9-hole golf course to honor Greeley man who died of COVID-19

MICHAEL RAY LEE FOUNDATION

Michael Lee and his wife, Morgan, on their wedding day in June 2020. COURTESY PHOTO

A look at the layout of a new introductory, 9-hole golf course to be built in 2025 at Boomerang Golf Course in Greeley. The course will be named in honor and memory of Michael Lee, a former golfer at Greeley Central High School and the Colorado School of Mines. COURTESY — AMY LEE

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The development of a golf course for beginning players of all ages is expected this year in Greeley with the opening of an introductory nine-hole course at Boomerang Links Golf Course. The course will be on the south side of Fourth Street and will be named for the late Michael Lee, a former Greeley Central High School and Colorado School of Mines golfer who died in December 2020 from complications of COVID-19.

The course, with nine holes 50 to 60 yards in length, is the latest effort by Lee’s family and a foundation in his name to remember him while using golf to impact the lives of youths.

Lee’s family, including parents John and Amy, set up the Michael Ray Lee Foundation in early 2021. John and Amy Lee estimated the foundation has given about $500,000 in scholarships for college-bound athletes — not only golfers — as well as money to organizations.

The Lees started an annual golf tournament in June 2021 to raise money for the foundation. The Greeley Country Club, where Michael Lee played a lot of golf, has since hosted the tournament in early June. This year, Boomerang will host the tournament, Lee’s parents said.

The development of the introductory course has been in the works for almost two years, John said

— Greeley Tribune