Giant's Ridge or Forest Dunes/Guy's Trip

Trugravity · January 13, 2013

I've read plenty of reviews on Giants Ridge and Forest Dunes but, for those of you who've played both, which would you choose for a guy's trip? Nightlife isn't a big factor, more interested in the quality of the course, decent lodging and the beauty of the area. Has anyone stayed in the lake villas at Giants Ridge? Thanks for the feedback.

mattsam · January 16, 2013

Forest Dunes is a GREAT golf course, but there is not too much around to do. And only that one course.
We did a Western Michigan guys trip last year that included Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, and Kingsley Club. We played Kingsley and Arcadia on the same day. Those are three of the best courses you can play in 2 or 3 days.

We made 4 days out of it and went all the way down the coast and added Harbor Shores and Point O Woods. My buddies flipped out with the quality of golf.

PM me if interested in details.

elmo17 · January 16, 2013

[i][i]Forrest Dunes is a great course, plenty of spots to grab a bite and a beer after a day on the course.[/i][/i]

dozer996 · January 16, 2013

[quote name='mattsam' timestamp='1358345462' post='6238733']
Forest Dunes is a GREAT golf course, but there is not too much around to do. And only that one course.
We did a Western Michigan guys trip last year that included Arcadia Bluffs, Forest Dunes, and Kingsley Club. We played Kingsley and Arcadia on the same day. Those are three of the best courses you can play in 2 or 3 days.

We made 4 days out of it and went all the way down the coast and added Harbor Shores and Point O Woods. My buddies flipped out with the quality of golf.

PM me if interested in details.
[/quote]

+1

dozer996 · January 16, 2013

[quote name='Trugravity' timestamp='1358122135' post='6221911']
I've read plenty of reviews on Giants Ridge and Forest Dunes but, for those of you who've played both, which would you choose for a guy's trip? Nightlife isn't a big factor, more interested in the quality of the course, decent lodging and the beauty of the area. Has anyone stayed in the lake villas at Giants Ridge? Thanks for the feedback.
[/quote]

I don't have experience with Giants Ridge but have a number of rounds under my belt at Forest Dunes and it is fantastic...not much to do as far as nightlife goes, but you already stated that isn't a big deal. Good food, good drink...that is all you need.

Just found out yesterday that our Spring trip is going to be hosted at Forest Dunes this year, staying in the newly built [size=4][color=#000000]Lake AuSable Lodge...just steps away from the clubhouse...can't wait.[/color][/size]

cassel191919 · January 17, 2013

[quote name='dozer996' timestamp='1358351792' post='6239311']
[quote name='Trugravity' timestamp='1358122135' post='6221911']
I've read plenty of reviews on Giants Ridge and Forest Dunes but, for those of you who've played both, which would you choose for a guy's trip? Nightlife isn't a big factor, more interested in the quality of the course, decent lodging and the beauty of the area. Has anyone stayed in the lake villas at Giants Ridge? Thanks for the feedback.
[/quote]

I don't have experience with Giants Ridge but have a number of rounds under my belt at Forest Dunes and it is fantastic...not much to do as far as nightlife goes, but you already stated that isn't a big deal. Good food, good drink...that is all you need.

Just found out yesterday that our Spring trip is going to be hosted at Forest Dunes this year, staying in the newly built [size=4][color=#000000]Lake AuSable Lodge...just steps away from the clubhouse...can't wait.[/color][/size]
[/quote]

Great course and if you want to play multiple courses there are about 30 great places within an hour. Cannot go wrong with Forest Dunes

jshel · January 17, 2013

If you do Northern Minnesota, it might be worth staying at The Wilderness -- another solid Jeff Brauer course -- that's 30 minutes away because of the casino.

Definitely try to play all three of those courses (Wildnerness and the two at Giants Ridge).

Trugravity · January 17, 2013

Hey guys, thanks for the feedback. Both places get great feedback. I checked back the first couple of days to look for comments but didnt see any. On top of that, Giants Ridge offered with what I'd consider a great deal/value of a pkg. So, we're headed to Giants Ridge for 5 rounds, plus 2 rounds at the Wilderness, the 3rd week of July.

I've never teed it up in Michigan and think I'll try to come up later in the season to play Forest Dunes. I'll make sure to give feedback after the Giants Ridge trip. Then, since Giants Ridge and Forest Dunes are a couple of great Midwest trip options, I'll give some feedback after having played both places.

Thanks again for the feedback!

ladahl · January 17, 2013

I've played GR at least 40 times.... LOVE it! Dont forget the Wilderness @ Fortune Bay

Trugravity · January 17, 2013

Ladahl,

It sounds like there's a fairly even split between those who favor The Quarry and The Wilderness courses? What are your thoughts on The Legends course? If you we're playing Quarry/Legends for 5 rounds total, how would you divide those rounds up? FYI - our group will have 2 lower, single-digit handicappers and 2 that play to around 10 but can still move it off the tee ok.

Thanks for your help!

jshel · January 17, 2013

Trugravity,

My feelings on Legend vs. Quary is that you should play both on the days you're playing 36 holes. But if you're only playing 18 holes I'd pick the Quarry.

It's a challenging golf course, but if your 10s play the right tees, they'll have fun.

ladahl · January 18, 2013

[quote name='Trugravity' timestamp='1358480924' post='6250317']
Ladahl,

It sounds like there's a fairly even split between those who favor The Quarry and The Wilderness courses? What are your thoughts on The Legends course? If you we're playing Quarry/Legends for 5 rounds total, how would you divide those rounds up? FYI - our group will have 2 lower, single-digit handicappers and 2 that play to around 10 but can still move it off the tee ok.

Thanks for your help!
[/quote]
I score the best at Legends (more of a "resort" course, bowled greens, fairways)... All things being equal with Wilderness and Quarry- Quarry (the only thing lacking at GR courses is on-cart GPS).. Wilderness has that.

All 3 are matured now, and the superintendents have fixed all the little "stupid" things to speed-up play... YOU WILL HAVE A BALL!!!!

I would do Legends, Quarry, Quarry, Legends, Quarry, Quarry (start easy, and put Quarry together to keep memories fresh)

If you're up there you HAVE to play Wilderness too.....Superb course.... And a decent casino to play some cards afterwards

ladahl · January 18, 2013

My parents home is about a ten minute drive from the Ridge, and I worked at the Legends during the summers home from college... ENJOY it man! As another guy stated, play the right tees.... After the first day Quarry, I would try play a "combo" set of Blues/Whites to make it super enjoyable.... There's a some where the white are TOO close to trouble/hazards, but some that make greens gettable.....