These guys love talking golf

Once upon a time, there were a couple guys who threw their clubs in the trunk of a car and golfed Michigan's courses every weekend they could.

It used to be for fun. Now, it's their profession.

It's a tough job, but Bill Hobson and Tom Waske decided someone had to do it.

Hobson is the host and Waske is the producer of "Michigan Golf Live!" The show began seven years ago on a few tiny radio stations and a Web site, michigangolflive.com. This weekend, it will make its first television appearance on FSN, which reaches more than 3.6 million homes in Michigan, Northern Ohio and Northern Indiana.

"We're calling it a major- league move," Hobson said.

The pair has seen the show grow.

"It took off pretty well right away," Waske said. "And it's just gotten better and better. We've taken a step forward every year, and this is a huge step for us."

The half-hour TV show -- two hours on the radio -- spotlights the state's top golf destinations on location. This weekend, the pair will be at Black Lake Golf Course in Onaway.

"Our vision at the very beginning was to get on the air and have fun talking about golf," Hobson said. "It grew into a strong radio show. Now, with television, we're able to tell the stories in picture form."

People make the show

A normal weekend for the guys in the spring, summer and early fall goes like this: They head to a designated course Friday and meet with the owners, pros and whoever might be there.

"There are so many cool stories to tell," Hobson said. "There's the resort, but it's mostly the people you meet."

The show evolved from jobs Hobson and Waske had at Saginaw Valley State University.

Hobson called play by play for the college's football team, while Waske was the school's sports information director. The two would bring their clubs on road trips, and the golf show eventually evolved from there.

"Bill needed a sidekick," Waske said. "We play 26 weekends. That's not a bad thing."

Last weekend, the show included a phone conversation with world-renowned teacher David Ledbetter. The show also features instruction segments that help the ordinary golfers, plus giveaways and trivia contests.

Anyone interested in winning a trip to the Ryder Cup in Ireland next year can tune in and find out how to qualify. Hint: You have to play the game.

"We're going to add some round-table discussions," Hobson said, "but our primary focus is still golf in Michigan."

And, oh yeah, the courses

The show also highlights courses' unique features. For example, this weekend's visit to Black Lake, a course owned by the United Auto Workers, has definite twists.

"When we arrive on the property, they check your vehicle, and if it's made in America, they will let you in," Waske said.

If you drive a foreign car, you will park off the property and be shuttled in. Black Lake's pro shop also sells only U.S.-made products.

The show also visits golf shops such as King Par and Golfsmith, because everyone knows how much golfers love gadgets.

Getting paid to golf the best courses in the state, talking to some of the top names in the sport -- could one have a better summer?

"We do play a little bit of golf," Hobson said a bit defensively, "but we really enjoy telling the stories. A lot of people think when you do a golf show, all you do is tee it up.

"But we work hard at it."

I think Waske speaks for most golfers when he gives his job description.

"It's a pretty cool gig," he said.