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Michigan Golf Journal

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Geez, what a wet, rough spring in Michigan. But, isn’t that often the case with northern golf? It’s part of why national pundits refer to us Michiganders as a golf diehard, blue-collar, bunch. But we made it through yet again and should have a spectacular summer ahead of outstanding Michigan golf.

Some great events have already taken place in Michigan as golfers dodged the rain drops and wet areas – such as the high school golf season and state finals, the Michigan Open, the Michigan Women’s Open and the Michigan Amateur. Check out a wrap up on page 27.

Other highlights include the Meijer LPGA Classic in Grand Rapids and the Rocket Mortgage PGA Tour’s inaugural visit to Detroit – pro events that displayed excellent golf and raised huge sums of money for charities in both regions. Then there was the visit from golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, who came to Oakland Hills the week of the Michigan Amateur to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the GAM and help raise well over $100,000 for the GAM Foundation’s mission of funding Youth on Course (see pages 4-9). I can’t think of a better way for any

golf fan to spend an evening than hearing about the thoughts and memories as only Jack has experienced them. A final hats off to the superintendents who kept our golf courses playable this past spring despite the huge weather challenges – and best wishes for a prosperous summer for the industry. Get out and golf!

Tom Lang Publisher/Editor

What’s Inside: 04

An Evening with Jack

Dow LPGA, #TeamUp Coming Soon

Get Up to the U.P. – Buddy Trip

PGA Tour’s Chris DiMarco/Western Am

Classic Cars and Golf

Under New Ownership: Timber Ridge

Dave Hill Put Jackson on the Golf Map

Golf on Mackinaw Island

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An Evening with Jack Michigan Golf Journal

An Evening with Jack By Tom Lang

Sometimes you’ve heard a story 10 times before. Sometimes it’s brand new. Either way, the stories are always enjoyable and intriguing when they’re told by a legend. Jack Nicklaus is one such legend.

A World Golf Hall of Famer and PGA Tour record holder at 18 majors won, Nicklaus entertained and delighted a crowd of 300-plus in late June at GAM’s Centennial celebration and fund-raiser for Youth on Course (www. gam.org/Foundation/). Barely anyone moved for

an hour and 15 minutes (Nicklaus spent almost as much time with media beforehand, too) as moderator Frank Beckmann of WJR-AM led a fireside chat with Nicklaus after dinner at Oakland Hills. Ear-to-ear grins lit up the room all evening as Nicklaus

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held everyone’s attention with his insight and stories about golf. A personal story that Jack has shared a few times locally deals with a tree on the Oakland Hills South Course – which then rolled right into his memories of playing golf with Ben Hogan. Nicklaus came to Oakland Hills, while still an amateur golfer at Ohio State, to play in the 1961 U.S. Open. Jack said he played several practice rounds with Hogan, before later shooting 2-over the last seven holes to lose the tournament by three shots. “I’ll never forget the second shot I hit at 12,” Nicklaus said in June. “People will laugh about it because they can’t believe it can happen. There used to be a big overhanging Elm tree on the right side

of the fairway about 100 yards short of the green. When I hit my second shot, a whirlwind came through. You could see people with their hats flying up in the air in the gallery, and the tree started whipping. And I hit the shot and the tree whipped out. “That shot was going on the green, I guarantee it. Hits the tree that blew out, (my ball) drops straight down. Hit my shot in the bunker. Out, made six instead of four, and ended up losing the tournament. I finished second the year before at Cherry Hills, came here and did that. Then I got lucky the next year and won at Oakmont” (in the 18-hole playoff over Arnold Palmer). “I played several practice rounds with Ben Hogan that week,” Nicklaus continued. “I enjoyed playing up here.

I was very flattered to play with Hogan. I played with Hogan in ’60 at Cherry Hills in the last two rounds. The next year at Augusta, he walked in the locker room with a couple pair of shoes over his shoulder, and, he called everybody fella. He says, ‘hey fella, how ya doing.’ I said, ‘I’m fine Mr. Hogan, how are you?’ He says, ‘you got a game?’ and I said, ‘I do now.’ So, we went out and played a couple practice rounds at Augusta. We did the same thing when we got here (to Oakland Hills)…I was always flattered that Ben Hogan took an interest in a young kid. He was a big part of my life.” Speaking of Palmer, Nicklaus recounted the time he first laid eyes on Palmer but didn’t go up to meet him. Jack at the time was still a young teenager, Continues on page 6 >>

An Evening with Jack Michigan Golf Journal

practicing for the Ohio Amateur in Toledo in 1954 in a downpour rainfall. “I was the only golfer on the golf course on a Tuesday. Everybody else got off. Stubborn kid,” Nicklaus said about himself. “But when I got off the golf course there was some guy on the range. Pouring down rain; hitting balls. So, I sat back and watched this guy. He looked like Popeye. He’s drilling these short irons, just Quail high, little draws. And I thought, ‘man is that

guy strong.’ I go in the locker room and ask, ‘who in the world is that?’ and they said, ‘Oh, that’s our defending champ, Arnold Palmer.’ That’s the first I saw him, and later that year he won the (U.S.) Amateur here in Detroit.” Nicklaus is well known for trying to get the USGA and the R&A to dial back the length of the golf ball. He said he’s been talking to both groups about the topic for 42 years, which certainly predates the massive changes in

technology the past 15 years or so. “Really, the golf ball is the controlling factor,” Nicklaus said. “If the golf ball goes shorter, you don’t need to keep adding land. We’re going to run out of water, we’re going to run out of money, were’ going to run out of time. Augusta National is the only club that I know that’s had enough money to keep the game relevant. “The first year I played the British Open (1962) we Continues on page 8 >>

An Evening with Jack Michigan Golf Journal

played in two hours and 25 minutes. If you played two hours and 30 minutes, you were on the clock. That’s how fast we played. That was their natural way to do it. And now, even over there it’s slowed up.” “When I was growing up, I hit it 15 or 20 yards further than the club champion, but you could go out and have a game. He knew the course that I didn’t. More than likely it was a pretty even match. Today, could you imagine Tiger or Brooks

Keopka or one of these guys come up here and play your club champion? They hit it a hundred yards by him and would drum them.

Club. It’s been owned by Maj. Dan Rooney’s family for several years and will become a home base for the Folds of Honor.

“I’m not trying to change the game of golf. All I’m trying to do is make it so people can afford it, so the game will grow.”

Nicklaus said that the former tree-lines holes are no more – every tree was removed except those surrounding the perimeter. Rooney wanted the sandy soil near Lake Michigan more exposed and to make a totally open links layout.

Nicklaus will be in Michigan a few times this year as he designs – at no cost – the new American Dunes Golf Club, on the site of Grand Haven Golf

“People can donate and help raise money for the

July 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com

fallen warriors and there will also be a memorial there, to honor them and to tell stories,” Nicklaus said. As for how Gary Woodland’s life will change dramatically as the U.S. Open winner: “His whole life will change,” Jack said. “It will change dramatically for him. All of a sudden, he’ll walk into the club and they’ll say, ‘Hi Mr.

Woodland.’ He used to walk in, and they say, ‘what’s your number? 64? 64, your locker’s over there.’ “The press will walk in and you guys will now want to talk to him. Nobody wanted to talk with him before. He’s always been a good golfer. And he’s a super nice guy. But his life will just change dramatically. Demand on his time, people want to see him, people will want to invite him to do things,

go be part of this, be part of that. “Plus, his bank account probably changed a couple million bucks,” Jack added with a chuckle. If anyone knows about demand on their time, people wanting to see him and being a part of other’s lives, it’s Jack Nicklaus. There’s a good chance everyone in attendance that calm June evening is still grinning ear-to-ear.

Get UP to Golf the U.P. Michigan Journal

Island Resort & Casino: A Great Golf Adventure for Everyone By Fred Altvater

My golf buddies and I have been fortunate to have experienced many of the top golf resorts in the Midwest and some of the top spots around the country over the years. For this trip, the group wanted to find a new destination to experience. We have certain criteria that must be met, and each one factors heavily into the decision: Quality and quantity of golf, great lodging, plenty of dining options, and fun activities to do outside of golf.

I had been hearing about an emerging golf destination up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, which has its reputation for beautifully forested land, numerous waterfalls and thrilling elevations. The Island Resort & Casino is located outside of Escanaba, a small port city on the Little Bay de Noc on the western end of “The UP.” I’d heard the ‘Island’ was a long-time casino destination that added some special golf courses to attract new guests.

We gave it a try and I’m so glad we did. My research found that in 2009, the resort built its first golf course, Sweetgrass, designed by Michigan-based architect, Paul Albanese. Sweetgrass ranks among Golfweek’s Best Courses and has earned recognition by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest as a Best in State. Sweetgrass features an open layout with some of the game’s most exciting greens to putt. In addition, the course showcases

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some wonderful strategic holes including the famous island green No. 15, and spectacular duo par 5 holes running parallel and finishing the front and back nines – sharing the same, expansive green complex. A few years ago, the resort embarked on its latest golf development after demand for more golf had become evident among golfers. The Sage Run course, which was also designed by Albanese, provides a different and fun golf experience. The new course opened full time on May 31 this year. Sage Run was built as part of an $8 million renovation including the addition of a full-service spa, renovation of the bingo hall and a new sports bar that would rival the nearest Buffalo Wild Wings with massive TVs and a thrilling sports-centric atmosphere – something our golf group cherishes on most evenings of our golf trips. The truth was, after the great golf combination of Sweetgrass and Sage Run, they had me at “sports bar.” We utilized the new website (www. islandresortandcasino.com) and package offerings and

made the call to book our group on a three-night, fourround golf package. On this trip we decided to stay on property, but golfers could also choose the “Perfect Foursome” package to include Greywalls in nearby Marquette, and Timberstone in Iron Mountain. Flying into Escanaba through Chicago and Detroit was convenient, and it was an easy pick up at the

airport. A few of us got in early and played some twilight golf on Sweetgrass, giving us a small advantage for our first round the next morning. Our first day included a 36-hole golfing bonanza on Sweetgrass in the morning and then Sage Run in the afternoon. Sweetgrass is a fun prairie links style with wide fairways and some of the most fun greens you can Continues on page 12 >>

Get UP to Golf the U.P. Michigan Journal

putt on including a Redan, Biarritz, Island, and a doublegreen. I proudly made it through with no three-putts. Sweetgrass is also part of the “Road to the LPGA” with its Symetra Tour Island Resort Championship featuring the future of LPGA professional golf. Michigan has long been known as one of the top states for golf and the scenic Upper Peninsula region has quickly joined the ranks as a top golf destination thanks in large part to the growth and expansion of golf at the Island Resort & Casino. When arriving at Sage Run, we couldn’t help but notice

the land is 180 degrees in contrast from its sister course Sweetgrass. The course opens up in an open prairie lined with fescue for the first couple of holes before getting to my favorite hole No. 3 – a dogleg right par 5 that features rugged bunkering with a Pine Valley feel, playing to a great, small elevated green complex. The course then plays up a ridge that dissects the two sides of the golf course. Holes play up, down, and around the ridge providing a scenic variety of shots creating a fun thrill ride for our group. Albanese said Royal County Down

in Northern Ireland, rated among the world’s top courses, served as his inspiration. Following golf, we had a great dinner at the 5 Bridges, where the create-your-own burger was perfect after a long day of golf. Following dinner, we hit the casino before heading back to the rooms, which are very well appointed and spacious. This casino did not disappoint with a new poker room, craps, blackjack, Spanish 21, three card poker, let-it-ride, roulette, and bingo. We all met in the McC’s Sports Bar to go over the itinerary for the next Continues on page 14 >>

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three days, pick teams, determine the games, and watch games on more than 30 huge TVs and enjoyed great food and drink. Following 36 holes on day one, we slept in and had a nice breakfast at Firekeepers before heading back over to Sage Run for a mid-morning round. We mixed up some tees for this round moving forward and making some of the shorter holes, like 8 and 16, even more fun. These two-short par 4s are a riot, especially 16, where you can drive it up over the hill. We did the same thing on 9 and 18 making the two par 5s reachable for most of the group. The view from 18 tee is the most scenic view on the course.

One of the great aspects of Sage Run is that the course can play over 7,000 yards for collegiate players, who will be playing in the first ever Island Resort Collegiate Championship September 1-2, and be a fun challenge from 6,100 yards like we played it at on this day, which was so much fun and what golf needs to be more like. Following golf and lunch, we relaxed, enjoyed the casino, and a few of us snuck over to the new Drift Spa, which was most impressive. Following the much-needed therapeutic massage and great atmosphere, I realized that my wife and her friends would love the Island. It is a perfect destination for the women who take golf

adventures or just want to combine spa and gaming with a golf getaway. For dinner that evening we enjoyed the 5 Bridges Steak & Seafood House. I actually called the day before and reserved the private room in the back, which made for a wonderful evening of laughs and storytelling amongst friends. Whether you are a group of guys looking for a great buddy trip destination, women looking for a great golf and spa destination, or just golfers looking to escape the stress of the big city and experience a fun golf vacation among the scenic beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, plan a trip to the Island Resort. Visit www. islandresortgolf.com.

Classic Cars and Golf Michigan Golf Journal

The Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s By Richard Vaughan

There is one special day each year when the manicured lawn at the Inn at St. John’s is transformed from a venue where ladies and gentlemen compete at golf to one where they compete on automotive style and beauty of line. That is the day when the Concours d’Elegance of America, one of America’s most prestigious car shows

will take place on the links, Sunday, July 28, in Plymouth.

The show is the opposite of stuffy.

While it is true that the Concours is a venue where, as comedian Jay Leno says, “ordinary millionaires can compete with billionaires on an equal playing field,” it is also true that the show has evolved into an event that has something for car enthusiasts of all ages and automotive interests.

It’s families in shorts and t-shirts with young children riding in strollers and enjoying ice cream. It’s young gearheads with telephoto lenses photographing their dream cars from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. It’s senior citizens reminiscing about the cars of

July 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com

turbine cars, and gazogene cars. Yes, gazogene.

their youth. There’s even a beer tent. Over the last decade, Concours organizers have worked hard to expand the concept of the show so that all kinds of vehicles from every era can be seen and enjoyed. If you like cars or motorcycles on any level, this show has something for you. The event features everything from brand new multi-million-dollar hypercars and supercars to one-cylinder horseless carriages from the late 1800’s – and everything in between. The diversity of cars on the field is always exceptional, but what all of the cars and motorcycles have in common is that they are the best or most interesting examples of that genre and almost all of them have just as interesting stories. The 2019 Concours celebrates Rolls-Royce,

Ferrari, and the 100th anniversary of Bentley Motors. Show goers will be able to see some of the best examples of those cars to be found anywhere on planet earth. One collector, John Groendyeke, will be bringing 96 cylinders of Cadillac power from his personal collection. Ninety-six cylinders, but only 6 cars. That’s right, each of the six cars has 16 cylinders! It may be an unrepeatable opportunity to see six 16-cylinder cars in one place. The History of Alternative Power will showcase almost all of the powertrain ideas that have been explored prior to today. This circle of cars will showcase coalfired steam cars, wood-fired steam cars, electric cars, Wankel cars, Diesel cars,

The Drag Cars class will feature a dozen of the most incredible cars from the history of drag racing. It is not to be missed. In addition, there will be a Formula One class, an Oddities class, and a class called American Power, Foreign Styling. Modern Collectibles has become one of the more popular features of the show. These are the greatest cars of the 70s, 80s, 90s and early 2000s. Many of them are still affordable for the average enthusiast. Whatever your interest in cars or motorcycles, the Concours has something for you to see that will blow your mind. See it all at the 41st Annual Concours d’Elegance of America at the Inn at St. John’s, Sunday, July 28th. For more information go to www.ConcoursUSA.org.

Course Review Michigan Golf Journal

Inn at St. Johns: 27 Holes of Fun and Beauty By Tom Lang

There is a reason the property used to be a full-time Catholic Seminary and chapel dating back to the 1940s – one could literally call the landscape God’s Country. The beautiful, rolling land surrounding the seminary-turned-highend hotel and retreat center is the current-day setting for the 27 holes of the Inn at St. Johns Golf Course in Plymouth. Picturesque, tree-lined, and filled with wildlife not as often expected in a densely populated area. I have played all three 9s over the years, but mostly recently took on the ‘Matthew’ course (holes 1927) that maxes out at 2,900 yards. ‘Mark’ (1-9) is a little bit longer, and the ‘Luke’ course (10-18) from the tips is still only 3,209 yards. In other words, manageable and not too long.

In a nutshell, the three golf courses seem to be ideal for leagues and outings. Staff have always been professional and courteous, and with three separate nines, leagues can rotate each week and have a variety of experiences all at one location. And speaking of location, with its proximity to M-14 at the Sheldon Road exit and the numerous commercial and residential properties around, lots of golfers likely live or work close by.

What I like about the three nines is that they each have their own personality but are also similar in shotmaking requirements due to the type of land and water features. Luke and Mark have a few more open areas, with Matthew having a few tighter fairways. Trees are a main feature throughout, no doubt. My favorite stretch of holes on the Matthew course is 20-22. Hole 20 is a solid par 4 dogleg right. The fairway

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landing area is open and flat, with a valley to navigate on the second shot to an elevated green that is one of the more undulating putting surfaces. Hole 21 rolls and dips through two valleys that slope hard left to right, before reaching a green even more elevated than the previous par 4. Then the signature hole is the par 3 No. 22. It’s a picturesque downhill shot over a pond to a spacious green with tons of pin options. All three nines come in contact with the halfway house, an area that’s very relaxing and serene and typically displays the great

effort by the grounds crew with nice landscaping. Some of that effort has been delayed this year due to the challenge all crews are facing statewide with more spring rain than normal in 2019, thus shifting their time and resources to keeping courses playable for us golfers. Rates are very favorable to all budgets, and the value is worthwhile to the experience. Having Carl’s Golfland and its driving range next door is another bonus for golfers needing equipment or other game adjustments. The overall St. Johns property began with nine holes, added another nine

in the late 1970s when it became open to the public, and added yet another nine in the 1990s when the property was redeveloped and refurbished into the current Inn at St. Johns Conference Center. The restored property features inspirational Romanesque architecture throughout, including a grand ballroom space for up to 450 guests, an exquisite chapel available for weddings, two ballrooms with 25-foot ceilings, a twostory atrium and 22 meeting rooms. More information: https:// www.theinnatstjohns.com/ golf.htm

High School Golf

Boys High School Golf Awards Coalter Smith was voted Mr. Golf in Michigan for 2019. He was also voted the Detroit Free Press Golfer of the Year, and then reached the semifinal round of the Michigan Amateur in June. He has committed to play college golf at Wisconsin.

Michigan All-State Super Team (alphabetically)

Jack Brockie, Hanover-Horton Charlie DeLong, DeWitt Erik Fahlen, NorthPointe Christian Austin Fauser, Clinton Mitch Lowney, Everest Collegiate Coalter Smith, Grosse Pointe South Brad Smithson, GR Forest Hills Eastern Justin Sui, Lake Orion State Champions: Division 1: Team: Lake Orion Medalist: Justin Sui, playoff over Coalter Smith

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Legacy of Dave Hill

Dave Hill Put Jackson on the PGA Tour Map By Terry Moore

This summer marks the 40th anniversary of one of Dave Hill’s PGA Tour victories in Memphis, Tenn. The Jackson native won 13 PGA Tour titles in all, but four of them (’67, ’69, ’70 and ’73) occurred in the city now known as the home of the World Golf ChampionshipsFedEx St. Jude Invitational. Although he never won a major golf trophy, Dave Hill is widely recognized as one of Michigan’s greatest players. In fact, late in his career, he said, “I was probably three shots a week from winning a major.” Hill came closest in 1970 when he finished seven shots behind Tony Jacklin at the U.S. Open at Hazeltine in Chaska, Minn. But Hill’s runner-up finish was overshadowed by his

also ran a machine shop, but he took his sons to a nearby golf course to practice. Later Dave became a caddie. For the local Jackson newspaper, he recalled that at age 11 he played in his first golf tournament and shot 101. He soon blossomed into a fine player and went on to play collegiately at the University of Detroit. controversial remarks about the course earlier in the week. When asked what the course lacked, the always candid Hill said, “Only 80 acres of corn and a few cows to be a good farm.” And Dave Hill knew a thing or two about cows and farming. James David Hill was born in 1937 and was raised on a small dairy farm in Jackson. Dave’s dad George

Turning pro in 1958, Hill won the 1959 Michigan Open. Two years later, he won his first PGA Tour title in Tucson in a playoff against Tommy Bolt and Bud Sullivan. Later that year, he claimed his second title at the Denver Open with a 21-under four round performance. Winning by six shots, Hill was seen as one of best and brightest stars on the Tour. Continues on page 22 >>

Legacy of Golf DaveJournal Hill Michigan Dave Hill

He also became widely known as a consummate shotmaker and ball-striker. Hill once told golf writer Tom Cleary, “I felt like I had more shots in my bag than 90% of anybody that played out there. A little old lady 90 years old can putt—I want to see her hit a high cut with a 2-iron.” In 1969, Hill won the Vardon Trophy for the lowest stroke average on the PGA Tour. He is only one of two Michigan players

(the other being Dan Pohl) to have won this coveted recognition. Besides being a member of three Ryder Cup teams, Hill was proud of his consistency during his PGA Tour career. For sixteen straight years (1960-1976) he finished in the Top 60 annual money winners on Tour. Hill went on to further glory on the Senior Tour, now known as the PGA Tour Champions. He won six times on the “golden mulligan” circuit, the last coming in 1989. Although Hill is sometimes associated with remarks about Hazeltine, later in his distinguished career he reflected on them. “I put up with a lot of heat from that but hell, I said it so I gotta live with it.” Then he added, “They should have waited another 5-6 years for it to mature. That course was very young.” And after visiting a revamped Hazeltine

in 1991, he described it as “a fun and demanding golf course.” A softer side of Hill was exposed when asked in the ‘80s about his late father. “I would die tomorrow if they let me see him for just 15 minutes today.” George passed away before Dave and his younger brother Mike had their greatest successes on the golf course. Dave Hill’s golf legacy must be seen in the success of the Jackson community. Ed Mitchell, a Jackson native and founder of the Mitchell Golf Company, was quoted upon learning of Hill’s passing in 2011 saying, “From my perspective, he inspired a lot of people to take up the game.” Mike Hill

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Certainly, included in this group is Dave’s brother Mike, who won three times on the PGA Tour and 18 times on the Champions Tour. In two seasons on the Champions Tour, Mike won five times and he was the second player to earn a $1 million in a season in 1991. Four times he teamed up with good friend Lee Trevino to win the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf. But his closest friend and ally was Dave. “If I’m having a problem, I’ll always go to Davey first,” Mike said to golf writer Steve Hershey. Another Jackson native following in the Hills’ footsteps is Elaine Crosby, like them, a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame. Although she didn’t start playing golf until age 20, she quickly made up for the late start. After winning the Michigan Women’s Amateur in 1981 she turned pro and won on the satellite circuit now known as the Symetra Tour. In her 15-year LPGA career, Crosby won twice and had top ten finishes in two majors. She won Michigan Women’s Open titles in 2001 and 2002 and

Elaine Crosby

Michigander to win a PGA Tour title in 21 years. He’s firmly staked out his place on the PGA Tour with over $9 million in earnings overall and well over $1 million thus far in 2019, thanks in part to his T5 finish at Detroit.

Brian Stuard

is a frequent competitor on the Legends Tour. And today Brian Stuard, another home-grown talent, is continuing the Jackson legacy on golf’s premier circuits. Stuard won the 2016 Zurich Classic, the first

But the person who first put Jackson golf on the map was Dave Hill, a fierce competitor and Hogan-esque shotmaker who told it like he saw it. And if you ever see someone hit a high cut with a 2-iron, think of Dave Hill. A member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and the Golf Writers Association of America, Terry Moore lives in Grand Rapids.

Dow GreatGolf Lakes Bay Invitational Michigan Journal

Dow LPGA Shaping Up for Unique #TeamUp By Tom Lang

Two LPGA Tour rookies have a good understanding of what it means to play team golf. After all, they are fresh off their senior seasons in college, where team scoring is a premium. Yet, the same goes for two pairs of sisters who will #TeamUp at the Dow LPGA Great Lakes Bay Invitational, set for July 15-20 in the Tour’s first-ever team scoring event that will pair up players in a best-ball and alternate shot format.

who will pair up for the grand event.

Jennifer Kupcho, the 2018 NCAA Champion and inaugural winner of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur that took place in April – and that tournament’s runner up, Maria Fassi, who recently won the 2019 NCAA team and individual championships at Arkansas, are just two of the players

Sisters Nelly and Jessica Korda have paired up, too, as have the Jutanugarn sisters – Ariya and Moriya. The LPGA Tour golfers will play a 72hole, four-day format of 72 teams alternating the format each day between foursomes and four-ball for a $2 million purse. Both players on the winning team will

each receive a trophy and season-long points and other perks as would individual tournament winners. “Maria and I have a great relationship,” Kupcho said at the recent media day for the tournament at the Midland Country Club. “We’ve definitely become really good friends this year. Really, it’s just that we both want to play well

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(all season), and I think the best way to do that is to be friends with someone and practice with someone, play against someone that’s really good. That’s what we have embraced… and I think it’s making us (each) better in the long run.” Other key teams that fans will want to watch for are: • Lexi Thompson and Cristie Kerr • Paula Creamer and Morgan Pressel • Jaye Marie Green and Daniela Holmqvist

• Suzann Pettersen and Catriona Matthew • Canadians Brooke Henderson and Alina Sharp • Lydia Ko and In Gee Chun • New moms Stacy Lewis and Gerina Pillar The tournament is also bringing to fans a food event called Eat Great, which will highlight the talents and tastes of restaurants and breweries from throughout the Great Lakes Bay region. And due to the Dow influence on sustainability and technology, a STEM

in Sports Center will offer ways kids can learn STEM principles through the sports of golf, tennis, baseball and more. Ticket for the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational start at $10 and kids 17 and under are free. To purchase tickets, visit www.DowGLBI.com. To stay up-to-date on all team announcements and event information, join the social conversation at www. facebook.com/DowGLBI, www.twitter.com/DowGLBI, and www.instagram.com/ dowglbi (@DowGLBI).

Michigan Majors

Michigan Amateur Champion: Ben Smith By Tom Lang Ben Smith’s Michigan Am week started out great – and it ended great. Smith was one of a handful of players in the Michigan Amateur to get a surprise visit from Hall of Famer Jack Nicklaus on the Oakland Hills North Course putting green, during a Monday afternoon practice round. Nicklaus was at the club to headline the #GAM100 centennial celebration. Come Saturday (June 22), Smith was celebrating as well, as the 2019 Michigan Amateur champion, after a 2-and-1 victory over Patrick Sullivan of Grosse Pointe. Smith, from Novi who plays at Georgia Tech, said meeting Nicklaus really set a great vibe for the entire week. “That was an amazing experience, meeting the great man. I was definitely in a good mood to start the whole week. Definitely played a big part there.”

Michigan Open: Eric Lilleboe

Michigan Women’s Open: Anika Dy

By Greg Johnson

By Greg Johson

Eric Lilleboe of Okemos was declared the winner of the 102nd Michigan Open Championship after the final round was rained out after 54 holes. Heavy rain between the third and fourth rounds in mid-June left several holes on The Bear course with standing water issues.

Traverse City’s Anika Dy had home-course advantage and more importantly a sizzling putter on the back nine in the final round on the way to a 5-shot victory in the 26th Michigan PGA Women’s Open Championship. Dy is a 17-year-old Crystal Mountain Resort cart lot attendant who grew up playing the Mountain Ridge Course.

Lilleboe, who had a fiveshot lead on the field through three rounds at 13-under par, won the first-place check of $8,000 out of the total purse of $55,000 and said winning the Michigan Open is tops in his golf career.

“This is my fifth or sixth year playing in this and I’ve never done very well,” she said after closing with a 12-under 204 total. “This year I just really felt it. I’m super happy to be able to win at my home course.”

“It is my home state’s open and I beat a lot of great players,” he said. “It is sinking in that my name is going to be on that (James D. Standish Jr. Trophy) forever with some amazing other names. It is really cool. I’m happy to be champion.”

As a recent Traverse City West High School graduate headed to Michigan in the fall, is just the second amateur to win the open championship that draws professionals and amateurs from across the country and is the youngest to ever win.

Michigan News and Notes

Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Centers to host 3rd Annual Golf Event By Janina Parrott Jacobs The 3rd Annual ‘Tee It Up for Freedom’ golf outing takes place Friday, August 2, 2019 at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor in support of the Freedom Center military lounges at Detroit Metro Airport. The centers are run primarily by volunteers and over 550,000 active military and reservists, veterans, and their families have been served while on deployment or traveling since the McNamara facility opened in 2011, courtesy of major partner Delta Airlines. Located near the fountain at McNamara Gate A-34, the sole requirement for entry is proof of service or military/veteran ID. Light food, snacks, beverages as well as relaxation and travel assistance are offered. The North Terminal lounge, near Gate D-17 opened in 2016 and two military processing centers in Troy and Lansing also serve our fighting men and women.

Golf 4 Heroes Scramble Supports Folds of Honor In a similar cause for military veterans, the Golf 4 Heroes Scramble is set for July 15 at Prestwick Village in Highland – and will include golf, food, drinks and prizes at the highly-acclaimed golf course.

Newly appointed CEO Patrick Colbeck immediately learned about the loss of their 501 c-3 status, due to clerical errors. Through quick action, and because of the Centers’ noble purpose, the charitable status was restored quickly. Colbeck noted: “This happens to so many non-profits, often by mistake. People should know it can be restored with quick action and cooperation.”

The national Folds of Honor Foundation awards merit-based scholarships to family members of active military that have been injured or killed while serving America. In the last 3 years, 384 scholarships have been granted to Michigan recipients, but many more that were determined to be “qualified request” went unfunded nationwide.

Golf outing registration, event details and sponsorship opportunities are available at www. mifreedomcenter.org.

Contact Bill Wright at 248-9354351 to see where you can help or register.

Michigan News and Notes Golf Journal

Girls Golf Program of Detroit The Michigan Women’s Golf Association is running a “Girls Golf – LPGA-USGA” beginners golf program at Rouge Park Golf Course in Detroit, each Tuesday from 12 noon to 2:15 p.m. now through August 20. Clubs will be provided, and no experience is needed. Program includes instructions in the basic skills of golf in a group format, covering putting, chipping, the full swing, rules, etiquette and on-course play. Debbie Williams-Hoak is the LPGA instructor and 2018 high school golf coach of the year. More information found at www.mwgolf.org or by contacting Francine Pegues at: pegues@mwgolf.org, or 313-969-0523.

New U-M Golf Coach Announced

Michigan Golf Journal Contest Winner for French Lick May’s randomly-picked winner of a trip to French Lick Resort is Rick Searing of Kalamazoo. Rick is an educator for the Portage School District and is a member at the public Gull Lake View Resort in Augusta, where his kids also worked at various times over the years. He used to coach golf at Portage Northern High as well. Rick won two night’s accommodations at French Lick’s historic hotel, golf on the Donald Ross Course and more. Congratulations Rick.

Illinois assistant men’s golf coach Zach Barlow was announced in June as the 10th men’s golf coach for the University of Michigan. Barlow replaced Chris Whitten, who left to become the executive director of the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM).

coaches with the intent of them becoming head coaches one day. We’re excited for Zach and this opportunity.” Over the last five seasons, Barlow helped Small guide Illinois to five consecutive Big Ten titles, win three NCAA regional championships and advance to five consecutive NCAA finals, and made it to the match play semifinal three times.

“I’m excited for Zach and his future as a head coach,” said Illinois head coach Mike Small. “As with our players, people enter Illinois to chase A full story will appear in our their dreams, and coaches are September college edition of no different. We hire assistant Michigan Golf Journal.

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Alex Scott Named Award Winner at the Arnold Palmer Cup Recent Grand Valley State men’s golf graduate Alex Scott was named the recipient of the Michael Carter “Junior” Memorial Award following the conclusion of the 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup. Scott, one of just 24 members of the United States team, won his final matchup of the event but the International Team earned the overall victory over the United States at the 23rd edition of the event. The award is presented to a member of both the United States Team and the International Team who best represents the qualities and ideals of Michael Carter. Carter, a former Penn State University golfer and GCAA Arnold Palmer Cup intern, tragically passed away in an automobile accident in 2002 at 19 years of age. This award was created to memorialize him at the event each season and was taken home by Scott and Leonie Harm of Gerlingen, Germany.

Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Raises $1.1 Million for Charity The Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give concluded with a win by Canada’s Brooke Henderson and a donation commitment of $1.1 million to the retailer’s Simply Give program that stocks the shelves of its food pantry partners across the Midwest. Henderson was also the tournament’s 2017 champion. “The Meijer LPGA Classic has made an incredible impact on our hungry neighbors. Thanks to the ongoing support from our community, we exceeded our $1 million goal for this year’s tournament,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said in a statement. The 2019 Meijer LPGA Classic was the 6th annual tournament benefiting the Meijer Simply Give program. The six tournaments have generated $5.2 million for food pantries across the Midwest to feed hungry neighbors.

Chris DiMarco at Western Am Michigan Golf Journal

PGA Pro Chris DiMarco Shares Memories of Western Am

The 3rd Oldest Amateur Tournament in the World is Coming Back to Michigan By Tom Lang

Young golfers are smart to thank and acknowledge their parents for making their amateur careers possible. Between the finances, the travel and the time commitments, it can be a huge sacrifice. PGA Tour pro Chris DiMarco literally has his mom to thank for what he called the greatest amateur victory of his life – the 1988 Western Amateur at Pointe O’ Woods Country Club in Benton Harbor – which eventually launched him to three PGA Tour wins and two Ryder Cup teams. “I was 19 years old, so it was 31 years ago that I won,” DiMarco said at a recent Western Am media day. “I remember a lot about that week. I remember first and foremost that it almost didn’t even happen.

mine at the University of Florida, and we had gone through the Southern Amateur and then on up to the Porter Cup, and Dudley was playing poorly and wasn’t the most gracious loser, so to speak. He said, ‘I’m going back home.’ This is before cell phones and everything else. He was my ride. I was 19. I couldn’t rent a car.

“I was traveling with Dudley Hart, teammate of

“We drove up from Florida, so we went up all the east

coast,” DiMarco continued. “I called my parents and my mom said, ‘No, you stay there. I’m going to come up there.’ My mom flew to Buffalo (NY) and drove me here. “If it wasn’t for my mom doing that, I probably wouldn’t have played this tournament. “I just remember how grueling it was. God rest her soul. I thank her all time about it. She actually drove

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Woods announced that all proceeds made at the tournament will go directly back to the Evans Scholars Foundation. Cole Hammer returns as defending champ and club member Matt Zerbell, Jr., will be a local favorite playing as one of the 156 entrants.

me around Lake Michigan up to Milwaukee to qualify for the U.S. Am the next day (after his Western Am win). We had a lot of golf in four, five days for sure.”

with eight Western Am victories, Chick Evans, who established the Western Golf Association’s Evans Scholars Foundation.

The Western Amateur began in 1899 and is only pre-dated by the British Amateur (1885) and the U.S. Amateur (1895). Players come in from dozens of countries, where 156 golfers play 36-holes of stroke play before a cut, then 36 more holes for the top 44 scores and ties, to determine the final 16 players who go to match play.

Then there was Jack Nicklaus (1961), Tom Weiskopf, Lanny Wadkins, Andy North, Ben Crenshaw, Curtis Strange, Hal Sutton (twice), Phil Mickelson, Justin Leonard (twice) Tiger Woods and Ryan Moore. All those players since the 1960s but Nicklaus and Wadkins won at Pointe O’ Woods – the host site in 1963, ’65 and then for 38 consecutive years beginning in 1971.

The winners’ list is a formidable who’s-who in golf: Francis Quimet in 1917 and the most prolific winner

This year the July 29 – August 3 contest will be the first back in Michigan since 2008. Pointe O’

“I think winning this gave me the belief,” DiMarco said. “Beating some of best golfers, my peers – and especially some of the old guys. Jay Sigel was still playing back then; Allen Doyle. For me to go out and win tournaments was like, wow, maybe I can do this as a career. “This was the highlight of my amateur career for sure, to win this golf tournament. To be back here, where it all happened, gives me goosebumps. I hope that these kids that come in understand how special this place is and they have a great time doing it.”

Course Review Michigan Golf Journal

Timber Ridge Added to Eagle Eye Portfolio By Tom Lang

As a Lansing native who learned and played the game at a variety of local courses, Timber Ridge quickly became a favorite. Designed more than 30 years ago by Michigander Jerry Matthews, the East Lansing track was one of the original courses to create the “Up North” golf experience in a down-state location. To me, it always felt like after Timber Ridge came on the scene that many other courses tried to emulate the “Up North” mantra. Timber Ridge in East Lansing is now under

new ownership and the immediate improvements are showing. Mid-Michigan’s golf mecca of Eagle Eye Properties bought Timber Ridge late last year and now has a portfolio that includes the original 27hole course – Hawk Hollow (also a Matthews design) – plus Eagle Eye; the unique and fun 12-hole course, Woodside; the short course of Falcon and the real-grass 18-hole putting course, Little Hawk. Very bluntly, the Eagle Eye portfolio now has every possible form of golf for

anyone – whether they are looking for various price points, gorgeous hilly terrain, challenging experiences, tournament-quality golf, kid and family-friendly options, and outings – there is literally something for anyone. On one particular Tuesday evening, a ladies’ league was flooding Timber Ridge, which tells me a lot about the ‘womenfriendliness’ factor. “We’ve more than doubled the grounds staff and it really shows in course conditions,” said Director of Golf Operations at Eagle

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has some spectacular water holes.

Eye, Luke Thode, about first steps taken at Timber Ridge. “We’ve increased the maintenance budget to allow for proper fertilization and equipment use, too. Also, major clubhouse renovations are underway and some have been completed.”

Lay of the Land:

Timber Ridge is situated on expansive property with a great variety of peaks and valleys, and trees, trees, trees. The great part, however, is that trees do not overpower the course, rather play the role of framing the holes. The previous owners also did a good job of clearing out unnecessary under brush, so if your wayward ball does find the trees, you’ll likely still find it, and have a shot out. One of the couples that let me play through also commented that they like that there rarely seems to be any bugs – even though Timber Ridge

My favorite stretch on the front nine are holes 7-9. No. 7 is a par 4 that takes a hard right turn at the elbow with a carry over water in a deep valley, to a green that’s on the same level as the fairway. The 8th is a par three to an elevated green that reminded me of a couple holes at ThreeTops. That’s followed by a stout par 5 that plays well downhill off the tee, turns right a little and slowly climbs uphill again to a bean-shaped green.

What a Finish:

Holes 15-18 are as solid of a group of finishing holes as I have experienced

anywhere – based on the characteristics of beauty, challenge and variety of shots required. No. 15 is a moderate-length par 5 with a highly elevated green; 16 is a simply gorgeous, downhill par 3 to a thin, wide green; Hole 17 is another par 5 that requires avoiding the hazard on the right side approach to the green; and 18 is a stout par 4 with a green framed by water left in front and a natural backdrop of trees and slopped terrain framing the right side. All-in-all, a great addition to the family. More information can be found on all courses at: https://eagleeyegolfclub. com/

Course Review Michigan Golf Journal

Mackinac Island, the Jewell of the Great Lakes, Has Golf Too By Len Ziehm

There are a host of reasons why people take the 20-minute boat ride from Mackinac City, or St. Ignace to the island every year, May through October. Mackinac

Island is a lot more than just the Grand Hotel. Every day during the summer, up to 15,000 visitors shop at the intimate stores, dine at one of the many intriguing restaurants, bike around the island, enjoy a peaceful carriage or horseback ride and explore the historical attractions, most notably Fort Mackinac. Very few consider playing golf on Mackinac Island a high priority, but maybe they should. The Wawashkamo 9-holer is one of the very few

unvarnished courses left from the pre-1900 era, when American golf got its start. Golf historians say there are only about a half dozen courses throughout the entire U.S. that have been preserved as close to the original, as Wawashkamo. The course that aficionados simply call Wawa, was built in 1898 on a historical site, over which a battle from the War of 1812 was waged. A group from Chicago, who owned summer cottages on the Island were looking for additional outdoor

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activities and it was decided a golf course was needed. Scotsman Alex Smith, the greenskeeper of the Washington Park course in Chicago, was summoned to design the new course. In addition to building an enjoyable layout, Smith was a better than average golfer and won the U.S. Open twice. Golfers can only access the course by walking, riding a bicycle or taking a horsedrawn carriage ride that takes about 20 minutes from the Grand Hotel. In the early years, players built their own tees, using sand and water, and you can still do that on the first tee at Wawashkamo. Vintage clubs, from the pre-1935 era, are also available to rent, for a more authentic golf experience.

The Jewel is no modernday marvel either, as the front side dates back to the 1920s.

The course has nine holes, but can be played as an 18, thanks to the availability of alternate tee placements. To its full length, the course measurers 5,949 yards and features cross bunkers, plus chocolate drops (piles of stones) as hazards.

Tom Bendelow designed the Grand Nine across the street from the hotel with views of Lake Huron and Round Island. Unlike Wawashkamo, the Grand Nine was renovated by Michigan architect Jerry Matthews in 1987. Plus, a second nine, The Woods, was added in 1994, with views of the Straits and the Mackinac Bridge. The two nines are over a mile apart, so a carriage ride of about 20 minutes is required to play all 18 holes.

Mackinac Island has more golf than the unique version offered at Wawashkamo.

The Grand Nine is shorter and tighter than the Woods and together they form a

5,457-yard par-67, from the back tees. Those going just nine holes can stop off at the Jockey Club for post-round socializing and The Woods conveniently concludes in front of a Bavarian-style restaurant, which includes Bobby’s Bar, offering fullservice dining, as well as, the oldest duckpin bowling alley in the United States. To complete your golfing experience on Mackinac Island, the Mission Point Resort has an 18-hole putting course, The Greens of Mackinac. With all bent grass putting surfaces it’s an attraction for golfers, too. Enjoy a day, a week or a month exploring historical Mackinac Island, but don’t forget to bring your golf clubs.

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