DETROIT LAKES — For most, the Pine to Palm Golf Tournament is a beloved summer staple. But for identical twin brothers Greg and Mike Melhus, it’s much more than that. It’s a lifelong tradition rooted in friendship, family, and a shared love of the game.
“It’s kind of been the highlight of my summer the last 29 years,” said Greg Melhus
The Pine to Palm, one of Minnesota’s most historic amateur golf tournaments, has been running strong since 1931. Now in its 92nd year, the event draws hundreds of players of all ages and skill levels. For the Melhus twins, their journey with the Pine to Palm started as teenagers, inspired by a simple nudge from their mom.
“My mom had heard of the tournament. Greg and I showed up, and here we are, almost 30 years later, hardly missing one year,” said Mike Melhus.
Through the years, the brothers have seen it all: intense matches, narrow losses, cherished wins and most importantly, unforgettable memories shared side by side.
“It’s fabulous. There’s guys I’ve played out here that in the legends match on Sunday that are in their 70s, and played my first round match yesterday against a 16 year old. So you can meet a lot of old faces, fresh faces along the way, and it’s all really good,” said Greg.
This year, both brothers were honored with a spot in the prestigious Legends Round which is a special event for those who’ve made a lasting impact on the tournament.
“It was an honor be playing with next to Greg, and certainly with the other legends that they had playing, but it was a great event,” said Mike.
Greg, who etched his name into Pine to Palm history with a championship win in 2003, says that’s a memory he’ll never forget.
“Definitely winning in 2003. I got really close in ’01 and ’02, so winning in ’03 would definitely be the highlight of those 29 years,” said Greg.
But even with a title to his name, it’s not the victory Greg holds most dear. It’s the time spent with his brother.
“Always have been lucky to have an identical twin brother. So he enjoys golf. I enjoy golf. We work together. So every year, like I said, come here. It’s the highlight of it. We bring a bunch of buddies here, and it’s fabulous seeing him play in the mid AM. And he’s won a couple and been successful. So just makes it a great week,” said Greg.
For Mike, it’s that lifelong connection — both as brothers and best friends — that makes Pine to Palm so special.
“When you’re with your best friend and watching him play, watching myself play, and, you know, and each other succeed when that’s what we’ve been doing since we’re eight years old. Is probably the most special part,” said Mike.
Year after year, fairway to fairway, the Melhus twins continue to prove that while golf may be a game of skill, the real win lies in the memories made along the way.
