2017 Was a Year of Memorable Gaylord Golf Mecca Milestones
GAYLORD GOLF MECCA CELEBRATES 30 YEARS: The Gaylord Golf Mecca was started as a cooperative marketing effort for the incredible collection of golf in what is clearly the beating heart of Northern Michigan in 1997.
The Mecca marched onto the destination golf scene with classic courses, new modern masterpieces and more, and today stands 15 great golf courses and 11 wonderful lodging partners strong, awaiting you to just make the call or click. They will help you plan the greatest of golf trips.
Come visit Black Lake Golf Club, Gaylord Country Club, Indian River Golf Club, The Loon Golf Resort, Michaywe – The Pines, The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort, Otsego Club & Resort and Treetops Resort. Learn more at gaylordgolfmecca.com.
THE NATURAL AT BEAVER CREEK RESORT CELEBRATES 25 YEARS: The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort celebrated its 25th anniversary over the summer as the perfect example of the Northern Michigan lifestyle.
“We’re oriented toward the great golf during the day on a fun golf course, then at night sit outside a great cabin with a fire and relax kind of thing,” Kevin Henley, the general manager and superintendent at The Natural at Beaver Creek Resort, said. “It’s that Northern Michigan lifestyle people want to enjoy when they come here.”
The Steven Lamb family purchased the resort and golf course six years ago, and improvements and concentration on customer service have been the focus to fit the resort’s mantra of play all day, relax all night. Learn more at thenaturalgolfcourse.com.
INDIAN RIVER GOLF CLUB JOINS: Indian River Golf Club joined the Gaylord Golf Mecca this year, and more golfers enjoyed the classic golf course and friendly service.
“There has absolutely been an impact with the relationship to the Gaylord Golf Mecca,” General Manager Corey Crowell said. “Rounds are up and the feedback from golfers coming here for the first time through the Mecca has been fantastic. I have not heard one bad word about us.”
Indian River Golf Club was founded in 1923 and has aged divinely through the test of time. Learn more at indianrivergolfclub.com.
RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS AT TREETOPS: Renovations and improvements continue at Treetops Resort with the help of a $4.5 million USDA loan. The capital improvements made are bringing facilities in line with the extraordinary golf, recreational experiences and excellent service already established at the resort. Much has been completed, but work continues in both The Lodge and The Inn on the main campus of the property.
“The entire collection of lodging rooms will be fully renovated with flooring and furnishings, offering the finest elements for every guest to enjoy,” Barry Owens, the general manager, said. “Our rooms will be modern and up-to-date while still maintaining a casual relaxed feel. A palate of colors has been chosen that will appeal to golfers in the summer, but remain cozy in the winter, with a classic, professional feel for business travelers.”
AWARD WINNING YEAR FOR KEVIN MCKINLEY: Kevin McKinley, the director of golf and ski for Treetops Resort and president of the Gaylord Golf Mecca marketing group, received the National Patriot Award from the PGA of America in November.
The 43-year-old PGA professional, Gaylord resident and Muskegon native has spent the last 10 years helping to raise over $300,000 to donate to the Folds of Honor program through an annual National Patriot Day golf outing called the Patriot Day Shootout. In addition, while serving as the Michigan Section PGA Patriot Day Committee Chairman he has ushered an impressive 300 percent increase in donations statewide.
McKinley was also named the PGA’s 2017 Golf Professional of the Year, became the Michigan PGA Section’s president in October and was just this month honored with the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award from the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association. That award is given to an individual or company who has displayed distinguished service to the MGCOA and the golf industry.
-Greg Johnson
