MGN ON THE ROAD

MICHIGAN GOLFER TV SHOW-ROBERT TRENT JONES

We could not think of a better way to start our new year than with a look back to 1987. Robert Trent Jones was part of the opening day ceremonies at the then Sylvan Resort for the new Treetops golf course. We managed to set up a camera and tape a session with certainly one the world's greatest golf architects. Questions were provided by Jack Berry, Terry Moore and new golf professional at the resort, Rick Smith. Owner Harry Melling, was also part of the taping.

Quite a bit has happened since that time; Harry Melling went on to continue to develop Treetops into one of the premier resorts in the Midwest, Rick Smith went on to fame and fortune and then headed up a group to buy the resort after the passing of Harry Melling. Jack Berry and Terry Moore continue their involvement as important voices in Michigan golf. Robert Trent Jones continued on in his career, leaving behind his most ambitious work, The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, before his death at the age of 93.

NGCOA INDICATES THAT GOLF IN THE EAST NORTH CENTRAL REGION WAS DOWN 4.6%

Golf figures through September are in with our region down 4.6%, with Ohio actually up 7%. and the U.S. down 1.9%. Some regions were up, with Florida, Texas, California were up from 1-3%. Taken from "Golf Business" magazine, December 2002.

TOP GOLF STORIES OF THE YEAR

We contacted our esteemed staff of writers and asked them for the Top Michigan Golf Stories for 2002. Listed below are their responses. They are listed in random order. Feel free to add some of those we might have missed.

1. Tullymore and The Grande pick up some impressive golf awards from the national media.
2. Michigan golf pioneer, Everett Kircher passes away
3. Scott Hebert Captures 5th Detroit Newspapers Michigan Open Championship at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
4. Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples compete at ESPN's Par 3 Shootout
5. Investment group headed up by Rick Smith, buys Treetops Resort
6. Tiger Woods Wins The Buick
7. Hal Sutton Kicks Off Ryder Cup preparation at Oakland Hills CC
8. Bay Mills Open debuts on the Golf Channel
9. Elaine Crosby joins Crystal Mountain Golf School
10. Michigan hosts the United States Amateur and United States Amateur Public Links
11. Korey Mahoney captures Michigan Amateur Championship at Country Club of Jackson
12. Detroit's Midnight Golf Program receives national recognition

AVERAGE INTERNET USAGE FOR SEPTEMBER

Number of Sessions 19
Number of Unique Domains Visited 49
Page Views per Month 178
Page Views per Surfing Session 40
Time Spent During Surfing Session 0:31:44
Time Spent 10:17:45
Duration of a Page View 0:00:48
Active Internet Universe 218,038,452
Current Internet Universe Estimate 385,564,028

MGCOA UPDATE

The Michigan Golf Course Owners Association (MGCOA) has announced a strategic initiative with Government Affairs. The initiative was brought on by current legislation relating to water usage that could affect golf courses drastically. The current issue has to do with the possibility of golf courses paying an additional amount of money for water usage over the next ten years. This situation along with other legislative initiatives currently introduced, which could effect golf course operations has prompted this proactive initiative.

The strategic plan would call for such things as the creation of a Government Affairs committee of golf course owners as well as a Government Affairs staff position with the MGCOA.

Taken from a press release from MGCOA

MICHAYWE PINES UPDATE

Don White indicates that Lindy Hebel has joined the Michaywe staff and will head up the Sales and Marketing area. Lindy previously worked at Marsh Ridge. Don also indicated the renovations plans for the Pines, with the original architect, Don Childs are proceeding along quite well.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"My game is so bad I've got to hire three caddies-one to walk the left rough, one to walk the right rough and one guy in the middle. And the one in the middle does not have much to do." Dave Hill

GOLF CALENDAR

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