RIP Carl E. Rose, owner of Carl’s Golfland

RIP Carl E. Rose, owner of Carl’s Golfland

Carl E. Rose, owner of the nationally known Carl’s Golfland retail store and practice facilities passed away January 11 at the age of 65.

I never met Carl, but did interview him over the phone earlier this month for an article I was writing for Carl’s Golfland’s annual magazine. He could not have been more gracious and helpful.

Carl E. Rose’s father, Carl F. Rose, was the founder of Carl’s Golfland, which began as a driving range in 1959 and expanded into to large locations – a 43,000 square foot Bloomfield Hills flagship and the second location at St. John’s in Plymouth.

Under his leadership, Carl’s Golfland was a major supporter of amateur golf in Michigan, sponsoring tournaments and the Golf Association of Michigan. Carls also started a First Club for Kids initiative to help young golfers get their first clubs.

In a statement released on their website, GAM Executive Director Chris Whitten said:

“The partnership between the GAM and Carl’s Golfland has been especially meaningful for what we do. You could tell Carl loved the game and made it a mission to support amateur golfers.”

Rose’s obituary, from the McCabe Funeral Home in Farmington Hills, follows:

Carl Rose

August 19, 1958 – January 11, 2024

Carl Edward Rose, age 65, passed away on January 11, 2024. He was born on August 19, 1958, to Carl and Donna Rose. Carl is survived by his wife Tiffany Rose and their two children Ella and Jake. He is also survived by his sister Barbara Rose and her wife Valerie Vernon, his brother-in-law Mark Kjolhede, father-in-law Howard Gustafson (Tammy) and his many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Carl was preceded in death by his father, Carl F. Rose, mother Donna Rose, and sisters Christine Rose and Paula Rose.

Carl was an accepting, devoted husband and a proud father. He never missed a game or a recital, and was always available to go skiing, surfing or throw a football. It was important to him to make time for family.

Carl had two families, his home family and his Golfland family. They were of equal importance to him as he was committed to providing the security and means for both families to grow and succeed. Carl was gracious to no end.

Beginning at an early age, Carl went to work with his dad. He would pick up balls and drive the tractor, which in later years led him to his love of driving snowmobiles, dirt bikes and fast cars. He dabbled with selling dirt bikes in his early 20’s, and shortly after, planted himself in what would be his life’s passion at Carl’s Golfland. He became determined to grow the business and did so very successfully. He expanded the company by adding another retail location and creating a very successful online presence. Carl attributed the success of these ventures to the people he had behind him and the entire Golfland team. His success as a businessman was based on principles modeled by his father; generosity, integrity and strong work ethic to name a few.

Carl worked hard and played hard. He had a love for people and life. He loved to snowmobile, car race, ski, boat and, yeah, he played a little golf. Carl also enjoyed building bonfires and hosting friends and family at his peaceful northern Michigan home.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial gathering for Carl on Friday, January 19th,  from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. A celebration of Carl’s life will be held Sunday, January 21st at 12:00 p.m., at St. John’s Resort, 44045 Five Mile Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Carl’s name can be directed to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital – University of Michigan Health, to aid in pediatric cancer treatment and research, or the Bloomfield Township Fire Department Charities and Police Department Benevolent Fund.