ten of the toughest golf courses you can · pdf filement since alex karras was roaming the...
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$2.95 September/October 2003
http://michigangolfer.com
Ten of the Toughest Golf CoursesYou Can PlayPhoto: Bay Harbor
Upcoming ShowsThe Golf Architects –– A Series
Arthur Hills / Steve Forest & AssociatesOakland Hills CC, Birmingham
How do you toughen up a course that is about tohost a Ryder Cup? Bill Shelton asks that questionand more as Art Hills and Steve Forrest discussMichigan’s most legendary course.
Fieldstone GC, Auburn HillsThis is one of the great ones in Michigan and it is
just coming into its own. Our cameras capture themagic of the course and check out the plans for thenew clubhouse.
Pheasant Run GC, CantonPheasant Run GC is a 27 hole golf community
that is the pride of Canton Township.
Mike Husby’s Loon Golf CourseMike Husby, architect of The Loon, also has
designed Marsh Ridge, Wild Bluff GC, Newber ryGC and Indian Lake GC. The Loon is one of theGaylord Golf Mecca’s top courses.
The Bear and the BullJack Nicklaus takes us on a tour of his newest
course, The Bull at Pinehurst Farms. Owners Daveand Brenda Bachman tour with Jack as he revealsanother one of his gems.
Tournaments
8th Annual Jeff Daniels Comedy Golf Jam,Polo Fields, Ann Arbor
The Golf Channel and Michigan Golfer coveredthis zany tournament for the first time this year.MG writer Craig Brass describes the wildest tourna-ment since Alex Karras was roaming the fairways ofTorrey Pines.
Dick Weber Memorial Open, MichayweGC, Gaylord
Dick Weber was, first of all, an absolutely won -derful person. Secondly, he was one of the master -minds in developing the Gaylord Golf Mecca. Thisis a tournament of love and respect for one of
Michigan’s finest golf ambassadors.
Destinations
Upper Peninsula GolfThe Michigan Golfer visits a number of the cours-
es that are part of the Upper Peninsula GolfAssociation. Frank Guastella of Red Fox Run is ourhost for the show.
“The Haig” Returns –– A Series
The Haig Visits Traverse CityThe Haig, in town for “The Haig” Classic Golf
Tournament, chats about the time he spent thereand the many memories he has of the area. He visitsTraverse City Country Club, Grand TraverseHeritage Center and Little Bo’s.
Walter Hagen Returns to Rochester, NYWalter Hagen and Oakland Hills CC
Now ShowingThe Haig– “The Haig”, Vintage Club Golf Classic,
Elmbrook GC, Traverse City
– The Haig Returns to Cadillac
– Walter Hagen and the Ryder Cup
– The Early Days
Tournaments– We s t e rn Amateur, Point O’ Woods, Benton Harbor– The Fifth Third Bank Michigan Women’s
Open, Crystal Mountain, 2003– D e t roit Newspapers Michigan Open, The
Bear at Grand Traverse Resort, 2002 & 2003– Bank of Ann Arbor FUTURES Golf
Classic, Lake Forest GC, Ann Arbor– The Bay Mills Open 2003 & 2002– Arnold Palmer - ESPN Par 3 Shootout– 2002 Michigan PGA Championship, Shanty Cre e k– 2001 GAM Women’s Senior Amateur
Championship
Destinations– Traverse City– Trumbull County, Niles, Ohio– Mississippi Golf– Golfing Ontario– Sandhills, North Carolina Golf
Courses, Personalities– Dave Pelz Opens Short Game School at
Homestead– Indiana Golf Hall of Fame– Michigan Golf Hall Of Fame– The Caddies of French Lick– Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Wisconsin– The Bull at Pinehurst Farms - Wisconsin– Timberstone Golf Course
– The Preserve Golf Course – Pheasant Run’s Newest Nine
– Craig Brass - How to Quit Golf – Michaywe Pines Golf Course
– The Natural GC at Beaver Creek Resort– A Tour of Wild Bluff Golf Course– Quail Chase Golf Club, Louisville, KY– The Tribute
– Wild Bluff Junior Golf Academy – The Ryder Cup According to Jack Ber ry– Jack Berry Discusses the Majors– Jack Berry & Detroit Golf
Architects– An Interview with Dave Richards & Ray Hearn– A Michigan Golf Architect Family: Harley
and Greg Hodges– Ray Hearn and Paul Albanese
– Robert Trent Jones on Treetops
– Mike Husby: Designing Golf Courses
– An Interview with Ray Hearn
– An Interview with W. Bruce Matthews III
– An Interview with William Newcomb
The Michigan Golfer Television ShowChannel: http://michigangolfer.tv
Vanessa Bell, Michigan Golfer TV reporterand Futures Tour player
Jeff Daniels’ Comedy Golf Jam
2 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
3 Technology and Golf by Jon Maddern, Guest Editor
4 Ten of the Toughest Golf Courses You Can Playby Brett Marshall
8 Free Time in the Fall? October Must-Plays for Any Golfer by Marc Van Soest
12 Web Directory
Special Insert: Michigan Skier
S2 Jim Neff’s Ultimate Michigan Ski Guide
2003-2004
S6 Michigan Ski Areas Amenities
S 1 0 Ten Nordic Northern Michigan Delights by Mike Terrell
S 1 9 2003 - 2004 Ski Information Sources by Jim Neff
13 Michigan Golf Car Industry Shows Signs of Revival by Kelly Hill
14 Michigan Celebrates a Championship Summerby Kelly Hill
16 USC’s Chris Bostford Wins 101st Western Amateur by Gary Holaway
17 Snider Wins Tournament of Champions by Kelly Thesier
18 Outstate I’m Outaheres by Art McCafferty and Thad Gutowski
19 Golf Santee
20 Walter Hagen and Northern Michigan Had a Love Affair by Mike Terrell
21 Sip & Chp by Rick Coates
22 Slice of Life by Terry Moore
MICHIGAN GOLFER
Publisher/EditorArt McCafferty
Editor EmeritusTerry Moore
Managing EditorKelly Hill
Chief Information OfficerJennie McCafferty
Internet ServiceProvider
Pat & Rick RountreeDundee Internet
Services, Inc.
Director of InformationTechnology
Katie [email protected]
Writers at LargeSusan Bairley
Jack BerryCraig BrassTom Doak
Greg JohnsonBradley S. KleinVartan Kupelian
Jon MaddernJack Saylor
Norm SinclairMike ShielsRon Whitten
Contributing EditorsJohn Bebow
Mike DuffThad Gutowski
Jim NeffWilliam Shelton
Mike Terrell
WritersL’anse Bannon
Margaret BowersTammie Bruneau
Tom ClearyRick Coates
Sam FullertonSam Girardi
Marilyn GordonDennis Grall
Chet Hall
Gary HolawayDean Holzwarth
Janina Parrott JacobsMarilyn Kacy
Mickey MacWilliamsBrett MarshallJudy Mason
W. Bruce Matthews IIIHerschel Nathanial
Bernice PhillipsDarin PhilportAndy PennerCory PuyearDave Serino
Ken TabacskoKelly ThesierSteve Ungrey
Marc Van SoestPhil Winch
John Wukovits
Photo/VideoKevin Frisch
Dave RichardsCarter Sherline
Clarence SorminBrian WaltersJoe Yunkman
Director of SalesThad [email protected]
Director of AccountingCheryl Clark
Director of New MediaDevelopmentTrevor Zylstra
Copy EditorRose Zylstra
Office AssistantErica Miller
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In This IssueV O L U M E 21 • S E P T / O C T 2 0 0 3 • N U M B E R 4
ABOUTTHE COVER: Bay Harbor, photo by Dave Richards Golf Photography
Michigan Golfer - Nov / Dec issueComing November 1
Golf TravelMaggie Valley - Exceptional by Thad Gutowski
Kentucky: Great Fall or Spring Golf by Thad Gutowski
Alabama Gulf Shores by Sam Fullerton
Golfer Profile: Scott Bowman by JohnWukovits
Golf in America by Vanessa Bell
There hasbeen a lotwritten
and said abouttechnology ingolf lately.Especially con-cerning clubsand balls. Wellhave you satback and
thought about the technology that has takenplace on the golf course?
Have we forgottenthe innovation andemergence of “the softspike” or the political -ly correct non-metalspike? “It is just a fad,it won‚t last, it is toodangerous,” were thecomments being made,but the bottom linewas it made a hugedifference in the condi-tions and maintenanceof the most importantasset on a golf courseand that is the greens.Smooth, true, fast-putting surfaces couldbe presented to allgolfers and main-tained. Clubs went to banning metalspikes in a hurry andthe industry forcedshoe manufactures toswitch. Now withthese improved condi-tions if we can geteveryone to fix theirball marks what agreat game we wouldhave.
The demand used tobe having great greens,level grass tees andgood fairways. Nowwe are cutting fair-ways at what teeheights used to be andsome are so low theyare at what greensused to be cut at. Thequality and vigor ofturf in fairways todaywas unthinkable 15years ago. To think you would be mowingyour fairways with reels used on greens; hadyou suggested it 20 years ago you would havebeen considered nuts. Today that is standard.
Having bentgrass fairways for public golfwas unheard of not that many years ago.That was only for the country clubs. No onewould pay the greens fees needed to have
a course with maintained bentgrass fairways.There were very few bentgrass varieties avail -able; now we have so many it is hard to keepup. All with their own set of positives andnegatives. New ones are bred to be cut verylow and to give fast putting surfaces, and most courses are built with these grassesused.
And each course competing against itsneighbor or up-north versus the metro areafor quality of golf course to be played. Nosuch thing existed 20 years ago. A lot of this is due to technology and research,
meeting the demands of golfers. Irrigation systems have changed. The days
of having to hire one, two, or more people tostart up and move sprinklers around thecourse per the superintendent’s directions,and us relying on them to do this and not fallasleep, or leave early, or not show up, are justabout gone. We moved to big sprinklers that
were run by mechanical clocks that werepretty accurate. Today, with close spacing ofsprinkler heads, you get water exactly whereit is needed and running with the best ofcomputer programs allow superintendents toget the maximum performance of not onlythe sprinklers but the pump station. Energy isconserved water kept at levels not eventhought of 15 years ago. Today technologyhas given us the ability to run a sprinklerbased on exact timing of a revolution. All of this has improving condi-tions of turf because the days of single-row
sprinklers are gone.Now we use threerows or more tocover all critical areasin play to give golfersthe best turf condi-tions and playing sur-face for the maximumenjoyment.
So these are just afew other changesthat have taken placewhen it comes totechnology and itseffect on golf. Mostof what I have dis -cussed here could beadded to the argu-ment concerning theincreased distance in golf. It is not all inthe equipment we useto play the game.
And I didn’t evenget into sand.
I hope you have aw o n d e rful golfingexperience, on behalfof professional ofGolf CourseS u p e r i n t e n d e n t s ,who are workingeach day to pro v i d ea course that allowsyou to enjoy andhave fun playing theg reatest game in theworld. Please assistus by doing yourp a rt to leave thecourse in the sameor better shape thanyou found it andremember the mosti m p o rtant part of
golf and its history: Etiquette. M G
3S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 2 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Guest Editor: Jon MaddernTechnology and Golf
Jon Maddern is President, Golf CourseSuperintendents Association of America, and
superintendent, Elk Ridge Golf Course,Atlanta, Michigan.
By Jon D. Maddern, CGCS
By Brett Marshall
What is it about golfers who have this burn-ing desire to play tough, demanding golfcourses no matter what? Why is it, thatgolfers subjects themselves to such masochis-tic tendencies?
Michigan is blessed with any number ofterrific tests of golf and my charge herein is toproduce a list of the Top 10 Toughest GolfCourses. Instead, I chose 10 of the courses inthe state that reflect the difficulty that wasassigned to this task but ones that also pro-duce a memorable experience for the golfer.
These 10 are not necessarily the “toughestof the tough,” but boy would they show upon most everybody’s “Want to Play List.” Inestablishing standards for selection, I called a
number of golf experts but Mike Bylen, thehighly respected owner of Pine Trace GolfCourse and president of the newly acclaimedShepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, provided thebest description of what I should be lookingfor.
“The ultimate goal in a design is to takethe natural features of the topography andmake it challenging for the best players andmake it fair and enjoyable for the higherhandicap player,” said Bylen. “You try to giveplayers multiple options on every shot.”
So, here are 10 “don’t miss” tough golfcourses that are also memorable.
Arcadia Bluffs, Arcadia
Located along the high bluffs of LakeMichigan, south of Frankfort, this RickSmith/Warren Henderson design providesstunning views of the lake. The Irish-style
links with massive dunes have incredible ele-vation changes, including the dramatic, 100-foot drop on the 633-yard, par-5, 15th hole.Back Tee Rating: 75.1, 143 Slope, 7,298yards.
Bay Harbor Golf Club, Petoskey
This Arthur Hills beauty overlooks beauti -ful Little Traverse Bay. Boyne presidentStephen Kircher collaborated with Hills onthis 27-hole layout that rivals most any linkscourse. Composed of three nines, the Linkswas the original and has the spectacular 500-yard, par-5, 7th hole that runs along the cliffsof the bay. The Quarry nine is cut from rockand the Preserve was carved out of the forest ˆa little Pebble Beach, a little Black Diamondand a little Augusta National ˆ all in one.Back Tee Rating: (Quarry-Preserve) 73.0,Slope Rating 147, 6,752 yards.
S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E4
Ten of the Toughest Golf Courses You Can Play
Or (Why Golfers Like a Challenge)
Photo above: Shepherd’s Hollow by BrianWalters Golf Photography
Black Lake Golf Club, Onaway
Another up north course, this one designedby renowned architect Rees Jones, Black Lakeplays 7,046 from the tips at 74.3, 140 rating.The 16th hole, a 422-yard, par-4, re q u i res adrive that avoids a series of bunkers along theright side of the fairw a y. The green is pro t e c t e dby a right-front bunker and a smaller one tothe back and left.
Elk Ridge Golf Club, Atlanta
Michigan legendary architect, JerryMatthews, made this course one of his finest.At 7,058 yards, 74.7, 143 slope, Elk Ridge isa test for any level of golfer. The par-3, 184-yard 10th provides one of the great views innorthern Michigan. There is a 100-foot dropand the bunker guarding the right side of thegreen is shaped like a pig – just another nor-mal day at the course owned by HoneyBaked Ham.
The Grande Golf Club, Jackson
You would not expect this topography in south central Michigan, butThe Grande lives up to its name. All 7,098y a rds, 74.3, 147 slope, this RayH e a rn/Paul Albanese gem is one to lookf o rw a rd to anytime. Options galore facethe golfer on the course. The par-5, 8th onthe North 9 and the par-4 9th on theSouth 9 are two you won’t soon forget.
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Photo right: Black Lake by the Umlex Gro u p .
Photo below: The Quarry, Bay Harbor,courtesy of Golf Marketing Services.
Hidden River Golf &Casting Club, Brutus
If the golf course over-whelms you, there’s alwaysflyfishing in the MapleRiver. Bruce Matthews IIIcarved this layout from thewetlands and forest ofnorthern Michigan. At7,101 yards with a rating of74.3/140, Hidden Rivermeets the challenge of anygolfer. The lengthy 636-yard, par-5, 7th hole snakesits way between two marshareas to test the accuracy ofeven the straightest hitters.
Shepherd’s HollowGolf Club, Clarkston
Another top-notch design inA rthur Hills‚ legendary care e r.Bylen said it best, options arethe rule of the day, as evi-denced by the short 354-yard ,p a r-4, 15th. Drive short of theright-hand fairway bunker andyour shot to the green is nearlyblind. Drive to the tougher leftside and you can see every-
6 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Photo above: Thousand Oaks, by the Umlex Gro u p
thing on the green. From the tips: 7,236yards, 76.0, 147.
Thousand Oaks Golf Club, Grand Rapids
Rees Jones‚ jewel is 7,043 yards from the backtees with a course/slope rating of 74.3/142.Making par (4) on the 451-yard finishing holewill conclude a memorable day in a beautiful set-ting of West Michigan. The slightly uphill 18thre q u i res the player to keep the tee shot to the left,opening up an approach shot to a green well-g u a rded on the right by two bunkers.
Treetops Resort, Gaylord
The Masterpiece, designed by the lateRobert Trent Jones, Sr. in the 1980s, pro-vides a stern but esthetically memorable dayof golf. At 7,060 yards from the champi-onship tee, it carries a course rating of 75.5and a slope of 144. The par-4 11th hole isone of the best, running along a ridge withtwo fairway bunkers protecting the left sideand bunkers guarding left and right of thegreen as well.
Tullymore Golf Club, Stanwood
One of the hottest new architects, JamesEngh of Colorado, brings his touch to
Michigan with the fabulous Tu l l y m o re lay-out. Memorable, challenging, near- p e rf e c tconditions will bring the golfer back form o re. Try to tackle the 7,110 yards fro mthe tips at a rating of 74.9/148, and you’llknow why it is only for the bravest. Thetest of this course can be explained in thef o u rth and fifth holes, both par 3s, one at
207 yards and the other at 234 yards fro mthe back tees.
Brett Marshall is president of Harbor LinksPublishing in Dexter. MG
7S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 2 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Photo above: The Grande, by Brian Wa l t e r sGolf Photography
By Marc Van Soest
Ask people to explain what fall inMichigan is all about and one gets thetypical responses: school bells, football,
color tours, weekends away at a northernbed and breakfast. But rarely, if ever, doesone hear “golf.” Golf season in our state hassomehow been relegated to the summermonths. Most people simply play for the lasttime in early August and put the sticks awayuntil the following June.
Any description of the fall in Michiganshould include one other word: golf. For mostof us, this is when the best courses in the statebecome most accessible. Rates drop like leadballoons, the “fudgies” are missing, and thesnowbirds are all too cold to get out and play.September, October, and in warmer years,early November give the best golf Michiganhas to offer.
Once again leading the pack in Michigangolf is Boyne. Where Boyne pulls ahead of
the competition is in the tremendous varietyof golf offered to any golfer. If a golfer wantsto treat themselves to a costly trip North toplay and stay in the lap of luxury, look nofurther than Bay Harbor. For the upper endof the Northern Michigan golf, golfers shouldlook no further than Crooked Tree Golf Club.Rates for this challenging, fair, and sceniccourse dip to $40 during the day and $25after 2 p.m. in October.
By staying at Boyne Highlands, a golfer cantake advantage of proximity to the maturefavorite of the Boyne landscape, the Heather.This Donald Ross course boasts the best play-ing conditions in the North, coupled with therare experience of playing a course in themature state which its architect envisioned.Tough by any measure, Heather will present achallenge to any golfer, from any set of tees.Due to its mature nature, the Heather appearssculpted from the graceful surrounding northwoods of Michigan. But do not be lulled intosubmission. Well hit shots will be rewarded,while errant balls from the tee or fairway leadreadily to double and triple bogeys.
A short drive down US-131 South from theHighlands lands the golfer at BoyneMountain and its two courses, the Alpine andthe Monument. Dedicated to people in thegame who have played a significant role in itsgrowth and development, the Monument isan exceptional layout capable of playing toevery inch of its 7,061 yards. The fairwaysare cut to a very nar row 30 yards in someplaces and will often force the golfer to playfrom an awkward downhill or sidehill lie to afast rolling sloping green. Putts roll true atBoyne and anything missed from within fif-teen feet is due to a miss hit, not an imperfec-tion in the green. Though often mentioned assuperior to the previously mentionedMonument, the Highland‚s other course, theAlpine‚s charm lays in its forgiving nature.More open and playable than the tree linedMonument, the Alpine, checking in at 7,045yards, will welcome the average golfer whilekeeping the low handicapper interested.
The best way to take advantage of Boynethis fall is by looking into any one of severalmulti-day packages which allow access to all
8 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Free Time in the Fall?October Must–Plays For Any Golfer
Photo above: Grand Traverse Resort.
nine courses on the various properties whileproviding for lodging and in some casesmeals. Call (800) GO-BOYNE for moreinformation or visit www.boyne.com/golf.html for the latest on rates and packages.
As always, the Gaylord area checks in thisfall with several opportunities for excellent golf and beautiful scenery. Inaddition to perennial favorites, the OtsegoClub and Treetops, golfers should not over -look Michaywê and The Natural at BeaverCreek Resort.
Host of the 1991 and 1996 MichiganAmateur Championships, the Pines atMichaywê should become a regular stop onany Gaylord area golf trip. The charm anddraw of the Pines is its length. Built relativelyearly in the Northern Golf Renaissance itchecks in at a very manageable 6,835 fromthe tips. This allows any single digit handi-capper an excellent opportunity to play andscore extremely well. With the exception ofthe 564-yard No. 14, every par-5 on thecourse is reachable with two well hit shots.
The Pines was not built to punish the aver-age golfer, as is the case in much of theNorth. Instead, wayward shots face wellplaced bunkers and tightly cut small greens.This feature makes the course present itselfwell to the high handicapper. Rarely willgolfers find themselves in major trouble offthe tee or from anywhere on the course.
Though playable, the course’s main chal-lenge lies in the smaller size of the greens andtheir layout. Every green on the courserequires exacting reads as minute breaks willoften be more pronounced once the ballbegins to roll. Nothing should be considereda “gimme‚” on these challenging greens.
Golf is not the only draw to Michaywê.The resort atmosphere grants ample chancesfor non-golfing members to enjoy a briskwalk in the Michigan woods. Call (989) 939-8911 or (888) 746-3742 for more details orget on the web at www.michaywe.com forlatest package promotions.
Just three and a half miles west of I-75 onOtsego Lake Drive lies a hidden treat in thefinest tradition of woodland golf, The Natural.Scoring well on The Natural is highly attainablefor every golfer playing the loop. Shorter hittersshould not be intimidated by the length of the5 4 5 - y a rd, par-5, No. 1. Though it re q u i res along carry for the third shot, the greens andf a i rway set the precedent for what is to follow:hills and speed.
The Natural is sculpted out of existing terr a i nleft behind with the re t reat of the glaciers.E v e ry fairway is a maze of rolling moundswhich challenge golfers with demanding sidehilllies for the entire 18 holes. Yet, nothing isunfair about the golf course. All shots are view-able and nothing is hidden, leaving the golferwith only one person to blame should some-thing go wrong in his ro u n d .
Any golfer should make use of the yardagecards available from the staff. These writtenand pictorial descriptions of the holes will aidthe golfer in deciding when to lay up andwhen to make a move at scoring. The onlyhole on the course where the card will not
help the golfer is on the 105-yard No. 5.Playing anywhere from 65-120 yards fromthe back tee this is the only hole which is notup to the scale and scope of the rest of the
course. A par here by anyone should be con-sidered a shot lost to par.
Take advantage of great Fall rates dipping to$32 to get around this good golf course before
9S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Photo above: The Heather, Boyne Highlands.
the leaves fall. For more information, call the“ Tee Time Hot Line” at (517) 732-1785 or onthe web, visit www. b e a v e rc re e k re s o rt . c o m .
Any golfer headed to Traverse City for aFall outing should never consider bypassingthe Grand Traverse Resort. Often thought ofas the “Home of the Bear,” Grand Traverseharbors another golf course which rivals theBear in every way, the Wolverine.
It is simply a shame that this course does notget the exposure it deserves on the statewidelevel. Far more playable than its neighbor, theWolverine should be played by everyone whohas the funding and opport u n i t y. Starting inO c t o b e r, the funding issue is taken care of withrates dropping to $50 during twilight and $70during the day. Though still steep by manys t a n d a rds, consider the $120 alternative duringthe summer to find the value.
What separates this loop from anything inthe area, including the Bear, is in its playabili -ty from any set of tees for any golfer. Eachhole allows for recovery from a poorly struckshot and does not penalize anything that isnot perfectly hit. Yet to score well, a golfermust execute a variety of shots from a myriadof lies and elevations to lightening fast greens.
The Wolverine shows its teeth in the windw h e re uninterrupted gusts can make an easy 8-i ron from 150 turn into a hard knockdown 5-i ron. These drastic changes in club selectionand wind speed can make for an adventuro u sround. Combine this with multilayered gre e n sand the golfer can expect a challenge.
Simply enjoy the challenging front nine and
turn onto the excellent back nine. Thoughthe back has a decidedly different feel thanthe front, it plays remarkably similar. Theopenings appear smaller and the fairways aremore mounded yet, none of this effects theplayer focused on hitting fairways and greens.The course presents itself at face value with-out any tricks or obvious obstacles.
For more information on Grand TraverseResort, check out their comprehensive website at www.grandtraverseresort.com. Tee
times, rates, and package deals can also beobtained by calling (231) 938-2100 or (800)748-0303.
The lower regions of the state should notbe overlooked this fall. Though not oftenthought of as a golf destination, the Lansingarea offers some excellent courses for playersof all ability levels. At the front of Lansinggolf is East Lansing’s Timber Ridge GolfClub.
Timber Ridge hangs its hat on a 5-star ratingreceived from Golf Digest’s “Places to Play” in1990. Thirteen years ago, there isno doubt thatTimber Ridge was a five star course. But inM i c h i g a n ’s current golf rich enviro n m e n t ,Timber Ridge is making an eff o rt to keep itselfin that spotlight. As of now, Timber Ridge isfalling shy of five stars. Starting with the facili-ties and ending with the staff, Timber Ridge cani m p rove itself in many facets.
Amenities aside, the course itself offers achallenging layout from start to finish,Timber Ridge will test every golfer choosingto tee it up. Playing a very manageable 6,585from the tips, the difficulty comes off the tee. Well hit shots must be placed with great care onthe proper side of sloping fairways to allow goodlooks at tightly cut, drastically sloping gre e n s .
Golfers should pay the $4 for a yard a g ebook in the pro shop before tackling the course. Timber Ridge is not a golfcourse where one can “grip it and rip it.”The golfer must methodically pick the rightplaces to attack. With several holes check-ing in at 420 yards plus, the par fours donot always present these opport u n i t i e s .Chances for good scoring come on all thep a r-5s however as all are very re a c h a b l ef rom every set of tees.
Overlook the short comings of TimberRidge and make it a stop on the next trip past Lansing. Look for the $25 weekdayrate as it is a great opportunity to enjoy anquality golf course at a rock bottom price. Check out www.golftimberridge.com formore information or call (517) 339-8000 or (800) 874-3432. MG
10 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Photo above: Grandview.
By Kelly HillManaging Editor
The golf car industry in Michigan, likemuch of thegolf and golf resort indus-tries, has suffered the effects of recent
economic downturns, but according to CyDavis of Club Car of Michigan, the industryhas noticed positive signs of rebounding.“First of all, we never lost any accounts,”Davis said during a recent visit to theMichigan PGA Championship at ShantyCreek in Bellaire. “We have had some peoplewho have sat back and said, ‘Let’s just waitfor now,’ – as they examine their cash-flowsituation.”
After miserable weather conditions acrossthe statelast spring, a warm, lengthy autumnwould speed the industry’s revival. “We areexperiencing a level market,” said Davis, whoalso introduced Matt Fender, who is ClubCar’s sales representative in northernMichigan. “We are looking forward to agood,long fall. What we need are a couple ofmore months in the fall,” Davis said with asmile.
Following a difficult spring season, Davisnoticed more positive economic signs duringthe early months of the summer golf season.”Things are starting to pick upagain,” Davissaid. “The attitude in June and July wasmuch more positive than in thespring, so weare very optimistic.”
Club Car’s relationships with global posi -tioning systems manufacturer UpLink and theNational Golf Course Owners Association, aswell as Club Car’s IQ System, have made it aleader in the golf car industry.
“The performance of the golf car in incred-ible,” saidFender, who is one of three prima-ry sales representatives in Michigan. Bar ryBeard handles Club Car sales in centralMichigan while Kurt Kraly is the sales repre-sentative in the southeast section of the state.“Our alliance with UpLink has been veryrewarding forboth sides,” Davis said of theGPS manufacturer whose systems areinstalled in various Club Car models.
Chris Sobiek, the general manager of TheGolf Club at Thornapple Pointe in GrandRapidstouts the numerous benefits of theinstalled GPS systems. “I was a non-believerbefore I had GPS; now I can’t live withoutit,” Sobiek said. “The UpLink golf coursemanagement system is the difference maker. Ihave reduced operating expense and nowattract more corporate outings due to theleaderboard capabilities.”
Club Car also has developed an alliancewith the National Golf Course OwnersAssociation. “That is an alliance that hasserved usvery well,” Davis noted. Club Car’sIQ System controls a car’s speed by means ofan on-board computer.” The IQ System isrevolutionary to the electric car,” Davis said.
“It controls speeds, of accelerationand braking, by computer. It’s the‘SmartCar.’” We also have devel-oped the IQ deluxe beverage unitthat has four-wheel braking.”
E-Z-GO Textron, another of theBig 3 manufacturers of golfcars, announced July 1 that
Susan Rutt has been named the com-pany’s Vice President of Engineering.Rutt, who was educated at theUniversity of Dayton and CaliforniaState-Berkley, brings 24 years ofautomotive engineering experience tothe position. She will be responsiblefor all current and future productengineering and research and devel -opment, according to E-Z-GOTextron president John Garrison.“Susan comes to E-Z-GO with astrong background in product devel-opment andwill be a valuable addi-tion to our team,” Garrison said, “aswe bring the next generationof E-Z-GO vehicles to market.” MG
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Michigan’s Golf Car IndustryShows Signs of Revival
By Kelly HillManaging Editor
With a PGA Tour stop, twoChampions Tour events andone ofthe strongest PGAsections in the
nation, Michigan is a top stop forchampi-onship golf. Here is a brief lookback at thosewho were crowned champions in the sum-merof 2003.
Buick Open
Jim Furyk, who had won PGA Tour event ineach of the previous five years, won his sec-ond event of the year when he won the BuickOpen at Warwick Hills in Grand Blanc.Furyk, held off Tiger Woods by shooting a4 -under-par 68 in the final round to win by twostrokes. Woods carded a 6-under 66 in thefinal round.
Ford Senior Players Championship
Craig Stadlerís victory celebration wasdelayed almost two hours when thunder,lightning, wind and cold rain drops delayed
play with two holes to play at the TPC ofMichigan in Dearborn. Stadler claimed hisfirst win in his fourth event since turning 50as he putted his way to a 6-under 66 in thefinal round.
Stadler posted pars on his final two holesto finish with a 17-under 271, three shots bet-ter than Tom Watson, Tom Kite and JimThorpe. Watson’s quest to win for terminallyill caddie Bruce Edwards fell short with a
closing 69. Edwards has Lou Gehrig’sDisease, and the duo have used recent sum-mersuccess to help raise funds to find a cure.
Farmers Charity Classic
Doug Tewell and Eamonn Darcy of Irelandfinished the54-hole event tied at 15-under andthen went three playoff holes before Tewelleventually won with a 14-foot birdie putt atEgypt Valley Country Club in Ada.
Tewell, who lives in Edmond, Okla., wonfor the seventh time on the ChampionsTourbut his first time this year. The tour’s first 17events this year had 17 different winners.Tewell experienced pain in his back two days-before the event began but by theopeninground had corrected the problem. “This gameis so crazy,” he said. “When youl east expectit is when you play well.”
Michigan Open
Bob Ackerman, 50, of West Bloomfield, wonthe Michigan Open on The Bear at GrandTraverse Resort and Spa when he edged Bry a n
14 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Michigan Celebrates a Championship Summer
Jim Furyk wins Buick Open.
Craig Stadler claimed his first win on theChampions Tour at the TPC of Michigan.
Snyder of Detroit Golf Club on thef irst hole ofa playoff. The victory was Ackerm a n ’s secondin the Michigan Open and made him the firstplayer ever to win the Michigan Open andMichigan Senior Open in the same season. Hewon this year’s Michigan Senior Open atB e d f o rd Valley Golf Club in Battle Cre e k .A c k e rman, who owns Bob Ackerman GolfA c a d e m y, won the 1975 Michigan Open as ana m a t e u r.
A c k e rman and Snyder, who is an assistantp ro at Detroit Golf Club, finished tied at 7-under for the tournament after Ackerman shot a
2-over 74 and Snyder fired a 3-under 69 in thefinal round. Gary Smithson, the director of golfat Thousand Oaks Golf Club in Grand Rapids,began the final round two strokes behindA c k e rman but posted an 83 inthe final ro u n d .Scott Hebert, who had won the last fourMichigan Open titles and five of the last six,finished third at 1-under, six strokes behindA c k e rman and Snyder. Andy Matthews of Adaand Stephen Polanski of Livonia shared lowamateur honors as they finished tied for sixth,at 2-over.
Michigan PGA Championship
J.R. Roth won his fourth Michigan PGAChampionship, finishing the 54-hole event at10-under, five strokes ahead of Robert Pillardand John Traub.
Roth, 45, who is the head pro atKnollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield,fired a 1-under 71 on the Cedar River courseat Shanty Creek to claim the 10th Michiganmajor championship of his career.
“It feels great,” said Roth, who had a four-stroke lead entering the final round. “On theback nine I think I put it on cruise controleven though I told myself not to.”
A four-time Michigan PGA Player of theYear, Roth last won this tournament in 2001.“I played a lot better than I scored today,because I missed some birdie putts I couldhave made,” said Roth, who hit 17 greens inregulation in the final round.
Michigan Women’s Open
Breanne Hall of Kentwood went fromdespair to elation in just two holes at theMichigan Women’s Open at Crystal
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Doug Tewell won the playoff and the title of the Farmers Charity Classic.
Bob Ackerman celebrates his Michigan Opentitle.
By Gary Holaway
Chris Botsford,co-captain ofthe University
of SouthernCalifornia men’s golfteam, weathered twostorms to turn backJ.J. Jakovac, a juniorat Cal State-Chico, ina battle ofCalifornians in the101st WesternAmateurChampionship atPoint O’Woods Golfand Country Club inBenton Harbor.
Lightning strikesnear the course forcedsuspension of play onthe third hole of thechampionship matchbut, after taking a 6-up lead through10holes, Botsfordwatched as Jakovac unleashed his own light-ning by winning four of the next five holes.
“I knew J.J. had it in him to come back.He’s a great player,” said Botsford. “I knewhe was going to make a run, but I thought if Icould just make pars and a few birdies I’dhalve some of the holes. I was trying tostick to my game plan and weather thestorm.”
Jackovac said he was just trying to keep thematch close. “I told myself I didn’t want toget beat bad, like 6 and 5, or something,” hesaid. “I figured what did I have to lose, so Iwent all out.
On the front nine, “I didn’t putt very welland hit the ball really bad,” Jakovac said. “Ithought, ‘What’s going on?’ I played great allweek and was playing horribly. But he playedsolid and made the putts. It was a greatmatch. I can’t expect to win if I’m 3 over paron the front.”
For Botsford, the victory marked a milestone.“I never won a tournament in college, and thisis my first major tro p h y. It hasn’t sunk in yet,”he said. “When I see my name on that tro p h y,with names like Ti g e r’s, it will.”
Botsford said putting won the champi-onship for him. “I felt really comfortable overthe ball this week,” he said. “I was seeing thehole well,the ball was rolling well and the cupseemed to get bigger.”
Botsford, 22, of Pasadena, Calif., took thelead with a birdie on the par -5, 523-yard sec-ond. He quickly moved 4-up by winning thethird, fourth and sixth holes with pars, asJakovac, 21, of Napa, Calif., struggled earlyto find the game that carried him into the
championship. On theback nine, down 6 holesafter 10, Jackovacstormed back to winfour of the next fiveholes and cut Botsford’slead to 2-up with threeto play. But that’s whenBotsford closed the doorwith a four foot birdieputt on 16 to win thechampionship, 3 and 2.
In the morningsemifinals, Botsford out-lasted University ofMinnesota standoutJustin Smith in 20 holesand Jakovac defeated2002 Western Amateurrunner-up AdamRubinson, 3 and 2.
Smith ralliedfrom 3-down on theback nine, sinking a 23-foot birdie putt on thepar-3, 17th, to pulleven. On the first extra
hole, Smith dropped an 18-foot, downhillbreaking putt for birdie, but Botsford fol-lowed with a 10-foot birdie to halve the hole. Botsfordended the match on the next hole, No. 2,with a two-putt birdie on the par-5, 523-yardhole, after hitting a 2-iron. Botsford was 8under-par for the match, while Smith was 6-under-par after 19 holes, yet still lost.
“I played as good as I could, and I still hadto play two extra holes,” said Botsford. “Myhat’s off to Justin. He played quite a match.”
Smith, 21, of Franklin, Pa., was disappoint-ed in the outcome but pleased with his playthroughout the week. “I was able to play wellon the best course we play all summer,” hesaid. “It’s great to bring you’re A-game to this tournament and to go this far. I can’twait to come back next year.”
Jackovac topped Rubinson in their semifi-nal by making his putts. “I made\ quite a fewbirdies. I was hitting my irons really well, andI was really putting well,” he said.
Rubinson, the top-rated player left in thetournament at No. 6 in the Golfweek ama-teur rankings, complimented Jakovac on hisplay. “He hit some great shots and madesome great putts,” said Rubinson. “We bothplayed so well, so I’m not disappointed. I shot3-under through 16 holes and got beat. Iplayed great, too, but I didn’t make all myputts. I can’t be upset with myself. J.J. justplayed awesome.”
Gary Holaway is Director ofCommunications,
Western Golf Association. MG
16
U S C ’s Chris Botsford Wins 101st Western A m a t e u r
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Mountain Resort. After making a doublebogey onthe final hole of regulation, whicherased a two-shotlead, she then made birdieon the same hole in a sudden-death playoffwith Allison Fouch of East Grand.
“Oh wow,” Hall said. “This is way upthere. The highest. I’ve never done anythingquite like this.” Hall, a two-time winner onthe collegiate circuit, called it an incrediblelearning experience. “I’ve never been in thatposition,” she said of both leading by twoshots, and also losing it on the last hole. “Ithought I had handed it to her. I really feltlike I had lost, but on the wayback to the18th tee (for the playoff) Iregrouped. I had alot of people tell me it wasn’t over. I wasable to get it back together, and play the holethe right way.”
Michigan Amateur Championship
His short game vaulted North Muskegonnative ColbyBeckstrom, who is a20-year-oldsophomore at Texas Christian University,t othe championship in the 92ndMichiganAmateur.
B e c k s t rom defeated A.J. Balulis ofBaldwin, 5 and 3, in the final match atB e l v e d e re Golf Club in Charlevoix.B e c k s t rom did it around the greens — thesame wayhe got through his semifinalmatch against Eric Cowles of Perry. “ I twas surprising, yes, but that’s what I want-ed to do and what I came to do,”B e c k s t rom said. “But you don’t re a l l yexpect it. It’s exhausting out there, playingas much golf as A.J. and I did.” M G
Breanne Hall won the Michigan Women’s Open.
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By Kelly Thesier
As her five foot putt dropped on the 18thhole to win the Michigan PGATo u rnament of Champions, Stacy Snider’s
emotions went from focused to shocked.“When I made that last putt, I just had a feel-
ing of disbelief,” Snider said. “The first thingthat everyone kept asking me was if I knewwhat I had done.” What Snider, 23, had donewas accomplish something that no one hadb e f o re in the tourn a m e n t ’s nine year history –become the first woman to win the event.
Snider shot 68-68-71 to win the 54-hole,
$100,000 event and beat a mixed field com-prised of the winners of sanctioned Michigangolf tournaments including juniors, amateurs, p rofessionals, women, and seniors. Her 9-under207 total was enough to best five-time Michigan Open Champion and form e rNationwide tour player Scott Hebert by ones t roke. Also in the field were other former touring professionals such as Tommy Va l e n t i n e ,Eric Booker and LPGA player Elaine Cro s b y.
“To become the first woman to win theevent is an unbelievable feeling,” Snider said.“The course was in great shape and I just focused on playing my game.”
S n i d e r, an MSU graduate who turned pro f e s-sional two weeks before the tournament, earn e da paycheck of $17,250 for her win. The moneyand the victory she says will help her on her
next goal. “This win gives me a lot of confi-dence as I pre p a re for the LPGA qualifyingschool in August,” Snider said. “To beat someof the best players in Michigan gives me a lot ofhope in my chances at Q-school.”
Many others believe that Snider’s win pro v e show strong her chances are of qualifying for theLPGA. Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, Snider’s form e rcoach at Michigan State, said that Snider has thecapability of making it at the next level. “Stacyhas improved so much throughout her care e respecially when it comes to her course manage-ment skills,”Slobodnik-Stoll said. “With her winshe showed her strong mind and her physicalskills that prove that she can go out there andc o m p e t e .
“For her to win this event is such an awe-some representation for women‚s golf, it putsmiles on a lot of faces.” One of those faces isKen Devine, CEO of the Michigan PGA andco-founder of the tournament. “I think it’smarvelous to finally have a woman win thetournament that we set up so that it would bean equal playing field,” Devine said. “Stacy isa perfect example of the young talent that isso much better than 25 years ago. She is asstrong of a female golfer I’ve seen come outof Michigan since Kelly Robbins and I trulybelieve that she can make it on the LPGAtour. MG
S n ide r wi ns Tou r n a men t of C h a mp ion s
Stacy Snider makes the five foot putt to win the MichiganPGA Tournament of Champions.Stacy Snider
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Outstate I’m OutaheresBy Art McCafferty and Thad Gutowski
Want to get away, and we mean reallyaway for some great golf. TheMichigan Golfer Television Guide to
Outstate Golf begins right here. However, weare supplying just the basics here. You need togo online to get the rest at the links listedbelow. Or you can go to our MichiganGolfer Online issue and just click through ourinteractive issue.
Arkansas - Hot SpringsJay Miller says that they have spent 34
years making sure that your experience willbe a pleasant one at Hot Springs Village.They invite Michigan folks to visit them, playthe courses and then consider the area as aretirement community. They have nine golfcourses and another on the way.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/hotspringsWeb: http://www.hotspringsvillage.com/
IndianaIndiana has a ton of great courses, with
Swan Lake in Plymouth, Walnut Creek inMarion, Rock Hollow in Peru, Sultan’s Runin Jaspar, French Lick Resort and Spa inFrench Lick and Juday Creek in Granger.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2002shows/show4/index.html
French Lick Resort and Spa deserves somespecial consideration here as they are one ofthe legendary golf courses in America. Wehave a series on The Caddies of French Lickand feel you will enjoy it.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show3/index.html
Kentucky - HarrodsburgTheresa Williams was on hand to describehow her grandfather startedthe resort in1963. Family owned, it is located about 30miles SW of Lexington and features 65 lodg-ing units, 27 championship holes and alighted par 3.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/brightleafgolfWeb: http://www.brightleafgolfresort.com
Kentucky - LouisvilleClark Fenimore, owner of Quail Chase GC,knows what golfers want and gives it tothem. Quail Chase is one of the top courses inLouisville. They have 27 holes and packagewith just about everybody in town. This iswhere Southern hospitality begins.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2002shows/show2/index.htmlWeb: http://quailchase.com andhttp://gotolouisville.coms
Kentucky - Park City - Diamond CavernsResortAccording to Barry Rich, this is a place forthe whole family, as there is a ton of stuff todo. For openers, you can explore some of thegreat caverns including nearby MammothCave. Lodging includes condos, RV hookups,and a large campground.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/diamondcavernsWeb: http://www.mammothcave.com/dcr-golf.htm
Kentucky – Perry Park Golf ResortTy Robinett, head golf professional, wasenthusiastic about their championship golfcourse and their brand spanking new 33room hotel. They are located about an hoursouth of Cincinnatti.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/perrypark Web: http://www.perryparkgolfresort.com/
MississippiMississippian and host of the MichiganGolfer Television Show, Bill Shelton, brings usthe best from his state in this visit to someof the great courses in Mississippi.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show2/index.htmlWeb: http://mississippi.org
Nevada – MesquiteDarryl Edwards representing the golf coursesof Mesquite, indicated they have theCasaBlanca Hotel Golf and Spa, the OasisGC and the Palm GC, all available at attrac-tive package prices. The four adjacentcasinos are ready to take your golf coursewinnings.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/mesquiteWeb: http://www.visitmesquite.com/golfing/index.html
Nevada – Primm Tom Doherty of Primm Valley Resorts talksabout the two Tom Fazio courses that aresome of the best in Nevada and rated 4 1/2stars by Golf Digest. Their two casinso areBuffalo Bill’s and Whiskey Pete.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/primvalley Web: http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com/pages/pvr_frameset.asp
North Carolina – Maggie ValleyTheresa Smith of Maggie Valley Resortindicated their course is framed by the BlueRidge and Great Smoky Mountains. Alongwith a fine golf course they offer new luxuri-
ous lodging accommodations.Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/maggievalleyWeb: http://www.maggievalleyresort.com/
North Carolina – SandhillsThe Sandhills area in North Carolina, homeof Pinehurst, was named the third best golfdestination in the world, trailing onlyScotland and Pebble Beach. Recently ourreporter Thad Gutowski visited the Pinehurstarea. Join Thad and host, Bill Shelton, as theydiscuss Pinehurst and Sandhills Golf
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2002shows/show1/index.htmlWeb: http://www.sandhillsgolf.com/
Ohio – Trumbull CountyOur cameras visit Avalon Lakes, Candywood,Yankee Run and Pine Lake GC as well assome sensational lodging facilities. A shortdistance drive for some very affordable golf.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/trumbull/index.htmlWeb: http://www.trumbullcountycvb.org/
Tennessee – TazewellSally Carter, of Woodlake Golf Club, indicat-ed that their course was one of the best of thelot in 2000, as indicated by Golf Digest. Theyhave just the golf packages for you.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/woodlakeWeb: http://www.woodlakegolf.com
Canada – OntarioCanadian Golf is represented locally by thefine Crimson Ridge, just north of Sault Ste.Marie,Canada, Monterra Golf at BlueMountain Resort and Forest Golf andCountry Hotel near Sarnia.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show15/index.htmlWeb:Crimson Ridgehttp://www.golfcrimsonridge.comForest Golf & Country Resorthttp://www.xcelo.on.ca/~foregolfMonterra Golfhttp://www.bluemountain.ca
Canada – Niagra RegionRobert Warrington of Ultimate GolfVacations indicated that one of Canada’strendy golf spots right now is Niagara Parks.With Legends on the Niagara and WhirlpoolPublic Golf Course, the Niagara Regionoffers championship-caliber golf to its grow-ing list of attractions, including spectacularHorseshoe Falls, Casino Niagara,Botanical Gardens, Shaw Festival Theatre,picturesque wine tour, and
Niagara-on-the-Lake.Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/ugvWeb: http://www.ugv.net
Canada – Muskoka Lakes
The Muskoka Lakes area has close to 20 golfcourses, some the best Canada has to offer.Located about 90 minutes north of Toronto,Muskoka lies on the pre-cambrian shieldand is bordered on the west by the shores ofthe Georgian Bay and on the east byAlgonquin Park
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show15/index.htmlWeb: http://www.golfmuskoka.com/golfmuskoka/
Canada – QuebecDanny Letsch, of Merit Vacations, feels thatthe Laurentian Mountains is the place to befor Michigan Golfers - especially thereat Tremblant and Gray Rocks Resort and
the fantastic Fairmont Le ChateauMontebello GC, designed by legendaryCanadian golf architect, Stanley Thompson.
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/getaways/meritWeb: http://www.merit.ca MG
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The niche that Golf Santee in Sort hC a rolina wants to fill for Michigangolfers is that of a golf destination
that offers a variety of quality golf coursesand lodging accommodations at aff o rd a b l ep r i c e s .
The area boasts some of the best-main-tained golf courses in South Carolina. Theselection at Golf Santee gives the golftraveler a choice of over 16 of the are a ’sfinest courses. Course information ontheir sute includes an amenity list as wellas slopes, ratings, and score c a rd s .
Of particular note is Woodlake Golf Club,new in 2000 and heralded by Golf Digest asone of the America’s Best New Courses. Itfronts on 34,000-acre Norris Lake.
Or you could play at Beech Cre e k ,which is located on land that used tobelong to General Thomas Sumter, theR e v o l u t i o n a ry War officer after whomF o rt Sumter is named. One of the lasts k i rmishes of the Civil War was alsofought at Beech Cre e k .
C l a rendon Golf & Country Club off e rmany of the amenities that re p re s e n t sS o u t h e rn hospitality. The club and locala rea offer tennis courts, a swimming pool
and several ponds where fishing isa l l o w e d .
The Foxboro Golf Club is minutes fro mInterstate Corridors I95 and I26 and onlya short distance from Lake Marion.With water on 14 holes this championshiplayout has recently been improved withthe addition of sand traps on many holes.
Designed by architect Eddie Riccoboniand built in 1979, Lake Marion Golf Clubo ffers a setting akin to the historicPinehurst are a . Well manicured fairw a y sand greens meander through the beautiful-ly forested landscape.
Santee Cooper Country Club has beendelighting golfers for more than 30 years.Exceptional conditions and a challenginglayout offer up a great experience forgolfers of all levels
Legend Oaks Plantation Golf Courseo ffers a traditional style course. It feature soak-lined fairways which offers a chal-lenge to both the novice and experiencedg o l f e r.
This re p resents a quick glance at GolfSantee, and again, for more inform a t i o nyou can visit their informative golf site athttp:/golfsantee.com. M G
Golf Santee
By Mike Terrell
Walter Hagen—arguably one of thegreatest golfers to ever play thegame—never played a competitive
round of golf in northern Michigan, but chosethat area to live out the last years of his life.
His estate on Long Lake was the only pieceof real property that he everpurchasedthroughout his illustrious career. For a manwho could have affordedto live any place hewanted, it said a lot about his passion fornorthern Michigan.
In honor of the man and his ties to ourstate, the Grand Traverse Heritage Centerhosted “The Haig” Golf Classic —an event
that was played with hickory clubs in vintageattire—at Elmbrook Golf Course on June 20.All proceeds benefited the Heritage Center’scapital campaign.
“This unique event appealed to avidgolfers, history buffs and collectors of golfingmemorabilia,” said Peg Jonkhoff, capital campaign chairperson. “Men and ladiesteams dressed in vintage attire competing withhickory stick clubs in a scramble format thatprovided an afternoon of fun and apprecia-tion for this royal and ancient sport.”
Embracing the so-called “Roaring 1920s,”the Haig—as his many fans affectionatelyknew him—was flamboyant and cocky. Hisstyle was unorthodox, but the resulting winsthat he posted placed him atop golf’s leaderboard for that era and eternity.
During the period from 1914-32 he ruled golfand established re c o rds that still stand today.Hagen won 11 major titles during that timeperiod: two U.S. Opens, four British Opens, andfive match-play PGA titles—four in a row fro m1924-27, which is still a re c o rd. He was thefirst American to win a British Open title. Healso won the We s t e rn Open five times duringthat period, and had over 30 other tourn a m e n tvictories in his care e r.
Only two golfers, the great amateur golferBobby Jones and the Golden Bear, JackNicklaus, have exceeded Hagen‚s record inthe majors. Because of his prowess in matchplay, Hagen was named captain of the first sixUnited States Ryder Cup teams.
The Haig retired from competitive golf atthe relatively young age of 47. There was noSenior PGA Tour like we have today, andwhen he felt he could no longer play to win itwas time to quit playing competitively.
Although tournament prize money was apittance at that time compared to today‚stournaments, Hagen managed to live quitewell. He was considered sport’s first million-aire, and, said, “I never wanted to be a mil-lionaire. I just wanted to live like one.”
His Haig Ultra‚ equipment line, whichWilson Sporting Goods sold, netted him$100,000 a year in royalties from the late1950s through the 1960s. Life was good forHagen.
For years he had lived at the DetroitAthletic Club while traveling aroundthe country and world playing golf matches.When Hagen retired he moved to Cadillac fora brief period where he wrote his own autobi-ography, which waspublished in 1954. Aboutthe same time he bought 20 acres on the west side of Long Lake where he was to spend therest of his life.
Having spent his off time relaxing, huntingand fishing in northern Michigan since the1940s, the Haig was familiar with the area. Legendary stories abound of his time spentthere.
„During a typical week in the late 1950s, afriend and hunting companion, Joseph Peckwould stop at the Long Lake cottage a coupleof evenings, drop off his car, and drive Hagenin his gold Cadillac to his favorite watering hole in downtown Traverse City, a taverncalled ŒThe Little Bohemian‚s (LittleBo‚s),‰ writes Stephen R. Lowe in his bookSir Walter and Mr. Jones, which was pub-lished in 2000.
Fred Winowiecki, now 69, was a young
bartender at Little Bo’s during the 1960s andrecalled those days when Hagen would “holdcourt” at the tavern. “He had a spot reservedin front of the tavern for his Cadillac,” hesaid. “He loved to play pool, a little cards andtalk about the glory days. The patrons lovedhim, because he would often buy severalrounds while telling golf stories.
“Hagen just wanted to get away from thefast lane and enjoy life at a leisurely pace uphere. He was very laid back,” recalledWinowiecki. “He would always tell everyonehe met at Little Bo’s, ‘You are the greatest.’He continued to come in right up until thelast year of his life.”
Unfortunately Hagen, a heavy smoker allhis adult life, was diagnosed with throat can-cer in 1965. Barbara Maddy, his nurse overthe last couple of years of his life, recalledthat despite the illness, he remained upbeatuntil the very end. “He was a terrible patient.After his third operation here at MunsonHospital, they couldn’t wait to get rid of him,and he wanted to go home to Long Lake. Hehated hospitals. I had met him a few yearsearlier at the Karlin Inn, and when anannouncement came over the radio that theywere looking for a private nurse for WalterHagen, I went right over,” she recalled.
“He was a ‘clothes horse,’ and it took himforever to get dressed in the morning.
20 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
Walter Hagen and Northern Michigan Had a Love Aff a i r
“You are only here for a short visit.Don’t hurry. Don’t worry, and be sure to
smell the flowers along the way.‚
21S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
By Rick Coates
Do pars and Pinot Noirs really go togeth-er? Bill Knopp, Sales Director of the historicPark Place Hotel in Traverse City believe theydo. Knopp has created “Sip & Chip” bring-ing two of northern Michigan’s favoriteattractions together.
“In the past couple of years we have reallyseen a huge increase in those interested in vis-iting the local wineries,”said Knopp. “Wehave also noticed that a lot of those visitorsare golfers and they are couples, so we felt itwas a natural.”
Northern Michigan has been known for itstop-rated designer courses from the likes ofNicklaus, Palmer, Trevino, Player and others.Now the region is rivaling Napa Valley andeven France for quality wines. Recent majorwins at international wine competitions haveput the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulason the world wine map.
While beer has been the traditional bever-age of choice among golfers, wine is gainingin popularity, especially at the post-roundmeal.
“Our Sip & Chip package is very flexiblein its approach and we are able to customizeit for the consumer, but one thing it doesinclude is dinner for two at our MinervasRestaurant and with that dinner we proudly serve a bottle of local wine, from our vastselection,” said Knopp. “Another aspect ofthe package is combing golf with touring thevineyards, again we let the customer createtheir package by offering a selection of courses and wineries to visit.”
Courses include The Leelanau Club atBahle Farms and The Kings Challenge; bothon the Leelanau Peninsula and in the heart ofwine country for easy post golf touring or The Crown, High Pointe Golf Club,Mistwood and The Briar are all options. Thearea boasts 17 wineries to visit as well.
“We are pleased that the LeelanauPeninsula Vintners Association has created aspecial wine passport that our guests thatparticipate in Sip & Chip will receive,” saidKnopp. “The passport will offer special sav-ings and gifts at the wineries.”
It may have once been bogies and beers,but the trend is changing: wedges and winesare just fine. Northern Michigan is calling, socome and sink some putts and then tour themany area-tasting rooms to enjoy the fruitsof the vine. To learn more about the ParkPlace Hotel “Sip & Chip,” package visit theirwebsite at www.park-place-hotel.com or callto book your package at (231) 946-5196.
Package prices vary depending on the sea-son, length of stay and number of coursesplayed. For more information on norther nMichigan wines visit www.lpwines.com orwww.wineriesofoldmission.com or call (231) 938-1811.
Rick Coates writes from his home in Acme. MG
Sip & ChipEverything had to match. He was the PayneStewart of his time; just like a matinee idol.He liked to watch golf on TV, fish from his pontoon boat or hit golf balls into the lake.The neighborhood kids would dive for themand sell them back to him. Walter wasalways a gentleman. He loved life, but didn’tlike off-color jokes. His favorite saying was,“You are only here for a short visit. Don’thurry. Don’t worry, and be sure to smell theflowers along the way.’ He was a greatman,” she fondly remembered.
Retired physician Don Pike, Hagen’s lastdoctor, recalled his dignity and sense ofhumor. “He was a great guy and remainedupbeat through all his operations over thelast few years of his life. He used to jokeabout me being a lousy golfer. He never gaveme a lesson, but he did give me a set of his
Haig Ultra clubs,which I still have and stillplay with. We became good friends,” Pike, who‚’ now 88, said as he reminisced. “Theday before he died (Oct. 5, 1969) he calledme to his home to say goodbye. He knew hedidn’t have much longer. We both brokedown and cried as we hugged each other.Even in poor health he made an impressionon you. Later that night he passed away.”
A testimonial dinner for Hagen, held at theTraverse City Golf and Country Club in1967, was his final public appearance.Arnold Palmer, Dr. Carry Middlecoff and AlWaltrous were all in attendance, and manydignitaries who weren’t able to attend, sentletters. “It was a moving experience. I thinkit touched the hearts of all those in atten-dance,” Pike recalled.
In Sir Walter and Mr. Jones, Lowe writes,“Sir Walter belongs on a short list of athletes,including Babe Ruth, Red Grange and JackDempsey, who in the early 20th centuryestablished modern professional sports.”More than any other golfer, Walter Hagenmade professional golf what it has becometoday. He was the first true touring profes-sional golfer. His legacy will be long remem-bered. MG
“The Haig” (r) joins (l-r) Tom Thornton, Dave Knudsen,Howard Vogel, and Scott Warren at Elmbrook GC’s TheHaig Golf Classic.
22 S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 3 ◆ M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E
As is my cus-tom, I’vetaken this last
column of the seasonto look back atwhere I’ve been inthe past year. Onlythe IRS and myunderstanding wife
really give a hoot. To liven up the proceed-ings, I’m even going to resur rect some honorsand awards of which yours truly is the solejudge and jury.
Most riveting golf telecast—For mymoney, it’s not Annika Sorenstam’s valianteffort at the Colonial or even Ben Curtis’shocking win at the British Open. No, for meit’s Hilary Lunke’s brilliant display of patientshotmaking, rock-solid course management,and deft short game in her epic U.S. Women’sOpen win at Pumpkin Ridge. Both theSunday’s final round and Monday’s playoffproduced incredible drama and pressure.Lunke’s clutch 15-foot birdie putt that camejust minutes after Angela Stanford’s equallyamazing 25-foot birdie putt was pure magic.If you love championship golf at its best, aCinderella story, and a humble worthy cham-pion, then this was the telecast to watch.
Transcending gender, this event almost mademe forget about the USGA’s antiquated 18-hole playoff format. Almost.
Best shot—Shawn Micheel’s 7-iron to the72nd green at the PGA. (Sor ry, but someawards are easy tap-ins.) Micheel’s shotbrought to mind the distant memory of JerryPate’s stiffed 5-iron out of the rough on thelast hole to win the 1976 U.S. Open at theAtlanta Athletic Club.
Best golf trip—Discovering the wild,rugged links courses of western Ireland, allnorth of Shannon, was a delight. Most of thecourses played were designed by the lateEddie Hackett, the Emerald Isle’s answer toDonald Ross. Space limitations don’t permitme to extol all the many virtues of Hackett’swonderful links. Let me just say, they’reauthentic, natural, breathtaking, and enchant -ing. And getting there is half the fun, especial-ly with an able, alert driver. Next time you’r eplanning an Irish golf trip, include Carne(Hackett’s masterpiece), Connemara,Enniscrone, Donegal and County Sligo(designed by Allison and Colt.)
Best Road Sign to Heed—In Irelandagain, it was actually painted on the pave-
ment. It read: SLOW. VERY SLOW. DEADSLOW. Prudent highway advice and a niftyswing tip to boot.
Best and Most Deserving Award—Jack Berry’s induction into the Michigan GolfHall of Fame in May. I couldn’t be happierand prouder for my good friend and col-league to be so honored. Jack’s been the con-summate golf writer and reporter and I’mindebted to him in so many ways. Unfor-tunately, my speech composure tip for him—visualizing actor Adam Sandler (on Jack’sworst list) in the audience—failed to do thetrick at times. But he gave a heartfelt accep-tance speech which all of us will long cherish.Bravo!
Best Media Day—in keeping with theexcitement of “Seabiscuit,” there’s a photofinish for first. Hold your tickets. Ladies andgentlemen, there’s a dead heat, now con-firmed by race officials. Tied as the bestmedia days are the Michigan Amateur MediaDay at lovely and venerable Belvedere CCand the Spring Media Day for the 2004Ryder Cup at storied Oakland Hills CC. Forthe former, it was the only way I could men-tally recover from a disastrous and failinglocal qualifying round for the Amateur. Andfor the latter, I gladly suffered through theround even though I threw my back out onthe second hole at Oakland Hills. Sometimesfor the benefit of others and comp golf, onemust soldier on. (For look at all the manyfine runner-ups in this category, please visitwww.terrysmediadays.net)
Best Way to Get to a Major—Heading to the U.S. Open at Olympia Fieldsin Illinois, I parked my car miles south of thevenue in Richton Park, avoiding skads oftraffic and congestion coming from the northand west of Chicago. In Richton Park, Ihopped a commuter train for a few stopsand was nicely and conveniently dropped offat the entrance of Olympia Fields. Feeling likeBernard Darwin detraining at Royal Lytham& St. Annes, I walked briskly into ourNational Open and the Merchandise Tent insearch of a logo’d bowler.
Teacher of the Year—Goes to PGA proMike Furyk for guiding his son Jim with theloopy swing and the cross-handed puttinggrip all the way to the U.S. Open and BuickOpen crowns. Mike had the good sense andtrust not to mess with Jim’s unorthodoxyknowing it repeated under pressure. Nicenote: they are best buddies too.
Best quote to end this column—From Tiger Woods exiting Oak Hill afterstruggling mightily—the guy hit only 20 GIRout of 72!—while finishing 12 over par forthe PGA: “I’m so happy I’m done.”
See you next year! MG
By Terry Moore
Editor Emeritus
S L I C E O F L I F E
