SW Michigan Course Reccomendations

[bcawley01]

Hey GolfWRXers this is my first post and I wanted to get your advice on where to play with my dad on our yearly trip to Michigan.

We are going to play 2 or possibly 3 rounds but if we play 3 we are going to go back to one of the courses we played last year.

For reference we are will to drive anywhere under an hour from just north New Buffalo and are willing to pay up to 100.00 per person

 

Here are the options we are considering in no particular order:

 

Whittaker Woods (Played Last Year)

 

Warren GC at Notre Dame

 

Blackthorn GC (Played Last Year)

 

Angels Crossing GC

 

Yarrow Golf and Conference

 

HawksHead Links

 

Ravines by Arnold Palmer

 

Harbor Shores GC

 

The Medalist GC

 

Stonegate GC

 

Macatawa Legends Golf & CC

 

The Brassie

 

Hickory Stick GC

 

The Course at Aberdeen

 

White Hawk CC

 

The Golf Club at Thronapple Pointe

 

If you have any other suggestions feel free to leave them as well. We are willing to stretch both limits by alittle if the course is really special.

 

Thanks, Ben

 

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[VNutz]

Of those listed, I've played Angels Crossing, Macatawa Legends, Thornapple Point and Harbor Shores. Harbor Shores is the best of what I've played, but it can be gimmicky in terms of greens and wind and will cost you up to the tops of your budget if not more. After that I'd probably recommend Thornapple the most out of the ones I've played in terms of bang for your buck, with Angels Crossing next and Macatawa Legends last. MW isn't a bad course, but I'd probably not recommend it, it's a tad dull and lacking in memorable holes. Thornapple is a nice course with some cool holes but might lake that "special" factor. Plains, trains and automobiles they call it as it's by and airport, train line and highway, not to mention a river as well.

Only since you mention some Grand Rapids courses I'll suggest Thousand Oaks and Pilgrims Run. Pilgrims Run is about 40 minutes north of GR but is probably one of my favorite courses, just a fun play in a cool setting in the woods. I've heard good things about HawksHead and The Ravines seems to be a love it or hate it course.

[bcawley01]

I've looked into both of the recommendations but my dad thinks they are too far to drive to. For Harbor Shores, I've seen deals on GolfNow for 75.00 a person.

Thanks, Ben

[FSCMatt]

I've played quite a few of the ones listed. The warren, hawkshead, angels crossing, and the two you've already played are the best I'd say. Aberdeen is terrible, condition and layout wise. I don't think harbor shores is worth the money unless you get the $75 deal, then maybe. I have played some of the others, but don't remember much about them.

I'd also check out beechwood. It's a muni in laporte and is a nicer course. Especially for the price.

There are a lot of private courses that are willing to let people on if they have a pro call. So if anyone is a member somewhere have their pro call and you'll likely get on. The private courses are: the dunes club (out of your price range, but worth it), orchard hills, potowatomi (sp?), long beach, and point o' woods, south bend cc, and morris park.

I hope you guys have a good time while you're in the area.

[bcawley01]

Ok thanks, I don't know about the private clubs, although our house is like 2 minutes from the dunes club and it looks incredible so we might be willing to pony up some cash for it. I'll check out Beechwood and cross Aberdeen off the list. Also what about Lost Dunes, I've seen some pictures and it looks absolutely fantastic. Do I have a chance of getting on there?


Thanks, Ben


Just took a look at Beechwood, looks nice especially for the price

[BG5]

I think a Hawkshead/Ravines would be a great choice or I would suggest Angels Crossing/Island Hills. Have fun

[FSCMatt]

I caddy at the dunes club. It's a $300 day per person, but that includes caddy which is mandatory (there are no carts). Best 9 hole course country and maybe the world. I'd say it's worth it, I'm sure others disagree.

I've never played the lost dunes. I've heard mixed reviews about it, mainly regarding the Doak greens. I'd guess it's close to the dunes club price wise and not as great of an experience. A few of their holes are right on a major interstate.

Beechwood is a lot of fun to play. You can score well on it. There are enough tough holes to make it worth a trip if you're looking for a course.

[bcawley01]

Holy S***! $300 for 9 holes, yeah I don't think we will want to pay that much.

Also about Island Hills, it looks beautiful but I don't think it's within our driving distance,


Thanks for the recommendation though, Ben

[FSCMatt]

[quote name='bcawley01' timestamp='1408792008' post='9992275']Holy S***! $300 for 9 holes, yeah I don't think we will want to pay that much.

Also about Island Hills, it looks beautiful but I don't think it's within our driving distance,


Thanks for the recommendation though, Ben[/quote]

It's a nine hole course, but you play 18. About 5 of the holes have a bunch of tee boxes to change the hole completely.

I hope you guys find what you're looking for.

[bcawley01]

Thanks for all the tips!

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I have played both Hawkshead Links and the Warren Course at ND. Both nice courses.

[bcawley01]

Ok cool, right now I'm leaning toward either HawksHead or Ravines and Warren, Yarrow, or Blackthorn

[zer0]

[quote name='bcawley01' timestamp='1408907253' post='9998545']
Ok cool, right now I'm leaning toward either HawksHead or Ravines and Warren, Yarrow, or Blackthorn
[/quote]

Based on that list you're really doing yourself a disservice not giving a serious look at Island Hills. Its no more than an hour from South Bend so its really not that far away. I was there a few weeks ago and we rented a villa and played it 4x. Course is unbelievable and ridiculously cheap considering how nice it is. Its the very definition of a hidden gem.

[bcawley01]

Its around an hour and 45 minute drive from where we are staying, and though it looks really nice, my dad doesn't want to drive that fsr

[Cspackler6]

I would play harbor shores after 3pm ($75) and warren. Both are about 30 minutes from nb area. Hawkshead is another 15-20 minutes past harbor shores. Hawkshead is a good course but doesn't really offer anything over and above harbor shores to suggest driving further considering you haven't played either of them.

[cwglum]

Can definitely recommend Island Hills, great course and always in great condition.

I would avoid Hawkshead. My experiences there have always been poor conditions. Played there last August and the greens are the slowest and bumpiest I played all of last year. I specifically did not go there for 6-8 yrs for the same reason, poor conditions, and was immediately reminded of why I rarely play there. A lot of chicago $$$ walking around South Haven don't mind the heavy greens fees at Hawkshead, but for my money there are way too many other choices to go there and be disapointed.

[JJShanley]

I'm a grad student at Notre Dame, and I can vouch for the Warren (our course) and Blackthorn (city-owned.)

[Tipsy McHooker]

harbor shores(Deals on ezlinks/teeoff.com, warren course at nd,, are slam dunks. hawks head, yarrow and medalist(Tight course) are the 2nd tier. Take passes on aberdeen and brassie, white hawk, and thornapple due to being boring or bad conditioning. Blackthorn is always fun and last time i played in nice shape.

[axeme]

I thought The Ravines was fun and had a bit of the Northern Mich feel. Also played Macatewa Legends and it was better conditioned, but I thought the layout was a bit repetitive.

I'm looking forward to playing Island next time I'm up that way. You'll enjoy the deep woodsy feel of the Ravines.