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August 21, 2005Golfers keep spending the greenResorts, hotels see an upswing for most partByRecord-Eagle staff writer GAYLORD - The smell of freshly cut grass and morning moisture hang in the air against the scenic wilderness backdrop of northern Michigan. It's an attractive temptation for thousands of golfers who travel each summer to the Gaylord area - marketed as the Midwest's golf mecca - almost a pilgrimage destination for some club-swingers. But it's the dollars visitors leave behind that determine whether the local economy charges with gusto into the fall and winter tourism seasons. Last year, consistently rainy weather kept many golfers off the two dozen courses in the area, and trapped them in their hotel rooms. Patty Dobrzelewski, manager of the Red Roof Inn in Gaylord, said dozens of greens times booked through their golf package promotions had to be rain-checked last year. "But we had a lot come back to use it this year," she said. The hotel sold more rooms to golfers this year than last, she said, with peaks and valleys through the season. Golf businesses faced bigger challenges in 2005: the sluggish economy and soaring transportation costs. Revenues at many golf courses and businesses are on par with last year's figures, some with modest increases. Keith Gornick, owner of The Otsego Club and Resort in Gaylord, formerly known as Hidden Valley, said his business revenues have remained soft over the last several years, especially since the economy slumped in 2001. "Entertainment dollars are the last spent, every time," Gornick said. "People are watching their money a bit more, but hey, welcome to the world." Hot and sunny weather early this summer meant business was ready to swell, and sometimes did, but often without a surge in out-of-town guests, Gornick said. Local golfers showed up in better numbers, but fewer tourists made the drive up north. He said guests from other areas, however, do continue to provide the bulk of his business. Kenneth Schram, a golfer from Gaylord, said he plays many area courses, most often at The Otsego Club. The weather cooperated with golfers this year, he said, from the first tee of his favorite course. "It's golfing season. That's always good," he said. Jack Clark, golf director at Black Bear Golf Club in Vanderbilt, said they saw a big boost in business this year, 25 percent over last season. The club lured enough local folks to make up about half of the customers, Clark said, with lower than average green fees and discounts for northern Michigan residents. "We're not necessarily seeing people pinching pennies," he said. Nearly $18 million in revenues were seen last year at Gaylord golf businesses, a 1.7-percent decrease from the $18.3 million seen in 2003. About $17.7 million was collected in 2002 and this year's figures will be compiled in early November. More than 1,000 people were employed in the Gaylord area last year by businesses directly linked to golf, which collectively sold 342,830 rounds of play, according to local tourism bureau statistics. In the Traverse City area, the Grand Traverse Resort saw a nearly eight-percent hike over 2004 in rounds sold so far this year, said golf director Tom McGee. Revenues from green fees are also up by three percent, he said. Rod Taylor and his family own Golf USA, a supplies store in Gaylord. He said last week's announcement of PGA Champion Phil Mickelson's investment at Treetops Resort in Gaylord will benefit every golf course and affiliated business in the region. "That will do nothing but give us another shot in the arm," Taylor said, adding that his business revenues have grown since opening in 2003. Scott Head, golf director at Treetops, said projections call for a five percent hike in revenues this year. He also agreed that Mickelson's affiliation with Treetops would positively affect local golf businesses. "He's the most popular guy in golf and perhaps all of sports," Head said. "There's a lot of electricity around it."
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