In This Issue

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

MICHIGAN GOLFER Brian Manning Jim Neff 3 A-Ga-Ming and Chick Harbert Publisher/Editor Norm Sinclair By Art McCafferty Art McCafferty Michael Patrick Shiels [email protected] Ron Whitten Gary Holaway 7 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2007 Editor Emeritus Janina Parrott Jacobs By Jack Berry Terry Moore Herschel Nathanial Bernice Phillips Associate Dave Ruthenberg 11 Sweet, Sweet Summertime, Michigan Publisher/Producer Scott Sullivan Jennie McCafferty Marc Van Soest By Jack Berry Phil Winch Internet Service John Wukovits 16 Pohlcat: Mid-Michigan’s Connection to Provider Pat & Rick Rountree Photo/Video the PGA Tour Dundee Internet Mike Brown By Kelly Hill Services, Inc. Kevin Frisch Dave Richards Director of Carter Sherline 20 Catching Up with Tom Gillis Video Editing Clarence Sormin Catherine Jones Joe Yunkman By Dave Ruthenberg [email protected] Director of 23 Where Have All the Tournaments Gone, Writers Accounting Susan Bairley Cheryl Clark Long Time Passing? L’anse Bannon By Art McCafferty Mike Beckman Michigan Golfer Vanessa Bell is produced by Jack Berry Great Lakes Sports 26 Ryan Brehm Wins Michigan Amateur at Craig Brass Publications, Inc. Red Run Rick Coates Jason Deegan GLSP Advertising & Tom Doak Business Office 27 Andrew Rutkowski Wins Michigan Open Mike Duff 4007 Carpenter Road, Thad Gutowski #366 28 Quick Facts About Golf Courses Marty Henwood Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Presented by the Golf Course Superintendents of Kelly Hill 734.507.0241 Greg Johnson 734.434.4765 FAX America Bradley S. Klein [email protected] Vartan Kupelian glsp.com 29 Slice of Life By Terry Moore Michigan Golfer is published online four times a year by Great Lakes Sports Publications, Inc., 3588 Plymouth Rd, #245, Ann Arbor, MI 48105-2603. All contents of this publication are copyrighted, all rights 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: Painter’s light hits Antrim Dells in Atwood, Michigan, on your name, address and issue requested to Michigan Golfer, 3588 Plymouth Road, #245, Ann Arbor, MI 48105- a summer day. Photo by Art McCafferty 2603. 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

A-Ga-MingA-Ga-Ming andand “Chick”“Chick” HarbertHarbert

By Art McCafferty law of owner Bill Siebenthaller. The golfers found an unusual Siebenthaller decided to take the course. Hole Number 1, converted y happenstance, I have course from nine to 18 and from a par 3, was a severe dog leg probably golfed the brought in his long time friend right over a pond. This was a B“Harbert” or now Torch and 1954 PGA Champion Chick tough way to start a round and course at A-Ga-Ming more than Harbert. Harbert helped to deter- caused backup on the tee. (The any other course in the North. mine the rerouting of the original hole will revert to a par 3 again Mike Terrell, one of our GLSP nine and to draft plans for the next year.) Then there was Hole stringers and a long time scribe additional nine. They opened up Number 2 with the chasm and Hole from the area, was also the son-in- the new 18 in the late 80's, built a Number 3 with a severe dog leg new clubhouse and waited for the left. It was kind of an “Amen Photo: A-Ga-Ming Hole No. 1. golfers to come. Corner” start.

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 3

While I had the opportunity to play with Harbert, I was a little too intimidated to talk to him about the auspious start of his course. Now I wonder if, perhaps, those holes were designed by the original owner Roy Wetmore. Wetmore constructed the front with a great deal of sweat and cheap kid labor. After those “interesting” three holes, the course eased up and became more enjoyable. chives

Harbert is now joined by Jerry Matthews and Matthews’ latest, Sundance. First of all, what a

great name. Sundance fits right in Photo: Michigan Golfer ar with the breath-taking views you find a A-Ga-Ming. The course is Chick Harbert (left) is pictured here with Michigan Golfer’s maturing nicely, and will be former editor, Terry Moore. ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Sundance, Hole Number 3 M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 5

joined by a new clubhouse this Also, the old clubhouse will be hole and give the area a little more year. The course has room for a renovated and used as both a room on top. The clubhouse area Sundance fits right in with the breath-taking views you find at A-Ga-Ming.

variety of good and bad shots and wedding staging area and small features a new driving range. enormous vistas against which to conference center. The old driving All of this is set for a Spring '08 view those shots.. range will become part of the 1st opening. MG ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Sundance, Hole Number 1

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MichiganMichigan GolfGolf HallHall ofof FameFame ClassClass ofof 20072007

By Jack Berry

he Michigan Golf Hall of owns 13 Country Club of Jackson golf on the volunteer side, Fame covers the spectrum championships and his 10-under- Maddalena as a governor of the Tof the game and the 2007 par 61 at Jackson's Sharp Park in Western Golf Association and class reflects it with the induction 1982 is the course record. Lindholm as a member of the Golf of players Steve Maddalena and Association of Michigan board of John Lindholm, coach Bruce indholm has excelled both directors and USGA Sectional Fossum, greenkeeper Ted Woehrle, as a “junior” - that's before Affairs official. and rules expert Mark Wilson. Lhe reached the senior age - and now as a senior. He won the ossum was hired at Michigan 1997 Michigan Amateur over col- State as an assistant basket- addalena grew up in the legian Mike Harris who now plays Fball coach and director of the hotbed of Jackson golf, the pro circuits, won the state's Physical Education Department's Man area that produced premier doubleheader golf program. It wasn't long before professional stars Dave and Mike of the Horton Smith and Michigan he became head golf coach, a posi- Hill. Maddalena elected to remain Medal Play tournaments in 2003 at tion he held until his retirement in an amateur after an All-Big Ten the age of 58. 1990. During his tenure the career at the University of Lindholm, a 13 time club cham- Spartans played in 11 NCAA Michigan and he has been one of pion including eight times at Flint championships and his top player, the state's best with Michigan Golf Club, won the Michigan Hall of Famer Lynn Janson, induct- Amateur championships in 1980, Senior Amateur in 2004 and 2005 ed him into the Hall of Fame. The 1990 and 1995, one of just nine and has reached in the Hall now is a family affair for the players to accomplish that in the U.S. Amateur, Mid-Amateur and Fossums. Bruce's wife, Mary, long- state's oldest championship that Senior Amateur championships. He time MSU Women's Coach, was dates to 1906. was second low amateur in the inducted in 2002. Maddalena played in six U.S. 1997 U.S. Senior Open at Olympia Amateurs, won the 1989 GAM Fields and made the cut in the rowing grass came natural- Championship and the 1988 2002 British Senior Amateur. ly for Woehrle whose Horton Smith and 1988 Michigan As well as playing, Maddalena Gfather was greenkeeper in Medal Play championships. He and Lindholm have worked for Kankakee, Ill. Woehrle has seen

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golf course mainte- nance change drasti- cally since he gradu- ated from Purdue in 1954 with a four year degree in the new subject. He spent nine years at We’ve Beverly Country Club, a Donald Ross course in Chicago, preparing it for two Women's Western Opens and then moved! moved to Oakland Hills where his 24 year career included preparing the course for five men's major championships. Nine years at The Great Lakes Sports Orchards from the Publications

grow-in of the chives and Robert Trent Jones Michigan Golfer Jr. course and a U.S. have a Public Links new address: Championship final-

ly signaled retire- Photo: Michigan Golfer ar ment for Woehrle, a past president of the Bruce Fossum, Michigan Golf Hall of 4007 Carpenter Road, #366 Golf Course Fame Class of 2007, is pictured with Ypsilanti, MI 48197 Superintendents Judy Cunningham of Timber Ridge. Phone, FAX and email Association. He had have not changed: the satisfaction in seeing more than to the PGA Rules Committee in 50 of his assistants “graduate” to 1990 and has worked every PGA head superintendent positions. Championship since then. He also has officiated at 11 Masters (734) 507-0241 ilson's knowledge of the Tournaments, three British Opens Rules of Golf has taken and three U.S. Opens. The (734) 434-4765 FAX Whim to all of the major Michigan PGA Section has named championships in golf. The him seven times winner of the sec- [email protected] Michigan State graduate currently tion's Horton Smith Award for his is Chairman of the PGA of work to improve member educa- America Rules Committee. He is tion. the Chief Rules Official of the The five new members bring PGA and Senior PGA the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Championships and will be head membership to 80. The full list is Rules Official at the 2008 Ryder at www.michigan-golf-founda- Cup at Valhalla. He was appointed tion.com. MG

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 9 Michigan Golfer Family of Publications Archiving the History of Michigan Golf

Michigan Golfer Television - http://michigangolfer.tv Michigan Golfer Online - http://michigangolfer.com Michigan Golf News

Now Showing on Michigan Golfer Television http://michigangolfer.tv

Courses Buck's Run The Coyote Preserve The Tribute GC with Gary Koch, Harbor Point GC with Shaun The Heather at Boyne Highlands Rick Robbins and Keith Bezilla The Hemlock GC with John Gornick Hawk's Eye Kennedy Timberstone GC Red Hawk The Loon GC True North Sundance The Majestic at Lake Walden Wild Bluff The Bull at Pinehurst Farms The Natural

Tournaments and Events 's Turning Point MGCOA League Championship The Western Amateur Invitational Michigan Open Treetops Pepsi Charity Fall Golf Jeff Daniels Comedy Golf Jam Michigan Amateur Classic Hickory Open Native American Cup Izzo-Marucci Classic 2004

Interviews Stan Aldridge Arnold Palmer Stuart Bendelow Dave Hill Dave Peltz Elaine Crosby Arthur Hills Dan Pohl Ben Davis Tony Jacklin Bill Paxton Brad Dean Robert Trent Jones Rick Smith Ken Devine Chuck Kocsis Mike Tirico Jim Flick Jerry Matthews Gary Wiren Steve Forrest W. Bruce Matthews III Joan Garety

Coming in 2008 A-Ga-Ming Emerald at Maple Creek Michaywe Pines Antrim Dells GC The Jewel at the Grand Hotel

Elk Ridge Golf Club Photo courtesy of Elk Ridge Golf Club Sweet, Sweet Summertime, Michigan

Jack Berry

n the words of rocker Bob country, courses that consistently I read that 40 states have budget Seger, it's “sweet, sweet sum- rank not only among the best, but surpluses. Michigan isn't one of Imertime, Michigan summer- are far better than most with great them so, more than ever, Michigan time.” terrain left by the glaciers eons must flaunt its riches. Bring in the It's time to lift up our heads and ago. traveling golfers, the tourists. And shout about Michigan with all our And finally, at long last, state not make it a one-time effort. Does lakes, four of them veritable government has awakened and is Myrtle Beach ever stop promoting? oceans, our beaches, our cherries, promoting Michigan's enormous A recent assignment took me to peaches and sweet corn, our vine- recreational facilities with radio 19 courses in the Traverse City yards, our resort towns, and more and television commercials going area and the variety in just that public courses than any state in the into national markets. small area is outstanding, excellent

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 11 Golf in Ireland…

Where Heaven & Earth Meet

* Home to Ryder Cup in 2006 * 250,000 Golfers Visit Ireland annually for Golf * Best Established Golf Destination Winner * Three Links 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 imberstone Golf Course tesy of T Photo cour

Timberstone Golf Course

courses with great views, forested McKinley Hill and running along the Mackinac Bridge, and there's hills as far as the eye can see, the parade route, I'd never man- an attractive small town and vil- views of Grand Traverse Bay, of aged to squeeze in a visit to a win- lage, and golf course, one after the Torch Lake and Crystal Lake, ery or to climb Sleeping Bear sand other. The newest course is the courses that are fun to play and not dune. Sleeping Bear is going to Beeches at South Haven where an Oakmont monster in the bunch have to wait but I did manage to blueberry farmer Larry Bodtke is although I have to say that The taste the wine and cheese at Black one of the principals. Designer Chief in Bellaire would test Star Farms on the Leelanau Bruce Matthews III made sure he Oakmont members. And don't Peninsula. Terrific. left the huge, signature beech tree blame, or credit, Canada even Mentioning fruit of the vine, the standing, guarding the left side of though the designer, John F. choices at Trattoria Stella in the the 18th green, and just as distinc- Robinson is a Canadian. Robinson bowels of what once was the state tive is the red clubhouse with is a University of Michigan alum- mental hospital will match any cupola that would beg to be an nus who started out working for place in the state. It's hard to imag- Edward Hopper painting. another Wolverine, Bill Newcomb, ine this one-of-a-kind spot but the I've known Matthews since he and he did ease up on Hawk's Eye. restaurant, with brick arches sepa- did Bird Creek in the Thumb, then Despite first visiting Traverse rating small dining areas, and adja- Hidden River at Brutus and Angel's City in the early 1960s, covering cent art galleries, are another Crossing at Vicksburg and he said 20-plus Michigan Opens at Grand Michigan plus. he always thinks of me and my Traverse resort, running the Cherry Go all the way up the west dislike of cross hazards. He also Festival 15K, up and down Killer coast, from the Indiana border to thinks of we distance-challenged

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

seniors and puts tees on the other eight “chefs” - the owner, Robert ridor from Chicago to Detroit side of the hazard. Like Angel's Van Kampen, invited six friends to there's golf, Angel's Crossing at Crossing, Matthews has some each design three holes and super- Vicksburg, Yarrow and the Scotts' enormous putting surfaces while intendent Kris Shumaker routed Gull Lakeview collection that also converting a corn field into a very the holes. Then Mike De Vries includes strong Bedford Valley, playable course with what designed the green complexes and home of the Michigan Open in the Matthews calls “a newspaper” par the unusual “recipe” turned out 1970s, and Eastern Michigan's 5 - 670 yards from the way, way brilliantly. Eagle Crest, Fox Hills, Salem Hills back tee. In other words, it's a gim- and Stonebridge in Washtenaw mick and no one should play it. he east coast, the Sunrise County. But they do cut the grass on the Side, is less populated than It's good golf all the way up the tee. The blue tee is 580 yards. Tthe west and generally is middle of the state on US-127, My 12-year-old granddaughter's less expensive but with fine golf. Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow on final day in a junior clinic drew me There's surprisingly hilly Verona the north side of Lansing, the to Pilgrim's Run, north of Grand Hills at Bad Axe in the flat Thumb, Majestic over on US-23 at Rapids. I hadn't been there in a few chicken dinners and golf at Hartland, back up US-127 to the years and had forgotten how hilly, Frankenmuth, Huron Breeze at Au Emerald at Maple Creek, the nice pretty and well-conditioned it is. Gres, Red Hawk at Tawas, the collection of courses around Mt. You look at it and it says “This is three courses of Lakewood Shores Pleasant, the Pohlcat, Buck's Run, Michigan golf.” A beautiful setting. at Oscoda and White Pine National Tullymore and St. Ives, then Pilgrim's Run celebrates its 10th at Hubbard Lake. Grayling and Gaylord with a birthday this summer. It's a brew of All across the I-94 southern cor- strong package of courses includ- eetops r tesy of T Photo cour Treetops, Rick Smith Signature

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Thunder Bay Golf Club and Resort, Hillman, Michigan

ing the Tom Weiskopf-designed bridge. There's Sault Ste. Marie Timberstone at Iron Mountain in Forest Dunes, Michaywe, the Country Club where, in the 1950s the western U.P. have drawn raves. superb courses at Treetops, the and 1960s when the Red Wings Michigan definitely is golf, border Tribute at the Otsego Club and on trained in the Soo, General to border, both peninsulas, more up to Rees Jones's high-ranked Manager Jack Adams, after the than 800 public courses. Sweet, Black Lake. morning practice, would order the sweet summertime, as Seger sang. And despite all the jokes about team to play golf to strengthen And, incidentally, Seger recorded July 4 being summer in the Upper their legs. What a boss! that 27 years ago in June at Cobo Peninsula and fall starting July 5, Mike DeVries's Greystone at Arena. The sweet, sweet summer- there is good golf above the Marquette and Jerry Matthews' time. MG

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

Pohlcat: Mid-Michigan’s Connection to the PGA Tour

By Kelly Hill, Managing Editor

s there such a thing as a “ho- Ihum” 67? Doug LaBelle, 32, who was born in Lansing, lives in Mount Pleasant and who has won almost a half million dollars on the PGA Tour, holds the course record of 67 (5-under) at the PohlCat, Mount Pleasant's championship golf course. Course owner John Brehm recalled LaBelle's record-setting round: “Doug shot 67 from the tips and he didn't do anything spectacu- lar, like chip in or hole out from the fairway, or make really long putts or anything like that. It was a ho-him 67.” LaBelle, who turned pro in 1998, often played the PohlCat with Brehm's nephew, Ryan Brehm, who recently concluded his junior year at Michigan State University and who finished sec- ond to Greg Davies in last year's y Club Michigan Amateur Championship played on The Heather at Boyne Highlands. “I kid Ryan about that 67,” John Brehm said. “He is still going for tesy of La Costa Countr it. Ryan and Doug and I and Doug's dad would play together Photo cour and Doug's dad and I would play Dan Pohl celebrates a hole in one at from the whites and Doug and La Costa Country Club in California. Ryan would go back to the black

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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 • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 17

tees and then take two steps back Tour some day, also was inspired National Pro-Am Championship. from there. When I see Ryan go by the PohlCat's namesake, Mount Marino and Fred Couples, who had back to the blacks and then take Pleasant's most famous profession- won the Masters only a month ear- two more steps back, I know he is al golfer, Dan Pohl. lier, were on hand for the PohlCat's going for that 67, and he wants to “I knew Dan from a pretty grand opening in 1992. They were do it from back there.” young age,” Ryan Brehm said. “I joined by Pohl, , Ryan Brehm, 21, now lives played a lot with his son, Josh. former NFL player Don Strock and adjacent to No. 13 at the PohlCat. Dan is more of an inspiration to former NBA player Dan Majerle. “Doug was always a pleasure to me than anyone else.” “Dan and I played high-school play with,” Ryan Brehm said. “I Pohl, 52, was born in Mount golf together,” John Brehm said. probably learned more on the golf Pleasant, attended the University “My family owned the Holiday Inn course from him than from anyone of Arizona in Tucson, and won the and other hotels and when we had else. I haven't gotten that course Michigan Amateur in 1975 and '77. the idea of building a golf course, record yet, though,” he added with Pohl turned pro in 1977 and joined we approached Dan about it and he a laugh. “I have been close a cou- the PGA Tour the year after that. thought it would be a great idea.” ple of times, but I don't play there He won the Colonial National Also at that time, in the mid-1980s, as much as I used to do. I'm going Invitational and the NEC World John Brehm was teaching a course to get it someday, though.” Series of Golf in 1986. In '88, he at CMU and as a class project, stu- Ryan Brehm's playing career, and Hall of Fame quarterback Dan dents compiled marketing schemes which he hopes takes him to the Marino won the Pebble Brach for the proposed golf course. “The tesy of Pohlcat Championship Golf Course Photo cour

Over the bridge to the 2nd green at the Pohlcat.

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Ryan Brehm lines up putt with help from his uncle, John Brehm.

casino hadn't been built yet, but Brehm said. That firm was before the grand opening and this was already becoming a good Stevens, Inc. of Grand Rapids. even though he had said he'd location,” Brehm said. “They came up with our logo and come, we didn't think he'd be Pohl, whose nickname on the the slogan: “Stalk the Cat.” here,” Brehm said. “Well, he Tour was PohlCat, was one of The course's grand opening showed up and we had press seven original investors in the golf remains legendary in Mount everywhere. People around here course project. “Eventually we Pleasant. “Fred Couples had won still talk about that grand open- decided to hire a marketing firm,” the Masters only two weeks ing. It was a super day.” MG

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 19

Catching Up with Tom Gillis og Prince Studios ter Sherline / Fr Photo by Car 20 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

By Dave Ruthenberg

ontiac native Tom Gillis home in Arizona. Gillis plans to 1990 Michigan Amateur Open and knew from the time that he play through the spring in Florida then a short two years later won Pwas 14 years old that he and hopes to make a return the Iowa Waterloo Open, netting a wanted to be a engagement to the in first place purse of $10,000 but his but it is likely he never envisioned Grand Blanc. biggest win would come in the fall having to contend with monkeys “I intend to go through the of 1993 when Gillis bested Jim on a green during a tournament. Open qualifying; at least that’s my Thorpe to claim the $27,000 first Gillis, a 38-year old native of plan.” Gillis competed in the Buick place purse in the Jamaica Open. Pontiac who now resides in Lake Open in 2006 but failed to make Gillis also claimed the 1994 Orion, is currently playing on the the cut after two rounds. “It was Michigan Open title. Gateway Tour, “sort of like a Class great to play there. It’s a great After playing in the “mini A minor league of golf to use base- course and it was only 35 minutes tours” as Gillis calls them, around ball terminology,” Gillis explained. from home but there were a lot of the US from 1990-1997, he quali- But it’s been a long, winding road distractions. People I hadn’t seen fied for a regular spot on the that has landed Gillis on golf’s in twenty years were asking for European Tour starting in 1997 and minor league circuit. “I have been tickets. But don’t get me wrong, it the real adventures started. in a slump for about 2 years. It’s was all worthwhile.” The European Tour is really a mostly between the ears. The misnomer as the tour itself extends Gateway Tour is the best place for illis first became enamored far beyond Europe, making stops me to be right now to regain my with the game that would in Asia and Africa as well, leading confidence.” Gillis hopes to climb Gturn into his lifelong pas- to some unique experiences for his way back to the PGA Tour at sion by playing golf with his par- Gillis, who was the only American some point. ents at Oxford Hills in Oakland regular on the European Tour dur- Most people only see the glam- County and then working at ing his last two years on the cir- orous side of professional golf and Indianwood Country Club for ten cuit. can’t appreciate the sacrifices and years where his talent was recog- “There were times that I wasn’t the emotional ups and downs of nized early on. “I was really fortu- sure that the plane was going to the life of a touring golf pro. Gillis nate as people saw that I could make it in safely, some of those is living proof of the level of com- play and really took me under their places were so remote,” said Gillis. mitment and perseverance required wing there (at Indianwood). I was “I remember being on a plane from and even then there is no guarantee treated like a member and could Swaziland to Johannesburg and of success. play whenever I wanted.” just keeping my fingers crossed.” “Playing in the Gateway Tour is He was able to parlay his talents Then there was the time, also in a lot like organized gambling,” into a spot on the Coastal Carolina South Africa, that Gillis got to said Gillis who is making his tem- collegiate golf team. “Playing in experience a taste of the wild porary home in Florida where the Myrtle Beach, you couldn’t have where it seemed monkeys share the tour is based. “You pay a $1,000 asked for anything much better,” course with the players. “You don’t entry fee and essentially the money reminisced Gillis. “Back then play many places where you actu- is pooled. It’s a place where young though the program was not in ally have a pack of monkeys on the players try to work their way up to good shape but it has really green or following you along the or where guys like me come to get improved and is considered a top fairways,” Gillis chuckled. “That their game back.” Last year the ten program now.” was strange.” Gateway Tour paid out a total of After completing his stint at Gillis has also literally played $7.2 million over 59 tournaments. Coastal Carolina, Gillis returned with his head in the clouds. The tour also has a West Coast home and was runner-up in the “Playing at Deer Island off the

Photo left: Tom Gillis picked up 11 K for his 2007 Buick finish.

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

cost of Portugal we Tour,” added Gillis. actually had a delay “65% of the players due to rolling clouds. now on the PGA came Not rain or storm through the clouds, just regular Nationwide Tour and clouds. The first tee nine out of ten players was so high up and in a in the Ryder Cup came valley that you were from there as well, so actually higher than the the talent is really clouds. When the deep.” clouds rolled through Gillis also notes that play had to be stopped today’s younger players because those on like are more hell bent on the second or third tee distance than anything could not see. You were else. “Today’s young literally standing in players really do have a middle of the clouds.” ‘grip it and rip it’ men- tality,” says Gillis. The illis had courses being built

become a fix- g today are all being built Gture on the for distance and less for European Tour, making finesse.” Shot making a nice living but at skill has taken a back home things were seat to distance now. falling apart and the The equipment has Photo by Dave Ruthenber long time spent apart changed so much too, eventually cost him his placing a premium on marriage. Tom Gillis distance over anything He has since remar- else.” It also means that ried and his current physical fitness has wife, Jennifer, has a better under- Tour as a regular in 2005 before become more important standing of the game and the trav- losing his card which brings us than ever as well. el. She and Gillis met while she back to his current status on the “I spend more time now in the was an assistant coach for the golf Gateway Tour. A spot far away gym than I would have ever imag- team at Oakland University. “It from the limelight, where there are ined. Years ago you didn’t have to really helps to have somebody who no galleries and the players ride in worry about being a little out of understands the game and knows a cart and no caddies are permitted. shape, but now you have to keep the mental toll it can take on you.” The next step for Gillis could up with the young guys who are After spending several seasons potentially be on the Nationwide hitting the big shots.” in Europe, Gillis finally earned a Tour, which serves as the feeder Gillis has no regrets in a career spot on the PGA Tour in 2003 and for the PGA and has really seen an that has spanned several continents had one of his best personal years, upturn in talent and money payouts and earned him over $1.2 million earning $600,000 on tour through over the past 2-3 years. over the course of his career and both winnings and endorsements, “I really believe that the talent plans to turn his current status in and played in the US Open and is deeper now on the Nationwide the Gateway Tour into a ticket British Open in 2003. “Earning my Tour than in Europe and the money back to the big time. card was an incredible feeling of is approaching significant amounts “I just have to attack it as a pro- elation,” recalled Gillis. too. I think you will soon see a $1 fessional. I believe I will get back Gillis last appeared on the PGA million purse on the Nationwide there again.” MG

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Could 2006 have been the last Par 3 Shootout? Where Have All the Tournaments Gone, Long Time Passing?

By Art McCafferty

ith apologies to Pete Seeger, the tournaments that once used to Wpopulate the Michigan golf calendar are long time passing.

M I C H I G A N G O L F E R M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 0 7 23

the U.S. Amateur at Oakland Hills and the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills.

We have been spoiled.

Our majors now include; the Michigan Amateur, the Michigan Open, the Western Amateur and the Buick Open,

What now? og Prince Studios We all know that everything happens in cycles and that Michigan is going through a down ter Sherline / Fr cycle in golf at this time. However, it has been a great ride

Photo by Car and one that we can cherish Chi Chi Rodriguez plays in the TPC at Dearborn forever. MG Michigan was on top of the golf world in the ’80s, ’90s and the first part of this century. Hundreds of golf courses were being built, the rust belt of the 70’s had given away to a return of the auto indus- try and Michigan’s economy was robust once again.

In that atmosphere, the Grand Rapids based Senior Tour was born, the TPC in Dearborn also wel- comed the Seniors, the Futures Tour was held at Mystic Creek, Boulder Point and Lake Forest Golf Club, the Canadian Tour held the Bay Mills Open in Brimley for four years, the LPGA had a great run out at Walnut Creek and the Par-3 Shootout was always a welcomed ty

tournament. Now all are gone. fer

Michigan had all these tourna- t McCaf ments and also hosted the U.S.

Open at Oakland Hills, the U.S. Photo by Ar Women’s Open at Indianwood, Vanessa Bell, one of the Futures the U.S. Publinx at The Orchards, contestants at Lake Forest GC

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Tiger Woods walks a fairway at the Buick Open.

Next year will be the 50th year of Warwick Hills Golf Course. og Prince Studios ter Sherline / Fr Photo by Car

Brian Bateman won his first PGA golf tournament with a birdie on the 18th hole to beat a foursome waiting to tee it up for a playoff.

His 15 under was a high score for the Buick.

Bateman pocketed a check for $882,000 for his effort, an amount that moved him from 204 on og Prince Studios the money list to 59. ter Sherline / Fr Photo by Car

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Ryan Brehm Wins Michigan Amateur at Red Run

Ryan Brehm gets congratulations from his sister and mother after his Michigan Amateur victory.

He was runner up last year. ty fer Photo by Jennie McCaf

Red Run CC was in spectacular shape for the 96th Michigan Amateur ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

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Andrew Ruthowski Wins Michigan Open

Michigan Open Champion Andrew Ruthowski is all smiles. ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has hosted the Michigan Open on the Wolverine and the Bear ty fer t McCaf Photo by Ar

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Quick Facts About Golf Courses

Presented by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America

A properly repaired ball mark heals complete- The infield of the Indianapolis Motor ly in 2-3 days, while an unrepaired ball Speedway is home to four holes of the mark takes 15-20 days to heal proper- Brickyard Crossing golf course. The ly.? remaining 14 holes outside the oval are accessed through a tunnel under the A typical 18-hole golf course covers approxi- track.? mately 125 - 150 acres of land. The total landmass of golf courses in the Golf courses delay play on frost-covered turf United States equals about 1/2 the state (especially greens) because stepping of Connecticut.? on frost-covered grass causes the frozen leaf cells to rupture. The turf A typical 18-hole golf course produces enough will turn brown and eventually die.? oxygen to support 4,000 to 7,000 peo- ple.? The Old Works Golf Course in Anaconda, Mont., is the first golf course built on Golf courses nationwide combine to filter 13 an Environmental Protection Agency million tons of dust from the air every Superfund Site. Designed by Jack year.? Nicklaus, the land served as a smelting location for the mining of iron ore. The Who is the most important person at a golf golf course opened in June of 1997.? facility? According to a 1997 survey of 500 Golf Digest subscribers, the golf Why do golf course superintendents aerate course superintendent was listed the turf? Because it reduces compaction on most (48 percent). Other responses a golf course by removing soil cores included the course/club professional from the ground, allowing the move- 25 percent, club/course manager 14 ment of water, air and nutrients to the percent, beverage cart or halfway turf roots. Highly traveled areas plus house person 11 percent.? poor soil composition creates compact- ed surfaces.? Golf courses have a cooling effect during the hot summer months. The average tem- What is the origin of the stimpmeter? In the perature on the golf course in typically early 1900s, a man by the name of 5- 7 degrees cooler than a residential Edward Stimpson was looking for a area and 7 - 15 degrees cooler than an means to create urban downtown setting.?

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S L I C E O F L I F E

rather tight in spots off the tee and uct…..Meanwhile on the south end requires some local knowledge, but it of the body, Puma is making strides offers a delightful golf experience (no pun intended) in the golf shoe with plenty of challenge. Not surpris- market. 2006 U.S. Open champion ing, it’s on Golf Digest’s and Geoff Ogilvy wears Puma as does Golfweek’s list of Best Public/Resort Euro Tour player Johann Edfors. courses in NY. Long a leader in athletic footwear, Puma is offering jazzier and more And for accommodations, you stylish golf footwear models while can’t beat the Inn at Erlowest, a not sacrificing traditional features. movie-perfect stone mansion over- For example, Puma has an attractive looking Lake George with elegantly Gore-Tex Tour Saddle that looks GQ By Terry Moore decorated rooms, terrific dining and with its trademark “leaping puma” also offering separate condo-style logo on the toe. Question, if these units. And speaking of dining, two shoes are left untied, could someone “must-eat” restaurants are Cate’s ask: “Cat got your tongue?” Sorry; xcuse me while I clean out my Italian Garden, located only min- visit www.golf.puma.com desk er…mind. A proverbial utes away, offering up—naturally— Epack-rat, I’ve been saving up delicious Italian dishes at fair prices; Other items that caught my atten- notes and brochures for the past few and the farther afield O.P. Fredericks tion: Sun Mountain’s new water- months waiting for the “write” in Chestertown which is widely proof H2O Tech carry bag is a long opportunity. So with that as fair known for its authentic and home- overdue introduction; Bushnell laser warning, here we go. spun Adirondack atmosphere and rangefinders are booming thanks to excellent menu. Also, besides golf USGA allowance for handicap and Lake George, NY: We visited and general sightseeing, the Lake tournament play—e.g. sales are up this beautiful part of the Adirondacks George area offers some inspiring over 400% from last year. I love the last fall on a return trip from Boston. hiking trails. For more information, LaserLink rangefinder and my club Mindful of northern Michigan, it’s a visit www.visitlakegeorge.com uses the system; but Bushnell offers wonderful area to discover—espe- a portable and versatile alternative cially in the fall when the colors are Golf stuff: I came back from the that will be hard to beat; for type A spectacular. Also, as a Donald Ross PGA Merchandise Show last January yet absent-minded golfers prone to devotee, I was able to play the vener- with all sorts of brochures and press leaving clubs on the last green, they able Sagamore Golf Club that over- releases. But since my game hiber- should investigate the Electronic looks scenic Lake George. Ross nates until spring, I didn’t expose Golf Club Recovery System that designed the picturesque layout in them to the light of day ‘til now. On uses electronic sensors to monitor 1928 and it was popular resort course the apparel side, I liked Fairway & one’s set in the bag; for those fight- in its heyday. But the course and the Greene’s new Pureformance line of ing a losing battle with foot odor, nearby resort fell on hard times in shirts that offers the best of both they (or their loved ones) should the ‘70s and in fact at one time worlds: performance and natural fab- purchase Stink Away, shoe pads closed down. Fortunately in the ‘80s, ric shirts. Fairway & Greene puts its that sanitize and remove shoe odors some investors wisely bought this patented wrinkle-proof collar around and last for 10 weeks. (“To defuma tarnished gem and restored it to its a natural fabric on the outside and a the Pumas, use Stink Away!”) After rightful place of esteem. Spending micro-polyester yarn performance my Dad recently removed his shoes millions, they improved the condi- type fabric on the inside (where it’s in our den to take a nap thereby tioning with irrigation while restor- touching the skin and able to wick inadvertently alerting the HAZ- ing and preserving Ross’s trademark away moisture) and delivers a hand- MAT unit, I ordered a year’s supply. bunkering and hogback greens. It’s some and heat-conscious prod- MG

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