Michigan Golf Day at the capitol building

Over the past decade, the Michigan Golf Alliance — made up of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Section PGA, Greater Michigan Club Managers Associations and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation — has organized the annual Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol, which takes place on the Capitol lawn in Lansing, Mich.

This year's event began with Representative Jason Sheppard from Monroe County providing opening remarks. Rep. Sheppard discussed the economic impact golf plays in Michigan, as well as the continued efforts to introduce new players to the game. Hailing from a golfing family, he is well versed in some of the issues facing the industry. Last year, Governor Rick Snyder signed a proclamation declaring June as 'Michigan Golf Month.' This year, Rep. Sheppard presented the proclamation to the presidents of the associations who make up the Michigan Golf Alliance. Tim Skubick, host of the PBS television show 'Off the Record' and long-time political columnists in the state of Michigan, followed Rep. Sheppard. Mr. Skubick offered his insight on the upcoming national election in November and spoke on various legislation currently being discussed in Michigan, outlining how it may impact our industry.

I accompanied MiGCSA Executive Director Adam Ikamas, CGCS, and Saginaw Country Club superintendent Rob Steger, CGCS, during our visits to the offices of various state senators and representatives. During our visits, we relayed information regarding the $4.2 billion economic impact golf has in Michigan, the 58,000 jobs the game supports, the environmental benefits and the $118 million charitable impact the game provides. With the work and preparation of the Michigan Golf Alliance, every state legislator's office was visited throughout the day to discuss golf's important role in Michigan.

'Lunch on the Turn,' which takes place on the Capitol building lawn, was once again catered by Eagle Eye Golf Course. This lunch provides a great opportunity to meet with various legislators on a personal level to discuss issues which take place both on and off the course. Some of the state and national issues which came up most often were the Department of Labor's new overtime wage regulations, the future use of water and the role the golf course superintendent plays at the facility. Legislators could also have their swing examined by Michigan Section PGA Professionals, as well as receive putting tips at displays set up on the lawn. Both the House and Senate were in session during the day, which worked out well, as nearly every state legislator came out to the Capitol lawn to join us for a golf inspired lunch.

Many of the legislators we spoke to during the event were looking forward to Michigan Golf Day, which is a testament to the preparation and work the Michigan Golf Alliance does to promote, not only the day but the entire industry. A massive 'thank you' goes out to all Michigan Golf Alliance members who made the trip to Lansing, The MiGCSA once again had a solid contingent, with members taking time away from the course, in order to support this important day for the golf industry, and create key relationships with state legislators.

Pure Michigan

Last year, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder officially decreed June as Michigan Golf Month, so I thought a recap of my recent travels to the state would be timely. The Senior PGA Championship wrapped up last week at the Golf Club at Harbor Shores, located on the eastern edge of Lake Michigan in Benton Harbor, Mich. Harbor Shores previously hosted the event in 2012 and 2014, and is scheduled on the same two-year rotation through 2024. Host superintendent Brad Fry and assistant superintendent Austin Grall had the course in immaculate condition, even with mother nature being somewhat uncooperative. I was fortunate enough to volunteer on the grounds crew for a couple days during the event, which featured volunteers from as far as Texas and Florida, as well as industry peers around the Great Lakes area.

Brad and his staff did a tremendous job organizing the volunteers each morning and evening creating a conducive team atmosphere. The local industry partners went above and beyond providing hospitality, meals and uniforms, showcasing just how everyone pools together to help our neighbors when they need a hand. The golf course tested some of the best players in the world, providing some of the most scenic settings while doing so.

The Golf Club at Harbor Shores is a unique golf course featuring spectacular views of Lake Michigan and winds along the Paw Paw River in Southwestern Michigan. If you are in the area and haven't been to the property, make a point to do so, it is worth the trip. Also, with the Senior PGA Championship coming back to the course every two years, mark your calendar now to volunteer in 2018, I'm sure you'll make some lasting friendships and won't be disappointed by doing so. A huge thank you goes out to Brad, Austin and the entire Harbor Shores staff and volunteers. Events like these make the industry so rewarding.

Earlier in the month, I visited the southeastern part of the state, where I was able to stop by the course where held my first position on a grounds crew, Boulder Pointe Golf Club in Oxford, Mich. I started there over 16 years ago, under the supervision of Scot Gardiner, CGCS, who continues to oversee the 27-hole facility.

It was my first trip to the course in almost a decade, and it was great to see the fantastic work Scot has done over that time. The course weaves through an extensive and continuous housing development. It was carved out of an unused gravel pit which creates unique challenges to Scot and his crew. The course was in excellent condition, even though our travels were limited due to the weather continuing the early May trend of being cool and wet. We were, however, able to tour a good portion of the course and see the many improvements Scot has made over the years.

Visiting Scot and Boulder Pointe was a great experience. It gave me a great perspective on how relationships evolve and grow over the years, as well as provided me a unique and personal appreciation of the individuals who work to make this industry so great. The visit was very personal to me, which is something I will continue to reflect on, and take with me to each event and visit I attend in the future.

Also, coming up next week on June 9 is Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol. The day is put on by the Michigan Golf Alliance and is an extremely important event on the MiGCSA calendar. Please plan on attending the day's events in Lansing and supporting all of those who make up the Michigan golf industry. More information and sign up can be found here.