Chris Mile is one of the sharpest people I’ve met in the golf business in my 40 years covering the game. He is the founder and President of Miles of Golf (MOG) in Ann Arbor and Cincinnati. Many people forget that Chris was an accomplished golfer. He was twice a runner-up in the Michigan Amateur, losing in 1965 to Bud Stevens and thirty years later, in 1995 to Steve Maddalena. Over the years, running and fitness became a passion, but Chris never lost his enthusiasm for golf. With a keen business acumen, he built one of the most impressive golf facilities in Michigan, winning numerous awards for the golf range, retail sales and club-fitting. Questions with the Founder of Miles of Golf, Chris Mile Q Where did you grow up and get involved with golf? I grew up in the little town of Stanton, Michigan, northeast of Grand Rapids. I was crazy about golf and attended the Buick Open every year. I earned a college golf scholarship to the University of Miami (FL), played for four years and became a captain. In fact, another high school golfer from Michigan, Jim Gittleman from Alma went to Miami and we were teammates for four years. Q What happened after graduation from Miami? I went on to Columbia University, earning an MBA. I spent 10 years in New York City before returning to Michigan and purchasing a beer distributorship in Cadillac. Q How did Miles of Golf in Ann Arbor come about? The property has been associated with golf since 1952, as Pat’s Par 3 and Driving Range. Twentyseven years ago, I leased the property and we’ve been here ever since. Q Miles of Golf is now recognized throughout the state as a retailer, club-fitter, driving and practice range, plus the home of Kendall Academy. By Terry Moore 10
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTQ2Nzk4