troon Golf, said 200 courses, and the company set a adding GPS to the course’s list of sales record for the third quarter of amenities simply fit in with the 2006, according to an April 23 company’s mission statement. company press release. “GPS on the golf carts certainly Adding to the growth is the trend allows for guest enjoyment to be of “value” courses, traditionally increased,” Knox said. ones on the lower end of the greens Hanlin and Knox each said that fee scale, opting to purchase GPS for GPS has been as beneficial to their their courses; in the past, Bain said, courses as it has to the golfers, with it was resort and higher-end cours- the ability to track each cart in a es, in the $70 to $90 range, installing course’s fleet, communicate pace of the technology. play issues or weather emergencies “When we first started, it was and update and display scores and your premium, high-end courses leaderboards during tournaments. that we were going after. Now, Even in its basic form, the tech- we’re seeing growth on less expen- nology has always pleased golfers. sive courses as well,” agreed Mark Grey Hawk Golf Club in LaGrange Bate, an UpLink regional manager teamed with Wayland, Mass.-based whose territory includes Ohio, CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 8 CCLB 4/26/2007 10:08 AM Page 1

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Oglebay Resort & Conference Center Nemacolin Where: Wheeling, W.Va. Woodlands Resort Proximity to Cleveland: 150 miles, I-77 South to I-70 East Where: Farmington, Pa. Golf: 72 holes (three regulation courses and one par-3 course) Proximity to Cleveland: 200 miles, More information: www.oglebay-resort.com I-80 East to I-76 East to Route 119 South to Route 40 East (or southeast of Pittsburgh) hat was once Earl Oglebay’s can host large groups for corporate summer estate is now a outings and also cater to a family Golf: 36 holes W 1,700-acre resort offering looking for a weekend getaway. More information: www.nemacolin.com something for just about everyone. The golf enthusiast can choose Oglebay, one of the founders of from two championship courses. olf isn’t the only game offered the Cleveland shipping and mineral The Speidel Golf Club is a links- at this 3,000-acre, 335-room company Oglebay Norton Co., style course designed by Arnold Gresort southeast of Pittsburgh. willed the property to the city of Palmer and a classic Robert Trent Guests can relax at The Wood- Wheeling, W.Va., in 1926. Jones Sr.-designed course. There’s lands Spa, a 32,000-square-foot, With more than 265 rooms at the also a shorter regulation course three-story building with an indoor lodge and 49 cottages, the resort and a par-3 course. pool, sauna, fitness center and 34 massage rooms. Or the more adventurous guests can enjoy The Equestrian Center, The

The Greenbrier Where: White Sulphur Springs, W. Va. Proximity to Cleveland: 380 miles, I-77 South to I-64 East Oglebay Resort and Conference Center is located on 1,700 acres in Wheeling, W.Va. The resort features 265 rooms at the lodge and 49 cottages and can Golf: 54 holes accommodate large groups for corporate outings. More information: www.green brier.com If golf’s not your game, Oglebay eople started coming to the has tennis, hiking, swimming, Something unique: horseback riding, pedal boating, sulphur springs in 1778 to miniature golf and fishing. The ■ Oglebay’s Good Zoo P“take the waters,” and Good Zoo is the only accredited features 80 species of they haven’t stopped coming zoo in West Virginia, according to animals on 30 acres. since. Oglebay marketing director Caren The resort that seems to have oyster perpetual 36mm day-date Knoyer. everything has been visited by 26 It includes a planetarium and different presidents, either before, Discovery Lab, with activities and during or after their terms. th lessons for children of all ages. With a history dating to the 18 There also are seven specialty century, Greenbrier’s most unique shops and two museums. attraction is its bunker, a secret “We’ve always been quite a family bomb shelter built to house the resort,” Knoyer said. “We’re seeing entire U.S. Congress. It is 6,500 OFFICIAL ROLEX JEWELER second- and third-generation fami- acres and designed to hold 1,100 ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL AND DAY-DATE ARE TRADEMARKS. lies coming here now.” people, with meeting rooms for 440 people (House of Representatives) and 100 (Senate). It had a cafeteria, medical clinic and was secretly staffed and stocked in a constant state of readiness through the Cold War. Make it Last. There’s also the golf, including The Greenbrier course, which once hosted the Ryder Cup. In addition to traditional amenities like the spa, the resort also has available In addition to golf, Oglebay’s offerings falconry, off-road driving, paintball, include horseback riding, tennis, hiking, hunting, fishing, cooking classes, swimming, pedal boating, miniature whitewater rafting, museums and golf and fishing. tours.

Providing a World Class Experience with the GOLFER in Mind . . .

• Golf Groups © 2007 Mellon Financial Corporation • Family Day Golf Discounts • Friday Night Couples Rates Across market cycles. Over generations. Beyond expectations. Tee Times available online or by phone The Practice of Wealth Management.® Shale Creek and The Quarry c OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Medina Country Club Shale Creek Golf Club The Quarry Golf Club Wealth Planning • Investment Management • Private Banking • Family Office Services • Business Banking • Charitable Gift Services 330-725-6621 330-723-8774 330-488-3178 Please call 216-464-4244 for more information. mellonprivatewealth.com Medina, Ohio Medina, Ohio Canton, Ohio CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 9 CCLB 4/26/2007 10:33 AM Page 1

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Shooting Academy or spend some time at The Off-Road Driving Something unique: Academy. The resort also has fly-fishing ■ The Shooting Academy and indoor and outdoor paintball features 140 acres with clay courses. This spring, a marina will shooting courses for the open with paddleboats, kayaks and novice or the veteran canoes. marksman. Golf, however, is still one of the top draws with the Pete Dye- designed Mystic Rock, the former wallabies have been added in the Nemacolin Wood- home of the PGA Tour event, The past year. lands Resort in 84 Lumber Classic. With a course Children can spend a half or a Farmington, Pa., rating of 78.1, the 7,511-yard full day in the Kidz Klub, which features 335 guest course offers a grueling test atop provides supervised entertainment rooms on 3,000 the Allegheny Mountains. and activities for ages 4 to 12. acres. It also The resort’s other course, The “It’s hard for a resort to say we features paintball Links, is a shorter, more traditional have something for everyone, but courses, an Scottish design. we really do,” director of public equestrian center, Be prepared to see some unique relations Kay Maghan said. a marina and an wildlife. Habitats featuring black “You really should not be bored off-road driving bears, emus, zebras and Australian here.” academy.

Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center Where: Mount Sterling, Ohio Proximity to Cleveland: 170 miles, I-71 South Golf: 18 holes More information: www.visitdeercreek.com

ocated within the Deer Creek State Park south of Columbus, Lthis resort has plenty of outdoor activities for everyone. The 6,663-yard, par-72 golf course is open year-round. The marina at Deer Creek Lake offers rentals for ski boats, wave runners, pontoons, fishing boats and many other water toys. Camping, hiking and biking also are available, with a 1.2-mile loop trail available for cyclists and seven different trails for hikers. The ABOVE: The Greenbrier’s main dining campground has 227 sites, all with room is adorned with chandeliers, and electricity. columns and arched windows give it “We have a lot of different activi- the ambiance of a Southern mansion. ties that people can take part in,” said director of sales and marketing LEFT: Nestled in White Sulfer Springs, Deer Creek’s outdoor offerings include Susan Clay. “The summer is a very W. Va., Greenbrier has a history dating golf, camping, hiking and biking, as busy time.” to the 18th century. well as rentals for ski boats, wave run- See DEER CREEK Page G-10 ners, pontoons and fishing boats.

Something unique: ■ The bunker, a 112,000- square-foot bomb shelter designed to house the U.S. $ISCIPLINE ÖFOCUSÖANDÖ Congress, was secretly built from 1959 to 1962. It was maintained until 1992 when it was exposed, and HARDÖWORKÖPAYÖOFF it eventually opened to the public in 1995. 23-Ö-C'LADREYÖCONGRATULATESÖ:ACHÖ*OHNSONÖONÖHISÖ MASTERFULÖWINÖ!SÖAÖMEMBERÖOFÖ4EAMÖ23-Ö-C'LADREY ÖÖ Children ages 3 to 12 can partici- pate in the Adventure Zone, which :ACHÖEXEMPLIFIESÖDISCIPLINE ÖHARDÖWORKÖANDÖINTEGRITY has a variety of activities through- out the day. “Some will say we’re a golf resort, some a spa resort and some a family resort,” manager of public relations )FÖYOUÖWANTÖTOÖBEATÖTHEÖBIGÖGUYS ÖCALLÖ23-Ö-C'LADREYÖ Lynn Swann said. “We’re all of those things.” 7EREÖTHEÖACCOUNTING ÖTAXÖANDÖBUSINESSÖCONSULTANTSÖFORÖ COMPANIESÖONÖTHEÖMOVEÖ,IKEÖYOURS ROAM WITH CRAIN’S Crain’s Cleveland Business is Akron Canton Cleveland Columbus Elyria now mobile device-friendly. 330.670.6615 330.455.1120 216.523.1900 614.224.7722 440.323.3200 You can access all breaking news, blog items and articles from print via your BlackBer- ry, Treo or mobile phone. Visit CrainsCleveland.com on your mobile device, and the mobile site will automatically ACCOUNTING TAX BUSINESS CONSULTING load onto your device. ÍÖÖ23-Ö-C'LADREYÖ)NCÖ!LLÖ2IGHTSÖ2ESERVED CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 10 CCLB 4/26/2007 10:39 AM Page 1

G-10 CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007

Unique Venues... Something unique: Memorable Events ■ Harding Cabin, once the presi- dential retreat for President Harding, is now available as a Landerhaven Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum Galleria at Erieview guest accommodation.

Deer Creek continued from PAGE G-9 Cleveland Convention Center Oakroom at Tower City Center Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage The park also has plenty of fun for children, with different The Harding Cabin at the Deer Creek Resort and Conference Center. classes and camps available in the summer. or wine festival. They also have live tional amenities such as an arcade, Clay also said the resort tries to music by the pool at times during indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, schedule two weekend events each the summer. fitness center and tennis and month, such as a murder mystery This resort also has the tradi- basketball courts. 440.449.0700 | www.executivecaterers.com Full service catering at any of these fine venues or any location of your choice. Peek’n Peak Resort & Spa Where: Findley Lake, N.Y. Something unique: ■ Proximity to Cleveland: 115 miles, A full-sized I-90 East to I-86 East indoor water park will open Golf: 36 holes Inn & Conference Center late next year or More information: www.pknpk.com in 2009. 600 N. Aurora Road Aurora, OH 44202 nown for skiing in the winter, Peek’n Peak also has two 18- returns to the resort for the sixth K hole golf courses and fun for straight season with the Peek’n Peak An Elegant Setting For Any Corporate or Social Event the entire family year-round. Classic from June 25 to July 1. The Upper Course is 7,061 yards “Of course we have great skiing Š 225 luxuriously appointed Guest Š The Garfield, accommodates with a rating of 73.7, while the Lower and two great courses,” said vice Rooms and Hospitality Suites. up to 250 guests. Course is a little less challenging at president of brand management Š The Amphitheater, seating 82 Š The Grant, in excess of 6,260 yards. The Nationwide Tour Chip Day. “But we want to make people, state-of-the-art multimedia 140 guests. sure families can come up here as a technology. ABOVE: New this whole and enjoy Peek’n Peak and Š The Executive Boardroom seating Guests can enjoy: year is Peek’n western New York.” Fully equipped fitness center 22 people, equipped with video Š Peak’s 11-room The resort provides the traditional The Leopard, a fine-dining conferencing. Š full-service spa. amenities such as indoor and outdoor Š The 3,500 square foot Hayes restaurant rated Four RIGHT: Peek’n pools, a fitness center and sauna. In Ballroom, accommodating up to 300 Diamonds by AAA Peak’s Lower addition, this year an 11-room full- guests, complete with fabulous reception Š Game room Course service spa opens at the resort. area and seasonal outdoor patios. Š Sushi bar (pictured) at Children can spend time at the Š The McKinley, the main ballroom Š Paws casual restaurant 6,260 yards is arcade, the miniature golf course accommodates up to 500 guests. Š Free Parking a little less and indoor and outdoor play- grounds. The resort also offers day For More Information: challenging than the Upper care. Slated to open in fall 2008 or (330) 995-0200 or (877) 995-0200 www.thebertraminn.com Course at 7,061 at the beginning of 2009 is a full- yards. sized indoor water park. “There are a lot more reasons for the family to say, ‘Hey, we want to go along, now,’” Day said. “There’s From Office to Industrial to now more reason for spouses and Design & Construction Services... children to come along.”

Maumee Bay Resort and Conference Center Staubach goes the extra mile! Where: Oregon, Ohio

Proximity to Cleveland: 110 miles, Whether buying, leasing I-90 West to I-280 North Just off the shore of Golf: 18 holes or selling property, Lake Erie, More information: www.maumee guests can our clients have come to view bayresort.com stay in one of Maumee The Staubach Company s one of Ohio’s newest state Bay’s 120 parks, Maumee Bay’s central as an rooms at the extension of themselves. Aattraction is Lake Erie. lodge, 24 Guests can choose to stay at one cottages or of the 120 rooms at the lodge, one of 256 camp- the 24 cottages or the true outdoors sites. enthusiast can stay at one of the 256 Strategic Real Estate Solutions campsites. All are located just off the the state park features exhibits, shore of Lake Erie and all are perfect programs and wildlife-viewing for Real Estate Users for a family looking to get away. Something unique: opportunities. Children are welcomed with ■ Maumee Bay is located The resort also has the more hourly activities on weekends, from on the shore of Lake Erie, traditional amenities like an arts and crafts to games. with fishing, boating and indoor/outdoor pool, fitness The par-72 links golf course rests other water activities. center and tennis, basketball and on 1,850 acres of protected wetland sand volleyball courts. Great Lakes Region Corporate Services along Lake Erie. The course plays “We really feel it’s the entire 6,941 yards from the championship there’s also a man-made inland package,” said director of sales www.staubach.com tees with a rating of 73.3. lake near the lodge with 1,500 feet Barbara Ferman. “Children’s activ- 216.861.7171 But nature is the resort’s prime of beach and even more fishing. ities, golf, nature — we have a little focus. In addition to Lake Erie, The Trautman Nature Center in bit of everything.” CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 11 CCLB 4/26/2007 2:41 PM Page 1

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Scotland’s links offer lasting memories, friendships

ost golfers I know have the few residents retained grazing rights. day, with one more round left, the same aspirations: get their Our weather was terrific over the two teams were fairly close. game better, walk the next five days, and I never used any The next day, at Tain, came the hallowed grounds of of my foul-weather gear. In fact, I unraveling of the American team. M th Augusta National, stand on the 18 only used my umbrella on one hole One ball after another seemed to Crain’s tee box at Pebble Beach and play in the entire time, and I later learned careen off the rock-hard fairways Cleveland Scotland, the country that is home that the Highlands has pretty fair and into the gorse, a prickly and Business to the game we all love. weather in the autumn. impossibly tangled mass of shrub- publisher Last fall, I The highlight of the trip was our bery that awaits the errant shots. Brian Tucker BRIAN completed that visit to the village of Dornoch and That night at dinner, we toasted and the other TUCKER list (well, maybe our round at Royal Dornoch, one our British hosts, congratulating golfers found not exactly the of the great courses in all of the them on their victory, and promised the weather in part about my British Isles. It had all of the features revenge in 2008 when the teams Scotland to game being of the other Scottish courses we square off in Las Vegas. We had be surprisingly better) with my had played, but with much more made friends we knew would last for pleasant first-ever trip to elevation change. It was truly years, and experienced Scottish golf during the the Scottish memorable, and at the end of the in a way we’d never forget. ■ trip. Highlands for five days of golf. It was every- thing I had hoped for, except better. I was asked to accompany a friend, Russ Kotolac, who had been invited to join an American team that was to face off against a bunch of British golfers, mostly Yorkshiremen, who had been playing against an Ameri- can group for the better part of two decades. This stage of the biennial competi- tion was to be held in the northeast of Scotland — five straight days at dif- ferent courses — and in the weeks before I could barely contain my ex- citement. I cleaned my grips and marked a bunch of balls (I took plen- ty, knowing just a wee bit about the gorse, the beaches and the winds). I packed not one, but two rain suits, with two pairs of rain gloves and two pairs of golf shoes, and the weather that welcomed us looked as if I had planned correctly. On our hour-long shuttle from the Aberdeen airport to the village of Brora, we watched as the gray skies seemed to reach lower over the Highlands. We got to the Royal Marine Hotel, unpacked and counted the couple of hours of sleep we had snatched as we flew over the various time zones. We walked across the road to the little clubhouse at Brora’s golf course, or- dered a beer and an introductory nip of Scotch (distilled in the village) at a table overlooking the 18th green. The winds were whipping the rain sideways as group after group, men, women and youngsters alike, played in. It reminded me of some- thing I tell my best golf buddy back home who never wants to play in any kind of inclement weather: “If the Scots only played in nice weather, we wouldn’t even have this game.” Russ and I found many of the group in a nearby condo watching the last of the Ryder Cup matches. Imagine just how much fun it was to sit with a group of British golfers you’ve just met to suffer through another beating of the American team by the Europeans. Actually, the guys were fairly merciful, given how bad it could have been. The next day, the weather simply could not have been better. We stood on the first tee at Brora, the sea on one side and the heather- covered Highlands on the other. It was breathtaking, and the scenery would only get better day by day. Our foursomes were made up of two Yanks and two Brits each day, and for that I was mighty glad as I walked toward the first green. One of my opponents warned me to be careful as I stepped over the electri- fied wire that ran around the green. This course, like so many we would play, was owned by the village and a CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 12 CCLB 4/26/2007 9:55 AM Page 1

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TOP PUBLIC GOLF COURSES (1)

Name Most difficult hole Address Head golf Yardage Yardage Total rounds Par Rank Phone/Web site Year built Course designer professional Club manager back tees women's tees of golf Length LITTLE MOUNTAIN COUNTRY CLUB Dana Fry, 13th 1 7667 Hermitage Road, Concord 44077 1999 Michael Hurdzan Corey Patterson Jimmy Hanlin 6,616 4,900 25,000 4 (440) 358-7888/www.lmccgolf.com 481 STONEWATER GOLF CLUB Dana Fry, 13th 2 One Club Drive, Highland Heights 44143 1996 Michael Hurdzan Geoff Skoch John Clapacs 7,045 5,541 18,000 5 (440) 461-4653/www.stonewatergolf.com 626 WINDMILL LAKES GOLF CLUB 7th 3 6544 Rt. 14, Ravenna 44266 1969 Ed Ault Trent Maxwell Herb Page 6,936 5,368 NA 4 (330) 297-0440/www.windmill-lakes-golf.com 385 BOULDER CREEK GOLF CLUB 9th 4 9700 Page Road, Streetsboro 44241 2000 Joe Salemi John Elser John Elser 7,204 5,048 NA 4 (330) 626-2828/www.bouldercreekohio.com 492 FOWLERS MILL GOLF COURSE 4th 5 13095 Rockhaven Road, Chesterland 44026 1970 Pete Dye Milt Johnson Milt Johnson 7,002 5,571 35,000 4 (440) 729-7569/www.fowlersmillgc.com 461 PINE HILLS GOLF CLUB 18th 6 433 W. 130th St., Hinckley 44233 1957 Harold Paddock Steve P. Brzytwa Steve P. Brzytwa 6,782 5,609 NA 4 (330) 225-4477/www.golfpinehills.net 426 THUNDERHILL GOLF COURSE 13th 7 7050 Griswold Road, Madison 44057 1976 Fred Slagle Todd Bishop Todd Bishop 7,504 5,200 21,000 4 (440) 298-3474/www.thunderhillgolf.com 405 GREY HAWK GOLF CLUB von Hagge, 7th 8 665 U.S. Grant St., LaGrange 44050 2004 Smelek and Baril Todd Casabella David Mooney 7,079 5,091 26,000 5 (440) 355-4844/www.greyhawkgolf.com 578 MANAKIKI GOLF COURSE Tom Tom 10th 9 35501 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills 44094 1928 Donald Ross Kochensparger Kochensparger 6,625 5,390 38,190 4 (440) 942-2500/www.clemetparks.com 430 RAINTREE COUNTRY CLUB 14th 10 4350 Mayfair Road, Uniontown 44685 1992 Brian Huntley Dave Cavalier John Raineri Jr. 6,936 5,918 33,000 4 330-699-3232/www.raintreegc.com 441 SLEEPY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE 2nd 11 9445 Brecksville Road, Brecksville 44141 1924 Stanley Thompson John Fiander Rick Enlow 6,702 5,313 67,668 3 (440) 526-4285 240 ELLSWORTH MEADOWS GOLF CLUB 17th 12 1101 Barlow Rd, Hudson 44236 2000 Brian Huntley Greg Andrego Trent Wash 6,831 4,920 NA 5 330-655-2267/www.ellsworthmeadows.com 521 (1) Area pros were surveyed and asked to submit their eight favorite Northeast Ohio public and private golf courses. RESEARCHED BY Deborah W. Hillyer

TOP PRIVATE GOLF COURSES (1)

Name Most difficult hole Address Head golf Yardage Yardage Total rounds of Par Rank Phone/Web site Year Built Course designer professional Club manager back tees women's tees golf Length FIRESTONE COUNTRY CLUB Bert Way, 16th 1 452 W. Warner Road, Akron 44319 1929 Robert Trent Jones David Dinan Mark Gore 7,360 5,200 52,000 5 (330) 644-8441/www.firestonecountryclub.com 667 SAND RIDGE GOLF CLUB 13th 2 12150 Mayfield Road, Chardon 44024 1994 Tom Fazio Matt Creech Ned Welc 7,127 5,100 14,200 4 (440) 285-8088/www.sandridgegolf.com 466 CANTERBURY GOLF CLUB 1st 3 22000 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood 44122 1921 Herbert Strong Craig Murray Daniel Denihan 6,942 5,890 19,689 4 (216) 561-1000/www.canterburygc.org 432 THE COUNTRY CLUB 6th 4 2825 Lander Road, Pepper Pike 44124 1889 William Flynn Jack McKelvey Robert Josey 7,129 5,687 12,000 4 (216) 831-9200/www.thecountryclub.com 452 KIRTLAND COUNTRY CLUB 2nd 5 39438 Kirtland Road, Willoughby 44094 1921 C.H. Alison Tim Bennett Rich LaRocca 6,845 5,741 14,000 4 (440) 951-8422 460 BROOKSIDE COUNTRY CLUB 3rd 6 1800 Canton Ave. NW, Canton 44708 1929 Donald Ross Joe Borawski Andrew Grove 7,155 5,740 19,000 5 (330) 477-0610/www.brooksidecc.com 518 PEPPER PIKE CLUB William Flynn, 2nd 7 2800 SOM Center Road, Cleveland 44124 1924 Howard Toomey Deon Good Bill Hefferen 6,576 5,357 NA 4 (216) 831-9400 405 LAKEWOOD COUNTRY CLUB 6th 8 2613 Bradley Road, Westlake 44145 1921 A.W. Tillinghast Tom Waitrovich Brian Pizzimenti 6,900 5,200 18,500 5 440-871-0400/www.lakewoodcountryclub.com 525 CONGRESS LAKE CLUB 4th 9 1 East Drive, Hartville 44632 1896 Donald Ross Faith Egli Joe Dewitt 6,538 5,398 15,000 4 (330) 877-9318/www.congresslakeclub.com 436 CHAGRIN VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB 12th 10 4700 SOM Center Road, Chagrin Falls 44022 1921 Stanley Thompson Mike Heisterkamp Jack Goldberg 6,775 5,623 18,000 4 (440) 248-4314/www.cvcclub.com 475 BEECHMONT COUNTRY CLUB 4th 11 29600 Chagrin Blvd., Cleveland 44122 1923 Stanley Thompson Michael Connor Bill Downey 6,865 5,784 16,000 4 216-831-9100/www.beechmontcc.com 452 SHARON GOLF CLUB 2nd 12 6261 Ridge Road, Sharon Center 44274 1965 George Cobb Dwight Axtell Frank Dobie 7,153 6,012 15,000 4 (330) 239-2383 399 Crain's Cleveland Business uses staff research, company surveys and the most current references available to produce its listings, but there is no guarantee these listings are RESEARCHED BY Deborah W. Hillyer complete. We welcome all responses to our lists. Business lists and The Book of Lists are available to purchase at www.crainscleveland.com (1) Area pros were surveyed and asked to submit their eight favorite Northeast Ohio public and private golf courses. CCLB 04-30-07 GOLF 13 CCLB 4/26/2007 3:43 PM Page 1

APRIL 30-MAY 6, 2007 WWW.CRAINSCLEVELAND.COM CRAIN’S CLEVELAND BUSINESS G-13

Tired of Being Screwed? Former Canterbury pro Picard Then stop hiring fly-by-night “roofing contractors” whose only office address is wherever their pick-up truck happens left his mark on game’s greats to be parked at the time! The no-insurance, irresponsible operators are driving the few

By JOEL HAMMOND he was as a player, through teaching remaining honest roofing contractors out of business. Unless [email protected] and a unique business sense. the consumer gets wiser, ultimately there will be no one Picard also was no doubt a pioneer responsible left! We are looking for a few wise consumers. he biography of former in the world of sponsorship. If you fit the bill, call Canterbury Golf Club head Sebelin recounted that when professional and recent Picard was the pro at the Hershey 216•881•1999 Tinductee into the World Golf Country Club in Hershey, Pa., there Hall of Fame Henry Picard reads was not a lot of money available in www.careyroofing.com like a who’s who of the best players winnings on the Tour. CAREY founded in 1946 in the history of the Professional “Milton Hershey, who ran the Roofing Corp. MEMBER: National Roofing Contractors Association Golfers’ Association. club, matched everything Picard In 1935, he employed famed won when he was representing instructor Alex Morrison before the Hershey,” Sebelin said. “In first of his two Ryder Cup appear- exchange, it was Henry’s job to give ances, a choice that led to his most out Hershey candy bars. He was prolific stretch as a professional, given a supply at every tournament Is your Business Banker racking up 21 of his 26 PGA Tour he went to; he was a shill.” victories from 1935-1939. As Canterbury’s pro, he “shooed” Up to PAR? That stretch included the 1938 away business from women looking Masters and the 1939 PGA Champi- for the latest fashions, opting instead The Middlefield Banking Company onship, winning the latter when it for the traditional makeup of a pro associates are MASTERS at Commercial was still a match-play event by shop — clubs, balls and shoes. Financing. outdueling the legendary Byron He also packaged tees and sold Nelson, who won 47 tour events them for a dime, rather than give Fast Greens...no delays in getting your and five majors. them away. projects funded and dollars flowing! “He said that if members had to Stemming from his relationship Clean Fairways...flexible, fair loan criteria! with Morrison, Picard went on to a buy tees, they were more likely to teaching career — 19 years of which pick them up, which in turn saved No Traps...no tricks, false starts or wasted the maintenance equipment the were spent at Canterbury in Beach- STAN BADZ/PGA TOUR time! wood — that included pupils Sam World Golf Hall of Famer Henry Picard’s brunt of tees,” Sebelin said. Snead (seven majors, 75 PGA Tour career includes 21 PGA Tour victories And if he could help it, he’d be on Call us today for a Line of Credit, Real Estate Financing, Capital Improvement Loan or wins), Ben Hogan (nine majors, 55 from 1935-1939. the course, instructing members. PGA Tour wins, career Grand Slam) And as his list of pupils and green Merchant Capture Account. We’re dedicated to your future. and Jack Grout, who taught Jack “Cleveland was a top-notch jacket — which he wore every Nicklaus and wrote “Let Me Teach sports town, and this was at an Sunday morning to greet members You Golf As I Taught Jack Nicklaus.” economic peak for the town,” Larry at the first tee — show, he had a The Middlefield Yet even those closest to Picard Picard said. “They brought (Henry) passion for it. Banking Company — namely longtime friend Bill to Canterbury as a sports celebrity, “He was never one to hang out www.middlefieldbank.com with the members, or spend a lot of Sebelin and eldest son Larry — as someone who would attract Main Office 888-801-1666 • West 440-632-1666 admitted they didn’t have a full attention to the club. He was a time in the pro shop,” Larry Picard Chardon 440-286-1222 • Garrettsville 330-527-2121 grasp on the résumé of their friend person that when he walked in a said. “He had folks who ran the pro Mantua 330-274-0881 • Orwell 440-437-7200 Newbury 440-564-7000 and father. room, there was a presence there. shop, so he was on the driving Cortland Loan Production Office 330-637-3208 “I was a little unclear, or under “They called it a championship range, early and late.” ■ some misconceptions, for most of golf course, and they wanted to my life, about what Henry did play championships there. He before he came to Canterbury,” said helped with that.” Sebelin, who first met Henry Picard The 1942 U.S. Open was scheduled when Sebelin’s father became a to be played at Canterbury, but was member at Canterbury in 1941. canceled due to World War II. “A lot of people told me, ‘He was Instead, the club played host to the the Tiger Woods of his day,’” Larry ’46 tournament. One reason Picard Picard said via telephone from his went to Canterbury was that he home in Charleston, S.C. “I pooh- always wanted to win the Open, poohed that away. He really was. according to the golfer’s son and He didn’t play full-time until ’35, Sebelin. and won that many tour events “He felt if he could play enough during that time. That’s a stretch rounds at Canterbury, it would like Woods had.” increase his chances of winning the If Picard, who died in 1997 at the U.S. Open there,” Larry Picard said. age of 90, was an unknown to the “But I’m not sure he was able to younger generations, his October spend enough time. He always said induction into the World Golf Hall that if he was able to drive better, of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla., will he could have won.” likely change that. That year, Picard finished 12th And at Canterbury, there’s a in the Open, which was won by similar shrine: A replica of his green World War II veteran Lloyd jacket from his win at Augusta Mangrum. Ironically, it was Picard’s National, flanked by press clippings, duties at the club, his son said, that plaques and the unofficial 100-page may have prevented him from biography compiled by Larry Picard winning the tournament. after his father’s death. Despite his inability to win that Connection to Canterbury U.S. Open, Picard’s influence is still felt around the golf world. In addition Henry Picard came to Canterbury to Larry Picard and his family, two in 1945, after stints as the profess- Canterbury members attended the ional at clubs in Charleston, Hershey, World Golf Hall induction ceremony Pa., Oklahoma City and Harrisburg, —Sebelin and one Arnold Palmer, an Pa., and at a time when Cleveland honorary member at the club. was booming with larger-than-life Ben Hogan dedicated his first figures: Bob Feller, Early Wynn and book, “Ben Hogan’s Power Golf,” to Bob Lemon for the Indians and Otto Picard; and Canterbury every fall Graham leading the Browns to the hosts the Henry Picard Canterbury top of the All-America Football Cup, a gathering of the top scratch Conference and later the National golfers from North America. Football League. It’s that culture, Larry Picard What a pro should be said, that led Canterbury to entice Sebelin said Picard was as influ- his father to come to Cleveland. ential as the pro at Canterbury as