February 04, 2011 –
MAYETTA: Michael Powell (Osage) has been hired as the assistant golf professional for the Firekeeper Golf Course. He is working alongside golf professional Randy Towner and Rob Christie, the golf course superintendent, who are preparing for the April 1 opening. Landscapes Unlimited, Inc. is managing the course.
Powell has experience as an assistant golf professional having worked for Eagle Bend Golf Course in Lawrence, Kan. for two years. Before that, he attended college at Ottawa University and Haskell Indian Nations University where he played on both university golf teams. He is also well versed in other sports and has been active in the youth sports programs in the Parks and Recreation Department in Lawrence where he resides.
Powell said he was excited about working at Firekeeper and having the opportunity to work for a golf course that is owned by Native Americans. He told the News that he is looking forward to teaching the game of golf to the younger set and being an ambassador for the sport. He also said that his position is unique because it will allow him to interact with non-Indians who come to play golf and want to learn about Native American cultures. He and Towner both voiced that they are both eager to tap into the resources available to them that come from the Prairie Band community and are looking for good causes to support.
Both men are also committed to making Firekeeper Golf Course profitable for the Nation. They have already booked several upcoming golf outings and are presently busy stocking the clubhouse with gear and equipment and organizing the bar area. They are both available to teach golf clinics and private lessons when the course opens this spring.
On Feb. 18-19 the Firekeeper Golf Course will have an exhibit at the Kansas City Golf Show www.KansasCityGolfShow.com being held at the Overland Park Convention Center. To learn more about what Firekeeper has planned go to www.firekeepergolf.com.