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Michigan Golf News
March 28, 2003, Vol. 3, No. 13
Sponsored by: Monica Bebow has allows us to publish email updates that she has been sending to family and friends. Besides his duties with the Detroit News and Channel 4 in Detroit, John has graced the pages of the Michigan Golfer as one of our fine writers. Ed. Thursday, March 27th, 2003"Hello everyone, As things have accelerated in Iraq, my contact with John has been less frequent, consisting of a few short conversations. No email from him, except one quick request on Sunday for me to send him daily emails with news articles cut & pasted to give him a larger picture of what is happening. I have been doing that everyday, but given the horrible sandstorms, I don't think that he has been able to look at them. Perhaps he got the chance today, since the storms have abated. In my last update, I mentioned that John spent some time in a bunker because of missiles flying overhead, and that he would be on Channel 4 that evening. For those of you who weren't able to watch the news, I will tell you that I was very alarmed to hear on that broadcast that the missile flying overhead was no more than 500 feet overhead and blew up only 15 seconds after it flew by his unit. I was also alarmed to hear the anchor say that John and his unit experienced some heavy Iraqi artillery fire later in the day and went on to say that John described it as "terrifying." It has become evident that the supply lines are not "safe." John assured me in a phone call on Tuesday that he is not taking any risks, but that he can't help that sometimes the risks are coming to him. Because of the sandstorms and the intermittent rain, it has taken the convoy he has been assigned to three days to travel 100 miles. His editor told me that he is now about 100 miles from Baghdad in Central Iraq. He has been going from unit to unit within this supply convoy. Apparently, he has a little further to go, and he will be staying at some supply base that is being established on the way to Baghdad. He has managed to hook up with an old colleague of his , Wayne Wooley. Wayne is now a reporter for the Newark Star Ledger. I am comforted to know that at least he is going through all of this with a friend at his side. As you can imagine, the physical conditions are extremely rough. Sand and dust continue to be a problem, no showers, MREs for meals, no bathrooms, sleeping on the desert floor, and pretty cold temperatures due to the storms. Some of you have asked about an address for John, in order to send him cookies and such. I had Tarek call the P.R. people at the military, and at this point, there is no address for John. There probably won't be until things are more secure over there and the military is able to set up some stable posts. I'm sure that he would welcome any packages, so I will let you know as soon as an address becomes available. A woman from Channel 4 called me today to tell me that she had talked to John. She played a portion of the tape for me that probably won't be aired on tonight's broadcast. In it, he said that when he finally lies down to sleep each night his thoughts are of his wife and his dog, and of all the words of support that he has received from friends and family. Of your messages, he said "they really keep him going, and that he can't thank everyone enough." I can't thank you enough, either. Be well," Monica Bebow*** MGN ON THE ROAD Ann Arbor We saw golfers everywhere at Huron Hills GC as we cruised down the Huron Parkway in Ann Arbor. The pent up demand for golf after a long winter, certainly triggered an outpouring of eager souls on the course. ---Augusta The Scott family is gearing up for the 40th anniversary of their move into golf. In addition, they are preparing to sell off some gorgeous lots on the Stonehedge course. The lots will be ready for sale in early June. The lots will be integrated with a healthy dose of open land, thus providing buyers with an open environment. ---Battle Creek Battle Creek was bathed in a warm sunshine and the McCamly Plaza Hotel was shining as a beacon. Inside Cameron Wallace, the new Director of Golf, was meeting with others to plan the year's golf packages. Battle Creek golf adds the new Yarrow GC to its arsenal this year. ---Garlord The Mecca never sleeps. Mike Husby was getting his pro shop ready for the new season. He has also put some resources into the clubhouse with a fresh paint job, new furniture and a new online computer set up. Just down the road, Don White had opened up the driving range and was picking up some business. They will close the Lake clubhouse this year, reroute the course and have both the Pines and the Lake courses play out of the main clubhouse. The Michaywe fortunes have changed for the better under his deft leadership. Sandra Snook, of Pine Cone Accommodations, has moved into her new digs, just off of old 27. In little more than a year, her company has become a major player in providing golf lodging for Gaylord bound golfers. Scott Head of Treetops is busy with a reorganization plan that is going on under the new leadership of Rick Smith. Ford Motor Company will be one of the major sponsors to the ESPN Par 3 Shootout scheduled for June 30 and July 1. --- Golf, Illinois Golf is the home of the Western Golf Association which was founded in 1899. The first Western Open and Western Amateur championships was held at the Glen View Club that is located there. The WGA continues to sponsor the tradition-steeped Advil Western Open, Western Amateur and Western Junior championships. We dropped by to chat with Gary Holaway, the WGA Communications Director. We originally knew Gary when he published the Illinois Golfer. Gary had left the publication, taught a couple of years of college English and then joined WGA. The WGA sponsors the nationally-acclaimed Evans Scholars Foundation, which administers the nation's largest privately funded college scholarship program. The Foundation, established by famed Chicago golfer Chick Evans, has provided college educations to more than 7,800 former caddies while making tuition scholarship payments totaling more than $75 million. http://westerngolfassociation.com--- Hillman Thunder Bay Resort had a few cars in the parking lot as they began to tool up for the year. Joe Libby will handle the day to day operations at the club. He has also picked up some teaching business at the resort. He was one of the featured golf instructors at the Ontario golf show. --- Oscoda- Lakewood Shores Resort Craig Peters said that rounds were up last year and that people were really enjoying the new Blackshire course. The resort was not open yet, but I did get a chance to walk around the Blackshire. The last time I was there it had snow all over it. A 20 minute walk allowed me to get an idea why so many golfers are thrilled by the layout. Kevin Aldridge, the architect of Blackshire and the award winning Gailes, has put together a couple of really exceptional courses. Craig indicated that his May and June bookings were strong, but that the following months were a little soft. --- St. Joseph The 101st Western Amateur will be held at Point O'Woods on July 30-August 3 this year. Dennis Mitchell, a member and volunteer at the tournament, is looking forward to getting the second century of the Western Amateur off on the right tee. The final round of the tournament will be taped and then televised by The Michigan Golfer Internet Television Show. --- Vicksburg There's not a blade of grass on it yet, but the new Angels Crossing golf course in Vicksburg is only waiting for sun, warm soil and rain to kick in to create yet another superb and economical W. Bruce Matthews III designed course. The course is scheduled to open nine of its holes later on this summer. ***(The show will debut at noon today) MICHIGAN GOLFER TV -DAVID GRAHAM- EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE GOLF ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN David Graham dropped by our studio to chat about the upcoming GAM season. One of the highlights is the return of the Michigan Amateur to Belvedere CC in Charlevoix. Join our host Bill Shelton and guest David Graham as they discuss 2002 and take a look at the upcoming season. The Michigan Golfer Televison Show http://michigangolfer.tv 24/7 Always On *** MGCOA OFFERS SEMINAR ON APRIL 4 Kate Moore of the MGCOA wants golf industry folks to know that they will host the seminar, "50 sure-fire ways to improve your operations and profit". The speaker for the day is John Zaruka of Z-Golf Food and Beverage. The program will be held at the Gordon Food Service building on 333 50th St. in Grand Rapids. For directions call 800-968-7500 (PGA professionals receive 4 continuing education hours) *** GOLF CLUB OF MICHIGAN ON THE BLOCK "The 290-acre Golf Club of Michigan, built by a partnership involving former Detroit Red Wing Lee Norwood, has gone into foreclosure and will be on the block May 7 in Livingston County. The deal dates from 1996, when Norwood and his partner, Andrew Soley, planned to develop a 376-acre golf course and residential subdivision at U.S. 23 on McClements Road in Brighton. Their company is called Lans Development Corp. In April 2000, Norwood and Soley sold the residential portion and went on to develop the Golf Club of Michigan under a partnership called the Golf Club of Michigan L.P. That partnership involved Norwood, Soley and businessman John Yates. The course opened in 2000. The golf course was operating, but the partnership ran out of money before it could build a clubhouse, Goldsmith said." Taken from and article by Laura BaileyMarch 24, 2003 CRAINS DETROIT BUSINESS Online edition *** GOT POA ANNUA? Valent Professional Products is inviting golf course superintendents to the unveiling of their newest golf course turf product, Velocity® Herbicide. This new chemistry has the potential to change the face of golf course turf management when it comes to controlling Poa annua. The unveiling will take place on Tuesday evening, May 6 and Wednesday afternoon, May 7, 2003 at the Michigan State University Turf Center in Lansing. ACTIVITIES:- Valent experts will provide detailed information on Velocity Herbicide - Ron Calhoun, research extension specialist in turfgrass weed management at Michigan State University, will showcase his work with Valent's newest herbicide - Attendees will have the opportunity to visit neighboring golf courses and see demonstration trials with golf course superintendents FOOD AND LODGING: Provided by ValentFor Information Molly R. Okeon Account Manager, Public Relations 901-260-4260 (direct phone) 901-524-5578 (fax) mokeon@archermalmo.com *** GOLDEN FAIRWAY-ITS IN THE GAME Mike Hull invites all to play his new online golf game. It is free and it is fun. It was not until the 8th hole that I got my first par, which let me to believe the game is realistic. Nice game and again, the price is right. http://www.goldenfairway.com/miclinks------ADV------------------------------------------------------------------- Michigan Golfer Internet Television Show With Host, Bill Shelton ********** NOW PLAYING THIS YEAR ******** http://michigangolfer.tv Orlando's PGA Merchandise Show Bill Shelton's Mississippi Golf Dave Harner and the Caddies of French Lick Resort (Part 1) The London Ontario Golf Show The Golf Reporters: Jack Berry, Tim Hygh and Bill Shelton Ken Devine With an Update of the Michigan Section PGA Dave Graham With an Update of the Golf Association of Michigan Golf Academies and Schools: Grand Traverse Resort, Swan Lake Resort and Crystal Mountain ******** COMING ATTRACTIONS THIS SPRING AND SUMMER *************** "The Haig" Returns to Michigan Dave Harner and the Caddies of French Lick Resort Sneak Preview of New Golf Courses; Angels Crossing, Westwynd @ The Wyndgate, Crimson Ridge, Diamond Springs, Yarrow, Seven Lakes, Hawk's Eye, Forest Dunes and Hawk's Ridge. Harley and Greg Hodge; Father and Son Golf Architects Stay and Play at the Park Place Hotel in Traverse City Indiana Golf: Swan Lake Resort, Juday Creek, Sultan's Run Fall, Fun, Farms, Wine and Golf in St. Joseph County Chuck Kocsis-The Best There Ever Was An Arthur Hills Masterpiece, Fieldstone Golf Course Arthur Hills Prepares Oakland Hills for the Ryder Cup Paul Albanese of Ray Hearn Golf Architects: The Grande, Yarrow and Fox Hills Bay Mills Open Preview Golf Tournament Coverage The Detroit Newspapers Michigan Open at Grand Traverse Resort The Western Amateur at Point O Woods The Bay Mills Open at Wild Bluff GC The Haig: Vintage Club Golf Classic at Elmbrook GC ----------------------------------------------------------ADV---------------- *** THE WIT AND WISDOM OF BOBBY JONES Bobby Jones was equally celebrated as the quintessential gentleman of golf and a hero as a human being. Not only was he regarded as the greatest golfer of his era, but also his intellect separated him from others. Jones's genius is highlighted in a new book, The Wit & Wisdom of Bobby Jones, edited by leading Jones historian Sidney L. Matthew ($14.95, Clock Tower Press) and will be available in bookstores across the country in April. Sportsmen today continue to marvel that Jones's legacy remains unparalleled in golf history. One of the many secrets why that is emanates from the fact Jones was more than the consummate champion golfer. Well educated with degrees in mechanical engineering, English literature and a law degree, Jones managed to communicate effectively with those whom he communicated. The collection of Bobby Jones's "Wit & Wisdom" is ample evidence that his philosophy of golf and life is relevant event today. Matthews separates the sayings of Jones into five categories - instruction in golf, psychology of golf, philosophy of golf, humor of golf, and reflections of golf. And who could quarrel with such timeless gems as: "No putt is too short to be despised.""No one ever swung too slowly." "Golf is a game of inches played between the ears." "The first aim of form is simplicity." "The enemy in golf is tension." "Some emotions cannot be endured with a golf club in your hands." Author Matthew, a trial lawyer in Tallahassee, Florida, has previously published 10 books on Jones including The Life & Times of Bobby Jones (1995). Taken from a press release of Clock Tower Presshttp://clocktowerpress.com *** QUOTE OF THE WEEK "I'm working as hard as I can to get my life and my cash to run out at the same time. If I can just die after lunch Tuesday, everything would be perfect." Doug Sanders, former professional golfer*** GOLF CALENDAR May 05/06 Fuller Cup-Prestwick Village Golf Club, Highland 05/20-23 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships, Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex (Purdue University) in West Lafayette, Indiana June 06/02-03 Taylor Made/adidas State Pro-Am- Boyne Highlands Resort 06/10-11 Club Car Michigan Senior Open- Bedford Valley 06/16-22 Farmers Charity Classic, Egypt Valley GC, Ada 06/17-21 Michigan Amateur Championship, Belvedere GC, Charlevoix 06/18-24 Ann Arbor FUTURES Golf Classic, Lake Forest GC- Ann Arbor, MI 06/20 Vintage Club Golf Classic-Elmbrook GC, Traverse City 06/23-26 Detroit Newspapers Michigan Open-The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort 06/30-07/02 Michigan Girls Championship 06/30-07/01 ESPN Par 3 Shootout-Treetops Resort 06/30-07/03 Great Lakes Junior Masters Golf Championship, Stonebridge, Ann Arbor July 07/07-08 Shanty Creek Classic, Bellaire 07/07 Father and Son Championship, Paint Creek, Lake Orion 07/13-14 2003 Independent Insurance Agent Junior Classic, Fortress GC, Frankenmuth, MI 07/14-16 Fifth Third Bank Michigan Women's Open Tournament presented by Detroit Newspapers-Crystal Mountain Resort 07/14-15 GAM Women's Mid Amateur Championship, Glacier Club, Washington 07/08-14 Ford Senior Players Championship, TPC of Michigan, Dearborn 07/21/23 Detroit Newspapers Tournament of Champions-Boyne Mountain Resort 07/28-31 Michigan Junior Boys Championship, Battle Creek CC, Battle Creek 07/28-29 Michigan Senior PGA Championship,The Loon, Gaylord 07/28-08/03 Buick Open, Warwick Hills GC-Flint 07/30-08/03 Western Amateur, Point O'Woods, St. Joseph August 08/11-13 GAM Championship, Grand Haven GC, Grand Haven 08/18-20 Michigan PGA Championship-Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire 08/18-19 GAM Women's Championship, Clio CC, Clio 08/18-24 Bay Mills Open, Brimley-Wild Bluff GC 08/25-26 GAM Women's Senior Amateur Championship, Crystal Mountain,Thompsonville 08/28-29 GAM Men's Mid-Amateur Championship, Treetops, Gaylord September 09/08-11 Lincoln Mercury Classic-Pine Lake CC 09/03-04 GAM Men's Senior Amateur Championship, Lakewood Shores Resort, Oscoda 09/13-14 Michigan Net Amateur Championship, Pilgrim's Run 09/20-21 Atlas Matches, The Loon, Gaylord 09/30 Tournament of Club Champions (Men and Women) Egypt Valley, Ada October 10/19-21 The GOLF 20/20 Conference, World Golf Village, Florida http://golf2020.com
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