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

[N8dogg2669]

Here’s a breakdown of the trip. 
 

Tribute - great shape, awesome course, truly becoming one of my favorite up north courses. 
 

classic - I don’t know why I love this course but I do. We did a 9 hole scramble and it was a blast even with a little rain. In pretty good shape.

 

The Ridge - played an extra 9 on here the day we got here and played it to finish. Very tight golf course. Some really cool holes, I think playing this a couple times will drastically increase your ability to score and really just keep it in play but i really liked it a lot. Plenty of birdie opportunities though and I missed an Albatross by about a ball. It just needed to roll one more time, dead center in the jaws. Easiest eagle I’ve ever had. 
 

The Loon - Another cool course. Conditions were good, he had some rain in the morning so the greens were a little slow. Again sort of a tight course, can’t really spray it all over and expect any kind of good results. Had a ton of fun and the people were great to deal with here. Will be back for sure. 

Edited June 30, 2024 by N8dogg2669
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[timbo08]

On 6/26/2024 at 9:48 AM, 3_Jack_Par said:

members can make tee times 14 days in advance, and the public can only book a week ahead. Not that I ever plan anything that far ahead in my life, lol.

Great review! Looking forward to get out there with some friends this summer.  Have you played the Short course yet? 

[icegator337]

I'm finalizing the last round of our Michigan golf trip and looking for advice/conditions on our day of arrival round.  We're flying into grand rapids and planning to play at either Pilgrims Run, Thornapple Pointe, or the Mines when we arrive.  We have Pilgrims Run scheduled for later in the trip, so we will definitely be playing there.  My main question is if Pilgrims Run is so superior to the Mines and Thornapple Pointe that we should play it twice instead of one of the other two?  Also, how are conditions at those three right now?

 

TIA

[odshot68]

5 hours ago, icegator337 said:

I'm finalizing the last round of our Michigan golf trip and looking for advice/conditions on our day of arrival round.  We're flying into grand rapids and planning to play at either Pilgrims Run, Thornapple Pointe, or the Mines when we arrive.  We have Pilgrims Run scheduled for later in the trip, so we will definitely be playing there.  My main question is if Pilgrims Run is so superior to the Mines and Thornapple Pointe that we should play it twice instead of one of the other two?  Also, how are conditions at those three right now?

 

TIA

Play Kaufman over Mines and TP.  Amazing greens for a muni.

[3_Jack_Par]

16 hours ago, timbo08 said:

Great review! Looking forward to get out there with some friends this summer.  Have you played the Short course yet? 

I played it once with my wife. It’s kind of dumb, but the short course isn’t included with the membership, so I have to pay to play it every time, so I always just play the big course or use the short game area if I only have a little time. The short course is nice, and the conditions are on par with the big course. The tees are turf, but whatever variety they put down actually feels a lot like hitting off grass. Personally, I think it’s a little overpriced, being only 7 holes, especially with an 18 hole par 3 course close by at Fox Hills

[timbo08]

8 hours ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

I played it once with my wife. It’s kind of dumb, but the short course isn’t included with the membership, so I have to pay to play it every time, so I always just play the big course or use the short game area if I only have a little time. The short course is nice, and the conditions are on par with the big course. The tees are turf, but whatever variety they put down actually feels a lot like hitting off grass. Personally, I think it’s a little overpriced, being only 7 holes, especially with an 18 hole par 3 course close by at Fox Hills

Makes sense, thanks for the info! Won't plan to play it then when my buddies and I make it to the Cardinal at some point this summer. 

[3_Jack_Par]

1 hour ago, timbo08 said:

Makes sense, thanks for the info! Won't plan to play it then when my buddies and I make it to the Cardinal at some point this summer. 

If you're already there and want to make a day of it, I think it might make sense to add that on, because I think if you pay to play the short course, you also get access to the putting course, which can be really fun. Don't quote me on that, though.

 

[MattSTL88]

19 hours ago, icegator337 said:

I'm finalizing the last round of our Michigan golf trip and looking for advice/conditions on our day of arrival round.  We're flying into grand rapids and planning to play at either Pilgrims Run, Thornapple Pointe, or the Mines when we arrive.  We have Pilgrims Run scheduled for later in the trip, so we will definitely be playing there.  My main question is if Pilgrims Run is so superior to the Mines and Thornapple Pointe that we should play it twice instead of one of the other two?  Also, how are conditions at those three right now?

 

TIA

I love Pilgrims Run but would probably play one of the others, or Kaufman as someone else mentioned, or Meadows at Grand Valley. Thornapple is good and close to the airport and Mines is the same designer as Pilgrims Run if you want to play similar styles. I would probably pick Thornapple if I had to choose but can't go wrong with any of these IMO

[postfold]

On 7/2/2024 at 4:56 PM, icegator337 said:

I'm finalizing the last round of our Michigan golf trip and looking for advice/conditions on our day of arrival round.  We're flying into grand rapids and planning to play at either Pilgrims Run, Thornapple Pointe, or the Mines when we arrive.  We have Pilgrims Run scheduled for later in the trip, so we will definitely be playing there.  My main question is if Pilgrims Run is so superior to the Mines and Thornapple Pointe that we should play it twice instead of one of the other two?  Also, how are conditions at those three right now?

 

TIA

 

Played Pilgrim's Run today, it's in excellent shape.  

 

As much as I like the course -- it's easily one of my top 10 publics in Michigan, probably top 5 -- I like variety and wouldn't play it twice.  Any of the other courses mentioned would be worthy. 

[SnowbirdTom]

I could play Pilgrim’s Run on a daily basis. We were there last Friday and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Course was in excellent shape and a great play.

 

Got a run down to A2 this morning for a lap of Leslie Park on the calendar. Always a challenging round.

[CRDuffy21]

Most rain I can ever remember coming down. Have our Member/Guest Invitational this weekend starting with practice round tomorrow, GreensSuper has his hands full. The very delicate balance of allowing play/carts but not wrecking the course for the rest of the summer. 

[cassel191919]

17 hours ago, CRDuffy21 said:

Most rain I can ever remember coming down. Have our Member/Guest Invitational this weekend starting with practice round tomorrow, GreensSuper has his hands full. The very delicate balance of allowing play/carts but not wrecking the course for the rest of the summer. 

ours was supposed to start yesterday, the videos they posted of the course looked absolutely brutal trying to push lakes toward the sewer drain lol.

[Wbarksda]

We are heading up to Forest Dunes and Arcadia in mid September. 

Day 1- Driving to FD from Detroit playing the bootlegger.

Day 2 - Playing FD and The Loop Black

Day 3- Drive to Arcadia, playing the South Course (Afternoon)

Day 4- Bluffs course mid morning 

 

We love walking with caddies but don't want to all the time. Would it be cool to walk FD and then ride The loop?

Same thing at Arcadia, ride the South and walk the Bluffs?

 

[SnowbirdTom]

52 minutes ago, Wbarksda said:

We are heading up to Forest Dunes and Arcadia in mid September. 

Day 1- Driving to FD from Detroit playing the bootlegger.

Day 2 - Playing FD and The Loop Black

Day 3- Drive to Arcadia, playing the South Course (Afternoon)

Day 4- Bluffs course mid morning 

 

We love walking with caddies but don't want to all the time. Would it be cool to walk FD and then ride The loop?

Same thing at Arcadia, ride the South and walk the Bluffs?

 

Might want to swap the Arcadia walk and ride. The Bluffs has some nice elevation changes and pace of play is slow. Nice to have a seat while waiting for your next shot.

[SnowbirdTom]

Ann Arbor City Championship starts tomorrow and course will not be firm and fast.  😃  Greens were really receptive on Monday with craters for ball marks. Oldest son’s in for his first ever tournament. Should be entertaining.  I’ll be playing the Senior version in August.

[3_Jack_Par]

We got close to 4 inches in Plymouth yesterday, and I played out at the Cardinal today, and I was amazed at how well it drained. It was CPO, but I didn't see any real muddy spots. Our club championship starts tomorrow, and I'm wondering if they might even let carts off the paths.

[AzSuperHack76]

Had some plans change for our upcoming trip at the end of August. Our group of 8 has shrunk to 4. We have tee times booked at FD/Loop for one of the days, any other options within an hour of Gladwin that are worth the drive and play? Dream and Nightmare are definitely options in West Branch. Is Bucks Run worth the drive and money? Thanks in advance. 

[StudentGolfer4]

On 7/11/2024 at 6:19 AM, Wbarksda said:

We are heading up to Forest Dunes and Arcadia in mid September. 

Day 1- Driving to FD from Detroit playing the bootlegger.

Day 2 - Playing FD and The Loop Black

Day 3- Drive to Arcadia, playing the South Course (Afternoon)

Day 4- Bluffs course mid morning 

 

We love walking with caddies but don't want to all the time. Would it be cool to walk FD and then ride The loop?

Same thing at Arcadia, ride the South and walk the Bluffs?

 

The loop is a much better walk but no concerns about walking FD. Loop was designed specifically for walking and during the entire design stage the plan was for no carts. From what I recall, there’s maybe two 20-40 yard walks from tee to green but nothing that really stuck out. (For what it’s worth I rode the FD round).

 

Both are enjoyable courses. I much prefer the loop but that was the minority opinion of my group.

 

The resort doesn’t have caddies per se but when I asked they sent me 2-3 names and numbers of guys that sometimes caddie out there. I reached out but ended up not taking one. 

[postfold]

56 minutes ago, AzSuperHack76 said:

Had some plans change for our upcoming trip at the end of August. Our group of 8 has shrunk to 4. We have tee times booked at FD/Loop for one of the days, any other options within an hour of Gladwin that are worth the drive and play? Dream and Nightmare are definitely options in West Branch. Is Bucks Run worth the drive and money? Thanks in advance. 

 

Bucks Run is a very nice course.  It's not a bad drive from Gladwin.  Looks like they want $165 on the weekend which is definitely on the high side.  By comparison Pohlcat is $80-100 and Eagle Glen in Farwell $65.  Bucks Run is definitely the nicest of those three, but is it THAT much nicer?  I haven't played Dream/Nightmare/Quest so can't really compare value. 

 

 

[AzSuperHack76]

1 minute ago, postfold said:

 

Bucks Run is a very nice course.  It's not a bad drive from Gladwin.  Looks like they want $165 on the weekend which is definitely on the high side.  By comparison Pohlcat is $80-100 and Eagle Glen in Farwell $65.  Bucks Run is definitely the nicest of those three, but is it THAT much nicer?  I haven't played Dream/Nightmare/Quest so can't really compare value. 

 

 

Yeah, I think we would do the twilight rate for $115 if we did Bucks Run. Were already paying $400 for FD and Loop. Dream and Nightmare is $80, plus they knock off $20 for first responders. Eagle Glen looks like an option as well, Sugar Springs looks to be a similar option to that. 

[68kicks]

Anybody played any of the Lakewood shores courses lately?  I haven't been there in a few years..... last time seemed a bit run down.... haven't heard great things over the last couple years.

 

Also, what about Black Bear, I'm reading reviews saying it's coming back.  New ownership dumping some $$$ into the place and it's getting better.

 

just wondering if anyone has first hand info on either of these two.

 

thanks

[Pepetito]

18 minutes ago, 68kicks said:

Anybody played any of the Lakewood shores courses lately?  I haven't been there in a few years..... last time seemed a bit run down.... haven't heard great things over the last couple years.

 

Also, what about Black Bear, I'm reading reviews saying it's coming back.  New ownership dumping some $$$ into the place and it's getting better.

 

just wondering if anyone has first hand info on either of these two.

 

thanks

new owners for Black Bear as of last winter.  All I know is the pictures I see on facebook but it sure looks like its coming back.  I always found the layout interesting back when i played it a few years in a row about 10 years ago.

[cassel191919]

16 hours ago, Pepetito said:

new owners for Black Bear as of last winter.  All I know is the pictures I see on facebook but it sure looks like its coming back.  I always found the layout interesting back when i played it a few years in a row about 10 years ago.

I sure hope it comes back, I always loved getting the all day pass and playing 1 of the round with some vintage woods and blades

[jkody]

On 7/11/2024 at 5:19 AM, Wbarksda said:

We are heading up to Forest Dunes and Arcadia in mid September. 

Day 1- Driving to FD from Detroit playing the bootlegger.

Day 2 - Playing FD and The Loop Black

Day 3- Drive to Arcadia, playing the South Course (Afternoon)

Day 4- Bluffs course mid morning 

 

We love walking with caddies but don't want to all the time. Would it be cool to walk FD and then ride The loop?

Same thing at Arcadia, ride the South and walk the Bluffs?

 

 

Just got back from several days at Arcadia and Forest Dunes. At FD, we played all three courses twice. I would highly recommend playing the Loop Red if you can swing it, both because it is awesome and because it is truly amazing to see how the courses play so differently in opposite directions. The Bootlegger is fine, but not that exciting and it's off mats. I also concur with others that walking the Loop >>> walking Dunes. FWIW, if I had ten rounds at Forest Dunes, I would play Loop Black 4x, Loop Red 4x, and Dunes 2x....or maybe Loop Black 5x and Dunes 1x. The Loop is just that good.

 

Also agree with the others about walking Arcadia South instead of the Bluffs. Our group of 16 really, really liked South. In fact, I think we all preferred it to the Bluffs. I know I did.

[Pepetito]

15 hours ago, jkody said:

 

Just got back from several days at Arcadia and Forest Dunes. At FD, we played all three courses twice. I would highly recommend playing the Loop Red if you can swing it, both because it is awesome and because it is truly amazing to see how the courses play so differently in opposite directions. The Bootlegger is fine, but not that exciting and it's off mats. I also concur with others that walking the Loop >>> walking Dunes. FWIW, if I had ten rounds at Forest Dunes, I would play Loop Black 4x, Loop Red 4x, and Dunes 2x....or maybe Loop Black 5x and Dunes 1x. The Loop is just that good.

 

Also agree with the others about walking Arcadia South instead of the Bluffs. Our group of 16 really, really liked South. In fact, I think we all preferred it to the Bluffs. I know I did.

Interesting. Our group of 16 did Forest Dunes this year for the first time.  Almost to a man the prevailing opinion was that the Dunes course was fantastic and in their top 5 courses played in the State while the Loop (played it both ways) was cool to see and play but they weren't in a hurry to come back and play it.

[jkody]

I get that, but I loved the Loop because it was so different from everything else. The Dunes is a fine course with impeccable conditioning but it could be just about anywhere. FWIW, our group had ballooned to 32 by the time we got to Forest Dunes and I think only around 8 of us preferred the Loop over Dunes. But everyone in our group who had played in the UK preferred the Loop.

[SnowbirdTom]

Playing Ann Arbor's Leslie Park in the morning, first practice round for City Championship Senior version next month.  Should be interesting. Getting my yardage book set up for my benefit.

[Curmudg3on]

4 hours ago, SnowbirdTom said:

Playing Ann Arbor's Leslie Park in the morning, first practice round for City Championship Senior version next month.  Should be interesting. Getting my yardage book set up for my benefit.

 

Good luck.  I've played it a few times, it's fun

[Jose c.]

Conditions in S.Mich are superb right now!

[MattM97]

Going to be out in this Brighton/Ann Arbor area this coming weekend for the Hatch Golf event. Looking for some suggestions on places to play. 

 

Going to play a round at UofM as long as we can get a time. But Looking for some other suggestions.