HALL FINANCIAL/FOUNDERS BREWING CO. MICHIGAN OPEN Presented by Make The Turn

BELLAIRE – Defending champion Otto Black of Brighton has looked forward to playing in the Hall Financial/Founders Brewing Co. Michigan Open presented by Make The Turn since his amateur days, and this year ...returns with renewed confidence.

Black, 32, a mini-tour professional, will defend in the 109th edition of the state championship next Monday through Thursday, June 8-11, on the Cedar River Course at Shanty Creek Resort.

“Pretty excited for sure to go back, especially since it’s at the same course as last year,” he said. “I can tap into those good memories and moments, especially when things don’t go your way, which always happens in tournament golf.”

A year ago, Black shot a closing 1-under 70 for a 16-under 268 total to win by two shots, earned $13,500 and had his name inscribed on the historic James D. Standish Trophy.

“The main thing you gain when you win an event like that, especially one you have played in for so long, is confidence,” he said. “You gain confidence in your planning and your execution and just knowing you had what it takes to be great players in a great tournament.”

The Cedar River course is a celebrated design by the late PGA Tour star Tom Weiskopf, and Black called it a great tournament course.

“It has some demanding tee shots and it’s all about giving yourself potential looks for birdie,” he said. “You have to be careful off some of the tees. There are some holes you can attack, and then there are some where you can’t be as aggressive. I had a good plan last year and I can call on that and adjust from there depending on the weather.”

Hall Financial is a title sponsor for the fifth consecutive year and has helped usher in increased entries and record purses. This year Founders Brewing Co. is joining Hall Financial as a title sponsor for the 2026 Hall Financial/Founders Brewing Co. Michigan Open Championship.

The Grand Rapids-based craft brewing company, one of the largest and most-recognized breweries in the U.S., is sponsoring a major state golf championship for the first time.

Make The Turn, the Troy marketing agency, is also returning as the presenting sponsor.

The Michigan Section PGA, which administers the championship, expects the tournament to continue to thrive and that this year’s purse should exceed $100,000. It will be announced during the tournament.

Cedar River is one of five courses at the resort that previously hosted the Michigan PGA Professional Championship from 2000 to 2005. It opened in 1999 to rave reviews and can be played to a maximum yardage of 7,001. It was Weiskopf’s first course in Michigan and features isolated holes, generous tree-lined fairways, classic natural green settings, significant elevation changes and includes one of his trademark dramatic drivable par 4 holes (301-yard No. 13).

A full field of 156 golfers, including 10 past champions, tour professionals, Michigan Section PGA professionals and top amateur players will play the first two rounds before a 36-hole cut to the low 70 scorers and ties.

Among the past champions in the field, including Black, are six-time winner Scott Hebert of Traverse City Golf & Country Club (1997, ’99, 2000, ’01, ’02, ’06), two-time champion Jeff Roth of Boyne Golf Academy (1998, ’04), two-time champion Eric Lilleboe of Okemos (2019, ’24), Joe Juszczyk of Dearborn (2023), Matt Thompson, the golf coach at Hillsdale College (2017), Jeff Bronkema of Caledonia (2016), Tom Werkmeister of Hudsonville (2013), Andy Ruthkoski of Muskegon (2007) and Tim Matthews of Scotts (1986).

Lilleboe has applied to the USGA for reinstatement as an amateur and will not be allowed to accept earnings from the purse, but he will be playing for a third title.

Ryan Lenahan of South Lyon, the PGA Director of Instruction at Walnut Creek Country Club, who recently played in the 2026 PGA Championship, is in the field.

Team Michigan is seeking passionate golf professionals and leaders to help support the next generation of elite junior golfers across the state. This volunteer opportunity offers the chance to work with Michigan's top junior athletes while contributing to a program focused on development, ...competition, and long-term success.
Whether you're a PGA or LPGA professional, an experienced coach, instructor, or former tour player—or interested in serving in a leadership role as a Team Captain—we encourage you to apply.

✔️ Work with Michigan's top junior golfers
✔️ Help shape the future of the game in our state
✔️ Connect with coaches and USNDP staff from across the country
✔️ Receive Team Michigan apparel and State Junior Team Coach certification

📅 Estimated commitment: 5–10 days per year (subject to change)
📧 Apply by sending your CV to: ady@gam.org
For More Information: https://tinyurl.com/yc3a74zv

Help us build something special for junior golf in Michigan

⛳️🏆 CHAMPIONS AT THE HIGHLANDS! 🏆⛳️

Huge congratulations to PGA Professional Brian Cairns (Fox Hills Learning Center) and Michigan State University golfer Julian Menser on capturing their first-ever Adidas State Pro-Am title!

After battling a crowded leaderboard in ...Round 1, the duo absolutely caught fire in Round 2. They started at a blistering pace—making birdies on 5 of their first 6 holes, and then rattling off 3 more in a row on 9, 10, and 11. Despite late windy conditions, no one could touch their spectacular 8-under 64, securing a dominant 4-stroke victory! 💪🔥

With this historic win, Brian and Julian engrave their names on the legendary trophy alongside golf icons like Al Watrous, Walter Burkemo, and Horton Smith, while also punching their ticket to the Tournament of Champions.

A massive thank you to our incredible sponsor, Adidas, for being onsite with an amazing mobile pro shop and providing gifts for all the players!

👉 Check out the full leaderboard and complete results here: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12463224210182931101

Congratulations, Chris! 👏

Round 2 of the adidas State Pro-Am at The Highlands is underway!

Brent Goulding & Chris Cunningham of Prestwick Village Golf Club lead at -9. Follow the action: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12463224210182931101?back_link=true

⏰ Registration closes tomorrow!

The deadline to register for the Michigan Open 3-Spot Qualifier is Wednesday, June 3 at 5:00 PM.

This qualifier can be used as a 1st or 2nd attempt to earn a spot in the 2026 Hall Financial/Founders Brewing Co. Michigan Open Championship.

... 📍 A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort | Sundance Course
📅 Saturday, June 6, 2026

Register Here: https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12463464901257495485

Member Milestones: Congratulations to Denis Husse on reaching Half Century Member status 👏

Thank you for everything you've given to the game!

The adidas State Pro Am is officially underway! Nothing beats a couple days of northern Michigan golf⛳️

Follow long the leaderboard below👇

https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/12463224210182931101?back_link=true