Mourning Those Who Contributed Much

BIG RAPIDS – The 1-2 punch of seniors Parker Stalcup and Will Pennanen led two-time reigning Lower Peninsula Division 4 champion Clarkston Everest Collegiate to add a third-consecutive title Saturday at Katke Golf Course at Ferris State University.

They were two of only three golfers under par for the tournament’s two rounds – Pennanen at 2-under (71-71-142) to finish individual runner-up, and Stalcup at 1-under for third place. The medalist was Michael Houtteman of Maple City Glen Lake with a sizzling 6-under par (70-68-138).

Everest Collegiate led by seven strokes after the first day, with a team total 314 ahead of Grandville Calvin Christian at 321 and McBain Northern Michigan Christian sitting at 322. The Mountaineers piled on even more Saturday to win with 631 strokes to Calvin Christian’s 650 and Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep’s 651. McBain was fourth at 652 and Houtteman’s Glen Lake team took fifth at 657.

Pennanen and Stalcup were part of the Finals lineup all four years of their careers at Everest Collegiate, which began with a Division 4 team runner-up finish when they were freshmen.

“It just means a lot because every team is different and each one is very special,” Pennanen said. “We all played consistent. I don’t think it was even our best, but we did what we needed to, to get the win.

“We are very comfortable playing with a lead,” he added. “That’s how it’s been for us. We always have confidence, we’re always prepared and we try not to focus on outside things too much.”

While Finals championships are special, he agreed that team bonding was as good or better.

“We took a lot of trips this year, spent the night at a lot of courses,” he said. “It was just fun being with the guys.

Stalcup was pleased with a top-three finish individually and thrilled with the team title – yet not surprised by it.

“I think we deserved this,” he said. “We put in a lot of work and a lot of time into practicing. We came out here for the two days and played hard, and we took it home. We knew the potential that we had.”

Stalcup – who finished second individually as a sophomore and fourth last season as Pennanen was the medalist – said it would have been tough to get past Houtteman.

“He was really good this week,” Stalcup said. “He shot 6-under and that’s hard to beat, but good for him.

“This is a tough course. I definitely left a lot of strokes out there – but I’m happy scoring under par for two days. Got the team win, and that’s what I’m really happy about.”

Hopes of trying to overcome Houtteman’s edge were dashed when he scored 4-under par on the front nine Saturday, aided greatly by an eagle on the par-5 third hole.

“Yes, I got off to a hot start and was able to stay comfortable which is nice, and I got the job done,” Houtteman said.

On No. 3, Houtteman hit a drive that split the fairway; his second shot was an iron that kicked up to about 20 feet from the hole, and he sank the long putt.

Much has been made this year about Houtteman’s father, Lee, the team’s coach and a member of the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame as one of Michigan's best players who has also done well nationally in PGA of America events.

“Expectations are expectations,” Micheal Houtteman said about what others think about family bloodlines. “I’m never looking too deep into expectations. I just try to go out and breathe, and if I play good, I play good. And if I don’t, I know what to work on. If I play good maybe I can lift some hardware.

“His experience has greatly affected my game (for the good),” Michael added. “He not only knows how to be a swing coach, but he’s a good father and an unbelievable player – he knows all three, which you need to be able to do to be successful. I did not feel pressured to play golf, but I do like fishing. I came out of the womb with a club in my hand just because I enjoyed it. Never felt pressured.”

The Air Force Academy is his next destination. He said part of what pointed him in that direction was his grandfather, a former U.S. Navy aviator.

“The job opportunities are amazing (in the military) and I get to play some high-level golf – that I’m excited for,” he said, while noting that he is looking forward to returning to Michigan for the annual Folds of Honor Collegiate hosted by Michigan State. Houtteman finished runner-up (even par) in a high school event at American Dunes this spring against most of the top teams in Michigan.

“Maybe I can take my (new Air Force) teammates up north a couple hours from there, maybe go fishing,” he said.

As popular as golf is in the state of Michigan, Houtteman looks at it differently than many.

“My favorite part is the break you get in the winter. You’re hitting in the simulator, which is a little different, but it lets you dial in on your mechanics and allows you to come out swinging once you adjust.”

Living in Glen Lake is also a bonus in his mind.

“One thing I enjoy is stepping away from cellular devices and just (being) able to breathe some fresh air,” Houtteman said. “I’m thankful to live in a very natural area up north with lots of trees, and it’s pretty rural. I can see how people who live in cities (want to) go play golf and get away from everything else.”

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