Michigan Golf News, February 4, 2011

Vol. 11, No. 5

Photo Š Brian Oar / Fairways Photography

February 4, 2011

Sweetgrass will host the Inaugural Island Resort Championship, an LPGA Futures Tour Event, June 20-26, In This Issue __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/

Sweetgrass Begins Countdown to Championship with Volunteer Call Michigan's 2011 Golf Business Outlook: Less Stress, Headed in Right Direction Minzey's Musings Social Media Marketing - 4th in a Series,

By Thad Gutowski a.k.a The Cyber Geezer Devine Thoughts Open House at Kendall Academy at Great Lakes Golf Center Wonderful Snow Lorena Ochoa, Honored with the Golf Writers Association of America's Charlie Bartlett Award Old Golfers Michigan Golfer Television Show Schedule for 2011 Michigan Golfer - Winter Issue Michigan Golf Calendar Michigan Golfer Archives http://michigangolfer.com/mgn/archives.html Michigan Golf History http://michigangolfer.com/mgn/history.html Michigan Golf Association Links http://michigangolfer.com/mgn/associations.html Michigan Golf Hall of Fame http://tiny.cc/y6clk

__/__/__/__/__/__/___/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/__/ __/__/ Michigan Golfer Magazine 2010 -11 Winter Issue http://michigangolfer.com/win10-11/ Past Issues http://michigangolfer.com/#pastissues Michigan Golfer Television Michigan Golfer Channel http://michigangolfer.tv Michigan Golfer You Tube Channel http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?pi=0&ps=100&sf=added&sa=0&sq=golfer&dm=2 Michigan Golf News Subscribe http://lyris.dundee.net/read/all_forums/subscribe?name=michigangolfnews Editor: Art McCafferty Associate Editor - Jennie McCafferty __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/__/ __/ __/ __/__/ __/ __/__/ __/ __/ __/ ============================================================================ SWEETGRASS BEGINS COUNTDOWN TO CHAMPIONSHIP WITH VOLUNTEER CALL ============================================================================ A quick five months from the Inaugural Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass, the Upper-Peninsula golf course has issued the call for over 300 volunteers to help run the LPGA Futures Tour event.

Volunteers do not need golf experience to register for a variety of roles that range from greeters to crowd control, marshals to scoring, cart drivers to ticket dissemination/collection. They need only be willing to work a minimum four-hour shift leading up to, or during, the week of June 20 – 26.

“Volunteering is a great way to get involved, to meet players and fans, and to represent your community,” says Susan Harris, tournament co-chair and Sweetgrass marketing director. “It also fulfills a vital role in making this Championship a success. We are already receiving requests from Michigan, surrounding states, and Canada that want to support it in a meaningful way.”

Volunteers will be assigned a role based on their skill level and interest. All will be given training to complete their tasks, as well as a volunteer uniform shirt.

As a thank you, all volunteers will receive free entry into the event throughout the week, as well as a chance to play the course for free any Monday through Thursday through the rest of the golf season, based on availability. There are no fees or costs associated with being a volunteer.

Volunteers should call the Delta County Commerce Center at 906-786-2192 or see http://www.deltami.org for a volunteer application or more information.

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============================================================================== MICHIGAN'S 2011 GOLF BUSINESS OUTLOOK: LESS STRESS, HEADED IN RIGHT DIRECTION ============================================================================== For Michigan’s golf business leaders attending the West Michigan Golf Show on Feb. 11-13, the proverbial cup is slightly more than half full. Held at DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids, the 23rd edition of the popular consumer golf show serves as an pre-season gathering point for the state’s golf industry.

“For our member courses, it appears 2010 was a modest improvement over 2009 and although there are plenty of challenges for the golf industry, any improvement is huge,” said David Graham, Executive Director of the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM). “I expect better things in 2011 for Michigan golf.

Most importantly, you can’t underestimate the importance of the state’s rebounding auto industry,” said Graham whose 60,000-member GAM organization has exhibited at the Grand Rapids show every year since 1989. “That sector also dictates the health of those support industries surrounding autos so one can be optimistic hearing the good news coming out of Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. This can only bode well for the golf industry too in 2011.”

Sharing similar thoughts was Kevin Helm, the Executive Director of the Michigan Section of the PGA of America, one of 41 sections for the 28,000-member association. “We saw some positive signs in 2010. Most golf professionals and owners I spoke with throughout the year and off-season seemed to think things are headed in the right direction,” said Helm. “It’s certainly not easy out there, but most operators said the year was better than 2009 and they sensed that some of the corporate business was trickling back.”

Representing a state golf association whose members are synonymous with ‘teaching the game,’ Helm also expressed optimism due to the auto industry. “With some positive news coming out of Detroit, it’s logical to think people can play and spend more on golf than the past few years.”

Holding a reliable barometer on public golf in Michigan is Kate Moore, Executive Director of the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association (MGCOA). “The general consensus by public golf owners and operators is that they’re feeling less stressed about the economy,” said Moore. “Times are still challenging, but as owners head into the new golf season, they’re more upbeat. Some of that is due to newly announced increased funding of the Pure Michigan campaign that’s proven so successful in promoting Michigan’s travel and golf assets, and some of it’s due to hopes for the new Snyder administration in Lansing.” Based in Lansing, the MGCOA represents 300 public, resort and private golf facilities.

All three associations have special plans and programs set for 2011. In June at Boyne Highlands, the GAM will celebrate the 100th Michigan Amateur Championship, the flagship amateur event in the state. Several special events are planned for the occasion including a program at Boyne Highlands featuring CBS-TV golf commentator Gary McCord.

For the Michigan PGA, it remains committed “to promoting and growing the game in 2011.” Helm said such initiatives as members providing free lessons at the West Michigan Golf Show, to Michigan Golf Business Legislative Day (a multi-association effort) on the Capitol lawn in June, the Patriot Golf Day and Play Golf America Day are all aimed “to promote the fun and enjoyment of the game, introduce the game to kids, provide lessons to adults, and educate the attendees on how to get more involved in the game in their local communities.”

For the MGCOA, Moore reported the association is encouraged by a 30% increase in the League Championship Series last year. “In 2010, we had nearly 5000 golfers participate and we expect it grow P. 4

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again this year. So that’s good news looking ahead,” said Moore. Moore also said the Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf, a premium product offering value in both rounds and lodging, is also expected to sell out in 2011.

Produced by ShowSpan Inc., the West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Sponsors are Treetops Resort, Golf Association of Michigan, Shanty Creek Resort, Srixon, AirTran Airways, Michigan P.G.A., and Boyne Resorts. Srixon will provide 2-ball packs to the first 100 attendees each day and to those buying tickets online. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at http://www.westmichigangolfshow.com. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550 or visit the website. ================= MINZEY'S MUSINGS ================= Sometimes, when I look at my children, I say to myself,'Lillian, you should have remained a virgin.'

- Lillian Carter (mother of Jimmy Carter) I had a rose named after me and I was very flattered But I was not pleased to read the description in the catalogue: - 'No good in a bed, but fine against a wall.'

- Eleanor Roosevelt Last week, I stated this woman was the ugliest woman I had ever seen. I have since been visited by her sister, and now wish to withdraw that statement..

- Mark Twain The secret of a good sermon is to have a good beginning and a good ending; and to have the two as close together as possible - George Burns Santa Claus has the right idea. Visit people only once a year.

- Victor Borge I was married by a judge. I should have asked for a jury.

- Groucho Marx My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe.

- Jimmy Durante I have never hated a man enough to give his diamonds back.

- Zsa Zsa Gabor Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.

- Alex Levine My luck is so bad that if I bought a cemetery, people would stop dying.

- Rodney Dangerfield I never drink water because of the disgusting things that fish do in it..

- W. C. Fields P. 6

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============================================================================= SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING - 4th IN A SERIES - By Thad Gutowski a.k.a The Cyber Geezer ============================================================================= There are some who believe the world is flat. Others who think Sara Palin would make a good president. And a few who are running around like Chicken Little saying that Email marketing is dead.

I can’t prove the first is wrong and don’t agree with the second, but as to the third I can assure you unequivocally that Email is alive and well. Though social media is making big headlines, Email continues to be the heavyweight when it comes to delivering a specific message to a precise target market.

The key to success and maybe even survival in the golf business today and in the future, is your customer Email database. It may be redundant and few like to hear it, but everyone is fighting for a piece of a shrinking pie. And I have not seen anything to suggest that this condition is about to change.

Please, don’t abandon Email from your 2011 marketing program.

Now let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this story.

Few realized social media would become the powerhouse it is today. One can only wonder just when it may finally end. Today Facebook is almost as important as Google when it comes to internet marketing.

The astounding success and continuously changing scope of Facebook offers your facility new challenges, opportunities and unfortunately, some pitfalls.

The success of Google and especially Google Chrome is really beyond my comprehension. But I can understand why this search engine is as incredibly popular as the place to go to find things. However Facebook’s increasing ability to capture eyeballs means you can no longer avoid being part of the social media revolution. But as with any and all promotional platforms: web-pages, advertising, newsletters, you name it, content is the key. I know I sound like a broken record but there is more, a lot more to golf marketing than constantly firing out low-ball prices.

From what I have seen, too few realize creating a Facebook Business page takes time, desire and a bit of talent. This goes way beyond the innocuous and too often thoughtless postings you so often see on Facebook Social pages.

Here are a few points I suggest you consider: Keep it Short and Succulent.

Your message must quickly capture the reader’s attention with easy to read copy and other content.

Remember the old adage: less is more.

Minimize the Hard-sell.

If you are promoting a special, mix it in with something else the reader may like to see. The Internet is flooded with material you can use effectively.

Update Often.

Keep the content fresh and lively. Posting something worthwhile daily during the season is not too often. Give the reader something that creates a desire to return often.

Add Links.

Post your website URL and other related sites to add a bit of diversity and to help support your message.

Monitor Frequently.

Check your page daily and even more often if conditions dictate. Adding Fans is important of course, but addressing feedback is absolutely crucial.

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Engage Your Readers.

Now this takes a bit of chutzpah: ask your customers for feedback. But don’t forget, everything may not be exactly what you want to hear. You can handle something critical or non-flattering in one of two ways: eliminate the comment and/or block the sender, or address it head on. I can assure you when performed properly the later is the way to go. Developing a one-on-one dialog with your customers can be the most important facet of Facebook.

In line with this I am reminded of something I learned in graduate school: a good businessman likes to hear what he is doing right. A better businessman likes to hear what he is doing wrong.

There is more, but it must wait until next time.

Editors Note: The Cyber Geezer will be at the Michigan Golfer –GLSP booth at the West Michigan Golf Show in Grand Rapids next weekend. Stop by and tell him about your experiences with Internet marketing. ================== DEVINE THOUGHTS ================== A guy is driving around the back woods of Montana and he sees a sign in front of a broken down shanty-style house: 'Talking Dog For Sale ' He rings the bell and the owner appears and tells him the dog is in the backyard.

The guy goes into the backyard and sees a nice looking Labrador retriever sitting there.

'You talk?' he asks.

'Yep,' the Lab replies.

After the guy recovers from the shock of hearing a dog talk, he says 'So, what's your story?'

The Lab looks up and says, 'Well, I discovered that I could talk when I was pretty young. I wanted to help the government, so I told the CIA. In no time at all they had me jetting from country to country, sitting in rooms with spies and world leaders, because no one figured a dog would be eavesdropping.'

'I was one of their most valuable spies for eight years running. But the jetting around really tired me out, and I knew I wasn't getting any younger so I decided to settle down.'

'I signed up for a job at the airport to do some undercover security, wandering near suspicious characters and listening in. I uncovered some incredible dealings and was awarded a batch of medals.'

'I got married, had a mess of puppies, and now I'm just retired.'

The guy is amazed. He goes back in and asks the owner what he wants for the dog.

'Ten dollars,' the guy says.

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'Ten dollars? This dog is amazing! Why on earth are you selling him so cheap?'

'Because he's a liar. He never did any of those things.' ================================================================== OPEN HOUSE AT KENDALL ACADEMY AT GREAT LAKES GOLF CENTER ================================================================== One lucky golfer will receive a snow shovel: 'Open House' This Saturday at Kendall Academy at Great Lakes Golf Center "Given this week's weather, it's only fitting we give away, among several great door prizes, an ergonomic snow shovel to protect an avid golfer's back," said Jeff Goble, Director of Instruction at the new Kendall Academy location at Great Lakes Golf Center, the biggest golf dome in the country. Goble is a certified Titleist Performance Institute teacher who works with students on fitness and swing fundamentals.

What: Open House with special events and prizes (see below) for the new Kendall Academy location at Great Lakes Golf Center (GLGC) in Auburn Hills. Kendall Academy is the award-winning golf teaching academy with locations at Miles of Golf in Ypsilanti and at the Meadows GC in Grand Rapids. Under new ownership for the past year, GLGC is being revitalized as a premier practice, teaching and familyfriendly golf facility.

When: Saturday, Feb. 5, between 4 pm-6 pm.

Where: Great Lakes Golf Center (world’s biggest golf dome) located next to the Great Lakes Crossing Outlets mall, off I-75 in Auburn Hills. For GPS, the address is: 3951 Joslyn Rd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (enter off Great Lakes Crossing Drive) With: PGA Director of Instruction Jeff Goble; PGA Instructors Tom Harding, Bob Menzies and Evan “Big Cat” Williams.

More What: Free 5 minute swing analysis Presentation on the instructional tools and services available for students including: V1 digital taping, K-Vest, Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) and Focusband Q & A from the audience Door prize drawings include: a free lesson, a TPI workout, a K-Vest assessment, free range cards, TaylorMade Penta golf balls and even an ergonomic snow shovel!

Website: http://www.greatlakesgolfcenter.com ================== WONDERFUL SNOW ================== December 11 - 6:00 PM. It started to snow. The first snow of the season and the wife and I took our cocktails and sat for hours by the window watching the huge soft flakes drift down from heaven. It looked like a Grandma Moses Print. So romantic we felt like newlyweds again. I love snow!

December 12 - We woke to a beautiful blanket of crystal white snow covering every inch of the landscape What a fantastic sight! Can there be a more lovely place in the Whole World? Moving here was FEBRUARY 4, 2011 - MICHIGAN GOLF

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the best idea I've ever had. Shoveled for the first time in years and felt like a boy again. I did both our driveway and the sidewalks. This afternoon the snowplow came along and covered up the sidewalks and closed in the driveway, so I got to shovel again. What a perfect life.

December 13 - The sun has melted all our lovely snow. Such a disappointment. My neighbor tells me not to worry, we'll definitely have a white Christmas. No snow on Christmas would be awful! Bob says we'll have so much snow by the end of winter, that I'll never want to see snow again. I don't think that's possible. Bob is such a nice man, I'm glad he's our neighbor.

December 14 - Snow lovely snow! 8" last night. The temperature dropped to -20. The cold makes everything sparkle so. The wind took my breath away, but I warmed up by shoveling the driveway and sidewalks. This is the life! The snowplow came back this afternoon and buried everything again I didn't realize I would have to do quite this much shoveling, but I'll certainly get back in shape this way.

December 15 - 20 inches forecast. Sold my van and bought a 4x4 Blazer.Bought snow tires for the wife's car and 2 extra shovels. Stocked the freezer. The wife wants a wood stove in case the electricity goes out. I think that's silly. We aren't in Alaska, after all.

December 16 - Ice storm this morning. Fell on my butt on the ice in the driveway putting down salt.

Hurt like hell. The wife laughed for an hour, which I think was very cruel.

December 17 - Still way below freezing. Roads are too icy to go anywhere. Electricity was off for 5 hours. I had to pile the blankets on to stay warm. Nothing to do but stare at the wife and try not to irritate her Guess I should've bought a wood stove, but won't admit it to her. God I hate it when she's right. I can't believe I'm freezing to death in my own living room December 20 - Electricity's back on, but had another 14 inches of the damn stuff last night.. More shoveling. Took all day. Damn snowplow came by twice. Tried to find a neighbor kid to shovel, but they said they're too busy playing hockey. I think they're lying. Called the only hardware store around to see about buying a snow blower and they're out. Might have another shipment in March. I think they're lying. Bob says I have to shovel or the city will have it done and bill me. I think he's lying.

December 22 - Bob was right about a white Christmas because 13 more inches of the white crap fell today, and it's so cold it probably won't melt till August. Took me 45 minutes to get all dressed up to go out to shovel and then I had to poop. By the time I got undressed, pooped and dressed again, I was too tired to shovel. Tried to hire Bob who has a snow plow on his truck for the rest of the winter; but he says he's too busy. I think the jerk is lying December 23 - Only 2 inches of snow today. And it warmed up to 0. The wife wanted me to decorate the front of the house this morning. What is she nuts!!! Why didn't she tell me to do that a month ago?

She says she did but I think she's lying.

December 24 - 6 inches;. Snow packed so hard by snowplow, I broke the shovel. Thought I was having a heart attack. If I ever catch the son of a bitch who drives that snowplow I'll drag him through the snow by his balls and beat him to death with my broken shovel. I know he hides around the corner and waits for me to finish shoveling and then he comes down the street at a 100 miles an hour and throws snow all over where I've just been! Tonight the wife wanted me to sing Christmas carols with her and P. 12

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open our presents, but I was too busy watching for the damn snowplow.

December 25 - Merry -bleeping- Christmas! 20 more inches of the damn slop tonight. Snowed in. The idea of shoveling makes my blood boil. I hate the snow! Then the snowplow driver came by asking for a donation and I hit him over the head with my shovel. The wife says I have a bad attitude. I think she's a fricking idiot. If I have to watch "It's A Wonderful Life" one more time, I'm going to stuff her into the microwave.

December 26 - Still snowed in. Why the hell did I ever move here? It was all HER idea. She's really getting on my nerves.

December 27 - Temperature dropped to -30 and the pipes froze, plumber came after 14 hours of waiting for him, he only charged me $1,400 to replace all my pipes.

December 28 - Warmed up to above -20. Still snowed in. The wife is driving me crazy!!!

January 2 - 10 more inches. Bob says I have to shovel the roof or it could cave in. That's the silliest thing I ever heard. How dumb does he think I am?

Janurary 15, - Roof caved in. I beat up the snow plow driver he is now suing me for a million dollars, not only for the beating I gave him but also for trying to shove the broken snow shovel up his butt. The wife went home to her mother. 9 inches predicted.

February 2 - I set fire to what's left of the house. No more shoveling.

February 4 - Feel so good. I just love those little white pills they keep giving me. Why am I tied to the bed? ================================================================================= LORENA OCHOA, HONORED WITH THE GOLF WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA'S CHARLIE BARTLETT AWARD ================================================================================= Lorena Ochoa, who has worked tirelessly on behalf of underprivileged children in her home country of Mexico, has been honored with the Golf Writers Association of America’s Charlie Bartlett Award.

Ochoa, who retired last year at the age of 28 after winning 27 tournaments, including two majors, founded the Lorena Ochoa Foundation and hosts the Lorena Ochoa Invitational on the LPGA Tour, which benefits the foundation.

The award, named for the first secretary of the GWAA, is given to a professional golfer for his/her unselfish contributions to the betterment of society. Ochoa will be honored at the GWAA Annual Awards Dinner April 6 in Augusta, Ga. It is the second major award for the 29-year-old Ochoa this year. She will receive the Bob Jones Award February 5 at the USGA’s Annual Meeting.

Well before she was on her way to becoming No. 1 in women's golf, Ochoa poured her passion into helping impoverished children, the mission of her foundation. The centerpiece of her efforts is "La Barranca," which began as an elementary school in Guadalajara, Mexico. The high school opened last fall.

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It offers a progressive curriculum to hundreds of children who might otherwise not get an education.

Ochoa also raises money for children with cancer, and distributes medicine to needy children near her hometown. After winning the LPGA Tour Championship in 2007, she donated $100,000 of her earnings to flood victims in the Mexican state of Tabasco.

As she once said, "I want to be remembered for the things I did outside the golf course. Not for winning tournaments. That's very clear to me."

Ochoa follows Ernie Els (2010), Tiger Woods (2007), Greg Norman (2008) and Jack Nicklaus (2009) as recent recipients.

Taken and edited from a GWAA newsletter ===================================================== TREETOPS LADIES GOLF SCHOOL READY FOR SIGN UP ===================================================== Treetops has long been known for excellence with their golf schools. One of their top guns is Judy Mason, Director of Golf at Michaywe, who started her Treetops Ladies Golf School almost a decade ago. You can learn more about her school at http://treetops.com/?page=107139 If you would like to see her in action, check out a video we did on her teaching a few years ago. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLbT63A6QkE ========================================================== WEST MICHIGAN GOLF SHOW KICKS OFF THE 2011 SEASON ========================================================== Echoing the Motown hit song, golfers will have “sunshine on a cloudy day” when the West Michigan Golf Show opens on Feb. 11-13 at the DeVos Place in downtown Grand Rapids. The 23rd edition of the Show will provide a ready antidote to sunlight deprivation, cabin fever and the winter blahs so prevalent this time of year. Here are some of the highlights of this annual golf extravaganza: Widely acclaimed for its headliners, the Golf Show this year welcomes Todd Anderson, the 2010 PGA of America’s Teacher of the Year. Born in Grand Rapids, Anderson is the Director of Instruction at Sea Island GC in Georgia and has taught such Tour players as Davis Love III, Brandt Snedeker, Brett Quigley, and NBC-TV’s Today show co-anchor Matt Lauer. Also on stage will be LPGA Tour player and GR native Allison Fouch (Friday/Sat) as well as a host of PGA pros including Treetops Resort’s Kevin McKinley, Boyne Resort’s Brian O’Neill, Shanty Creek Resort’s Brian Kautz and The Otsego Club’s Jason Guss, named by Golf Digest as one of the nation’s “Best Young Teachers.”

Ladies’ Night, sponsored by Shanty Creek Resort which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Arnold Palmer-designed The Legend, is on Friday and offers special events, seminars and giveaways just for women, including the 6th annual Executive Women’s Golf Association Fashion Show. Also on Friday (only) there’s half-price off admission by donating a dozen (new or used) golf balls to junior golf.

The most popular attraction of the Show is the Treetops Par-3 Challenge where patrons will compete for prizes (Treetops golf) and a chance to win $25,000. Inspired by an actual hole at Treetops which is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Robert Trent Jones’ Masterpiece course, the Challenge will provide a gift to each participant just for teeing it up. The Par-3’s charity is RacingAwareness.com which raises funds for the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

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The ‘hits keep comin’ at the demo club area, where many top club manufacturers will have the latest equipment for patrons to hit, inside the huge hitting net.

The top golf courses and resorts in Michigan as well as destination courses in Indiana, Kentucky, the Carolinas and Florida will offer pre-season values and teetimes.

Courtesy of AirTran Airways, Florida Golf and WZZM-TV, there will be a grand prize drawing for a 3night getaway for four to Don Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club in Miami Lakes, FL—air, golf and rooms!

Courtesy of the Michigan P.G.A. and Boyne Resorts, golf pros will give free lessons all weekend, providing patrons a pre-season tune-up.

Presented by Core Golf Schueller, the $10,000 Putt & Long Drive Contests will entice deft putters and big hitters alike. The designated charity is the Positively Warren Golf Classic.

West Michigan Golf Show’s hours are 4:00 pm-9:00 pm, Friday; 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Saturday; and 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-14, and children 5 and under are free. Sponsors currently include Treetops Resort, Golf Association of Michigan, Shanty Creek Resort, Srixon, Boyne Resorts and the Michigan PGA. Tickets will be available at the door as well as online at http://www.westmichigangolfshow.com. For more information, call 1-800-328-6550 or visit the website. ============== OLD GOLFERS ============== Arthur is 90 years old. He's played golf every day since his retirement 25 years ago. One day he arrived at home looking downcast. "That's it," he told his wife. "I'm giving up golf. My eyesight has gotten so bad. When I hit the ball, I can't see where it goes."

His wife sympathized. As they sat down, she had a suggestion: "Why don't you take my brother with you, and give it one more try."

"That's no good," sighed Arthur. "Your brother is a hundred and three. He can't help."

"He may be a hundred and three," said his wife, "but his eyesight is perfect."

So the next day, Arthur headed off to the golf course with his brother-in-law. He teed up, took an almighty swing, then squinted down the fairway. He turned to his brother-in-law. "Did you see the ball?"

"Of course I did!", said his brother-in-law. "I have perfect eyesight."

"Where did it go?" asked Arthur..

"I can't remember."

A Tip of the Tam to Larry McCafferty for this one.

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======================================================== MICHIGAN GOLFER TELEVISION SHOW SCHEDULE FOR 2011 ======================================================== February The 18 Holes of Sandy Ridge GC West Michigan Golf Show March Michigan Golf Show Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill April Robert Trent Jones - The Masterpiece 25th Anniversary at Treetops MG at the Master's May Boyne Golf Academy at King Par June 100th Anniversary of the Michigan Amateur MGCOA Legislative Day July Boyne's Tournament of Champions The Monument GC at Boyne Butch Harmon Showcase U.S. Senior Open Treetops Cup Matches August The Beauty of LochenHeath GC ================================= MICHIGAN GOLFER WINTER SSUE http://michigangolfer.com/win10-11/ ================================= Table of Contents Top 10 Michigan Golf Stories of 2010 By. Jack Berry A Season to Remember: Calvin College Knights Capture 2010 MIAA Championship

By Chris Lewis Garland Golf

By Mike Duff Michigan High School Golf Roundup

By Kelly Hill Olympic Golf

By Brad and Bill Shelton A Year in Review, of Sorts

By Terry Moore Golf Rules

By Bill and Brad Shelton Top 10's & The Best Of Lists Michigan Golfer Television Viewed Shows Shaker and Movers in Michigan Golf P. 16

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Michigan Golf Course Videos Michigan Resorts in Golf Digest Listings Michigan Golf Courses in Golf Digest’s Top 100 Best Michigan Golf Courses You Can Play – Golf Magazine GolfWeek Listing of Top Michigan Resort Courses GolfWeek’ Top 10 Michigan Golf Courses SPONSORED BY: BOYNE GOLF ACADEMY @ KING PAR LOCHENHEATH GOLF CLUB SANDY RIDGE GOLF COURSE TREETOPS RESORT http://michigangolfer.com/win10-11/ ================================ 2011 MICHIGAN GOLF CALENDAR ================================ FEBRUARY 11-13 West Michgan Golf Show, Grand Rapids http://www.showspan.com/WMG/Home.aspx 18-20 Cleveland Golf Show, Cleveland http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/ 25-27 Lansing Golf Show, Lansing http://michigangolfshow.com/lansing/ 25-27 Chicago Golf Show, Chicago http://www.chicagogolfshow.com/ 25-27 Indianapolis Golf Show, Indianapolis http://www.northcoastgolfshows.com/ MARCH 4-6 Michigan Golf Show, Novi http://michigangolfshow.com/ 10-13 World Golf Championships-Cadillac Championship TPC Blue Monster at Doral, Miami, Florida http://www.pgatour.com/h/schedule/ 17-20 Transitions Championship Innisbrook Resort - Copperhead, Palm Harbor, Florida http://www.pgatour.com/h/schedule/ 24-27 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida http://www.pgatour.com/h/schedule/ 26-27 The Mid Michigan Golf Show, Birch Run Expo Center, http://orvshows.com APRIL 07-10 Masters Tournament Augusta National GC, Augusta, Georgia http://masters.org 30 We're Open Invitational, Gaylord, MI http://treetops.com

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MAY 11 Fuller Cup, Country Club of Lansing http://michigan.pga.com 24-29 Senior PGA Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, KY http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 28-29MPGA Michigan Medal Play Championship - Fellows Creek Golf Course http://www.mipublinx.com/ JUNE 2-5 The Memorial Tournament, Dublin, OH 6-7 Nike Golf State Pro Am, Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs 14-15 Club Car Michigan PGA Senior Open - Bedford Valley http://www.mipublinx.com/ 16-19 U.S. Open / Congressional Country Club / Bethesda, Md. http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 20-26 LPGA Futures Tour - Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass http://www.sweetgrassgolfclub.com 20 Pro-Pro Championship, The Legend at Shanty Creek, Bellaire 21-25 Michigan Amateur, Boyne Highlands, Boyne City http://gam.org/ 22 MGCOA Legislative Day http://mgcoa.com 27-29 Women's Open, Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville http://michigan.pga.com 27/7-2 U.S. Amateur Public Links / Bandon Dunes Golf Resort / Bandon, Ore http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 JULY 7-10 U.S. Women's Open / The Broadmoor (East Course) / Colorado Springs, Colo. http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 8 - 10, Treetops Cup Matches, Gaylord, MI http://treetops.com 11-14 Michigan Open, The Orchards, Washington http://michigan.pga.com 13-14 20th GAM Women's Championship, Gull Lake CC http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 14-17 British Open Royal St. George's Golf Club 18-23 U.S. Girls' Junior / Olympia Fields Country Club (South Course) / Olympia Fields, Ill. / http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 21-24 Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational, Columbus, OH 25-27 Boyne Tournament of Champions, Boyne Mountain, MI http://boyne.com 25-26 Michigan Women' Amateur, Prestwick Village GC, Highland, MI http://gam.org 25-26 Senior PGA Championship, Charlevoix Golf & CC, Charlevoix http://michigan.pga.com 28-31 U.S. Senior Open / Inverness Club / Toledo, Ohio / http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201

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NEWS - FEBRUARY 4, 2011

29-30 Tournament of Champions, Pro Am - Boyne Mountain, Boyne Falls http://michigan.pga.com 29-31 Butch Harmon Showcase, The Loon Golf Course, Gaylord http://www.loongolfresort.com/ AUGUST 1-3 Boyne Tournament of Champions, Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs http://michigan.pga.com 2-5 Junior PGA Championship. Sycamore Hills Golf Club, Fort Wayne, IN http://www.pga.com/pga-america/feature/sycamore-hills-gc-selected-host-2010-junior-pga-championship 8 Pro Assistant Championship, Treetops, Gaylord 11 Swinging for a Wish, Gaylord, MI http://treetops.com 8-14 U.S. Women's Amateur / Rhode Island Country Club / Barrington, R.I. http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 08-14 PGA Championship, Atlanta Athletic Club, Atlanta, GA 15--16 GAM Championship, Barton Hills CC, MI http://gam.org 17-18 13th GAM Women's Mid Am, Oak Pointe CC, Brighton, MI http://gam.org 22-28 U.S. Amateur / Erin Hills / Erin, Wis. http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 29-31 Michigan PGA Championship, Eagle Eye GC, Bath http://michigan.pga.com 29-30 15th Annual GAM Women's Senior Tournament, Belvedere GC, Charlevoix, MI http://gam.org SEPTEMBER 1-2 GAM Mid-Amateur, Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, MI http://gam.org 2 – 4 Patriot Golf Day Shootout, Gaylord, MI http://treetops.com 10-11 Walker Cup / Royal Aberdeen Golf Club / Aberdeen, Scotland http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 10-15 USGA Senior Amateur / Kinloch Golf Club / Manakin-Sabot, Va http://www.usga.org/ChampsSchedule.aspx?taxid=17179869201 12-14 Match Play Championship, Forest Akers, East Lansing http://michigan.pga.com 19-20 25th GAM Senior Championship, Spring Lake CC, Spring Lake, MI http://gam.org 22-25 The Tour Championship, East Lake CC, Atlanta, GA 22-25 41st GCS Annual Meeting & Trade Show-Ann Arbor Marriott Ypsilanti at Eagle Crest Resort 25–27 Pepsi Fall Charity Invitational, Gaylord, MI http://treetops.com OCTOBER 8– 9 Toughman/Princess Scramble Gaylord, MI http://treetops.com

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31

PGA Fall Meeting

NOVEMBER 17-20 President's Cup, Royal Melbourne, Victoria, AUS

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MICHIGAN GOLF

NEWS - FEBRUARY 4, 2011