Fore Golfers Network Podcast

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 544 - From the U.P. to the PGA TOUR: Hunter Eichhorn's Incredible Journey

From the U.P. to the PGA TOUR: Hunter Eichhorn's Incredible Journey

What are the odds that a kid from a tiny town in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, who learned to play golf on a nine-hole course with his grandfather, would grow up to earn a PGA TOUR card?

For Hunter Eichhorn of Carney, Michigan, that seemingly impossible dream has become reality!

In this special edition of the Michigan Golf Live/Fore Golfers Podcast, host Bill Hobson welcomes one of the most remarkable success stories in Michigan golf history. Hunter Eichhorn has officially earned his PGA TOUR card for the 2027 season, completing an extraordinary journey from the quiet fairways of the Upper Peninsula to the biggest stage in professional golf.

And his story is about much more than birdies, bogeys, and tournament results.

From a Town of Fewer Than 200 to Golf's Biggest Stage

Hunter grew up in Carney, a tiny Upper Peninsula community near the Wisconsin border. His golfing education didn't begin at a prestigious country club or elite junior golf academy. Instead, it started at Wild Pines Golf Course, a humble nine-hole layout in nearby Hermanville, where he spent countless hours playing alongside his grandfather, Steve.

Those rounds helped develop Hunter's competitive instincts, creativity, and love for the game. He even developed his own golf swing, learning through experimentation and experience rather than relying on traditional instruction.

At Carney-Nadeau High School, where his graduating class numbered just 17 students, Hunter accomplished something no Michigan boys golfer had ever done: winning four consecutive individual high school state golf championships.

A Record-Breaking College Career

Despite growing up far from the traditional hotbeds of competitive junior golf, Hunter attracted the attention of Marquette University, where he became one of the greatest players in school history.

His accomplishments included:

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Three BIG EAST Player of the Year awards

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Six collegiate tournament victories

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Four All-BIG EAST First Team selections

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A school-record 61 at the 2022 Puerto Rico Classic

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A career scoring average of 71.38, another Marquette record

But even with that impressive résumé, the road to professional golf's highest level was anything but guaranteed.

The Breakthrough: A PGA TOUR Card for 2027

After working his way through professional golf's demanding developmental system, Hunter earned full-time Korn Ferry Tour status for 2026 through PGA TOUR Q-School.

He made the most of that opportunity.

With nine top-10 finishes, including a runner-up performance at the Visit Knoxville Open, Eichhorn established himself among the Korn Ferry Tour's most consistent competitors. His outstanding season earned him a coveted PGA TOUR card for 2027, making him the first Marquette University golfer to achieve PGA TOUR membership.

For a young man from the U.P., it's an extraordinary accomplishment.

A Michigan Golf Story Worth Celebrating

In this special conversation, we celebrate Hunter's unlikely journey, the people and places that helped shape his career, and the determination required to pursue a dream that once seemed almost impossibly distant.

It's a story of small-town roots, family influence, perseverance, and big-time achievement.

Whether you're a lifelong golfer, a proud Yooper, or simply someone who loves seeing hard work rewarded, this is a Michigan golf story you won't want to miss.

Subscribe to the Michigan Golf Live/Fore Golfers Podcast for more conversations with the people, personalities, and destinations that make golf such a special game.

Visit https://mgltv.com/ for more Michigan golf stories, course features, equipment reviews, and episodes of Michigan Golf Live.

Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 543 - Special Guest Paul Albanese On Golf Course Architecture

For those golfers fascinated by the process of designing and constructing a course, this conversation will be fascinating as we visit with global golf course designer Paul Albanese.

Paul's journey to becoming one of the leading course architects is a fascinating story in itself, as is his latest creation - the new Cedar Course at Island Resort near Escanaba, MI.

Picking up the game of golf at age 5, Paul Albanese was a single digit handicapper by the time he was 13 and was fascinated by the great courses he was exposed to in Northern New Jersey, such as Somerset Hills, Baltusrol and Plainfield CC. Paul was recruited by Cornell University to play on the golf team, and he was captain of the team his senior year.

Paul received a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University's engineering college, where he specified his studies in environmental and agricultural engineering. His golf team experience at Cornell allowed him to see many classic courses on the East Coast, including the famed Bethpage Black course, where the Ivy Leagues Championships are played every year. After Cornell, Paul went on to Harvard University where he received a Masters in Landscape Architecture. During his tenure at Harvard, he crafted his design curriculum to focus specifically on golf course architecture. P

aul also received a prestigious Penny White grant for travel to Scotland to study classic precedents in golf architecture, as well as how the golf landscapes of Scotland function as vital components to its society. Paul is also the Director of Golf Course Architecture at the Edinburgh College of Art in Scotland, which is one of the only Masters level golf course architecture education programs in the world.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 542 - Presidents Cup Preview with Garrett Johnston

Amidst the launch of football across America, the Presidents Cup slides onto the radar as the US vs International match provides some very intriguing storylines at Medinah. Special Guest Garrett Johnston joins us to look at the teams and what possible route the International players could find to break a 10-match winning streak for the United States.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 541 - The Future of Shanty Creek Resort in Northern Michigan

We're visiting with one of the primary new owners of Shanty Creek Resort to hear of their plans, vision, and massive investment coming to refresh and re-energize one of northern Michigan's most popular year round golf, ski, and vacation destinations. If you've wondered about the future of Shanty Creek, listen in for the answer to your questions!

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio August 15th edition featuring our 27th season finale with a broadcast from the Gaylord Golf Mecca.

We're joined by a multitude of guests from various Gaylord Golf Mecca courses, as well as conversations about the latest from ShotScope and Golf Forever - and all of it wrapped around multiple contests for free golf and gear as we close out the 27th season of MGL Radio with a ton of fun. Listen in for your chance to win!

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio Aug 8th edition featuring Lakes of Taylor and Taylor Meadows near Detroit.

We're exploring one of the top municipal golf courses in the state - Lakes of Taylor and celebrating their recent course renovations and updates. You'll learn the story of this Arthur Hills championship layout and its sister course, Taylor Medaows.

You'll also have a chance to win free golf so listen for contest details!

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 538 - Bob Harig On Pro Golf's Confusing New World

We're joined by veteran golf writer Bob Harig to talk through the new world order of men's professional golf. From the proposed "split levels" of the PGA Tour to the demise of LIV Golf and its impact on the professional ecosystem, we're diving into the murky world of giant novelty checks, TV contracts and more.

Follow Bob Harig's work HERE

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio Aug 1 edition from the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club.

The PGA Tour is in Detroit for the Rocket Classic at Detroit Golf Club and we've got you covered with key interviews, inside the ropes access, and lots of fun fan features as we celebrate the grand finale of the tournament. Here's hoping the PGA Tour will return to DGC down the road. Until then, enjoy this special edition of MGL Radio at the final edition of the Rocket Classic!

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 536 - In The Golf Channel Booth With Arron Oberholser

With the PGA Tour's Rocket Classic being in Detroit, it gave us the ideal opportunity to sit down with Golf Channel Lead Analyst Arron Oberholser to talk Tour, the renovated Detroit Golf Club course, the future of the Tour, and even a little football. You'll love the thoughtful insights from one of the game's most thoughtful analysts!

This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 25th edition featuring the Michigan Women's Amateur Championship at Oakland University.

The Golf Association of Michigan conducts official USGA Championships throughout the season and we're excited to broadcast - for the first time - from the Women's Amateur Championship being contested at Oakland University. You'll hear from the players in the Final 4, GAM officials, and reps from Oakland University all talking about this special venue and the importance of the tournament.

We'll also give you a chance to win tickets to the Rocket Classic, so listen in for contest details!

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 18th edition featuring Mount Pleasant Golf & Fun

We're in the heart of Michigan for a fun edition of the radio show featuring Buck's Run, PohlCat, The Pines and numerous other special guests to help tell the story of the heart of the state as a top golf destination.

You'll also have a chance to win a pair of Scheyden Sunglasses, so listen in for your chance to win!

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 11th edition featuring Michigan's "THUMBCOAST" and the golf, life and fun waiting everyone who visits the region. We visit with guests from key golf courses, attractions, and the Thumbcoast team.

We're also giving away a Thumbcoast Stay & Play package with an on-air contest so listen in for entry details!

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio July 4th edition featuring Crystal Mountain Resort for the Michigan Women's Open

We're broadcasting from one of the nation's best family destinations for golf and so much more, Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, MI. Listen in for the story of this amazing resort, coverage of the Michigan Women's Open and a special America 250 contest!

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio June 27 edition featuring the Epson Tour's Island Resort Championship near Escanaba, MI

The Epson Tour is wrapping up a 3-week journey through Michigan, culminating with the Island Resort Championship and the awarding of the "Pure Michigan Cup" on Sunday. On this week's MGL Radio show, you'll hear from players, officials, and the driving force behind this great event - Tony Mancilla, GM of Island Resort.

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio June 20 edition featuring the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, from the Blythefield Country Club just outside Grand Rapids, MI.

This edition of MGL Radio is packed with guests from Meijer, the LPGA, Golf Channel, Players and more!

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 528 - From Tragedy To Triumph - The Charlevoix Boys Golf Team

One year after a devastating accident, we visit live with the Charlevoix Boys Golf Team and celebrate their stunning story and state championship.

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio June 13 edition featuring the LPGA Dow Championship at Midland Country Club.

The Dow Championship is the LPGA's only team event and the ladies, fans, and community have embraced this event with tremendous support and enthusiasm. This edition of MGL Radio is packed with guests from Dow, players (Lexi and more!), fans, and a special contest where you can win your choice of shoes from Footjoy.

Listen for contest details and our special coverage of the Dow Championship!

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 526 - Mark Wilson - Golf Rules & Incredible Stories from A Veteran Rules Official

Mark Wilson, Player Development Director, served over two years as the Interim Program Director in the PGA Golf Management Program at Ferris State University. Mark, a PGA Master Professional, spent 31 years as the Head Golf Professional at Watermark Country Club in Grand Rapids.

He continues to be actively involved in PGA Education and Rules of Golf Activities. He has been a member of the PGA of America's Rules of Golf Committee since 1990. In this capacity, he has served as a Rules Official at 30 PGA Championships, 22 Masters Tournaments, 7 British Opens, 7 United States Opens and 11 Ryder Cup Matches. He served as Chair of the PGA Rules Committee from 2005 – 2010 and during that period was the Rules Chair for six PGA Championships. He was the Chief Referee at the 2008 and 2016 Ryder Cup Matches. Mark has been involved in Rules education as well. He served as a consulting member of the United States Golf Association's Rules of Golf Committee from 2005 – 2011 and was appointed to the same position again in 2019 where he continues his service. In this capacity, he contributes proposed language for new and revised Rules of Golf and Interpretations on the Rules of Golf. He has been an instructor at 46 National PGA/USGA Rules of Golf Workshops. Since 1992, Mark has also conducted annual Rules of Golf programs for the students in the PGA Golf Management Program at Ferris State. He is the featured instructor in "Understanding the Rules in Game Situations," part of the PGA Golf Instruction Video Series, a 4-part video series produced for the PGA by TN Marketing, a division of Turner Sports. The PGA of America honored Mark in 2008 as the recipient of the National Horton Smith Award for contributions to the PGA Education Program. In 2007 he was elected to the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame, in 2008 the Grand Rapids, MI Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2011 became one of twelve original inductees to the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame. As Player Development Director, his primary responsibility is to work with PGA Golf Management students who have not passed the PGA's required Playing Ability Test. Students are encouraged to take this 36 hole test prior to starting their academic program at Ferris. Those who do not pass before the start of their first semester are automatically enrolled for a mid-September test. Students who are not successful following this attempt are assisted by the Player Development Program. These weekly instructional programs are conducted in small groups and focus on all aspects of the game, including the full swing, short game, and course management. When the weather permits, these sessions are conducted at Ferris State's Katke Golf Course. During the winter months, classes meet in the Ken Janke, Sr. Golf Learning Center on campus. The Center features four full swing hitting bays and a putting green. Students are also assisted by computerized Trackman swing analysis technology. Mark delivers PGA Golf Management specific content in classes that cover Golf Facility Management and Teaching and Coaching, in the three Levels of PGA education. During the Fall Semester, he also teaches a class in Private Club Management for the Ferris State Hospitality Program. Mark also serves as an advisor to the PGAGM Student Association. This student group conducts tournaments and educational activities for PGA Golf Management students and is also involved in various community service and charitable activities.

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Welcome to the Fore Golfers Network/Michigan Golf Live Podcast Ep 525 - Why Is 2026 The End Of The ROCKET CLASSIC?

A surprising announcement came from the Rocket Classic team early in the week of June 8th, informing everyone that the 2026 edition of the tournament would be the last. This, following a massive course renovation at Detroit Golf Club that was intended to keep the course "Tour ready" for years to come.

So what happened?

We're joined by the reporter who broke the story - Tony Paul of The Detroit News - to dig into the behind the scenes story.

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This is the Michigan Golf Live Radio JUNE 6 edition featuring Experience Grand Rapids Golf

We're showcasing golf, life, and fun around Grand Rapids, Michigan with special features highlighting Pilgrim's Run, The Mines, Thornapple Pointe, and an interview with prolific course architect Mike DeVries.

You'll also have a chance to win 6 rounds of golf as part of a stellar grand prize package, so listen closely for entry details!

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