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May 28, 2004, Vol. 4, No. 22
Sponsored by:
Bay Mills Resort and Casino/Wild Bluff-Brimley
Web: http://www.4baymills.com
Video: http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show11/index.html
Celebrate Ryder Cup 2004, September 14-19-Oakland Hills CC
Web: http://michigan.org/golf
Video: http://www.michigangolfer.tv/2004shows/show8/
Treetops: Home of "Rick Smith and The Big Break" and "The Tylenol Par-3 Shootout
Web: http://treetops.com
Video: Rick Smith and The Big Break
http://michigangolfer.tv/2004shows/show5/index.html
May/June Michigan Golfer
http://michigangolfer.com
Articles
CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COMING UP THIS SUMMER &
WESTERN MICHIGAN'S JUNIOR GOLF TOURNAMENTS
Kelly Hill
MICHIGAN'S GOLF COURSE ARCHITECT SERIES: TOM BENDELOW &
RYDER CUP CAPTAINS CHALLENGE
Art McCafferty
SLICE OF LIFE
Terry Moore
MISSISSIPPI GOLF
Mike Shiels
A JEWEL REPOLISHED: GRAND HAVEN GOLF COURSE
Marc Van Soest
Edited by Art McCafferty-Publisher-Michigan Golfer
__/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/__/
__/ MGN ON THE ROAD
Ann Arbor-Jeff Daniels Comedy Golf Jam & Bank of Ann Arbor Futures Golf Classic
Charlevoix-Michigan Talk Radio Network
Traverse City-Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
__/ MICHIGAN GOLFER TELEVISION-"GOLFING MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA"
__/ DOUBLE EAGLE TO PROVIDE ITS SERVICES BY UTILIZING THE BIRMINGHAM CC AS ITS BASE
__/ THE R&A ANNOUNCES IMPLEMENTATION OF UPDATED GOLF BALL PERFORMANCE TEST
__/ PLAYER JOINS FORD SENIOR FIELD
__/ PLAY GOLF AMERICA DRAWS 500 AT ST. JOHNS GOLF & CONFERENCE CENTER
__/ BANK OF ANN ARBOR FUTURES GOLF CLASSIC UPDATE
__/ THE BIG BREAK III: LADIES ONLY
__/ GOLF YOUR DAYLIGHTS OUT
__/ SAM RANDOLPH TO PLAY ARNOLD PALMER TURNING POINT INVITATIONAL
__/ 19TH HOLE
__/ 2004 DETROIT NEWSPAPERS MICHIGAN OPEN TO BE HELD JUNE 28-JULY 1
__/ CORE GOLFERS GAIN GROUND IN 2003
__/ PAUL W. SMITH-PALS FOR PAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCES DATE-AUGUST 16
__/ GIL MORGAN TO PLAY AT FARMERS CHARITY CLASSIC
__/ PAUL FULLMER TO HANG IT UP
__/ HOLE IN ONE CLUB
__/ MICHIGAN GOLF NEWS - ASSOCIATION SUBSCRIBERS
__/ CALENDAR OF GOLF EVENTS
__/ ASSOCIATION LINKS
__/ DETROIT GOLF CLUB HISTORY
MGN ON THE ROAD
Ann Arbor-Jeff Daniels 9th Annual Comedy Golf Jam
Still crazy after all these tournaments; Jeff Daniels, the staff of the Purple Rose Theater, cast members of the new Steve Martin play, "The Underpants", Purple Rose Theater volunteers, members of the family, friends and theater interns were all on hand for the opening day performance" of "MI, my MI" at the Polo Fields Golf and Country Club in Ann Arbor. The "MI, my MI" theme concentrated on Michigan products, like Jiffy Mix, local beers and wines, Dominos Pizza and also featured holes that focused on other Michigan products like the Red Wings, the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Tigers, with both Dave Bergman and Paws on hand and the Detroit Pistons. This was the 9th Annual Jeff Daniels Comedy Golf Jam. Look for it next month on MG/TV. http://www.purplerosetheatre.org/
Ann Arbor-Bank of Ann Arbor Futures Golf Classic
Gilda Johnson, Executive Manager of Lake Forest GC, was profiled this week in the Ann Arbor based, "Business Direct Weekly". In the interview by Jennifer Szymanski, Johnson indicated that one of the things that keeps her up at night, is "the Bank of Ann Arbor Futures Golf Classic." It is a tough unrelenting job putting on a golf tournament. The Bank of Ann Arbor Futures Golf Classic, now in its fourth year is scheduled for June 2-6, at Lake Forest. ABC sportscaster, Mike Tirico and his wife are heavily involved in promoting the tournament. See the Mike Tirico interview at http://www.michigangolfer.tv/2004shows/show11/
Charlevoix-Michigan Talk Radio Network
We dropped by to chat with Shawn Peterson, host of the weekday Michigan Talk Radio Show. At 10:35 each Friday, the MGN joins Shawn to bring his state-wide audience up to date with what is happening in Michigan golf. For information on stations that are in the network, visit:
http://michigantalkradio.com
Traverse City-Grand Traverse Resort
We were the guests of Grand Traverse Resort and Spa this past weekend on a good old fashioned fam trip. While the weather was mostly uncooperative, we did dodge the rain for nine holes and played the Gary Player designed, Wolverine course. The round gave us ample opportunity to put into practice the lessons we learned from Jason Jenkins, of the Jim McLean Golf School. Even though I have never shot over 200 in my entire life, I still decided to sit in on the lessons. Jason and his staff were totally focused on the swing challenges the group brought to them.
The students felt that the lessons were effective. The small or large flaws the instructors found in students' swings all seemed to have workable solutions. Instructions were understandable and the feedback on how flaws could be corrected were taped for students, who then received a copy to review afterward.
The Grand Traverse Resort and Spa is a great place to do some serious wall viewing. The resort's walls are open scrapbooks to Michigan's past. And fittingly, the presentation of these historical relics and replications are done on a grand scale.
And while you are checking in or out, make sure you spend some time looking at the magnificent photo of the resort by James Robert McCammon that sits just behind the registration desk. Isn't that one of the greatest photos of a golf property ever taken?
We further enjoyed the great pools, the Grand Traverse shops and the over the top terrific meals. We spent a wonderful evening at the Trillium restaurant in the most capable hands of Chef Christopher Mushall. The food, in a word, awesome.
In the morning, when the clouds positioned themselves for another day of steady rain, we were able to get in a 5K workout by running the second nine of the Wolverine. The Wolverine is an exciting course rain or shine, fartlek or birdie.
Mike DeAgostino, the Director of Public Relations, was our host. Mike, indicated that resort guests can look forward to having wireless connectivity in their rooms, by early summer.
http://grandtraverseresort.com
MICHIGAN GOLFER TELEVISION-"GOLFING MICHIGAN'S UPPER PENINSULA"
This is the first of two shows on "Golfing Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Bill Shelton introduces Frank Guastella of Red Fox Run to talk about UP Golf. Our show contains visits to Escanaba courses, Highland GC, Terrace Bluff GC, Gladstone GC, Escanaba CC, Pictured Rocks in Munising, Red Fox Run near Marquette, Hessel Ridge GC, Keewanee Mountain Lodge GC, Les Cheneaux GC and St. Ignace Golf and CC, near the Mackinaw Bridge.
You can find out more by clicking on to http://upga.org
DOUBLE EAGLE TO PROVIDE ITS SERVICES BY UTILIZING THE BIRMINGHAM CC AS ITS BASE
The Double Eagle Club (DEC) will make it business' most coveted hospitality experience when it moves to Detroit in September 2004. The DEC offers its members comprehensive private, country club amenities including golf privileges during the Ryder Cup. DEC is managed and operated by Intersport, a Chicago-based sports marketing firm.
Intersport is taking the DEC to Birmingham Country Club. Hotel accommodations will be conveniently located throughout the Detroit metro area. The DEC will be open at the Ryder Cup September 14 - 19, 2004.
THE R&A ANNOUNCES IMPLEMENTATION OF UPDATED GOLF BALL PERFORMANCE TEST
The R&A has written to golf equipment manufacturers advising that its latest proposals to update the method of testing golf balls for overall distance will be adopted from 27th May 2004.
The introduction of Phase II of the updated test follows an extensive period of notice and comment with manufacturers, the final stage of which began in July 2003. Those comments received have been evaluated and a number of relatively small changes have been made to the test protocol as a result. However, the main essence of the proposals has remained unchanged and can be summarised as follows:
* An increase in swing speed from 109 miles per hour to 120 miles per hour;
* The use of a non-branded, titanium clubhead in place of the laminated wooden clubhead currently being used;
* The replacement of the current calibration ball with a ball of modern construction; and
* An increase in the ODS limit from 296.8 to 320 yards.
David Rickman, Director of Rules & Equipment Standards
The R&A Tel: +44 (0) 1334 460000
PLAYER JOINS FORD SENIOR FIELD
Gary Player, winner of 163 golf titles worldwide, has accepted a Commissioner's exemption to play in the 2004 Ford Senior Players Championship.
Player joins fellow World Golf Hall of Fame members Lee Trevino and Chi Chi Rodriguez in the field. Trevino and Rodriguez were granted similar exemptions last week. The Championship expanded the number of exemptions it may grant this year from two to five.
The complete list of Ford Senior Players Championship Points is available at http://fordseniorplayerschamp.pgatour.com
PLAY GOLF AMERICA DRAWS 500 AT ST. JOHNS GOLF & CONFERENCE CENTER
Despite a devastating tornado that tore through the Detroit-Metro area, more than 500 Detroit-area residents came out to St. Johns Golf & Conference Center/Carl's Golfland Practice Facility this past Saturday to participate in the third and final Play Golf America Day of 2004.
The event also featured a special appearance by PGA and Champions Tour star Craig Stadler, who stayed for five hours, signing autographs and giving golf tips on behalf of Nike Golf.
For more information on other Play Golf America Day programs throughout the U.S., log on to http://www.playgolfamerica.com.
BANK OF ANN ARBOR FUTURES GOLF CLASSIC UPDATE
Purse: $60,000 Par: 72
Winner: $8,400 Format: 54 holes
Runner-up: $6,000 Field: 144 players
Pro-Am: June 3 Golf Shop: 734-994-8580
Nine players in the FUTURES Golf Tour's top-10 rankings will be among those entered in this year's field at Ann Arbor. The tournament will be contested for the fourth year. Last year's champion, Ju Kim of Korea, and runner-up Lisa Hall of Great Britain, are now playing on the LPGA Tour, making a new champion a certainty.
THE BIG BREAK III: LADIES ONLY
The Golf Channel launched "The Big Break," a reality television series in which aspiring golfers competed for four exemptions on the Canadian Golf Tour. Producers currently are finalizing work on "The Big Break II," which will air in September.
And now, the Channel plans to launch "The Big Break III: Ladies Only," which will premiere in January 2005. The Golf Channel's contestant search will come to the FUTURES Tour's Michelob ULTRA FUTURES Charity Golf Classic in Decatur, Ill., on June 16.
The series is seeking 10 women willing to compete in front of an international television audience. Applicants will be pared down to an invitation-only list of candidates who will be invited to audition at one of six U.S. sites. The first audition will take place June 12, at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va. The grand prize winner will gain entry into four select LPGA tournaments, including the Michelob ULTRA Open at Kingsmill. Interested candidates may apply for "The Big Break III: Ladies Only" by logging on to http://www.TheGolfChannel.com and downloading an application.
GOLF YOUR DAYLIGHTS OUT
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has announced its fourth annual, one-of-a-kind event -- GOLF YOUR DAYLIGHTS OUT! -- taking place Monday, June 21 through Thursday, June 24. The region offers up to 16 hours of daylight during the summer months and golfers are challenged to GOLF YOUR DAYLIGHTS OUT! and see how many holes they can play from dawn 'til dusk.
The event will begin at 6:57 a.m. and end promptly at sunset, 9:32 P.M.. each day. The price is only $95 per person, per day and includes unlimited play for one day on all three of the Resort's courses - Jack Nicklaus' famed course, The Bear; Gary Player's signature course, The Wolverine; and Spruce Run, the Resort's original course designed by William Newcomb. The $95 GOLF YOUR DAYLIGHTS OUT! rate is a great value compared to regular green fees of as much as $140 per person, per round. Sign up for GOLF YOUR DAYLIGHTS OUT! by calling 800-748-0303 to make tee times.
http://www.grandtraverseresort.com.
SAM RANDOLPH TO PLAY ARNOLD PALMER TURNING POINT INVITATIONAL
Sam Randolph recently committed to playing in the Invitational, bringing the total number of past U.S. Amateur Champions to 29 plus Arnold Palmer.
Thanks to Katie Brown for the update-313-567-5028
19TH HOLE
The only cow in a small town in Arkansas stopped giving milk. The people did some research and found they could buy a cow up in Delaware, Ohio, for $200.00. They bought the cow from Ohio and the cow was wonderful. It produced lots of milk all of the time, and the people were pleased and very happy.
They decided to acquire a bull to mate with the cow and produce more cows like it. They would never have to worry about their milk supply again.
They bought a bull and put it in the pasture with their beloved cow. However, whenever the bull came close to the cow, the cow would move away. No matter what approach the bull tried, the cow would move away from the bull and he could not succeed in his quest.
The people were very upset and decided to ask the Vet, who was very wise, what to do. "Whenever the bull approaches our cow, she moves away. If he approaches from the back, she moves forward. When he approaches her from the front, she backs off. An approach from the side and she walks away to the other side."
The Vet thinks about this for a minute and asks, "Did you buy this cow in Ohio?"
The people were dumbfounded, since they had never mentioned where they bought the cow. "You are truly a wise Vet," they said. "How did you know we got the cow in Ohio?"
The Vet replied with a distant look in his eye, "My wife is from Ohio.
Thanks and a Tip of the Tam to Jack Minzey for this nugget.
2004 DETROIT NEWSPAPERS MICHIGAN OPEN TO BE HELD JUNE 28-JULY 1
Approximately 150 of the state's finest professional and amateur golfers will gather for this year's Detroit Newspapers Michigan Open Championship at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, June 28-July 1. The four-day event will feature a prize purse of $110,000 and will be played on the Jack Nicklaus signature course, The Bear.
The Michigan Open, conducted by the Michigan PGA is one of the oldest and most prestigious state championships in the nation. The first Michigan Open was held in 1916. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa has hosted the Michigan Open since 1981. From 1981 through 1984, the Open was played on the Resort's Spruce Run golf course, then the championship moved to The Bear. In addition to the title sponsor, Detroit Newspapers, co-presenting sponsors are The Detroit News and Pepsi. Other sponsors include Delta Air Lines, Sterling Cut Glass, Maxfli, and Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
CORE GOLFERS GAIN GROUND IN 2003
The number of Core golfers grew by five percent, from 12.6 million in 2002 to 13.2 million in 2003, according to the NGF's recently released Golf Participation in the U.S., 2004 edition. It was the second straight year the number of Core golfers increased. Core golfers, who on average play 37 rounds per year, are defined as adults (ages 18+) who play a minimum of eight rounds per year.
"We track all golf participation segments, but it's the Core golfers that we keep the closest eye on," says Joe Beditz, president and CEO of NGF. "Being responsible for the vast majority of rounds played and golf-related spending, Core golfers are the bedrock of golf demand. And while there have been some temporary ups and downs in the number of Core golfers, the long-term trend in this segment is best shown by the compound annual growth rate of one percent since 1990."
Taken from a National Golf Foundation Report by Jim Kass, jkass@ngf.org
PAUL W. SMITH-PALS FOR PAL GOLF TOURNAMENT ANNOUNCES DATE-AUGUST 16
The PAL golf tournament, which was hosted for so many years by WJR's J.P. McCarthy, has been renamed PALS FOR PAL and will be hosted by WJR's Paul W. Smith. The event will be held at the Detroit Golf Club. For further information contact the tournament office at:
http://palsforpal.com
GIL MORGAN TO PLAY AT FARMERS CHARITY CLASSIC
1997 Farmers Charity Classic Champion, Gil Morgan, the current leading money winner on the Champions Tour money list, has committed to play in the Farmers Charity Classic golf tournament played at Egypt Valley Country Club May 31 through June 6th. With the addition of Morgan, this year's Championship includes 26 of the top 30 money winners on the Champions Tour and nine of the top ten.
HTTP://www.FarmersCharityClassic.com
PAUL FULLMER TO HANG IT UP
Paul Fullmer, Executive Secretary of the American Society of Golf Course Architects, for the past 34 years, will retire at the end of June. We did a story on Paul a few years ago in the MG http://www.webgolfer.com/show01/architects.html
http://asgca.org
HOLE IN ONE CLUB
Madelon Hassberger of Grand Rapids, studied her bag carefully and then selected a 7-iron for the 5th hole at Egypt Valley CC in Ada. Her husband Kurt and their friends Casey and Sharon Vandellen, grew strangely silent as Madelon addressed the ball. After a prolonged quietness over the ball, Madelon unleashed a mighty swing than enabled her ball to carry the four ravines, two ponds, seven bunkers and the false green front of the 115 yard hole. And then like a butterfly with sore feet, it checked up from 25 feet beyond the pin and spun backwards dramatically to hit the pin and drop down into the cup.
MICHIGAN GOLF NEWS ASSOCIATION SUBSCRIBERS
Golf Association of Michigan
http://www.gam.org
Michigan Golf Course Owners Association
http://mgcoa.org
Michigan PGA
http://michigan.pga.com
Michigan Women's Golf Association, MWGA
http://www.mwgolf.org
Michigan State Amateur Golf Association
Dick Loring
skillplay@aol.com
Upper Peninsula Golf Association
http://upga.org
GOLF CALENDAR 2004
MAY
05/29-30 Harry Melling Memorial Invitation
http://treetops.com
05/31-06/06 Farmers Charity Classic, Egypt Valley CC, Ada
http://www.farmerscharityclassic.com
JUNE
06/04-6 Bank of Ann Arbor FUTURES Golf Classic, Ann Arbor
http://futurestour.com/2004/AnnArbor.html
06/04-5 Girls Golf MHSAA Finals -- L.P. -- June 4-5; U.P.
06/05 Greyhound Tournament, Cattails GC, South Lyon
http://www.mhsaa.com/
06/12 Dick Weber Memorial Golf Tournament, Michaywe Pines, Gaylord
06/16 Washtenaw County Hospitality Golf Outing, Lake Forest GC, Ann Arbor
06/21-24 Golf Your Daylights Out-Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
http://grandtraverseresort.com
06/21 Mel Trotter Marathon of Hope, Pines Golf Course, Grand Rapids
06/22-26 Michigan Amateur-Grosse Ile G&CC
http://gam.org
06/24-25 Izzo Mariucci Golf Classic, Timberstone and Pine Grove Golf Courses
http://michigangolfer.tv/2004shows/show4/index.html
06/25-26 3rd Annual Hickory Open, Kingsley Club, Traverse City
http://www.hickorygolf.com
06/25-27 2004 Michigan Open-Pro Am-Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
http://michigangolfer.tv/2003shows/show16/index.html
06/28-07/01 Detroit Newspapers Michigan Open Championship, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.
http://michigangolftour.com
06/28-29 Tylenol Par-3 Shootout, Treetops Resort,
http://treetops.com
06/28-30 Michigan Girls Jr. Amateur-Midland CC
06/27- 5th Annual Great Lakes Junior Masters Golf Championship, Shanty
07/02 Creek Resort
JULY
07/05-11 Ford Senior Players Championship TPC of Michigan DearbornĘ
http://www.fordseniorplayerschamp.pgatour.com
07/15-18 Detroit Newspapers Tournament of Champions-Pro Am-Boyne Mountain and Bay Harbor
http://michigangolftour.com
07/23-28 Michigan PGA Womens's Open Pro-Am and Tournament 2004, Crystal Mountain Resort
http://crystalmountain.com
07/26-08/01 Buick Open, Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club in Grand Blanc,
PALS FOR PAL ANNOUCES CHANGES AND DATE AUGUST 16, AT DGC
AUGUST
08/2-8 Jamie Farr LPGA Owens Corning Classic presented by Kroger, Highland
Meadows GC, Sylvania, OH
http://jamiefarrowenscorning.com
08/05 32nd Michigan State Junior Golf Championship, A-GA-MING
08/9-10 GAM Championship,Plum Hollow CC
http://gam.org
08/16 Paul W. Smith: Pals for Pal, Detroit Golf Club
http://www.palsforpal.org/
08/16-17 GAM Women's Championship, Owosso CC
http://gam.org
08/19 MGCOA Summer Meeting and Outing, Gull Lake View, Augusta
http://mgcoa.org
08/20-23 PGA Championship Pro Am-Shanty Creek
http://michigangolftour.com
08/23-29 Bay Mills Open Player Championship,Wild Bluff GC - Brimley
http://baymillsopen.com
08/3-0 Arnold Palmer Turning Point Invitational, Country Club of Detroit,
http://turningpointinvitational.com
08/30-31 GAM Women's Senior Amateur, Mt. Pleasant CC
http://gam.org
SEPTEMBER
09/04-05 Par-3 Amateur Shootout
http://treetops.com
09/8-9 GAM Senior Amateur, Belvedere GC
http://gam.org
09/11-12 Michigan Net Amateur, The Loon
09/14-19 The Ryder Cup -Oakland Hills CC
http://rydercup.com
09/15 The Ryder Cup Captains Challenge, Detroit Golf Club
09/16 The Ryder Cup Champions Invitational, Oakland University
09/16 Irish Night and Ryder Cup Celebration at The Henry Ford,
09/25-26 Atlas Trophy Matches (Men & Women), Yarrow GC
09/25-27 Pepsi¨ Fall Charity Invitational
http://treetops.com
09/28 GAM Tournament of Champions Egypt Valley CC
http://gam.org
OCTOBER
10/07-9 Boys Golf Regionals -- October 7, 8 or 9
10/15-16 Boys Gol MHSAA Finals -- October 15-16
http://www.mhsaa.com/
NOVEMBER
11/28-30.MGCOA Annual Meeting at the Somerset Inn in Troy.
http://mgcoa.org
Michigan Golf Calendar 2005
JANUARY
01-27-30 PGA Merchandise Show, Orlando, FL
http://pgamerchandiseshow.com
FEBRUARY
02/25-27 Lansing Golf Show, Lansing Center, Lansing
http://michigangolfshow.com
MARCH
03/05 Midland Golf Show, Valley Plaza Resort
03/11-13 Michigan Golf Show, Novi Expo, Novi
http://michigangolfshow.com
03/26-27 Lakeshore Golf Show and Travel Show
Contact: SueNielsen@whitehall.k12.mi.us
http://websiteiscoming://http
ASSOCIATION LINKS
American Association of Golf Course Architects
http://asgca.org
Golf Association of Michigan
http://www.gam.org/
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
Michigan High School Athletic Association
http://www.mhsaa.com/
Hichigan Interscholastic Golf Coaches Association
http://migca.com
National Golf Course Owners Association
http://ngcoa.org
National Golf Foundation
http://ngf.org
DETROIT GOLF CLUB HISTORY
By Marian Benton, DGC Member
From the 1899 founder to the present administration, they've all left their mark. Even the Indians who traveled our beautiful acres left a remembrance; a trail marker tree which they bent as a sapling to point the way to Saginaw. This tree still stands between the 7th and 8th Fairways on the North Course.
Founded by William R. Farrand and several friends, membership was originally limited to 100. Each Member was entitled to one share of stock worth $10.00. Both initiation fee and annual dues were $10.00. Forty-five acres of farmland at Woodward and Six Mile Road were rented and a 6-Hole layout was created. A farmer across the road rented a room to be used as a Locker and Club Storage Room.
The first Club was built in 1900 at a cost of $1,200.00. Joe Schlotman was hired as Club Manager and Teaching Professional. Three holes were added, making it a 9-Hole Course. The Gutta Percha ball was still being played, and a canvas golf bag cost fifty cents.
In 1902, membership was raised to $200. Initiation fees and dues went to $20.00 each. One hundred and thirty-five acres were obtained at Six Mile and Hamilton to develop a 6,212 yard, 18-Hole Course, and a new Clubhouse was built on a knoll where our present #12 Green North is located. The Club was formally opened in 1906. To relieve debt pressure, fifty Life Memberships with no annual dues were sold for $250.00 each. Annual dues were increased to $35.00.
Additional property was bought in 1913 for $350,000.00. World-famed Golf Architect, Donald Ross, was asked to survey the property, which determined that two 18-Hole Courses could be built on the land after 149 building lots were plotted. Work began in 1914. Horace Rackham paid $100,000.00 for the Club's optioned properties and gave them to DGC at cost. He also loaned an additional large sum until the project could get underway, refusing any interest on the loan. All Members who purchased lots became Class "A" Members although any Member who paid $250.00 became a Class "A" Member. By the end of May 1915, one hundred and forty-four lots had been sold.
The big decision of 1916 was to build a new Clubhouse, which was designed by Albert Kahn. Wartime problems hampered construction, but the Clubhouse was finally completed in May 1918. Alex Ross, brother of Donald Ross, became Club Professional, a position he held for thirty-one years. Membership was increased to 650 in 1922, and it was decided to keep the Club open year round. Thursday night buffets cost $1.25. In 1928, Fred Wardell's offer to build a Caddy House was accepted. It cost $40,000.00 and opened in 1929.
During the Great Depression, the Clubhouse closed for a while. Dues were cut to $150.00 per year, and the number of employees was reduced to twenty-nine. Horace Rackham contributed $21,000.00 toward the cost of a fairway watering system. A swimming pool was constructed.
Gas rationing limited Club activities during World War II. Alex Ross retired as Pro in 1945. The great golf star, Horton Smith, was hired as Professional following his discharge from the Army Air Force. In 1948, he shot the North Course record of 29-33. He served as National President of the PGA of America for three years. In 1959, he was elected into the PGA Hall of Fame and honored at a DGC dinner attended by Bobby Jones.
The next decades saw many changes at DGC. Clem Wolfrom, our treasured Greens Superintendent was hired in 1962. Horton Smith died in 1963, and Walter Burkemo became Club Professional. An electric cart garage, tennis courts and the Crystal Dining Room were added. Walter Burkemo was succeeded by George Bayer, who was followed by Pro Jim Vaughn, who was followed by Pro John Traub and the current Pro is Jon Gates.
-Compiled by Marian Benton, DGC Member.
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