Discover the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament, one of the largest amateur golf events in the U.S., held annually at Detroit Country Club in Minnesota. Learn why over 500 golfers rush to sign up in March for this August tournament, including divisions like Championship, Mid-Am, Senior, Super Senior, and Legends (75+).
Explore the tournament’s rich history dating back to 1931, featuring legends like Tom Lehman, Tom Hoge, and Erik Van Rooyen. Get insights into the challenging course setup with lightning-fast greens (11 on the stimpmeter) and brutal roughs designed by superintendent Zachary Foltz. Hear from club pro Tom Dolby, a PGA Championship veteran, on why Detroit Country Club’s 6,100-yard course remains a test of skill and creativity.
Meet 2024 champions like Josh Galvin (Championship) and Fargo’s Josh Persons, returning after 20 years. See how the tournament impacts the local economy, with over $1M in August sales at Detroit Lakes’ businesses. Perfect for golf fans, players, and anyone curious about amateur sports traditions!
On the first Wednesday of March, an exhilarating frenzy takes shape at 9:00 a.m. each year for golf enthusiasts. On this particular day, round 500 passionate golfers race to their computers to secure their spot in the highly anticipated Pine to Palm tournament, which is scheduled for August. Tournament chairman Vern Schnatterst notes this excitement, explaining, “There are many eager individuals waiting at their computers, ready to register. For these players, participating in the tournament holds immense significance, and they want to ensure they make the cut. Within the span of just three hours, a majority of the divisions fill up quickly. While Schneatterst acknowledges that this rapid registration can cause a bit of anxiety for some, he also appreciates the efficiency of handling signups in this manner, allowing everyone to register in a single event. This year’s competition will feature approximately 510 golfers ranging from aspiring champions to participants in the legends division, which caters to golfers aged 75 and older. Kicking off on a Monday at the beautiful Detroit Country Club, the event promises to create quite a buzz along the picturesque shores of Lakes Melissa and Sally once more. Schnathworst proudly states, “It’s among the largest amateur tournaments held in the United States. The tournament’s evolution has seen significant changes over the years, particularly in the registration process. Former chairman Jim Brulot was instrumental in implementing online signups, moving away from the old-fashioned way of registering. Schnathhorst recalls how Brulot would frequently visit the post office to collect paper registrations, handle phone inquiries, and accept payments through various channels, including PayPal. The transition to online registration has certainly streamlined the process and made it much more userfriendly. However, not every hopeful golfer gets the chance to compete. As of last week, there were still around 15 individuals hoping to qualify for the championship flight and an additional 30 players on the waiting list. Preparations underway. As early as May, efforts ramp up for the Pineto Palm tournament. Schnathst leads a committed team of about 150 volunteers who tackle various responsibilities from assisting at the registration desk to ball spotting throughout the course. According to professional club golfer Tom Dolby, the tournament attracts nearly 2,000 fans and participants to the golf course each year, leading to a significant anticipation for increased sales at Brassy’s Bar Grill. It’s projected that sales could double compared to a regular week. The city’s municipal liquor store also experiences a surge in activity thanks to the Pineto Palm tournament coinciding with the Wii Fest music festival the following week. Last August, the store reported impressive sales exceeding $1.046 million, while July frequently maintains its title as the busiest month, achieving around $1.3 million in sales the previous year. Tournament format. The tournament incorporates qualifying stroke play rounds that lead into a matchplay format, further adding to the excitement of the competition. 2024 Pineto Palm Champions Championship Josh Galvin Midam Adam Gronus Senior AJ Graph Super Senior Mike Herszog Leland Peterson The Detroit Country Club isn’t the longest course measuring just over 6,100 yards. It has made a name for itself in the realm of amateur golf since its inception in 1931. Dolby, who is in his third year at the club, comments, “This tournament has truly helped elevate our profile and place us on the map among golf circles. Having participated in a number of PGA championships, including making the cut once in 1994 when the legendary Arnold Palmer competed, Dolby understands the nuances of golf and tournament prep. He reflects on the unique nature of the course, stating, “Unlike many courses, this one has not had to lengthen over the years. Rather, it tests players through the complexity of its greens. The tournament has been graced by numerous notable players over the years, such as Jack Rule, Tom Layman, and 1998 champion James Mlan, who also captured the NCAA championship title that same year as part of the Minnesota Gophers team. Last year, the cut for the championship flight stood at four over par 146, and Dolby anticipates an even tighter cut this year. Among the competitors, the college players tend to shine brightest. Dolby shared that the entire Gopher’s team will be in attendance alongside several other participants from the Summit League. The variety of golf bags lining the putting green adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Dolby emphasizes the strength of the player field noting that there is often an emerging standout from local high schools on the verge of recognition. Tor away from Adina who will be joining the Gophers team this autumn has been a runner up for the past two tournaments. Notably Fargo’s Josh Persons has returned to compete after a lengthy hiatus of nearly 20 years. Formerly a buffer, persons achieved medalist honors with a score of 136 back in 2002. His journey included attempts to break into the PGA Tour through various minor league tours and participation in the 2015 US Open at Chambers Bay alongside Tom Hog. #course enhancements. The individual responsible for maintaining and enhancing the courses integrity is course superintendent Zachary Folultz and his dedicated team. Folultz is planning to raise green speeds to around 11 on the stimp meter, up from the usual 9 to 10 for regular play, and he will also be thickening the rough, particularly around the sixth and seventh greens, to uphold the tournament’s competitive nature. We are growing the rough excessively long, Folultz stated. Without this modification, those holes simply feel too short. His approach is to ensure that the greens are both firm enough to challenge players while remaining suitable for ball control and spin. As Dolby pointed out, the strategic decisions involved in tackling wedge shots, chip shots, and pitch shots at this course are on par with the challenges faced at prestigious venues like Hazeline or Oakmont. Folultz adds, “There are several holes where when facing a mere 100 yards less to the green, players often feel a sense of dread due to the course’s demanding design. Last year’s champions championship Josh Galvin Midam Adam Gronis senior AJ Greff super senior Mike Herszog legends Leland Peterson as anticipation builds for this year’s Pine to Palm week. There seems to be an extraordinary mix of excitement and nerds among golfers and fans alike. With such a rich history and a name that resonates within the golfing community, how do you think this year’s participants will rise to the challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments.
