Ken grew up in Merrillville, Indiana, and was an IHSAA All-Conference player at Merrillville H.S. in 1974 and 1975. In 1976, he moved to Houston, Texas and was a member of the University of Houston golf team for three semesters in 1976, 1977 and 1980. Among those playing for Coach Dave Williams at the time were Fred Couples, Blaine McCallister, Ed Fiori, David Ishii, Robert Thompson, and (for a brief time) Nick Faldo. Although not playing on the team at the time, Jim Nantz was also living in Taub dormitory.

Although he only played in two junior varsity events while at Houston, the team won the NCAA Division I National Championship in 1977, allowing Ken to get a first hand view of the championship mentality possessed by golf's elite players.

After college, Ken turned professional and played the mini tours in Texas, Florida, and Arizona. In addition to his playing schedule, Ken worked for a time at Dow Chemical Engineering and Construction Services in Houston.

In 1984, Ken moved to Austin, Texas and in 1987 took a job at The Academy of Golf at the Hills of Lakeway. Under a staff of instructors including Mike Adams, Bill Moretti, Mike McGetrick, Mark Steinbauer, Clay Edwards, and Dave Pelz, Ken's game improved significantly and he attempted to play full time. His best showing came at the 1988 HGA Open, where he finished 7th. He also shot his lowest score (63) at the Barton Creek Lakeside course near Austin. Failing to land a sponsor, however, he abandoned his playing career in 1990.

In the years since, Ken moved to Michigan and worked in the construction industry. While wintering in Texas in 1992 and 1993, he caddied for Mike Weir at 2nd Stage of PGA Tour Q School in Houston. His playing schedule was limited to a couple of events per year, but he did manage to qualify for the Michigan Open in 2002, 2006, and 2008. Ken has also won two Michigan Player's Tour events, including the 2009 Michigan Players Tour Championship.

In 2002, Ken moved to Traverse City, and began developing the Michigan Player's Tour. At the same time, he created two other businesses -- Northern Lakes Construction LLC and Extreme Impact Graphics and Design. But golf is his first love, and the Michigan Player's Tour is the culmination of his dream to "get back in the game" and to bring championship golf to the Great Lakes region.

For more information about Ken and his various enterprises, check out his personal web site at:

http://webpages.charter.net/kenbob/

Jacob Leyrer

Head Professional -- Branson Bay G.C.

Biography

After taking up the game at age 15, Jacob attended East Lansing H.S., where he was a member of the golf team which won the 2000 MHSAA Division II State Championship. After high school, he was captain orf the Lansing Community College golf team, where he played for 2 seasons. He turned pro in 2007, and did his PGA apprenticehip at Centennial Acres G.C. in Lansing.

Currently, Jacob is Head Professional at Branson Bay G.C. in Mason, Michigan. He is also the creator and Director of the Michigan Players Junior Golf Tour.

Benjamin Rickabus

Residence: Royal Oak, MI

Graduate, Golf Academy of America;, Chandler, AZ

Age: 22

Biography