2022 Saginaw District Golf Tournament Set for June 24-25-26

Beginning back in 1955, The Saginaw District Golf Association’s annual Invitational Tournament has been held each year at different golf courses throughout Saginaw County for 68 years. With an intent & purpose centered upon the objective of identifying the very best amateur golfer in Saginaw County, this year the 2022 Saginaw District Golf Invitational Tournament will tee off on June 24, 25 and 26 at Apple Mountain Golf Course, which is located in Freeland.

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend this exciting and landmark event throughout the weekend to watch the most talented golfers in Saginaw County compete. Starting back in 2020, sponsor & tournament proceeds have also allowed the SDGA to make a donation to The First Tee of Eastern Michigan in order to help introduce youth to the game of golf and its inherent values.

“Our focus over the last few years has been to grow the game of golf in the area,” explains Trace Hendrick, SDGA Chairman. “Through our discounted entry fees and relationship with the First Tee, we’ve continued to increase the amount of young golfers in the Open Division field and this year we have a record nine players competing for our 21-Club Title.”

Since its inception back in 1955, the Saginaw District Golf Association's annual District Invitational Tournament evolved and grew over the decades thanks in large part to the vision of former Saginaw News Sports Editor Joe Hart, and the tireless effort and commitment of long-time SDGA Board of Directors Chairman and my late father Fred Martin Jr, who passed away on the 50th anniversary of the tournament back in 2004.

Following that initial tournament, thirty-three (34) different players have earned the distinction of District Champion. The District Championship is awarded to the winner of the Open Division, and receives the Joe Hart Trophy.  Bill Strong Sr. was the first in a long line of talented players to be crowned District Champion.

Ron Stelter is the dean of participants, having played in every District Tournament from its inception in 1955 through 2012. In the years from 1956 to 1979, Ron Stelter and Stan Murphy owned the District, accounting for wins in 15 of the 24 Tournaments. Ron's 10 victories likely will stand as a record for many years to come. Stan Murphy and Matt Pumford both have 5 Hart Trophies - tied for second on the list of multiple champions. Danny Hughes is third all-time with 4 victories.  Craig Barber has 3 followed by Mike Anderson, Tom Doozan, Terry Franz, Mike Humphrey, Nick Pumford and Walt Van Sickle as two time winners.

Played from 1994 through 2013, the Senior Division has seen 10 different champions. The Senior Championship trophy honors founding District chairman Fred Martin, Jr.  Dave Bewley, Mike Humphrey and Alan Pumford have each won three Senior titles.  Danny Hughes, Mike Skrocki and Mike Stelter have each won twice.

Last year’s winner of the Open Division was Mike Wenglikowski with the Senior Division trophy going to Alan Pumford and the honor of the Legends Division going to Steve Yockey. The champion of the Legends (over 50) Division is given the Ron Stelter Trophy which is named after 10-time champion Ron Stelter, a true gentleman and ambassador to the game of golf.   The first Legends Division champion was Roger Alverson.

Recognition is also given to the low scoring player 21 years of age and under, who is given the Mark Spiekerman Trophy. The 21 Club champion last year was Ashton DiBlasi. Spiekerman was a 1977 District Champion who was killed in an auto accident back in 1981.  This title pays homage to the former "21-Club" Tournament founded in 1962 that gave a competitive golf environment to 21 players each week under 21 years old.   Starting in 1982, the 21-Club awarded a scholarship in Mark's name to the player selected Sportsman of the Year.

Tee times and pairings as well as a link to live scoring can be found at www.saginawdistrictgolf.com.