A field of 168 will aim to become the 100th Michigan Amateur Champion
BOYNE HIGHLANDS -- The state's best amateur golfers are "up north" this week in Harbor Springs for a special, historic tournament, dubbed the most prominent tournament in Michigan.
Players qualified for this week’s tournament at Boyne Highlands, hoping to get their names etched on the coveted Staghorn Cup.
"The “Heather Course” is in excellent shape as the best of the best Michigan amateur golfers are here to face off in the 100th Michigan Amateur Championship.
A Scottish bagpipe and some of Michigan’s greatest golfers in history teed up to kick off the oldest, and most prestigious, golf tournament in the state.
"The amateur is the most prominent tournament we have in the state and obviously to be able to host the 100th is a huge honor for the resort, for Michigan," explained Steve Kircher, the President of Boyne Resorts Eastern Operations.
168 golfers will compete this week. The first winner was crowned in 1906 and after a few years missed during war-time, this year's winner will be number 100. Glenn Johnson is a five-time Michigan Amateur Champion.
"Coming back here to this great golf course, I think is fantastic," said Johnson.
He's not in this year's field, but 168 golfers will shoot for low scores Tuesday and Wednesday trying to make it to the 64-man pool Thursday. Then, match play begins, and the winners will move on. The best in the state will be named Saturday. Joey Garber, a Michigan Wolverine college golfer, a Petoskey native, and the winner of last year's amateur, will look to win it back-to-back.
“You realize how good everyone out here is, and how good you have to play to make it just to match play, and even farther than that," said Garber.
He has home-course advantage this year, but must face the likes of 13-year-old phenom Brandon Barrows, 2009 winner Tom Werkmeister, and an entire field of scratch golfers.
“I'm just looking forward to going out there, playing some good golf, and enjoying myself," said Garber.
“Whether you're a college student or in your mid-50's, it brings together people that love the game and for the game, and enjoy it like millions do in the United States," said Kircher.
The winners won't get rich, they do it for the love of the game, and to have their name etched with some of the state's greatest golfers.
To learn more about the Golf Association of Michigan, CLICK HERE.
To see the latest amateur leaderboard, CLICK HERE.
