Lakes of the North’s New Golf Pro Has Gaylord Golf Mecca Background
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. His first job in golf was at Michaywe’ Pines Course, which, like Lakes of the North, is part of the Gaylord Golf Mecca.
He was 14 when he started working the summer golf season, which he continued for the next six summers at Michaywe’ Pines Course as he made his way through school at St. Mary’s and then Central Michigan University.
He hasn’t ventured far from the Mecca. His most recent job was just south at Forest Dunes in Roscommon. He worked there for six years and was the first assistant professional when the opportunity to be a head professional, even closer to Gaylord, entered his radar.
“I’ve gained experience and I’m excited to use what I’ve learned at Lakes of the North,” he said.
He has hit the ground running while waiting for winter to clear out of the way. “Fingers crossed, we open May 1, but right now there’s still some snow on the ground,” he said.
While winter has lingered, Kole hasn’t. He has been putting his stamp on the golf shop with new merchandise, some new vendor partners, and innovative ideas to engage members and visiting golfers who annually make Lakes of the North part of their Gaylord Golf Mecca pilgrimage.
“I’m making some good changes,” he said. “When I took the job, in talking with the people here, they don’t want an overhaul. They have some established leagues, and they love playing in them. They have been super welcoming, and the course has had success, and we certainly want to add to that.”
Kole, recently engaged and planning to marry Mia Copes of Traverse City in November, said there will be a focus on making a visit to Lakes of the North a memorable golf experience.
“I’m not saying that hasn’t been the case, but in the service industry, I always feel you can do a better job letting the people know you want them to be here and you want them to have an enjoyable time, as well as come back. My goal is to have us make it memorable beyond just the memory of the great golf course they played.”
As for the golf, he said he envisions an operation similar to Michaywe’ Pines Course, where he grew up golfing.
“I learned a lot working for Judy (Mason) at Michaywe’ and learned a lot certainly at Forest Dunes,” he said. “This is a terrific opportunity to practice those things. My background is to provide the best for our golfers and the people that call Lakes of the North home. It’s not about changing things but doing more things to make that happen.”
Like many people who experience Lakes of the North Golf Course, he appreciates the conditioning and the variety of golf holes the course presents. The 18-hole layout is a combination of nine holes designed by the late Jerry Matthews and an original nine by Bill Newcomb.
“It’s a fun and challenging golf course,” he said. “It’s hard to beat that combination. And it’s summer golf in Northern Michigan. There is nothing better.”
