MACOMB – Keeping
the ball out of the Clinton River that winds through Burning Tree Golf &
Country Club’s course is the key for the field in the 7th GAM Net Match Play
Championship presented through Wednesday by Michigan Golf Live.
The tree-lined
classic private club design of Lou Powers, which was established in 1958, plays
much harder than it’s yardage of 6,140 yards indicates. The Clinton River’s
presence is part of the challenge on several holes, including No. 18, which
features a dramatic setting on a peninsula green.
The Golf Course
Superintendent is Dale Bauer, who keeps the white sand bunkers and the course
in meticulous shape. Jeff Racher is the golf professional. The clubhouse was
updated in 2008 and the practice facilities have recently been revamped and
expanded. Learn more at burningtreegolf.com.
The field of male golfers
with a handicap of 20.4 or lower will compete. A Monday morning round of 18
holes of stroke play will determine the 32 low net scorers who move on to match
play in the afternoon. A round of 16 and 8 will be played Tuesday and
semifinals and finals are on Wednesday.
Four past champions
return including 2017 champion Jack McHale of Macomb, 2015 champion David
McTear of Redford, 2014 champion Mike Hayes of White Lake and 2013 champion
Michael Piazza of Allen Park. Defending champion Tom Hollandsworth of Chelsea
is not in the field, but last year’s runner-up Rich Dalimonte of Orchard Lake
is back to try again. Hollandsworth beat Dalimonte 3 and 2 in the final match
at year ago at Polo Fields Golf & Country Club in Ann Arbor.
-Greg Johnson [email protected]
