Youth on Course American Dunes Experience
By Janina Parrott Jacobs
Four junior golfers from GAM’s Youth on Course (YoC) program were randomly selected to visit Grand Haven’s American Dunes Golf Club last month, discovering exactly how privileged they are to play golf and enjoy the freedoms living in America can provide.
“Everything seems surreal. Playing American Dunes exemplifies my pride of being an American,” said Olivia Ohmer, a multi-award-winning golfer and scholar and Adrian College sophomore. “My Grandpa GG was a POW while in the Navy during WWII and one of few men on his ship to survive. I grew up with him encouraging me in everything I did. No matter what I’m dealing with on or off the course, it’s nothing compared to what he endured. It’s crazy to think I’m about the same age he was when this happened."
Sailor Somerville, a graduate of Lansing Catholic High School, was grateful to share the time with her dad and grandpa. “The day was even better than I expected...listening to Taps while eating lunch was special, or throwing a nickel on the grass after hole 17. This is not normally associated with golf and I’m blessed to have experienced this.”
The ‘nickel-in-the-grass’ is a tradition unique to military pilots as a final salute to fallen comrades. The YoC players, each allowed two invited guests, were overwhelmed by the entire experience, combining the stunning renovation with unapologetic patriotism. To ensure everyone understood its true meaning, the group entered American Dunes through the Folds of Honor Memorial, a walkway framed by walls bearing plaques of heroes who paid the ultimate price.
“I don’t think anyone could have a dry eye walking through the Memorial Pathway,” said Todd Ohmer, Olivia’s father. “Our family includes many war veterans.”
This occasion was the inspiration of GAM Foundation Director Laura Bavaird, who wanted information about those benefitting from YoC. Getting survey responses is nigh-impossible, unless you dangle something like complimentary golf at one of the most high-profile Jack Nicklaus designs in the country.
“The survey took ten minutes to complete,” said Somerville. “I’ve been filling out scholarship applications incessantly, so why not?”
For these YoC members, including another, Preston Fogel, the course was breathtaking.
“It surprised me, with the dunes and nice greens,” said Grand Ledge High School senior and 2-year YoC member Nolan Browning. “More importantly, in meeting Laura, I’ve gained a golf mentor. She was very kind and knowledgeable.”
Ohmer rated it 10 out of 10. "It’s a challenging, modern-styled course that benefits a strategic game…..and is unlike courses on the east side of Michigan.”
The teenagers truly appreciate opportunities YoC provides and have become Ambassadors of sorts. Somerville, a 5-year member, stated “I couldn’t have played 30-40 rounds this year but for YoC’s $5 greens fees. I brought the idea to Golf Coach Kim Johnson. He implemented a mandatory ‘join’ for golf team members and encouraged their families to play.”
Ohmer and her older sister signed up immediately.
“We thought it was so cool to have cards with our names on it, like we were LPGA members,” she said. “I had to explain to pro shops, but they were accepting…. it was probably unusual to see two little girls with big bags of clubs wanting to play."
These young people learned that golf isn’t simply playing the game but also about embracing a spirit of camaraderie. Enter the League of Friends, a group of avid golfers who live off the 9th fairway and provided gifts, refreshments and encouragement for everyone.
“They had no idea who I was and still treated me with great hospitality,” said Browning. “Even better than the gift bags were the memories I’ll have of them cheering us on.”
