The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) announced their award winners for 2023 at their annual meeting.
“We are excited to honor award winners that have built legacies and exemplified the spirit of servant leadership in the Michigan golf industry,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA said. “These award winners have left an indelible mark, not just through their successful businesses but by selflessly supporting their peers and the growth of the industry. It promises to be an unforgettable evening, dedicated to those who have truly made a difference.”
Jeff Hoag, owner and general manager at Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center in Comstock Park, received the Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award. It is given to an individual or organization that over the span of a lifetime has provided steadfast leadership, outstanding service, and continuous commitment to the Michigan golf industry.
In 2023 Hoag celebrated his 50th year in the golf industry. Over the years he has expanded Scott Lake from an 18-hole facility to 33 holes of golf with a state-of-the-art practice facility. Hoag also has served the Michigan golf industry for 42 years as a member of the MGCA Board of Directors where he has served two terms as president and a total of 16 years on the executive committee. In addition, he has been a member of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) for 36 years, including a stint as president. He is currently serving as the national group’s treasurer.
“Known for his professionalism, business acumen and advocacy for the business of golf, Jeff is one of the most respected leaders in the national golf industry,” Paisley said. “He selflessly gives to others for the betterment of the golf industry and shares advice freely with anyone who approaches him. He has spent 50 years dedicating himself to the development and growth of Scott Lake Golf & Practice Center, his staff, and the community that surrounds the golf course.”
Carey Mitchelson, Director of Operations at College Fields Golf Club in Okemos, was awarded the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award. Mitchelson is also the Executive Director of the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, which promotes safe, healthy turf surfaces for all Michigan residents and was instrumental in helping to create a new MGCA program.
“Carey played a very important role with developing our competencies for the MGCA Registered Apprenticeship/Golf Course Maintenance Technician,” Paisley said. “Using his knowledge from his day-to-day role as general manager at College Fields to develop the job learning competencies was a key part in having our program recognized and registered by the U.S. Department of Labor.”
Kari Kahanec, from Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center in Plymouth, was the recipient of the John Dodge CARPE DIEM Award. Kahanec was honored for being a team member of a MGCA member course and demonstrated creativity and success as defined by the legacy of the late John Dodge. She received a grant from the MGCA Scott Family Educational Support Foundation.
Maple Hill Golf was named the recipient of the Dul Family Player Development Award. Maple Hill is honored as the MGCA member course that demonstrated creativity and success in growing the game by developing new golfers and new rounds by overcoming perceived barriers. Maple Hill will also receive a grant award from the Scott Family Educational Support Foundation to support continued golf programming for kids, women and beginners.
Also honored at the MGCA Awards Banquet, Sundance at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, was named the Michigan Golf Course of the Year.
Sundance, designed by Jerry Matthews, opened in 2005, is one of two courses at the main campus of A-Ga-Ming and sits atop glacier-carved bluffs between Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan. The MGCA Course of the Year Award honors a member course that meets four criteria: Unique characteristics of the course; exceptional quality of ownership and management; outstanding contribution to its community; significant contribution to the game.
