Michigan Golf Journal December 2019

23 December 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com reach of those stations was roughly equivalent to yelling out the kitchen window, but it was a blessing to have the support of station managers who believed in what we were trying to do – launch a unique forum for celebrating the game in one of America’s strongest golf regions. The other huge blessing was the partnership with the Buick Open as our original title sponsor. Without them taking a chance on a show that didn’t yet exist, MGL may never have left the clubhouse. Today, MGL Radio is stronger than ever. Our affiliate network of 12 stations brings the show into every major market in the state, Saturday mornings, May through April. MGL-TV Time: As a young boy (back when I had hair), my father asked me to “star” in TV commercials for his auto dealerships. Make no mistake, these commercials were NOT good, but they did introduce me to the world of storytelling via visual medium. In 2005, MGL-TV made its debut on small regional cable outlets. The groundwork was being laid to travel the world and showcase great destinations. Our original Director of Production, Gregg Hall, has been shooting, editing (heavily!), and producing MGL-TV since day one. Without a doubt, Gregg is the MVP of everything you see on MGL- TV, if for no other reason than he has to watch and edit my swing week after week after week. When we made the leap from tiny cable outlets to the “big leagues” of Fox Sports Detroit, the entire world of MGL changed. The visibility of the show and our featured destination partners has helped open doors to places I once only dreamed of visiting. Making the Turn: We’re not done yet... not even close. Our new digital outlet – Fore Golfers Network – continues to gain in popularity and has allowed us to take the TV show into neighboring states. The 20-year milestone also reminds me that without a gracious family and dedicated audience, MGL wouldn’t have made it past year one. Thank you for being such a vital part of our two decades of fun! Top 5 MGL Moments the First 20 Years: 5) Walking inside the ropes with Tiger at Warwick Hills as he wins the final Buick Open in 2009 4) Running into Barry Sanders at a fitness center and having him tell me he never misses MGL-TV 3) Covering the 2016 Ryder Cup Matches at Hazeltine with my son 2) “Standing to Honor” fallen hero Brock Bucklin at the 2019 Treetops Patriot Shootout 1) Being invited into Butler Cabin with my son at the 2016 Masters