2024 Michigan Golf Course Association Award Winners

2024 AWARD WINNERS: Michigan Golf Course Association Announces Honorees

  LANSING – Dave Kendall, an owner of Washtenaw Golf Club and founder of the Kendall Golf Academy at Miles of Golf in Ypsilanti, and Stewart Healey, owner and president of golf technology provider Handicomp Golf Information Systems in Jenison, headline the 2024 Award Winners announced today by the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA).

  The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA) and Indian River Golf Club are also among the winners who will be honored and celebrated at the Annual MGCA Awards Banquet on the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 3, during the 2024 Michigan Golf Business Conference and Vendor Fair at the Somerset Inn in Troy.

   “We are excited to honor award winners that have left an indelible mark and exemplified the spirit of servant leadership in the Michigan golf industry,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA said.

  Dave Kendall will be the recipient of the Matthews Lifetime Achievement Award. It is awarded to an individual or organization that over the span of a lifetime has provided steadfast leadership, outstanding service, and continuous commitment to the Michigan golf industry.

  Kendall is a highly decorated golf professional previously recognized by the Michigan PGA as Teacher of the Year, Golf Professional of the Year, and Senior Player of the Year. A two-time Michigan Senior Open Champion, Kendall has also been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame and the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.

  He has been listed among Golf Digest’s Top Teachers in Michigan since 2000, Kendall is one of the first 20 graduates of Ferris State’s Professional Golf Management Program and has received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the university.

  Stewart “Stu” Healey will be the recipient of the Lyle Leeke Distinguished Service Award. It is presented to individuals who have displayed distinguished service to the MGCA and the golf industry in the state of Michigan.

  Healey, the son of Handicomp founders Jim and Pat Healey, started working in the family golf technology business in 1985 and became president in 1993. He has led the development of the company from a landmark handicap services provider to a comprehensive offering of integrated and affordable cloud applications to serve social and competitive golf in golf communities of all types and sizes.

  He presented the MGCA with an idea over 15 years ago to grow member participation and golfer participation through a registration network and application for golf leagues. It has been developed with great success.

  The Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association will receive the Award of Merit.  The MiGCSA represents golf course superintendents across Michigan and originated from a consolidation of four regional organizations into a single, statewide chapter in 2008.

  Initially formed in Detroit in 1925, Michigan’s superintendent groups evolved over decades to support education and advancement within the profession to provide opportunities for their members through programs and services that enhance and promote the profession. During the 16 years since its inception , the MiGCSA has grown to become one of the premier chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents of America (GCSAA).

  Indian River Golf Club will receive the Dul Family Player Development Award. The Cheboygan County Junior Golf Academy, founded over 15 years ago, provides free golf instruction to local youth, thanks to fundraising efforts by the county and Indian River Golf Club members.

  Partnering with First Tee Northern Michigan, the program goes beyond teaching golf, incorporating valuable life skills, and expanding outreach to both northern and southern parts of the county.