Gaylord Golf Question(which courses)

[itw419]

I just got a quote for a golf weekend in Gaylord. The 4 courses that i was quoted on were Black Forest, The Tribute, The Pines and either Mountain Lake or The Loon. I am fine with Black Forest and The Tribute. I haven't heard much about the other courses though. I also have the option of substituting other course in the area for additional costs. If anyone could offer some input on The Pines, Mountain Lake or the Loon that would help. Also what other courses in that area should we play? Looking at 72 holes total and the Treetops courses are out because most of the guys going on the trip just recently played them. Im thinking about adding Elk Ridge or Black Lake. Thanks for the advice.

[mbowker64]

The Loon is a great course. There's also Marsh Ridge and The Natural. There is so much good golf in that area, it's hard to go wrong.

[3_Jack_Par]

Between Mountain Lake (formerly the Lake course at Michaywe), and the Loon, I'd go with the Loon. Mountain Lake was closed for at least a year (not sure if it was open last year), and I'd be leery about how it was maintained, if it is just re-opening this year. Plus, I've always hated the greens there. After you're done with the Black Forest, you won't want anything to do with more crazy undulations on Mountain Lake. The Loon is a really nice course, and a good, straightforward test of golf. It's always in good condition, and plays really fair, while still being a good challenge.

 

The Pines used to be my favorite course in the Gaylord area. But, a few years ago, they remodeled it, and took most of the teeth out of it. The course used to be distinguished by its large, deep bunkers, both in the fairways, and around the greens. But when they remodeled it, they flattened out most of the traps, and completely filled in some others. It's still a nice course, but they really messed it up in the name of catering to hackers.

 

ETA: I've heard Black Lake is outstanding.

[cwgolf21]

I stayed in Gaylord last summer for a golf weekend/fantasy football draft and can agree that there is some great golf. Good idea on passing on Treetops, it was a little overpriced and gimicky. I did not play the others but would highly recommend Belvedere Golf Club in Charleviox....we played 36 there our first day. The website is below and I can attest that this place is strictly golf and very old school. Course pace requires that you play under 4 hours so the pace is great and it does not get packed. The layout and course condition were very tough to beat

 

http://www.belvederegolfclub.com/

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Between Mountain Lake (formerly the Lake course at Michaywe), and the Loon, I'd go with the Loon. Mountain Lake was closed for at least a year (not sure if it was open last year), and I'd be leery about how it was maintained, if it is just re-opening this year. Plus, I've always hated the greens there. After you're done with the Black Forest, you won't want anything to do with more crazy undulations on Mountain Lake. The Loon is a really nice course, and a good, straightforward test of golf. It's always in good condition, and plays really fair, while still being a good challenge.

 

The Pines used to be my favorite course in the Gaylord area. But, a few years ago, they remodeled it, and took most of the teeth out of it. The course used to be distinguished by its large, deep bunkers, both in the fairways, and around the greens. But when they remodeled it, they flattened out most of the traps, and completely filled in some others. It's still a nice course, but they really messed it up in the name of catering to hackers.

 

ETA: I've heard Black Lake is outstanding.

 

Black Lake is a REAL MUST PLAY:

 

Go Here:

http://www.golfwrx.com/BagChatter/2007/07/...ourse-rankings/

[bucks9395]

For our trip to Northern Michigan last year, we played Treetops Signature, Black Lake, Elk Ridge, and Red Hawk. I would highly recommend Signature and Black Lake...Red Hawk was really nice for the price too.

 

As a group, we did not care for Elk Ridge. It is a beautiful course and in great shape. But I thought a lot of the holes were too gimmicky. If you don't mind laying up with a five iron/five wood at least five times off the tee, Elk Ridge would be a great course.

 

I would also recommend Tullymore if you happen to be heading near Grand Rapids/Mt. Pleasant there or back...one of the nicest courses I've ever played.

[itw419]

Well we booked the trip and we will be playing Mountain Lake on Friday afternoon, Black Forest on Saturday morning, The Loon on Saturday afternoon and The Tribute on Sunday morning. We went through a company called Pine Cone Vacations. They rent houses and plan golf trips through courses in the Gaylord area. They were very helpful and the rates are very reasonable. The rental houses they offer look pretty nice.