In 1982, a group of local businessmen were gathered around a coffee table discussing the challenges of playing golf. The biggest issue, it seemed, was the distance required to travel to reach a course. Someone spoke up and said, “Let’s build a golf course in Au Gres.” That simple suggestion sparked a shared vision, and we decided to take action.

The first step was to contact someone with expertise in golf course development. A letter was sent to the National Golf Foundation outlining our idea and asking for guidance. In response, we received a list of approximately eight golf course architects. After reviewing the list, we selected the firm of William Newcomb & Associates from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

We invited Mr. Newcomb to Au Gres to discuss the project. He advised that the first step would be to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether the area could support a golf course. We then began the process of raising the funds necessary to complete the study. After reviewing the results, Mr. Newcomb concluded that the project was viable.

The search for the right area started, and three different locations were evaluated, all of which we felt could serve the purpose. Ultimately, we selected the site where the course now stands. Upon closer examination, we discovered that we would need to work with seven different property owners to acquire enough land. Securing the necessary agreements proved to be a monumental task, taking over a year and a half to complete.

At the same time, we worked to raise the seed money needed to get the project started. This was no easy task, but the following individuals stepped forward in support: Harry & Delphine Bader, Dick & Lois Bowden, Grant Fox, Joe Kelly, John & Margaret Knight, Otis & Nancy McKinley, Harold Schutte, Fred Schutte, and Joe & Shirley Walker. Their contributions provided the foundation we needed, and we remain deeply grateful to those stockholders who supported us during this critical time.

Through these efforts, we raised an additional $150,000, which allowed us to complete the grow-in phase and construct a small clubhouse that served us during our early years. At the same time, we recognized that it was essential to expand beyond a 9-hole course. Work began on the second nine, which officially opened in August of 1990.

With 18 holes in operation, a small fleet of golf carts, and a modest clubhouse offering lunches and snacks, the course began to generate revenue. The next step was to obtain a liquor license to complete the “country club atmosphere.” This proved to be another challenge, requiring nearly two years of persistence with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and outreach to every possible contact. Eventually, with some outside assistance, we secured the license.

By this point, we had an 18-hole golf course, a clubhouse, a liquor license, and even a maintenance building — significant milestones that marked how far we had come.

By 1996, operations were running smoothly and the course showed a profit. With this success, we decided to invest further by building a larger clubhouse. We engaged an architect and began planning a facility that balanced our needs with our budget. The original design called for 14,000 square feet, but we refined the plan to approximately 7,000 square feet, with a design that complemented the course.

Construction began, and in the spring of 1998, we moved into our new clubhouse — a milestone that marked a new chapter for the course.

This was the birth of “The Breeze.”