I continue to enjoy my position as the Head Teaching Pro at University Park Country Club. It is such a beautiful place to work and for members to live and play. Recently, ABC Channel 7 chose UPCC’s #5 as one of Sarasota’s “Dream 18” holes. I joined two local media personalities in playing this picturesque par-3 from the new tee box on the upper tier, built in November 2011.  Click the video below if you’d like to watch it.

Val continues to live on the electronic “cutting edge”. She assists clients in solving their computer/electronics concerns and problems, and is really enjoying working on her website, the Golf Rangefinder Shop. We both love our iPhones, the iPad and DVR and it is fun helping our parents move further into the digital age as well.

A big honor for Val – she was inducted in November to the Quincy (IL) High School Sports Hall of Fame for golf.  “Back in the day”, she was the individual runner-up at the Illinois HS State Championship and had a decorated junior and amateur golf career, including being a quarter-finalist in the U.S. Women’s Amateur. Kudos, Val!

During the summer, I’m grateful for the opportunity to travel and compete. It was a treat playing in the Legends Tour events: In Reno, NV at Hidden Valley Country Club (thanks Patty Sheehan); In Jackson, MI at the Country Club of Jackson, the Wendy’s Charity Challenge (thanks Elaine Crosby); In Plymouth, MA, the BJ’s Pro-Am at Pinehills Country Club (thanks Ted Ellis & Gail Schaeffer for hosting me at your home club).

Additionally, I competed in two state Opens this summer. Thanks to Barb Inbody’s sister, Zibby Damm and Gary Milam for hosting us at their home club Stonehenge CC at Fairfield Glade during the Tennessee Women’s Open. The Michigan Women’s Open at Crystal Mountain is still one of our favorite events – a beautiful and peaceful venue.

It was an honor to be invited to play in the Inaugural Big 10 Athletic Director Challenge at Eagle Eye Golf Club near Michigan State. Our MSU team pulled out a victory on the 1^st extra hole, giving our Athletic Director, Mark Hollis, bragging rights for a year over Michigan’s AD, Dave Brandon. Being one of four Spartan Alumni to pair with Mark was a highlight of the summer!

We had a great year seeing family as well in Grand Rapids, MI and Quincy, IL. Watching nieces and nephews grow up, play sports and develop into young adults is a great joy to share.  We are so proud of all of them: Kate, Justine, Claire, Ben, Ally, Sean, Laurel, Jake, Emily & David. Click here for some family photos!

We love the excitement and challenge of playing new courses around the country, and this year got to enjoy Branson, Missouri. Not only did we play two great golf courses there, our hearts skipped a few beats as we experienced several zip lines, including the 170-foot, 50 mph, ½ mile ‘Vigilante’.  Enjoy the ride with me by clicking on the video below. Our love for fast rides and roller coasters was satisfied too at Disney World, Universal Studios and Michigan’s Adventure.

Other fun 2011 memories include a visit to Lake Winnepesaukee, NH to see Beth and Lori Salzman, a visit to Hogsmeade & Hogwarts at Universal Studios Orlando (Harry Potter fans should not miss this), and Thanksgiving on Siesta Key Beach.

We’re looking forward to the New Year’s Eve progressive dinner party and will be going to the Outback Bowl in Tampa on January 2^nd to cheer for MSU.

Thank you to all of you who enjoy this life with us, and make it even more FUN! May your New Year to come be one of Happiness and Good Health. We offer our gratitude for all we have and to all we love.

Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter

Sue: Facebook  — Twitter             Val: Facebook — Twitter

2011 Christmas Letter is a post from: SueErtl.com

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UPCC 9-Hole Club Champion is a post from: SueErtl.com

On the Road Again is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Rory’s Wheels came off!!! is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Detroit Tigers Coach + Sue is a post from: SueErtl.com

MSU vs. UCLA in Tampa Thursday is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Safe travels for all of you in the blizzards this week.

No Snow day here! is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Orlando Magic vs. Knicks is a post from: SueErtl.com

Windy in Sarasota is a post from: SueErtl.com

Happy Holidays to you all, and I thank you all for the fun memories during our travels, vacations, and competitions. Family, friends, beaches and food made this year stand out among others. In February, my nephew Ben came in for a weekend of golf practice prior to his senior year in HS; In May, I was honored to be inducted into the State of Michigan Golf Hall of Fame with UPCC members and family in attendance. In July at Crystal Mountain Resort, finishing 3rd out of 80 participants in the Michigan Women’s Open was satisfying, and so very close. Backing our wonderful Chrysler van into a steel mailbox was a sound and experience I hope to have NEVER again. Visiting Lake Winnepesaukee and having Maine lobster in Maine were terrific. In September, while competing on the Legends Tour, I was 4th out of the 22 on the Rees Jones course at Pinehills in Plymouth, MA; And in November, my Mom from Grand Rapids and my Aunt from Germantown, WI visited and we even went on the “Le Barge” boat tour of Sarasota Bay. Fun being with nieces and nephews – Dr. Kate, Justine, Claire, Allison, Ben and Sean and watching them grow into their own as young adults with their own friends and interests.

But thanks so much to the members and staff of University Park CC for allowing me to be a part of your every day – teaching, member relations, 9-hole association, and the general camaraderie of a close-knit group of inter-dependent folks. It is a pleasure to come each day and experience a different day, occasional first-time visitors, and mainly a group of fun, competitive, fair, kind people. We are all somehow bound together by the common bond of health, sports, fitness, and wonderful parties.

As we both say goodbye to so many wonderful friends, we also share in milestone birthdays and occasions. It is a good life, thanks for letting me share in yours.

Happy Holidays from Sue E. is a post from: SueErtl.com

Big Ten Network is a post from: SueErtl.com

On #17, Graeme gets up and down for bogey. He sensibly took the unplayable lie option leaving his ball between himself and the hole – made a 10 footer. Tie ballgame.

On #18, after Tiger stuffed it to 3 feet, Graeme makes a 20-footer to force Tiger to MAKE, AND force overtime. Tiger made his birdie, they play on.

On the first and only playoff hole #18, Graeme makes 30-footer on same left to right line as before – center cut. Tiger misses his 15 footer: McDowell earns the victory.

The PGA Graeme McDowell interview in his own words:
http://www.pgatour.com/2010/tournaments/r478/12/05/mcdowell/index.html

Graeme McDowell WINS is a post from: SueErtl.com

Shingle Creek Resort Orlando is a post from: SueErtl.com

http://m.golf.com/s/1350/ScoreCard?tourCode=r2010045&PID=01706&id=r

Davis Love II – Sunday at Disney is a post from: SueErtl.com

Mom: Carol Ertl in Sarasota is a post from: SueErtl.com

Wedding Celebration is a post from: SueErtl.com

UPCC Golf Professionals Ashley Hayden, Bill Tawney and I thank everyone who attended today’s session as well as the 13 in yesterday’s Men’s clinic for their participation and kind words. It was a great kickoff! Let’s all enjoy this fine sport and the company of such wonderful friends and neighbors!

Best wishes and good golf and fun to all!

Sue Ertl

“Welcome Back Clinics” is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Early Florida Voting is a post from: SueErtl.com

Biggest Golf Penalty!!! is a post from: SueErtl.com

Florence Henderson was a guest star at our Pro-am at Victoria National CC, and that day I happened to have made a hole-in-one on #11! My Tenth!

And at the Hy-Vee Classic in Des Moines, Kurt Warner was in attendance at the dinner party.

‘Dancing with the Stars’ is a post from: SueErtl.com

Best 2010 Golf Shot is a post from: SueErtl.com

Sarasota Dining Outside is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Best seatbelt ad from the UK! … is a post from: SueErtl.com

Today played 41 holes “birdie-… is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Truly enjoyed the Masters-hole… is a post from: SueErtl.com

Wow, congrats to the MSU Spart… is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Thanks to MSU Men’s & Women’s … is a post from: SueErtl.com

Congrats to MSU Men’s BBall! F… is a post from: SueErtl.com

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At DisneyWorld in Hollywood St… is a post from: SueErtl.com

The 4 inches of rain today sho… is a post from: SueErtl.com

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Val Brennan, LPGA Hall of Famer Amy Alcott, and Sue Ertl after the Solheim Cup opening ceremonies

Cristie Kerr and Paula Creamer after the 2009 Solheim Cup opening ceremonies

We had the chance to attend the opening ceremonies and the first day and a half of the 2009 Solheim Cup matches between the US LPGA players vs. the European Professionals at Rich Harvest Farms CC in Sugar Grove, IL. We sure saw tremendous golf on such a pristine venue – Jerry Rich’s private estate hosting 24 pros and team captains + 100,000 spectators! I hope you all enjoyed the singles matches on TV as we did also as the US won the Cup 16-12 matches.

It is a true reunion of old friends, and I did see Beth Daniel, Meg Mallon, Kelly Robbins, Karrie Webb, Pat Bradley, Joanne Carner, Kathy Whitworth, Val Skinner, and even chatted with Juli Inkster as she crossed the fairway in front of us in the middle of competing in her alternate shot event with Paula Creamer!

It  is a celebration of excellence in women’s golf in 2009 and it is true, Michelle Wie was a star! In singles on day 3, she was 4-under par after 3 holes, and hung on to win over a relentless Helen Alfredsson. Cristie Kerr holed out for eagle on #12 the first day, and Juli Inkster finished her last day of Solheim Cup competition with 3 straight birdies to get back in the match! And who could forget Paula Creamer’s and Brittany Lincicome’s LONG BOMB putts going in – these ladies sure ‘roll the rock’!

Thanks to the Rich family for hosting this prestigious event on your exclusive property, and also to the entire Solheim family for your support of golf and especially this week, women’s golf. It was a great show; grand appreciation to both teams for your total effort and great inspirational entertainment!

Solheim Cup 2009 is a post from: SueErtl.com

Sue and Carol Ertl with Bart Lower at Shadow Ridge CC, Ionia MI

Mom, Val and I went to Ionia to play the course I grew up on – The Ionia CC – now called Shadow Ridge CC. The Donald Ross designed 9-hole course is a treat to play, narrow in spots on the rolling terrain, and in great shape – I hope all in the area will get the chance to play this little jewel. I scored par of 35, and my birdies on #3 and # 5 were negated by the double on 8. It was a surprise to meet Bart Lower, the pro and general manager who many of you may know as one of the stars of The Golf Channel’s BIG BREAK II and IV. Like myself, Bart grew up in Ionia on this course, and after assisting the MSU Men’s Golf Team for a year, returns to Shadow Ridge with his wife Niki to put Shadow Ridge and its banquet facilities back on the map. Thanks Bart and Niki and good luck in the years to come. I truly went back in time with memories of my brother Jay and me playing hundreds of rounds on this course. It was great “Coming Home to Ionia”.

Ionia Golf – Meet Bart Lower is a post from: SueErtl.com

Connie Tuley, Sue, Val, and Dick Tuley at Walnut Hills Country Club, East Lansing, MI

Wednesday we commuted from Grand Rapids to East Lansing as guests of Dick and Connie Tuley, University Park CC members. I had worked at Walnut Hills for Bill Mory, who is the current Club Manager, and with whom we had a nice reunion. Bill’s son Chris is on MSU’s Men’s golf team.

Walnut Hills was in beautiful shape, and I had not played it since the bunkers had all been revamped  – deeper, long grassy edges, a true challenge for all. The greens have many undulations and it is important to be below the hole as usual. What a pleasure to make the drive, see the Tuleys, and Connie says we brought her good luck! She played great! Val’s highlight was consecutive birdies, I played very steadily, and Dick got up and down from tough spots on both #5 and #17.

They are on their way to Mackinaw Island with their grandchildren for the weekend – should be a fun trip! Thanks again for the good golf, lunch, on the most beautiful summer day in Michigan!

Golf with Tuleys at Walnut Hills CC in E. Lansing is a post from: SueErtl.com

We are staying one more night, and had time to ride the chairlift and view the Crystal Mountain property from a skiers point of view.

And before they teed off, I had a photo taken on the first tee with Byron Center’s Jacqueline DeBoer (GR South Christian HS) and Legends Tour Champion Cindy Rarick. (I played 1 hour later).

Sue, Jacqueline DeBoer, Cindy Rarick

Finally, had dinner with Nebraska native Jenny Hansen, in Michigan for the first time, and we enjoyed catching up on her summer pro events.

Sue, Jenny Hansen, Val Brennan outside of Kinlochen

Day 3 – Fired a 2-under 70 is a post from: SueErtl.com

Miff Griffin, Sue, Cindy-Travis-Ken McKee, Carol Ertl at the Crystal Coaster.

Waiting our turn to start the coaster

Cindy, Ken and Miff got skinned arms and knees this year, BOO, OUCH!!!

Sue rides the Crystal Coaster!

Coincidentally, at the base of the Coaster, Sue ran into former Spartan Carrie Wheeler and her daughter Juliana! Small world!

Day 2 – Better scoring, plus “Ride the Crystal Coaster” is a post from: SueErtl.com

Val, Jacqueline, Jacob, Terri DeBoer and Sue

Had the great opportunity to play at Railside CC with the DeBoer family in Byron Center today. Jacob is a sophomore at Calvin College, Jacqueline will be a senior at South Christian HS, and Terri is the WOOD-TV Storm Team 8 meteorologist you see on NBC early mornings here in Grand Rapids. We all had some highlights, and I look forward to seeing Jacqueline this next week during the Michigan Women’s Open at Crystal Mountain where we are both contestants. Thanks Terri for coming out to spectate on the back 9. Railside was in beautiful shape, and we enjoyed carrying our clubs and walking the hills!

Golf with the DeBoer family….. is a post from: SueErtl.com

Ally and Sean Wing with Aunt Sue

Had a great time with Ally and Sean on the ropes course at John Ball Park. You get harnessed up, and then are elevated 20 or 30 feet over the ground on beams and tightrope wires – a great addition to last year’s experience on John Ball Park’s  zip line!

Ropes Course at the John Ball Park Zoo…. is a post from: SueErtl.com

Ben Ertl

The ERTLS: Jay, Sue, Barb, and their son Ben

Getting a great opportunity to visit family in Grand Rapids and play golf with my brother Jay, his wife Barb, and my nephew Ben. Ben won his division in a 2-hole playoff I got to watch at Braeside GC; we played the next day at their beautiful club Watermark CC; this photo was taken at their sister club StoneWater CC; and I look forward to playing at Railside CC on Tuesday. Even got to watch nephew Sean at a weekend baseball tournament where they won all 4 games! Having fun too with Mom and my sister Karen, her husband Greg, and their daughter Ally. And a nice surprise as my sister Miffer and her husband Tom came over to Jay and Barb’s for a fun family night on the lake!

Enjoying the family in Michigan…. is a post from: SueErtl.com

Prior to leaving Florida, we decided to stop off in the Orlando area to visit SeaWorld and enjoy our annual passes. If you have not been there in awhile, the Shamu show, the Dolphin/aerial acrobatics show, and the Clyde and Seamore shows are just fun and funny. The grounds and aquariums are so beautiful, and if you still like wild rides, the Kraken and the new Manta are fast and furious. We were able to stop in and see the night version of “Shamu Rocks”, where you watch the whales perform to selected songs with great beats.

Heading on to Downtown Disney, we sure liked just walking in and having dinner at the bar area in the Rain Forest Cafe – no wait time for this area! Wandering over to the Art of Disney, we purchased some Disney prints from artist David Doss, and found he was there on site from NC for a few days signing prints! We had met him about 5 years ago when he was starting with Disney, he was at the Flower and Garden show at Epcot, so it was a nice reunion of sorts. We made our final stop in Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge to look around and do a little shopping in their gift shop.

The next day we played golf at the Celebration Golf Club, a challenging Robert Trent Jones/ RTJ Jr. course. It is a great track and nice practice as we begin our trek to middle Tennessee for the TN Women’s Open.

Congrats to Eun Hee Ji for winning the U.S. Women’s Open. We followed it online in the car using live scoring, and we got the chance to see the 20 foot putt for par watching “Golf Channel” later on replay.

Happy birthday this week to Miff Griffin, Ben Ertl, Jeanne Weber, and Cath Dubault!

On the Road Again… is a post from: SueErtl.com