As much as we all love golf, it’s also almost football season. So, we bring you a golf Q&A with Detroit Lion TE Brock Wright, a 5-year veteran out of Texas by way of Notre Dame. He really got hooked on golf as a teenager playing golf with a former high school football teammate who went on to play golf at Houston.
We also explore the variety of golf options in the heart of Michigan – the Mt. Pleasant region – roughly no longer than a two-hour drive from any point in the Lower Peninsula.
We also have an update on the terrible tragedy that befell the high school golf team at Charlevoix when a fleeing felon crashed head on into the school van, with coach Doug Drenth at the wheel. Drenth shares his story of love and prayers from across the country.
This month we also promote:
Short course reviews at Boyne, Garland and Harbor Shores
Advance news and comments from the PGA Tour’s Stewart Cink about the Ally Challenge.
A hole-in-one contest opportunity in metro Detroit
GAM tournament results, including the Michigan Women’s Amateur
A look at Black Lake, and its glorious Up North beauty
…and we have so much more !
Thank you as always for joining us on our golfing adventures.
TomLang EditorandPublisher
What's Inside:
Pg. 14 Pg. 8 Pg. 34
Hole in One Hole in One
Contest Returns Contest Returns
The 2025 GAM/Detroit News Hole in One Contest will take place at Whispering Willows GC in Livonia on Monday, September 8 . th The contest is open to anyone who has ever had a hole-in-one on a regulation golf course. Each contestant gets two shots but can also take a third with a charity donation of $5. Prizes will be awarded for overall closest to the hole as well as flight prize winners. The contestants will be flighted by gender and age.
There is no cost to participate, but there is a fundraiser during the contest benefiting the GAM Foundation, the Detroit News' Rosa Parks Scholarship Foundation, and the Empower the Veterans Foundation.
The contest originated in 1935 by then golf writer John Walter of the Detroit News. It was suspended in the year 2000, but reemerged several years ago.
Click HEREfor more information and to register.
UNIQUE GOLFER NEWS
Rare Golfer News: 361 Rare Golfer News: 361
Hole Marathon, and Hole Marathon, and
Two Aces in one Round Two Aces in one Round
Bradley Lardie, a First Tee – West Michigan alumnus and current intern at First Tee in Grand Rapids, made history by playing 361 holes of golf in a single day at Eastern Hills Golf Course, setting a new record for the most holes ever played in a First Tee Golf Marathon. The previous record stood at 360 holes.
Lardie teed off at 6:00 a.m. and played continuously until 10:00 p.m., completing the equivalent of more than 20 full rounds of golf in just 16 hours. His extraordinary effort helped raise funds to support First Tee – West Michigan’s character-building programs for youth in the community.
“First Tee has given me so much: my first job, a hobby I can play forever, and the perseverance to do things like this,” said Lardie. “I want to be able to give someone else the same opportunity that I had.”
Bradley joined First Tee as a participant in his youth and now, as a college student and intern with the organization, continues to live out the values he first learned on the course.
“Bradley’s accomplishment is First Tee personified,” said Tyler Smies, CEO of First Tee – West Michigan. “He started with First Tee at age 7, grew and learned through our curriculum and his relationships with mentors and peers, and was the first ever to complete the program’s Ace level.”
TwoHolesinOneatTreetopsintheSameRound
Mike Robertson, a Grand Rapids native, made two hole-in-ones within the same 18-hole round of golf at Treetops’ Signature Course in late June, a first-ever at the northern Michigan resort in Gaylord. Robertson, an eight-handicap player, had never had a hole-in-one until the two back-to-back aces. Research showed that the odds of this happening are 67 million to one.
Mike made his hole-in-ones at holes 2 and 8 – meaning the achievement came on the front nine that day. Mike followed the hole-in-one tradition of buying drinks for his friends, a group of 16 golfers. Mike calls himself an average golfer and never imagined he would make one hole-in-one, let alone two within the same round.
Mt. Pleasant: Mt. Pleasant:
Easy Access to Great Golf Easy Access to Great Golf
ByTomLang ByTomLang
The Chippewa River can be considered the life blood of central Michigan– figuratively, and for golf, literally – since five of its 13-area golf courses are built along the river as it twists and turns throughout the region.
To the west, where the river was dammed decades ago to create Lake Isabella, the unofficial ‘golf river trail’ starts with The Pines at Lake Isabella. The Chippewa River continues running east through Riverwood Resort and Golf Course and then borders the Mt. Pleasant Country Club, before splitting PohlCat (with my favorite ‘river’ hole, No. 2) and eventually Buck’s Run, the latter considered one of Michigan’s premier courses as well.
The PohlCat is well known for its designer, former PGA Tour winner Dan Pohl, a Mt. Pleasant native who opened the course in 1992 to national fanfare with special guests Freddie
Couples, Dave Stockton, the NFL’s Dan Marino and local favorite NBA player Dan Majerle at the grand opening.
“The location is perfect, centrally located in the middle of Michigan,” Pohl told me about why golfers should give golf in the Mt. Pleasant area a try. “Depending on where you’re coming from, it can’t be more than a couple hours in any direction.
“But the main thing is it’s just a hospitable place,” Pohl added. “And the golf … with us and Buck’s Run and Riverwood and The Pines and the (Mt. Pleasant) Country Club, with Eagle Glen added in there, it’s a great golf area to have a little three- or four-day vacation. You’ve got good lodging, lots of good activities, there’s the Soaring Eagle Casino close by. And lots of good places to have a good meal.”
Pohl said he believes golfers will feel they are greatly appreciated when they come to Mt. Pleasant. When I recently entered the front
door of the pro shop, I could hear Pohl ‘holding court’ overlooking hole 18, where golfers can get good food and a cold beverage before or after their round.
“We love the fact that like right now I’m sitting here with 8 guys that came in from Canada (and metro Detroit) who are just loving this area. They got a package deal here,
“Great layout, very fair. Some tricky greens but lush, lush conditions,” said Norm McGlinnen of Ann Arbor, one of my two unplanned golf partners that day. “Never really got a bad lie. Good pace of play, and overall, I’ll be back. It’s a course I could play easily once a week. If people are (playing courses up north)
Continuesonnextpage>> and at Buck’s Run and Eagle Glen,” Pohl said. “It’s a nice deal for them and that’s what we like to see.”
The next day I played Eagle Glen, outside of Clare, for my first time ever, and I bumped into the same 8 guys Pohl was entertaining. They couldn’t stop talking about how Pohl gave of his time at their dinner, and when they ran into him on the course beforehand he provided some solid chipping tips.
At Eagle Glen, after coincidentally playing through those same foursomes on the 5 hole, I met up with a two-some and finished the round with them. We had a great time swapping small-world stories and shared a speaker-phone call to the co-designer, Ray Hearn, who developed the course from a former hay field on a shoestring budget, alongside the revered designer, Jerry Matthews. Hearn said the natural flow of the land allowed for almost no moving of dirt except building tees and green complexes.
and you’re going up 127 (through Clare) it’s no more than 10 minutes off the beaten path.”
Personally, I liked Eagle Glen’s wide-open feel, and great selection of tees for various player abilities. The starter that day was a genuinely nice young man who is wheelchair bound and was schedule to play in the then upcoming state tournament for adaptive golfers in East Lansing.
Two of the first three holes on the course are shorter par 4s, allowing golfers to get off to a good start and feel good about their game moving forward through the round. The only
trees that come into play, other than a huge willow tree on the par 3, 6 hole, are a tunnel of tall pines at the No. 3 tee, heading downhill to an attractive green complex. th
TheShortestShortCourse:
Buck’s Run Golf Club, now celebrating its 25 year, is best known for its full length 18-hole championship-quality gem along the Chippewa River. Yet it’s received a lot of notice as well the past quarter-century for its short course on the pond island just steps outside the pro shop door. I always thought of it as purely a putting course, so I was a little surprised when someone told me what sounded odd at first: “Sure, you can get around the course with a putter.” I never realized it before, but it’s designed to be a pitch and putt course. Toting along a wedge comes in handy and is very acceptable on this layout, which I call the shortest short course in th the state.
“People love it because it’s something different. There’s not really anything like it,” said assistant golf pro Ryan Kade. “Groups will come off (playing 18) and use it to settle bets and things like that. Families love to play it; kids will come out and play. Lots of couples.”
At least one-third of the holes turn and bend enough that you can’t get to the hole just putting it. So, put your ball in the longer grass that shapes each hole and chip away. The rule, however, is that if you go in the water or in a sand trap, pick up your ball and place it back on the putting surface with a stroke penalty.
When I played midweek, there was a mom, dad and 8-year-old child playing, plus a foursome of men in their 20s and 30s and soon after, two 20-something men walked in from the parking lot.
On Buck’s Run, there are a ton of great views and challenges, but the closing holes are two of the most scenic and challenging of any course you’ll want to play. The par 3 17 is a classic, stunning visual with a forced carry over the Chippewa River right where some subtle rapids form. What follows is 18, a long par 4, where the two back tees are a forced carry over the lake to a long fairway stretching from right to left. The two shortest tees for seniors and others are a straightaway shot without carrying water, but for all golfers, the green is a peninsula with water on three sides. th A little further west of ‘the river trail’ is Tullymore and its partnering course St. Ives.
play) and The Emerald, the 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year.
Pine River turned 100 years old in 2024, a couple years after the property did some redesigning of the green complexes on the original front nine. The natural rolling terrain means almost never a flat lie.
One of Michigan’s all-time best amateurs, Randy Lewis, has been a member there for decades. Lewis won two Michigan Amateurs, won the 2011 USGA Mid-Am at the age of 53 to be the oldest champion ever, and that got him an invitation into the 2012 Masters at Augusta National, where he won some crystal for being closest to the pin in the Wednesday Par 3 contest. He’s a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.
Lewis told me as we traversed the course: Pine River is challenging, “but it’s not so hard that if Continuesonnextpage>> Tullymore was nationally ranked right out of the gate, then after a break from the national rankings it has recently reappeared there. A must try if you have not.
Looking South:
To the south of Mt. Pleasant is Maple Creek, Pine River Country Club (open to public
MEET MT. PLEASANT
you’re a good player you’re going to have a really good round. It’s very accessible, and logistically where it’s located, you’re not going to have a problem getting here and getting on.
“I think people would be really surprised by the movement of the ground. The character is in hitting a lot of different shots from different lies, with the ball above your feet, below your feet, uphill, downhill. That’s what I’ve always loved about the front nine, you do have to hit a lot of different golf shots – which is fun.”
The Emerald might be one of the most highly touted courses that few people have heard much about. Yet, you don’t earn Michigan Golf Course of the Year for nothing, nor be the home of past high school state finals, without
being a good track. It sits right along US 127 between St. Johns and Mt. Pleasant.
“Their greens are phenomenal,” Lewis said. “I tell people all the time, I would put their greens up against almost any greens in the state, and I’m including some of the private clubs. Their greens are as good as they get. They’re firm, they’re fast, they’ve got a lot of movement to them. I play there several times a year. And anytime I qualify for a USGA event, I’ll spend 23 days there the week before, just putting… because their greens are exceptional.”
Due to its central location in the Great Lakes State, many times Mt. Pleasant is considered a stopping point for traveling Up North – a way to break up the trip. But at least once in your golf travels, you need to make it your first and only stop. Learn more at: www.meetmtp.com
EmeraldHole17
Golf
Q & A: Detroit Lion TE Brock Wright Golf Q & A: Detroit Lion TE Brock Wright
WithTomLang WithTomLang
Going into his 5 season with the Lions Wright was an undrafted free agent after the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He grew up in Texas. He has 9 career TDs (2 last year) with Detroit and stands in at 6-foot-5, 254 pounds. His golf handicap is 9.3. th
“I think people call that the hacker range, where you don’t get too frustrated with your scores and you can play with anybody,” Wright told me. “I joke with my friends that you can go out and shoot a 93 one day, and a 77 the next. That’s what makes it fun in the money games, because there’s no tellin’.”
A: “I grew up playing with my dad and brother a little bit. Dad’s a good golfer. But I’d say I didn’t really fall in love with it until my senior
year of high school. I finished the football season, and I was going to graduate early. I tested out of some classes, so my schedule was super light. So, when football season ended I started playing a bunch with our (high school) kicker, Laurence Crea, who played golf at Prairie View A&M and then Houston. We went out almost every day and he’d give me lessons. “We were lucky at Notre Dame; there’s an awesome little 9-hole course on campus. I think it was $8 as a student, maybe $15 if you wanted a cart. We’d finish up workouts and go out there every single day. Once our game got in a good place, we went across the street to play Warren, where they played a PGA Sr. Open. So, we were lucky, we had some really good golf in that pocket in Indiana.”
Q:Doyouseesimilaritiesbetweengolfand football?
A: “Definitely, and I’d say the most difficult
thing about both golf and football when it comes to the mental game, is being able to refocus. After every shot in golf, you have to do it, and after every play in football. So, it’s kind of a beautiful-difficult combination of remembering what you did wrong and diagnosing it and not allowing it to negatively effect you but instead allow it to enhance your performance the next time. So, it’s very similar when it comes to mentally refocusing.”
A: “I love the passion that the golfers play with. That much is obvious and it’s great seeing the guys interact with the fans. Even watching the President’s Cup last year, where Scottie (Scheffler) and Tom Kim are buddies and they are talking trash. So, it’s cool to see how that’s a little different from the normal game, but then I like seeing the guys who are not necessarily having the best season, going into team or match play, where they just light it up.”
A: “I have a bunch. I still haven’t gone over to the Mother Land, that Scotland, Ireland trip. I’d love to go to the Old Course, Carnoustie, all of those. That would be No. 1 on the list. If we’re talking here in the U.S, we’re
talking the big three like Augusta, Pine Valley or Cypress Point.”
Q:Doyouhaveanygolfingpetpeeves?
A: “Slow play is the obvious one. Growing up with my dad, and he’s a super-fast golfer, we’d get done in three hours, easy. There’s a few courses I’ve vowed never to go back to because of slow play, and I don’t think I ever will.
Concludesonnextpage>>
Q:Doyouhaveanygolfingsuperstitions?
A: “I do have a few. I do things like an adjustment of the left sleeve before I putt. I try not to drink too much caffeine before a round. That will get me jittery and then my tempo is all off. If I’m playing with a certain marker, like a penny, and I’m rolling it well, and it’s on heads then I’m keeping it on heads. And if I’m not making putts, I’ll turn it over to tails. And I’d say I have flipped it over to the other side more times than I’d like to admit.”
A: “There’s a really awesome variety in style of golf courses. For example, my favorite courses around the Detroit area, like Oakland Hills, both courses, or Meadowbrook. I love
how well groomed they are, tight fairways, the rough is challenging but then there’s great undulations and elevation changes throughout the courses. Then for great public courses like Shepherd’s Hollow, it’s an extremely hard course but it’s got some funky target golf type shots. Kind of like the TPC (of Michigan) across the way from our practice facility. Or you go to Arcadia Bluffs, and you have that coastal vibe. So, it’s the variety of golf, but then also how much care they put into the courses.”
Q:Anyclosingthoughts?
A: “Golf is just a passion of mine and right now it’s a hobby for me, but it’s always going to be one of my favorite things to do in life, and after football, who knows. It could be the next step for me to try to pursue something in the golf world. But I just like being around the game.”
PhotoCredit:DetroitLions
Update: Charlevoix Golf Team Update: Charlevoix Golf Team
Vehicle Crash Vehicle Crash
ByTomLang ByTomLang
It felt like a collective gasp went up across the state as word spread that the Charlevoix boys golf team was involved in a late April vehicle crash in northern Michigan. Too many reminders went to the fatal crash for the Graying golf team in 2013, while traveling home from a Traverse City tournament, when head coach Jason Potter and player Louis Menard IV were killed.
The recent head on collision involving Charlevoix, which police say was caused by a 32-year-old driver wanted for committing felony crimes in Antrim County, including stealing a motor vehicle, took place on M115 not far from Crystal Mountain. That SUV driver died on the scene – while seven members
of the Charlevoix boys’ team were injured to varying degrees, but the brunt was taken by driver and head coach Doug Drenth. All went to the hospital – and the update is that all are home and are in various levels of recovery –emotionally and physically.
“As anyone who goes through these things, sometimes it’s a daily fight, but I’m doing okay,” Drenth recently told fellow media
member Bill Hobson on a podcast. “I just want to get a little bit better every day and that’s kind of my mode right now.
“I’m just grateful to be here, and grateful for all of the support,” Drenth added. “I just feel so fortunate to be around my family because there was a time I didn’t know if that would happen again.”
For his heroic efforts, combined with a couple decades of faithful service to the high school golf program, Drenth was recently named Michigan Coach of the Year by the Michigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association (MIGCA).
Eventhroughadversity,Dougremainsaguiding lightforhisteamandatrueexampleofresilience anddedication.Hisimpactreachesfarbeyondthe Concludesonnextpage>> Drenth has run the Charlevoix Golf Club, a 9-hole walking course dating back to before 1900, for much of his career.
The following is a statement provided by the school district to the Coaches Association: Wearecollectivelywritingto supportyoureffortstorecognize andhonorCoachDougDrenth,who hasdedicatedover30yearsto shapingyounglivesthrough teachingandcoaching,manyof thoseyearsspentinhishometown, righthereinourdistrict.His leadership,integrity,and unwaveringcommitmentto student-athletescontinuetoleavea lastingimpactonourschooland community.
When Drenth was a boy, he rode his bike to the golf course to play, so there is a very special connection to the Charlevoix Golf Club. Hobson joked that when he called the course to try connecting with Drenth, they said to tell Doug to get back to work.
“I miss those guys, and I do look forward to the day I can get back over there and see the patrons and the members, but also just being in the shop,” Drenth said.
Hobson then asked Drenth what can people pray for, and he said he could use prayer for healing.
“I want to be without pain, which I don’t know if that will ever happen. So, healing, both emotional and physical, and prayer that all seven guys (players in the van) will be okay and
can continue to thrive,” Drenth replied. “I’m really humbled and just amazed at the outpouring of support and prayers that we’ve received. I can’t believe it when people told me what has occurred and I just feel so grateful.
“My wife and I have conversations about how do you thank all of these people that have done what they’ve done for us and we’re struggling with that, because truly we feel so amazed and grateful on a daily basis.”
The team was large enough and some of those in the van were not severely hurt so the team was able to keep playing in spring tournaments and had a few good showings. Media reports indicated that Bryce Boss, Crouse and Landon Whisler – who were in the van that night – were playing golf in the spring season. Charlevoix hosted the regional at Belvedere Golf Club – but didn’t qualify for the state finals.
Ally Challenge Returns for 8 Ally Challenge Returns for 8 Edition in
Grand Blanc Edition in Grand Blanc
ByTomLang ByTomLang
told me regarding the variances between the PGA Tour and the Champions. “I mean, if you want to get up close to players you ' ve probably heard their names, then the Champions Tour is where you want to go, because the golf out here is spectacular and the crowds are usually not quite as hard to navigate as they are on the PGA Tour. You can probably high five somebody if you want to at Champions Tour events. It's real personal and easy to see.”
Having fun is the name of the game – all week long.
tth h
“I've been lucky enough to be a part of this event since day one from an Ally standpoint, and I don't think any of us could have thought that it would become what it has,” said Jeff Cumberworth, senior director of marketing for Ally. “So, it's been a point of pride for us. It starts with a great field, right, and we have a great defending champion.
Known best as the home of the long-time Buick Open, Warwick Hills is hosting a ton of former PGA Tour players at the upcoming Ally Challenge, August 18-24. Major winner Stewart Cink is one of those names that fans will recognize, and he is the defending champ from 2024.
“Well, I think both are really fun – it’s just a little different,” Cink
“This year, being able to get two (concert) acts, you know, with Sam Hunt and Dustin Lynch, I mean, I think it's just going to be epic.”
The week starts out with a clinic at the driving range for adaptive golfers, followed by junior golfers taking to the course for a local PGA Jr. League competition. Then there is a Women of Influence Luncheon returning the Thursday of tournament week at 12 p.m.
The Concert @17 will present the original street band, WAR, with Top 40 hits including timeless classics “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider,” “Spill The Wine,” “The World Is A Ghetto,” and many more, will also be held Friday evening, taking place following the first round of tournament competition.
That morning starts as Folds of Honor Friday. All are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. There will be complimentary admission for members of the U.S. Armed
Forces (active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retirees) and veterans, with access to the Dow VET Den located on the 18th green Thursday – Sunday. Military guests will enjoy premium golf viewing and complimentary snacks and beverages.
The fun continues Saturday evening with the tournament’s annual Ally Community Concert. Access to The Concert @17, and the Hunt-Lynch Saturday concert, require the purchase of a valid tournament ticket for the day each concert is hosted, or a weekly ticket option. Then come out with family and friends to enjoy Zehnder’s Chicken & Waffles complimentary brunch, near the Clubhouse to start Championship Sunday morning off right. For more information about The Ally Challenge, visit www.theallychallenge.com
Boyne’s Doon Brae is Open – and Fun Boyne’s Doon Brae is Open – and Fun
ByTomLang ByTomLang
Doon Brae is one of two Michigan short courses that opened in June 2025 – for golfers of all ages to enjoy.
I had the chance to try it out in mid-June the same week of the EPSON Tour event taking place at The Highlands at Boyne – joining two other media members to give the short course a mid-morning test run.
Carrying only a 7-iron, wedge and putter, I was able to birdie two of the nine holes that range in length from 150 to 57 yards – totally dependent on where you chose to tee it up. Even carrying those three clubs was fun because Boyne offers small ‘day bags’ at no charge to hold your clubs and throw over the shoulder.
Doon Brae cris-crosses one of the Highlands’
ski runs as golfers meander their way partially up, and back down, the side of the mountain. While that might sound like an ominous hike, you should know my wife – a non-golfer – was able to walk along with us even with a bum knee wrapped in a brace.
Speaking of my wife, her first comment on Hole 1 of the course designed by Ray Hearn for families and friends with both skilled and firsttime golfers in mind: “It’s not for the faint of heart.” Golfer translation: it’s a layout that will challenge anyone, without being overbearing due to the multiple routes available to each green complex which are inspired by a variety of European classics.
The first hole has sod-faced bunkers reminiscent of Scotland, but all the other holes have a variety of styles. The greens have
generous putting surfaces to accommodate tee shots, from a wide variety of locations, for all abilities.
I believe this short course is great for everyone and will attract new players as well as those looking to sharpen their short game skills or add another element to playing on their buddies’ trip with wagers/bragging rights on the line.
It took the three of us only one hour to complete – and a really fun hour it was.
The Sawyer at Garland Resort The Sawyer at Garland Resort
The very next day after giving Doon Brae a try, I walked The Sawyer –a new short course that was dedicated that morning. First impression: what an excellent design that looks and feels like a true northern Michigan championship course, yet one that simply plays shorter.
Concludesonnextpage>>
SHORT COURSES ARE EXPLODING
The Sawyer is placed on land just steps outside the pro shop door that had for a long time been designed as two holes but sat dormant from a course that wasn’t completed. Enter a new use for the space, and the short course was born.
The Sawyer is also designed reversable, adding yet another unique element for players to play the same layout but not feel like it, and for keeping the multiple teeing areas in great condition.
“Probably 80 percent of our business comes from group golf, players who come up for (several days),” said general manager David Sanderson. “We give them the option now to play two different courses on the same land. So, maybe they can play it more than once.
“This has most definitely exceeded our expectations. The course is absolutely beautiful with the grass bunker faces and the white sand –the rolling terrain. It couldn’t have turned out any better. Very proud of the team.”
One of the largest greens has an upper and lower tier, creating pin locations for two different holes. There is one pond in play, and the large greens have a nice gentle roll to them. All bunkers are flat bottomed, but most have high mounding around them that will feed bad shots into the sand.
The same day, staff from the First Tee Northern Michigan also toured the course for possibly being a location for the youth to practice and play. I think they would love it because the course feels like a high-level championship course, but remains very playable for those still learning the game.
“You see short courses popping up all over the country,” Sanderson added. “And it’s a dynamic of golf that won’t take you four hours. You can play it in the evening, the morning, go out and practice, take your kids along. So many different uses and you can do it in an hour.”
Short Course Under Short Course Under Construction at Harbor Shores Construction at Harbor Shores
Harbor Shores, the Lake Michigan shoreline golf destination with its Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course, recently welcomed Hall of Fame golfer Colin Montgomerie to walk the site, finalize his design of the new Wee Course and take part in its groundbreaking ceremony.
The five-acre, 9-hole pitch-and-putt Wee Course will open in 2026 and will consist of holes measuring 60 yards or less modeled after the nine most iconic holes of the current Nicklaus layout, which hosted several Sr. PGA Championships in the past 10 years. Kids will play for free, and youth programming will be a priority.
“I think the two key words here are affordable, and opportunity,” Montgomerie told me on a June visit. “And this Wee Course as we’re calling it in true Scottish fashion, is going to be a very busy little course. It will
help the community in huge ways. I think the children, the parents and the grandparents will come out here … for nine championship -quality par threes. For this community, that’s just great.”
GroundbreakingMay2025
MICHIGAN GOLF HALL MICHIGAN GOLF HALL
OF FAME: OF FAME: Threesome Elected Threesome Elected
ByGregJohnson ByGregJohnson
BIG RAPIDS – Michael Harris, a championship winner at the junior, collegiate and professional golf levels; John Lindert, a PGA golf professional whose dedicated service to the game includes being elected President of the PGA of America; and the late Roger Ostrander, a respected rules official from local to international levels, have been elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF).
The threesome will be inducted Oct. 26 at Ferris State University’s Katke Golf Club, home of the Ken Janke Sr. Golf Learning Center that houses the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF). This 2025 class will bring the number of inductees to 143.
In addition, the MGHOF has voted to present just its seventh Special Award in history to Loretta Larkin of Dexter, who has served as the administrator for the MGHOF for 29 years.
Harris, 47, formerly of Troy and currently residing in Brookfield, Wis., started winning championships at the junior golf level, and as an adult amateur he won the GAM Championship, the Horton Smith Invitational Championship, won the Northeast Amateur, played in the U.S. Amateur in 1996 and was a standout collegiate golfer at the University of Michigan, winning six tournaments and medalist honors at the Big Ten Conference Championships in 1999. As a professional he was the Canadian Tour Order of Merit Winner in 2005, won the 2005 Michigan Open and five times returned home from tour golf to win the Michigan PGA Tournament of Champions at Boyne Mountain. He also played in the U.S. Open twice, in 2000 and 2006 before injuries ended his competitive golf career.
Lindert, 68, the head golf professional at Country Club of Lansing, has seemingly filled every leadership role possible for the Michigan PGA, and since 2006 has served, been appointed to and elected to serve in various roles with the PGA of America. He was elected president of the PGA in 2022 becoming just the third Michigan PGA member to ever serve in that position.
Ostrander, known nationally in golf as Dr. O, died of cancer in 2015 at the age of 74, but not before a career as an oral surgeon in Grand Rapids, and then a second career as a rules official. He softened the hard-line of the rules of golf with an approachable, outgoing personality and served as a rules official for over two decades. He worked hundreds of state pro and amateur events earlier on, then went on to serve the USGA officiating at six U.S. Opens, nine U.S. Senior Opens and 14 U.S. Amateurs while also being on the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship Committee for 18 years.
Larkin, 62, has served as the administrator of the MGHOF since 1996. She manages and maintains financial records, the non-profit status of the hall of fame, the nominating and voting procedures, organization and management of the induction ceremonies, creation of the annual program publication, coordinating and cataloging of the memorabilia collection and all communication to current members and committee members. She currently also works as director of organizational and human resources for the Golf Association of Michigan.
For more information and to learn about the current members of the Hall of Fame, visit mghof.org.
EAST LANSING – Byron Center’s Macie Elzinga had the Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship on her mind.
“It stung a lot last year, coming up short, and I was thinking about it all year long,” she said.
The sting is gone, and she can think about winning it now for years to come, especially since her name will go on the historic Patti Shook Boice
Trophy as the champion of the 109th edition of the state championship, played at Eagle Eye Golf & Banquet Center.
The 19-year-old Bowling Green State University golfer outlasted 2019 champion Elayna Bowser of Dearborn 2 and 1 in the championship match in mid-July, a year removed
from losing in the semifinals. Bowser is a former pro and now sells real estate.
“It’s my biggest win by far,” she said. “Last year kind of put it in my mind that it was possible, but I knew it was coming into this year, and I was just trying to take in one match at a time.”
With the win she also earned an exemption from the USGA into the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship later this summer at Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
“That’s pretty cool,” she said. “I’ve been to one (U.S. Girls’ Championship), but never the Women’s Championship, so I’m really excited for it. And it’s Bandon Dunes, so you have to be excited.”
GAM TOURNAMENT RESULTS
David
Wins 11th GAM Livonia Wins 11th GAM
Bartnick of David Bartnick of Livonia
Super Senior Super Senior Championship Championship
ByGregJohnson ByGregJohnson
SAGINAW – David Bartnick said competitive golf doesn’t get easier with age, but winning is as special as ever.
The 66-year-old Livonia resident shot a closing even-par 71 to win the 11th GAM Super Senior Championship at Saginaw Country Club.
He birdied the 18th hole for a two-day final total of 1-under 141, four shots better than Mike Raymond of Jackson, who shot 71 to close at 145, and Greg Zeller of Jackson, who shot 74 for 145.
Ian Harris of Bloomfield Hills, the Super Senior champion in 2018 and ’19, shot 75 for 146 and fourth place. Four golfers tied at 147.
In the Legends Division for golfers age 70-plus, Michael Parker of Lapeer shot 70 for 139 and won by nine shots. Tied for second at 148 were Terry Moore of Grand Rapids, the 2015 Super Senior champion, and Mike Fedewa of Canton.
Mike Ignasiak, Randy Mike Ignasiak, Randy Frederick Win GAM Frederick Win GAM Senior Four-Ball Senior Four-Ball
PLYMOUTH – Mike Ignasiak of Saline and Randy Frederick of St. Clair won the GAM Senior Four-Ball Championship for the second time.
The 2021 champions made some late birdies in a round of 6-under 66 (totaled 13under 131) to pull away from foursome partners and two-time champions Leo Daigle of Wixom and Kevin Klemet of White Lake, who shot a final 68 for 133.
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Chris Bailey of Rochester and Tom Senkowski of Rochester Hills, who shot 66 to close, and Alastair Ironside of Lake Orion and Thomas Magyar of Pontiac, who rallied with a 64, the day’s low round were also at 133. Bailey and Senkowski won a scorecard playoff for the runner-up trophies.
Brandon Kulka of Brandon Kulka of Jackson, Saisha Patil of Jackson, Saisha Patil of Okemos Win GAM Okemos Win GAM
Titles
Junior Stroke Play Titles Junior Stroke Play
EAST LANSING – Brandon Kulka of Jackson won his first GAM tournament on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff while Saisha Patil of Okemos won the only 15-and-under GAM title that had eluded her.
They were the champions of the 17th GAM Junior Stroke Play Championship played at MSU’s Forest Akers East Course. Kulka, 15, made an eight-foot par on the third playoff hole to turn back Blake Springstead of Kewadin. He set it up by shooting his personal best score of 6-under 65 for a 4-under 138 total and Springstead shot a second consecutive 69 for his 138.
In the Girls’ Championship, Patil shot a second consecutive even-par 71 for 142, just ahead of Isabella Michetti of Ann Arbor, who shot 70 for 143.
Patil’s win was her sixth GAM title, including two 12-and-under titles and now a grand slam four 15-and-under titles. Earlier this summer the 14-year-old standout played in the older girls’ division and was the runner-up in the Michigan Girls’ Junior Amateur to Alena Li of Okemos.
A Coach’s Look at Black Lake and A Coach’s Look at Black Lake and
If you were to close your eyes and imagine Northern Michigan Golf, what would it be?
I am not just talking about the elevation changes and a whole bunch of trees. Fill in some details. Solitude on each hole. The course challenges, risk/rewards, views, and more. The natural surroundings framing each hole. The foliage acting as a barrier from everything outside the round, hole and swing. Smells that are better than any Yankee Candle. The sound is only the noise nature intended. Details. The image you are thinking of is Black Lake. “We've been driving forever and we’re only halfway there.” grumbles our aging buddy who left his man purse at the gas station in West
Branch. Circling back added 20 minutes to the drive. Black Lake is up there all right. It is secluded. It is in the woods. But, it takes me the exact same time to drive to Traverse City. Black Lake is away from things in a good way. Spoiler alert: The “ man satchel” was in the car the whole time.
At Black Lake, the clubhouse is welcoming and fully functional at a high level. Refreshments are reasonably priced. The staff is friendly, helpful and nice to talk to. The practice facilities are complete. The breakfast sandwich was superior. All positives before starting the round. We hosed down in carcinogenic bug repellent and headed for the first tee.
Prior to teeing off the starter will warn your group that the course will play 400 yards longer than the scorecard says. I guess it was even validated in an article written by a more competent golf journalist some years ago. Well, they're not wrong. Move up a tee. There are plenty of tee selections. Using the correct one
will still be more than a test of your game. Really, when they play the Michigan Open Qualifier here, they play from the blues. Moving around the course it is obvious what a healthy test of golf Black Lake is. Challenging, well designed, nothing hidden, and fair. The greens are as inviting as elevated greens can be. The forced carries are appropriate when playing the correct tees. The greens read true and were in phenomenal shape. Rees Jones did a fantastic job carving this course out of the forest.
This course is also one to be respected. This is not where you have a round shot-gunning Natty Lights while cranking modern country on your magnetic cart speaker. Sure, the carts are equipped with a cooler, and some in my group used them. It’s just that your game needs to remain mostly unblurred to get around the course. Black Lake is what I like to call a morning course. Even in the afternoon, a morning course.
After the round we went back to the condo and to debrief. Higher than usual numbers confessed. Lots of discussion about playing the correct tees. Waxing poetic about the beauty of the course. Most importantly, everyone agreed that the course offered a positive challenge. They appreciated and respected how the course played and tested their games. Nothing negative.
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Now, let’s talk about the accommodations for a second. Yes, you have to park your nonUAW vehicle in a lot just outside the property. There is a shuttle and you can drop things off at your condo/lodge. Black Lake is secluded, but they do have a well-stocked general store on site. I am amazed at everything the property offers. Beach, gym, Bocci Ball, nature trails, pool… I could go on and on. I didn’t get to see the old lodge or accommodations there. I can tell you about the main lodge and the condos we stayed at.
Black Lake looks like Mike Brady gave a Master Class in Mid-Century Modern architecture. This place is fantastic. Our condo was clean, comfortable and absolutely oozed retro cool. Relaxing in the common room we felt the need to have a Manhattan/Rusty Nail/Tom Collins or some other Rat Pack era cocktail. All of our condos had room for the entire group to gather. The kitchen, dining area, bed rooms and other areas were great. I want to go back.
We did this trip as a package with two other courses. The Pines at Michaywe and Gaylord Golf Club. It was a tremendous deal in hindsight – and name me one golfer that doesn’t seek a deal. Three distinctly different courses, two nights, all reasonably priced. Good stuff.
Both the Pines and Gaylord GC took a great deal of damage with the late winter ice storms. Let me tell you, the staff at both have done amazing work. Both courses are fully playable and able to offer the complete golf experience. I stand behind my thoughts on Gaylord from last year ' s MGJ article. It was my first time playing the Pines though.
The Pines at Michaywe is a very nice cottage course. The cottages are not packed together nor are they on top of the course. They do not interfere with your experience, but are present. The course itself is a good time. You can see the sense in the design. Myself and my group had a great time playing it. Even though I was more than satisfied with the condition, I know the staff is not. That is a testament to them.
The courses I write about don’t know I’m coming. I see what I see. With the Pines and Gaylord CC I saw two courses that are ready to go and great to play. I also saw staff that were working very hard to get it to their standards. I appreciate that and believe that all of you do, too.
MICHIGAN NEWS AND NOTES
2026 Dates Released for 3 Pro Tour Events in MI
2026 Dates Released for 3 Pro Tour Events in MI
Next golf season, fans will see the Rocket Classic PGA Tour event, and the LPGA’s Dow Championship move dates that should be beneficial to all.
The Meijer LPGA Classic will keep its traditional Father’s Day finale, with competition dates of June 18-21.
The Dow Championship moves from late June and a shared week with the Rocket the past two years, to June 11-14, directly preceding the Meijer event. In the past, the two LPGA Tour events were separated, causing players to travel away from Michigan the weeks in between and often make a choice between the two tournaments.
The Rocket Classic moves to the end of July,
with tournament dates of July 30-August 2. It places the event following the British Open which runs July 16-19. This gives the Detroit Golf Club extra time to prepare for the event because after the last putt this June, the course began tearing up the North Course to restore greens and bunkers back to more closely align with the original Donald Ross design of more than 100 years ago. Removal of the pond in front of hole 14 is also in the plans for the more than $16 million renovation.
Mason Sokolowski of Northville
Mason Sokolowski of Northville
Wins Michigan Publinx State
Wins Michigan Publinx State Match Play Championship Match Play Championship
Mason Sokolowski of Northville said he has been close to finding victory in a lot of tournaments in recent years.
“It’s great to finally make it into the winner’s circle,” said the University of Detroit Mercy golfer after winning the Michigan Publinx State Match Play Championship at Twin Lakes Golf & Swim Club. “This is really the first big tournament I’ve won, the first trophy I’ve won since winning the GAM Junior Kickoff when I was 15. I had to beat some great players, too, and it feels wonderful.”
Sokolowski beat 2021 champion Anthony Sorentino of Rochester 4 and 2 by winning five consecutive holes to close out the afternoon championship match.
