Hidden Golf Palaces of Michigan
by Kim Rojas
Appropriately named, Traverse City, Michigan’s newly renovated airport is the crossover point for the golf experience of a lifetime.
True golf enthusiasts know about the championship courses peppered among the 900 clubs throughout the northern part of the state; but now the secret’s out!
Designers such as Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones, Arnold Palmer and many more knew Michigan’s potential when designing fabulous courses throughout the entire peninsula, always a place of glorious summer weather.
Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville is breathtaking on its two courses; a third course will be complete in 2008. Celebrating 50 years in adventure in northern Michigan, Crystal Mountain has what families want. The traditional Scottish Village charm is always a pull, but it’s the courses that keep them coming back. Carved out of heavy forest with expansive bunkers and beguiling water hazards, both courses are certain to be a challenge but still playable for juniors 7-14 years old and the club prices shows its commitment to youth and the sport.
In a natural balance of resort luxury and the desire for the game in Lewiston, the gates of Garland Resort welcome the most enthusiastic golfers. The 3500 acres of unspoiled wilderness are home to foxes, deer, and even a pair of eagles with their eaglet baby! Drive a straight line at Garland, though; sixteen of the 18 holes on the Fountain course have water on them! The three other courses are equally as challenging but also rewarding; 83 people have sunk aces on these courses this year.
After one or more satisfying rounds of golf, enjoy the spa or the deluxe accommodations offered at the resort. Because Garland is a family-owned operation, often keeping its employees for many years, guests enjoy above-and-beyond service, which is nice at the end of the day. The food is superb and not over-priced. And though the resort runs year-round with winter sports and fun, the four golf courses, all of which are accessible to the one pro shop are its highlight.
Treetop Course
Gaylord is right in step with top-name Michigan golf resorts with the Treetops Resort, personally named by Robert Trent Jones. If not for the opulent spa and unequaled accommodations available in addition to the onsite daycare and Junior Golf Clinics, Treetops might be viewed as the guys’ resort.
It’s a tough game out there! Tom Fazio’s “Premier” course is a must-golf layout with lots of hilly fairways, raised greens and strategically placed bunkers.
Treetops (hole #9)
Threetops, home of the Par 3 Shootout was voted the #1 par 3 course in the nation. Some may remember that it was here on “High Five” hole number 7 that Lee Trevino hit the million dollar hole-in-one, the most lucrative golf shot in history!
Some resorts offer astounding cuisine such as the Otsego Lake Club, nearby Treetops.
Guests don’t simply eat there – they dine after a rewarding round of golf. Award-winning menu choices include Hong Kong Steak with wasabi sauce, New Zealand Lamb, Gazpacho and more! The world comes to your table at Otsego; and everything is made right on site including the bread and rolls. Even the menus are printed on site so there are no surprises when ordering.
These hidden treasure golf resorts in northern Michigan cater to their guests providing year round sports for every season including the silent sports such as kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking and horseback riding. The only thing missing is the tension.
Michiganders (as they are called) are among America’s most hospitable community and visitors instantly feel the hearty welcome that stays in one’s memory for many years to come.
- www.crystalmountain.com
- www.garlandusa.com
- www.treetops.com
- www.otsegoclub.com
- www.shantycreek.com
