Michigan natives making noise

DEARBORN – For the most part, Michigan's lush fairways and greens have been good to Tom Gillis this year.

The Lake Orion resident won the 2008 Michigan Open at The Bear in June, and, although he missed the cut at the Buick Open, he quickly recovered to claim the seventh and final qualifying spot for the British Open at Royal Birkdale July 17-20.

Gillis birdied the first playoff hole to eliminate four other golfers at the TPC of Michigan and qualify for his second British Open in his career. He spent five years on the European Tour before bouncing around between the PGA Tour and Nationwide Tour the past four years.

"I played in Europe early in my career, so I have a lot of friends over there," said Gillis, who last played in the British Open in 1999.

Mount Pleasant native Doug Labelle II qualified at the nearby Dearborn Country Club the same day and will join Gilles overseas. The competition was stiff for both men as former PGA Championship winners Davis Love III and Rich Beem also advanced, along with PGA stalwarts John Rollins, Tim Petrovic, Matt Kuchar, Alex Ceyka, Paul Goydos, Kevin Stadler, Craig Barlow and Scott McCarron.

Also of note, two former University of Michigan stars are lighting it up on their respective tours. Wyandotte native Justin Hicks won his first Nationwide Tour event, just weeks after leading the first round of the U.S. Open. Hicks, who hopes to earn his first PGA Tour card, is now exempt the remainder of the Nationwide Tour schedule, instead of having to fight his way into tournaments via qualifying.

Marshall native John Morse, who turned 50 in February, continues to play well on the Champions Tour, recently finishing in a tie for fifth at the Principal Charity Classic. Heís earned $115,000 in three events on the senior circuit and $25,000 in five PGA Tour events in 2008.Marshall native John Morse, who turned 50 in February, continues to play well on the Champions Tour, recently finishing in a tie for fifth at the Principal Charity Classic. Heís earned $115,000 in three events on the senior circuit and $25,000 in five PGA Tour events in 2008.

Who says cold-weather Michigan golfers canít compete with the big guys?