By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

You might think golf season is over, but wait.

Some people play in rain, snow, sleet and bone-chilling cold if the course permits and there are several golf courses that remain open throughout the winter in the greater Portage County area.

Golf courses reported players this past week in the rain and the sleet, continuing to play the game we all love.

Be sure and call ahead to your favorite area course, though, to determine hours and cart availability during the winter.

Even if you don’t have a cart heater and/or cart cover, and like to play with no regard to the weather, there are many things and events still happening in the world of golf in Northeast Ohio and Portage County.

PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE FINAL

In mid-November, the culmination of the PGA Junior League was held at Twin Warriors Golf Club in Santa Ana Pueblo, N.M.

Among the 12 teams competing at the national level was an all-girls team from Ohio.

Jenn Creech, a PGA of America member lead the team that included Gracyn Vidovic of Aurora.

One of the top-12 teams across the nation, the team didn’t win the championship but they did earn a victory as the first all-girls team in the national championship.

TUNE UP YOUR GAME

The fall and winter are the perfect seasons to tune up that game whether you are going to simulators to play different golf courses afforded players via computer or taking lessons to improve the game during the colder months.

• TOP GOLF

The Akron area now has a Top Golf, making travel to one of many people’s favorite places to hit a few balls. Top Golf took over the space formerly occupied to Big Shots at the Firestone 9 golf course.

• BEN CURTIS ACADEMY

The Kent State alumnus, British Open champion and Kent Roosevelt varsity golf coach has opened his own academy in Stow. Club 283 is the home to the Ben Curtis Academy. Located at 4946 Darrow Road in Stow, the academy features state-of-the-art golf simulators and expert coaching.

Improve your own skills, host a corporate event or enjoy a casual game with membership options available.

• FAIRWAYS AT TWIN LAKES

The golf course in Kent also has a simulator in the clubhouse available for golfers.

Play a variety of golf courses or tune up your game while sitting with friends in the clubhouse until you can play golf on the nine-hole course again.

HOLIDAY GIFTS

If you are not a procrastinator and would like to give your favorite golf something special, golf course pro shops are offering specials prior to the holidays.

• WINDMILL LAKES

The pro shop is offering prepaid golf passes for next season that include 10 rounds, 20 rounds or 25 rounds. The course pro shop in Ravenna also has many items for sale in the pro shop for your favorite sport fanatic including Browns and Ohio State gear as well as Kent State.

• OLDE DUTCH MILL GOLF COURSE

Located in Lake Milton, the course is currently offering deals on golf lessons for next season, including a five-lesson package that comes with a bonus lesson. Lesson vouchers can be passed out as gifts to family and friends. Vouchers are also available for junior golfers during this sale.

NORTHERN OHIO PGA RECOGNIZES THEIR OWN

On Dec. 8, The Northern Ohio PGA will host an awards dinner to recognize 12 award winners for the 2024 season, including inducting Rob Moss, Kent State alumnus and PGA professional, into the Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame.

The dinner will be held at the Cory Blair Center adjacent to Westfield Country Club.

The 2024 award winners include:

• Herb Page of Windmill Lakes Golf Club and retired successful golf coach at Kent State University. Page is recognized as he merchandise of the year at a public course (Windmill Lakes).
• The Youth Player Development award will be presented to Jim Beers, former head golf professional at Raccoon Hill and Aurora Golf Club and currently coach of his own Jimmy Beers Golf.
• Professional Development Award will be presented to Todd Casabella, director of instruction at Barrington Golf Club in Aurora.

Several other awards will be presented as well.

Congratulations to these local PGA professionals for continuing the excellence in their profession.

The awards will begin with registration at 4:30 p.m., followed by the awards presentation and dinner starting at 5:30 p.m.