THE IMPACT OF MICHIGAN GOLF
The Golf Association of Michigan is a non-profit Allied Golf Association of the United States Golf Association® (USGA®) with a mission to promote, preserve, and serve golf in the state. The GAM supports a membership of over 97,000 golfers of all abilities and backgrounds. With the most public golf courses of any state in the country, Michigan is a leader in golf recreation, travel, championships, and charitable impact.
859 golf courses, 86% publicly accessible
900,000+ golfers
92,200 acres of professionally managed green space
$1.24B in direct spending
1.85M golfers travel to Michigan to play, spending $1 billion annually
35,000 juniors participate in golf programming
$110M raised for charities through the game annually
“Outside of the coastal, warm weather states of Florida and California, it can be argued that no U.S. state has a more substantial footprint in the world of recreational golf than Michigan.”
– National Golf Foundation
The GAM is a proud member of the Michigan Golf Alliance, which works to strengthen and promote the popularity of Michigan’s world-class golf industry.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Michigan golf is thriving, and I am proud to report on an extraordinary year for the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM). As an Allied Association of the USGA®, the GAM connects and serves golf throughout Michigan through championships, partnerships, and philanthropy.
We are a proud statewide volunteer association. With our dedicated staff in Farmington Hills, we support the mission of promoting, preserving, and serving amateur golf. This mission drives everything we do, and we have accomplished a lot together.
I am thrilled to announce that our membership has grown to nearly 98,000! This milestone highlights Michigan golfers’ passion and showcases significant growth among women and junior players, underscoring golf’s appeal and accessibility in our state.
As a member of the Michigan Golf Alliance, the GAM is deeply invested in the health of Michigan’s golf industry. By analyzing economic trends and advocating for the game’s growth, we are shaping a sustainable future for golf. These insights guide our decisions and strategies to ensure the sport thrives for generations.
This year, our staff and volunteers delivered exceptional service to our members. From conducting championships to rating courses and administering the World Handicap System, their efforts have been outstanding. Through the GAM Foundation, we surpassed $1 million paid to Michigan’s public courses for Youth on Course, expanding opportunities for young golfers and making the sport more inclusive.
Reflecting on the year, a highlight for me as GAM President was refereeing matches in our Amateur Championships. These experiences reinforced the camaraderie and support within the GAM family. If you have ever thought of giving back to the game as our volunteers do, I encourage you to join us!
As one of the nation’s most vibrant golf communities, let us build on this momentum and continue creating opportunities for all who love the game.
JUDY LAZZARO PRESIDENT, GOLF ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
CONDUCTING MICHIGAN'S AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
In 2024, the GAM conducted 30 championships and 14 USGA® qualifying events. The USGA® recognized the winners of four GAM “majors” with exemptions to their national championship. With the expertise of over 100 volunteer tournament referees, over 130 days of competition for men, women, juniors, seniors, elite, social, and net players were conducted with professionalism and fun.
Alena
USGA® BOYS' JUNIOR AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP
Oakland Hills Country Club | July 22-27, 2024
USGA® Championships
Contested in Michigan
“We could not be happier to bring six additional championships to such an iconic venue as Oakland Hills. Since its first U.S. Open in 1924, Oakland Hills has provided a supreme test for the game’s very best, and it will continue to do so for professionals and amateurs alike in the coming years.”
— John Bodenhamer, USGA® chief championships officer
THE GAM COMMUNITY
The GAM consists of golf clubs, courses, and individual members of all ages and abilities. The association has grown by 60% since 2020.
Servicing 650 golf courses and clubs, as well as 97,200 individuals.
Club Services – GAM member clubs are provided Course Rating services authorized by the USGA®, World Handicap System™ services for golfers, tournament management software powered by Golf Genius, and opportunities to support discounts for GAM members, host GAM events, and participate in Youth on Course.
Member Benefits – Individual GAM members have access to a Handicap Index® authorized by the USGA® and score posting via the GHIN® mobile app. Membership also qualifies golfers for competitions, events, volunteer opportunities, perks, and discounts through our robust partner program.
HANDICAPPING + COURSE RATING
A Handicap Index® allows players of varying abilities to play golf with each other on an equal footing. It represents a player’s potential playing ability and is portable, so it can be taken worldwide to thousands of courses through the World Handicap System™. In addition, GAM, USGA®, and other tournaments often require a competitor to have a Handicap Index® to participate. A Handicap Index® became inclusive in 2024 with an adjusted treatment of 9-hole score postings and shorter-length courses now eligible for course rating.
Course and Slope Ratings™, provided by GAM, allow golfers interested in maintaining a Handicap Index® to post scores for rounds played at a particular course – a team of measuring and rating volunteers visits every member club at least every 10 years for updates.
1.86M
75+
Ratings in 2024 by 96 trained GAM Course Rating Volunteers
VOLUNTEERS AND AWARDS
The GAM is a volunteer-driven association with over 200 active, trained individuals across the state who donate their time and experience as rules referees, course raters, committee members, and board members. Volunteers take part in off-season weekly educational sessions led by GAM and USGA® staff to help administer tournaments and core services during the season. The GAM is grateful for our volunteer community, paying their experiences forward and giving back to the game.
Laurie Caylen Leroy Bray Darrell Zavitz
— AWARDS —
2024 Distinguished Service Award
Bob Buckley, Verona Hills Golf Club (posthumously) Club Representative of the Year
Marty Joy, Belvedere Golf Club Superintendent Award of Merit Dan Lucas, High Pointe Champion of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Karen Peek, Signet Golf Associates Course Rater of the Year
Mark Erickson, GAM Course Rating Club
THE GAM FOUNDATION
The GAM Foundation’s mission is to make golf affordable and accessible in Michigan, which is primarily made possible through Youth on Course. Youth on Course ensures that all young people, regardless of cost or circumstance, can access the transformative power of the sport. We believe in forging a future where golf is not just a game but an inclusive and accessible experience for every young person. The GAM and GAM Foundation support and make this possible for Michigan juniors.
Youth on Course Michigan members are 6-18 years old and can play golf for $5 at more than 100 courses in Michigan and every state in the U.S., Canada, and even Australia.
As of October 2024, the GAM Foundation surpassed $1 million in subsidies paid to Youth on Course Michigan participating clubs since its inception. This incredible cumulative feat is comprised of more than 51,880 annual memberships, with more than 172,800 rounds of golf played since 2017.
To learn more about Youth on Course Michigan, visit GAM.org/YOC.
Areas of Interest for the GAM Foundation Include:
• Junior Golf
Youth on Course Michigan
• Grants
Supporting the Michigan PGA
Golf In Schools, Michigan PGA
Player Development Award
Winners, GAM Junior Tournament
Players
• Scholarships
Ferris State University PGA
Professional Golf Management
Scholarship Winners
Michigan Membership Rounds Played
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CHRIS WHITTEN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GOLF ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
Dear Members, Volunteers, and Supporters,
As Executive Director of the Golf Association of Michigan, I am proud to reflect on an incredible year and extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to our success. Together, we made 2024 a record-breaking year for golf in Michigan.
First, a heartfelt thank you to our volunteers and the host clubs of our championships. Your tireless efforts and generosity create the foundation for our events and programs. From tournaments to educational initiatives, your support makes a meaningful impact on our golf community.
This year, we reached an extraordinary milestone with a record membership of over 97,000. This achievement reflects the growing enthusiasm for golf in Michigan and the strength of our association’s programs. Each member adds to our vibrant community and reaffirms our mission to promote and support the game for all players.
We remain focused on delivering outstanding member support and service. By providing innovative tools and educational resources, we empower golfers and club administrators to excel on and off the course. These efforts ensure an exceptional experience for all who share our love of the game.
We are particularly proud of our initiatives to make golf more inclusive. By administering the Men’s and Women’s John Shippen Invitationals, we help create professional opportunities for Black players, fostering diversity at the highest levels of the sport. Additionally, our administration of the Michigan Amputee Golfers Association State Championship and the International Cairns Cups, pitting adaptive golfers from the U.S. against a European team, underscores our commitment to ensuring golf is accessible to all.
Looking ahead, we are excited by the possibilities of growing the game further, from expanding youth programs to advancing sustainability initiatives across Michigan’s courses. We will build an informed, engaged, and impactful golf community with your continued support.
Thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm. Here’s to another exceptional year on the course!
With gratitude,
Chris Whitten Executive Director Golf Association of Michigan
GOVERNANCE
New
Officers
Judy Lazzaro, President – Oakland
University Golf & Learning Center
Richard Aginian, 1st Vice President
– Oakland Hills Country Club
Dan Longeway, 2nd Vice President
– Spring Meadows Country Club
Robert Ofoli, 3rd Vice President –
Forest Akers Golf Course
Barry Babbitt, Secretary – Plum
Hollow Country Club
Tom Roehl, Treasurer – GAM Course Rating Club
Governors
Arlene Alessi, Birmingham
Tony Barra, Oakland Hills
John Beecroft, Port Huron
Gregg Bonamici, Grosse Ile
Mark Bond, Edgewood
Mike Brady, Sunnybrook
Leroy Bray Sr., Carl's Golfland
Liz Cantu, MWGA
Laurie Caylen, Farmington Hills GC
Mike Church, Fieldstone
Jean Constantini, Pine Grove
Ashley Dewling, Oakland University
Jeff Drury, Meadowbrook
Frank Ervin, Plum Hollow
Joan Garety, Egypt Valley
Ross Green, Port Huron
JJ Henn, Kalamazoo CC
Doug Hoey, Wuskowhan
John Holden, GAM Course Rating Club
Thomas J. Hicks, Cascade Hills
Janina Jacobs, MWGA
Cathy Kalahar, Boyne
Kevin Klemet, MI Publinx
Roger Kuhl, The Medalist
Holly Little, GAM Tournament Club
Maureen MacDougall, Boyne
JJ Modell, Franklin Hills & Bloomfield Hills
Terry Moore, The Meadows
Karen Peek, Rackham GC
Francine Pegues, MWGA
Dee Piccard, Pilgrim's Run
Keith Potter, Red Run
David Price, Muskegon
Laurie Puscas, Oakhurst
Steve Renton, Michaywe Pines
John Rowlands, Indianwood
Randy Seber, Kalamazoo
Harrison Stackpole, Forest Akers
Brent Wehner, Verona Hills
Chris Werner, Beacon Hill GC
James Wlosinski, Fox Creek
Deb Wolfe, Detroit Golf Club
Betty Woods, Grosse Ile
Darrell Zavitz, Belvedere
Chris Zeigler, Moors Golf Club
governors. From left: JJ Modell, Karen Peek, Chris Zeigler, Kevin Klemet, Laurie Caylen and JJ Henn
2025 SIGNATURE TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
114th Michigan Amateur Championship
Belvedere Golf Club
June 17-21
109th Michigan Women’s Amateur
Eagle Eye Golf Club
July 7-11
104th GAM Championship Radrick Farms Golf Club August 4-5
34th Women’s GAM Championship
Oakland University Golf & Learning Center
July 28-29
47th Michigan Junior Amateur Forest Akers Golf Course – West
June 23-26
47th Michigan Girls’ Junior Amateur Katke Golf Course at Ferris State University
June 26-29