Gull Lake/Stonehedge/Bedford Valley

[3_Jack_Par]

Gull Lake View trip

Anyone played/stayed at Gull Lake View in the last couple of years? A small group that I go with on an annual trip has chosen this place, and I was wondering about any experiences anyone may have had. We will be playing all five courses over three days. I've played both of the Stonebridge courses several years ago, and I remember enjoying them, but I don't remember many details (except the 40 degrees + drizzle that we played in).
I'm bored and sick of snow, so I'm trying to think happy thoughts about the upcoming season. :rolleyes:

[nwamrine]

Tiger Jr. -

 

Glad you brought this topic to the forum. I was a student at Western Michigan University and had the opportunity to play the Kalamazoo area rotation, which features some of the best value courses in the United States.

 

Gull Lake View is an outstanding golf resort because it features such a variety of challenges. The two Stonehedge courses are the primomadonnas of the group and usually receive all the accolades/glory. The south course can be absolutely brutal because it's covered so densely by forrest and skinny fairways. It can be very frustrating for the average player - regardless as to how pretty it is!

 

The north course is usually considered the favorite because it features rolling terrain, a modern linksy feel and doesn't require precision shots. It has generous landing areas and top notch conditioning.

 

The two Gull Lake View courses are the older, typical old Michigan resort courses. Top notch golf, but nothing to brag about. It is very apparent that those were the two original Scott deigns - they started it all. A bit of elevation change, alot of trees, some water, sweeping landscapes - but nothing you've never seen before.

 

Bedford Valley is looked at as the, "Big Boy" and stretches well over 7000 yds. from the tips. It is scenic and challenging and was built for tournament play. You'll notice how it has a "tournament" feel to it - it's almost like playing at a course you'd watch on TV at home. The back nine at Bedford is brutal - wow, what a challenge. Try to ignore the 70's style clubhouse :)

 

If I were you I would play Stonehedge South, North and Bedford Valley - pick a Gull Lake View course, and play Yarrow (up the road) the other round. Yarrow blows the Gull Lake View Courses out of the water and is cheaper.

 

And heck, if you've got some free time, play Milham Park - one of the best muni's in the US. It's the best $24 you'll ever spend.

 

I've got about 10 more courses up my sleeve if you're interested in them. Let me know.

 

- Nate

[bbslurp413]

Nate,

 

I live in Detroit and am taking a golf trip to the west side of the state later on this year so I would be very interested in the other courses you recommend.

 

Bryan

[nwamrine]

Bryan -

 

What part of W. Michigan are you headed to?

 

Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Muskegon? Or anything?

 

- Nate

[3_Jack_Par]

Thanks for the review, Nate. I wish we had time to try out the other courses you mention, but we're booked pretty solid over the three days that we'll be there. We got an unlimited golf package, and we have a round scheduled at each of the Gull Lake/BV/Stonehedge courses, playing a different format on each one.

 

Should be good times.

[KzooGolf]

I live less than 5 miles from the Gull Lake/Stonehedge Golf Courses. You are going to absolutely enjoy the unlimited golf package they offer. Beware of Stonehedge South, it can be one of the most difficult tracks in West Michigan. My regular foursome plays the South Course from the tips as our final match every year. It is a true test and continues to be one of our favorite sites each year.

 

I highly recommend, if you can squeeze it in, to play Yarrow! This is one of the finest public courses on the lower West side of Michigan.

[nwamrine]

For those interested, I have added some photos of the courses in discussion. These photos were all taken during the summer of 06. Although I have played Yarrow several times since.

 

The first is the 10th at Bedford Valley - quite a stark contrast to the front nine and an indication of what's to come for the finishing nine holes. Carrying the bunkers can be a daunting task.

 

 

 

 

This is the single greatest golf photo I have taken, the beautiful 14th double fairway hole at Yarrow before sunset. It is an 80 ft. drop from tee area to fairway floor and then a swing upwards to a protected green in-front of a small lake.

 

 

 

 

This is the 1st at Yarrow, a challenging, up-hill par-5. Quite a daunting task. Very intimidating.

 

 

 

 

And although not very telling, this is a pin placement on the front nine at Stonehedge South.

 

 

[bbslurp413]

Nate,

 

Sorry it took me so long to see these posts. I am heading to Arcadia Bluffs and going through Kalamazoo on the way. Any suggestions?

[nwamrine]

Slurp -

 

If you're on an "all-out" trip towards up north play either Yarrow outside Kalamazoo, Angels Crossing outside Kalamazoo, Pilgrim's Run north of Grand Rapids or Grand Haven Golf Club up the scenic route in Grand Haven (US 31 up Lake Michigan).

 

If you're on a "budget" trip towards up north play either Milham Park in Kalamazoo, the Lynx in Allegan, Diamond Springs in Hamilton or the Mines just west of Grand Rapids.

 

And if you're on the "all-out, all-out" trip towards up north skip all of the above and play Tullymore/St. Ives north on US-131 for a day and then continue your journey towards Arcadia.

 

I have pictures of several of the courses above if you're interested.

 

- Nate

 

PS. Diamond Springs is an absolute steal!

[bbslurp413]

I'd be very interested in pictures. I'd say the trip is a mix between all out and budget. We are getting Arcadia for 75 and am looking at playing one more real nice course somewhere along the way.