Golf is Grrreat in Battle Creek
by Art McCafferty

Golf is still a major economic force in the Battle Creek area according to golf coordinators, Maria Deneau of the McCamly Plaza, Sarah Gray from the Battle Creek Inn and Walter Jendrzejewski of the Econo Lodge. Long a model for golf packaging, the Battle Creek area continues to thrive on their cooperative efforts. Walt Jendrzejewski, who is one of the original members of the marketing group, feels that he still gets his share of repeat business. However, he feels that the area will need to constantly upgrade their facilities. "The competition for golfers is fierce," said Walter. "This year, we have added the Attic Bar and Grill to our property. We wanted to make sure our lodging customers could get that quick sandwich prior to or after their golf round. We know it will give us additional value."

Two major stories coming out of Battle Creek and Marshall this year are the change in ownership of the former Wishbone Glen, now the Medalist, and Marywood GC.

The new Medalist, (located in Marshall) management team currently owns and manages the Links of Whitmore Lake, the Polo Fields in Ann Arbor and they are in the process of building Mallard Point in Kentucky. Joe Rebone is the new GM at the club.

Their collective goal is to make The Medalist the top course in the area. They have started by paving the cart paths, enlarging cart storage and dining areas. Course signage, a past weakness, will be given special attention beginning with a new sign at the entrance to the property. Joe Rebone also indicated that they are getting new granite tee markers. Finally, some care will be taken to make the course a little more user friendly. The routing is superb as Bill Newcomb did a great job in conceptualizing the course.

Marywood GC has long been one of the quality courses in the Battle Creek area. Formerly a private course, Marywood has all the country club trappings. Michael Hopson, the Vice President of Operations of Treadwell Associates, and Robbin Perkins, Director of Sales and Marketing, head up the new Marywood team. Treadwell Golf Associates also owns and operates the Lilac GC in Newport and Briar Ridge Golf Course in Montrose.

Treadwell Golf Associates has Doug Treadwell as the President, Mike Grooms as the Director of Golf for their three courses and Mike Hopson as the General Manager of Marywood.

Hopson, new to the area, is busy polishing up this jewel with new carpeting and paint hitting the floors and walls. Robbin Perkins, formerly of McCamly, was recruited heavily by Marywood and had already delivered enough 1999 bookings to make her bosses look good.

Marywood, long known for the beauty of its grounds, is a favorite place for corporate outings. The elegant look and feel of Marywood coupled with its history and tradition and beautiful view of the nearby lake, is very enticing. However, in order to compete with all of the golf in Battle Creek, Hopson realizes that Treadwell Associates will have to make more than cosmetic changes.