May 26, 2026 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - For 75 years, Garland Lodge & Golf Resort has welcomed golfers looking for a true Northern Michigan golf getaway. One year into his role as director of golf, Shane Riley said he now fully understands why so many visitors keep coming back. MORE
Apr 28, 2026 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - Rob Schrader, recently named the director of golf at Treetops Resort, proves you can come home again. Schrader, 55, started his full-circle golf career as a bag drop employee at Treetops in 1988 at the original Masterpiece course. MORE
Apr 14, 2026 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - Noah Kole is the new head golf professional/director of golf at Lakes of the North Golf Course, but he isn’t new to the Gaylord Golf Mecca. The 27-year-old Midland native moved with his family to Gaylord in his teens. MORE
Feb 18, 2026 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - Steve Zimmerla has worked in administrative positions for the United Auto Workers (UAW) for 30 years, and for 25 of those, he ventured north from the Detroit area for conferences, fun and golf with his family at what is now called the Black Lake Conference Center & Golf Club. It wasn’t on his Bingo card that one day he would become the general manager and be in charge of the center, as well as the award-winning Black Lake Golf Club that opened in 2000. MORE
Dec 04, 2025 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - Barry Owens, the GM of Treetops Resort, has been a leader in the golf industry for 39 years, and the Michigan Golf Course Association has named him the 2025 recipient of the Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented 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. MORE
Nov 13, 2025 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - Black Bear Golf Course increased its rounds played from 2024 to 2025 by over 5,000. It’s an amazing jump considering just 4,000 total rounds were played on the course the year before Olivia and Rob Smith took over ownership. MORE
Aug 12, 2025 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - In 2024, Black Bear Golf Course was voted the most improved course in the country by the GolfPass online audience. In 2025, the improvements are continuing under now second-year owners, Olivia and Rob Smith. MORE
Aug 23, 2024 / Val Wright
By Greg Johnson - Black Lake Golf Club in Onaway, one of the 16 premier golf courses in the Gaylord Golf Mecca, offers the best of everything. We could tell you all of the best stuff, but let’s start with a fabulous foursome of reasons to make it part of your next trip to the Mecca. MORE
