Information on Traverse City, Michigan and the surrounding Northwest Michigan area

04/27/2008

Area golf courses

Please send corrections or additions to Golf Guide, 120 W. Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684

ANTRIM COUNTY

A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort: Overlooking Torch Lake, this is one of the most picturesque courses in the state; the two courses are "Sundance" and "The Torch"; located 10 miles north of Elk Rapids off U.S. 31 North. 264-5081.

Antrim Dells: This 18-hole championship course was designed by Jerry Matthews. Located 35 miles N of Traverse City on U.S. 31. 599-2679.

Elk Rapids Golf Club: A Donald Ross-designed nine hole course beautifully set on the shores of Elk Lake since 1924. 264-8891. www.golfelkrapids.com/

Centennial Farm Golf Club: The front nine features rolling hills and the back nine plays through hardwoods. It is located near Bellaire and close to several other Antrim County courses. 533-6886.

Hawk's Eye Golf Resort: The John Robinson designed Hawk's Eye Golf Resort was ranked 12th in the state for best public courses by Michigan Golf Magazine. The rolling hills and larger greens make it an enjoyable test of golf along with scenic beauty that is second to none. (866) 4-HAWK-18.

Lakes of the North: An 18-hole layout with a 71 par. From championship tees, the course plays to 6,922 yards. Located on County Road 38, 10 miles W of Old 27. 585-6800.

Schuss Mountain Golf Club: The 18-hole course, cut out of Antrim County forest, has sand traps and five water hazards that add to the difficulty. The course has a driving range available. Four miles W of Mancelona on M-88. 800-678-4111.

Cedar River Golf Club: The Tom Weiskopf designed course opened a few years ago at Shanty Creek to rave reviews. The course plays to 6,989 yards from the back tees and 6,528 from the blue, 5,963 from the white and 5,315 from the red. 800-678-4111.

Summit Golf Club: This hilly, 18-hole course of 6,559 yards features sand traps on each hole. The greens are lightning fast. Located off M-88 near Bellaire. 800-678-4111.

The Chief Golf Course: This scenic and unique layout features large elevation changes. The course, carved through northern Michigan hardwoods, offers the golfer the true up-north experience. The Chief's finishing hole is one of the best in northern Michigan, offering views of Lake Bellaire. The Chief is located on Shanty Creek Road, 200 feet east of the entrance to Shanty Creek. 888-483-5465.

The Legend Golf Club: Designed by Arnold Palmer and plays to 6,764 yards, the combination of heavily-treed fairways, sand traps and water hazards create difficult shots on a tight course. Three ponds are formed by the headwaters of Shanty Creek, which winds through numerous other holes; (800) 678-4111.

BENZIE COUNTY

Champion Hill: Located on 350 acres of the highest land in Benzie County, this course offers scenic, open, rolling and heather-lined fairways and picturesque views of four lakes. The 18-hole, par 72 course plays to 6,887 yards. Located 2.5 miles south of U.S. 31 on Marshall Road, just west of Honor. 882-9200.

Crystal Downs: This private course is recognized as one of the finest in the United States. Located near Frankfort.

Crystal Lake Golf Club: Located one-half mile north of Beulah on U.S. 31. 882-4061.

Crystal Mountain: This year-round resort on M-115 near Thompsonville offers 36 championship holes cut out of Benzie County woods. Crystal features the Mountain Ridge course and the Betsie Valley course. Driving range available. (800) 968-7686.

Frankfort Golf Club: The nine-hole course plays to 2,552 yards with a par of 34. Located two miles north of Frankfort on M-22. 352-4101.

Mistwood Golf Course: The 27-hole championship course features a multiple-tee set-up. Located at 7568 Ole White Dr. in Lake Ann, 13 miles west of Traverse City. 275-5500.

Pinecroft Golf Plantation: Located one-half mile east of Beulah off U.S. 31 on Narrow Gauge Road. 882-9100.

CHARLEVOIX COUNTY

Beaver Island Golf Course: This nine-hole course plays to 3,260 yards on the island. Par is 35. 448-2301.

Belvedere Golf Club: This challenging course features strategically-placed bunkers, slightly rolling fairways and small, well-manicured greens. Located on Marion Center Road, near the M-66 and U.S. 31 junction. 547-2611.

Boyne Mountain Monument: The Monument is famous for its island green on the 18th hole. The course begins at an elevation of 1,100 feet and works its way down through wooded, hilly fairways. 549-6028.

Boyne Mountain Alpine: The Alpine course has water in play on 6 holes. Like the Monument, it starts at an elevation of 1,100 feet. 549-6028.

Charlevoix Country Club: This 18-hole course was designed by Jerry Matthews. It plays to 6,600 yards from the back tees. Golf shop. 547-1922.

City of Charlevoix Golf Course: This is a unique, nine-hole course that features two trips across U.S. 31 during your round. It's a par 36 that plays to 3,001 yards. 547-3268.

Dunmaglas Golf Course: Designed by Larry Mancour. It plays to 6,900 yards from the back tees and is a par 72. 547-1022.

Scotland's Yard Golf: The course features two large ponds and a 950-foot covered bridge. Located one mile east of Springvale Road near Walloon Lake, the nine hole course plays to 2,555 yards. 535-2848.

Springbrook Golf Course: Located 3.5 miles east of U.S. 131 on Springvale Road, this 18-hole course is a par 72 that plays to 6,260 yards. 441-7529.

Walloon Lake Country Club: This private course offers 18 scenic holes, located on County Line Road.

Ye Nyne Olde Holles Golf Club: This course overlooks Lake Charlevoix. Located five miles west of Boyne City on Lakeshore Drive. 582-7609.

CHEBOYGAN COUNTY

Cheboygan Golf & Country Club: Located one mile northwest of Cheboygan on Old Mackinaw Road, off U.S. 23. 627-4264.

Indian River Golf Club: Water on three of 18 holes. 238-7011.

Mullet Lake Golf & Country Club: This is a private, nine-hole course with limited public play. 627-5971.

Wildwood Lakes Golf Course: Plays to 2,634 yards. 525-8949.

CRAWFORD COUNTY

Fox Run Country Club: Located south of Grayling, one-half mile west of I-75, exit 251. (989) 348-4343 or 800-4-FOXRUN.

Forest Dunes Golf & Country Club: This is a Tom Weiskopf-designed private course. (989) 275-0700. www.forestdunes.com.

Hawk Ridge: Differential of 210 feet from one end of the course to the other. 989-275-2075.

Grayling Country Club: Located on James St., south of the M-72 junction. (989) 348-5618.

EMMET COUNTY

Bay Harbor Golf Club: A great setting, with holes located along the water. 439-4028.

Birchwood Farm Golf & Country Club: A private 18-hole course in Harbor Springs.

Boyne Highlands Heather: Plays to 7,218 yards from championship tees and 6,554 from back tees. 526-3029.

Boyne Highlands Moor: 7,179 yards from championship tees and 6,521 from back tees. 526-3028.

Boyne Highlands Donald Ross Memorial: Plays to 6,840 yards from back tees and 6,308 from middle tees. 526-3028.

Boyne Highlands Arthur Hills: Each hole has a distinctive design. 526-3028.

Chestnut Valley Golf Club: This 19-hole facility features a full pro shop, driving range, restaurant and practice green; 1875 Clubhouse Dr., Harbor Springs; Call for tee times; Pro shop: 526.9100; lounge: 526.6150.

Crooked Tree Golf Club: This 18-hole championship course and residential development is located just west of Petoskey on U.S. 31. The course sits on the bluffs overlooking Little Traverse Bay and offers views of the Bay, Harbor Springs and Lake Michigan. It plays to 6,584 yards and is a par 71. 439-4030.

Harbor Point Golf Course: This 18-hole course is private until 1:30 p.m. daily. Located on Shore Drive near Harbor Springs. 526-2951.

Hidden River Golf and Casting Club: This is a new course that combines golf and fly fishing, since the facility is located on the banks of scenic Maple River. 529-4653.

Little Traverse Bay Golf Club: This public course offers great scenery and a fair, playable 18 holes. The layout is located about halfway between Petoskey and Harbor Springs. 526-6200.

Petoskey Bay View Country Club: This outstanding course is private and located on Country Club Drive in Petoskey. 347-3394.

Maple Ridge Golf Club: This course is on U.S. 31 in Brutus, 15 miles north of Petoskey. There are two separate 18-hole courses. The Narrows is a 6,004-yard course and the Executive a 3,100-yard course. Fairways are narrow and water comes into play on six holes. 529-6574.

True North: Plays from 4,808-7,000 yards. 1-800-TRUENORTH.

Wequetonsing Golf Club: This course is private and located on M-119 in Harbor Springs.

Wilderness Golf Course: Located three miles west of U.S. 31 on Gill Road, Wilderness is a nine-hole course that plays to 2,670 yards. 537-4973.

GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY

Bay Meadows Golf Course: Located just two miles from downtown Traverse City, this course recently expanded to 18 holes — a nine-hole par-three course and a nine-hole family course (par 32). It was developed with the family in mind. There are also putting and chipping greens, plus a range. It's located between M-72 and Barney Rd. 946-7927.

The Crown Golf Club: Located five minutes from the Grand Traverse Mall, the Crown's 18-hole par 72 course measures 6,676 yards. It features wide fairways and larger than average greens. It also has a complete pro shop and range. Mulligan's Pub and Grille is now open. 946-2975 (pro shop, 946-2156 (pub).

Elmbrook Golf Course: The oldest 18-hole layout in the county. The sixth hole, a 360-yard par-four, offers a spectacular view of Grand Traverse Bay and downtown Traverse City from an elevated tee. Water is in play on three holes. Practice range for irons available. Located south of Traverse City on Hammond Road. 946-9180.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Spruce Run: The challenging 18-hole championship course overlooking Grand Traverse Bay plays to 6,700 yards from championship tees. The links, designed by William Newcomb, served as host of the Michigan Open pro tournament before moving to "The Bear." Water is in play on 11 holes. Sand traps dot every hole. Driving range available. 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme; 534-6000.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, The Bear: Designed by golfing legend Jack Nicklaus, the award-winning championship course poses a stiff challenge for all. The 7,000-yard layout winds through rolling hills and apple and cherry orchards with a view of Grand Traverse Bay. Deep sand traps, thick rough and strategically placed water hazards heighten the degree of difficulty and put a premium on shot accuracy. It is also the host for the Michigan Open. 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme; 534-6000.

Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, The Wolverine: This Gary Player course opened for play in 1999. Each nine of The Wolverine is distinctive. It plays to 7,000 yards from the back tees and just over 5,000 yards from the most forward tees. 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd, Acme; 534-6000.

High Pointe Golf Club: Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak, the course offers play reminiscent of traditional British courses and natural layout. High Pointe accommodates all levels of golfers and has drawn praise from both Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. It was ranked one of the top 100 courses in the U.S., according to balloting by Golf Magazine's panel of selectors for 1998-99. It's ranked 74th. Located three miles east of Acme, just off M-72. 267-9900.

Interlochen Golf Course: Rated one of America's Top 100 Value Courses by "Maximum Golf" magazine, the scenic Interlochen Golf Course is laid out through a forest of large, mixed hardwoods and white pines. It plays to 6,445 yards, with a slope rating of 130. Its strategically placed bunkers and water hazards add additional challenge for the weekend golfer and the low handicap player alike. Located on U.S. 31 south, 13 miles southwest of Traverse City. 275-7311 or 1-877-480-7311.

Kingsley Club: An Irish flavored links-style club. 263-3000

KALKASKA COUNTY

Grandview Golf Course: Opened in 1992, the 18-hole course plays to 6,400 yards. It features rolling hills and is located on Hagni Road, off County Road 612, about five miles east of Kalkaska. 258-3244.

Timber Wolf Golf Club: The area's newest championship golf course plays to 6,500 yards. The 18-hole, par 71 course is shaped through rolling terrain and six- to eight-foot pines, offering challenging play with excellent views. Located six miles east of Kalkaska on M-72. 258-5685.

Twin Birch: Stands of red pine and birch define the fairways while the Boardman River winds throughout the course. A complete pro shop, restaurant and driving range. Located one mile east of Kalkaska on County Road 612. 258-9691.

LEELANAU COUNTY

Dunes Golf Club: The Dunes provides a tough test for the average golfer. The 18-hole course is carved out of the Leelanau County countryside. The toughest hole is the sixth, a 469-yard par-four. Located 17 miles west of Traverse City on M-72. 326-5390.

King's Challenge Golf Club: King's Challenge Golf Course is located 18 miles northwest of Traverse City. The Arnold Palmer Course features outstanding views of the Leelanau Peninsula. The 6,593-yard course has a par of 70 for men and 71 for women. 228-7400 or (888) 228-0121.

Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms: An 18-hole championship course featuring natural terrain and outstanding views of the Leelanau Peninsula. The yardage is 6,651 from the back tees. Located on Otto Road, three miles south of Suttons Bay. 271-2020.

Leland Country Club: A private golf club with 18 holes that overlooks Lake Leelanau. Located in Leland.

Northport Point: A nine-hole private course near Northport.

Sugar Loaf, The Old Course: Formerly Sleeping Bear Golf Club, the course is one of the area's longest at 6,800 yards from the championship tees. Call 228-2040; www.sugarloaftheoldcourse.com.

MANISTEE COUNTY

Arcadia Bluffs: One of the most beautiful courses in northern Michigan, Situated 150 feet above the Lake Michigan shoreline, the 18-hole, par-72 course has no water hazards, making it look like a seaside course. 889-3001.

Bear Lake Golf Association: Even though the course isn't long, it demands precision shots. 864-3817.

Chestnut Hills Golf Course: Situated in the rolling hills of north Manistee County, Chestnut Hills plays to a par 72 from three teeing areas, ranging from 4845-6372 yards. "The Nut" provides a challenge to all levels of golfers, specializing in family golf. 7700 Glover's Lake Rd. 864-2458.

Manistee National Golf & Resort: Formerly Cobi Golf Club, this resort features two 18-hole courses, the original Canthooke Valley and the new Cutters' Ridge, designed by Jerry Matthews. 723-8874.

Fawn Crest Golf Course: Located 18 miles east of Manistee, this heavily wooded nine-hole executive course plays to 2,068 yards. 848-4174.

Fox Hills Golf Course: This nine-hole executive course plays to 2,340 yards. Located four miles south of Manistee. 723-3809.

Manistee Golf & Country Club: Overlooks Lake Michigan. The greens are small and the course slightly rolling. Plays to 6,031 yards from back tees. Located on Cherry Road in Manistee. 723-2509.

MISSAUKEE COUNTY

Missaukee Golf Club: This 18-hole course was established in 1970 and plays to 6,000 yards from the back tees. It is located at the corner of M-55 and M-66, six miles south of Lake City. 825-2756.

MONTMORENCY COUNTY

Elk Ridge Golf Club: Located five miles north of Atlanta, this 18-hole course plays to 7,058 yards and has drawn rave reviews from Golf Digest. 1-800-626-4ELK.

Garland Fountains Course: Many say the best Garland course. Features as much as 90 feet in elevation change and water or fountains on ten holes. (800) 968-0042.

Garland Monarch Course: The Monarch is 7,107 yards from the back tees and the ultimate test for the best of golfers. (800) 968-0042.

Garland Swampfire Course: Somewhat shorter than the Monarch (6,850 yards), the Swampfire features a setting of woods, water and wildlife. (800) 968-0042.

Garland Reflections Course: The Reflections is narrowed down to 6,465 yards and has the unique combination of six each par-fives, par-fours and par threes. 1-800-968-0042.

OTSEGO COUNTY

Gaylord Country Club: This is a semi-open course with gently rolling fairways. Greens are large and most have sand bunkers. Plays to 6,582 yards from back tees. Located 4.5 miles west of Gaylord on M-32. 546-3376.

Black Bear Golf Club: The area's first 19-hole layout. Aware that most golfers arrive with little time to practice, designer Mark Sauger created the par three practice first hole. (877) GOLF-I75.

Green Trees Golf Inc.: A par 60 course that plays to 3,100 yards, it's located two miles west of Gaylord off M-32. (989) 732-6006.

Marsh Ridge Resort: Formerly Old Norden Hem Resort, Marsh Ridge opened in 1992. The course features rolling hills and marshy areas, with water hazards on 12 holes. The par-72 course plays to 6,700 yards. Lighted driving range available. Located five miles south of Gaylord on Old 27. (800) 743-PLAY.

Michaywe, The Pines: Heavily bunkered, with well-separated fairways cut through pines and hardwood. Plays to 7,007 yards from back tees. (989) 939-8911.

Michaywe, The Lake: Voted the third best new golf course in America when it opened in 1987, The Lake Golf Club features beautiful views and water on 10 holes. Plays to 6,310 yards. Located on Opal Lake Road, six miles south of Gaylord. (989) 939-8911.

Beaver Creek Resort, The Natural: Located on 150 acres at Beaver Creek Resort, The Natural was originally part of the Snow Valley Ski Resort in the 1920s. Jerry Matthews designed the picturesque layout. (989) 732-1785.

Otsego Club, The Classic: Designed by William H. Diddel, The Classic became the founding course of the Gaylord Golf Mecca. The signature hole, no. 18, is a par four measuring 310 yards from the back tees and offers panoramic views. (8770 GOLF-I75.

The Loon Golf Club: This course is located between Marsh Ridge Resort and Michaywe' golf development on the south side of Gaylord. It's a par-71 course that plays to 6,800 yards from the championship tees. Call (989) 732-4454.

Otsego Club, The Tribute: Voted one of the top 10 new courses in America by Sports Illustrated. It was designed by Rick Robbins and former PGA Tour player and NBC golf commentator Gary Koch. It features rolling elevation changes through forested valleys with spectacular views. The tee on the third hole overlooks the Sturgeon River Valley 732-5181 or (877) GOLF- I75.

Treetops, Tradition: This course is designed for walking and is built to National Audubon Society specifications. One of the best courses in northern Michigan. (800) 444-6711.

Treetops, Masterpiece: This challenging course at Sylvan Resort was designed by Robert Trent Jones. It's very hilly and wooded, with many elevated tees and greens. Treetops is six miles east of I-75 in Gaylord. (800)-444-6711.

Treetops, Premier: The course was designed by Tom Fazio. Fazio, an internationally acclaimed golf course designer. (800) 444-6711.

Treetops, Signature: Designed by Treetops pro Rick Smith, the par-70, 6,653-yard course is already considered one of the finest in the area. The course opened eight summers ago and features big greens. (800) 444-6711.

Treetops, Threetops: A par three course designed by Treetops pro Rick Smith. The holes range from 96 to 216 yards and two that have vertical drops of 90 and 170 feet. (800) 444-6711.

Wilderness Valley Black Forest: The Black Forest course, designed by Tom Doak, sits adjacent to the 18-hole course at Wilderness Valley. It's been nominated for best new course by Golf Digest. 585-7090.

WEXFORD COUNTY

Briar at Mesick Golf & Country Club: Nestled on rolling terrain with woods, streams and ponds, This 18-hole course is located 26 miles south of Traverse City on M-115. It is 18 miles north of Cadillac and one mile east of Mesick. 885-1220.

Bunker Hill Golf Course: This nine-hole layout features tree-lined fairways. It's scenic and challenging. 775-3330.

Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort: Located in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. It plays to more than 7,000 yards. 862-3000.

Cadillac Country Club: Located on M-55 in Cadillac, just west of M-115 junction. The 18-hole course plays to 6,017 from back tees. 775-9442.

El Dorado: This unique course features wide fairways and big greens and is located just off U.S. 131. (888) DRIVE18.

Emerald Vale Golf Club: Features a combination of links style holes with rolling terrain that weaves through pines, hardwoods and meadows. Located 35 minutes south of Traverse City and 15 minutes north of Cadillac near Manton. (800) 890-3407 or 824-3631.

Wedgewood Golf Club: A scenic course, it is fairly short but challenging with tight fairways and slightly rolling greens. Water comes into play on five holes. Located 2 1/2 miles west of M-115 on M-55. 128 Lakewood Dr., Cadillac. 231-779-4653.

McGuire's Resort: There are two courses at McGuire's. One is a nine-hole layout that plays to 2,792 yards. The other is 18 holes and plays to 6,443 yards. This course features wide, rolling fairways. There are many trees, but the course is still fairly open. Well-kept greens are large and slightly rolling. 775-9947.