Michigan golf trip..east or south

[itw419]

Im planning our annual Michigan golf trip this year and we have narrowed it down to the south or the east part of the state. If we go east we would stay at Lakewood Shores resort and play The Gailes, Blackshire and Red Hawk. If we go south we would stay at Gull Lake and play The Medalist, Yarrow and either Island Hills or Angels Crossing. I am looking for any information you can add. I haven't played any of these courses because we normally play the norther part of the state but wanted to mix it up this year. Thanks for the info.

[JNewsted]

If you do the Lakewood Shores trip, consider adding Forest Dunes in Roscommon. I like them in this order: Red Hawk, Gailes, Blackshire, Forest...

 

 

For the southy/westy part of the state, think about a combo package of St Ives and Tullymore. Pilgrim's Run is real good, and dont forget about The Grande in Jackson...

[DavePelz4]

IT...

 

Have you ever looked at the Mt. Pleasant area? Between Buck's Run, Pohlcat, St. Ives and Tulleymore you some some of the best courses in the country! All are close...very reasonable priced and you won't find many better challenges. We drive up from Chicago to play there often!

[odshot68]

I would totally avoid the gull lake idea...not kept up and slow greens...nothing special. My advice is northern michigan..bar none. I don't know your connections but my pics...Crystal Downs, Forest Dunes, Arcadia (great layout..goofy greens), and Kingsley Club. Good luck

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Last year we did this mini trip:

 

Forest Dunes

Gailes

Serradella

Blackshire

Red Hawk

 

IMO, Lakewood Shores is OK, none of the courses are spectacular, even the Gailes which is overrated. Definitely only play the Serradella ONCE if you go there.

 

It is however worth going there at least once. Forest Dunes is pricey, we paid $125 and Red Hawk was the surprise of the whole trip!

 

Blackshire Pictures

 

Forest Dunes Pcitures

 

Gailes Pictures

 

Red Hawk Pictures

 

Serradella Course Pics

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

IT...

 

Have you ever looked at the Mt. Pleasant area? Between Buck's Run, Pohlcat, St. Ives and Tulleymore you some some of the best courses in the country! All are close...very reasonable priced and you won't find many better challenges. We drive up from Chicago to play there often!

 

I am going to play over here this summer as well as another go at Arcadia.

[3_Jack_Par]

I would totally avoid the gull lake idea...not kept up and slow greens...nothing special.

 

Agreed -- a group I go with went to Gull Lake last year, and there's really only one outstanding course out of the five. Stonehedge South is really nice, and Stonehedge North isn't bad. The two Gull Lake View courses are short and only mildly challenging, and I wasn't a fan of Bedford Valley.

 

That same group is going to Lakewood Shores this year. I haven't played any of the courses, but almost everyone else who is going has been at least once. We're playing each course twice over 4 days, with lodging for $300, so you really can't beat that price.

 

I second the recommendation of Forest Dunes. I played it for the first time in October, and it is my new favorite course. It can be kind of pricey, but I think they have a pretty decent replay rate. We played it twice for $110 -- it was a little chilly in the AM and evening, but the course was in amazing shape, and it was an absolute steal at that price. Can't recommend it highly enough.

[itw419]

Thanks for the advice. I have played all the courses in the Mt. Pleasant area while I was at school there. Regarding the Gull Lake trip, we would not be playing any of the Gull Lake courses, only staying there. My group is leaning towards the Lakewood Shores trip.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Thanks for the advice. I have played all the courses in the Mt. Pleasant area while I was at school there. Regarding the Gull Lake trip, we would not be playing any of the Gull Lake courses, only staying there. My group is leaning towards the Lakewood Shores trip.

 

 

One good thing about Lakewood Shores, it is fairly CHEAP!

[itw419]

You're right it is fairly cheap and that's one of the reasons for picking it. Not everyone in the group has an extra $400 to shell out for a golf trip. There is a possibility that a few of us may stay an extra day and go to Forest Dunes. Lakewood Shores also got us a pretty good rate at Red Hawk.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Forest Dunes is worth splurging on once, it was in impeccable condition last summer. Crazy nice. As nice or better than my pics.

[3_Jack_Par]

When is the trip? If you're going before the end of May, Forest Dunes could be pretty reasonably priced, especially if you play it twice in one day. If you play Monday or Tuesday, it's $95 + $35 to replay, so an average of $65/round. Wed-Sun it's $125 +35, or $80/round. Both of those prices are outstanding for this course.

[Crowboy]

Love Red Hawk. Play it every year as part of a golf trip with friends. We rotate other courses depending on ther year. Gailes/Serradella/Blackshire, Dream/Nightmare, etc. But Red Hawk is always on the interary. So is Huron Breeze because it's right next door to where we stay.

[Noopy]

My group has been almost everywhere up north. Lakewood positives are the price, Redhawk, Gailes, and the wee links courses for drinking and gambling after golf. Negatives, Blackshire, and course conditions sometimes a bit rough. For instance, they did not change the pins all weekend at either course two years ago. Price is fantastic however. This year we are going to Tullymore (playing 3 times), St. Ives (playing twice), Pilgrams Run (playing once)

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

My group has been almost everywhere up north. Lakewood positives are the price, Redhawk, Gailes, and the wee links courses for drinking and gambling after golf. Negatives, Blackshire, and course conditions sometimes a bit rough. For instance, they did not change the pins all weekend at either course two years ago. Price is fantastic however. This year we are going to Tullymore (playing 3 times), St. Ives (playing twice), Pilgrams Run (playing once)

 

Right now I am looking at:

 

Tullymore

St. Ives

Pilgrims Run

Arcadia Bluffs (again)

 

and 4 courses in Lansing:

 

Lansing CC

Walnut Hill CC

College Fields

Forest Akers West

[3_Jack_Par]

My group has been almost everywhere up north. Lakewood positives are the price, Redhawk, Gailes, and the wee links courses for drinking and gambling after golf. Negatives, Blackshire, and course conditions sometimes a bit rough. For instance, they did not change the pins all weekend at either course two years ago. Price is fantastic however. This year we are going to Tullymore (playing 3 times), St. Ives (playing twice), Pilgrams Run (playing once)

 

Right now I am looking at:

 

Tullymore

St. Ives

Pilgrims Run

Arcadia Bluffs (again)

 

and 4 courses in Lansing:

 

Lansing CC

Walnut Hill CC

College Fields

Forest Akers West

 

 

In Lansing, I would check out Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow over College Fields (Eagle Eye over Akers West, too)

[TheF5key]

I had heard a rumor that Angels Crossing might not be open this year. Haven't been able to confirm it.

[odshot68]

I had heard a rumor that Angels Crossing might not be open this year. Haven't been able to confirm it.

By whom??? They are currently taking memberships for 2009..I hope your wrong!! This is a great course...the best in K-zoo area IMO.

[teamarctic]

My group has been almost everywhere up north. Lakewood positives are the price, Redhawk, Gailes, and the wee links courses for drinking and gambling after golf. Negatives, Blackshire, and course conditions sometimes a bit rough. For instance, they did not change the pins all weekend at either course two years ago. Price is fantastic however. This year we are going to Tullymore (playing 3 times), St. Ives (playing twice), Pilgrams Run (playing once)

 

Right now I am looking at:

 

Tullymore

St. Ives

Pilgrims Run

Arcadia Bluffs (again)

 

and 4 courses in Lansing:

 

Lansing CC

Walnut Hill CC

College Fields

Forest Akers West

 

 

My group has been almost everywhere up north. Lakewood positives are the price, Redhawk, Gailes, and the wee links courses for drinking and gambling after golf. Negatives, Blackshire, and course conditions sometimes a bit rough. For instance, they did not change the pins all weekend at either course two years ago. Price is fantastic however. This year we are going to Tullymore (playing 3 times), St. Ives (playing twice), Pilgrams Run (playing once)

 

Right now I am looking at:

 

Tullymore

St. Ives

Pilgrims Run

Arcadia Bluffs (again)

 

and 4 courses in Lansing:

 

Lansing CC

Walnut Hill CC

College Fields

Forest Akers West

 

 

In Lansing, I would check out Eagle Eye and Hawk Hollow over College Fields (Eagle Eye over Akers West, too)

 

 

definetly eagle eye over college fields, college fields will be nice when its finally built up.

[itw419]

My group has been almost everywhere up north. Lakewood positives are the price, Redhawk, Gailes, and the wee links courses for drinking and gambling after golf. Negatives, Blackshire, and course conditions sometimes a bit rough. For instance, they did not change the pins all weekend at either course two years ago. Price is fantastic however. This year we are going to Tullymore (playing 3 times), St. Ives (playing twice), Pilgrams Run (playing once)

 

Right now I am looking at:

 

Tullymore

St. Ives

Pilgrims Run

Arcadia Bluffs (again)

 

and 4 courses in Lansing:

 

Lansing CC

Walnut Hill CC

College Fields

Forest Akers West

 

If you are going to be in Mid Michigan I would try to play Bucks Run. Tullymore is awesome, and you know what Arcadia is about. I think Bucks Run is better than St.Ives.

[bbslurp413]

Does anybody know if True North golf course is still open to the public and is it worth playing?

[golfortennis]

Depending on how you get to Michigan, if you are along I-75 near Detroit you want to hit Shepherd's Hollow. Exit 93 in Clarkston, literally right off the highway. Great golf course.

[philfan316]

If you haven't tried the Gaylord Golf Meccan Passport. Forget the others for now and capitalize on this passport deal. I know you said East or South, but this is really good. If you want something new, you can always call the courses and try to negotiate.

 

http://www.gaylordgolfmecca.com/

 

Golf Passport

2009 Gaylord Golf Passports Have Arrived!

 

The Gaylord Golf Mecca is now taking orders for the new 2009 Golf Passport Coupon Book. With the Passport, when you buy one round of golf with cart you get the second round with cart absolutely free! We have added a number of lodging coupons to increase the value of the Passport. This offer is limited to just 1,000 golfers.

 

20 Participating Courses:

 

Gaylord Country Club

Otsego Club The Classic

Otsego Club The Tribute - This course is.....WOW. Just have to see it in person.

The Loon

Elk Ridge

Michaywe - The Pines

Treetops Tradition

Treetops Masterpiece ~ New in 2008

Treetops Signature ~ New in 2008

Treetops Premier ~ New in 2008

Marsh Ridge

Black Lake

Black Bear

Mountain Lake

Black Forest Wilderness Valley - Black Forest

Black Forest Wilderness Valley - Valley Course

The Natural

Garland Reflections

Garland Swampfire ~ New in 2008

Garland Monarch ~ New in 2008

 

Call 1-800-345-8621 or fill out our form to order your passport today!

 

How it works:

 

Must purchase one or more 18 hole rounds of golf with cart at each course at the regular rate. This is printed on the back of each coupon for each course.

Coupon may be used anytime Sunday after 3:00 pm and all day Monday thru Thursday.

Tee times must be made in advance.

Tee times subject to availability.

User must identify they are using their Gaylord Golf Passport.

Not good in conjunction with any other coupons or specials.

[ramylson]

Im planning our annual Michigan golf trip this year and we have narrowed it down to the south or the east part of the state. If we go east we would stay at Lakewood Shores resort and play The Gailes, Blackshire and Red Hawk. If we go south we would stay at Gull Lake and play The Medalist, Yarrow and either Island Hills or Angels Crossing. I am looking for any information you can add. I haven't played any of these courses because we normally play the norther part of the state but wanted to mix it up this year. Thanks for the info.

 

Man on man.. I'm gettin' in on this one late.

 

I've heard good things about The Medalist and Angles Crossing, but I haven't had the chance to play those courses yet. I'd also seriously consider Yarrow (an amazing course that flies under the radar), Eagle Eye, Tullymore, Arcadia, and Pilgram's Run. All of them I wouldn't flinch at playing again, and it helps with their early season rates. Even so, with each course the conditions were excellent. Here are some review/pictures that I've posted on the site:

 

Yarrow.
Tullymore.
Eagle Eye.

 

One thing I'd like to say regarding St Ives. While you can get a good deal for playing both courses, they're not exactly close to each other, and St Ives is definitely the weaker of the two. The front nine is nice, but the back nine is a bit contrived. In my opinion, put that money towards a stronger design. Espeically considering there are so many options in the area for really nice courses..

[jjsovins]

I'm stauing up at boyne for 4 nights in a timeshare. Here's our lineup.

 

Forest dunes twilight (80)

otsego club tribute

treetops jones

hawks eye

dunmaglas

 

Now, my question here is, for people who play up there alot, im thinking about taking one out and throwing in a black forest/wilderness valley 36 hole day. is it worth it? and how is the cheif compared to hawk's eye? or any other recommendations or reviews about any of these courses? the only one i've played is black forest. Quality affordable courses up there are what we're looking for.

[itw419]

Wow did this get way off topic from my original question. Thanks for the advice that i did get though. We are going to Lakewood Shores for two nights. One round at The Gailes, Blackshire and RedHawk. The price is great and with replacing Serendella with RedHawk made it a easy choice.

[JNewsted]

Forest dunes twilight (80)

otsego club tribute

treetops jones

hawks eye

dunmaglas

 

Only one I havent seen is Hawks Eye. The other 4 are fan-fan-tastic.

[3_Jack_Par]

I'm stauing up at boyne for 4 nights in a timeshare. Here's our lineup.

 

Forest dunes twilight (80)

otsego club tribute

treetops jones

hawks eye

dunmaglas

 

Now, my question here is, for people who play up there alot, im thinking about taking one out and throwing in a black forest/wilderness valley 36 hole day. is it worth it? and how is the cheif compared to hawk's eye? or any other recommendations or reviews about any of these courses? the only one i've played is black forest. Quality affordable courses up there are what we're looking for.

The only one of those I haven't played is Dunmaglas. Personally, I would not switch any of the other four for 36 at Black Forest/Wilderness Valley. Black Forest is a really difficult course, and kind of a torture test. Wilderness is one of the older courses in Northern Michigan, and it's not on par with the other four I've played, either in conditioning or challenge. I think the quality of those courses trump the quantity at Black Forest/Wilderness Valley.

As for Hawk's Eye vs. The Chief, Hawk's Eye is the much better course. The Chief has too many tricked up holes (90 degree doglegs and such) trying to make up for a lack of length. Hawk's Eye is a great, straightforward test, and it's been in great condition when I've played it.

 

Other comments:

Forest Dunes is my favorite course in Michigan (note that I've never played Arcadia Bluffs), and it has the best greens I've ever putted on.

The Tribute was my favorite course in Michigan before I played Forest Dunes. There's a couple of funky holes (#3 & #4 in particular are an extreme downhill par 4 and par 5, respectively), but they fit in well with the spectacular piece of land that they had to work with.

 

I would be giddy with anticipation for that trip. Got any open spots? :man_in_love:

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Wow did this get way off topic from my original question. Thanks for the advice that i did get though. We are going to Lakewood Shores for two nights. One round at The Gailes, Blackshire and RedHawk. The price is great and with replacing Serendella with RedHawk made it a easy choice.

 

Good choice, Red Hawk is AWESOME. Be sure than look for the red fox on hole #16.

 

Serradella is nothing at all, but if staying for a few days play it, otherwise skip it! Gailes is OK, a little overrated, and Blackshire is solid, but won't wow you.

[Openwater22]

I'm stauing up at boyne for 4 nights in a timeshare. Here's our lineup.

 

Forest dunes twilight (80)

otsego club tribute

treetops jones

hawks eye

dunmaglas

 

Now, my question here is, for people who play up there alot, im thinking about taking one out and throwing in a black forest/wilderness valley 36 hole day. is it worth it? and how is the cheif compared to hawk's eye? or any other recommendations or reviews about any of these courses? the only one i've played is black forest. Quality affordable courses up there are what we're looking for.

The only one of those I haven't played is Dunmaglas. Personally, I would not switch any of the other four for 36 at Black Forest/Wilderness Valley. Black Forest is a really difficult course, and kind of a torture test. Wilderness is one of the older courses in Northern Michigan, and it's not on par with the other four I've played, either in conditioning or challenge. I think the quality of those courses trump the quantity at Black Forest/Wilderness Valley.

As for Hawk's Eye vs. The Chief, Hawk's Eye is the much better course. The Chief has too many tricked up holes (90 degree doglegs and such) trying to make up for a lack of length. Hawk's Eye is a great, straightforward test, and it's been in great condition when I've played it.

 

Other comments:

Forest Dunes is my favorite course in Michigan (note that I've never played Arcadia Bluffs), and it has the best greens I've ever putted on.

The Tribute was my favorite course in Michigan before I played Forest Dunes. There's a couple of funky holes (#3 & #4 in particular are an extreme downhill par 4 and par 5, respectively), but they fit in well with the spectacular piece of land that they had to work with.

 

I would be giddy with anticipation for that trip. Got any open spots? :man_in_love:

 

Are you talking about #3 at forest Dunes? #3 is a par 3 and #4 is a gentle dogleg right medium length par 4. #5 is a par 5 that plays downhill off the tee if you can reach the downslope, about 285 to do it.