Inside the Ropes with Becca Huffer, Professional Golfer

Walking inside the ropes with a professional golfer is every golfer's dream. For one glorious day at the Island Resort Championship Pro-Am, I got to experience just that-teeing it up alongside Becca Huffer, an Epson Tour professional with an impressive resume.

The Build-Up: Prepping for the Big Day

The Pro-Am took place in the days leading up to the Island Resort Championship (June 21-23, 2024) at Sweetgrass Golf Club in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Thanks to Kevin Frisch of Kevin Frisch PR, I received an invite to play alongside three other media members. Our professional for the day - Becca Huffer, a former Notre Dame standout and seasoned tour pro.

The day kicked off with an unexpected bonus-a $200 tee gift to spend at the Cleveland/Srixon and Nike booth. Like a kid in a candy store, I loaded up on some fresh Cleveland ZipCore wedges and an Epson Tour/Sweetgrass logo hat before heading to the range.

The Range: A Front-Row Seat to Precision

This is where the magic started. Watching the professionals warm up on the range is like seeing a different sport altogether. The pure thump of the ball being compressed by these elite players was mesmerizing-crisp, powerful, and effortless. Meanwhile, my fellow amateurs and I did our best to avoid shanks and embarrassment.

The short game area was another level. The way these pros nipped their chips, finessed flop shots, and dialed in their putting drills with string lines and alignment aids made my usual practice routine look like mini-golf at a roadside attraction.

Game Time: Walking the Fairways with a Pro

With a shotgun start, we kicked things off on hole 19 (yes, Sweetgrass has a 19th hole). It was a four-person scramble with Becca in our corner, and we came out firing.

The atmosphere was relaxed, and Becca put us at ease right away. There were numerous food and drink stations scattered around the course, serving up everything from juicy hamburgers to handcrafted cocktails with all the fixings. Not a bad way to enjoy a day inside the ropes.

Team Frisch torched the course, shooting -17 (17 under) with two pars, one eagle, and fifteen birdies. It was a ridiculous display of stress-free golf-mostly because Becca kept us in prime position every hole.

Shot Highlights with Becca

• Par 3 dagger: Becca stuffed an 185 yard approach to six feet on a tough elevated par 3.


• Par 5 heroics: On hole 9, she unleashed a 225-yard second shot over water to a tucked pin on a peninsula green, setting us up for an eagle look from 12 feet.


• Putting Clinic: Fellow media writer, Neal Kotlarek made six consecutive one putts. He was stoked. Had I gone first, I might have been the hero with a professional reading my putts.

I'd like to say we contributed more, but let's be honest - Becca carried us.

Tying for First & Giving Back

The day was magical as birdie after birdie putts feel. The net result was a tie for first, but the real win was what happened after the round. Instead of taking our cash prizes, our group decided to donate the winnings to Becca to help cover her entry fees and travel costs for the event. A small way to give back to a professional grinding it out week after week.

Final Thoughts: A Bucket-List Golf Experience

Playing in a Pro-Am is special, but playing with a world-class player like Becca Huffer, is unforgettable. Her talent, composure, and overall class made the day an absolute privilege.

From the Cleveland/Srixon shopping spree to watching elite ball-striking up close, stuffing ourselves at the food stations, and finally competing inside the ropes, this experience was everything I imagined and more.

And let's not forget - we shot 17-under! Not bad for a bunch of media guys with receding hairlines, bad backs and questionable swings.

Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Next time, maybe Becca will let me hit a crucial shot... or at least read a putt.

Want to Play in the Next Island Resort Championship Pro-Am?

If you're looking to participate in a future Island Resort Championship Pro-Am, reach out to The Island Resort Casino for details. It's an experience you don't want to miss!