Country Club Concierge

/in , /by

Country Club Concierge

Once a Concierge, always a Concierge, and when a fellow golf enthusiast queried about golf in Northern Michigan, I just couldn’t help myself…I launched into full throttle Head Concierge mode as the sudden self -appointed Ambassador of Northen Michigan. Little did this Lawyer from The Longhorn State know that his coffee clutch query at The Palmer House, would entail a hand drawn map, using both my left “mitt” carefully tracing my favorite points with my right, not to be outdone with the pen and paper, points of interest tour, and a follow up email with links to the Links.

This Texan was toying with a guys golf trip to escape the summer heat in favor of a relaxing retreat. He asked. I delivered. And here is the itinerary that was warmly served….grab your calendar and secure flights to Cherry Capitol Airport, ( Traverse City Michigan). Aim for the first week of August and land softly at The Grand Traverse Resort Village ; where you can stay and play, and play and play.


Then, head across the street to LochenHeath to take another deserved deep breath as the view is literally breathtaking. You will find yourself immersed in championship golf which has some foreboding lesson teaching holes and may want to set up permanent camp. Before this fever takes full hold, mosey up to Garland, nestled further in the woods, in the Elk Capitol of the country dotted with Posh log cabins providing an up close gander of the flora and fauna where the deer and antelope play. I have taken staunch non- golfers, as recent as election year and showed them the way.

Who could resist the calling of Northern Michigan? Unless, you want an Island feel, to that end, I suggested The Jewel on Mackinaw Island located at the Grand Hotel, and then, the grand finale, the oldest Club in Michigan, boasting a Scottish feel. Your clubs will be transported by horse and buggy as the island is free of motorized vehicles. Wawaskamo has a hole with a circus ring surrounding the green.

This raised heather enhanced green is a testament to your chipping. After you do all of the above. . .be sure to snag some Murdicks Fudge as a testament to your now being a card carrying member of the “Fudgie Club.”

 

Ryder Cup Rowdies. PGA

/in , /by

Did I hear my ears  right?  Did the team captain of the USA actually instruct the gallery to be rowdy?   I had to rethink everything I knew about attending the ” Superbowl ” of golf event as I had the privilege of meeting with the buyers at the Medinah Country Club earlier in the season, and “rowdy” was the antithesis of the energy being emanated from that property.

Golf enthusiasts from around the globe were eager to oblige …The Ryder Cup Rowdies were in full swing upon my arrival on Saturday.   The Euro version of The Blue Man group were “a friendly lot,” donning full body royal  blue Lycra, and cork screw wigs, ( rather than the shaved look we are used to seeing),The US was  a sea of red, white and blue all cheering their lungs out imprinting a palpable feeling of pride I will not soon forget. Read more →

Check Us out in Gottagogolf.com

/in /by

Women getting to work for golf

The very week that Augusta National unapologetically named its first two women members, women swarmed all over the aisles of the PGA Expo in Las Vegas.

Many of them were — excuse the phrase — manning exhibitions, and not just to provide eye candy for male PGA professionals buying for their shops. In fact, many of the women there had invented products or started companies that widen golf’s appeal.

A new training aid, baby garments, energy bar, junior golf dresses and wear-anywhere clothes for women — these are all things based on how women think about golf and the voids women have found in golf products. Here’s a look at some of the woman-engineered offerings at the Sands Expo in the Venetian:

The Birdie Bar: Debby Buck DeJonge’s parents owned a country club, so she’s lived her life in the game. A specialist in anti-aging products, her energy fuel has 230 calories, 6.5 grams of fat, 11.5 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and 19 grams of sugar. Furthermore, it tastes pretty good. It’s brand new on the market .