Harris is the annual representative of GAM Club Services

GAM Club Services Representative of the Year: Bryan Harris, Michigan State University Forest Akers

Farmington Hills – Bryan Harris, general manager of Forest Akers Golf Course and Practical Facilities at Michigan State University, graduated from Ferris State University’s professional golf management program in 2007 and plans to teach games.

“But Forest Ax drove me in a different direction, though,” he said. “I found that I really liked the challenge of doing golf surgery, which is to find creative ways to do things and have the same thing as those who have The feeling of people working together.”

Harris, 42, is a PGA professional who has served Forest Akers throughout his career and became general manager in 2017 and was appointed as the Michigan Golf Association (GAM) Club Services of the Year Good representative. GAM presents the award to club representatives every year, which demonstrates outstanding service to Michigan golf.

“Bryan is our great ambassador and a golf course in Michigan,” said Ken Hartmann, senior director of GAM Competition and USGA Services. “He got it. He understands what we do and why, and he’s always willing to help us, host competitions, and see the value of bringing GAM golfers to campus, especially junior golfers. He goes beyond that.”

Harris said he was shocked to learn about GAM’s recognition of his work.

“I never thought of myself in this way, doing something is a person, and I really feel it’s more award-winning for our facilities and the people I work with,” he said. “We have a long paragraph here here. Great team of time, they all know how we operate in the university structure. I praise the team. They do a lot of heavy work. It’s great to have people I trust around to get the job done.”

Harris said that with GAM and hosting tournaments, especially juniors, is perfect for how MSU and Forest Akers operate.

“We believe in amateur golf and being part of tournaments and events,” he said. “We try to be the butler of the university, which is a good representative of what the university wants to do in terms of student and staff success, but also toward the future of the squad. The Badas showcased MSU. Whether it’s the GAM Junior Invitational, the GAM Junior Stroke Play or any GAM champion, we want to showcase the passionate campus we have, how beautiful it is, and the opportunity to bring young people to this place.”

Harris grew up in nearby Charlotte, where he interned at Forest Akers at Ferris State.

“I like that internship, working here when I finished my studies, and then immediately got a career assistant position after school,” he said. “May, it will be 22 years ago. It’s home. From the age of three, I Think I knew golf would somehow become a part of my career.”

Harris calls Hartmann, other GAM staff, rule officials and other volunteers, a source of easy collaboration and good relationships.

“As time goes by, they have become friends, and I learned when I need it, when to let the game do things,” he said. “They do it very well.”

Harris will receive honors alongside other winners at the GAM’s annual Governor’s Conference this spring.

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