From golf magazine rankings to “people’s choice” awards, Michigan consistently is named among the places in the country to play golf. Noted designers have coaxed championship courses out of the woods and farmlands, incorporating hills and valleys, natural water features and incredible views – including some of the Great Lakes – all showcasing the natural beauty Pure Michigan golf has to offer. America’s summer golf capital has more than 800 courses that are open to the public, with golf for every level of play and packages and specials that help make it affordable. And with Michigan’s long summer daylight stretching into the late evening hours there’s plenty of time to get in extra rounds at twilight prices.
New in 2012
Indianwood Golf and Country Club hosts the 2012 U.S. Senior Open July 9-15 in Lake Orion. Golf greats including Tom Watson, Fred Couples and Fred Funk will tee up at this championship event. Indianwood Golf and Country Club has hosted a number of top golf tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open in 1989 and 1994.
Rising star Jason Guss, named best young golf teacher by Golf Digest Magazine, and the renowned Rick Smith are teaming up at Treetops Resort in Gaylord to create a new teaching academy, offering the newest technology to help golfers improve their game. For the past 25 years, Gaylord has served as one of Michigan’s premier golf regions, with 17 golf courses and 20 lodging facilities in the area, including world-class resorts and championship golf designed by some of America's top golf course designers. In celebration of their 25th anniversary, the golf courses of the Gaylord Golf Mecca are offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the courses at an affordable rate. On the 25th day of each month, the courses will be charging only $25 to play golf.
Shanty Creek Resorts is doing its part to help grow the game of golf and make it fun, fast, and easier for kids and beginners in 2012. The resort will be adding 8 inch cups to each hole on the Schuss Mountain course, in addition to its traditional 4 ¼ inch cups. At the Summit Golf Club, a new set of forward tees have been developed ranging from 95 yards to 125 yards making the game easier and quicker. Children under the age of 17 will be able to golf for FREE at the Schuss Mountain and Summit Golf Club when accompanied by a paying adult seven days a week. Additionally, on Sundays after 2pm, kids can play a free round on The Legend and Cedar River golf courses.
Celebrate the longest days of summer by playing golf all day at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. The famous annual promotion “Golf Your Daylights” runs from June 15 – 28 and provides guests with unlimited golf on any of the three championship courses.
June is Golf Month
Michigan boasts the nickname of America’s “Summer Golf Capitol,” and in honor of that distinction, and the fact that Michigan has more public golf courses than any other state in the nation, June has been proclaimed Golf Month in Michigan. Throughout June a wide array of events are taking place across the state, including:
101st Michigan Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club June 18 – 22
Women's Western Amateur at Monroe Golf and Country Club June 18 – 23
Michigan PGA Women's Open Championship at Crystal Mountain Resort June 25 – 27
Island Resort Championship in Harris June 29 – July 1
Golfing the UP
Members of the Upper Peninsula Golf Association range from a 9-hole course in the far north reaches of Keweenaw Mountain Lodge to 18 holes on the largest freshwater island in the U.S., The Rock at Drummond Island Resort, a mile off the eastern tip of the Upper Peninsula. Log lodges at both locations leave no doubt you’re playing “Up North.”
Stunning natural granite formations and views of Lake Superior set the scene for the 18 holes at Greywalls, one of two courses of Marquette Golf Club. The original 9 holes of the Club’s Heritage course opened in 1926; expanding to 18 holes in 1969.
After a round on the longest 18-hole course in the UP at the George Young Recreational Complex you can enjoy the indoor pool, sauna, and nature and mountain bike trails of the 3,300-acre public facility near Iron River.
Michigan’s Central Swing
Golfers from all over the country flock to the Mt. Pleasant region known as Michigan's Central Swing. Located in the heart of the Mitten are 12 challenging courses in the midst of Michigan’s exquisite landscapes. With every course conveniently located within 30 minutes from Mount Pleasant, golfers can book a room at world-class resorts such as the Ginkgo Tree Inn and Riverwood Resort.
Ranked in Michigan Golf Magazine’s Top 50 Public Courses in Michigan, golfers should not miss the chance to play a round at Bucks Run. The Jerry-Matthews designed golf course is situated along three large blue water lakes as well as the Chippewa River frontage.
The Emerald Golf Course is widely known as “The Gem of Mid-Michigan” and provides a great value for golfers – $45 for 18 holes on the weekdays and $55 on the weekends. Located in St. Johns, Emerald Golf Course includes a fully stocked pro-shop and newly renovated restaurant to create a great experience for every golfer.
Perhaps the most decorated golf course in Mid-Michigan is Tullymore Golf Resort in Stanwood. Designed by nationally renowned architect Jim Engh, Tullymore is a true Michigan treasure and a luxury for any golfer that has the opportunity to play. This 5-star course has received numerous national awards and recognition's including being ranked #14 in America’s greatest public and resort golf courses by Golf Digest and one of the top golf facilities for women by Golf for Women Magazine.
Northern Michigan: The Mitten’s “Sweet Spot”
Looking for a delightful escape from the “hustle and bustle” of your everyday life? Come experience an unforgettable “up-north” experience and witness the soft rolling hills and smooth grass on the many golf courses northern Michigan boasts.
Make a stop in Charlevoix, a quaint and charming town with plenty of unique attractions. Golfers should plan on lodging in the town for at least a few days to discover its five outstanding golf courses as well as its lively downtown district. Charlevoix golfers have also realized that nothing beats the relaxation, after a strenuous day, than the ferry ride to famous Beaver Island.
Dunmaglas Golf Club is the signature golf course in Charlevoix due to its privacy and seclusion from the loud and crowded cities. Guests enjoy escaping to the hills and witnessing the magnificent view overlooking Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan. The course was ranked as one of the best 50 upscale courses in the United States by Golf Digest and in the top 40 public courses by Michigan Golf Magazine
Golf World’s 2009-2010 rankings put Forest Dunes Golf Club among the best in the world. The course, which is nestled in the forests of Roscommon Township near Houghton Lake, is one of only 16 designated Audubon International Gold Certified Signature Developments in the world. Forest Dunes also borders the Au Sable River giving visitors a rich variety of wildlife including Loons, Hawks and Kirtland Warbler.
Crystal Mountain Resort will once again run their “Get Golf Ready” promotion throughout the month of June. If you have ever thought about picking up a golf club, either again or for the first time, you can make golf your sport for a lifetime. The “Get Golf Ready” Program, guided by PGA Professional Ina Davis, is designed to teach you the fundamentals of golf in five short lessons through exciting, on-course activities.
Not sure what to buy your father for his special day? No need to worry because Lakewood Shores Resort has you covered with the “Father’s Day” special. The promotion offers any two nights lodging as well as 18 holes of golf with a cart from June 17 – 21, among other exclusive amenities.
The Golf Club at Harbor Shores
If you have ever dreamed of playing on the same greens as the pros, then head to The Golf Club at Harbor Shores on the coast of Lake Michigan. The Senior PGA Championship made its first appearance in Michigan at Harbor Shores in May of this year. This Jack Nicklaus course is anticipated to become one of the Midwest’s premier golfing destinations, testing players of all skill levels as it wows them with remarkable views of the Paw Paw River, forests, wetlands and the beaches in Benton Harbor.
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