July Hook & Slice

The Legend and Lore of the Mulligan Tour Southeast Michigan’s Premier Recreational Golf League Vol. 1 No. 4 July 2024

The Magic of Match Play

Honoring Veterans in the Red, White & Blue Bigger than the Game Where are they now ?

Kelly Arnold

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Hook & Slice

Published monthly during the golf season Editor-in-chief Erika Fitzpatrick Staff Writers Sandy Savashot Anita Newpudda Willie Makaput Eryn O’McFitzCallaghan Wendy Wildwood Publisher ELF Publishing Inc Mulligan Tour Historian Lenovo laptop

Mulligan tour

Match play Championship Facebook Group name:

The Mulligan Tour Golf League Instagram name:

@the_mulligan_tour _dot_com

July 13-14 Huron meadows metropark

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The Magic - and Malady - of the

Match Play Championship

Erika Fitzpatrick, Editor in Chief

If the typical Mulligan Tour 18-hole tournament is a sprint, then the Match Play Championship is a marathon.

It may take as many as 72 holes or more - played in just 2 days - for the 4 players that advance to the semi-finals. The one player winning 4 matches is crowned the Match Play Champion and receives a

well earned $60 first place check and 200 MT World Ranking points.

And the subtleties of the match play format lend themselves to a more stressful level of play.

Since each individual hole is a win-or-lose situation, the consequences of one bad hole are immediately realized.

Additionally, whereas a player in a stroke-play (Continued on page 6)

Greg Kline at the 2013 Match Play Championship - the Woodlands of Van Buren

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H

M

B C O R Par (men) Men Senior men Handicap Par (ladies) Ladies Handicap

Tee White Gold

Red

70.6 68.1

70.5

S

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

122 115

5 4 3 4 4 5 3 4 471 372 212 349 374 472 142 375 436 349 193 337 349 445 131 336 5 13 7 15 11 3 17 9

121

4 4 3 4 4 5 3 4 385 344 170 293 288 406 131 330 1 9 13 11 15 5 17 7

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MT Match Play Champions at Huron Meadows MP

2023 Brian Lardin 2022 David Martin 2021 Corey McCue

Huron Meadows

Metropark Golf Course

Brighton, MI Course Designer - Sue Nyquist Opened for play in 1983 9

Out

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

In

Total

4 456 424 1

36 4 4 3 5 4 3 4 4 5 36 3223 379 343 175 499 394 134 364 423 497 3208 3000 363 330 155 435 349 129 343 373 418 2895 10 14 16 4 8 18 12 2 6

72 6431 5895

5 419 3

36 4 4 3 4 4 3 4 4 5 35 2766 306 267 151 290 344 122 337 309 412 2538 10 14 16 12 6 18 4 8 2

71 5304

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tournament is playing more against the golf course with a cumulative result over 18-holes to compare against other player’s 18-hole scores, the match play format introduces a “one on one” dynamic - one that can lead to some very interesting strategies.

- 2007 Match Play Championship Among the differences Final FourLinks at Whitmore Lake in the format is the ability Thom Bales, Bob Bruning, to concede a competitor’s DeVonne Mowry and Jason Rectenwald putt , essentially granting comfortable knocking in a “gimme”.

This is usually done to expedite short putts can lead to added pressure when play in the case of a very short putt or perhaps a required to make those longer putt that is shorties later in the inconsequential to the match. outcome of winning or Another unique feature losing the hole. of the match play format A common strategy in is the requirement of the competition is to concede order of play.

While an opponent’s short putts playing “ready-golf” is early in the match. Not promoted and condoned allowing the player to get

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in the stroke-play events, waiting for the player furthest from the hole to play first can be critical to the strategic input of one’s next shot in match play. Imagine 2 opponents that must cross a hazard with their next shots. The player slightly closer to the hole waits patiently for the “away” player to go first. If their shot enters the hazard, it may very well change the strategy of the 2nd player inducing a lay-up.

And certainly there can be some sportsmanship in match play.

The psychological influence of passive aggressive comments can have more impact when one’s opponent is in such proximity. An opponent

Final Four - 2012 Match Play Championship Woodlands of Van Buren

Kelly Arnold, Tom W Litzler, Jon Heikkinen and Charlie Roy

that overhears “Oh, I don’t have a chance today. My game has been such a mess recently”, could be lulled into taking an opponent to lightly.

A format that does not lend itself to use every week on Tour, the match play format does add a new twist - and a major grind - once every July.

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Making the Turn

Wendy Wildwood, Staff Writer

The Red White & Blue tournament debuted in 2018 as a Mulligan Tour option for those staying close to home during the July 4th holiday.

Hosted by Shenandoah GC for the first 3 years, the tournament has now found a home at Taylor Meadows GC. The event introduced

a new format whereby all players in the field use the forward (red), middle (white) and back (blue) tees throughout the round depending on the par of the hole.

The event also secured a new sponsor in 2022 as Tour veteran Greg Kline signed on to host the tournament

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Greg Kline at the 2022 Red White & Blue

and benefit a charitable cause. The tournament raised over $1,000 for Fold of Honor in 2022 and raised another $750 for the 2023 event .

“I like Folds of Honor because it helps families of military personnel get college education money.”, stated Kline.

“A co-worker who

served in the Marines suggested Folds of Honor since more of the donation goes to the cause.”

Kline would like to see the tournament expand in the future and include non-Tour members in an effort to increase the charitable contribution.

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The Back Nine Bigger than the Game Brian Lardin shares some perspective on life and golf and Mulligan Tour friendships

As the Mulligan Tour returns to Huron Meadows Metropark for the MT Match Play Championship in mid-July, we recall last year’s fantastic finish when Brian Lardin captured his 3rd career grand slam title. It was a warm, sunny weekend for the competition - but it was overcast and uncertain for the determined champion-to-be.

By Brian Lardin

When the potential match-extending putt was missed and I was made the winner of Match Play last year, I collapsed in exhaustion, joy, and relief that the grind of Match Play was over - along with an overwhelming emotional reaction to the realization that the hardest part of my weekend was just beginning.

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It was less than 24 hours before I’d be setting foot on the first tee to begin the Match Play tournament when the phone call came. I have come to believe that it is both the best and most terrifying call a parent can receive from their child. It wasn’t wedding plans and I wasn’t going to be a grandparent anytime soon, either. There was no

Brian Lardin 2023 Match Play Champion

“Many players on our roster are now people that I am proud to call my good friends. That friendship and camaraderie was exactly what I needed that weekend.” accident to report. The news I got that morning was that my 20-year old daughter was checking into a mental hospital out of fear that she would take her own life over the weekend. She was relatively new to recognizing and dealing with mental health challenges that had

begun just a couple of months earlier. I offered to drive 400 miles and pick her up. She adamantly refused stating that this was a problem that no parent can rescue a child from and she needed to deal with it proactively and immediately.

(Continued on page 12)

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Upon checking in, there would be no contact for the first 5-7 days.

Between the time of the onset of troubles a few weeks earlier and that phone call, I spent a lot of time in discussions with Ryan Kiekbusch. He has been a very open advocate for mental health awareness and I knew he could be a valuable resource for me.

Since joining the Mulligan Tour in 2021, both Ryan and Eric Kiekbusch have become close friends as well as several other MT players since I joined in 2016. To me, it has become more than just golf. It is a second family.

Ryan assured me that everything I could do as a parent was exactly what I was doing – be supportive, not dismissive; be patient, not intolerant; expect some

days to be better than others.

The next issue for me was what do I do?

Powerless to do anything for the next few days, it didn’t take long to understand that spending as much time as I could around friends was going to be the best thing I could do for my own sanity.

Some players choose to show up, golf, and go home – and I don’t begrudge anyone that does so.

However, I strongly believe that those players are missing out on a lot of what The Mulligan Tour offers.

Many players on our roster are now people that I am proud to call my good friends. That didn’t happen on the golf course. It happened in the clubhouse, at pre-round breakfast gatherings, and on buddy trips where the golf is just a few hours of the day. That

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friendship and camaraderie was exactly what I needed that weekend before I went back to the stark reality of my family situation.

At the conclusion of the tournament, my mind naturally went right back to the situation at hand and tears were held back as best I could. I was able to avoid being consumed by it for two days thanks to The Mulligan Tour. My daughter was mature enough to seek

help. Nearly a year later, I am happy to report that she is doing great.

There is a lot more to this thing called The Mulligan Tour than the golf.

Get to know people.

Remember that this is a fun tour with a competitive element, not the other way around.

You are not alone.

Help is available for people experiencing domestic violence or suicidal thoughts.

Call the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Grayson Murray

PGA Tour Champion 1993-2024

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The 19th Hole Where are they now?

Kelly Arnold’s Mulligan Tour career cut short by life’s work necessities

The Arnold File 10 seasons (2006-2015) 9 wins in 86 starts 6 major victories 2006 PLAYERS 2008 Memorial 2009, 2012 Match Play 2011 EASTERN 2011 TOUR Top-4’s: 34 (39.5%) Career earnings $892.75

Erika Fitzpatrick, Editor-in-Chief

Kelly Arnold loved the big stage on the Mulligan Tour. Six of his 9 career wins came in grand slam events, including a PLAYERS Championship at the end of his 2006 rookie season.

He teamed with Rick Persichetti to win the a Green Towel in 2008 but made 2011 his best season.

That year, Arnold won the TOUR Championship 3 weeks

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after winning the EASTERN Championship and earned a spot playing for the East Commissioner’s Cup squad.

In 10 seasons on Tour, Arnold compiled one of the best top-4 percentages in Tour history. He finished in the money a remarkable 34 times in 86 starts.

The 39.5% rate is 2nd best alltime for players with at least 80 starts.

Arnold also won the Match Play Championship twice, beating the junior Tom Litzler in the 2009 final and the senior Tom Litzler in the 2012 final.

“One of my favorite memories is winning match play and the newsletter was me with the headline ‘King of the Mountain’”, said Arnold.

Arnold retired from (Continued on page 16)

Kelly Arnold chilling at home

Mulligan Tour Chronicles August 2009

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Mulligan Tour competition when the night shift at GM (plus 2 weekends a month) became the norm.

Divorced after 22 years, he has 2 daughters, Savannah, 24, and Pricilla, 16, that both play golf.

He is currently with his high school sweetheart and has introduced her to the game as well.

Kelly Arnold TOUR Champion 2011

Kelly Arnold, Greg Kline and Jason Rectenwald at Augusta National Golf Club for the 2009 Masters Tournament

Congratulations to

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Brian Lardin Champion Golfer of the Year

72 - 70 — 142 (-2)

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2024 Alzheimer’s Awareness Open June 1st, 2024 Farmington Hills Golf Club

Ryan Doak CHAMPION 65 (-6) www.alz.org Thanks to all the AAO competitors $550 was donated to the Alzheimer’s Association

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Breast Cancer Awareness Open www.littlediablosalsa.com

Little Diablo Salsa

August 25

Farmington Hills GC

Western Swing

August 10

Huntmore GC

BENEFITTING English Springer Rescue America

2024 Mulligan Tour Results / Schedule DATE Apr 13 Apr 14 Apr 20 Apr 21 Apr 27 Apr 28

TOURNAMENT Pine View Classic Sweet Sixteen Animal House Classic Tin Cup Sparty Classic Chelsea Classic

Winner Justin McCue 72 (E) Willi Hesse (-7) Tom W Litzler 74 (+2) Greg Kline 74 (+2) Corey McCue 71 (-1) Stewart Levine 72 (E)

Runner-up J.Cubel R.Hiestand G.Kline / J.Cubel D.Martin T.R.Litzler Pa.Parent, S.Wilsey H. Puffenberger Pa.Parent/Ph.Parent M.Lindeman C.Stalo G.Goodspeed, R. Hiestand, H. Puffenberger K. Gregoire R.Dunmore M.Geisser H.Puffenberger D.Martin S.Levine G.Kline, K.Gregoire, B.Gordon H.Puffenberger S.Wilsey Ph.Parent C.Withey T.Markel

May 4 May 11 May 18 May 19

The Memorial Tournament Cherry Creek Classic Dudlee’s Plymouth Open Irish Open

C.Stalo / J.Cubel 64 (-8) Thomas Mulhern 71 (-1) Kevin Gregoire 66 (-4) Mark Lindeman 66 (-5)

May 24 May 25 June 1 June 2 June 7 June 8-9 June 15

Par-54 Classic Strokes on a Rope Alzheimer’s Awareness Open East Side Charity Classic Fox Hunt Harbour Pointe Open MT Senior Open

Helen Puffenberger 49 (-5) Jeff Pasz 75 (+3) Ryan Doak 65 (-6) Ned Loving 69 (-2) Helen Puffenberger 61 pts Brian Lardin 142 (-2) Ken Westerman 69 (-2)

June 21 June 22 June 23 June 29 June 30

Red Oaks Shootout Quad-Tour Challenge The Holy Grail Fifty Cent Classic C Cool Classic

Eric Kiekbusch 14 pts Mike Attard 274 (-11) Tommy O’Neill 63 (-9) Rick Floyd 72 (E) Tommy O’Neill 64 (-8)

July 7 July 13-14 July 20 July 21 July 27 July 28 Aug 4 Aug 10 Aug 11 Aug 17 Aug 17 Aug 18 Aug 25 Aug 31 Sep 7 Sep 8 Sep 20-22 Sep 28 Oct 5 Oct 12 Oct 13 Nov 2

TOURNAMENT LOCATION FEE Red, White & Blue Taylor Meadows GC $67 Match Play Championship Huron Meadows MP GC $84 (+85) Carrington Classic Carrington GC $68 Ugly Pants Open Brae Burn GC $52 Big Dog Pro-Am Pontiac CC $61 Crazy Brit Whispering Willows GC $44 Caddyshack Classic Rackham GC $70 Little Diablo Western Swing Huntmore GC $76 Go Blue Classic Lake Forest GC $68 PLAYERS Championship Pheasant Run GC $74 WESTERN Championship Majestic at Lake Walden $82 EASTERN Championship Pine Trace GC $ TBD Breast Cancer Awareness Open Farmington Hills GC $70 Canadian Open Fellows Creek GC $53 The TOUR Championship Eagle Crest GC $73 The President’s Cup TBD $ TBD The Commissioner’s Cup Thoroughbred GC at Double JJ Ranch $460 Tournament of Champions Kensington MP GC $39 The Division Bell Farmington Hills GC $44 The Skins Game Links at Gateway $50 U of M Open University of Michigan GC $38 Runny Nose Open Brae Burn GC $50

DUE June 27 July 4 July 11 July 11 July 18 July 18 July 25 Aug 1 Aug 1 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 8 Aug 15 Aug 22 Aug 29 Aug 29 Sep 21 Sep 26 Oct 3 Oct 19 Oct 30