The Meadows at GVSU Names New Course Superintendent.

Sports Editors, Golf Writers & Columnists

ALLENDALE, Mich.--(BW SportsWire)--April 18, 2001

In advance of the NCAA Division II men's golf championship in May, Ron Dahlin has been named the golf course superintendent at The Meadows at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan.

Dahlin replaces The Meadows' longtime superintendent Kathy Antaya, who recently accepted a staff agronomy position with the United States Golf Association in Far Hills, New Jersey. "Kathy's meant so much to our success here that it's bittersweet seeing her leave," says Terry Sack, general manager at The Meadows. "But the opportunity for her at the USGA is wonderful, and we're delighted to be able to get Ron here as her successor."

Dahlin joins The Meadows from his course superintendent position at the 36-hole Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada, Michigan, where he's had extensive experience in tournament preparation. Egypt Valley has been the site of the Senior PGA Tour's stop in Grand Rapids for the last seven years, and prior to that hosted the Michigan Amateur championship in 1994. "It's a thrill to get a course ready for a major competition," says Dahlin, a graduate of Colorado State University, "but I've always believed in achieving the same standard of quality for members. It doesn't matter if it's Lee Trevino and Larry Nelson playing or a couple of friends whose goal it is to break 90; everyone loves to see -- and benefits from -- optimum course conditioning."

Sack says Dahlin's experience will come in especially handy the next two seasons. After this year's Division II men's event The Meadows will host the Division II women's championship in Allendale (15 miles west of Grand Rapids) in 2002. "We're delighted to be in the championship rotation for the next two years and hope to host these national events on a regular basis after that," he says.

Grand Valley will welcome the nation's top Division II golfers beginning on May 22 for a 72-hole team and individual competition concluding May 25. Teams from all parts of the country are expected to compete giving west Michigan fans a chance to see players who will likely advance someday to the PGA Tour. "There are plenty of great former Division II golfers," says Director of Golf Don Underwood of The Meadows. "Lee Janzen (two-time U.S. Open winner) played at Florida Southern. And guys like Rocco Mediate, Loren Roberts, Robert Damron and Jerry Kelly all competed in college outside of Division I."

With future PGA Tour stars likely to be competing and the national championship on the line Terry Sack, Don Underwood and Ron Dahlin say they can't wait for the competition to begin. "The Meadows and Grand Valley will do whatever's possible to make this a huge success," says Sack.