All Things Michigan Golf.....The Three Putt

[knickerbocker]

It's not just Boyne.  I got a quote for Treetops for September and it was almost $700 for a package that would have been $500 last year.

 

I guess I can't blame them for raising rates given increased costs of labor and materials combined with already low margins. 

Edited February 10, 2022 by knickerbocker

[3_Jack_Par]

The last few times that my small group of 8 has done our trip, we've pieced it together by renting a house via AirBnB or VRBO, and then booking rounds of golf separately. We've managed to keep the total cost down to a pretty reasonable level by doing that. Judging by how crowded and slow courses were last year, it makes sense that resorts would be able to bump up their rates.

[timbo08]

Yea that's a pretty significant difference then price wise.  Glad it didn't impact my group a ton as we have some guys that are very price sensitive, but at the same time, after a certain price point, almost all of us would be put off.  Certainly almost doubling the price would do that for sure. 

 

Agree though on everything Boyne is doing in terms of their branding and strategy.  I certainly anticipate the prices continuing to go up moving forward.  The best advice I can give is to try and do condos not on property, especially the more dated ones and that really cuts down on the lodging cost.  Additionally, it's nice to have a full fridge, and hit up Wal-Mart for Pops, Beers, Snacks etc. versus just what you have in the room and then maybe having to eat out for lunch or whatever. 

 

I've played Indian River a fair amount but it's been a real long time.  Looking at their site it looks like they've made improvements. Can't really comment much on the course conditions but I remember it being a pretty fun place but nothing terribly special?  Kind of a Chestnut Valley vibe which is another affordable course near by.  You won't have a bad time, you won't be mad you played it but you won't be talking about it on the drive home either. 

 

[wolverine_man]

On 12/13/2021 at 8:59 AM, knickerbocker said:

 

If you include the greater Grand Rapids Area and only pure public courses, this would be my rankings based on what I know:

 

A List (Must Plays):

Pilgrim's Run

American Dunes (haven't played it)

 

B List (Solid Tracks worth playing

Diamond Springs

The Mines

Thornapple

The Meadows

 

C List (Enjoyable Courses)

Kaufmann

Macatawa Legends (Might be going private)

Scott Lake

Cedar Chase

 

 

 

Kaufmann is easily a B list course. Best Muni in all of west Michigan.  Greens are amazing and always pretty quick. Love that course. Some great area golfers play there.  

[Net_5]

Like the list except would bump Kaufmann to B list when conditions are good (no flooding) and would add the Falls of Barber Creek and Quail Ridge to the B list.  Quail would be at the top of the B list
 

We like Cedar Chase quite a bit except for the shooting range next door.

 

The Ravines needs to be included somewhere if American Dunes and Diamond Springs are part of the Greater GR area.  Probably B list.  The greens are usually a little on the slow side for the price.

Edited February 12, 2022 by Net_5

[TooMuchAwesome]

I’m not sure if it meets the GR location requirements, but Angel’s Crossing in Vicksburg is a pretty decent track. I’ve found the overall conditioning to be above average and the green complexes very interesting. 

Edited February 12, 2022 by TooMuchAwesome

[Pepetito]

My annual buddies trip is planned for July 5-7 in southwest michigan. We are all from metro detroit. Day 1 is American dunes. Day 3/final round is harbor shores. Need advice on Day 2. We are staying at the Goldenhawk cottages at Hawkshead Links all 3 nights. Hawkshead is our afternoon 18. For our morning round, we could play another 18 at Hawkshead or the Ravines 20 minutes away.  Never been to either so looking for some thoughts. Thanks.

[postfold]

2 hours ago, Pepetito said:

My annual buddies trip is planned for July 5-7 in southwest michigan. We are all from metro detroit. Day 1 is American dunes. Day 3/final round is harbor shores. Need advice on Day 2. We are staying at the Goldenhawk cottages at Hawkshead Links all 3 nights. Hawkshead is our afternoon 18. For our morning round, we could play another 18 at Hawkshead or the Ravines 20 minutes away.  Never been to either so looking for some thoughts. Thanks.

 

I like Hawkshead, it's a fine course.  But it's not one that I would feel the need to play twice, it's not spectacular or complex or I dunno anything that says to me that it's a must play twice.  I would definitely play the Ravines over doubling up on Hawkshead.  If you can't get on the Ravines I'd go 20-25 minutes in the other direction and play Lake Michigan Hills.  Other nearby options are The Beeches, which I did not like, or Clearbrook, which is OK and nothing more.  I'd be more inclined to drive 45 minutes and play DIamond Springs over either of those.

 

ETA:  In case it wasn't clear, Ravines would be my first choice.  It's a good layout.  A little pricey maybe, but an enjoyable course.

Edited February 20, 2022 by postfold

[Pepetito]

15 minutes ago, postfold said:

 

I like Hawkshead, it's a fine course.  But it's not one that I would feel the need to play twice, it's not spectacular or complex or I dunno anything that says to me that it's a must play twice.  I would definitely play the Ravines over doubling up on Hawkshead.  If you can't get on the Ravines I'd go 20-25 minutes in the other direction and play Lake Michigan Hills.  Other nearby options are The Beeches, which I did not like, or Clearbrook, which is OK and nothing more.  I'd be more inclined to drive 45 minutes and play DIamond Springs over either of those.

 

ETA:  In case it wasn't clear, Ravines would be my first choice.  It's a good layout.  A little pricey maybe, but an enjoyable course.

Tell me about Lake Michigan Hills. Never heard of it.

[postfold]

2 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

Tell me about Lake Michigan Hills. Never heard of it.

 

Located right off 196 in Benton Harbor, you can see a decent portion of it from the freeway.  I don't remember who the architect is but it's not a big name.  Has good elevation change - a number of holes are either quite downhill or uphill.  Good variety.  Conditions the last few times I've played it (usually about 2x a year) have been very good.  Big greens.  Plays sneaky long for the yardage.  They have a pretty decent gallery of course photos on the website.

 

It's not a destination course but more of a very solid local. 

[Pepetito]

26 minutes ago, postfold said:

 

Located right off 196 in Benton Harbor, you can see a decent portion of it from the freeway.  I don't remember who the architect is but it's not a big name.  Has good elevation change - a number of holes are either quite downhill or uphill.  Good variety.  Conditions the last few times I've played it (usually about 2x a year) have been very good.  Big greens.  Plays sneaky long for the yardage.  They have a pretty decent gallery of course photos on the website.

 

It's not a destination course but more of a very solid local. 

We can only book the ravines two weeks out from our trip. That’s option 1. The rest is a contingency plan: Hawkshead again or now maybe Lake Michigan Hills. Thanks for the info.

[StudentGolfer4]

Tell me about the bugs and black fly situation around Traverse City in early September. I’ve read everything from use bug spray and it’s ok to I’ll never go back because of the insects. 

[N8dogg2669]

Planned our trip for this year. Usually we travel a bit, didn't feel like it this year and haven't been to Treetops in a few years so we are going back to old faithful. Hitting Otsego Tribute on the way there, then we have the Signature Course in the morning and Threetops in the afternoon, followed by Masterpiece the next day, and Saturday we finish up with Premier in the morning and Threetops in the afternoon. Might possibly try and squeeze in a round at Gaylord Country Club on Friday depending how everyone feels. Last year we did Forest Dunes, The Loop, Arcadia South, Arcadia Bluffs, and American Dunes. It was one of the best trips I have been on but alot of driving. 

[Pepetito]

15 minutes ago, N8dogg2669 said:

Planned our trip for this year. Usually we travel a bit, didn't feel like it this year and haven't been to Treetops in a few years so we are going back to old faithful. Hitting Otsego Tribute on the way there, then we have the Signature Course in the morning and Threetops in the afternoon, followed by Masterpiece the next day, and Saturday we finish up with Premier in the morning and Threetops in the afternoon. Might possibly try and squeeze in a round at Gaylord Country Club on Friday depending how everyone feels. Last year we did Forest Dunes, The Loop, Arcadia South, Arcadia Bluffs, and American Dunes. It was one of the best trips I have been on but alot of driving. 

Did treetops for 10 years straight before starting to branch out to other places five years ago. Can’t go wrong with treetops. Love it

[StudentGolfer4]

1 hour ago, N8dogg2669 said:

Planned our trip for this year. Usually we travel a bit, didn't feel like it this year and haven't been to Treetops in a few years so we are going back to old faithful. Hitting Otsego Tribute on the way there, then we have the Signature Course in the morning and Threetops in the afternoon, followed by Masterpiece the next day, and Saturday we finish up with Premier in the morning and Threetops in the afternoon. Might possibly try and squeeze in a round at Gaylord Country Club on Friday depending how everyone feels. Last year we did Forest Dunes, The Loop, Arcadia South, Arcadia Bluffs, and American Dunes. It was one of the best trips I have been on but alot of driving. 

My groups headed to forest dunes layer this year. Staying on property for a long weekend. Anything we should know ahead of time?

[N8dogg2669]

 

2 hours ago, Pepetito said:

Did treetops for 10 years straight before starting to branch out to other places five years ago. Can’t go wrong with treetops. Love it

 

We used to do Treetops Annually and then did the same. Treetops has a soft spot in my heart. It's definitely not the greatest golf in the state, but I've always had a blast up there for a weekend, so we are going to run it back about 6 years later lol. 

 

1 hour ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

My groups headed to forest dunes layer this year. Staying on property for a long weekend. Anything we should know ahead of time?

 

Buy the bug spray in the proshop, play the bootlegger, hit the big a** putting green and short game area, and don't get mad when you hit a good shot on The Loop and it ends up bad. It happens to everyone, just one of those courses. Oh, and don't even attempt to fly anything pin high on The Loop, you will not hold a green unless it's really wet out there. Personally I liked the Loop better than FD, but I hadn't ever played FD and I think I built it up into this mythical course and it could never live up to it. It is a beautifully manicured golf course, but I didn't find it too memorable. 

[Pepetito]

21 minutes ago, N8dogg2669 said:

 

 

We used to do Treetops Annually and then did the same. Treetops has a soft spot in my heart. It's definitely not the greatest golf in the state, but I've always had a blast up there for a weekend, so we are going to run it back about 6 years later lol. 

 

 

 

I havent been there in about 5 or 6 years but I always thought the golf was fantastic.

[N8dogg2669]

17 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

I havent been there in about 5 or 6 years but I always thought the golf was fantastic.

 

It's good golf, I didn't mean it wasn't, but compared to a Forest Dunes or Arcadia it's just not in the same league. But like I said, I have never gone up there and not had a great time. Fully expecting that this summer also. And I've never played Otsego, so that will be a new course to check off the list. 

[knickerbocker]

22 hours ago, StudentGolfer4 said:

Tell me about the bugs and black fly situation around Traverse City in early September. I’ve read everything from use bug spray and it’s ok to I’ll never go back because of the insects. 

 

It depends on what you are used to, the amount of rain we have had during the summer and the temps.  Usually, Mosquitos are the worst during the early morning and evening hours, but can be easily dealt with easily with bug spray.  Once the sun comes up, you will be good. 

Edited February 22, 2022 by knickerbocker

[3_Jack_Par]

On 2/21/2022 at 8:23 AM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Tell me about the bugs and black fly situation around Traverse City in early September. I’ve read everything from use bug spray and it’s ok to I’ll never go back because of the insects. 

I go up to Traverse City around the end of August every year (though not for golf), and bugs usually aren't a big issue there, especially compared to other areas of the state. 

[odshot68]

Good evening Mike, Rich.  I haven't posted on here in a very long time.  I actually saw this thread and laughed as we used to constantly post on this site nightly so many years ago.  It saddened me to hear about Brian.   Life is so different now.  I've got two young kids and have golfed only once since last August.   I hope your both doing well!  Cheers.

[3_Jack_Par]

Yeah, it's too bad that a lot of the old regulars no longer post much anymore -- the Michigan golf threads had a good run, and I met several people I consider to be friends through it. Hope you're doing well, too, B!

[knickerbocker]

Hey Bill - Good to hear from you. I miss the old crew. Maybe we can have a meetup this summer for 18 and a couple cold ones. 

[odshot68]

I would totally be down with having a golf day in Grand Rapids then hosting a backyard barbecue, cook out, and swim afterwards this summer back at my house; we can throw down a few beers and catch up!

[GirlDadGolfer0204]

Hey Michigan golfers,

 I’m new to golf so I have a question to start an official handicap I need a GAM Membership, And is that all or do I really need to belong to a club? I’m sorry if this is the wrong place for this question.

[Sparty4202]

1 hour ago, GirlDadGolfer0204 said:

Hey Michigan golfers,

 I’m new to golf so I have a question to start an official handicap I need a GAM Membership, And is that all or do I really need to belong to a club? I’m sorry if this is the wrong place for this question.

No you don’t have to belong to a club. I would go directly to the GAM website for more info.

[N8dogg2669]

13 hours ago, GirlDadGolfer0204 said:

Hey Michigan golfers,

 I’m new to golf so I have a question to start an official handicap I need a GAM Membership, And is that all or do I really need to belong to a club? I’m sorry if this is the wrong place for this question.

Gam.org

[3_Jack_Par]

13 hours ago, GirlDadGolfer0204 said:

Hey Michigan golfers,

 I’m new to golf so I have a question to start an official handicap I need a GAM Membership, And is that all or do I really need to belong to a club? I’m sorry if this is the wrong place for this question.

I think when you sign up on the GAM website, it asks you to select a club, but you don’t need to be a member anywhere. You can set it wherever is closest to you or wherever you play the most.

[knickerbocker]

Headed to Detroit this weekend because my son has a two-day baseball camp.  Facility is 5 minutes from Carl's in RH. I signed up for a Taylormade fitting on Saturday.  Will be interested to see how their new driver competes with the current gamer. 

[golfortennis]

On 2/21/2022 at 9:23 AM, StudentGolfer4 said:

Tell me about the bugs and black fly situation around Traverse City in early September. I’ve read everything from use bug spray and it’s ok to I’ll never go back because of the insects. 

 

I have to believe Northern Michigan is no different than ONtario when it comes to black flies.  The rule of thumb was three consecutive days in the 80s basically kills them off.  So pray for a warm spring.  I know there is something about too much rain or whatever that can bring them back, but I think a good heat wave means the end of them.

 

Mosquitoes are a living hell anywhere and everywhere.