Change in ownership in 2002 was Michigan's order of the day

By Kiel Christianson, Senior Writer

LANSING, Mich. -- The current soft economy and a glut of quality layouts combined to make 2002 another challenging year for most Michigan golf courses. Despite a continuing downward trend in the number of rounds played, however, Michigan maintained its rank as one of the nation's best golf states and a bastion of outstanding, affordable layouts. Here are the trends, tracks, and transactions that defined 2002 and set a precedent for 2003.

Biggest Trend: High-profile transactions -- 2002 witnessed a slew of resort and courses sales. Some, like Manistee National, went under the hammer at auction. Others, like Treetops Resort, changed hands more conventionally. Treetops was purchased by a consortium headed by golf-swing guru, rising course designer, and coach to PGA Tour pros Rick Smith. Financial difficulties forced other sales, including Black Bear and Forest Dunes. Most surprising, however, was the announcement that Keith Gornick would be selling The Otsego Club so soon after the heralded grand opening of The Tribute, a fantastic new Rick Robbins/Gary Koch design that garnered national acclaim.

Phoenix Award: The Preserve in Fenton -- Demonstrating that a course can survive tough times and ownership changes, The Preserve re-opened to high praise under new management in 2002. Excellent maintenance and service, along with a memorable, muscular (if somewhat quirky) layout should keep this Arnold Palmer design competitive.

Highest-profile National Rankings: Timber Ridge (East Lansing) and Tullymore (Stanwood) -- Timber Ridge, the immaculately conditioned, very affordable Jerry Matthews layout in East Lansing that also changed ownership a couple of seasons ago, shocked the golf world this year by earning one of only 12 five-star ratings from Golf Digest in 2002. Judy Cunningham, one of the new owners, admitted being "shocked" by the rating. But nobody at this mid-Michigan favorite was complaining.

The Jim Engh-designed Tullymore has just been named as the best new upscale public course in the nation by Golf Digest. Tullymore, sister course to another one-time 5-star layout (St. Ives), along with the brand-new Inn at St. Ives, have made Stanwood a legitimate golf destination.

Honorable mention: The Grande in Jackson grabbed sixth place on Golf Digest's Best New Affordable Course list in 2002. Considering that Jackson was rated as the 4rd-best golf city in America before The Grande was officially included in the rating, Jackson might just be the best locale in the nation to golf (when it is not snowing, at least).

Best Club-fitting Facility: The Cluboratory (Miles of Golf, Ypsilanti) -- Slowly but surely, more and more golfers are realizing that custom-fitted equipment can lower scores faster than yet another $600 driver. The Cluboratory at Miles of Golf (734) 973-9004 (www.milesofgolf.com) in Ypsilanti represents the pinnacle of Michigan club-fitting facilities. The Cluboratory includes a heated indoor-to-outdoor hitting bay, a comprehensive array of equipment brands, master club-fitters, and The Kendall Academy of Golf (adjacent to Miles of Golf), all of which combine to make it a one-stop, year-round, wonderland for golfers of all skill levels. If you end up buying equipment from Miles of Golf, the fitting session is even free.

Best Practice Aid: V1 Digital Coaching System's home software -- Winter tends to wreak havoc on most golf swings. It's difficult to stay "in the groove" when there's three feet of snow on the ground. V1, video instructional system of choice for golf coaches around the world, has just come out with a home version of its instructional software, complete with diagnostics, swing analysis tools, and an on-line instructional center that allows you to send video of your swing to swing coaches anywhere in the world for some personalized advice. For $90, it may just be the best way to tune up for the 2003 season.

Most Surprising Great Lakes Golf Destination: Columbus, Ohio -- Although Michigan continues to anchor the Great Lakes golf scene, sometimes everyone needs to get away. And if you want to avoid the crowds and inflated green fees of some more traditional golf destinations, you might want to take a chance on someplace new. With the recent additions of some top-notch courses over the past couple of years, such as Longaberger GC and The Golf Club of Dublin, the greater Columbus area is tapping back into its rich golf history. Be sure to check out the new Jack Nicklaus Museum (614) 247-5959, too.

With 2002 hurtling toward ancient history, we turn toward 2003 with hopes of a higher stock market and lower golf scores. We at MichiganGolf.com wish you and yours all the best for the upcoming year: May you find peace in your life, love in your heart, and a little white ball squarely in the center of each and every fairway.

December 17, 2002