he first Michigan Women’s Golf Summit was an astounding success. It attracted state politicians, women’s golf organization leaders and members, women golf course and business owners, and women golf professionals, including Carol Mann of the LPGA, and Nancy Oliver, founder of the newly organized Executive Women’s Golf Association. It also helped to assemble a formidable group of women who would serve on the planning committees for two subsequent women’s summits. This included Michigan Women’s Golf Association
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(MWGA) Founder Sara Wold, who would become my co-chair for the 1995 and 1997 Michigan Women’s Golf Summits. The era of Michigan’s golf summits at EMU ushered in positive changes, promoted travel and tourism, supported Michigan course owners and teaching professionals, and invited those who were passionate about golf to step up and help others to enjoy and pursue the sport. It also created the Michigan Spirit of Golf Award, which was presented posthumously to WJR Radio legend J.P. McCarthy in 1995 and to former USGA Women’s Committee member and Rules Official Betty Richart in 1997. At the May 2014 inaugural MWGA Legacy Celebration, which was attended by leaders from the
Photo courtesy of the Michigan Women’s Golf Association
women– were challenges, if not obstacles, that needed to be addressed if women were to successfully join the ranks of leisure and competitive amateur golfers in the U.S.
Betty Richart received Michigan Spirit of Golf Award. USGA, LPGA, PGA, four Michigan universities, Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, Michigan media, golf courses, golf businesses and others, LPGA Teaching Professional Debbie Williams-Hoak said she had “not seen such broad and comprehensive representation of golf leadership since the golf summits.” Coming out of the recent recession, the golf industry faces new issues, including waning interest of women golfers. It seems Michigan may be ready for a Golf Summits Redux. The question is when, where, and WHO will take the lead – financially, organizationally, and possibly with accreditation educationally – to make it happen? - MG -
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2014 • MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE