By Greg Johnson
Corey Crowell, General Manager of Indian River Golf Club, who could easily be described as the friendliest guy at the friendliest golf course in northern Michigan, has been elected as the new chairman of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
Nine properties featuring 17 golf courses, along with 20 lodging partners work together to form the Gaylord Golf Mecca, one of the most popular summer golf destinations in the country.
Also elected to a leadership role as vice-chair was Doug Hoeh, Treetops Resort’s Director of Recreation. Hoeh, like Crowell, is an experienced leader and served as the president of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendent’s Association in 2023.
“I’m happy to do my part in a group that I’ve always felt is very effective,” Crowell says. “I plan to embrace the role and work with everybody to keep things going.”
Crowell is a PGA professional, a Ferris State University Professional Golf Management graduate and a Kalamazoo native, has worked in northern Michigan since 2004 and at Indian River for nine years.
When he came to Indian River, he was asked to increase public play at the public/private facility, and he quickly prompted the club to join Gaylord Golf Mecca’s marketing cooperative and the move has paid off handsomely.
“It only made sense,” said Crowell. “The Gaylord area has this amazing group of golf courses and is a great place for golf, so we needed to get the word out about us, and there’s still a need to let people know about us. Being part of a bigger group helps Indian River, a course with a limited marketing budget, be a part of a much larger marketing budget. It was a no-brainer.”
Crowell says over the years the willingness to work together, plus the commitment by all the members of Gaylord Golf Mecca is impressive.
“I like that we share ideas, that we package together, that we all want to be successful and that we see the best way to do this is to keep working together.”
As his career unfolded working in Chicago, West Palm Beach, and at several other stops in Michigan, while teaching in Florida in winter, Crowell has learned a few things.
“I think I can help. I understand golfers and what they want.”
He also feels like Indian River has become his home.
“The best part about this place is the membership. They are very successful, but they are really what I would call down-to-earth people, friendly people that make you feel welcome and at home.”
He looks forward to working as chair of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
“This winter, going to the golf shows, that’s what I do. I let people know about Indian River, about the Mecca and tell them they will enjoy the golf up here. It’s that simple. Getting the word out. Once they come, they love it.”
Click HERE to learn more about Indian River Golf Club and the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
