In This Issue

V O L U M E 25 • F A L L 2 0 0 7 • N U M B E R 3 h t t p : / / m i c h i g a n g o l f e r . c o m

MICHIGAN GOLFER Gary Holaway 3 Jerry Matthews – One More Time Janina Parrott Jacobs By Art McCafferty Publisher/Editor Herschel Nathanial Art McCafferty Bernice Phillips [email protected] Dave Ruthenberg Scott Sullivan Editor Emeritus Marc Van Soest 7 GLSP Television Network presents Terry Moore John Wukovits the Jerry Matthews Collection

Associate Photo/Video Publisher/Producer Mike Brown Jennie McCafferty Kevin Frisch 8 Boyne is Now Coast to Coast Provider of Dave Richards Skiing and Video Editor Carter Sherline David Manwiller Clarence Sormin By Jack Berry davidmanwiller Joe Yunkman @gmail.com Director of Writers Accounting 10 Susan Bairley Cheryl Clark McGuire’s Resort: “We’ll Take Care of You!” L’anse Bannon By Kelly Hill Mike Beckman Michigan Golfer Vanessa Bell is produced by Jack Berry Great Lakes Sports Jason Deegan Publications, Inc. Tom Doak 13 Gaylord Grows ‘Bigger’ – Now, it is Mike Duff America’s Summer Golf Mecca Thad Gutowski GLSP Advertising & Marty Henwood Business Office By Susan Bairley Kelly Hill 4007 Carpenter Road, Greg Johnson #366 Vartan Kupelian Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Jim Neff 734.507.0241 21 Jhared Hack wins 105th Western Amateur Norm Sinclair 734.434.4765 FAX Michael Patrick Shiels [email protected] Ron Whitten glsp.com

23 Our Thirteensome By Art McCafferty

Michigan Golfer is published online four times a year by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc., 4007 Carpenter 25 Slice of Life Rd, #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. All contents of this publication are copyrighted, all rights By Terry Moore reserved. Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. All unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and illustrations will not be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope, bearing sufficient postage; publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materi- als. The views and opinions of the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect endorsement of views and/or phi- losophy of Michigan Golfer. Back Issues: May be ordered by sending $5.00 with Cover: St. Ives, Hole No. 14. Photo by Art McCafferty your name, address and issue requested to Michigan Golfer, 4007 Carpenter Road, #366, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.

2 S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 • M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E

Jerry Matthews – One More Time Golf in Ireland…

Where Heaven & Earth Meet

* Home to in 2006 * 250,000 Golfers Visit Ireland annually for Golf * Best Established Golf Destination Winner * Three Courses in Worlds Top Ten * A Landmark of Hospitality & Home to Guinness!

For More Information Visit http://www.sullivangolf.ie or Call 011 353 69 77377

By Art McCafferty ost of the time, many of us do not know when we have Mdone the last of something we used to like to do all the time. We always think we will do it again.

However, years and times move on A-Ga-Ming’s Sundance Golf They established their successful and suddenly we realize that we Course. Finished two years ago, business by being affordable, tal- can no longer run the marathon, Sundance is getting rave reviews ented, hard working and honest. throw a fastball past a waiting bat- from golf writers and more impor- ter, hit a career golf shot or in the tantly, plenty of play from While waiting for that phone to case of Jerry Matthews design Michigan golfers. Prior to that he ring, Matthews continues his another . It is not that did Buck’s Run, Hawk’s Hollow, teaching for his and his father’s his considerable skills have dimin- St. Ives, Elk Ridge and The Woods beloved Michigan State University. ished, it is just the economic reali- course on Mackinaw Island. Now the business is the occasional ty of today’s marketplace. In the renovation project that comes past five years, more Matthews Matthews’ success and also along. This lull has given him courses have gone off line than that of his father, W. Bruce some time to revisit some of his have come online. The 36 hole Matthews, was due to the great early work. Our company has Wolverine, the nine hole Mitchell service they provided their clients. been working on an online video Creek, the Hawk at Partridge Creek and English Hills are gone.

Certainly Jerry Matthews has no complaints. Here is a person that ranks in the top 10 of America’s most prolific golf architects. The ty

list would include the likes of Tom fer Bendelow, Donald Ross, Robert

Trent Jones, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold t McCaf Palmer and Jerry Matthews. In

Michigan, he has no peer, there is Photo by Ar no one close to him.

However, at the age of 73, Matthews would like to design one more and hopes that it will hap- Antrim Dells owner, Mike Morrical (left), Jerry Matthews (cen- pen. Currently, his curtain call is ter) and family member Dick Finn (right).

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 5

project featuring Matthews’ cours- Bell and Superintendent Joel this was the person who not es. Thus far, we have done four of Swanson were waiting to chat. At designed the second nine holes on his courses, Timberstone GC in Antrim Dells, Mike Morrical and the course, but his father had done Mountain, The Natural in .Dennis Finn waited until we got work on what is now the 17th hole Gaylord, The Majestic at Lake there just to tell him how much in the late 1950’s. McDowell indi- Walden and Buck’s Run in Mt. they enjoyed the course he had cated that he knew all about Pleasant. Next year, we will com- designed over 30 years ago. At A- Matthews as he played his high plete four more of his courses: Ga-Ming, owners Larry Lavely school golf on Sugar Springs, a Cutter’s Ridge at Manistee and Mike Brown as well as super- course Matthews designed and National Resort, Antrim Dells, A- intendant Jim St. James waited to built in 1972. Ga-Ming in Atwood and The see him. We arrived very late at Emerald at Maple Creek in St. The Emerald and Kurt McDowell, Hopefully, Jerry Matthews wlll John’s. new golf professional, was putting get another shot a golf course, but away the carts. He gave us one for if he did, he would most likely When he is on property during a quick glimpse of the course and want to do another after that one these videos, everybody wants to when we came back, I introduced was done. It’s in the family genes. see him. At Manistee, G.M Doug Matthews to the pro and told him MG ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Antrim Dells

6 F A L L 2 0 0 7 • M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E GLSP Television Network http://glsp.com

The GLSP Internet Television Network is proud to present the Jerry Matthews Collection http://michigangolfer.tv/2006shows/jerrymatthews/ ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Sundance, Hole Number 1 Now Showing Coming Spring 2008

Buck's Run with Jerry Matthews and Jim Zeh A-Ga-Ming Sundance Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2006shows/bucksrun/ The Majestic at Lake Walden with Jerry Matthews & Bill Fountain Antrim Dells Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/majestic/ The Natural at Gaylord with Jerry Matthews & Larry Bowden Cutter's Ridge at Manistee National Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/natural/ Timberstone with Jerry Matthews The Emerald at Maple Creek http://michigangolfer.tv/archives.html

For Information on our Golf Architects Series contact: Art McCafferty [email protected]

Boyne Is Now Coast to Coast Provider of Skiing and Golf

By Jack Berry tesy of Boyne Real Estate Photo cour

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oyne, the Big Daddy of lieveable. He said there was no Michigan resorts, is giving way you could make money or get Bnew meaning to the compa- money in the ski business and you ny name of Boyne USA with the had to be long term patient. acquisition of three New resorts and an additional resort Kircher said with the addition of near its Crystal Mountain property Sugarloaf/USA and Sunday River

in Seattle. in Maine and Loon Mountain in ty New Hampshire, he expects skier fer visits at Boyne properties to jump

Boyne now stretches from t McCaf coast-to-coast plus British to 3.6 million this winter from 1.9 Columbia and Steve Kircher, head last winter. of Eastern operations and the son Photo by Ar of Boyne founder Everett Kircher, “We’ve come up with $125 mil- Steve Kircher with his said “This is not the end.” lion of father Everett Kircher. acquisi- The Kirchers are the largest tions in family owners and operators of ski the last resorts in North America with 10 month. locations, Michigan, Montana, The 9 Maine, New Hampshire, Utah, partner- Washington and British Columbia. ship The recent expansion is the result has of a partnership with CNL Income allowed Properties, a real estate investment us to trust (REIT) headquartered in buy Orlando. things we never

“It’s a continuation of what we’ve tesy of Sugarloaf/USA been doing for 60 years, “Kircher would said. “Dad started the geographical have footprint 60 years ago with the been Photo cour (sightseeing) lift at Gatlinburg able to Sugarloaf (Tenn.). Our goal is becoming the do on best four season resort company in our the world by 2015. own,” Kircher said. “We’re evolv- Kircher said the $30 million appro- ing the way Marriott and Starwood priation, which funded the “Pure “The relationship with CNL have. REIT owns and we manage.” Michigan” television, radio and opened new doors for us. It’s the billboard campaign in the Midwest, first time skiing had REIT capital While Boyne remains Big was a good start –“We’re seeing to back it. It came about through Daddy in Michigan with Boyne more license plates from outside of our relationship with Marriott at Mountain, Boyne Highlands, the Michigan” – but it’s going to take the Inn at Bay Harbor. In the early Inn at Bay Harbor, eight golf years of pounding hard. The more 1990s, Marriott had 400 properties courses and Avalanche Bay people who come in and get around and now it’s grown to 2,800 and indoor water park, Kircher said “I the state will realize what a great gone from ownership and manag- can’t talk REIT into investing in state this is to live and work in. We ing to just managing.” the state of Michigan right now. I had a customer in from Texas and said that when I testified in he was surprised at what Michigan Kircher said his father, who died Lansing (in support of an is,” Kircher said. MG in 2002, “would think this is unbe- increased tourism budget).”

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 9 t s Resor e’ tesy of McGuir Photo cour McGuire’s Resort: “We’ll Take Care of You!”

By Kelly Hill Managing Editor CADILLAC - A landmark stands though, stands just to the west of North” destinations. It lets travel- on the west side of US-131, the primary artery between the ers know they are approaching between Grand Rapids and state’s second-largest city and Cadillac, which is the home of Cadillac. It has stood there, visible countless destinations “Up North.” McGuire’s Resort. to northbound drivers, for more than a generation. What distinguishes this old Opened in 1949 as a -in barn, and what has made it a land- restaurant, McGuire’s Resort now The landmark is an old barn, lit- mark, is the advertisement painted includes 27 holes of golf, 123 hotel tle different than thousands of on its south side. The barn-turned- rooms, dining and banquet facili- other Michigan barns. This barn, billboard hails one of those “Up ties for 175 guests, convention and

Photo above: McGuire’s Resort, Hole No. 5

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M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 11

meeting facilities for a similar pro until August of 2001. He Himes, approximately 9,000 number and seven kilometers of moved to Michigan in 2002 and rounds are played each year on the groomed cross-country skiing three years later accepted a posi- Northway while 13,500 rounds are trails, three of which are lighted. tion at Eldorado. played on the Spruce.

“McGuire’s is a family resort,” “There is more snow here, but it The resort offers a two-night said head golf professional Phil is not as cold as it was in package with unlimited golf. Himes, who recently joined the Chicago,” Himes said. Himes and According to Himes, golfers often McGuire’s staff after serving as the his wife, Becky, welcome the snow check in and play 18 on Thursday, head pro at Eldorado Golf Course in in Cadillac as they own the White They will then play 36 on Friday Cadillac. “People come back here Thunder Kennel, out of which and play another 18 before check- because they are treated like family. Becky Himes races some of their ing out on Saturday. We have groups that have been com- 42 sled dogs. ing here every year for 30 years.” While the expressway portion “Some golf pros go south for the of US-131 used to end just south Himes, who was born and winter, but not me,” Phil Himes said. of McGuire’s, it now ends north of raised in Southern California, “I go further north. We race in the Cadillac. Himes said, though, that moved to San Francisco in 1988 U.P and Minnesota and all over.” McGuire’s Resort has not been work for Marriott at the affected by the expressway exten- Chardonnay in Napa. In McGuire’s Resort in Cadillac sion. 1997, he transferred to Marriott’s features the Evergreen Golf Club: Lincolnshire Resort in Chicago, the 18-hole Spruce course and the “This is a hidden little gem,” he where he served as the head golf 9-hole Norway. According to said. MG t s Resor e’ tesy of McGuir Photo cour

McGuire’s Resort, Hole No. 13

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Michaywe Pines Photo by Resort and Golf Marketing

Gaylord Grows ‘Bigger’ – Now, it is America’s Summer Golf Mecca

By Susan Bairley

remember Gaylord, Michigan, when it was Gaylord, Then 20 years ago, Gaylord took on a new persona Michigan. When I was a kid, it meant ‘the hills of – as a Golf Mecca destination and division of the IGaylord’ and Call of the Wild Museum, which my Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau. Dad would never stop at, despite our backseat pleas, as ‘Dem dere hills’ became “challenging golf holes with we ventured to our usual summer Douglas Lake desti- spectacular vistas and dramatic elevations” and a nation. Gaylord golf was there, and beautiful. It just showcase for some of the world’s premier golf archi- wasn’t on my family’s radar when swimming, sailing tects and designers. The result was an awesome set- and bass fishing awaited. ting for some of the best golf – if not THE best golf –

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 13

in the Midwest. hour sleeping nights, three abundant truly amazing nine-hole Threetops dinners and cocktail hours, three course. Every hole is unique, But that was 20 years ago, and scrumptious breakfasts and two deli- beautiful and dramatic – and none this year, Gaylord’s Midwest golf cious lunches – and we barely are as easy as they look. Paul and horizon has gotten considerably scratched the surface of this worthy I were beside ourselves to have broader. Still beautiful, still chal- American golf destination. birdied and parred, respectively, lenging, now with 21 golf courses the No. 3 Devil’s Drop! If you working together, the Gaylord Golf We started our adventure at haven’t played this course yet, you Mecca is branding itself as Treetops Resort, home to the need to put it on your “must-see” America’s Summer Golf Mecca. Robert Trent Jones Sr. list and do it. It’s that simple, And why not? Masterpiece, Tom Fazio Premier America. and Rick Smith Tradition, Recently, my husband Paul and I Signature and Threetops courses. Day Two also took us to the participated in Gaylord’s annual While arranging for at-home child- classic Gaylord Country Club. FAM (familiarization) trip for media. care caused us to miss the FAM Established in 1924, it moved to its We spent four days golfing nearly 80 prequel round at the Masterpiece, current location, just west of holes, interspersed with three six- we enjoyed a great round on the Gaylord, in 1975. A rainy morning ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Treetops Ladies Golf School

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slowed our start and we didn’t remodeled by owner, Michael quite complete 18 before we had to Day Three was a Michaywe Tellshow, to make it more friendly. move on, but our time at Gaylord Day. The Pines Course, which And to be quite honest, I can’t CC was wonderful. A traditional opened in 1973, offers spacious imagine what less friendly would course in all ways, it was pretty, tree-lined fairways and the natural have felt like as the Mountain Lake the greens were fast and the hole beauty of a mature course. It’s plays with a fair amount of diffi- placements tough. Lunch at the friendly for higher culty still. Not an easy one for clubhouse was well worth the stop. golfers, yet measures more than mid-level golfers, it offers the low The grille serves generous portions 7,000 yards from the championship handicap player a test of accuracy, and fresh fare, with Northern to make it a challenging long carry and steady putting. touches like Whitefish sandwiches course for the low handicapper. – yum! Our Gaylord trip host, Nonetheless, Mountain Lake has Kevin Frisch, had just won the nine holes up the ski slopes, with Club Championship there the day ichaywe’s Mountain fabulous Otsego County views, and before, so the performance bar was Lake is a Jerry Matthews nine holes around Lake Michaywe set pretty high for us visitors. Mdesign that recently was and along the Au Sable River. Now, ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Treetops Tom Fazio Premiere, Hole No. 9

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 15

really, you can’t get much more Northern Michigan than that!

One night and the morning of Day Four was not enough to spend at Otsego Club. Newly acquired by Osprey, the club is unique unto itself. And Osprey’s Mike Biber and crew are just starting to trans- form this tradition-steeped, classic resort club into the legend Keith Gornick intended it to be. Multimillion dollar facility and room renovations are capturing the log-cabin ski and golf resort trap- pings with a contemporary blend of style and comfort. And long- time landmarks like the cozy Logmark Bar and geometric Pontresina Restaurant are being carefully preserved.

he Tribute was especially enchanting on the morning we played. Shrouded in

T Photo by Paul Bairley morning fog, Otsego’s flagship course, designed by Rick Robbins Paul Beachneau and Gary Koch, provided an almost Disney-like golf experi- ence; I almost wanted to pinch myself just to make sure it was real. Carved through 1,100 acres of hardwood forest, a long cart ride takes you along a winding woods path to the first and fairway, which beckon you to join the land of golf – deeper and deeper into the rolling landscape. With more than six miles of cart paths, and championship yardage that exceeds 7,000 yards, The Tribute is a trib- ute to Michigan golf at its best. As a matter of fact, from the third tee, the 20-mile view of the Sturgeon River Valley is a tribute to

Michigan itself. tesy of Paul Bairley Photo cour Susan and Paul Bairley

16 F A L L 2 0 0 7 • M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E t and Golf Marketing Photo by Resor Gaylord Country Club t and Golf Marketing Photo by Resor

The Lakes

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18 F A L L 2 0 0 7 • M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Treetops Robert Trent Jones Masterpiece, Hole No. 18

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 19 One of the best things about Gaylord’s Golf Mecca is that its 21 courses can come up with nearly an unlimited array of golf packages and sometimes even free golf. This year, on the weekend of Oct. 19-21, for example, visitors who book an overnight stay at partici- pating hotels will be able to play a free round of golf on one of the participating Gaylord Golf Mecca courses.

For more information on

America’s Summer (fall and oup spring!) Golf Mecca, visit www.gaylordgolfmecca.com. MG Photo by the Umlex Gr Otsego Club, The Tribute, Hole No. 4 oup Photo by the Umlex Gr Otsego Club, The Tribute, Hole No. 10

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Jhared Hack wins 105th Western Amateur t and Golf Marketing ds / Resor Photo by Dave Richar Pictured here is the Point O’ Woods 4, 420-yard 16th to which Hack dropped a shot eight feet from the hole and drained the putt for birdie and the ultimate 1 up advantage.

Benton Harbor, Mich. (Monday, Hack, of Sanford, Fla., follows this year’s Western Amateur after August 6, 2007) – Seventeen- in the footsteps of 2007 NCAA one round due to injury, won the year-old Jhared Hack, 2006 champion Jamie Lovemark to Western Junior in 2004 and Western Junior champion, become only the second player to Western Amateur in 2005. claimed the 2007 Western win the Western Junior and Amateur championship Monday Western Amateur in back-to-back “This whole week’s been a at Point O’Woods G. & C.C., years since the Western Golf blur,” said Hack, who had to wait edging Alex Prugh 1 up in a Association started the national until Monday to win the rain- match where neither player ever junior championship in 1914. delayed championship final. “I did- held more than a 1 up lead. Lovemark, who withdrew from n’t have the best expectations com-

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 21

ing in this week. that would have For me to win is closed out the awesome. It’s the match. On the best feeling I’ve par 4, 421-yard had so far in 18th, he hit a golf.” to six feet that Hack, a fresh- sealed the man-to-be at the match, as Prugh University of missed a 12-foot Central Florida, birdie putt that is also the sec- could have ond youngest forced extra player, after holes.

Lovemark, to ty win the Western fer “My putt at

Amateur. t McCaf 16 was huge,” Lovemark also said Hack. “It

was 17 but didn’t Photo by Ar was just a great turn 18 until five match … an Jared Hack (left) shot 4 birdies while Alex Prugh’s 3 birdies months later; awesome weren’t enough to win the Western Amateur’s final round of Hack will cele- match. We both . brate his 18th played good, birthday Sunday. and it went Hack’s philosophy: “Just play back and forth. This was the best Asked about the recent success your own game, and don’t let peo- match I had all week. We only won of 17-year-olds in a champi- ple who drive it 50 yards by you holes with birdies.” onship traditionally dominated by bother you. seasoned collegiate players, Hack For Prugh, a 2007 All-PAC 10 said more junior players are step- “I think it puts more pressure on selection from the University of ping up to amateur golf competi- them. It doesn’t bother me at all,” Washington, three birdies weren’t tion earlier. said Hack, who averages about 270 enough. off the tee. “If I hit a good shot “You have to start playing in from 30-40 yards back, it puts “ I only hit maybe two or three these tournaments younger to pressure on the other guy.” bad shots,” said Prugh, 22, of learn to compete,” said Hack, Spokane, Washington, who birdied who gave up more than age to his Hack’s wedge play and putting the first hole to hold a brief 1 up match play opponents. In beating skill counter his lack of distance. In lead. “I didn’t make any bogeys. two-time, first-team All- Monday’s final, Hack closed out the You have to make birdies to win American Dustin Johnson in the match with three quality approach holes, and I just didn’t make semifinals and Prugh in the final, shots and one timely putt. enough. I was trying to post a score Hack overcame a distinct dis- – 67 is not a bad round out here. tance disadvantage. On the par 4, 420-yard 16th, Hack dropped a wedge shot eight “He just happened to be one “I played with Dustin last week feet from the hole and drained the better than me today,” said Prugh. at the U.S. Amateur qualifier in putt for birdie and the ultimate 1 up “I didn’t make a couple of birdie Battle Creek, and he was averaging advantage. On the par 3, 208-yard putts coming in that I needed, and 50 yards longer than me off the 17th he hit a 5-iron to within eight he made birdie on 16.” MG tee,” said Hack. feet but narrowly missed the putt

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Our Ireland Thirteensome Photo by Mike Beckman By Art McCafferty

he opportunity to party with years in Arizona, Florida, Sod”, by doing a series of videos the Irish when they were in Wisconsin and, of course, on Irish golf.2 The enthusiasm of Ttown for the Ryder Cup fes- Michigan. We had talked about a Berry’s commentary in the videos tivities at Oakland Hills1 was a trip for years, but the was a bit overwhelming. A pint or great experience and provided the Ryder Cup drew our attention to two of Guinness after our taping stimulus for me to get my golfing Ireland instead. sessions did not hurt much either. buddies interested in the idea of Berry did tell us, that to try and spending one of our golfing holi- Jack Berry, PGA Lifetime plan a golf trip in Ireland without a days abroad. The foursome of for- Journalism Award winner, was the driver was not wise. He mentioned ever friends included Mike person who really sealed the deal. the difficulty of driving in Ireland Beckman, Peter Allen and Mike Our company convinced Berry to on the left side of the road, the Duff. We had played some very share his knowledge of playing poor signage of Ireland roads and nice courses in the past twenty over 70 courses during his decades the narrowness of them. That was long love affair with the “Old sage advice from Berry and some Photo above: The Cliffs of Mohr

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • 23

we gladly we followed. Obviously, experience. a driver and coach adds consider- It leaves a able expense to a trip, but again, it lasting turned out to be money well spent. impact on your Our foursome increased to an thoughts eightsome with the addition of our about the lovely brides; Linda, Pam, Sharon game. and Jennie. To that we added two couples who are friends of the The ravel Duffs, to expand our group to a Irish people twelvesome. Finally, we swelled to are friendly a thirteensome with the addition of and won-

our driver and guide, Cyril derful tesy of Sullivan Golf and T Quigley. hosts.

Their coun- Photo cour Quigley, really made the trip a try is on a total delight. He picked us at the roll right Waterville, Hole No. 11 airport on our arrival and deposited now with us back there a week later. His almost full employment. Their golf knowledge of Irish history, Ireland status within the world community ravel golf courses and interesting places as also risen. They also have more to visit, contributed immensely to golf product than Scotland and our enjoyment. Oh yes, he also new courses are continuing to regaled us with some great Irish come on line to compete with tesy of Sullivan Golf & T songs during our week together. those that have become legendary. Perhaps more importantly, he Photo cour allowed us to focus on our vaca- The spirit of our trip was cap- Our group traveled in this tion and not the hassles that can tured in a video3 – our “what we coach. Cyril Quigley, our driv- occur when traveling. Our group did on our summer vacation” er made the trip a total was always fresh and our collec- memoir. If interested in planning delight. tive energy was spent in enjoying such a trip, you can’t do better than the experience. Sullivan Golf and Travel. They are a client of ours, but they did a The golf was as superb as it was great job with the trip and were expensive. However, 18 holes on interested in our experience for Waterville Golf Course, was well improvement in the future. They worth the money. If we had had are participants of the Michigan ravel more time, we would have golfed Golf Show and you can discuss Lahinch. Basically, to understand your trip with them there. MG links golf, you need to acquire the tesy of Sullivan Golf and T 1 Irish & the 2004 Ryder Cup, Oakland Hills http://michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/irish/ Photo cour 2 Golfing in Ireland with Jack Berry and its grounds http://michigangolfer.tv/2005shows/golfireland/ were sumptuous accommo- 3 Ireland Adventure-Golf and Touring dations on the last day of our http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi0VIEHoOcg Ireland vacation.

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S L I C E O F L I F E

deferred compensation set-up. I ized if Tiger won there, he would mean, how bad was it for some of have essentially clinched the Cup these pampered millionaires, with and made it irrelevant in generating their courtesy cars and weekly crea- excitement. Before then, ture comforts, to be complaining Finchem and the Tour must have about a plan that any tax attorney or strongly encouraged Tiger, Phil and CPA would say richly rewards them Co. to play all three of the inaugural with someone else’s money? On top playoff events plus the finale for the of it, was the unfounded criticism sake of the tourney sponsors as well that players were not informed of as the mega-sponsor FedEx. (Recall some of these provisions. Baloney, last year when Tiger and Phil both said Player Policy Board rep skipped East Lake.) So when Phil By Terry Moore Stewart Cink. Tour players were sees Tiger taking or getting a week kept in the loop all along, insisted off, he wants to know why the Cink, with regular communiqués unspoken rules were changed and ell the result—Tiger win- and meetings, most of which was decides to ask for something in ning again—was no sur- hardly attended by the all too busy return that Finchem can’t or won’t Wprise but all in all the superstars. Hand it to Cink for stick- deliver. So hence, Phil decides to FedEx Cup was a qualified success. ing up for the Tour and giving a take his ball and head home. The Tour wanted to generate some deserved retort to the whiners. fan and media interest in a “playoff Finally, there was the shameful model” that followed the final major Then there was the matter of cer- condition of East Lake GC. The bent of the year—the PGA tain Tour stars—namely Woods, grass greens were no match for the Championship—- and on this score Mickelson and Els—skipping one of hot, humid summer weather of it worked. It always riled the Tour the three playoff events leading up Atlanta and the greens were toast. that none of the five majors (I to the Tour Championship at East Usually, this event is held in include the Ryder Cup in the usual Lake. First, Tiger skips the opening November when cooler temps pre- mix) were “owned” by the Tour or Barclays saying he needed to take a vail. As the East Lake super its players and that all gain more break after playing two weeks in a observed, no one asked him about media attention and revenues than row. Tim Finchem says he’s “disap- what would happen to the greens if its own Tour events. Try as it might, pointed” but really can’t do any- the event were moved up two months the Players and Tour Championship thing else when the Tour always and in the summer heat. I mean, are prestigious events but neither is claims it merely services “independ- Augusta National closes for the sea- deemed a “major” by the general ent contractors.” Then almost as a son every May and doesn’t re-open golf public and media. So the FedEx slap at the Tour and Finchem, until November for exactly this rea- Cup was a worthy experiment that Mickelson decides to skip the BMW son. Oh well, it really didn’t matter definitely worked to retain the event at Cog Hill and announces his when it comes to the best player in Tour’s lucrative television contract decision and dismay with Finchem the world competing. Tiger can sink intact. And this time around, the on national TV following his excit- putts on heavy shag carpeting. public was indeed interested in the ing victory (against Tiger, no less) Tour after the PGA Championship. outside Boston. He voiced some And that’s why the inaugural unspecified issues against Finchem playoff set-up and FedEx Cup There were some bumps in the and the Tour. Ok, so what were turned out so well. We all stayed road, however. For starters, there they? Well, here’s my take on it. I glued to the tube these past few were some awkward and unseemly think the Tour’s brain trust in fact weeks to see Tiger Woods continue criticisms of the FedEx Cup includ- suggested to Tiger he could take a his amazing dominance and com- ing some selfish sniping at the pass at the Barclay’s because it real- mand of the game. MG M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 0 7 25