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SEPTEMBER 2021

PINEHURST Area: Fall Golf Galore

College Season Team Previews

U.S. Amateur Champion:

Q&A with JIM FURYK

James Piot

Top 10 Courses in MI for Under $50

Back to Back Holes-in-One

Michigan Golf Journal U.S. Amateur Champion

James Piot:

U.S. Amateur Champion

By Tom Lang James Piot’s life will never be the same again. But everyone in his life is saying his new title of 121st U.S. Amateur Champion won’t change who he is. The 22-year-old golfer from Canton, who is entering his 5th-year senior season at

Michigan State, on Aug. 15 earned the most prestigious amateur championship in all of golf worldwide. He beat Austin Greaser of Ohio, 2-and-1, by sinking a 20-foot par putt on the 17th hole (the second time of the day) in the

scheduled 36-hole national tournament, at historic Oakmont Country Club in western Pennsylvania, in what’s considered the most grueling golf tournament anywhere. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world,” Piot said to the

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national media on site. “I mean, as an amateur it’s the best thing you can do. It was making that putt on 17 was just like, ‘Oh, my God. I might’ve done it.’” By winning the elite amateur tournament, Piot earned a lifetime membership into Oakmont, and is to receive presumably automatic exemptions into three professional majors next year: The Masters, the U.S. Open and the British Open. That alone is careerdefining bucket list golf for anyone in golf – and he’s still a college student. (And on a personal note, I say the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic should extend an exemption invitation to Piot – yesterday for goodness sakes – for their July 2022 tournament at Detroit Golf Club. That’s where Piot has already won high school events and this year’s Michigan Medal Play Championship, with a 10-under par 270.) Piot admitted that thoughts of the traditional invitation from The Masters first crept into his mind going into the

U.S. Amateur’s semifinal round. “Fingers crossed, they usually invite the winner and the runner up (of the Am) to The Masters,” Piot told me. “With 36 holes (in the Am finals) you can battle back, but 18 holes means you’ve got to show up and play. So, the tee shot on the first tee (in the semis), with that big crowd, I’m like ‘Holy crap, this is for The Masters.’ So that was right there in the back of my head, and if you lose you get nothing except an exemption into the Am for next year… but, if you’re sitting there

thinking about Augusta over a two-foot putt, your chances decrease a lot.” Piot was playing in the U.S. Amateur for the second straight year. In 2020 at Bandon Dunes, he was second in stroke play to enter the match play portion the No. 2 seed. He won his first match but was then bumped out in the round of 32. This year he finished his unfinished business by cruising through the match play rounds, winning three of his six rounds with identical scores of 4-and-3. In the finals Piot was 1-up after the morning round Continues on next page >>

Michigan GolfMovies Journal Golf at the U.S. Amateur Champion

of 18 holes. But after a lunch break and change of shirts from a dark color to a white one with a green Sparty golfer logo (which has been a team exclusive all along but might get public sales in the future), there was a 4-hole swing where Piot found himself down three after 27 holes. “I told myself on that tee box (on 10), I said, ‘I’m going to play this (last) nine 4-under.’ That’s what I put in my head. Just self-belief.” The tables turned hard at that point when Piot won four consecutive holes (10-13), and five of six, to go 2-up with three holes

remaining, eventually grabbing the win 2-and-1. Standing at that 10th tee, Piot was down three holes and TV commentator Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay said it would be very difficult for Piot to get back into the match. “I gave him the nickname when he was 9-years-old of ‘Spunkdog,’ because he’s got so much fight,” said Brian Cairns, his long-time teacher at Fox Hills Learning Center in Plymouth. “He’s in a corner by himself, he’ll come out every time by himself. He’s got spunk. You saw how he walked; Photo credit: Greg Johnson

you saw how mellow he was. You saw his shoulders go up on the back nine. He made the swings when he needed to make them.” MSU coach Casey Lubahn was at Oakmont over the final weekend, while MSU associate head coach Dan Ellis was on Piot’s bag all week – in part because he missed qualifying for the U.S. Amateur himself by just a couple shots. “Dan is a perfect blend for James,” Lubahn said. “James is a green light guy; he wants to aim at every flag. He wants to go, go, go make birdies. And I’m the same way, go, go, go. Yet Dan is the most brilliant, strategic thinker I’ve ever seen on a golf course. So, he was able to balance James’ aggressiveness, give him enough caution and enough savvy. And they are so fun together. They are both kind of goof balls so they can relax between shots. They’re perfect for each other. I’ll say Dan is a brilliant player, the best associate head coach you’re ever going to have, but caddying is his real skill.” As mentioned, the people who know Piot well said

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he won’t change his life much in the short term at least and will compete with the Spartans this fall and spring while finishing up his degree in Finance. His Spartans have unfinished business as well, going after a Big Ten title. “I just want to enjoy my last ride with the boys,” he said. “My school credit load might shift in the spring… but I’m looking forward to the college season and getting back out there with the Spartans … we’re going to have a really good team and our goal this year is Big Ten Championship, and hopefully we can do that.” Magic Johnson knows all about Big Ten and national championships. Piot said his highlight to date was getting a voicemail from the former Spartan and NBA Champion. Piot also threw out the first pitch at Comerica Park, showed up at Kirk Gibson’s golf outing, and met Jack Nicklaus and Lee Trevino at the Ally Challenge – all that and dozens of other surreal events in the two weeks following the U.S. Amateur title.

What’s Inside: 10

Cover story: Fall Golf in Pinehurst

After receiving the U.S. Amateur trophy, Piot looked it over and was asked if any past winners’ names stood out to him.

Q&A with the PGA Tour’s JIM FURYK

Revisiting Thunder Bay

“I was just trying to see if it was real or not. I couldn’t believe it. I mean, I honestly was like, did I just win the U.S. Am, in the back of my mind,” Piot answered. “I didn’t really sit there and stare at all the names.”

Top 10 Courses Under $50

College Golf: Culture Change at MSU

College Golf: Team Season Previews

Michigan PGA Awards and Tournaments

Girls Golf Program in Detroit

Yet from now on and forever in history, James Piot’s name will be on that special trophy for so many others to search and admire. MGJ

Back-to-Back

Tandem Holes in One at The Loop By Tom Lang Sometimes it just doesn’t pay to get a hole in one – unless you are part of the Rochester Adams’ golf program annual reunion. That group was treated to multiple rounds of drinks after two of their brethren – Connor Patterson and Eric Busa – drained back-to-back holes-in-one in early August at The Loop at Forest Dunes.

Patterson scored the first one on the 17th hole of the Red Course as the last player in his group. Then after they stepped to the 18th tee, Busa was first up in his group and dropped an ace as well. Not only did they lose a ton of money at the Forest Dunes bar that night, but they also had to split the $40 pot for closest

to the pin – yet another financial loss. “Yes, I ran up quite the tab,” Busa said. “I opened a tab inside, and then one at the outdoor bar at the Forest Dunes short course. Having 20 people there wasn’t ideal (for the checkbook) but if I had to do it every time it’s worth it, the hole Continues on next page >>

Back-to-Back in one is something I’ll never forget.”

found it in the hole. It was amazing.”

Busa earned first-team AllState in high school in 2013. This was his first-ever hole in one, at 178 yards with an 8-iron. The guys in Patterson’s group told him later it bounced maybe 15 steps short on an up slope, kicked onto the flat area near the pin and then it slowed down and rolled in like a putt.

Patterson’s ace was his career fifth, and third just in 2021. He hit a 50-degree wedge from 160. The other two this year have been at Indianwood in ake Orion, where he’s a member.

“I saw it disappear and thought maybe it just went over the green,” Busa said. “Those guys on 18 tee went wild, and at first I thought maybe they were just messing with me. But I

there’s no chance that could be topped, and sure enough Eric did it right after me.” Both players indicated that thunderstorms in the area stopped play earlier for about 40 minutes, but they are glad they went back out to finish the round.

“Everything out there was firm, and we were down wind a little, so I tried to bounce it up there and see what happens,” he said about The Loop ace. “I hit one and thought it was over the green but soon after I found it in the hole. So, I picked up the closest to the pin marker because the others said

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The Ryder Cup-style event is planned each year by Adam’s head coach Dan Picot. Prior years they would go south in the wintertime but more recently he moved the reunion event back to Michigan to get more participants. Picot works at Forest Dunes in the summer and is in his final year of coaching high school. MGJ

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Michigan Golf Journal Pinehurst Fall Golf

Mid South Club

Fall Renewal in North Carolina’s Sandhills By Brad King This fall, there is a sense of rebirth around the Home of American Golf. At Southern Pines Golf Club, the classic Donald Ross hidden gem is one of the oldest golf courses in North Carolina’s Sandhills region of Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen. Southern Pines GC just unveiled an 18-month renovation improvement project headed by architect Kyle Franz — who comes full circle

reimagining a variety of Ross designs, following his previous award-winning work at Pinehurst No. 2, Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club and Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club. Franz says the golf course will evoke the feel of a Ross original, staying true to the well-preserved routing while removing elements that have been added through the years. More than 700 trees have been removed, accentuating dramatic vistas

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throughout the property. The Ross greens have been revamped and the bunkers restored. Franz also uncovered Ross’s “Lost Hole” — not part of the routing — while researching historic materials prior to the restoration. “Much of the property is transformed,” said Franz. “You really get a good sense for Ross’s golf course and where we’re going with everything.” Meanwhile, the United States Golf Association (USGA) is establishing a second

home in Pinehurst. “Golf House Pinehurst” will be the site of the USGA’s equipment research and testing center, and turfgrass agronomy and management offices, as well as a museum and welcome center — all of which will be accessible to the public. The USGA tabbed the resort’s No. 2 Course at its first U.S Open anchor site, with five championships scheduled through 2047. Plans for a new, 64,000-square-foot, 34room Lodge at Pinehurst hotel on Pinehurst Resort’s campus overlooking The Cradle Continues on next page >>

Pinehurst No. 2, hole 13

Michigan Golf Journal Pinehurst Fall Golf

Legacy hole 5

par 3 short course and the Thistle Dhu 18hole putting course include meeting spaces, locker rooms, a fitness center and bar. Following the completion of the recent thrilling 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur at the Country Club of North Carolina’s Dogwood & Cardinal courses, the Sandhills will continue a great run as host site for several more prestigious events. Just around the corner is the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open at Pine Needles and the 2023 ACC Men’s Golf Championship at CCNC’s Dogwood Course. The big-time events will be culminated by the fourth U.S. Open Championship, on Pinehurst No. 2, in June of 2024. Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw completed a restoration of Pinehurst No. 2 in 2011 that brought back many of the design characteristics from Donald Ross’ own 1935 renovation. The Granddaddy of American Golf opened in 1907 and as golf

lovers know has hosted dozens of major tournaments over the decades. History was made during the summer of 2019, when the recently redesigned Pinehurst No. 4, along with No. 2, served as the site of the 36-hole match-play final of the 119th U.S. Amateur Championship. Architect Gil Hanse and his design partner Jim Wagner’s version of No. 4 that debuted in 2018 is nearly unrecognizable from its predecessors. Pinehurst No. 8 opened in 1996 to commemorate Pinehurst’s centennial year. Architect Tom Fazio incorporated signature Ross features into the design, including dips and swales around the greens, sloping greens and false fronts. Pine Needles is another legendary Ross masterpiece, already having served as the site of three U.S. Women’s Open

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Championships, the 2019 U.S. Senior Women’s Open and the upcoming 2022 U.S. Women’s Open. To play at Pine Needles — and, of course, its sister course across Midland Road, Mid Pines — is to live and breathe Donald Ross golf. Mid Pines was impeccably restored by Franz in 2013. The renovation was honored with GOLF Magazine’s Best U.S. Resort Renovation and Restoration of the Year. The Village of Pinehurst Area Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association named the New Course at Talamore its “Course of the Year 2018.” The prestigious award came after a major restoration. Talamore’s partner property, the Arnold Palmer-designed Mid South Club, also underwent a similar golf course restoration

and greens conversion along with numerous other club enhancements. Both have also risen in state rankings since then. And, of course, Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford has changed the face of Pinehurstarea golf ever since architect Mike Strantz’s masterpiece debuted in 1998. If you are planning a trip to the region, booking a round at Tobacco Road is something you need to seriously consider. And there are plenty more outstanding, if lesser known, layouts in the area that are especially enjoyable during autumn’s picturesque appeal. Legacy Golf Links in Aberdeen is a memorable Jack Nicklaus II Design, with more than 7,000 yards picturesquely Continues on next page >>

Tobacco Road

Michigan Golf Journal Pinehurst Fall Golf

The Cradle

routed around five lakes and renovated in 2012. Legacy’s Mini Verde greens are immaculate and its collection of par 3s are regarded among the area’s best. The challenging variety of holes, wide fairways and strategic use of water hazards make Legacy a true championship test — one of the few courses in the region to play host to a USGA National Championship. Deercroft Golf Club in Wagram is worth the drive. Franz has also helped keep Deercroft scenic and challenging, yet fair without being tricked up. Come experience “the best-kept secret in the Sandhills,” according to Golf Digest. Longleaf Golf & Family Club has been touted as “The Most Playable Course in Pinehurst” by Golf Digest. Designed by Sandhills native Dan Maples, Longleaf’s front nine is more links style with the

back more tree lined with nice elevation changes. Be sure to check out their six-hole, par-3 short course, “Bottlebrush.” Owned by U.S. Kids Golf and home to the U.S. Kids Golf Academy, each hole ranges from 50 to 100 yards and is fun for the whole family. Designed in 1976 by Peter Tufts III, godson of Ross, 7 Lakes Country Club in West End has a history and heritage of excellence in course design. This classic design delivers a spectacular golf course emphasizing the traditional and classic design elements that present a true Sandhills experience. Fall golf in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area is hard to beat. This year, during an ongoing season of rebirth, the region treasures its past, while focusing on an exciting future. Fall packages and latest news at www.HomeofGolf.com MGJ

Michigan Tour proGolf JimJournal Furyk

Q & A: Jim Furyk With Tom Lang

PGA Tour sensation Jim Furyk took time out to Zoom with the Michigan Golf Journal in August before the 2021 Ally Challenge. I cover several topics below with the 17-time PGA Tour winner and FedEx Cup champion from 2010, who not only won the Ally Challenge last year, but the very next event as well to capture wins in his first two tries on the PGA Tour Champions. This summer he added U.S. Sr. Open champion.

Question: You won here in Grand Blanc last year in your inaugural event playing on the PGA Tour Champions. Phil won his first try, Ernie (Els) did too. Is there more to it than just reaching the magic age of 50 and you’re the youngest one out here? FURYK: “I was actually amazed, when I was able to win there at Ally, I was like the 18th or 19th person to win their first event on the Champions Tour. It seemed like a pretty darn good feat until I found out so many others did it, Phil did it right after me. So, I think maybe it’s just an excitement of starting new. I was teasing my wife it’s

September 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

kind of like starting the first day of school again. “I was able to go play a great week of golf, and it was probably a huge help that I started at Warwick Hills. It’s a golf course that I know very, very well, and I’ve had a lot of success on throughout my career. To be on a place I was very comfortable and enjoyed playing, was a big help.”

With your success here winning the Buick Open in 2003 and the 2020 Ally Challenge, you must love Warwick Hills.

“I do. I was bummed when it (Buick Open) fell off the schedule, and then really excited to see it ended up on the Champions Tour schedule. Another favorite for me is Firestone… and now we’re playing the Senior Players there as well. It’s good to see some of those old golf courses that I played throughout my career many times are back on our schedule now.”

Jim, you have caught some flack over the years for your unique and unusual swing. Would you teach the same to your own kids or others starting the game? What would you tell them about finding their own way?

“I think where my dad was so smart, he didn’t teach me to swing that way, he didn’t teach me to take the club up really vertical or re-route it. It’s just something that was very natural to me. My dad’s a bit of an underrated teacher… And he was kind of on the front end of fitting equipment to students. He realized I wasn’t very mechanically inclined, that I wasn’t a colorby-the-numbers, and my swing wasn’t going to look like everyone else’s. Continues on next page >>

Tour pro Jim Furyk “So, we worked through shot shape and through feel. We worked on my fundamentals really hard. And he was a firm believer in what comes natural is repeatable. And so, we know if you can repeat it, it really doesn’t matter what it looks like. So, if it’s natural to you, we’ll work on the fundamentals and let your natural ability take over and you can repeat that under pressure. It was a good lesson for me. “If he had probably tried to take my golf swing and break it down and try to look like everyone else’s, then I probably wouldn’t have played golf for a living.”

I try to catch the Payne Stewart Award ceremony every year, and you were genuinely humble, and you seemed overcome by winning that award in 2016. How did that award compare to a lot of

the tournament wins we’ve seen you accumulate in your career?

“For one thing, having Payne’s family in the room made it very emotional. I didn’t know Payne as well as other players but I had some pretty good times with Payne. When you spent time with him you were always going to have fun. He was going to make sure that was going to happen. So, to win an award with his name, first and foremost meant a lot, but I think to receive an award (based) more on the things you do off the golf course rather than on the course, means a lot to the players as well. It kind of puts things in perspective and is something you can be very proud of in the long run. “When I go through the list of guys that won that before me, and now after me, it’s just a wonderful group to be included in, and an honor.” MGJ

Thunder Bay Resort

Thunder Bay Golf and Elk Tour

A golf weekend experience like no other By Tom Lang

One year ago, I took part in one the most unique golf weekend experiences I have ever had, and a bonus was taking my wife along and – even though she is not a golfer – she enjoyed herself very much.

In other words, automatic bonus points. As people think about fall golf, and even activities for the wintertime, this month seemed like a good opportunity to reintroduce this property. Thunder Bay Resort,

located in Hillman, is due west of Alpena on Michigan’s ‘sunrise side.’ Thunder Bay Resort not only includes good golf – along with package deals that combine Red Hawk Golf Club in Tawas City and Black Lake Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf Thunder BayJournal Resort

to the north – but the main attraction on this eastside swing is Thunder Bay’s award-winning Elk viewing carriage ride. It is complete with gourmet dinner and wine tasting inside a modernized yet rustic-looking cabin in the woods. In the winter, the Belgian horse-drawn carriage is changed over from rubber tires to be fitted with sleigh runners and people bundle up under their own blanket for the tour through the 160-acre Elk nature

preserve on the way to dinner. ‘Over the River and through the Woods’ is not just a music lyric in this case. It’s what you literally experience as the Thunder Bay Resort Elk tour meanders through the only wild Elk preserve within range of dozens of states. In non-Covid years, thousands of travelers come in from other regions across the U.S. to participate.

“Some people think the Elk are tame, and we can get quite close to totally wild Elk as well, but most of these animals have never been touched by a human being – we keep them as close to totally wild as we can,” said the original and current property owner at Thunder Bay, Jack Mathias, age 80. He first developed the front 9 of the now 18-hole course in 1971 – meaning this is the property’s 50th anniversary year.

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There is also an RV Park that on our trip was filled with many high-end motor coaches, from Texas, Florida and Alabama.

The ride is an excellent look at, and history lesson for, the Elk habitat in Michigan. On the Saturday evening we went along, up to three dozen Elk were easily seen, with one coming up to within 15 feet of the carriage to graze. At the time in 2020 it was only the second carriage ride of the season due to prior Covid restrictions, so a few other Elk that were initially close by were spooked to see humans for the first time in several months and scampered away. The dinner was very good and – although the spouse and I rarely touch wine – the wine tasting was done well and my wife found an ‘Ice Wine’ from Modern Craft Winery in Au Gres, MI that she fell for. Accommodations at Thunder Bay Resort were built in the early 1990s. They are roomy and comfortable and according to my spouse (she has the sensitive nose) they smelled fresh, without any hint of mustiness. The overnight choices range from condominium style Chalets to Suites in 2-and 3-story buildings along the second hole. There’s approximately 70 bedrooms on the property.

“The second most inquiries we get from the website come from Texas,” Mathias said. “We’re the only people doing something like the Elk Tour that’s east of the Rockies. We get rave reviews, and almost everybody says we exceeded their expectations. Our word of mouth is very good, and when it comes to couples’ golf getaways, I am reasonably confident that we can compete with just about anything you can do anywhere.” For two years running, the Elk Tour has been recently awarded the “Best of the Best” in the “Adventure” category by Destinations Magazine. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal GAM Tournaments

BACK-TO-BACK: PJ Maybank III Wins Another Michigan Junior State Amateur PJ Maybank III of Cheboygan said one of his goals for the summer was to repeat as Michigan Junior Amateur Champion. He reached it, turning back Justin Sui of Lake Orion, 3 and 2, in the final match of the 43rd edition of the junior state championship at TPC Michigan. “This is the biggest junior tournament in the state and I really wanted to defend,” said Maybank, 16. “I’ve always looked up to the people who won this tournament, since I was nine or 10-years-old. This is amazing.” “I was really solid, especially in stroke play (which he also won) where I played some of the best golf I’ve ever played,” Maybank said. “Then in match play I was able to keep it going. I really played well all week.” Maybank also announced his college commitment to Oklahoma State. Max VanderMolen of Richland, who is 13, won the 15-and-under age division over Connor Fox of Lake Orion, 6 and 5, in the championship match.

Mikaela Schulz Holds On, Wins 30th GAM Women’s Championship University of Michigan golfer Mikaela Schulz of West Bloomfield held on for a wire-to-wire win in the 30th GAM Women’s Championship at 100-year-old Klinger Lake Country Club. Schulz, who will be a junior in the fall at Michigan, shot a final-round 74 to go with a first-round 69 for a winning total of 1-under 143, just one shot ahead of Northern Illinois University golfer Jasmine Ly of Madison Heights, who rallied with a 70. “It feels great and it means a ton to me,” Schulz said. “I always look forward to GAM tournaments and it’s just such an honor to win again.” Grand Valley State University golfer Katie Chipman of Canton, who shot 72, and East Lansing’s Rachel Sampson, a former Michigan State University golfer, who shot 69, the low round of the day, tied for third at 146. Schulz is a two-time GAM Junior Girls’ Player of the Year and the runner-up earlier this summer in the Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship to Kimberly Dinh of Midland.

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Double Down on Bucket-List Golf Davisburg’s Ray Emsley Wins GAM Super Senior Championship Ray Emsley of Davisburg said it is always fun to win something nice. “I’ve won a few things, but I’ve never really won a stroke-play tournament before,” he said after shooting a finalround 1-under 71 at the Medalist Golf Club to win the 7th GAM Super Senior Championship by three strokes over defending champion Rick Herpich of Orchard Lake and Dan Hughes of Saginaw. Emsley, who shot 70-71 for 141, was the only golfer in the field of 76, ages 65-and-over, who was under par for the two days. A Legends Division for golfers over age 75 was also presented, and George Dillon of Midland prevailed with a final 77 for 155. “I was putting it close to the pin a lot and missed a ton of birdie putts, but because I was putting it close I was making a ton of pars,” he said. “So, I kept it out of trouble and there’s all kinds of trouble out there.” All stories by Greg Johnson MGJ

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Michigan Golf Journal Top 10 Under $50

Michigan Golf Live TV Showcases the Top 10 Under $50 Courses You Chose By Bill Hobson, guest writer When the email first arrived, there was still snow on the ground, temperatures were in single digits and golf was still months away. The message received was from a Michigan Golf Live viewer, encouraging us to shine the TV spotlight on courses that offered great value and a quality golf experience.

It was a fantastic idea, and we immediately began assembling a plan that would be shaped by your social media votes leading to a road trip covering more than 1,000 miles, and the blessing of discovering the “Top 10 Under $50 Courses In Michigan.” The original plan was to roll a series of short

Calderone Golf Club One of Jackson County’s Favorites — and Now One of Mine Read the Freeways and Fairways Review from December, 2020. Or Link to Michigan Golf Live’s segment on Top 10 under $50

features together and include all 10 courses in a single 30-minute edition of MGL TV. It quickly became apparent we would need a different strategy. The stories were far too compelling to hastily breeze through. The courses, the families, the experiences all deserved more time for

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the narrative to breathe… which is why for the first time in MGL TV history, we produced a 2-piece special, with five courses being featured in each program. What was it about this journey that caught my attention and heart in such a powerful way? Family – whether it’s the ownership and staff structure or the sense of family that permeates each of our featured courses, the most consistent characteristic of the “Top 10 Under $50” tour is the

family feel and connection that guests enjoy. History – when Arnold Palmer designs the course (Coyote Preserve), you’re over 100 years old (Manistee GCC), or a nearby high school alum rescues the course and breathes new life into it (Oceana GC), there are rich storylines woven throughout these wonderful places. Without exaggerating, a compelling book could be written that would roll in elements from all 10 of these special courses.

Quality – do not be fooled by the “Under $50” part of the story. These are really good courses. Our TV crew has seen hundreds of courses over the years, and every one of us found ourselves frequently expressing a degree of surprise at how good the conditions and overall quality was throughout the production tour. The greens were smooth and fast, the fairways striped and inviting, bunkers were in excellent condition, and the “edges” cared for beyond our expectations. Continues on next page >>

Top 10 Course Under $50 as rated by Michigan Golf Live

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Michigan Golf Journal Top 10 Under $50

Pride – with a state so richly blessed with hundreds of courses, it’s not often the “small guys” (as the initial viewer email put it) get to enjoy some attention. Each place we went, the host course membership, staff, and guests really embraced the concept. In some cases, a small parade of carts followed our production team around the course to see how we “did TV.” They were beaming with well-deserved pride that their home course was in the spotlight. My hope is that golf lovers will watch both

parts of the TV special, not just as a casual viewer but as one who appreciates the work, pride, value, and invitation each featured course demonstrates… and then add them to your “must play” list this fall or next spring. When you call to schedule the tee time, be sure to add an extra word of praise for the small team of family and dedicated staff working so hard to present a great golf experience at such a remarkable value. MGJ

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Michigan Corner Golf Journal College

Plata and Rossi Help Change the Culture at MSU U.S. Women’s Amateur Semifinalists shows a trend By Tom Lang Rossi, of Argentina, pulled off an incredible feat by reaching the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur a few weeks ago, making her the second consecutive Spartan to reach that national plateau. The summer prior in 2020, Plata, of Colombia, was the first MSU woman ever to do so. Not many colleges in America can say they’ve had a golfer reach the final four of the nation’s top woman’s amateur tournament in back-to-back years.

Valery Plata

Valery Plata and Valentina Rossi are two clear examples of how the culture is changing at Michigan State University. Not the culture of ‘family’ – that one has always been a bedrock trait with the Spartans’ women’s program under the longtime leadership of Stacy Slobodnik Stoll – but literally the culture as in more foreign players have been joining the program.

The Spartan teammates shared a lot of time together at Westchester Country Club in Rye, N.Y. after a Covidshortened college golf season. Plata provided a lot of wisdom for Rossi about the national amateur, which she transferred into stellar play on the course with incredible putting and an infectious smile radiating across the TV screen all week, even after a few misses. “Valery being in the semifinals last year gave me a feeling that I could do it, too,” Rossi said during tournament week. “It was great to

September 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

practice with her the first day we were out here. We talked a lot while we were here, and it helped me.” Rossi said the call she got from her MSU teammates and coaches, especially after her quarterfinal win, was one of her most special moments of the tournament. “They all called me, together, from Lasch (Golf Center),” Rossi said. “It was so great, and it made me feel so good. I just said, ‘thank you for being here for me!’” Rossi finished the two-round stroke play portion of the event tied for 12th place. Plata tied for 29th, also advancing to match play. But it was Rossi’s turn to reach the final four. “The U.S. Amateur was very important way to end my summer, for the fall and spring golf,” Rossi said. “More than 1,000 girls tried for the U.S. Amateur. So, this tournament is really hard. To be exempt for the next two years is really important, and Valery is exempt for next year too.” Slobodnik-Stoll plans to make Rossi’s comment about feeling she ‘could do it, too’ a main theme within the entire program this fall. As far as the coaching staff is concerned, it’s become an expectation.

“Even though Valentina said (at the tournament), ‘this is not what I expected,’ that’s one thing we’ll be talking about as a team this year; we need to expect this,” Slobodnik-Stoll told me. “If we want to win a national championship, we have to have those expectations. “As much as we’ve watched (this team) play and we know what they’re capable of, at any one time, all these kids are capable of doing what the two of them have done. I think now it’s just more ammunition for the other Continues on next page >> Valentina Rossi

Michigan Corner Golf Journal College Michigan Golf Journal

players to say, ‘oh my gosh, Valery did this,’ that’s one thing. Then ‘oh my gosh, Valentina did it.’ Okay, it’s my turn.’” For most of her twoplus decades as coach, Slobodnik-Stoll has recruited the best players in Michigan and the Midwest. But it was when she got a letter about five years ago from Spaniard Paz Marfa Sans that she wanted to give more international players a closer look. “We just fell in love with her,” Slobodnik-Stoll said about a trip to Florida to watch Sans with former

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Spartan player and then assistant coach Amiee Neff. “As soon as we talked to her, it was like this kid is a Spartan even though she’s from Barcelona. So, we said, let’s try it, because everyone else is. With Paz (Marfa Sans), it was just so cool, learning about a new culture and all. Paz had a great attitude. She really set the tone for all the other players.” Slobodnik-Stoll continued to gush about the personal growth each player has experienced interacting day to day with teammates from a variety

of cultures. She added that international players come to college already having gained the experience of being on their national teams back home, and all the special golf training, nutrition education and workouts that put them a few years ahead of most American players. “I think we did a really good job of holding off (going international) as long as we could,” she said about recruiting. “But everyone who is on this team understands we are here to be the best team in the country.” MGJ

Michigan News and Notes

Local V1 Sports Secures Strategic Capital Investment with NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan Novi-based V1 Sports recently secured funding from Black Cat Ventures, the golf technology fund founded by golf lover Michael Jordan of NBA fame. V1 has developed into a widely used game-improvement ecosystem for coaches and athletes across multiple sports. CEO Bryan Finnerty has led an expansion of the product line and positioned V1 as a foremost developer of sports improvement software applications. As a longtime leader in the golf industry, V1 offers dozens of professional and consumer video analysis apps like Improve Your Swing, and the most innovative GPS and stats app with auto shot tracking intelligence to Improve Your Score. A mid-August tweet from the Fox Hills Learning Center in Plymouth shows recent U.S. Amateur Champion James Piot practicing with teacher Brian Cairns and using V1 software and the V1 Pressure Mat, which provides instant visual feedback and ground pressure data integrated into the V1 video stream. Last year, V1 launched the rapidlygrowing V1 Baseball segment of its business, extending its focus beyond golf. To learn more visit www.v1sports.com MGJ

Michigan Corner Golf Journal College Michigan Golf Journal

Season Preview: Michigan Women’s Golf By Tom Wywrot With her entire roster back, U-M women’s golf coach Jan Dowling begins her ninth season leading the Wolverines with plenty of high expectations. The Wolverines excelled in their return of the 2021 spring season, etching seven straight top-five finishes, matching the best finish at the Big Ten Championships (t-2nd) as well as posting the best finish at an NCAA regional (t-5th), which helped the Maize and Blue advance to its fourth NCAA Finals appearance, and third under Dowling. Ashley Lau, U-M’s second All-American in program history, returns for her senior season after pacing the Wolverines with a 72.64 per-round average a year ago. The All-Big Ten first-teamer posted a

Jan Dowling

Michigan-best nine rounds of par or better, carded a career-low 68 (-4) twice, and tallied a career-best 211 (-5) at the 2021 Big Ten Championships, tying for third. Receiving All-Big Ten second-team accolades for a second straight year, junior Hailey Borja will look to capitalize on her fifthplace finish at the NCAA Finals, as well as her Sweet 16 appearance in the 2021 U.S. Women’s Amateur this summer -- her third straight trip to match play. The reigning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and All-Big Ten first team member, Monet Chun, carried a 73.82 average last season and nearly won the NCAA Columbus Regional, tying as the runner-up with a 215 (-1) tally in Ohio.

Ashley Kim returns for a fifth season per the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic, and Mikaela Schulz, who won the 2021 GAM Women’s Championship and was the Michigan Women’s Amateur runner-up this summer. With the additional depth of Sophia Trombetta and Anika Dy, the Wolverines have the experience and drive to make another run to the NCAA Finals. The Wolverines start this fall by hosting the Wolverine Invitational (Sept. 13-14) -- Michigan’s first home event in nine years. The event will showcase U-M’s home course, which will also serve as one of four NCAA regional sites in May. In total, U-M will play nine regular season events – four fall and five spring. MGJ

College Corner

Season Preview: Michigan Men’s Golf By Tom Wywrot

Patrick Sullivan

Beginning his third season at the helm of the Michigan men’s golf program, Zach Barlow will be looking for his Wolverines to have a breakout season with a mixture of experienced veterans and a talented young core of underclassmen. First, the Wolverines welcome back Charlie Pilon, who returns for a fifth season after taking advantage of the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as Illinois graduate transfer Brendan O’Reilly, who also is using the extra year to play for his former assistant coach with the Illini. Adding in senior Patrick Sullivan, who won

the 2021 Michigan Amateur this summer, the Maize and Blue has a trio of veterans to lead U-M back to the NCAA postseason. Mixing with that senior experience, sophomore Will Anderson returns after leading U-M in scoring as a rookie, highlighting his season with a career-low 71 (-1), twice and tallying a 216 (E) total at the Border Olympics, en route to his first career top-10 finish (t-9th). Classmates Jack O’Donnell and Jude Kim add to U-M’s depth as they will look to make impacts in their second seasons. Barlow went north to Canada for his 2021 signing class. Calgary’s Hunter Thomson (No. 1-ranked junior in Canada) comes to Ann Arbor after playing a

USGA Summer Double -- the U.S. Junior Amateur (match play) and U.S. Amateur (stroke play). Joining Thomson and originally from Beijing, China, Yuqi Liu also calls Canada home (Thornhill, Ontario) and will look to make an impact with fellow freshman Bavake Sihota (Caledon, Ontario). The Wolverine open the fall season heading to the Upper Peninsula for the Island Resort Intercollegiate at Sage Run. They close the four-event fall season heading to the Bahamas Invitational at the Atlantis Resort. With six spring events, U-M once again will host the Desert Mountain Intercollegiate on the Outlaw Course and will head to French Lick, Ind., for the Big Ten Championships at the French Lick Resort. MGJ

College Corner

Season Preview: Eastern Michigan Men and Women By Greg Steiner The Eastern Michigan University men’s golf team has its sights set on another Mid-American Conference championship in 2022, as a veteran-led club returns for 29th-year Head Coach Bruce Cunningham.

transfer Cam Kellett, and senior Blaise Vanitvelt. Eastern Michigan opens the season in Madison, Wis., at the Badger Invitational, Sept. 26-28.

Led by the tandem of seniors Ty Celone and Cougar Collins, the Eagles return four starters from a season ago. Collins, a second-team All-MAC honoree in 2021, recorded an average of 74.3 in 24 rounds. Meanwhile, Celone is just off the school’s career scoring pace with an average of 73.4 in 93 all-time rounds.

Youth will continue to be served for the Eastern Michigan University women’s golf team, as fourth-year Head Coach Stephanie Jennings’ roster features eight underclassmen. The youthful group finished the 202021 campaign with the 16th lowest team scoring average in program history and a trio of top-five showings.

Junior Zack Mason hopes to build upon a pair of top-10 showings in 2020-21, while freshman MJ Smith saw action in every tournament last year with an average of 76.8. After winning the 2021 Ohio Amateur, redshirt freshman Max Watson looks to secure the final spot in the lineup as do freshman Patrick Deardorff, junior

Sophomore Olivia Loberg looks to continue to lead after notching an average of 75.7 in 18 rounds last year. Redshirt freshman Anna Watson (78.7), Sophia Wygonik (81.0), Paige Zolciak (83.8), and Tatyana Nyambane (85.9) all saw significant time in the lineup during the COVID-shortened season.

EMU will welcome back junior Natai Apichonlati after she remained in Thailand while the University was on a mostly online class model. The Bangkok, Thailand native has 40 career rounds with an average of 78.4. Hoping to crack the lineup will be newcomers Adeline Lau, Kyleigh Dull, and Amaya Melendez. Eastern Michigan opens the 2021-22 season at the Cardinal Classic, Sept. 2021. However, the date to highlight will be Oct. 4-5, when the program hosts the annual Shirley Spork EMU Invitational at Eagle Crest Golf Club. MGJ

College Corner

Season Preview: Central Michigan By Andy Sneddon Recharged with a full complement of young guns – that’s the storyline for the Central Michigan women’s golf team in 2021-22. Third-year coach Jim Earle set the program on a course of consistent improvement and sustained success when he took the job in 2018 and the Chippewas will look to make another step this year, after their program was resurrected in 2014-15. After COVID-19 cancelations, the Chippewas returned to the course in the spring of 2021 and showed just how far the program has come, winning two match-play events and placing fifth and then third in two stroke-play tournaments, both of which comprised 11 teams. Earle has stocked his roster, all eight of whom are underclassmen, with talent and depth, all of whom have proven track records of junior success, both in Europe and the U.S. The roster features two Spaniards, a Canadian, a Malaysian, and an Austrian along with three Americans. CMU Golf is set to expand in 2022-23 when the university adds a men’s program that was discontinued after the 1984-85 season. “Men’s golf will fit well into our sport offerings,” CMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Amy Folan said in a release. “We are fortunate to have so many fantastic golf courses locally and statewide which will make this an attractive program for prospective student-athletes.”

Season Preview: Western Michigan By Adam Bodnar The WMU women’s golf team is excited for its first full season (Covidshortened last year) under second year head coach Kim Moore. WMU will be led by senior Brooke Gibbons (Lapeer, Mich.), who enters the season off of a career-best junior campaign with a career-low average of 78.42 in 12 total rounds of golf, leading the team. Western Michigan will also get leadership from veterans Fiona Khaing, Imogen Courtney and Alyssa Fish (Clarklake, Mich.). Freshmen Madeline Blum (Marysvillle, Mich.) and Ally Barth will add to the depth and competitiveness within the program. MGJ

College Corner

Season Preview: Grand Valley Men and Women By Eric Raumen The Grand Valley State men’s golf team tees off its 2021 season by hosting the Arendsen Invitational in Allendale, Michigan on Sept. 5. The team returns 2021 GLIAC Champion Nick Krueger, who won the championships scoring 10-under. Kruger finished 12th at the 2021 NCAA D2 Regionals, closing out the season with an average of 71.29 strokes per round. Freshman Drew Coble (Lake Orion) followed closely behind with a 71.41 average and tied for second at the GLIAC Championships. Both men were named to the GCAA First Team All-Midwest Region. Coble was also named the GLIAC Freshman of the Year. “We are excited to get the 2021-2022 season underway with a talented young group. Our focus this year will be on developing our talent every day in order to grow into a nationally competitive team by the spring,” said Men’s Head Coach Gary Bissell.

The men’s team set the GLIAC 36-hole record in stroke play at the conference tournament, but fell in Medal Match play to finish as runner-up. National Semifinalists in 2021, the women’s team returns on Monday, September 13, at the Indianapolis Fall Invitational in Indiana. Megan Miron makes her way back to tee off for the Lakers after finishing third at the 2021 GLIAC Championships with a +1. Closely behind was fourth-place finisher Julia Sanchez with a two-over par. Miron and Sanchez tied for 31st at the NCAA National Championships, each scoring +18 over three rounds. Miron earned WGCA Division II All-East Region honors and was named the 2021 GLIAC Freshman of the Year. “I am really excited about Team 14 and the potential this team has this season. Despite our youth, we have ladies with a ton of pressure

Nick Krueger

experiences under their belts,” said Women’s Head Coach Rebecca Mailloux. As a team, the women won the 2021 GLIAC Championships with a 4-1 in Medal Match play. MGJ

College Corner

Season Preview: Oakland University By Michella Slimak

The Oakland men’s and women’s golf teams anticipate strong results this upcoming year as the men capitalize on winning the 2021 Horizon League Championship, and the women aim to utilize top returning players. The men finished the 2021 season led by current Horizon League Champion and Horizon League Player of the Year, Thomas Giroux who shot a season average of 72.5. Giroux continued competition at a top-level throughout the summer and recently won the 99th Ontario Men’s Amateur Championship which will propel him into the fall season. Other strong returners for the men include the Freshman of the Year, Yaro Ilyenko, and Colin Sikkenga who finished seventh

at the Horizon League Championship. The men look forward to competing in their annual tournaments as well as a variety of new ones. “We do a great job of blending Midwest events while also getting national exposure which ultimately will prepare us for the Horizon League Championships and beyond,” said men’s Head Coach Nick Pumford, who earned Coach of the Year for the second time since his arrival to Oakland in 2016. On the women’s side, the team is looking forward to impressive results from top returning players, Amalia Shahzan, Sydney Martens, and Veronica Haque. These women have shown great development during their time as Golden Grizzlies

and are anticipated to showcase more talent in this upcoming year. The women look forward to adding newcomers Ashley Chin and Nateda Her to their roster. “It’s been a great summer of hard work and competition, for all of us, and I cannot wait to get after our 2021-2022 season,” women’s Head Coach Alyssa Guss said. The women’s travel schedule includes participation in a couple of Midwest competitions, including the Dolores Black Falcon Invitational and Nevel Meade Collegiate. Both teams are looking forward to exhibiting their talent in a full-length season and a wide variety of tournaments. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Michigan PGA News

Dean Kolstad, Bernie Friedrich & Jason Guss Highlight Michigan PGA Special Award Recipients

Dean Kolstad, PGA, Director of Golf at Gull Lake View Golf Club and Vice President of the Michigan PGA, has captured the 2021 Michigan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year award.

Kolstad was chosen by his peers for the award based on his overall performance as a Golf Professional; he oversees six golf courses at the resort, four golf shops, Villa guests and an additional 100 golf operations employees. Kolstad is also a PGA HOPE instructor at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.

and Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club has been named the 2021 Michigan Section PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year. Guss will be honored for his overall impact on teaching and coaching along with his innovative and special teaching programs he implemented.

Bernie Friedrich, PGA, Senior Vice President of Golf at BOYNE Resorts has captured the first Golf Executive of the Year award. The honor bestows special recognition on a PGA Golf Professional who has performed outstanding services for a multiple facility/ course management/ ownership operation, allied association, or golf industry executive management position.

Assistant Golf Professional of the Year: Brandon Dean, PGA, Assistant Golf Professional at Crystal Mountain Resort.

Jason Guss, PGA, Director of Instruction at Jason Guss Golf Academy at Hawk Hollow Golf Course

Remaining Awards:

Bill Strausbaugh Award (distinguished themselves by mentoring their fellow PGA Professionals): Chris Sobieck, PGA, Owner of Mines Golf Club and High Road Management. Professional Development Award: Glenn Pulice, PGA, General Manager at Royal Oak Golf Center and Director of Golf for the Midnight Golf Program.

September 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

Merchandiser of the Year for Public Golf Facilities: Ian Ziska, PGA, Head Golf Professional at American Dunes Golf Club. Merchandiser of the Year for Private Golf Facilities: Paul Lehnert, PGA, Teaching Professional at Kubica Golf, for his work at Pine Lake Country Club where he was the Head Professional for 13 years. Merchandiser of the Year for Resort Golf Facilities: Elliott Oscar, PGA, for his accomplishments while employed for almost five

years as the Head Golf Professional at Forest Dunes Golf Club. Patriot Award: Walter Sierakowski, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Red Run Golf Club and CoFounder of the Team Selfridge Family Relief Fund. Player Development Award: Andre Pillow, PGA, Director of Instruction at Blythefield Country Club. Youth Player Development Award: Kelly Kuhlman, PGA, Director of

Instruction at Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club. Distinguished Service Award: Justin Phillips, PGA, Director of Tournament Operations at the Michigan PGA for 11 years. Media Award: Anna Epkey, Communications Coordinator at the Michigan PGA. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Michigan PGA News

Benny Cook Wins 100th Michigan PGA Professional Championship

And Otto Black takes home Tournament of Champions Crown from Boyne Resort By Greg Johnson Benny Cook

Benny Cook won the historic 100th Michigan PGA Professional Championship by four shots at Prestwick Village Golf Club, but said he never felt comfortable. “I won by what, four shots, it was never that close,” he said. “I was grinding out there, and it was within two shots after 14 and it came close to being one shot after 15, and the golf course only firmed up and got a lot harder through the week.” Cook, a teaching professional from Yankee Springs Golf Course, shot a 10-under 206, besting Kyle Dobbs of Walnut Creek Country Club by four shots. Cook will have his

name put on the Gilbert A. Currie Trophy for the second consecutive year and should receive a sponsor’s exemption into the PGA Tour’s 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic. Per his status on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica and his low club professional finish in the PGA Championship earlier this year at Kiawah Island, S.C., Cook is exempt through the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour qualifying. He will go to second stage in October.

Otto Black, a MackenziePGA Tour Canada professional from Pinckney, shot a 9-under

63 in the final round and rolled to victory in the Michigan PGA’s Tournament of Champions at Boyne Mountain Resort in August. “It’s great, unbelievable,” he said after accepting the Walter Burkemo Trophy, the traditional green jacket awarded the champion,

a lifetime BOYNE Golf membership, and the $9,000 first-place check. “It means a lot to me just because it’s in our home state and my name will be on the trophy with all the great players who have won it.” Jeff Cuzzort, who teaches and provides golf services at Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club, finished second. “I shot the best round I’ve shot here in forever, so I feel great about that. I love playing up here. Boyne is so great. Hard to feel bad about being second to a score like that, too.” MGJ Otto Black

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Michigan Golf Journal Girls Golf Program

The summer golf season has set on a terrific program run by the Michigan Women’s Golf Association (MWGA) where mostly girls, but some boys, get top-notch instruction and mentorship by members of the PGA and the MWGA. On a Tuesday afternoon in early August, Detroit area girls and boys played a 9-hole golf scramble competition in partnership with adult golf mentors from the non-profit MWGA at Evergreen Hills Golf Course in Southfield.

Jo Adams of Detroit demonstrates good golf form to Morgan of Pontiac

Detroit Youth Learning to Golf In LPGAUSGA Girls Golf Program By Teresa Silver

PGA certified teaching professional Terri Ryan zipped around from one foursome to another giving hitting, putting and pace of play advice to her students and occasionally borrowing a club from one of the kids to demonstration a technique. The experience for these eager kids was all part of the MWGA’s LPGA-USGA Girls Golf Program, a 10-week summer golf instructional program that has been in existence in the metro Detroit area since 2006. It gives a boost to the city’s kids who don’t belong to private clubs and golf courses with access to comprehensive LPGA professional golf instruction. After several weeks of driving range instruction from Ryan

September 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

and LPGA teaching professional Debbie Williams-Hoak, the kids got course experience by playing alongside the MWGA mentors who volunteer their time to golf with the students and reinforce golf strategies and etiquette. Francine Pegues, MWGA Girls Golf Program Director, is passionate about the program, which she says is developing the next generation of Michigan female golfers – and she doesn’t mind at all that a few boys (mostly brothers, and kids that live near the golf course) have enrolled.

“Business deals are made on the golf course, and I did business deals on the course,” she said. “Women who are competitive on the golf course are competitive in business.”

ShaRon of Detroit tees off

But once the kids get to their teenage years, she separates the genders because studies have shown teen girls don’t try as hard when competing with boys. The Girls Golf Program, she said, is designed to teach girls the game of golf and give them all the advantages of instruction that boys tend to receive far more easily. Pegues works hard to prepare the older kids in the program for high school golf team tryouts and possible

college golf scholarships down the road. “The most unclaimed college scholarships are for girls golf,” she said, proudly adding that the Girls Golf Program has two former students attending colleges on golf scholarships this fall. After college, she wants the girls currently in the youth program to have golf skills to level the playing field in the business world, too.

The MWGA raises $5,000-6,000 annually to offset program costs. The LPGA and USGA national Girls Golf Program subsidizes the program with $25 per student golfer. The students pay $50 for the summer program, but kids who qualify for free lunches in the public schools pay a reduced fee of $20. The students additionally enroll in the “Youth on Course” program for an annual fee of $15, which allows the young golfers to play at many golf courses for a discounted fee of only $5. Pegues said the MWGA invests heavily in the Girls Golf Program because they see the youngsters as the next generation of the association. “These girls are our future.” MGJ

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