Memorial Day is a time to reflect and to honor our fallen heroes. It also marks the unofficial start of summer and for the Western Chapter of the Michigan PGA, it means a chance to give back to Veterans.

For the last 67 years, on the day after Memorial Day, the VA Tournament has taken place at Custer Greens Golf Course on the grounds of the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.

This year, 24 golf professionals took to the course with Veteran caddies by their side. As is tradition, Veteran patients who volunteer caddied were taught about the game and golf etiquette, in addition to serving as caddies. There was also a golf skills clinic for the Veterans prior to the start of the tournament conducted by Michigan PGA Vice President Dean Kolstad.

We would like to recognize Superintendent John Fulling and his golf course maintenance crew from Kalamazoo Country Club. They mowed, raked bunkers, and prepared the course for the event. Many Professionals commented that it was the best they remember the course in terms of conditions.

Congratulations to the winner of the event, Ben Cook. Ben is back in Michigan after playing in the 103rd PGA Championship at Kiawah Island and earning Low Club Professional honors.

Thank you to Michigan PGA President Bob Bales who oversees this event every year. Many thanks to numerous Michigan PGA Members who graciously contributed monetary donations toward the event. A portion of each player’s entry fee went towards a fund to provide golf clubs and other equipment to have at the facility and available for the Veteran patients to use.

Lastly, thanks to all of the PGA Professionals who participated.