Glen Lake golf coach Lee Houtteman vividly recalls taking the moment to compose himself as he officially became a member the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame.
It was right after he was introduced as this year’s sole inductee. His introduction was made by one of his players — and his son, Michael.
Even though he was the one who had asked his son to make the induction speech, he didn’t have any idea of how he would be introduced.
“I still get choked up,” the 10-year Glen Lake coach says of the times when he reflects on the special moment at the Country Club of East Lansing. “It was a real nice intro speech. He just blew it away — it was unbelievable. It was kind of hard for me to talk for the first few minutes.”
Despite being very young team, Houtteman’s Lakers played their way to a 12th-place finish in the state finals this past June.
Michael Houtteman is a key member of the Glen Lake golf team with high expectations going into this Spring.
Like other years, he has his eyes set on winning an individual state title.
He was the runner-up in 2024 and compiled 10 Northwest Conference meet wins in a row.
Having a son changed Houtteman’s competitive drive and results. Learning to step back and put life into perspective helped the now coach reach his full potential.
“People told me and sure enough it was true that when you have a son your perspective on things really changes,” said the elder Houtteman. “Ironically I started to improve when we had my son Michael.”
Houtteman has been a PGA Member since 1991. His playing accomplishments include winning the Michigan PGA Championships, two Michigan Senior PGA Championships and the Michigan PGA Match Play Tournament of Champions.
Houtteman was also an 18-time qualifier for the PGA Professional Championship and 12-time qualifier for the U.S. Senior Open. And since turning 63 in 2024, has shot his age or better five times.
In addition to his high school coaching, the inductee is director of golf at Leland Country Club and a coach for the Traverse City Junior golf Association (TCJGA).
Todd Hursey, Traverse City West golf coach and director of TCJGA, is among those with a strong belief Houtteman belongs in the Michigan PGA Hall of Fame.
He singled out Houtteman’s long history of working with youth.
“Lee has given so much quality time as a coach and golf professional to help kids grow in this great game,” said Hursey, who joined the Michigan Golf Coaches Hall of Fame in 2018. “I am thankful for all that Lee has done for our junior golfers. He is deserving of this prestigious honor.”