Memories from host Bill Hobson
Two decades come and gone. How well do you remember 1999?
We had never heard of a smartphone or social media. Digital magazines like this one weren’t even a gleam in the publisher’s eye, and the world of golf was still trying to figure out how good the new kid named Tiger was going to be.
Fast forward to 2019 and an “on demand” culture where the drive thru order needs to be completed in under a minute and we tend to view events and milestones in rather myopic context. Everything takes place in hyper speed and our appreciation for history and key turning points has been watered down under the mindset of “what have you done for me lately?”
So when I sit back and reflect on the just-completed 20th Anniversary season of Michigan Golf Live, I’m blown away by the blessings, partnerships, key people, and memories that all worked together to bring us to a place no one saw coming when we first teed up the radio show on Saturday, April 3, 1999.
Beginnings:
The original MGL Radio Network consisted of five stations scattered around the state. The combined reach of those stations was roughly equivalent to yelling out the kitchen window, but it was a blessing to have the support of station managers who believed in what we were trying to do – launch a unique forum for celebrating the game in one of America’s strongest golf regions. The other huge blessing was the partnership with the Buick Open as our original title sponsor. Without them taking a chance on a show that didn’t yet exist, MGL may never have left the clubhouse.
Today, MGL Radio is stronger than ever. Our affiliate network of 12 stations brings the show into every major market in the state, Saturday mornings, May through April.
MGL-TV Time:
As a young boy (back when I had hair), my father asked me to “star” in TV commercials for his auto dealerships. Make no mistake, these commercials were NOT good, but they did introduce me to the world of storytelling via visual medium.
In 2005, MGL-TV made its debut on small regional cable outlets. The groundwork was being laid to travel the world and showcase great destinations. Our original Director of Production, Gregg Hall, has been shooting, editing (heavily!), and producing MGL-TV since day one. Without a doubt, Gregg is the MVP of everything you see on MGL-TV, if for no other reason than he has to watch and edit my swing week after week after week.
When we made the leap from tiny cable outlets to the “big leagues” of Fox Sports Detroit, the entire world of MGL changed. The visibility of the show and our featured destination partners has helped open doors to places I once only dreamed of visiting.
Making the Turn:
We’re not done yet…not even close. Our new digital outlet – Fore Golfers Network – continues to gain in popularity and has allowed us to take the TV show into neighboring states. The 20-year milestone also reminds me that without a gracious family and dedicated audience, MGL wouldn’t have made it past year one. Thank you for being such a vital part of our two decades of fun!
Top 5 MGL Moments the First 20 Years:
5) Walking inside the ropes with Tiger at Warwick Hills as he wins the final Buick Open in 2009
4) Running into Barry Sanders at a fitness center and having him tell me he never misses MGL-TV
3) Covering the 2016 Ryder Cup Matches at Hazeltine with my son
2) “Standing to Honor” fallen hero Brock Bucklin at the 2019 Treetops Patriot Shootout
1) Being invited into Butler Cabin with my son at the 2016 Masters
