Harris Is GAM Club Services Representative Of The Year

GAM CLUB SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR: Bryan Harris of Forest Akers at Michigan State University

   FARMINGTON HILLS – Bryan Harris, the general manager at Michigan State University’s Forest Akers golf courses and practice facilities, embarked on his career as a graduate of Ferris State University’s Professional Golf Management program in 2007 with plans to teach the game.

  “Forest Akers took me in a different direction though,” he said. “I found I really enjoyed the challenge of running a golf operation, of figuring out creative ways to get things done and working with people who feel the same way.”

  Harris, 42, a PGA professional who has served Forest Akers for his entire professional career and became general manager in 2017, has been named the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) Club Services Representative of the Year. The GAM annually presents the award to a club representative who demonstrates outstanding service to golf in Michigan.

  “Bryan is a great ambassador of ours and for golf in Michigan,” said Ken Hartmann, senior director of competitions and USGA services for the GAM. “He gets it. He understands what we do and why, and he is always willing to help us out, host tournaments and sees the value in bringing GAM golfers to the campus, especially the junior golfers. He goes above and beyond.”

   Harris said he was shocked to learn of the GAM’s recognition of his work.

  “I never thought of myself in that way, doing something as an individual, and I really feel it is more an award for our facility and the people who work with me,” he said. “We have a great group here that I’ve worked with for a long time, and they all understand how we operate in a university structure. I credit the team. They do a lot of the heavy lifting. It is great to have people I trust around me to get the job done.”

  Working with the GAM and hosting tournaments, especially junior tournaments, fits perfectly with how MSU and Forest Akers operate, Harris said.

  “We believe in amateur golf and being a part of tournaments and events as a facility,” he said. “We try to be a steward for the university, a good representative of what the university wants to do in terms of student and staff success but also showcase MSU for future Spartans. Whether it’s the GAM Junior Invitational, or the GAM Junior Stroke Play, or any GAM championship, we want to show what a welcoming campus we have, how beautiful it is and expose young people to the opportunities here.”

    Harris grew up in nearby Charlotte, and one of his internships while at Ferris State was with Forest Akers.

  “I enjoyed that internship, worked on an off here while I finished school and then was offered an assistant pro job right away after school,” he said. “In May that will be 22 years ago. This is home. Since age three I think I knew golf would somehow be a part of my career.”

   Harris called Hartmann, other members of the GAM staff, rules officials and other volunteers, easy to work with and a source of great relationships.

    “Over time they have become friends, and I learned when we are needed and when to just let the GAM do its thing,” he said. “They do what they do really well.”

   Harris will be honored along with other award winners this spring at the GAM’s annual meeting of governors.