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

[N8dogg2669]

On 8/29/2022 at 11:51 AM, macteago said:

Just returned from 5 day trip up north, absolutely fabulous time.  We had 16 golfers with a wide range of handicaps from 2-20.  Interestingly enough many in our group was left a little let down by Arcadia Bluffs.  It's a beautiful property and some really great views and interesting holes.  I can't really put my finger on it but it wasn't that memorable of round for me.  The South course however I absolutely loved and would travel that way to play it again.  Just a really engaging round.  

From there we hit Cedar River on our way to Forest Dunes.  That course was a big hit with everyone, the right amount of playability and beauty.  Really liked how the greens were rolling there.  Eagling the 13th was one of the top personal highlights of the trip.  

Next stop was Forest Dunes, absolutely loved the facility, I really enjoyed the Dunes course.  Unfortunately we got hit with some fairly rough weather on the back 9 which sidetracked everyone's round.  I definitely want another crack at it, was even through 12 then got sideways.  The Loop surprisingly was one of the biggest hits on the trip,  most of the 12-20 handicaps absolutely loved The Loop (Red) due to playability and uniqueness.    I definitely loved the contrast and my mind was blown by the par 5 second hole of the red course.  Was on fringe in 2 and ended up with a 7 after first putt trickled off green and proceeded to roll another 50 yards away.  Definitely take you some time to learn how to properly play the course, would like to attempt it again.  

Last stop was Treetops, I would say that the conditions were very good, my group was very entertained.  It was a good place to end a trip as we could configure into 6-some scrambles (3 v 3) without complaint from the rangers as long as we kept pace.  We are a considerable group so never saw someone behind us the entire day.  We actually had 15 guys teeing off on Threetops at once (5v5v5).  We had the last 4 times of the day, teeing off 2-3 people simultaneously.  That course is very fun and it was a very memorable experience. 

Maybe it was because it was toward the end of the trip but I just didn't find those courses that memorable (Premiere/Signature).  They are beautiful don't get me wrong but I just don't really enjoy blind elevated shots into greens (ton of that on Premiere).  Definitely enjoyed Signature more.  Compared to a Pilgrim's Run or Belvedere I just find those courses more fun to play but maybe everyone has their own unique perspectives.  That said an 18 there followed by Threetops is a big hit with any group.  

 

3tops is awesome. Always love playing that course. 

[nugentd8]

On 7/14/2022 at 11:30 AM, Pepetito said:

Well my group has voted to head to Manistee/Arcadia next year.

Played the bluffs 10 years ago.

Havent played the South or any manistee courses.

If/When you come back, make sure to play South course.  Really fun course that complements Bluffs tremendously! I've found most people I poll actually prefer it.  Completely unique to the area.

[nugentd8]

On 8/13/2022 at 9:26 AM, N8dogg2669 said:

we are staying in the Condos at Treetops North. I’ve stayed in them before, but it was probably 7 years ago. Sadly I don’t think they have been maintained since then. We spoke to one of the guys who lives in one of the condos and he said almost all are private now and ours was the only one in this complex that was in the rental program. The glasses had bugs in them, half the power outlets don’t work, the Cable tv doesn’t work at all. Called the front desk on Wednesday and they said it was the cable providers issue and have heard nothing back, it’s now Saturday and we haven’t even been able to watch tv our entire stay. Showers were filthy, numerous handles to doors, cabinets, and drawers fall off when you try and open them. Outdoor lights don’t work, huge burn hole in the ottoman. I’m sure at this point I’m irritated with the entire situation and I am piling on, but all of it’s true. Is what it is, but I can guarantee they do not get any of my business for quite awhile, if ever again. 

I think TreeTops has really leaned into just juicing there rounds played and stayed up there over the last 5 years.  Can't say I blame them, but you cannot tolerate 6 hour round!!

 

Anyone have an opinion on the stay and play deals at Crystal Mountain?  I know they've done a couple course renovations, but I'd be curious to see how they compare.  Much closer to Arcadia courses too.

[1puttTUT]

Fellow ATMG'ers - I'm looking for trip advice for next summer. We've done Boyne, Arcadia, Treetops, Shanty, Garland, Forest Dunes, etc. and I'm trying to figure out what's next.

 

I have a request in to Sweetgrass to do the U.P. thing, but logistics aren't great. Any ideas on something I've overlooked?

 

We have 12 guys ranging from 2-15 caps and everyone is cool, likes to do 18-36 each day with a healthy dose of gambling and drinking. Communal lodging vs hotel rooms is always preferred because we like to hang out after to pay out bets and smoke cigars.

 

Hoping everyone's season went well 🍻

Edited October 21, 2022 by 1puttTUT

[Curmudg3on]

29 minutes ago, 1puttTUT said:

Fellow ATMG'ers - I'm looking for trip advice for next summer. We've done Boyne, Arcadia, Treetops, Shanty, Forest Dunes, etc. and I'm trying to figure out what's next.

 

I have a request in to Sweetgrass to do the U.P. thing, but logistics aren't great. Any ideas on something I've overlooked?

 

We have 12 guys ranging from 2-15 caps and everyone is cool, likes to do 18-36 each day with a healthy dose of gambling and drinking. Communal lodging vs hotel rooms is always preferred because we like to hang out after to pay out bets and smoke cigars.

 

Hoping everyone's season went well 🍻

 

Garland is a nice place with several courses.   There isn't much outside the facilities but they do group golf well.

[1puttTUT]

1 hour ago, DennyJones said:

 

Garland is a nice place with several courses.   There isn't much outside the facilities but they do group golf well.

 

Crap I forgot to mention we did a hybrid FD/Garland trip this past August lol

[Pepetito]

10 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

Fellow ATMG'ers - I'm looking for trip advice for next summer. We've done Boyne, Arcadia, Treetops, Shanty, Forest Dunes, etc. and I'm trying to figure out what's next.

 

I have a request in to Sweetgrass to do the U.P. thing, but logistics aren't great. Any ideas on something I've overlooked?

 

We have 12 guys ranging from 2-15 caps and everyone is cool, likes to do 18-36 each day with a healthy dose of gambling and drinking. Communal lodging vs hotel rooms is always preferred because we like to hang out after to pay out bets and smoke cigars.

 

Hoping everyone's season went well 🍻

The UP thing is amazing if you can stomach the drive. We did it a year ago. Where are you driving from?

[1puttTUT]

27 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

The UP thing is amazing if you can stomach the drive. We did it a year ago. Where are you driving from?

 

Metro Detroit. As of now we're planning to play drive up Thursday, maybe play 9 or something if there's time when we get there. Friday we play Sweetgrass and Sage Run, then Saturday we play 36 at Greywalls.

[cassel191919]

6 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

Metro Detroit. As of now we're planning to play drive up Thursday, maybe play 9 or something if there's time when we get there. Friday we play Sweetgrass and Sage Run, then Saturday we play 36 at Greywalls.

Timberstone is a lot of fun and not far from sweetgrass, but driving is always going to be the issue with a UP trip

[ode1]

7 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

Metro Detroit. As of now we're planning to play drive up Thursday, maybe play 9 or something if there's time when we get there. Friday we play Sweetgrass and Sage Run, then Saturday we play 36 at Greywalls.

If you need another 18, Gladstone is a fun track with some serious elevation change, just north of Escanaba.

 

If you ever venture over to Iron Mountain, give Pine Grove CC a look, they have limited days/times for public play, but if you can swing it, give them a try.  Another fun track with some roller coaster like holes!

 

I love the UP and between Sweetgrass/ Sage Run, Gladstone, Greywalls/Heritage, Timberstone, Pine Grove CC, it's got some seriously good golf.....the downside is there isn't much else to do, but Escanaba and Marquette are good enough IMO!

 

[1puttTUT]

3 hours ago, cassel191919 said:

Timberstone is a lot of fun and not far from sweetgrass, but driving is always going to be the issue with a UP trip

 

I looked at that, but with two full days for golf it seemed to make more sense to play the local courses (Sweetgrass/Sage Run) one day, and then rather than trying to play Timberstone and Greywalls then next day, I thought maybe just play Greywalls twice since the two courses aren't near each other.

[HappyGilmoresBoots]

My "bucket list" of Michigan golf (in no particular order):

-Huntmore in Brighton

-Crown Jewel of Grand Blanc

-Manistee Country Club

-Bear Lake Highlands

-Heathlands in Onekama

-Arcadia Bluffs

-Arcadia South

-Greywalls (I've played both nines at Heritage, Greywalls is on my list next)

-NMU Golf Course in Chocolay

-Sunnybrook CC in Grandville

-Any course I can find that's 100 years old or greater

[Fellaheen51]

10 hours ago, HappyGilmoresBoots said:

My "bucket list" of Michigan golf (in no particular order):

-Huntmore in Brighton

-Crown Jewel of Grand Blanc

-Manistee Country Club

-Bear Lake Highlands

-Heathlands in Onekama

-Arcadia Bluffs

-Arcadia South

-Greywalls (I've played both nines at Heritage, Greywalls is on my list next)

-NMU Golf Course in Chocolay

-Sunnybrook CC in Grandville

-Any course I can find that's 100 years old or greater

 

Scratch The Jewel and Heathlands off your bucket list, both are no more.  Bear Lake Highlands was nothing special when I played it once a few years back.  But it's now owned by the Little River tribe, and there is renovation underway. YTBD.   

 

Might consider adding Atlas Valley G. C. (Grand Blanc, technically Atlas Township) to your list, as it meets your criteria of being 100 years old.  Private club for years, now open to the public.  Ownership is making improvements after being shut  down for several years.  

 

[HappyGilmoresBoots]

36 minutes ago, Fellaheen51 said:

 

Scratch The Jewel and Heathlands off your bucket list, both are no more.  Bear Lake Highlands was nothing special when I played it once a few years back.  But it's now owned by the Little River tribe, and there is renovation underway. YTBD.   

 

Might consider adding Atlas Valley G. C. (Grand Blanc, technically Atlas Township) to your list, as it meets your criteria of being 100 years old.  Private club for years, now open to the public.  Ownership is making improvements after being shut  down for several years.  

 

Oh?  I didn't know that...though I haven't driven that stretch of M-22 for a few years now.

RE:  The Jewel...that's just a really silly thing - I used to work for a home builder and would use The Jewel Of Grand Blanc to locate our subdivisions via aerial photography (as they were not on the course, but very close by).  That course has just stuck out in my mind because of that.

[1puttTUT]

Any thoughts on doing Tullymore/St. Ives/Pilgrims Run as a trip?

 

I've never played any of those courses 

Edited October 7, 2022 by 1puttTUT
Added content

[Pepetito]

On 10/6/2022 at 6:19 AM, 1puttTUT said:

 

Metro Detroit. As of now we're planning to play drive up Thursday, maybe play 9 or something if there's time when we get there. Friday we play Sweetgrass and Sage Run, then Saturday we play 36 at Greywalls.

My group was all from metro detroit and we did a similar trip last year.  If i did it again, with one less day like you are, i would do this:

 

Thursday: Leave early morning, drive to Wild Bluff for 18 holes.  Roughly a 5 hour drive. Spend night at Bay Mills Casino (a mile away).

Friday: Drive to Marquette Golf Club and play 18 at Greywalls.  2.5 hours from Bay Mills to Marquette.  After round, head to Island Resort and casino (1.5 hour drive) for lodging.

Saturday: Play Sage Run (10 mins from Island Resort) and Sweetgrass (on casino property).

Sunday: head home.

 

A year ago we added an extra day to get to Timberstone in Iron Mountain (which was incredible btw)...which might as well be in another country is so far lol.

Edited October 7, 2022 by Pepetito

[postfold]

10 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

Any thoughts on doing Tullymore/St. Ives/Pilgrims Run as a trip?

 

I've never played any of those courses 

 

Have played T/StI a few times and Pilgrims many.  All are worth playing, though some are turned off by the quirkiness of some holes at St. Ives.  Stayed at the Inn at St. Ives once and it was fine.

[1puttTUT]

19 hours ago, Pepetito said:

My group was all from metro detroit and we did a similar trip last year.  If i did it again, with one less day like you are, i would do this:

 

Thursday: Leave early morning, drive to Wild Bluff for 18 holes.  Roughly a 5 hour drive. Spend night at Bay Mills Casino (a mile away).

Friday: Drive to Marquette Golf Club and play 18 at Greywalls.  2.5 hours from Bay Mills to Marquette.  After round, head to Island Resort and casino (1.5 hour drive) for lodging.

Saturday: Play Sage Run (10 mins from Island Resort) and Sweetgrass (on casino property).

Sunday: head home.

 

A year ago we added an extra day to get to Timberstone in Iron Mountain (which was incredible btw)...which might as well be in another country is so far lol.

 

This sounds like a solid plan. I will send to the boys to see what they think.

 

Thanks!

[timbo08]

On 10/8/2022 at 8:28 AM, 1puttTUT said:

 

This sounds like a solid plan. I will send to the boys to see what they think.

 

Thanks!

My buddy and I did the Island Resort package, 4 rounds over 3 nights about a month ago and I would definitely do it again. 

 

He lives in Mt. Pleasant so I drove up there the night before, then we drove the rest of the way in the AM and played Sweet Grass when we got there. 

The next day we did Greywalls, then Timberstone, and on our last day Sage Run. 

 

A few thoughts, first off, I really enjoyed all 4 courses.  For the price we got (under $500 pp including lodging), hard to beat the value even with a little bit of windshield time.  

 

I liked Timberstone a lot and it's a "quick" 40ish minute drive from the resort.  I'd say try and sneak it in if you can.  Maybe play it earlier one morning so you hit it, then do Sweet Grass on property that afternoon.  There's a nice gas station in the parking lot of the casino that is really convenient for loading up on drinks, gas, pop, beers, snacks whatever for the course right there, so it's fairly easy to hop in your car and go.  

 

The time zone thing was a total PITA and if you're going with that many guys who like to drink/stay up/gamble, stick someone in charge of the clock.  Not being sarcastic here either, at the Casino for instance all of the clocks are in Eastern Standard, your phone is on Central and your Tee Time is booked 45 minutes away on Central.  It's pretty confusing and annoying at 2am trying to figure out when the heck everyone needs to be moving in the morning and on the road.  Just make sure you ask what time zone your tee time is in because if you're going off of your phone, there's a chance you could be super early, an hour late or just really confused.  I was especially thrown off when we switched time zones mid round on the course and my phone changed without me noticing, then we finished up an hour later than I expected but it was really an hour earlier even though none of the clocks said that...well you get the point LOL just pay attention to the time zones or you might end up confused/annoyed for a pretty dumb reason. 

 

One thing we thought of that we skipped was doing a Black Lake stay and play the night before.  It's sort of "in the middle of nowhere" in that area of the northern LP and it's been almost 20 years since I've played it, plus my buddy never has.  I think you can do a room there and a round for like just over $100 maybe and would really cut down on the drive time if you've never played it before or you have and your group likes it. 

 

The casino is fairly small, one of the smaller ones I've been to recently.  Comparing it to say Soaring Eagle, felt like it was about 1/3rd of the size?  There's basically just one long rectangular room with two "rows" of games, some tables in between etc... 

 

Overall great time, golf was fantastic, can't say enough about all 4 courses.  Liked them equally for the most part but for different reasons.  Greywalls is like Pilgrim's Run on steroids so if you enjoy Pilgirm's then 36 is the way to go there.  

 

Personally, I'd say, do something that splits up the drive near the bridge, either just before or just after, play a round, grab a room, get up earlier the next day, drive up, do Sage Run (really good and felt like the type of course I wanted another go at the second I walked off 18), then some combo of Timberstone AM/Sweet Grass PM and 36 at Greywalls.  Fun views in Marquette too downtown.  Very similar vibe to Petoskey I felt like, wouldn't hurt to have a nice dinner here since there's not a ton per se by the casino.  The food at the casino isn't much.  There's a bar/burger spot that's a good place to have a few beers, watching a game and eat a decent burger but nothing particular special.  We didn't try any of the "nicer" restaurants at the casino however so they might have been better but we heard from some folks they weren't anything to write home about. 

 

So yea, if you haven't done that yet and want to knock it off the Michigan golf bucket list, it was for sure worth it and the golf is really solid, definitely don't think you'll be disappointed there.   

 

Or you could do the total opposite, get the heck out of the state and hit up the Pete Dye resort in French Lick, IN.   Never been there, heard great things, probably the same distance as Greywalls/Island Resort but just south.  https://www.frenchlick.com/golf

[Dave Saylor]

On 10/5/2022 at 6:54 PM, 1puttTUT said:

Fellow ATMG'ers - I'm looking for trip advice for next summer. We've done Boyne, Arcadia, Treetops, Shanty, Forest Dunes, etc. and I'm trying to figure out what's next.

 

I have a request in to Sweetgrass to do the U.P. thing, but logistics aren't great. Any ideas on something I've overlooked?

 

We have 12 guys ranging from 2-15 caps and everyone is cool, likes to do 18-36 each day with a healthy dose of gambling and drinking. Communal lodging vs hotel rooms is always preferred because we like to hang out after to pay out bets and smoke cigars.

 

Hoping everyone's season went well 🍻

Garland maybe - 4 course's all tee off from the same spot and they have Communal lodging.  The Quality of golf courses will be below your list above, but the convince of having everything right there is really nice for the drinking and gambling.  

 

Not sure about housing, but Mount Pleasant has Bucks Run, PohlCat and a casino.   Bucks is one of my all time favorite courses.  

 

Crystal Mountain is another one to look into - Course conditions were great when we played this summer, but I did not care for their 2 courses.  If you do Champion Hill is close and an absolute Gem.   

 

Lakewood Shores - Gail's course is really good, the other go from ok to not great.  But they do have a 18 hole chipping course that is a lot of fun for the drinking and gambling.   

[Pepetito]

2 hours ago, Dave Saylor said:

Garland maybe - 4 course's all tee off from the same spot and they have Communal lodging.  The Quality of golf courses will be below your list above, but the convince of having everything right there is really nice for the drinking and gambling.  

 

Not sure about housing, but Mount Pleasant has Bucks Run, PohlCat and a casino.   Bucks is one of my all time favorite courses.  

 

Crystal Mountain is another one to look into - Course conditions were great when we played this summer, but I did not care for their 2 courses.  If you do Champion Hill is close and an absolute Gem.   

 

Lakewood Shores - Gail's course is really good, the other go from ok to not great.  But they do have a 18 hole chipping course that is a lot of fun for the drinking and gambling.   

Crystal mountain has two courses.  I've only played the mountain ridge which is nice.  The other course just got a renovation though i have not played it yet.  Great facilities/lodging options too.  Champion hill and pinecroft are only 15 minutes away.  Those are both very good courses.  I LOVED champion hill.  That would be a good fairly inexpensive trip.

 

You could pair Mount pleasant courses with Tully and St. ives.  Stay at the casino.  Play Bucks run and pohl cat.  Tully and st. ives are only 35 minutes away.

[1puttTUT]

4 hours ago, Pepetito said:

Crystal mountain has two courses.  I've only played the mountain ridge which is nice.  The other course just got a renovation though i have not played it yet.  Great facilities/lodging options too.  Champion hill and pinecroft are only 15 minutes away.  Those are both very good courses.  I LOVED champion hill.  That would be a good fairly inexpensive trip.

 

You could pair Mount pleasant courses with Tully and St. ives.  Stay at the casino.  Play Bucks run and pohl cat.  Tully and st. ives are only 35 minutes away.

 

Our plan for 2023 was to combine Arcadia with Champion Hill, but the Arcadia cottages were booked solid already for most of the summer.

 

I did play Champion Hill last July, and other than slow greens I thought it was great. We played at 3 pm for $45. The par 3's from the tips on the back nine were a test!

[Pepetito]

On 10/14/2022 at 7:20 PM, 1puttTUT said:

 

Our plan for 2023 was to combine Arcadia with Champion Hill, but the Arcadia cottages were booked solid already for most of the summer.

 

I did play Champion Hill last July, and other than slow greens I thought it was great. We played at 3 pm for $45. The par 3's from the tips on the back nine were a test!

Stay at Crystal mountain.  Play those two.  Champion and Pinecroft is only 15 minutes away.  Arcadia is only 30 minutes from Crystal.  That could work.

[mkolb213]

Hi all. I'm looking for some guidance on joining a private club. There are 3 that are very near me - Oakhurst, Indianwood, and Paint Creek. I'm currently leaning toward Indianwood due to the 2 courses and the great deal they have for Junior Members.

 

Does anyone have any experience with these 3 clubs? I'm particularly interested in Indianwood because I've read some things on Facebook that make me a bit nervous about it.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

[1puttTUT]

41 minutes ago, mkolb213 said:

Hi all. I'm looking for some guidance on joining a private club. There are 3 that are very near me - Oakhurst, Indianwood, and Paint Creek. I'm currently leaning toward Indianwood due to the 2 courses and the great deal they have for Junior Members.

 

Does anyone have any experience with these 3 clubs? I'm particularly interested in Indianwood because I've read some things on Facebook that make me a bit nervous about it.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

 

 

 

I live in Lake Orion and am familiar with all the courses as well as have had buddies belonging to all three throughout the years, although I've never been a member at any (in my 5th year of membership at OU). I have heard the new course at Indianwood is in bad shape this year, but that's about all I can tell you. 

[cassel191919]

13 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

I live in Lake Orion and am familiar with all the courses as well as have had buddies belonging to all three throughout the years, although I've never been a member at any (in my 5th year of membership at OU). I have heard the new course at Indianwood is in bad shape this year, but that's about all I can tell you. 

The new course is also not very good, but it is another course to play.

Edited October 18, 2022 by cassel191919

[Curmudg3on]

I've played Paint Creek three times when Lesson on Golf listed non-members daily memberships.   They have an odd floating golf ball driving range over a pond which to me, is not good.   The course is nice.   There are varying types of holes but to me, it wasn't anything special.   It's not like it is Shepherd's Hollow.   If I lived close and wanted a private membership, I'd consider it though.

[1puttTUT]

31 minutes ago, DennyJones said:

I've played Paint Creek three times when Lesson on Golf listed non-members daily memberships.   They have an odd floating golf ball driving range over a pond which to me, is not good.   The course is nice.   There are varying types of holes but to me, it wasn't anything special.   It's not like it is Shepherd's Hollow.   If I lived close and wanted a private membership, I'd consider it though.

 

The front 9 is kinda down and back, narrow with a lot of elevation changes and some doglegs where hitting driver is risky. The back 9 plays around a marsh and was more traditional and enjoyable to me. Of course this was 10 years ago, so I might not remember correctly. 

 

I agree it's nothing special. 

[Pepetito]

Anyone played angels crossing or island hills recently? Reading sone not great recent reviews about angels. Which is preferred?  Has anyone ever stayed at the villas at island hills?

[puttnforthe8]

Price drop on tee times at Treetops: