Gordon LaFontaine, a Houghton Lake Golf Course owner and former executive director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, received the W. Bruce Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award, and Bernie Friedrich, vice-president of golf and resort sales for Boyne Resorts, received the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award given by the Michigan Golf Course Association.
LaFontaine, who owns Pine View Highlands Golf Course and retired last year after 37 years with the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), called the MTF the best of its kind in the world.
“I’m a guy who was able to do what I love to do, and I’m proud I was able to be of service to you,” he said.
Friedrich is a PGA professional who has worked for 43 years with Boyne. 
“I’m fortunate to work with an organization that not only lets us go out and work with organizations and associations like this in the community, but encourages us to do that,” he said. “That means a lot to us. Our golf staff and agronomy staff have a passion for our business and our mission. Without them I couldn’t do anything.”
Boyne President Steven Kircher, the son of Boyne founder Everett Kircher, also accepted the previously announced Golf Course of the Year Award that went to The Heather course at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs. More details at: https://michigangolfjournal.com/the-heather-named-2018-michigan-golf-course-of-the-year-2/
Folds of Honor creator, Major Dan Rooney, who is also an owner of Grand Haven Golf Club, was honored with the Award of Merit.
Joe Charles of Treetops Resort and Kelly Plaisier of Thousand Oaks Golf Club were winners of the 2018 Dul Family Player Development Leadership Award. Mark Runchey, the director of golf at Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth, was honored with the 2018 John Dodge Carpe Diem Award.
