Thursday, June 15, 2000
LOCAL GOLF NOTES
Miami Whitewater earns 1st four-star ranking
By Jack Murray
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Miami Whitewater Forest Golf Course has earned its first four-star rating from Golf Digest subscribers.
It is listed in the magazine's fourth annual “Places to Play Guide” of 6,000 public and resort courses in the United States, Canada, Mexico and nearby islands. The guide provides comprehensive information on public-access golf courses in North America.
Golf Digest subscribers rated each course on several criteria: the overall golf experience, the financial value and the standard of service. This year, two new criteria are considered — the overall conditioning of the course and the average pace of play for 18 holes.
Each entry earned a star rating from one to five based on the overall golf experience criteria; the five-star courses offer “golf at its absolute best,” while one-star courses provide “basic golf.”
Miami Whitewater was awarded three stars last year.
“The Hamilton County Park District's operations department has worked hard to improve the character of the course by constructing more bunkers and mounds,” Miami Whitewater head pro Harry Alexander said. “The players have recognized these improvements and our commitment to high-quality customer service. To receive this four-star rating in the face of growing competition is a true honor.”
Miami Whitewater lies alongside an 85-acre lake. The 18-hole, par-72 layout is challenging for the proficient player and enjoyable for the recreational golfer, Alexander said.
The course also has a 22-station driving range.
Shaker Run in Lebanon received a 41/2-star rating. Other area courses earning four-star ratings are Blue Ash, Heatherwoode in Springboro and The Vineyard.
The Vineyard, like Miami Whitewater, is a Hamilton County Park District course.
Wedding world qualifier
Wilmington's Gabby Wedding, Enquirer girls prep golfer of the year and state tournament medalist, led qualifiers from Ohio for the Junior World Championships next month at Torrey Pines and Singing Hills courses in San Diego.
Celebrity chip shots
Boone Links will play host to 22 disadvantaged youths for a “Hook a Kid on Golf” clinic June 20-23, sponsored by Doug Pelfrey's Kicks for Kids Foundation, Taylor Made Golf and National Alliance for Youth sports.
• Johnny Bench is among the 70-plus celebrities scheduled to compete in the 11th annual $500,000 American Century Celebrity Golf Championship July 7-9 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course at Lake Tahoe, Calif.
• Former Bengal Louis Breeden will be stationed at a par-5 hole at Hickory Sticks in Campbell County on June 23, offering golfers the chance to buy his drive as part of Redwood Rehabilitation Center's third annual golf outing.
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