Michigan Golf Journal May 2020

13 May 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com • the uncertainty of what will constitute amateur status for NCAA student- athletes who might end up getting paid • and a new normal of social distancing, at least in the short term GAM was founded over a century ago to serve private country clubs in metro Detroit, but as the decades passed the mission was expanded to serve public courses and individual golfers across Michigan as well. “We used to run just the elite, top amateur championships in the state, and now we offer tournaments and events for all ages, genders, and demographics of people,” said Chris Whitten, the former U-M golf coach who is new to the GAM to start the second century as its Executive Director. “We want to continue to host great, first-class championships – but a key will be adding in more programming to connect with all types of golfers – whether recreational or competitive – all over the state. The growth of Junior events in just the last 5-to-8 years has simply been phenomenal.” “We want to get together as many small communities, pockets of golfers who enjoy the game, as we can. If someone thinks they have to be a scratch handicap player or a tournament golfer just to participate in the GAM, I think they are missing out on some programs.” Newer programs that will continue to grow this year (COVID-dependent) and beyond include the GAM Golf Days, a net-handicap event open to anyone who wants to play elite courses they normally wouldn’t have access to . It is capped off by a year-end championship amongst the event winners. GAM has also added many net-handicap events and the team-based GAM Scramble in recent years. Youth are Literally the Future: Almost all agree that for golf to continue to thrive, more young people need to get in the game. Continues on next page >>