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JUNE 2020

Rebirth: Links at Hunters Ridge 25th Anniversary Year

A Salute to Nurses

Sr. PGA Champion:

Ken Tanigawa

Golf Q&A with Lions’

Matthew Stafford

MSU’s Valery Plata Big Ten Player of the Year Guest Column from a Golf Nut:

Bill Hobson’s 5 Observations of a Pandemic

Michigan Golf Journal Bringing Golf Back

Golf Industry’s “Voice” is Loud and Clear By Kate Moore

The average golf consumer may not have heard of the Michigan Golf Alliance (MGA) but I can assure you their voice is loud and clear. Formed about 10 years ago to bring Michigan’s golf associations together in order to tell the story of our state’s golf’s $4.2 billion industry to the state legislature, the MGA again has proved we are stronger, together. “Working together very efficiently within this fluid situation provided a unified voice to our Governor and led to the re-opening of golf,” said Jada Paisley, executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Association. Each of the associations has a seat at the table. The executive directors created a timely and effective strategy along with the support of the

Small Business Association of Michigan to inform the Governor and her team how golf could and should be open in Michigan during COVID-19.

golf in Michigan for the current administration,” said MI Golf Course Superintendents Association’s executive director Adam Ikamas.

Because the Alliance leadership was constantly in communication, they had the ability to “communicate quickly and directly react to new information. Hopefully, this has also led to some more education on the business and economic impact of

The Alliance represents the many voices of the golf industry including the consumer, golf professional, superintendent, managers, operators and owners, so it stands to reason creating a unified message was often a challenge.

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

“Within the Alliance we have representation from many viewpoints within the industry, so hopefully that meant we understood and addressed all of the various perspectives across the state in our messaging, advocacy and discussions,” said Chris Witten, executive director of the Golf Association of Michigan. Witten also indicated one of the biggest challenges was that the Alliance could not be face to face with the decision makers at the State Capitol participating in the meetings where these policies relating

to golf were being set. Often the results of the Alliance’s efforts were not even known until the next Executive Order and subsequent FAQs were released by the Governor. “The biggest challenge for our group is receiving timely and clear communication with the decision makers in Lansing,” said MI Section PGA director Kevin Helm. “We were often left to react and try to clarify details in order to help our members/facilities know how to proceed.” As the newcomer to the group, Whitten stated, “I

feel fortunate to work with this small group of golf leaders. We have a lot of bright, passionate people working on behalf of each specific group within the golf industry and I think we all learned from each other in this difficult process.” A process that eventually led to golf opening up long before most business in Michigan were allowed. Learn more about the Michigan Golf Alliance at www.michigangolgalliance. com. MGJ

What’s Inside: 10

Links at Hunters Ridge Turns 25

Golf Q&A: Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford

Senior PGA Champ: Ken Tanigawa

A Salute to Nurses Who Golf

Bill Hobson: Observations from a Golf Nut

Guest Column: Course Designer Mike DeVries

Big Ten Player of the Year

Freeways and Fairways: Oakland Hills

Michigan Golf Journal High School Golf

The One-Legged Wonder Leads Lawton Golf Team By Tom Lang

Upon first glance at Lawton High junior Olivia Cramer, some could think maybe she doesn’t belong in competitive high school sports. Especially in high-octane, fast-moving, environments like varsity volleyball and basketball. Or as captain of the boy’s golf team. All it would prove is that looks can be very deceiving. “I’ve always wanted to show people that I’m not disabled; I hate that term,” Cramer said in a matter-offact tone and with a huge dose of positivity. “I’m able, just in a different way, and I like to show people I’m not just going to sit on my couch and watch TV. I can go out and do the same things as others, if not better than they do.” Cramer was born with a non-genetic condition called proximal femoral focal deficiency (PFFD), which among many factors affects the length of her right leg bone. She wears a prosthetic “runner’s blade” when playing indoor sports – and a more traditional-looking prosthetic for golf and everyday life – because her right femur is shorter than normal. She also does not have a right fibula but does have all her foot bones.

Give credit to the young people of Lawton that she claims to have never been bullied for looking different. That’s likely because she doesn’t act different; unless being different means displaying a positive attitude no matter what the circumstances, and looking at challenges in sports – or in life – simply as hurdles to overcome rather than walls that stop you. Continues on page 6 >>

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Michigan Golf Journal High School Golf

sophomore year and be seen by a few college coaches, so she played volleyball in the fall, but gave up basketball for the first time, to practice golf over the winter. “I have been playing every day, so it has kind of felt like we’re in-season, I just don’t have the competition that I wish I could have had,” she said in late May. “We would have had a great team this year. I think we would have made it to states. “I’m looking forward to the summer tours, so that’s what I’m focused on instead of being miserable that the high school season was canceled.”

“One time in middle school a kid called me the ‘one-leg wonder’ and I thought, okay, I’ll use that as a compliment and use it as my name now,” Cramer said.

Like every high school golfer in Michigan, Cramer’s season was wiped out this spring. She was hoping to improve her game from

Cramer is not a golf world-beater, but she holds her own – especially considering she always plays from the men’s tees. She of course must on the boy’s team, but she also believes it’s more reflective of the women’s college game and wants coaches to see she is playing ahead of the curve. She has the grades to get into any school and Notre Dame is a dream goal; but to play golf she is looking more at the D2 level for fall 2021. She scores about 10 over par on competitive 18-hole courses and drives the ball a little over 200 yards. She did shoot a 3-under for nine holes on a fairly-easy course recently. “I’ve never been the best at driving so I work on the short game to make up for it,” Cramer said. “I’ve been working more on how to score instead of how to hit it long.” By her own admission last fall, Cramer is not an All-State volleyball candidate – she had 26 kills in 141 attempts, and a 78.9 percent serve percentage while playing in 71 out of 91 sets in the regular season. Yet her coach Continues on page 8 >>

Michigan Golf Journal High School Golf Courtesy Detroit Free Press

“The main thing with Olivia is that she’s just so positive, not bitter in any way with what life’s dealt her,” Shanley said. “She’s right up there with the top 2 or 3 most dedicated golfers I’ve had. She could be number one, and there’s a couple boys that went on to be pros. She’s just such a student of the game. “She’s simply loved by everybody in the school; office staff, teachers, her fellow students. They love her positive spirit and coming through all she has. She’s just a spectacular kid.”

said she is a huge contributor in additional ways. “Really, it’s her communication and her energy and her excitement, and what that brings to our team,” Lawton coach Megan McCorry said. “Pretty early on in the season I found myself saying to my assistant coach, ‘I don’t think we cannot have her on the court,’ because she’s just this firecracker. And she works incredibly hard to pay attention to every single detail.” High school golf coach Barry Shanley started the Lawton boys’ program in 1996. There has never been a girls’ team.

Kalamazoo Hackett golf coach Jim Holton said: “Olivia is one of those golfers, who as a coach, you always want on your team. A great spirit, great attitude. Not only does she have her physical handicap to overcome, she’s on the boy’s team, but I see that she’s fit right in. The boys respect her, and she respects them.” Cramer said her love for golf has gotten even stronger this spring. She started playing several years ago along with her Uncle Ryan, her father figure. She doesn’t know her biological father. “(Uncle Ryan) was killed in a car accident so I stared pursuing golf in his legacy,” she said. “When I play the game, it reminds me of him, and I have grown to love it.” MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story, Hunters Ridge

Links at Hunters Ridge Ready for its Next 25 Years

By Tom Lang

This is one of those stories people in the golf industry like to hear: • Developers and first-time owners of a quality golf course lived their dream for 25 years, yet it was time to retire • A group of avid golfer friends since college come in and buy the place and invest new funds to make capital improvements and inject fresh ideas – wrapped around the sincere goal of attracting more youth and women to the game

• They retain the course superintendent who has been there since day one • Competing golf courses show their kindness and class by offering advice to be successful This is the Links at Hunters Ridge, a very walkable golf course located in the farming region just north of Howell, between Lansing and Detroit. “When we first looked into it, we thought it was strange that we never heard of this course, given we often drive a lot farther to golf,” said

Gary Kendra, one of the owners of the group made up of four married couples. “Then when we came out here it was just beautiful land. It’s out in the country so it’s very quiet. It’s got good bones, so we thought it was a good investment with a good group of people who could really make some improvements. And we thought it would be fun. “It’s always had a good reputation as a hidden gem, and that was the part we thought was the opportunity,” Kendra

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

said about removing the ‘hidden’ moniker. “The course has always competed more at a local level instead of at a regional level. With a marketing expert on our team we’ll do more social media marketing. “And Livingston County is one of the fastest growing places in Michigan – so I tell people the course is not as far away as it used to be.”

High Quality Design: The Links at Hunter’s Ridge was designed by Jerry Matthews and Paul Albanese, the latter who was onsite almost daily for two years overseeing the construction in the mid-1990s on the Miesle family farm. The layout was constructed on a large parcel dating back several generations to the 1870s. Within a few years of opening it hosted a U.S. Open qualifier.

My favorite stretch of holes on the front nine are holes 4-6. The 4th is a short par four that goes a little uphill and slightly to the right. The 5th is a downhill par 3 over a marsh to a thin front-toback, but wide green. Then comes No. 6, a long par five that has a creek cutting across and one of the few large trees on course to navigate around. Perhaps the crowning jewels, though, are the closing holes. The 17th tee is the highest point on the property from where you can see the entire course and drops 45-60 feet to the par three green. Then 18 is a par 5 risk-reward hole with water guarding the right side of the three-tier green complex. “I love that course,” Albanese said. “It’s one of the first designs I did with Jerry; one I was always

proud of. Jerry and I had a fun time doing it.”

Making Changes: The ownership group of friends were all were watching the MSU/ U-M basketball game in February of 2019, when Eric Nichols, also a co-owner, suggested the idea that their group could purchase the course that he had been eyeballing for about a year. Three months later the group made the deal. Another owner, Luigi Folino, who works at Ford Motor Co., said they hired Albanese to create a master plan to guide the next few years of upgrades. “Our first improvements were the greens, last year,” he said. “We spent a little money to get the greens back in great shape. We worked on some of the bridges that needed

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story, Hunters Ridge

repair; we have maybe two bridges to go. “What really attracted us was the layout of the course. The design of it was really nice. The course had a lot of potential, it was just a little bit overgrown (shrubs and trees) and needed a little loving care. This course was affordable to purchase, and we knew we’d have to put some money into it, so this was a good situation for us.” The next few years will include reclaiming many of the bunkers that have shrunk due to grass creeping inward around the edges. Other bunkers will turn to all grass while

18th green, taken in early spring

some new bunkers will be installed to make up for golf’s distance changes the past quarter century. “It’s great to see the new owners embracing the original design of more a prairie style,” Albanese said. “They want help bringing back some of the original design features.” Albanese added that the routing remains solid as a rock – with one exception. Plans call for moving the equipment barn behind the 7th green and turning the par three into a drivable par four. “A lot of us architects these days are designing what we call par 3 and a half,” Albanese

said. “You can’t always tell if it’s a long par 3 that you can’t reach, or a short par 4 that once in a while you can reach. I think par 3 and a half’s are some of the most exciting holes in golf.” The clubhouse received a face lift outdoors, and serious renovations are almost completed inside – including a new bar that will be finished after the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. The owners were able to secure a liquor license for which the locals said was the first one obtained in that township since Prohibition. Major enhancements in food

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

choices will be offered and a large deck overlooking the 18th green has been upgraded. On the entertainment side, the new owners want to serve food and drinks all year long for area residents that don’t have many options in the area of the village of Oak Grove. The practice range also has huge baskets that resemble targets at TopGolf. They glow at night with a black light so groups and couples can have some fun options after sunset. Jan Brintnall, a Lansing native who is an LPGA Teaching Professional and the instructor for “The Business of Golf” at the Eli Broad College of Business

17th green

New deck at the 18th green

at MSU, will be offering learning opportunities through the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program. Also on tap will be multiple-day clinics for boys and girls and adults, plus MotherChild, Father-Child and Grandparent-Child Golf Days that will provide instruction and team games.

Albanese said he was really pleased with the original owners’ agreement to place the clubhouse where it is, back on the property at a greater cost of adding a long driveway and new parking lot. “It allows a wonderful experience with a place for people to sit at the clubhouse and watch the golfers come in on 18,” he added. “It’s a beautiful view (looking west over water) and the new owners have embraced it very well. They’ve made some tweaks that improve the sightlines. It will be more like we originally envisioned it, as a place to come play and not want to leave.” MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Sr. PGA Champion

The Senior PGA Title Defense That Never Happened Major set for Benton Harbor was cancelled

Courtesy PGA Tour

PGA Tour Champions 2-time winner Ken Tanigawa isn’t a household name – and he seems just fine with that. But you certainly do not win golf’s oldest senior major, the Senior PGA Championship, and win 2018 Rookie of the Year, unless you’ve truly got game. Tanigawa won the KitchenAid Sr. PGA Championship last year in Rochester, N.Y., and was

ready to defend his 2019 title as the event was to come to Benton Harbor this year in its round robin site format of playing every other year at Harbor Shores Golf Club along the Lake Michigan shoreline. COVID-19 saw to it that the tournament wasn’t played as planned May 28-31, and was cancelled for the year. “I was ready to play; I was looking forward to

defending,” Tanigawa said in a one-on-one interview with Michigan Golf Journal. “I had that one other occasion where I was fortunate enough to win at Pebble Beach (in 2018 with an eagle on the final hole) and I was able to get back there to play. So, I was looking forward to going up to Benton Harbor and playing, where I did okay my first time (2018). Disappointing we couldn’t Continues on page 17 >>

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Michigan Golf Journal Sr. PGA Champion

get back there, but I guess I can hold onto that title for another year. That’s a positive.” Currently, the PGA Tour Champions are set to resume their schedule in Michigan, at the Ally Challenge presented by McLaren, July 31-Aug. 2 at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc. Tanigawa plans to play, potentially with fan favorites like Kenny Perry, Chris DeMarco, Fred Couples, Rocco Mediate, Tom Kite, Colin Montgomerie, Bernhard

Langer and defending champ Jerry Kelly. When Tanigawa beat out former UCLA college teammate, Scott McCarron, last year for the Sr. PGA Championship it made him the fourth consecutive Sr. PGA winner who had also earned Rookie of the Year. “It was fantastic, to be honest,” he said about being in the final grouping with his old friend. “It was a lot of fun. It was a comfortable pairing, obviously. And it was fun

to play along Scott and he’s of course a force out on the Champions Tour. To be able to play on that big stage and to come out on top was certainly beyond rewarding.” Unlike McCarron and other famous names on the senior circuit, Tanigawa spent much of his life as an amateur golfer. He did play three events on the PGA Tour soon after college, but then gave up that lifestyle to work for the family business, eventually regaining amateur playing

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

status. He and his family live in Arizona, but the business is headquartered in their native Japan.

Courtesy PGA of America

He has played on the PGA Champions Tour with Michigander and former amateur Tom Werkmeister – a Warren native who now lives near Grand Rapids. “I think there’s a little bit of a bond there, being the little guy out on the Tour, competing against guys who made a career out of being on the PGA Tour, and doing

really, really well there,” Tanigawa said. “We’re a bit of an outsider in the sense we really didn’t go down that road. There’s a bit of a connection there.”

Tanigawa credits regaining his amateur status for a time as helping his outlook in his ‘second pro career.’ “Amateur golf really rekindled just playing for the sake of playing with no strings attached to the results or outcomes,” he said. “It kind of makes you fall in love with the game to just play for the sake of enjoyment, because amateur golf is pretty much just that. You just go out and try to have fun with it, where you just play for the love of the game, and it was a lot of fun.” MGJ

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Michigan Golf Journal Guest Column

5 Pandemic Observations From A Diehard Golf Nut Guest column: Bill Hobson, Michigan Golf Live and FORE Golfers Network

Perhaps more than any other sport, golf lends itself to the unexpected, unprecedented, and ridiculous. Whether it’s the lucky bounces your friends always get or the time your shank somehow came back to hit you squarely in the forehead – or somewhere more tender. As we wrestle with the various burdens and challenges created by Covid-19, the golf industry has been rocked to its core by questions, restrictions, confusion, and the ever-present passion to get out and play. Having covered the game for over 30 years, here are 5 Pandemic observations from a diehard golf nut: 1) The “Lord of the Flies” story portrays communication excellence in comparison to the golf scene in our state throughout April and much of May. Can courses be open? What restrictions are in place? How is that course using carts when we were told they are prohibited? These, and dozens of additional questions and rants flooded my inbox from frustrated

PGA Professionals, General Managers, and Course Owners – all thanks to brutally poor communication from those making decisions in Lansing. Golf is a $4.2 Billion per year industry in this state and deserves to be treated with more respect than to fall prey to the political whims of those who mistakenly believe the game is the exclusive property of one party or group. We spent several weeks watching a shameful display of division and class warfare from Lansing leadership at the expense of those who feed their families by working in the golf, travel, and hospitality industry. 2) A Good Walk Enjoyed – during the brief time when carts were prohibited (depending on where you lived, what day it

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

was, and the mood of your local sheriff), golfers could only walk to play. While there are many courses in our state that are literally unwalkable, there are hundreds that provide for excellent exercise in a way that takes you back to the roots of the game. One course owner told me he had over 225 walkers in one day, on a course that last YEAR had less than 300 walking rounds total. 3) Reality Check – Passion and emotion are powerful factors for each of us, so when reality collides with our feelings, sparks often fly. As frustrations mounted in May over the restrictions on golf, I was reminded that in May of 2019, it rained 23 days and very few rounds were played. Courses were flooded, leagues canceled, and rounds overall were quite low. This year, the springtime weather was a bit more kind, and I believe that when the final figures are tabulated, we might see a bump in total rounds played year-to-year. That would be an excellent silver lining in an otherwise difficult time. 4) False Hope once again made an appearance

during my first few rounds. Perhaps you’ve experienced this mirage of confidence as well. Out of the gate, my opening holes were so solid I was certain I could hear the PGA Tour Champions calling to offer me a spot in an upcoming event. And then came the 6th hole of my season, better known as “the moment I thought about my score.” You know what happens next. Disaster. The dream came crashing down as quickly as it had been formed. 5) Appreciation – In just a few weeks of playing in 2020, I’ve come to gain even more respect and appreciation for the PGA Pros, Supers, and those who have put on masks and gloves to work on a skeleton crew in order to present a great golf experience.

As we all try to figure out the rules, policies, and the vagaries of the World Handicap System, these heroes of the game have been up before the sun to prepare the course, wipe down every surface, insert pool noodles, stage carts, mow, rake, and beautify every last inch of the course you’re about to play. Thank you to all those professionals who go far beyond their ‘job’ and inject their passion into the experience we all enjoy. And to those who play the game – it’s okay to say thank you not only with words, but by taking extra care with divots, ball marks, and following the protocols. After all, we are in this together. MGJ

Rocket Mortgage Classic

Rocket Mortgage Classic “Changing the Course” Initiative The Rocket Mortgage Classic, in partnership with its title sponsor Rocket Mortgage, plans a new “Changing the Course” initiative – a multiyear campaign with a vision that every Detroit resident has access to the internet, technology and digital literacy training within five years. The COVID-19 pandemic shined a light on a number of unaddressed underlying issues in Detroit – internet accessibility being one of the most severe. The vision of “Changing the Course” has an end goal of a Detroit where every resident has access to the technology, internet and digital literacy that is the baseline for education and opportunity in today’s economy. The Rocket Giving Fund, the tournament’s 501(c)3, will invest funds in organizations and infrastructure that seek to ensure 5G internet technology becomes available across Detroit.

“As we witnessed PGA Tour golfer Harold Varner visited Midnight the heartbreaking Golf in 2019 toll that COVID-19 wants to be a launch-point to has had on our city, we help solve the digital divide. knew we had to use the Details and a roadmap to Rocket Mortgage Classic as accomplish this multi-year plan a driver of lasting change,” will be released to the public said Jay Farner, CEO of Rocket when finalized. Mortgage by Quicken Loans. “In talking to leaders and “When we announced the partners throughout the tournament’s new date (to city, the issue of internet July 2-5), we said that we were accessibility always came back flipping this event on its head,” to the top. Kids are falling said Jason Langwell, Executive behind because they can’t Director of the Rocket Mortgage get to school, parents cannot Classic. “Once out of the gate, search for jobs, and families our mindset for the 2020 event were unable to get needed has been centered on how we telemedicine. Detroiters can set the standard for how a deserve better.” PGA TOUR event can galvanize an entire community to assist Detroit currently ranks as the at-need populations.” least connected city (more than 100,000 households) in America, with nearly 30% of its homes without broadband of any type. What once was considered digital currency reserved for the elite and early More information is available adopters is today the root at RocketMortgageClassic. essential need to survive and com and on Facebook, thrive in our modern economy. Twitter and Instagram (@ The Rocket Mortgage Classic RocketClassic). MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Golf Outings

Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center Highlights New Twist to Outings in a Covid Year

Moving Forward with 4th Annual ‘Tee It Up For Freedom’ Golf Tournament By Janina Parrott Jacobs

Thinking outside the traditional golf outing box, the Michigan Armed Forces Hospitality Center’s 4th Annual Tee it up for Freedom golf tournament is adding a new twist that provides an opportunity for golfers to participate in golf and support the Freedom Centers on their own day of choice. The new component added this year allows supporters to play the host site, Fellows Creek Golf Club in Canton beforehand, any day between July 24-30 at their team’s leisure, for those who find it more convenient or prefer to avoid the larger crowd on the official outing date of July 31. A discounted rate of $75 per player qualifies for golf, cart, lunch ticket, swag bag, commemorative challenge coin and team prizes, during that week prior. Sponsorships and foursomes remain open for

the main event that Friday July 31, which additionally includes dinner, onsite auction, and networking with our two special guests – weather forecasters Rich Luterman of Fox 2 news and Paul Gross of Chan. 4 WDIV. When the first MAFHC military Freedom Center was launched on Veterans Day, 11/11/11 at 11:11am, there was one re-purposed conference room donated by Delta Airlines at Detroit Metropolitan Airport’s MacNamara Terminal to serve active military, reservists, veterans who have all served us. Now, there are four facilities where over 715,000 guests have been assisted by dedicated volunteers who work fourhour shifts daily from 6am10pm. Complimentary refreshments, snacks and sundries are provided but more importantly, guests enjoy a friendly face,

a place of refuge, and help when needed while traveling. Please visit www. mifreedomcenter. org or contact info@ mifreedomcenter.org for details, to participate in the Mission Brigade program, or to consider online auction bids where resort golf packages, sports memorabilia and other valuable items will be offered. Also available will be custom artwork crafted by military veterans and collected by the late Howard ‘Howitzer’ Ambinder, a dedicated MAFHC volunteer who procured these gems at countless exhibits – including the renowned Ann Arbor Art Fair – to help the cause. MGJ

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Big Ten Player of the Year

MSU’s Valery Plata Named B1G Golfer of the Year

Record Four Women Spartans Earn All-Conference Honors Four members of the Michigan State women’s golf team earned All-Big Ten, including sophomore Valery Plata named Big Ten Golfer of the Year. Plata – who also won the Sportsmanship award – was joined on the All-Big Ten First Team by senior Allyson Geer-Park and junior Yurika Tanida. Senior Paz Marfa Sans was selected to the second team. “It’s a very exciting day for us to have four players earn All-Big Ten honors and for Valery to be named Player of the Year,” MSU head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll said. “Valery is an amazing young woman and had a breakout year. She finished in the top 20 of all but one tournament and winning the Tar Heel Invitational in the fall was an outstanding accomplishment.”

The four All-Big Ten selections are the most ever for the Spartan program. Plata, who hails from Floridablanca, Colombia, is the sixth Big Ten Golfer of the Year from MSU overall and marks the 3rd time in the last 4 seasons a Spartan has garnered the conference honor (2018, 2017 – Sarah Burnham). Plata led the Spartans with a 72.37 scoring average. At the

Tar Heel, Plata recorded the second-lowest 54hole tournament total in school history with an 11-under-par 205 (69, 68, 68). She and the Spartans outdueled a field that included No. 2-ranked Wake Forest, 2019 national champion Duke and No. 9-ranked Arkansas, and a total of seven teams in the top 20. Geer-Park ended her career with Michigan State and turned pro as the all-time leader in career scoring average at 72.87. The native of Brighton is the first player in program history to be a fourtime First Team All-Big Ten honoree. Tanida had the best year of her career as her 72.84 scoring average was nearly a stroke and a half lower than her sophomore year average. Marfa Sans is now a threetime All-Big Ten selection. Her 72.94 scoring average in 201920 was the second-lowest of her career. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Golf Q&A

Courtesy of Detroit Lions

Golf Q&A: Detroit Lions’ QB Matthew Stafford With Tom Lang

Matthew Stafford needs little introduction to Michigan sports fans. The 32-year-old has broken and set all sorts of team passing records, and a few NFL records as well.

While he has not set golfing records nor made any holes in one yet, during a one-onone talk in mid-May with Michigan Golf Journal, the 7-handicap golfer revealed he has a lot in common with the average Michigan golfer:

Do you recall how you fell in love with golf ?

“I played a little bit growing up…My dad would take me out and tee me up about 100 yards away from

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

the green and I’d play the hole from there, maybe as a par 4 or par 5. That kept me into it and let me score, because I was competitive, and didn’t want to make a 10 on every hole. I just think those early days, playing with my dad, I fell in love with it.”

Do you see similarities between golf and football?

“The biggest difference to me is that football is so reactionary once the ball is snapped. But some of the mental preparation that I do going Courtesy of Detroit Lions

into games, playing the game in my head…I’m sure that a lot of the golfers who are really good players do that as well. There’s so much thinking that goes into it and then obviously those guys stand over the ball and then they let their natural talent and habits take over. It’s kind of the same for me; a lot of thinking, and then once the ball is snapped you just let your talent go from there.”

Are there any teammates or other NFL players you don’t necessarily want to face on the golf course?

“I do play with Matt Ryan (Falcons) a decent amount there in the Atlanta area... He’s a really, really good player. About as good as I’ve been around that doesn’t play it professionally, or thinks they do. He gets it off the tee, plays good iron shots and is a really good putter. “I played quite a bit with (former teammate) Dan (Orlovsky). He’s another good golfer. I feel like most quarterbacks at least try and play or think they can. But golf is a fun game to play for sure.”

Michigan Golf Journal Golf Q&A

A Breath of Fresh Air

Now more than ever, we appreciate the simple things in life. The awe of a beautiful sunset. The crisp coolness of the morning air. The relaxed peacefulness of small towns. We relish those experiences that afford us distance —while still keeping us close. When you are ready to get back to the game you love, we will be waiting. Read about how we are committed to your safety at www.frenchlick.com or email our Director of Golf at dharner@frenchlick.com.

You are a leader for the Detroit Lions. What coaching tactics or motivation would you try if you could be a Ryder Cup captain?

“Oh man. Well I think in that, the biggest thing in its similarity to football is just creating the right match ups, putting your guys in the best chances to succeed. That’s something as a quarterback you have to do. And as a leader you have to find a way to make sure your guys are doing what they do best. Ryder Cup is a lot that way as well. Each golfer has different strengths and different weaknesses, and maybe your tactics are who they are paired with on your team, or who they are playing against on the opposite team. So, there is a lot that goes into the strategy, and that relates to football a good amount.”

On avg. how often are you able to play golf?

“It’s a tough schedule to get good. I don’t play at all during the football season. I hang up my clubs mid-July and depending on the weather I bring them out again in February sometimes in California (or Georgia) if we can get out there and play. Then mid-April comes back around and we’re back into football a little bit, which makes it tougher to play. Maybe somewhere between 25 and 40 times a year.

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Are you able to take advantage very much of the par 3 hole at the Lions’ practice facility in Allen Park? (Note: the Lions have a real grass golf hole of about

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

135 yards on site.)

“I used it more back in the day I was young and I didn’t have to spend as much time in training camp making sure that my body was ready to function for the next practice,” he answered with a chuckle. “Now days not as much. Once or twice a year I get back there and have some fun…I know some coaches and players have used it more than others. It’s a neat thing to have there, to be able to take your mind off of football, if you need to. The

grounds crew does a great job keeping it in shape…it’s a fun place to go see how good your short game is.”

Do you have a golf course bucket list?

“There’s a few places I haven’t played that I’d really like to. Bandon Dunes, Pine Valley. There’s a lot of good ones here in the states I’d like to play. I haven’t been overseas, so getting over there (Scotland and Ireland, etc.) would be a huge plus too.”

Do you want to get your children into golf?

“Yes, I’d love to. I have three girls at the moment, with a fourth child on the way in July. Golf is a place you can sort of disconnect from what’s going on around you. I played a lot of rounds with my dad and I loved that. I think it’s just an awesome way to connect with the people you’re playing with, and really get to know somebody, and if that’s with me and my kids I would absolutely love it.” MGJ

Michiganto Golf Journal Salute Nurses

Michigan Pro Golfer Shifted to Front-Line Nurse

Editor’s note: we were the first media outlet to publish this story, on May 5 on our website, the day after Michigan Golf Journal’s e-magazine began distribution for May. This story below has new and updated information from the web version.

Saline native Sarah Hoffman knew she needed to help. Hoffman has been playing the Symetra Tour for several years, hoping to get that big break and reach the LPGA Tour. But when the COVID-19 outbreak occurred and the tour schedule was placed on hold, Hoffman put away her Callaway clubs, donned a face mask and

other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to return to her job as a nurse at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. Hoffman has worked in the orthopedic trauma unit since February 2014 during the months she is not playing the Symetra Tour. “I just couldn’t keep sitting on the couch and not helping my friends who

were on the front lines,” she told Golfweek magazine. When the pandemic first made a ripple in the American healthcare landscape, COVID-19 patients at Michigan Medicine were cared for in the regional infectious containment unit (RICU). As that unit became overwhelmed, COVID-19 patients spread throughout

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

the hospital including into Hoffman’s unit, as elective cases like knee and hip replacements were postponed. “My floor normally staffs at 10 nurses and everyone has four patients with a charge [lead] nurse,” Hoffman said, after her first shift back on nursing duty since December. “During the recent peak of the pandemic, Michigan Medicine implemented a safer staffing model including general care nurses deployed to intensive care unit (ICU) operations where a majority of COVID-19 patients were. “Everyone realized we had to come together as a strong, united front to provide the best possible care for all. After a season on the links it’s nice to get back to this other career I chose, to gain perspective. I feel fortunate in helping make a difference and that it allows for a steady paycheck.” Hoffman’s path to college golf was not smooth. She never played AJGA events growing up, and only broke 80 two times during high school, finishing well outside the top 10 at states her senior year at Saline High. To say she was a college golf late bloomer is mild, but she more than

made up for it as her game quickly progressed at Grand Valley State. She became a 3-time Division II All-American at GVSU with 11 college victories, then graduated in August 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Over her final five semesters, she balanced full-time clinical work with responsibilities of being a student-athlete. She plays pro golf when she can but returns to nurse status when Tour schedules take a break. “Sarah was a coach’s dream come true,” GVSU head coach Rebecca Mailloux said recently. “She loved the game of golf, worked really hard every day and was always looking to her coaches to help her improve. Her work ethic was tremendous and is a

huge testament to why she improved so quickly in the game once she came to Grand Valley. The progress she made in such a short time was remarkable. Her competitiveness was infectious and resulted in a lot of success while at Grand Valley. I know her time will come. Hard work always pays off.” The most updated restart to the 2020 Symetra Tour season is planned for July 8-10 in Maineville, Ohio for the Prasco Charity Championship. Hoffman will remain on the medical front lines until her name is called on the first tee. Then it will be time to dust off the Callaways and return once more to her non-superhero identity: professional golfer on the Symetra Tour. MGJ Story by Zach Sepanik and Tom Lang

Michiganto Golf Journal Salute Nurses

Just Third Time Playing Golf, Mich ER Nurse Drops Hole-in-One By Bill Broderick

Kelly Spitz is an emergency room nurse and a frontline hero.

saw the ball bounce off the cart path and onto the green.

So when local golf courses started to open up recently, you couldn’t blame her if she wanted to get away from all the hardships she’s been seeing at the hospital, get outside and be one of the first to swing the clubs, even if she is very new to the game.

“I was just excited to hit a good shot,” said Spitz, who admitted she had never even reached the green off the tee ever in her short golfing life. “So, when I saw it hit the green, I was super excited. Then it kept rolling and rolling, and then it disappeared.”

And as they say, good things happen to good people ... so of course, she got a holein-one. “I always kind of believed in karma, so maybe this is part of that, some good among all the tough times we see at the hospital every day,” Spitz said about dealing with COVID-19. “I don’t know if I deserved to get this (ace) because of what I do, it’s mostly pure luck, but it was nice. Certainly, something to enjoy with all that is going on.”

In only the third time she had played golf “for real,” Spitz got the hole-inone at Cedar Creek Golf Club in Battle Creek in late April. Spitz, who lives just outside Olivet and works at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, became a member at Cedar Creek Golf Club this spring with her friend, Kenny Sult, who lives in the Battle Creek area. Using a driver on the 125-yard No. 16 hole, Spitz had one of her best swings of the day,

Editor’s Note: reprinted by permission, Battle Creek Enquirer

Sult, her playing partner who had turned away and missed the shot, heard all the yelling and was excited for Spitz as well. “She is so new to it, I’m not sure she realized right away what she had done or what it meant,” Sult said. “It’s definitely crazy. I’m happy for her. Being a nurse, and we were playing with a friend of ours who is also a nurse, they are getting a little stir crazy considering what they are going through at the hospital. So, this is a cool thing to happen.” MGJ

Guest Column, Mike DeVries

Virus’ Long-Term Effects on Golf in the U.S.

Could result in betterment of the game, reduced costs and green grass health Guest Column: By Mike DeVries

For the foreseeable future, clearly, how we play golf in this country is going to be different. Walking may be mandated at some locations. In places where carts are allowed, some may be restricted to one per cart, thereby increasing the wear and tear to turf from increased traffic. Golf courses will likely be devoid of objects for a while that are frequently touched by golfers and/or employees such as tee markers, ball washers, bunker rakes, benches, signage, water

stations, etc. This change of “scenery” may be a blessing in disguise. Imagine the uncluttered look of a golf course with only the contours of the ground, hazards, grass lines, and a flag in the distance – a beautiful sight that breaks down the game to its essential elements. Over the years, golf in America has developed a very polished look to it, with perfect turf and deep green grass often cited as the ideal standard. Watching The Masters every spring and seeing

Cape Wickham in Australia

Augusta National in all its glory sets a very high bar for conditioning that many clubs and public course owners seek to emulate. While The Masters is one of the best run events in the world and is certainly a highlight for golfers everywhere, it is unrealistic for most anyone else to maintain its course like Augusta week in and week out, especially within the confines of a normal budget. In contrast, golf in the British Isles and Australia has typically had less to do with how a course

Michigan Golf Journal Guest Column, Mike DeVries

looks and more with how it plays. Turf conditioning is often excellent without extreme measures being taken to make everything picture perfect at all times. Consider most Open Championship courses and how they look in comparison to Augusta. The overall aesthetic is more natural, with Mother Nature affecting the course’s overall condition just as much as the superintendent and his team. Walking is also much more prevalent than in the U.S., with golfers carrying their bag, taking a caddie, or pushing a trolley. Many American golfers love playing overseas and relish their experiences there. Is this just because it is different from their “home

The Mines

game” or because the overall golfing experience there is more enjoyable? It’s a fair question all who love this game should ponder. With the series of mandated changes to socialization and human contact in the COVID-19 era, golf in America will have to change – and maybe for the better. Due to the 2020 season’s slow start, budgets will be tightened due to reduced income streams. In order to save on maintenance, grass will likely not be cut as frequently. Bunkers will not have rakes readily available, so players will have to smooth out their own footprints and treat bunkers as true hazards with questionable lies. This may

also create the subsequent result of making golfers more considerate of others by having to clean up after themselves or risk being subject to those conditions the next time. If a course is closed to play for an indeterminate amount of time, mowing heights will probably be raised, just as northern courses typically do in the late fall when prepping for winter and snow. Will greens be a little slower? Yes, but the turf will have more leaf tissue to absorb sunlight, which in turn increases photosynthesis/energy production. The plant’s ability to survive and thrive will increase. Stronger turf with less stress and less disease pressure saves time and money through reduced labor and

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

Kingsley Club

inputs. Greens can still be firm and roll true, even if they are a bit slower on the Stimpmeter. This can lead to more interesting flagstick locations and an increased variety in the course’s daily setup, which will ultimately translate into more fun shots and more strategic thought being required. This reflects the true heart and soul of the sport – and is how the game started in Scotland. Let’s learn to embrace these great qualities once again.

Pilgrim’s Run

Golf can emerge from the COVID-19 era with a better idea of what is really important about this popular pastime. We can walk, play, and exercise while engaging with others, and still pursue that little white ball. By simplifying its “touches” and limiting potential exposure to the virus, golf maintenance might just deliver us a more sustainable model which will allow us to keep enjoying the game we

love. In the end, the game may become more affordable and, therefore, more popular to a wider demographic. The “grow the game” initiatives of the last few years have been searching for new ways to interest more people in golf. Perhaps the restrictions and related impacts of this challenging time will point the game back towards its more humble roots and make it more popular than ever. MGJ Note: Life-long Michigander Mike DeVries is one of the world’s most talented and award-winning course designers. His work stretches worldwide, and those at home include Kingsley Club, Greywalls, Pilgrim’s Run, Diamond Springs and The Mines.

Michigan Golf Journal Michigan News and Notes

Gift Ideas for Father’s Day That Give Back to Others in Need

Two Michigan companies have great gift ideas for dad that will also provide donations to organizations helping others in need. North Coast Golf, a start-up company in Port Huron that makes high-end soft leather golfing gloves, has been supporting food banks in

Michigan and regionally this spring, such as: Forgotten Harvest (Oak Park), Gleaners (Detroit), Food Bank for New York City, and the Greater Lansing Food Bank. North Coast Golf is the dream of friends who grew up playing Michigan’s outstanding Up North coastal courses. The group was frequently disappointed that golf gloves had no real fashion style, didn’t fit well, didn’t look good, didn’t feel good and were not durable. Setting out to change that was the core

GAM’s Annual Awards

• GAM Superintendent of Merit Award: Steve Hammon, Traverse City Golf & CC • GAM Distinguished Service Award: John Schulte, Birmingham CC • James D. Standish Jr. Award (Evans Scholars): Reily Ellis (Michigan) and Olivia York (MSU) • Club Representative of the Year: Jeff Coleman, Meadowbrook (posthumous) • Course Rater of the Year: Dee Piccard

mission, founded by Matt Fernandez. More info: www.northcoastgolfco. com. Sideways 9 is a casual golf apparel company taking a fun approach to the game. Created by PGA Professional Chad Maveus, the line is derived from a true player’s perspective, with a bit of sarcasm and wit sprinkled in. Sideways 9 will donate 10 percent of all online sales during June to the Folds of Honor Foundation. Visit: www.sideways9. com MGJ

MGJ Contest Winner: Tammie Dann of Gowen, Michigan, won the Michigan Golf Journal contest for two-night’s stay and golf on the Donald Ross Course at French Lick Resort in southern Indiana. She signed up for the contest at the West Michigan Golf Show. Congratulations. MGJ

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

Jon Scott: 1969-2020 Jonathan (Jon) Scott, President of Gull Lake View Golf Club and Resort, passed away on April 23, 2020. He passionately promoted golf and related businesses at the local, state, national, and international levels, and did so with a humanitarian focus that is praiseworthy. One role was as vice president of the Michigan Golf Course Association.

Jon ran his businesses with the goal of improving the lives of everyone they affected, including his employees, customers, business associates, and members of the community at large. He gave freely of his time and resources to better his local community and took leadership roles

in organizations devoted to improving education – like serving on the Gull lake Community School Board – and otherwise improving the lives of children and their families. “Jon was a respected leader in the golf industry,” said Kathy Aznavorian, president of Fox Hills in Plymouth. “His insight was always valuable. Jon was very knowledgeable and a good resource on so many topics. He kept abreast of technology, politics and good management practices. Jon was always willing to extend the family welcome to colleagues and guests. He will be missed.”

His family asks those who wish to commemorate Jon to contribute to organizations that he whole-heartedly supported, such as the Gull Lake Community School Foundation www.glcsf. org or Family & Children Services fcsource.org, or to similar organizations in their communities. MGJ

BOYNE Golf Academy Names Joe Charles Director of Instruction

The nationallyrecognized BOYNE Golf Academy based at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain, has named Joe Charles as the program’s new Director of Instruction. Charles is a 15-year member of The Professional Golfers’ Association; a TPI Certified Golf Professional specializing in

video analysis, biomechanical motion analysis, and launch monitors; a TPI level 2 Junior Golf Certified Instructor; and a U.S. Kids Golf Certified Instructor. “I believe that every student is different and always strive to take an individual approach

incorporating the right mix of comprehensive and fun concepts,” said Charles, who began as a caddy at age 13 at Kalamazoo Country Club, before studying at Ferris State University, where he became the first student in its history to obtain his full Class “A” PGA membership before graduating. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Michigan News and Notes

More College Golf Honors

Kalamazoo College golfers Jackson Jones and Parker Pickell were selected to the Golf Coaches Assoc. of America All-Great Lakes team – the only two from the state of Michigan. Both are grads of Birmingham Seaholm High. Jones earned a schoolrecord average score of 73.5 for the fall season, and was named MIAA Golfer of the week, twice.

Pickell barely trails in second with a season scoring avg. of 73.8. He won the tournament at Ohio Wesleyan with a final round 66. At Michigan, Brent Ito was voted second team All-Big Ten, starting all seven events in the 201920 season before college golf was halted. He led the Wolverines with a careerlow 72.67 scoring average

– nearly one and a half strokes better than his prior best (74.10 in 2018-19). MSU’s James Piot also was voted All-Big Ten Second Team, after winning two fall events (Island Resort Intercollegiate and Inverness Intercollegiate) and finishing in the top 10 four times. The junior from Canton led the team this season with a 72.18 stroke average. MGJ

Michigan Open Moved to Aug. 31-Sept. 3 The Turtle Creek Casino Michigan Open Championship has been rescheduled for Aug. 31 through Sept. 3 on The Bear course at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. It was previously scheduled for June 8-11 and postponed due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation. “We are excited about our new sponsor in Turtle Creek Casino and what that brings to the championship and we are very appreciative of our host facility, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, for their work and support in getting this rescheduled,” Justin Phillips, tournament director for the Michigan Section PGA, said.

The best golfers from Michigan will play for the Michigan Open Championship’s largest purse ever thanks to a new sponsorship agreement reached with Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel. The

103rd edition of the state championship will have a purse of over $115,000. Learn more at the Michigan Section PGA’s newly designed website: www. michiganpga.com. MGJ

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

Ann Arbor’s Edward Shen Among 19 National Youth on Course Scholarship Winners Edward Shen has pushed the envelope with his Youth on Course and Golf Association of Michigan memberships.

“I’ve talked some nongolfer friends into signing up for Youth on Course (YOC) and playing a round with me, and I know some of them are going to keep playing golf,” he said. “We had fun.” Shen, a senior at Ann Arbor Pioneer and a YOC member since freshman year, will share a portion of $252,000

in scholarships earmarked for the group of graduates.

Youth can play a round of golf for $5 or less at participating golf courses. In 2019, there were almost 4,300 YOC members in Michigan who played 8,359 rounds and hit over 2,000 buckets of balls on practice ranges at 108 participating facilities. “I was ecstatic when I found out and I’m truly grateful for this opportunity,” said Shen, who plans to study economics and business at the University of Michigan

and hopes to walk-on to the golf team. “I’ve played a lot of golf because of Youth on Course... I would like to make it into a U.S. Open at some point in my life,” he said. For more information on Youth on Course and to join, please visit GAM. org/?YOC MGJ

Eagle Eye Makes $20 Junior Golf Offer

Junior golf has certainly taken a blow this spring, with the high school season having been canceled, and Junior opportunities starting late or not at all in a few cases.

Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center in Bath will cater especially to youth on each Monday and Wednesday mornings throughout the month of June. Kids age 18

and under can play the premier courses of Timber Ridge Golf Club, Hawk Hollow Golf Course or Eagle Eye Golf Club for just $20 each.

Advanced tee times are required and mention of this special offer needs to be made at the time of booking. Up to 3 juniors can play in one grouping. If under age 13 they need to be with paying adult(s).

Timber Ridge will be the host of a Callaway Junior Tournament in July. Eagle Eye has hosted numerous events in the past, including the Michigan Amateur, Michigan PGA Championship, U.S. Open qualifiers, and Michigan Junior Amateur Championship. It was scheduled to host the NCAA Regional this year before that was canceled. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Freeways and Fairways

Freeways and Fairways: Oakland Hills, Battle Creek

This review is part of an occasional series that looks at golf courses found along Michigan freeways – those you drive by frequently, or on that annual vacation, but never seem to have time to stop and explore. This one you certainly should. By Tom Lang

The name certainly catches the eye of any golfer from Michigan. Oakland Hills. But this one – Oakland Hills Golf Club – is a public course along I-94 in Battle Creek, different from the famed home of U.S. Opens and the Ryder Cup in metro Detroit.

This Oakland Hills has a vastly different history, but a heritage that is no less entertaining. First start with the clubhouse, a brick farmhouse dating to the 1860s. If it’s walls – and underground tunnel – could talk, it would tell tales of Al Capone’s hideout midway between Detroit

and Chicago – and before that the narratives of its use as a hiding place on the Underground Railroad of the Civil War era. Equally interesting is how and why the golf courses exists. Hand-built by Italian immigrant George Vello Nickolaou in the early 1970s with a rented bulldozer, the course is the design and

June 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

16th island green seen from the 17th tee

work of his and his young son (Vello) at the time. George originally opened a restaurant in the area and was later introduced to golf, and it became a love affair with the game from that point forward. The love George had for his creation, and now that of his son who is the current owner, shows in the way the course is maintained. Spectacular greens that more resemble a those of a private course, yet situated on a public venue where you can walk and play 18 in the spring for less than $1 per hole. The front nine is a wonderful mix of open spaces on the

rolling hills amongst trees and ponds, with interesting doglegs, its signature par 3 over water, and finishing holes 8 and 9 that are a stout walk uphill to perched greens. The back nine – designed later with traditional pushup greens – supports my favorite run of three consecutive holes. Hole 14 is an attractive chip-shot par 3 over water,

followed by the longest hole on the golf course – the 585yard (from the white tees!) par five, double dogleg. Off the tee the fairway turns left, then turns about 75 degrees to the right for the final approach to the green. But to reach the turning point past a long stand of trees, golfers must go at least 440 yards in two shots to have a clear path to the green from roughly 150 yards. Walking away with a bogey felt rewarding. Then catch your breath, because up next is the nearly 400-yard 16th to an island green. All in all, Oakland Hills was a wonderfully surprising gem that’s not so hidden, with its 5th hole green up against westbound I-94 and FireKeepers Casino right across the freeway. Next time anyone travels from the Detroit-Ann Arbor-Jackson area, they need to arrive in Chicago 4 hours late. More information: http://www. oaklandhillsgolfclub. com/ MGJ

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