By Greg Johnson

The Big Rapids-based university schedules event for state-of-the-art golf learning center and Michigan Hall of Fame.

Ferris State University, an academic institution known for its leading PGA Golf Management program, is holding a groundbreaking event for the Ken Janke Sr. Golf Learning Center on Saturday, April 28.

As part of Ferris State University’s Comprehensive Campaign, the University is in the final stages of seeking $3.5 million for the center, which will provide a state-of -the-art functional indoor facility for year-round golf instruction and practice, serve the Ferris PGA Golf Management program, and house the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.

Invitations will go out soon for the groundbreaking to mark the start of construction on the site adjacent to the current Katke Golf Course facility at Ferris State University.

The Michigan Golf Foundation, a nonprofit corporation that administers the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, partnered with Ferris State’s PGA Golf Management Program in 2013 when the new facility was proposed.

The Hall of Fame was in the midst of an effort to find a permanent location to display its collection of plaques, portraits, and memorabilia commemorating its members; a roster that includes notables such as Walter Hagen, Chuck Kocsis, Dave and Mike Hill, Dan Pohl, Meg Mallon, and Kelly Robbins.

The late Ken Janke Sr. started the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame in 1982. In 2017 The Ferris Foundation announced a $500,000 gift from Ken Janke Jr. and his wife, Kim. It put the fundraising effort passed the $3 million mark. Ken Janke Sr. was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2008. He was known as the “father of major golf charity events” for establishing the Walter Hagen events for the American Cancer Society among others.

The Ken Janke Sr. Golf Learning Center also received funding from a number of other alumni and friends of the university.