Michigan Golf Journal November 2022

From the Editor

The time frame of producing the October and November versions of Michigan Golf Journal was the most unique in the almost five-year history I’ve been writing, producing, leading and distributing this magazine.

In recent weeks the magazine designer was giving birth to her first baby, right in the middle of it all. And she came through like a champ for all the readers. She finished the final October design while in the hospital and did so with an IV in her hand because baby boy decided to come 2 weeks early. And then for the November edition he takes center stage as a newborn, but we still got the magazine out to our faithful readers.

As for the contents you can enjoy this month, with the help of some contributing writers, we share some of these items:

Michigan’sGolfCourseoftheYear–The EmeraldnearSt.Johns

Thefirstinatwo partseriesofabuddies’ triptoIndiana’sbestgolfproperties.And whileonthistripthebuddiesaremale,the sametripisgreatforwomen,too Speakingofwhich,agreatgirl’stripis outlinedinour4.5-pagesectionofGIFT ideasforHimandHer

MeetMr.PresidentJohnLindertof Lansing MissGolf2022forhighschoolersKate Brody Areportonthe100 holeHikeforYouthon Course Newwaystohavemorefuninyour foursomewithideasforall Andmuchmore…

Whichever topics you love the most, thank you for joining us during each month on our golfing adventures.

TomLang EditorandPublisher

Thank you for your support at all times share the fruits of her ‘labor’ with this Isn’t he grand?

Already Missing Fall Golf at Threetops

ByTomLang

October 11 was a glorious day in northern Michigan, and one of the last days this year temperatures topped 70 degrees at the Earth’s 45th Parallel.

I had the pleasure of sneaking in one last round at Threetops and because golfers love to see course photos we’re happy to share on these pages.

As par 3 public courses continue to pop up

across the country, Threetops at the Treetops Resort can always brag it was one of the early originators of the concept, and still today is regarded by many as simply the best one open to the public. The incredible elevated views of the Sturgeon River Valley and all its ‘tops of trees’ made for a great way to finish off this season with all the fall color on full display.

The Treetops maintenance crew went through the course this year and cleared out many overhanging trees that grew in with the passage of time. The planned effort really opened up Threetops very nicely, for both better views and more playability. Lots of underbrush was also removed around the edges to allow for more wayward balls having a chance to come back into play. This was most noticeable on Holes 3 and 4, two of the most prominent on the property for elevated views.

The tree removal and trimming has also opened up more chances to play the No. 2 hole’s second green option that is tucked back left and has in the past not been as noticeable and not used as often as the main green is to the right side.

All in all, Threetops will be ready to play again in 2023 to wildly positive reviews by golfers from across the state and across the nation. Don’t miss out on your chance.

ThreetopsHole4

ThreetopsHole6

Kate Brody Wins 2022 Miss Golf Michigan

ByTomLang

The morning after being named Miss Golf, Kate Brody was being her normal teenager self babysitting.

As ‘normal’ as that sounds for earning pocket money, there was not much normal about Brody’s high school golf senior season. She may have broken the mold. Miss Golf.

Second D1 state title in three years – 2020 and 2022.

Courserecord62 at The Fortress in Frankenmuth.

Won 10 of 11 invitationals (18 holes).

No.1thisseasoninMichigan in birdies and eagles made (47 and 6, respectively).

Saginaw Valley League MVP (all four years).

Scoringaverageat69.2 for the 11 invitationals.

The latter should easily end up being a state record too. In my 30 years covering prep golf for the Detroit Free Press, I don’t recall any girl averaging under par 72, or even close.

“It was just a great way to end my season,” Brody told me. “It gives me a lot of confidence going into (college, at Wisconsin) and I’m just very happy I was able to get this award. I accomplished everything I hoped for in my high school career.

“I don’t know if I have fully processed it yet. Maybe when I get the actual trophy it will seem a little more real. But getting the news the other night, I was so excited.”

It was not lost on Brody that many people were expecting her to earn the award, even to the point it added some enormity to her final high school season.

“There definitely was a lot of pressure, not so much at the beginning of the season because I knew what I wanted to accomplish, but I didn’t expect it,” she said. “Then I keep playing well and I was having a great season that by the time it was almost state finals time, I felt pressure to get it done because I feel like a lot of people were expecting me to win and expecting me to get Miss Golf, and I just didn’t want to let anyone down, and most importantly I didn’t want to let myself down.”

The state finals weekend was a huge celebration for all the Brody’s. The family watched Kate win the state title on Saturday, Oct. 15, and the next day watched her mom, Jenn, be inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.

was really awesome; I was really happy for her,” the younger Brody said. “It was a really special day, special weekend, just a lot of good things were happening. I’m not sure we can top that (weekend).”

Freeways and Fairways: FRiverside reeways and Fairways: Riverside

Thiscoursereviewispartofanoccasionalseries thatlooksatgolfcoursesfoundalongMichigan freeways thoseyoudrivebyfrequently,oron thatannualvacation,butneverseemtohavetime tostopandexplore.Hereismyassessment:

ByTomLang

This course in Battle Creek offers the unique combination of city skyline views and tree lined fairways on peaceful rolling hills to navigate for a fun round of golf.

It also just barely qualifies as a ‘freeways and fairways’ course because the freeway it sits along is only 3 miles in total length itself, I 194, the paved tributary connecting I 94 to downtown Battle Creek to the north. A few things jump out at Riverside: price, greens and vistas.

This is a former country club in Battle Creek,

near the Kalamazoo River that snakes through town thus the name even though the river is not visible. The current owners keep the prices low but the experience high. The first tee offers a really cool view from the course’s highest point of the downtown skyline. It’s a unique way to start your round albeit more modest than what you would find in a major city.

I played it in early September, and the greens were in fantastic condition (sans the lazy golfers who don’t repair their ball marks). I was so surprised at how pristine the greens were with no visible blemishes or groundskeeping errors of any kind that I had to double check with my friend after the round to see if he saw what I did. He agreed.

That said, like most golf courses, some tees were a little beat up from being too shaded and not getting enough sun for re-growth. There were also a few bunkers in need of dire

attention, and when I asked a grounds worker nearby, he said new sand had been on order for many months but with supply chain issues it hadn’t been delivered yet.

The front nine is more wide open than the back, which is a tunnel ride under Columbia Ave. to access. I liked holes 10 12 as my favorite stretch of three in a row. No. 10 is a medium to long par 4 dog leg left and a little uphill to the green.

BattleCreekSkyline

No. 11 is a slight dogleg left where golfers have to clear the corner to approach the green, which is elevated from the small valley guarding the front. No. 12 is a very attractive par 3 with a large green.

But my favorite individual hole is the par 4 16th. The tee shot is blind as the fairway turns left and steeply downhill on your approach shot. Water guards the right side of the green to require an accurate shot in.

All in all, Riverside a fun course at a great value.

A Michigan AMan Michigan Man to Lead the tFuture o Lead the Future of the PGA oof f the PGA of America America

GrandLedgeresident GrandLedgeresident JohnLindertto JohnLindertto becomethenextPGA becomethenextPGA President President

ByTomLang

A Michigan man holds more influence on the future of the PGA of America the next two years than most local golfers would realize.

John Lindert, a Grand Ledge resident and Director of Golf and COO of the Country Club of Lansing, was to chair his first meeting on November 3rd after the same day’s election in which he ran un opposed for the top spot in the PGA of America. He has served two years each of secretary and vice president up until this time to ready for the role which will run until late 2024...and then serves an additional two years as honorary president.

Admittedly, parts of the role are ceremonial,

like handing out trophies at Majors, but there’s also a lot of volunteer leadership roles include. Some responsibilities are:

A seat on the PGA Tour Policy Board (new appointment) Drive, Chip and Putt presentations (new request)

Ryder Cup Selection Committee through Nov. 2024.

Announcing the eventual Ryder Cup Captain for host site Bethpage Black in 2025 Handing out the trophies for Ryder Cup, PGA Championship, KPMG Women’s Championship and Sr. PGA Championship.

Invitation to The President’s Cup, honorary observer

Leadership decision roles in what the PGA offers its 29,000 members and associates nationwide, any golf programs sponsored by the PGA, including PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE and so much more.

Lindert has had an active role in many of the same areas the last four years, but now as the top leader he sees a need to focus on best serving the membership the PGA currently has and recruiting more talent to keep pace with the growth of golf.

“Like many industries, we’re going to have a significant portion of our workforce (PGA professionals) retire, and by that I mean 50 percent of our PGA members became PGA members more than 20 years ago,” Lindert told me in a recent one-on-one interview. “So, recruitment has been a huge focal point for us, but we’ve also got to have retention. So, recruiting and retaining people in the industry is critical.

“I think that part of that is going to come along with a reset button on what the workplace looks like. I think almost every industry is going through that; Covid has forced all of us to re event how we do things. Creating a balanced work environment for the next generation of PGA professionals will be critically important, so we can recruit, and we can retain.”

Lindert also wants the leadership team to look at the ever evolving educational aspect for membership, as much or more by how the world has changed for how we educate/communicate and learn.

“The game is extremely robust, and the attractiveness of the game is growing so that’s the critical part of trying to attract new people into the industry because there are more people playing golf and we’ll need more ‘boots on the ground’ to help service and teach and instruct those individuals. I think since the game is growing, the industry should parallel that and grow equally. If it doesn’t, we’ll have to figure out why it doesn’t and then adjust to that as well.”

He began at the local Chapter level in Michigan several years ago, then eventually became the Michigan PGA Section president. That translated into District 5 Director (multiple states; 2016-18), which put him on the PGA of

LindertandZachJohnson

America’s Board, before he ran for national office as Secretary.

When we spoke two years ago about his role as VP, he was gratified by the surge in the sport since Covid-19 hit and people flocked back to the game as a safe, outdoor activity. Just at Country Club of Lansing, rounds went up 50 percent in 2020, and those have been maintained ever since.

“I saw families out playing more, we saw new players take up the game to enjoy an outdoor space and do it responsibly with your friends and family that safe haven,” Lindert said in 2020. “I think PGA professionals across the nation were able to run their facilities in that responsible manner. So, providing that was huge.”

The Emerald Named 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year

ByTomLang

Some golf courses have a hard time providing a little bit of everything for the wide range of golfers.

Challenges for good players.

Welcoming to new golfers. Great conditioning. Fair pricing. Friendly to juniors. Supporting the community.

The list goes on.

Yet The Emerald in St. Johns hits all those marks.

It might also be a reason it was selected as the 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).

The MGCA Course of the Year Award honors a member course that meets four criteria: unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; and significant contribution to the game.

“We are pleasantly surprised (by the announcement), but we also feel like it is well deserved because our crew has worked together to maintain our facility inside and out while also making us a welcoming, family friendly place,” said Katie Eccleton, the director of golf operations.

The Emerald was once a 9 hole private facility called Clinton County Country Club. In the mid 1990s, a small partnership of golf industry types bought the property and brought in the late, great Jerry Matthews to design an expanded and new layout to the current 18 holes. It has earned its share of industry awards

and has been regarded among the state’s top courses for public play since.

Several years ago it received notation as a top 100 course in the nation for being woman friendly by Golf for Women magazine. Yet it’s also well known for very fast greens if that’s what you’re looking for.

Variety is the calling card of the 6,619 yard property with multiple tee options. The course offers various dogleg holes, including a double dogleg hole, trees and water on some holes that demand precise play and others that offer the golfer room and multiple angle options for shots.

Troy Looney is the golf course superintendent and deserves the credit for The Emerald’s course great conditioning, according to the former Superintendent Jay Eccleton, Katie’s husband. Jay came to the course in 2000 after many years growing up on a family golf course in Stockbridge. Looney was on his staff and took over grounds care when Jay moved up to

Director of Golf Operations in 2006, a titleKatie has held the last half dozen years. He credits her, Looney and their overall family atmosphere to the staff’s longevity and loyalty.

“I think people like coming to The Emerald because it’s a very welcoming environment, but on top of that is our quality, playable conditions are paramount,” Jay Eccleton said. “We cannot provide some of the landscape that some of the northern Michigan courses can, whether it’s big gravel pits or huge elevation changes, but what we’ve always prided ourselves with at the Emerald is quality playing conditions tee to green. You get a country club, tournament style conditions every day. We try to make the experience very personable.

“We’re open and available for Junior leagues and Youth on Course and having entry golf leagues when possible. It allows people to come and enjoy getting an opportunity to learn the game.”

GOLF COURSE OF THE YEAR

I have played the course many times over the years, including when a MSU Business of Golf class would have its semester ending outing there. I also did a review of the course as part of our ‘Freeways and Fairways’ series because The Emerald sits along US 127 across the highway from the iconic Uncle John’s Cider Mill between Lansing and Alma.

I wrote then: For several years The Emerald hosted many high school state finals, so it supports a good combination of challenges from select tee boxes, yet it remains a course that won’t bury junior golfers and others new to the game.

No. 17 (451 yards from back tee) is one of those reachable par fives that can call out your name and whispers into golfers’ ears, “go for it.” But the approach can be tricky due to a stream that tightens the fairway near the elevated green,

making it a great risk/reward hole for those big hitters going for the green in two. Balancing out a hole like 17 on the other side of the course is No. 4, a tough par 3 with water on the right and OB to the left; measuring 223 yards from the tips. Many holes in between are a lot of fun, too.

“We are known for our excellent course conditions and our playability, and we strive to serve golfers of all ages from every group, especially families,” Katie Eccleton said. “Golf can be intimidating, but our course is a fun place to play. We feel like we are a great representative of Michigan golf.”

On the day of the announcement, this comment was posted on Facebook by Mike Maloney Sr.: “Congratulations to The Emerald Golf Course.

Named 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year…. My favorite course in mid Michigan. This course is meticulously groomed. And is enjoyable to play with the elevation changes… you feel like you are up north.”

More information at: https://www.emera ldgolfcourse.com/

Have More Fun in Your HFoursome ave More Fun in Your Foursome

ByTomLang

Sticking to the rules of golf is certainly fair and the right thing to do yet knowing the time and place is equally important. That time and place should remain in competitive tournaments or handicap measured rounds.

Otherwise, people should consider loosening up and have some freaking fun now and then. And if you are one of those people guilty of being overly-competitive, if you do relax, some friends might even invite you to play with them again.

Scramble it up:

Whether it’s the entire foursome together, or teamed-up pairs battling it off, play a scramble format in your foursome. It provides the fun of second chances, lower scores, favored lies and so much more. It can also give high handicappers a chance to make approach shots

from places they have never hit from before if they are paired with a longer hitter, and viceversa.

Mix up the tees:

Another fun option is to use different tees. Maybe hit from the back, then the next hole the middle tees, then the next hole the forward tees. You’ll be surprised by how much fun and challenge there can be of trying lesser used clubs, all within the same round.

Pick up the pace:

Few things take more fun out of golf than slow play. You cannot control the players ahead of you, but each person can take control within your own group. Address slow play right on the first tee by announcing everyone should play ‘ready golf.’ The notion that someone further away must always hit first is a time killer.

BoyneGolf

Lighten your load:

One idea shared in Golf Digest magazine is to leave more clubs in your trunk. Throw some fun into the mix by adjusting each players’ score accordingly, such as: play with anywhere from 2 to 5 clubs. If you play with just two clubs, your buddies have to give you 10 strokes;

or 7 strokes for three clubs, 4 strokes for four clubs or none if you use all five clubs. The players who tried it reported feeling much more liberated carrying just a few clubs in their hands and a couple golf balls in their pocket. The walk was fun as well as being forced to be more inventive in shot making.

Green Games:

Only if your group remains well ahead of the group behind you, maybe pause to play a couple putting games on the green. For example, on greens with lots of undulation or are rimmed by heavily slopped chipping areas, make a game out of each person putting off the green at some point where it will funnel back toward the hole. This forces you to think more imaginatively about various ways to get to the cup.

I was in a group that tried it and a partner holed a 90 foot putt that first went off the green, caught the slope and came back and dropped into the hole. He was thrilled and said it felt as much fun as acing a hole in one. There are these and many other ways to celebrate the fact that golf lovers have such a fun and healthy activity in our lives.

Equipment EReview: quipment Review: TRUE All-Day Knit TII RUE All Day Knit II

ByTomLang

I agreed to try a new pair of TRUE All Day Knit II golf shoes and man, is my wife glad I did.

They are very nice for the golf course, with a good traction grip sole and comfortable style on any terrain. That always helps the golf game, right?

But my wife made me stop wearing them on the golf course, to make sure I don’t muddy them up with stains. She loves the style the shoes add to what she thinks is my otherwise drab shoe choices (I wear lots of black because I’m a basketball referee in the winters) and she insisted that I save them for everyday wear to snaz-up my overall look.

Golf Monthly made the following observation: Knit II’s lightweight nature, all day comfort, sock fit feel and breathable nature make these an easy choice for warn days out on the fairways or for hanging out with your buddies at a barbecue.”

I can fully agree.

Holiday HGift oliday Gift Ideas for IHIM deas for HIM

ContentwrittenbyMapleHillGolf

We all have official traditions around the holidays. Maybe you visit the local Christmas tree farm to cut down your tree or haul the artificial one out of storage on Thanksgiving morning and assemble it while the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade rolls on in the background. Maybe you make that special dish that only comes out for Christmas dinner or perhaps your family takes the annual trip to Great Wolf Lodge with other family and friends.

But there are unofficial traditions, too. Cursing when the tree pokes you in the eye, wrapping gifts at the last minute, and trying to figure out what to get the golfing guy in your life in the first place. OK, maybe that last one is a stretch, but it’s the one that we’re best suited to offer some help. Here are few gift ideas for the guys who golf.

Swing Analyzers

A swing analyzer is perfect for the golfer who doesn’t banish their clubs to the basement until spring. Swing analyzers are good for year round use, from the driving range to the net in the garage. Units like the Garmin Approach R10 Portable Launch Monitor, the Rapsodo MLM Mobile Launch Monitor, and the Swing Caddie SC200 or SC300i Portable Launch Monitors all offer stats to help your game and cost under $1000.

Golf Bags

This is the one have to have on the course besides clubs and balls. The design of golf bags changes by the year and like everything, styles come and go. Options for bags can be seemingly endless and can be a matter of personal choice. One universal rule applies though, it must be easy to use.

Snag one like the Revelation Major Stand Bag, Revelation ‘The General’ Cart Bag, or Bag Boy Chiller Hybrid Stand Bag.

Cooler on-the-go Bags

Great gifts don’t need to be rough up the wallet. For the man who enjoys some drinks on the course, a cooler bag loaded with his favorite links drink of choice is a winner. Bags range in their capacity as some bags will hold anywhere from 6 to 12 cans. This On The Go insulated cooler slyly slides into your apparel pocket.

Rain Gear

Any avid golfer is going to brave the rain or tempt Mother Nature’s plans. For the unexpected rain shower, get your golfing guy a rain suit or at the very least a designated rain jacket/pullover they leave in the bag. Stay prepared for anything. Try these Forrester Packable Rain Suits or Etonic Waterproof Rain Suits.

Speakers

Help him set the mood on the course with a speaker to play his favorite tunes. Music enhances the golf experience for many. Instead of dragging the house speakers around, give him a designated golf speaker like the Blue Tees Player Wireless Speaker.

More Outerwear: Galway Bay

Michigan based Galway Bay’s new 2023 reversible All Weather long sleeve lined jacket is an ideal present with a nice blend of performance and lifestyle to wear on or off the golf course. With proprietary Hydro Flex 32 fabric the most breathable, waterproof technology in the industry players stay dry and maintain freedom of movement throughout the golf swing. Fabric combinations are soft and quiet, and the reverse side features a tartan look while protecting you from windy or wet conditions. Holiday bundles are available now: https://galwaybaygolf.com/collections/ultimate bundles.

Holiday HGift oliday Gift Giving for GHER iving for HER

ByJaninaParrottJacobs

Do you want a ‘can’t miss’ Christmas gift idea she’ll tell all her friends about? Do your homework to present her with a total package ensemble of clothing, shoes and golf accessories that fit her personality and most importantly….fit her. Don’t want to ask about size? Look in her closet. You’ll be a Holiday Hero. To begin, here are some unique brands of clothing: Kinona is designed by and for women. They offer premium Italian fabrics in saucy and colorful styles that are wrinkle resistant, don’t fade, and are perfect for traveling and transitioning into regular daywear: www.Kinonasport.com.

Bermuda Sands carries mid priced whimsical prints and pastels in skirts and tops that are comfortable and functional: www.Bermudasandsapparel.com. Don’t forget to include a quality white golf shirt…it’s a never-fail option.

Next, what woman doesn’t want beautiful footwear? Check out www.ducadelcosma.us and choose from a selection of cutting edge yet functional and waterproof Italian-made golf shoes to keep her feet warm, dry….and stylish. Starting at $200. Or, try FootJoy’s MyJoys custom collection where she can design and personalize her own shoe. www.footjoy.com/myjoys custom golf shoes $170 260

Don’t skimp on socks: www.swiftwick.com carries performance oriented moisture wicking technology to keep those feet dry and blister free averaging $14 per pair; or www.bombas.com offers frilly, flirty, functional, or Fair Isle socks at about $11 12 per pair. Or, try www.pgasuperstore.com for quality socks at $13-16 for 3 to 6-pair multipacks.

For those hot, hot, hot days……BOGI Cooling Towels are soft and breathable for her neck and face, at www.amazon.com Under $10. Check out www.etsy.com for personalized golf ball markers, $6 25; or, to avoid digging around

in pockets, get the Golf Glam silver magnetized necklace where she can keep her ball marker within easy reach: $38.00.

Find out what type of golf ball she actually prefers. Don’t assume she likes what you do or that pink or purple golf balls are ‘it’. Or, you can go whimsical with Oji Emoji Premium Novelty Golf Balls, at www.amazon.com for under $30.

Last but not least: Arrange for her own Girls’ Golf Trip up in da U.P. to enjoy the PerfectFoursomePackage at Island Resort and Casino, near Escanaba. She can play where aspiring LPGA professionals play during the late June Epson Tour event at Sweetgrass but also take in sister course Sage Run, scenic Timberstone in Iron Mountain and the breathtaking Greywalls on the bluffs of Lake Superior. An exceptional value: 4 rounds of golf and 3 5 nights stay, plus perks, ranging from $350 $549 depending upon season. Note: Prices may be higher in 2023.

Andy Matthews of Grand Rapids and Sophie Stevens of Highland earned wins in early October in the GAM Tournament of Champions at Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club.

Matthews, a 42 year old former tour professional and reinstated amateur, was the only golfer under par with a 2-under 69 to top the men in the traditional season ending Golf Association of Michigan tournament. He formerly was a team captain at the University of Michigan, won the 2001 Michigan Amateur Championship and played professionally for 10 years with a notable Mexican PGA win while playing on PGA Tour Canada.

Stevens, the 16-year-old home-schooled junior standout who won the GAM Women’s Championship this summer, shot an even par 71 to top the female champions. She plans to sign with the University of Florida in November. Stevens said it was a good way to cap a year in which her bad golf improved.

“I didn’t hit everything beautifully, but I would still hit greens and I hit a lot more fairways than I did last year,” she said. “It feels good to win on a good golf course that tests your putting.”

Rick Herpich of Orchard Lake and Joan Garety of Ada closed out the Golf Association of Michigan season winning the GAM Senior Tournament of Champions.

Herpich, 69 and an Orchard Lake Country Club member, shot an even par 71 and then won on the first hole of a sudden death playoff with Andrew Abood of Lansing. It was his second GAM Senior TOC title. He also won in 2020.

Garety is a Michigan Golf Hall of Famer and Egypt Valley Country Club member who shot a 74 to win the women’s title. It was her first Senior TOC, but she has three GAM TOC titles on her rich resume. She’s also a recent MSU Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

Herpich and Abood were tied on just the final two holes of regulation play forcing the playoff, and they were just one shot ahead of 72 shooters

Grosse Ile G&CC member Robert Papp of Trenton, and Chuck Christie of Beverly Hills. Garety took the lead in the middle of the round and held off Julie Massa of Holt, who shot 77.

Andy Matthews, Sophie Stevens AWin ndy Matthews, Sophie Stevens Win GAM Tournament of GChampions AM Tournament of Champions

Rick Herpich, Joan RGarety ick Herpich, Joan Garety Win GAM WSenior in GAM Senior Tournament of TChampions ournament of Champions

Finals

Ian Harris of Bloomfield Hills and Greg Davies of West Bloomfield have each won multiple GAM titles over the years. This time they teamed up and won the 13th GAM Senior/Mid Am Team Championship Finals, at Meadowbrook Country Club.

“Together we made a lot of putts,” said Harris. “Greg got a couple bad tee shots out of the way early, then he played like Greg Davies.”

Harris, 69 and soon to be 70 and in the Legends age category for GAM tournaments, and Davies, a Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member who recently turned 55 and joined the senior age group, shot 4 under 68 in the finals format of front nine four-ball or best-ball and back nine foursomes or alternate shot.

The father son duo of Tom and Nikolas Senkowski of Rochester Hills shot 71 and finished second, just ahead of Bill Zylstra of Dearborn Heights and Chet VandenBerg of Portage who had a 72.

“Winning is always nice,” Davies said. “It was fun and we had a nice day to play.”

GAM Team Tops PGA GTeam AM Team Tops PGA Team to Win

Fuller tCup o Win

Fuller Cup Matches Matches

The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) team topped the Michigan Section PGA team for the 5th consecutive time in the 50th Fuller Cup Matches, at Red Run Golf Club. The GAM’s 12 ½ - 5 ½ victory in the Ryder Cup-lie format pulled the state’s top amateur golfers closer in the all time series that the PGA leads 34 14 2.

Mike Anderson of Northville, Chet Vandenberg of Portage, Pierce Morrissey of Canadian Lakes and MSU’s golf team, Greg Davies of West Bloomfield and August Meekhof of Eastmanville and also of MSU each helped account for two points for the GAM team by helping win four ball morning matches and then winning afternoon singles matches.

The PGA’s Adam Schumacher of Point O’Woods Golf & Country Club was the only two point scorer for the PGA team.

AFTERNOON SINGLES MATCHES:

GAM Mike Anderson def. PGA Kyle Dobbs, 2 and 1

GAM Chet Vandenberg def. PGA Wally Sierakowski, 5 and 3

GAM John Quigley and PGA Kyle Martin, TIED

GAM Anthony Sorentino def. PGA Josh Fryer, 1 up

PGA Tim Pearce def. GAM Will Anderson, 2 and 1

GAM Pierce Morrissey def. PGA Kosta Ramirez, 2 and 1

GAM Patrick Deardorff def. PGA Cody Haughton, 1 up

PGA Adam Schumacher def. GAM David Szymanski, 1 up

GAM Greg Davies def. PGA Ron Beurmann, 4 and 3

GAM Matt Zerbel and PGA Jim Deiters, TIED

PGA Scott Hebert def. GAM Bradley Smithson, 3 and 2

GAM August Meekhof def. PGA Brian Cairns, 6 and 5

Michigan PGA Hall of Fame Class of 2022

ByGregJohnson

Two new members have been inducted into the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame. Roger Van Dyke and John Molenda were announced in late October as members of the 2022 Induction Class.

Van Dyke, during his 60 years as a golf professional, served golf facilities in Illinois, Michigan, Georgia and Florida.

Roger played collegiate golf at Eastern Illinois University receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Education. Following college, he became a member of the PGA of America, serving as Head Golf Professional at Flint Golf Club (Flint, MI), Director of Golf at The Landings Club (Savannah, GA), and Manager/Head Golf Professional at Hawk’s Nest Golf Club (Vero Beach, FL).

During his years in Flint, Roger developed the golf instruction program for the Flint Junior Golf Association, which was and remains the largest local junior golf association in the country with over 1,300 participants. Roger served as President of the Michigan Section PGA followed by election to National Director of the PGA of America.

Roger chaired the 1981 National PGA Junior Championship and served on committees hosting the National Club Professional Championships, Ryder Cup Matches and PGA Championships. He was the recipient of the 1985 National Bill Strausbaugh Award for

contributions in Employment and Golf Facility Relations.

Molenda, known as Mo, was remembered for an ever present suit jacket and smile. He was a PGA Member for over 35 years and spent all of his career at Knollwood Country Club.

He won the 1968 Michigan Open, 1971 Michigan PGA, 1974 Detroit Chevy Dealers Championship, 1990 Michigan Senior Open and was part of 13 Michigan Section two-player team titles. He also played in 10 National PGA Club Professional Championships, two U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships (making the cut in 1971), and the 1990 PGA Seniors Championship.

Before becoming a professional, he won the 1956 GAM Caddie Championship, was the runner-up in the 1961 U.S. Public Links, played college golf at Arizona State University and beat out long time tour player, Orville Moody, to win the 1963 All Services Championship while serving his country.

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Molenda

ByJasonManshum

Editor’snote:Thisisthefirstofatwo partseries ongolfinIndiana.CheckbackinDecemberfor partII.

Pete Dye. Donald Ross. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Names that would arguably be on the Mount Rushmore of golf course architects. One might think you’d have to travel far to play their world renowned courses; particularly those publicly accessible. If you think that, you’re wrong. All that Michigan golfers need to do is travel south of the border to Indiana.

Me and nine friends recently embarked on our annual golf trip. While we’ve played Michigan’s great courses on every previous junket, this year we descended upon Hoosier country to play the Pfau Course at Indiana University, the Warren Course at Notre Dame, Sultan’s Run in Jasper, and the Donald Ross and Pete Dye courses at French Lick. In this first of a two part series, we look at the two

college courses first, which bookended our trip we played Pfau on our way down and Warren on our way back.

PfauCourseatIndianaUniversity

Our journey started in Bloomington. This course provided a great test of skill for our first day. Designed by Steve Smyers and two time major winner and Hoosier native Fuzzy Zoeller, the Pfau Course opened in 2020, sitting on the same site as the previous IU course. The course, however, does not feel like it’s a couple years old. It blends in well with the natural landscape of forest and open spaces. In addition, the bunkers 147 of them were intentionally left rugged looking with overgrown edges.

Minimalism may be an over saturated term in golf these days, but Pfau felt minimalist in the best ways. It’s beautifully natural and not pretentious.

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PhotoCredit:VisitBloomington

The Pfau Course has zoysia fairways. It was a bit jarring, yet interesting, to have the power cart rocking or swaying from side to side as we traversed the fairways due to the zoysia. This swaying action felt reminiscent to the swaying you often get on Michigan highways due to heavy truck traffic! Once our group got used to the how the grass played differently than home, particularly near and on the greens, we were ready to take in the natural beauty of the course while enjoying the test laid out before us.

There’s not an unmemorable hole, beginning with the opening tee shot. Pfau is very challenging, but I enjoyed the round due to the creativity needed to manage your way around each hole. A great example of this would be 14. Fourteen is a tasty little dogleg right. From the tee box, you must decide: make the hole shorter and take on the bunkers or play it safe? If you

take on the bunkers (as I did), you’ll learn that the fairway slopes away from the tee. I was fortunate to run through the fairway only a few feet, leaving a getable wedge into the green. Even then, it’s a tricky two putt if you’re on in regulation due to the back to front sloping green. Just for another layer of fun, the pin on this day was front.

While the Pfau Course could arguably be the most difficult of the courses we played, it’s playable for anyone. Six tee options range from 4,586 to 7,908 yards. This type of variety is paramount for a group that ranges from 40 somethings to 70-somethings and with handicaps of 9 to 30+. It’s a course I wanted to play again immediately after walking off 18 green. Pfau is also the third best course you can play in Indiana and seventh best college course in the country, according to GolfWeek.

PhotoCredit:VisitBloomington

Our trip concluded at the land of the Fighting Irish on the Coore Crenshaw designed Warren Course at Notre Dame. I’m not Irish. But I’m Catholic, which I thought would surely come in handy for this Sunday afternoon round!

The Warren Course was a great change of pace from Southern Indiana to end our trip. It is more traditional to classic layouts in Michigan. It’s a bit links esque yet nested on a wooded piece of property. The fairways were lush. The severe undulations of the prior day (Pete Dye Course at French Lick) were replaced with gently rolling terrain. Although we were on power carts, this is a great course to enjoy a walk even if you’re not a collegiate athlete. And it's a stern enough test to have hosted the 2019 U.S. Senior Open.

Many holes are lined with fescue, heather and native grasses. This is appealing to the eye, and friendly to your ball as much of it is on the outer parameter of holes, giving you maximum playability.

However, as I learned on the second hole, you won’t find your ball should you veer off path and find yourself in the long stuff.

Coore and Crenshaw interlace 18 beautiful holes through this Audubon International certified wildlife habitat. One of my favorite holes is the signature 16th, which played as the opening hole for the 2019 U.S. Senior Open. While a driver is not needed off the tee, you must carry a creek to get in prime position for your approach. The left side is a no-no due to heavy bunkering. You may think you need to flirt with these bunkers on the tee to set up a good approach, but the elevated green is receptive to coming in from the right side. Just avoid the front pot bunker, as well as going long over the green unless you like punishing yourself!

With Notre Dame Stadium nearby, and the golden dome visible in some spots, this course, rated as the fourth Best Course You Can Play in Indiana and tied for ninth as Best College Course in America by GolfWeek, is a great experience both on and off the course.

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ONE Hundred Hole Hike Raises Big Funding for Youth on Course

ByJaninaJacobs

program here in Michigan and in 2022, 6,955 young people played 17,443 rounds of golf with over $90,000 in subsidies paid to 79 member courses. The Hike is one way in which volunteers can seek pledges to support this effort.

So, what’s it like, really, to accomplish this feat?

Questions immediately flashed into my 65-year-old brain: “Am I physically able to do this? How long will it take? What about bad weather? How will I feel afterwards? Will people support this? What happens if I don’t make it all the way?”

Turns out, the trepidation and fears were far worse than the reality. Truth is, if you prepare mentally, physically and logistically, you can do it… as I did.

I’ve always hoofed it when playing golf, and even with mandatory carts, sometimes an agreeable partner will drive. Understanding the huge benefits of walking, my usual routine has been 4-6 miles daily for decades. However, if you can’t trek 2 3 miles or easily walk 18 holes, this Hike is not for you.

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the Country Club of Detroit, a lovely layout but definitely no pitch and putt. With two par 4’s and par-3’s ranging from 90-145 yards, many greens are surrounded by bunkers – LOTS of bunkers. I note this because it’s time consuming getting in and out and the goal is to waste no time, no steps, or no energy as you play.

This year, experience taught me to streamline my process: Stuff a satchel with two pairs of shoes mudders for morning dew – extra socks, a pullover, shirt, shorts and pants for our changing Michigan weather because anything can happen when you’re out there from 9am4pm. You’ll work up a sweat and be hotter than you’d think. Add two gloves, lots of tees and golf balls because you shouldn’t lose any but they’ll get beat up over 100 holes. Stock a minibag with 3 4 clubs, putter and 3 golf balls, but also deposit your normal bag at the first tee to change out clubs as needed, after each loop.

Then, as Nike suggests, ‘Just do it’.

Thursday, October 6, 2022 dawned cloudy, finally hitting 70 degrees with a south wind kicking up. I nixed morning coffee because the nearest restroom is about 150 yards from the first tee and you’ll not welcome 300 extra yards.

Holes 30 40 on the trek are the toughest. After 50, some fatigue kicks in, but grab some fuel. GAM provides snacks, water, then lunch mid day….but DO NOT sit down and eat. A couple bites and light hydration will do…..then move on. If you stop, it’s harder to get going again. Once you hit 70, the end is in sight and your will becomes strong. You cannot quit now!! At 90 holes, it’s all over…you KNOW you’ll finish.

Last year, the absolute worst part happened

after I was finished at 5pm: pack muling all my ‘stuff’ to the parking lot, up a slight incline and 200-yards away. Horrors! And afterwards, I still had to conduct 7pm choir practice at church. Playing piano while your hands, arms, and legs are cramping is a challenge.

This year, there were all-over cramps and charley horses lasting into the evening, but thankfully, they were gone by the next morning. By Saturday, all was well. 100 Hole Hike, I’m a-comin’ for ye in 2023!

This was a year of firsts for GAM – the first time hosting five separate hike sites, first time hosting an "unofficial" hike at the Little Hawk Putting Course near Lansing, and first time we had an entire girl's golf team (Bad Axe) raising money for Youth on Course by walking 100 holes. With all the efforts combined, our estimated total of donations raised for the 2022 100 Hole Hike supporting Youth on Course is $27,500.