Michigan Golf Journal April 2023

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MI GOLF JOURNAL

Editor’s Letter Reaching the level of the PGA Tour is a huge accomplishment. Staying there might even be tougher, because it means consistency is required. So far, so good for Michigander Ryan Brehm – and yet while all is not going perfectly, Brehm opens up in this edition of MI Golf Journal to give us a peak inside the Tour grind.

What's Inside: PG. 10

In this April edition, we look at: What goes into the three main components of the golf club and their importance The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational and what fans can expect as one of the four main professional Tours in Michigan this summer Cheboygan’s PJ Maybank III setting a record score at the historic Azalea Invitational The Perfect Foursome of courses in the U.P. Youth on Course setting a path for students in the Ferris State professional golf school 20th anniversary of the Top 50 Junior Tour We also bring you golf tips from Treetops, the Michigan Golf Coaches Hall of Fame inductees, and much more. Thank you for joining us.

Tom Lang Editor and Publisher

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FEATURED PHOTO: AUGUSTA NATIONAL

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MICHIGAN MAN ON TOUR “I had breakfast with friends… and they had a newborn, which was great. I used breathing techniques to remain calm and talked myself into

Michigan Man on PGA Tour: Ryan Brehm

By Janina Parrott-Jacobs While three years of Covid isn’t worth celebrating, Mt. Pleasant native, Traverse City resident and PGA Tour member Ryan Brehm may have a different take: a minor health issue and Covid-delayed medical exemption propelled his entry into the 2022 Puerto Rico Open. With one start remaining to retain his PGA Tour card, Brehm needed a win or solo second.

“Puerto Rico fell in the middle of a month-long break, which was good. I’d finished 11th there in 2021 and making money early in the Korn Ferry Tour schedule created a positive mindset,” recalled Brehm.

Leading the tournament going into the final round, his Sunday morning was rather peaceful.

being aggressive.

It’s my style; that weekend,

there’d been rain and squalls and if the ball is stopping, you can go after it.”

His plan worked and he won, earning $666,000 plus a coveted two-year exemption on Tour, now extended through 2024.

Turning 37 this month, Brehm might be considered as cresting the hill of PGA Tour competitiveness, having won and lost his card, but finally earning rookie status on the ‘Big Show’ in 2016. Hopes were high since distance is king.

“I had the fastest swing speed out there, at 128mph,” said Brehm. That is, until Bryson DeChambeau went ballistic and employed extreme strengthening and swing speed exercises to boost his to 132mph. Statistics indicate 80 players are now booming it over 300 yards.

WWW.MIGOLFJOURNAL.COM But Ryan was doing that as a teenager and beyond, his family an

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Chelsey and Ryan Brehm at Puerto Rico Open

important fixture in the golf business. The Michigan phenom and patriarch Grandpa Bill Brehm always enjoyed a special relationship. With long-hitting Tour great Dan Pohl as architect, the family owned and operated the PohlCat in Mount Pleasant. Now standing 6’4”, with so much leverage, Brehm’s swing seemed effortless but was packed with wellgroomed torque and power.

Michigan PGA professionals saw his talent and length firsthand when he won four Michigan Opens in six years.

Still impressive, Ryan remains in the 300-plusclub – but where his drives end up can sometimes create problems.

“No one outhit me during my rookie year,” he said. “But to win out here, you have to be great in two main categories that are measured ….and currently, I’m just OK. My best are driving and putting. You must be consistent.

Just before Puerto Rico, I switched to a draw off the tee, did an equipment dial-in, but also made some other minor changes.”

Shifting swing techniques as a tour player is no small matter. With such an emphasis on power, many golfers are turning more toward extreme gym workouts, muscle strengthening, and bulking up.

“This feast of length…..Tiger’s made the game grow,” he said. “It was ‘cool’ to play golf. More athletes at younger ages are specializing and instructors know how to engineer old swing

myths into something new. You can also now measure what you couldn’t before, taking strong athletes and helping them move properly, mainly to prevent injuries. Father Time’s wear and tear takes its toll. What Phil Mickelson did at the PGA Championship was incredible….but he added speed in the right way. You don’t want to spend a ton of time or stress ligaments with too much weight training, but instead train smaller muscles to do that with lighter, and then heavier clubs.

You move faster….not stronger.”

Some professionals are melding western sports psychology techniques with Eastern meditation and yoga. Brehm embraces that, training at Neurospeak in Grand Rapids and working with former U of M golfer Andy Matthews.

“Growing up, Andy was the guy to beat,” Brehm said. “Now he monitors my heart, Continues on Page 7 >>

MICHIGAN MAN ON TOUR

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cortisol levels and such because, well, stress kills you.”

Practice regimens vary, from players who hit the rock pile infrequently or don’t play much, to those who do. For Brehm, it ebbs and flows, often recalling words of wisdom from IBM’s CEO Ginny Rimetti: “Growth and comfort cannot co-exist.”

“You are basically the CEO of your own company,” Brehm says. “My wife Chelsey manages Ryan Brehm Enterprises. You must evaluate daily what areas need more attention. Efficiency and data analytics matter, but what matters most might not be the same from day to day. Data and Trackman have helped and have changed my game. It is a power game but you have to hit driver in the fairway. The best players are those who hit driver most often.”

The newest exemption has allowed Brehm to enter Tour events at courses he’s never played, posing a personal disadvantage to players who are experienced at these venues. It’s an energyzapping process to learn them.

“Some of these courses are really, really tough: Colonial and Riviera CC……Bay Hill, PGA National, TPC Sawgrass, and the Memorial. I’m seeing them for the first time.”

Brehm is, however, showing sparks of greatness. At last month’s Honda Classic, he tied for 14th, his best showing after Puerto Rico, which he regrettably did not defend. Instead, he competed at Bay Hill, with both events running simultaneously…..and missed the cut.

Brehm also missed the cut at THE PLAYERS Championship despite a rousing start, 3-under after 4 holes. But then, at the Valspar, Innisbrook’s challenging Copperhead course offered up some shining moments. Lipping out an ace during Monday’s Pro-Am, Brehm corrected that in round 1 with a hole-in-one on the 212-yard 17th and led the tournament at 5under. Struggling on the weekend, Brehm fell back but eventually rallied somewhat on the final day to finish tied for 65th.

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MICHIGAN MAN ON TOUR When asked about fellow Michigan touring pro, James Piot, who won both the GAM Championship and the U.S. Amateur in 2021 and chose to join the LIV Tour, Brehm commented, “Each week is a new opportunity.

If I were him, I might have done the same. The difference is that James was not a PGA Tour member when he left for LIV…so he’s not barred.”

Most of learning comes later in life. Sometimes players are faulted for being too aggressive but in Brehm’s mind, it’s often the right thing to do if that’s how you’ve been playing. And yes, he gets nervous.

“No one likes being nervous,” he said.

“However, that doesn’t mean you’re going to hit a bad shot; you can surprise yourself at the outcome. You have to learn to focus your breathing. Also, I don’t eat a lot and drink only a little water. I also try to play my round in 3hole increments, focusing shot by shot.”

Great advice, since most instructors often preach the most important shot in golf is your next one…..not the ones later in the round.

“One of the best tips I’ve ever gotten came from my high school basketball coach: ‘Things are never as good as they seem….but things are never as bad as they seem either.’ I know it sounds like a cliché, but he used this quote frequently. To me, it also means I need to find the silver lining when things are tough but to also look for the gratitude when things are going well.”

Concerning other LIV events of the past year, Ryan sees no fault with some of the best players in the world going off to seek their fortunes.

“But don’t expect to come back, once you do.”

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DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational has the Most Unique Format of the Michigan Pro Tournament Lineup

By Tom Lang As The Masters comes and goes on our early April calendars, every Michigan golfer knows it marks the unofficial start of a new golf season.

And in more recent years, Michigan’s golf season also includes a special lineup of all the great professional golf tournaments that have taken place here in the Great Lakes State throughout the summer months on multiple national tours – the PGA and LPGA Tours, the

PGA Tour Champions – and even two Epson Tour events, in Battle Creek and at Sweetgrass in the U.P. Of all the options for fans, the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational is no question the most unique format of any. In the Midland tournament, LPGA Tour players match up in team play, which is only found elsewhere in the Solheim Cup. At the Dow, the players golf all four rounds as a

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team, in best ball and alternate shot formats, and the winners both get credit for a Tour

in Midland (with partner Madelene Sagstrom) as the team format allowed her entrance that

victory. The 2023 tournament takes place July 17-22, with the final round ending on a Saturday at the Midland Country Club.

other qualifying options might not. DeWitt, Michigan native Liz Nagel has also played in the Dow tournament twice before, with Natalie Gulbis, who no longer has full status on the

“I think you see a different side of golf, a lot more fun, a lot more risks being taken, and a lot more emotions as well,” LPGA Tour pro Maria Fassi told me. “The women’s (professional) side might be a little more calm than the men. We maybe don’t show as much excitement as the men do sometimes.

“But I think the Dow is kind of the rule breaker in that regard where you see a lot more emotion. Of course, the team aspect of it brings all that out of the players.

“It’s also a fun, easy walk for the spectators,” Fassi added, as she imagined placing herself in the fans’ shoes. “You can see several holes from one spot, so the environment that creates is phenomenal. There’s lots of activities for kids, and activities outside of the golf course as well, like food and drinks. I think it’s a very cool, well-rounded event for families to come and enjoy.”

Team Format Allows More Fan Favorites: In 2022, Hall of Famer Annika Sorenstam came out of ‘retirement’ and played

LPGA Tour.

“Dow and everyone in Midland goes over and above to make the event fun for the fans and fun for the players,” Nagel told me. “The two years I’ve played I thought we had more opportunity to interact with fans than most events. It’s so inviting for kids and very family friendly and we love it that way!

“It’s also great from a players’ perspective because the unique format brings out some unique and legendary players; Karrie Webb, Annika, and Natalie. You can’t ask for much more than a sponsor and a format that brings out some of the best players we’ve ever had in the women’s game.”

Continues on next page >> Jennifer Kupcho and Lizette Salas

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DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL social media, and the players say they enjoy the ‘walk up’ music Dow plays at the 18th tee. Last year the Korda sisters, Nelly and Jessica, played as a team, as did the 2021

Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn

Fassi might be best known for her amateur play. She won the 2019 NCAA Championship while at Arkansas, and that same year battled shot-for-shot down to the wire with eventual winner Jennifer Kupcho at the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur. Speaking of Kupcho, she also turned pro and is currently the defending champion of both Michigan LPGA tournaments – the Meijer LPGA Classic and at Dow with 2022 teammate Lizette Salas.

champions, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn. Lexi Thompson has been a regular at the tournament.

Fassi played with Solheim Cup captain Stacy Lewis and plans to again this summer.

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational

July 17-22

Midland Country Club https://www.dowglbi.com

They initially paired up at the Solheim Cup in Toledo and went 2-0-1 at Inverness. Then they recorded a 5-shot victory at the 2022 Dow GLBI. Their closing 61 put them 26-under 254, within one stroke of the tournament record.

“I think we just have a lot of faith in each other,” Kupcho told the media last year. “We make each other comfortable.”

The Dow tournament promotes team nicknames that fans have a lot of fun with on

Inclusion and Diversity are Big Goals: Fassi has been an Inclusion and Diversity Ambassador for Dow for serval years. She is a native of Mexico, and created her Fassi’s Friends Foundation in honor of her cousin.

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DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL Another phase of inclusion

The Fazio Premier

is Dow partnering with both the Meijer LPGA Classic, and the Rocket Mortgage Classic by utilizing the 3rd annual

The John Shippen Invitational as a qualifier for the Dow GLBI. The John Shippen gives black golfers more opportunities to reach their professional golf goals. A male winner of the event in Detroit gets to play in the RMC, June 29 – July 2.

“I’ve wanted to make golf more accessible, especially for people with special needs, and under-privileged households,” Fassi said. “A cousin of mine has (Dystonic) brain paralysis and we are the same age and grew up doing life together, and golf was one of the things I did growing up and so she tried it around age 13-14.

It was a very hard sport for her to pick up, not necessarily because of the sport itself, but because of the lack of opportunity for kids like her to be able to get on the course, and it was very tough to find a coach.

“I thought it was wrong and it was something we wanted to do and share together. That is a main reason behind the foundation and wanting to make sure we can provide a space for kids of all abilities and different backgrounds to come play and learn the game of golf and fall in love with it.”

This commitment by Fassi has translated into working with The First Tee as often as possible, including when she is in Midland.

The women’s division of The John Shippen will be played at Blythefield Country Club (host site for the Meijer LPGA) June 6-7, and the winner earns exemption into the Meijer tournament the following week, then gets to pick a partner to join her at the Dow. Fassi also enjoys the knowledgeable golf fans in Michigan, for both LPGA Tour events in the state, which also offer some of the largest purses on the entire Tour: “We always have such good crowds, and we feel so welcomed. They’re passionate – they really do love golf, they are unified and they always show up. I know for the Dow the crowds always get bigger and better. They are always having to add bigger grandstands and more activities.

As the years go by it just shows how much the fans want us there. It’s always such a pleasure and a treat to get to come play golf in Michigan.”

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DOW GREAT LAKES BAY INVITATIONAL

Food for Thought and Golf Tickets: One of the great aspects of professional golf tournaments is the food, and oh boy do they have lots of that in Midland. The Eat Great Trail is a set up featuring three observation decks/tents in different parts of the golf course. It’s an upgraded hospitality experience offering unique culinary pairings from various local restaurants, complimented by the tasting of regional beer and wines.

The Eat Great Trail decks give fans cool views of golf featuring five different holes.

Eat Great Trail tickets grant access to all three locations (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) as well as general admission access to the golf tournament. Tickets are $60 per day, but for attendees between the ages of 13-20 are available for purchase for

$20 at the Dow GLBI’s main admissions gate.

Military members are also well taken care of. All military personnel and veterans will receive one free daily admission ticket each day to the Veterans Hospitality Suite presented by Kelly. An additional complimentary Veterans Ticket for a guest is also included. The guest comes with a General Admissions ticket and access to the Veterans Hospitality Suite. Veteran tickets can be reserved online for each day of the tournament, but veterans will be required to show a valid military ID and driver's license at the Dow GLBI’s main admissions gate to receive access to the special suite.

Each Veterans Hospitality ticket includes one hot dog or hamburger, and one soft drink from Wednesday through Saturday.

Daily & Weekly Tickets on Sale Starting April 17: Daily Tickets ($10 each day): Tickets are valid any one day, Thursday through Saturday.

Admission is free for all spectators on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week.

Free parking at Dow Diamond with shuttles.

Weekly Tickets ($25 for the week): Weekly tickets are valid all week, Monday through Saturday.

More information and details at: https://www.dowglbi.com/tickets

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CLUB COMPONENTS PURPOSE

What is the Purpose of Each Club Component?

by Shawn Zawodni, Master Club Fitter Miles of Golf in Ann Arbor

The golf club has three main components: the shaft, head, and grip. From a physics standpoint, you can think of the shaft and the

Golf is super simple.

head together as a spring-mass system. The shaft is the spring, and the head is the mass.

When the club is put in motion the head acts as

It’s nothing more than a game of energy transfer. Your energy goes into the grip, that energy is transferred to the shaft and accelerates the shaft which in turn accelerates the head. The head contacts the golf ball (hopefully) and transfers energy to the ball putting it into motion.

See, super simple, at least on paper…

a load that elastically deforms the shaft. As the shaft tries to recover and return to a non deformed position, it accelerates the head.

Let’s break down each component and look at what they do.

Shaft (spring): Contrary to popular belief and internet lore, the shaft is not the most

WWW.MIGOLFJOURNAL.COM important part of the club. It is a critical piece of the puzzle that we need to get right. But the

position, moment of inertia, etc. These factors along with swing dynamics are going to

head is actually what transfers energy to the ball and puts it in motion. Both are needed to achieve maximum performance.

determine the trajectory of the ball.

The shafts job is to help the head get to the ball in a predictable manner. Variables in the shaft that determine how it’s going to react to your energy input are: length, stiffness (spring rate), weight, balance point, torque, kickpoint, etc.

Changing any variable will change the timing of the swing and will alter impact.

system. Grip is often overlooked due to the fact that it’s the smallest, least expensive component of a club. In actuality, there are many variables in a grip that can affect performance. Those variables include: weight, diameter, taper, rib, material, firmness, etc. So how do you find out the best grip for you? We actually conducted a grip size test twice, approximately a decade apart from each other.

What we found is that the only variable that

Head: The head is the component that actually transfers the energy to the golf ball. This component is what is going to determine the trajectory of the golf ball. Some factors of the club that determine ball flight are: loft, coefficient of restitution, coefficient of friction between the ball and the face, center of mass

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Grip: This is the point of contact in which all of the energy the player generates is input into the

had a correlation with performance was feel. So the bottom line is, feel good, play good!

Learn more about golf fittings and clubs by visiting: www.milesofgolf.com

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THE PERFECT FOURSOME

The “Perfect 4-Some” – A Golfing Adventure in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

Sage Run

Sweetgrass, Sage Run, Greywalls and Timberstone shine together as a must-play golf destination.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has long been an adventurous travel destination, with expansive shorelines of Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the south. It's also a great golf destination, as the western side of this region boasts several high-quality golf options that stand up to anything in the Midwest.

The Island Resort and Casino near Escanaba is one of the Midwest’s largest golf, casino and entertainment resort destinations. With its 36 holes of golf (Sweetgrass and Sage Run), this resort anchors the rugged golf destination.

Together with Greywalls in Marquette and Timberstone in Iron Mountain, the “Perfect 4Some” package is the best way to experience this excellent golf adventure.

The resort’s original course, the exceptional Sweetgrass Golf Club, was named the 2021 National Golf Course of the Year and is home to the EPSON Tour’s Island Resort Championship. Designed by course architect Paul Albanese and ranked among Michigan's top 20 public courses, the prairie links-style course meanders to a wide-open vista where many greens and flags can be seen in the distance. Golfers will also experience some of the game’s most fun greens to putt (Redan, Biarritz, Island and Double-green).

The resort's Sage Run, also designed by Albanese, opened in 2018. Albanese was inspired by the “rough and rugged” appeal of Northern Ireland’s Royal County Down while

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21 lodging options with up to four golf rounds, which can

Sweetgrass

creating it. The course features a more rugged terrain with hardwoods, open areas and a massive ridge/drumlin and bunkers. It was named to Golf Digest’s prestigious “Best New Courses, 2019” list.

Greywalls Golf Club, designed by Mike DeVries, is part of the popular Marquette Country Club and is a truly unique golf experience. Spanning 230+ acres, it combines views of Lake Superior with several natural rock outcroppings.

Located west of Escanaba in Iron Mountain – home to legendary Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo and former NFL coach Steve Mariucci – Timberstone spans the slope of a mountain, showcasing scenic vistas, wetlands and tall pines.

Fully customized packages offer 1-, 2-, 3- and 4-night

Greywalls

also include Greywalls and Timberstone. The very competitive package price options range from $95-$758 depending on time of year.

Comparing these rates with those from other noteworthy golf destinations will provide yet another convincing reason to choose the Upper Peninsula, in addition to the high quality and diverse array of golf.

The Island Resort and Casino just completed a $33 million hotel expansion and is ready to start hosting golfers this season, especially in the tower’s expansive golf suites, perfect for foursomes seeking added space and a fun environment.

For more information and to book your Perfect 4-Some, visit www.islandresortgolf.com or call 877-475-4733.

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MICHIGAN’S BEST JUNIOR PLAYER

Cheboygan’s PJ Maybank Breaks Record at Historic Azalea Invitational

By Tom Lang PJ Maybank III has been the top junior golfer in Michigan the past few years.

Now he’s established as one of the nation’s best.

Maybank, a senior in high school at Cheboygan, blitzed the field and recently set a new 4-round tournament record 22-under par at the Azalea Invitational, a prestigious and historic event played annually since 1946 at the Country Club of Charleston, SC. It draws the very best MidAms and Juniors from across the U.S. and internationally each year just before The Masters, along with a unique combination of college players.

“To win that I was super hyped,” he said, especially setting the tournament record by three shots, breaking (now PGA Tour’s) CT Pan’s 265 in 2011.

Maybank scored 68-64-68-64-262, winning this year’s event by 11 shots. Former Azalea champions who since made the PGA Tour include Webb Simpson (twice), D.J. Trahan, Casey Wittenberg and Spencer Levine.

“This win that PJ just posted at the Azalea Invitational was as good of win as any of a guy I’ve had coming into our program,” said Ryan Hybl, the head coach at national powerhouse University of Oklahoma, Maybank’s next stop in his career. “It’s just hard as a junior golfer to go dominate an amateur event like that one, it’s just kind of unheard of honestly. It was very impressive.”

Maybank was Mr. Golf Michigan in 2021, his

WWW.MIGOLFJOURNAL.COM only season playing high school golf. He then focused on travel events but calls his two GAM Junior titles in the same year his most proud Great Lakes State victories – when he won both the Junior Stroke Play Amateur and the Junior Match Play Am, back to back in 2020 and 2021.

In prior years he also earned a total of three trips to Augusta National for Drive Chip and Putt, winning it once.

In 2022, he won the Junior Heritage, played each year at Harbor Town on Hilton Head Island. He calls it, and the Azalea, his best wins to date.

“A lot of things have changed with this win” he told me about winning the Azalea. “I’m sure I’ll get into some bigger amateur events over the summer, so I’ll probably have to change my schedule up a bit. But it’s all good stuff.”

Indeed, his schedule has changed.

Maybank was set to compete in the Michigan Amateur at Oakland Hills North in June, but during the first round of the Azalea he was invited to be on the 4-man Team USA at the Toyota Jr. World Cup in Japan about the same time.

“I’ve always wanted to go overseas and play a different style of golf. I can’t wait.”

Maybank is equally pumped to get his college career going at Oklahoma, the 2021 NCAA Runners Up when ranked No. 1, and the 2017 Champions. The Sooners are the only team to have reached the NCAA quarterfinals in

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the last 6 consecutive years. The fact Coach Hybl wants Maybank to join the OU program is a huge confidence booster for the Michigander.

“The first time I saw him play it was immediate attraction, and when you evaluate a lot of kids like I do, and when someone really sticks out at you, it’s very glaring,” Hybl said. “I already knew who he was through social media, but when I saw him the first time at the U.S. Junior, it was obvious, and I started working very hard that week trying to figure out how I could get in front of him. I could tell right then he was a big-time player.”

Something Michiganders have known for the past several years.

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YOUTH ON COURSE SUCCESSES Wilson said. “It has helped some of them decide to attend Ferris and become PGA golf professionals.”

Brendan Baidel of Ann Arbor, a Ferris PGM student, said YOC helped him improve the golf skills he would need in a career as a PGA

GAM Foundation Helping Ferris State PGM Students, YOC golfers

By Greg Johnson The successful Youth on Course program was established in 2017 in Michigan through the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Foundation and some of the young golfers who took advantage of $5 golf rounds on participating courses also discovered a career path.

Recently, Mark Wilson, an instructor at the PGA Professional Golf Management program at Ferris State University, asked a group of students to raise their hands if they had participated in Youth on Course (YOC). He expected a few, but more than a dozen students raised their hands.

“It’s clear Youth on Course is introducing people to golf beyond just playing the game,”

professional.

“As a youth golfer who was starting to become more competitive in high school years, YOC

provided an opportunity to play multiple courses at a low cost, therefore giving me more practice opportunities and more opportunities to play courses I had not played before,” he said.

Elaina DeRose of DeWitt said YOC impacted her in multiple significant ways.

“My best memories come from my friends and I going to a YOC facility and playing a round and getting better while finding true love in the game,” she said. “In addition, watching my family be so supportive and proud of my progress in golf is priceless.”

Ryan Batcheller of Huntington Woods said he started playing golf solely because of YOC. “My parents weren’t going to spend hundreds of dollars for me to play courses,” he said. “I got to play more golf for less money.”

WWW.MIGOLFJOURNAL.COM Kamryn Shannon of Jackson said YOC helped her grow as a golfer who could consider the game for a career path.

“It allowed me to become more confident with my golf game,” she said. “I was able to improve my game because I was getting to practice at so many different courses for a great price.”

The GAM Foundation is taking the relationship between Youth on Course and the Ferris State PGA PGM program to the next level by sponsoring an educational scholarship for PGM students attending Ferris. Past participation in Youth on Course Michigan or the GAM will be considered in the selection process with the hope that the scholarship recipient will offer YOC opportunities at their future golf facility.

Cathy Kalahar, vice-president of the GAM Foundation, has spearheaded the scholarship establishment effort. The GAM Foundation will be making annual contributions from its

25 general fund to the scholarship endowment that will be managed by the Community Foundation for

Southeast Michigan. Should others wish to make a direct contribution, checks can be made out to Community Foundation For Southeast Michigan or CFSEM with GAM Foundation written in the memo line.

The PGA Golf Management program at Ferris was the first of its kind sanctioned by the PGA of America in 1975. It has the largest network of successful graduates and alumni in the golf industry and prepares students to become golf professionals, directors of golf, teaching professionals, or enter into other golf related careers. The program, which has a 100 percent employment rate upon graduation has produced over 2,000 graduates and 1,100 are currently active PGA members. Golfers can learn more at ferris.edu/pgm Learn more about the GAM Foundation and Youth on Course in Michigan at GAM.org

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MICHIGAN PGA SECTION

PGA Members Doug Bell, Dean Kolstad & Scott Wilson Lead 2023 Michigan Section PGA Special Awards Class 13 Award Winners Unveiled

By Greg Johnson Michigan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year Doug Bell, Golf Executive of the Year Dean Kolstad, and Teacher & Coach of the Year Scott Wilson headline the Michigan PGA’s Special Awards for 2023. In all, 13 winners were unveiled during the 2023 Michigan PGA Spring Meeting at Eagle Eye Golf Course.

Bell is a 30-year PGA Member. This prestigious honor is awarded to the professional who has demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership and strong moral character. The individual must also maintain a substantial record of service to the Association and game of golf, and be wellregarded as a model PGA Golf Professional.

Bell was chosen by his peers for the award.

During his career, Bell was instrumental in the construction and operation of three Michigan golf courses— Eldorado Golf Club, Manistee National Golf & Resort, and American Dunes Golf Club. He simultaneously had to be in the

construction mindset while remaining in operations mode to ensure that every golfer received professional service in a friendly atmosphere.

Kolstad is Director of Golf at Gull Lake View Golf Club & Resort. 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. It’s one of the highest honors the PGA can bestow.

Kolstad is responsible for overseeing six golf courses, four golf shops, and 64 villas.

Additionally, he manages over 400 employees, teaches lessons, and spends time at the VA hospital as a PGA HOPE program instructor. For the past 19 years, Kolstad has been serving the Section at all levels and is currently exemplifying his leadership as the Michigan Section PGA

WWW.MIGOLFJOURNAL.COM President. He is a former professional hockey player in the NHL. Wilson is a Teaching Professional at Bay Meadows Family Golf Course in Traverse City.

He began as the Director of Instruction at Crystal Mountain Resort where he implemented a nationally recognized golf school. He immersed himself into youth programming at Bay Meadows Family Golf Course by implementing and growing in-school programs, clinics and camps, league play, individual tournament play, high school golf, and junior elite. His unwavering commitment to improving golfers at every level awarded him the 2019 PGA of America Youth Player Development Award.

The remaining winners for 2023 are: Assistant Golf Professional of the Year Tiffany Simons, PGA Country Club of Lansing

Bill Strausbaugh Award Mark Wilson, PGA Ferris State University PGA Golf Management Merchandiser of the Year-Private Kyle Horton, PGA Kalamazoo Country Club Merchandiser of the Year-Public Dean Marks, PGA Milham Park Golf Course Merchandiser of the Year-Resort Steve Niezgoda, PGA Bay Harbor Golf Club Patriot Award Ian Ziska, PGA American Dunes Golf Club Player Development Jimmy Wisinski, PGA Kent Country Club

Harbor Shores Hole 10

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MEIJER LPGA CLASSIC

The Meijer LPGA Classic Seeking 1,200 Volunteers The goal is its highest in 9 years – to support what is widely considered one of the best, full-scale events for families and foodies on the LPGA Tour.

Volunteer registration is now open for the 2023 tournament that will run June 15-18 at Blythefield Country Club to help feed hungry neighbors across the Midwest through the Simply Give program.

The Meijer LPGA Classic is seeking 1,200 volunteers to fill roles on 20 different committees, including Standard Bearers, Discovery Land, Transportation and full-scale Hospitality. The tournament will also include a “General Volunteer” position that gives volunteers the opportunity to experience different aspects of the event.

“Meijer started out as a grocer, so feeding people will always be at the core of what we do, and therefore, remains the heart of the Meijer LPGA Classic,” said Cathy Cooper, the tournament’s Executive Director.

The fee to volunteer is $30, and includes two official tournament golf shirts, one official tournament hat or visor, four weekly grounds passes for friends or family, and meals and

wanted to do it to support the cause of Simply Give,” said Brittany Huffman, a Meijer pharmacy team member, who served as a walking scorer at the 2022 event. “There were so many roles available and days and times to choose from so it was easy to find something that interested me.”

When her employer put out the call for volunteers, she jumped at the chance.

Huffman, who is “not a golfer,” was initially nervous to play such a large role in the tournament, but she said the training process was simple and well organized. Plus, many of

beverages during scheduled shifts. The volunteer badge also serves as a week-long grounds and parking pass.

her fellow volunteers had been with the event since the beginning and were quick to show her the ropes.

“Having never volunteered at the tournament before, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew I

More info and sign up at: https://meijerlpgaclassic.com/volunteers/

ROCKET MORTGAGE CLASSIC

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going to close this gap, we’re going to find a way to make Detroit one of the most connected cities in America.’”

Patrick Cantaley

On March 13, also known as 313 Day

Rocket Mortgage Classic Tops $7 Million in Charitable Donations

in Detroit, the tournament, played each year sine 2019 at Detroit Golf Club, announced the 2022 proceeds totaling $1.57 million with $662,555 of it going to address the Changing the Course/Connect 313 program that is attacking the digital divide.

Langwell explained how the Portable Connectivity Program provides residents with a $100 one-

Brings Detroit from the most digitally-divided city in America to one of the best tech ready time technology device subsidy,

and $30 a month toward Internet costs. Now, over 100,000

By Tom Lang There’s been plenty of documentation in the last three years about what Covid-19 did to the game of golf and other areas of life. Yet what stood out the most during 2020 to Rocket Mortgage tournament director Jason Langwell and other tournament board members was how so many Detroiters suffered with lack of digital connectivity to the world outside their homes.

What is taken for granted almost everywhere – online connections to the Internet – was not the ‘norm’ for city of Detroit residents. Kids trying to do schoolwork, telemedicine and job applications were nearly impossible for most.

“It was incredibly shocking to learn,” Langwell told me. “That’s when we turned our giving initiative on its head. We saw this massive digital divide and Detroit being the least connected city in America, and said to ourselves, ‘we’re not only

households are enrolled in that program, equaling 54% of qualified homes in the area. It's now the highest rate of any comparably sized city.

Technology Hubs are also part of the initiative, starting a few years ago with 5 technology hubs at community centers, where citizens can get access to technology and digital literacy training. Now there are 22.

“All those things are making Detroit more digitally included, and that’s how we’re going to close this gap,” Langwell said.

Tickets for the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic, set for June 28-July 2, go on sale April 10 at: https://www.rocketmortgageclassic.com/ Defending champion Tony Finau is expected to return this summer.

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HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME

MI Interscholastic Golf Coaches Assoc.

Golf Coaches Hall of Fame Steve Burk, Trenton and Southfield Christian High Schools Steve Burk has coached high school golf for 29 years for a combined 38 seasons of boys and girls golf. He began as the boys golf coach at Southfield Christian from 1989 to 1998 and then went to Trenton in 2003 where he coached boys for 19 seasons and girls for nine. His teams had an impressive dual match record of 250 wins and only 12 loses. His boys team won 30 invitational tournaments, 25 conference championships, five MHSAA District and five MHSAA Regional championships and his girls team won seven invitational tournaments and six conference championships.

Steve had 24 teams and six individuals qualify for the MHSAA State Championship tournaments over the years and in 2004 the Trenton boys won the Division 2 state championship, before earning Coach of the Year in Div. 2 in 2005. Steve and his wife, Ronda, moved from Trenton to Traverse City in the summer of 2022, after he retired from teaching.

Randy Johnson, Auburn Hills Oakland Christian High School Randy Johnson started coaching boys golf at Oakland Christian in 1999 and during his 22 seasons his teams’ overall dual match record was 234 wins, 25 loses and 2 ties. In 85 invitationals, the team won 32 times (winning 38% of the time) and finished 2nd or 3rd in 10 other times. They won 13 Conference Championships, five MHSAA Districts Championships and five Regional Championships. Nine of Randy’s teams qualified for the State Championships as well as three individuals. In 2011, Oakland Christian won the Div. 4 State Championship and the Oakland County Division 1 Championship (the only time a Div. 4 team won the Division 1 tournament).

Randy has been recognized for his coaching by being named Conference Coach of the Year 13 times. He was the MIGCA Division 4 Coach of the Year in 2011 and 2014. And, in 2014 he was a Finalist for the National Coaches Association Boys Golf Coach of the Year.

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HIGH SCHOOL HALL OF FAME

MI Interscholastic Golf Coaches Assoc.

Golf Coaches Hall of Fame Tom Koert, NorthPointe Christian, Lowell and Sparta High Schools Tom Koert has been coaching high school boys and girls golf for 31 seasons, 15 with the boys and 16 with the girls. He coached 14 years at NorthPointe Christian, and for the past few years has been the boys coach at Lowell and the girls coach at Sparta. During his golf coaching seasons his teams have had some impressive records. His boys’ and girls’ teams played in 190 tournaments, winning 39 championships and finishing in the top four 105 times. His girls’ team won four conference championships, two MHSAA Regional titles and qualified a team or individual 13 times for the State Championships.

His boys’ team won eight conference championships, five MHSAA District titles, two Regionals and qualified the team or individuals 10 times for the State Championships. He has hosted tournament invitationals, MHSAA District and Regionals, conference championships and hosted the Kent County Girls Classic. In 2015, he took on the West Michigan Junior Golf Tour during the summer months.

Nathan Oake – Hartland, Flushing, Britton-Deerfield, and Chelsea High Schools Nathan Oake has been coaching high school boys golf for 23 years at Hartland, Flushing, Britton-Deerfield and Chelsea. During Nathan’s coaching his teams have a dual match record of 131 wins against 42 loses.

His teams played in 356 tournaments, winning 20 and finishing in the top three a total of 58 times. His Hartland teams won 12 KLAA Conference championships, won four MHSAA District titles and three Regional championships.

Since 2008, the Hartland boys’ team or individuals have qualified 12 times for the Division 1 State Championship. Nathan has been selected as MIGCA District Coach of the Year two times, MIGCA Regional Coach of the Year three times, MIGCA overall Boys Coach of the Year in 2015 as well as the National Federation of High School Boys Coach of the Year in Michigan and he was the MIGCA Division 1 Coach of the Year in 2019. He is a PGA Life Member, Founder and Director of the Kensington Junior Golf Tour.

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GOLF TIPS

GOLF TIP: The Golf Grip “What did he say”! When

By Mark Hogan, PGA Head Pro Treetops North The golf grip in my opinion is the single most important part of the golf swing. Since it's the only part of your body that touches the golf club, a proper grip will typically determine where your shot starts and ends up.

As a PGA member for over 35 years, I understand that a grip change can be one of the most painful adjustments that golf has to offer. But, once you see and experience the results of a proper grip, any golfer will soon begin to reap the benefits of lower scores.

I've always been a show and tell type of teacher so visuals and props to me, are the easiest way to trigger that light bulb in the students minds a week or two down the road after the golf lesson is finished and they are on their own wondering

students come to me and say that they're having issues with either hooking or slicing the ball the first thing I check is their grip. If I see that their grip is not in the correct position, I usually go

Photo 3

through a few standard corrections which involves showing them instead of telling them.

When our arms hang at our sides, our hands are in the neutral or natural position facing our thighs. Once the student shows me that, I tell them that that is the way

Photo 1

they need to be on the golf club. (Photo 1)

Photo 3

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Another way to describe correct grip position, is if a person is praying, they simply slide their right hand towards the ground keeping the back of their right hand perfectly pointing to the right and the back of their left hand perfectly pointing to the left. (Photos 2 and 3) My favorite way to show a student if their grip is correct or not, is to show them the V created by our pointer finger and our thumb. Once you place a golf tee in that crease, it should hold up and support a golf ball in both the right and left hands.

(Photo 4) The student can quickly determine if their grip is in the correct position. The student can then make their own appropriate corrections and once they hit a few good shots, meaning they're going straight, they will start to believe in the transformation and be able to work on that change on their own.

Always remember to consult your local PGA professional for the best advice, tips and golf lessons.

Photo 4

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COLLEGE CORNER

Grand Valley Men’s and Women’s Teams Keep Winning

By Tom Lang the title at the Augustana Spring Fling in Palm Desert, CA, with a 16-shot margin over Charles DeLong

The Grand Valley men’s golf team went two-fortwo to start the spring season, winning tournaments at the Buccaneer Classic in Tennessee (at 15-under par to win by 12 strokes) and the Hargett Memorial Invite in North Carolina (by 19 strokes at 1-under par).

At the Buccaneer, Nick Krueger (ranked No. 21 in the country) led the way with a 4th place finish, shooting rounds of 70-73-69 to finish at 4-under.

Charlie Cooley and Charles DeLong both ended in a tie for 7th at 3-under. Drew Coble finished at 2under par for 9th place.

"Freshman Charlie Cooley shooting a 67 in the second round gave us a needed jumpstart," head coach Gary Bissell said. "We are happy to start the spring off on the right foot and we are looking forward to improving as we go."

DeLong of DeWitt (ranked No. 2 in the country) picked up his 10th college career win at Hargett, shooting 10-under par for the three-rounds.

GVSU Women: Similarly, the women’s team got their first win of the spring, its second win of the season, by taking

host Augustana. Olivia Stoll of Haslett also picked up her second win of the fall/spring season, shooting even par for the tournament.

"This was a collective team win … the ladies made a lot of birdies and were 5-under on the par 5s as a team which is a big reason for our success in the desert,” head coach Rebecca Mailloux said. “Great to see Liv get her 2nd individual win."

Paula Badino finished in a tie for 4th by shooting rounds of 76-74, tallying four birdies during the two rounds. Julia Sanchez shot rounds of 75-76, carding six birdies. Megan Miron shot rounds of 75-77 to end at +8 in a tie for 9th after recording four birdies in the tournament.

Olivia Stoll

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U-M Wins Big Ten Golf Match Play Title The University of Michigan men’s golf team got the new spring season off to a hot start in February by turning a No. 8 seed placement in the Big Ten match Play Championship into a huge win.

In the semifinal and final rounds, the Wolverines defeated No. 3 seed Indiana, before disposing of No. 1 seed Northwestern. Both match scores were 3-and-2.

In the quarterfinal round, the Wolverines beat No. 2 seed MSU, making it a total sweep of the top 3 seeds in the annual event at Hammock Beach Ocean Course. In Palm Coast, Florida, in early February.

Hunter Thompson became the third golfer in Wolverine history to go undefeated in the match play event (4-0). The exclusive list includes Patrick Sullivan in 2020, and Kyle Mueller in 2015.

"This was a total team effort," said U-M head coach Zach Barlow in a news release. "Hunter (Thomson) leading the way, going 4-0, was just tremendous. I cannot say enough about the work these guys have put in this offseason. They're starting to reap the rewards of that."

When U-M won the same event in 2014, it was the No. 8 seed as well.

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MSU junior men's golfer August Meekhof fired an 11under par 205 to finish in first place, while helping lead the Spartans to a 3rdplace finish among 12 teams at the Colleton River Collegiate, played on the Jack Nicklaus Course in Bluffton, S.C. in early March. Georgia Southern won the event.

Meekhof entered the final day in a tie for 7th place but fired a 4-under par 68 to finish at 11-under par 205 (6869-68) and one shot ahead four other golfers. Meekhof had four birdies in the final round. His 54 hole totals were: 13 birdies, with 39 pars and just two bogeys – earning Big Ten Player of the Week.

"Overall, it was a very successful weekend," said head coach Casey Lubahn.

"Watching August play that round (the final day) was phenomenal. It was a longtime coming and we're thrilled for him.”

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20TH ANNIVERSARY TOP 50 TOUR

Top 50 Junior Tour Celebrating 20 Years

By Tom Lang high-level public golf course, then on day two play at a private course.

Thomas’ Michigan PGA connections provides him contacts in the private club sector. At the time in 2003, he was teaching at Oasis on Five Mile Road in Livonia. Nowadays he is stationed at the Learning Center at Fox Hills.

“We wanted courses that kids wouldn’t otherwise get on,” Thomas said about the private courses. “Most kids don’t have access

When golf instructor Dan Thomas was hearing from kids and parents that the only junior golf tour in Michigan he knew about was always full

to those private facilities and great golf courses. I don’t think I had any big expectations (for the Tour) other than getting kids out on golf courses. When we started there wasn’t enough competition

when they tried to register, he said to himself, ‘it sounds like there is room for another Junior Tour.’

(opportunities), and they were asking for places to play and we satisfied that.”

Now 20 years later, the Top 50 Junior Tour is serving boy and girl golfers from ages 8-18, with

the Top 50 Tour has 65-70 kids at each of about three dozen events.

some college events for age 19+.

The name is derived from the format; all play on the first day, then the top 50 move on to the second day. The typical format is opening on a

The very first event had 12 kids show up. Now

A big mid-summer event is held over July 4th break at Treetops. The kids play The Tradition, and there’s also a parent-child event on the 9-hole Threetops. Local firework

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Resort, Wabeek Country Club, Travis Pointe Country Club, Polo Fields Golf and Country Club, Fieldstone, Fox Hills plus many more. You can check out the 2023 schedule here.

Michigan events start in May and run until the end of September. The tour also offers events in Florida all year round in the Orlando area. Michigan golfers have the opportunity to challenge the Florida golfers during holiday school breaks.

A big push for 2023 is to expand the already-in-place scholarship program, for kids who go to college even if they don’t join a college team.

You can learn more and register for events at https://www.top50jrtour.com/ shows are also on the docket.

“Junior golfers are the future of our game and business,” said Mark Hogan, Head Golf Professional, Treetops North. “Hosting events like the Top 50 Jr. Tour helps kids experience top level golf at some major golf destinations throughout Michigan and Treetops is extremely lucky to be featured on their tournament schedule.

“The best part for me as a golf professional is to relive my junior golf career through these young boys and girls, see them develop over the years and have them shake my hand on the last day of competition thanking me and the golf staff for hosting such a great event.”

This year's schedule includes Forest Akers West, Eagle Crest in Ypsilanti, TreeTops

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MICHIGAN NEWS AND NOTES

New President for Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association Doug Hoeh, class A member and Director of Recreation at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, has been elected as the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) Chapter President for 2023.

Other officers elected include Vice President Jesse Shaver from Gull Lake Country Club in Richland and Secretary/Treasurer Gene Davis from Elk Rapids Golf Club. The election marked the end of board service for Past President (2021) Doug Ware from the City of Livonia.

New members elected to the board include Seth Britton from Grand Traverse Resort and Tim Matty from Treetops Resort.

The MiGCSA is dedicated to providing opportunities to members through programs and services that enhance and promote the profession. The association has more than 700 Members and is managed by Executive Director Adam Ikamas, CGCS.

GAM Superintendent Award of Merit: Michael Morris, CGCS, Crystal Downs Country Club Superintendent Michael Morris sees himself as caretaker of the highly acclaimed golf course at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort.

Morris, 63, has been named the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Superintendent Award of Merit winner for 2023. The award is bestowed upon a superintendent who has demonstrated leadership, professionalism, good character and high standards of conduct through pursuits associated with golf course grounds maintenance and care.

His nomination was supported by the Board of Directors of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), a group that in 2008 Morris helped create as a combination of what is now four chapters of the association.

MiGCSA executive director Adam Ikamas, CGCS, said Morris has mentored multiple interns who have become leaders in the golf course maintenance industry and has participated in numerous research projects with MSU and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation.

“His multi-year study with Dr. Thom Nikoali (MSU) on green speed changed the way greens are managed,” Ikamas said. “He’s a soft-spoken leader who is always looking to find a better way.”

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New Registered Apprenticeship Program for Golf Course Maintenance The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) announced the signing of Boyne Golf’s Bay Harbor Golf Club and The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Raisin Valley Golf Club, Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center, and The Emerald Golf Course to Registered Apprenticeship Golf Course Maintenance Technician Program. The five courses join Lynx Golf Course who was the first course to sign onto the program, in June 2022.

Through the Registered Apprenticeship program, candidates will further their agronomy education, work alongside field experts to gain on-the-job learning, and gain a national credential. For employers, the Registered Apprenticeship is a proven talent pipeline solution for Michigan’s $4 billion golf industry that includes almost 800 golf courses and 60,000 workers.

“MGCA knows how important golf is to Michiganders and tourists,” said Jada Paisley, Executive Director, Michigan Golf Course Association. “To keep our courses in top-notch condition, we must get more people involved in the art and science of agronomy to consider

job opportunities at golf courses.”

Jeff Hoag, General Manager, Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center added, “This is an important beginning to fill our employee needs in the agronomy area.”

Michigan’s State Apprenticeship Expansion efforts are administered by the Office of Employment & Training within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO.) Benefits for the Apprentices includes: Provides high quality on-the-job and online career training supported by Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Mentorship led by industry professionals Gain Maintenance Technician skills and competencies Earn a progressively increasing wage while training Opportunities for career advancement Receive a nationally recognized certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor