So its Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes......AND???

[Openwater22]

With the type of courses you seem to enjoy, the choice 10X out of 10 is Kingsley. Sometimes the replay rate is phenomenal compared to the other two and would be my preferred place for 36. On top of that pace of play there will be exceptional no matter what. Openwater has offered to help and that's all the help you'll need! Would love a trip report on this one, always curious how other people rank these 3 against each other.

 

 

Sidetrack, is prairie club the really exclusive one in Neb? OW, how do you rate Kingsley compared to PC and stream song? Obviously clubhouse is lacking at KC but what about courses?

Swiz, Sand Hills is the really exclusive one, didn't play it or Prairie Club. Played Ballyneal and Dismal River. As for how they compare to KC, it's a toss up. Ballyneal would be the toughest, Kingsley the most fun, and Dismal the one you just can't forget.

[FSCMatt]

If you somehow manage to get on Crystal Downs, don't bring your cellphone. They have a strict policy. You will be removed from the grounds site on scene.

 

 

I'm not sure how accurate that is. I asked the member I played with and he said it was fine. I took pictures of every hole sometimes multiple. It's very possible that it's a much stricter policy as an unaccompanied guest or with some members.

 

However, if you're able to do it don't even think twice. Crystal Downs is as good as it gets.

[CDM]

With the type of courses you seem to enjoy, the choice 10X out of 10 is Kingsley. Sometimes the replay rate is phenomenal compared to the other two and would be my preferred place for 36. On top of that pace of play there will be exceptional no matter what. Openwater has offered to help and that's all the help you'll need! Would love a trip report on this one, always curious how other people rank these 3 against each other.

 

 

Sidetrack, is prairie club the really exclusive one in Neb? OW, how do you rate Kingsley compared to PC and stream song? Obviously clubhouse is lacking at KC but what about courses?

Swiz, Sand Hills is the really exclusive one, didn't play it or Prairie Club. Played Ballyneal and Dismal River. As for how they compare to KC, it's a toss up. Ballyneal would be the toughest, Kingsley the most fun, and Dismal the one you just can't forget.

 

Swiz,

Prairie Dunes is the private one in KS. Prairie Club is in NE and a pretty nice resort with excellent courses.

 

Openwater,

We will have to compare notes someday. Ballyneal as you note it is tough test, really tough if the wind blows. I only played the Jack course a Dismal...but it was "Dismal" to me also. =) Sand Hills I was able to play a few years ago. GOT very lucky with that one, hands down the most surreal golf experience I have ever had.

 

I am very lucky and appreciative that the clients I have are great people and love golf to. A few of my clients are members at the top local courses so again very very fortunate to tag along at times. Add they get as decent amount of the money they pay me back on the course anyway LOL

[Openwater22]

CDM,

Played 6 rounds during my stay at Dismal. 5 on the Doak and 1 on there Nicklaus, agree the property name suits it.

[DoubleorQuits]

If Crystal or Kingsley does not pan out, why not play another day at FD or Arcadia? Less driving and it is doubtful you will play another course as good as either of those two. Quality over quantity!

[VNutz]

Eagle Eye is a good course, can't go wrong there. Personally Pilgrims Run is one of my favorite courses. I've heard from others that don't care for it, but I love it. Just a fun track and a good variety of holes, and a great setting fully in the woods. I haven't played there in 5+ years but it was usually in good shape, but play early as the pace of play isn't always the fastest as is common with wooded courses. It's probably 30-45 minutes down the highway from the airport.

[johnnylongball]

I'm no expert on the area at all. But I'm in the process of putting together our trip for this summer and we're going to Michigan. Since you're going to be staying at Forest Dunes, have you considered playing the Loop?

Not sure what the "Loop" is. Pardon my ignorance. EDIT: Sorry I know of Doak's new course called the Loop if that is what you are refer'in too, but its not open until July I thought??

 

Now I feel ignorant. You're correct, the Loop won't isn't scheduled to open until July.

[MichiganMan]

Eagle Eye is a good course, can't go wrong there. Personally Pilgrims Run is one of my favorite courses. I've heard from others that don't care for it, but I love it. Just a fun track and a good variety of holes, and a great setting fully in the woods. I haven't played there in 5+ years but it was usually in good shape, but play early as the pace of play isn't always the fastest as is common with wooded courses. It's probably 30-45 minutes down the highway from the airport.

 

^^This. As someone who grew up in West Michigan, I would play Pilgrims Run before I'd play just about anywhere in Grand Rapids (save the top-end private clubs). In fact, my brother-in-law lives in Denver and did a trip last summer where he played Pilgrims Run and Arcadia in the same day. And if you're flying out of GR, Pilgrim's is a very convenient stop. I think the above estimate is pretty accurate, though it's probably closer to the 45 minute number.

 

***Local tip: If you're somehow able to procure a church bulletin, you get $10 off your round on Sunday's at Pilgrim's Run.***

[VNutz]

Very true, just might be tough to get your hands on one on Sunday morning and still make a 3:30 flight. ;)

[CDM]

I'm no expert on the area at all. But I'm in the process of putting together our trip for this summer and we're going to Michigan. Since you're going to be staying at Forest Dunes, have you considered playing the Loop?

Not sure what the "Loop" is. Pardon my ignorance. EDIT: Sorry I know of Doak's new course called the Loop if that is what you are refer'in too, but its not open until July I thought??

 

Now I feel ignorant. You're correct, the Loop won't isn't scheduled to open until July.

 

HAHAHA No worries. Honestly given the spacing on the courses in Michigan I thought it was "Loop" (Ie: Route) you took to different courses. Somewhat like the RTJ Trail.

 

Wish it was open while we are there. Will have to take a good look at it though.

[TheDailyDuffer]

I hope you ended choosing Kingsley, anything else (except Crystal) would be a mistake.

[CDM]

Sad day…LOL *Not really but....

 

We had everything setup (or so we thought). I was waiting on confirmation email, been weeks from Arcadia…So it shows up today. Wrong…. !!

I called right away somehow they booked us on the wrong night/day. Same tee time, room but a day early. *Arcadia booked us for Friday not Saturday… really wish you they were like FD and could EMAIL instead of calling so it is in writing and crap like this does not happen.

 

Our trip was setup pretty good, I felt given the driving needed to each location…

 

Wednesday: Arrive in Detroit. Crash there or drive up to Bay City and crash. To shorten drive to FD in morning.

Thursday: Drive to Forest Dunes – play 18, probably more, stay that night.

Friday: Drive to Kingsley (Thank you very much to a gracious WRX member), then drive to Arcadia to stay the night

Saturday: Play 18…maybe 36 if available at AB. Since they will not let you book a replay. Drive down to GR..

Sunday: Play 18… Not sure yet, but leaning towards Pilgrims Runs based on comments. Just have to check if it works with our flight time.

 

Already checked and we can move the FD time/day but still having AB in the middle of the trip is tough. If it was first or last worked best

 

So now the question, is Arcadia Bluffs worth the extra windshield time, or play some other course on Saturday to keep the schedule??

[MichiganMan]

Honestly, if you're making the trip all the way from Denver, I'd just go ahead and do Arcadia. I don't think you'll regret it.

 

I played it last fall during my trip to Michigan, first time I'd played it in 7-8 years, and was so glad I did. Took my brother and my dad for their first time there and we had a blast.

[CDM]

We do want to play it, and the main reason we were going was to play Arcadia.

[chickenpotpie]

Do it, AB is worth it, especially if you've never been.

[CDM]

So got it finished up...We keep Arcadia Bluffs in the rotation, appears to good to pass up. Should be a great trip. Will report back, with photos of the courses and thoughts on them.

[DTown3011]

How about Eagle Eye in Bath, MI?

[CDM]

We had it on the list. The problem is the Thursday we would play it, they have a tourney in starting at noon. Shotgun event so course needs to be clear. So no 18 holes times. They did give a tee time but noted if we are slowed down we will probably not get all 18 in.

 

So we decided to pass to ensure we can get the full round in. Always open for other suggestions. New trip is below....

 

Wednesday: Arrive in Detroit. Crash

Thursday: Drive towards Arcadia Bluffs – play 18 at Tulleymore on way up.

Friday: Play 18 at Arcadia Bluffs in morning.... Drive to Kingsley Club play 18. Crash in Traverse City.

Saturday: "Might" play 18 around Traverse City... Drive over to Forest Dunes for 18 in the afternoon. Stay at FD

Sunday: Play 9/18 depending available time. Drive a couple of hours and fly out late afternoon.

[MichiganMan]

We had it on the list. The problem is the Thursday we would play it, they have a tourney in starting at noon. Shotgun event so course needs to be clear. So no 18 holes times. They did give a tee time but noted if we are slowed down we will probably not get all 18 in.

 

So we decided to pass to ensure we can get the full round in. Always open for other suggestions. New trip is below....

 

Wednesday: Arrive in Detroit. Crash

Thursday: Drive towards Arcadia Bluffs – play 18 at Tulleymore on way up.

Friday: Play 18 at Arcadia Bluffs in morning.... Drive to Kingsley Club play 18. Crash in Traverse City.

Saturday: "Might" play 18 around Traverse City... Drive over to Forest Dunes for 18 in the afternoon. Stay at FD

Sunday: Play 9/18 depending available time. Drive a couple of hours and fly out late afternoon.

 

That is one solid golf trip if I do say so myself. VERY jealous on the Kingsley Club. That's one on my bucket list.

[VNutz]

If you need a place to play in Traverse City, I've heard good things about Lochenheath. It's a bit outside the city, and I've not played it, but I've heard good things.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

The Gailes actually looks better in pics than it really is in person. It is pretty darn flat too. The other 2 courses are run of the mill. I can post oics if you like. Gailes is a goat path compared to Arcadia and FD.

 

If you need a place to play in Traverse City, I've heard good things about Lochenheath. It's a bit outside the city, and I've not played it, but I've heard good things.

 

Lochenheath, although pricey, was a pretty decent golf course with a few boring holes mixed in. Worth playing if already in the area.