​​THE BACKSCRATCHER

Greg Norman in 1996. Jean Van de Velde in 1999. Both the Masters and Open Championship in those years will not be remembered for who won, but rather who didn’t. Add Patrick Peters and the 11th Backscratcher to that list. 

While 11 other players were grinding to take the top spot, all 11 would have been satisfied to watch Patrick claim the the honor in 2019. Had the trophy engravers been on site at Garland Lodge and Golf club, “P-A-T” may have already begun being etched headed into the back nine of the Fountains course. But as we have learned over the years, it’s not how you start the Backscratcher it’s how you finish.  

And that’s exactly the mentality Josh Bouwhuis took heading into the same final nine holes in the same final group. 

After struggling with preparation all week, Josh (aka Jumbo, aka Yum-Ho, aka lil’ Brooksie) found the right prescription with his morning routine. It was simple. Enjoy breakfast and don’t overthink it. No range time, just roll a few putts on the practice green. 

That mentality helped guide an under par back nine charge for the ages. Unbeknownst to everyone, it still came down to the final three holes. With a par on the eighteenth, a par three guarded by water on all sides, it was a wrap for Jumbo and the championship was finally his.

When the field steps foot on the grounds of Garland Golf Resort, everyone feels like they have a chance. Garland is like a second home to the Scratchers and for good reason. For three straight years the storied tournament was held here. It was Josh Bouwhuis first followed by back to back championships by Gilbert Barrientes. Statistically speaking, however, Garland belonged to Michael Debri. 

From the first hole on the Monarch, Debri was locked in. He would go on to finish either first or second in all of the team and partner events. But, as the luck of the draw would have it, so would second year player Drew Howard. 

Experience would ultimately be the deciding factor as DH experienced a back nine melt down like so many before him. Debri was able to squeak past a fine final round from two time champion Derek Roe to repeat as champion and add a fourth title to his hall of fame resume.    

Years 7 AND 8

YEAR 13

Years 9 AND 10

As the country shut down through the spring of 2020, one question lingered on the minds of the golf community, "Would there be Backscratcher this year?"  After weeks of being in limbo, the call was finally made...Garland would be operational in time to host the 12th Backscratcher.  Once the pegs were in the ground on the first tee box, the players settled in just as in years past.

For 90 holes, the pandemic seemed to slip the minds of the participants as they focused on just one thing, winning the Backscratcher. While everyone else in the country was "masking up,"  Gilbert Barrientes decided to "shoe off" on the fourth hole of the final round.  This whipped his game into shape. Playing his last 14 holes in just his socks, Gilbert made a string of 8 foot putts coming in. It was just enough as he narrowly defeated his big cousin Michael Debri by two points, the closest margin of victory in the history of the Backscratcher.  Gilbert joined Debri and Rick Kelbel as the only two-time champions.  

​YEAR 15

When the final groups were set Friday night, it seemed like someone from the second to last group would emerge as Greg Bouwhuis, Phil Bouwhuis, Michael Debri, and Rick Kelbel had already proven in years past they had what it takes. Iron sharpens iron as they say. It was his sharp iron shots that propelled Michael Debri to produce a storyline for the ages by claiming a third Scratcher title. The triumph was incredible for many reasons, including the fact that it came after a major drought that lasted seven years and the win was not far removed from a fortieth birthday. There had been chatter that just maybe the game had passed some of the elder scratchers and it was a young man's game moving forward.

It was the ultimate fairytale. The iconic image of his emotional embrace he shared with the rest of his foursome on the 18th green, all champions at some point themselves, were enough to make even the most cynical get misty-eyed. 

“I never thought we’d see anything that could rival Spike's final round of 2015, but we just did,” Josh Pfennig was heard saying. “For him to shoot under par, on this golf course, is nothing short of remarkable. 

Three-time Scratcher champion Gilbert Barrientes called it “the most dominant round in the history of the Backscratcher.”  

Debri has now won the title in his 20's, 30's and 40's. And he seems to be just getting started. 

Established 2008

The Lynnx is the unofficial mascot of the Backscratchers. He can be found prowling on the rocks behind the 13th green at Gaylord Springs. 

Years 5 and 6 

         All eight players from 2012 signed up for the 5th Backscratcher. Two new courses-The Legacy and Pine Creek were added in 2013.  The weather conditions made this one of the most difficult Scratchers in recent memory. Even with the wind and rain, all five rounds were completed. After winning 3 of the first 4 events, Michael Debri had a comfortable lead going into the final round at Gaylord Springs. Looking to become the first two time champion, an epic meltdown ensued and Rockin' Rick Kelbel took full advantage. Earning a total of 73 points on the last day, Rick was named the 2013 champ with Brandon second and Josh third.

    The 6th Backscratcher took place April 5th-8th in 2014. No new courses were added as Windtree, President's Reserve, General's Retreat, Greystone, and Gaylord Springs made up the lineup.  Rick Kelbel went on to do what Mike Debri couldn't in 2013 and repeated as Backscratcher Points Champion.  Although eight players competed, three more players joined for unsanctioned rounds. 

    The 2nd Backscratcher saw an increase in both players and amount of golf when 8 players played 3 rounds.  All 3 rounds were played in Nashville with the first being at Nashboro followed by Windtree.  The final round was played at Gaylord Springs, home to the final round of the Scratcher for 5 years.

    The 3rd Backscratcher only had 6 players.  This was also the year that the “Backscratcher Points” were included in the tournament.  Four rounds of golf were played in 2011-Windtree, President’s Reserve, Greystone and finally Gaylord Springs.  Michael Debri went on to be named the inaugural Backscratcher Points Champion.      

​    The 2012 event went back up to 8 players and an unprecedented 5 rounds of golf were played. Three new courses were introduced-Forrest Crossings, King’s Creek, and General’s Retreat.  Greg Bouwhuis carded a final round for the ages at Gaylord Springs on Sunday, shooting 79 and claiming the 2nd Backscratcher Points Championship.  

Years 2-4

Past Champions

2024-Michael Debri

2023-Michael Debri

2022-Derek Roe 

2021-Gilbert Barrientes

2020-Gilbert Barrientes

2019-Josh Bouwhuis

2018-Gilbert Barrientes

2017-Phil Bouwhuis

2016-Derek Roe 
2015-Michael Debri
2014-Rick Kelbel 

2013-Rick Kelbel 

2012-Greg Bouwhuis

2011-Michael Debri

Players

Beginning with only four players, the field grew to twelve in 2015 and continued through 2022. Sixteen players will participate in 2023. 

In the winter of 2008, five gentlemen sat at the end of the bar at the Monarch’s Club on the west side of

Grand Rapids, Michigan. Being a typical Michigan winter and wanting to get out of the cold, Brandon

Boelema, Greg Bouwhuis, Phil Bouwhuis, Michael Debri and Patrick Peters discussed the idea of traveling

south in the early spring to “scratch the itch” for the need to play golf. So, in March of 2009 the Inaugural Backscratcher event was held. The first year 4 players (Phil Bouwhuis was the only player absent from

the original 5 at the meeting) played two rounds-Harpeth Hills in Nashville, Tennessee and Kenny Perry's 

Country Creek in Franklin, Kentucky. 

The Backscratcher began in 2009. It is a 90 hole golf tournament played over the course of three days. 

Our History

New year same result. Gilbert Barrientes fended off Sam Pupel on a back nine duel for the ages to go back to back as the Backscratcher Champion.  The final group was filled out by Greg Bouwhuis and Michael Debri. And although they both turned in solid rounds, all eyes were on cart 22 for most of the afternoon. With every up and down of Pupel's, Barrientes had an answer.  And while some expected a good final round from him, no one expected to see the swan dive into the 18th pond after Barrientes tapped in for the repeat. 

There was no doubt that his inability to captain his Scratcher Cup team to victory just days before fueled a fire that led him victory. Having Debri, the victorious captain, in the final group as well only served as extra motivation on what all 12 golfers have their sights set on most, hoisting the Backscratcher championship. 

     “If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.” —Les Brown.  No individual has wanted to be named champion more than Phil Bouwhuis.  In 2017, his dream became a reality after a gritty 81 in the cold and rain. This matched his 81 in round one and personal best.  Derek Roe couldn't defend his title but did finish in second place while Day 1 leader, Tony Piskurich, finished 3rd. 

     No Backscratcher was anticipated more than the 10th, and it delivered in every way possible. A fiesta ensued on the back of the 18th green at the Loon as Gilbert Barrientes was crowned the 2018 Backscratcher Champion.  Although not as dominant as Tiger Woods at the Masters in 1996, it is this type of win that could impact the Mexican/American golf scene for generations to come.  From his humble beginnings on 4th St. on the northwest side of Grand Rapids to his time learning golf course management by grandfather James Jakubowski on a small municipal course in the rural countryside of Wayland, MI this is a tale of perseverance, dedication, and triumph. It took a masterful two putt from over 100 feet to fend off second place finisher Rick Kelbel who put together a final round reminiscent of Michael Debri's record setting performance on the same course in 2015. Defending champion Phil Bouwhuis finished 3rd while rookie Sam Pupel finished 4th after a solid week of golf. 

YEAR 12

YEAR 11

​YEAR 16

For the first time in three years, the Backscratcher changed venues. A whole new set of courses were introduced as the 14th event ventured to Boyne Highlands. Crooked Tree, The Heather, and Bay Harbor's magnificent 27 holes provided the backdrop of the summer's most anticipated golf tournament. Would Gilbert Barrientes's run finally come to an end? That was the question on everyone's mind as everyone prepared to tee off on Thursday morning. 

Fast forward to Friday night where Derek Roe had positioned himself for the final group on Saturday morning. Asked if he felt he had a chance, he responded: "You put me on a links course...all I'm going to say is watch out."

Few will remember Babe Ruth as the original shot caller after Roe's performance on Saturday morning at Bay Harbor. After no putter throws on the front nine and later staking his approach on the par three 17th (although he missed the kick in birdie) all he needed to do was par the scenic 18th to hoist the championship. He was able to fend off Barrientes who finished second and Josh Pfennig who finished third. Roe became the fourth two time scratcher champion. 

YEAR 14

     In the first Scratcher away from Nashville, the field consisted of 12 players and no doubt was the strongest and deepest yet.  It was also the first tournament to take place in the summer months and the weather was perfect.  Michael Debri carded a -1 round of 71 and clawed his way back from the second group to claim his second Backscratcher title and first in four years.  Just like  in 2014, Brandon Boelema finished second and Josh Pfennig placed third. 



     The 8th Backscratcher was claimed by Derek Roe who came back with an inspired performance after several putter throws on the front nine.  The rainy conditions couldn't stop his determined 80 and low round of the day at The Gailes. Phil Bouwhuis finished in 2nd and Rob Wagner fell to 6th after entering the final round in first place.