Michigan Golf Scene

When the Boyne Tournament of Champions was conceived in 1992, the founders envisioned a gathering of champions from every Michigan golf circuit. They have achieved that over the years and the 2009 version is turning into a family affair as well. The tournament will be played on The Alpine Course at Boyne Mountain, July 20-22 with 113 players in the field.

The tournament is the brainchild of Boyne Resorts’ president of eastern operations, Stephen Kircher, and former Michigan PGA, CEO, Ken Devine. The field is made up past champions from professionals and amateurs, men and women, juniors and seniors’ majors that are played in Michigan. 

ACME - Current trends show that environmental awareness is on the rise. "Going green" takes on a whole new meaning when an entire resort commits to placing environmental concerns first by incorporating them into its daily operations.

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa has been a leading example in the hospitality industry for years, applying a variety of eco-conscious and sustainability practices that are of the utmost importance to the local community and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, which owns and operates the Resort. 

“Two of America’s Best, One Michigan Destination”

Would you like the thrill of nationally ranked golf that’s affordable, with abundant wildlife and scenic beauty, doubled by two of America’s best places to play, all in one Michigan destination? You’ll find it all at The Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives, just 45 minutes northeast of Grand Rapids.

Begin the Unforgettable

The unique experience of Tullymore and St. Ives begins on the drive leading to the clubhouses, through native grasses, wetlands, lakes and lush state hardwoods that create spectacular vistas greeting golfers from each of the 36 holes. Meticulously groomed Bent grass fairways, seductively undulating greens, artistic bunkers and dramatic elevation changes of up to 80 feet provide a “touch of heaven in the palm of Michigan.”

Tullymore, designed by the nationally acclaimed Jim Engh, is ranked 14th on the 2008 Golf Digest list of America’s Greatest Public and Resort Golf Courses and both Tullymore and St. Ives have earned Golf Digest’s highest rating of 5-Stars. Both continue to “exceed expectations one guest at a time,” just like The Resorts’ slogan says.

HARRIS, Mich. - Following years of design and development, the much-anticipated Sweetgrass Golf Club – the newest amenity at the Island Resort & Casino – has been unveiled along the rolling, windswept hills of the Upper Peninsula.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, a blessing highlighted the opening ceremony, which also included recognition to all involved with the development and a traditional lighting of the flame that sits next to the 10th tee. Known as the Keepers of the Fire, the Firekeeper will be honored by a flame on cool mornings – one of many subtle and indirect references to their proud history to be found on this championship layout. 

Where Excellence Meets Perfection 

On the surface, weddings, golf outings and business meetings aren’t instantly categorized together. Upon closer examination, memories created on all three occasions can be indelible and forge lasting images in our minds.

Imagine walking down the aisle, walking down the fairway after the shot of your life or walking out of a conference with a breakthrough innovation or idea; it can all happen at Shenandoah Banquet, Golf and Conference Center.

The $27-million expenditure required to construct the 93,000-square foot facility alone creates an expectation for excellence. The clubhouse, which houses both the banquet and conference facilities, was completed in 2005 by Victor Saroki and Associates, one of Michigan’s most acclaimed architectural firms. Call it the Ritz-Carlton of West Bloomfield.

Her name was P. G. No, she wasn’t the mascot for Pro Golf, but probably could have been. As an American Hairless Terrier, the world’s rarest breed of dogs, P. G. embraced any form of heat and loved to bask in the sun. As a typical female, she sported the latest fashion in her t-shirts (for the hot summer months), sweatshirts (for the fall) and “fido fleece” in the winter. She also carried sunscreen (45+) in her travel bag to protect her skin from the UVA rays. To keep her game sharp during the off season, P. G. chased after practice putts in the basement.

As we traveled across the state to distribute Michigan Golfer’s Guides, visit with clients or to play golf, P. G.’s unique appearance and spunky personality not only commanded attention, but allowed us to make a few exceptions to “the rules”. That sometimes meant the personnel at a  course looked the other way as she hopped in the golf cart with us. As we drove from tee to green, P. G. was often left behind chasing the squirrels or other critters that caught her attention. Then suddenly, upon hearing our distant laughter, she’d realize that we took off without her and dash like lightning after the golf cart. When she finally caught up with us, P. G. jumped up in the seat, panting with that twinkle in her eyes as if to say “whew -I made it!”