Playing golf in hot and humid summer conditions can be wearing. For many Georgians an impulse of escape to more temperate climes becomes the quest, a search for memorable golf experiences and cooler temperatures.
The heart of Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula is such a place. Within a scenic drive north or a short flight to Traverse City, Georgians will discover the charming Swiss-themed community of Gaylord, Michigan. Recognized as one of the nation’s premiere ski and outdoor locations, legendary golf courses have established this picturesque community as one of America’s finest year-round destinations.
Featuring fifteen championship golf courses all within an easy drive of one another, the region has branded itself as The Gaylord Golf Mecca. Accommodations and dining choice are wide-ranging, befitting the diversity of the area’s golf designs. Forests and lakes, hilltops and valleys create exceptional terrain in the formation of unforgettable golf experiences.
Where to Stay, Play and Dine
In 1972, The Classic became a ‘founding course’ in the establishment of Gaylord as a golf mecca. Though the course is not long in length, 6350 yards, it’s the greens that provide much of the challenge for this parkland setting. Fast and accurate, they’re considered the finest in the state by many golfers. Overlooking the Sturgeon River, ‘the Country Club’, as the locals call it, is traditional in appearance and playability and a pleasure to play.
The Tribute, an “America’s Top Ten New Courses” by Sports Illustrated following its opening in 2001, maintains this standing today. This Rick Robbins and PGA Tour veteran and commentator Gary Koch-designed course offers a variety of tee choices, frequent elevation changes creating panoramic splendors of the Northern Michigan countryside and a beauty that defies the challenges that this championship course has to offer.
Otsego Resort is the perfect place to stay, as the courses are part of the property and as a guest there are excellent golf packages. The Resort accommodations of suites, cabins and guest rooms are nicely appointed. The Hilltop Lodge’s spacious rooms have recently been modernized, many with kitchens, but should you wish to dine out the resort features on-site dining options. Perfectly prepared steak and seafood at The Duck Blind Grill should be experienced. It was the recipient of the prestigious Wine Spectator Award of Excellence.
For more casual dining stop at the Alpine Tavern located along the Tyrolean-inspired facades of Gaylord’s Main Street, a fun setting offering up good food and service. An eight iron shot away is Snowbelt Brewing Company; this independent craft brewer has one of the largest selections in the state. My Chest Hurts IPA goes exceptionally well with a house favorite the TacoBelt Crunchwrap – delicious!
Gaylord Golf Club is one of Northern Michigan’s oldest golf clubs. Founded in 1924 as a prestigious private club, it has recently opened its facilities to the public. A wonderful opportunity to experience pristine conditioning on a classic style course, the course has wide fairways, fast greens and hazards that come into play whatever tee box you select.
Michaywe Pines Golf Course is another original member of The Gaylord Golf Mecca. If you’re limited for time this course should be on your list to play. Regarded as the region’s best-maintained facility, it’s located along the shores of the AuSable River with holes framed by forests of pine while white birch separate the fairways, creating a sense of uniqueness and privacy. As with many of the
other courses in this region the green fees are very reasonable.
Another of the region’s outstanding resorts and golf facilities is The Loon Golf Resort with three championship courses on one property; The Loon, The Ridge and The Lakes. Each course is distinctive in their appearance and playability.
The Loon Course is a Butch Harmon Signature design. Since its opening in 1994, the course has been a favorite to play as wide fairways and large greens provide ample opportunities for scoring well from four sets of tees. It’s the home for a Butch Harmon Teaching School.
The Ridge Course is a classic woodland design. Fairways are honed from the thick coniferous forest creating a feeling of seclusion on many holes. Dramatic elevation changes, narrow landing areas and numerous doglegs establish the course as a fine test of one’s game.
The Lakes Course is golf variability at it’s finest. There are three distinct design strategies within this eighteen-hole layout. Six holes deliver a links-style appearance, six holes are set amidst forests with the changeability of the terrain creating stunning vistas from numerous elevated tees, and four holes embrace the shores of beautiful Lake Michaywe.
Loon Golf Resort moniker ‘Michigan’s Friendliest Resort’ lives up to this declaration during your stay at the Hotel or cottage style lodging. On property, the Summit Grill offers a relaxed dining environment from breakfast to late evening. Located atop the Resort’s ski hill the restaurant and bar provide scenic vistas. The panko fish sandwich with Snowbelt Brewing’s TaylerMade Session IPA is a perfect pairing.
There’s great history surrounding the Indian River Golf Club. Once known as Burt Lake Golf Club, nine holes were commissioned in 1924 to be constructed by respected English architect Wilfrid E. Reid, who was in the Michigan area constructing Gaylord Golf Club. It’s referred to as “the best kept secret in the north”. Like many of the courses in the area, this is a walkable course. The fairways are sculptured from mature forests of virgin pine. Thirty well designed bunkers and four scenic lakes add to its beauty. There are five sets of tees and, at 4,301-6,692 yards it may seem short, but this course requires a great deal of strategy especially when the winds are blowing.
Known for his redesign work on many US Open golf courses, Rees Jones is the creator of the award-winning Black Lake Golf Club. Golf Digest touted this premiere layout as one of “Michigan’s Most Beautiful”, the “34th Best Public Course” and “9th best in value” in America following its opening in 2000. It’s owned by the United Auto Workers who spared no expense in creating the course. Union membership isn’t required to play but a discounted green fee is given if you are a member. When teeing it up, you might have the feeling of Pinehurst #7 course, also designed by Rees Jones. Framed by forests of pine and tranquil wetlands, the fairways look narrower than they actually are. Massive waste bunkers protect many of the holes and raised greens with ‘false fronts’ add to the challenge and enjoyment of this prime property. Before or after your round, a meal at the Black Lake Grille is an excellent place to unwind. You must try the Whitefish dip with sea salt crackers.
The Natural Golf Course at Beaver Creek Resort is the creation of award-winning designer and Michigan resident, Jerry Mathews. Built on one of the state’s most scenic sites, the western shores of Lake Otsego, its named The Natural as the entire course is set around marshlands and stands of majestic pines, oak and birch. The elevated clubhouse provides stunning views of seven holes.
From the moment you check in to your comfortable accommodations at the all-season Treetops Resort, the beauty of the land surrounds you. A five golf course facility recognized as the St. Andrews of the Midwest, it’s the only property in the world that features Robert Trent Jones Sr, Tom Fazio and Rick Smith courses.
It’s difficult to choose which course to play first but Jones’ Masterpiece is a memorable way to start. “This is my crowning glory”, he stated when it was completed in 1987. Located on the headwaters of the Pigeon River, this course was the catalyst to putting golf in Northern Michigan on the map with countless elevation changes and minimal flat landing areas with strategically placed hazards. Play one tee deck forward and you may find a more rewarding score. Scoring aside, the scenery on the course is stunning. The signature 6th hole features a 120’ vertical drop to the green far below.
Playing a Tom Fazio Course is always an experience as his approach in design is to ‘frame every hole’. Fairways of sculptured bunkering or a solitary tree dramatically showcase in many of his signature designs. The Premier Course is no exception.
Rick Smith, regarded as one of the world’s best golf instructors, shows his wisdom of the game in creating The Signature and Traditions Courses. The Signature is touted as one of the nation’s most exceptional golf properties; Smith took advantage of dramatic elevation changes with Par 3s requiring three-club variances. Inspired by his passion for Irish and Scottish golf, he designed the greens with subtle contouring and incorporated a multitude of bunker shapes and depths.
Following the success of two championship courses Smith set out to create a par three course to be remembered. Threetops is a nine-hole challenge where errant shots can easily result in double-bogey but every golfer has a shot at a hole-in-one on every hole. The holes range in length from 138 -216 yards and the greens are quick; should the wind blow they’re very difficult to hit. “Devil’s Drop”, the 216 yard third hole has a 145-foot descent to a two-tiered narrow green. Wager with your friends for “closest to the hole” and good luck!
Gaylord Golf Mecca is the source for making the most of your golf getaway. If Georgia’s hot weather continues, you might consider an extra week to explore how much more this northern region of Michigan has to offer.
