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A 2nd West Michigan Golf Course is Saved NOVEMBER 2020

Take Golf Inside with ACE Indoors Page 12

High School Girls Golf Flourishes in a COVID Year

Pilgrimage to Pinehurst Page 16

BrotherSister Act: The Whites

Michigan Golf Course of the Year

Michigan Golf Journal Mich Course of the Year

Stoatin Brae Named 2020 Michigan Golf Course of the Year By Kate Moore

Stoatin Brae has quickly become the shinning jewel of the Gull Lake View Golf and Resort collection in Augusta – nestled between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo – just a few short years after opening in 2016. Accolades have been many in the national press and course rating bodies for the young golf course, and the latest is its selection as the 2020 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan

Golf Course Association (MGCA). “We are both proud and humbled to have been selected Golf Course of the Year,” said Charlie Scott, CEO of the family-owned Gull Lake View properties. The MGCA Course of the Year Award honors a member course that meets four criteria: unique characteristics of the course; exceptional

quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; and significant contribution to the game. Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA, intimated that Stoatin Brae represents the golf course industry in perfect fashion. “All nominees submitted were outstanding,” she said. “MGCA would like to congratulate Stoatin Brae for being named

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

the 2020 Michigan Golf Course of the Year.”

Traverse City in collaboration with the Scott family.

Unique among championship golf courses in Michigan, Stoatin Brae is located at one of the highest points in Kalamazoo County and presents golfers with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It was designed by Eric Iverson, Don Placek, Brian Schneider and Brian Slawnik, senior associates for Renaissance Design of

“The geographic area does have a northern Michigan feel, but the goal with Stoatin Brae is the opposite,” Scott said. “Think Scotland, but surrounded by forest-covered hills.” Stoatin Brae — translated from Gaelic meaning Grand Hill — has the elements to become a destination course; part of the plan

for the Scott family, whose resort includes five other golf courses. They continue to attract golfers from across the upper Midwest and beyond to the scenic, rolling countryside. “Stoatin Brae offers a unique golfing experience,” said MGCA Board President Gilda Johnson of Lake Forest Golf Course in Ann Arbor. “We know golfing customers are wowed when they take to the tee.” MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Editor’s Letter

Outdoor Season is Shutting Down in Michigan

At the risk of stating the obvious, our golf season is slowing down to a trickle in November as the weather turns brisk and chilly. So, our thoughts turn to indoor golf options, and for some people that’s been heightened during our new era of Covid-19. Check out the cover story on how ACE Indoors can help create your own little piece of golf heaven inside your own house. We’ve also got the heartwarming story of brother and sister Brett and Sarah White from the Grand Rapids area. Brett won the Michigan Open at Grand Traverse Resort in September, less than three years after he

had to learn how to walk again… and part of that walking included being a caddie in August for his sister in the first Symetra Tour event she’s ever played – and she won it! But we don’t stop there: we cover Benona Shores being saved, the girls high school state finals smashing Covid-19, the best places to play near, and including, Pinehurst; updates on the Rocket Mortgage Classic, and so much more. Sincerely, Tom Lang Publisher/Editor

What’s Inside: 06

Brother-Sister Act

The Perfect Foursome, Plus One

Take it Indoors Fellas

Guest Column: Rocket Mortgage Update

Pilgrimage to Pinehurst

You Can Be a Course Rater

Girls High School Golf Smashes Covid

Benona Shores Golf Course is Saved

Michigan Golf Journal Brother-Sister Act

BrotherSister Act:

Brett and Sarah White Win Pro Titles After His Major Illness Recovery By Tom Lang

The first sign that something was wrong, Brett White’s throat started closing up. Then came the extreme fatigue and zero energy. Little did he know in the summer of 2017 that he would soon be spending a week in the hospital, fighting off an infection that would cause severe swelling of his brain – and because of it would soon afterwards require him to have to learn how to walk again. Brett White was playing on the PGA Tour Latin America after taking 3rd place at its Q-School. That summer he returned to the U.S. and in July he took runner up when he

lost in a playoff at the New Hampshire Open and felt body aches coming on – not all that unusual for any athlete. The next week he was competing in the Rhode Island state open.

energy. I was extremely sore and was just sleeping or golfing. I made the cut, but all during the final round I wasn’t even bending over to read a putt.”

“That’s when my throat started closing up,” Brett said. “I felt terrible and was sleeping all day. No

Afterward he went directly to an urgent care and got a mono spot test and began driving home

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

to Michigan; maybe not a great idea when you’re weary and exhausted – but being home always sounds good under those conditions. He arrived back in Caledonia near Grand Rapids on a Friday when the New England urgent care called and recommended he see his primary care physician right away, but it was now the weekend. “That weekend I started throwing up and was miserable. It was all kind of setting in by then, the first week of August. “My balance was getting worse… and I was still very tired. If I walked anywhere, I had to grab handrails or grab onto a table. I was sweating and they decided to get me to the hospital immediately.” Brett admitted being scared because he was getting worse by the hour… “And that’s when my memory started getting fuzzy. My equilibrium was off ….and that’s when they discovered my brain was swelling.”

Good News Ahead: We will stop there a moment to assure everyone that while Brett had a tough battle and a long recovery, he turned out fine. He eventually, slowly and a little tentatively at the time, returned to competitive golf in April of 2018. He then went on to win the Nevada Open in Nov. last year. He will be there to defend the title this month – and heads into the event after winning our 2020 Michigan Open

in September, leading wire to wire at The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort and finishing 12-under par. “When I was in the hospital, I didn’t think this was possible,” he said when accepting the Michigan Open trophy. “But when I got out, I knew I wanted to golf again.” Also good news this summer, his younger sister, Sarah, turned pro in 2020 and qualified into the LPGA Symetra Tour’s Founders Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf Journal Brother-Sister Act

Tribute in Arizona, and had Brett on her bag. It was her first Symetra event, and she didn’t mess around. She WON the tournament with a birdie putt on the 72nd hole, defeating, ironically, Sophia Popov – who the very next week shocked the world by winning the Women’s British Open in her first-ever major event. Sarah White immediately accepted an invitation to join the Symetra Tour, instantly shifting all her 2020-21 plans with her card secured through the 2021 season, even though that money won doesn’t count toward her points this season. “It’s an amazing opportunity I gave myself

and my whole world (turned around),” she said back in August. “Within a few days span I won my first pro event, and within the hour I had to accept membership (in the Symetra Tour) if I was to play in the next event (in California). So, I just dove right into full blown traveling on-Tour, and I’ll be in every event now with Category B status, sort of like their winner’s circle,” the rookie pro added.

competing alongside the boys (eventually on the East Kentwood High team) was a catalyst for her golf career – which as an amateur included winning the team and individual golf state championship at East Kentwood, before getting a full ride scholarship at Western Michigan and closing out her college career at Texas State when the WMU coach moved to Ohio State.

Sarah White grew up in Caledonia playing golf and boys ice hockey – purposely following in her brother’s footsteps in both sports, she admitted recently. She said playing 14 years of hockey

“When I’m not playing golf well, I grind really well, I think because of playing boys hockey and getting looks like ‘who is this girl in the net?’ So, just having that mentality of the competitiveness and the Continues on page 10 >>

Sarah White grew up in Caledonia playing golf and boys ice hockey – purposely following in her brother’s footsteps in both sports, she admitted recently.

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Michigan Golf Journal Brother-Sister Act

grind of hockey and giving of 100 percent. I think that’s really helped me.” She added that playing goalie in her teen years developed balance, and the shifting back and forth practiced the natural motion for golf of posting from one side of your body to the next and turning her hips. Back at the Hospital: Brett White was hospitalized for one week that August of ‘17, then once the virus he had (viral encephalitis secondary to Epstein Barr Virus infection with complications of ataxia) was being treated and his brain swelling subsided, he was transferred for rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids. “All my limbs moved, but once I got up to walk, it was like all new to me,” Brett said. “I was learning how to walk again like a toddler. I had to re-learn how my arms were supposed to move. Nothing was natural. If I closed my eyes, I’d fall over.”

I was learning how to walk again like a toddler. I had to re-learn how my arms were supposed to move. Nothing was natural. If I closed my eyes, I’d fall over.” When the time came for Sarah to head back to her junior season at Texas State, Brett was still in the hospital.

be fine.’ But it was scary. The doctors kind of figured it out by then but you never know what might happen again.”

“Brett wouldn’t have wanted me to (stay in Grand Rapids) and put golf on hold,” she said. “He said, ‘go back to school, I’ll

After two weeks at Mary Free Bed the therapists agreed going to the golf course would be good for Brett’s rehabilitation, too.

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

“But just chipping balls for 30 minutes felt like I was running two miles. It was draining. Everything took way more out of me.” Brett began trying more activities in and out of golf to return to full strength.

Double Down on Bucket-List Golf

“I’m super proud of him to be able to get back to where he was (before) in golf, to be able to win again, twice now,” Sarah added. “He’s helped me a lot with the mentality of not taking things (in golf) too seriously.” Sarah mirrored almost everything Brett did growing up in sports, dominating in the Meijer Junior Tour, playing hockey left-handed (but golf right-handed), taking on slap shots from Brett in the family basement, which she noted with a little sisterly irritation in her voice. “Growing up, I mostly played against older girls, I realized I could do it and I always wanted to be a pro golfer,” Sarah said. “As a kid I joked I wanted to be in the NHL in the winter and the LPGA in the summer but knew I couldn’t do that. But in my 8th grade scrap book it says, ‘be on the LPGA Tour.’ So, I think I have known (pro golf was for me) for a long time. Maybe I didn’t know exactly how to get there, but it was the dream and goal, and go figure it out along the way.” Seems like both Whites have figured out a lot of things – family ties run deep, don’t take life and health for granted, and perseverance wins professional golf tournaments. MGJ

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Michigan Golf Journal Take it Inside

ACE Indoor’s Expertise is Golf Simulators

New product offerings coming out ahead of cold weather

By Fred Altvater

Most golfers have visited a golf simulator to get in a few swings during the snowy winter months. Even better, many even dream about installing their very own sim in their man cave. Michigan PGA Tour player Ryan Brehm for example relied 100 percent on indoor hitting in his living room when Covid-19 struck and before outdoor

ranges were opened in chilly Traverse City in the spring. Simulators are the perfect way to keep anyone’s game sharp over the winter, plus work on those few minor swing flaws. ACE Indoor Golf can help every golfer make their dream come true with their very own personal simulator.

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

If you need to justify a new golf sim for your man (or woman) cave, tell your spouse it is also an excellent exercise program to keep those love handles to a minimum. As technology continues to improve, golf simulators continue to offer additional options. In addition to the finest golf courses in the world, they can also help you dial in your individual stats. The fastest growing segment of the golf simulator industry is placement in residential homes. Whether that is due to Covid or it just makes more sense convenience-wise, from the comfort of your own entertainment room, you can enjoy hundreds of courses, plus practice those trouble shots. With the right tracking system every golfer can dial in the correct spin rate, launch angle and club head speed for lowering scores on the golf course. Packages are available to fit a variety of budgets. ACE Indoor can work with

you to determine what components are needed for your installation and various pricing options are available. Tracking technology can range from as little as $2,400.00 to over $20,000.00. ACE Indoor has the best overhead cameras and tracking systems available on the market today, but if you don’t require all the bells and whistles, a system can be built at a cost that will fit your

budget. Their team of experts can explain each option to create a total package that will provide a quality golf experience, but also fit your financial requirement. ACE Indoor works with the top companies in the golf simulator industry. Foresight, Skytrak, e6 Golf, Optishot, and TRUGOLF. Each offer the best components in the business and can be sourced to fit each custom design. Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf Journal Take it Inside

One of the latest advancements in indoor simulator design is their new curved screen. Ace Indoor can install a screen that will provide a 180-degree panoramic view to maximize the images you see on the screen and make you feel like you are right there on the 1st tee, or the 5th fairway or … you get the idea. They will also work closely with your audio-visual contractor to keep the area clear of any unwanted cables and wires.

sound, audio panels and speakers are available to give you the true feel of the golf course.

Not all projectors are created equally. If a client is looking at a new curved screen it is important to match it with the correct projector. You wouldn’t try to watch an old black & white movie on today’s wide screen television. ACE Indoor can match the right projector with the screen to provide the maximum viewing pleasure and accuracy for every shot.

ACE Indoor can help guide you through every step of the process and create a custom design, plus install it. They have been in the industry since its beginning with over 15 years’ experience.

The new curved screen requires a 16-foot deep X 16-foot wide X 10foot high space. Their G-7400 camera offers 4K resolution, plus the customized lens creates the most detailed images on the curved screen. If you have a large space and are worried about

There are several golf simulator companies that say they can provide the best simulator for your use. Truth is that they are simply re-sellers and really do not have the experience and knowledge to design, build and install the right system for you.

If you are the ‘Do It Yourself’ kind, ACE Indoor can help you with the monitor, frame, screen, enclosure and technical

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

support needed to get the job done right. They have developed the GIMME Simulator as a total package, or simply choose the enclosure, screen and monitor needed for your space. The pre-built enclosures are designed with safety and rigidity in mind. Enclosures are available with screens, pads and skins and can be delivered within 2-3 weeks from order. If you are considering a new construction, ACE Indoor will work with the audiovisual contractor to keep the area clear of any unwanted cables and wires by placing them behind the walls and under the floors to keep your area clear of any unsightly wiring. If you currently have an in-home simulator and want to update, ACE Indoor can recommend the components to bring your sim into the 21st century and make it the best that it can be. Another option is custom detailing of the exterior walls. Would you like a mural of famed No. 7 at Pebble Beach on the wall or possibly a life-size image of a tour professional taking a monster swing. From design to installation, ACE Indoor can help with every piece of a golf simulator’s creation. If you currently have a simulator and need replacement parts or accessories visit their online store at: https://www.gimmesimulators.com/ There are many resellers hawking golf simulators on the market today. ACE

Indoor is involved in the manufacture and design of each step of the golf simulator development. They have the experience and knowledge to design, create and install the perfect simulator that will offer hours of entertainment for your friends and family for years to come. From DIY, current room renovation, or new construction for a custom simulator, ACE Indoor Golf will utilize their experience and team of experts to provide you with an unmatched simulator experience. Contact Sales@aceindoorgolf.com today to begin your simulator project today. MGJ

Michigan Golfto Journal Pilgrimage Pinehurst

Pilgrimage to the Home of American Golf Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club will host the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open

The Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen area in North Carolina boasts a storied golf legacy unlike any other place in the country By Brad King

For those who love the game of golf, one bucket-list item is surely a pilgrimage to the “Home of American Golf.” For more than a century, the North Carolina Sandhills region — Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and other quaint, surrounding communities — has delivered not only some of the country’s best golf, but also world-class dining, shopping, entertainment and more. The destination offers almost 40 golf courses within a 15mile radius. The most storied of these, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club’s No. 2

Course is currently prepping for the 2024 U.S. Open Championship — the fourth U.S. Open and 11th USGA championship contested at the famed Resort which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year along with the Village of Pinehurst. And it was recently announced that the USGA would establish “Golf House Pinehurst” — which will include, by 2023, a new equipment-testing facility, innovation hub, and a museum and visitor center. The $25-million investment includes the construction of

a pair of buildings that will house 50 full-time USGA staff members near the clubhouse on the historic Pinehurst Resort property. Most exciting for golf fans, the USGA also announced four additional U.S. Open Championships to be contested on Pinehurst No. 2 – in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047 – joining the previously scheduled 2024 national championship. The historic news means Pinehurst and the Sandhills of North Carolina will serve as the USGA’s first anchor

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

site for the U.S. Open. “There is no better place for the USGA to plant new roots than the Home of American Golf,” said USGA CEO Mike Davis. During the summer of 2019, more history was made when No. 2 and Pinehurst No. 4 — recently redesigned by architect Gil Hanse (who is also remodeling Oakland Hills) — served as the site of the 36-hole match-play final of the 119th U.S. Amateur Championship. And, for some of the most casual fun you will enjoy on a golf course, be sure to visit The Cradle, a 789-yard, ninehole short course just steps outside the resort. One of Donald Ross’s most praiseworthy creations, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club is slated to play host to its fourth U.S. Women’s Open Championship in 2022. Architect Kyle Franz renovated Pine Needles and he also impeccably restored another Ross gem Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club. Outside of Pinehurst No. 2, Southern Pines Golf Club is probably the most shining example of the Ross design philosophy. Now, Southern Pines has joined the Pine Needles and Mid Pines family of clubs. Continues on page 19 >>

At the Home of American Golf, the perfect drive is always straight down the middle — of the highways, as well as the fairways. In many ways, the game of golf is the perfect pastime for our sudden new normal. Golf represents social distancing at its finest, whether it be 6 feet from your buddy, or that 6-footer to win the match. It’s outside, open spaces, fresh air, walking or riding, tandem or solo.” Phil Werz, President & CEO, Pinehurst-Southern PinesAberdeen Area CVB Pinehurst No. 2 will host its fourth U.S. Open in 2024 and four more through 2047

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November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

As for other partner properties, The New Course at Talamore was tabbed the area’s “Course of the Year” in 2018. This came after a major green complex restoration and the addition of signature sodwall bunkers was performed on the Rees Jones design. A year later, the King’s Course at Mid South — the area’s only Arnold Palmer Signature course — underwent a similar restoration and greens conversion, along with other club enhancements. A must-play for many, Tobacco Road is a course of such uncommon beauty that it thrills and captivates the imagination with its creativity. Carving his way through an old sand quarry, the late architect, Mike

Gil Hanse designed and created The Cradle before he worked on Pinehurst No. 4 restoration

Strantz, created one of the most celebrated and talkedabout courses in the world. Throughout the Sandhills, there are plenty more outstanding, if lesser known, public layouts like Longleaf Golf & Family Club, site of the U.S. Kids Golf Academy and one of

This Mike Strantz design is as beautiful as it is diabolical and a Top 100 Course You Can Play

the many courses that hosts the annual U.S Kids World & Teen Championships. Meanwhile, Legacy Golf Links is only one of four area clubs to have hosted a USGA championship, and the Jack Nicklaus II design’s finishing hole is a real “Bear.” There are also several highly regarded private courses that are worth a little extra effort. Ask your travel consultant about the Country Club of North Carolina, Forest Creek Golf Club and the area’s newest, Dormie Club, which will debut a new clubhouse and on-site accommodations in 2021. Plan your trip now to make a pilgrimage to the “Home of American Golf.” www. HomeofGolf.com MGJ

Girls High School Finals

Girls High School Golf Successfully Navigates a Covid Year Big Ten Conference could learn a lesson from them

By Tom Lang Editor’s Note: a similar version of this story first ran in the Detroit Free Press on Oct. 18.

EAST LANSING – At least four girls golf teams are thrilled that Covid-19 did not eliminate their 2020 fall season, as reactions to the virus has seriously altered sports at many levels across the country. Golf was one of the first sports announced this summer by the MHSAA to be played despite the shuttering of school buildings and delays for high school football and the like – and golf completed a relatively normal season Oct. 17 at Forest Akers East and West courses at Michigan State. Four team champions were crowned but done so under several new rules and protocols. Northville won its third straight Division 1 title; South Lyon took the Div. 2 championship for its first time; defending champ Birmingham Marian won again in Div. 3 and Montague took home its first Div. 4 state championship.

Forest Hills Northern senior Lilia Henkle, Div. 2 T3, with D2 state runner up Katherine Potter of South Lyon looking on.

“I’m just so appreciative to have been able to get this season in,” said Dan Skatzka, head coach at South Lyon. “I feel so bad for so many teams that weren’t able to in the spring. We’re very fortunate to have gotten it in and not have any issues all along.” He added that his team was very focused on staying to themselves and not getting sick, because they knew the entire season could end if there was Covid-19 detected on the team. “We had that hanging over us this year in addition to the usual things, so I’m very thankful,” Skatzka said. Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf JournalFinals Girls High School

The most glaring change was reducing the state finals down to one 18-hole round. Since 1993, the finals have been played over two days and 36 holes. Also, noticeably different was playing all four events at MSU, instead of spreading out to include other sites. The intent of both changes was to limit the amount of overnight stays and keeping activities confined to one area. Allison Cui of Okemos won the Div. 1 state title last year with a 73-73-146 and grabbed another this year but in Div. 2, with a oneround 2-under par 70. “I think I was a little nervous going into it, because this year we don’t have that second day to bounce back if you have a bad first round,” said Cui, who started her round with three bogeys early, but bounced back to make five birdies in a 6-hole stretch. Montague’s team win was impressive because it’s only the fifth year in existence for the program. The team finished 4th at states last year in its first-ever tworound tournament. Coach Phil Kerr said that in 2019 they played much better on

the second day, which elevated the team’s finish. “It’s definitely different and there’s more urgency for sure,” Kerr said about the reduction to 18 holes. “Getting off to a good start is huge. There’s no time to make up for it. We really focused on, how do we come out, where do we stand after the first three or four holes.” South Lyon’s Skatzka made similar observations. “We looked at it as, this is one shot (at it) and we need to be ready from the beginning,” he said. “We felt pretty good about playing here and we felt pretty good about having a one-time shot at it. Whether it’s one round or two rounds, you have to put out your best effort from the beginning.” New Scores Tracking: This fall was also the first time it became mandatory to use the cell phone app called iWanamaker, in which players insert their score into

Sydney Buchanan of Royal Oak Shrine tees off on the elevated tee of the 9th hole par 3.

their phone app after every hole. It was made a requirement due to Covid but more recently has been tested in response to the national cheating scandal in May, 2018 at the Boys Regional in which Anchor Bay, L’Anse Creuse and Fraser were accused of signing score cards with drastically abnormal scores for their teams. The results, however, were posted and became official without any retractions made by any of the team members or coaches. The thought of hole-byhole score entry that could be viewed publicly allows coaches and fans to track

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

each hole and raise red flags if something seems amiss, before final scores are posted and become official. That questionable Regional outcome still allowed Anchor Bay and L’Anse Creuse to qualify for the state finals, where their heavily-tracked scores ballooned roughly 23-25 shots per player.

Kerstin Stadtfeld of Remus Chippewa Valley watches her putt stop on the edge of the cup.

“Making scores public makes it available for all to see, for all to look at and for all to make sure that what is being put in the system is actually what the kids are shooting,” MHSAA associate director Cody Inglis said in late 2018 as testing was underway. “If a kid is scoring out of his mind, then you can bet that they will attract more attention and eyeballs on them (before official postings take place).” However, the iWanamaker app was not officially put into place until this year’s girls tournaments when Covid forced the issue, beginning at Regionals, to reduce the need for sharing score cards and posting

scores on a large board that teams traditionally gathered around for long periods in close proximity to watch results come in. “Love the app,” Kerr said. “As a coach I get instant results and I know which girls to go talk to right away. And it’s just nice to know where you stand with the other teams.” In his case, they stood at the top.

Of Note: In case you didn’t hear about it, one of the most special holesin-one to ever happen, was scored by a high school freshman during the regular season on Sept. 21. Otsego’s Stephanie Scott was called into varsity action mid-season, and on her very first hole of her high school career, she carded an ACE. It came on Hole 8 at Lake Doster Golf Club on her first swing in a competitive round, a 90yard shot with a 7 iron. The shocking career start resulted in numerous national news stories. “I’ve hit a couple clubs off that tee, and a couple were too short and a couple were too long, so that’s just the one I hadn’t tried,” she said to a local newspaper. “I tried it, and it worked out just right.” MGJ

2020 Girls State Champions: Div. 1 Kate Brody (So.) Grand Blanc Div. 2 Allison Cui (Jr.) Okemos Div. 3 *Shannon Kennedy (Sr.) Marian 70 *(Won in playoff over Ryann Breslin of GR Christian) Div. 4 Kamryn Shannon (Jr.) Mich. Center

70 70

Michigan U.P. GolfGolf Journal

Perfect Foursome Awaits For Buddies Trips Sweetgrass, Sage Run, Greywalls and Timberstone By Tom Lang

A recent fall trip to the Upper Peninsula highlighted gorgeous colors in Michigan’s fall foliage, a review of how the newest course in the U.P., Sage Run, is ‘growing in’ nicely in its third year of play, and a quick view of new hotel expansion construction taking place. A package deal offered annually is called The Perfect Foursome – but if you go, make it Five. The official package includes two nights lodging at Island Resort & Casino and four

rounds of golf; one each at IRC’s Sage Run and award winning Sweetgrass, plus Greywalls and Timberstone golf courses; the latter three ranked in the top 15 in Michigan by GolfWeek. • Sweetgrass (rated No. 13): a prairie-links style Paul Albanese design at Island Resort Casino is also home to its annual Symetra Tour event. The rolling-plains layout incorporates rock formations, railroad-tie walls, iconic steel road bridges from around the

U.P., an island green (No. 15) and waterfalls in the sides of the hill protecting the shared green of holes 9 and 18. The bridges are so classic and mammoth for a golf course there was talk early on of calling the golf course The Bridges. • Sage Run is a 180-degree experience from Sweetgrass as the holes traverse up and down, over and around a rocky ridge formed by ancient glacier ice movements. My recent trip there

November 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com

highlighted how well the grass is growing in and becoming lusher, but still features plenty of rollout. • Greywalls (rated No. 2) is an epic design by Michigan native Mike DeVries, utilizing the unique combination of rock and sand underlaying in Marquette near the Lake Superior shoreline. It’s been a magnet to the U.P. for many avid golfers for years. • Timberstone (No. 14) is a Jerry Matthews masterpiece cut through the forests near Iron Mountain, with lots of help way back when from Albanese. Many report that the layout fits like a glove with the natural resources and contours of the land. The fifth independent option is The Heritage Course at the Marquette Golf Club and the front nine is the original course from 1926 designed by William Langford, the only layout on the property before the members added Greywalls. Langford’s nine is highlighted by a ravine

that intersects several holes, and classic greens in full Langford style. Holes 1518 of the later-built back nine has significant up and down land movement with steeper elevation changes and unique mounding used to make golfers think. I was unable to play the course due to time constraints, but I will not make that same mistake next time. The Hannahville Indian Community Tribal Council

approved a $30 Million expansion of the Island Resort and Casino Hotel to include over 100 new hotel rooms, in response to high customer demand. The addition, connected to the south end of the current 11 story Palm Tower and includes three guest elevators and lobby, is now under construction. A highend dining option as well as convention space are planned for the top floor. The expansion also includes a pool with water park features designed for kids and young adults under 18. More information at: https://www. islandresortandcasino. com/island-golf/perfect4some MGJ

MichiganRecap Golf Journal Rocket

Rocket Recap: From The Top

A big “thank you” to Michigan golfers for helping Rocket Mortgage Classic make a difference in Detroit, raising $2.7 Million in 2020 Guest Column By Jason Langwell, Executive Director, Rocket Mortgage Classic

As a passionate golfer, a huge golf fan and the Executive Director of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, I can say unequivocally that there’s not much better than summer in Michigan for those of us who love the game. Now, with the first snowfall just around the corner, I have the opportunity to pause and look back on what a truly unusual and remarkable golf season 2020 was. Of course, my days navigating the fairways and greens are limited because so much of my time is dedicated to ensuring that the PGA TOUR’s annual stop in the city of Detroit for the Rocket Mortgage Classic is a resounding success.

continuing to support our mission under extremely difficult circumstances. It has been said that “it takes a village,” and that was illustrated beautifully this July.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my sincere thanks to not only everyone at Rocket Mortgage, led by Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert and CEO Jay Farner, and other local companies who contributed so heavily toward reaching that goal, but also to you – Michigan golfers and golf fans – for

The Rocket Mortgage Classic, a 501(c)(3), raised more than $2.7 million in 2020 to support local nonprofits, with $2.4 million of that going toward “Changing the Course,” an initiative undertaken by Rocket Mortgage, the Rocket Mortgage Classic and other key tournament sponsors to end the digital divide in Detroit. The pandemic has brought to the forefront some long-standing issues in our community, as a large percentage of our adults and children without reliable internet aren’t able to access

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online learning, telemedicine and so many other opportunities that others take for granted, and we are working to change that. After a hugely successfully inaugural event in 2019 that highlighted the vision of Dan Gilbert to bring a PGA TOUR event to the city of Detroit for the first time and raised $1.4 million for nonprofits, we more than doubled that this year. How does that happen? Bubba Watson stepped up to help us create a Wednesday

charity match that raised $1 million. Jay Farner led an effort for the company to match all donations that day and contribute even more through the AREA 313 Challenge, while Delta Dental and DTE Energy also gave big to support Changing the Course. What impressed us most, though, was the support of local golf fans like you. When it was determined that the Rocket Mortgage Classic would be a TV-only event, we gave fans the option to donate the cost of their

tickets to our Changing the Course initiative, and the response was overwhelming. You made it clear to us that you support our goals and realize the incredible ways that golf can have a positive impact on local communities. This year has been challenging for everyone but looking back at what was accomplished fills me with pride and should do the same for everyone who played a part in making the 2020 Rocket Mortgage Classic so successful. Thank you! MGJ

MichiganRaters Golf Journal Course

Consider a Volunteer Project Like Course Rating By Greg Johnson

The Golf Association of Michigan golf course rating team likes it when couples join as volunteers to help serve the game. “We welcome any and all golfers, and we like getting two for one in a way, not to mention they have someone to learn, travel around the state and golf

with and they bring two different handicaps and perspectives,” said Mark Bultema of Grand Rapids, chairman of the course rating committee for the GAM.

all the places where they might hit golf balls. The elite player, for instance, might miss some things that he or she would usually play over or past because they hit the ball well consistently.”

“We can always use more raters, and typically the best raters are between 10 and 30 handicaps. They see

Melissa Middleton of Oxford was playing in a Michigan Women’s Golf Association event and heard

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about course rating with the GAM from another volunteer. She recruited her husband Rob into giving it a try, too. The two school teachers were rookies being trained when a group of 12 raters, including Bultema, did an update rating on The Loop, a celebrated course at Forest Dunes in Roscommon that plays two ways over the same 18 greens, and was designed by Michigan architect Tom Doak. The GAM course rating team will rate or rerate up to 75 courses in a typical summer. COVID-19 precautions led to a late start in 2020, but the team finished several dozen. Rob called the experience eye-opening. “It’s an interesting way to learn so much more about the game and the whole handicap system in golf,” he said. Melissa said early indications are that rating involved more than she expected, but not in a daunting way. “I didn’t realize all the math that was involved,” she said. “I kind of assumed you

just kind of figured it out for yourself. I didn’t realize how objectivity is involved. It’s really interesting and you can see how it comes together even though everybody has their own ideas of what a golf course should or shouldn’t be. You see how it becomes a rating through the math and measuring, and that it is a method and not just someone’s opinion.” Training Melissa was Dee Piccard, the 2019 GAM Course Rater of the Year. She noted that she had been in on the original rating of The Loop a few years ago. “It’s a unique course because it doesn’t have the traditional fairway and rough areas, but it does have a lot of things you have to consider,” she said. The fun part is that the raters play the course, and Piccard and Bultema said that is also an essential part of the process. “It’s key for us to get an accurate rate,” Piccard said. “When we go out to play there are things we thought we saw that really are not there. It’s really a benefit to the club for us to be able

to play afterward and then make any adjustments that we feel we need to make.” Dee said Melissa and Rob look like they will become successful raters. “Melissa worked with me today and she was awesome,” she said. “Some people are lost the first time, but she was filling out her own sheets right away. I’m looking forward to having both of them on our team.” Bultema, who started rating for the GAM in 1998 and has been part of an estimated 600 ratings, said the crew at The Loop was perfect. “We had 10 experienced raters and two training,” he said. “That gives us one rater for each of the tees on a nine and time to train the new raters. This is a unique course, but everybody seemed to adjust just fine.” MGJ

GAM Golf Days

GAM Golf Days Championship Sponsored by Michigan Golf Journal GAM members who have made the most of their GAM Golf Days during 2020 gathered at Indianwood Golf & Country Club for the GAM Golf Days Series Championship presented by the Michigan Golf Journal, on Oct. 6. Winners, both net and gross, were determined among men, women and senior men. The field of 84 golfers became eligible for the final championship day by having won a previous Golf Day event earlier in the season. Play completed the 11th season of GAM Golf Days, a service for all GAM members that offers playing opportunities at top golf courses across the state, including private clubs, for cost-saving rates. Golf Days, all with 84 open slots, offer a casual yet competitive day of golf to all GAM members, men and women, and provide opportunities no matter how well they play the game.

Congratulations to the Championship flight winners in October: • Men’s Gross: Ian Porzondek • Men’s Net: Brian Bauer • Women’s Gross: Lynne Thompson • Women’s Net: Peggy Westman • Senior Men’s Gross: David Goodyke • Senior Men’s Net: Thomas Gralinski

Indianwood is a historic club dating to the 1920s and the Old Course is annually ranked in the top 100 classic golf courses in America. Four major championships have been played on the Old Course; 1930 Western Open won by Gene Sarazen, 1989 U.S. Women’s Open won by Betsy King, 1994 U.S. Women’s Open won by Patty Sheehan and 2012 U.S. Senior Open won by Roger Chapman.

The fun tournament paid Top-4 in Men’s gross and net, Top-6 in Senior Men’s and Women’s division first and second place, gross and net. Membership in GAM must be renewed by February 1 to sign up early for the 2021 GAM Golf Day schedule. Michigan Golf Journal was very happy to support for a second year such an event that is built for fun, challenge and camaraderie among golfers. MGJ

Golf League Championship

Golf League Championship’s th 16 Year By Kate Moore

Eagle Eye Golf Course in Bath hosted the MGCA’s Golf League Championship and over a hundred golfers came out to meet the challenge on a warm, sunny day in late September, a perfect setting for the final tournament of the season, hosted annually by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA). The field of golfers comes from leagues all around the state who have registered with this unique league management program offered by the MCGA and their technology partner Handicomp. It allows golfers of any skill level to compete in a state-wide tournament – which is uniquely scored as match play against the field, so one poor hole doesn’t necessarily mean you are out of contention. Co-Champions this year are Ian Vergith and Josh Shea (Grupo league) from Shepherd’s Hollow in Clarkston, and Julie Westerfield with Jody Andrades (Power Players league) from Hawk Hollow GC, Bath. MGCA and Handicomp, a Grand Rapids based internet handicapping and industry information provider, team together to make the Golf League Championship season and tournament functional, culminating with the crowning of the State League Champions each year.

Eagle Eye Golf Course is the traditional host course for the Championship. Michigan based Great Lakes Coca Cola is the premier sponsor of the Michigan Golf League Championship and provided the golfers with great prizes and refreshments. Any league golfer in Michigan is invited to take part in this annual tournament through the Michigan Golf League Network. For more information visit www.migolfleague.com or contact the MGCA at 800-860-8575. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal Benona Shores Saved

Benona Shores Golf Course Purchased Same New Owner of Oceana Golf Club Buys Neighboring Course By Fred Inglis

Oceana County native Jason Wenk always dreamed of owning a golf course, but he never imagined buying two of the best courses in west Michigan within the last seven months. Wenk officially bought the Benona Shores Golf Course in early October. He had already purchased the

Oceana Golf Course in March and now owns the two courses where he grew up playing golf and developed his love for the game. “You know Oceana Golf Club was fate; it seemed everything developed naturally,” said the 40-yearold Wenk about the course that was home base for his

former Shelby high school team. “Things aligned in a way that it was meant to be. “Benona Shores was more serendipitous. I have no way to explain it, but I kept hearing people call it a ‘Hidden Gem’. I think that pretty much describes it. The plan is to offer a combined membership (to both

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courses) at one low price, likely lower than any other local course’s single course membership.” Benona is a par 60 executive course that was developed and owned by the Hukill family since its inception in 1974. It winds throughout a former fruit tree farm. Brian Hukill operated Benona Shores for 20 years, but he died in January, 2019 after fighting a two-year battle with cancer. Brian was just 47 years old and his wife Dawn knew maintaining the business without him was going to be a big challenge. “The stress is just overwhelming,” said Dawn.

“I mean Brian did so much and nowadays golf courses aren’t making what they used to. It was just too much of everything.” Wenk, a highly successful pioneer in the wealth management and technology industry, paid 50 percent over the appraised value of the 137 acre site. It’s an allinclusive cash deal, and while the exact terms of the sale was not disclosed, Wenk did confirm it was the highest price paid for a golf course in the area. “We feel very comfortable with the price,” Wenk said. “I knew Brian and we had some of the same friends.

Dawn has been great to work with and I think it’s only right to honor the Hukill legacy. I want to make sure anybody that comes to Benona knows and understands the contributions of the Hukill family. “I wanted Dawn to feel that she’s comfortable enough to move on with her life and to heal.” Dawn Hukill said she had other buyers interested but want to take the time to find the right person. “Jason was a local who played here and knew the course and what it meant,” she said. “I saw what he did Continues on next page >>

Michigan Golf Journal Benona Shores Saved

at Oceana and he seemed a perfect fit. “My in-laws always intended this place to be a family friendly course. That’s why we are an executive course. A place where seniors, ladies, and little ones can come play without feeling overwhelmed.” Wenk, a 1998 Shelby High graduate played golf for the Tigers and eventually became a scratch golfer, New Par 3 at Oceana although his handicap is far higher these days. He added a tee box for a brand new downhill has a special affinity for Benona because par 3 ranging from 100-180 yards with a he spent a lot of his youth staying at his green framed behind by towering pine trees. grandparents’ cottage at Stony Lake. He Construction began in early September and would take his grandma’s hand-me-down grass seed was soon after planted. The green clubs and ride his bicycle a mile north to the is sloped back to front and left to right, with course. It’s the home of his one and only ace a large waste bunker to grab balls that go too in his 30 years of golf. far right to keep them out of the trees. “The par 3, 110-yard sixth hole. With a 9 Since then, construction began to combine iron,” recalls Wenk. “The funny part was that the short par 4, Hole 7 and add it to the old it was kind of a bad shot. It missed the green par 3, 8th hole to complete a new dogleg left to the right. It bounced off the mound onto par four that will tempt the longest hitters the green and rolled right in the cup. So, my to cut the 90 degree corner. Both changes only hole in one trophy ball has a Benona Shores logo on it.” should make for some nice new updates and give every golfer some fun new challenges to try in 2021. Always Improving at Oceana: Wenk also approved changes at Oceana Golf Club to utilize the huge hill that has supported the back tees of the par 5 fifth hole since being built in the 1960s, and

Check out the original MGJ story about the hometown Wenk saving Oceana earlier this year at: https://michigangolfjournal. com/2020/August/10/ MGJ

Michigan News and Notes

GAM Amateurs Top PGA Pros in 48th Fuller Cup Matches The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) team started hot on a cool morning winning five of the six four-ball matches and rolled on through singles over Michigan PGA pros in the afternoon to win the 48th Fuller Cup Matches 13-5 at Cascade Hills Country Club. Top amateur golfers representing the GAM and top PGA professionals representing the Michigan Section of the PGA squared off in a Ryder Cup-like format with six four-ball matches and 12 singles matches. The annual competition was originally scheduled for May 5, but rescheduled due to pandemic restrictions. RESULTS 48th Fuller Cup Matches Afternoon Session Singles Dan Urban (PGA) def. Michael Coriasso (GAM) 1-up Dan Ellis (GAM) def. Lee Houtteman (PGA) 5-4 Austin Kreger (GAM) def. Adrian Jolliffe (PGA) 4-3 Nick Gunthorpe (GAM) TIED Adam Schumacher (PGA) Andrew Walker (GAM) TIED Kyle Wittenbach (PGA) Bradley Smithson (GAM) def. Joe Hatch (PGA) 7-5 Steve Nichols (GAM) def. Frank McAuliffe (PGA) 4-3 Cody Haughton (PGA) def. Chip Anderson (GAM) 3-2 James Piot (GAM) def. Jeff Roth (PGA) 6-5 Grant Haefner (GAM) def. Tim Pearce (PGA) 2-1 Brian Cairns (PGA) def. Anthony Sorentino (GAM) 2-up Brad Bastion (GAM) def. Josh Fryer (PGA) 2-1 GAM 8, PGA 4 FINAL SCORE, GAM 13, PGA 5

The GAM team won for the third consecutive year and seventh time in the last 11 years but trails the PGA 34-12-2 in the series that started in 1971. The format has changed over the years, but the matches are presented to promote sportsmanship, friendship and quality golf among professionals and amateurs. The matches are named for the late Ernest Fuller, a Michigan golf course developer. Cascade Hills Country Club will also host the 110th Michigan Amateur Championship next summer.

Michigan Golf Journal Michigan News and Notes

Tom Gieselman, Scott Strickland Win GAM Senior/MidAm Team Championship Fellow Oakland Hills Country Club members Tom Gieselman of Commerce Township and Scott Strickland of Bloomfield Hills earned a par on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff with the father-son team of Dean/Dan Ellis to win the finals of the 11th GAM Senior/ Mid-Am Team Championship at Barton Hills Country Club. The 2017 champions came from 4 shots back before winning in sudden-death. “It’s always nice to win,” Gieselman said. “The alternate shot is a tough format. Somehow we stayed in it and it worked out.”

The same two final teams met in a playoff in September at Travis Pointe Country Club to determine the site winner, and Ellis and Ellis won that one with a par on the first hole.

2020 Environmental Excellence Awards honorees announced by ASGCA The 2020 American Society of Golf Course Architects Environmental Excellence Awards honorees were named, and projects from six golf facilities have been cited for their work with ASGCA members in addressing unique environmental challenges. The International list includes Shenandoah Country Club, West Bloomfield. The Environmental Excellence Awards program was introduced in 2019 to recognize the innovative

work being done at golf facilities to address the needs of the environment. Here is the submission from Michigan: Shenandoah Country Club, West Bloomfield, Michigan – Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA As part of a larger renovation, extensive

improvements were made to holes 14 and 15. A cart path was moved and a dozen trees removed to improve turf quality and enhance play. Nearly 20,000 SF of new wetland was created on the holes, contiguous with the existing wetlands. New plantings included 33 native shrub species and 11 tree species within the area of holes 14 and 15. All tree, shrub, wetland and woodland vegetation replacement follow West Bloomfield’s Woodland Restoration standards.

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Michigan State To Host Men’s Golf NCAA Regional Championship in 2023 Regional. The event will be held at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath.

The NCAA has awarded Michigan State a 2023 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf

Michigan State was scheduled to host the 2020 NCAA East Regional Championship at Eagle Eye May 18-20, but the event, like all NCAA spring sports, was canceled due to Covid-19. “We are excited to partner with the Greater

Lansing Sports Authority to host the NCAA regional championships for men’s golf,” said Bill Beekman, Michigan State Athletic Director. “We are appreciative of the opportunity to host once again. Golf is very popular throughout the state, including two great programs here at MSU, and we look forward to putting on another outstanding event.”

Dan Ellis, Jimmy Dewling Shoot Smashing 61 to Win GAM Four-Ball Former Michigan State University classmates and teammates, Dan Ellis of East Lansing and Jimmy Dewling of Brighton, take on golf courses in similar brute-force fashion. “We swing hard and go find it,” Ellis said. “You saw that on TV with (Bryson DeChambeau) doing the same thing in the U.S. Open. If they’re going to let you do it, that’s the way to do it around a lot of these older golf courses. You hit it as far

as you can and figure out a way to get it on the green from there.” Ellis, an assistant coach at Michigan State, and Dewling, a real-estate broker who also coaches the Brighton High School golf team, bombed their tee shots over 300

yards repeatedly and teamed up for an 11-under 61 at Country Club of Jackson to win the GAM Four-Ball Championship for the second time. The duo additionally qualified for the USGA FourBall to commence in May at Chambers Bay in the state of Washington. In addition to Ellis and Dewling, U-M players Brent Ito and Patrick Sullivan (Grosse Pointe) qualified for the national tournament. MGJ

Michigan Golf Journal News Release

Carl’s Golfland Wraps Up the 2020 #ShankThisVirus Campaign

Program contributed more than $625,000 to groups providing COVID-19 relief across the nation BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (October 21, 2020) -- Carl’s Golfland today announced the final donation in its #ShankThisVirus campaign – a $26,000 gift to the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) to help the non-profit, which saw a significant financial impact from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The support Vietnam Veterans of America provides to our veterans is more vital than ever since the onset of the pandemic,” said Carl Rose, president of the Michigan-based golf retailer. “It is my hope that this donation will help ensure the health of VVA as it continues its work advocating for our heroes to get the support and services they deserve.” Carl’s Golfland’s #ShankThisVirus campaign raised more than $625,000 through the sales of T-shirts and personal donations made by Rose’s family for communities affected by COVID-19 around the country. “When COVID-19 hit, our organization was forced to scale back our work even as we were studying the impact of the virus on aging veterans,” said John Rowan, National President for VVA, a non-profit organization based in Silver

Springs, Md. “This donation will help us to continue our work and restore services and outreach to our members.” Carl’s Golfland’s #ShankThisVirus campaign helped bring professional and amateur golfers together during an unprecedented pandemic to help fight COVID-19. Golfers around the country bought thousands of T-shirts and shared messages of support on social media since the program launched in April. “We are grateful to the thousands of people who supported the #ShankThisVirus campaign,” Rose said. “It is a testament to the golfing community that we were able to help so much in this time of need.” Carl’s Golfland was founded in 1958 by Carl and Donna Rose with a small store outside Pontiac Michigan. Today the family-owned company operates worldclass retail stores and practice facilities in Bloomfield Hills and Plymouth, Mich., and one of the nation’s leading online golf stores, carlsgolfland.com. MGJ

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