Michigan Golf Journal January 2018

T he world’s top golfers ages 50 and above will descend upon a renewed Benton Harbor for the fourth time, May 24-27, to shoot it out in the 79th KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship along the shores of Lake Michigan. Fans wanting an up-close look at players like Fred Couples, Bernhard Langer, Rocco Mediate, Colin Montgomerie, John Daly, Steve Stricker and others can do so at the Golf Club of Harbor Shores while enjoying some new fan amenities being add this year. As always, kids 17 and under get in free with a paid adult. The newest planned addition is the Family Fun Zone, Friday – Sunday, located in Jean Klock Park which is wrapped by holes 7-9 – three holes that travel along the backside of a Lake Michigan sand dune with views of the beach and massive water. Kids can hit balls into nets or at inflatable animals, while other fun activities are still in the planning stages. That Saturday, KitchenAid will have Kids’ Day in the KitchenAid Fairway Club. Last year the tournament had a smoothie making contest. That same evening a first-ever concert is being scheduled for the tournament as well. Championship Director Ryan Ogle said he plans to add a special autograph zone for kids only, likely around the practice areas. “As you often see at some of these events you have people that want to get autographs and we want to make sure kids have the first opportunity, so we’ll provide that space for them.” Ogle said. “Every year that the event is contested at Harbor Shores, the attendance has been mind-blowing,” he added about 2012, ’14 and ‘16. “We have people from all over the nation, but more importantly we have the people that live here, who vacation here, that recreate here, come and support this community event. Yes, we’re putting on a golf major championship but it’s bigger than that.” Another new feature, SR. PGA CHAMPIONSHIP COMING TO BENTON HARBOR FOR FOURTH TIME ________________________________________________________________ By Tom Lang Fans line the top of the sand dune on the back of the 7th hole at the Sr. PGA Championship in 2016. Photo courtesy of the PGA of America. Sr. PGA Championship