Northern Michigan Golf and my top 10 ( A deal for the ages)

These courses have really taken a hit with the economy tanking the last 3-4 years. Shanty Creek had always been very arrogant with their pricing so it's good to see them relax their rates. Cedar River is a terrific Weiskopf course.

It's a shame that Tom Doak's first course, High Pointe has gone out of business. It was a great course but not as sexy as some others in the area. You should really try Belvedere in Charlevoix which is a private club allowing outside play. It's old school but strategic and natural. Also, Lochenheath across the street from Grand Traverse Resort is terrific. It was private at one time and due to the economy is now public. You also owe it to yourself to play the Boyne Highland courses. My favorite is the Donald Ross Memorial but the Jones course is great. I have not played the Art Hills course. Last, Black Forest (Tom Doak) is very nice and reasonably priced but severely difficult. The architect himself said he'd like to return to tone it down. There are some huge bunkers on that course and nasty greens.

Nice list!

You should also try playing the following:

Hidden River Golf & Casting Club - about 30 minutes from Harbor Springs

The Nighmare and/or The Dream - if you are going up north from the metro area, West Branch area

I've heard the Bay Harbour courses are nice (though pricey), but haven't played them.

nice list. I played Hawkseye, Arcadia, and the Fazio and Jones course at Treetops, along with 2 rounds at Threetops on the par 3 course. We have a trip planned for July that includes Forest Dunes, Ostego, All 3 treetops courses, 2 rounds on Threetops, and the Dream or Nightmare on the way home. I was really impressed with the condo we rented at Treetops last year. 4 of us paid $350 a piece, and got 2 rounds on Threetops, 1 round on the Jones course and 1 on the Fazio and a condo that we could have slept 8 people in easy. The condo was super nice and had a sweet balcony/deck that over looked one of the holes on I beleive the Jones course. Really looking forward to the trip again this year.

I played Kingsley Clyb several years ago and I consider it as one of the best 3 courses I have played in Michigan. That includes St. Ives, Tullymore, all 4 Boyne Highland couses, both Boyne Mountain courses, Black Forest, Grand Traverse's Bear and Wolverine courses, and Eagle Eye, It is difficult, but was great fun. If you can pay the money and play it.

Looking at heading up there in September.  Have already been to Treetops before. Where else would you recommend to go to play 5-6 rounds in 3 days.  We don't want to drive from course to course.  Just park, check-in and play!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wyldewood43 

Looking at heading up there in September.  Have already been to Treetops before. Where else would you recommend to go to play 5-6 rounds in 3 days.  We don't want to drive from course to course.  Just park, check-in and play!

Weather can be tricky in September up there...that being said you're best bet IMO is heading to Petoskey / Harbor Springs area and playing Bay Harbor and the courses at Boyne Highlands/Boyne Mountain. They usually have great package deals available, especially after Labor Day.

Thanks.  I will look into those for sure . I would like to get a few options to choose from Anyone been to Shanty Creek or Garland lately?  I have heard a bit about Garland but nothing about Shanty.  Any info on the golf there? 

Garland is under relatively new management and from what I've heard has gone down hill. Don't know much about Shanty Creek.

I will be heading to Boyne June 29 - July 1. Played Forest Dunes a couple weeks ago and it was really nice. Playing the Monument and Alpine, then Ross and Crooked Tree, and the Heather Sunday. We are paying $354 for a suite and the upcosts for the golf (Friday is $20/round and the Heather is an addition $25). Not sure if that's a good deal or not, but I'll gladly pay it for 3 days and 5 rounds up north. I've played Grand Traverse and Dunmaglas, those were nice as well. Hoping to make it to Arcadia Bluffs at some point this year.

I'm thinking so as well. I am hoping to make it up again this summer to play Bay Harbor and Arcadia Bluffs. 90 holes in 2 1/2 days is probably all I can do, haha.