Indian River’s Corey Crowell Appointed New Chair of Gaylord Golf Mecca
By Greg Johnson –
Indian River Golf Club’s General Manager, Corey Crowell, who could easily be described as the friendliest guy at the friendliest golf course in the north, has been elected by his local peers as the new chair of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
Crowell follows J.T. Aude of Gaylord Golf Club in leading the group that includes nine properties featuring 17 golf courses. Along with 20 lodging partners, they all work together in cooperative marketing for America’s favorite summer golf destination.
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. He was 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 who has worked in northern Michigan since 2004, and at Indian River for the last 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 the Mecca marketing cooperative.
“It only makes sense,” he says. “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’s really a no-brainer.”
Crowell says over the years the willingness to work together, and the commitment by the members to be America’s favorite summer golf destination, 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,” he says.
As his career unfolded working in Chicago, West Palm Beach, and at several stops in Michigan while teaching in Florida in winter, Crowell has learned a few things.
“I think I can help,” he says. “I understand golfers and what they want.”
He also feels like Indian River is home.
“The best part about this place is the membership,” he said. “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.”
And, he tries to return the favor and says he will do the same working as chair of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
“This winter, going to the golf shows, that’s what I do,” he says. “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.”
