Michigan Golf Journal April 2024

Drive, Chip and Putt Drive, Chip and Putt Mich Past Winners: Mich Past Winners: Where are they now Where are they now Top

Editor’sLetter

Of course it’s spring – The Masters is here.

And in honor of The Masters, we take a deep dive into two great Michigan-related stories to The Masters – a preview of University of Michigan golfer Hailey Borja’s invitation to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, and a look back at past Michigan winners at the Drive, Chip and Putt National finals and bring you up to date on their life today.

Even our golf Q and A with NFL quarterback and Michigander Kirk Cousins shares his views of The Masters growing up in the Holland area, and his take on the sport of golf overall.

Also in April look for:

The top 25 golf courses in Michigan, based on the ratings of GolfPass users

A preview of the new Dow Championship, the LPGA event in Midland

The mild winter weather allowed many courses to have golfers out early How to reach the green in regulation

Our cover story on great golf in the Gaylord Golf Mecca

… and so much more

Thank you for joining us – and best wishes to all this spring and summer seasons.

TomLang EditorandPublisher

Top 25 Public Courses in Michigan

Ratings provided by GolfPass

What are the top public golf courses in Michigan? It depends on who you ask.

And according to NBC’s GolfPass' annual Golfers Choice ranking lists, who some would consider as the ‘average Joe’ golfer, becomes the expert along with thousands of their contemporaries across the country.

National golf publications typically enlist course raters who receive some training in evaluating course design, and have the connections and/or time to visit the largest and more well-known courses and resorts. Often they are also members of the golf media.

GolfPass compiled its annual Golfers' Choice lists by analyzing the ratings and reviews submitted by members of their GolfPass ‘community’ throughout the previous year. Utilized were GolfPass' Ratings Index logic that

weights newer reviews and combine it with a course ' s subcategory averages. Courses are considered for this list if public tee times are available, even if the course is private or semiprivate.

Based on the greens fees revealed in the GolfPass list, the reviews give a lot of kudos to courses on the more affordable side of the money scale (most are under $70). It doesn’t mean golfers who play more affordable or more expensive courses are right or wrong in their voting and opinions. The bottom line is we are so blessed with so many golf options in Michigan that raters can never play them all. The statistic below even reveals that less than half of the golf courses in Michigan were reviewed by GolfPass users – thus the favorite courses of you and your friends might not have even received votes. C

This GolfPass list is a nice cross-section of Michigan’s well-known resorts and other highend options, intermixed with more local community tracks and a few locations we’ve never even heard of – yet another indication that Michigan has so many options to choose from for Michigan’s golf-loving public.

If you want to get involved with determining the top public golf courses in Michigan or any other future Golfers' Choice lists, Click here to review a golf course, whether it’s your first or your 100th or more.

Michigangolfcoursesreviewedin2023:312 ReviewscompiledofMichigangolfcoursesin 2023:5,599

Here is the list from number 25 to No. 1. One star indicates greens fees are a lower cost (under $70).

Two stars means mid-range ($70-130).

Three stars means more than $130 greens fee peak time.

But always check your own pricing options when making tee times.

No.6:IndianRiverGolfClub

No. 25

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, The Wolverine,

Traverse City ***

No. 24

Timber Trace Golf Course, Pinckney *

No. 23

Bay Harbor Golf Club, Boyne, Petoskey ***

No. 22

St. Ives Golf Club, Stanwood ***

No. 21

Metamora Golf and Country Club, Metamora **

No.9:HarborShores

No. 20

Michaywee Pines, Gaylord *

No. 19

Fox Hills Golden Fox, Plymouth *

No. 18

Eldorado, Cadillac **

No. 17

Gull Lake View Resort, Stonehedge North, Gull Lake *

No. 16

Hunters Ridge, Howell

No.1:TheFortress

No. 15

Gaylord Golf Club, Gaylord *

No. 14

Eagle Glen, Farwell *

No. 13

Woodland Hills, Sandusky *

No. 12

Hills of Lenawee Golf Club, Adrian *

No. 11

Tamaracks Golf Course, Harrison *

No. 5

No. 10

Forest Akers West, East Lansing **

No. 9

Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor ***

No. 8

Shepherd’s Hollow, Clarkston **

No. 7

George Young Recreation Golf Course, Gaastra (near Iron River) *

No. 6 Indian River Golf Club, Indian River *

Ravines Golf Club, Saugatuck **

No 4

Gull Lake View, Stonehedge South, Augusta *

No. 3

Gladstone Golf Course, Gladstone *

No. 2

Sugarbush Golf Club, Davison *

No. 1

The Fortress, Frankenmuth **

Memories of Drive, Chip and Putt for MI Kids

ByTomLang

ThreeMichiganboyswonnationaltitlesatAugusta

This year marks the 10th annual Drive, Chip and Putt at Augusta National.

It’s also the first year not a single kid from Michigan made the field of the national finals. Every year since the inaugural 2015 event, one or more young players from Michigan represented the state well. Here are some memories of their experience:

That first year in 2015, two Michigan kids went to Georgia, and have since had incredible golfing careers that are certainly not over. PJ Maybank of Cheboygan and Anika Dy of Traverse City made it in the age 7-9 boys group and 14-15 girls group, respectively. Neither placed well in year one but both eventually returned for a second try and did very well.

Maybank won the 2018 boys 12-13 division and returned again in 2019 – and in 2016 Dy was T3

overall in the girls 14-15 again, in her final year of eligibility.

“The first time I went I was nine years old, so I didn’t really realize how special it was to be at Augusta National,” Maybank told me recently. “But the last time I went at 13, and even more now, I realized how special it was to be there.

“It’s such historic grounds. Millions of people dream of just going there for a day… and I was able to go there three times. We got to go to the Monday practice rounds and meet a bunch of pros and be interviewed by media. It’s so cool. The year I won, my name was put up on the leaderboard at 18 green. That was probably the coolest moment I had, where all those great players have been.”

Maybank joined the Cheboygan High golf team his sophomore year and won Mr. Golf for the state of Michigan. Afterward he played national junior tournaments and now is a freshman on the men’s team at University of Oklahoma on a full-ride. He said being a Sooner has been everything he thought it would be and is enjoying the team play and camaraderie and the “top-notch” training facilities.

“I think Drive Chip and Putt is a great way to get young kids into the game,” Maybank said.

PJMaybank

“Looking back, I started golf at a young age, but most kids start a little older. Golf can be boring, to be honest, for an 8, 9, 10-year-old. No 10-year-old kid wants to be out there for 4-5 hours. Drive, Chip and Putt is a lot quicker for practicing and qualifying, but it gets their competitive juices going. I think it’s a great way to start for kids.”

Dyvoicedalmostthoseexactwords.

AnikaDy

go to medical school. While professional golf was a dream at one time, she is also pursuing her dream to be a doctor. She won high school’s Miss Golf three times while at Traverse City West, winning the Division 1 state title three times (2016-18). As an amateur Dy won the 2019 Michigan PGA Women’s pro tournament. She played four years for the U-M women’s golf team and helped U-M to the women’s first ever Big Ten championship in 2022.

“It’s a great way to start golf, even if you’ve never picked up a club,” she said. “It’s only 9 shots. And if you don’t like it, you’re done. Nine shots to show what you’ve got and it’s a fun way to start into the game. DCP is more truly like a game for them, it’s fun, like getting the ball into the circle. Not exactly what most kids think when they think of the game of golf.”

Dy has finished college at Michigan and is working in a surgery center and taking steps to

Dy qualified for the last two U.S. Women’s Amateurs and will continue to try extending her amateur career while working.

At Augusta in 2022, BentleyCoonof Horton, south of Jackson, won the boys 10-11 age group overall, and the driving discipline. According to his dad, Brian, one errant drive kept Bentley from being at Augusta again this year. At Sectionals last fall, Bentley, currently a 7th grader, hit two impressive drives – but the third one missed the grid, where in the Sectionals, all three drives count. So, instead of winning the boys 12-13 age group by 19 points, Bentley came up one point short of going to Augusta again.

“His first two drives were in the 260s and 270s,

DRIVE, CHIP AND PUTT MEMORIES

and he just tried to get a little bit more with the third one and just over-cooked it,” his dad, Brian, told me. “In hindsight, if he just hit the sand wedge he’d be going to Augusta again.”

Bentley has been playing the Callaway/ Meijer Tour out of Coldwater and has plans to soon try GAM and AJGA events.

A third young Michigander won the 2021 Drive, Chip and Putt national finals in the boys 7-9 division. LucasBernstein,thenfrom Williamston was 9 when he won the Sectional at Oakland Hills in October 2019, but due to Covid canceling the 2020 event in Augusta, he and all the others were invited to compete in 2021. Last we heard, Lucas moved back to California due to a parents’ job change.

Last year, Michigan was represented at Augusta by Lyla Hampton, a golfer at Grosse Pointe South High School; Paige Radebach, and Robert Melendez, who is in elementary school in Ann Arbor. His sister, Mia, is the leading candidate to be Miss Golf next fall.

Radebach was All State first-

team Div. 3 as a freshman for the state runner-up Williamston HS team. She was 14th at the state tournament to help her Williamston team to state runner up. Hampton earned all-state honorable mention in Division 2. She placed 12th at the state tournament at Forest Akers in October as a sophomore.

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BentleyCoon

STRAIGHT UP: Heart of Michigan Resort STRAIGHT UP: Heart of Michigan Resort

Golf is The Gaylord Golf Mecca Golf is The Gaylord Golf Mecca

ByGregJohnson

It’s 230 miles or less from the Detroit area to Gaylord. Straight up I-75.

It’s about 175 miles or less from the Lansing area to Gaylord. Straight up U.S. 127.

It’s about 180 miles or less from the Grand Rapids area to Gaylord. Straight up U.S. 131.

And the Upper Peninsula, it’s straight U.P. from Gaylord across the Mighty Mac bridge in 60 miles or less.

Straight up, America’s and Michigan’s favorite summer golf destination is the Gaylord Golf Mecca, and it’s easy to find.

The Mecca is in the heart of the Northern Lower Peninsula. It’s a beautiful, rustic woods and water paradise where long summer days on

the edge of the Eastern Time Zone allow all day play at 16 golf courses. There are also wonderful places to stay with 20 lodging partners.

Each year, large numbers of golfers from across the country can be found roaming the Mecca courses, but those who hail from Michigan sometimes make the pilgrimage multiple times each summer.

“Michigan golfers realize they can make it here in part of a day, then play their first round that same day on a wonderful golf course. They stay that night in the lodging of their choice at prices more affordable than other destinations,” says Paul Beachnau, executive director of the unique cooperative Mecca marketing group now in its 37th year of working together.

“We have 16 courses and 20 lodging partners, including well-known resorts, and other unique

GarlandResort:MonarchHole13

options for golf, making us that go-to summer destination. The Mecca is perfect for a weekend or longer stay, for groups, for couples, for everybody.”

The Mecca, according to Beachnau, makes it happen with old-fashioned Michigan work ethic, cooperation, vision and investment.

“We keep getting better,” he says. “You continue to see Mecca members improve their golf courses and properties with renovations, investment in additions and facilities, all the hard-work items. When you put it together, it makes a better experience for our visitors.”

The Mecca’s current president is J.T. Aude, the head golf professional at Gaylord Golf Club. He says the Mecca, which includes three flagship resorts in Treetops Resort, Otsego Resort and

Garland Lodge & Golf Resort, and eight properties total, is unique because it’s a wide variety of partners who contribute to bringing golfers to the Gaylord area.

“Together we all strive to offer quality and quantity, and that allows us to offer unmatched price points, getaway golf, classic golf, resort golf, great country club style golf and some of the best-conditioned courses in the country.

We may be competitors, but we know what’s best for all of us is to work together to be a summer golf destination.”

The Mecca’s lineup includes:

Black Lake Golf Club with its awardwinning Rees Jones-designed golf course.

Gaylord Golf Club with its classic pristine greens that have charmed golfers for decades.

Garland Lodge & Golf Resort, which is home to four golf courses and is in year 73 as a destination.

Indian River Golf Club, a classic which bills itself accurately as the friendliest golf course in the north.

Lakes of the North Golf Club, a get-awayfrom-it-all spot that provides an affordable hidden-gem golf course.

The Pines Golf Course at Michaywe,’ which has been a home of classic golf for 52 years, including hosting the Michigan Amateur Championship twice.

Otsego Resort, which is continuing multimillion-dollar improvements and features two courses, including the highly acclaimed Tribute Golf Course.

And Treetops Resort, with its unmatched five golf courses including one of the most famous par 3 courses in the world –Threetops.

Gaylord, known fondly as the Alpine Village, started its journey to being a U.S. golf destination in 1987. Harry Melling, an auto industry supplier and NASCAR team owner who

had earlier purchased a ski resort on the edge of town, unveiled the Masterpiece, the last major golf course design by the legendary architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr.

The award-winning work by Jones attracted golfers to what became known as Treetops Resort, but also quickly put Gaylord in the national golf conversation as a must-stop in the Midwest.

When golfers stopped, they found uncommon variety fashioned by not only Jones, but multiple highly regarded architects.

Tom Fazio’s only Michigan design – the Premier – is at Treetops.

Rick Smith, best known for working on the swings of Phil Mickelson and several other top pros, picked the brains of Jones and Fazio when he was the director of golf at Treetops and then designed the Signature, the Tradition and Threetops, all award winners. Continuesonpg.18>>

Wilfred Reid, a Michigan Golf Hall of Fame member who designed over 20 courses in the state as well as the Olympic Club in San Francisco, did original design work that remains a part of the classic 101-year-old Indian River Golf Club, since redesigned by Warner Bowen.

Rees Jones, one of Robert Trent Jones’ sons, created one of his personal favorites and an award-winning course at Black Lake Golf Club.

Rick Robbins and PGA Tour player and NBC golf analyst Gary Koch built The Tribute at Otsego Resort, a tribute to Michigan golf and vistas. William Diddle of Indianapolis, a cofounder of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, designed The Classic, the friendly course along the road at the resort.

Michigan Golf Hall of Fame designer Jerry Matthews designed nine of the holes at Lakes of the North to go with an original nine by Michigan designer Bill Newcomb.

Don Childs, another notable Michigan

designer, created The Pines at Michaywe’ and Gaylord Golf Club, both shining-star parkland style courses that first brought quality golf to the area.

The late Ron Otto, a Detroit businessman who invented the insulated garage door and later developed and owned Garland Lodge & Golf Resort, also designed golf courses. His four popular designs at the resort are a clear reflection of his inventive mind and talents.

“We might not be as well-known as Myrtle Beach or the Alabama Golf Trail, but our courses rival in design and variety those bigger boys in the destination game. Plus, we are a lot easier to travel to for Michigan golfers and those in the Midwest,” says Judy Mason, head professional at The Pines at Michaywe.

“It’s also really beautiful here in the summer. Come on up.”

Straight up.

Learn more at gaylordgolfmecca.com.

WithTomLang Golf Q&A: NFL Quarterback Kirk Cousins Golf Q&A: NFL Quarterback Kirk Cousins

The NFL draft is coming to Detroit this month.

Last month, Michigander Kirk Cousins signed a new free agency contract with the Atlanta Falcons after his successful time as quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.

Cousins, a 12 handicap at age 35, spent a half hour on the phone with me to discuss his other passion: GOLF.

Question:

TheMastersiscoming;canIassumeyou followtheaction?

Answer:

“I remember being 7 years old when Nick Faldo

came back to beat Greg Norman and understanding even at 7 years old this had some intensity to it.

“It was always the first rite of spring growing up in the Midwest when you would turn on the TV and see the flowers at Augusta National and the green grass, and it just signaled spring. The turning of as page if you will to all of us in the Midwest as we watched; the start of the golf season in so many ways.

“When I got to college, my roommate Joel Kuntzman (MSU football team manager) explained to me more of the mystique not only of the Masters but of Augusta National and all that goes with it. That really piqued my interest. (MSU golfer) Jack Newman played in the Masters (2009) when I was in college and that was a big deal around campus. My interest in the Masters has just snowballed over the

KirkCousinsatFalconsPressConfrence

years and I’ve been able to attend the tournament a couple of times, and really enjoyed it.”

Q:Whatmightbesomesimilaritiesbetween golfandfootball?

A: “I think you can have as many similarities as you choose to have, but for me, I get enough of football on the football field, so I’m comfortable with golf being very different from football.

“It’s a sport that’s played at a different pace, which is good. I appreciate the followship of it and I don’t need to go play competitively to try to win. I think I get plenty of that in other areas of life. So, it’s more about the camaraderie and not being in a hurry. I prefer to not use a golf cart but prefer to walk with a caddie or walk and carry. For me it’s more about the differences between the two.

“I think when I’m done playing football I would see golf being that competitive outlet where the way I approach golf would probably change. I would turn it into trying to ‘grind on my game’ – going to the range and really work on getting better and use that as a great outlet to continue a lot

of the habits I’ve had with football the last 20 years, and see how good I could get at golf and try to compete and try to win. But as long as football is going for me, golf is more of a laidback social experience where I’m in no hurry and enjoying the process and take it one shot at a time.”

Q:Haveyoumadeaholeinone?

A: “Never had one. The closest I ever got was at a golf camp in fifth grade, one summer in Wisconsin. On a par 3 as an 11-year-old I hit the ball way off to the right into some woods. The ball bounced around in some trees and then kicked out towards the green and then rolled to like 6 inches from the cup. I was able to tap in for birdie and that taught me a thing or two

PhotoCourtesyof theMinnesotaVikings

about how sometimes the ball bounces your way in golf and sometimes it doesn’t,” he said with a chuckle.

Q:IfyouwereaskedtocaptainaRyderCupteam, whattacticsormotivationwouldyouuse?

A: “I think I’d try to put a chip on people’s shoulders. I think I’d make it clear that we as a group were being overlooked and under-estimated. I would talk about how great moments come from great opportunities, and that this opportunity is great, and as a result we have a chance to experience a great moment if we execute.”

Q:Doyouhaveagolfbucketlist?

A:“Yes, I do. My desire is to play as many courses as I can. I’ve been fortunate enough to play many, but I would like to go to Scotland and Ireland.

When I retire, I’d love to go to New Zealand and play some of the courses there. Even now, moving to Atlanta, there’s a lot of courses in the Southeast that I’d love to play that I haven’t been to.

“But if you were to tell me that I could play just the courses in west Michigan alone, that would be tremendous when you think about all the great golf courses, from New Buffalo all the way up to Harbor Springs. There’s a lot of great CousinsatMichiganState

golf and I don’t have the time, but I do the best I can to chip away at the list.

“And it’s not just about chipping away from the list, but doing that with people. Going with my sons (now ages 5 and 6), going with my brother, with my dad and my college roommates, and being able to experience those courses with them; I think that’s what it’s all about. And meeting new people you meet at the courses, the caddies. I just think it’s fun to go with people you know and build those relationships, but then also meet people on those trips.”

“But I’ve got a few more football games to play and that kind of dominates the schedule right now, and golf tends to be on the back burner for the time being.”

Q:Aboutayearagoyoupurchasedyour hometownClearbrookGolfCourseinSaugatuck. Whatmotivationwasthere?

A: “I became a member at The Dunes Club in New Buffalo and it was an hour drive there. The rounds of golf I was playing there were my favorite time I spent all summer. But I felt the hour drive to get there wasn’t very sustainable in the long term, so I started looking at options that were closer to home.

“I saw that Clearbrook had a lot of similar traits to the Dunes Club as far as being a self-contained course, it wasn’t a neighborhood course which so many courses are. It has great history (nearing 100 years old) and a beautiful creek running through it. There’s some elevation change, there’s mature trees and it’s close to the heart of town on a great piece of property.

“I knew Jim Jeltema (still owner of the clubhouse restaurant) was getting to a stage in life he was looking to sell and I had a feeling that if someone were to buy it they would turn the land into condos… so to help Jim, and to keep the land a golf course for the next generations I thought we could step up and purchase it. That would give me a little bit of oversight on the home-town golf course in the years ahead when I’m done playing football and I can be there more and get to play golf more.

“I would love for any Michigan golfer who reads this Journal to come out to Clearbrook and visit and say hello, and don’t be surprised if they see me out on the range or the golf course grinding on my game, because I fully intend to be spending a lot of time there in my retirement from football.”

LPGA Name and Dates LPGA Name and Dates LPGA Name and Dates Change in Midland Change in Midland Change in Midland

SamewonderfulVeteransPavilionandEatGreatTrailavailable

A new name, new logo, new purse and ne dates to play have been set for the fifth a LPGA tournament at the Midland Count Club.

The Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational appeared with great fanfare in 2019 as th LPGA Tour’s only official points event fo teams, in which both players of a two-pe team playing in a best-ball and alternate format earn Tour prize money and points.

The name has been changed to the simpler Dow Championship, and the dates have been moved forward to June 27-30. In past years, the tournament was in July, and because it was held right before the Evion Championship in Europe, the rounds were played on Wednesday through Saturday to give the pros an extra travel day for going overseas. Now the

tournament will end on the more traditional Sunday afternoon. The purse has also been increased to $3 million.

“We are thrilled to introduce our new logo, which captures the spirit of the Dow

ionship and sets the or our continued h and passion for our egion,” Carlos Padilla utive director of the hampionship, said in a news release. “As we k on this exciting new he event, we remain steadfast in our mission to the tournament and the Great Lakes Bay Region.”

No doubt the team format is great for fans, if for no other reason the scoring is a little different and plays similar to a Ryder Cup, just not in the vein of U.S. vs Europe.

“I have been involved with the Dow Championship since its inaugural year in 2019,” said Kathryn

Fanning, chairperson of the driving range at nearby Currie Golf Course. “As soon as I found out the LPGA was coming to Midland, I knew I had to be involved. Not only have I had the opportunity to connect with great players, staff, caddies, volunteers, and fans; but I have also been able to experience the togetherness and energy the event brings to the community.”

The tournament is always looking for volunteers, and you can help by going to this web address:

https://dowchampionship.com/volunteer

“Volunteering at the Dow Championship has been such a fun and exciting experience,” said Penny Robinson. “The Dow Championship is one of the best run tournaments I’ve had the pleasure of working at and would highly encourage people looking for a volunteer opportunity to give this one a try.”

TicketsGoOnSaleApril17:

Daily tickets to the tournament will be free on Tuesday and Wednesday. General Admission tickets are available for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, includes grounds access, public viewing bleacher seating and access to various concession areas located throughout the course.

Daily Tickets (valid one day, Thursday-Sunday): $10

Weekly Tickets (valid each day, Thursday-Sunday): $25 Kids (17 & under): Free with ticketed adult

EatGreatTrailpresentedby GarberTickets

The Eat Great Trail gives spectators a chance to sample a variety of menu items on hospitality decks located throughout the course. A selection of beer and wine will also be available for guests 21 and over. Eat Great Trail tickets grant access to all Eat Great Trail locations as well as general admission access to the golf tournament.

Daily Tickets (Thursday-Sunday): $60

Individuals Aged 13-20: $20

Kids (12 & under): Free with a ticketed adult

Veteran’sSuite

All military personnel and veterans will receive one (1) free daily admission ticket each day to the Veteran’s Suite. Veteran’s Hospitality Tickets can be reserved online for each day of the tournament.

Military Personnel and Veterans will receive one (1) daily admission ticket with proof of valid ID or driver’s license

An additional complimentary Veteran’s Ticket upgrade for a guest is also included. The guest upgrade comes with a General Admissions ticket and access to the Veteran’s Hospitality Suite.

ALLtickets,andreservationsfortheVeteran’sSuiteareonline beginningApril17athttps://dowchampionship.com/tickets.

Reaching Greens Reaching Greens in Regulation in Regulation

ByTomLang

Sometimes Tour players, prominent teachers, national publications – even members of the local golf league – make it seem as though reaching the green in regulation is a necessity in golf.

But for the average golfer, does that good intention really help improve skills or lower scores? Too often, trying to be an aggressive hero turns many golf games south and scores inevitably go up instead.

I had the same problem for many years until about a decade ago I started thinking of ‘bogey equaled par.’ From that perspective, if I played less aggressively, I was fine walking off the green with a bogey rather than doubles, triples and worse because I went into a hazard for example. I also knew I was good enough at golf and would still make a handful of pars and usually one birdie per round – so when I avoided doubles, triples and worse, I began breaking 90 on a regular basis. That method isn’t for everyone, but it improved my game.

For golfers who want to reach more greens in regulation, it starts at the tee box, and picking the right tee box for your own game is priority one. High handicappers have no business playing the toughest, longer tees – whether they do through pressure from their buddies or thinking they won’t be challenged enough or fully experience the course unless they play from the tips.

“Especially the guys often want to say ‘I played the blues, or I played the tees from where the pros played’ – and it’s just too much,” said Brian Liberati, the former head pro at Carl’s Golfland, Plymouth, once told me. “But thankfully more of my students are understanding the game as a whole and are picking tees more appropriate. Play what fits your game, and enjoy the game so you don’t finish a round and think back saying, ‘Why did I do that?’”

Both Liberati, and Carl’s Golfland West Bloomfield pro Joe Portfilio, said hitting more greens in regulation is all about preparation.

“Not enough golfers really plan for the next shot in advance,” Liberati said. “Most just go up to the tee, grab a driver and whack away. They don’t plan: ‘should I be on the left side of the fairway, maybe the right side of the fairway with this first shot – or even what distance do I want to come into the green with the next shot – at 200, 150, 125 yards away?’ A lot of people just want to bust the driver as far as they can every time.

“Always ask yourself what your next shot will be, what the best approach angle is, or better yet what provides the best margin for error.”

Portfilio said reaching more greens in

regulation could come as a result of finding an approach shot that is the least dangerous and get the ball to roll up onto the green, “ so they are at least putting, instead of trying to fly one in and stick it at a tucked pin.

“If a golfer is in the rough, while it might be a nice fluffy lie they can hit, it won’t get any backspin because of the blades of grass between the club face and ball,” Portfilio added. “So even if they can get it to the green you can’t plan on having it stick near the pin. You need to plan on hitting short of the pin and let it roll up there.”

Another step at hitting more greens in regulation is proper navigation of hazards that designers put there specifically to keep golfers from easily reaching the green.

“I try to tell my students – think about if you’re more than or less than 50 percent confident you can get over the object,” Liberati said. “I tell them if they are less than 50-50, I wouldn’t try the shot. Not trying to say to them always play safe, but more to just play smart. If you have a doubtful mindset while standing over the ball you probably will not pull off the shot.”

Portfilio echoed that sentiment by saying: “If you’re going to risk taking a shot, it better reward you and save you a stroke.”

AGoal,butNotaRegulation:

As proven by watching pros on television, reaching the green in regulation does not guarantee lower scores – in fact the recreational golfer’s self-inflicted pressure of always trying to pull off such shots typically results in trouble.

“If you look at the stats on the PGA Tour, you’ll

see the guys making millions of dollars are reaching only 10, 11 greens in regulation but they’re shooting 68s,” Portfilio reminds us. “Even the recreational players that often break 90 still only hit 5 to 6 greens in regulation.”

Even if playing from the middle of the fairway, grabbing a 3-iron because it matches the remaining distance to reach the green is not an automatic decision. “Because if you haven’t used it in two weeks and only one-in-20 shots with it are straight and solid, and you’re approaching a green with a bunker on the right and junk on the left, there’s no reason to have that 3-iron in your hand,” he added.

“If that same pin is tucked behind the bunker and you love your pitching wedge, try hitting the fairway shot to your perfect wedge distance, then go at the pin and get a one-putt. You will always score better with good course management. It’s not always about hitting the tee shot far and getting on the green in two.”

A Second Trip to A Second Trip to Augusta for the National Augusta for the National Women’s Amateur Women’s Amateur

U-M golfer Hailey Borja returns

ByTomLang

At first, Hailey Borja thought she was in trouble with her mom.

Yet her concerns quickly turned to utter joy and celebration.

Borja was on a training trip to Florida with her Wolverine teammates in February. There’s an agreement that no one uses their phones on the team bus nor at team dinners or other activities. Those times are sacred for the team, not to be bothered by others.

“When we got to the golf course (and got off the bus), I finally looked at my phone and I see messages from my mom saying, ‘ answer the phone, answer the phone,’ and I think, oh no, I’m in trouble (by the wrath of mom),” Borja told me. “I noticed a missed call, and the caller ID said Augusta National. And I thought, oh my gosh there’s no way.”

Borja said that the top 30 women Americans and the top 30 international players get invited to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur each spring, and she was hovering this fall at 31 or 32 in the country.

“So, if someone would have backed out of the tournament, I knew there was a possibility of being next in line, or close to it,” she said. “So I knew the possibility was there, but I also thought that if you are invited to that tournament, how could you turn this opportunity down?”

But, someone did.

“I called back and they offered me a spot since someone had taken themselves out of the tournament,” Borja said. “They asked if I wanted to join again, and I said ‘Yes, 100 percent yes, I’d love to do that.’ And my heart just was racing the whole call. I wasn’t exactly sure what they would say, but I guess if they are calling me it would be good news of some sort. Just super exciting.”

Borja got the same good news two years earlier, when her ranking was in the high end of the 20s, also close to the cutline; but that time she

received the traditional letter in the mail. She made the most of it by advancing to the 2022 final round after posting a 147 (71-76) 36-hole total at Champions Retreat Golf Club.

That two-day total put her in the final round of the 2022 event. The final, third round is played the Saturday before The Masters on the magical grounds of Augusta National. Borja fired a 74 (+2) at Augusta National, finishing T12 overall.

Borja fully supports the team phone policy.

“All these girls are my best friends now so it’s always just super fun – you don’t need to be on the phone. I’m never bored with them.”

Borja is from southern California but has been the consistent anchor in her 4-and-a-half years at Michigan. With just the upcoming spring season remaining in her college career, Borja has played in every Michigan event (44 through

early March). She became the first Wolverine to earn four All-Big Ten selections (so far) and she placed in the finals of the NCAA tournament – 5th in 2021 and 13th in 2022. Her career scoring average of 73.31 ranks second alltime at U-M.

All through her teenage years she was focused on PAC 12 or warm-weather colleges, until one day when she noticed the Michigan coaches watching her at a tournament. Thoughts started running through her head wondering what Michigan would be like. She did an unofficial visit afterwards.

“I came here and absolutely fell in love with the campus and the coaching staff, and all the opportunities offered here… opportunities where athletes can really succeed on the field as well as in the classroom. It’s a great support system,” she said.

RETURNING TO AUGUSTA

“Being from California, I think I wanted to also experience some sort of weather, and not have 70s or 80s weather all year long. I had seen snow but never lived in it. And so why not spend four or five years in a completely different place to experience something different for once,” Borja added.

“I wanted to open up to all things life has to offer, even with weather, and opening that horizon – but also playing in some cold, rainy, maybe even snowy weather to make my game a little more (well rounded) and now I’m able to play in all kinds of weather and know I’m capable of doing it without being worried.”

Borja is majoring in sports management and minoring in business. The extra Covid year allowed her one extra golf season to enjoy college and add the minor to her course work.

“I would like to go pro” she admitted about her future. “I have been playing golf for so long now I feel I should give it a try. And if it doesn’t work out, there are other opportunities for me.”

Borja had a competitively limited, but great summer in 2023. She said she believes the semifinals finish at the Women’s US Amateur in August played a really big role in keeping her ranking high enough to be considered again

for this year’s Augusta Women’s National Amateur.

“Going into the Amateur I was looking to just have some fun, it’s in LA, so I’d be close to home,” she said, adding that her internship at Titleist keep her off the course a lot last summer.

“I just knew I could have some fun, but at the end of the tournament I learned that I really am capable of competing against some of the best amateurs in the world and it opened up my idea that it doesn’t take just shooting a low score, but I think the most important thing is to be able to have fun… it all comes down to playing like a kid. It’s all about enjoyment and having fun out there.”

News and Notes From the Mi Golf Courses Superintendents

JesseShaver,Golf CourseSuperintendent

atGullLakeCountry ClubtoLeadMichigan GolfCourse Superintendents: Shaver, class A member and Golf Course Superintendent at Gull

Lake Country Club in Richland has been elected as the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) Chapter President for 2024.

Other officers elected to the MiGCSA board include Vice President Gene Davis from Elk Rapids C.C. in Richland and Secretary/Treasurer Scott Pulaski from Walloon Lake C.C.

The election marked the end of board service for Past President (2022) Ryan Moore from Forest Lake C.C.

One new member was elected to the board, Ian Daniels, CGCS from the Country Club of Jackson.

Executive Director Adam Ikamas can be contacted at info@migcsa.org

Michigan’sSteven Hammontocontinueon boardofdirectorsfor GolfCourse Superintendents

AssociationofAmerica: Hammon, golf course superintendent at

Traverse City Country Club, will continue to serve on the board of directors for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Hammon was first elected to the board in 2022.

Hammon has been at Traverse City Country Club for 27 years after stints as superintendent at Indianwood Golf and Country Club near Lake Orion, and assistant at Crystal Downs Country Club in Frankfort. He is a 35-year GCSAA member, and also served on the USGA Green Section Committee for 20 years

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Early Season Success for Some Michigan Golf Courses

ByTomLang

Michigan winters can be harsh, which skiers and snowmobilers love.

They can also be milder, which hearty golfers prefer.

The year 2024 has definitely been the latter –so much so that courses in Michigan’s southern half benefitted with more golfers so far than past years.

We checked in with several courses to see if the temperature highs so far this year, where

some places reached the 70s in midMarch, were bringing out more golfers as much as bringing out tree and plant buds earlier than normal.

For dating purposes, our survey of golf courses was January 1 through March 15, an 11-week period:

At Calderone in Grass Lake, 2,456 golfers teed it up during this period. Calderone has

averaged 1,022 golfers in that same time frame the prior four years.

“We are unique in that we stay open year-round if weather permits, so we are no strangers to off season golf,” said Brian Roberts, GM at Calderone.

“We did have quite a lot of golf in December 2023, but after no golf in January we have certainly seen an impressive amount of golf in February and March (through the 15th).”

Course managers agreed that pulling in early season golf revenue is always nice for the bottom line, but what comes with it is bringing in more staff to handle the players and maybe some unfortunate wear and tear.

“The real benefit for us is we get to get our regular golfers out to play, and our staff can do additional projects on the course,” Roberts said. “The weather varies, so in my experience you need to be open when weather allows, because you never

know when you are going to have a really wet and cold April or an early winter. If we go over or under budget we always look at the weather to see if that was a reason that caused us to spend more or less.

“One thing I do know for us is the more successful our course is the more we are able to put back into upgrades and maintenance, which is a positive for us and our guests.”

At Washtenaw Golf Club in Ypsilanti, early 2024 saw approximately 1,300 golfers on the course. That compares to 1,000 in 2021, a low of 700 in 2022 and 800 last year in the January –March 15th time frame. AnikaDy

The tough part is the balancing act of doing what’s healthy for the golf course and good for the golfers themselves. That ranges from bringing in more staff and charging less than normal green fees; sometimes allowing carts and sometimes not.

“As a club we do feel it is important to take care of our Michigan golfers when the weather allows play,” said manager Donna Gonzolas-Hatch.

West along I-94 to Marshall, The Medalist was open for 14 days in the first 11 weeks, and 1,340 players took advantage of the sunny skies and increased temperatures. Managing partner Lowell Weaver II said that virtually no one played in the same time frame in prior years, so the 2024 number is an increase of easily 80 percent.

“I have been around enough to say, ‘Mother Nature always gets even with us,

good or bad,’” Weaver quipped. “We are off to a great start but looking at (the rest of March) it looks like she is getting even with us already.

“The good thing though about a nice early start is that people have gotten bitten by the bug already so it won’t take much to get them back out to the course. Where if it’s just a bad spring it sometimes takes them a while to come out for the first time.”

With The Masters signaling the traditional start of the Michigan golf season, get out and play Michiganders. Most of us have some catching up to do!

Investment in Detroit Golf Club Coming Detroit Golf Club Coming

The Detroit Golf Club Board of Directors have confirmed its plans to proceed with its Golf Course Master Plan and Fire Suppression project to ensure the enjoyment of the Club’s Donald Ross-designed legacy for future generations, according to a late-March news release.

The majority of Detroit Golf Club members voted in favor of moving forward with the restoration plan, with the project subsequently approved by the Club’s Board of Directors and lending partners.

“As the current stewards of one of the country’s most renowned golf clubs, we would like to thank our members and lending partners for understanding the importance of these golf course renovations,” Michael Pricer, Detroit Golf Club, president, said in the release. “At a time when our Club has more members and golfers than ever before, we look forward to restoring our golf courses to their original glory.”

The plan will not get underway immediately.

Phase 1 will begin on the North Course

immediately following the Rocket Mortgage Classic next year, in June 2025, and will be completed prior to the Rocket Mortgage Classic 2026. This $16.1 million dollar phase will also include irrigation and infrastructure upgrades to greens, bunkers, tees, fairways and trees. Renovations of the South Course will begin shortly after the North Course is completed.

“As Detroit Golf Club is a special place with a celebrated history, we are extremely honored to be spearheading its golf course restoration which will incorporate many facets of Donald Ross’ original design,” said architect Tyler Rae, the highly acclaimed Philadelphia-based architect who is leading the restoration project.

Founded in 1899, Detroit Golf Club is the only private golf club located within the city limits of Detroit. It is anchored by two Donald Rossdesigned 18-hole golf courses and its stately Albert Kahn-designed clubhouse. Since 2019, The Detroit Golf Club has been the home of the PGA Tour’s annual Rocket Mortgage Classic.