Michigan Golf Journal July 2021

Michigan Golf Journal In Memory The 18th hole of The Bear now carries a memorial to alongtime Grand Traverse Resort and Spa golfer, Conor Krause of Howell, Mich., who died unexpectedly in 2019 at the age of 40. His group of friends had been coming to GTR since 2014 and carried on in 2020, commemorating Krause by spreading his ashes near the tee box and placing aplaque on top in his honor. “When we go up and play, we’re always going to have that marker there,” says Jerry Ayers, a friend of Krause’s since the fifth grade. To celebrate Krause’s birthday about 20 years ago, his friend Mike Ruhl organized the first golf getaway at his cabin up north.The trip became an annual tradition the first weekend after LaborDay, and over the years, the outing grew from a handful of guys toan assortment of almost 30 of Krause’s family and friends. “Conor was the glue, the planner; he was the ball of energy that made this outing so fun to be in,” Ayers says. The group bounced around different courses before choosing the Resort in 2014. “As soon as we went to Grand Traverse,Conor loved that place, so that’s where it was going to stay,” Ruhl says. The Resort appealed because it has multiple golf courses, plenty of dining options, and vibrant nightlife. The men regularly visit the casino, and some use thepool and spa as well. Every year, the group plays on the Resort’s three courses.They wrap it up with a scramble — usually on The Bear — forthe “Conor Classic” trophy. In 2020, the group coordinated with Grand Traverse Resort tohost a small ceremony on the 18 th hole at The Bear. Krause’s cousin DavidOrmsby gave a speech, Ruhl spread the ashes,and Ayers placed the plaque over them. “The course was very helpful in making all of that happen,” Ormsby says. “I was really honored and surprised that the Resort wanted to do this. It was really touching.” The group plans to return every year. Krause himself hoped the tradition would continue and that his own young kids would someday be involved. “That was always his wish— that everybody’s kids would start coming up eventually, too, so it would continue on,” Ormsby said. MGJ Paying Homage with Annual Golf Outing FAMILY AND FRIENDS PLAY ON IN MEMORY OF GOLFER By Emily Doran