Michigan Golf Journal October 2020

Jack and Barbara Nicklaus prominently in attendance. “But we also wanted a place that was fun. We want people to come here and celebrate everything that makes this country great and have an awesome golf experience. “It’s an experience that will have a whole lot of layers to it,” Rooney continued. “We’ll be reminding people why they are here. The only way you’ll get into the clubhouse is to go by the memorial (wall yet to be erected). But at 13:00 hours every day , 1:00 translated military time, we will play taps and have a bell that tolls 13 times that will be heard all across the golf course. That signifies the 13 folds that bring the American flag to its triangle shape (presented to families when a solider dies), the ultimate symbol of freedom in this country. And we will pause for 2-and-a-half minutes every day at this golf course... and remember the fact that freedom isn’t free.” Shortly after 9:00 a.m. the Nicklaus’ turned the crank during the singing of the National Anthem, that for the first time raised a huge American flag on the massive pole that is entrenched between the 9 th and 10 th fairways. Yet it wasn’t the only first. Nicklaus told Rooney it was the first time in his 80 years that he has raised an American flag anywhere, which was very emotional for Rooney to realize. Shortly afterwards, Nicklaus explained how he personally didn’t serve in the military, after getting married at age 20 and the couple having their first of five children at ages 21. Continues on next page >> 17 October 2020 www.michigangolfjournal.com