3balls Golf
In part one of this two-part series on the best golf courses in Michigan, we introduced you to Eagle Eye, Forest Dunes and Red Hawk Golf Club — but there are so many great courses in the state that you knew we couldn’t stop there. So, here are three more “gotta play” golf courses to visit in Michigan in the fall.
Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire, Michigan
If you’re looking for a true golf getaway to somewhere you’ve never been before, why not Shanty Creek? In the Spring, Summer and Fall, it serves as a golf destination while, in the Winter time, it doubles as an ever popular ski resort as the golf courses go into hibernation. The resort is located in the Northwestern end of the state on the Lake Michigan side of the Great Lakes and sits on Summit Mountain, providing another opportunity for some stunning view and elevation changes throughout the property.
Four completely different, yet distinctly recognizable Michigan golf courses encapsulate the property. Two upscale golf courses, the Legend GC and Cedar River GC, are the standouts traditionally rated among the best in America by golf publications while the Schuss Mountain and Summit Golf Course’s provide slightly less challenging designs without sacrificing quality or getting away from the customary rolling terrain and wildlife.
The Legend GC, designed by Arnold Palmer, has been awarded 4.5 stars by Golf Digest while the Cedar River GC, with five sets of tees, was named of America’s top 100 Resort Courses by Golf Week and Golf Magazine’s Top 10 in the U.S. to play. Each course offers daily golf specials, including late play rates after 1 pm and 3 pm in and out of season.
The Greywalls Course at Marquette Golf Club in Marquette, Michigan
Opening to rave reviews in 2005, The Greywalls Course at Marquette Golf Club has been included in The Top Ten Best New Course listings of all of the major golf publications including GolfWeek’s number 2 course you can play in Michigan. The layout traverses a wide variety of terrain including dramatic elevation changes, rolling and bunkered links land, large rock outcroppings, and panoramic views of Lake Superior that are breathtaking. Golf Course architect Mike DeVries has taken full advantage of the natural setting in designing this course. With 5 sets of tees ranging from 4631 to 6828 yards, The Greywalls Course provides an enjoyable and challenging experience to all players.
Black Lake Golf Course in Onaway, Michigan
Located in Onaway, Michigan, Black Lake Golf Course is one of the state’s truly fine courses, garnering a Number 2 ranking in Golf Digest’s “Best New Upscale Public Course” category in 2002. Designed by Rees Jones, also known as “The Open Doctor”, Black Lake features 18 holes that blend in with the surrounding natural terrain. Owned by the UAW and situated on 300 acres of hardwood forest and marsh, Black Lake offers a truly unique golfing experience. With fall rates of $50 weekday and $60 weekend including golf cart, Black Lake is also one of the best values in the state.
We know you’re ready to head out to Michigan, but before you do check out our 1st golf guide to Michigan to make sure you don’t miss anything. And don’t forget to stop by 3balls.com before you leave so you can order the perfect used Scotty Cameron putter, Certified Pre-Owned Titleist driver or new Ping irons. We’ve got all the gear you’ll need for the challenging and beautiful courses Michigan can throw at you at prices that won’t break your vacation budget.
