All Things Michigan Golf.....The Three Putt

[icegator337]

I've got a trip planned in July to Arcadia and Forest Dunes, we're all arriving in Grand Rapids and playing Pilgrims Run on our way up to Arcadia.  My flight into Grand Rapids arrives around 3:30pm, so I'm looking for an afternoon round that day somewhere around Grand Rapids.  Where would everyone suggest?  My first thoughts from the Tourist Sauce season are Diamond Springs or the Mines.

[Pepetito]

21 minutes ago, icegator337 said:

I've got a trip planned in July to Arcadia and Forest Dunes, we're all arriving in Grand Rapids and playing Pilgrims Run on our way up to Arcadia.  My flight into Grand Rapids arrives around 3:30pm, so I'm looking for an afternoon round that day somewhere around Grand Rapids.  Where would everyone suggest?  My first thoughts from the Tourist Sauce season are Diamond Springs or the Mines.

The Mines is about 20 minutes.  Alternatively, Thornapple Point is about half that.

I've never played either but heard good things about both.

[postfold]

7 hours ago, icegator337 said:

I've got a trip planned in July to Arcadia and Forest Dunes, we're all arriving in Grand Rapids and playing Pilgrims Run on our way up to Arcadia.  My flight into Grand Rapids arrives around 3:30pm, so I'm looking for an afternoon round that day somewhere around Grand Rapids.  Where would everyone suggest?  My first thoughts from the Tourist Sauce season are Diamond Springs or the Mines.

 

Thornapple Pointe is a solid course and close to GRR.

 

Diamond Springs is a hike, it's in the middle of nowhere.  45 minutes at best to get there, probably.  And then you have to drive back if you're staying near the airport.   

 

For whatever reason I haven't played the Mines, but it would be closer if you want your DeVries fix.

 

Other options would include LE Kaufman in Wyoming or Quail Ridge in Ada.

 

 

[1puttTUT]

I've now played four rounds here locally this February (plus another four in AZ). 

 

Best winter ever!!!

[MattSTL88]

20 hours ago, icegator337 said:

I've got a trip planned in July to Arcadia and Forest Dunes, we're all arriving in Grand Rapids and playing Pilgrims Run on our way up to Arcadia.  My flight into Grand Rapids arrives around 3:30pm, so I'm looking for an afternoon round that day somewhere around Grand Rapids.  Where would everyone suggest?  My first thoughts from the Tourist Sauce season are Diamond Springs or the Mines.

Mines and Thornapple are both good. I would add the meadows at grand valley state too. Just a bit further from the airport

[icegator337]

Thanks for the info.  Didn't realize Diamond Springs was that far.

 

I'm sure we'll end up at the Mines or Thornapple after reading his.  Leaning towards the Mines just because of the exposure from the fried egg and tourist sauce.  And the undulation of an abandoned mine site seems interesting to someone coming from Louisiana where everything is completely flat.

[teehilden]

Hey guys planning a trip around the state in June and looking at the following courses. Was hoping you guys could give some reviews/ranking input. Thanks!
 

Forest Dunes

Forest Dunes (The Loop)

Boyne Bay Harbor

Boyne Highlands

Bucks Run

American Dunes

Belvedere

Hemlock

Harbor Shores

Diamond Springs

Pilgrims Run

 

Or any other suggestions are welcome. Arcadia is fully booked the weekend we are looking to go already.

[postfold]

2 hours ago, teehilden said:

Hey guys planning a trip around the state in June and looking at the following courses. Was hoping you guys could give some reviews/ranking input. Thanks!
 

Forest Dunes

Forest Dunes (The Loop)

Boyne Bay Harbor

Boyne Highlands

Bucks Run

American Dunes

Belvedere

Hemlock

Harbor Shores

Diamond Springs

Pilgrims Run

 

Or any other suggestions are welcome. Arcadia is fully booked the weekend we are looking to go already.

 

Bucks Run - enjoyed it, not a must play though.  Is somewhat close to Tullymore/St Ives if you're looking for a cluster of courses.

American Dunes - highly recommended, great experience.  The only thing it doesn't have is Arcadia-level views.  

Hemlock - underrated.  My favorite Arcadia warmup, but if you're not hitting Arcadia it's fairly isolated.

Diamond Springs - good if not elite.  It's a fun course with plenty of variety.  In the middle of nowhere.

Pilgrim's Run - Elite and a good value, though prices have gone up some.  One of the best public courses in Michigan.  Don't miss it.

 

I haven't played the up north courses.   Of the ones I have played, I would rank them AD or PR, then a gap, then DS / H / BR in about that order but all five are very worth playing.

 

 

[mattsam]

2 hours ago, teehilden said:

Hey guys planning a trip around the state in June and looking at the following courses. Was hoping you guys could give some reviews/ranking input. Thanks!
 

Forest Dunes

Forest Dunes (The Loop)

Boyne Bay Harbor

Boyne Highlands

Bucks Run

American Dunes

Belvedere

Hemlock

Harbor Shores

Diamond Springs

Pilgrims Run

 

Or any other suggestions are welcome. Arcadia is fully booked the weekend we are looking to go already.

I loved Forest Dunes some of the best greens I’ve played in Michigan.  Never played the Loop

Bay Harbor is a visual spectacle 9 holes.  Worth playing 

I really like Arthur Hills at Boyne, don’t miss.

Harbor Shores, get a twilight reduced tee time after your drive south, it’s awesome. Don’t hit my house.

Don’t miss Diamond Springs and Pilgrims Run

[Pepetito]

18 hours ago, teehilden said:

Hey guys planning a trip around the state in June and looking at the following courses. Was hoping you guys could give some reviews/ranking input. Thanks!
 

Forest Dunes

Forest Dunes (The Loop)

Boyne Bay Harbor

Boyne Highlands

Bucks Run

American Dunes

Belvedere

Hemlock

Harbor Shores

Diamond Springs

Pilgrims Run

 

Or any other suggestions are welcome. Arcadia is fully booked the weekend we are looking to go already.

American Dunes - very fun. Loved it (2022)

Boyne Highlands - I've played the Heather, the Hills, and the Ross.  All very good and worth playing but I LOVED the Hills course. (2021)

Bay Harbor - Sadly this was also part of our 2021 golf trip.  And on July 2nd...it was 50 degrees and sideways pouring down torrential rain and wind for the entire 18 holes.  Truly the most miserable round of golf I've ever played. 

Harbor Shores - immaculate condition.  Lots of variety.  Loved it but...VERY HARD. Green complexes are defended like fortresses.  (2022).

Edited February 29 by Pepetito

[teehilden]

Thank you everyone so far for the information. Much appreciated!

[chickenpotpie]

Hey guys.....it's been a minute.  I miss MI golf.   Hope you guys are getting some rounds in already this year!

[golfortennis]

On 3/10/2024 at 10:04 PM, chickenpotpie said:

Hey guys.....it's been a minute.  I miss MI golf.   Hope you guys are getting some rounds in already this year!

 

My word... talk about rising from the dead.  Gotta rub it in you're in Houston while we have snow in these parts?   

[3_Jack_Par]

Played a little goat track yesterday...

 

 

[odshot68]

Nice track R!! Whats your favorite hole there?  I couldn't believe how steep 6 was (par 5) uphill.  Great track!!

[3_Jack_Par]

25 minutes ago, odshot68 said:

Nice track R!! Whats your favorite hole there?  I couldn't believe how steep 6 was (par 5) uphill.  Great track!!

I loved #6 -- hit two good three woods (gold tees) and got to right in front of the green, and got up and down for birdie. #7 is very cool, and the last hole is obviously iconic. Gun to my head, I think 6 was the most unique and coolest.

 

I planned the trip with my dad, who is 75, and still in good health, and playing lots of golf -- we originally planned it for early 2021, but cancelled it due to covid uncertainties, so it was good to finally make it happen. He had a big finish at Spanish Bay (chipped in for birdie on 18) and he drained a putt from about 60 feet away on 18 at Pebble for another birdie, so those were both really cool moments. I was really glad to be able to do it with him.

[odshot68]

Great trip!!

[AzSuperHack76]

Taking a trip at the end of August, we have a VRBO in Gaylord. 
 

Playing 36 at FD, going to mix in Treetops and Tribue at Ostego. 
 

We are going to drive up to Onway to play Black Lake. What are everyone’s thoughts on Hidden River Golf and Casting Club or Indian River. We’re going to pair one with Black Lake since we’re up there. 
 

Any others thoughts on skipping the Tree Tops courses or Tribute for The Loon, Michaywe Pines or others in the area? 
 

Thanks all! 

[3_Jack_Par]

Depends on which Treetops course you’re playing. The Jones sucks, IMO, and the Tradition won’t stack up to the other ones you’re playing. Fazio and Smith courses are both pretty good. I love Michaywe, personally, but some of that may be colored by nostalgia, because I played the course a lot when I was a kid, and it was my introduction to “up north golf”. I’ve always liked the layout at the Tribute, too, though if you can get feedback from anyone who has played it in recent years, that would be a good idea. I’ve heard it has improved under new ownership after the previous owners let it go a bit, but I haven’t played it in several years, but if conditions are good, it’s my top course in the Gaylord area. The Loon is a notch below any of the others you’ve mentioned.

[cassel191919]

7 hours ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

Depends on which Treetops course you’re playing. The Jones sucks, IMO, and the Tradition won’t stack up to the other ones you’re playing. Fazio and Smith courses are both pretty good. I love Michaywe, personally, but some of that may be colored by nostalgia, because I played the course a lot when I was a kid, and it was my introduction to “up north golf”. I’ve always liked the layout at the Tribute, too, though if you can get feedback from anyone who has played it in recent years, that would be a good idea. I’ve heard it has improved under new ownership after the previous owners let it go a bit, but I haven’t played it in several years, but if conditions are good, it’s my top course in the Gaylord area. The Loon is a notch below any of the others you’ve mentioned.

The Tribute has been in great shape since the new owner took over and can easily be recommended again.

[Pepetito]

15 hours ago, AzSuperHack76 said:

Taking a trip at the end of August, we have a VRBO in Gaylord. 
 

Playing 36 at FD, going to mix in Treetops and Tribue at Ostego. 
 

We are going to drive up to Onway to play Black Lake. What are everyone’s thoughts on Hidden River Golf and Casting Club or Indian River. We’re going to pair one with Black Lake since we’re up there. 
 

Any others thoughts on skipping the Tree Tops courses or Tribute for The Loon, Michaywe Pines or others in the area? 
 

Thanks all! 

I think the Treetops courses are all sweet.  Masterpiece is superhard but very cool imo.  Premier and Signature are both real good.  Tradition is good but a little below the other three.

Havent played Loon, Michaywe or others.

[MattSTL88]

15 hours ago, AzSuperHack76 said:

Taking a trip at the end of August, we have a VRBO in Gaylord. 
 

Playing 36 at FD, going to mix in Treetops and Tribue at Ostego. 
 

We are going to drive up to Onway to play Black Lake. What are everyone’s thoughts on Hidden River Golf and Casting Club or Indian River. We’re going to pair one with Black Lake since we’re up there. 
 

Any others thoughts on skipping the Tree Tops courses or Tribute for The Loon, Michaywe Pines or others in the area? 
 

Thanks all! 

I Love Hidden River. Indian River is decent too, but for me, pace of play was much slower and just not as good in general as Hidden River (which you would expect for the price difference). Bugs were really bad on some holes at Hidden River though, so bring bug spray

Edited April 10 by MattSTL88

[1puttTUT]

In that area (not including FD), I think the best courses are Treetops Signature, The Tribute and Black Lake. RTJ course at Treetops is a beast.

 

I haven't played the Loon courses or Hidden River...

[AzSuperHack76]

Thanks for the info fellas! 

[odshot68]

So just tried to set up a 36 hole day for 4 at Arcadia Bluffs this summer on any Wed, Fri, Sat, or Sun.  They are fully booked and only have reserved slots if you stay on site now.  WTF?  When did this start filling up so quickly.

[AzSuperHack76]

43 minutes ago, odshot68 said:

So just tried to set up a 36 hole day for 4 at Arcadia Bluffs this summer on any Wed, Fri, Sat, or Sun.  They are fully booked and only have reserved slots if you stay on site now.  WTF?  When did this start filling up so quickly.

I think they start taking reservations 2 years out now, I could be mistaken but I thought I saw that somewhere. Either way, if you don't book by the end of December for the summer you are SOL. 

[buckI]

Have the opportunity to play Crystal Downs in June.   Can not wait.   Sounds like an incredible experience.

[AzSuperHack76]

2 hours ago, buckI said:

Have the opportunity to play Crystal Downs in June.   Can not wait.   Sounds like an incredible experience.

Eh, that place is a dump, you can do better….😜

[StoutKing]

3 hours ago, buckI said:

Have the opportunity to play Crystal Downs in June.   Can not wait.   Sounds like an incredible experience.

I personally love it but have heard of some people who were disappointed.  If you like old school MacKenzie courses you're in for a treat.  Wish I could play it again.

[odshot68]

Best advice at CD, don’t be above the hole. Enjoy your round!!