The Golf Association of Michigan's annual meeting on May 7 at Franklin Hills Country Club was a busy one with the usual order of business. Two guest speakers, Rick Smith and Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally, were the biggest hit, however.
Mulally made comparisons between the automotive industry and the golf industry. That is, they have both gone through some tough times in recent years but have managed to persevere and emerge with a better product. Smith, a top golf instructor and managing partner at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, agreed.
“Michigan stayed steady over the past couple of years when other golf states were down,” Smith said in a statement released by GAM. “We had a record year last year at Treetops and I believe the industry is on the upswing.”
As for the GAM business, outgoing president Ron Gaines (TPC of Michigan) passed the torch to incoming GAM President John Schulte of Birmingham Country Club.
In the past year, the GAM has added a GAM iPhone application, created the GAM Scramble tournament and expanded in the Upper Peninsula.
Several GAM members were honored:
* Fritz McMullen of Forest Lake Country Club won the GAM Superintendent of Merit Award. McMullen has been the green superintendent at Forest Lake since 1973.
* Jerry Engle of Watermark Country Club won the GAM Club Representative of the Year Award. Engle is a longtime golfer and member at Watermark Country Club.
* Mark Wilson of Watermark won the GAM Distinguished Service Award. Wilson, the chairman of the PGA Rules of Golf Committee, has been the PGA Professional at Watermark for 30 years. He is a member of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.
The 2011 GAM Players of the Year were also honored:
* Men’s - Randy Lewis (Alma)
* Women’s – Amy Meier (Rochester Hills)
*Senior Women’s – Joan Garety (Ada)
* Senior Men’s – Bill Zylstra (Dearborn Heights)
* Girl’s Junior – Emmie Pietila (Brighton)
* Boy’s Junior – Henry Do (Ypsilanti)
Showing posts with label Golf Association of Michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Golf Association of Michigan. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Friday, August 12, 2011
GAM Golf Days winding down
The best part of joining the Golf Association of Michigan isn't the handicap service. It's the access to all of Michigan's private courses with the GAM Golf Days series.
This unique series of one-day events allows for players of all abilities to take part in a GAM event at some of the state’s most well-known clubs. For $60, players can have a cart, hit the range, play golf and can win prizes during the event.
For more information visit the Golf Days page or email cmills@gam.org. Below is a list of remaining events:
* August 22nd - Gull Lake Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 12:30 p.m.
Gull Lake in Richland near Kalamazoo hosted the 2011 GAM Women's Championship.
* August 23rd - Atlas Valley Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m.
A new stop on the GAM Golf Days schedule for 2011, Atlas Valley is one of the Flint area's oldest clubs.
* August 29th - Muskegon Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m.
This Donald Ross design will host the 2013 Michigan Amateur.
* September 6th - Eagle Eye Golf Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 9:00 a.m.
One of Michigan's finest facilities returns to the Golf Days schedule after a successful go around in 2010. Beware the island green at No. 17.
* September 26th - Edgewood Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m.
Edgewood in Commerce Township is a familiar stop for many GAM tournament players.
This unique series of one-day events allows for players of all abilities to take part in a GAM event at some of the state’s most well-known clubs. For $60, players can have a cart, hit the range, play golf and can win prizes during the event.
For more information visit the Golf Days page or email cmills@gam.org. Below is a list of remaining events:
* August 22nd - Gull Lake Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 12:30 p.m.
Gull Lake in Richland near Kalamazoo hosted the 2011 GAM Women's Championship.
* August 23rd - Atlas Valley Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m.
A new stop on the GAM Golf Days schedule for 2011, Atlas Valley is one of the Flint area's oldest clubs.
* August 29th - Muskegon Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 1:00 p.m.
This Donald Ross design will host the 2013 Michigan Amateur.
* September 6th - Eagle Eye Golf Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 9:00 a.m.
One of Michigan's finest facilities returns to the Golf Days schedule after a successful go around in 2010. Beware the island green at No. 17.
* September 26th - Edgewood Country Club - Scheduled Shotgun Start: 8:30 a.m.
Edgewood in Commerce Township is a familiar stop for many GAM tournament players.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Willie Mack III wins historic Michigan Amateur
It was a historic result for a historic event on a historic venue.
All the stars aligned for the 100th Michigan Amateur at The Heather course at Boyne Highlands Resort.
From the first tee shot of the final round it was Willie Mack III’s day. With precision drives and savvy putts Mack defeated defending champion and hometown favorite Joey Garber (Petoskey/University of Michigan) 4 & 3 to become the first African American to win the Michigan Amateur title.
“I didn’t really think about this history aspect of it when I was out there,” said Mack, 22, who plans to turn professional later this year. “I just wanted to come out and play and see how far I could get in the tournament. But to be the first African American to win in the 100th year of the tournament is really special.”
Mack won his semi-final over Matt Thompson (Battle Creek/University of Michigan) 1-up in a match where Mack was 5-up at the turn. He hit some errant shots on the back nine which caused him to consult his swing coach Bill Baldwin between the semi-final and final matches. Baldwin, who is the PGA professional at The Jewel of Grand Blanc, knew just what Mack needed to help him soar in the final round.
“I called Bill and he gave me a little drill and I went out on the range and did it before the final and it worked,” said Mack. “I told myself to just keep grinding and to take it one shot at a time and it worked out.”
Mack has been on a tear recently. Mack, a former Flint Central High School and Grand Blanc High School golfer who played at Bethune-Cookman University, has won four college tournaments and the West Michigan Amateur this season.
Garber also defeated his semi-final opponent, Eric Lilleboe (Okemos) 1-up but in the final round sprayed some tee shots into the woods and rough and left himself with some long and difficult putts. Garber was clearly frustrated with his play, particularly after the turn, and was disappointed not to play better in front of the large gallery that was, for the most part, rooting for him.
“I know how good Willie is but I also know how good I am and I didn’t play nearly as well as I can today,” said Garber, 19. “It’s no fun to lose like this but Willie beat me and he played well so there just isn’t much to say about it.”
Mack had birdies on 10 and 11 which really turned the match in his favor. Although he played his practice round at Boyne Highlands Resort – The Heather with Garber, he had no qualms about going for the kill in the final match against his fellow golfer.
“We’re all friends but you have to keep grinding and beat them down,” said Mack. “I know Joey was getting mad out there, but I just got hold of the par 5s today and that really made the difference.”
The diminutive Mack stands 5-foot-6 and weighs just 148 pounds, but he packs a punch with his driver. He averages between 295 and 300 yards with it and hit his 5-wood 265 yards on the back nine in the final.
“I’m just real happy,” said Mack, who expressed a sense of pride in coming from the Flint Junior Golf program and adding to a rich tradition of golf in the Flint area. “It’s been a long week and I can’t wai
t to get home to Flint and share this with everyone there.”
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Michigan PGA Championship returns to Hawk Hollow and Eagle Eye
It's been a busy week for golf in Michigan as the tournament scene slowly grinds to a halt as football takes over. Here's catching up on a few things.
MICHIGAN PGA PREVIEW: Scott Hebert will attempt to win his fifth consecutive Michigan PGA Championship at the Hawk Hollow Properties in East Lansing August 23-25. Hebert has been the only winner since the event moved to the Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow golf courses in 2006. Hebert set the course record at Eagle Eye, eight-under 64, last year and coasted to a 13-stroke win.
It was recently announced that Hebert, a six-time Michigan Open golf champion and the 2008 PGA Professional National Championship, will be inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame in 2011. The 40th annual induction banquet is April 23, 2011 at The Danforth Place in Escanaba.
“Scott is our section’s most celebrated player,” Michigan PGA Executive Director, Kevin Helm said in a release. “He just returned home from playing in the PGA Championship at Whistling Straights, he’s played in a number of PGA Tour events this year.”
Hebert’s four titles tie him with Grand Rapids’ Lynn Janson. Legendary golfers Chick Harbert (six championships) and Al Watrous (nine) are the only players in the history of this tournament with more wins. The field will feature 161 players in a 54-hole event. Players in the top 70 positions and ties will be vying for a piece of the $65,000 purse. The winner’s share is $7,000.
“We’re proud to host the championship and house the Michigan PGA Headquarters on our complex” said Alex Coss, General Manager of Hawk Hollow Properties. “PGA Professionals add so much to the game of the golf on the consumer level. It’s a privilege to have them playing here and receive such positive response to the quality of our courses.”
Past champions in the 2010 field include, two-time winners Brian Cairns from Fox Hills Golf Course, Steve Brady from Oakland Hills Country Club and Barry Redmond of Boyne Highlands. Other past champions include, John Traub of TNT Enterprises. Tom Harding of Kendall Academy of Golf, Joe Pollack of Boulder Creek Golf Club, Bob Makoski of Grosse Ile CC and Randy Erskine of Great Oaks Country Club.
HOLE IN ONE? If you celebrated a hole-in-one this year, you're eligible for the annual Detroit News/Golf Association of Michigan Hole-In-One Contest at Whispering Willows Golf Course in Livonia on Sept. 7. The tee opens at 7:30 a.m. and will remain open until there are no more contestants. Each contestant gets two swings for a chance at the grand prize: an Osprey Golf weekend getaway. The contest will be flighted by age. In addition, the Hole-In-One contest will be a fundraiser for the Folds of Honor program in the form of a raffle. Prizes include a stay-and-play package at Muskegon Country Club, golf at Meadowbrook Country Club, restaurant certificates and more. To submit entries, send your name, age, gender, phone number, and when and where you had your hole-in-one to sports@detnews.com. Also indicate what time you would like to participate in the contest (tee times start at 7:30 a.m. and run throughout the day) and if you are a GAM member.
LUCK OF THE IRISH: When Paul Sutherland pulled out of the Travis Pointe parking lot in Saline after playing in the GAM Father & Son tournament and headed home to Cleveland, Ohio, the last thing he expected was a call from his dad telling him he had won the grand prize at the tournament: A trip for two to Ireland from GAM sponsor Sullivan Golf & Travel.
“We had finished playing golf fairly quickly, and I knew we didn’t win our bracket because it was a frustrating day on the golf course, so I decided to head back home before dinner,” said Sutherland. “My dad called me a few hours later to tell me I won the grand prize and what it was. I was shocked! I never win anything!”
LUCKY CADDIE: Point O’Woods member Stan Andrei gave his caddie a nice tip after notching a hole-in-one July 23 at the Robert Trent Jones Invitational. Andrei received a Jeep Wrangler 4x4 provided by Don Brookfield Chrysler for his ace and gave it to his caddie Dave Maxey. Maxey suggested the 5-iron for the 165-yard par 3, and Andrei wasn’t sure it was enough club. Andrei told Maxey before he teed off that if he made the ace, he would give Maxey the choice of a big tip or the Jeep. Maxey, 23, who was driving the same car he has had since high school, chose the Jeep.
SUPER SUPERINTENDENT: Crystal Mountain Golf Course Superintendent Adam Ikamas has earned the credential of Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) from the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America (GCSAA). There are approximately 17,000 golf courses in the United States yet roughly 1,700 superintendents have earned the CGCS distinction. Ikamas, who has been Crystal Mountain’s golf course superintendent for seven years, is one of just 68 to earn certification in the state of Michigan, which has over 800 courses. An extensive certification program is required in order to earn this credential. Each applicant must submit a portfolio consisting of their responses to skill statements, case-study scenarios and submission of work samples. An on-site inspection of their golf facility is required as well as a rigorous six-hour examination covering everything from equipment and irrigation systems to project management and ethics and values. As we all know, Crystal Mountain's two courses are always in excellent shape. We can all thank Ikamas for his hard work.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Brehm wins Michigan Women's Am, Pressel visits Carl's Golfland
ST. CLAIR -- It was an all green and white final at the 94th Michigan Women’s Amateur at St. Clair River Country Club. Michigan State University senior Natalie Brehm (Mount Pleasant) defeated incoming freshman Christine Meier, 4&3.
Brehm was the 2009 runner-up and was driven to win this year.
“I was really hoping I wouldn’t end up getting the second-place trophy again,” said Brehm. “It was fun to play against Christine. She played really well and I can tell you from what I saw today we are going to have a great team at MSU this year.”
The only thing that could have made the day more perfect for Brehm was if her brother Ryan could have been in attendance. He was runner-up in the Men’s Amateur in 2006 and won the championship in 2007. That makes the Brehms the first brother-sister tandem to win the state amateur.
“He’s playing in Alabama this week but I talked to him on the phone last night and he said he really wished he could be here,” Brehm said. “It is really cool that we both were amateur champions. I guess its kind of historic.”
Both Brehm and Meier, of Rochester Hills, struggled with putting through the first seven holes of the championship round. Brehm had back-to-back birdies on the par-5 8th hole and par-4 9th and kept pulling steadily ahead after making the turn. Her birdie putt on 15 clinched the match.
“It was great because I didn’t have to play that par 3 on 16 again,” said Brehm. “I really struggled with that hole this morning and it gave me some problems earlier this week. But I felt like I played a lot better overall this afternoon.”
Both semifinal matches went to 18 holes with Brehm defeating Lindsey Lammers (Milan/University of Detroit) and Meier defeating her sister Amy Meier (Ohio State University).
“It was just a battle this morning,” said Brehm. “I didn’t feel like either one of us was playing our best golf and it came down to the last hole.”
Meier said it was fun to play two familiar foes in one day; her sister and her teammate.
“It was just a lot of fun and Natalie is such a sweet girl,” said Meier. “It was a great tournament and it's exciting just to make it to the final. And my coach was on my bag yesterday so feel like I got a little taste of what it's going to be like playing for the Spartans.”
There were may Spartan supporters in the gallery which Meier and Brehm both appreciated.
“It was great to hear ‘Go green! Go white!’,” said Brehm. “So many people from the club and the community came out to watch us and support us. It really means a lot and the atmosphere at the tournament was just wonderful.”
SPECIAL VISIT: Female players around the state should take advantage of Michigan's own Morgan Pressel returning home to host a clinic 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Carl's Golfland in Bloomfield Hills. Pressel, from Grosse Pointe, is fresh off an eighth-place finish at the Ricoh Women's British Open.
Brehm was the 2009 runner-up and was driven to win this year.
“I was really hoping I wouldn’t end up getting the second-place trophy again,” said Brehm. “It was fun to play against Christine. She played really well and I can tell you from what I saw today we are going to have a great team at MSU this year.”
The only thing that could have made the day more perfect for Brehm was if her brother Ryan could have been in attendance. He was runner-up in the Men’s Amateur in 2006 and won the championship in 2007. That makes the Brehms the first brother-sister tandem to win the state amateur.
“He’s playing in Alabama this week but I talked to him on the phone last night and he said he really wished he could be here,” Brehm said. “It is really cool that we both were amateur champions. I guess its kind of historic.”
Both Brehm and Meier, of Rochester Hills, struggled with putting through the first seven holes of the championship round. Brehm had back-to-back birdies on the par-5 8th hole and par-4 9th and kept pulling steadily ahead after making the turn. Her birdie putt on 15 clinched the match.
“It was great because I didn’t have to play that par 3 on 16 again,” said Brehm. “I really struggled with that hole this morning and it gave me some problems earlier this week. But I felt like I played a lot better overall this afternoon.”
Both semifinal matches went to 18 holes with Brehm defeating Lindsey Lammers (Milan/University of Detroit) and Meier defeating her sister Amy Meier (Ohio State University).
“It was just a battle this morning,” said Brehm. “I didn’t feel like either one of us was playing our best golf and it came down to the last hole.”
Meier said it was fun to play two familiar foes in one day; her sister and her teammate.
“It was just a lot of fun and Natalie is such a sweet girl,” said Meier. “It was a great tournament and it's exciting just to make it to the final. And my coach was on my bag yesterday so feel like I got a little taste of what it's going to be like playing for the Spartans.”
There were may Spartan supporters in the gallery which Meier and Brehm both appreciated.
“It was great to hear ‘Go green! Go white!’,” said Brehm. “So many people from the club and the community came out to watch us and support us. It really means a lot and the atmosphere at the tournament was just wonderful.”
SPECIAL VISIT: Female players around the state should take advantage of Michigan's own Morgan Pressel returning home to host a clinic 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at Carl's Golfland in Bloomfield Hills. Pressel, from Grosse Pointe, is fresh off an eighth-place finish at the Ricoh Women's British Open.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Future Wolverine Joey Garber wins Michigan Amateur
Surrounded by a near-record crowd of family, friends and club members, 18-year old Joey Garber of Petoskey won the 99th Michigan Amateur Championship at Oakhurst Golf & Country Club, 2 & 1 over Eric Lilleboe of Okemos.
Garber took control of the match right out of the gate by winning the first three holes.
“It’s all about getting into the moment and getting the lead,” said Garber. “He’s a good player and he played everyone really well this week. “My caddie (Jimmy Dewling) and I had a game plan before I teed off on the final match to turn at all square and then start my push on the back. I’ve played holes 10 through 18 really well this week. I knew those holes had to be where I took the lead.”
It didn’t go exactly how Garber had planned, because Lilleboe won three holes in a row to go 1 up after 9 and kept the lead until hole No. 12, where Garber won the hole to bring the match back to all square. Garber proceeded to win 13 with a par.
“He deserved to win,” said Lilleboe. “We’re friends, we’ve played together a lot up north and he’s a really good player. I just finished up my senior year at Ferris State University and my last amateur tournament will be the U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Boyne – The Heather Course on July 22 before turning professional this fall."
Garber has won four GAM Championships in the last four years, but "I really wanted to win this championship; it’s the most important tournament in the state.”
Garber is also the third youngest player ever to win the Michigan Amateur Championship. The second famous amateur ever to live, Chuck Kocsis won it in 1930 at the age of 17, and Korey Mahoney won it at age 18 in 2002.
By winning the Michigan Amateur, Garber receives an automatic five-year exemption into the Michigan Amateur Championship, as well as The Western Amateur, Susquehana Amateur in Pennsylvania, the Michigan Open and the GAM Championship.
Garber took control of the match right out of the gate by winning the first three holes.
“It’s all about getting into the moment and getting the lead,” said Garber. “He’s a good player and he played everyone really well this week. “My caddie (Jimmy Dewling) and I had a game plan before I teed off on the final match to turn at all square and then start my push on the back. I’ve played holes 10 through 18 really well this week. I knew those holes had to be where I took the lead.”
It didn’t go exactly how Garber had planned, because Lilleboe won three holes in a row to go 1 up after 9 and kept the lead until hole No. 12, where Garber won the hole to bring the match back to all square. Garber proceeded to win 13 with a par.
“He deserved to win,” said Lilleboe. “We’re friends, we’ve played together a lot up north and he’s a really good player. I just finished up my senior year at Ferris State University and my last amateur tournament will be the U.S. Amateur Qualifier at Boyne – The Heather Course on July 22 before turning professional this fall."
Garber has won four GAM Championships in the last four years, but "I really wanted to win this championship; it’s the most important tournament in the state.”
Garber is also the third youngest player ever to win the Michigan Amateur Championship. The second famous amateur ever to live, Chuck Kocsis won it in 1930 at the age of 17, and Korey Mahoney won it at age 18 in 2002.
By winning the Michigan Amateur, Garber receives an automatic five-year exemption into the Michigan Amateur Championship, as well as The Western Amateur, Susquehana Amateur in Pennsylvania, the Michigan Open and the GAM Championship.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
College players advance at Michigan Amateur
CLARKSTON, Mich. - The 40-somethings are out. The young guns are in. And Tom Werkmeister won't be around on the weekend at Oakhurst Golf & Country Club in Clarkston to defend his Michigan Amateur title.
Tom Werkmeister, 42 (Kentwood), was defeated by Eric Lilleboe, of Okemos after 20 holes. The roles were reversed for Lilleboe, a Ferris State player, who lost last year to Werkmeister in the quarterfinals on the last hole.
"I wanted to play him again and knew I would because he has been the best amateur in the state for the last year, it was a grind and I was glad I got to play him but at the same time I didn't want to," said Lilleboe.
Joseph Juszczyk, a former Wayne State player from Dearborn Heights and the 2009 Michigan Amateur Championship Medalist, will face Lilleboe in the first semifinal at 8 a.m. The two are familiar foes as they have faced each other about 10 times this past year in college and other amateur events.
The other match will also feature two college players Joey Garber (Petoskey) and Nick Carbary (Kalamazoo). Garber, 18, is an incoming University of Michigan freshmen, who made 4 birdies on the holes 13 -16 to finish off his match against 38-year-old Jeff Champine (Rochester Hills), 4 and 2. Garber's previous best finish in the Michigan Amateur was as a quarterfinalist:
"It's good to get past the hump to the elite 8, it will help me make the transition from junior golf to college golf," he said.
Friday Quarterfinal Match Play Results
Lilleboe def. Werkmeister, 20 holes
Juszczyk def. Brownback, 3 & 2
Garber def. Champine, 4 & 2
Carbary def. Peterson, 19 holes
Saturday Semi-Final Matches
Lilleboe vs. Juszczyk 8:00 am
Garber vs. Carbary 8:15 am
Tom Werkmeister, 42 (Kentwood), was defeated by Eric Lilleboe, of Okemos after 20 holes. The roles were reversed for Lilleboe, a Ferris State player, who lost last year to Werkmeister in the quarterfinals on the last hole.
"I wanted to play him again and knew I would because he has been the best amateur in the state for the last year, it was a grind and I was glad I got to play him but at the same time I didn't want to," said Lilleboe.
Joseph Juszczyk, a former Wayne State player from Dearborn Heights and the 2009 Michigan Amateur Championship Medalist, will face Lilleboe in the first semifinal at 8 a.m. The two are familiar foes as they have faced each other about 10 times this past year in college and other amateur events.
The other match will also feature two college players Joey Garber (Petoskey) and Nick Carbary (Kalamazoo). Garber, 18, is an incoming University of Michigan freshmen, who made 4 birdies on the holes 13 -16 to finish off his match against 38-year-old Jeff Champine (Rochester Hills), 4 and 2. Garber's previous best finish in the Michigan Amateur was as a quarterfinalist:
"It's good to get past the hump to the elite 8, it will help me make the transition from junior golf to college golf," he said.
Friday Quarterfinal Match Play Results
Lilleboe def. Werkmeister, 20 holes
Juszczyk def. Brownback, 3 & 2
Garber def. Champine, 4 & 2
Carbary def. Peterson, 19 holes
Saturday Semi-Final Matches
Lilleboe vs. Juszczyk 8:00 am
Garber vs. Carbary 8:15 am
Friday, June 25, 2010
Top seeds falling at Michigan Amateur
Clarkston, MI – There were a lot of surprises during the first two rounds of match play at the 99th Michigan Amateur Championship at Oakhurst Golf & Country Club, as five of the top ten seeds lost their matches. The medalist, Tim Katanski (Ypsilanti) lost his first match to the 64th seeded player, David Brownback (DeWitt) 3&2.
Brownback won in a playoff to survive stroke play.
“I missed my wife’s and my anniversary on Tuesday, missed my wife’s birthday on Wednesday and I even had a special dinner planned for her but then had to call her to cancel because I was in a playoff for the final spot so I’m in the dog house and I don’t even get paid for this.” said Brownback. “The only way I can make this work is if I come home with the trophy.”
The group in the sweet sixteen is rather young, as 11 of the players left are under age 25, including Nick Carbary (Kalamazoo), Chris Cunningham (Milford), Kasey Hocquard (Cheboygan), Joseph Juszczyk (Dearborn Heights), Chad Johnson (Plymouth), Eric Lilleboe (Okemos), Joey Garber (Petoskey), Drew Preston (Ada), Matt Thompson (Battle Creek), Hrynewich, Brett Hudson (Bloomfield Hills), and Aaron Peterson (Ann Arbor).
The Championship continues on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. There are several intriguing matchups, including the 2009 Michigan Amateur runner-up Matt Thompson (Battle Creek) vs. Jeff Champine (Rochester Hills) and Juszczyk (2009 Michigan Amateur Medalist and Wayne State Senior) vs. Johnson, his college teammate. The quarterfinal matches will take place on Friday afternoon, with the semifinals and final match scheduled for Saturday.
Brownback won in a playoff to survive stroke play.
“I missed my wife’s and my anniversary on Tuesday, missed my wife’s birthday on Wednesday and I even had a special dinner planned for her but then had to call her to cancel because I was in a playoff for the final spot so I’m in the dog house and I don’t even get paid for this.” said Brownback. “The only way I can make this work is if I come home with the trophy.”
The group in the sweet sixteen is rather young, as 11 of the players left are under age 25, including Nick Carbary (Kalamazoo), Chris Cunningham (Milford), Kasey Hocquard (Cheboygan), Joseph Juszczyk (Dearborn Heights), Chad Johnson (Plymouth), Eric Lilleboe (Okemos), Joey Garber (Petoskey), Drew Preston (Ada), Matt Thompson (Battle Creek), Hrynewich, Brett Hudson (Bloomfield Hills), and Aaron Peterson (Ann Arbor).
The Championship continues on Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. There are several intriguing matchups, including the 2009 Michigan Amateur runner-up Matt Thompson (Battle Creek) vs. Jeff Champine (Rochester Hills) and Juszczyk (2009 Michigan Amateur Medalist and Wayne State Senior) vs. Johnson, his college teammate. The quarterfinal matches will take place on Friday afternoon, with the semifinals and final match scheduled for Saturday.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Michigan Amateur heads into match play
Clarkston, MI – For the second straight day at the 99th Michigan Amateur Championship, only two players Tim Katanski (Ypsilanti) and Johnathan Pauli (DeWitt) broke par at Oakhurst Golf & Country Club. Katanski followed his first round of even-par 71 with a 69 today to capture medalist honors. Katanski’s two day total of 140 edged defending Champion Tom Werkmeister (Kentwood) who shot 70-73-143, and Pauli who shot 73-70-143 and Nick Carbary (Kalamazoo) who shot 71-72-143.
“I had a good feeling coming in here,” Katanski said. “Oakhurst’s superintendent (Kyle Celmer) has this course in phenomenal shape and the greens are rolling great. It’s a comfortable yardage into the holes and the fairways are very generous. I only missed one fairway all day on hole # 9. I love the layout of this course. I think Oakhurst is a fair test and has plenty of room to hit the ball perfectly.”
Werkmeister bogied the last three out of the four holes.
The Championship continues on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. with the beginning of match play. The 64-player field was completed after David Brownback (Haslett) captured the final spot in a playoff. The ten players who finished at 156 had an immediate hole-by-hole playoff for one spot. Two rounds of matches will be played on Thursday to reduce the field from 64 to the “Sweet Sixteen.”
The leaderboard following Wednesday’s second round of stroke play at the 99th Michigan Amateur Championship played on the par-71 Oakhurst Golf & Country Club.
Tim Katanski, Ypsilanti 71-69-140
Jonathan Pauli, DeWitt 73-70-143
Nick Carbary, Kalamazoo 71-72-143
Tom Werkmeister, Kentwood 70-73-143
Eric Lilleboe, Okemos 73-71-144
Matthew Thompson, Battle Creek 70-74-144
Martin Jeppesen, Ypsilanti 73-71-144
Payne Gniewek, Trenton 74-71-145
“I had a good feeling coming in here,” Katanski said. “Oakhurst’s superintendent (Kyle Celmer) has this course in phenomenal shape and the greens are rolling great. It’s a comfortable yardage into the holes and the fairways are very generous. I only missed one fairway all day on hole # 9. I love the layout of this course. I think Oakhurst is a fair test and has plenty of room to hit the ball perfectly.”
Werkmeister bogied the last three out of the four holes.
The Championship continues on Thursday morning at 7:15 a.m. with the beginning of match play. The 64-player field was completed after David Brownback (Haslett) captured the final spot in a playoff. The ten players who finished at 156 had an immediate hole-by-hole playoff for one spot. Two rounds of matches will be played on Thursday to reduce the field from 64 to the “Sweet Sixteen.”
The leaderboard following Wednesday’s second round of stroke play at the 99th Michigan Amateur Championship played on the par-71 Oakhurst Golf & Country Club.
Tim Katanski, Ypsilanti 71-69-140
Jonathan Pauli, DeWitt 73-70-143
Nick Carbary, Kalamazoo 71-72-143
Tom Werkmeister, Kentwood 70-73-143
Eric Lilleboe, Okemos 73-71-144
Matthew Thompson, Battle Creek 70-74-144
Martin Jeppesen, Ypsilanti 73-71-144
Payne Gniewek, Trenton 74-71-145
Monday, October 26, 2009
Entertainment Book provides savings on, off the golf course
As the 2009 golf season winds down this fall, it’s time to look ahead to 2010.
Finding the best bang for your golfing buck will continue to be a theme next year as Michigan digs itself out of this economic black hole.
A membership with the Golf Association of Michigan and its swing and save program is a great way to save on greens fees. So is the site, http://www.lastminutegolfer.com/. But I’ve discovered another one. The 2010 Entertainment Guide for greater metro Detroit is out already and just waiting for golfers to take advantage of its deals and savings.
The book, available at http://www.entertainment.com/, claims more than $17,800 in savings inside, including many opportunities that golfers will love. The golf section contains coupons to more than 30 courses, the best of the bunch being Beacon Hill in Commerce Township, the Huntmore in Brighton Township, Cherry Creek in Shelby Township and Rattle Run near St. Clair. With the coupon, you can buy a green fee to get a second one free.
Several driving ranges and miniature golf courses offer a similar deal – buy something, get the second bucket or putt-putt round at no cost. But the savings go far beyond the course. Let’s say your foursome wants to head out to dinner after the round. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, notably pubs, bars and pizza joints perfect for a foursome’s night out.
You can even buy discounted equipment. Pro Golf Discount has a web coupon that takes 17 percent off your entire order. Dunham’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods each have several options, the best being $20 off $100 purchased from Dick’s or $10 off $50 purchased from Dunham’s.
Creative golfers who love to travel can use coupons for rental cars, hotels and even flights. Some even buy the entertainment book, at a cost of $25-$45 thru the web site or through fundraisers, for the destination they’re headed to and take advantage of the coupon savings there. Get more, pay less. I like that.
Finding the best bang for your golfing buck will continue to be a theme next year as Michigan digs itself out of this economic black hole.
A membership with the Golf Association of Michigan and its swing and save program is a great way to save on greens fees. So is the site, http://www.lastminutegolfer.com/. But I’ve discovered another one. The 2010 Entertainment Guide for greater metro Detroit is out already and just waiting for golfers to take advantage of its deals and savings.
The book, available at http://www.entertainment.com/, claims more than $17,800 in savings inside, including many opportunities that golfers will love. The golf section contains coupons to more than 30 courses, the best of the bunch being Beacon Hill in Commerce Township, the Huntmore in Brighton Township, Cherry Creek in Shelby Township and Rattle Run near St. Clair. With the coupon, you can buy a green fee to get a second one free.
Several driving ranges and miniature golf courses offer a similar deal – buy something, get the second bucket or putt-putt round at no cost. But the savings go far beyond the course. Let’s say your foursome wants to head out to dinner after the round. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from, notably pubs, bars and pizza joints perfect for a foursome’s night out.
You can even buy discounted equipment. Pro Golf Discount has a web coupon that takes 17 percent off your entire order. Dunham’s and Dick’s Sporting Goods each have several options, the best being $20 off $100 purchased from Dick’s or $10 off $50 purchased from Dunham’s.
Creative golfers who love to travel can use coupons for rental cars, hotels and even flights. Some even buy the entertainment book, at a cost of $25-$45 thru the web site or through fundraisers, for the destination they’re headed to and take advantage of the coupon savings there. Get more, pay less. I like that.
Monday, October 12, 2009
GAM provides access to private clubs
The Golf Association of Michigan continues to create new benefits so good for members, it's hard to fathom why every golfer in the state hasn't joined in the fun.
The GAM now offers members a chance to play unused tee times at private clubs throughout the state. At any time of the day or night, GAM members can look at the GAM home page to see what clubs have thrown tee times into the pool for outside play. You can book up to a week in advance.
Now you don't have to scheme about jumping the fence to bag that trophy course you've always dreamed of playing.
When I checked the site this morning, I found tee times at Wabeek Country Club; the Wyndgate; Boulder Lakes Golf Club, Davison Country Club and Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and Western Golf & Country Club. Since I've never played at any of these courses, if the weather was a bit nicer, I'd be jumping at these opportunities.
The price quoted once you click on a tee time includes golf, cart and driving range (if available). For example, a tee time at Wabeek, a Pete Dye design, would have cost $50 per player.
The GAM touts the program as a great opportunity for GAM members to play different courses and experience the benefits of private club membership. The reality is few players are looking for country club memberships these days. I look at it as an opportunity to knock off the bucket list of courses you and your friends have wanted to play but haven't had access to before.
Last year, the GAM introduced a similar program that opened private clubs to public players. The "GAM Golf Days" are competitions held every Monday all season long at private clubs around the state. For a minimal cost of $55, tournament competitors tee it up at places like the Country Club of Lansing and other prestigous clubs for a shot at prizes in net and gross divisions, depending on your handicap.
Questions about the new tee time program should be directed to the GAM membership department at (248) 478-9242 ext. 19 (Don't call the club direct). For info on Golf Days, contact coordinator Chris Mills at (248) 478-9242 ext. 30 or cmills@gam.org.
Even if the weather continues to fizzle out this fall, consider these programs in your planning for playing next summer. The deals to experience some top-notch private clubs are priceless. Consider yourself a member for a day.
The GAM now offers members a chance to play unused tee times at private clubs throughout the state. At any time of the day or night, GAM members can look at the GAM home page to see what clubs have thrown tee times into the pool for outside play. You can book up to a week in advance.
Now you don't have to scheme about jumping the fence to bag that trophy course you've always dreamed of playing.
When I checked the site this morning, I found tee times at Wabeek Country Club; the Wyndgate; Boulder Lakes Golf Club, Davison Country Club and Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club and Western Golf & Country Club. Since I've never played at any of these courses, if the weather was a bit nicer, I'd be jumping at these opportunities.
The price quoted once you click on a tee time includes golf, cart and driving range (if available). For example, a tee time at Wabeek, a Pete Dye design, would have cost $50 per player.
The GAM touts the program as a great opportunity for GAM members to play different courses and experience the benefits of private club membership. The reality is few players are looking for country club memberships these days. I look at it as an opportunity to knock off the bucket list of courses you and your friends have wanted to play but haven't had access to before.
Last year, the GAM introduced a similar program that opened private clubs to public players. The "GAM Golf Days" are competitions held every Monday all season long at private clubs around the state. For a minimal cost of $55, tournament competitors tee it up at places like the Country Club of Lansing and other prestigous clubs for a shot at prizes in net and gross divisions, depending on your handicap.
Questions about the new tee time program should be directed to the GAM membership department at (248) 478-9242 ext. 19 (Don't call the club direct). For info on Golf Days, contact coordinator Chris Mills at (248) 478-9242 ext. 30 or cmills@gam.org.
Even if the weather continues to fizzle out this fall, consider these programs in your planning for playing next summer. The deals to experience some top-notch private clubs are priceless. Consider yourself a member for a day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
