Scott Wilson, PGA,Director of Instruction,Bay Meadows Family Golf Course,Traverse City, Michigan
For Scott Wilson, golf and Ferris State University have always been part of the same story. His father was a Ferris graduate, the club where he grew up hosted Ferris interns every summer, and when it came time to choose a college, the decision felt almost preordained.
“I didn’t know for sure I was going to be a golf professional,” Wilson recalls, “but I knew Ferris was the right place to start.”
That start launched a career rooted in player development and fueled by a deep belief in making golf fun and accessible. After an internship stint at Shanty Creek and being one of the first hires at Crystal Mountain Resort more than two decades ago, Wilson found his passion for instruction and began building hallmark junior golf programs.
Today, as PGA of America Director of Instruction at Bay Meadows Family Golf Course in Traverse City, Wilson runs one of Michigan’s most robust junior pipelines, with programs designed for every age and ability level.
It all starts with the youngest golfers – 4 to 7 years old – and an introduction that’s less about mechanics and more about comfort. “We just want to expose them to the golf course,” Wilson says.
From there, players move into (Fun)damental Camps – a two-day program that blends basic instruction with a day on the course, covering etiquette, safety and the simple joys of being outside with friends.
Next comes league play, where Bay Meadows’ in-house PGA Jr. League (pictured) is a summer tradition where up to 60 kids wear team jerseys, compete in a six-week schedule and cheer each other on.
For those ready to test their skills, Wilson partners with the Traverse City Junior Golf Association (TCJGA) to provide tournament opportunities at every age group. High school players hone their competitive edge in statewide and AJGA events, and the most dedicated continue on to college golf.
“We try to have something for everyone,” Wilson says. “It’s about making kids comfortable at each stage so they want to keep going.”
Wilson’s philosophy is simple: Inspire a lifelong love of the game. “If they’re having fun, they’ll stay connected to golf – and to you,” he explains.
“We’re one big golfing family here in Traverse City. The community supports what we do, and we work together with the TCJGA to help kids grow – not just as players, but as people.”
Wilson’s ties to Ferris State remain strong. Traverse City is only 90 minutes from campus, and he regularly visits to give seminars to PGA Golf Management students. Plus, Bay Meadows hosts Ferris interns, offering the same kind of real-world experience that shaped his own career.
“The Ferris network is incredible,” Wilson says.
PGA High School Golf National Invitational results
The 2025 PGA High School Golf National Invitationals, presented by Titleist & FootJoy, took place at Pinehurst (North Carolina) Resort & Country Club on July 14-16 for the girls and July 20-22 for the boys.
The field consisted of golfers who won their respective high school state championships as teams or individuals.
Georgia (RVA) captured the 2025 PGA Girls High School Golf National Invitational on July 16, and individual medalist honors went to Michelle Lee of Texas (AHT) after she defeated Kallyn Black of Georgia (RVA) following a stunning playoff performance.
The event was played over three days and across 54 holes on Pinehurst Nos. 1, 6 and 7.
Meanwhile, Virginia (BLK) hoisted the trophy on July 22, while Rory Asselta of New Jersey (SJR) took home the individual medalist honors at the 2025 PGA Boys High School Golf National Invitational, spanning three days and 54 holes at Pinehurst Nos. 5, 6 and 8.
Virginia (BLK) shot a 13-under 851, earning a nine-stroke victory over Utah (LPK) and North Carolina (PNC), which tied for second with 4-under 860 cumulative totals. South Carolina (TLH) finished fourth with 3-under 861, and Utah (CRC) and New Jersey (SJR) tied for fifth at 2-over 866 for the tournament.
