By Kate Moore
Jim and Charlie Scott had a vision for the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) back in 1994. Along with the general work of a trade association, they saw how the MGCA could fulfill a niche to provide education.
Education is essential to sustaining and furthering the golf industry and its 60,000 employees here in Michigan. The Scott Family Educational Support Foundation (ESF) of the Michigan Golf Course Association first and foremost ensures that every golf course operator in the state of Michigan has access to education, outreach and resources to that end. 
The 1st Annual Golf Outing and Supplier Field Day was held at Gull Lake View Golf Course as a fundraiser for this purpose. The next year, together with their parents Darrel and Letha Scott, they provided the financial foundation for the MGCA-ESF which was then named in their honor. Jim Scott was on the board of directors of the MGCA and Charlie Scott became the chairman of the Foundation. Both served our industry through the association for two decades in these capacities.
On Wednesday, July 18 the MGCA will celebrate the 25th Annual Golf Outing at the Scott family’s newest facility, Stoatin Brae Golf Course. Golf course owners, operators and suppliers will come together for a great day of golf and comradery at this beautiful new facility.
Stoatin Brae is listed by Golf Digest as one of 9 Michigan courses you should play at least once.
“We need to be able to offer golf as a pastime to everyone, not just the guy who can hit the ball 275 yards,” says Bill Johnson, Vice President of Gull Lake View. “This is too good of a site to keep for just a select group. We want everyone to come out and enjoy the experience that this ground has to offer.”
The Foundation is responsible for the annual Michigan Golf Business Conference. The Scott Family ESF is a critical component for a successful education program. This year’s conference keynote speakers are Major Dan Rooney of the Folds of Honor Foundation and Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation. The conference will be held the last week of November.
