Michigan Golf Journal August 2021

she won a Mendenhall Scholarship as the top turfgrass student in the nation. One classmate quit the program mid-way and the other three also graduated but none of that group remain in the business besides her. She acknowledged the great work women are doing as head of grounds in sports turf at athletic stadiums like Spartan Stadium and Comerica Park. O’Dell gives full credit to her first mentor – B ruce Wolfrom – owner of White Pine National Golf Resort in northern Michigan. “Bruce showed me the ropes and had very high expectations for me,” she said. “He was tough on me and made me fully understand every aspect of being a superintendent. He forced me to find my worth and find out if this is where my passion lies. I have utmost respect for him and owe my success to his early teachings and guidance.” New! Direct Flights to Hilton Head Island from LaGuardia and Newark HiltonHeadGolfIsland.com HILTON HEAD ISLAND Plan Your Entire 2021 Golf Vacation Online Today! S O U T H C A R O L I N A Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III www.SeaPines.com Palmetto Dunes Fazio Course www.PalmettoDunes.com Oyster Reef Golf Club www.HiltonHeadGolf.net Photo provided by The Sea Pines Resort & Rob Tipton - Harbour Town Golf Links - Hole No. 18 Voted the 2020 Best Island in the U.S. by Condé Nast Magazine No PlaceDoes AGolf Vacation Like The Golf Island Adam Ikamas, Executive Director of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association said: “Karen has been involved in Michigan for many years, she has been a successful member of our industry all while being in the minority at every meeting,” said “Any barriers created by this never slowed her down and she has more than proven that anyone with a great work ethic and determination can succeed. Being a Superintendent is a challenging job for anyone, but Karen has been doing it at a high level for a long time, she is an inspiration to every member of the MiGCSA.” MGJ Michigan Golf Journal Super Woman