North Central Michigan Trip Report 2021

[JeffreySpicoli]

9 minutes ago, knickerbocker said:

This is Jack's last design.  He also did it for free due to the course's mission and ties to Folds of Honor.  He made 15+ trips to property during construction and even on signature projects, he usually only is on site 3 -4 times. 

 

It is sawn song as a designer and is a legacy for him as a human by honoring those who have served and sacrificed.  I am not a huge Jack Nicklaus design fan, but I respect his work and what he did there very much. 

The course itself is a wonderful example of what Jack does as a designer. I can’t say enough positive about it.

 

Sadly, the carts’ GPS, in the current configuration, detract greatly from the respect that Jack deserves.

[NikedOut]

On 5/31/2021 at 6:03 PM, Argonne69 said:

I'm on a four day trek through Michigan. I'll play rounds at American Dunes, Arcadia South, The Loop, Forest Dunes, and The Mines. I'll post reviews and pics along the way. 

 

I started the trip at American Dunes GC, a new Jack Nicklaus design that was built on the old Grand Haven GC site (I believe). Right off the bat this is must play. The course feels like a miniature Sand Valley. No, it's not Sand Valley, but it's a heck of a layout with numerous blowout bunkers, decent elevation change, and enough isolation to take your mind off the world for a few hours. The opening three holes are decent parkland style holes that make you wonder why there's a buzz about the place, but once you reach the 4th tee box the place really opens before your eyes. 

 

Fairways are generous for the most part, but there are quite a few fairway bunkers that can collect even a good tee shot. Green complexes are very nice. Given that Jack is the architect, I was expecting some crazy greens ala Harbor Shores. However, I think he nailed these. They're not crazy, but they'll definitely challenge you. They were rolling 11, so any additional undulation would have been punishing. 

 

There were a couple of shorter par 4s, but they didn't have enough trouble off the tee. The par 5s were fairly boring, and none really offered a risk/reward. Straightforward three shot holes unless you're a WRX bomber. The par 3s were top notch. Good mix of distances and plenty of trouble if you hit a poor tee shot. 

 

Conditions were very good overall. The fairways are still growing in, so there are a few thin spots, but they're still very playable. Bunkers are wonderful. Plenty of fresh sand. Not much rough to speak of, and what's there is fairly light. Greens are fantastic. Firm, but not as hard as I expected on a newly opened course. I didn't have to fix a ball mark all day. With speeds of 11 they were heaven to putt on. 

 

Pace was fine for a holiday at 4:15. 

 

Decent round given that I had no yardages. My SkyCaddie doesn't have the course yet, and I don't carry a laser. The sprinkler heads don't yet have yardages, so all you have is the 150 marker for reference. I was the only walker on the course, so I was thankful for my playing partners helping out when they could. One birdie and four bogies was more than acceptable. I put on old putter in my bag today, and I wonder why I ever took it out. It was clutch from inside 10 feet. 

 

Overall it was a very enjoyable round. Michigan is loaded with great courses, and I have to imagine that this one will easily crack the Top 10 when the next rankings come out. It still has a little growing to do, but I wouldn't hesitate to play it now if you're in the area. The $150 rate is a bit steep, but I believe part of the money is going to a veteran's fund. 

 

Thanks for the breakdown. Can’t wait to play it in a couple of weeks. 

[putterboy75]

On 6/9/2021 at 12:14 PM, Argonne69 said:

 

I need to make a trip to the UP. Greywalls would be at the top of the list.

 

I'll return to the Gaylord/Petoskey area. 'Plenty of excellent courses in the area that I haven't played, e.g. LochenHeath, Belvedere.

 

Belvedere is a must play IMO. It's about as pure as anywhere I've played and I grew up playing the Pinehurst courses. You can feel the history. I hope you make it there eventually.

LochenHeath I played before it went fully private last year. I loved it at first, the greens were lightening fast and running close to 12 - 13. Good variety, great par - 3's. The short drivable par 4 on the front is a freaking awesome hole. The practice facility driving range reminds me of Kiawah's Ocean Course in the set up but the short game area is about as good as I've ever come across. I left after losing several balls, but enjoying my round and a little surprised it's not mentioned more often in the group of "must-play" Michigan courses.

 

After awhile I realized what's missing at LochenHeatlh - the routing is funky and I think there was a development / homes planned around the holes that either hasn't happened yet or was called off. Not saying that takes anything away from the course, but it does leave me thinking what LochenHeath could have been. You should still play it though. It's hard and fun, everyone was super nice.