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Vol. 10, no. 20
Photo by Kevin Frisch
May 14, 2010
Frenck Lick Resort - Pete Dye Course In This Issue:
Marsh Ridge Resor t and the Natural Golf Course http://www.marshridge.com • Marsh Ridge Resort Television Network http://glsp.com/marshridge/ • 2010 Golf Package Rates http://www.marshridge.com/golf/ proto/marshridge/packages/packages.htm
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French Lick Resort Defies Economic Downturn, by Bill Shelton Michigan Golfer Magazine - Spring Issue Golf Magazine Round Up The Loon Breaks Out of the Pack Gray's Reef Golf Classic Sets Date Hall of Fame Tickets Still Available Minzey's Musings Michigan Golf Calendar http://michigangolfer.com/mgn/calendar.html Michigan Golf 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
GLSP INTERNET TELEVISION NETWORK (est. 2001) Channels: Hidden River Golf & Casting Club http://www.hiddenriver.com • Golf Packages http://www.hiddenriver.com/sites/ courses/view.asp?id=392&page=10449 • Big Fore: http://www.bigfore.com/ Jeff Lesson Half Off Golf at
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Michigan Runner http://michiganrunner.tv Michigan Skier http://michiganskier.tv Michigan Golfer http://michigangolfer.tv Michigan Travel http://michigantravel.tv Running Canada http://runningcanada.tv Running Network http://runningnetwork.com/RNW/index.php/media/rntv You Tube http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?pi=0&ps=20&sf= added&sa=0&sq=glsp&dm=2
CIRCULATION 16, 645 Edited by Art McCafferty artmccaf@glsp.com
Photo by Kevin Frisch
=============================================================== FRENCH LICK RESORT DEFIES ECONOMIC DOWNTURN: By Bill Shelton ==============================================================
Frenck Lick Resort - Pete Dye Course French Lick, IN—The recent tough economic times did not deter the ownership of the French Lick Resort, site of the 43rd PGA Professional National Championship, from pushing forward with a $500,000 million restoration of the property. Purchasing the property in 2005, the Cook Group, led by Chairman Steve Ferguson, refurbished two luxury hotels, developed a casino, restored the Donald Ross and Valley Links courses, and built the Pete Dye Course. Attesting to the spectacular result, Golf Digest recently ranked the French Lick Resort as 29th in its Top 75 Resorts list. Both hotels have received national recognitions for historical and architectural significance and the casino and conference facilities are considered some of the finest in the Midwest. Dave Harner, Director of Golf Operations at French Lick, discussed the philosophy and strategy of the ownership group at the PNC Media day. “For the Cook Group, the restoration of this property was never about economics. There was no consideration about adopting a survival strategy. From the beginning, the overriding goal was to make French Lick a premier resort destination.” He continued, “I don’t remember any reference to economic outcomes in the presentations of the ownership group. It was always, ‘Do the right things, and do those things right.’ That’s why Pete Dye, the greatest golf architect of modern times, was selected to design our new course.” Although no cost was provided, estimates of the construction range from $25-30 million. Serving as the primary venue for the 2010 PGA National Championship, the Pete Dye Course is carved on a hilltop, one of the highest points in Indiana. Dye acknowledges “I have never built one like this before.” Recognition of his craftsmanship had been instant as Golf Digest named it as America’s Best New Public Course in 2009 and Golf Magazine identified it as the Best New Course in 2009.
The PGA professionals will also compete on the Donald Ross Course, built in 1917 and site of the 1924 PGA Championship. The course has recently been restored to its original design at a cost of $5 million.
Harner admits that this level of expenditures on golf facilities is contrary to recent trends in the industry. “While we also have a nine- hole course, Valley Links, the Dye and Ross courses have highend fees. We believe that to be a premier resort facility, you have to offer exceptional quality for your guests. And that means, in part, a unique golfing experience and venue.” Reflecting on his more than three decades in the golf industry, Harner acknowledged that the rapid growth of courses in the 1990’s exceeded the demand. “When national golf organizations were suggesting that as many as 3 new courses were needed to be built every day to meet expected demand, it’s easy to see why the oversaturation occurred. Plus, it was relatively easy to get financing during the 90’s.” Many golf entities now have been required to assume a survival mode or close. Harner does not agree with one of the survival strategies. “The golf industry has sacrificed price and seldom is it a successful strategy.” The result is typically a reduction in quality and service and consequently a reduction in rounds. For the more than 300 golfers participating in the 43rd PGA Professional National Championship, it will be an opportunity to experience what may well be the premier golfing venue in the Midwest— and for Dave Harner and his staff, recognition from their fellow professionals. Note* Bill Shelton and his son, Brad, also visited French Lick at the Grand Opening of the Dye course. Here is their report http://michigangolfer.tv/2008shows/french_lick_dye/
========================================= MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE - SPRING ISSUE http://issuu.com/michigan_golfer/docs/mgspring10 ========================================= Table of Contents "Shenandoah and the Michigan Golf Classic" - By Jack Berry Larry Ziegler had the Michigan Golf Classic well in hand, but the $20,000 first prize money was not in anyone's hand. This infamous golf tournament where the professional golfers were not paid after their win (the new PGA Tour eventually paid the players), made history. From then on, tournament organizers had to have tournament prize money in escrow. Jack Berry, tracts down the story of one of Michigan's little known stories. Of special note is that Berry was able to find the scorecard from the tournament and see all of the disappointed golfers, including Mike Hill, who finished, fifth. "43 Years at the Masters" - By Jack Berry Jack Berry is one of our nation's greatest golf writers and he has the plaques to prove it. Of late, he has received the PGA Lifetime Journalism Award, The Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award and
this month, the Masters Major Achievement Award. During his half century of golf writing, Berry has been at the Masters on 43 different occasions. This is a great read from a great writer. “Collegiate Spotlights: Michigan Golf Programs Provide Opportunities for Students - Albion College" - By Chris Lewis Chris Lewis continues his series on Michigan collegiate golf, this time visiting Albion. "Treetops: Golf at its Best" - By Mike Duff Long time course reviewer, Mike Duff, had the opportunity to golf a number of the courses at Treetops this fall. His first review of Treetops was prior to its grand opening and part of his foursome was the new head golf professional, Rick Smith. In our Summer Issue, Duff has been assigned to review the recently refurbished Jones Masterpiece. "Michigan Golf Association and Legislative Leader, John Dodge Passes" By Bill Fountain Bill Fountain provides his thoughts about his mentor and friend, the late and great John Dodge. "Slice of Life: Torrey Pines, San Diego and The Bucket List" By Terry Moore Michigan Golfer Editor Emeritus, known as the "King of Comp" by Michigan Golfer writers, has an enviable list of courses and places that he has golfed. Here is the latest Moore adventure and a subtraction from his "Bucket List." ==================== GUS COSMOS PASSES ==================== Longtime Golf Association of Michigan volunteer and honorary Governor Gus Cosmos passed away May 9. Cosmos was an avid golfer and member at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak for many years. He supported the game at all levels and was especially involved with the Evans Scholars program which provides college scholarships to caddies. Cosmos was a fixture at GAM tournaments and events for 60 years and for many of those seasons provided the fine scoreboard calligraphy. In 1995, he won the GAM’s Distinguished Service Award. “He was very dependable,” said GAM Tournament Director Ken Hartmann. “No matter where or when he had to be there, Gus would show up and he was always the first one there and the last one to leave.” Nicknamed the Golden Greek, Cosmos worked every GAM tournament at some point and never missed a State Amateur -- even though the tournament fell during his wedding anniversary. “People would always say no matter what changes there were in the GAM staff, Gus was still there doing the boards,” said Hartmann. GAM Executive Director David Graham remembers Cosmos’ dedication to golf and the enthusiasm he brought to his job as a volunteer. “Gus Cosmos was very passionate about the game of golf and the people involved in the game,” said Graham. “He devoted an extraordinary amount of time volunteering as a rules official for the GAM which included being away from his bride for virtually every one of their wedding anniversaries since
it fell during the Michigan Amateur each June and Gus was not going to vacate his post at the scoreboard. He will be missed but his legacy lives on as those of us who worked with Gus over the years will always remember his enthusiastic support for the game of golf, for all the players and all the volunteers who supported it with him.” Greg Reynolds has competed in GAM tournaments for a number of years and remembers the warmth Cosmos extended toward all of the tournament participants. “Of all of the people who have ever worked at GAM tournaments, Gus was one of my favorites,” said Reynolds. “He was always glad to see us and we were always glad to see him doing the scoreboards. Sometimes you had to wonder if it was in his best interest health-wise when he was older and having trouble with his legs and jumping up and down doing the scoreboards but he loved it doing it and we loved having him there. And he was always very sharp. He knew who all of the people were and he remembered everyone’s name.” Cosmos always encouraged the contestants and wasn’t shy about giving a few tips here and there that might help the players tame the golf course. Reynolds says often, Cosmos was his biggest cheerleader. “He was always pulling very hard for me to win the State Amateur,” said Reynolds. “He was always trying to give you a little advice in one way or another. I’m not sure how beneficial the advice was, but he was always pulling for you hard. A couple of times I got close during the Am and he was always out there watching. He will really be missed by those of us who have played in those tournaments for a long time and have come to know Gus.” Visitation will be at the AJ Desmond Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 12; 3-9 p.m. The funeral home address is: 2600 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48084 (248) 362-2500. The funeral service will be12:30 p.m. at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church on Thursday, May 13, 2010. The church address is: 760 W. Wattles Road, Troy, MI 48098. Taken and edited from a Susan Smiley GAM Release ========================== GOLF MAGAZINE ROUND UP ========================== GOLF- Midnight Golf Golf Magazine has a nice spread on Detroit's Midnight Golf program, featuring Michigan PGA pro, Glenn Pulice and a number of volunteers. Ths story also has a sidebar on the practice facility for the program that Tom Doak is designing pro bono at Margrove College. You will also see a mention from their "Travelin' Joe" column where Joe, heads into the U.P. to golf Greywalls, Timberstone and Sweetgrass. Finally, there is a review of Tom Doak's latest masterpiece, Old MacDonald at Bandon Dunes. GOLFWEEK "Best Courses You Can Play" Michigan Courses (ranked) Arcadia Bluffs Marquette GC (Greywalls) Forest Dunes GC Tullymore GC
Lakewood Shores (Gailes) Wilderness Valley (Black Forest) Black Lake Treetops (Signature) Belvedere GC Angels Crossing GC Eagle Eye GC Bay Harbor GC (Links/Quarry) True North GC Sweetgrass GC Treetops (Premier) The Orchards GC Arthur Hills GC Pilgrim's Run GC Mines GC Heather GC ================================= THE LOON BREAKS OUT OF THE PACK ================================= The Loon Golf Course in Gaylord is bringing both Butch Harmon C July 30 - Aug 1) and Natalie Gulbis (Aug 13-15 & Sep 24-26) to their property to stake a claim in Michigan's golf school market. Harmon will have a number of schools throughout the summer http://www.loongolfresort.com/butchharmon.aspx . Gulbis, will also bring her skills North for both golf schools and tournaments http://www.loongolfresort.com/natalie-gulbis.aspx . Butch Harmon Pro-Am at the Loon Jul 30 - Aug 1 Natalie Gublis Charity Classic Aug 13 -15 Natalie Gulbis Pro-Am Sep 24-26 The Loon GC, one of Gaylord's top courses, is a Mike Husby design. The Loon does not have any onsite lodging, but does work with a number of lodging providers in the area for its needs. The Loon, like other Gaylord properties, has suffered through the economic downturn that has impacted golf. The move to establish some of the country's best golf schools at their site is laudable. =================================== GRAY'S REEF GOLF CLASSIC SETS DATE =================================== The Gray’s Reef Golf Classic to support Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is scheduled for June 21, 2010 at Indianwood Golf & Country Club in Lake Orion. Participants can enjoy a day of championship golf, food and fun, all the while supporting a great cause. Cost for a foursome of golfers is $1, 000. All proceeds will directly benefit Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan and support Michigan patients who are dealing with the challenges of a diagnosis of Leukemia or bloodrelated disorders. 10:30 AM registration; shot-gun start 12:30 PM Children’s Leukemia Foundation of Michigan is headquartered in Troy, Mich. For more information, call 1-800-825-2536 or visit http://www.leukemiamichigan.org. Contact: Jaime Rae Turnbull 248672-2020 ====================================
HALL OF FAME TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE ==================================== Tickets are still available for the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sunday, May 16 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath. This year’s inductees are: Sue Ertl, a former LPGA player who went on to teaching and coaching. John Traub, who has made a name for himself as a top instructor and Bill Zystra, who made the Michigan Publinx Honor Roll 17 times. The cost for golf, cocktail reception, dinner and induction ceremony is $175 or $50 for the cocktail reception, dinner and induction ceremony. For more information, contact Loretta Larkin at llarkin@michigan-golffoundation.com or (248) 719-0650. Note: Click on to over 20 videos of past Michigan Golf Hall of Famers at http://www.youtube.com/my_videos?pi=0&ps=20&sf=added&sa=0&sq=fame&dm=0 ================= MINZEY'S MUSINGS ================= Biker stopped by the local Harley shop to have his bike fixed. They couldn't do it while he waited, so he said he didn't live far and would just walk home. On the way home he stopped at the hardware store and bought a bucket and an anvil. He stopped by the feed store/livestock dealer and picked up a couple of chickens and a goose. However, struggling outside the store he now had a problem: How to carry all of his purchases home. While he was scratching his head he was approached by a little old lady who told him she was lost. She asked, "Can you tell me how to get to 1603 Mockingbird Lane?" The biker said, "Well, as a matter of fact, I live at 1616 Mockingbird Lane. I would walk you home but I can't carry this lot." The old lady suggested, "Why don't you put the anvil in the bucket, carry the bucket in one hand, put a chicken under each arm, and carry the goose in your other hand?" "Why, thank you very much," he said and proceeded to walk the old girl home. On the way he said, "Let's take my short cut and go down this alley. We'll be there in no time." The little old lady looked him over cautiously. Then said, "I am a lonely old lady without a husband to defend me. How do I know that when we get in the alley you won't hold me up against the wall, pull up my skirt, and ravish me?" The biker said, "Holy smokes lady! I am carrying a bucket, an anvil, two chickens, and a goose. How in the world could I possibly hold you up against the wall and do that?" The lady replied, "Set the goose down, cover him with the bucket, put the anvil on top of the bucket and I'll hold the chickens."