April 25, 2007

JACKSON, MI — It sounds like a cliché, but the world we live in this June is a risky place. To survive in this hostile environment, we must become very good at identifying and managing risk.

For everyday tasks, we don’t really think about risks on a conscious level. When we cross the border into Michigan, we must always check both ways plus the yardage card to manage the risk of the Grande Golf Club.

For 20 minutes each day, each participant will experience the 11th hole. A design most will perceive as out of the ordinary and very risky. Each member of the tournament field will mitigate risk or deal with the hefty consequences.

The 529-yard par-5 on the South Course epitomizes a “down South” feel. Your drive (tee boxes shown at bottom of photograph) must carry 177 yards over an intimidating expanse of marsh. The enormous fairway bunker beyond the wetlands is your risky reward. Golfers that miss the bunker and also miss the very large tree that rises menacingly between the marsh and the bunker (look closely) will have ample opportunities for the green in two shots.

"This is the Grande at its best," says Kyle Marti. Marti is 1 of 7 attendees with Grande experience. "As you arrive at the tee, the tree will be staring at you while saying, "Hit it over here." Yes. A tree will be taunting each golfer into the biggest sucker shot in Spackler history."

There is a more-than-generous bailout area to the right is approximately 54,000 square feet, however the conservative players will have no hope of clearing yet another marsh land, separating the first half of this angled fairway from the second.

"Grip it and rip it at the tree, and keep your fingers crossed," said Jason Watson after his practice round in 2005. "There is considerable risk, but laying up is almost certainly a bogey. This tournament is based on an aggressive Poststats Point System."

The green is elevated by approximately 20 feet and protected by large bunkers. The reverse heart shaped green can present massive putts exceeding 120 feet.

"There are 7 signature holes at the Grande," says Chairman Greg Long. "The 11th is a very special place to take a stroll down the fairway. The entire hole has been designed with a tremendous amount of thought."

"The bunkers are evil," said Chad Long after his practice round in July 2006. "They accounted for 70 percent of my swearing and 4 or 5 strokes towards my double-digit score. In defense of the Grande, it was Thunder Hill-type fun."

The 2007 Carl Spackler Open Championship begins in 42 days. Financially related options were completed on April 8. Balances are due in the mail tommorrow afternoon.