BLOOMFIELD HILLS – Classic
Forest Lake Country Club, founded 92 years ago, will welcome the top senior
golfers Tuesday through Friday for the 10th GAM Senior Match Play Championship
presented by Sullivan Golf Travel.
Randy Lewis of Alma,
a two-time champion, is returning to defend his title and is part of 110
golfers ages 55-to-65 competing. Another 47 golfers are playing in the
65-and-over Super Senior division where Mark Christensen of Flint, also a
two-time winner, returns to defend.
Forest Lake,
founded in 1926 by industrialist Edwin S. George, was created on 125 scenic
acres by architect William Diddel, and the current layout is considered a
redesign by renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills.
Small,
well-protected greens and naturally contoured fairways stretch over 6,225 yards
with a course rating of 71.4 and a slope rating of 127.
A newly renovated
clubhouse overlooking Forest Lake includes extensive meeting and banquet
facilities, staffed locker rooms, a pro shop for golf and tennis, a fitness
center, swimming pool, tennis courts, volleyball court and a children’s
playground.
Dominick Izzo is the
head golf professional, Ryan Moore is the superintendent and Taras Strychar is
the general manager. Learn more about the club at www.flcc.us.
The field will play
one round of stroke play qualifying on Tuesday to determine the low 32 seniors who
will go to match play starting Wednesday to determine the champion. The low 16
Super Seniors from qualifying will play for that title. Quarterfinal and
semifinal rounds are on Thursday and the final matches are scheduled for Friday
morning.
In addition to
Lewis, the winner last year and in 2014, returning former champions include
Steve Maddalena of Jackson (2016), Mitch Wilson of Portage (2015), Mike Raymond
of Jackson (2013), Ray Emsley of Davisburg (2012) and Bill Zylstra of Dearborn
Heights (2009, 2010). Past Super Senior champions George Dillon (2016, 2013),
Michael Phillips (2014) and Claud Johnston (2011, 2010) are also in the field.
– Greg Johnson [email protected]
