Michigan Legislature gives $1 million to mystery golf nonprofit

Michigan taxpayers will pay $1 million to an undisclosed nonprofit to help young adults improve their golf game.

The Legislature approved $1.25 million in the 2025 state budget for a snowmobile track and golf-centered training in what it called “life skills.”

The grant comes as an earmark, language added so late in the budget process that it receives little or no vetting.

Lawmakers awarded the city of Sault Ste. Marie $250,000 for renovations to the International 500 Snowmobile TrackRacetrack, set to begin in the summer of 2025, according to the city’s website. The track hosts the annual International 500 snowmobile race.

The site has already received substantial funding from taxpayers. The U.S. Economic Development Administration has awarded it $2 million for renovations, with more coming from local sources.

“This $2 million investment in the Sault will create or retain 50 good-paying jobs and help us continue to grow our Pure Michigan economy,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in a Sept. 6, 2022, press release announcing the federal grant.

Rep. Neil Friske, R-Charlevoix, represents Sault Ste. Marie in the Michigan House.

“My office was NOT involved in the conversations or process regarding the Grant for the I-500 track improvements,” said Friske in an email to Michigan Capitol Confidential, writing about the earmark in the state budget. “While I understand the economic impact that event has on the Sault area, I always struggle with my constituents hard-earned tax dollars being directed to these types of projects.”

The $1 million golf grant does not name the locale or the intended recipient. The description of the grant reads:

“From the funds appropriated in part 1 for community enhancement grants, $1,000,000.00 shall be awarded to a nonprofit organization with a mission dedicated to equipping determined young adults through life skills training, proactive coaching, long-term mentoring, and the discipline of golf in order to succeed in college, in their careers, and beyond that is located in a county with a population greater than 1,500,000 according to the most recent federal decennial census for the renovation of a facility.”

The Legislature uses population estimates to skirt a requirement that each grant in the state budget receives a two-thirds vote if it will benefit private entities. CapCon has previously reported on the secrecy and constitutional questions surrounding Michigan’s extensive use of earmarks.