Michigan Golf Trip

[Pure716]

This July, my father and I are planning a golf trip to Michigan. We have pretty much selected the following courses for our route: Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, Bay Harbor, and Timberstone (in that order). Even though we are sure of what dates and where we want to play, we would like some more information on where to stay/eat while we are there. I have attached the itinerary for the trip, if you have an suggestions, it would be appreciated!

 

Thank you in advance,

 

Adam

 

 

Day 1 (July 6, 2014)

• Drive from home to Arcadia Bluffs

• Stay near Arcadia

Day 2 (July 7, 2014)

• Morning round at Arcadia Bluffs

• Drive from Arcadia Bluffs to Forest Dunes

• Stay near Forest Dunes

Day 3 (July 8, 2014)

• Morning round at Forest Dunes

• Drive from Forest Dunes to Bay Harbor –

• Possible late nine at Bay Harbor

• Stay near Bay Harbor

Day 4 (July 9, 2014)

• Morning round at Bay Harbor

• Drive from Bay Harbor to Timberstone

• Stay near Timberstone

Day 5 (July 10, 2014)

• Morning round at Timberstone

• Drive from Timberstone to home

[chickenpotpie]

There isn't really anywhere to stay near Arcadia unless you stay at their lodge. Those are expensive, and the beds are not configured for golfers....meaning the rooms have a single king bed, and they pull in a rollaway if someone wants to share. The nearest place to stay would be the casino in Frankfort, unless you rent a cabin. I've done that before, but it usually requires a multi night stay.

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='FSUbulldog' timestamp='1391885411' post='8624025']
[size=4]This July, my father and I are planning a golf trip to Michigan. We have pretty much selected the following courses for our route: Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, Bay Harbor, and Timberstone (in that order). Even though we are sure of what dates and where we want to play, we would like some more information on where to stay/eat while we are there. I have attached the itinerary for the trip, if you have an suggestions, it would be appreciated!

Thank you in advance,

Adam


[u][color=#000000]Day 1 (July 6, 2014)[/color][/u]
[color=#000000]• Drive from home to Arcadia Bluffs
• Stay near Arcadia[/color]
[u][color=#000000]Day 2 (July 7, 2014)[/color][/u]
[color=#000000]• Morning round at Arcadia Bluffs
• Drive from Arcadia Bluffs to Forest Dunes
• Stay near Forest Dunes[/color]
[u][color=#000000]Day 3 (July 8, 2014)[/color][/u]
[color=#000000]• Morning round at Forest Dunes
• Drive from Forest Dunes to Bay Harbor –
• Possible late nine at Bay Harbor
• Stay near Bay Harbor[/color]
[u][color=#000000]Day 4 (July 9, 2014)[/color][/u]
[color=#000000]• Morning round at Bay Harbor
• Drive from Bay Harbor to Timberstone
• Stay near Timberstone[/color]
[u][color=#000000]Day 5 (July 10, 2014)[/color][/u]
[color=#000000]• Morning round at Timberstone
• Drive from Timberstone to home[/color][/size]
[/quote]

I would also try to play 36 at Forest dunes (great replay rate and a course that is a lot of fun to play) rather than driving up and potentially playing that late 9 at bay Harbour.

[BG5]

Amazing trip planned bro! Nice lineup although I highly suggest making 1 change that will be the highlight of your trip. Don't get me wrong Timberstone is a nice course but you need to drop it and add Greywalls in Marquette MI. Us Michiganders know that the best course in the U.P. is Greywalls. Some call it one of the best in the world and it was created by Mike Devries who also created Kingsley Club. You would be making a major mistake to play Timberstone over Greywalls. The topography and scenery at Greywalls are out this world!!! Here's their website http://www.marquettegolfclub.com/greywalls-course-details.html

The rest of your trip looks outstanding. I played both Forest Dunes and Arcadia In The same day last summer so I can relate to the drive. I highly suggest you just eat at Forest Dunes since its a 2 hour drive from ARcadia to Forest Dunes. The food is awesome and you might as well get as much time on the practice green as possible. The greens at Forest Dunes will be the best you have ever had so enjoy some time getting used to the speed and roll. The new Lake AuSable Lodge looks amazing so enjoy your stay. When you play #17 at FD "go for it" as you only live once:)

It's gonna take you all of 90 minutes to travel from FD to Bay Harbor if not more. When you play Bay Harbor make sure you play the Links/ Quarry. The Links nine is th best 9 holes in Michigan on any course as far as I'm concerned. With 6 holes on the water I would considering playing it 4 times. Do not play the Preserve as it just garbage in my opinion compared to the other 2 courses. Eat dinner at Bay Harbor as the deck on the clubhouse is one of the best watering holes in Northern Michigan with awesome views. If your looking for a good steakhouse then consider Boones as they have great steaks.

If you do indeed make the change from Timberstone to Greywalls then you will have an amazing lineup of golf courses. It would be hard for anybody to have 4 better courses than the ones you've listed. That's a trip of a lifetime and make sure to tell us all about on WRX once you complete it. Hit Em Straight!!!

[Pure716]

[quote name='BG5' timestamp='1391918828' post='8627221']
Amazing trip planned bro! Nice lineup although I highly suggest making 1 change that will be the highlight of your trip. Don't get me wrong Timberstone is a nice course but you need to drop it and add Greywalls in Marquette MI. Us Michiganders know that the best course in the U.P. is Greywalls. Some call it one of the best in the world and it was created by Mike Devries who also created Kingsley Club. You would be making a major mistake to play Timberstone over Greywalls. The topography and scenery at Greywalls are out this world!!! Here's their website [url="http://www.marquettegolfclub.com/greywalls-course-details.html"]http://www.marquette...se-details.html[/url]

The rest of your trip looks outstanding. I played both Forest Dunes and Arcadia In The same day last summer so I can relate to the drive. I highly suggest you just eat at Forest Dunes since its a 2 hour drive from ARcadia to Forest Dunes. The food is awesome and you might as well get as much time on the practice green as possible. The greens at Forest Dunes will be the best you have ever had so enjoy some time getting used to the speed and roll. The new Lake AuSable Lodge looks amazing so enjoy your stay. When you play #17 at FD "go for it" as you only live once:)

It's gonna take you all of 90 minutes to travel from FD to Bay Harbor if not more. When you play Bay Harbor make sure you play the Links/ Quarry. The Links nine is th best 9 holes in Michigan on any course as far as I'm concerned. With 6 holes on the water I would considering playing it 4 times. Do not play the Preserve as it just garbage in my opinion compared to the other 2 courses. Eat dinner at Bay Harbor as the deck on the clubhouse is one of the best watering holes in Northern Michigan with awesome views. If your looking for a good steakhouse then consider Boones as they have great steaks.

If you do indeed make the change from Timberstone to Greywalls then you will have an amazing lineup of golf courses. It would be hard for anybody to have 4 better courses than the ones you've listed. That's a trip of a lifetime and make sure to tell us all about on WRX once you complete it. Hit Em Straight!!!
[/quote]

Thank you for all of the great info. Unfortunately, we had Grey Walls on the line up, but it was either that or Forest Dunes. I have been dying to play Timberstone (being from Wisconsin, Timberstone is a top golf group destination). If I had one more day in my route, I assure you it would be spent at Grey Walls. As for Arcadia and Forest Dunes, those two are the highlight of the trip; I'm a huge fan of links golf so Arcadia is a must, and Forest Dunes is nothing short of outstanding from what I read. I also have heard that the Links/Quarry was the best at Bay Harbor, but was not aware if it would be worth it to play all 27?

Again, thank you for the recommendation of Grey Walls. Unfortunately, Timberstone is ranked higher on my list; with all due respect.

[Pure716]

[quote name='SilverBullets' timestamp='1391889870' post='8624517']
I would also try to play 36 at Forest dunes (great replay rate and a course that is a lot of fun to play) rather than driving up and potentially playing that late 9 at bay Harbour.
[/quote]

Trust me, that is being taken into consideration. I have heard many say that only the Links/Quarry is worth playing. However, my dad is a slightly better than bogey golfer (14 handicap) who doesn't play more than 18 holes in a given day. He rarely plays two consecutive days in a row, apart from vacation, so four rounds in five days is already pushing it. But, for what it's worth, what is the replay rate?

[duffer987]

Instead of staying [i]near [/i]Forest Dunes, why not just stay [i]at[/i] Forest Dunes

Similar to what you are proposing I played Arcadia, drove over to Forest Dunes, had dinner, stayed the night, had breakfast, and played. The food was actually quite good and they have some local brews on tap.

Fantastic course for sure and you'll have a great time.

[Pure716]

[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1391927151' post='8627807']
Instead of staying [i]near [/i]Forest Dunes, why not just stay [i]at[/i] Forest Dunes

Similar to what you are proposing I played Arcadia, drove over to Forest Dunes, had dinner, stayed the night, had breakfast, and played. The food was actually quite good and they have some local brews on tap.

Fantastic course for sure and you'll have a great time.
[/quote]

I would love to stay on the property for every course; however, we are not sure how much we will benefit from it (cost vs. driving time wise). It seems that Arcadia is pretty far from any hotels; meaning, that we will probably stay at Arcadia. Forest Dunes has a couple options, the closets listed on mapquest is Ramada Grayling Hotel and Conference Center (25 minutes away). Due to this, both courses are looking like they will be our hotel. As far as Timberstone and Bay Harbor, both seem to have "chain hotels" near by. Any suggestions would be appreciated on those two.

[Fellaheen51]

Staying at Arcadia Bluffs is very pricey. There is nothing....and I mean ZERO.......around there. You'd be better served staying in Manistee. There is a very nice indian casino hotel (Little River) 12 miles s. of Arcadia and other chain lodging. But I always just stay at the casino. Also Frankfort (10 miles to the North) has some lodging and nice dining options. To bad your itinerary is already set, Manistee National in that area is a nice 36 hole track.

FD is truly an exceptional course, but its quite out of the area logistically compared to the other courses you are planning to play. There are many very high quality courses available on the NW side of the state. Eliminating FD would shave off close to 200 miles (quick guesstamation) of road time. Just say'in and not to change your mind.

The Ramada in Grayling is a dump. I would suggest checking out your lodging options in the Houghton Lake area. Think they have a Holiday Inn Express in the area. Lots of options. Grab an evening nine at The Quest. Not really that far from FD

You could also consider a stay & play package with Bay Harbor and Boyne Highlands, both owned by Boyne Resorts. Recommend playing the D. Ross Memorial. Very unique.

You do realize that your day four drive from Bay Harbor to Timberstone is going to be about a 250 mile hike with no freeways? Have fun!

Greywalls is a great track, but Marquette is not exactly close to Iron Mountain. A good UP combo is Timberstone and Sweetgrass. Stay at the Indian casino that Sweetgrass is adjacent to. Golf and gambling, what a country.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your trip with your father!

[SilverBullets]

[quote name='Fellaheen51' timestamp='1392081123' post='8640613']
Staying at Arcadia Bluffs is very pricey. There is nothing....and I mean ZERO.......around there. You'd be better served staying in Manistee. There is a very nice indian casino hotel (Little River) 12 miles s. of Arcadia and other chain lodging. But I always just stay at the casino. Also Frankfort (10 miles to the North) has some lodging and nice dining options. To bad your itinerary is already set, Manistee National in that area is a nice 36 hole track.

FD is truly an exceptional course, but its quite out of the area logistically compared to the other courses you are planning to play. There are many very high quality courses available on the NW side of the state. Eliminating FD would shave off close to 200 miles (quick guesstamation) of road time. Just say'in and not to change your mind.

The Ramada in Grayling is a dump. I would suggest checking out your lodging options in the Houghton Lake area. Think they have a Holiday Inn Express in the area. Lots of options. Grab an evening nine at The Quest. Not really that far from FD

You could also consider a stay & play package with Bay Harbor and Boyne Highlands, both owned by Boyne Resorts. Recommend playing the D. Ross Memorial. Very unique.

You do realize that your day four drive from Bay Harbor to Timberstone is going to be about a 250 mile hike with no freeways? Have fun!

Greywalls is a great track, but Marquette is not exactly close to Iron Mountain. A good UP combo is Timberstone and Sweetgrass. Stay at the Indian casino that Sweetgrass is adjacent to. Golf and gambling, what a country.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your trip with your father!
[/quote]

I agree with this. The trip seems like a ton of time in the car. I mean I understand you will be playing some of the best courses in the state, but, its pretty scattered. Have you considered playing Arcadia then staying in Traverse City? Play some courses in the Traverse Area (i.e. Lochenheath) and then head to Gaylord. Play The Tribute and then head south to hit up Forest Dunes. You would still get a ton of great golf in but would save yourself a ton of driving.

I haven't played Grey Walls but have heard great things. I just think Bay Harbor is a little overrated. The Links side is wonderful for about 6 or 7 holes. Outside of that, BH just doesn't do much for me. The Quarry side is cool but its really gimmicky. I personally enjoyed Lochenheath a lot more. I'm just not sure its worth the 2 hour or whatever drive from FD to BH when you have some fantastic courses right in Traverse City you almost have to drive through Traverse City to get from Arcadia to FD.

[Fellaheen51]

Totally forgot about Lochenheath. One could make a solid five day trip in the TC area alone. The Bear and Wolverine, Shanty Creek (Legend, Schuss Mountain, Cedar River) is not that far away. A personal favorite that sometimes gets overlooked is A-Ga-Ming, Sundance and Torch. We play Torch every year, have family in the Bellaire area. Marvelous views of Torch Lake, all year is great but the fall is beyond spectacular. Beers at Shorts. Antrim Dells is nice as well. Belvedere. So many places......come on summer!

[Openwater22]

[quote name='FSUbulldog' timestamp='1391962732' post='8629135']
[quote name='duffer987' timestamp='1391927151' post='8627807']
Instead of staying [i]near [/i]Forest Dunes, why not just stay [i]at[/i] Forest Dunes

Similar to what you are proposing I played Arcadia, drove over to Forest Dunes, had dinner, stayed the night, had breakfast, and played. The food was actually quite good and they have some local brews on tap.

Fantastic course for sure and you'll have a great time.
[/quote]

I would love to stay on the property for every course; however, we are not sure how much we will benefit from it (cost vs. driving time wise). It seems that Arcadia is pretty far from any hotels; meaning, that we will probably stay at Arcadia. Forest Dunes has a couple options, the closets listed on mapquest is Ramada Grayling Hotel and Conference Center (25 minutes away). Due to this, both courses are looking like they will be our hotel. As far as Timberstone and Bay Harbor, both seem to have "chain hotels" near by. Any suggestions would be appreciated on those two.
[/quote]
Drive time From Ramada Inn Grayling to FD is less than 25 min. If mapquest or your nav is routing you thru Roscommon, forget it. Turn left out of the Ramada, then right onto M72, then right onto Chase Bridge Rd.

[Openwater22]

[quote name='Fellaheen51' timestamp='1392081123' post='8640613']
Staying at Arcadia Bluffs is very pricey. There is nothing....and I mean ZERO.......around there. You'd be better served staying in Manistee. There is a very nice indian casino hotel (Little River) 12 miles s. of Arcadia and other chain lodging. But I always just stay at the casino. Also Frankfort (10 miles to the North) has some lodging and nice dining options. To bad your itinerary is already set, Manistee National in that area is a nice 36 hole track.

FD is truly an exceptional course, but its quite out of the area logistically compared to the other courses you are planning to play. There are many very high quality courses available on the NW side of the state. Eliminating FD would shave off close to 200 miles (quick guesstamation) of road time. Just say'in and not to change your mind.

The Ramada in Grayling is a dump. I would suggest checking out your lodging options in the Houghton Lake area. Think they have a Holiday Inn Express in the area. Lots of options. Grab an evening nine at The Quest. Not really that far from FD

You could also consider a stay & play package with Bay Harbor and Boyne Highlands, both owned by Boyne Resorts. Recommend playing the D. Ross Memorial. Very unique.

You do realize that your day four drive from Bay Harbor to Timberstone is going to be about a 250 mile hike with no freeways? Have fun!

Greywalls is a great track, but Marquette is not exactly close to Iron Mountain. A good UP combo is Timberstone and Sweetgrass. Stay at the Indian casino that Sweetgrass is adjacent to. Golf and gambling, what a country.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy your trip with your father!
[/quote]
Haven't heard of Grayling Ramada being a dump, nothing in the local buzz about that. Not a 5 star hotel, but clean and moderately priced. Houghton Lake is 45 min from FD, but do play The Quest please.

[VNutz]

Bay Harbor Links and Quarry is what I played and what was recommended to me. I loved it. The Links has fantastic views of the bay, the course might be a bit bland in some parts but the views are worth it. The quarry has a totally different feel but some really great holes, as well as their featured finishing hole along the bay. Beautiful course if you like nice views. You might want to look into what your options are playing there, as we could only play there as part of a stay & play package.

This sounds like a great trip and I'm truly jealous. I've only played Arcadia and Bay Harbor of these and the rest aside from Timberstone are on my list.

[Pure716]

[quote name='VNutz' timestamp='1392219433' post='8651821']
Bay Harbor Links and Quarry is what I played and what was recommended to me. I loved it. The Links has fantastic views of the bay, the course might be a bit bland in some parts but the views are worth it. The quarry has a totally different feel but some really great holes, as well as their featured finishing hole along the bay. Beautiful course if you like nice views. You might want to look into what your options are playing there, as we could only play there as part of a stay & play package.

This sounds like a great trip and I'm truly jealous. I've only played Arcadia and Bay Harbor of these and the rest aside from Timberstone are on my list.
[/quote]

We actually just booked two hotels. The first night at Arcadia plus our round was booked, along with a local hotel near Bay Harbor. We ended up not doing a stay and play package at Bay Harbor, because it just wasn't worth it in our minds. The total came to around $670 for the two of us for golf and the room. When you factor out the golf, the room was over twice that of other hotels for no reduction on rates (to clarifty, you get a $400 gift cards towards golf). The price isn't cheap, $195 for links/quarry, but we are still looking forward to it.

[circa.62]

It looks like Arcadia may be putting up a few cabins on the east end of the property. A few spots are cleared and getting ready for construction behind the 3rd tee.

[Bubb]

Crystal Mountain is only 20 minutes from Arcadia and has plenty of lodging options. The newer ones are pretty nice. I've stayed at Forest Dunes and the houses are great. If you go to FD, play 36 as it's in the middle of nowhere and not practical to mix in any other course on the same day.

Here are my top five in Michigan. The top three are all close to each other. If you want an itinerary with less driving, #1, #2, and #3 fit nicely together.

1) Arcadia Bluffs
2) Kingsley Club (if it was on the lake it would be #1)
3) Lochenheath (you'll have the worst putting round of your life and enjoy every minute of it, I don't know if they still allow public play)
4) Bay Harbor (views, views, and more views)
5) Forest Dunes (manicured as well as Augusta)

[Pure716]

[quote name='Bubb' timestamp='1392608493' post='8683965']
Crystal Mountain is only 20 minutes from Arcadia and has plenty of lodging options. The newer ones are pretty nice. I've stayed at Forest Dunes and the houses are great. If you go to FD, play 36 as it's in the middle of nowhere and not practical to mix in any other course on the same day.

Here are my top five in Michigan. The top three are all close to each other. If you want an itinerary with less driving, #1, #2, and #3 fit nicely together.

1) Arcadia Bluffs
2) Kingsley Club (if it was on the lake it would be #1)
3) Lochenheath (you'll have the worst putting round of your life and enjoy every minute of it, I don't know if they still allow public play)
4) Bay Harbor (views, views, and more views)
5) Forest Dunes (manicured as well as Augusta)
[/quote]

Thank you for the feedback. Unfortunately, all the rounds and hotels are booked. All that is left to decide is where to eat and what to do between rounds.