Saugatuck courses

[pd1775]

Headed to Saugatuck, MI (first time visiting MI) the end of July for a little family vacation. Could anyone suggest some courses to play and things to do/places to eat in the general area(30 minute drive).  Thanks for the help!

[cassel191919]

American Dunes is just over 30  minutes from you. A new course by Jack, it is supposed to be very good but I don't play until august. 

[jholz]

I love trying to guess where places like "Saugutuck" might be. Could be Alabama, could be Long Island. Ends up being in Michigan. Who would have thought. 

 

BTW, if you've never been to the Syrup Sopping Festival in Lochapoka Alabama, you are certainly missing out. 

[VNutz]

25 minutes ago, pd1775 said:

Headed to Saugatuck, MI (first time visiting MI) the end of July for a little family vacation. Could anyone suggest some courses to play and things to do/places to eat in the general area(30 minute drive).  Thanks for the help!

 

American Dunes is a new course that is a hot draw right now, probably 45 minutes or so away. Might be a tough tee time though, I emailed them a few weeks ago and had few options for times as a single for my early August trip.

 

Ravines is supposed to be decent, but I haven't played it. Hawk's Head in South Haven is one that gets good reviews, but I've not played that yet either. There's also Beeches in South Haven, but I've not played that either. Personally I'd pass if somebody suggests Macatawa Legends. I do like the Grand Valley State course, but that's probably 45 minutes from Saugatuck.

 

Food, my family is a fan of New Holland Brewery in Holland, or Cranes for pies. There are probably more local joints you can find as well. Saugatuck has a little strip of restaurants and places that seem to be pretty popular as well.

Edited July 1, 2021 by VNutz

[brentdtw]

Diamond Springs is your best option. https://thefriedegg.com/diamond-springs-golf-course/

 

I played American Dunes the 2nd or 3rd week it was open. It's got some great holes but probably a third aren't anything special. It's also not worth $150. 

[TheBear95]

HawksHead is a solid course and Beeches is fun as well. The greens at Beeches are interesting. Played both last week and both were in excellent shape.

 

Agree on the Diamond Springs recommendation as well.

[VNutz]

Agreed on Diamond Springs, forgot about that one. Great layout, interesting condition with the one cut of grass.

[ten8suited]

100% agree with Diamond Springs. It's fun golf at a fraction of the cost of the Jack Nicklaus design services course up the road.

6 hours ago, brentdtw said:

Diamond Springs is your best option. https://thefriedegg.com/diamond-springs-golf-course/

 

I played American Dunes the 2nd or 3rd week it was open. It's got some great holes but probably a third aren't anything special. It's also not worth $150. 

 

[postfold]

On 7/1/2021 at 9:46 AM, pd1775 said:

Headed to Saugatuck, MI (first time visiting MI) the end of July for a little family vacation. Could anyone suggest some courses to play and things to do/places to eat in the general area(30 minute drive).  Thanks for the help!

 

Within 30 minutes your options are primarily:

 

1.  The Ravines.  Only a couple miles down the road.  Arnold Palmer design, has been in nice condition every time I've played it.  Greens fee a bit on the higher side during the summer season.

2.  Clearbrook.  Another close by option.  Course isn't real notable in any respect.  I've heard the restaurant is good but dunno what covid has done to it, it wasn't open the last time I played there. 

3.  Hawkshead, South Haven.  Nice layout, more of a links style.  Reasonable fee. 

4.  Beeches, South Haven.  Haven't played it.

5.  Diamond Springs, Hamilton.  More of a drive, a full 30 minutes from Saugatuck

 

Further out (30-45 minutes) you have Lake Michigan Hills and Harbor Shores in Benton Harbor, American Dunes in Grand Haven, Macatawa Legends on the north side of Holland, The Lynx in Allegan and a handful of others not worth mentioning.

 

I'd choose between Ravines, Hawkshead and Diamond Springs and be happy with any of the three.

 

As for things to do, not much help there.  Beach, boating (there is a retro boat rental in Saugatuck that I keep meaning to check out), farm market (big fruit growing area).  Saugatuck Brewing is pretty good, the Southerner downtown is really good.  Holland has a really nice downtown that would be a fun afternoon/evening to check out.

 

 

 

[chitownjhawk]

Ravines is a great course, always in good condition, and my favorite within 30 minutes of Saugatuck. Plays slow on weekends (tourist area), so be prepared if you tee off and it's not early on Saturday. I've had multiple 5 hours rounds on Saturdays at that course.

Weekdays it is wide open.