May 23, 2003, Vol. 3, No. 21

Sponsored by:
Bay Mills Resort and Casino/Wild Bluff-Brimley  http://www.4baymills.com
Crusecom Technology Consultants, LLC -
Your Strategic Internet Solutions Partner!  http://www.crusecom.com
Grand Traverse Resort-Traverse City
http://grandtraverseresort.com
Manistee Golf - Michigan's Fresh Coast-Tee to Green to Blue  http://manisteegolf.com
Upper Peninsula-Michigan's Other Golf Mecca
Premium Courses at Reasonable Rates  http://upga.org

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WARREN ORLICK PASSES

Warren Orlick, know as "Mr. Rules" in the game of golf passed away this week. He left some large spike marks to fill. Here is a bio on his life from the folks at the Polish Hall of Fame

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WARREN ORLICK

'Par Excellence' in All Phases of Golf

Warren Orlick has been associated with the game of golf since the age of eight when he started the long career as a caddie at the Grosse Isle Golf and Country Club. Orlick has attained international recognition as golf's "Mr. Rules," a professional, a teacher and a 'teacher of teachers.'

Orlick was a golf professional for over 50 years-including a long-time term of 29 years at Tam O'Shanter Country Club in Orchard Lake, Michigan. It has been estimated that more than 30 of Orlick's assistant professionals at Tam O'Shanter went on to become head professionals themselves.

"If you didn't learn the business from Warren, you wouldn't learn it from anyone," said Jim Picard of Lochmoor Club.

As one of the foremost authorities on the Rules of Golf, Orlick has ruled on them in meaningful decisions during tournament play. He conducted rules seminars for other PGA Sections and National PGA Rules Workshops for professionals and amateurs. Orlick served on the Tournament Committees of every major golf tourney for over three decades: the Masters, the PGA Championship, the U.S. Open, Tournament Players Championship, the Ryder Cup Matches and PGA Seniors.

In 1960, Orlick was named Professional Golfer of the Year for his all-around ability and contributions to the game.

Orlick was elected to the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1979.

In 1990, Orlick sought medical treatment to help him regain the use of one of his hands. As a result of his rehabilitation, he established a weekly Adaptive Golf Clinic through which he taught and assisted anyone with an impairment who longed to regain some dexterity. Over the next twelve years, he started Adaptive Golf leagues and tournaments as well as designed many devices to make it easier for golfers with disabilities to play and continue to enjoy the game. In recognition of his contributions, the 90 year-old Orlick was presented with the 2002 Rick Knas Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to Michigan's athletes with disabilities. Truly a Hall of Fame accomplishment!

Bio taken from Polish Sports Hall of Fame  http://www.polishsportshof.com

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VARTAN KUPELIAN ON ORLICK

Also, Vartan Kupelian did a nice article on Orlick in the Tuesday, May 20 edition of the Detroit News. Vartan indicated that the two most cherished accomplishments were his efforts to strike the "Caucasians only" clause from the PGA of American constitution and "his role as a mentor to countless Michigan." professionals."

In the same article, Ken Devine was quoted as saying, "He epitomized what a PGA golf professional should be."

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MGN ON THE ROAD

Lake Orion- History was on eveybody's agenda at Indianwood CC this past Sunday, The Michigan Golf Hall of Fame inducted five new members to its already storied list. Joining the list were, Jack Berry, Cindy Figg-Currier, Joyce Kazmierski, Greg Reynolds and Sara Wold. The evening's program moved along smoothly, aided by the exceptional skills of emcee, Larry Adderley.

However, it slowed on a couple of occasions as honorees simply became too emotional to continue. The rich tradition of Indianwood provided the right atmosphere for the occasion. All in all, everyone seemed to feel that this was a most interesting place and time to be on a Sunday afternoon in May.

Many former Michigan Golf HOF people were in attendance. While I admit to not knowing all of them, I did see Gene Bone, Randy Erskine, Glen Johnson, Pete Green, Buddy Whitten, Robert McMasters and Betty Richart in attendance.

See the fine story that Greg Johnson wrote about the Hall of Fame in our Michigan Golfer Online magazine.  http://michigangolfer.com

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MICHIGAN GOLFER TELEVISION-BAY MILLS OPEN PREVIEW

Judy Mason, Director of Golf at Wild Bluff, will be co-hosting the Bay Mills Open this year with Mike Husby. Last year was such a success that the Canadian Tour moved the tournament to the end of the year and made it their tour final. Michigan Golfer host, Bill Shelton, chats with Judy and gets the latest on this year's tournament.

Michigan Golfer Television

24/7 Always On

http://michigangolfer.tv

Michigan Golfer Television

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COUPLES TO DEFEND PAR-3 SHOOTOUT TITLE AGAINST

PHIL MICKELSON, LEE TREVINO AND FUZZY ZOELLER

Fred Couples, a former Masters champion and a two-time PGA TOUR Player of the Year, will return to the Treetops Resort to defend his title at the Tylenol Par-3 Shootout, June 30 - July 1. Couples will face the fourth-ranked player in the world, Phil Mickelson, 2001 champion and $1 million hole-in-one winner Lee Trevino, and two-time major championship winner Fuzzy Zoeller at the spectacular Par-3 Threetops Course, it was announced today by Chuck Gerber, executive vice president of ESPN Regional Television, Inc., and creator of the event.

The event will be televised by ESPN on Monday, June 30 FROM 10 p.m. to midnight, ET, and Tuesday, July 1 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., ET.

Taken and edited from a press release from Golf Marketing Services

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HAGEN MEMORABILIA?

The Grand Traverse Heritage Center is searching for people who have Walter Hagen memorabilia or other golf related items that they would be willing to donate or loan to the Grand Traverse Heritage Center. These items would be used to raise funds in order to complete their capital campaign project. Finishing the project would allow them to continue working toward their mission of educating the Grand Traverse area about its rich heritage.

The GTHC is hosting "The Haig" Golf Class on June 20th, an event that will be played with hickory clubs and vintage attire on Elmbrook Golf Course. After golf there will be an awards banquet hosted by "The Haig" himself. For further information contact 231-995-0313.

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GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT AND SPA IS SERVING ADULT BEVERAGES AGAIN.

The Michigan Liquor Control Commission today issued a long-awaited liquor license to Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, enabling the resort to serve beer, wine and spirits to its guests and the public. The license was put on hold when the resort was acquired by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians from KSL Recreation Corporation on March 30. The resort went 50 days without a liquor license, the first time the resort has been dry since it opened in 1980.

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VETERANS RIDE FREE AT TYRONE HILLS

Dennis Husse, now in his 26th year as the golf professional at Tyrone Hills GC, just South of Flint on Center Road, indicates that Veterans can ride free on May 25 and 26. "This is the second year we have done this. It proved to be very popular last year. It is just our small way of giving something back to our Veterans," said Husse. Golf for Veterans is $26 that day. They are also encouraged to come out in the afternoon, if they just want to play nine. 810-629-5011

Thanks and a Tip of the Helmut to Dennis and staff for thinking up this idea.

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DON PADGETT - PAST INDIANA PGA PRESIDENT,

INDIANA GOLF HALL OF FAMER DIES AT 78

Indiana Golf Hall of Famer and past Indiana Section PGA President Don Padgett, who most recently lived in Pinehurst, N.C., died Friday afternoon at his home. He was 78.

Padgett also was the 20th president of the PGA of America. His term featured some of the most vital decisions that affected the present-day growth of the game.

A native of New Castle, Ind., Padgett served as PGA President from 1977-78, a period that was marked by an expansion of the Ryder Cup Matches, the development of the professional education programs and the origin of the Junior PGA Championship.

Padgett served as president of the Indiana Section on three different occasions - 1959-61, 1966 and 1969-70. He was elected to the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame in 1971 and he was named the Indiana PGA's Golf Professional of the Year in 1961.

"Don Padgett was an inspiration to a generation of golf professionals including myself," said PGA President M.G. Orender. "He was a teacher, player, merchandiser, facility manager, businessman and an ambassador of the game. His shared vision helped secure the future of the Ryder Cup in the format that it is known today that has enabled The PGA to improve the education and promotion of our members and provide the fund to Grow the Game."

Padgett began his professional career in 1949 at American Legion GC in New Castle, before moving to Green Hills CC in Selma, Ind. He was elected to PGA membership in 1955 and quickly made an impact upon his section, earning Golf Professional of the Year honors just six years later. A self-described "activist," Padgett was a leader at whatever club or PGA Section he resided.

"The PGA of America has lost a wonderful friend and major contributor to our Association," said PGA Chief Executive Officer Jim Autrey. "Don Padgett's PGA career spans more than a half-century of making the game of golf better for everyone. And, anyone who came in contact with Don was better for the experience. He was known affectionately as "Padge" - someone who was a mater in blending a wonderful sense of humor with a keen eye for detail. We will miss him dearly, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to his wife, Joanne, and all of his family."

Taken and edited from a PGA press release.

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GREEN BILLBOARDS-MICHIGAN'S ROAD HOLES

I got to thinking about some of the great road holes (courses) in Michigan. These are the ones we notice in our travels throughout the state and are visible from one of our freeways. Here are a few I have thought of. If you have a few favorites that I have missed, please let me know.

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HOLIDAY GETAWAYS TO INDIANA, SWAN LAKE AND FRENCH LICK

If you are looking to getaway to the sunny for the holidays, Swan Lake and French Lick Resort and Spa are two places that love to spoil Michigan Golfers.

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WEB USAGE ON INCREASE

United States: Average Web Usage

Week ending May 18, 2003

Number of Sessions/Visits Per Week 9

Number of Domains Visited Per Week 19

Time Spent Per Week 07:22:44

Time Spent During Web Visit 00:48:14

Duration of a Web Page Viewed 00:01:56

Active Digital Media Universe 93,165,938

Current Digital Media Universe Estimate 176,418,529

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PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO GOLF CLUB SPECIFICATIONS -

CLUBHEAD SIZE AND LENGTH OF CLUB

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, which is the governing authority for the Rules of Golf outside the United States of America and its territories, has written to golf club manufacturers with details of proposed changes to the rules governing clubhead size for woods and club length.

Both the R&A and the USGA, which has issued a similar notice, have invited manufacturers to submit comments on these specific proposals by 14th July 2003. Any comments received will be carefully considered before a final decision is made.

NOTICE TO MANUFACTURERS

After consideration of all of the information currently available, the following proposals are now being put forward:

1. Clubhead Volume and Dimensions for Wood Clubs

(i) The introduction of a maximum clubhead volume limit of 28.06 cubic inches (460 cubic centimetres), plus a measurement tolerance of 0.61 cubic inches (10 cubic centimetres).

(ii) The introduction of a maximum toe to heel dimension of 5 inches (127mm).

(iii) The introduction of a maximum sole to crown dimension of 2.80 inches (71.12mm).

The R&A is of the view that the introduction of these proposed limits on clubhead volume and dimensions will safeguard the traditional and customary form and make’ of the clubhead. Furthermore, it is our belief that the introduction of both limits will provide a more effective method of protection than the use of either a volume limit or dimensional limits alone. Based on the clubheads submitted to the R&A in recent months, no clubs measuring less than 28.67 cubic inches (470 cc) have length or height dimensions which exceed the proposed limits.

2. Club Length

The introduction of a maximum club length (not including putters) of 48 inches (1,219.2mm).

Club length will be measured with the club in a 60 degree lie angle and the measurement will be taken from the top of the grip along the axis of the shaft or a straight line extension of it to the ground.

Proposed Timetable

The R&A is proposing that these new limits for clubhead volume, dimensions and club length be introduced in the new edition of the Rules of Golf, effective >from 1st January 2004. However, in recognition of the fact that some clubs in breach of these limits are already in use or being marketed, a one year period of grace is being proposed for those clubs, permitting their use until 31st December 2004. Manufacturers are invited to submit written comments on these specific proposals as soon as possible and no later than 14th July 2003. All submissions should be sent to the R&A, marked for my attention.

If you have any questions with regard to any of the above that require immediate consideration, please let me know.

Yours faithfully

DAVID RICKMAN

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BANK OF ANN ARBOR FUTURES CLASSIC UPDATE
For the third consecutive year, Ann Arbor will host more than 140 national and international professional women golfers as the FUTURES Tour heads to Lake Forest Golf Club from June 20-22, 2003 for the Bank of Ann Arbor FUTURES Golf Classic. The FUTURES Tour, the official development tour of the LPGA, will make its only stop in Michigan for the Ann Arbor event.

Says Gilda Johnson, Tournament Organizer, "This is more than a chance to watch great golf. It's an opportunity for community members to experience first-hand and see what the life of a rising golf star is like."

"We want people to come away with something valuable from this event," says Johnson. "Last year was such a positive event - residents and area businesses came together to support these women, many developed friendships and continue to follow the player's careers on the LPGA Tour."

As if the FUTURES Tour didn't give enough to the community, all net proceeds this year go to Women Build!, of Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley.

Tickets for this year's Bank of Ann Arbor FUTURES Classic are $5/single day pass (at the door) and a $10/3-day pass. Ages 16 and under enter free. For more information about the Bank of Ann Arbor FUTURES Golf Classic, visit the tournament website at 9393,3333,7D7D www.futurestour.com/2003/AnnArbor.html , or call Lake Forest Golf Club at (734) 994-8580. Don't miss your chance to see the rising stars of tomorrow. Who knows, you might even end up making a new friend.

Tournament Week June 18-22, 2003

Taken and edited from a Bank of Ann Arbor Futures press release ***

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Bob Hope and Bing Crosby

Thanks for the Century

"If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf."

Golf is a game that needlessly prolongs the lives of some of our most useless citizens.'

"I'd give up golf if I didn't have so many sweaters."

"Isn't it fun to go out and lie in the sun" -Bob Hope

Bob Hope's swing. "I've seen better swings on a condemned playground."- Bing Crosby

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GOLF CALENDAR

Tour and Association Calendars

Associations
Golf Association of Michigan http://www.gam.org/champ/schedule.cgi
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America http://www.gcsaa.org
Michigan Section PGA http://www.Michigan.PGA.com
Michigan Golf Course Owners Association http://mgcoa.org
Shanty Creek http://www.shantycreek.com/calendar.html

Tours
Canadian Tour- http://www.cantour.com
European Tour- http://www.europeantour.com
Hooters Tour- http://www.ngahooterstour.com
Futures Tour- http://www.futurestour.com
PGA-- http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/pgatour.html

• Michigan Runner http://michiganrunner.net
• Michigan Runner Archives http://michiganrunner.com
• Michigan Runner TV http://michiganrunner.tv
• Running Network: http://runningnetwork.com
• Michigan Golfer http://michigangolfer.com
• Michigan Golfer TV http://michigangolfer.tv
• Michigan Skier http://michiganskier.com
• Michigan Skier TV http://michiganskier.tv
• Michigan Travel TV http://michigantravel.tv
• GLSP http://www.glsp.com