Countdown To The 100th Michigan Amateur

The opening round of the 100th Michigan Amateur is only 32 days away! Qualifying rounds are underway and the championship field will be ready to tee off at Boyne Resorts - The Heather course in the oldest amateur tournament in Michigan. The historic tournament runs from June 21-25 and combines stroke and match play.
Seasoned veterans and young golfers have both seen success at the Michigan Amateur over the years. Nothing illustrates that better in this year's championship field than Mike Fedewa (Canton) and his son Steve (Howell). They were co-medalists at the May 12 Pheasant Run qualifier after each logging rounds of 71 for the day.

"We don't get to play together a lot but when we do, we are head-to-head," said Steve. "We are out for each other, but it is a good matchup. I have a lot of friends in the tournament and I've met a lot of the seniors my dad plays with and the caliber of players we have in Michigan of all ages is just amazing. "

The Fedewas were co-medalists in 2010 at the same Pheasant Run qualifier. Last year Mike was beating Steve by one stroke as Steve teed off on 18. Mike was waiting for his son at the green and pointed out that he would need to sink a 35-foot putt to tie the score.

"I made the putt," said Steve. "This year it was reversed. I was leading by a stroke and standing at the green waiting for my dad to finish. He needed to make a 15-foot putt to tie the score and he did it. It was kind of a cool scenario."

Both Fedewas excel at the short game but still manage to hit the ball well off the tee. Steve feels like he might have the edge on the greens right now but says his dad might have the better drive.

"Both of our short games are really good and we get up and down pretty well," said Steve. "He still hits the ball just as far as I do which at 62 years old is pretty impressive. Last year we were hoping to see each other in the finals and it is the same again this year. It would be pretty special if that were to happen."

Both made it to match play last year with Mike getting ousted in the first round by Tom Werkmeister and Steve losing to Eric Lilleboe in the third round. Both hope to fare better this year.

"We are ecstatic that we are at it again," said Steve. "It really is just to spend the time together, share a room together and play a practice round together. The fact that it is the 100th Michigan Amateur makes it even more special."

Results from the Michigan Amateur qualifiers are posted on the GAM web site at www.gam.org.

This year's historic tournament will kick off June 20 with CBS commentator and former PGA Tour player Gary McCord conducting a clinic and appearing as the keynote speaker at the Champions Dinner that evening. To celebrate this prestigious event, Boyne is offering a round of golf at The Heather (cart included), overnight lodging and a limited edition souvenir from the event for $100