The Pine to Palm golf tournament is one of the biggest amateur tournaments in the United States.
It takes place at the Detroit Country Club in Minnesota and attracts top golfers from around the country.
The tournament has a rich history, dating back to 1931, and has been won by notable golfers such as Jack Rule, Tom Lehman, and Tom Hoge.
This year’s tournament promises to be just as exciting, with a strong field of competitors and challenging course conditions.
Get ready for a week of thrilling golf action along the shores of lakes Melissa and Sallie.
Every year, the Pineto Palm Golf Tournament stirs up excitement and anticipation among Azid golfers, culminating in a thrilling week of competition and camaraderie. This year, the prestigious event is set to unfold in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, promising to captivate spectators and participants alike. Imagine the scene. It’s the first Wednesday of March, precisely at 9:00 a.m., and the virtual gates swing open for registration. Approximately 500 eager golf enthusiasts scramble to secure their spots in the Pine to Palm, a tournament that doesn’t commence until August. The demand is so high that most divisions fill up within a mere 3 hours, leaving many hopefuls on the edge of their seats, hoping for cancellations or lastminute openings. Vern Schnathst, the tournament chairman, shares, “There’s a palpable sense of urgency among participants. They know how important this tournament is. To streamline the process, the tournament adopted online registration, a move that significantly reduced the chaos surrounding signups. However, this system also highlights the exclusivity of the event with some championship hopefuls and flight players still awaiting their chance to join the frey. Preparations for the pine to palm begin in earnest come early May. Schnathst leads a dedicated team of approximately 150 volunteers ensuring every aspect of the tournament runs smoothly from registration to ball spotting. The Detroit Country Club, where the tournament takes place, braces itself for an influx of up to 2,000 visitors. Brassy’s Bar Grill, the club’s restaurant, anticipates a surge in business, doubling its usual weekly sales. The tournament kicks off with qualifying stroke play rounds followed by a nail-biting match play event. The Detroit Country Club, measuring just over 6,100 yd, might not be the longest course, but it has earned a reputation for being one of the most challenging due to its notoriously tricky greens. Over the years, the pine to palm has attracted a roster of impressive talent including Jack Rule, Tom Layman, Mike Podilac, Bill Israelson, Tom Hog, Eric Vanroyan, Russ Newman, Jim Strand Demo, and James Mlan. A testament to its prestige within the golfing community. Tom Dolby, the club professional, marvels at the course’s ability to stand the test of time without undergoing significant modifications, a rarity in the world of golf. It’s the Greens that make this course so special, Dolby explains. Their difficulty challenges even the most skilled players, demanding precision and strategy in every shot. The tournament wouldn’t be complete without the presence of upand cominging college players, including the entire Gopher squad and a selection of Summit League competitors. These young athletes add a fresh dynamic to the field, often pushing seasoned veterans to the limit. However, it’s the course superintendent, Zachary Fultz, who holds the reigns to the tournament’s intensity. Under his watchful eye, the greens speed up to around 11 on the stimp meter, and the rough grows to dizzying heights, particularly around the sixth and seventh greens. This strategic manipulation ensures that the course remains a formidable opponent, even against the most talented golfers. Last year, the cut for the championships light was set at 4 over par 146, and Dolby predicts it may dip even lower this year. With such a strong field, the Pine to Palm continues to attract top tier talent, including Fargo’s Josh Persons, a former Gopher returning to the tournament after a two decade hiatus. His presence adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating event. As the Pineto-Palm approaches, the air is thick with anticipation. Golfers and spectators alike prepare for a week of exceptional skill, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a curious spectator, the Pineto Palm promises an experience unlike any other, celebrating the spirit of the game and the passion of its players.
