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

Hey fellas,

I have come to the conclusion that it doesnt get much better than golf in Northern Michigan and the deals that they are running these days are simply amazing.  Listen to this deal that I set up at the WM golf show in GR.

Here is the info....

12 guys pay $125 a man and the following is included   (FYI....we are staying June 22-24)....primetime baby!!!!

2 night stay in a 4000 sq ft. house on the Chief Golf course (this house overlooks the 18th hole and has amazing views of lake bellaire....the house also has a 1200 sq ft deck to party on)

5 rounds of golf (3 on the chief and 1 round at Hawkseye and 1 round at the Cedar River course at Shanty Creek)

I was amazed when I found out the price.  Treetops is also running an amzing deal that includes a 1 night stay and 2 days of unlimited golf for around $120 a man for primtime.

Hit em straight boys and if you have never had a chance to golf in Northern Michigan I suggest you get up there ASAP.....the courses are second to none in the nation.

My personal favorites in Norther Michigan are as follows

1. Arcadia Bluffs

2. Forest Dunes

3. Treetops Premier

4. Cedar River Shanty Creek

5. Treetops Signature

6. Hawkseye

7.  Black Lake

8. Legend at Shanty Creek

9. Tribute - Otsego Club

10. A-ga-ming (Sundance) & Treetops Masterpiece

FYI....I have not played Elk Ridge, True North, Black Forest, Boynes Courses

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 will check out Lockenheath and Belvadere next time im in the area.  Somebody else told me to play Dunmaglas and also I heard that the Kingsley Club is allowing public play although its expensive.  Anybody played Kingsley Club or Dunmaglas????

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!

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.

You made a good choice paying the extra money for those courses.  I would higly suggest paying a little more upcharge and play Bay Harbor which is also part of boyne.  The course is one of the bet in Michigan

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.