EVENT RECAP:
44th Annual Michigan Golf open – Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Hitting the Green in the Year of COVID-19
There were about half the golfers than in previous years hitting the green this year for MIRA’s 44th Annual Michigan Golf Open. “So many sponsors did not allow their employees to play this year because of COVID-19,” said Ed Weglarz, MIRA President and CEO. “The participation is less than previous years, because so many companies are not allowing employees to participate in any event or meeting with more than 4 to 5 people.”
COVID-19 altered how the event was coordinated by both MIRA staff and by Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center. The dinner was also set up differently, because of social distancing measures. There was a tent set up to accommodate 100 people and some 50 more people on the balcony. Instead of a buffet line where participants are able to plate their own dishes, Fox Hills staff members served the food.
“As we drive around the course, all the golfers are saying how happy they are with the event and they are enjoying the day,” said Ricky Wines, MIRA event coordinator. She was commenting on the day, while the golfers were finishing their 18 holes. “The feedback has all been positive. We fed them breakfast, lunch and dinner.”
The pivoting of how they played this year didn’t stop golfers from enjoying the day. “It was a fantastic day,” said Ron Garmo with Running Right Heating and Cooling. “We golfed well; we were five under. Despite what is happening because of COVID-19, it was great to get out and golf.”
Ron’s brother Mark had an all-time best day on the course. “I have been told that my handicap is golf but today it wasn’t,” said Mark Garmo with Outdoor Accents. “I golfed the best I have ever golfed.”
COVID-19 resulted in some minor inconveniences like wearing a mask inside the banquet hall. “The plastic barrier in the golf cart was a little uncomfortable but we dealt with it,” Mark said “It is what it is, you adjust.”
Golf is just one of the few things people are enjoying, while they wait for things to get back to normal. “Golf is fun. MIRA staff knows how to put on a great event and I love this one,” said David Orlando from Prairie Farms. “I think everyone is waiting for 2020 to be over. People really needed this outing, to see our friends and to have some normalcy. MIRA always does a great job and they did an extra great job under these circumstances.”
With COVID-19 causing so many restrictions, golfers were just happy to get outside. “The weather was great,” said Tony Franchi from Lipari Foods. “Golf is still one of the few things we can do.”
“I just wished I golfed better,” joked Thom Lipari, President of Lipari Foods.
“I was telling Ed that just having the event regardless of what it looks like is a win in this climate,” said Auday Arabo, President and CEO of Benchmark Beverage Company. “It is smaller than normal but people are here. I think 2021 will be better. It is a great day to golf and instead of giving people hugs, we are giving them fist bumps.”
