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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

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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.

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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/

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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 matterŠŠMeanwhile, 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 yearŠ.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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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/

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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!

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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/

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MICHIGAN TOURNAMENTS
http://michigangolfer. com/tournaments.html

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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

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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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