Michigan Golf News April 28, 2006 Vol. 6, No. 17
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BAY MILLS RESORT AND CASINO/WILD BLUFF GOLF COURSE Video: 2005 Bay
Mills Open Players Tournament Preview -with Rob Lussenhof http:
//www.michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/baymillsopenpreview/
OTSEGO CLUB & RESORT-GAYLORD
Golf Packages http://otsegoclub.com/allpackages.php
SHANTY CREEK RESORT & CLUB
Golf Packages http://www.shantycreek.com/golf/package.html
DESIGN YOUR OWN IRELAND GOLFING GETAWAY
Click on - http://www.sullivangolf.ie/quoteform.html
Sullivan Golf & Travel The Ireland Golf Travel Specialist
IN GAYLORD, GOLF THE NATURAL: A JERRY MATTHEWS COURSE
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/natural/
Golf Packages http://golfthenatural.com
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__/ MGN ON THE ROAD
Bay City-Bay Valley Resort
Frankfort-Crystal Downs GC
Hillman-Birch Falls and Thunder Bay Resort
Ionia-Shadow Ridge, Rolling Hills, Bart's Golf Center
Lewiston-Garland
__/ MG-TV
Hawk's Eye- A John Robinson Course
Gary Wiren and Jack Berry: The Hickory Open at The Kingsley Club
__/ MOORE MUSINGS
__/ CORRECTION-WEST MICHIGAN AMATEUR NOT WESTERN AMATEUR
__/ MONEY HONEY
__/ MICHIGAN GOLF NEWS ON CHOK RADIO 1070 ON YOUR DIAL-Shanty Creek
Resort
__/ BOOK REVIEW: "SLICES:OBSERVATIONS FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE
FAIRWAY" by I.J.Schecter
__/ GOT NAME?
__/ CHARLEY VANDENBERG TO TEACH AT THE MEADOWS
__/ FREE GOLF AT THE NATURAL THIS WEEKEND-GOT ROOM?
__/ SPRING EDITION OF THE MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE NOW ONLINE
__/ 2006 MICHIGAN GOLF CALENDAR
__/ ASSOCIATION LINKS
__/ MICHIGAN GOLFER ONLINE RESOURCES
MGN ON THE ROAD
Bay City-Bay Valley Resort
Bay Valley Resort, built in 1973, has long been a signature resort in
Michigan. Designed by Desmond Muirhead with input from Jack Nicklaus,
the course has the deft approach to golf community design for which
Muirhead was famous. The Muirhead-Nicklaus design tandem held together for
six years with collaboration on Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin,
Ohio (1974) and Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida
(1973).
Brian Ballard, is the Director of Golf at Bay Valley Resort. You can
check out the course and facilities on their website which also features
videos. http://bayvalley.com
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Cedar-King's Challenge and Sleeping Bear Golf Club
King's Challenge
Chuck Olson begins another year of providing excellent golf at King's
Challenge and Sleeping Bear GC this year.
http://michigangolfer.tv/2006shows/golfcoursepreviews/kingschallenge/
King's Challenge is a par 71, 6593 yard delight. Find out more at
http://kingschallenge.com
Sleeping Bear is the latest name of the original golf course at Sugar
Loaf Resort. During its heyday, Sugarloaf was the place to recreate in
Michigan. They had the infamous "Awful Awful" downhill run and a golf
course that had the hand of LPGA superstar Jan Stephenson involved in
its design. Life was good. However, increased competition in the ski and
golf industry, resulted in an economic downturn that closed the resort.
Sugarloaf was purchased by Kate Wickstrom last year, but locals do not
believe she has the economic firepower to open the resort.
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Frankfort-Crystal Downs GC
Michigan's most revered golf course Crystal Downs was sparking in a
bright April sun last week. But wait, let's let Bradley Klein tell us
about Crystal Downs from his latest, "Rough Meditations". "The Golden Age
of Architecture is still golden. There is remarkable consensus regarding
the top 10, Digest's elite in the country are: Pine Valley followed by
Cypress Point, Pebble Beach, Augusta National, Shinnecock Hills,
Merion-East, Pinehurst #2, Oakmont, Crystal Downs in Michigan and Winged
Foot-West." Crystal Downs, designed by Alister Mackenzie & Perry Maxwell
was built in 1933.
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Hillman-Birch Falls-Thunder Bay Resort
Birch Falls
John Robinson emailed me last week indicating that his work at Birch
Falls was complete and that the course would be grown in this summer with
an opening scheduled for next year. I stopped by to check out the
course and saw zero activity. However, what I did see was some eye popping
and jaw dropping routing. This project, scheduled to open last year,
will need buckets of money to complete and then, it will be a challenge
to sell the lots in Michigan's weak economy.
Thunder Bay Resort
Jack Matthias and his family have continued to create new ideas to keep
their resort fresh in the minds of those who visit it. Started in
1971, Thunder Bay Resort debuted with hotel and golf course, one that was
designed by Jack Matthias. Next came the on course cabins to rent or buy
and then when golfing began to cool, the Elk Carts began to appear
alongside golf carts. Elk viewing has become a major portion of the
resort's business as you can see with our video during the Govenor's visit a
couple of years ago http://michigantravel.tv/2004thunderbay/ They also
offer Murder Mystery Weekend, Quilters Retreats and a place to hold
your wedding.
They have a comprehensive website http://thunderbayresort.com with
videos of many of their services.
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Lewiston- Garland
The running joke at Garland is to introduce new head pro Don White as
the head pro for the month. Yes, there has been some turnover at
Garland, but in many cases the former golf professionals are still with the
resort in other capacites. For example, Todd Campbell is now working in
the real estate area and former director of golf, Bill Van Buskirk is
now the GM. White,http://michigangolfer.tv/2006shows/golfcoursepreviews/garland/ has
been involved with a number of properties in the north, serving at
Treetops, Michaywe, Whilte Pine, Marsh Ridge and now Garland. White is a
class act and should provide a great fit for the Garland team.
We chatted with resort owner, Ron Otto, who was very excited about his
new "Santuary" golf course, where the front nine is scheduled to open
next year. Otto has been the architect of all of the Garland courses.
Bob O'Brien has some new digs in which to sell some of that great
Garland real estate. O'Brien and Otto, who have been best buddies and
partners for years, are enjoying brisk sales at the resort.
http://garlandusa.com
---
Ionia-Shadow Ridge GC (Formerly Ionia Country Club), Rolling Hills and
Bart's Golf Center
Donald Ross designed this classic in 1916. Shadow Ridge was designed
during a very busy time for Ross, as he was putting together the Detroit
Golf Club (1916) and Oakland Hills South Course (1917). Shadow Ridge
was the home course for Big Break II and IV media star, Bart Lower.
Lower, a member of the EMU golf team, grew up on this course. John Fischer
is the Director of Golf at Shadow Ridge.
Right across the road from Shadow Ridge is Rolling Hills Golf Estates,
another nine hole course, and finally, right up the road is Bart's
Driving Range. Lower, now employed by Pulte Homes in Naples, still owns
the facility in his home town.
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Saline-Rustic Glen
Family patriarch and golf course designer Harley Hodges was on a month
long cruise and son Greg had the day off on our visit to their course
last week. Rustic Glen was a sleepy little nine hole course until Harley
designed the second nine http://www.rusticglen.com The establishment
has established a solid base of clientele and the family continues to
prosper at this site. For additional information, you can check out the
interview that Bill Shelton had with the Hodges and their designing
career at http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show12/index.html Brett
Degner is the Golf Course Manager.
***
MGTV
Gary Wiren and Jack Berry: The Hickory Open at The Kingsley Club
Gary Wiren, neatly attired in his knickers, is interviewed by Jack
Berry during the last year's Hickory Open at The Kingsley Club. Wiren
has one of the largest collections of hickory clubs in American. Wiren
chats about hickory club golf, the Kingsley Club and golfing with
Donald Trump in this Jack Berry interview.
http://thekingsleyclub.com
http://michigangolfer.tv/2006shows/wiren/
A Tour of Hawk's Eye
John Robinson is one of Canada's great golf architects. Of late, he
has been doing some work in the states, with three of his courses in
Michigan. He designed The Chief and Hawk's Eye in Bellaire and has
just completed a new course in Hillman. Our Tour of Hawk's Eye show is
hosted by John Robinson, who informs the viewer of his thoughts about
designing this terrific course.
http://michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/hawkseye/
***
MOORE MUSINGS
by Terry Moore
Hey, whatever Tiger Woods does with his free time is his business but I
must say there are a lot of mixed messages and perceptions after you
see him in New Zealand bungee-jumping and driving stock dirt cars this
past week. Just a week ago, Tiger releases a statement saying he probably
wonıt be playing in any golf events until the U.S. Open (June 15-18) so
as to ³watch over² his ailing father whoıs battling cancer.
Understandably Tiger travels to far off New Zealand to keep his commitment and be the ³best man² at his caddie Steve Williamsı wedding. Fair enough and
laudable. But whatıs up with the death-defying bungee jumping and
celebrity stock car escapades? Itıs an odd way to lower oneıs public profile
in the midst of an emotionally trying family health matterMeanwhile,
the PGA TOUR gives New Orleans a nice shot of medicine this weekend
with a strong field for the Zurich Classic. The TOUR has been working for
several months promoting the event and encouraging its players to
include it on their schedule. Kudos for Phil Mickelson in particular for
playing in the event after passing it up last year.Finally, earlier this
week I had a golf experience that reminded me of the famed
philosophical question: if a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to
witness it does it make a sound? For the first time in over 45 years of
playing golf, I had an ace while playing alone. When it happened, I looked
around like the junior golfer in the USGA TV commercial desperately
hoping for the Green Superintendent to emerge from the thicket and to
verify my hole-in-one. Alas, no such luck. Instead I bounded up to the
green, retrieved my ball from the cup and simply called it a day.
***
CORRECTION-WEST MICHIGAN AMATEUR NOT WESTERN AMATEUR
The West Michigan Amateur will be played at Candlestone on May 20th
and 21st. http://candlestone.com
Thanks and a double Tip of the Tam to Jack Berry and Terry Moore who
spotted this gaffe.
***
MONEY HONEY
Michigan PGA-2006 Club Car Spring Scramble
Walnut Creek Country Club-Final Results
1 Doug White Barton Hills CC 85 $500-Pro
John Myers $500-Pro
Jordan Young $500-Pro
Stephanie Jennings $500-Pro
2 Boyd Barth Flint Elks GC 85 $350-Pro
Bob McCullough $350-Am-Flint Elks GC
Mark Novak $350-Am-Flint Elks GC
Scott Wirth $350-Am-Flint Elks GC
T-3 David P. Kendall Kendall Acadamy of Golf 86 $212.50-Pro
Tom Harding $212.50-Pro
Scott Hayes $212.50-Pro
Gary Smithson $212.50-Pro
Brian Cairns Highland Golf Center 86 $212.50-Pro
Peter Kingsley $212.50-Pro
Jeff Champine $212.50-Pro
Jeff Stalcup $212.50-Pro
Brian Bach Edgewood CC 86 $212.50-Pro
Billy Crosno $212.50-Pro
Brent Kish $212.50-Pro
Andy Lindsay $212.50-Pro
Ron Beurmann CC of Jackson 86 $212.50-Pro
Frank McAuliffe $212.50-Pro
Kevin Muir $212.50-Pro
Gary Robinson $212.50-Pro
Larry Stuewe Pines Golf Course 86 $212.50-Pro
Chris Ham $212.50-Am-Pines Golf Course
Aaron Oostveen $212.50-Am-Pines Golf Course
Chad Oostveen $212.50-Am-Pines Golf Course
T-8 Joseph W. Pollack Quail Ridge GC 87 $80-Pro
Scott Hebert $80-Pro
Lee Houtteman $80-Pro
Lynn Janson $80-Pro
Thomas M. Shaw Tanglewood GC 87 $80-Pro
Greg Lassan $80-Pro
Paul Lehnert $80-Pro
Brad Stedry $80-Pro
Submitted by David Fox-Michigan PGA
***
SHANTY CREEK RESORT FEATURED TODAY ON CHOK GOLF SHOW-1070 ON YOUR DIAL
Deb Kresnak, Director of Sales and Marketing, Brent Nelson VP of
Operations and Roger Gieseck , their golf professional will be featured on
the Michigan Golf News segment on the CHOK Golf Show with Tom Gibson.
The show runs from 10:00 to 11:00 on CHOK, 1070 on your dial.
BOOK REVIEW: "SLICES:OBSERVATIONS FROM THE WRONG SIDE OF THE FAIRWAY"
by I.J.Schecter
I.J. Schecter, a Canadian golf writer, has put together a collection of
his past stories that have appeared in some of Canada's leading golf
publications. Like other authors before him and many yet to come,
Schecter takes on the lighter side of golf as experienced from someone who is
constantly trying to break a 100. This is a book that you can pick up
for a brisk read from time to time and for the most part, Schecter's
writing will bring a smile to your face. The book is published by Wiley
and can be accessed at http://wiley.com
***
CHARLEY VANDENBERG TO TEACH AT THE MEADOWS
PGA Master Professional Charley Vandenberg will be opening the
Vandenberg Golf Academy at The Meadows Golf Club in Allendale this golf season.
The Michigan PGA Sectionıs Teacher of the Year for 1997 and 2003,
Vandenberg has gained a national reputation for his teaching prowess.
³Iım very pleased to be associated with The Meadows,² says Vandenberg,
previously the longtime head golf professional at Kent Country Club.
³Teaching has always been a passion of mine and Iım excited to continue
sharing my knowledge and experience with new, current and former
students.² Vandenberg joins Scot Dowling as teaching professionals who now
make The Meadows their West Michigan base for private golf instruction
this golf season.
For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/meadows/
Taken and edited from All About Golf
***
GOT NAME?
Now is your chance to name a ski slope in honor of a loved one, a
special life event, business or just yourself. Crystal Mountain has donated
the naming rights to two of its existing ski slopes, Z4 and Z5, to the
Michigan Legacy Art Park. 100% of the proceeds to this auction will go
directly to the Art Park. Bidding is available online today and will
conclude at "Claudia's Cabaret" benefit on Saturday, April 29 at Crystal
Mountain. Hurry!
Online bidding form and more information on "Claudia's Cabaret".
http://www.ntarget.com/go/ct.asp?L=042606235iAdVSG7&C=2103015724
To view the Michigan Legacy Art Park click on to
http://michigantravel.tv/2002artpark/
***
FREE GOLF AT THE NATURAL THIS WEEKEND-GOT ROOM?
You can get A complimentary round of golf at The Natural by simply
calling Marsh Ridge Resort to book your room and mention you would like to
participate in the Complimentary Golf Weekend. Marsh Ridge Resort will
then make the tee-time and present a golf certificate to you upon check
in. the certificate MUST be presented to The Natural in order to get
the complimentary round of golf. There are some restrictions so call
800-743-7529, Ext. 2 for further information on your COMPLIMENTARY golf
weekend!
***
SPRING EDITION OF THE MICHIGAN GOLFER MAGAZINE-ONLINE
Spring Issue 2006 Vol. 24, No.1
http://www.webgolfer.com/
The Heather at Boyne Highlands: Robert Trent Jones and Everett Kircher
Shared a Dream
by Jack Berry
Villegas: The PGA Tourıs Colorful Colombian
by Kelly Hill
Michiganıs Island Golf Courses
by Art McCafferty
Tournament Action to Take Few Breaks This Summer
by Kelly Hill
Book Review-Match Made in Heaven
by Bernice Phillips
Book Review: King of Swings-Book Jacket
by Lanse Bannon
Slice of Life: Masters Memories
by Terry Moore
Readership of the Michigan Golfer Ezine averaged 9,789 per issue in
2005.
http://www.webgolfer.com/
***
MICHIGAN TOURNAMENTS
http://michigangolfer.
com/tournaments.html
***
2006 MICHIGAN GOLF CALENDAR
http://michigangolfer.com/calendar.html"
ASSOCIATION LINKS American Association of Golf Course Architects
http://asgca.org Golf Association of
Michigan http://www.gam.org/
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America http://www.gcsaa.org Michigan Section PGA
http://www.Michigan.PGA.com
Michigan Golf Course Owners Association http://mgcoa.org Michigan High School
Athletic Association http://www.mhsaa.com/ Michigan
Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association http://migca.com Michigan Publinx Seniors
Golf Association http://mpsga.net National Golf Course Owners
Association http://ngcoa.org
National Golf Foundation http://ngf.org National High School Golf
Coaches Association http://www.nhsgca.org
***
MICHIGAN GOLFER ONLINE RESOURCES
Website: http://glsp.com
Ezine http://michigangolfer.com
News: http://www.webgolfer.com/news.html
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv
Podcast: http://glsp.com/podcasts.html
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