M
ichigan is a golf-friendly
state. There are more
new and expanded pub-
lic courses than ever be-
fore. Top that off with a good mix of
accommodations and services for
varied needs and budgets, and
you have great golfing in Mich-
igan.
Sure there's Augusta, Cypress
Point and Doral. But why fly 2000
miles to play when you can enjoy
some of the finest golf in your own
backyard. Whatever your skill level,
there are Michigan courses that will
test your ability.
These spectacular new courses
are part of major resorts with extra
attractions, but don't forget the many
premier old courses. Most of these
are scenic, products of a straightfor-
ward architectural school - no gim-
micks, no contrivances, and no
artificial bogeymen.
If its scenery you're looking for,
there's nothing more extraordinari-
ly beautiful than fall golf in Michigan.
More interested in the flora and fau-
na? Many of the newer courses are
part of a wetlands preservation pro-
gram in which birds and other small
creatures take refuge. Dislike play-
ing in hot, sticky weather? Go north
in mid-August for mid-70s tempera-
tures.
Looking for a course that's a re-
sort and a golf school? Several are
less than a half day's drive from met-
ropolitan Detroit. Planning on stay-
ing overnight or for the weekend?
Accommodations range from the op-
ulent to the cozy to the efficient Fac-
ing a tight budget? Play off season -
The Golf Center of Spruce Run is located at the Grand Traverse Resort.
Wilderness Valley Black Forest
The Black Forest Course at
Wilderness Valley sprawls through
400 acres of forests, ridges and val-
leys. Undulating greens and spec-
tacular bunkers are the trademarks
of this unique course. Rated Top
New Resort Course in Gorilagazine,
and rated Best New Public Course
in 1993 and currently ranked #7 by
Golf Digest, the yardage from the
Championship Tee measures 7044.
Green fees:$20-$50. Call 616-585-
7090.
The Natural at Beaver Creek
Resort
Players of all abilities enjoy
this challenging course which is a
perfect example showing that golf
and wet lands can coexist. The club-
house sits on an elevated bluff over-
don't be surprised to see a deer when Treetops Sylvan Resort, Gaylord
Rick Smith heads up a golf school
you slice into the rough.
The resort, with 40 guest rooms, and gives private lessons atTreetops
is an hour's drive from the north end when he's not running around the
of Mackinac Bridge. Visitors take M- country working with top PGA pros
134 east from 1-75 to DeTour, then such as Lee Janzen and Jack Nick-
a 1.5-mile ferry ride to Drummond laus.
Of the three courses, the Fazio
and a 12-mile drive to Woodmoor.
The ferry runs back and PHOTOS BY DAVE RICHARDS
forth regularly around the
clock. Green fee: $35-$50.
Carts re-
quired. Call: 1-800-999-6343.
Opened in nearby At-
lanta, Elk Ridge was called
the second best in the coun-
try among all new public
courses by Golf Digest. The
course offers a variety of
challenges including rolling
hills, doglegs, and a mix of
natural terrain and con-
toured holes. The gold
championship tees play
over 7000 yards. Green
fee: with carts $45 to $60.
Special rates for seniors dur-
ing week days. Call 517-785- The Nicklaus course, The Bear, is the ultimate test for golfers.
2275.
The Gailes at Lakewood designed Treetops North, was voted looking the wetlands and seven of
by Golf Digest as the number three the 18 holes. Located five miles
Shores Resort
Shanty Creek was rated number one in the Midwest among best resort courses
best
new resort course in America south of Gaylord on the west side of
Just three hours from
by Golf Digest
and
received
four stars in "Places to Otsego Lake, amenities include year-
Detroit and you can play
Play".
Its.
inward
sloping fairways round use for RV camping plus 2-sto-
golf on a course reminis-
gather
wayward
shots,
but the high- ry log cabins, hot tubs, sauna and
cent of Western Gailes, a
ly
contoured
greens
tend
to raise planned family activities. Green fees
link-style course with deep
scores.
An
extension
of
Treetops
Syl- with carts: $40 - $50. You can walk
pot bunkers and long fes-
van
Resort,
the
course
is
located
cue rough. Voted the num-
the course on weekdays for $25. Call
ber one resort course in the about four miles north of the resort. 517-732-1785.
The par-71 Robert Trent Jones
United States for 1993 and
Sr.
course
is close behind with 3 1/2 Garland: The Monarch, Reflec-
receiving 4 1/2 stars in
tions, and Swampfire
"Places to Play" by Golf Di- stars. With the highest slope rating
The longest is the Monarch at
gest, the course is a true in Michigan, the Jones course fea- 7107 yards from the back tees, but
challenge with the brisk tures dramatic elevation changes the three other tees make it playable
winds from Lake Huron. with a wide diversity of design and for everyone. Even so, the course is
Green fees: $20-$50. Call breathtaking views of the Pigeon Riv- a particular challenge because water
er. Golf Digest named the Jones
517-739-2075.
course 27th on a list of the top 75 re- comes in play on 14 of the holes.
GAYLORD - GOLF
Swampfire and Reflections require
sort courses in America
MECCA OF THE MID-
good
course management, especial-
Green fees: $50-$99. Call 517-732
WEST
continued on page 36
6711
before Memorial Day and after La-
bor Day. Fora complete list of what's
available, call the Michigan Travel
Bureau at 800-543-2YES. With so
many choices, you'll find one to fit
your budget.
THE SUNRISE SIDE
The Sunrise Side of the state
stretches along the Lake Huron
shoreline from Standish to Macki-
naw and inland to 1-75 and includes
Drummond Island. Discover the
sand beaches, canoe the Au Sable,
charter a fishing trip, or just relax.
The resorts and many of the area ho-
tels and motels offer 2 and 3-day golf
packages.
The Rock at Woodmoor
Located on Drummond Island in
Lake Huron off the east coast of up-
per Michigan, The Rock is part of
the 2,000-acre complex originally
built by Tom Monaghan for Domi-
no's executives. Playing in temper-
atures that hover around the mid 70's
in the summer, the 18-hole course is
a real challenge with six water haz-
ards, tree-lined fairways, and four sets
of tees. It's also a wildlife refuge so
STYLE • SUMMER 1994 • 35