Just Klassics

Ryan Cutter takes over for Jim Kueny as Lincoln Golf Club pro

From the Muskegon Chronicle Mattson | Muskegon Chronicle

February 22, 2010, 11:35PM

ln Golf Club’s new PGA professional is no stranger on the north side of town.

Ryan Cutter, who started playing the course as a 14-year-old, is back to lead Lincoln into the future. Cutter takes over for popular pro Jim Kueny, who is stepping down after 30 years of service at Lincoln.

“I looking forward to getting back to my home course,’’ the 33-year-old Cutter said. “Hopefully, I’ll make some changes and try to bring a little younger atmosphere into the club. I’ll try to do the job Jim did. He was a class act. He was one of those guys who’d do anything for anybody.’’

To many, Kueny was the face of Lincoln, a semi-private course located on the north side of town across from Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park. He taught hundreds of lessons, sold equipment in the pro shop and created an inviting atmosphere at the club.

“I’ve been thinking about taking a break from the golf business,’’ Kueny said. “It was a tough decision. This has been a great place to work. You don’t stay for 30 years if you don’t enjoy it.

“I’m happy for Ryan. I see no problem with him stepping in and Lincoln not missing a beat.’’

Cutter has served as the head pro at nearby Stonegate Golf Club the past two years. He also was an assistant pro at Stonegate for three years and an assistant for three years at St. Ives Resort in Stanwood.

Cutter, an all-state golfer and 1995 graduate at Reeths-Puffer, earned All-American honors at Muskegon Community College. He attended Ferris State University, where he was part of the PGM/PGA Program.

Kueny said he’ll concentrate on being a caddie for his daughter Laura, a Michigan State senior who will participate on the Futures Tour this summer. She also has been selected to play for the U.S. women’s team in the 2010 World University Games in Antequera Malaga Spain on June 7-11.

“I don’t want to miss this part of Laura’s career,’’ Kueny said. “I’ll be on the bag for Laura. It’s somebody she knows and she wanted me. I caddied for her in qualifying.’’

Kueny also may pursue a golf job in Florida during the winter and help Laura hone her game in the offseason.

Kueny and his wife Karen also are preparing for their oldest daughter Nicole’s wedding on April 30th.

Lincoln has produced many standout youth golfers on Kueny’s watch. They include J.J. and Colby Beckstrom, Erik Sanford, Cutter and many others.

“I love the kids,’’ Kueny said. “Watching the kids grow up, that’s special. I’ve been blessed to be around kids with good talent.’’

Kueny lives five miles from Lincoln and said it was never a chore to get up for work. He cherishes the friendships made at the course over the  years.

“When you are with people that many years, they are part of your family,’’ Kueny said. “They made your job fun. Hopefully, Ryan will have the same experience.’’

Ten years ago, Lincoln had about 350 members and a large waiting list. The difficult economic times in Michigan and Muskegon have affected golf courses like Lincoln all over the state.

Cutter knows times are tough, but he’s going to do his best to make Lincoln the place to be.

“Hopefully, the Muskegon area can turn around pretty quick,’’ said Cutter, whose wife is Jenifer. “The people make the atmosphere at Lincoln.’’