News

As a third-year member of the Rack Room staff at Egypt Valley, you’ll often find Arie Jackman setting up tee times, pulling up carts, picking the range, helping set up for events, and doing anything and everything to ensure members enjoy their Club experience. But in addition to his job responsibilities, Arie shines out on the golf course, having achieved a number of accomplishments and accolades. Keep reading to learn what they are and what Arie has to say about his time at the Club!

Most recently, Arie earned the first alternate spot for the U.S. Amateur after shooting 4 under 71-67 at the qualifier at The Meadows. He placed as the fifth alternate overall for the U.S. Amateur. A few days later, he received the news that he moved up the alternate list and will be playing in the U.S. Amateur at Cherry Hills Country Club in Colorado beginning August 14, 2023.

In May, Arie was the winner of the Michigan Medal Play (formally the Horton Smith Invitational) shooting 11 under par with rounds of 70-65-63-63. He also competed in the U.S. Open Local Qualifying in Chicago, shooting 2 under 70 and advanced to the Final Qualifying in Springfield, Ohio in June.

Additional accomplishments for Arie this season include finishing fourth in the West Michigan Amateur; finishing tied for 19th in the stroke play of the Michigan Amateur, making it to the round of 32 in match play; finishing tied for 10th at the Kent County Amateur shooting 1 over par for three rounds; and making it to the semi-finals of the City Match Play at Stonewater Country Club.

Tell us about your own background with golf!
I started playing golf in the beginning of high school and have played at almost every level now. When I started playing back in high school, I just played for fun and didn’t ever think I’d be where I am today.

After my junior year of high school, I really started to fall in love with the game and wanted to see how good I could really get. That summer I entered into a couple of junior tournaments and fell in love with competing. After high school, I went to Grand Rapids Community College to play golf and finish my first two years of college credits. With Egypt Valley being our home course at GRCC, I was set up with a job starting in the spring of 2021 and have worked at Egypt Valley ever since.

Throughout my two years at GRCC, I earned enough recognition to be offered a scholarship to play Division 1 golf at Central Michigan University. This upcoming year will be my senior year at CMU and I’ll be graduating with a Business Administration degree in May 2024.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to connect with the members and build new relationships that I hope will last a long time! Another part of the job I really enjoy is being able to work and have fun with some of my friends, including a few of my old teammates from GRCC!

When you’re not at the Club working, what could you most likely be found doing?
When I’m not at the Club working, you could most likely find me practicing or playing at the Club, home enjoying time with my fiancé, or hanging out with family and friends. Being at the Club is such an enjoyable time, no matter if I’m working or golfing because of the great environment that has been created there for employees. Soon, you’ll be able to find me in Colorado competing at the United States Amateur Championship starting on August 14!

Anything additional you’d like to add?
I just want to thank Egypt Valley and the incredible opportunity to work here over the past three years. Having a great work environment, as well as these facilities to practice and play at, has been crucial to my golf career so far, and I don’t think I would be where I am today without Egypt Valley. I will be moving back to school and will be done working here at Egypt Valley for the year on August 20.