Michigan Amateur visits The Moors

PORTAGE – Members at The Moors, a private club keen on golf, are thrilled to play the hosts of the 97th Michigan Amateur June 17-21. The Moors has hosted two Michigan Junior Amateurs, and a U.S. Open and Michigan Open qualifier but never Michigan’s most prestigious amateur event. It is the first time the event has been held in the Kalamazoo area as well (it was held at neighboring Battle Creek Country Club in 2000). Golf Association of Michigan officials hope the community turns out en masse to support the tournament. The course’s finishing holes are expected to be wonderful for match play. Avoiding imposing water hazards at No. 17 and No. 18 will help determine who conquers the Arthur Hills course for the championship. 

The defending champion, recent Michigan State University grad Ryan Brehm of Mount Pleasant, will not return to defend his crown. Brehm, a two-time Big Ten champion, told the audience at media day in May that he couldn’t commit to playing in the tournament, and then turned pro for this week’s Michigan Open. A handful of former champions – fellow MSU teammate Steve Cuzzort, two-time champ Randy Lewis of Alma and Greg Davies will be ones to watch. The event features two days of stroke play to decide the match-play portion of the field. Match play continues until Saturday’s final. For directions to the club to avoid construction delays, visit www.gam.org.