Northern Michigan Golf Guide – Michigan Golf Courses and Resorts

Timber Wolf Golf Club

Boasting panoramic views of rolling meadowland, this club has something to offer golfers of all abilities. The mildly undulating greens are generously sized, giving players the opportunity to test their stroke on the velvety soft surface. Some of the contoured fairways feature narrow landing areas, which presents a pleasant challenge. Distinctive touches and a Scottish flavor combine to make this a must-play course.

Come play the “Leader of the Pack” – Timber Wolf Golf Club.

Timber Wolf Golf Club
5646 M-72 SE
Kalkaska, MI 49646
231-258-5685

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Twin Birch Golf Course

Twin Birch Golf Course is your link to affordable golf. Stands of red pine and birch define the fairways while the Boardman River winds throughout the course. Come and see why Great Lakes Golf says the greens are the best in Northern Michigan.

Our course features a picturesque driving range as well as putting and chipping greens – the perfect place to loosen up before hitting the course. Instructional clinics and personal lessons are also available. Be sure to stop into Birdie’s Pub for a hearty meal and a drink from our full-service bar.

Twin Birch Golf Course
1030 County Rd. 612
Kalkaska, MI 49646
231-258-9691

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Drummond Island Township Golf Course

The Drummond Island Township course is located just off Townline Road.

It was built in the early 1960s and is similar to the old style English courses. It offers a unique feature; there is an airport runway that runs along the side of the par 3 # 4. Where else can you have airplanes and deer as obstacles?

The course not only has 9-holes for you to enjoy but they also offer a driving range, practice putting green and pro shop. There are carts available to rent as well.

You can call the course and make a tee time 906-493-5406. The course opens in the spring and is closed mid-fall.

Drummond Island Township Golf Course

Drummond Island, MI 49726
906-493-5406

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Drummond Island Township Golf Course

Drummond Island, MI 49726
906-493-5406
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Shanty Creek – The Legend

The Legend at Shanty Creek Resorts

The Legend – Hole #1 – A scenic, downhill par 5.

Designed by Arnold Palmer, The Legend was awarded 4½ stars in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play Directory.” Cascading over hilltops with stunning views of Lake Bellaire and into valleys alongside crystal clear waters, The Legend was named one of the top four resort courses in the United States by the readers of Golf Magazine. Book your tee time online.

• Par: 72 • Yards 6,764 • Slope: 137 • Rating: 73.6

Shanty Creek – The Legend
5780 Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, MI 49615
1-800-678-4111

• See – The Legend at Shanty Creek Resorts – Ducker Golf Report

• See – Shanty Creek Resorts – The Legend – Photos

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The Legend – Hole #4

The Legend – Hole #12

The Legend – Hole #15



 

 
 

Shanty Creek – Cedar River

Designed by PGA player & architect, Tom Weiskopf, Cedar River was named one of America’s Top 100 Resort Courses by Golf Week. One of Golf Magazine’s “Top Ten in the U.S. You Can Play,” this northern Michigan course offers five tees. Book your tee time online.

• Par: 72 • Yards: 6,989 • Slope: 144 • Rating: 73.6

Shanty Creek – Cedar River
5780 Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, MI 49615
1-800-678-4111

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Cedar River Golf Club – Hole #7

Cedar River Golf Club – Hole #8

Cedar River Golf Club – Hole #16



 

• See – Shanty Creek Resorts – Cedar River – Photos

• See – Cedar River Golf Club at Shanty Creek – Ducker Golf Report

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Shanty Creek – Schuss Mountain Course

Annually named one of the top public courses in Michigan, Schuss Mountain is a challenging course carved into Pure Michigan. Schuss Mountain delivers the challenge golfers seek throughout 6,922 yards of abundant wetlands, rolling hills, and wildlife. Book your tee time online.

• Par: 72 • Yards: 6,922 • Slope: 127 • Rating: 73.4

Shanty Creek – Schuss Mountain Course
5780 Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, MI 49615
1-800-678-4111

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Shanty Creek – Summit Course

The Shanty Creek original, this William Diddel design is one of northern Michigan’s gems rolling gently across the hills of Antrim County. A long-time favorite among golfers who favor wide fairways and fast greens. Book your tee time online.

• Par: 71 • Yardage: 6,260 • Slope: 122 • Rating: 72

Shanty Creek – Summit Course
5780 Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, MI 49615
1-800-678-4111

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Emerald Vale Golf Club

Carved from some of the most scenic land in Wexford County, Emerald Vale’s natural beauty is enhanced by a creative and challenging design that will satisfy both the accomplished and novice golfer.

Panoramic views combine with an attractive natural terrain to create the quiet charm and elegance of this Bruce Matthews III masterpiece. Add the uncompromising commitment to excellence by Emerald Vale’s staff, and this 18 hole design has the makings of a timeless classic. The par 72 Emerald Vale plays from 5277 to 6785 yards with 120′ of elevation change, broad fairways and spacious greens.

Features of Emerald Vale

• Beautiful Vistas With Over 120′ of Elevation Change

• Pro Shop and Professional Staff

• Single, Couple and Family Membership Rates

• Group Rates Available

• Golf Outings and Leagues Welcome

• Bentgrass Greens, Tees and Fairways

• Practice Range With Bentgrass Tees and Target Greens

• Large Practice Green

• Full Service Restaurant and Bar

• Beautiful Golf Course Homesite Lots are Available

• Unlimited Twilight Golf after 4:00

Emerald Vale Golf Club
P.O. Box 250
Manton, MI 49663
800-890-3407

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Manitou Passage Golf Club Becomes A Destination Course

Arnold Palmer’s “Signature Course” King’s Challenge is reborn in Leelanau County as Manitou Passage Golf Club

Over the past two decades some of the most distinguished new golf courses in America have opened in northern Michigan. Perhaps that’s because the nationally acclaimed golf course architects who designed those courses were inspired by the beauty of region’s hills, forests and waters. Nowhere is that beauty more pronounced than to the northwest of Traverse City in Leelanau County.

This sparsely populated decidedly rural county is made up of 348 square miles of land and 2,184 square miles of water. It is the home of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is considered by many to be the State’s number one attraction. Its unmatched beauty with a climate tempered by the water made it a perfect setting for an Arnold Palmer Signature Course – the course that King’s Challenge was meant to be.

When a group lead by Bob Kuras, president of The Homestead, purchased King’s Challenge last year they knew it had not been what it was meant to be. They also knew it could be a signature course and, with dedication, could become a destination course featuring exceptional playing conditions and unmatched service. When the group adopted a goal of becoming a destination course they decided that the course needed a new name that would tie it to Leelanau County and portray the unique high-end experience it would offer.

“While working on the new tee boxes for No. 8 we discovered a view of Lake Michigan’s Manitou Passage. Immediately, we realized that name was the tie to Leelanau County. We also realized that the grandeur of the passage would portray what we are doing here: creating a world-class golf experience on a course designed by one of the greatest golfers to play the game”, said Kuras.

To create that experience the new ownership group reestablished a relationship with Palmer and brought in other experts. One was Wadsworth Golf Construction, the most respected golf course contractor in the country with over 800 projects to its credit. The other was Peridian International, a leader in land planning and landscape architecture for resort destinations throughout the world. Together, Palmer, Wadsworth and Peridian envisioned scores of changes, some minor, some major, that would be made to bring the course and facility up to the championship level experience that an Arnold Palmer “Signature Design” is noted for.

Wadsworth worked from early spring until early winter to make the majority of the recommended changes. Renovations included the repositioning, adding and squaring off of tee-boxes, widening of fairways in key landing areas, renovating bunkers, lengthening some holes, restoring areas with native grasses and clearing of trees and brush to open vistas to the area’s natural beauty.

Complimenting the golf course work was a complete renovation of the entry drive, parking area, cart storage, starter’s plaza and clubhouse. The new clubhouse features a tastefully detailed stone and cedar shake exterior. Inside, the newly created library and trophy alcoves, club room, grill and golf shop feature stone fireplaces, luxurious furnishings, oriental rugs, warm rich woods and original art. New patio doors lead to a multi-level patio that affords stunning views of the 18th hole and offers guests’ outdoor food and beverage services.

The completely-redesigned Clubhouse features an outdoor dining terrace with sweeping views of no. 18 and full table service from the Grill Room.

“We adopted a very high goal and are delighted with the contributions that Palmer, Wadsworth and Peridian made toward our achieving our goal of becoming a destination course. We are looking forward to completing the work and providing the playing conditions and service discerning golfers desire and deserve,” said Kuras.

For more information visit: www.manitoupassagegolfclub.com (under construction), www.thehomesteadresort.com, www.sleepingbeardunes.com and www.nps.gov/slbe.

Location: Cedar, MI 20 minutes northwest of Traverse City
Address: 4600 Club Drive
Yardage: 6,734 from back tees
Architect: Arnold Palmer Design Company
Year Opened: 1998, Reopened 2010
Phone: 231.228.6000; 888.656.7572
For More: Jamie Jewell, Senior Manager, The Homestead, 231.334.5524>

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An Afternoon at the Jason Guss Golf Academy – A Revelatory Golf Experience

By Jim Barnes

“Forget about the ball,” said the golf instructor. “The last thing you want to think about right now is the golf ball.” And, he was right. The six of us in the clinic had just been filmed swinging at balls, and it wasn’t pretty. If we wanted to fix these ugly golf swings, we were going to have to start concentrating on our bodies, not the golf balls.

The instructor is Jason Guss, a young professional who spent 11 years working under swing guru Rick Smith at Treetops, with teaching stints in Florida and Australia. Golf Digest magazine is already featuring his lessons, and the buzz around the golf world is that he is one of the hottest, up-and-coming teachers in the game today. I’m here on a beautiful July day to preview the new Jason Guss Golf Academy at the Otsego Club in Gaylord, Michigan.

Jason is equipped not only with vast knowledge and experience, but with the best technology available today: the Trackman Pro swing and ball flight analysis machine is the technology all the pros are using, and V1 Pro video analysis software allows you to monitor improvements and even see your swing side-by-side with various PGA professionals.

Back indoors, watching our golf swings on the computer monitor, it was evident Guss would need great skill to fix them. But, after spending just five minutes filming each of us and reviewing the video, he now had core lessons and swing tips for everyone, which he succinctly explained to each of us. Now it was time to return to the practice tee and put Jason’s advice to work.

Amazingly, we all improved. His suggestions were spot-on, helping each one of us solve a key problem, be it weight shift, swing path, stance — he nailed them all. Starting us out with half swings, making us concentrate on our prescribed changes, we all began marveling about the solid contact we were making and how straight we were hitting. Now we could start concentrating on the ball. I pulled out my driver and hit the sweetest draw of my life.

I realized I was in the presence of a master teacher. Me hit a draw?!? Later that day, my new swing led to a tap-in birdie on a 180-yard par 3, after one of the sweetest 3 irons I’ve ever hit. Since then, I purchased a new oversized driver, and a week later carded my first eagle. I have a whole new attitude about my game and my swing. Do I owe it all to Jason Guss? Let’s just say I’m really glad I attended that afternoon clinic, and I’m totally convinced of Jason’s abilities. Yes, we are very lucky to have him here in Northern Michigan.

But wait, there’s more! Not only is Jason Guss an out-of-this-world golf instructor, the Jason Guss Golf Academy is located at an other-worldly resort, the Otsego Club, with its killer 25-acre practice facility, some of the most charming dining and overnight accommodations in the North, and also some of the best golf: The Classic course and The Tribute are both on site, and the affiliated, Tom Doak-designed Black Forest is a short drive away. (See a review of the Gary Koch-designed Tribute course HERE.)

A wide variety of Golf Academy programs and individual lessons are available, the most intriguing of which are the two and three day packages that allow you to getting totally immersed in improving your game, combining lessons, practice and playing, all day long. The room I stayed in was a totally charming, log cabin-themed room with a patio about 100 paces from the practice tee. Working on your golf game sure is fun when you’re in a beautiful setting with a relaxed atmosphere. With this great facility, Jason’s teaching skills, and the Trackman and video analysis there to record your progress, your game is sure to improve — and you’re bound to have one of the great golf adventures of your life!

Jason Guss Golf Academy Photos
(Click photos for slideshow view)

 
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Shanty Creek Resorts

Shanty Creek Resorts’ Up North Michigan hospitality is legendary. Our three distinct villages within 4,500 acres of pristine landscapes are surrounded by golf courses, ski mountains and spectacular views of Lake Bellaire. Enjoy our complimentary shuttle service to experience the whole resort, and to nearby downtown Bellaire.

THE VILLAGES OF SHANTY CREEK RESORTS

Summit Village
Boasting a $10 million renovation, The Lakeview Hotel & Conference Center at Summit Village offers million-dollar views of Lake Bellaire, miles of pristine hardwood forests and out-the-door access to The Legend and Summit Golf Courses and Summit Mountain’s slopes. With spacious and lavish guest rooms, The Lakeview Restaurant & Lounge, Arnie’s Grill, The Spa at Shanty Creek Resorts and over 16,000 square feet of meeting space including the renovated Grand Ballroom, Bellaire Ballroom and Fireside Parlor, Summit Village is the heart of Shanty Creek Resorts.

Cedar River Village
Featuring 72 suites and studios plus 14 condominiums, this elegant village showcases well-appointed accommodations in one- and two-bedroom suites and three- and four-bedroom condos with views of Cedar River Golf Course or the north face of Schuss Mountain. Guests staying at Cedar River are treated to the convenience of out-the-door access to Cedar River Golf Course, the downhill slopes of Schuss Mountain and 30 km of Nordic trails. Ideal for corporate events, Cedar River Village includes over 7,100 sq ft of meeting space, creating a perfect harmony of high-tech facilities and natural vistas from every window.

Schuss Village
European Charm Up North – Located at the foot of Schuss Mountain, Schuss Village exudes European charm. Featuring a variety of accommodations from villas and condos bordering the Schuss Mountain Golf Course to guest suites with views of the Schuss Mountain ski slopes and walking distance to Ivan’s for Apres-ski entertainment and fun.

GOLF AT SHANTY CREEK
Once you get a taste of Northwoods Michigan high country golf, you’ll want more. Shanty Creek boasts 72 holes on four unique and distinct championship golf courses, each combining challenging play with Up North natural beauty. When it comes to golf, the bar has been raised. Sporting tight fairways, formidable doglegs, breathtaking hazards, and varying elevations, Shanty Creek’s golf courses put golfers in an enviable position—trying to read and play those challenging greens amid the stunning views.

The Legend
Designed by Arnold Palmer, The Legend was awarded 4½ stars in Golf Digest’s “Places to Play Directory.” Cascading over hilltops with stunning views of Lake Bellaire and into valleys alongside crystal clear waters, The Legend was named one of the top four resort courses in the United States by […]

Cedar River
Designed by PGA player & architect, Tom Weiskopf, Cedar River was named one of America’s Top 100 Resort Courses by Golf Week. One of Golf Magazine’s “Top Ten in the U.S. You Can Play,” this northern Michigan course offers five tees. Book your tee time online. • Par: 72 • Yards: 6,989 […]

Schuss Mountain Course
Annually named one of the top public courses in Michigan, Schuss Mountain is a challenging course carved into Pure Michigan. Schuss Mountain delivers the challenge golfers seek throughout 6,922 yards of abundant wetlands, rolling hills, and wildlife. Book your tee time online. • Par: 72 • Yards: […]

Summit Course
The Shanty Creek original, this William Diddel design is one of northern Michigan’s gems rolling gently across the hills of Antrim County. A long-time favorite among golfers who favor wide fairways and fast greens. Book your tee time online. • Par: 71 • Yardage: 6,260 […]

MEETINGS & CONFERENCES
With over 36,000 square feet of redesigned and renovated functional meeting spaces, lavishly appointed suites and on-property dining venues, Shanty Creek is the host with the most, all within Shanty Creek’s 4,500 acres. • Spacious meeting rooms • Executive boardrooms • Audio/visual services and omnipresent WiFi • Task tables with power pods • On-property business center

The Spa at Lakeview Hotel
Guests of Shanty Creek Resorts discover the true meaning of complete serenity at the Lakeview Hotels & Conference Center’s Spa. Choose from an array of indulgent treatments and spa packages. Our staff of trained professionals will deliver a comforting spa experience guaranteed to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. Treatments include a variety of body
wraps, massages, herbal therapies, and unique combination therapies.

Click below to view the full spa menu:
www.shantycreek.com/pdfs/villages/SCR_Spa_Menu.pdf

SUMMER RECREATION
Family Fun Found – From season to season, Shanty Creek keeps family fun on the menu. From winter wonderland sleigh rides and dog-sledding to summertime outdoor movies under the stars, GPS driven geo-caching explorations, and much more, there’s always something to do. Throughout the year, we’ll publish our seasonal activities so you and your family can decide what to do during your next getaway.

SKIING AT SHANTY CREEK RESORTS
Michigan’s Favorite Slopes – It’s no surprise Shanty Creek was rated “Best Downhill Terrain in the Midwest” by OnTheSnow.com’s visitors. With 49 runs on two mountains, more than 200″ of snow annually, and a 450′ vertical drop to suit any snow lover—novices, intermediates and experts—Shanty Creek is a snowsports paradise where terrain meets tradition. And with competitive rates, special event pricing, and season passes available for all ages, Shanty Creek makes it easy to schuss all winter long.

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Treetops Resort

Designed by Masters, Played by Champions, Treetops is the name by which all other courses in Michigan are measured. It is on the short list of the nation’s finest golf facilities. Dramatic views, contours and rolling terrain provide a beautiful setting for world-class golf. Treetops is truly the Midwest’s must play resort. Treetops Resort features 238 guest rooms, including standard and deluxe hotel rooms and two and three-bedroom condominiums. Nearly every room takes advantage of our majestic setting and offers sweeping views of ski hills, golf courses, pristine woods or wetlands.

Treetops Golf
Five distinctly different courses by renowned designers Robert Trent Jones, Sr., Tom Fazio and Rick Smith offer arguably the best collection of golf anywhere in the country. Better golf begins with better instruction. And you won’t find more experienced, highly skilled instructors than those at Treetops. In fact, the Rick Smith Golf Academy is Michigan’s only three-time, Top 25 golf school. So whether you’re looking to enhance your full swing or hone your short game, our instructors will help you maximize your skills, increase your confidence and lower your score.

Jones Masterpiece
The final design of Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in Michigan is truly a masterpiece. In his own words, Jones claimed it his crowning glory. The course is located at the headwaters of the Pigeon River and takes full advantage of natural valleys, ravines and broad plains. The signature sixth hole […]

Fazio Premier
Premier is the only course in Michigan designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, making the most of the rolling terrain and striking the perfect balance between challenge and forgiveness. When asked to name a signature hole, Fazio replied, “All of them!” Treetops – Fazio Premier 3962 Wilkinson Road Gaylord, MI 49735 1-888-873-3867 Visit Treetops – Fazio […]

Rick Smith Signature
Rick Smith, renowned architect and golf instructor, set the bar high with Signature, his first 18-hole course. The course unfolds into high upland and features undulating greens and wide, forgiving fairways. Signature has been rated a Top 50 Course for Women. Treetops – Rick Smith Signature 3962 Wilkinson Road Gaylord, MI 49735 1-888-873-3867 Visit Treetops – […]

Rick Smith Tradition
Tradition is Rick Smith’s walking course which pays homage to golf’s origin, and is well named as it features traditional wooden pins and pennant flags. The links-style layout takes advantage of high ridges and hilltops, providing some sloping while still being walkable. Holes one through nine wrap back around to […]

Threetops Par 3
Rick Smith’s first par three course has received national recognition since it opened, consistently ranking as the #1 par three course in America by Golf Magazine, Golfweek, Golf & Travel and several others. It’s perhaps the most recognized par three course in America. For a number of years, Threetops hosted […]

Spa
Treetops Spa caters to both men and women who enjoy personal attention. We pride ourselves in our ability to make our clients feel comfortable and well cared for. We offer a range of Massage Therapies, Body Treatments, Skin Care, Facials, Manicures and Pedicures. All are designed to soothe, pamper, relax, and de-stress your body, mind and spirit.

Meetings & Conferences
Treetops has long been hailed as the finest resort in the Midwest for mixing business with pleasure. There are countless reasons why Treetops is the ultimate setting for your next meeting or event. Treetops’ expert conference staff can easily coordinate an unforgettable conference or banquet, including theme events for everything from a small office retreat to a large corporate gathering. At Treetops, our meeting rooms are equipped to handle audiovisual equipment and include high-speed Internet connections for your convenience. All meeting facilities and certain guest rooms are barrier-free for easy access by mobility-impaired individuals. Treetops provides over 20,000 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities.

Weddings
Breathtaking vistas and a wide variety of amenities make Treetops Resort a premier site for wedding receptions. You and your guests will be pleased with the vast array of lodging options, ranging from standard hotel rooms to luxurious condominium homes.

Summer Activities
Outdoor Adventures – Treetops offers a variety of activities to provide you with the ultimate summer vacation getaway.

SKIING AT TREETOPS
With our location in northern Michigan, Treetops offers some of the finest terrain in the Midwest. Take advantage of our 23 picturesque ski runs, complete with three chairlifts and two tow ropes. A guest seating area in the Warming Hut is located at the base of the slopes where parents have a clear view of their children learning to ski. To further ease the transition of the beginner skier, we have extended one of the tow ropes an additional 145 feet to a lower location. We also feature “The Yard” Terrain park that will be back by popular demand this year which is home to tabletops and rails for skiers and snowboarders in search of a challenge.

Visit Treetops Resort Website >>>>

 
 

Northern Michigan Golf Guide - produced by North Guide Internet.