Michigan Open says goodbye to Grand Traverse Resort

ACME – When Tom Gillis’ final putt fell in the hole on the 18th green of The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa June 12, it signaled an end of an era.

Gillis, a former PGA Tour pro from Lake Orion who has been playing on the Nationwide Tour, won this year’s Michigan Open, ending a run of 28 straight years the event has been held at Grand Traverse. Pros and their families will certainly miss the luxury of playing one of Michigan’s great courses and staying at one of its finest resorts, but without a title sponsor, the Open needs to move to survive. It will be played in 2009 and 2010 at the Orchard Lake Country Club, which last hosted the event in 1944.

"This move will certainly make it more convenient for a large number of Professionals and amateurs to participate,” Michigan PGA director Kevin Helm said.  "The Detroit area provides a greater number of players the opportunity to play more affordably and to be closer to home and work. These elements along with an outstanding golf course should really generate a lot of interest and excitement for the Michigan Open."