Text: Greg Johnson

Paul Galligan, director of grounds at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, has spent the last 37 years at the northern destination cleaning the teeth of The Bear and keeping watch over The Wolverine and Spruce Run courses. Earlier this month, he was also announced as the 2019 Golf Association of Michigan Superintendent Award of Merit winner. 

The Michigan Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, or MiGCSA, Class A member will be presented the award during the Golf Association of Michigan, or GAM, Annual Meeting on April 22, 2019 at the Detroit Golf Club on Hamilton Road in Detroit, Michigan.

The award is presented to those who have demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and good character through their work in golf course management, maintenance, and care. Each year, golf course superintendents of at least 30-years-old and been a superintendent in the state for at least five years, are nominated for the award of merit.

Galiigan joins a roster of other dedicated professionals such as Ted Woehrle, Clem Wolfrom, Fritz McMullen, John Fulling, Jay Eccleton, Steve Cook, Jeff Holmes, and Phil Owen as previous recipients of this award.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa features the Jack Nicklaus-designed The Bear, The Wolverine by Gary Player and Spruce Run by William Newcomb, and a year-round Golf Academy with special events and programs for golfers of all ages. Galligan joined Grand Traverse Resort in the early 1980s and has now become a familiar affair as his son Jamie now serves as the superintendent of The Bear, while his daughter Jessica is the manager of the Cub House daycare center.