Midwest Golf Trip / Bachelor Party

[kmbean]

need some suggestions!

So I am getting married in October 2012 and my best man and I are going to plan a 3 or 4 day golf trip for the golfers in our circle of friends. We will do something in Chicago for the non-golfers (Cubs game and night out at the bars most likely). So anyway, I was looking at some options and wanted to see if anyone had input/suggestions for me. We have talked about renting a RV and driving somewhere within 5/6 hours of Chicago. The quality of golf is important to us, and ideally I'd like to rent a house for all of us to stay in. The schedule will be something like 36 Thurs / 36 Friday / 18 Sat morning then depart to come back to Chicago. It would be nice to have some good nightlife options, but if not we would be cool with playing cards/drinking at night.

Here are some places I've been to and my comments:

* Eagle Ridge (Galena, IL): the General is a good track, but I wasn't overly fond of the other courses they have. They have some decent houses but the resort feels a bit outdated to me. Close to Chicago so driving would be easy. No nightlife to speak of.
* Giants Ridge (Biwabik, MN): courses are top notch, also have the Wilderness which is nice and has a casino. Townhouses you can rent are pretty good, there are a few fun bars in town. Main issue is distance from Chicago
* Treetops (Gaylord, MI): I like the golf courses, condos are nice, I think it would be a good place to go. The other guys haven't been there so I think they would really enjoy the elevation changes. Not much nightlife.

I've heard good things about Boyne but the distance is an issue. Kohler is too expensive, don't really want to break the bank on this trip. Let me know if you have some suggestions for me, much appreciated!

Best,
Kevin

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='kmbean' timestamp='1330631955' post='4412889']
So I am getting married in October 2012 and my best man and I are going to plan a 3 or 4 day golf trip for the golfers in our circle of friends. We will do something in Chicago for the non-golfers (Cubs game and night out at the bars most likely). So anyway, I was looking at some options and wanted to see if anyone had input/suggestions for me. We have talked about renting a RV and driving somewhere within 5/6 hours of Chicago. The quality of golf is important to us, and ideally I'd like to rent a house for all of us to stay in. The schedule will be something like 36 Thurs / 36 Friday / 18 Sat morning then depart to come back to Chicago. It would be nice to have some good nightlife options, but if not we would be cool with playing cards/drinking at night.

Here are some places I've been to and my comments:

* Eagle Ridge (Galena, IL): the General is a good track, but I wasn't overly fond of the other courses they have. They have some decent houses but the resort feels a bit outdated to me. Close to Chicago so driving would be easy. No nightlife to speak of.
* Giants Ridge (Biwabik, MN): courses are top notch, also have the Wilderness which is nice and has a casino. Townhouses you can rent are pretty good, there are a few fun bars in town. Main issue is distance from Chicago
* Treetops (Gaylord, MI): I like the golf courses, condos are nice, I think it would be a good place to go. The other guys haven't been there so I think they would really enjoy the elevation changes. Not much nightlife.

I've heard good things about Boyne but the distance is an issue. Kohler is too expensive, don't really want to break the bank on this trip. Let me know if you have some suggestions for me, much appreciated!

Best,
Kevin
[/quote]
I can only speak to the Michigan options, but here's my two cents:
Chicago to Gaylord is about 6 hours, while Chicago to Harbor Springs (Boyne) is just an extra 30 minutes, according to google -- I'd say neither would take that long, but the half hour difference is probably accurate. Another option you didn't mention is Traverse City -- that's much more of a city and will have better night life options than either Gaylord or Harbor Springs. There's also a lot of good golf within a reasonable drive of TC -- a few that come to mind: Lochenheath, Grand Traverse Resort (3 courses), A-Ga-Ming, Shanty Creek (two worthwhile courses), Hawk's Eye (next door to Shanty Creek), Bay Harbor. You could also hit Arcadia Bluffs on your way up or on the way home.

Check out the Midwest forum -- there's a lot of discussion on many of the courses I mentioned.

[HackerDave]

[quote name='kmbean' timestamp='1330631955' post='4412889']
So I am getting married in October 2012 and my best man and I are going to plan a 3 or 4 day golf trip for the golfers in our circle of friends. We will do something in Chicago for the non-golfers (Cubs game and night out at the bars most likely). So anyway, I was looking at some options and wanted to see if anyone had input/suggestions for me. We have talked about renting a RV and driving somewhere within 5/6 hours of Chicago. The quality of golf is important to us, and ideally I'd like to rent a house for all of us to stay in. The schedule will be something like 36 Thurs / 36 Friday / 18 Sat morning then depart to come back to Chicago. It would be nice to have some good nightlife options, but if not we would be cool with playing cards/drinking at night.

Here are some places I've been to and my comments:

* Eagle Ridge (Galena, IL): the General is a good track, but I wasn't overly fond of the other courses they have. They have some decent houses but the resort feels a bit outdated to me. Close to Chicago so driving would be easy. No nightlife to speak of.
* Giants Ridge (Biwabik, MN): courses are top notch, also have the Wilderness which is nice and has a casino. Townhouses you can rent are pretty good, there are a few fun bars in town. Main issue is distance from Chicago
* Treetops (Gaylord, MI): I like the golf courses, condos are nice, I think it would be a good place to go. The other guys haven't been there so I think they would really enjoy the elevation changes. Not much nightlife.

I've heard good things about Boyne but the distance is an issue. Kohler is too expensive, don't really want to break the bank on this trip. Let me know if you have some suggestions for me, much appreciated!

Best,
Kevin
[/quote]



A shorter drive would be Tullymore/St. Ives in Mt Pleasant Michigan. No nightlife at the resort but they have REALLY nice rental homes (Granite bathrooms, poker tables, basement bar etc). Arrange for a driver to take you to the casino in Mr. Pleasant (30 min drive). Course to play include Bucks Run, Tullymore, St Ives and Pilgrims Run. No "traditional" bachelor party clubs that I know of and I'm sure some of the guys in our group have researched that ;-)

[jabrch]

Why not head up by Kohler?

[ukalum]

The Madison Area and Wisconsin Dells have a few very nice courses. But Kohler is the place to go if your budget affords.

[kmbean]

[quote name='jabrch' timestamp='1330646875' post='4414759']
Why not head up by Kohler?
[/quote]

It's too spendy.

[kmbean]

Thanks guys for the suggestions so far, really appreciate it!

[kmbean]

[quote name='3 Jack Par' timestamp='1330646308' post='4414697']
[quote name='kmbean' timestamp='1330631955' post='4412889']
So I am getting married in October 2012 and my best man and I are going to plan a 3 or 4 day golf trip for the golfers in our circle of friends. We will do something in Chicago for the non-golfers (Cubs game and night out at the bars most likely). So anyway, I was looking at some options and wanted to see if anyone had input/suggestions for me. We have talked about renting a RV and driving somewhere within 5/6 hours of Chicago. The quality of golf is important to us, and ideally I'd like to rent a house for all of us to stay in. The schedule will be something like 36 Thurs / 36 Friday / 18 Sat morning then depart to come back to Chicago. It would be nice to have some good nightlife options, but if not we would be cool with playing cards/drinking at night.

Here are some places I've been to and my comments:

* Eagle Ridge (Galena, IL): the General is a good track, but I wasn't overly fond of the other courses they have. They have some decent houses but the resort feels a bit outdated to me. Close to Chicago so driving would be easy. No nightlife to speak of.
* Giants Ridge (Biwabik, MN): courses are top notch, also have the Wilderness which is nice and has a casino. Townhouses you can rent are pretty good, there are a few fun bars in town. Main issue is distance from Chicago
* Treetops (Gaylord, MI): I like the golf courses, condos are nice, I think it would be a good place to go. The other guys haven't been there so I think they would really enjoy the elevation changes. Not much nightlife.

I've heard good things about Boyne but the distance is an issue. Kohler is too expensive, don't really want to break the bank on this trip. Let me know if you have some suggestions for me, much appreciated!

Best,
Kevin
[/quote]
I can only speak to the Michigan options, but here's my two cents:
Chicago to Gaylord is about 6 hours, while Chicago to Harbor Springs (Boyne) is just an extra 30 minutes, according to google -- I'd say neither would take that long, but the half hour difference is probably accurate. Another option you didn't mention is Traverse City -- that's much more of a city and will have better night life options than either Gaylord or Harbor Springs. There's also a lot of good golf within a reasonable drive of TC -- a few that come to mind: Lochenheath, Grand Traverse Resort (3 courses), A-Ga-Ming, Shanty Creek (two worthwhile courses), Hawk's Eye (next door to Shanty Creek), Bay Harbor. You could also hit Arcadia Bluffs on your way up or on the way home.

Check out the Midwest forum -- there's a lot of discussion on many of the courses I mentioned.
[/quote]

Any recommendations on lodging? Any nice rental homes in the area catered to golfers?

[odshot68]

drive to roscommon and rent a home on forest dunes for 3 days. Its pure golf at a course you will never get tired of! Plus, no driving needed. Just bring lots of beer as there is no nightlight.

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='kmbean' timestamp='1330652561' post='4415369']
[quote name='3 Jack Par' timestamp='1330646308' post='4414697']
[quote name='kmbean' timestamp='1330631955' post='4412889']
So I am getting married in October 2012 and my best man and I are going to plan a 3 or 4 day golf trip for the golfers in our circle of friends. We will do something in Chicago for the non-golfers (Cubs game and night out at the bars most likely). So anyway, I was looking at some options and wanted to see if anyone had input/suggestions for me. We have talked about renting a RV and driving somewhere within 5/6 hours of Chicago. The quality of golf is important to us, and ideally I'd like to rent a house for all of us to stay in. The schedule will be something like 36 Thurs / 36 Friday / 18 Sat morning then depart to come back to Chicago. It would be nice to have some good nightlife options, but if not we would be cool with playing cards/drinking at night.

Here are some places I've been to and my comments:

* Eagle Ridge (Galena, IL): the General is a good track, but I wasn't overly fond of the other courses they have. They have some decent houses but the resort feels a bit outdated to me. Close to Chicago so driving would be easy. No nightlife to speak of.
* Giants Ridge (Biwabik, MN): courses are top notch, also have the Wilderness which is nice and has a casino. Townhouses you can rent are pretty good, there are a few fun bars in town. Main issue is distance from Chicago
* Treetops (Gaylord, MI): I like the golf courses, condos are nice, I think it would be a good place to go. The other guys haven't been there so I think they would really enjoy the elevation changes. Not much nightlife.

I've heard good things about Boyne but the distance is an issue. Kohler is too expensive, don't really want to break the bank on this trip. Let me know if you have some suggestions for me, much appreciated!

Best,
Kevin
[/quote]
I can only speak to the Michigan options, but here's my two cents:
Chicago to Gaylord is about 6 hours, while Chicago to Harbor Springs (Boyne) is just an extra 30 minutes, according to google -- I'd say neither would take that long, but the half hour difference is probably accurate. Another option you didn't mention is Traverse City -- that's much more of a city and will have better night life options than either Gaylord or Harbor Springs. There's also a lot of good golf within a reasonable drive of TC -- a few that come to mind: Lochenheath, Grand Traverse Resort (3 courses), A-Ga-Ming, Shanty Creek (two worthwhile courses), Hawk's Eye (next door to Shanty Creek), Bay Harbor. You could also hit Arcadia Bluffs on your way up or on the way home.

Check out the Midwest forum -- there's a lot of discussion on many of the courses I mentioned.
[/quote]

Any recommendations on lodging? Any nice rental homes in the area catered to golfers?
[/quote]
Grand Traverse resort is probably the best place to start. Golf-centric lodging would be more toward Acme, which is about 10 minutes from downtown (also where GTR & Lochenheath are. There's a ton of vacation home to rent in the area, too.

[10of14]

West MI. You can rent homes either on Lake MI or inland and between the shore and Grand Rapids there are plenty of Quality courses. The nightlife in Grand Rapids is very solid too. From Chicago to this area in 3 hours.

[reflog74]

Why not stay in the Chicago area? Play Int'l Harborside's 36 holes, maybe Ruffled Feathers, Cog. Plenty of nightlife in Chi, from what I've heard.

John

[jschwarb]

How about Indianapolis? That's well within your "5/6 hours of Chicago" -- it's more like 3.5/4 -- and in October it's great. Play Brickyard Crossing, The Fort, Purgatory. There's 5-6 other courses that are great too. Downtown Indianapolis has good nightlife. Could also drive another 2.5 hours south to the Ohio River, play Belterra and gamble.

I used to live in Indy, so I'm biased, but it's a very, very underrated golf town. Which also means inexpensive.

[kmbean]

[quote name='reflog74' timestamp='1330655388' post='4415787']
Why not stay in the Chicago area? Play Int'l Harborside's 36 holes, maybe Ruffled Feathers, Cog. Plenty of nightlife in Chi, from what I've heard.

John
[/quote]

We play/drink in Chicago all the time, so we are looking for a road trip, something to look fwd to.

[Colby327]

Its not much of a road trip from Chicago, but what about Lake Geneva?

A ton of great golf courses; Geneva National, Grand Geneva, Hawks View, amongst others. And they can be had cheap with stay and plays... Plus an ok nightlife depending on the time of year.

After that I'd say Madison. Still good golf (University Ridge, Hawks Landing), but awesome night life.

[HackerDave]

Isn't there a big golf resort in French Lick Indiana?

[fairwayallday]

The place with the Donald Ross and new Pete Dye course. The pictures of the Dye course look crazy!

[troyer58]

I used to live in Chicago and now live near Madison. The Madison area is great for reasonably priced golf and lodging, especially in October.

Madison is a great choice for you, but October weather could ruin the trip if you went late in the month.

I would stay in downtown Madison or at Dells/Ho-Chunk Casino (madison to dells is 40 miles on the interstate).

- Play University Ridge and Hawks Landing in Madison for day 1 of 36 holes.
- Play Trappers Turn and Wild Rock in the Dells for day 2 of 36 holes.
- Drive to Green Lake, WI on your last day and play Lawsonia Links (top 100 course) for a special treat.

If you stay in Madison, you would have:

- All the college bars and capitol district.
- If you are there on a football weekend, the town is amazing.

- Drive to New Glarus and tour the brewery (spotted cow) or any of the other microbrews in madison.
- Great variety of restaurants.

If you stay in the Dells/Ho-Chunk, you would have:
- Casino.
- Restaurants/lounges.
- Outdoors, Gun ranges, fishing, etc.
- Could rent a cabin on a lake water and have your own party.

Let me know if you need any other info.

[kmbean]

[quote name='troyer58' timestamp='1330708561' post='4419561']
I used to live in Chicago and now live near Madison. The Madison area is great for reasonably priced golf and lodging, especially in October.

Madison is a great choice for you, but October weather could ruin the trip if you went late in the month.

I would stay in downtown Madison or at Dells/Ho-Chunk Casino (madison to dells is 40 miles on the interstate).

- Play University Ridge and Hawks Landing in Madison for day 1 of 36 holes.
- Play Trappers Turn and Wild Rock in the Dells for day 2 of 36 holes.
- Drive to Green Lake, WI on your last day and play Lawsonia Links (top 100 course) for a special treat.

If you stay in Madison, you would have:

- All the college bars and capitol district.
- If you are there on a football weekend, the town is amazing.

- Drive to New Glarus and tour the brewery (spotted cow) or any of the other microbrews in madison.
- Great variety of restaurants.

If you stay in the Dells/Ho-Chunk, you would have:
- Casino.
- Restaurants/lounges.
- Outdoors, Gun ranges, fishing, etc.
- Could rent a cabin on a lake water and have your own party.

Let me know if you need any other info.
[/quote]

I think I'm leaning towards Madison. We will be going in Aug so the kids will probably just be getting back on campus. I've heard University Ridge is amazing. I've played Lawsonia Links and really enjoyed it. Haven't played the others you mention I will have to research them. Also, thanks for the New Glarus suggestion, I'm a big fan of their beer. Do you know how I can investigate cabins/lake homes available for rent? Not sure where to start on that point.

Thanks again to all for your input.

[troyer58]

There are a ton of rentals in the Madison/Dells area for the summer.

Trip advisor is a good starting point for buy-owner rentals: http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals-g60403-Reviews-Wisconsin_Dells_Wisconsin-Vacation_Rentals.html

Here are a couple other popular ones:
http://www.wildernessresort.com/
http://www.greatwolf.com/

[kmbean]

[quote name='troyer58' timestamp='1330722044' post='4421311']
There are a ton of rentals in the Madison/Dells area for the summer.

Trip advisor is a good starting point for buy-owner rentals: http://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentals-g60403-Reviews-Wisconsin_Dells_Wisconsin-Vacation_Rentals.html

Here are a couple other popular ones:
http://www.wildernessresort.com/
http://www.greatwolf.com/
[/quote]

You are awesome, thanks.

[ukalum]

If you head to the dells I would definitely play Castle at the Bay. 9 replica holes, and one of the best courses in the state. Just a little north of the dells. I like it better than Trappers or Lasonia.

Enough waterparks in the Dells to keep everyone happy too.

[kmbean]

Waterparks?

[MSUSpartan]

We played all 81 at treetops last year and loved it. I'd highly recommend it. Also, check out groupgolfer.com on April 1. Rumor has it they will be offering another deal like last year...1 night stay, 2 rounds, lesson for $75 per person. We bought 2 and did 3 days 2 nights, 72 holes (added on threetops..par 3 course) for $150, you can't beat it.

[PatCCraig]

French Lick is a nice idea as mentioned above. The Ross Course there is very good, the Dye Course is a little over the top expensive though at $350+. There is a casino there and a couple nice hotels, but the nightlife is pretty non-existent.

Wisconsin in the mid-summer is a pretty great place with very nice weather. I organized an 8-man golf trip a couple years ago to Green Lake, Wisconsin and we had a blast. We played all of our golf at Lawsonia which offers an "all-day" rate w/ carts for ~$150. The Links Course there is ranked by Golfweek Magazine as a top-50 Classic (pre-1960) golf course in the entire United States and is very, very good. Of the 8 guys that went with me, the handicaps ranged from a +1 to a ~17...everyone loved it. It's never crowded and 54 holes is easy to accomplish in high summer. As for nightlife Green Lake is a vacation town, so in the summer there are a bunch of people up there hanging out and partying in the "downtown" bars which is fun (the Goose Blind is a favorite) and the food in town isn't expensive. Plus, there are a couple "Gentlemen Clubs" nearby which will pick you up in a van if you're up for it. Lodging isn't too hard to find and rarely costs more than $50 a night...try the "Green Lake Inn."

[timbo08]

[quote name='MSUSpartan' timestamp='1330959208' post='4439815']
We played all 81 at treetops last year and loved it. I'd highly recommend it. Also, check out groupgolfer.com on April 1. Rumor has it they will be offering another deal like last year...1 night stay, 2 rounds, lesson for $75 per person. We bought 2 and did 3 days 2 nights, 72 holes (added on threetops..par 3 course) for $150, you can't beat it.
[/quote]

I heard the same thing, however, I also heard there would be more restrictions this year. My group of friends and I did basically the same as you last year (minus the Par 3) and had a blast. Greet group of courses there and the staff was awesome. However, I talked to some of their employees and they thought that it may not be eligble for weekend use this year. Really hope that isn't the case though.

[MSUSpartan]

[quote name='timbo08' timestamp='1330963068' post='4440243']
[quote name='MSUSpartan' timestamp='1330959208' post='4439815']
We played all 81 at treetops last year and loved it. I'd highly recommend it. Also, check out groupgolfer.com on April 1. Rumor has it they will be offering another deal like last year...1 night stay, 2 rounds, lesson for $75 per person. We bought 2 and did 3 days 2 nights, 72 holes (added on threetops..par 3 course) for $150, you can't beat it.
[/quote]

I heard the same thing, however, I also heard there would be more restrictions this year. My group of friends and I did basically the same as you last year (minus the Par 3) and had a blast. Greet group of courses there and the staff was awesome. However, I talked to some of their employees and they thought that it may not be eligble for weekend use this year. Really hope that isn't the case though.
[/quote]

Well the groupgolfer people I talked to said they sold 10,000 last year and are shooting for 30,000 this year. Can't imagine they'd have a goal like that if it was weekdays only.

[timbo08]

[quote name='MSUSpartan' timestamp='1330968240' post='4440855']
[quote name='timbo08' timestamp='1330963068' post='4440243']
[quote name='MSUSpartan' timestamp='1330959208' post='4439815']
We played all 81 at treetops last year and loved it. I'd highly recommend it. Also, check out groupgolfer.com on April 1. Rumor has it they will be offering another deal like last year...1 night stay, 2 rounds, lesson for $75 per person. We bought 2 and did 3 days 2 nights, 72 holes (added on threetops..par 3 course) for $150, you can't beat it.
[/quote]

I heard the same thing, however, I also heard there would be more restrictions this year. My group of friends and I did basically the same as you last year (minus the Par 3) and had a blast. Greet group of courses there and the staff was awesome. However, I talked to some of their employees and they thought that it may not be eligble for weekend use this year. Really hope that isn't the case though.
[/quote]

Well the groupgolfer people I talked to said they sold 10,000 last year and are shooting for 30,000 this year. Can't imagine they'd have a goal like that if it was weekdays only.
[/quote]

Wow! That's a ton! And yea, I would say the GroupGolfer folks probably know better than the Treetops folks that I talked to in regards to what the promotion would be. Did they mention if Garland was going to do one this year?

[Gripit N Ripit 54]

Certainly would recommend BOYNE Resorts or something in the Grand Rapids area! Feel free to PM me with any questions regarding BOYNE.

[UW Alumni 94]

I would recommend the Madison/Wisconsin dells area. University Ridge is a great course but it will be close in August starting Aug. 5th - they are replacing all of the greens. Play The Legend at Bergamont - it is a great, tough course designed by Andy North and located in Oregon,WI. Also play Hawks Landing or The Oaks. Definitely try to play Wild Rock in Wisconsin Dells as well.