The Annual Michigan Golf Open is a social event where retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers and service providers all came together to have a little competitive fun. A day on the course includes breakfast, lunch, 18 holes of golf and product samples all over the course! Sponsorship opportunities are available.
If you are interested in the 2023 event, please contact Kelli Petty at (800) 666-6233 or kpetty@miramw.org.
More golfers hit the green at the MIRA’s annual golf outing at Fox Hills Golf and Banquet Center than they have in the last two years. “We had 280 golfers this year,” said Andrea Hesano, MIRA’s Event Coordinator. “It was one of our largest turnouts in recent years especially since the COVID-19 pandemic started.”
The main difference this year was hosting lunch inside the Fox Hill banquet room instead of on the turn because of the heat. “It worked out well,” said Hesano. “Lunch was delicious and well organized. The golfers were able to take a break, use the restrooms and cool down. Golfers love this course and Fox Hills is so accommodating,” said Hesano.
This year’s outing also attracted more sponsors than in previous years. “Our sponsors and golfers love the golf course. They love the Golden Fox course here at Fox Hills. Those people able to play on that particular course depends on the sponsorship level.”
Audi of Farmington Hills donated a car for their hole-in-one winner. Two golfers came close, but no one shot an actual hole-in-one. “Doug Saroki was instrumental in getting that donation including a monetary donation,” said Hesano.
Fay Shamoun, off premise manager for the Heaven Hill brand, enjoys the golf outing every year. “We are a liquor company, and our company caters around stores and retailers,” she said. “We do a lot of outings, and they are great but this one surrounds around the industry. There are more store owners, gas stations, and co stores Our customers. I enjoy golfing.”
DTE also sponsors many outings throughout the golf season. “This is a premier golf outing,” said Sharon Lutz, DTE Public Affairs “We have people from marketing, public affairs, and guests golfing in this outing. We bought 21 foursomes. I don’t have to work to sell people on the outing. I just say the MIRA golf outing, and everyone jumps to attend. The prizes, gifts, the holes sponsors make this outing top notch. We sponsor several outings, and this is one other favorite.”
Along with the raffle items, MIRA hosted a 50/50 raffle and gave out prizes for golfers who played well. “It wasn’t as easy as it was in the past to get the raffle items because of COVID-19 but we still got prizes worth winning and some were donated.”
Benchmark Beverages sponsored 12 holes this year. “We have a longstanding relationship with MIRA, and they support our customers – the retailers,” said Ila Konja with Benchmark Beverages. “We want people to try our products, and this is a great opportunity to have them do just that, so we sponsored 12 holes”
Many of the golfers offered their insight on this outing.
“Love this golf outing,” said Mark Seman from Seman’s Painting who was golfing in the Running Right Foursome with Ron Garmo. “It’s exceptional outing. You have something at every hole. There is vodka, whiskey, a ton of different liquor items. The course is beautiful, well-maintained and in great shape.”
“Each hole is hosted by someone different. It’s great,” said Andrew Perlin, controller with Running Right Heating, Cooling and Electrical.
“I brought my son this year and he loved it. MIRA does a great join with this golf outing. It is a great course. I love Fox Hills. This is one of the best outings and one of my favorite outings. We do a lot of the outings, and this is one of my favorites,” said Frank Ayar with Walters Shopping Plaza.
Frist time MIRA Golf Outing golfer, Christian Ayar, is now hooked on the outing. “I love to golf, and I am glad my dad brought me to this outing. I love Fox Hills. It’s a great course. This is one of the best golf outings I have ever been to, and I golf a few each year.”
Some suppliers golfed with their customers. “I totally enjoy it all the time. MIRA does it a phenomenal job with the prizes and holes,” said Dave Orlando, Prairie Farms Dairy Regional Sales Manager, who golfed with Frank Ayar. “This outing is so welcoming. We have sponsored for years and I have known many of these customers for years, including Frank. We have had a relationship for years with MIRA and we want to keep it going.”
Suppliers use the opportunity to connect with their customers. “The MIRA outing brings everyone together,” said Bobby Hesano from D&B Grocers Wholesale and Distributors. “A lot of the companies you do business with you don’t get to talk to them like you do here at an outing. It is a relaxed and enjoyable setting. We are busy at work, and we don’t’ get to talk to people in the industry on a regular basis in a relaxed setting.”
MIRA graciously thanks all of the amazing sponsors and donors!