Michigan Open Set to Start

The Michigan Open, conducted by the Michigan PGA, is one of the oldest and most prestigious state championships in the nation. The first Michigan Open was held in 1916. Seventeen-year old Leo "Eagle" Diegel of Detroit won the championship that year. Walter Hagen, who captained the U.S.'s team in the first Ryder Cup in 1927, won the Michigan Open in 1921. Al Watrous holds the record for the most Michigan Open wins at six.

Grand Traverse Resort & Spa has hosted the Michigan Open since 1981. From 1981 through ‘84, the Open was played on the Resort's Spruce Run golf course before moving to The Bear. This is the first year that part of the Michigan Open will be played on The Wolverine.

Last year's champion, Michael Harris of Troy, who played on the Canadian Tour, scored a record 20-under-par 268 for the four-day championship, handily defeating professional Colby Beckstrom of Lincoln Golf Club by six strokes. The low amateur was Korey Mahoney of East Lansing, who finished third at 11-under-par 277.

This year there are some serious changes to the Michigan Open. The will be an expanded field, but no Pro-Am nor a title sponsor and a reduced purse. On the glass is half-full side, the players will be spending their 25th year at the newly renovated Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. In addition, one of their hosts is Scott Hebert, the resort's new head pro and a five-time winner of the event.

With the loss of The Farmer's Charity Golf Classic, The Ford Seniors Players Championship Tournament, the Ann Arbor Futures Tour and the Bay Mills Open, the Michigan Open has moved up the ladder in importance and prominence in Michigan's professional golf tournaments.

Once again this year the Michigan PGA will have live scoring available starting Monday, June 26. To access the live scoring, go to http://www.michigan.pga.com and follow the prompts on their home page.