Michigan Golf Scene

HARRIS, Mich. - Following years of design and development, the much-anticipated Sweetgrass Golf Club – the newest amenity at the Island Resort & Casino – has been unveiled along the rolling, windswept hills of the Upper Peninsula.

Owned and operated by the Hannahville Band of the Potawatomi Nation, a blessing highlighted the opening ceremony, which also included recognition to all involved with the development and a traditional lighting of the flame that sits next to the 10th tee. Known as the Keepers of the Fire, the Firekeeper will be honored by a flame on cool mornings – one of many subtle and indirect references to their proud history to be found on this championship layout. 

Where Excellence Meets Perfection 

On the surface, weddings, golf outings and business meetings aren’t instantly categorized together. Upon closer examination, memories created on all three occasions can be indelible and forge lasting images in our minds.

Imagine walking down the aisle, walking down the fairway after the shot of your life or walking out of a conference with a breakthrough innovation or idea; it can all happen at Shenandoah Banquet, Golf and Conference Center.

The $27-million expenditure required to construct the 93,000-square foot facility alone creates an expectation for excellence. The clubhouse, which houses both the banquet and conference facilities, was completed in 2005 by Victor Saroki and Associates, one of Michigan’s most acclaimed architectural firms. Call it the Ritz-Carlton of West Bloomfield.

Her name was P. G. No, she wasn’t the mascot for Pro Golf, but probably could have been. As an American Hairless Terrier, the world’s rarest breed of dogs, P. G. embraced any form of heat and loved to bask in the sun. As a typical female, she sported the latest fashion in her t-shirts (for the hot summer months), sweatshirts (for the fall) and “fido fleece” in the winter. She also carried sunscreen (45+) in her travel bag to protect her skin from the UVA rays. To keep her game sharp during the off season, P. G. chased after practice putts in the basement.

As we traveled across the state to distribute Michigan Golfer’s Guides, visit with clients or to play golf, P. G.’s unique appearance and spunky personality not only commanded attention, but allowed us to make a few exceptions to “the rules”. That sometimes meant the personnel at a  course looked the other way as she hopped in the golf cart with us. As we drove from tee to green, P. G. was often left behind chasing the squirrels or other critters that caught her attention. Then suddenly, upon hearing our distant laughter, she’d realize that we took off without her and dash like lightning after the golf cart. When she finally caught up with us, P. G. jumped up in the seat, panting with that twinkle in her eyes as if to say “whew -I made it!” 

Southeastern Michigan’s Most Personable Place to Play

The stellar reputation earned by Moose Ridge Golf course attracts golfers from the surrounding Ann Arbor and Detroit area to a terrific track tucked away in South Lyon.

Designed by Michigan State graduate Ray Hearn, Moose Ridge Golf Course opened in 1999 and has since been lauded as one of the very best layouts in Southeastern Michigan. In 2007, the course was ranked Number 3 out of 190 courses in the region by the Detroit Free Press.

Moose Ridge is blessed with breathtaking elevations and a rolling topography that is reminiscent of a course in Northern Michigan. So players need not be concerned about disturbance or din from the outside world during their round. 

Brothers Scott and Kurt LaFave are in their second season of ownership at Harbor Springs’ Chestnut Valley Golf Club but it hasn’t taken much of an effort to get the local community excited about the popular course. “We just picked up the ball and ran with it,” said Scott LaFave.

Opened in 1994, Chestnut Valley quickly carved out a spot for itself through the ’90s and early 2000s in an area of Northern Michigan densely populated with golf courses. It has a reputation as a solid, playable and affordable course that doesn’t punish novice golfers, yet is a challenge to more experienced and more talented players. LaFave says the course that’s named for a the majestic chestnut tree standing between the No. 10 green and No. 11 tee is definitely the favorite among locals. 

When you’re in the Flint/Grand Blanc area for the Buick Open, or any other time during Michigan’s golf season, there’s a trio of courses that are worth a visit, all of which have service and conditions far above their price levels.

CAPTAIN’S CLUB AT WOODFIELD
A Ray Floyd Signature Course
Located just south of Grand Blanc off I-75 and Exit 106 (going north, Exit 108 coming south), The Captain’s Club at Woodfield features a fabulous mix of open, non-parallel fairways, large undulating greens, water and wetlands designed by Harry Bowers and Hall of Famer Raymond Floyd. The course can play as long as 6,800-yards with a rating/slope of 73.3/133 from the back tees. The pristine wooded surroundings, customized service and a wide range of menu options also make the Captain’s Club at Woodfield a great place for weddings, corporate meetings, seminars, receptions and other special events with space for up to 500 guests. For more information, visit www.captainsclubatwoodfield.com or call 810.695.4653. 

Gaylord’s Best Double-Play

The recent purchase of the golf course at Marsh Ridge Resort by the same folks who’ve run the unique resort and also The Natural just down the road are giving travelers to Northern Michigan a spectacular double-play package as good as anything the Tigers can turn down in Motown.

The courses are both 4-Star Golf Digest Places to Play and have a similar relaxing ambiance, but are decidedly different tests. Mike Husby’s Marsh Ridge design features fairways lined with mature trees and changes in elevation that make the par-71 layout play much longer than its listed 6,231 yards. Marsh Ridge makes players get to think their way from shot to shot. The par-3s have some stunning panoramic views and most also require forced carries over marshland. The signature par-5 18th is reachable in two with a great drive and a dry second that negotiates a pond front and left of the green. 

St. Ives Golf Club

St. Ives rolling fairways, protected wetlands, and lush forests create a beautiful backdrop for a wonderful day of golf. If you enjoy breathtaking vistas, dramatic elevation changes, and abundant wildlife, then St. Ives will certainly provide you with a fun day of golf. You owe it to yourself to experience this Michigan masterpiece.

Let St. Ives Resort create for you a one of kind golfing adventure.

Tullymore Golf Club

Ranked in the Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in America, and the 14th Greatest Public Golf Course in America, by Golf Digest, Tullymore truly offers a world class golfing experience. Its winding fairways flow over 800 acres of Michigan’s most beautiful terrain. You’ll enjoy its natural wetlands, native grass, and impressive bunkers. Its five sets of tees make it playable for anyone.

Tullymore Golf Club will test your game, restore your spirit, and permanently win your heart.

Fieldstone Golf Club of Auburn Hills has quickly become one of Mid-America's most prestigious public-access courses. A 4-Star Golf Digest Place to Play, this Arthur Hills design was also voted one of the top three public courses in Southeast Michigan by the Detroit Free Press.

Impeccable course conditions, a great diversity of shot options, smaller than average greens, bunker positioning and a fabulous set of par-3 s are highlights at Fieldstone. The Buick Open regularly uses Fieldstone as a qualifier for its PGA TOUR event.

The only thing more inviting than the gorgeous state-of-the-art practice facility, Clubhouse and veranda that can accommodate over 200 guests is the "customer comes first" attitude of the people who work inside and out to make your day enjoyable.

Taking advantage of the recent and proposed area courses being turned into housing developments, Twin Lakes Golf and Swim Club is adding a third, unique, nine holes to its already award-winning 18 this July.