The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) is proud to welcome Mike Morris as the new Project Manager for the MGCA Golf Course Maintenance Technician Registered Apprenticeship Program. With more than three decades of industry leadership, education, and environmental stewardship, Morris brings unparalleled experience to the advancement of Michigan’s golf course workforce.
Morris is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent (retired) and most recently served as the Director of Golf Course and Property at Crystal Downs Country Club, a world-renowned course in Frankfort, Michigan, designed by Alister MacKenzie and constructed by Perry Maxwell. Since beginning his career there as an intern in 1986, Morris has played a pivotal role in maintaining the course’s international acclaim and environmental excellence.
“Mike’s deep roots in the industry, his commitment to education, and his national and international contributions to the profession make him the ideal leader for our apprenticeship initiative,” said Jim Szilagyi, MGCA President, and General Manager of the Lynx Golf Course. “His perspective and passion will help shape a new generation of golf course maintenance professionals in Michigan.”
Morris holds a BA and MA in English, as well as a certificate in Turfgrass Management from Michigan State University. He achieved and maintained the prestigious Certified Golf Course Superintendent designation from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for 25 years. A respected voice in the field, he has taught seminars on green speed, putting green management, and management communication for GCSAA events throughout the U.S., Canada, and Sweden. He additionally has taught “Mastering
Management and Communication Skills” for Greenskeeper University and has authored multiple articles for Golf Course Management magazine.
As Project Manager, Morris will oversee the continued development and expansion of MGCA’s U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program—helping golf course employers grow talent from within and providing apprentices with the skills needed for a lifelong career in golf course maintenance.
For more information about the MGCA Registered Apprenticeship Program, visit
www.michigangca.org. You can reach out to Mike directly at
mike@michaelmorrisconsulting.com