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Americans Still Playing More Golf!
Published On 10/29/2024
When analyzing rounds-played momentum on the trail shoulder of the peak season, the big unknown has been whether the weather will hold up. Given the sustained strong levels of demand – with busy tee sheets at U.S. courses – Mother Nature is among the very short list of forces that could keep 2024 from being another record-setting year for play.
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Equipment Manager Recruitment
Published On 10/28/2024
One of the most common issues we hear about from our members is the need for Equipment Managers. With no formal college or training program available it can be challenging to find quality people with mechanical skills.
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MICHIGAN GOLF HALL OF FAME: Greg Johnson, Stephen Kircher, Kevin VandenBerg Inducted
Published On 10/28/2024
Greg Johnson, an award-winning sports journalist and Hudsonville resident, Stephen Kircher, the President and CEO of Boyne Resorts in Boyne Falls, and Kevin VandenBerg, a multi-time amateur golf champion originally from Mattawan, were inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF) Sunday at Ferris State University’s Katke Golf Course.
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More Michigan: An enticing entryway
Published On 10/23/2024
Superintendent Ryan Moore discusses the "Top of the Hill" renovations at Forest Lake Country Club.
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More Michigan: Oakland Hills Country Club
Published On 10/23/2024
How the iconic Michigan course is working to restore history.
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Cardinal wins
Published On 10/23/2024
Golf course architect Ray Hearn was lucky enough to design a new course — and a new short course — at Saint John’s Resort in suburban Detroit. Plus, more Michigan construction wins.
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Golf Construction Conversations: Terry Poley
Published On 10/23/2024
After a decade of planning, plotting and patiently waiting, Pine Lake Country Club recently completed a major renovation to its Willie Park Jr.-designed course. Director of agronomy Terry Poley reveals what made the project special for the suburban Detroit club.
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Creative Cart Paths, USGA East Region Update
Published On 10/22/2024
Loose aggregates that bind together for stability yet soften the impact from golf balls can be an option where paths are needed but hard surfaces are not desired.
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Renovation Recovery and Maturation Take Time, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 10/22/2024
Pulling pipe improves the efficiency of installing a new irrigation system, but the scars created by this process or any other aspect of a renovation will take time to recover.
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Lee Houtteman Inducted into the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame
Published On 10/22/2024
One new member has been inducted into the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame. Lee Houtteman was announced as the sole member of the 2024 Induction Class. He was recognized at the Michigan PGA President’s Dinner, Sunday, October 20th at The Country Club of Lansing as well as the Section’s Fall Meeting Monday, October 21st at Eagle Eye Golf Club.
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Andrew Dorland wins Mendenhall Award in 2024 GCSAA Scholars Competition
Published On 10/18/2024
Andrew Dorland, a student at Michigan State University, is the winner of the Mendenhall Award of $6,000 in the 2024 Scholars Competition offered through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
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Mike Gianopoulos, CGCS Defends his State Championship Title
Published On 10/18/2024
A frosty morning led to a slightly later 10:30 start time but also led into a perfect bluebird fall day in Mid Michigan. In the end our 2023 Champion Mike Gianopoulos, CGCS from Kent C.C. defended his title and won the State Championship with a -1 score of 71.
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The 2024 Match Play Championship
Published On 10/18/2024
Since 2018 the season long match play championship has been contested by members of the MiGCSA. In our 7th year we again had a full bracket of 64 members making up 32 two person teams that played 62 matches across the entire state from May to October.
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A New Age in Golf?
Published On 10/11/2024
Golf is a game for a lifetime – one that can be played from age 3 to 103.

Yes, those numbers are alliterative and provide a tidy 100-year age gap. But they also speak to possibility.
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Efforts underway to support GCSAA members affected by Hurricane Helene
Published On 10/9/2024
Led by Carolinas GCSA, support is being coordinated. Follow updates from the GCM team on how to help those impacted by the storm.
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GAM Team Rides Four-Ball Success to Victory in 52nd Fuller Cup Matches
Published On 10/9/2024
The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) team built a 5-1 lead over the Michigan Section PGA team in morning four-ball matches to take control early and eventually won 11.5-6.5 in the 52nd Fuller Cup Matches Tuesday at Blythefield Country Club.
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The 2024 Big Event Fundraiser
Published On 10/8/2024
The 55th annual Big Event was hosted on October 7th by Golf Course Superintendent Brian Hilfinger & Assistant Superintendents, Tracey Desmarais & Max Oleski along with Equipment Manager Ron Wheeling at Edgewood C.C.
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Help Support North Carolina Hurricane Victims
Published On 10/4/2024
From our Silver Partner Advanced Turf Solutions,
We’ve all seen the impact Hurricane Helene has had on the Southeast, especially in North Carolina. Rescue crews are still unable to reach people in some areas, cell service and power are spotty, and supplies are desperately needed.
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Harrell’s 2024 EOP Program Has the Tools You Need for Success
Published On 10/4/2024
Harrell’s EOP program allows you to receive extended terms on all Harrell’s EOP Products, so you can meet and even exceed next year’s budget goals with ease. Worried you don’t have enough storage? No problem! Let Harrell’s warehouse your purchases then let us know when you need them delivered with our Buy and Hold option.
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October Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 10/4/2024
The MiGOLF.Store website, Top Courses in MI for under $100, Revisiting Bird Creek, 2025 Golf Trip Ideas, GAM Tournament Results, and much more.
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LIVE Industry Partner Online Auction
Published On 10/4/2024
These online auction items have been generously donated by our Industry Partners to help the MiGCSA towards our mission to provide opportunities for our members through programs and services that enhance and promote our profession.
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Fundraising Charity for the Morrison Family
Published On 10/3/2024
Danielle and Brandon Morrison have been part of the Ridgeview family for many years. Brandon was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and is currently unable to work while he undergoes treatment. With two young children, Carter and Braelyn, they are facing significant financial challenges. Danielle's father, Dan Waggoner, the superintendent at Ridgeview Golf Course, has been an integral part of the community, and now it’s our turn to give back to this wonderful family.
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Harbor Shores Named 2024 Michigan Golf Course of the Year
Published On 10/3/2024
The Jack Nicklaus Signature design course at Harbor Shores Resort has been named the 2024 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).

“I think this is one of the biggest honors a golf facility can receive in the state of Michigan,” said Josh Doxtator, PGA General Manager at the resort. “Harbor Shores has been the catalyst for the community and honors like this continue to prove that point and tell our story.”
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Golf's Never-Ending Quest
Published On 10/2/2024
It has been written (by NGF and many others) that a golfer who is improving is golf’s best customer.

Golf cannot be mastered. Some play purely for fun… and there are millions who play who don’t even keep score. For others, golf is a never-ending quest to get better.
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Minimizing Turf Damage From Hydraulic Oil Leaks
Published On 10/2/2024
Hydraulic oil leaks are an unfortunate reality that superintendents have to deal with. Is there anything that can be done to reduce the risks, minimize damage and speed up recovery? Research has some answers, but you may not like them.
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Making the Case for Proper Sand Storage
Published On 10/2/2024
Covered sand storage bins will reduce waste, minimize contamination and help you keep dry sand on hand for various maintenance practices.
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Back-Planting Trees
Published On 10/2/2024
By back-planting younger trees near older ones, removals can be performed with a replacement already established, minimizing the impact on course appearance.
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Is Golf Real Estate Booming?
Published On 10/2/2024
Most golfers agree that the most enjoyable and picturesque golf courses don’t have any homes interfering with sightlines – or perhaps they simply fear slicing a ball through a back window.
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GAM Superintendent Award of Merit
Published On 9/25/2024
Receiving the GAM Superintendent Award of Merit is a special honor bestowed upon a superintendent who has demonstrated leadership, professionalism, good character and high standards of conduct through pursuits associated with golf course grounds maintenance and care.
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The 2024 Western Golf Day Fundraiser
Published On 9/17/2024
A warm & beautiful fall day in Western Michigan was in store for the attendees. A mix of MiGCSA Members and friends took part in the Western Golf Day Fundraiser at Gull Lake Country Club on Monday September 16th. This event is the second of the three fundraisers the MiGCSA has every year. All of the proceeds from these events go to fund the future of our industry by way of scholarships, philanthropic causes related to turf and funding turf research.
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Michigan Golf Journal, September 2024
Published On 9/8/2024
Golf news for September 2024
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Hooked On Hydronics, USGA Green Section Education
Published On 9/8/2024
The hydronic system at Southern Hills features a web of pipes under the greens that carry heated or cooled water to modify soil temperatures.
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Just a Whisker Too Shallow, USGA East Region Update
Published On 9/8/2024
Installing “whiskers” in the bunker floors is an easy and effective way to monitor sand depth.
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Donate to help support the Meister family
Published On 9/5/2024
It is with a heavy heart that we share that Betsie Meister (Davis) passed away unexpectedly of unknown causes. As you can imagine, we are all devastated, especially her family—Jason, Mollie (15) and twins Matthew & Emily (11).
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Advanced Turf Solutions Announces SGXL One-Year Lease Sweepstakes
Published On 9/4/2024
Advanced Turf Solutions is excited to announce the chance to win a free one-year lease on a Steel Green Manufacturing SGXL (ARV $10,250), a powerful, high-capacity sprayer.
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Advance Your Career Today: Apply for the Melrose Leadership Academy
Published On 9/4/2024
Expand your network, earn education points, and advance your career through the Melrose Leadership Academy. Plus, earn all-expense paid access to the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show (Feb 3-6, 2025) in San Diego.
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Support for Jared Milner's Family
Published On 9/3/2024
There have been numerous inquiries and suggestions regarding financial support for Jared and his children.
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MiStory #22 - Jordan Caplan, Belvedere Golf Club
Published On 9/3/2024
We catch up with Jordan Caplan the golf course superintendent at Belvedere Golf Club in Charlevoix to hear his story.
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Arm your golf course with unbeatable savings with Nufarm Edge Rewards
Published On 8/31/2024
The Edge Rewards program spans two order periods, September 1– October 31, 2024, and November 1– December 6, 2024. Through the program, participants can get valuable distributor credit rebates by purchasing a combination of two or more products with a minimum total value of $3,000 during one of the two order periods.
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Does Golf Have a Capacity Problem?
Published On 8/30/2024
Golf is a bit unusual in that the dream scenario for many serious players is having your favorite course, grass freshly cut, and no other players on the property. That’s a fantasy not well-aligned to the success of the business.
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Turf update: Stressful summer for turf on golf courses
Published On 8/30/2024
This was a summer of extremes with soaking rains and high humidity that stressed turf in many areas.
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Plan a First Green field trip this school year
Published On 8/30/2024
With students heading back to school now, it’s a great time to plan a First Green field trip. GCSAA has the tools you need to plan and host a successful field trip.
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2024 Tuck Tate Shootout
Published On 8/30/2024
This long-time northern event is named after C.E. Tuck Tate, founding member of the Northern Michigan Turfgrass Managers Association (NMTMA) which was one of the four original Michigan Chapters.
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Benny Cook of Quail Ridge GC Wins Michigan PGA Professional Championship
Published On 8/23/2024
Benny Cook rallied from behind and then held on to win the 103rd Michigan PGA Professional Championship at Harbor Shores Resort Wednesday.

The 30-year-old director of instruction at Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada won the Michigan PGA state title for the third time by shooting a 3-under 68 in the final round on the Jack Nicklaus-designed layout on the shores of Lake Michigan.
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MDARD Pesticide Applicator Advisory
Published On 8/23/2024
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is aware of two recent incidents involving commercial pesticide applicators approached by individuals claiming to be MDARD pesticide inspectors. In both incidents, the person impersonating an MDARD pesticide inspector gained access to the applicator’s vehicle, equipment, and records. Law enforcement has been notified of both incidents. To ensure similar incidents do not occur again, MDARD reminds applicators of the following:
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MSU begins search for Joe Vargas Professorship in Turfgrass Pathology position
Published On 8/21/2024
At this year’s MSU/MTF Field Day (August 14, 2024) MSU Interim Chairperson of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences Department, Dr. Wei Zhang, was pleased to inform attendees that the Joe Vargas Professorship in Turfgrass Pathology has been approved by MSU and the search for a candidate would commence.
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Who’s Keeping Score?
Published On 8/16/2024
What does the average golfer shoot during a round of golf?

It seems like a straightforward question, but there’s some gray area.

NGF participation research finds more than three-quarters of U.S. golfers (77%) keep score on a regular basis.
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A Recap of the Day! 2024 MSU Field Day
Published On 8/16/2024
The MTF would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Hancock Center, the MSU Turf Team, and everyone who helped orchestrate another fantastic Turfgrass Field Day at MSU. The day was extraordinary, featuring insightful morning research tours, a delicious lunch provided by Gravity Smokehouse & BBQ, and engaging afternoon tours. We were also fortunate to have perfect weather, making the event even more enjoyable. Thank you to everyone who attended!
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MiGOLF Marketing Efforts are Live!
Published On 8/16/2024
The MiGOLF.Store website is a new fundraising avenue for the MiGCSA.
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Harrell’s Appoints Jack Harrell III as New CEO and Chairman of the Board
Published On 8/16/2024
Employee-owned Harrell’s®, announced the appointment of current Harrell’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Jack Harrell III, as their new Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, in addition to his current title of President of the company.
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MiStory #21 Mitch Hunt, CTEM, Traverse City C.C.
Published On 8/14/2024
Mitch Hunt is the Certified Turf Equipment Manager (CTEM) at Traverse City Country Club. He also serves as the Equipment Manager Liaison to the MiGCSA Board of Directors and serves on the GCSAA Equipment Manager Task Group.
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Henry “Skip” Heinz, CTEM, to receive 2024 GCSAA Edwin Budding Award
Published On 8/14/2024
Certified Turf Equipment Manager and former golf course superintendent recognized for elevating his profession.
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GCSAA Foundation awards education grants to 28 GCSAA chapters
Published On 8/14/2024
The Chapter Education Grants are presented in partnership with ClubProcure
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How Carts Impact Your Ability To Maximize Fairway Firmness, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 8/10/2024
Cart traffic on moisture-stressed turf can lead to damage, thinning or loss that will take time to heal. If fairway firmness is a priority, minimizing cart traffic should be a priority also.
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Michigan golf course still recovering from July 4 explosion
Published On 8/10/2024
A pump house explosion on Independence Day at Red Run Golf Club is still being felt by Rob Steger, CGCS.
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MiGCSA Equipment Manager of the Year Nominations
Published On 8/8/2024
Designed for Superintendents to nominate their Equipment Manager, this award will help recognize the best and brightest golf course Equipment Managers in Michigan. The people who play a key role keeping golf courses running at peak performance. Recognize your Equipment Manager for all they do, from managing your fleet, to equipment maintenance, quality of cut and so much more.
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MiStory #19 - Phil Cuffare, Oakland Hills C.C. & The USGA Junior Am
Published On 8/7/2024
Follow Phil Cuffare, Director of Agronomy at Oakland Hills Country Club as he, his staff and hundreds of volunteers prepare for the USGA Junior Am.
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Precision Golf Irrigation Installation & Repair
Published On 8/4/2024
Precision Golf Irrigation offers comprehensive golf course irrigation installation for new golf courses and golf renovation projects. Additionally, we offer irrigation repair services throughout the Midwest for a variety of commonly needed “fixes”.
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August Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 8/3/2024
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.

Click on cover below to read...
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Midyear Rounds Update: Peak Play Numbers
Published On 8/2/2024
At the midway point of 2024, U.S. rounds are trending 2% ahead of the midyear total from 2023 -- a year during which more rounds of golf were played at U.S. courses than any time in history.
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Apply Now for a Life-Changing Opportunity!
Published On 8/1/2024
Your Opportunity to Attend the
2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego!

Apply today for the opportunity to be a part of the coveted Melrose Leadership Academy and earn all-expense paid access to the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show (Feb 3-6, 2025) in San Diego.
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Trevor Gutschewski Outlasts Tyler Watts to Win U.S. Junior Amateur Championship
Published On 7/29/2024
Trevor Gutschewski Outlasts Tyler Watts to Win U.S. Junior Amateur Championship and Earn 2025 U.S. Open Exemption
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MiStory #18 - Steven Biehl, Wolf River Golf Park
Published On 7/26/2024
Steven takes us through the full design and renovation of Bear Lake County Highlands to the new Wolf River Golf Park, and some tractors!
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Exciting Update! FMC Welcomes Austin Sanders
Published On 7/23/2024
I'm Austin Sanders and I have joined FMC as the new Market Specialist for the Midwest region. I'm very excited to get started!
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Midyear Update: Worldwide Golf Course Development
Published On 7/23/2024
There are currently new golf courses in planning or under construction in 88 different countries -- from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe.

This worldwide developmental pipeline encompasses more than 500 course projects in total, with half of those in the U.S.
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MDARD Shares Guidance for Personal Protective Equipment Requirements for Commercial Applicators
Published On 7/23/2024
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) issued guidance on the personal protective equipment (PPE) rules for commercial pesticide applicators in Michigan to ensure safe pesticide use:
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Understanding Golf’s Biggest Failure (or Opportunity)
Published On 7/17/2024
The past four years have been historically strong for the U.S. golf industry, with a net gain of more than 2.3 million on-course golfers since 2020. For perspective, consider that only the four biggest cities in the country — New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston — have populations larger than that increase.
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MiStory #17 - Jeff Hopkins, Muskegon Country Club
Published On 7/15/2024
Jeff Hopkins is the Golf Course Superintendent at Muskegon Country Club. In this MiStory we catch up with Jeff about his service to the industry, his commitment to his club and most importantly to his family.
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Harrell’s Announces Passing of CEO and Chairman of the Board, Jack Harrell Jr.
Published On 7/14/2024
Employee-owned Harrell’s®, announced that Jack Harrell Jr., the company’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, has passed away today after a short battle with Glioblastoma. The entirety of Harrell’s mourns this loss and extends our deepest sympathies to the Harrell family.
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MiStory #16 - Tom Schall, CGCS & The Michigan Open
Published On 7/12/2024
We spend the morning with Tom Schall, CGCS the Golf Course Superintendent at Oakland University as he prepares for the Michigan Open hosted by the Michigan Section PGA. Also featured is MiGCSA State Champion Mike Gianopoulos from Kent Country Club who played in the event.
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July MI Golf Journal
Published On 7/5/2024
Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, Michigan PGA Awards, High School State Finals results, New 'Vintage' golf lodging, Updates at Treetops, and much more.
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Support Opportunity for the Milner Family
Published On 6/28/2024
There has been an outpouring of support and a deep need to help Jared and his family from the entire MiGCSA Community. Emails, phone calls and text messages with ideas and requests to the MiGCSA Board of Directors and the Cares Committee continue to pour in. We stand ready to assist Jared in any way, at any time, now and in the future.
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Aleah Nicole Milner
Published On 6/27/2024
Aleah Nicole Milner, wife of Jared Milner, Golf Course Superintendent at Meadowbrook C.C. & MiGCSA Board Member passed away after an extended illness on June 24th.
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New MIGOLF Apparel Online Store Launched to Support Golf in Michigan
Published On 6/27/2024
A new way to support the game of golf in Michigan has been launched with the new MIGOLF apparel online store.
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MICHIGAN AMATEUR: White Lake’s McCoy Biagioli Wins
Published On 6/22/2024
McCoy Biagioli of White Lake, a Ferris State University golfer, won the 113th Michigan Amateur Championship presented by Carl’s Golfland on The Heather course at The Highlands at Harbor Springs Friday.
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Mid-Year Update: Retail & Equipment
Published On 6/21/2024
A dramatic U.S. Open at Pinehurst and Father’s Day are freshly behind us. For those in the golf retail business, last week was their Super Bowl.
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Slow Grass Is Better Than No Grass, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 6/21/2024
Slower green speeds for a few weeks during the summer is better than having to repair areas like this where turf was pushed too far during stressful weather.
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How To “Slow the Po”
Published On 6/21/2024
Poa annua contamination is obvious during spring and fall, when bentgrass has not yet started to grow aggressively. If you want to keep this invader under control, you need a comprehensive strategy.
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Threesome Elected to Michigan Golf Hall of Fame
Published On 6/17/2024
Greg Johnson, an award-winning sports journalist and later a media consultant for Michigan’s largest golf associations, Stephen Kircher, the President and CEO of Boyne Resorts and a leader and advocate of destination golf in northern Michigan, and Kevin VandenBerg, a many time amateur champion in Michigan and ranked nationally as the top Senior Player of the Year in 2023, have been elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.
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New Sales & Technology Manager for Spartan Distributors
Published On 6/11/2024
To better align our business with the rapidly expanding equipment technology available in our industry, Spartan Distributors/ Reinders has added a Sales Technology Manager position to the team. This role has the responsibility of managing sales and training for high-tech and specialty products such as GPS guided and autonomous equipment, and other products where appropriate.
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GOLF DAY AT THE CAPITOL: Rep. Angela Witwer Helps Golf Leaders Spread Message
Published On 6/7/2024
State Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) has played golf since age eight, grew up in golf-rich Northern Michigan and every vacation used to be a golf vacation before she became an elected official.
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Women & Girls Fueling Golf's Growth
Published On 6/7/2024
Back in 2013 at the NGF Symposium in St. Louis, we declared to the business leaders in our audience that we weren’t going to do any major new publications on female golfers until the industry made meaningful improvements at making women feel more comfortable and welcome in the traditional golf environment.
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June MI Golf Journal
Published On 6/7/2024
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Wee One & Northern Fundraiser Results
Published On 6/6/2024
The 2024 Wee One & Northern Fundraiser at Arcadia Bluffs was another great success. The Sunday afternoon event raised more than $25,000 for the Wee One Foundation! The proceeds from all the Northern Fundraiser will help fund scholarships, the MiGCSA cares fund, turf related donations, turf research and the MSU turf club.
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MiStory #14 - Jared Milner, Meadowbrook Country Club
Published On 5/31/2024
Jared is an MiGCSA Board Member and the Superintendent at Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville. In this episode he talks about the huge shop renovation that he has lead over the last two years.
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MiSotry #15 - Matt Vollrath, Harbor Shores Golf Club & The Senior PGA Championship
Published On 5/31/2024
We spent the day with Matt Vollrath, Golf Course Superintendent at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores the Monday of tournament week as they prepared for the Senior PGA Championship.
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New Heights for Golf Tourism?
Published On 5/24/2024
Consumers, perhaps more than ever, are focused on experiences. And while golf certainly qualifies as an experiential activity, a getaway golf trip – with family or friends – takes that experience… to another place.
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Tee Times 4 Turf Recap
Published On 5/24/2024
We extend our sincere gratitude to all golf courses who participated in the 12th edition of TT4Turf. There were 192 items available for bid and 394 registered bidders, resulting in a total of 1,886 bids placed. Total gross income exceeded $51,000 and set a new record for the auction since its conception.
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Michigan Golf Provides $6.1 Billion Impact, Study Reveals
Published On 5/23/2024
The Michigan golf industry’s total economic impact is $6.1 billion, yes billion, in part because the state is home to 859 courses, including the most public golf courses in the nation, stands as the top winter-interrupted golf tourism destination in the country and provides 61,000 jobs according to a recently completed study by the National Golf Foundation (NGF).
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Traffic Tips: How To Reduce the Impact of Carts, USGA Central Update
Published On 5/22/2024
With rounds up at most facilities, so is the amount of cart traffic. The use of golf carts is a controversial topic at many courses due to the toll they take on turf health and course conditions, but at some courses they are the norm. Unfortunately, traffic-related turf issues go hand in hand with cart use.
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Travis Pointe Country Club Retains C.W. Golf Architecture
Published On 5/21/2024
The Board of Directors at Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, MI has retained Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, of C.W. Golf Architecture to develop a golf course master plan to improve and help reposition the private, member-owned club as one of the best courses in Michigan.
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The 2024 Spring Opener at Quail Ridge
Published On 5/16/2024
The 2024 Spring Opener was hosted by Class A Member Tim Topolinski at Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada on Wednesday May 15th. Thank you to Tim, PGA Professional Kyle Holmes and the entire staff at Quail Ridge, the entire operation is fantastic. The shotgun start went off at 10:00 and the last group was in by 2:30 for after event appetizers, awards and meeting. Here were the results from the day.
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Resilia™ Root Health Solution: Top-notch root protection, and top-tier savings.
Published On 5/16/2024
The majority of diseases diagnosed on greens are root diseases. And they all pose a great threat to your turf and your livelihood because symptoms don’t appear until the damage to your roots is already done. To make matters worse, you may lose critical time attempting to diagnose the problem before you’re able to properly treat it, which greatly impacts your course’s playability and hinders your customers’ experiences. As spring turns to summer, preventive root pathogen fungicide applications can be highly effective when made just as the target organism becomes active, which is usually weeks to months ahead of when visual symptoms of diseases like summer patch occur.
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Raymond Hearn Golf Design
Published On 5/14/2024
While each is distinctly different, one of the many reasons clubs trust Ray Hearn as one of the top golf course design firms is his “lay of the land” approach honoring the game as it was meant to be played. That core tenet, coupled with cutting-edge design innovation has helped us excel at golf course remodeling, renovation, restoration, and new course development throughout North America and around the world. Our innovative, creative designs drive new membership at private clubs and increased revenues for resorts and daily-fee operations. Our clients’ profitability is further served by our design principles; which are both traditional and progressive; using a minimalist approach that is deferential to the landscape – like all the game’s most celebrated courses. Our designs combine beauty and strategy to create courses that are inexpensive to construct and maintain.
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Are ‘Dualies’ Golf’s Best Customer?
Published On 5/13/2024
What the heck is a “Dualie?” In NGF context, it is NOT a six-wheeled pick-up truck.

One of the classifications our researchers introduced in recent years is that of Dual Participants, or “Dualies,” those who engage in both on-course and off-course forms of golf.
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Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Celebrates 10th Anniversary by Setting Special $2 Million Goal
Published On 5/8/2024
In celebration of its 10th year, the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give is increasing its record-breaking 2023 donation goal of $1.25 million to $2 million, marking a decade of the tournament’s unwavering commitment to helping feed hungry families through the Simply Give program.
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May MI Golf Journal
Published On 5/6/2024
The Passing of a Giant, Benona Shores Golf Course at age 50 and Counting, State Champions to get Automatic Bid to USGA Events, and much more.
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Dr. Joseph Vargas, March 11, 1942 - April 18, 2024
Published On 5/6/2024
Dr. Joseph Martin Vargas, Jr., of East Lansing, passed away peacefully with family at his side on April 18, 2024. He was born in Fall River, Massachusetts on March 11, 1942, the son of the late Joseph Martin, Sr., and Rita (Gallery) Vargas.
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Golf Construction Conversations: Phil Cuffare
Published On 4/30/2024
A new podcast series debuts with Oakland Hills Country Club director of agronomy Phil Cuffare reflecting on restoring one of America’s most well-known courses and then offering insight into what you need to know when plotting a golf construction effort.
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GAM Announces Award Winners
Published On 4/23/2024
The GAM is proud to announce its current award winners. These honorees have helped grow and support the game of golf in Michigan and their accomplishments will be recognized at the GAM Annual Meeting on Wednesday May 1st. Congratulations to all the recipients! For more information on the awards and honorees, please visit GAM.org.
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Midnight Golf Program Selected for PGA of America Places to Play Donation
Published On 4/23/2024
The PGA of America announced today that the PGA of America REACH Foundation, the charitable foundation of the Association, will donate $250,000 to Detroit’s Midnight Golf Program through the Community-Based Grant initiative of PGA Places To Play.
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Healthy Grow Agri Business Review Company of the Year
Published On 4/17/2024
Healthy Grow, a subsidiary of Pearl Valley Farms, located in Pearl City, Illinois has been selected by Agri
Business Review as the Company of the Year in the organic fertilizer realm.
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Second and Last Chance - Turf Education Survey - March 2024
Published On 4/17/2024
Greetings from the Land of Green and White.

SECOND and LAST chance.

On behalf of David Gilstrap and the rest of the turf faculty, If you have not done so already, please complete the survey linked below. It’s asking about your course preferences as our four-year program transitions from a being a CSS BS with a turf management concentration to becoming its own major.
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April MI Golf Journal
Published On 4/17/2024
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Use GDDTracker to schedule applications to turfgrass
Published On 3/30/2024
Using growing degree days is a valuable tool for predicting pest outbreaks and scheduling applications.
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Which Way is Municipal Golf Going?
Published On 3/30/2024
Many NGF Fortnight readers might be surprised to learn that the number of municipal courses nationwide has actually increased over the past two decades.
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Killearn Club Continues with Construction of Nine Hole Clover Course
Published On 3/26/2024
Golf Course Architect Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, was hired for the project in 2022 by club-owner and tech entrepreneur David Cummings, a Tallahassee native who is responsible for the multi-million-dollar club revitalization to restore the landmark’s golf and social experience.
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Mr Rabe Goes to Washington
Published On 3/26/2024
Michael Rabe, PSM graduate student (Thomas Nikolai) and Farm Assistant Manager at the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center participated in the 2024 Congressional Visits Day (CVD) in February 2023. Michael and 18 graduate students from across the country, certified crop advisers, people from private sectors, and officials from the tri-societies (ASA-CSSA-SSSA). As part of “Team Mid-West,” Michael was grouped with Luther Smith, (Tri-societies) Dr. Karina Morales (University of Wisconsin), and Chase Krug, PhD student, University of Minnesota.
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Sod on Plastic Establishment Practices for Cool-Season Grasses
Published On 3/25/2024
In 2024, the Rogers lab will continue their research for FIFA World Cup 2026 and the development of a shallow-profile turfgrass playing system. The research team will also begin assessment of creeping bentgrass as a viable option for sod on plastic production.
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Winter Turf and Nutrient Management Research Update
Published On 3/25/2024
Since the summer of 1998 leachate samples have been collected from the monolith lysimeters at the HTRC and analyzed for nitrate-nitrogen. July 2023 marked 25 years of consecutive leachate collection and 33 years since turfgrass was established on the lysimeters.
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Turf Education Survey - March 2024
Published On 3/25/2024
Greetings from the Land of Green and White. I hope and trust all is well. We had a short winter, a wonderful IAT graduation this past Sunday, and have sent 29 students out on internship.
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MGCA Awarded $543,000 Grant to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Program
Published On 3/25/2024
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) announced Friday nine recipients of more than $6.1 million in State Apprenticeship Expansion 2023 Grant Program awards that will provide Michiganders with access to life-changing career opportunities through Registered Apprenticeships.
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GCSAA Chapter Leadership Symposium
Published On 3/22/2024
In March, I had the opportunity to attend the 2024 Chapter Leaders/Executive Symposium at GCSAA Headquarters in Lawrence, Kansas.
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Ron McCall served his country before making a splash in the golf industry.
Published On 3/21/2024
As the first high school drum major in his hometown’s history, Ron McCall displayed leadership skills. In time, his survival skills proved indispensable. His march toward even more take-charge examples includes time spent as commander of an American Legion Post, chaplain and, most recently, as equipment manager for The Highlands at Harbor Springs, part of Boyne Resorts’ all-season destination in Highland Springs, Mich.
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How Does Golf in Your State Stack Up?
Published On 3/15/2024
Florida has had a specialty license plate (a source of funding for FL junior golf programs) that identifies NGF’s home state as the “Golf Capital of the World.”
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MiGOLF Glove Pre-Order is Open
Published On 3/14/2024
The first launch of apparel through is a partnership with our friends at North Coast Golf Company for their premium golf gloves. As a show of support for all you do for golf, they are passing through 100% of the profits from these gloves directly to the MiGCSA. This is a limited time pre-order that will end on March 21st.
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Deadline Approaching: Secure Funding for Higher Education with the Garske Grant!
Published On 3/12/2024
The goal of this program is to assist GCSAA members' children in funding their education at either an accredited college or trade school. It is available to the children of GCSAA members who have been an active member for five or more consecutive years. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior and be accepted at an institution of higher learning for the upcoming year.
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Why winter golf is great for golfers but not always for golf courses
Published On 3/12/2024
Whoever said that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb forgot to mention that the month is just as often a schizophrenic beast, swinging wildly between warm and frosty weather.
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Michigan PGA Announces 2024 Special Award Winners at Spring Meeting
Published On 3/12/2024
Michigan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year, Doug Brody, Golf Executive of the Year, Chris Whitten, and Teacher & Coach of the Year, Kyle Martin headline the Michigan PGA’s Special Awards for 2024. The 13 winners were unveiled during the 2024 Michigan PGA Spring Meeting yesterday at Eagle Eye Golf Course.
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MARCH MI Golf Journal
Published On 3/4/2024
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Golf Course Supply Update: More Openings, Fewer Closings
Published On 3/4/2024
Golf course closures last year came in at their lowest figure in almost two decades.
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2024 Heritage Scholarship Winners
Published On 2/29/2024
The award is available to dependents of current members of the MiGCSA in good standing pursuing a degree at a post-secondary educational institution as a full-time student.
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GAM Distinguished Service Award
Published On 2/29/2024
Bob Buckley of Port Austin, a Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Governor and Junior Golf Committee member, loved the game for all the right reasons, said David Devendorf of Port Huron, his friend in life and golf.
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Jesse Shaver, Golf Course Superintendent at Gull Lake Country Club to Lead MiGCSA
Published On 2/27/2024
Jesse Shaver, class A member and Golf Course Superintendent at Gull Lake Country Club in Richland has been elected as the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) Chapter President for 2024.
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Collaborative study aims to shed light on winter damage
Published On 2/23/2024
The WinterTurf Grant project is a joint initiative of the University of Minnesota, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Massachusetts, Iowa State, Oregon State, the USDA Ag Research Service and the Norway Institute of Bioeconomy Research. It is focused on collecting data next fall and winter from golf courses in multiple countries to help gain a better understanding of winter stresses of turfgrass leading to more effective solutions for superintendents in cold weather climates.
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GAM Club Services Representative of the Year: Dennis “Marty” Joy
Published On 2/22/2024
Joy, 53, a professional at Belvedere since 1999 and the head golf professional since 2008, has been named the 2024 Golf Association of Michigan Club Services Representative of the Year. The GAM annually presents the honor to a club representative who demonstrates outstanding service to golf in Michigan.
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New Year, Same Roots, USGA East Region Update
Published On 2/22/2024
The Northeast has experienced the ups and downs of temperatures and precipitation that we’ve come to expect during winter. Many areas recently warmed up enough to not only thaw frozen turf but open for play with golf carts. Meanwhile, other locations just got a fresh covering of snow. If your course has thawed turf, it’s a great opportunity to assess root system health and potentially take some steps to promote root growth.
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Golz Joins Join PBI-Gordon Corporation
Published On 2/22/2024
The employee-owners of PBI-Gordon Corporation announced today that Shawn Golz has joined the company as a sales representative for golf course, sports turf, lawn care, and landscape maintenance customers in Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio.
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Michigan PGA, Detroit Red Wings Faceoff, Raise $65,000 for Veterans
Published On 2/22/2024
The golfers of the Michigan Section PGA with the help of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association (DRWAA) raised $65,000 for armed service veterans in the second Michigan PGA vs. Red Wings Alumni Game last Sunday at Michigan State University’s Munn Ice Arena.
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Michigan’s Steven Hammon to continue on board of directors for GCSAA
Published On 2/21/2024
Steven J. Hammon, golf course superintendent at Traverse City (Mich.) Country Club, will continue to serve on the board of directors for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) it was announced at the association's annual meeting Feb. 1, which was held in conjunction with the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix.
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Turf update: Do I need to reapply snow mold fungicides?
Published On 2/12/2024
The mild winter weather has resulted in the possibility of new snow mold outbreaks and the need for golf course superintendents to reapply fungicides.
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GCSAA Conference and Trade Show returns to Phoenix with sold-out show floor
Published On 2/7/2024
The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show returned to Phoenix for the first time since 1987 and was well received. Attendance rivaled that of Orlando 2023 with nearly 11,000 attendees and over 6,600 seminar seats filled, representing the highest total since 2008.
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February Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 2/7/2024
Winter Weather & Turf Conditions, Evans Scholars Announced, Remembering Carl Rose, Jr. and more...
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A Record for U.S. Rounds?
Published On 2/6/2024
Throughout the peak season in 2023 and beyond, the number of rounds of golf played nationwide trended slightly ahead of last year’s pace. They also kept pace with 2021’s record levels… at least until the final month of the year.
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Don’t Fall Behind, Plan Ahead, USGA Green Section Update
Published On 2/6/2024
Although your course might be under snow, the golf season is quickly approaching. There is still time to evaluate your cultivation practices for the upcoming season and think about how you balance cultivation with variable weather, staff size and availability, and golfer expectations.
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Adam Garr joins the TurfNet content team
Published On 2/6/2024
We are excited to announce that GCSAA Class A superintendent Adam Garr (@CourseCares) is joining the TurfNet content team as a blogger, producer and video host.
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2024 Conference Recap
Published On 2/2/2024
The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation would like to thank everyone, including the attendees, presenters, vendors and sponsors, that helped make the 2024 Michigan Turfgrass Conference such a great success. The Conference had over 500 attendees this year making it one of our highest attended to date. The Conference will be back at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort again in 2025, save the dates January 7-9, 2025!
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MSU Turfgrass Alumni Network Survey and Map
Published On 2/2/2024
The information gathered from this survey will be used to update the existing MSU Turfgrass alumni database and may be used to develop the 'MSU Turfgrass Alumni Network Map'. This public interactive online map was created to showcase the global impact of MSU Turfgrass alumni and facilitate connections among current students, alumni and the general public. Many thanks to Jackie Guevara and Dr. Becky Bowling, University of Tennessee, for her guidance and help on this.
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2024 USGA Junior Amateur Volunteer Support
Published On 1/25/2024
Oakland Hills Country Club is excited to extend this invitation to our network of colleagues to volunteer at the 76th U.S. Junior Amateur which is set to take place July 19-28, 2024.
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Heritage Scholarships
Published On 1/23/2024
The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association is pleased to again offer the Heritage Scholarship. The award is available to dependents of current members of the MiGCSA in good standing pursuing a degree at a post-secondary educational institution as a full-time student. The total scholarship pool is $10,000 and individual awards will be decided by the committee.
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Golf’s State-of-Industry in 3 Minutes
Published On 1/19/2024
Perhaps the most pressing question facing the golf industry over the past several years is whether the “pandemic dividend” would last. There were further encouraging signs in 2023, with increases in participation and play, a healthier balance between the number of golfers and courses, and an evolution of a traditional game that’s positively affecting golf demand. And golf’s brand.
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CGSA and OGSA Announce Partnership to Host Joint Golf Course Management Conference for February 2025
Published On 1/18/2024
Mississauga, ON - The Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA) and the Ontario Golf Superintendents’ Association (OGSA) are pleased to announce an agreement in principle to host a joint golf course management conference in February 25-27, 2025 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
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Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Board of Directors
Published On 1/18/2024
The Michigan Turfgrass Foundation is excited to announce that our board has recently welcomed new members who are bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. Chris Wilcznski and Brian Schweihofer have joined us and we are thrilled to have them on board.
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Dan Lucas, GAM Superintendent Award of Merit
Published On 1/18/2024
Dan Lucas, the superintendent for the high-profile comeback/renovation at High Pointe Golf Club near Traverse City, humbly acknowledges his reputation as a superintendent that works well on construction projects, and for becoming an expert regarding fescue fairways.
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Generational handoff at Gaylord Country Club
Published On 1/17/2024
For nearly 40 years, Paul Holmes, CGCS, was caretaker at Michigan’s Gaylord Country Club. Now his son Ryan has taken the reins.
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January MI Golf Journal
Published On 1/8/2024
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Allen Saville Selected as Assistant Superintendent Liaison to the Board
Published On 1/5/2024
In December of 2023 the MiGCSA Board approved and open nomination for the position of Assistant Superintendent Liaison to the Board of Directors. A very diverse and exciting pool of candidates were generated for this position and to serve on the Assistant Superintendent Committee. Allen Saville, Assistant Superintendent at Red Run G.C. has been selected to fill the position and to chair the committee along with Vice Chairman Nick Young from Birmingham C.C. The Board of Directors was extremely impressed with the candidates and are happy to announce that the Assistants Committee now has 11 members across the state.
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Aquatrols and Precision Laboratories' Turf Business Join to Form The Aquatrols Company
Published On 1/3/2024
Paulsboro, New Jersey, January 3, 2024 – Aquatrols® and the turf division of Precision Laboratories™, two of the leading brands in turf management, have merged to form The Aquatrols Company. This merger brings together the most comprehensive portfolio of soil surfactant and adjuvant products in the industry.
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2024 Student Scholarship Winners
Published On 1/3/2024
The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association student scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in the 2 or 4 year Turfgrass Program and are a current MiGCSA member. Awards will be presented at the Michigan Turfgrass Conference.
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Youth on Course Michigan has record year because of your support!
Published On 1/3/2024
Making golf more accessible is the mission of the GAM Foundation and one of the ways we support that mission is through Youth on Course. This program provides junior golfers with the opportunity to play golf courses around the state for $5 or less, making golf affordable. Thanks to the generous support from you, our members and donors, Youth on Course Michigan achieved many milestones and your dollars went even further this year.
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A Developing Situation
Published On 12/29/2023
One of the byproducts of golf’s pandemic-fueled resurgence has been an uptick in course construction. It’s important to note, however, that the U.S. isn’t in the early stages of another building boom.
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Harrell’s Announces New President and Vice Chairman of the Board
Published On 12/28/2023
Employee-owned Harrell’s LLC, announced the appointment of current Harrell’s Chief Operating Officer, Jack Harrell III, as their new President and COO. Jack will succeed current Harrell’s President of nearly 20 years, Dave Schermerhorn, who will be shifting roles to Vice Chairman of the Board at Harrell’s, LLC. The news comes from the company’s annual National Sales Meeting where Harrell’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, Jack Harrell Jr., was joined onstage by both Jack and Dave to make the historic announcement.
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America's Appetite for Green Grass
Published On 12/18/2023
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back, look ahead, and examine the growing appetite for green-grass golf.

Following a trend that’s emerged in the post-pandemic era, this year is poised to finish about 3% ahead of last year and as one of the strongest for rounds played in U.S. history.
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The 24 Hour Equipment Manager Conference
Published On 12/18/2023
MiGCSA Equipment Manager Board Liaison Mitch Hunt and the Equipment Managers Committee hosted the first 24-hour equipment managers conference, at Grand Traverse Resort in traverse city Michigan.
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Michigan PGA Golfers Taking on Red Wings Alumni to Benefit Veterans
Published On 12/18/2023
The golfers of the Michigan Section PGA and the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association (DRWAA) are once again dropping the puck and helping veterans.

For the second consecutive year they will demonstrate golfers can play hockey and in the process contribute funding to charity groups that serve veterans of the armed forces.
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Novi’s John Morgan Tops 2023 Super Senior Men's Points List
Published On 12/11/2023
John Morgan of Novi was the Golf Association of Michigan Player of the Decade for the 1980s, but his busy schedule as global director of sales for automotive parts manufacturer Yazaki with primary responsibilities in working with General Motors made him a weekend-only golfer for 20 years.

“It was impossible to practice or play in tournaments with all the travel I was doing and the responsibilities I had,” he said. “I had not competed for close to 20 years in GAM events. Then I retired, started practicing and got the bug again.”
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Your December Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 12/11/2023
The MI Golf Journal brings you all Michigan-focused news and feature stories exploring the many unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Deep-Tine Aeration Now Means Better Turf Later
Published On 12/11/2023
Fracturing the soil below traditional putting green aeration depths promotes water infiltration, gas exchange and deep rooting. The benefits of deep-tine aeration will be seen this winter and beyond.
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Better Divot Recovery With Low-Mow Bluegrass Tees
Published On 12/11/2023
If divot recovery is an issue on your tees, converting them to low-mow bluegrass could be the solution. Its belowground rhizomes mean faster healing than other cool-season options.
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Follow The Money
Published On 12/11/2023
Despite the volatility surrounding the state of the American consumer these days, those who track these things broadly have projected another strong holiday buying season. The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasted spending to swell between 3% and 4% over 2022, which so far appears accurate, if not underestimated, based on reports of e-commerce jumping 8% during the critical five-day run from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday.
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Michigan Golf Course Association Honors Apprentices in Landmark Program
Published On 12/7/2023
LANSING – Michael Flatt and Russell Smascz, who in the last year took part in a landmark golf course maintenance Registered Apprenticeship program at The Highlands at Harbor Springs Resort, have been honored with recognition of completion certificates by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).
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Support the GAM Foundation/Youth on Course on National Day of Giving
Published On 11/21/2023
As you decide on your end of year spending, we hope you will consider lending your support to the GAM Foundation on National Day of Giving, Tuesday November 29th. The GAM Foundation supports access to affordable golf for youth through the Youth on Course Michigan initiative.
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Golf Course Restoration and Renovation Master Planning - A Superintendent’s Road Map into the Future
Published On 11/21/2023
Long Range Master Planning are a club’s road map into the future and are especially helpful to the golf course superintendent. They can be implemented quickly or phased over a number of years. In the Master Planning Process, the collaboration between the golf course superintendent and the golf course architect is crucial to best ensure the project’s overall success.
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Simulator Golf Sees Real Surge
Published On 11/20/2023
While traditional golf participation has continued to climb in recent years, engagement has been even more pronounced away from the course – and that includes screen golf with simulated versions of bucket list destinations like Pebble Beach Golf Links.
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Dan Meersman on Autonomous Mowers, Leadership and More
Published On 11/20/2023
From robot mowers to education and leadership, Dan Meersman is a pioneer in the golf course maintenance industry. In our latest episode, we caught up with the third-generation superintendent to discuss how his role has evolved at The Philadelphia Cricket Club and the fleet of robots he has helping him maintain three golf courses and various other turf areas around the facility. He’s been very happy with his robot mowers so far and sees even more promise on the horizon.
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But There’s No Frost at My House, USGA East Region Update
Published On 11/20/2023
Just about every golf course that has ever had a frost delay has probably had to deal with comments from golfers about there being no frost at their house. The explanation is pretty simple, weather conditions that affect one location might not have the same impact in another location nearby. Beyond that basic fact, there are some specific reasons why golf courses may be more vulnerable to frost than your front yard.
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The Wage Issue in Golf Course Maintenance
Published On 11/20/2023
Hiring employees to perform daily maintenance tasks continues to be one of the greatest challenges for golf course superintendents. Unfortunately, it does not look like this issue will go away any time soon. The labor shortage throughout the country is part of the problem, but the wages in golf course maintenance are a major hurdle as well.
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MiStory #12 - Steve Fiorillo, CGCS, Eagle Eye
Published On 11/16/2023
Steve Fiorillo, CGCS is the Director of Grounds at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath Michigan.
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A centennial celebration for Northern Ohio GCSA
Published On 11/15/2023
The first GCSAA chapter to reach the 100-year landmark celebrated their milestone during a weekend gala at Westwood Country Club.
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2023 AWARD WINNERS: Michigan Golf Course Association Announces Honorees
Published On 11/9/2023
LANSING – Jeff Hoag, owner and general manager at Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park, and Carey Mitchelson, the director of operations at College Fields Golf Club in Okemos and executive director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), headline the 2023 Award Winners announced today by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).
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Husqvarna launches mobile sales, service partners network for golf, sports fields
Published On 11/9/2023
Aspen Outdoors, which covers seven states across the Midwest, will be the first channel partner for the robotic mower manufacturer.
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The Leaf Burden, USGA Northeast Update
Published On 11/7/2023
Fall foliage is stunning but once the leaves start falling there’s a big impact on playability and maintenance. Mulching or removing leaves is necessary and it comes with substantial costs.
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Should Course Improvement Projects Be Performed In-House?
Published On 11/7/2023
The shoulder seasons and offseason are excellent times for improvement projects, but at what point does it make sense to hire a golf course construction company to do the work?
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November Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 11/6/2023
The MI Golf Journal brings you all Michigan-focused news and feature stories exploring the many unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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The Business Case for Golf’s Dressing-Down
Published On 11/6/2023
Did you know wearing a white lab coat has been scientifically proven to increase focus? That dressing elegantly enhances abstract thinking, which is essential to creativity and problem-solving?
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MiStory #11 - Doug Hoeh, Treetops Resort
Published On 11/6/2023
MiGCSA President (2023) Dough Hoeh, Director of Recreation at Treetops Resort in Gaylord is featured.
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September 2023 National Rounds Played
Published On 11/2/2023
Rounds of golf played in September 2023 remained relatively stable compared to a year ago, with a 1.6% national gain driven primarily by year-over-year play increases out west (the Pacific and Mountain regions) as well as in the most golf-rich U.S. state, Florida.
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Threesome Inducted to Michigan Golf Hall of Fame
Published On 10/30/2023
The late Gerald “Jerry” Faubel, superintendent at Saginaw Country Club for over 35 years and a national turfgrass leader, Doug LaBelle II of Mount Pleasant, twice a PGA Tour player in 16 years on professional golf tours around the world, and Jean Murray of Mount Pleasant, a standout player, Golf Association of Michigan volunteer and high school golf coach, have been inducted and are part of 137 members of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF).
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Chris Wilczynski Designed Course at the New Astor Creek Golf & Country Club Now Open
Published On 10/30/2023
PORT ST. LUCIE, FL: Kolter Homes, a Builder Magazine “Top 100 Builder” has unveiled their new signature 18-hole golf course at Astor Creek Golf & Country Club, designed by Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, owner of C.W. Golf Architecture. The Grand Opening Celebration took place the weekend of October 21st and 22nd, and the course is now open for play.
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2023 MSU Student Scholarship is Open
Published On 10/24/2023
The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association student scholarship will be awarded to students enrolled in the 2 or 4 year Turfgrass Program and are a current MiGCSA member. Interviews will be December 13th, awards will be presented at the Michigan Turfgrass Conference. The deadline for submission is Sunday, December 4th.
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Michigan PGA Announces 2023 Special Award Winners at Fall Meeting
Published On 10/24/2023
The Michigan Section PGA honored its 2023 Special Award Winners at the President's Dinner, sponsored by Mercer Advisors and E-Z-GO, held Sunday, October 22 at the Country Club of Lansing. The President's Dinner celebrated PGA Members who have excelled in their profession as well as those who have volunteered and given of themselves to serve the Section.
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Michigan PGA Announces Officer & Honorary Member Elections
Published On 10/24/2023
The Michigan Section PGA elected new officers for a two year term and an honorary member at the Association’s Annual Meeting attended by over 140 Michigan PGA Members. The meeting was held October 23, 2023 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in East Lansing, Michigan.
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Golf’s Unrivaled Charitable Impact
Published On 10/20/2023
The game was a vehicle to raise almost $4.6 billion for a wide range of causes last year, according to our research for the latest industry report on the economics of golf. This impact, which extends from the local to the national level, was up about
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Sundance at A-Ga-Ming Named 2023 Michigan Golf Course of the Year
Published On 10/19/2023
The Sundance Course at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort has been selected as the 2023 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).

Sundance, a Jerry Matthews design that opened in 2005, is one of two courses at the main campus of A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort and sits atop glacier-carved bluffs between Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan.
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MiStory #10 Featuring Ian Daniels, CGCS & his bunker renovation project with C.W. Golf Architecture
Published On 10/16/2023
MiStory episode #10 features Ian Daniels, CGCS and his bunker renovation project with C.W. Golf Architecture at Country Club of Jackson.
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The 2023 MiGCSA State Championship
Published On 10/12/2023
MiGCSA Board Member Craig McKinley hosted the 16th annual State Championship, the MiGCSA Major, on October 11th at Bucks Run G.C. in Mt. Pleasant. This event is not just for those competing for the trophy there is also a 1 of 4 net team event so everyone can get in the game. The golf course had rave reviews, especially since aerification happened just two weeks prior.
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Thank you for supporting the 100 Hole Hike
Published On 10/10/2023
October 9th was the final hike of the season for Michigan as we hosted hikers at four different courses throughout the state. This was the second year of our "unofficial" hike at the Little Hawk Putting Course which proved to be a popular spot for GAM staff. With the efforts combined for the 100 Hole Hike sites and the Hike at the Hawk, our estimated total of donations raised is almost $35,000!
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The Hickory Grail Cup
Published On 10/9/2023
This past September in Charlevoix, Michigan, Belvedere Golf Club was proud to host The Hickory Grail Cup. This prestigious competition is a three-day Ryder Cup style event matching the most passionate and skilled hickory players from the United States against those from Great Britian/ Europe. While the match structure is the same as the Ryder Cup, there are a few key differences between the two. Players compete with pre-1935 equipment and dress in traditional knickers, tie, and jacket.
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October Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 10/9/2023
The MI Golf Journal brings you all Michigan-focused news and feature stories exploring the many unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Changes to Your Course?
Published On 10/9/2023
Has your club made minor changes to the golf course which may affect score posting for your golfers? Even small changes like changing tee colors can make it confusing for players at your course(s) to post their scores accurately. Any changes to the regular course setup should be reported to GAM.
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What’s Next After Standout Summer?
Published On 10/5/2023
Peak golf season is in the rearview mirror. There are fewer daylight hours, temperatures are dipping, leaves are falling, and, in some parts of the country, golf facilities are beginning the process of shutting down until next year.
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Attend MSU’s Turf School short course in December
Published On 10/4/2023
The MSU Turf School, Dec. 11-14, 2023, is a four-day short course designed to teach the basics of turfgrass science as well as the practical techniques of managing turfgrass.
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Golf tournament volunteers: What's changed?
Published On 10/4/2023
A GCM columnist looks at the state of volunteer maintenance support at pro golf events.
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Turfgrass Information Center Database Now Open Access
Published On 10/4/2023
EAST LANSING, Mich., Sept. 2023 – The Michigan State University Libraries’ Turfgrass Information Center is making the Turfgrass Information File database publicly available. This database, which is a cooperative project of the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Turfgrass Information Center, can be openly accessed at https://tic.msu.edu/tgif.
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4 Signs That You Need To Aerate, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 10/4/2023
Aeration has many benefits for turf health and playability, but it is disruptive to the playing surface. For this reason, aeration is one of the most controversial maintenance practices conducted on golf courses. Following the pandemic, golf has seen a surge in participation that has led some courses to either stop aerating or reduce the amount of aeration that is typically performed. While this may work without any visible consequences for a year or two, eventually the deferred maintenance will catch up and wreak havoc on turf health and playing conditions. Here are four signs that aeration intensity likely needs to be increased at your facility.
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The Big Event at Plum Hollow C.C.
Published On 10/3/2023
The 54th annual Big Event was hosted on October 2nd by Golf Course Superintendent Dave Makulski & Assistant Superintendents, TC Decker and Alex Wilson at Plum Hollow C.C. Another great weather day for this early fall event with highs in the 80’s and spectacular conditions and service by the staff at Plum Hollow. This event is the last of the three fundraisers the MiGCSA has every year. The proceeds from these events help fund scholarships, donations, and philanthropic turf related interests like the Wee One Foundation, Turf Research and the MSU Turf Club.
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MSU Turfgrass Icebreaker Day
Published On 9/28/2023
The annual icebreaker event is an opportunity for students to come together and form connections with one another. This is especially important for four year students who may not have classes with two year students. By forming a brotherhood between students, they have the chance to network and build relationships that can be beneficial throughout their careers.
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GAM Foundation Newsletter - September 2023
Published On 9/21/2023
The dog days of summer have come to a close, the kids are back in school and are getting in some rounds of golf either on the weekends or after school. Youth on Course Michigan has seen an incredible increase in participation this year over last and has even surpassed our banner year of 2020.
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Western Golf Day Results
Published On 9/21/2023
A picture-perfect fall day in Western Michigan was in store for the 144 MiGCSA Members and friends took part in the Western Golf Day Fundraiser at American Dunes Golf Club on Monday September 18th. This event is the second of the three fundraisers the MiGCSA has every year. All of the proceeds from these events go to fund the future of our industry by the way of scholarships, philanthropic causes related to turf and funding turf research.
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C.W. Golf Architecture Begins Comprehensive Bunker Renovation at the Country Club of Jackson
Published On 9/13/2023
Course architect and owner of the firm, Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, described the project as the “next phase” of his 2017 master plan which includes a complete bunker overhaul on the back nine “The Woods” this fall, and on the front nine “The Pines” in the fall of 2024. Wilczynski is overseeing the work executed by golf course construction company TDI Golf, and course superintendent Ian Daniels, CGCS.
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Jerry Fauble, CGCS Hall of Fame Induction
Published On 9/13/2023
We are pleased to announce the 2023 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame honorees. This year’s class of recipients will be formally inducted on Sunday, October 29. The Induction Ceremony will be at the Ken Janke Sr Golf Learning Center - home of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame located next to the Katke Clubhouse at 1003 Perry Ave., Big Rapids.
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Registration is open for the conference and GCSAA Golf Championships!
Published On 9/12/2023
Registration is now open for the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Phoenix. Secure your spot as an Early Bird registrant by Oct. 8.
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Golf Course Supply: No Boom, But Better
Published On 9/11/2023
There’s an impression not much development is happening in golf. It’s clearly not the case. Course designers are busy with hundreds of renovations and course resurrections (where a previously closed course is brought back to life) along with a smattering of new courses. Add to that the growth of non-traditional golf entertainment facilities and you’ll recognize overall golf supply is not standing still.
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September Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 9/11/2023
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Collar Dams: An Aeration Side Effect, USGA East Region Update
Published On 9/11/2023
It’s the time of year when days are getting shorter, temperatures moderate and we shift from playing defense to improving turf health. Late summer and fall are traditional aeration times for many golf courses in the Northeast. The benefits of this practice are well known, but a common negative side effect of aeration and topdressing is collar dams. During the process of sweeping and blowing sand topdressing into aeration holes, it tends to accumulate along the putting green edges and collars. As sand builds up over time, the collars elevate.
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A New Option for Grassy Weed Control in Naturalized Areas
Published On 9/11/2023
Controlling weeds in fine fescue naturalized areas, especially undesirable grasses, is an ongoing battle at many golf courses. Fluazifop (Fusilade II) and sethoxydim (Segment) are often used, but these herbicides do not offer control of every grassy weed. Fortunately, the recently enhanced pinoxaden (Manuscript) label now includes use on select cool-season species. This may be the addition you’ve been looking for to manage grassy weeds in fine fescue areas.
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Tanglewood GC to be managed by KemperSports
Published On 8/25/2023
Tanglewood Golf Club in South Lyon, Michigan, recently picked KemperSports to manage the club. KemperSports aims for an enhanced golfer and guest experience through customer service, elevated food and beverage offerings, innovative player development programming, and social events.
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Perceptions of Golf
Published On 8/25/2023
Golf’s benefits were accentuated by the pandemic – physical, mental, and social – with many Americans discovering and rediscovering an interest in the game.
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Dealing with storm-damaged trees
Published On 8/25/2023
A powerful line of storms moved through Michigan last night, Aug. 24, 2023, bringing winds of over 60 mph and spawning several apparent tornadoes. The high winds and heavy rains led to widespread tree damage and power outages.
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Support the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame: 2023 Raffle Features 25 Prizes
Published On 8/25/2023
Golf at Oakland Hills South, Crystal Downs, Belvedere, American Dunes Among Prizes

It’s 25 chances to win free golf for $20 in the 2023 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Raffle.

Purchasing a $20 ticket, one of just 750 being sold, gives golfers a chance to win one of 25 golf foursomes or threesomes with a member at 25 of Michigan’s finest golf course properties.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online by going to mghof.org. All proceeds fund the MGHOF via the Michigan Golf Foundation.
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Wilczynski to make great first impression at Forest Lake
Published On 8/25/2023
Chris Wilczynski is overseeing work at Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, for the club’s ‘Top of the Hill’ project to enhance the area around the entrance and clubhouse.
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MICHIGAN PGA PROFESSIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: Lochmoor Club's Kyle Martin Wins Again
Published On 8/24/2023
It took a second consecutive win in the Michigan PGA Professional Championship but Kyle Martin finally and humbly admitted he is somebody to be reckoned with in Michigan golf.

“To get one was the first goal, now to have two, even better,” he said after shooting a final 7-under 65 and pulling away to win the 102nd Michigan PGA Professional Championship at Flint Golf Club Wednesday.

The 39-year-old head golf professional at Lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods finished with a 14-under 202 total, four shots ahead of five-time champion Jeff Roth of BOYNE Golf Academy, who shot a closing 69 for 206.
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C.W. Golf Architecture Begins “Top of Hill” Project at Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills
Published On 8/24/2023
Golf course architect Christopher Wilczynski, ASGCA, of C.W. Golf Architecture has returned to Forest Lake Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, MI for the club’s first significant golf course renovation in recent years. Wilczynski has been consulting for the club since 2012.
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The 2023 Tuck Tate Shootout
Published On 8/24/2023
This long-time northern event is named after C.E. Tuck Tate, founding member of the Northern Michigan Turfgrass Managers Association (NMTMA) which was one of the four original Michigan Chapters. During the first two years of the NMTMA, Tuck coordinated communication to the members with a monthly newsletter. He continued editing, publishing, and mailing the monthly newsletter of the Northern Michigan Turf Managers Association for eighteen years, until the format was changed in 1990. Tate continued to support the newsletter as an assistant editor from that time.
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Tom Schall, CGCS Recipient of Patriot Award
Published On 8/18/2023
Congratulations to Tom Schall, CGSC Head Golf Course Superintendent at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center for receiving the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. Tom was nominated by SSgt. Matthew L. Young of the Army National Guard.
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USGA Green Section Podcast, How Much Light Does Grass Need?
Published On 8/18/2023
In our new podcast episode, Dr. Ben Wherley from Texas A&M sheds some light on the issue of shade and its impact on turf. We cover how light is measured, how much light different grasses need to grow well, tips for dealing with shade, new research on this topic and more!
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GolfATAXIA Scramble
Published On 8/16/2023
On September 15, 2023, Beacon Hill Golf Club in Commerce Township, MI will host the first ever GolfATAXIA Scramble in honor of Lilah and Scarlett Lempicki from Lake Orion, MI. Lilah and Scarlett both live with Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) - a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease that impacts an estimated 4,000 people in the United States. Since Lilah and Scarlett were diagnosed at the age of seven, they have gradually been losing abilities including their fine motor skills and ability to walk.
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Katie Chipman Rallies, Wins 107th Michigan Women’s Amateur
Published On 8/14/2023
Katie Chipman of Canton came to Spring Lake Country Club to play in the 107th Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship presented by Carl’s Golfland with a plan to try and make it through stroke play into match play and then see what might happen.
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PBI-Gordon Unveils New Arkon™ Herbicide Liquid
Published On 8/8/2023
The new liquid herbicide offers post-emergent control of sedges, kyllingas, and other broadleaf weeds.
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August Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 8/7/2023
Each month the MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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2023 Pro—Superintendent Invitational
Published On 8/7/2023
Benefitting the Wee One Foundation
SAVE THE DATE—Monday, October 9th, 2023
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Finish the Summer Strong USGA East Region Update
Published On 8/7/2023
Adjusting maintenance practices to reduce turf stress during hot, humid weather will help get your course through the rest of summer.
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Do Those Dots on the Greens Affect Ball Roll? USGA Central Update
Published On 8/7/2023
Greener turf in old aeration holes is often visible during the summer, but our data shows that ball roll is not impacted by this visual pattern.
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Midyear Update: New Normal?
Published On 7/31/2023
That’s now three straight months of meaningful year-over-year gains in rounds played at U.S. golf courses (April +7.8%, May +10%, June +5.5%), as demand for our core product continues to hold strong in an apparently slowing economy.

Still too early to declare a “new normal?” You be the judge...
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Submit an Edwin Budding Award nomination by Aug. 30
Published On 7/31/2023
The GCSAA Edwin Budding Award is given annually to an individual in the turf equipment industry whose actions have gone above and beyond the norm to help shape the turf equipment management industry into what it is today. Edwin Budding was one of those individuals who helped define golf, not as a player, but as an engineer. He designed the first reel mower, which has shaped golf as we know it today.
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July Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 7/19/2023
The MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the great game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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New MiGCSA Equipment Manager Board Liaison Mitch Hunt
Published On 7/18/2023
The MiGCSA Board of Directors is proud to announce a new appointment to the Equipment Manager Liaison to the Board Mitchell D. Hunt, Equipment Manager at Traverse City Country Club.
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Midyear Update: U.S. and Worldwide Course Supply
Published On 7/14/2023
The U.S. is the best-supplied golf country in the world, by far, with more courses from Alaska to Florida than the next top 10 nations combined.

But the game of golf also has remarkable geographic spread, with at least one course in 83% of countries and territories recognized by the ISO (International Standard Organization). That’s 207 of 249, in total.
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MiStory #9 - Mike Morris, CGCS
Published On 7/13/2023
MiStory episode #9 features Mike Morris, CGCS at Crystal Downs C.C. One of the early founders of the MiGCSA and so many other impactful initiatives in the golf course industry.
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112TH MICHIGAN AMATEUR: Eastmanville’s August Meekhof Wins
Published On 6/27/2023
August Meekhof, a Michigan State University golfer from Eastmanville near Grand Rapids, lost in the semifinals in 2020 and last year, and came back this year wanting another chance.
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Drought conditions begin to impact Michigan landscapes
Published On 6/27/2023
Many parts of mid-Michigan continue to dodge raindrops and the effects of our dry conditions are becoming evident on lawns throughout the region. While the effects of drought on browning turf are obvious to most homeowners, the effect of drought on landscape trees and shrubs may be more subtle. Michigan State University Extension recommends homeowners and landscape professionals watch for common signs of drought stress on landscape plants, including:
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LaFontaine Golf Outing Raises Funds for Research in the field of Turfgrass Science
Published On 6/27/2023
It was a beautiful day for the annual LaFontaine Golf Outing. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of the The Gordon LaFontaine Endowment for Turfgrass Research. Thank you to our 2023 Sponsors, the event would not be the success it is without you!
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Consistently Inconsistent 2023 Season
Published On 6/27/2023
Every year, we talk about how consistently inconsistent spring can be in our region. This year seems to be even more extreme. Many courses have been challenged with a lack of rainfall, causing stress on plants and people earlier than usual, with the historically difficult stretch of the season still ahead. Though conditions thus far have not produced high disease pressure, humidity and dew points are on the rise and disease is just around the corner.
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Meijer LPGA Classic Volunteers
Published On 6/20/2023
Every professional golf tournament takes an army of volunteers to produce the conditions you see every weekend on TV. These are professional educated experts in turf management coming to assist their fellow MiGCSA Members.
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HALL FINANCIAL MICHIGAN OPEN: Touring Pro Joe Juszczyk of Dearborn Heights Nets His Biggest Career W
Published On 6/19/2023
The 36-year-old journeyman shot a closing 2-under 69 and finished two shots clear of the field at 12-under to win the Hall Financial Michigan Open presented by Make The Turn, Brighton Ford and Coppercraft Distillery Thursday at the Katke-Cousins Course at Oakland University Golf & Learning Center.
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Surviving the dry spell: MSU Extension's drought website provides vital resources
Published On 6/12/2023
Drought conditions are always troubling, but MSU Extension resources are available to help producers and landowners make the best management decisions for them.
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Michigan Legislators Learn About Golf’s Impact and Concerns
Published On 6/9/2023
The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), the Michigan Section PGA, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MGF), the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) and the Greater Michigan Club Management Association, which form the Michigan Golf Alliance, convened with legislators and staff members for lunch on the lawn of the state Capitol, and also visited the offices of each legislator.
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First Green Field Trip, Lyon Oaks
Published On 6/9/2023
More than 100 5th graders came out to Lyon Oaks from Heritage Elementary School hosted by MiGCSA Members Mike Mausolf and Shayne Skolnik.
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June MI Golf Journal
Published On 6/9/2023
The MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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A Classic Comeback Story at LACC
Published On 6/9/2023
The 312 acres of The Los Angeles Country Club might be the most valuable real estate in the entire world of golf as it sits tucked into one of the most famous neighborhoods in L.A. The club is also home to some of the most compelling ground for the game, with the gnarly barrancas and cranky terrain that challenges golfers on the famed North Course, host site of the 123rd U.S. Open. Outside the gates there is all that concrete, glass and steel; but here, behind the ivied walls along Wilshire Boulevard, is a museum piece of Golden Age golf architecture at its best.
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The Pandemic Surge … More Female Than Male
Published On 6/9/2023
One of the most notable aspects of the pandemic-driven rise in participation over the past three years: the influx of women and girls.
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Contextualizing the U.S. Golf Economy
Published On 6/9/2023
You may have heard that golf is now a $102 billion industry in the U.S. – 20% larger than it was in 2016, the last time there was a proper quantitative review of the game’s economic contributions.
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Wee One & Northern Fundraiser Results
Published On 6/7/2023
Thank you to our host Director of Agronomy Jim Bluck, CGCS along with Matt Morley, Will Strauch, Greg Rau, Andrew Beldo, Alex Roth & Zach Redman.
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Jerry Faubel, CGCS, Elected to Michigan Golf Hall of Fame
Published On 6/1/2023
The late Gerald “Jerry” Faubel, superintendent at Saginaw Country Club for over 35 years and a national turfgrass leader, Doug LaBelle of Mount Pleasant, twice a PGA Tour player in 16 years on professional golf tours around the world, and Jean Murray of Mount Pleasant, a standout player, Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Honorary Governor and high school golf coach, have been elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF).
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Pain in the grass: Tall fescue
Published On 5/30/2023
Not all weedy grasses are crabgrass. Tall fescue is one of the top grassy weed complaints received by MSU Extension and MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics each year.
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Saginaw Country Club Hosting GAM Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Published On 5/25/2023
SAGINAW – The familiar manicured holes of classic Saginaw Country Club will host the 25th GAM Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship presented by Stifel Investment Services Tuesday and Wednesday.
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Flint Golf Club Hosting GAM Senior Match Play Championship
Published On 5/25/2023
FLINT – The classic Willie Park Jr.-designed course at Flint Golf Club has hosted legends and championships for over a century, as well as many Golf Association of Michigan tournaments and qualifiers.
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A Turf Manager's Daily Reminder
Published On 5/23/2023
A little help for those "100 days" ahead
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Every golfer should know about the sacred 100 days
Published On 5/23/2023
I've been in working in the golf industry for 37 great years. I was fortunate to have had several great mentors that have passed on great advice. Listening to good superintendents and being mentored helped me to reduce the amount of stress and anxiety that I experienced in the 21 years I spent working in private country clubs.
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Meijer LPGA Classic, June 12-18
Published On 5/23/2023
The Meijer LPGA Classic is returning to Blythefield Country Club! This event’s success owes a great deal to the many volunteers that have helped us every year. Please consider sharing your expertise with us again this year as we truly cannot be successful without your help.
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Contextualizing the U.S. Golf Economy
Published On 5/18/2023
You may have heard that golf is now a $102 billion industry in the U.S. – 20% larger than it was in 2016, the last time there was a proper quantitative review of the game’s economic contributions.
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Boyd Standard Aldridge
Published On 5/8/2023
Mr. Aldridge was well known throughout the community as the owner of Indianwood Golf & Country Club and Lakewood Shores Resort (Oscoda, MI). He was also the founder and creator of Canterbury Village. Mr. Aldridge was inducted into the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 2005 for his support and involvement in the Michigan Section of the PGA. He was well known for his participation in many civic and charitable organizations.
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May Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 5/8/2023
The MI Golf Journal brings you Michigan-focused feature stories and news exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Mike Morris, CGCS Receives GAM Superintendent Award of Merit at Annual Meeting
Published On 5/8/2023
Dr. Thom Nikolai introduces Mike Morris at the GAM Annual Meeting.
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The Springtime Yo-Yo, USGA Green Section Update, East Region
Published On 5/8/2023
During my travels over the past few weeks, the theme remains the same: “What happened to our head start on the 2023 season?” After brutal cold in December, the remainder of winter blessed the region with mild temperatures. While there was an early spring greenup, the weather has been unpredictable lately, with large temperature swings coupled with stretches of dry and wet weather.
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There’s More to Bad Ball Marks Than Soft Greens, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 5/8/2023
The type of ball mark generated when a golf ball strikes a putting green provides valuable insight into surface performance and how well the agronomic program is working. Obviously, saturated conditions will increase ball mark severity and greens with excessive organic matter are also more vulnerable to ripping, tearing and exploding ball marks. But what about greens that feel firm and measure firm, but still have severe ball marks?
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2023 GAM Annual Meeting
Published On 5/4/2023
The Golf Association of Michigan hosted its Annual Meeting at Polo Fields Golf & Country Club on Wednesday May 3rd, sharing highlights from 2022 and reviewing plans for 2023.
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STEC & Turf Ventures Michigan Demo Tour
Published On 4/24/2023
5/1 - 8:00 AM Kalamazoo CC
5/1 - 1:00 PM Cascade Hills CC
5/2 - 8:00 AM The Fortress Frankenmuth
5/3 - 8:00 AM Farmington Hills GC
5/3 - 1:00 PM Barton Hills CC Ann Arbor
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Golf Course Supply: The Long View
Published On 4/21/2023
Only twice in the history of golf in the United States has there been a sustained contraction in golf course supply. One period coincided with The Great Depression and the other (today’s) began with the implosion of the real estate market and was supercharged by The Great Recession.
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Will my turf recover from recent flooding?
Published On 4/20/2023
Recent rainfall events caused flooding on golf courses, lawns and other turf areas. Depending on how long the turf was submerged and whether soil deposition occurred will determine whether turf survives.
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Make Golf Your Career
Published On 4/19/2023
The most common issue we have heard from our members is the struggle to find employees to work for them on the golf course. In response to this the national golf bodies have launched Make Golf Your Thing. This is a collaborative effort across the golf industry committed to making the sport more diverse, equitable and inclusive. This multi-faceted, multi-year movement is actively seeking individuals, organizations and businesses from all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, to pick up the game, pursue a career in golf or promote their business within the industry.
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West Michigan golf courses foster next-gen talent with new turf apprenticeship program
Published On 4/18/2023
Lynx Golf Course in Otsego was the first course in the state to participate in a new turf maintenance apprenticeship program. Courtesy photo.
An apprenticeship program aims to help West Michigan golf courses lure in new recruits to work in the turf maintenance side of the business.
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James D. Standish Award Winners: Owen Brewer, Andrew Hendren
Published On 4/17/2023
Country Club of Lansing caddie Owen Brewer of the University of Michigan and Andrew Hendren of Michigan State University, a caddie at Red Run Golf Club in Royal Oak, are the 2023 winners of the James D. Standish Award.
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Participate in Tee Times 4 Turf
Published On 4/16/2023
The MTF once again is seeking the support of our golf industry to participate in the TeeTimes4Turf Online Auction. The Auction will be held April 30 - May 14.
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GAM Distinguished Service Award Winner
Published On 4/7/2023
Sara Wold qualified for the now defunct U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship in 1984 and remembers a conversation that she credits as the launching of her many years of service to golf.
“I had qualified and played in stroke play for the first two days at Meadowbrook in South Dakota and didn’t play very well,” she said. “I remember sitting and talking with Dee Klockow, a good Michigan golfer, and telling her instead of playing poorly and feeling bad about it I should do something useful with golf. So that’s where it started. I became a rules official.”
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Winter Injury Report
Published On 4/7/2023
Considering it is early April, most golfers are probably not thinking about the weather pattern that was experienced in the weeks leading up to Christmas. However, the impact of subzero temperatures and high winds on exposed turf may be on display this spring as play resumes.
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April MI Golf Journal
Published On 4/7/2023
PJ Maybank III of Cheboygan sets new scoring record at historic tournament, the Top 50 Junior Tour celebrates 20 years, High School Coaches Hall of Fame inductees, Mich PGA Awards, Michigan News and Notes and much more.
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2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic.
Published On 4/7/2023
Detroit Golf Club is looking for industry partners to volunteer for the 2023 Rocket Mortgage Classic. Dates for the tournament are Sunday June 25th
- Sunday July 2nd . Volunteers will assist the staff at Detroit Golf Club to prepare the golf course daily for the PGA. This is a great opportunity to see how things are done inside the ropes!
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NGF Research Update: State Golf Standouts
Published On 3/28/2023
It makes sense that California and Florida lead the nation in golf supply.

California, after all, is the most populous state, by a long shot. Florida, meanwhile, is the East Coast’s sunshine escape for vacationers, retirees and second-home owners, with the most miles of coastline in the continental U.S. And both have (mostly) year-round golf weather.

But which state is home to more public golf than any other?

As detailed in NGF’s latest one-page state golf reports — that would be Michigan, which ranks third to the aforementioned leaders in total supply.
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Questions To Ask When Evaluating Trees on the Golf Course
Published On 3/28/2023
Trees can be a highly controversial topic on a golf course and their impact on turf health and playability are significant. Managing and removing trees are often two of the most contentious topics at many facilities. To help guide tree management decisions and create consensus amongst decision-makers, it is valuable to seek input from outside experts, such as golf course architects and USGA agronomists.
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Strategies for Successful Seedhead Suppression
Published On 3/28/2023
Annual bluegrass is an amazing plant. Its presence on all seven continents tells you all you need to know about its ability to adapt. One characteristic that makes it such a ubiquitous grass is its prolific seed production, with a single plant capable of producing over 2,000 seeds (Mitich, 1998). Unfortunately, those seeds can be a big headache for superintendents with annual bluegrass in their putting greens.
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GAM Foundation Helping Ferris State PGM Students, YOC golfers
Published On 3/28/2023
The successful Youth on Course program was established in 2017 in Michigan through the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Foundation and some of the young golfers who took advantage of $5 golf rounds on participating courses also discovered a career path.
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Michigan PGA Announces 2023 Special Award Winners at Spring Meeting
Published On 3/22/2023
Michigan Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year Doug Bell, Golf Executive of the Year Dean Kolstad, and Teacher & Coach of the Year Scott Wilson headline the Michigan PGA’s Special Awards for 2023. The 13 winners were unveiled during the 2023 Michigan PGA Spring Meeting yesterday at Eagle Eye Golf Course.
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GAM Club Services Representative of the Year: Terri Anthony-Ryan
Published On 3/22/2023
Terri Anthony-Ryan has taught a countless number of golfers while working for 33 years as a teaching professional at the Southfield’s Evergreen Hills and Beech Woods golf facilities, and she is in year 39 as a PGA member.
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Registered Apprentice Employer Courses Announced
Published On 3/10/2023
Michigan Golf Course Association Announces Bay Harbor Golf Club, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Lynx Golf Course, Raisin Valley Golf Club, Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center and The Emerald Golf Course to New Registered Apprenticeship Program
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MiStory #8 - Scott Pulaski, Walloon Lake C.C.
Published On 3/8/2023
Long time MiGCSA Member and Board of Director Scott Pulaski takes us around Walloon Lake Country Club in beautiful Petoskey.
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GAM Superintendent Award of Merit: Michael Morris, CGCS of Crystal Downs Country Club
Published On 3/7/2023
Morris, 63, has been named the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Superintendent Award of Merit winner for 2023. The award is bestowed upon a superintendent who has demonstrated leadership, professionalism, good character and high standards of conduct through pursuits associated with golf course grounds maintenance and care.
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March MI Golf Journal
Published On 3/7/2023
The March edition of MI Golf Journal is packed full of Michigan-focused feature stories and news for you to enjoy exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Heritage Scholarship Winners
Published On 3/2/2023
The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association is pleased to again offer the Heritage Scholarship. The award is available to dependents of current members of the MiGCSA in good standing pursuing a degree at a post-secondary educational institution as a full-time student during the next academic year. The total scholarship pool is $10,000 and individual awards will be decided by the committee.
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Tee Times 4 Turf
Published On 3/1/2023
This event is a critical part of our fundraising efforts for the MSU Turf Program and we encourage all courses to offer a Tee Time for the purpose of Research. We encourage all turf supporters to take a moment to review our form and help support the MSU Turf Program.
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Addressing ice storm damage to trees
Published On 3/1/2023
Winter is always a challenging time for landscape trees in Michigan. One of the most significant and lasting impacts of winter on trees is ice and snow damage. Last week’s ice storm in southern lower Michigan coated trees with up to half an inch of ice. This amount of ice can weigh down tree branches and cause significant breakage. Often the weight of ice results in high crown breakage, though trees can also split or lose major limbs.
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Doug Hoeh, Director of Recreation at Treetops Resort to Lead Michigan Golf Course Superintendents
Published On 2/28/2023
The MiGCSA held its 16th annual meeting and election on Tuesday, February 27th at the Amway Grand Hotel in Grand Rapids.
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GS3: What Is the USGA’s New Technology Tool All About?
Published On 2/20/2023
When you think of the USGA Green Section, new product development may not be the first thing that comes to mind. The Green Section has been supporting golf courses through research, course consulting and education for over 100 years, but has developed only a limited number of physical tools or products – most notably the TruFirm and Stimpmeter.
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Making a Case for Cart Paths
Published On 2/20/2023
The Northeast region is once again experiencing an unseasonably mild winter. In fact, several locations are on the cusp of setting a record for the latest date without measurable snow. However, the freeze/thaw cycle and winter rain have created sloppy conditions that are not conducive to traversing the course with machines or golf carts.
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Michigan PGA, Detroit Red Wings Faceoff, Raise $60,000 for Veterans
Published On 2/20/2023
The golfers of the Michigan Section PGA with the help of the Detroit Red Wings Alumni Association (DRWAA) raised $60,000 for armed service veterans in the Michigan PGA Red Wings Alumni Game on Sunday at the Belfor Training Center at Little Caesars Arena.
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Raymond Hearn (ASGCA) Recognized in Golf Digest
Published On 2/17/2023
Some of Raymond Hearn’s latest work has been recognized in the January 2023 edition of Golf Digest magazine. The article cited his improvements at Midlothian Country Club in Midlothian, Ill., and Metedeconk National Golf Club in Jackson, NJ.
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Oakland University’s Katke-Cousins Course to Host Hall Financial Michigan Open
Published On 2/16/2023
The Hall Financial Michigan Open Championship presented by Brighton Ford and Make The Turn will be played at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center’s Katke-Cousins Golf Course, the Michigan Section PGA announced today.
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Michigan Golf Journal - February Edition
Published On 2/16/2023
The February edition of MI Golf Journal is packed full of Michigan-focused feature stories and news for you to enjoy exploring all the unique places and people we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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Golf Course Hockey Challenge
Published On 2/16/2023
After taking a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Golf Course Hockey Challenge was back for the 27th time in Niagara Falls, Ontario. This annual tradition pits professionals from the turfgrass industry against each other in hockey for the right to hoist the “McCormick Cup” (named after Peter McCormick, one of the founders of TurfNet and a long-time manager/coach for the TurfNet team in Niagara.)
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2022 Rounds Played Wrap Up: Weather Takes Its Toll
Published On 2/16/2023
With December’s data now in, we know that rounds played in 2022 finished 3.7% below the record setting prior year. Yet the overall volume of rounds continues to outpace pre-Covid levels, with 2022 running 15% above the average of the 2017-2019 period.
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FFA Seasonal Labor Options
Published On 2/3/2023
How to find high school agriculture programs/FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapters your superintendents can tap for seasonal labor on the course.
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Harrell’s Announces Collaboration with GreenSight Inc. for New Application Planning Feature Inside T
Published On 2/3/2023
GreenSight Inc. is excited to announce a collaboration with Harrell’s and the addition of a new application planning feature inside TurfCloud. Users can demo the application planner at the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Tradeshow, formerly known as the Golf Industry Show (GIS), starting on February 4th.
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MiStory #7 - Andy Gianino, Cascade Hills C.C.
Published On 2/1/2023
Andy takes us for a ride around Cascade Hills C.C. in Grand Rapids to talk about his first year being in charge after a few years as the Assistant under Al Bathum, CGCS.
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Turbo Mower Racing
Published On 1/31/2023
In the spring of 2021, I was invited by a good friend of mine to watch a lawnmower race that one of his acquaintance’s hosts. This really spiked my interest so the following weekend I decided to see what it was all about. I pulled up to the address and was greeted by a 4x8 sheet of plywood that read, “RACE”. The driveway was a rutted up rocky farm trail, that after several hundred yards, opened up to a grassy field that had been turned into a makeshift parking lot. There were several people already there just mingling with one another. The starting line was packed with mowers and the races were about to begin. The festivities lasted until well after dark and it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable events that I had ever attended.
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2023 MTF Conference Recap
Published On 1/31/2023
The MTF was pleased to present its 92nd Annual Turfgrass Conference at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for the second consecutive year. Returning to the site proved to be the appropriate selection as attendance exceeded over 500 Turfgrass professionals and industry partners. In addition, seminars, classes, events, and gatherings surpassed all expectations making it the most successful event in recent history.
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BMW Championship Volunteer Information
Published On 1/30/2023
I am excited to inform you that the 2023 BMW Championship will be hosted at
OFCC on the famed North Course. This is the penultimate event in the PGA TOUR's
FedEx Cup Playoffs and will feature the top PGA TOUR professionals from around
the world. Follow us at @ofccgrounds on twitter for future information.
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MiStory #6 - Ben Beard, American Dunes Golf Club
Published On 1/20/2023
Follow Equipment Manager Ben Beard around American Dunes for a day in the life of the very valuable equipment manager!
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Heritage Scholarships
Published On 1/17/2023
The Heritage Scholarships are now open for submissions, the deadline is February 10th.
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January edition of MI Golf Journal
Published On 1/17/2023
GAM Junior Players of the Year; Mother-Daughter Make Golf's Dynamic Duo; Golf Business in Michigan; Washtenaw Golf Club Stepping Back in Time, and much more.
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GCM's Guide to the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
Published On 1/13/2023
This year's event in Orlando will be ‘Unlike any our members have experienced before.’
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Golf's Year in Search
Published On 1/9/2023
It’s been said that search engine data are “the most important [data] ever collected on the human psyche.”[i]

Unlike other forms of consumer information gathering, where ‘social desirability bias’ can lead people to exaggerate, underreport or even lie about certain realities, the search box is a safe and impersonal place for us to freely explore and discover.
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Spartan Distributors Announces New Positions and Staff
Published On 1/4/2023
A.J. Rings will serve as Western Michigan Turf Equipment Manager & Joe Ettawageshik joins as Western & Northern territory manager.
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The Current State of Equipment Manufacturing
Published On 1/3/2023
To understand the current state of our industry, we need to start at the beginning and consider how manufacturers were conducting business before March 2020. At that time, many industries were conducting business as usual, with a focus on working capital and following a “just in time” process - building to what their customers needed, dealing with single-source suppliers, and managing inventories.
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High Pointe Golf Course Gets Green Light From Acme Township
Published On 12/30/2022
Acme Township trustees have unanimously approved plans to revive the former High Pointe golf course in Williamsburg, with famed course architect Tom Doak – who is consulting on the project – telling board members that work could begin on the property as soon as April.
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December 2022 Dr. Rogers Update
Published On 12/27/2022
Updates from the MSU Turf Program
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Equipment Manager Seminar at Traverse City Country Club
Published On 12/15/2022
With mild weather in northern Michigan, the December 8, 2022 equipment manager seminar at Traverse City Country Club was a big success. Mitch Hunt equipment manager, Steve Hammon superintendent were happy to host this year’s event, with a turnout of over 35 attendees, including sponsors, equipment managers, and superintendents. Covering cities all over Michigan including, Spring Lake, Lansing, Clarkston, Grand Rapids, Gaylord, Detroit & Portage.
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Finding the Griswold Family Christmas Tree, USGA Regional Update
Published On 12/15/2022
Ask just about any superintendent what they plan to do this winter and the number one answer is likely, take some much-needed rest – the second answer is probably tree removal. Thankfully, superintendents aren’t as unprepared or indecisive as Clark Griswold when it comes to cutting down a tree during the holidays either. Winter is the perfect time for tree removal because grass doesn’t grow much, meaning that employees are liberated from their mowing duties and their efforts can be redirected to tree removal or cleanup.
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A Quick-Start Guide to Putting Green Data Collection
Published On 12/15/2022
The quest for continuous improvement is a fascinating aspect of turfgrass management. There is not a part of the industry that has not been improved over the last 100 years. With that said, not every innovation has stuck. Over time, the helpful ones have been adopted and the others were tossed aside. This brings us to the current era of data, sensors and analytics. Superintendents have the ability to collect mountains of information, but they must discern which information is most valuable to their turf management program.
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December Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 12/10/2022
The DECEMBER edition of MI Golf Journal is packed full of Michigan-focused feature stories and news.

Please enjoy exploring the unique things we have in the game of golf in our Great Lakes State.
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MiStory #5 - Andy Dalton, Atlas Valley
Published On 11/28/2022
Episode #5 takes us to Atlas Valley in Grand Blanc.
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November Michigan Golf Journal
Published On 11/10/2022
Michigan Golf course of the year, Miss golf 2022, Meet Mr. (PGA) President John Lindert and more...
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2022 AWARD WINNERS: Michigan Golf Course Association Announces Honorees
Published On 11/7/2022
Gilda Johnson, the owner at Lake Forest Golf Club in Ann Arbor, Jim and Chris MacInnes, owners of Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, and The Dul Family of Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth were announced today as 2022 Award Winners by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).
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MiStory #4 - John Nowakowski, CGCS Port Huron G.C.
Published On 11/2/2022
30+ year member and leader John Nowakowski, CGCS is retiring from Port Huron Golf Club this year. He shares his tips, tricks and his 12 lessons for being successful in our industry.
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Michigan pesticide applicator review sessions, recertifications credits and testing options
Published On 10/31/2022
Frequently asked questions about when and where pesticide applicators can earn education credits or take the certification exam.
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New Milestones in Golf’s Evolution
Published On 10/31/2022
The traditional game of golf has been undergoing an evolution that began long before the pandemic, even as the past two years have been a historic stretch marked by increased golf participation, rounds and engagement, more favorable perceptions of the game, and a generally healthier outlook.
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Two Golf Legends Make Up 2022 Michigan PGA Hall of Fame Class
Published On 10/31/2022
Two new members have been inducted into the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame. John Molenda and Roger Van Dyke were announced as members of the 2022 Induction Class. Both were recognized at the Michigan PGA President’s Dinner, Sunday, October 23 at Western Golf & Country Club as well as the Section’s Fall Meeting Monday, October 24 at Detroit Golf Club.
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Career Exploration Opportunities at 2022 Michigan Golf Business Conference
Published On 10/27/2022
The teeing up of career opportunities in the golf industry, including a unique golf course maintenance technician registered apprenticeship program, are a new and featured part of this year’s Michigan Golf Business Annual Conference & Vendor Fair. Mark the calendar for the Nov. 28-30 gathering of Michigan golf course owners, operators and suppliers presented by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) at Soaring Eagle Resort in Mount Pleasant.
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Harrell's Expands its Roster of Agronomic Experts with New Horticulture-Focused Director of Agronomy
Published On 10/26/2022
Employee-owned Harrell's, LLC is pleased to announce that Dr. Aaron Palmateer has joined the Harrell's family as a new Director of Agronomy, specializing in horticulture.
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US Golf Cars & Ladd’s Form Strategic Partnership & Expand Jacobsen to the State of Michigan
Published On 10/25/2022
We are pleased to announce that US Golf Cars and Ladd’s Golf & Turf have formed a strategic partnership. The two companies will be working together to create one of the largest golf car and turf equipment distribution companies in the Country. With this partnership, US Golf Cars has acquired the distribution rights to Jacobsen and allied lines for the State of Michigan from Baker Vehicles Systems effective October 20, 2022.
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Messy Golf Course Trees, USGA Green Section Update
Published On 10/24/2022
Trees are important features on most golf courses, but they can also be a source of frustration for both superintendents and golfers. Turfgrass problems caused by shade, limited air movement and root competition are just a few of the reasons why tree pruning and sometimes removal are critically important for many golf courses and form the foundation of successful tree management plans.
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Michigan Section PGA Celebrates 100 Years in 2022, Part 4
Published On 10/21/2022
PART 4: The fourth and final 25-year segment of the Michigan Section PGA (1997-2022)

This is the final part of a four-part series produced in celebration of the centennial year of the Michigan Section PGA. The series has been published at michiganpga.com and released to the media over the 2022 golf season.
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MICHIGAN GOLF HALL OF FAME – Jenn Brody, Art McCafferty, John Molenda Inducted Sunday
Published On 10/21/2022
BIG RAPIDS – Jennifer Kangas-Brody, a former LPGA Tour player originally from the Upper Peninsula, Art McCafferty, a multi-media golf publisher and producer, and the late John Molenda, a longtime Knollwood Country Club professional who won the Michigan Open and the Michigan PGA Professional championships, were inducted by the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame (MGHOF) Sunday.
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2022/23 Winterkill Research Request
Published On 10/21/2022
It’s been 10 years since the epic winterkill event ravaged golf courses throughout Michigan. Anyone that experienced it at their course likely will never forget it. Some courses had all 18 greens affected and greens didn’t truly return to normal conditions until the following year. Since then, there have sporadic kill events almost every year somewhere in Michigan, but we’ve luckily dodged a massive killing winter.
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The 2022 Big Event Fundraiser
Published On 10/14/2022
The 53rd annual Big Event was hosted by MiGCSA Past President Rob Steger, CGCS at Red Run Golf Club on Monday October 3rd. The golf course, the staff and the food were incredible! This event is the last of the three fundraisers the MiGCSA has every year.
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The Emerald Named 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year
Published On 10/14/2022
The Emerald Golf Course in St. Johns has been selected as the 2022 Michigan Golf Course of the Year by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).

The popular mid-Michigan public venue opened in 1996 after the late Michigan Golf Hall of Fame architect Jerry Matthews designed a new 18 holes on the property that included the site of a previous nine-hole private facility, and it has been ranked and regarded among the state’s top courses for public play since.
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Michigan Golf Journal, October
Published On 10/12/2022
Multiple Michigan tournament stories from GAM and the Mich PGA, recapping three Michiganders in the USGA Women's Mid-Am, reviews of three 100-year-old courses in Michigan, growing the game for kids at Washtenaw, Boyne and beyond, Mich Women's Golf Hall of Fame, updates at Pinehurst and much more.
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WinField Joins Heritage Professional Products Group
Published On 10/6/2022
WinField United Professional is pleased to announce it's joining the Heritage family as Heritage Professional Products Group (Heritage PPG) November 4th, 2022. This acquisition allows us to join forces with a company that aligns with our values of customer service and growth.
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GAM Team Tops PGA Team to Win 50th Fuller Cup Matches
Published On 10/6/2022
ROYAL OAK – The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) team topped the Michigan Section PGA team for the fifth consecutive time in the 50th Fuller Cup Matches Tuesday at Red Run Golf Club.

The GAM’s 12 ½ - 5 ½ victory in the Ryder Cup-like format pulled the state’s top amateur golfers closer in the all-time series that the PGA leads 34-14-2.
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2022 Western Golf Day Fundraiser
Published On 9/29/2022
A picture-perfect fall day in Western Michigan was in store for the 115 MiGCSA Members and friends took part in the 2022 Western Golf Day Fundraiser at Egypt Valley Country Club on Tuesday September 27th. This event is the second of the three fundraisers the MiGCSA has every year. All of the proceeds from these events go to fund the future of our industry by the way of scholarships, philanthropic causes related to turf and funding turf research.
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Chris Wilczynski Completes 36-Hole Bunker Project & Master Plan for Community Golf Course in Dayton
Published On 9/26/2022
DAYTON, OH – Golf Course Architect, Chris Wilczynski, ASGCA, has completed a comprehensive bunker renovation project and master plan for the Hills and Dales Courses at Community Golf Club in Dayton, OH.
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Attend MSU’s Turf School short course in December
Published On 9/23/2022
The MSU Turf School, Dec. 12-15, 2022, is four-day short course designed to teach the basics of turfgrass science as well as the practical techniques of managing turfgrass.
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Far-Reaching Roots, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 9/22/2022
The negative effects of trees on turf health is nothing new. Shade, restricted airflow and root competition are the three main culprits. While we can usually see and feel the effects of shade and restricted air movement, visualizing root competition can be more challenging. A general rule of thumb is that tree roots will extend as far out as the tree is tall. Imagine the tree falling onto its side and this is about where roots typically extend to. That said, the best time to see the effects that tree roots have on your turf is following droughty conditions.
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Cutting Back on Fried Eggs, USGA Northeast Region Update
Published On 9/22/2022
Bunkers are an integral part of golf courses and are intended to be challenging. Every golfer knows that they are to be avoided if possible. However, there are many differing opinions on the importance of consistency, playability and overall difficulty of bunkers. Regardless of where you might stand on how penal bunkers should be, one thing we can all agree upon is nobody wants frequent fried-egg lies.
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Understanding Golf’s ‘Sandwich Generation’
Published On 9/22/2022
It’s a bittersweet thing – giving up my status among the highly-dynamic, ever-evolving, often-vilified 18- to 34-year-old cohort. For the first time in my 10-year career at NGF, I’m no longer the self-proclaimed spokesperson for the “young crowd.” That torch has been passed.
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2022 State Championship
Published On 9/20/2022
MiGCSA Class A Member Andy Dalton hosted the 15th annual State Championship, the MiGCSA Major, on September 15th at Atlas Valley G.C. in Grand Blanc. This event is not just for those competing for the trophy there is also a 1 of 4 net team event so everyone can get in the game. The course was really in remarkable condition thanks to the great work by Andy and his staff.
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Kevin Sunderman, CGCS, named GCSAA chief operating officer
Published On 9/19/2022
After nearly two decades as a golf course superintendent, Kevin P. Sunderman, CGCS, has been named chief operating officer (COO) for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
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Reinders Inc. Acquires Spartan Distributors
Published On 9/14/2022
Reinders, Inc. is a 150-year-old golf and grounds focused company headquartered in Sussex, Wisconsin. The acquisition of Spartan Distributors, a 75-year-old company, will expand Reinders Toro coverage to include Spartan’s current territory of Michigan. This will add to Reinders’ existing Toro territory of Wisconsin, the Chicago area, and parts of Indiana and the UP of Michigan.
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MiStory #3 - Kevin Peck, Golf Course Superintendent at Saint John’s Resort
Published On 9/13/2022
Kevin Peck is a 12-year veteran as the assistant superintendent at the Country Club of Detroit. He’s now the Golf Course Superintendent of The Inn at St. John’s. The previous 27 hole property has been torn down to the dirt and converted into a championship 18 hole course designed by Raymond Hearn with a bonus par three and putting course. The well-known mid-Michigan destination is soon to be renamed St. John's Resort.
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MI Golf Journal September Edition
Published On 9/12/2022
The SEPTEMBER edition of MI Golf Journal is packed full of Michigan-focused feature stories and news -- and you'll love this one a ton if you enjoy College Golf and Football!
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The Return of High Pointe Golf Club
Published On 9/12/2022
High Pointe Golf Club – the legendary former golf course in Williamsburg that was famed architect Tom Doak’s first project and one of Golf Magazine’s 100 greatest courses in the country – is poised to make a comeback. A development team has a purchase agreement for land south of MI Local Hops on M-72 – property containing part of the former course – and plans to rebuild High Pointe in consultation with Doak with the goal of opening the new 18-hole course in 2024.
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The 2022 Tuck Tate Shootout
Published On 9/12/2022
The Tuck Tate Championship was originally played in 1985 at Frankfort Golf Course. This event continued as an individual low gross event until 2019 at True North Golf Club. Seeing the need to breathe some new life into this event the format was changed post COVID to a two-person team event. The Tuck Tate Shootout was launched this year on August 30th at Treetops Resort on the par 3 Threetops course.
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Triad T Select™ Herbicide is now Registered
Published On 9/8/2022
Prime Source, a division of Albaugh, LLC, announces the registration
of new Triad T Select™ Herbicide. The newest member of the Triad herbicide family combines triclopyr
with the trusted performance of Triad Select™, containing 2,4-D, MCPA and dicamba.
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Connor McBride receives 2022 Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award
Published On 9/5/2022
The award supports outstanding non-traditional students pursuing a career in golf course and turf management.
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Welcome Eric Schutman, Territory Manager Syngenta Professional Solutions
Published On 9/3/2022
Get to know our new Syngenta Territory Manager Eric Schutman.
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Hancock Turfgrass Research Center Gains Certification in Environmental Stewardship Program
Published On 8/24/2022
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program (MTESP) recognizes the Hancock Turfgrass Research Center for its efforts to ensure environmental stewardship and enhance wildlife habitats. MTESP is a voluntary program that helps Michigan’s turfgrass industry learn best management practices that reduce environmental risks.
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Is Golf Recession Proof?
Published On 8/19/2022
The golf business has weathered eight recessions over the past 50 years. And, once again, we’re headed for another. That is, if we aren’t already in one. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), the official arbiter of recession status, has yet to declare the current stretch as such, even though this year started with two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth.
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Making Ball Marks Disappear, USGA Green Section Update
Published On 8/19/2022
Ball marks are a part of golf, but there is an easy solution to ensure they don’t cause bumpy conditions, scalping and an unsightly appearance – fixing them properly. Unfortunately, unrepaired or improperly repaired ball marks have been a part of golf for centuries and it’s likely to always be an issue to some extent.
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Kyle Martin Holds On, Wins 101st Michigan PGA Professional Championship
Published On 8/18/2022
Kyle Martin, the head golf professional at Lochmoor Club in Grosse Pointe Woods, had some good fortune but also withstood a long rain delay and made some critical shots under pressure in winning the 101st Michigan PGA Professional Championship at Prestwick Village Golf Club Wednesday.
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Michigan Section PGA Celebrates 100 Years in 2022, Part 3
Published On 8/18/2022
ART 3: The third 25-year segment of the Michigan Section PGA (1972-1997)

This is the third of a four-part series produced in celebration of the centennial year of the Michigan Section PGA. The series is being published at michiganpga.com and released to the media over the 2022 golf season.
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International 'Thank a Golf Course Superintendent Day' coming September 13
Published On 8/17/2022
Celebrate golf course management professionals with support on social media using #ThankASuper
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Support the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame: 2022 Raffle Features 20 Prizes
Published On 8/15/2022
It’s 20 chances to win free golf for $20 in the 2022 Michigan Golf Hall of Fame Raffle.
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August Meekhof of Eastmanville Wins 101st GAM Championship
Published On 8/15/2022
It took some late dramatics and three holes of sudden-death playoff golf before August Meekhof of Eastmanville emerged as the winner of the 101st GAM Championship presented by Carl’s Golfland at Plum Hollow Country Club Tuesday.
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The Problem with Caring Too Much
Published On 8/15/2022
Are you a golf course superintendent?
Is it what you are?
Or is it who you are?
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MI Golf Journal, AUG edition
Published On 8/6/2022
Michiganders heading to the men's and women's U.S. Amateur championships, a Detroiter sets a new scoring record of 44-under par in Youth on Course's 100-hole hike, multiple Mich tournament stories from GAM and the Mich PGA, STEM education in golf, and much more.
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Mid-Year Update: Rounds Played
Published On 8/5/2022
In the most recent National Rounds Played Report, Golf Datatech reported rounds played in June were up 2.7% over the same month last year. Nice to see, given four of the previous five months ‘comped’ down compared to 2021.
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GAM Member, WMU Coach Kim Moore Wins Inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open
Published On 8/5/2022
GAM Member & Western Michigan University Women’s Golf Coach Kim Moore had an incredible eight-stroke victory over Ryanne Jackson in the women’s overall competition at the Inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open last week at Pinehurst GC.
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High Organic Matter Levels and the Squeeze Test, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 8/5/2022
Don’t let organic matter levels reach a point where turf health and playing conditions are negatively impacted. If your turf isn’t passing the squeeze test, it’s time to take action.
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MiStory - Jake Mendoza & the 2022 Rocket Mortgage Classic
Published On 8/2/2022
Episode #2 of the MiStory series features an in depth look at preparation at Detroit Golf Club for the 2022 PGA Tour Rocket Mortgage Classic
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Early-Bird registration open for 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
Published On 8/2/2022
Register by Aug. 31 to secure your spot as an Early-Bird registrant for the 2023 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. Early-Bird registrants will lock in the 2022 prices for all registration types with $100 down, have first access to hotel room blocks, receive early access to sign up for education seminars and more.
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Women In The Green Industry (WIGI) Conference
Published On 7/28/2022
For 25 years, SiteOne Landscape Supply has been dedicated to the development of professional women in the green industry.
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Summertime Sadness
Published On 7/28/2022
USGA Central Region Update
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The First Green Field Trip at Lyon Oaks
Published On 7/28/2022
I’ve been in the business for 20+ years and have a tendency to get bored with the monotony of the daily grind of mowing, changing cups, mowing rough, etc. I look for new things to stimulate my brain and change the normal routine.
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2022 Match Play Bracket
Published On 7/28/2022
The Two Person Team Match Play event is an ongoing single-elimination tournament in which two teams play match play (best ball net, aka Four Ball Match Play), during each round. The winning team advances to the next round. All players must be active members of the MiGCSA.
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GAM Superintendent Award of Merit: Ron Dahlin of The Meadows at GVSU
Published On 4/20/2022
Ron Dahlin retired at the end of December after spending the last 20 years as the superintendent at The Meadows at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, and he is still figuring out how retirement works.
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Covers and Patience – Two Things Golf Courses Need Right, USGA Northeast Region Update
Published On 4/18/2022
Using covers can help you determine what is alive and well, versus what is damaged and slow to recover. As soil temperatures continue to warm, the extent of winter injury is becoming more apparent. The contrast in color between healthy g…
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Poa annua Seedhead Suppression and Winter Injury, USGA Central Region Update
Published On 4/18/2022
Depending on the severity of winter injury, it may be necessary to suspend applications of plant growth regulators for Poa annua seedhead suppression. As the dust settles on what has been a challenging winter for many nor…
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Steven J. Hammon
Published On 8/29/2021
Why is Michigan’s own Steve Hammon running for the GCSAA board? Pat Jones decided to find out.
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