One of the great things about TGA is that we provide challenging and rewarding first jobs for high school students. As they enter college, some seek more responsibility and become lead instructors and camp directors.
Of course they eventually graduate and seek full-time jobs in their chosen fields.
Sadly, we are losing two exceptional coaches — Nick Bruce and Mike Mercier — both of whom directed their final camp sessions Aug. 22-26 after giving so much to TGA kids through many years (Nick since 2012 and Mike since 2014).
Nick started as an assistant coach while playing on the golf team at Anchor Bay High School. He first attended Macomb Community College, then graduated from Walsh College of Business. He has taught tons of after-school classes and directed Macomb County summer camps and leagues.
Mike started as a student at one of our after-school classes, then became an assistant coach while playing on the golf team at Berkley High School. He played varsity golf at University of Michigan-Dearborn and will graduate this fall with a degree in engineering after completing one final class. He also has taught tons of after-school classes and directed Oakland County summer camps and leagues.
Mike choked up a bit when saying goodbye to his final camp group at Somerset Park Aug. 26. “You taught me so much,” he told the kids. He later said that the TGA experience “taught me a lot about myself and helped me learn how to handle different situations. It was a very cool experience.”
Nick said, “I love giving kids the opportunity to play the game that I love and enjoy. And it’s really nice to see kids who have stuck with it and grown. I remember first seeing Lauren Timpf when she was 7 years old, and now she’s a state champion.”
Both are highly motivated and compassionate individuals who have made a real difference in the lives of thousands of young golfers. Remember their names. I’m sure they will have extraordinary careers.
