Hanson Inducted Into Jackson Golf Hall of Fame Sunday

By Jeff Steers
JTV Sports

(September 17, 2023 8:30 PM ET) Nearly a month ago Jackson Golf Committee member Elaine Crosby called Doug Hanson informing him the committee selected him as the newest member of the Jackson Golf Hall of Fame.

Hanson had knee replacement surgery two days before that.

The call made the longtime golf professional feel better.

Sunday he walked up to the podium and thanked those who helped him achieve the award. 

Hanson has been a PGA professional for 44 years, the last 30 in Jackson. He has provided instruction to golfers ranging from PGA Tour players to beginners.

“I found my niche in teaching golf … especially kids,” Hanson said in his speech. “I will be doing it until my last breath.”

He has been a teaching pro at Lakeland Hills Golf Course, Bobick’s Golf, and Cascades Golf Course. Previously he was the head professional at Mt. Pleasant County Club and Duck Lake Country Club.

Hanson was also an assistant pro at Arbor Hills Country Club.

Which is where Hanson got his start.

Hanson’s parents joined as members of Arbor Hills Country Club and the young Hanson spent his summers swimming and eating hot dogs at AHCC. 

It wasn’t until he watched golf professional Brien Charter hit golf balls on the range that he caught the golf bug. 

“It appeared as if he was having fun,” Hanson said of the range sessions.

Hanson played golf in high school at Jackson. 

His golf career highlights include top-three finishes in the Michigan PGA Senior Pro-Am, the Michigan PGA Senior Championship, the Michigan PGA Pro-Am, and the Michigan PGA Pro-Pro. 

It has been the relationships formed with fellow golfers – especially PGA professionals – that have been important for Hanson.

“I have met a whole lot of new friends through the PGA,” Hanson said. “The friends I have accumulated through golf have been fantastic.”

A best-ball tournament was held at Sharp Park Golf Course prior to the ceremony.

Andrea Clark and Brian Coon were named as the Jackson Golf Players of the Year based on honor roll points at various major tournaments. Clark has won the award every year since it was first recorded in 2011. Coon won his first Player of the Year award with 872.5 points.