2011 Northern Michigan golf trips

[odshot68]

Boyne... Gaylord

I am stuck inside on this crummy weather so planning my 2011 Golf trips to Northern Michigan. I have played quite a bit at Arcadia and Forest Dunes so looking for something new. No worries openwater I will make at least one day trip for 36 at the Dunes. Let me know any thoughts or suggestions on these. We play 36 a day for 3 to 4 days. We leave early Friday am and return Sunday night or Monday night.

Trip 1: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)

Trip 2: Boyne Escape
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)


Any Suggestions on either trip would be appreciated. Thanks.

[kkrenzke]

[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
I am stuck inside on this crummy weather so planning my 2011 Golf trips to Northern Michigan. I have played quite a bit at Arcadia and Forest Dunes so looking for something new. No worries openwater I will make at least one day trip for 36 at the Dunes. Let me know any thoughts or suggestions on these. We play 36 a day for 3 to 4 days. We leave early Friday am and return Sunday night or Monday night.

[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)


Any Suggestions on either trip would be appreciated. Thanks.
[/quote]


Just a few suggestions: First you MUST Play Black Lake in Onaway. Very similar to Forrest Dunes and a does not get much play. SECOND suggestion do NOT PLAY Crooked Tree. Very tricked up and not allot of fun, just not a true gold layout.
Final suggestion, play 36 at Cedar River. The Legend is OK but does not even come close to Cedar River.

Have fun and enjoy our great state and other fine courses.

[odshot68]

[quote name='kkrenzke' timestamp='1289779573' post='2790441']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
I am stuck inside on this crummy weather so planning my 2011 Golf trips to Northern Michigan. I have played quite a bit at Arcadia and Forest Dunes so looking for something new. No worries openwater I will make at least one day trip for 36 at the Dunes. Let me know any thoughts or suggestions on these. We play 36 a day for 3 to 4 days. We leave early Friday am and return Sunday night or Monday night.

[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)


Any Suggestions on either trip would be appreciated. Thanks.
[/quote]


Just a few suggestions: First you MUST Play Black Lake in Onaway. Very similar to Forrest Dunes and a does not get much play. SECOND suggestion do NOT PLAY Crooked Tree. Very tricked up and not allot of fun, just not a true gold layout.
Final suggestion, play 36 at Cedar River. The Legend is OK but does not even come close to Cedar River.

Have fun and enjoy our great state and other fine courses.
[/quote]

I have played Black Lake..that track is a beast from the tips! One of the hardest driving tracks in the state. One of my playing partners went through a dozen pro v's that round..LOL. Was happy to shoot upper 70s with that setup. Thanks for the advice on 36 at Cedar River..I was kind of thinking the same thing. So Crooked Tree is goofy.. I will skip it then. Are the all the other courses at Boyne Highlands and Boyne Mountain okay?

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
I kind of like the Legend -- there's a few holes that I could throw away, but overall, it's a decent layout. Cedar River is nice, but not one that I'd say you absolutely need to play twice. I think it's actually a pretty easy course. It's VERY forgiving off the tee -- everything slopes back to the middle. A nearby alternative that I think is very underrated is Hawk's Eye. It's only about a 10 minute drive from Cedar River, if that.

Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Great courses. I love the Tribute and hate the Black Forest. If you play the tips at both of these, you might feel like you've been beaten up pretty good by the end of the day.
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)
Never Played Elk Ridge, which is kind of surprising, considering how much I've played around Gaylord. A few years ago, I would have recommended the Pines at Michaywe, but they did a remodel that destroyed a lot of what was great about the course. Black Lake is a good suggestion, but if you're looking more in the Gaylord area and don't want to do Treetops, you might want to check out The Loon. I think it's a pretty good course that doesn't get talked about much.

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Haven't played the Monument, but It's another of those kinds of "tribute" courses, but unlike the Ross Memorial, I don't think it's actual re-creations of actual holes, it's more of an "inspired by" kind of thing. I always thought the Monument was supposed to be the better of the two courses -- I think my Dad told me that. I played the Alpine several years ago, and I don't remember anything specific about it, other than the first tee shot is way downhill from the top of a ski hill, basically.
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
You'll do well on the Heather. It's a course that requires precision off the tee, and it really helps if you can work the ball both ways with the driver. Kind of a classic of the Northern Michigan courses. The Ross is kind of a gimmick in that they copied Ross holes from courses around the country (and one from Royal Dornoch in Scotland, which is the only one that I've actually played in its original location). Make sure you work on your sand game before playing here, because it's hard to avoid bunkers for the whole round
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
I really like the Hills, because it's a bit of a bomber's paradise. Wide fairways on most holes, and it's the only par 73 I've ever played. More par 5s = more birdie chances. Haven't played Bay Harbor or Crooked Tree. Have not heard good things about Crooked Tree, and I've heard mixed reviews about whether Bay Harbor is worth the cost. Some people absolutely love it, and some feel like they got ripped off.
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)
I really need to get up there next year.

[/quote]

I feel your pain about the end of the season -- My game has of course been coming around just in time for the snow to start flying (-1 for 26 holes on Wednesday, and was -1 after 11 Saturday before falling apart to end up +4). I put some thoughts above:

P.S., don't forget we need to set up a day/weekend to play Kingsley...

[bppry]

I did a stay and play at boyne this past august. As for crooked tree the only plus for them is they are so close to bay harbor. That's it. Traffic is a pain in the summer there. We were late for both afternoon rounds due to traffic driving thru town. Bay harbor was in good condition and was only a $50 up charge, well worth it. Not arcadia by any means but was very well kept. Mountain courses are ok all highlands were in great shape.

Only one issue was making tee times. Boyne told us to make them a month out and when we called it was very difficult to get the courses we wanted.

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='bppry' timestamp='1289844145' post='2791471']
I did a stay and play at boyne this past august. As for crooked tree the only plus for them is they are so close to bay harbor. That's it. Traffic is a pain in the summer there. We were late for both afternoon rounds due to traffic driving thru town. Bay harbor was in good condition and was only a $50 up charge, well worth it. Not arcadia by any means but was very well kept. Mountain courses are ok all highlands were in great shape.

Only one issue was making tee times. Boyne told us to make them a month out and when we called it was very difficult to get the courses we wanted.
[/quote]

You must have gotten a bad customer service rep -- we did a small group outing in June, and I made the tee times in December.

[Openwater22]

kkrentz, why do you think Black Lake and Forest Dunes are similar? IMO, they are about as similar as The Old Course is to Augusta National.

od, you just had to know I'd start messing with your trips, cause I'll prolly be on them. LOL. First off, let's reduce some windshield time on trip #1. Sunday at Elk Ridge is a crazy long ride back to Gr. Rapids. If you are planning on staying in Gaylord Sat. night and driving to elk ridge Sunday am, then back to Treetops for the second 18, it's still a long ways to GR, plus the ride to elk ridge and back sunday is no picnic. Consider this revision;

Friday play 36 at Shanty. 18 at Cedar River and 18 at Legend or 36 on CR. I'd prefer 36 on CR, agree with Tiger Jr that it is generous off the tee {most weiskoph courses are} but I disagree that it is not worthy of 36. Saturday a.m. grab a coffee and drive 30 mins to the Alpine at Boyne Mtn. Play 18, 30 mins back to Shanty and play the Legend, or CR depending on which were played Friday. Sunday a.m. 30 min to Grand Traverse Resort and play the Bear then on to Manitou passage for the pm round or 45 min to Kingsley Club and then on to Manitou or 36 at Kingsley.

Trip #2. Monument is terrible and so is the Ross memorial, IMHO. You will have played the Alpine course during trip #1 so you will be able to decide if it is worth a return visit. My suggestion would be to play True North, Little Traverse Bay, Links and Quarry at Bay Harbor, Heather at Boyne, Hidden River and Belvedere. They are all close enough together that the sequence might be determined by stay and play packaging etc.

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289845560' post='2791507']
agree with Tiger Jr that it is generous off the tee {most weiskoph courses are}
[/quote]
If that's the case, why the hell can't I keep it in play at FD?

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289845560' post='2791507']
but I disagree that it is not worthy of 36.
[/quote]
I wouldn't say it's not worthy of 36 -- it's a very nice course, and fun to play. For whatever reason, I seem to play it very well -- had one of my two under par rounds of this year there (from the blues at an outing), and 3 over from the tips on a day when I wasn't great off the tee. However, it's a pretty straightforward course, and I don't think you gain a lot of local knowledge the first time around that makes you feel like you really need another crack at it. Personally, I think Hawk's Eye is a better test, and it would be more interesting than another go round on Cedar River. Plus, it's practically next door. Though, if you can get a good replay rate at CR, that might be a bit more cost effective.

[Openwater22]

Forgot your suggestion about Hawks Eye, U R right, that would make a good rotation. CR, Legend, Alpine {can't believe you don't remember much about this course} Hawks Eye. Then whatever is decided for Sunday.

Other than #2 at FD, you gotta agree there is alot of room off the tee. If you hit it in the gorse or waste areas... you just hit a crappy tee ball. I should know! I keep finding balls I lost last week while looking for the one I'm playing today.

[odshot68]

[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289831605' post='2791153']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
I kind of like the Legend -- there's a few holes that I could throw away, but overall, it's a decent layout. Cedar River is nice, but not one that I'd say you absolutely need to play twice. I think it's actually a pretty easy course. It's VERY forgiving off the tee -- everything slopes back to the middle. A nearby alternative that I think is very underrated is Hawk's Eye. It's only about a 10 minute drive from Cedar River, if that.

Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Great courses. I love the Tribute and hate the Black Forest. If you play the tips at both of these, you might feel like you've been beaten up pretty good by the end of the day.
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)
Never Played Elk Ridge, which is kind of surprising, considering how much I've played around Gaylord. A few years ago, I would have recommended the Pines at Michaywe, but they did a remodel that destroyed a lot of what was great about the course. Black Lake is a good suggestion, but if you're looking more in the Gaylord area and don't want to do Treetops, you might want to check out The Loon. I think it's a pretty good course that doesn't get talked about much.

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Haven't played the Monument, but It's another of those kinds of "tribute" courses, but unlike the Ross Memorial, I don't think it's actual re-creations of actual holes, it's more of an "inspired by" kind of thing. I always thought the Monument was supposed to be the better of the two courses -- I think my Dad told me that. I played the Alpine several years ago, and I don't remember anything specific about it, other than the first tee shot is way downhill from the top of a ski hill, basically.
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
You'll do well on the Heather. It's a course that requires precision off the tee, and it really helps if you can work the ball both ways with the driver. Kind of a classic of the Northern Michigan courses. The Ross is kind of a gimmick in that they copied Ross holes from courses around the country (and one from Royal Dornoch in Scotland, which is the only one that I've actually played in its original location). Make sure you work on your sand game before playing here, because it's hard to avoid bunkers for the whole round
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
I really like the Hills, because it's a bit of a bomber's paradise. Wide fairways on most holes, and it's the only par 73 I've ever played. More par 5s = more birdie chances. Haven't played Bay Harbor or Crooked Tree. Have not heard good things about Crooked Tree, and I've heard mixed reviews about whether Bay Harbor is worth the cost. Some people absolutely love it, and some feel like they got ripped off.
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)
I really need to get up there next year.

[/quote]

I feel your pain about the end of the season -- My game has of course been coming around just in time for the snow to start flying (-1 for 26 holes on Wednesday, and was -1 after 11 Saturday before falling apart to end up +4). I put some thoughts above:

P.S., don't forget we need to set up a day/weekend to play Kingsley...
[/quote]

Thanks for the reviews Tiger! Want to get it all figured out versus trying to drive all over at the last minute.

[odshot68]

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289845560' post='2791507']
kkrentz, why do you think Black Lake and Forest Dunes are similar? IMO, they are about as similar as The Old Course is to Augusta National.

od, you just had to know I'd start messing with your trips, cause I'll prolly be on them. LOL. First off, let's reduce some windshield time on trip #1. Sunday at Elk Ridge is a crazy long ride back to Gr. Rapids. If you are planning on staying in Gaylord Sat. night and driving to elk ridge Sunday am, then back to Treetops for the second 18, it's still a long ways to GR, plus the ride to elk ridge and back sunday is no picnic. Consider this revision;

Friday play 36 at Shanty. 18 at Cedar River and 18 at Legend or 36 on CR. I'd prefer 36 on CR, agree with Tiger Jr that it is generous off the tee {most weiskoph courses are} but I disagree that it is not worthy of 36. Saturday a.m. grab a coffee and drive 30 mins to the Alpine at Boyne Mtn. Play 18, 30 mins back to Shanty and play the Legend, or CR depending on which were played Friday. Sunday a.m. 30 min to Grand Traverse Resort and play the Bear then on to Manitou passage for the pm round or 45 min to Kingsley Club and then on to Manitou or 36 at Kingsley.

Trip #2. Monument is terrible and so is the Ross memorial, IMHO. You will have played the Alpine course during trip #1 so you will be able to decide if it is worth a return visit. My suggestion would be to play True North, Little Traverse Bay, Links and Quarry at Bay Harbor, Heather at Boyne, Hidden River and Belvedere. They are all close enough together that the sequence might be determined by stay and play packaging etc.


[/quote]

On Trip 1: Only want to spend one day at Shanty. We can debate whether to play cedar twice or the legend once. We can arrange the order based on best drive time. I am game for boyne mountain Alpine for one round and adding Otsego Club. Then Black Forest and Elk Ridge. That sounds good. Josh hated The Bear (I have never played it) so I can't comment on it or Manitou Passage. Kingsley can be a one day trip for 36 at some point next year. Openwater, Tiger, Myself, and ??

[odshot68]

I would be up for Hawk's Eye instead of Elk Ridge on Trip 1.

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289849261' post='2791611']
[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289831605' post='2791153']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
I kind of like the Legend -- there's a few holes that I could throw away, but overall, it's a decent layout. Cedar River is nice, but not one that I'd say you absolutely need to play twice. I think it's actually a pretty easy course. It's VERY forgiving off the tee -- everything slopes back to the middle. A nearby alternative that I think is very underrated is Hawk's Eye. It's only about a 10 minute drive from Cedar River, if that.

Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Great courses. I love the Tribute and hate the Black Forest. If you play the tips at both of these, you might feel like you've been beaten up pretty good by the end of the day.
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)
Never Played Elk Ridge, which is kind of surprising, considering how much I've played around Gaylord. A few years ago, I would have recommended the Pines at Michaywe, but they did a remodel that destroyed a lot of what was great about the course. Black Lake is a good suggestion, but if you're looking more in the Gaylord area and don't want to do Treetops, you might want to check out The Loon. I think it's a pretty good course that doesn't get talked about much.

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Haven't played the Monument, but It's another of those kinds of "tribute" courses, but unlike the Ross Memorial, I don't think it's actual re-creations of actual holes, it's more of an "inspired by" kind of thing. I always thought the Monument was supposed to be the better of the two courses -- I think my Dad told me that. I played the Alpine several years ago, and I don't remember anything specific about it, other than the first tee shot is way downhill from the top of a ski hill, basically.
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
You'll do well on the Heather. It's a course that requires precision off the tee, and it really helps if you can work the ball both ways with the driver. Kind of a classic of the Northern Michigan courses. The Ross is kind of a gimmick in that they copied Ross holes from courses around the country (and one from Royal Dornoch in Scotland, which is the only one that I've actually played in its original location). Make sure you work on your sand game before playing here, because it's hard to avoid bunkers for the whole round
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
I really like the Hills, because it's a bit of a bomber's paradise. Wide fairways on most holes, and it's the only par 73 I've ever played. More par 5s = more birdie chances. Haven't played Bay Harbor or Crooked Tree. Have not heard good things about Crooked Tree, and I've heard mixed reviews about whether Bay Harbor is worth the cost. Some people absolutely love it, and some feel like they got ripped off.
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)
I really need to get up there next year.

[/quote]

I feel your pain about the end of the season -- My game has of course been coming around just in time for the snow to start flying (-1 for 26 holes on Wednesday, and was -1 after 11 Saturday before falling apart to end up +4). I put some thoughts above:

P.S., don't forget we need to set up a day/weekend to play Kingsley...
[/quote]

Thanks for the reviews Tiger! Want to get it all figured out versus trying to drive all over at the last minute.

[/quote]

Planning for next year is pretty much all we've got for the next 3-4 months. I'm trying to strategically plan trips for work for the winter months -- already have rounds planned in Scottsdale and Dallas in December, and trying to work on San Diego for January...

[odshot68]

Trip 2: Boyne Highlands: Heather and Arthur Hills, Next Day Bay Harbor Links/Quarry and Hidden River, True North, Kingsley on last day or ??

[odshot68]

Tiger I'm with you...this next few months will suck. I get my driver next week and am dying to play more. I probably won't play after this weekend until March. This weather sucks in MIcihgan. Enjoy your southern trips..I think I'm in the wrong business..LOL. (Scottsdale, San Diego, Dallas...sick)

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289849226' post='2791610']
Alpine {can't believe you don't remember much about this course}
[/quote]
It's probably pushing 10 years ago that I played it, and it was only one time. A lot of my early-mid 20s is a bit of a blur...

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289849226' post='2791610']
Other than #2 at FD, you gotta agree there is alot of room off the tee. If you hit it in the gorse or waste areas... you just hit a crappy tee ball. I should know! I keep finding balls I lost last week while looking for the one I'm playing today.
[/quote]
So you're saying it's me and not the course? Surely, you can't be serious!

[odshot68]

[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289850067' post='2791638']
[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289849226' post='2791610']
Alpine {can't believe you don't remember much about this course}
[/quote]
It's probably pushing 10 years ago that I played it, and it was only one time. A lot of my early-mid 20s is a bit of a blur...

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289849226' post='2791610']
Other than #2 at FD, you gotta agree there is alot of room off the tee. If you hit it in the gorse or waste areas... you just hit a crappy tee ball. I should know! I keep finding balls I lost last week while looking for the one I'm playing today.
[/quote]
So you're saying it's me and not the course? Surely, you can't be serious!
[/quote]

Openwater don't let him fool you. He changed the shaft in his driver and now bombs it 300-320 with a slight draw...Sick and Impressive. He would tear any course apart.

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289850460' post='2791649']
[Openwater don't let him fool you. He changed the shaft in his driver and now bombs it 300-320 with a slight draw...Sick and Impressive. He would tear any course apart.

[/quote]

Except for when it's not "slight". I've been hitting it pretty well since I switched the shaft, including a few absolute bombs, but the day we played at Eagle Eye was the best I hit it all year. And I still can't putt with it..

[Openwater22]

[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289849793' post='2791627']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289849261' post='2791611']
[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289831605' post='2791153']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
I kind of like the Legend -- there's a few holes that I could throw away, but overall, it's a decent layout. Cedar River is nice, but not one that I'd say you absolutely need to play twice. I think it's actually a pretty easy course. It's VERY forgiving off the tee -- everything slopes back to the middle. A nearby alternative that I think is very underrated is Hawk's Eye. It's only about a 10 minute drive from Cedar River, if that.

Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Great courses. I love the Tribute and hate the Black Forest. If you play the tips at both of these, you might feel like you've been beaten up pretty good by the end of the day.
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)
Never Played Elk Ridge, which is kind of surprising, considering how much I've played around Gaylord. A few years ago, I would have recommended the Pines at Michaywe, but they did a remodel that destroyed a lot of what was great about the course. Black Lake is a good suggestion, but if you're looking more in the Gaylord area and don't want to do Treetops, you might want to check out The Loon. I think it's a pretty good course that doesn't get talked about much.

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Haven't played the Monument, but It's another of those kinds of "tribute" courses, but unlike the Ross Memorial, I don't think it's actual re-creations of actual holes, it's more of an "inspired by" kind of thing. I always thought the Monument was supposed to be the better of the two courses -- I think my Dad told me that. I played the Alpine several years ago, and I don't remember anything specific about it, other than the first tee shot is way downhill from the top of a ski hill, basically.
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
You'll do well on the Heather. It's a course that requires precision off the tee, and it really helps if you can work the ball both ways with the driver. Kind of a classic of the Northern Michigan courses. The Ross is kind of a gimmick in that they copied Ross holes from courses around the country (and one from Royal Dornoch in Scotland, which is the only one that I've actually played in its original location). Make sure you work on your sand game before playing here, because it's hard to avoid bunkers for the whole round
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
I really like the Hills, because it's a bit of a bomber's paradise. Wide fairways on most holes, and it's the only par 73 I've ever played. More par 5s = more birdie chances. Haven't played Bay Harbor or Crooked Tree. Have not heard good things about Crooked Tree, and I've heard mixed reviews about whether Bay Harbor is worth the cost. Some people absolutely love it, and some feel like they got ripped off.
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)
I really need to get up there next year.

[/quote]

I feel your pain about the end of the season -- My game has of course been coming around just in time for the snow to start flying (-1 for 26 holes on Wednesday, and was -1 after 11 Saturday before falling apart to end up +4). I put some thoughts above:

P.S., don't forget we need to set up a day/weekend to play Kingsley...
[/quote]

Thanks for the reviews Tiger! Want to get it all figured out versus trying to drive all over at the last minute.

[/quote]

Planning for next year is pretty much all we've got for the next 3-4 months. I'm trying to strategically plan trips for work for the winter months -- already have rounds planned in Scottsdale and Dallas in December, and trying to work on San Diego for January...
[/quote]

Lucky Dog. I'm gonna get even though, check your e-mail for a forward from me

[odshot68]

Updated Itinerary:

Trip #1
Fri - Shanty Creek - Cedar River & Legend
Sat - Boyne Alpine & Otsego Club - Tribute
Sun - Black Forest & Hawk's Eye

Trip #2
Fri- Boyne Highlands - Heather & Arthur Hills
Sat-Bar Harbor Links/Quarry & Little Traverse Bay
Sun- True North & Hidden River
Mon- Belvedere & The Bear

Tiger your invited to join Openwater and Odunderpar and I!!

[3_Jack_Par]

[quote name='openwater32' timestamp='1289855291' post='2791781']
[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289849793' post='2791627']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289849261' post='2791611']
[quote name='Tiger Jr.' timestamp='1289831605' post='2791153']
[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']
[b]Trip 1[/b]: Friday: Shanty Creek - The Legend and Cedar River (or should we do 36 at Cedar River)
I kind of like the Legend -- there's a few holes that I could throw away, but overall, it's a decent layout. Cedar River is nice, but not one that I'd say you absolutely need to play twice. I think it's actually a pretty easy course. It's VERY forgiving off the tee -- everything slopes back to the middle. A nearby alternative that I think is very underrated is Hawk's Eye. It's only about a 10 minute drive from Cedar River, if that.

Saturday: Otsego Club - The Tribute and Black Forest
Great courses. I love the Tribute and hate the Black Forest. If you play the tips at both of these, you might feel like you've been beaten up pretty good by the end of the day.
Sunday: Elk Ridge and ? (have already played Treetops)
Never Played Elk Ridge, which is kind of surprising, considering how much I've played around Gaylord. A few years ago, I would have recommended the Pines at Michaywe, but they did a remodel that destroyed a lot of what was great about the course. Black Lake is a good suggestion, but if you're looking more in the Gaylord area and don't want to do Treetops, you might want to check out The Loon. I think it's a pretty good course that doesn't get talked about much.

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Haven't played the Monument, but It's another of those kinds of "tribute" courses, but unlike the Ross Memorial, I don't think it's actual re-creations of actual holes, it's more of an "inspired by" kind of thing. I always thought the Monument was supposed to be the better of the two courses -- I think my Dad told me that. I played the Alpine several years ago, and I don't remember anything specific about it, other than the first tee shot is way downhill from the top of a ski hill, basically.
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
You'll do well on the Heather. It's a course that requires precision off the tee, and it really helps if you can work the ball both ways with the driver. Kind of a classic of the Northern Michigan courses. The Ross is kind of a gimmick in that they copied Ross holes from courses around the country (and one from Royal Dornoch in Scotland, which is the only one that I've actually played in its original location). Make sure you work on your sand game before playing here, because it's hard to avoid bunkers for the whole round
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
I really like the Hills, because it's a bit of a bomber's paradise. Wide fairways on most holes, and it's the only par 73 I've ever played. More par 5s = more birdie chances. Haven't played Bay Harbor or Crooked Tree. Have not heard good things about Crooked Tree, and I've heard mixed reviews about whether Bay Harbor is worth the cost. Some people absolutely love it, and some feel like they got ripped off.
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)
I really need to get up there next year.

[/quote]

I feel your pain about the end of the season -- My game has of course been coming around just in time for the snow to start flying (-1 for 26 holes on Wednesday, and was -1 after 11 Saturday before falling apart to end up +4). I put some thoughts above:

P.S., don't forget we need to set up a day/weekend to play Kingsley...
[/quote]

Thanks for the reviews Tiger! Want to get it all figured out versus trying to drive all over at the last minute.

[/quote]

Planning for next year is pretty much all we've got for the next 3-4 months. I'm trying to strategically plan trips for work for the winter months -- already have rounds planned in Scottsdale and Dallas in December, and trying to work on San Diego for January...
[/quote]

Lucky Dog. I'm gonna get even though, check your e-mail for a forward from me
[/quote]

Nice.

[chickenpotpie]

Sounds like a couple of good trips. Definitely feeling the pain of the season being over now. Played one of my better rounds to finish the year too. Anyway, my club just put in a simulator, so I'm going to give that a whirl this weekend. I'm hoping it will satisfy my fix to get on it weekly.

[JNewsted]

Go to Marquette and play Greywalls. They have great packages with Sweetgrass near Escanaba and Timberstone in Iron Mountain... worth the extra miles. It's a great trip, and more affordable than you'd think.

[odshot68]

[quote name='JNewsted' timestamp='1290137863' post='2797735']
Go to Marquette and play Greywalls. They have great packages with Sweetgrass near Escanaba and Timberstone in Iron Mountain... worth the extra miles. It's a great trip, and more affordable than you'd think.
[/quote]
I would definitely love to play all 3 its just a very very long drive. If I had a pilots license it would definitely be on my list.

[J.R.]

At the mountain, Monument is pretty good. But Alpine is better.

[Openwater22]

[quote name='JNewsted' timestamp='1290137863' post='2797735']
Go to Marquette and play Greywalls. They have great packages with Sweetgrass near Escanaba and Timberstone in Iron Mountain... worth the extra miles. It's a great trip, and more affordable than you'd think.
[/quote]

Our head pro played Greywalls in September. Said it is as good as any. On my list for next year.

[knickerbocker]

[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289767592' post='2790119']

[b]Trip 2[/b]: [b]Boyne Escape[/b]
Friday: Boyne Mountain: The Monument and Alpine (is monument any good?)
Saturday: Boyne Highlands: The Heather and Donald Ross Memorial
Sunday: Boyne Highlands: Arthur Hills and Bay Harbor (Links/Quarry) (Should we play Crooked Tree)
Monday: 36 at True North (great track but we want to revisit it)
[/quote]

Avoid the Monument and Crooked Tree.

You would do better playing the Alpine and then playing Bay Harbor and then heading to the Highlands - play The Heather or the Ross twice. Skip the Moor.

[knickerbocker]

[quote name='odshot68' timestamp='1289858365' post='2791845']
Updated Itinerary:

Trip #1
Fri - Shanty Creek - Cedar River & Legend
Sat - Boyne Alpine & Otsego Club - Tribute
Sun - Black Forest & Hawk's Eye

Trip #2
Fri- Boyne Highlands - Heather & Arthur Hills
Sat-Bar Harbor Links/Quarry & Little Traverse Bay
Sun- True North & Hidden River
Mon- Belvedere & The Bear

Tiger your invited to join Openwater and Odunderpar and I!!
[/quote]


I really like The Belvedere Club. Good addition. Little Traverse Bay is a fun course as well.

You have some distance to cover between some of the courses, so make sure to play accordingly!

[schrand07]

Played forrest dunes and arcadia last summer both amazing but different courses