MICHIGAN SUMMER TRIP

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I guess I could play Pilgrim's Run instead of the Mines....

[Chrismydawg]

When we went up in '21 we played

 

Forest Dunes-Man's course. Best conditioning of any course I've ever played. Pristine and tough.

 

Forest Dunes-Short Course, which was an absolute blast. 10 holes walking with a full bar/restaurant right next to #1 tee. Absolute dream for a buddies trip afternoon. All you can play for $50

 

The Bear-Jack's course in Traverse City. Top 5 set of greens i've ever played. So pure. Otherwise very solid tough test of golf.

 

Arcadia Bluffs-Duh

 

Pilgrim's Run-Absolute treat. Such a good layout. So unassuming. Great service. If I could make it my home course I would be a very happy man. 

 

 

....As for Stoatin Brae I have played there a few times. The greens were like trampolines. Very new course so I wasn't surpised. Its on top of the highest point in the county so wind is prevelant and strong. Because its on top of the hill it feels linksy. The fairways were cut a bit long so your ball doesn't roll forever. I consider it a very good course, but I would play Pilgrim's Run 10 out of 10 over SB. Enjoy your trip.

[reperna]

Gotta spend some time at forest dunes. It’s just pure golf. Such a good time 

[itsjer]

Went to Michigan in 2019 with 8 guys.  

 

Forest Dunes course was great.  The Loop wasn't grown in at that point and the greens were firm.  We stayed in the villas and they were awesome.  One room per person and private baths.  The clubhouse was great to eat at, especially for dinner.  Although you don't have many options outside of the resort.  

 

Crystal Downs was awesome.  I heard they are walking only now.  That walk up #9 will be tough.

 

Belvedere was a nice course and they were gearing up for a big hickory tournament.  Go to Charlevoix (just north) for dinner and drinks.  A nice little town on the lake.

 

Kingsley Club was outstanding.  Watch out for the #16 par 3.  Ask your caddy for the surprise on #18 tee.

 

Arcadia Bluffs had the best views by far (better than the Straits across the lake).  The South Course was very disappointing.  We all agreed that if done again, we would play 36 at the Arcadia Bluffs.  Stay after the round for dinner/drinks and enjoy the bagpiper at sunset.  Outstanding end to the evening.

 

Pilgrims Run had a nice layout (DeVries, Kingsley Club) and a good value.

 

Have fun!  We can't wait to go back and try some other great courses.  Pinehurst this year.  

 

 

Went to Wisconsin in 2017.  Great courses there also, especially with Sand Valley adding more since then.

Edited February 5, 2022 by itsjer

[puttnforthe8]

1 hour ago, itsjer said:

Went to Michigan in 2019 with 8 guys.  

 

Forest Dunes course was great.  The Loop wasn't grown in at that point and the greens were firm.  We stayed in the villas and they were awesome.  One room per person and private baths.  The clubhouse was great to eat at, especially for dinner.  Although you don't have many options.  

 

Crystal Downs was awesome.  I heard they are walking only now.  That walk up #9 will be tough.

 

Belvedere was a nice course and they were gearing up for a big hickory tournament.  Go to Charlevoix (just north) for dinner and drinks.  A nice little town on the lake.

 

Kingsley Club was outstanding.  Watch out for the #16 par 3.  Ask your caddy for the surprise on #18 tee.

 

Arcadia Bluffs had the best views by far (better than the Straits across the lake).  The South Course was very disappointing.  We all agreed that if done again, we would play 36 at the Arcadia Bluffs.  Stay after the round for dinner/drinks and enjoy the bagpiper at sunset.  Outstanding end to the evening.

 

Pilgrims Run had a nice layout (DeVries, Kingsley Club) and a good value.

 

Have fun!  We can't wait to go back and try some other great courses.  Pinehurst this year.  

 

 

Went to Wisconsin in 2017.  Great courses there also, especially with Sand Valley adding more since then.

 

 

Hmm...what did you not like about the South course - most posts I see say they really enjoyed it.

[itsjer]

On 1/29/2022 at 8:14 PM, puttnforthe8 said:

 

 

Hmm...what did you not like about the South course - most posts I see say they really enjoyed it.

The biggest issue was that the greens were in bad shape.  They didn't seem to know how to cut the "square" greens and had many gouges in them from the mower.  One of the guys in our group is a greenskeeper at our course and was able to explain why it looked so bad.  Many of the holes were plain jane.  The square greens seemed gimmickey once you played them.  Pin placements on a square green can be tricky.  I thought it would be really cool to play, but once we did we were disappointed.  Don't get me wrong, there were nice holes there, but overall was an average course.  I guess we all felt that playing Arcadia Bluffs twice was a better choice.  For the same price we would rather have two ribeye's than a ribeye and a big mac.  Just our opinion.  You may love it.

[mint5711]

We are planning our annual golf trip and are headed to GR in mid-August. Currently playing 18 @ The Mines on Thursday, 36 at Pilgrims Run Friday, and 18 at Diamond Springs on Saturday. Ryder cup format with 16 guys. 
 

Curious if anyone here that has played the area would recommend any changes? Renting two big vans so anything within a hour is in play. Thornapple has some events so it’s ruled out. American course looks awesome but probably would price us out, waiting to hear back on group rates. Stoatin gets mixed reviews but maybe better than the mines or DS? The podcast review made the DeVries trio sound appealing but would like to get some affirmation so the group isn’t disappointed. Thanks 

[BG5]

Great choice by playing 36 holes at Pilgrims Run....that course is sweet.  I actually love Diamond Springs and feel they have an amazing finishing stretch on that course that is as good as any course that I have played.  I dont like the Mines and feel its a pretty weak course compared to the others.  I have never been moor disaponted in a course as I was when I played the Mines.  I just dont get what people like about it.  I would def head to Stoatin Brae over the mines and SB has some of the best par 3's ive ever played.  SB is not perfect by any means but its def well above the Mines in my opinion.  

[puttnforthe8]

Just got a call back that American Dunes is closing the one day we had planned for it based on schedule (Aug 1);  So I guess Pilgrims Run becomes the option now. 

[bwkst2]

Thinking about the Devries/NLU rota of Mines, Pilgram's, Diamond - but I'm wondering which part of Grand Rapids we should stay? Don't need too much nightlife as this is 100% golf focused, but a good place to eat/grab some brews close would be preferable. 

 

Any advice? 

 

Thanks in advance! 

[golfinguru11]

Flying back for the first time later this summer since my family left Michigan when I was 13. Hitting Oakland Hills, then up to Forest Dunes, then Arcadia Bluffs, but would love to end the trip with Kingsley Club (I realize Crystal Downs is likely impossible). I heard since they sold to Escalante they don't allow unaccompanied play, so is Thousand Greens my only hope? 

 

I am a massive DeVries fan (fellow Saginaw native) and would probably hit Greywalls instead if I can't get on, but Kingsley is so compelling. The Jekyll/Hyde front and back design, the soft rolling hills and associated uneven lies, the emphasis on angles/approach shots to score instead of overpowering with length, only the bare amenities instead of stuffy country club vibes, the likeness to Crystal Downs, I could go on...

[So_Cal]

40 minutes ago, golfinguru11 said:

Flying back for the first time later this summer since my family left Michigan when I was 13. Hitting Oakland Hills, then up to Forest Dunes, then Arcadia Bluffs, but would love to end the trip with Kingsley Club (I realize Crystal Downs is likely impossible). I heard since they sold to Escalante they don't allow unaccompanied play, so is Thousand Greens my only hope? 

 

I am a massive DeVries fan (fellow Saginaw native) and would probably hit Greywalls instead if I can't get on, but Kingsley is so compelling. The Jekyll/Hyde front and back design, the soft rolling hills and associated uneven lies, the emphasis on angles/approach shots to score instead of overpowering with length, only the bare amenities instead of stuffy country club vibes, the likeness to Crystal Downs, I could go on...

The restored Oakland Hills is awesome, enjoy.  Played it from the tips last year and those firm greens are challenging.  Good luck with Kingsley.  Definitely recommended, although Crystal is much better IMO. 

[golfinguru11]

4 minutes ago, So_Cal said:

The restored Oakland Hills is awesome, enjoy.  Played it from the tips last year and those firm greens are challenging.  Good luck with Kingsley.  Definitely recommended, although Crystal is much better IMO. 

 

I am looking forward to it. The first time I ever saw Tiger was at the 04 Ryder Cup, it will be fun to reminisce. I am sure Crystal is better (thanks for rubbing it in lol) but, as I said, it is an impossible on for us mere mortals. Someday when I am a Riv member I'll complete the Top 100 chase.

[So_Cal]

1 hour ago, golfinguru11 said:

 

I am looking forward to it. The first time I ever saw Tiger was at the 04 Ryder Cup, it will be fun to reminisce. I am sure Crystal is better (thanks for rubbing it in lol) but, as I said, it is an impossible on for us mere mortals. Someday when I am a Riv member I'll complete the Top 100 chase.

 

Oakland is so much better than it was in 2004 now.  It’s really stunning.  
 

When you join Riv don’t forget me. 😉

 

My Crystal contact is long gone if it makes you feel any better.   Enjoy the trip.  One of the best golf states but I’m biased.