By Kirsten Buys
C & G Staff Writer

FARMINGTON HILLS — Rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits at the fourth annual Jon Grant Signature Classic golf tournament — in fact, it did quite the opposite.

“Jon really hated golf — he only did it to appease me,” his wife, Debbie, said at the June 25 tournament held in his honor. “He prayed that it would rain, so he wouldn’t have to play. So, he showed us he’s still hanging around.”

Grant, who served on Farmington Hills City Council for 16 years and a one-year term as mayor, died Aug. 1, 2003, from complications of cancer. Originally started by friends, the annual tournament now is run by the Farmington/Farmington Hills Exchange Club, which used to run a separate tournament. Proceeds from the event benefit various youth programs, particularly the Farmington/Farmington Hills Foundation for Youth and Families after-school program.

“He was an all-around good guy,” said club member Steve Brock, who organizes the event with Debbie Grant. “He did not care for golf, but he would play to be supportive.”

But one thing he never could do was take the game seriously.  He would throw balls, goof around and never seemed to make it through a full 18 holes.

“We only play 16 holes because by then he would go in to have a drink,” Brock said.

That’s not the only thing that separates the Jon Grant Signature Classic from other tournaments.  There are prizes for the farthest drive — whether it makes it on the fairway or not. There are point deductions if you lose a ball, holes where you’re only allowed to use your driver for the entire hole, including putting, and at least one hole dedicated to Grant’s cocktail of choice.

Anyone who knew Grant is quick to say he hated golf but had a great time.

“We remember Jon fondly, and it shows in the rules of the game,” Exchange Club member Paula Boegner said. “Jon was a good golfer, but not a serious golfer. Rules are made to be stretched — they’re pliable — and we have a lot of fun with that.”

And that’s just how Grant would have wanted it, according to his daughter, Dee Dee Grant.

“That’s how they designed it, around his sense of humor,” she said. “They made it fun, not your standard golf outing. It just makes you very proud that people support the city and still remember my dad and the charities that were important to him.  He would be very honored.”

You can reach Staff Writer Kirsten Buys at kbuys@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1030.