Michigan Golf Journal December 2019

29 December 2019 www.michigangolfjournal.com Bob Ackerman , a 37-year PGA Member began his career in the Illinois Section, and has been in Michigan for more than 20 years. He is a Master Professional, 7-time PGA Player of the Year in four different PGA Sections, winner of three State Opens, six Match Play titles and three Section PGA Championships; plus a four- time Big Ten Champion. Ron Beurmann , a PGA Member for 33 years, has served at Country Club of Jackson for the past 29 years. He has mentored over 25 Evans Scholars during his career. His accomplishments include 17-time qualifier of the PGA National Professional Championship, Michigan PGA Player of the Year in 2004 and Michigan PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2014. Bernie Friedrich , a 36-year PGA Member, joined the Boyne Resorts team in 1976 when the resort company had three golf courses. He now oversees the company’s 13 courses and semi-private clubs in Maine, Michigan and Montana. John Lindert , a PGA Member for 36 years, has served on the PGA Board of Directors since 2016 and four national PGA Committees: Governance Task Force Chair—2017, Membership— 2008-to present, Board of Control—2009-13 and Special Awards—2006-07. He was elected PGA of America Secretary at the 2018 PGA Annual Meeting. Al Mengert , a 62-year PGA Member, turned professional in 1952 and competed on Tour in 27 major championships, including 8 Masters. He served as an assistant at Winged Foot and worked his way to Director of Golf at 10 famous clubs in America, including Oakland Hills. Early on in his career, he designed clubs for MacGregor and Spalding. Five NewMembers Inducted into 2019 Michigan PGA Hall of Fame Meijer and Dow LPGA Tournaments Increase Purses to Highest on Tour Both the Meijer LPGA Classic and the Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational have increased their purses to $2.3 million, making them the highest paying LPGA Tour events in America that are not majors (nor the season ending Tour Championship). That makes both Michigan tournaments a priority for the top players in women’s golf deciding what events to put on their 2020 schedule. The Meijer LPGA Classic consistently raises $1 million or more each year for the Simply Give food pantry restocking program, the event’s charitable component.