Michigan Golf Journal June 2021

35 June 2021 www.michigangolfjournal.com could feel the excitement from the players.” The 2020 Winner: The 2020 Michigan Open was capped off by a truly emotional story. Grand Rapids native Brett White suffered a diabolical infection in 2017 that caused his brain to swell to life- threatening levels. He spent a week in the hospital, followed by 14 days of impatient treatment in a rehabilitation facility. There, he had to literally re-train himself to walk. Almost exactly three years later, he became Michigan’s champion. White is a mini-tour pro who led the 2020 Michigan Open wire-to-wire. His 12-under total for four rounds gave him a 5-stroke margin of victory in the 103 rd playing last year. “When I was in the hospital, I didn’t think this (win) was possible, but when I got out, I knew I wanted to be able to golf again,” White said the day he sealed up the title. “I started with walking and as soon as I could walk, I knew that I at least wanted to be able to golf again for my sanity. I love the game of golf. I was going to attack (rehabilitation) just like I did this tournament, one step at a time, one day at a time and try to get better every day. “Turtle Creek Casino stepped up and basically doubled the purse, which I think elevates the championship,” White added. “A lot of people want to win the Michigan Open, but to have this kind of purse really got a lot of people excited, especially here at a great venue against the great talent in Michigan. I see the Michigan legends, their names on that plaque and now I’m part of that fraternity. That’s great.” MGJ