BIG RAPIDS, MICH. – Becky Iverson, an LPGA Tour winner from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, won on the LPGA Tour and never lost a Solheim Cup match, but she said her best moments of golf were not during her professional career.
“The best moments will always be playing with my family in Michigan,” she said.
Iverson, history-making amateur golfer Tom Werkmeister, pioneer turfgrass educator Paul Rieke and journalist Vartan Kupelian were inducted Sunday in ceremonies at Ferris State University.
“We’re all citizens of the same nation, the golf nation,” said Kupelian, a native of Armenia. “We meet on the tee, shake hands and we become friends for the next few hours.”
Rieke said golf is blessed to have many of his former students working in Michigan and producing the turf for golf courses.
“Soil is a wonderful resource,” he said. “Don’t take it for granted.”
Werkmeister said the game has blessed him with talent, friends and wonderful honors.
“It’s a game I love, and sometimes hate, but I’m so fortunate and so humbled to be part of this,” he said.
Iverson was introduced by Hall of Fame member Sara Wold, Kupelian was introduced by his daughter Lisa, Rieke was introduced by colleague Joseph Vargas, Jr., and Werkmeister was introduced by former Grand Rapids Press golf writer Greg Johnson. Radio personality Michael Patrick Shiels was master of ceremonies.
Ferris State University, as part of the program, officially welcomed the Hall of Fame to campus and showed specifications of a new facility that is planned to house the school’s prominent Professional Golf Management Program as well as be the new home of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame.
The induction of Iverson, Werkmeister, Rieke and Kupelian brings Hall of Fame membership to 105. In November it was announced that Ferris State University had been selected as the new location of the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame and its collection of plaques, portraits and memorabilia that commemorate its members. Learn more about the Michigan Golf Hall of Fame at its website — www. michigan-golf-foundation.com.
Contact:
Terry Moore, terry50moore@gmail.com or 616-490-0433
