why cutting trees at grand haven gold course

by Prof. Bettye Stroman DVM 7 min read

Who owns American Dunes?

Dan Rooney
Dan Rooney founded Folds of Honor in 2007, the same year that the tree-lined Grand Haven Golf Club hosted the first Patriot Golf Days. American Dunes is Rooney's vision, brought to life by Nicklaus and his team, which waived its $3 million design fee.May 3, 2021

How much does it cost to play American Dunes?

That's why I experienced sticker shock when I found out what it's going to cost to play American Dunes Golf Club, a new course in Grand Haven that will have a grand opening May 2 after two years of construction. The full summer rate for 18 holes: $150.Apr 23, 2021

Why are there trees on a golf course?

These trees provide the golfer with the added benefit of being able to identify whether a hole plays to the right or left, as well as a target zone, especially when a grouping or massing of trees is implemented.

Why do golf courses remove trees?

The removal of stunted stems and those of poor form will concentrate future growth on better, more attractive trees, particularly around tees and greens where tree removal will allow better light penetration, and air circulation and improve the quality of the grass sward.

Do golf courses make money?

Profitable golf courses are generally selling for six to eight times EBITDA, while courses that aren't profitable tend to sell at 0.8 to 1.4 times revenue.Dec 21, 2021

What is Patriot golf Day?

Patriot Golf Day began as a grassroots fundraising initiative over Labor Day Weekend in 2007, with golfers nationwide encouraged to add an extra dollar to their green fees to fund Folds of Honor scholarships.

What kind of trees are on golf courses?

Beauty for the Course
  • 1- Accolade™ Elm. The Accolade™ Elm Tree (Ulmus japonica x wilsoniana 'Morton') is hardy, exhibits a graceful, upright vase-shape, with a fast growth rate. ...
  • 2- Capital Pear. ...
  • 3- Armstrong Gold Maple. ...
  • 4- Red Oak. ...
  • 5- Bosnian Pine.
Jul 7, 2020

Features - Cover Story

Soaring on the wings of promise, a ‘crazy idea’ transforms a longtime Michigan golf landscape into American Dunes.

Groundwork

Located in Grand Haven, Michigan, the site of American Dunes has been a golf property since 1965. Originally, it was The Grand Haven Golf Club, designed by Bruce Matthews Jr., and recognized for years as one of America’s finest public courses. In 2006, the Rooney family became owners and operators.

All systems go

With 18 people, the maintenance team is fully staffed for the summer. That includes VerDuin, two assistants, an equipment manager, four full-time and five part-time seasonal workers, and five full-time summer workers. An internship program is expected to launch in 2022.

Serving and honoring

The only clubhouse entrance and exit is through the Folds of Honor Memorial, a commanding open-air tunnel. Nestled securely in the ground are bronze boot prints of soldiers who have been killed in action.

Patriot Golf Days

What is America’s largest nationwide golf fundraiser all about? Beginning as a grassroots initiative in 2007, Patriot Golf Days started raising money for Folds of Honor. In 2020, the PGA became a partner and these special events also started contributing to PGA HOPE to amplify the opportunity to help military families and veterans through the game.

Where is the cross in Michigan?

A cross sits between Nos. 17 and 18 at American Dunes in Grand Haven , Michigan. Players are urged to leave nickels in the grass at the cross, a long tradition of pilots at the gravesites of fallen soldiers. (Jason Lusk/Golfweek)

What is Folds of Honor?

It was all to benefit the Folds of Honor, a charitable organization Rooney founded in 2007 to benefit the children of killed and injured U.S. military soldiers. Folds of Honor has since awarded academic scholarships to more than 29,000 children. Forget the trees, the renovation, the golf altogether for a minute, Rooney would tell you.

Where are the American dunes?

American Dunes. On the eastern shores of Lake Michigan is the historic Grand Haven. Golf Club which was transformed into a national treasure. Sculpted through. the deep sands. Inspired by a passion for America. Built to honor.

Who is Dan Rooney?

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney. PGA professional. F-16 pilot with three tours of duty in Iraq. Husband to one, father to five girls. And the founder of The Folds of Honor Foundation.

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