Anonymous

Many people believe that Treetops Golf Resort in Gaylord put Northern Michigan on the map as a great golf destination. Although there are several golf resorts in the area with multiple courses, Treetops emerges each year as one of the most recognizable golf resorts in the state. With 81 holes of spectacular golf at two locations (Treetops North is about a 7-minute drive), 226 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a salon, and more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it’s easy to see why Treetops Resort is a popular venue for golf getaways, weddings, and business conferences.

If golf’s not your game there are plenty of other activities including mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, disc golf, and horseback riding. When the white stuff starts to fall, Treetops transforms into one of Northern Michigan’s top ski resorts, with 23 expertly groomed ski runs, and 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Over the years Treetops has received its share of accolades from the golf world. Golf Magazine awarded them its Silver Medal Award as one of the finest resorts in the United States, 7-times. In 2002, Treetops was ranked #32 on Golf Digest’s list of “America's Top 75 Golf Resorts”, and in June 2000, Conde Nast Traveler recognized them as a “Top 50 International Resorts.” Pinehurst and Pebble Beach were the only two golf resorts ranked higher that year. Year in and year out Treetops is awarded at least 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. And with courses designed by three of the industry’s top golf architects – Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Smith – you’re sure to be challenged.

For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.

At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.

The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.

Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.

As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.

The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.

Treetops' other three courses can be found at Treetops North, about a 7-minute drive up the road. The Signature was the second 18-hole layout built on the resort property. It was also the first golf course design for Rick Smith who then went on to design the Tradition Course and Threetops. Smith used the insight and knowledge he gained from his numerous trips to Scotland and Ireland to help him shape the courses, giving them the look and feel of some of the world’s best courses.

Golfweek Magazine recently recognized the Signature Course as one of the Top 200 Resort Courses in the United States. features rolling hills, sand traps, and dramatic elevation changes, both up and down. With all of its magnificent views, The Signature Course is the most photographed course at Treetops and is the overwhelming favorite of both locals and visitors.

Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.

Many people believe that Treetops Golf Resort in Gaylord put Northern Michigan on the map as a great golf destination. Although there are several golf resorts in the area with multiple courses, Treetops emerges each year as one of the most recognizable golf resorts in the state. With 81 holes of spectacular golf at two locations (Treetops North is about a 7-minute drive), 226 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a salon, and more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it’s easy to see why Treetops Resort is a popular venue for golf getaways, weddings, and business conferences.

If golf’s not your game there are plenty of other activities including mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, disc golf, and horseback riding. When the white stuff starts to fall, Treetops transforms into one of Northern Michigan’s top ski resorts, with 23 expertly groomed ski runs, and 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Over the years Treetops has received its share of accolades from the golf world. Golf Magazine awarded them its Silver Medal Award as one of the finest resorts in the United States, 7-times. In 2002, Treetops was ranked #32 on Golf Digest’s list of “America's Top 75 Golf Resorts”, and in June 2000, Conde Nast Traveler recognized them as a “Top 50 International Resorts.” Pinehurst and Pebble Beach were the only two golf resorts ranked higher that year. Year in and year out Treetops is awarded at least 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. And with courses designed by three of the industry’s top golf architects – Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Smith – you’re sure to be challenged.

For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.

At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.

The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.

Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.

As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.

The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.

And now on to the main event: Golf at Treetops! The Jones Masterpiece Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is the only course on the main property. Many feel that The Masterpiece is the one course that put Gaylord on the map as a golf destination. Recently, Golf Digest named Masterpiece to its Top 10 list of Favorite Fall Foliage Courses in the US. Masterpiece has a slope rating of 147, making it one of the state’s toughest courses, but if you play the tees that best suit your game, you’re sure to have a fun and challenging round. As you make your way around the course, be sure to take in the scenery, especially in the fall. I spoke with several women at the course who all said that it’s the fall scenery that brings them back every year.

Controlling the ball off the tee is everything, and don’t try and bite off more than you can chew. You can score well here, especially on the par 5s which play anywhere from 435 to 500 yards, so getting there isn’t the problem. The problem is keeping the ball in the fairway. Number 6 is a memorable par three that plays 162 yards from the Blue tees, but up to 4 clubs less because of the 120 ft. drop and the wind. This and one other hole at Treetops North put Northern Michigan golf on the map.

Practice facilities at the Jones Masterpiece Course include a grass driving range, a short game area with a practice bunker, and a putting green. Regardless of how you play, it’s hard to not enjoy your round on the Jones Masterpiece Course.

Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.

Many people believe that Treetops Golf Resort in Gaylord put Northern Michigan on the map as a great golf destination. Although there are several golf resorts in the area with multiple courses, Treetops emerges each year as one of the most recognizable golf resorts in the state. With 81 holes of spectacular golf at two locations (Treetops North is about a 7-minute drive), 226 guest rooms and suites, a spa, a salon, and more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting space, it’s easy to see why Treetops Resort is a popular venue for golf getaways, weddings, and business conferences.

If golf’s not your game there are plenty of other activities including mountain biking, fly fishing, tennis, disc golf, and horseback riding. When the white stuff starts to fall, Treetops transforms into one of Northern Michigan’s top ski resorts, with 23 expertly groomed ski runs, and 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails.

Over the years Treetops has received its share of accolades from the golf world. Golf Magazine awarded them its Silver Medal Award as one of the finest resorts in the United States, 7-times. In 2002, Treetops was ranked #32 on Golf Digest’s list of “America's Top 75 Golf Resorts”, and in June 2000, Conde Nast Traveler recognized them as a “Top 50 International Resorts.” Pinehurst and Pebble Beach were the only two golf resorts ranked higher that year. Year in and year out Treetops is awarded at least 4 stars by Golf Digest’s Places to Play. And with courses designed by three of the industry’s top golf architects – Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., and Rick Smith – you’re sure to be challenged.

For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.

At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.

The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.

Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.

As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.

The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.

And now on to the main event: Golf at Treetops! The Jones Masterpiece Course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and is the only course on the main property. Many feel that The Masterpiece is the one course that put Gaylord on the map as a golf destination. Recently, Golf Digest named Masterpiece to its Top 10 list of Favorite Fall Foliage Courses in the US. Masterpiece has a slope rating of 147, making it one of the state’s toughest courses, but if you play the tees that best suit your game, you’re sure to have a fun and challenging round. As you make your way around the course, be sure to take in the scenery, especially in the fall. I spoke with several women at the course who all said that it’s the fall scenery that brings them back every year.

Controlling the ball off the tee is everything, and don’t try and bite off more than you can chew. You can score well here, especially on the par 5s which play anywhere from 435 to 500 yards, so getting there isn’t the problem. The problem is keeping the ball in the fairway. Number 6 is a memorable par three that plays 162 yards from the Blue tees, but up to 4 clubs less because of the 120 ft. drop and the wind. This and one other hole at Treetops North put Northern Michigan golf on the map.

Practice facilities at the Jones Masterpiece Course include a grass driving range, a short game area with a practice bunker, and a putting green. Regardless of how you play, it’s hard to not enjoy your round on the Jones Masterpiece Course.

Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.

For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.

At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.

The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.

Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.

As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.

The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.

Threetops is the most challenging par 3 course in North America. AARP named Threetops the #1 Par 3 Course in North America. It was also the site of the former ESPN Par 3 Shootout which challenged the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, and Raymond Floyd. The 7th hole is where, in 2001, Lee Trevino hit his tee shot over the green but managed to spin it back into the hole. The ace earned him $10,000 for the closest to the pin, $80,000 for the skin, and $1,000,000 for the hole-in-one.

From the back tees, yardages range between 140 and 219 yards. The longer holes may look intimidating on the scorecard, but they usually play significantly downhill. Each hole is unique, and the course conditions are the same as any of the championship 18-hole courses. The greens are the most challenging aspect of the course; some have severe slopes with a lot of undulation and break that you may not see at first glance and “straight-in” putts are rare. Threetops is a must-play if you’re on a golf trip to Gaylord; you can get around the course in about 90 minutes.

Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.

For my money, there are two other qualities necessary for a golf resort to earn consideration (besides exciting golf): good dining and comfortable accommodations. On either point, Treetops does not disappoint. Treetops offers three restaurants on the main property that are all located within steps of each other: Legends on the Hill, Hunter's Grille, and the Sports Bar. The food is outstanding and, in many respects, unique. Hunter’s Grille offers an ever-evolving menu of eclectic cuisine and spectacular views from the top of the ski hills. Legends on the Hill has a pasta dish that features a giant elk meatball and handmade herb pappardelle pasta covered in a rich tomato sauce and served with shaved Parmesan, and garlic toast. There’s also fresh Michigan rainbow trout and a Sous Vide Pork Chop that is incredibly delicious.

At the Sports Bar, you can indulge in your favorite made-to-order pizza or enjoy a hot and spicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich. The Southfork Ranch Steak Sandwich is delicious too; 8oz of prime rib, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, and garlic aioli, served on fresh rosemary Herb Bread.

The Jones Tavern at Treetops North is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. It’s primarily a grab-and-go menu with items like a Signature Burrito, Smith Breakfast Sandwich, the Fazio Grilled Ham and Cheese, and the Traditions Southwest Wrap.

Bar 81 is located on the main floor of the lodge just past the reception area. There are several TVs, making it a perfect spot to relax with your friends, recap the day, and watch your favorite sports teams. They even offer a light menu, something to snack on between sips of your favorite adult beverage.

As far as the rooms in the lodge go, the rooms are some of the largest I’ve stayed in. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and coffeemaker as well as a large flat-screen TV, and bathrooms with huge walk-in showers. In the lodge, you’ll find an indoor pool, hot tubs, and a fitness center as well as the Treetops Spa.

The newest addition to the Treetops lodging collection is the Jones Cottages, located on the 4th hole of the Masterpiece. Each cottage sleeps eight people comfortably, making them perfect for small groups and outings. All are outfitted with modern amenities and the two-floor layout provides added space and unbeatable views.

Threetops is the most challenging par 3 course in North America. AARP named Threetops the #1 Par 3 Course in North America. It was also the site of the former ESPN Par 3 Shootout which challenged the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Lee Trevino, and Raymond Floyd. The 7th hole is where, in 2001, Lee Trevino hit his tee shot over the green but managed to spin it back into the hole. The ace earned him $10,000 for the closest to the pin, $80,000 for the skin, and $1,000,000 for the hole-in-one.

From the back tees, yardages range between 140 and 219 yards. The longer holes may look intimidating on the scorecard, but they usually play significantly downhill. Each hole is unique, and the course conditions are the same as any of the championship 18-hole courses. The greens are the most challenging aspect of the course; some have severe slopes with a lot of undulation and break that you may not see at first glance and “straight-in” putts are rare. Threetops is a must-play if you’re on a golf trip to Gaylord; you can get around the course in about 90 minutes.

Treetops Resort is located about 5 miles east of Gaylord and only 10 minutes from I-75. With great golf, fantastic dining, and spacious, comfortable rooms, you won’t go wrong in choosing Treetops as your next golf getaway destination.

Depending on your perspective – or favorite season – Crystal Mountain is either a ski resort with 59 well-groomed downhill runs or a golf resort with 36 holes of championship golf. Yet, regardless of the season, it’s one of Northern Michigan’s best resorts.

Crystal Mountain has the most unique history of any resort I have ever written about. It began as a school project when a geography teacher at Benzonia High School tasked his students to find the best place in Benzie County, MI to start a ski area. After much research and debate the class determined the Buck Hills Range offered the best combination of terrain and snowfall.

The Buck Hills Ski Area became a reality in 1956 with a rope tow powered by an old pick-up truck engine and a warming hut built with donated lumber. In 1960, Buck Hills became Crystal Mountain Resort when it was purchased by 96 shareholders, many of whom had homes nearby. The new owners made many substantial upgrades including a new lodge with dining and 21 rooms for overnight guests.

By 1966, ownership had dwindled to a small handful of owners who realized that the best way for the resort to be profitable was to make it a year-round destination. Fast forward to 1981 and sole ownership of Crystal Mountain came down to the flip of a coin between George Petritz and Robert Meyer. Crystal Mountain has been owned by the Petritz family ever since.

Golf entered the equation at Crystal Mountain in 1977 with the opening of the Betsie Valley golf course. Mountain Ridge followed in 1995. Both Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge have received the prestigious 4-star rating from Golf Digest Magazine and are members of America's Summer Golf Capital, a collection of resort properties that feature 26 golf courses across northern Michigan. Both courses play out of the same clubhouse, which features a well-stocked pro shop, The Thistle restaurant and bar, and an outdoor patio complete with a bar, grill, and oftentimes live music.

Before your round, be sure to visit Crystal Mountain’s 10-acre learning center and practice facility. You’ll find a targeted grass range, along with a short game area featuring chipping and putting greens complete with sand bunkers for practicing. Everything you need for a quick tune-up before heading to the first tee! The Learning Center is also home to Crystal Mountain Golf School, which has been recognized as one of the best golf schools by Golf Digest. They feature a variety of single or multi-day lesson options including private, group, women-only, and juniors.

Since opening in 1977, the Betsie Valley course has received many upgrades, most recently from the summer of 2021 to the spring of 2022. Renovations included widening the fairways, building new tee boxes, a forestry management project to clear out brush, redesigned cart paths, and more. Even with all of these changes, the course still retains its original character and is now more playable than ever before.

Betsie Valley is spread across the rolling terrain which is blanketed in mature forests of pine and hardwoods. Water comes into play on several holes, and although there are only a few bunkers on the entire course, the majority of golfers tend to find at least one during their rounds. The tight, tree-lined fairways are often accented with wildflowers and lead to small, severely sloped greens making Betsie Valley is more of a shot-maker’s course. Golfers are welcome to walk or ride the course.

Both nines start with short but challenging par fives. The first hole plays 462 yards with water on either side of the landing area off the tee, so accuracy is required right off the bat. It’s a double dogleg and requires three good shots in a row to get on the green. Most players will opt to layup rather than try to get on in two as the fairway gets very narrow the closer you get to the green. The green is guarded by water on the right and fescue grass to the left.

Remember those “few bunkers” I mentioned? Two of them are located just right of the 7th green, which is bad news for most golfers. It’s a short, 129-yard par 3 with a narrow approach that feeds errant tee shots right of the green and into those bunkers!

You may think that the 10th hole is a short par 5, at only 444 yards, but as you stand on the tee box studying the dramatic uphill nature of the hole, all of a sudden 444 yards isn’t short anymore! In fact, it may play up to 75 yards longer! It’s a dogleg right that just seems to keep on turning, and with trees lining both sides of the fairway, it emphasizes shot control over distance.

When it comes to accommodations, Crystal Mountain has the widest variety of any golf or ski resort—everything from hotel-style rooms that sleep two or four guests to mountainside homes that sleep up to 14. There are bungalows and cottages to choose from; all are equipped with everything you’ll need during your visit and, if you need something, just ask. They have the politest staff I have ever met. Visit the website for a complete rundown of everything they offer, including a long list of houseguest perks.

Crystal Mountain offers several dining alternatives from pizza and subs at Betsie River Pizza to casual fine dining at The Thistle. As its name implies, this Scottish-themed venue has something for everyone. It’s best described as come-as-you-are fine dining. The menu is eclectic with everything from burgers and fries to Cornish hen and rack of lamb. Breakfast is served daily at the Wild Tomato with just about any breakfast food you can think of. They also serve lunch and dinner. During the winter, Wild Tomato adds several “igloos” to their property where you can enjoy a cocktail and shareables outside under the twinkling lights of the Michigan sky.

Mason, the largest city in Warren County, has been dubbed “Ohio’s Largest Playground.” People flock to Mason for the fun of it all! There are several well-known regional attractions here including the Mason Municipal Aquatic Center, Great Wolf Lodge, and Conference Center, the annual Western & Southern Open, an annual pro tennis event, and, of course, Kings Island Amusement Park. Each year around the 4th of July, Mason puts on the Red, Rhythm, and Boom event, featuring lots to do for the kids such as interactive inflatables, bounce houses, carnival games, and more! A wide variety of food options and adult beverages are available throughout the evening. Mason is also home to one of Jack Nicklaus’ first golf course designs, The Grizzly.

Saying that the Jack Nicklaus-designed Grizzly Golf Course at the City of Mason Golf Center has been around for a while is an understatement; in July 2022, the Grizzly celebrated its 50th anniversary. Nicklaus collaborated with architects Jay Moorish and Desmond Muirhead to build the course in 1972 as well as a 4-hole practice facility, aptly named “The Academy.” The Grizzly name is a natural fit, tying in directly with Nicklaus’ moniker, “The Golden Bear.”

Over the years, The Grizzly has hosted its fair share of professional golf tournaments. Because of the course’s versatility, it has played host to PGA TOUR, LPGA, and Champions Tour events. A year after the course opened, it became the first course where PGA TOUR professionals competed for the Ohio Kings Island Open from 1973 to 1977. The inaugural tournament was won by the host himself, Jack Nicklaus. In 1978 the LPGA moved in and played the LPGA Championship there until 1989. The Kroger Senior Classic called it home from 1990 – 2001.

As you make your way around the championship golf course, you can see the influence that Desmond Muirhead had on the layout. Long multi-curved fairways with large trees create natural hazards. Numerous water hazards and plenty of bunkers provide added intrigue on all three of the finishing holes.

The City of Mason purchased the property including the golf course and facilities in 2007 and recently rebranded it as The Grizzly Golf and Social Lodge. Today, the Grizzly is an 18-hole championship golf course, with a par 71. From the back tees, the course plays 6,504 yards with a course rating of 71.5 and a slope of 130. I found that the Blue tees (6,057/69.4/127) provided a good test of golf and still let me leave with a little dignity. The Gold Tees measure 4,987 yards and provide a great distance for juniors, seniors, ladies, and those just learning the game. In all, there are four sets of tees and a suitable yardage for any level of golfer.

As part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, The Grizzly played the first annual Mason Golf Classic Tournament, which benefits the Mason Food Pantry. The Mason Golf Classic is an individual stroke play tournament with Men’s, Ladies, Senior’s, and Junior divisions flighted by golfer’s handicap. Golfers from around the region competed in the footsteps of legends! The 2nd annual event will be held on July 1, 2023.

The Grizzly Golf Course is part of a master-planned community that is also 50 years old. So, it is doing what many 50-year-olds do…getting a facelift! Not a major renovation, just tending to certain parts of the course that need immediate attention and can carry the course forward for another 50 years. The tee boxes are taking precedence; with the amount of play the Grizzly gets each year, it’s important to rotate the tee boxes to keep them lush and looking good. Plans call for the modification and addition of several tee boxes as well as increasing the size of some. Efforts will be made to improve drainage on a few fairways, and the irrigation system will be replaced. The number of bunkers will be cut in half to speed up play and reduce stress on maintenance personnel.
There are several holes on this golf course that you will remember for a while. The second hole on The Grizzly’s North Nine is a beautiful, picturesque par 3 that plays 176 yards from the Blue Tees over water with sand flanking either side of the green. The green is large with a false front that fools many players. Par is a good score here. The scorecard has handicapped it #3 on the North Nine.

The 9th hole is a risk/reward par five and is pretty straight; from the tee box, you can see the elevated green. The pond in front of the green starts about 100 yards out from the green and deters a lot of players from going for the green in two. For most players it’s a three-shot hole; they make a birdie with a good approach shot into the large, elevated green which is guarded by two bunkers on the right.

Grizzly saves the best two holes for last! Number 17 (8 West) is a par 4 that plays 360 yards from the Blue Tees. Trees line both sides of the fairway off the tee and two bunkers on the left can easily come into play as well. The approach shot doesn’t get much easier with water on the right side and bunkers front left and long.

Number 18 (9 West) is Grizzly’s signature hole. This double dogleg par 5 plays 526 yards from the Blue tees. Unless you’re a longball hitter, there’s no need to worry about the water you see from the tee box; it’s well over 300 yards away. This hole is all about the layup shot; the farther you can play it down the right side – and avoid the water – the shorter your approach shot. Two good shots will leave a mid to short iron approach shot over water into a sloped green fronted by a large bunker with another in back. Par – or better – is a great way to end your round at The Grizzly!

As far as practice facilities go, the Grizzly has an 11,000-square-foot practice green where you can work on both chipping and putting. The greens run at the same speed as the golf course. There are two full-length driving ranges: one for public use and one for members. If you want to take your practice session to the next level, play the Academy Course; 4 championship holes (2 par 4s and 2 par 5s) where you can practice every shot you’ll face on the Grizzly.

Another all-new feature is the Great 18 Bar & Grill. A name that pays tribute to the 18 major championships Jack Nicklaus won on the PGA TOUR and the 18th hole on the golf course, one of the finest finishing holes in the state! Here you can enjoy casual dining inside the newly remodeled restaurant or enjoy the beautiful patio overlooking the golf course. Great 18 is open year-round with specials throughout the year. They are known for their pig roasts, prime rib dinners, and great weekend entertainment. Visit the website often for weekly specials, off-season hours, and weekend entertainment schedules.

Membership does have its privileges and The Grizzly is no exception. For an annual fee, you’ll receive unlimited golf on The Grizzly and Academy Courses, preferred tee times, charging privileges at the restaurant and pro shop, and discounts on guest fees and pro shop merchandise.

Depending on your perspective – or favorite season – Crystal Mountain is either a ski resort with 59 well-groomed downhill runs or a golf resort with 36 holes of championship golf. Yet, regardless of the season, it’s one of Northern Michigan’s best resorts.

Crystal Mountain has the most unique history of any resort I have ever written about. It began as a school project when a geography teacher at Benzonia High School tasked his students to find the best place in Benzie County, MI to start a ski area. After much research and debate the class determined the Buck Hills Range offered the best combination of terrain and snowfall.

The Buck Hills Ski Area became a reality in 1956 with a rope tow powered by an old pick-up truck engine and a warming hut built with donated lumber. In 1960, Buck Hills became Crystal Mountain Resort when it was purchased by 96 shareholders, many of whom had homes nearby. The new owners made many substantial upgrades including a new lodge with dining and 21 rooms for overnight guests.

By 1966, ownership had dwindled to a small handful of owners who realized that the best way for the resort to be profitable was to make it a year-round destination. Fast forward to 1981 and sole ownership of Crystal Mountain came down to the flip of a coin between George Petritz and Robert Meyer. Crystal Mountain has been owned by the Petritz family ever since.

Golf entered the equation at Crystal Mountain in 1977 with the opening of the Betsie Valley golf course. Mountain Ridge followed in 1995. Both Betsie Valley and Mountain Ridge have received the prestigious 4-star rating from Golf Digest Magazine and are members of America’s Summer Golf Capital, a collection of resort properties that feature 26 golf courses across northern Michigan. Both courses play out of the same clubhouse, which features a well-stocked pro shop, The Thistle restaurant and bar, and an outdoor patio complete with a bar, grill, and oftentimes live music.

Before your round, be sure to visit Crystal Mountain’s 10-acre learning center and practice facility. You’ll find a targeted grass range, along with a short game area featuring chipping and putting greens complete with sand bunkers for practicing. Everything you need for a quick tune-up before heading to the first tee! The Learning Center is also home to Crystal Mountain Golf School, which has been recognized as one of the best golf schools by Golf Digest. They feature a variety of single or multi-day lesson options including private, group, women-only, and juniors.

Since opening in 1977, the Betsie Valley course has received many upgrades, most recently from the summer of 2021 to the spring of 2022. Renovations included widening the fairways, building new tee boxes, a forestry management project to clear out brush, redesigned cart paths, and more. Even with all of these changes, the course still retains its original character and is now more playable than ever before.

The Mountain Ridge course was carved from the mountainside, so it offers both a challenge and some terrific views. The golf course covers a range of elevation changes from subtle to spectacular; in all, you’ll ascend over 200’ during your round. Mountain Ridge is situated among huge Northern Michigan pine trees that frame many of the fairways and greens. Water is a predominant factor on the first four holes, guarding the left side of both #1 and #2 greens, and then off the tee on Numbers 3 and 4. You won’t see the wet stuff again until the 9th hole. After that, you only see it on Numbers 10 and 12. Bunkers and sandy waste areas are more prevalent on Mountain Ridge than on Betsie Valley and usually factor into play. This course emphasizes brains over brawn, and having a sound strategy for each hole is important.

Like Betsie Valley, Mountain Ridge is very playable and offers the same four sets of tees and combo yardage with distances ranging from 6,973 to 5,018 yards. I found the White Tees again to be a fitting challenge.

With a course this beautiful there are many memorable holes but what I remember most are the par 3s; they were scenic, challenging, and fun to play. The second hole plays 143 yards, slightly downhill into an hourglass-shaped green with bunkers on either side as well as water on the left. The green is deeper than it is wide, so distance control is important.

The 183-yard, 5th hole plays slightly downhill and sometimes one club less than usual. With one large bunker front left and three more surrounding the back of the green, playing to the front right portion may not be a bad idea, regardless of where the pin is. Be sure to take in the views before you tee off.

Number 12 may be the toughest of these four. It plays 177 yards and the deep-faced grass bunker in front of the green gives it the feeling of a much shorter hole. Don’t be fooled though; as you will want to hit one extra club to carry your ball onto the green avoiding the grass bunker in front. Anything hit short right will likely find the waste area or bunker.

Mountain Ridge hole number 17 is the course’s signature par three, playing 169 yards straight downhill. The green slopes front to back, which makes it harder to stop the ball on the putting surface.

When it comes to accommodations, Crystal Mountain has the widest variety of any golf or ski resort—everything from hotel-style rooms that sleep two or four guests to mountainside homes that sleep up to 14. There are bungalows and cottages to choose from; all are equipped with everything you’ll need during your visit and, if you need something, just ask. They have the politest staff I have ever met. Visit the website for a complete rundown of everything they offer, including a long list of houseguest perks.

Crystal Mountain offers several dining alternatives from pizza and subs at Betsie River Pizza to casual fine dining at The Thistle. As its name implies, this Scottish-themed venue has something for everyone. It’s best described as come-as-you-are fine dining. The menu is eclectic with everything from burgers

and fries to Cornish hen and rack of lamb. Breakfast is served daily at the Wild Tomato with just about any breakfast food you can think of. They also serve lunch and dinner. During the winter, Wild Tomato adds several “igloos” to their property where you can enjoy a cocktail and shareables outside under the twinkling lights of the Michigan sky.

Gull Lake View Resort on the outskirts of Kalamazoo in Augusta, Michigan is recognized by many as the premier stay-and-play golf resort in the Midwest. There as six golf courses, none of which will beat you up too badly. Each golf course has earned at least 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. In 2017, the Scott family unveiled their latest creation Stoatin Brae, a course unlike any other on the property. Actually, saying it is unlike any other golf course in the state would be more apropos. On a recent visit to the area, I was able to play two of my favorite courses: Stoatin Brae and Stonehedge North.

Except for Bedford Valley in Battle Creek, all of the golf courses at Gull Lake View Resort were designed by members of the Scott family. In creating Stoatin Brae, Gull Lake View partnered with Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design and created a course where every golfer, regardless of ability, can find an appropriate tee box to play from and have a memorable golf experience. Stoatin Brae was named both Michigan and National Golf Course of the Year in 2021.

Stoatin Brae sits at one of the highest elevation points in Kalamazoo County with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. As you turn into the driveway and make the 200-foot climb up to the top, you’ll find the clubhouse and first tee overlooking the Kalamazoo River Valley. Look to the east and you may catch a glimpse of downtown Battle Creek in the distance.

Years ago, the property was an apple orchard. An investment group bought the property and removed all of the apple trees, with the hope of creating a new residential development. When those plans fell through, they sold the land to the Scott family who planted a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers. A golfer could play Stoatin Brae once a month and see a different course each time because of the color changes throughout the grass and flower-growing seasons.

Unlike the other courses at Gull Lake View, the fairways are wide open, firm, and fast. Because of its elevation, Stoatin Brae has no water hazards, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. The green complexes and strategically placed bunkers require golfers to think their way around the golf course. Quite often, your best tee shot is not down the middle. The way many of the par 4s are set up you’ll have a better angle into the green from one side of the fairway or the other. Other than the long, wispy grasses you may encounter when you are well off the fairway, it’s hard to lose a golf ball.

And let’s not forget the wind. At Stoatin Brae there are many constants, and the wind is one of them! When the wind is blowing, Stoatin Brae becomes a different course. If you’re a good player you will be challenged in windy conditions. If you’re a not-so-good weekend warrior, you’ll be able to find your ball and hit it again.

One of my favorite holes is the 10th. At 315 yards from the Black Tees, it’s a short par 4, but as you stand on the tee, you can’t help but wonder where the best place is to hit your tee shot. As it turns out, a long drive down the left side and over the hill provides the best angle into the green. If you can see your tee shot when it lands, you’ll probably have a tougher approach shot. Several rugged bunkers guard the green which angles away from the fairway.

Even though they offer some of the best golf in the area, Gull Lake View Resort is always looking to improve its offerings off the golf course. For those needing lodging, Gull Lake View Resort offers spacious, comfortable, and affordable accommodations. And best of all, they are on-site, giving you more time to sleep for those early morning tee times! They can accommodate just about any size group with one of their three lodging options: villa suites, deluxe villas, and luxury cottages. All three feature a centralized living space with a big-screen TV, full kitchens, 2 bedrooms with 2 full beds in each, 2 bathrooms, and Free Wi-Fi. Luxury cottages also have TVs in each bedroom, fireplaces, and queen beds.

They’ve got you covered when you get hungry, too. Charles and Darl’s is located in the main clubhouse and serves three meals a day, starting at 6 a.m. and serving food until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Each meal is cooked to order with lunch and dinner leaning toward the BBQ side. If you’re looking to feed a large group of people, they offer a bulk pick-up menu. No matter what you order or when you won’t leave disappointed…or hungry!

No matter which course you play at Gull Lake View the goal is to have a fun, memorable experience. Choose the set of tees that best suits your game at any course and that’s almost a guarantee.

Gull Lake View Resort is ideally situated between Chicago and Detroit, the resort draws well from these two markets as well as Columbus, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Toronto. There’s no reason to travel north of Traverse City to find golf courses that will amaze and captivate any golfer. If you’re close to any of these cities, Gull Lake View Resort is worthy of consideration for your next golf trip.

Gull Lake View Resort on the outskirts of Kalamazoo in Augusta, Michigan is recognized by many as the premier stay-and-play golf resort in the Midwest. There as six golf courses, none of which will beat you up too badly. Each golf course has earned at least 4.5 stars from Golf Digest. In 2017, the Scott family unveiled their latest creation Stoatin Brae, a course unlike any other on the property. Actually, saying it is unlike any other golf course in the state would be more apropos. On a recent visit to the area, I was able to play two of my favorite courses: Stoatin Brae and Stonehedge North.

Except for Bedford Valley in Battle Creek, all of the golf courses at Gull Lake View Resort were designed by members of the Scott family. In creating Stoatin Brae, Gull Lake View partnered with Tom Doak’s Renaissance Golf Design and created a course where every golfer, regardless of ability, can find an appropriate tee box to play from and have a memorable golf experience. Stoatin Brae was named both Michigan and National Golf Course of the Year in 2021.

Stoatin Brae sits at one of the highest elevation points in Kalamazoo County with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. As you turn into the driveway and make the 200-foot climb up to the top, you’ll find the clubhouse and first tee overlooking the Kalamazoo River Valley. Look to the east and you may catch a glimpse of downtown Battle Creek in the distance.

Years ago, the property was an apple orchard. An investment group bought the property and removed all of the apple trees, with the hope of creating a new residential development. When those plans fell through, they sold the land to the Scott family who planted a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers. A golfer could play Stoatin Brae once a month and see a different course each time because of the color changes throughout the grass and flower-growing seasons.

Unlike the other courses at Gull Lake View, the fairways are wide open, firm, and fast. Because of its elevation, Stoatin Brae has no water hazards, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. The green complexes and strategically placed bunkers require golfers to think their way around the golf course. Quite often, your best tee shot is not down the middle. The way many of the par 4s are set up you’ll have a better angle into the green from one side of the fairway or the other. Other than the long, wispy grasses you may encounter when you are well off the fairway, it’s hard to lose a golf ball.

And let’s not forget the wind. At Stoatin Brae there are many constants, and the wind is one of them! When the wind is blowing, Stoatin Brae becomes a different course. If you’re a good player you will be challenged in windy conditions. If you’re a not-so-good weekend warrior, you’ll be able to find your ball and hit it again.

One of my favorite holes is the 10th. At 315 yards from the Black Tees, it’s a short par 4, but as you stand on the tee, you can’t help but wonder where the best place is to hit your tee shot. As it turns out, a long drive down the left side and over the hill provides the best angle into the green. If you can see your tee shot when it lands, you’ll probably have a tougher approach shot. Several rugged bunkers guard the green which angles away from the fairway.

Even though they offer some of the best golf in the area, Gull Lake View Resort is always looking to improve its offerings off the golf course. For those needing lodging, Gull Lake View Resort offers spacious, comfortable, and affordable accommodations. And best of all, they are on-site, giving you more time to sleep for those early morning tee times! They can accommodate just about any size group with one of their three lodging options: villa suites, deluxe villas, and luxury cottages. All three feature a centralized living space with a big-screen TV, full kitchens, 2 bedrooms with 2 full beds in each, 2 bathrooms, and Free Wi-Fi. Luxury cottages also have TVs in each bedroom, fireplaces, and queen beds.

They’ve got you covered when you get hungry, too. Charles and Darl’s is located in the main clubhouse and serves three meals a day, starting at 6 a.m. and serving food until 10 p.m. seven days a week. Each meal is cooked to order with lunch and dinner leaning toward the BBQ side. If you’re looking to feed a large group of people, they offer a bulk pick-up menu. No matter what you order or when you won’t leave disappointed…or hungry!

No matter which course you play at Gull Lake View the goal is to have a fun, memorable experience. Choose the set of tees that best suits your game at any course and that’s almost a guarantee.

Gull Lake View Resort is ideally situated between Chicago and Detroit, the resort draws well from these two markets as well as Columbus, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, and Toronto. There’s no reason to travel north of Traverse City to find golf courses that will amaze and captivate any golfer. If you’re close to any of these cities, Gull Lake View Resort is worthy of consideration for your next golf trip.

When preacher-turned-businessman Randy Clay and his wife Sue turned their church software business Suran (short for Sue and Randy) over to their son Alex to pursue some of life’s other interests, there was little doubt that the couple would have more success.

Randy’s next order of business was to make The Woodford Club – a golf course he had just purchased – profitable. These days, that is not easily done in the golf industry these days.

When I first met Randy in 2020, his vision was to make The Woodford Club a totally private club. However, with 26 courses within a 20-mile radius of Versailles, KY, it would not be an easy task. These days The Woodford Club is a semi-private facility with a lot to offer those who seek membership. There’s a beautiful swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fishing, and a full-service restaurant. But the biggest draw to the club is the 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course that is always well-groomed and challenging.

Randy Clay is determined to take his golf product to the next level and earlier this year hired Bob Baldassari, a longtime member of the PGA and founder of Reimagine Golf, whose expertise in player development will help bring about the next generation of young golfers and potential members to The Woodford Club.

The golf course originally opened in 1967 as Woodford Hills Country Club. A few years later it was sold and became known as Moss Hill Golf Course. Kentucky Golf Hall of Famer Buck Blakenship designed and built the golf course which is set amid the rolling pastures of thoroughbred horse country just outside Versailles. The Woodford Club hosted the Women’s Kentucky Senior State Amateur Tournament in 2020 and 2021. Aside from golf, the Club has a couple of things going for it. For starters, it’s situated in the middle of the Horse Capital of the World. Second, it’s right on the Bourbon Trail.

This tight, parkland-style course features narrow, tree-lined fairways carpeted in plush Zoysia grass leading to lush Bentgrass greens that roll true and at just the right speeds. With deceptive angles and constant, sometimes subtle, elevation changes which lead to a number of blind tee shots, both off the tee and in the fairway. Many of the greens are guarded by bunkers although sometimes the elevation changes around the green complexes are simply enough.

The Woodford Club may not be the longest course in the area, but what it will provide you with is a challenge and the need to think your way around the layout. From the back (Blue) tees the course plays 6,119 yards to a par of 71 with a course rating of 70.1 and a slope of 129. Move up a set to the Whites and the yardage drops to slightly less than 5,900 yards however the course rating drops only slightly to 69.2 with a slope of 126. Two other sets of tees, the Gold (5,331/66.0/117) and the Red (4,870/68.3/113) provide yardages and challenges that will make the round exciting and memorable for all levels of golfers.

The holes I seem to remember the most from my last visit to The Woodford Club are the par 3s, they play long and challenging. There is one on the front side and three on the back. The first, Number 2, is 184 yards from the Blue Tees and plays slightly uphill with trees that dot the landscape from tee to green. Pay particular attention to the two trees on the right side near the green. A tee shot slightly offline can easily find one of them or the bunker. Either one presents a tricky up-and-down.

Number 11 is a pretty straightforward, 180-yard par 3 into a small green with trees back left and bunkers on the right side. The green is a lot deeper than it is wide and can easily be a one or two-club difference depending on pin placement.

The 13th hole plays 168 yards from the Blue Tees and is one of the few water holes on the golf course. Your tee shot is all carry over water into a green less than 20 yards deep with a large tree on the right. Par is a good score here.

The final par 3, Number 15, plays 174 yards. With a small pot bunker directly in the middle of the front of the green, most golfers will need to carry their tee shot onto the putting surface in order to have a fair shot at par or better.

During our round, I spoke with a number of members and regular players at The Woodford Club about the golf course. All mentioned how much they like the golf course as well as all of the changes Randy Clay and his staff have made. They also unanimously decided that the 14th hole was the most challenging. This 434-yard par 4 requires (at least) two well-struck shots to get on – or in close proximity to – the green. It's a gentle dogleg right with a fairway that slopes right to left. The length is what stigmatizes most players, there are no bunkers or greenside hazards. The green is long and narrow and can easily be a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. It's not hard to see why it is considered the toughest hole on the golf course.

The Woodford Club also has a full-length driving range just beyond the clubhouse where you can hit all of the clubs in your bag. Multiple targets give you something to shoot for. There’s also a short game area and a practice putting green will help you get the speed of the greens down before heading to the first tee.

The pool at The Woodford Club seems to be a family gathering place, especially on weekends. It’s open from Memorial Day to just after Labor Day, weather permitting. There’s also a baby pool and an active youth swim team. The outdoor Conch Bar is a great place to grab a bite to eat, drink, and catch the game on TV with friends.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the Jack Jouett Tavern offers some of the best cuisine in Woodford County. The Tavern gets its name from an American farmer and politician best known for his “all night ride” in which he rescued Governor Thomas Jefferson from British capture. It really says a lot when non-golfers are filling the dining room! Randy Clay kept the kitchen open for carryout during COVID and that popularity has continued ever since. The Tavern is open from 11 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm Sunday. There’s a Sunday Brunch from 11 am – 2 pm. The Tavern is best known for its selection of over 50 small-batch bourbons and The Tater Bomb – a fried concoction of bacon, cheese & potato balls served with red-eye ranch dip. They are a must-try!

If you’re interested in becoming a member of The Woodford Club, you’re in luck. They are currently accepting applications. Several membership levels are available. The Full Membership includes everything the club has to offer including golf, tennis, pickleball, and fishing. You have the choice of being a weekday-only member or a 7-day member. Looking at the membership rates on their website, it’s quite a bargain. Pool memberships and social memberships are also available.

If you need any more information about the Woodford Club, you can probably find it on their website,

When preacher-turned-businessman Randy Clay and his wife Sue turned their church software business Suran (short for Sue and Randy) over to their son Alex to pursue some of life’s other interests, there was little doubt that the couple would have more success.

Randy’s next order of business was to make The Woodford Club – a golf course he had just purchased – profitable. These days, that is not easily done in the golf industry these days.

When I first met Randy in 2020, his vision was to make The Woodford Club a totally private club. However, with 26 courses within a 20-mile radius of Versailles, KY, it would not be an easy task. These days The Woodford Club is a semi-private facility with a lot to offer those who seek membership. There’s a beautiful swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, fishing, and a full-service restaurant. But the biggest draw to the club is the 18-hole, par 71 championship golf course that is always well-groomed and challenging.

Randy Clay is determined to take his golf product to the next level and earlier this year hired Bob Baldassari, a longtime member of the PGA and founder of Reimagine Golf, whose expertise in player development will help bring about the next generation of young golfers and potential members to The Woodford Club.

The golf course originally opened in 1967 as Woodford Hills Country Club. A few years later it was sold and became known as Moss Hill Golf Course. Kentucky Golf Hall of Famer Buck Blakenship designed and built the golf course which is set amid the rolling pastures of thoroughbred horse country just outside Versailles. The Woodford Club hosted the Women’s Kentucky Senior State Amateur Tournament in 2020 and 2021. Aside from golf, the Club has a couple of things going for it. For starters, it’s situated in the middle of the Horse Capital of the World. Second, it’s right on the Bourbon Trail.

This tight, parkland-style course features narrow, tree-lined fairways carpeted in plush Zoysia grass leading to lush Bentgrass greens that roll true and at just the right speeds. With deceptive angles and constant, sometimes subtle, elevation changes which lead to a number of blind tee shots, both off the tee and in the fairway. Many of the greens are guarded by bunkers although sometimes the elevation changes around the green complexes are simply enough.

The Woodford Club may not be the longest course in the area, but what it will provide you with is a challenge and the need to think your way around the layout. From the back (Blue) tees the course plays 6,119 yards to a par of 71 with a course rating of 70.1 and a slope of 129. Move up a set to the Whites and the yardage drops to slightly less than 5,900 yards however the course rating drops only slightly to 69.2 with a slope of 126. Two other sets of tees, the Gold (5,331/66.0/117) and the Red (4,870/68.3/113) provide yardages and challenges that will make the round exciting and memorable for all levels of golfers.

The holes I seem to remember the most from my last visit to The Woodford Club are the par 3s, they play long and challenging. There is one on the front side and three on the back. The first, Number 2, is 184 yards from the Blue Tees and plays slightly uphill with trees that dot the landscape from tee to green. Pay particular attention to the two trees on the right side near the green. A tee shot slightly offline can easily find one of them or the bunker. Either one presents a tricky up-and-down.

Number 11 is a pretty straightforward, 180-yard par 3 into a small green with trees back left and bunkers on the right side. The green is a lot deeper than it is wide and can easily be a one or two-club difference depending on pin placement.

The 13th hole plays 168 yards from the Blue Tees and is one of the few water holes on the golf course. Your tee shot is all carry over water into a green less than 20 yards deep with a large tree on the right. Par is a good score here.

The final par 3, Number 15, plays 174 yards. With a small pot bunker directly in the middle of the front of the green, most golfers will need to carry their tee shot onto the putting surface in order to have a fair shot at par or better.

During our round, I spoke with a number of members and regular players at The Woodford Club about the golf course. All mentioned how much they like the golf course as well as all of the changes Randy Clay and his staff have made. They also unanimously decided that the 14th hole was the most challenging. This 434-yard par 4 requires (at least) two well-struck shots to get on – or in close proximity to – the green. It's a gentle dogleg right with a fairway that slopes right to left. The length is what stigmatizes most players, there are no bunkers or greenside hazards. The green is long and narrow and can easily be a two-club difference between a front and back pin placement. It's not hard to see why it is considered the toughest hole on the golf course.

The Woodford Club also has a full-length driving range just beyond the clubhouse where you can hit all of the clubs in your bag. Multiple targets give you something to shoot for. There’s also a short game area and a practice putting green will help you get the speed of the greens down before heading to the first tee.

The pool at The Woodford Club seems to be a family gathering place, especially on weekends. It’s open from Memorial Day to just after Labor Day, weather permitting. There’s also a baby pool and an active youth swim team. The outdoor Conch Bar is a great place to grab a bite to eat, drink, and catch the game on TV with friends.

If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, the Jack Jouett Tavern offers some of the best cuisine in Woodford County. The Tavern gets its name from an American farmer and politician best known for his “all night ride” in which he rescued Governor Thomas Jefferson from British capture. It really says a lot when non-golfers are filling the dining room! Randy Clay kept the kitchen open for carryout during COVID and that popularity has continued ever since. The Tavern is open from 11 am to 9 pm Monday-Saturday and 10 am to 9 pm Sunday. There’s a Sunday Brunch from 11 am – 2 pm. The Tavern is best known for its selection of over 50 small-batch bourbons and The Tater Bomb – a fried concoction of bacon, cheese & potato balls served with red-eye ranch dip. They are a must-try!

If you’re interested in becoming a member of The Woodford Club, you’re in luck. They are currently accepting applications. Several membership levels are available. The Full Membership includes everything the club has to offer including golf, tennis, pickleball, and fishing. You have the choice of being a weekday-only member or a 7-day member. Looking at the membership rates on their website, it’s quite a bargain. Pool memberships and social memberships are also available.

If you need any more information about the Woodford Club, you can probably find it on their website,

No golf trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Boyne Resorts near Petoskey, MI. In my mind, no other Michigan golf resort offers the variety of golf courses that Boyne has. Golfers have the opportunity to play ten uniquely different golf courses; stay in a variety of accommodations designed to meet anyone’s needs and dine at some incredible restaurants.

Recently, I was able to play several courses in the Boyne Resorts lineup including two of my favorite Highlands courses, the Arthur Hills Course and the Robert Trent Jones-designed Heather Course. The Hills Course is one of Hill’s best efforts and showcases the beauty of the Northern Michigan terrain. Strategically placed bunkers dot the landscape in many of the landing areas and narrow approach passages lead to surprising yet subtle greens. Miss the fairway and you’ll find a lot of mounding on the peripheries of each hole. The 13th hole is considered by many to be one of the most spectacular holes in Northern Michigan. It measures 516 yards from the Blue tees and plays downhill. It begins with a tee shot from the top of a ski slope down to a landing area that is wide enough to land an aircraft. A good drive will leave an option to go for the green in two. There are no bunkers in the landing area on this hole, however, the four traps around the green complex more than make up for it. The green slopes in from all sides creating a bowl effect. While this may make for a shorter putt, rest assured it will have plenty of break!

Boyne continues to reinvest in the infrastructure of their golf courses which will pay huge dividends down the road and have an immediate impact on their golf courses. For example, work was recently completed on the Central Irrigation installation on Donald Ross Memorial and Arthur Hills courses. This new system can be controlled remotely and is significantly more efficient. There were also upgrades to the pump houses and irrigation systems on several other courses and a brand new system that services The Heather and The Moor courses.

Other improvements include over five miles of new cart path on The Heather, Arthur Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial golf courses, and taking measures to speed up play on a couple of courses.

Perhaps the biggest news at Boyne this year is that during the summer of 2023, construction began on the Ray Hearn completely redesigned nine-hole short course which will be routed across a sloping site set among fescue grasses. Hole length will range from 8 to 120 yards. “Hearn will be recreating nine of his favorite greens from Scotland, Ireland, and England. With no formal tees golfers will have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can play shots from different lies and angles.

No golf trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Boyne Resorts near Petoskey, MI. In my mind, no other Michigan golf resort offers the variety of golf courses that Boyne has. Golfers have the opportunity to play ten uniquely different golf courses; stay in a variety of accommodations designed to meet anyone’s needs and dine at some incredible restaurants.

Recently, I was able to play several courses in the Boyne Resorts lineup including two of my favorite courses, the Alpine and the Monument at Boyne Mountain. Regardless of which course you play, both start with a one-mile drive up the mountain to the first tees. Then it’s all downhill from there, so to speak. Each of the resort’s 36 holes presents a challenge in its own right and uses every aspect of the beautiful northern Michigan terrain, from the summit of the ski slopes to tee boxes with views of the lake. The Alpine Course plays host to Michigan's Tournament of Champions each year and offers stunning panoramic views of Deer Lake from its mountain setting. Since you’re starting at the top of the mountain, most holes play downhill, and well-hit drives are rewarded with much more manageable approach shots. The forgiving greens will give you more confidence in your short game, something that will come in handy at Boyne’s two off-property courses – Crooked Tree Golf Club and Bay Harbor.

Boyne continues to reinvest in the infrastructure of their golf courses which will pay huge dividends down the road and have an immediate impact on their golf courses. For example, work was recently completed on the Central Irrigation installation on Donald Ross Memorial and Arthur Hills courses. This new system can be controlled remotely and is significantly more efficient. There were also upgrades to the pump houses and irrigation systems on several other courses and a brand new system that services The Heather and The Moor courses.

Other improvements include over five miles of new cart path on The Heather, Arthur Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial golf courses, and taking measures to speed up play on a couple of courses.

Perhaps the biggest news at Boyne this year is that during the summer of 2023, construction began on the Ray Hearn completely redesigned nine-hole short course which will be routed across a sloping site set among fescue grasses. Hole length will range from 8 to 120 yards. “Hearn will be recreating nine of his favorite greens from Scotland, Ireland, and England. With no formal tees golfers will have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can play shots from different lies and angles.

Metropolitan Golf Group – located in Monroe Township, NJ - is well on the way to making a name for themselves in the Hilton Head Island area of South Carolina. In April 2023, MGG paid cash for Crescent Pointe Golf Club in Bluffton, SC, the only Arnold Palmer-designed publicly accessible golf course in the area. In September, they added the Davis Love III-designed Eagle’s Pointe Golf Club - also in Bluffton – to their portfolio.
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Crescent Pointe originally opened for play in 2000 and quickly gained a reputation as one of the “Lowcountry’s best layouts.” In 2010 the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association named Crescent Pointe its 2010 Golf Course of the Year.

The course weaves its way around strands of towering pines, magnolias, and ancient oak trees. Wetlands and lakes enter the picture on several holes and need to be navigated as you make your way to Palmer’s large, well-undulated greens where slopes and breaks tend to be on the subtle side. There are several forced carries over water but, if you’re playing from the right tees, they shouldn’t be a problem.

This highly playable, strategic design rewards good shots but doesn’t over-penalize poor hits. You’ll find generous fairways, large, elevated greens, and a variety of bunkers. Palmer tended to build bunkers in areas where grass was hard to grow. This leads to large waste bunkers that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also define landing areas and can be somewhat penal in nature. You’ll find beach bunkers on three holes at Crescent Pointe with sand that stretches to the edge of the lagoon. The majority of bunkers have been designed in true Palmer style and follow the natural undulation of the land very closely.

Crescent Pointe also features something unique to the area: rolling terrain with noticeable elevation changes; an element that is missing from many Lowcountry layouts. Several holes play along the Colleton River with expansive marsh views.

Crescent Pointe offers golfers six sets of tees. The back (Palmer) tees play 6,773 yards with a course rating of 72.9 and a slope of 137. Move up to the White Tees (6,003/68.5/125) and you just might be able to keep a little dignity. For those who prefer the forward tees, you can choose from yardages of, 5,533, 5,005, and 4,126 yards. There truly is something for every level of golfer.

As you might expect, the course has a number of memorable holes. Number 2 is a 152-yard par 3 that is all carry. There's a bunker short of the green and another in the back with a rock-walled pond guarding the entire right side. This hole is reminiscent of Number 17 at Bay Hill in Orlando. Bailout left of the green and you may find yourself hitting a chip shot from among the grass mounds.

The 6th hole is a risk/reward par 5 that plays 465 yards from the White tees. It’s a dogleg right around water, in fact, to get to the green, you’ll need to play over the water at some point. A good drive will leave a decision to either lay up short of the water or try and make it onto the island green. Beware of the large bunker left of the fairway should you choose to lay up. Apart from the water that surrounds the green, there are bunkers on either side.

Number 10 at Crescent Pointe is a fun par 4 that plays 387 yards and places an emphasis on accuracy off the tee. It’s a slight dogleg left with 5 bunkers in the landing area on either side of the fairway. Water comes into play on the right with more sand guarding the front right and entire left side. Anything left of the cart path will be in the trees and anything long can easily find the water.

The 11th hole is an interesting par 5 that plays 494 yards from the White Tees. Longball hitters need to be aware of the water that crosses the fairway in the landing area. Favor the left side of the fairway on your layup shot and hit something just short of the trio of bunkers. Success thus far will leave a short chip shot into a triangular green with two bunkers on the right side. Anything right of the cart path on this hole will again find the trees.

Eighteen presents a challenging way to end your round and has the distinction of being the only hole at Crescent Pointe that has no water hazards. The hole plays 387 yards from the White Tees and features large waste bunkers on either side of the fairway up to the dogleg. A good drive that carries the right-side bunker and cuts the corner will leave a mid-iron approach shot into a long, narrow green. A large bunker guards the left side and wetlands guard the right, so the emphasis is on accuracy once again.

Before your round, warm up on Crescent Pointe’s full-length driving range, where you can hit every club in the bag. You’ll want to because odds are you’ll use every one of them. There’s also a nice short game area and practice putting green.

When you head to the pro shop to check in, take a few moments and look over the great selection of golf equipment and logoed golf apparel Crescent Pointe has to offer. You’ll also find a wide assortment of polos, gloves, hats, shorts, and socks for both men and women. Remember, if you can’t dazzle them with your game, you might as well look the part!

The best way to take advantage of everything Crescent Pointe Golf Club has to offer is to become a member. You’ll have full access to the practice facility, dining room, and golf course, and be able to spend quality time with your family as you develop new friendships. Memberships are available for individuals, families, and corporations.

Metropolitan Golf is well on the way to returning Crescent Pointe to its original glory. I’m confident they will do the same thing with Eagle’s Pointe in the near future. For more information or to book your next round, give them a call at (843) 706-2600 or visit them online at www.crescentpointegc.com. They’re just a short, 3-mile detour from the bridge to Hilton Head Island!

No golf trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Boyne Resorts near Petoskey, MI. In my mind, no other Michigan golf resort offers the variety of golf courses that Boyne has. Golfers have the opportunity to play ten uniquely different golf courses; stay in a variety of accommodations designed to meet anyone’s needs and dine at some incredible restaurants.

Recently, I was able to play several courses in the Boyne Resorts lineup including two of my favorite Highlands courses, the Arthur Hills Course and the Robert Trent Jones-designed Heather Course. The Heather Course was Boyne’s first golf course and is as challenging today as it was then. Having hosted numerous state and national championships, the Heather has earned its reputation as one of the finest championship courses in the entire United States. In 2019 it was named “National Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association). Number 18 is my favorite hole on the Heather Course; I can remember the first time I played it. It’s a long par 4 that requires a well-struck drive followed by a long approach shot over a lake into a green that slopes back to front. It may not be the toughest hole on the golf course but it sure is memorable!

Boyne continues to reinvest in the infrastructure of their golf courses which will pay huge dividends down the road and have an immediate impact on their golf courses. For example, work was recently completed on the Central Irrigation installation on Donald Ross Memorial and Arthur Hills courses. This new system can be controlled remotely and is significantly more efficient. There were also upgrades to the pump houses and irrigation systems on several other courses and a brand new system that services The Heather and The Moor courses.

Other improvements include over five miles of new cart path on The Heather, Arthur Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial golf courses, and taking measures to speed up play on a couple of courses.

Perhaps the biggest news at Boyne this year is that during the summer of 2023, construction began on the Ray Hearn completely redesigned nine-hole short course which will be routed across a sloping site set among fescue grasses. Hole length will range from 8 to 120 yards. “Hearn will be recreating nine of his favorite greens from Scotland, Ireland, and England. With no formal tees golfers will have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can play shots from different lies and angles.

No golf trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Boyne Resorts near Petoskey, MI. In my mind, no other Michigan golf resort offers the variety of golf courses that Boyne has. Golfers have the opportunity to play ten uniquely different golf courses; stay in a variety of accommodations designed to meet anyone’s needs and dine at some incredible restaurants.

Recently, I was able to play several courses in the Boyne Resorts lineup including one I’ve always wanted to play, Crooked Tree. After many attempts to work Crooked Tree Golf Club into my rotation, I finally succeeded, and rest assured, I was not disappointed! Crooked Tree is situated on bluffs high above Little Traverse Bay. The front nine winds its way through centuries-old stands of hardwood trees which lead to well-manicured, undulating greens. You’ll find significant elevation changes from tee to green with the first four holes playing from well-elevated tee boxes. Some tee shots require a modest carry over marshlands onto wide, receptive fairways. The views of Little Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan make Crooked Tree one of the most photographed golf courses in the state. The 4th hole is handicapped #1 for men. From the Blue Tees, the hole measures 381 yards, so the length is not a big concern. The key to conquering this hole is all in the tee shot, you need to play something that finds the short grass and leaves a direct shot into the green. The fairway bunkers on either side come into play regularly and create a very narrow landing area between them. If you find yourself stymied behind one of the grass mounds in the left bunker, good luck! Pin placement dictates where you want to be in the fairway; the general rule is that with a left pin, you want to be on the right side and vice versa. Trees on either side near the green come into play as well; finding your ball may be the least of your problems! Par is a great score!

Boyne continues to reinvest in the infrastructure of their golf courses which will pay huge dividends down the road and have an immediate impact on their golf courses. For example, work was recently completed on the Central Irrigation installation on Donald Ross Memorial and Arthur Hills courses. This new system can be controlled remotely and is significantly more efficient. There were also upgrades to the pump houses and irrigation systems on several other courses and a brand new system that services The Heather and The Moor courses.

Other improvements include over five miles of new cart path on The Heather, Arthur Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial golf courses, and taking measures to speed up play on a couple of courses.

Perhaps the biggest news at Boyne this year is that during the summer of 2023, construction began on the Ray Hearn completely redesigned nine-hole short course which will be routed across a sloping site set among fescue grasses. Hole length will range from 8 to 120 yards. “Hearn will be recreating nine of his favorite greens from Scotland, Ireland, and England. With no formal tees golfers will have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can play shots from different lies and angles.

As promised, Concert Golf has initiated a $7 million capital improvement plan and the first steps are already in progress. The driving range was recently re-grassed and equipped with TurfHound tee stations. TurfHound provides a surface that mimics the feel of real grass without requiring a lawnmower.! The renovation of the clubhouse is also well underway. According to Fairall, "We have completed the demolition phase and are now in the process of rebuilding everything!"

Playing Marsh Landing is like taking a 4-hour ride through a nature preserve. The course was designed by Arnold Palmer Course Design partner Ed Seay who was able to keep most of the landscape intact and incorporate the natural features of the terrain into the layout. The course uses a lot of creative routing and features two very diverse nines. The front side meanders through serene, intercoastal marshlands with the odd towering pine tree; water comes into play on every hole. The back nine looks as if it has been carved from thick lagoons and tidal marshes. You get a break from the water on the first two holes but then it re-emerges for the rest of the round. As you would expect with a country club of this caliber, fairways are manicured, bunkers are raked to near-perfection and the greens roll true. Even though the community dates back to 1985, March Landing is still one of the most prestigious developments in the area. You’ll get the picture as you pass some impressive homes on the golf course.

Marsh Landing has its share of memorable holes; my two favorites are Number 12 and 17. For many members, the 12th hole is the layout’s signature hole. It’s an incredible par 3 that plays 160 yards from the Member Tees. Start off from an elevated tee box over a soggy marshland into a small green protected in the front and back by bunkers. It’s pretty much all carry from tee to green with no real bailout area to speak of. Long is better than short!

Number 17 is a challenging par 5, especially if you’ve never played it before. It plays 495 yards, is almost dead straight, and is one of the tighter driving holes on the golf course. It does open up a bit in the landing area, but you can’t tell that from the tee box. There’s water on the right should you push your drive and a bunker on the left side if you hit it too well. What you may not know – I didn’t – is that a large wetland area comes into play about 130 yards in front of the green. Unless you can hit your fairway wood longer than you just hit your drive, your best bet is to lay up and leave yourself a manageable distance into the green which is protected by a large bunker on the right. Beware of the two fairway bunkers on the right just short of the marsh. Par is a good score here!

At a Country Club where the main focus is golf, you would expect to find first-rate practice facilities and Marsh Landing doesn’t disappoint. You can get in some practice at their full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag or sharpen your short-game skills on the chipping green. Then, move over to the practice green and stroke some putts.

Inside the pro shop, you’ll find the latest golf fashions and styles, so you’ll not only play your best, but you’ll also look good too!

In addition to a top-rated 18-hole championship golf course, Marsh Landing Country Club features 10 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, a large fitness facility, and a resort-style pool.

Membership is the best way to experience all that Marsh Landing Country Club has to offer. All Memberships include primary, spouse, and children under the age of 23. Each membership category has a one-time, non-refundable initiation fee, plus monthly dues.

No golf trip to Northern Michigan is complete without a visit to Boyne Resorts near Petoskey, MI. In my mind, no other Michigan golf resort offers the variety of golf courses that Boyne has. Golfers have the opportunity to play ten uniquely different golf courses; stay in a variety of accommodations designed to meet anyone’s needs and dine at some incredible restaurants.

Recently, I was able to play several courses in the Boyne Resorts lineup including my favorite course, Bay Harbor. Bay Harbor may well be the crown jewel of the Boyne courses. This Arthur Hills masterpiece offers 27 holes that can be played as 3 challenging and scenic 18-hole championship courses. The design, quality, and playing conditions on each layout are consistent but each course is truly unique. Stunning views of Lake Michigan played a major influence in the design of Bay Harbor Golf Club with each course having at least one impressive view of the bay as you play.

The Links/Quarry combination is the most popular and closely follows the rugged coastline, highlighting the magnificence of Lake Michigan and the existing quarry that was preserved to give the layout a dramatic finish. The Links Nine lives up to its name and is situated on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Move inland for a few holes and you’ll encounter windswept dunes and huge bluffs. This is Arthur Hills at his best, creating a golf course with unique topography that fits seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

The Quarry Nine is situated in, around, and through a massive shale quarry and features 40-foot gorges, stone cliffs, mountain ponds, and a peaceful waterfall. The course requires strategically placed tee shots and well-executed approaches with a few risk-reward opportunities thrown in.

Although it may not get the notoriety of its sister courses, The Preserve is a members' favorite. Maybe it’s because of the way it meanders through native wetlands filled with a multitude of wildlife or the way it weaves the lush grasses and native wildflowers into the scenery of the golf course. Or maybe it’s because the tranquil sounds of golf are interrupted only by the sound of waves crashing along the Lake Michigan shoreline. For me, it’s the finishing hole, a par 3 with a large green that slopes to the left and funnels balls on the right side down to the hole.

Boyne continues to reinvest in the infrastructure of their golf courses which will pay huge dividends down the road and have an immediate impact on their golf courses. For example, work was recently completed on the Central Irrigation installation on Donald Ross Memorial and Arthur Hills courses. This new system can be controlled remotely and is significantly more efficient. There were also upgrades to the pump houses and irrigation systems on several other courses and a brand new system that services The Heather and The Moor courses.

Other improvements include over five miles of new cart path on The Heather, Arthur Hills, and Donald Ross Memorial golf courses, and taking measures to speed up play on a couple of courses.

Perhaps the biggest news at Boyne this year is that during the summer of 2023, construction began on the Ray Hearn completely redesigned nine-hole short course which will be routed across a sloping site set among fescue grasses. Hole length will range from 8 to 120 yards. “Hearn will be recreating nine of his favorite greens from Scotland, Ireland, and England. With no formal tees golfers will have the opportunity to put tees anywhere they want so they can play shots from different lies and angles.

Eastern Tennessee is known for many things. It’s home to Oak Ridge, the site of the world's first successful uranium enrichment operations. Bluegrass Music originated in Bristol, TN, and Coca-Cola was first bottled at a plant in Chattanooga in 1899. Knoxville was visited by over 11 million people in 1982 when it hosted the World’s Fair. It’s also home to the University of Tennessee and the Volunteers. However, the area is probably best known for its mountainous terrain and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For golfers, there are several unique and challenging golf courses. One of them, Island Pointe, is slightly off the beaten path but well worth the trip. Island Pointe is located in Kodak, Tennessee, between Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains, and was created to rival the country’s most prestigious golf clubs and bring world-class, daily-fee golf to Tennessee. One visit and you’ll be back.

This Arthur Hills design first opened in 1991 as River Islands Golf Club and was ranked as high as 10th on Golf Magazine’s Public/Private Golf Courses in Tennessee. Current owner Dan Feehan had already fallen in love with the uniqueness of the golf course and realized its potential, so when the club started to struggle financially in 2009, Dan knew that with a little innovation and some subtle guidance, the course could be returned to its former glory. So, he left the New England banking scene, purchased the golf course, and moved his family to East Tennessee.

Island Pointe is unlike any course I have ever seen with the way it weaves seamlessly into the French Broad River Islands. Arthur Hills took that uniqueness and incorporated it into the golf course. The three islands in the middle of the French Broad River play an integral part in the design and routing of the golf course with holes 3, 4, 5, 15, and 16 sharing the islands. And, while each of the 18 holes at Island Pointe provides its own unique challenge.

Based on its slope and course rating, Island Pointe is the most challenging public golf course in East Tennessee. From the back tees, Island Pointe plays 7,001 yards with a course rating of 74.3 and a slope of 146. Members play from the White Tees (6,223/70.3/137) while the ladies will find Island Pointe enjoyable for the Island Tees (4,873/69.1/122). There are five sets of tees in all so you’re sure to find one that suits your game.

Island Pointe is situated on more than 175 acres with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains and the French Broad River two features you will become more familiar with as you play the golf course. The ball sits up nicely on the well-manicured Zoysia fairways - often regarded as some of the best in the area –and leads to small, well-contoured mini-Verdi Bermuda greens. This area of East Tennessee is rich with wildlife and it’s not uncommon to see river otters playing on the riverbanks and the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead.

It’s important to get off to a good start at Island Pointe and the first four holes can make or break your round. But not to worry, just take a look at all of the beauty Mother Nature has surrounded you with! The course starts with a modest 365-yard, par 4, with a slight dogleg to the right. The entire hole plays uphill so your second shot will probably require an extra club to reach the green.

Number 2 is another medium-length par 4 and starts with a somewhat blind tee shot up and over a hill with a deep grassy hollow on the right and worse things to the left! Your approach shot is into a shallow green with a steep grassy bank and a trap behind the green. My advice is brains over brawn off the tee.

Number 3 is the course’s first island hole. From the Member Tees, the hole plays 160 yards and is all carried over water. Rocks line the shore leading down to the water with long, gnarly grass between the rocks and the green.

The 4th hole is Island Pointe’s first par 5, with the French Broad River forming the boundary on the left. Playing your tee shot down the left-center of the fairway and your layup shot down the right-center will set up the best angle into the green. This is Island Pointe’s #1 handicapped hole, and, in the event, it didn’t treat you well, look across the river at the 60-foot solid wall of rock! It’s quite impressive.

Three holes on the back nine really stand out, too. Number 15 is a 159-yard par 3 with water all down the left side into a very long and narrow green. The front left bunker comes into play more than you think.

Number 16 is a short par 5 that requires a drive over water and then an approach shot into a green with water protecting the left side.

Arthur Hills saves the best for last. Number 18 is a 400-yard dogleg left and is best played with something less than a driver off the tee. Your approach shot plays downhill into a well-protected green with water on the left and sand on the right.

Before your round, warm up on Island Pointe’s full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bad. There’s also a short game area and a large practice putting green. Island Pointe has some of the most extensive practice facilities in the area.

Even if you’re not a golfer, there’s still a good reason to visit Island Pointe: the food! Golfers have the best of both worlds, the food truck at the turn and the Island Pointe Grille. While it may be your typical clubhouse menu, they do it right. Fantastic hamburgers, pork sandwiches, and chicken strips. The smoked potato salad and French fries alone are worth the trip!

The ongoing goal of Island Pointe is to help families in East TN and to give golfers a whole new reason to play their golf course to help a variety of special causes. Island Pointe plans to operate as a nonprofit. Course owner Dan Feehan has created a foundation that will raise funds to help battered women, homelessness resulting from addiction, and early childhood development. While this may sound like quite an endeavor, each of these areas has touched Feehan personally through employees and friends. The official launching of the foundation, its name, purpose, and intention will be formally announced in late 2023.

“We are excited to continue to provide an incredible playing experience for all golfers while directing daily proceeds from the golf course operations to helping East TN families. The foundation will not diminish the Island Pointe golf experience in any way or increase the daily fee rate. It offers our golfers a chance to play at a first-rate facility that they know is working to make a significant difference in the community.” We are thrilled to do this for our community."

As of August, the foundation has three fundraising events planned for the remainder of 2023: Night Golf, Thanksgiving Morning 18-hole Shootout, and a Santa’s Run. As they move into the 2024 golf season, the golf course expects to be able to direct all proceeds generated from daily sales into the foundation.

Although it’s uncertain, the Foundation may offer corporate memberships to Island Pointe and hold tournaments and special events to raise funds for early intervention care at East Tennessee Children's Hospital.