MI Golf Journal Aug. 21

AUGUST 2021

SHANTY CREEK RESORT: Bellaire is Fresh Air

SASKATOON Opens New 9

‘Major’ Redesign at OAKLAND HILLS

Lofted Fairway Metals vs. Hybrids

College Corner: Practice Facilities Becoming Center Stage

U.S. Sr. Amateur Coming to Detroit

Michigan’s Only Woman Head Superintendent

Michigan Golf Journal

Letter From the Editor A major restoration at Oakland Hills Country Club, and a brand new nine holes opening on the west side of the state, are just more proof golf remains a very strong sport for Michigan’s recreation, and the industry’s economy as well. Worldrenowned course designer Gil Hanse, who has Michigan roots, explains his perspective on why Oakland Hills could again host a major championship or two, and I’ll bring you a quick review of the new Saskatoon Silver Course.

This month’s edition also shares: the story of the only female head superintendent in Michigan, the cover story on why anyone who hasn’t tried Shanty Creek Resort near Bellaire should get there soon, the story of a Detroit Golf Club assistant pro stepping in to caddie at the PGA Tour’s Rocket Mortgage Classic – twice – and information on the Country Club of Detroit getting ready to host the USGA Senior Amateur at the end of the month, where all fans attend for free.

MSU and Oakland University are attracting recruits, and improving their games once on campus, with new practice facilities; while we also share a nod to Dave Richards and his role in expanding Up North golf on a national level, but who recently passed away.

Thanks for joining me once again this month.

Tom Lang Publisher/Editor

What’s Inside: 8

Cover story: Shanty Creek Resort

15

Step in caddy at the Rocket Mortgage Classic

18

New Equipment, metals vs. hybrid

20

New 9 holes at Saskatoon

24

Head Superintendent Karen O’Dell

28

College Corner, MSU and Oakland U

32

Michigan News and Notes

36

USGA Senior Amateur coming to Detroit

Oakland Hills Reborn

Time for Another Major at Oakland Hills?

South Course Re-designer Gil Hanse believes so

By Tom Lang World renowned course designer Gil Hanse and a couple golfers took his newest, masterful redesign at the Oakland Hills South Course for a “dryrun” in mid-July.

Yet there was nothing dry about the day as rain poured down during the entire round the same day metro Detroit saw major

flooding for the second time in a couple weeks.

But that’s okay because Hanse and head pro Steve Brady observed first-hand the ultimate ‘water test’ of Oakland Hills pass with an A-plus.

“One of the things that we did learn (that day) was that the greens and the bunkers drained

beautifully,” Hanse later told a small group of golf media via Zoom. “We didn’t see any water movement in the bunkers and the greens still played firm and true. Water in the fairways actually went where we hoped it would go and was moving in the right direction. It was a good exploration of the golf course… and all the Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf Journal Oakland Hills Reborn

practical consideration for what happens underground as well as what we did architecturally.”

What Hanse and associates did was re-expose the natural landscape that had been over-run by trees the past couple generations, which revealed the true features of the land where Donald Ross first designed the routing. Many bunkers were removed, but those that remained became bigger with more riskreward elements. Hole 3 was moved a little, and hole 7 removed the lake and restored the creek crossing the fairway more than once. Sightlines became dramatic again, like the original layout over 100 years ago.

The question remains: will Oakland Hills get a major out of this?

Most fans assume that major championship sites are chosen based on history, design and traditions – and there is some of that.

But modern-day majors also must tick off all the boxes for playability in multiple conditions, the fans’ ability to traverse the course, selling hospitality tents, keeping the live TV broadcast on time and – most notably – controlling the course’s condition.

Hanse pointed out how much importance the USGA and the PGA of America place on a site’s infrastructure.

That’s where the new PrecisionAir system

comes in that can control all aspects of the greens. It was about half the total cost of $12 million invested at Oakland Hills for this restoration. It allows for the heating, cooling, drying out or watering of all 18 greens, from underneath the surface. Overnight, the course can be adjusted to change the firmness and roll of the ball as the weather changes. The USGA for example would not have to worry about “losing the course” at Oakland Hills like it did at U.S. Opens at Shinnecock Hills in 2004 and again in 2018, plus Chambers Bay in 2015.

“I think architecturally, the golf course is more interesting for everybody to play (now),” Hanse said.

“And I think that is the primary benefit.

“The bones of the golf course were always strong enough to challenge the best golfers in the world.

So, I don’t know that the litmus test for the USGA or PGA is going to be is, can it still challenge the best golfers in the world?

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

Because I think if you get these greens firm and get them rolling and get the rough going (long), you can host any championship out here.

“I think (what) will be of the most interest to them (host organizations) are the infrastructural changes, and the ability to host a championship with a more predictable outcome. If you get a day where it’s going to rain all day, this golf course is still playable, and you can get people around it. I think in the past that would not have been the case.

5

Double Down on Bucket-List Golf

“I think when the USGA and the PGA select sites, they want to be able to understand how much control they will have over set up and ultimately the outcome. And when Mother Nature steps in, nobody has control. But this PrecisionAir system and the drainage under the entire golf course, the bunker liners, all the things that we’ve done, will all yield a much more predictable outcome if we do have a bad weather event, and I think that’s truly exciting from their perspective.”

Hanse said now, on every hole there were at least 3 extra pin positions available that the course didn’t have before the restoration – another plus to earning a major championship.

“If a green has only three hole locations, then they are stuck,” he said. “But if all of a sudden on that green they’ve got five or six locations, now if the golf course has been playing easy, they can ratchet it up.

If it’s been playing super hard, they can ease off, and I think that ease of flexibility for set up is going to be tremendously appealing to the bodies that run the major championships.” MGJ

Play 18. Repeat. Now’s the time to play two award-winning courses to their fullest.

Our Pete Dye and Donald Ross Courses have been #1 and #2 on GolfWeek’s “Best You Can Play” in Indiana for 10 years running. Book your round in 2020, and replays are free the same day at The Pete Dye Course (forecaddie fee additional) while same-day Donald Ross replays are $50.

Visit frenchlick.com/golf or call (888) 936-9360 to get that road trip rolling.

Management reserves the right to cancel or modify any event without notice.

Must be 21 years or older to enter the casino. Gambling Problem? Call 1.800.9.WITH.IT!

Michigan Golf Journal From the Super

Oakland Hills South:

A Superintendent’s Perspective

By Adam Ikamas, Exec. Director, Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Assoc.

Some readers may look at the massive investment into the South Course at Oakland Hills and brush it off.

What are the chances they ever get to tee it up and experience the restored beauty of this classic Donald Ross design?

Will it matter to them if the greens can be heated or cooled as needed for the health of the turf?

It is doubtful that they will ever fix a ball mark on the new rapidly draining soil profile specially mixed for the site – nor hit a shot

out of the original Ross bunkers that were found under the topsoil of previous renovations. It is easy to look at this and think it has nothing to do with you or where you play golf every week.

However, I would beg to differ.

While you are right that your 9-hole Thursday league course may never install any of these groundbreaking technologies, the results will be shared among the membership of the Michigan Golf Course

Superintendents Association.

Being the resourceful professionals they are, many of these agronomic results will be implemented in many other smaller ways all around the state.

Think of it like NASA and the technology that trickles down from them into all our lives.

Oakland Hills Country Club is important to the golf industry in Michigan. It is important to all golfers reading this magazine.

It is important to push boundaries in any industry,

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

and ours is no different.

The work done by OHCC Director of Agronomy Phil Cuffare and his team was complex and incredibly detailed.

Cuffare was kind enough to host multiple tours and discuss every aspect of the project with our members this year and in 2020. The level to which all inputs and decisions were considered with the goal of hosting major championships was staggering. This was also done while making the course more playable for the membership as well.

If you did every get the chance to tee it up at Oakland Hills with a member or during one of the dozens of charity outings they host each year, you may remember the brutal test for any level of player. This restoration has brought some fun back to the Monster – but make no mistake there is opportunity to set the course up to test the best players in the world on the grandest of stages but still have an enjoyable 9-hole Thursday members league as well.

Hopefully, some of you reading this will get

7

to play the new South Course someday, but even more importantly I hope you can attend a major championship there. If it happens, I hope that championship inspires people to play golf, which will lead to more revenue for the courses in our amazing golf state. With the increases in revenue these facilities can utilize some of the agronomic lessons learned from the Oakland Hills restoration at their own facilities to help make the game more enjoyable for everyone, everywhere in Michigan. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story

Shanty Creek Resort a Great Re-Visit After Too Many Years Away

Cedar River Hole 18

By Tom Lang I had to smack myself on the forehead recently, similar to the ‘exasperated emoji’ found on most cell phones, wondering why it took me so many years to return to the site of some absolutely wonderful golf options in Northern Michigan.

That site is Shanty Creek Resort near beautiful Bellaire.

By purchasing the neighboring Hawk’s Eye this season, Shanty Creek expanded its portfolio to five 18-hole courses (90 holes), making it one of the nation’s largest gathering of courses at one resort, and in this case within a 4-mile driving distance of each other.

The two courses developed by famous designers Tom

Weiskopf (Cedar River) and Arnold Palmer (The Legend) generally grab the most attention. However, the original Summit and Schuss courses have excellent features that round out the group of courses to provide a full range of prices, challenges, beauty, and varying golf experiences – all in one location.

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

THE LEGEND: If you’re a golfer who loves dramatic views from elevated tees with downhill fairways while playing golf, you will love the first hole of Arnold Palmer’s The Legend at Shanty Creek.

Uh-oh, perhaps I spoke too soon.

You’ll also love holes 5, 6, 10, 13 and 15. Heck, you’ll likely love all the holes.

But back to hole 1. The downhill slopping par 5

gets any round going in the right direction, and acts as a precursor to the type of course ahead of you.

The 2nd hole is dramatically uphill to the fairway landing zone shelf off the tee – yet golfers will not see another uphill trek until climbing uphill to the 13th green from the valley below – then again at the mildly sloping uphill 18th hole.

The late Palmer’s routing (from 1986) is masterful in how he picked highly elevated areas for many tee boxes so that the

course feels like it’s all downhill – or at least level – which causes problems picking a favorite photo.

Palmer’s goal of beautiful distractions and getting more roll out of your tee shots becomes balanced on the scorecard with many tough putting surfaces that can even make two-putting a challenge.

Many golf courses across Michigan have 1-2 dramatic features in their designs.

This course has 1-2 dozen, including the approach to the 7th green. No. 7 is Continues on next page >>

The Legend Hole 1

9

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story

Hawk’s Eye Hole 17

a shorter par 5, but it’s the No. 1 handicap hole.

The fairway is flat, but off the tee you are forced to decide on laying up before the first creek or trying to blow over it. Yes, the first creek, because the second one crosses the entire front of the green, a green that is very wide but not very deep and is trimmed across the front with a rock wall below the slightly-elevated putting surface.

In this region of the course, it can get a little noisy for a few holes – well, that is

if you are bothered by the sound of babbling brooks.

HAWKS EYE: This year Shanty Creek Resort added the local Hawk’s Eye Golf Course to its portfolio, joining The Summit, The Legend, Cedar River and Schuss Mountain.

Hawk’s Eye is a topnotch course situated on similar rolling terrain style property. Beautiful water features highlight the first three holes, without any forced carries. Opps, spoke too soon again, because

Hole 4 has a forced carry off the tee boxes. A total of nine holes have water to contend with, but the only forced carries are 4 and 11, the latter a medium-length par 3 to an elevated green.

My favorite stretch of combined holes are 1-3 for their simplistic beauty, but that doesn’t mean the remainder of the course doesn’t measure up; it certainly does. In fact, the last two holes are as good of closing holes as any could be. The 17th is a long par 5 with a fairway Continues on page 12 >>

PRECISION CLUB &

BALLFLIGHT ANALYSIS GOLF

MAPLE HILL GOLF 5555 Ivanrest Ave, Grandville MI 49418 | (616) 538-0290 | MAPLEHILLGOLF.COM

Michigan Golf Journal Cover Story

that cascades downhill in stair-step-like fashion to a huge green that’s guarded on the right half by water.

Then 18 goes a little uphill with a slight right-hand turn to the green 80-to100 feet or so below the grand Northwoods style clubhouse perched on a cliff high above.

Due to the rolling terrain, the course has at least a half-dozen holes with blind shots, either off the tee or on the second shot of par 5s. Overall, Hawk’s Eye has a very private and natural feel to the property, with very little housing along the way. The only place golfers really see other golfers is the intersection of the 10th green, the 11th hole and the 18th tee.

CEDAR RIVER: Weiskopf added his gem in 1999, on a piece of land not as hilly as The Legend but still with enough dramatic rolling features it will maintain any golfers interest all 18 holes. Speaking of which, the 18th is very striking and one of my favorites. It’s a long par 5 that stays level for the most part, but then drops off dramatically the last 150 yards to a large

Hawk’s Eye Hole 2

green guarded on the right half with water, one of only three ponds on the entire layout.

The 14th hole could be one of the toughest par 3s in northern Michigan. It’s all drop off from tee to green; golfers must land the tee shot on the green as there is no fairway fronting the

hole, but rather, deep bunkers going down the hill and deep woods right at the back edge of the beanshaped green. The tee shot also must go between trees to reach the dance floor.

Otherwise, Cedar River has really wide fairways and most are shaped with mounding along the way

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

that can kick off-line shots back toward the fairway.

The greens have much less undulation than the two courses described above.

THE ORIGINALS: Shanty Creek’s two golf options dating back to the 1960s and ‘70s include The Summit Course, and the 18-hole layout at the base of Schuss Mountain.

The Summit is a slightly shorter test that’s great for any buddies’ group but also has something for the whole family. Most holes are tree-lined but with mown grass under most of them, not dense foliage like the other courses. There are also forward tees set up to play the entire Summit design as a par 3 course; providing that unique playing option for anyone, and a great place to get beginners started.

At Schuss, the front nine is flat and very walkable, and a good ‘tune up’ for the back nine, which in many respects plays like the major elevation changes found at The Legend, Cedar River and Hawk’s Eye. Rarely can golfers find two 9s so distinctly different from each other on the same property. Hole 12 is my favorite, visually, with a huge, slopping valley to

navigate on the way to the highly perched green complex.

Both of these courses offer free golf any day to any player aged 17-and-under when with a paying adult.

Cedar River offers the same on Sundays after 2:00 p.m.

Another great feature is that all five courses are closed at least one day every week, some two days, allowing each course to rest and repair. The playing conditions in midJuly were at a premium because of this smart philosophy! And with five full-length courses it works.

THE EXTRAS: There is no shortage of nongolf activities at Shanty Creek and in the region for the vacationers with you who don’t play our great game.

Indoor and outdoor pools, hiking, biking and more. You name an outdoor sport or activity, and the beautiful Bellaire area delivers.

Overnight onsite options at Shanty Creek feature the Lakeview Hotel, which honors its name with wonderful views of Lake Bellaire, but a wide variety of choices expand with private area rentals, condos on site and hotels in town. MGJ

Find more information at: https://www. shantycreek.com/ or https://puremi.ch/3wU8ADN

Schuss Hole 12

13

Caddy for a Week

Local Assistant Pro Fills in as Caddy at the Rocket Mortgage, Twice

By Tom Lang

Alex Sheehy got the chance to do what many golf lovers want to do – get inside the ropes at a PGA Tour event – and even one better, be a caddy for a Touring pro.

Yet Sheehy also learned he will gladly keep his day job.

He has been an assistant pro at the Detroit Golf Club the past 16 months, and part of his indoctrination was the unanticipated role of stepping in as a caddy at the past two Rocket Mortgage Classic tournaments.

In 2020, Sheehy said Luke Donald’s caddy tested positive for Covid-19, and the Tour pro needed a last-minute caddy who was already tested and

safely inside the PGA Tour’s ‘bubble’ at DGC. That description fit Sheehy, so he got the nod.

“Having a little local knowledge never hurts,” Sheehy said with a chuckle.

This year, pro Chris Baker knew a couple days in advance that his caddy wouldn’t be available in Detroit, and a PGA Tour official suggested Sheehy could do it – so he got the job again.

“I enjoyed stepping into that role and I knew it the Monday of tournament week, so we got in a couple practice rounds, then we made the cut, which is awesome,”

Sheehy said about the July experience. “There were a bunch of members yelling out our names as we went around the course. It was a great experience, something I’ll remember forever.”

Sheehy said both pro players basically made their own decisions, but they would ask for confirmation of reads on the green and such.

“Obviously, there is a reason they’re on the Continues on next page >>

Michiganfor Golf Caddy a Journal Week

PGA Tour,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it’s their caddies that get them there. I just always tried to remain positive with them. Obviously, I would help if they asked, but I wouldn’t stand on their toes or anything.

“Mostly they just wanted to confirm things, like little breaks at the end. Or if they got out of position a little they’d ask, ‘what’s the local play here?’ That happened a couple of times.

But they hit a lot of fairways and greens. I didn’t need to interject too much.”

Sheehy is a smalltown Nebraska native that helped his high school team to two state championships and a runner up place in three years. He has competed as a pro in occasional Michigan PGA Section events but hasn’t recorded a victory yet. Not surprisingly, he was extremely impressed when eyeballing up

close and personal what it takes to be on the PGA Tour.

“They were pretty much how I expected, just so professional in how they handle themselves,” Sheehy said of the players.

“The way they interact with the fans is pretty cool to watch. I mean, those guys are good.

You sometimes think, awe, I could do that, maybe do this. But those guys are really good. Everyone out there is capable of winning tournaments, but it can be a fine line between going deep and getting lots of birdies.”

In the end, Sheehy learned to respect Tour caddies and to appreciate more his own role running operations, member activities and giving lessons at Detroit Golf Club.

“It sounds like it’s an absolute grind,” Sheehy said of the life of a Tour caddy.

“Every day they’re out there marking courses when they’re not with their player.

Then if you make cuts, which is great, it’s a long day and week.

It can be absolutely brutal. Those guys are warriors.” MGJ

Michigan Golf Review Journal Equipment

High Lofted Fairway Metals vs. Hybrids

By Justin Pahl, Club Fitter at Miles of Golf One of the most common issues in golf is the inability to hit lower lofted irons consistently, with a high enough trajectory to stop the ball on a green or near a desired target. The solution to this problem can usually be found in some sort of hybrid iron or high lofted fairway metal. These types of clubs are much more forgiving and will produce a higher ball flight compared to an iron with the same

amount of loft. But which one should you play?

of a club head farther away from the club face.

Both high lofted fairway metals and hybrids can act as a good replacement for lower lofted irons because the head shape has a larger overall surface area, and the shafts are longer in length than a conventional iron.

This larger head shape helps with forgiveness and higher overall trajectory by shifting the center of gravity or “CG”

As the distance between the club face and the CG of a club head increases, so does forgiveness, launch angle, and spin rate. Because trajectory is a product of launch angle, spin rate, and ball speed, using a club with rear placed CG, like a hybrid or fairway metal, produces a higher launch angle and increased spin rate, while

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

the added shaft length can help improve club head speed, hopefully translating into more ball speed.

Furthermore, the added forgiveness can provide more consistency, and the higher trajectory increases stopping power from longer distances.

There are differences between fairway metals and hybrids as well. The first being versatility. A hybrid typically has a slightly smaller head than a fairway metal. This smaller head allows the club head to travel through long and thick grass more easily. Hybrids also have shorter shafts than fairway metals, which can offer more control and accuracy.

Sophistication and moder n comfort come together at our landmark four-diamond resort with golf cour se, 5ive Steakhouse, heated and covered driving range with Trackman, and the ar areas largest retail golf store - Carl’s Golf land.

For stay & play packages, resort reservations and tee times call 734-414-0600 or visit theinnatstjohns.com.

44045 Five Mile Road Plymouth, MI 48170

In contrast, the longer shaft of a fairway metal makes it easier to generate more club head speed than a hybrid.

However, the larger head shape makes these clubs better suited for shots from shorter grass or off the tee.

Another main difference between fairway metals and hybrids is the aforementioned CG placement. The larger head of a fairway metal places CG even farther back than a hybrid. Once again, leading to more forgiveness, higher launch and increased spin rate.

Even though these might not be quite as versatile as hybrids, they are great for producing high trajectory shots that land soft.

19

When deciding on which type of clubs to put in your bag, it’s important to consider your individual game and style of play. Most players carry a combination of irons, hybrids, and fairway metals, but the mix can vary.

If you are looking for a lower, more penetrating ball flight, a low lofted iron might be in your best interest. However, if you would like to add some forgiveness, versatility, and higher trajectory to your long-distance shots, a hybrid could be the answer. If you need to add even more height and forgiveness to your long game, a high lofted fairway should be the answer.

Most importantly, find the right club that fits your individual needs and helps you play better golf. MGJ

MichiganReview Golf Journal Course

A New 9 at Saskatoon Golf Club

By Tom Lang The already bustling Saskatoon Golf Club near Caledonia opened a new 9 holes in mid-June called the Silver Course that’s drawing more attention than the club thought it would.

That’s understandable, because it’s an excellent layout that adds new features on the property that already had four sets of 9-hole courses and is a popular home for league play that alone accounts for more than 1,300 golfers

each week all summer. The Howard family has had to allow play only four days a week in the beginning to give the new and still tender grass on the Silver time to recuperate from the traffic.

The first hole is a very attractive par 4, with a sand trap left and a stand of trees sticking out from the right at a distance where many drives land. On the tee you can see the green trying to peek through

those same trees, where all the lower branches are trimmed, and ground brush is gone for golfers to retrieve and hit balls out from trouble more easily.

The second hole is a blind tee shot starting the long par 5. The 4th and 5th holes are separated by several dozen tall White Pines framing both holes, providing a distinct “Up North” vibe. All the fairways have some

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

variation of rolling terrain sure to provide some side-hill lies.

I would call the 6th the signature hole, a par 3 crossing back over the same creek golfers had to carry off No. 4 tee.

The green on 6 is lower than the tee boxes and backs up to Hole 2 that sits high atop the hill separating each green, creating a bowl effect on No. 6. The 8th hole is a long downhill par 3, giving the course a par 35 overall.

Two tall, mature Maple trees really caught my eye. The first is near the right dogleg bend of hole 5, about 60 yards back from the middle of the green and almost middle of the fairway. The second Maple sits at the right front edge of No. 9 green.

Both have all the limbs of the lower half trimmed off so golfers can go under the leaves canopy with their approach shots, but slightly off shots could smack right into the thick trunk. Yet like Lee Trevino likes to say, “aim right at the tree trunk and you’re sure to miss it.” That said, they are a little imposing, but will seem very cool come fall color changes.

The new Silver Course sits near the Gold Course (est. 1992) on the north side of the road that splits the property. They will be bundled as one 18 course and the current Blue and White Courses will be bundled as a second 18. The original Red Course will be used mostly for a stand-alone 9 that’s popular with the older crowd and beginners but can be added to any mix. A huge newer open-air pavilion can seat 200 people for outings and weddings. MGJ More info at: https://www. saskatoongolf.com/

21

Obituary

Dave Richards, Longtime Michigan Golf Promoter, Dies at 63 He created the phrase “America’s Summer Golf Capital” for Northern Michigan promotions globally

By Lynn Henning Note: this is an excerpt of the story that first appeared in the Detroit News in early July.

By the late 1980s and into the 1990s, northern Michigan was more than a boat-and-cottage destination for weekenders seeking a break from their downstate stresses.

It had become a golf region of international renown, with one billboard designer after another helping carve additional resorts and golf oases along the region’s lakes, hills and pines.

Making all of this known to media in Michigan and beyond was Dave Richards.

He was a Plymouth-Salem High grad and University of Michigan student who had seen with a publicist’s eye and a businessman’s acumen that northern Michigan golf was about to become a story on this continent — and on others.

Dave Richards died (June 29) at his home in Bloomfield Hills. His health had declined after multiple back surgeries and a 2019 stroke. He was 63.

“Dave was instrumental in putting northern Michigan on the national golf map, and across the state,” said Chris MacInnes, president at Crystal Mountain Resort at Thompsonville, Michigan. “He promoted Michigan nationally and internationally.

“His legacy in northern Michigan is that he came up with the name ‘America’s Summer Golf Capital’ — it’s the logo under which the major resorts are marketed today.”

With a passion for golf, deftness with a camera, and the ability to ply writers and media with good stories about a growing resort phenomenon, Richards used his wiles to spread the word about golf getaways.

It might be a new property at the Boyne Mountain venues; Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio and Rick Smith competing in design skills and property grand openings at Treetops in

Gaylord; Tom Doak bringing his growing reputation as a master golf architect to a particular project; or Tom Weiskopf adding an 18-hole sculpture at Shanty Creek.

“Dave was the original Pied Piper of northern Michigan golf,” said Norm Sinclair, a longtime Detroit News reporter, and a Richards cohort for more than three decades, who for years has written about the Up North golf culture. “He’d crisscross the state in that blue Mercury Marquis of his, which would be a loaded with a rack of golf shirts across the back seat.”

Richards is survived by his wife of 30 years, Denise Fleckenstein; his mother, Milanne; and sisters Cindy Richards and Kris Kaminski. His father, Dave, predeceased him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Midnight Golf program in Bingham Farms. MGJ

Lynn Henning is a freelance writer and former Detroit News sports reporter.

Michigan Golf Journal Super Woman

A Super Woman ‘Super’

By Tom Lang In the Michigan world of golf course superintendents, Karen O’Dell is one of a kind – literally.

O’Dell is the head superintendent at the Wawashkamo Golf Club on Mackinaw Island, found in the middle of our state’s historic island perched high above the busier main streets along the shoreline.

She is believed to be the only female head superintendent in the state.

The lifestyle at Wawashkamo is a throw back in time at the circa 1898 golf course where hickory sticks are still used occasionally by patrons, including O’Dell during two annual tournaments.

Golf Digest writer Ron Whitten is quoted as

saying “Wawashkamo is a timeless piece of history.”

The job and the location suit her personality well of a life growing up on a farm, learning the value of hard work and a job well done without much public fanfare. Her entire adult life has been working outdoors, first in the ski lift operations at the former Sylvan Knob (now Treetops) and ever since then in golf course

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

maintenance – including being part of the grow-in team at Treetops for the first Jones Course that put the resort on the map.

She has previously led crews up to 13 people at Treetops, Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton and at Black Bear Golf Resort. She is 54 years old.

“The farm is where I learned to work hard, and so this just kind of came easy to me,” O’Dell said.

“I’m not ready to retire, but my body is. I am sitting here now with icepacks on my knees. It’s hard work,

and your body takes a beating.”

“One of my favorite parts of being a superintendent is doing something different every day. One day you’re fixing irrigation, the next day it’s a mower, or you’re spraying. That is huge to me to be doing something different each day.”

At this summer’s U.S. Women’s Open near San Francisco, the Olympic Club brought in a couple dozen other women superintendents from across the country to

25

volunteer on the grounds for the week. The leadership at the club publicly praised their work as equal to or better than any man on similar crews, citing not a single ‘call back’ was needed to fix something that got missed in course preparations for the Open.

O’Dell did not work on that crew but did applaud the women for their flawless efforts. It’s a physically demanding job – which I will add that most golfers they serve don’t recognize nor appreciate enough.

“I truly believe that women who come into this industry, they then realize how physically hard it is,” O’Dell said. “And in my position, we’re only a two-person crew, so we do everything. I’m my own mechanic, I spray my own greens, do the fertilizing, we split mowing cycles.

I’m pooped at the end of the day. My knees hurt, my elbows hurt, my wrists hurt. I truly believe that’s what happens,” to women initially giving the job a try.”

O’Dell said she was one of five females in her turf class at MSU – where Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf Journal Super Woman

she won a Mendenhall Scholarship as the top turfgrass student in the nation. One classmate quit the program mid-way and the other three also graduated but none of that group remain in the business besides her. She acknowledged the great work women are doing as head of grounds in sports turf at athletic stadiums like Spartan Stadium and Comerica Park.

O’Dell gives full credit to her first mentor – Bruce Wolfrom – owner of White Pine National Golf Resort in northern Michigan.

“Bruce showed me the ropes and had very high expectations for me,” she said. “He was tough on me and made me fully understand every aspect of being a superintendent. He forced me to find my worth and find out if this is where my passion lies. I have utmost respect for him and owe my success to his early teachings and guidance.”

No Place Does A Golf Vacation Like

Adam Ikamas, Executive Director of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association said: “Karen has been involved in Michigan for many years, she has been a successful member of our industry all while being in the minority at every meeting,” said “Any barriers created by this never slowed her down and she has more than proven that anyone with a great work ethic and determination can succeed.

Being a Superintendent is a challenging job for anyone, but Karen has been doing it at a high level for a long time, she is an inspiration to every member of the MiGCSA.” MGJ

The Golf Island

New! Direct Flights to Hilton Head Island from LaGuardia and Newark

Voted the 2020 Best Island in the U.S.

by Condé Nast Magazine Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III

Palmetto Dunes Fazio Course

Oyster Reef Golf Club

HILTON HEAD ISLAND S O U T H

www.SeaPines.com

www.PalmettoDunes.com

www.HiltonHeadGolf.net

Photo provided by The Sea Pines Resort & Rob Tipton - Harbour Town Golf Links - Hole No. 18

C A R O L I N A

Plan Your Entire 2021 Golf Vacation Online Today!

HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com

Michigan Golf Journal College Corner

Michigan State facility

Elevating the College Game Michigan State and Oakland U. adding high-end practice facilities

By Tom Lang Both Michigan State and Oakland University’s men’s and women’s golf teams are being treated with significantly upgraded training centers – MSU’s is outdoors to add to the spectacular indoor facility already on site, and Oakland will soon be getting an indoor version.

MSU has taken an old, small driving range area right out the front door of the indoor facility and

turned it into a spectacular short game area with seven greens and nine bunkers and an intimate routing for a par 3 course if desired.

More than 300 truckloads of dirt and sand was brought in last fall, and currently grass is growing on top of the deep sand base. A September grand opening is planned.

“We want this to as firm of a playing surface as we can

get, and we’ll be able to get it that way (as early as) midMarch,” men’s coach Casey Lubahn said. “This will be the driest piece of property around,” due to the elevation change from a former lowlying area that in the spring would rarely dry out.

The goal according to Lubahn is for players to learn how to score.

“This is not for hitting bombs,” he said on a recent

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

29

“This facility will be a gamechanger for our current student-athletes but also in our recruiting for future student-athletes,” said men’s coach Nick Pumford. “I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Oakland men’s and women’s golf.”

The new state-of-the-art facility will feature a putting Oakland University’s planned facility and chipping green in addition to driving range tour with MGJ. “This is a practice area for bays and a team room with situational golf, how to get the ball in the a nutrition station. Both men’s and women’s hole. This will replicate what we see on the locker rooms will be on-site, plus head coach road. It might help us recruit more players, offices and a team lounge. for sure, but making us better players – that’s

primary.

“The facility will allow our student-athletes the ability to practice year-round with state“We can recreate any conditions out here we of-the-art technology,” women’s head golf want, from firm bunkers to soft bunkers, to coach Alyssa Gaudio-Guss said. “We will be greens running as slow or fast as we want. able to work on our short game skills and It’s a different kind of practice. When you go come out in the spring ready to play.” MGJ across the street to the driving range, you hit 10 seven irons to a pin. What does that teach you about scoring? Here we can say, ‘you’ve got 240 yards to the hole, get it down in 3.’

Every shot you need to hit from 240 and in, to be good, you can practice that right here.”

There will be a 10-ball limit to any player.

They can walk the area like a short course.

MSU’s world-renowned Turfgrass department was instrumental in development, along with golf course designer Paul Albanese.

Oakland U: The Oakland University Athletics department recently unveiled plans for the new Varsity Golf Training Center for the men’s and women’s golf programs.

Michigan Golf Journal GAM Tournaments

Macomb’s Lauren Timpf Wins Michigan Girls’ Junior State Amateur All three stories by Greg Johnson EAST LANSING – Lauren Timpf wanted to prove something to herself.

The 14-year-old standout from Macomb did just that – winning the 43rd Michigan Girls’ Junior State Amateur Championship at Forest Akers East Golf Course.

“It feels really good because this was my first year moving up to the overall division (age 16-18),” she said after holding off Kate Brody of Grand Blanc, 2 and 1, in the championship match. “Proving to myself that I can play with all

these top competitors is a great feeling.”

Timpf dominated in the 15-and-under bracket at age 13 last year winning five consecutive GAM tournaments, including the 15-and-under bracket in the Michigan Girls’ Junior State Amateur. She opted to move up to the championship bracket this year and it wasn’t easy. She had to rally from a 4-down deficit through 12 holes of a quarterfinal match with Elise Fennell of Caledonia, and then turn back 2019 champion Lilia Henkel of

Grand Rapids 4 and 3 in the semifinal.

Tournament age records are incomplete, but Timpf is believed to be the youngest winner in championship history. Mia Melendez of Ann Arbor won 15-and-under division championship.

Delcamp and New Partner, Plus Melendez Sisters Take GAM Women’s Four-Ball Titles ANN ARBOR – Terry Delcamp of Grand Blanc and Joan Garety of Ada had won the Senior Women’s Four-Ball Championship division five times consecutively and six times in the last seven years, but Garety is in Washington state for a family wedding this year.

So, in stepped Garety’s former MSU teammate from years ago, Suzanne Conlin of Ann Arbor, and Delcamp was back in the winner’s circle once again.

Meanwhile, Amaya Melendez, 18, and her 14-year-old sister Mia, played for the first time as

partners in a tournament, and on their home course Polo Fields Golf & Country Club, and birdied their way to the Women’s’ FourBall Championship open division title. Mia Melendez was fresh off winning the 15-and-under division in the Michigan Girls’ Junior State Amateur the week prior.

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

31

Ypsilanti’s Vibhav Alokam, Macomb’s Lauren Timpf Win 14 & Under Match Play Titles EAST LANSING – Vibhav Alokam of Ypsilanti came back after being a runnerup a year ago and won, and Lauren Timpf of Macomb triumphed for the second consecutive year in the 5th GAM 14 & Under Match Play Championship at Woodside Golf Course Wednesday.

“It feels amazing,” Alokam said after topping Max VanderMolen of Richland 2 and 1 in the championship match to win a Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) tournament for the

first time. “I have been a runner-up the last couple of years, so it feels good to bring it home.”

A field of 32 boys and 16 girls played in the tournament that combined stroke play and match play.

After 12 holes of stroke-play qualifying, players were seeded into match-play flights to play three matches against other players of similar ability levels.

“I drove it in play, and I hit it decently on the green and some putts fell, some didn’t,

but overall I played well and we got the job done,” Alokam said. “(Match play is) extremely fun because I like to play a little aggressive,” he said.

“I’m a risk-reward type of guy so when that pays off, I usually win.” MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Michigan News & Notes

Betsie Valley golf course renovations begin Construction started in June on the front nine of Betsie Valley, one of Crystal Mountain’s two golf courses.

Holes four and five, the tee complex for eight, the approach to the eighth green and the ninth tee complex have been redesigned. Construction will be completed by the end of July; then golf course Superintendent Jason Farah and his team take over to work on the grow-in process.

“We’re always looking for enhancements to keep our golf courses in pristine condition,” Farah said. “We have reopened up some windows on the course, which will lead to healthier greens, tees, fairways and

rough, and frame beautiful views.”

and Kentucky bluegrass throughout.

Play will continue throughout construction.

Revamping the approach on No. 8 green to the No. 9 tees: As golfers hit their second shots on No. 8, they’ll have a wider landing zone thanks to a shift of the fairway to the right side of the green. This allows for a wider approach to the green, making the hole more playable. MGJ

Betsie Valley Renovations: At-a-Glance Redesign of holes No. 4 and No. 5: The renovation of these holes include extensive waste bunkering accented with fescue grasses

Detroit News/ GAM Hole in One Contest, Now in 8th Decade On Monday September 20 the Detroit News / GAM hole in one contest will be conducted at Whispering Willows Golf Course in Livonia.

Register here: https://detroitnews.secondstreetapp.com/ Hole-In-One-Registration/ The contest is open to anyone who has made an ace on a regulation golf course

anytime in their life. The event is flighted by age and gender. There is a Junior division, Men’s, Senior Men’s, Super Senior Men’s, Ladies, Senior Ladies, and Super Senior Ladies. Each golfer gets two shots.

There is no cost to participate in the event.

However, if the golfer wishes to make a donation to the Folds of Honor Foundation, they get two additional shots. MGJ

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

33

Michigan Hires New Assistant Coach The University of Michigan women’s golf head coach Jan Dowling announced the hiring of former LPGA Tour professional and Tennessee collegiate golfer A.J. Newell as the new assistant coach for the Wolverines program.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome A.J. to our Michigan women’s golf family,” Dowling said. “Obviously, her playing background speaks for itself. However, what really stood out to me was that for two solid decades she has been a keen student

and played 35 events on the Symetra Tour (2016-20) before a back injury and subsequent surgery forced her retirement in 2020. She made 13 cuts on the Symetra Tour, highlighted by a tie for fourth at the 2017 Fuccillo Kia Classic of New York. of the game. Her wealth of knowledge is impressive. She is so eager to share with our team and raise our program to new levels.”

Newell made eight starts on the LPGA Tour in 2018

When Newell was a sophomore at the University of Tennessee during the 2012-13 season Dowling was her assistant coach.

The following season, Dowling left to take over the Michigan program. MGJ

Western Golf and Country Clubs Jason Iding Named 2020 GAM Club Representative of the Year Jason Iding was 11-yearsold when he started his golf career as a caddie at Western Golf & Country Club, and at age 47 he is still serving those who play the 95-year-old club’s classic Donald Ross-designed course.

Iding, the Western G&CC general manager who has served in several roles at the club over the last 36 years and most recently led the three-year recovery effort from a devastating clubhouse fire, has been

demonstrates outstanding service to golf in Michigan.

named the Golf Association of Michigan Club Services Representative of the Year.

The GAM annually presents the honor to a club representative who

Iding is a rarity as a caddie who worked his way to caddie master, then through the Detroit College of Business (now part of Davenport University), then the PGA’s internship program to assistant golf professional status, then head golf professional and on to the general manager role all at the same club. He called the award unexpected, genuinely appreciated and humbling. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal National News and Notes

FRENCH LICK RESORT ANNOUNCES LARGEST PURSE, WINNER’S SHARE IN SYMETRA TOUR HISTORY The Symetra Tour and French Lick Resort announced a historic three-year contract with the creation of the French Lick Resort Stroke Play Championship. A 72-hole event contested on the Pete Dye Course at French Lick Resort starting in 2022, it will feature a prize pool of $335,000 and $50,250 winner’s check, the largest purse and champion’s share in the Symetra Tour’s 41-year history.

In four of the last five years, French Lick Resort has hosted the Symetra Tour on the historical Donald Ross Course. It previously hosted the LPGA Championship in 1959 and

1960. Since its opening in 2009 the Pete Dye Course has hosted the PGA Professional National Championship, the LPGA Senior Championship, the Senior PGA Championship, 2014 USGA Men’s State Team Championship and the Big 10 men’s and women’s conference championships, among other notable events.

Michigan natives who regularly play on the Symetra Tour include Shasta Averyhardt, Sarah White, Sarah Hoffman, Danielle Iacobelli and Sam Troyonavich. Liz Nagel has split her time as a pro between full seasons on both the Symetra and the LPGA Tours. MGJ

Rumbling Bald Rolls Out Fall 2021 Golf Packages in North Carolina

Rumbling Bald is rolling out its golf package lineup for the fall, customized for golf groups of any size for weekend or weekday buddy trips during Western North Carolina’s most scenic season.

Starting at $313 per person, the popular “Hole-in-One” More info at: www.rumblingbald.com

package features a twonight stay, two rounds of golf on the Apple Valley and Bald Mountain courses and unlimited range balls at both course’s recently upgraded practice areas.

Honoring the long-awaited 2021 Ryder Cup in Wisconsin, Rumbling Bald continues to offer its limited availability “Ryder Cup Package” this fall. The Ryder Cup Package starts at $541 per person and includes: three nights’

lodging; three rounds of golf scored and handicapped; complimentary replays on either course; a team shirt and hat; private, one-hour opening reception with wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres and unlimited use of the practice facilities. With the Ryder Cup played in the Central Time Zone, golfers compete against their buddies in the morning with plenty of time to catch the action from Whistling Straits in the afternoon. MGJ

Note: Rumbling Bald’s neighbor is Pinehurst, the upcoming Sept. cover story.

Viagra™, Cialis™ and Levitra™ Not Working for 1, 2, 3 You? The truth is, medications like Viagra™, Cialis™, and Levitra™ don’t work for all men in treating erectile dysfunction.1, 2, 3 If you aren’t getting the results you seek, maybe it’s time to discover a longlasting treatment that may help put the sizzle back in your sex life!4

Virtually meet with the manufacturer's representative to learn more: Partners and guests welcome.

Schedule Today!

Scan the QR Code or visit: https://rebrand.ly/JoeMatessa

1. Viagra™ Prescribing Information, Revised January 2010.

2. Cialis™ Prescribing Information, Revised October 2011.

3. Levitra™ Prescribing Information, Revised November 2011.

4. AMS 700™ Patient Manual. Information and Instructions for Patients Considering an Inflatable Penile Prosthesis. American Medical Systems, Inc. 2016.

Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician. ©2018 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. MH-527502-AB SEP 2018

MichiganGolf Golf Journal Senior

U.S. Sr. Amateur Championship Coming to CC of Detroit Ally Challenge begins the day prior in Grand Blanc

By Tom Lang The home of the late Arnold Palmer’s historic win as the 1954 U.S. Amateur Champion – the Country Club of Detroit in Grosse Pointe Farms – is hosting the 2021 U.S. Sr. Amateur this August 28 through Sept. 2, after Covid-19 canceled the

event planned for the same location last year.

top-notch golf for senior players.

The day prior, the senior pros of the PGA Tour start play for 54-holes at Warwick Hills – so combined with the Sr. Amateur the two will bring a ton of national attention to Michigan with

“We go way back with Amateur tournaments, to the 1915 US Amateur,” said CC of Detroit member Mike Hayden, General Chairman of the USGA event coming to Michigan.

“I think the members

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

37

wanted to celebrate our great history and we were delighted that a tournament like the Sr. Amateur was available. We think we have a perfect property for that… with the type of facilities that are needed, space for practicing, space for fan parking on site.”

“Anyone that does come to the championship can get a lot of up-close looks at the best senior amateur golfers in the country,” Forster added. “There will be no ropes, you can get up close and personal and see a lot of great action from great vantage points.”

The momentum grew out of hosting the Turning Point Invitational that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Arnold Palmer’s US Am victory, where virtually every past champion returned to pay homage to ‘The King.’

“A lot of what we do is surrounded by kickstarting Arnold Palmer’s career (hosting that Amateur here), which is something that, in my opinion, is one of the top five things that’s ever happened in golf.”

The momentum for hosting this Sr. Amateur grew out of hosting the Turning Point Invitational several years ago that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Arnold Palmer’s U.S. Am victory, where virtually every past champion of that sacred event returned to pay homage to ‘The King.’

The site has also hosted six Michigan Amateurs, the most recent in 2018, and has hosted five Michigan Women’s Amateurs.

It’s that planning, history and know how that led to this year’s event.

Head professional at CC of Detroit George Forster said that when Covid caused the 2020 national tournament to be canceled, the USGA’s schedule was going to move forward to a new venue, but a future club wasn’t ready to take it, so Detroit got it back. That worked out well because a lot of the infrastructure was already done, many volunteers were already lined up, as well as the financial commitments.

There is no cost for fans, for either tickets or parking on site. The Wayne Co. Health Department will determine any final requirements for fan attendance numbers or procedures as the month of August progresses.

The U.S. Sr. Amateur will feature 156 players who qualified or were exempt, ages 55 and up. MGJ https://www.ccofd.com/Club/Scripts/ Home/home.asp

LPGA Tour

Dow LPGA Tour Wrap Up

By Tom Lang LPGA Tour major champion and 12-time winner Ariya Jutanugarn made a pretty bold statement right after coming from behind to win the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational (at 24-under par) with her sister, Moriya as teammate, that could well sum up how far the tournament has come since it’s inaugural year in 2019.

in the alternate shot and best ball format – proving they are invested in the team.

When asked where the Dow LPGA Tour’s only annual team event ranked on her long list of wins, she said it was the best.

“Me and Cyd are great friends,” Suwannapura said. “I can talk with her about everything, like my personal life or golf stuff. We both feel very comfortable around each other. From now on, forever, we are going to root for each other, stay close and be very, very good friends.”

“I would say (it’s) going to be the top one because like every tournament we spend, she is always with me, and this time (it’s) even more special because we win together. So far, this one the best one.”

More fans turned out for the final round on July 17 than the first year, despite the late announcement that fans would be allowed when the state was opening up more in the weeks prior.

It was canceled last year due to Covid-19, but the Dow tournament has quickly become a player favorite due to the unique format allowing for sisters like the Jutanugarns and the Kordas – and friends on Tour to play as a team.

The Midland Country Club course was in immaculate condition in mid-July, despite heavy rain earlier in the week. But that was nothing compared to the spring of 2020 and the Midland floods caused by the breached damns to the northwest.

Water completely covered several holes on the course, including the entire 18th green and it was foot-deep inside the clubhouse, but golf was being played just four days later by members.

Defending champs (from 2019) Cydney Clanton and Jasmine Suwannapura admit the event has strengthened their friendship, and many players comment it can be more stressful because of human nature feelings to not let your teammate down

That’s at least three great comebacks. MGJ

College Scholars

Golfers Get Boost with Academic College Scholarships

By Tom Lang and Greg Johnson Not every high school student is a prime-time golfer ready to scoop up an athletic scholarship for college, but the game of golf can still help them succeed at the next level. Here are at least three Michiganders who earned some academic help in the right direction:

Jaime Saliba of Berkley National Youth on Course Scholarship winner Jaime Saliba of Berkley and Shrine High School in Royal Oak started playing golf, she said, sort of by accident.

Jaime and her mother, Claudia, took her father James to a driving range for a Father’s Day gift when Jamie was in the sixth grade.

The sort-of-accident part is that at that point she had not considered playing the game. It was a family outing for her father.

The not-so-much accident part is that day she met Francine Pegues, a longtime supporter of golf who is well known for her

guidance of the Golf 4 Girls Program at Belle Isle Golf Range.

280 YOC members have been awarded financial support totaling $2 million.

“It was the happiest accident ever,” Jaime said.

“I’ve loved the game ever since.”

The average GPA of the 2021 group is 4.39 and Jaime is among the 11 who have plans to try competitive golf at the collegiate level. In the fall she is attending St. Mary’s College in Notre Dame, Ind., where they have open tryouts for the team. She will study political science and criminal justice.

Saliba, 17, is one of 20 high school graduates from across the nation chosen for part of the $296,000 in scholarship funds this year. Since the inception of Youth on Course in 2008,

Continues on next page >>

Michigan Scholars Golf Journal College

“Golf’s always going to be something I do,” she said.

“I enjoy playing golf with my father and his entire family golfs. I know you can use golf in the business world, and I want to go into law and it can be a big part of that.”

Youth on Course in Michigan is administered by the Golf Association of Michigan Foundation.

Students and parents can learn more at GAM.org.

Youngsters ages 6-18 can play at participating golf courses for $5 or less.

Jamie is one of the current 3,280 (as of May 10) Youth on Course members in Michigan where the participating courses are subsidized a negotiated rate through the charitable funds donated to or raised by the foundation.

George Gogol of Grass Lake George Gogol has sky-high hopes for life. He is working on his pilots’ license and is ready to start school this fall at Western Michigan pursuing an Aviation degree.

He is getting help with a $5,000 scholarship from Community Choice Credit Union, which has handed out at least $100,000 per year for the last 13 years to students statewide.

“I just enjoy playing golf as a way to get away and hang out with friends while playing a great game,” he said. “I mostly play for fun, a few times a month. I just

play with buddies, or I’ll play with my brother (Jack).

He’s on the school golf team.”

Gogol, who played varsity baseball at Grass Lake High, takes 2-3 flying lessons per week at the airport in Ann Arbor. He has completed his flying test and solo flight, but still needs to do qualifying work for ‘cross country flights.’

Gogol said that the sport of golf and flying have a lot in common when it comes to strengthening his focus on the task at hand.

Part of his selection for the scholarship came from his work with charities, like a kids’ camp, helping with the food pantry at his church, and mentoring younger students at Grass Lake High School.

August 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com

Tess Carichner of Saline Tess Carichner graduated from Saline High School. She won the LPGA Foundation’s Dinah Shore Scholarship, established in 1994. The scholarship is given to a female high school senior whose plan it is to attend college but not play golf at the collegiate level.

The recipient of this award will also receive a $5,000 scholarship.

Carichner was captain of the varsity cross country and track teams, solo vocalist and pianist with the jazz band, and Co-Founder and President of the Minding Your Mind Matters high school mental health awareness club.

Carichner also earned the Prudential Spirit of Community volunteer service award. She is an LPGA*USGA Girls Golf and LPGA Leadership Academy alumna, as well as a two-time Goldie Bateson Scholarship Award Winner.

Carichner will attend Michigan’s School of Nursing in the fall, with plans to receive a Doctorate in Nursing Practice.

She is passionate about social justice, gender-related health disparities, and mental health, and hopes to use health to promote equity on the grounds of race, gender, age and income. MGJ

41

Boy neRe s or t s , Ba yHa r borGol fCl ub

A l l R i g h t s R e s e r v e d ; C o p y r i g h t 2 0 2 1 Web:www. mi c hi g a ng olour na l . c om E ma i l :mi c hi g a ng olour na l @g ma i l . c om T wier :@MI g olour na l