An amazing read about how the PGA HOPE program can impact the lives of our PGA HOPE instructors just as much as it impacts our nation's heroes. Take a look!

...https://www.linkedin.com/posts/brian-cairns-9a497119_to-all-my-fellow-pga-member-and-golf-enthusiasts-activity-7259191363382964224-AcQ0?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

We invite you to support the national HOPE 4 Heroes campaign that is kicking off today through December 31. Your contributions will directly benefit local PGA HOPE programs in our Section!

With the invaluable assistance of our PGA of America Golf Professionals, we are making a meaningful ...difference in the lives of local Veterans and Active Duty Service Members across the state.

Over 13,000 veterans are on the national waitlist seeking access to these life-changing programs! For every $330 raised, you can help a Veteran get access to PGA HOPE. We urge you to join us in our mission so we can continue transforming the lives of our nation's heroes.

Please feel free to share this post to your friends and family to spread awareness about this campaign!

Visit pgahope.com to donate and learn more about the PGA HOPE program.

Congratulations to Lee Houtteman, 2024 Michigan PGA Hall of Fame Inductee!

Lee has been a PGA Member since 1991 and is the Director of Golf at Leland Country Club.

Lee’s playing accomplishments include winning the:

- Michigan PGA Match Play
- Tournament of ...Champions
- Michigan PGA Championship
- Two (2) Michigan Senior PGA Championships

Lee was also an 18-time qualifier for the PGA Professional Championship and 12-time qualifier for the U.S. Senior Open, three Senior PGA Championships, and since turning 63 in 2024, has shot his age or better five times.

For the last 10 years, Lee has been serving as the Head Golf Coach at Glen Lake High School and as the coach for three PGA Jr. League teams.

Congratulations to Kevin McKinley, of First Tee of Northern Michigan, on being elected as the next District 5 Director!

McKinley, a member of The PGA of America since 2002, was elected by his peers during the Michigan Section PGA’s Annual Fall Meeting.

“Is is a privilege and... I am deeply honored to be selected to serve as District 5 Director,” said McKinley.

There are fourteen (14) District Directors of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America. Each District Director is elected to a three-year term of office, and also serves on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors. McKinley’s District includes the Michigan, Northern Ohio, and Southern Ohio Sections. McKinley previously served as President, Vice President, and Secretary of the Michigan PGA.

A big thank you to State & Liberty Clothing Company and Belyn Key for providing gifts to our Board of Directors at our recent Fall Board Meeting!

State and Liberty is a men's clothing company based in Ann Arbor, MI and generously provided two clothing pieces to each Board Member.... Belyn Key was also kind enough to provide two clothing pieces for Michigan PGA President, Stephanie Jennings, and Growth of the Game Committee Chair, Kelly Kuhlman.

We are thankful for their support of the Section! Be sure to check them out through the links below:

https://stateandliberty.com/
https://belynkey.com/

The Michigan Section PGA honored its 2024 Special Award Winners, Outgoing Board of Directors, and our Hall of Fame Inductee at the President's Dinner this past Sunday, October 20 at the Country Club of Lansing. The President's Dinner celebrated PGA Members who have excelled in their ...profession as well as those who have volunteered and given of themselves to serve the Section.

Thank you to Country Club of Lansing for hosting and to our Dinner sponsors, Peter Millar, Mercer Advisors, and EZGO.

This year's winners were also recognized at the annual Fall Membership Meeting on Monday, October 21 at Eagle Eye Golf Club. The nearly 190 attendees included Todd Smith, PGA of America Career Consultant, Stacey Rice-Dorman, PGA Player Engagement Consultant, and Steve Parker, District 5 Director. The Michigan PGA members voted to elect Kevin McKinley as the next District 5 Director.

Honorary President, Dean Kolstad, oversaw the elections for the At-Large Director positions. Those elected were Wes Blevins, Brian Corwin, Casey Powers, Ward Sutton, and Randy White.

The Meeting included two educational sessions: Matt Johnson, owner of On Target Living, talked about how to feel your best by rethinking the three pillars of resting, eating, and moving. Stephanie Rosales, a licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Trauma Therapist then spoke about suicide prevention and mental wellness.

Thank you to our Fall Meeting sponsors: Pepsi and PGA National Resort & Spa.

Congratulations to our 2024 Special Award Winners!

Doug Brody, Golf Professional of the Year
Chris Whitten, Golf Executive of the Year
Kyle Martin, Teacher of the Year
Cody Haughton, Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
Kevin McKinley, Bill Strausbaugh Award
Renee Fluker, Distinguished Service
Benny Cook, Player of the Year
Dan Urban, Merchandiser of the Year-Private
Jeff Stalcup, Merchandise of the Year-Public
Tyler Jablonski, Merchandise of the Year-Resort
Dean Kolstad, Patriot Award
Kelly Kuhlman, Player Development Award
Joe Hatch, Professional Development Award
Kevin McKinley, Youth Player Development Award

Not Pictured:
Cody Haughton, Assistant Golf Professional of the Year
Dan Urban, Merchandiser of the Year - Private
Benny Cook, Player of the Year

2024 Outgoing Board Members:
Brian Corwin, At-Large Director
Kevin McKinley, At-Large Director
Logan Simmonds, At-Large Director
Ward Sutton, At-Large Director
Randy White, At-Large Director

2024 Michigan PGA Hall of Fame Inductee:
Lee Houtteman