The Legend at Shanty Creek

Sadly, The Legend, one of the best layouts in Northern MI, is all burned out. Entire Tee boxes are cooked, parts of greens burnt, and large portions of many fairways are BROWN. Played a few other resort courses in Gaylord, and they seemed to manage to water the grass just fine. Arnie's Grill is not a grill at all, it feels like a cafeteria from high school. Not sure what's going on, but it definitely needs a lot more love.

I love this golf course even though it is probably one of the most difficult in my personal opinion. The fairways are narrow so it leaves you with minimal room for error off the tee. The greens, tee boxes, and fairways are in great shape. The layout and difficulty is what has me coming back to this beautiful golf course. Additionally, extremely friendly staff.

It was not in good shape. Greens aerated still and in generally rough shape, fairways with browned out spots all over, just not what it’s been previously when I’ve played here in 2018 and 2019. Hoping it’s better when I come back in September and will update if so. Not at all worth the money as it stands. The restaurant/grill is also in serious need of an overhaul.

First review I have ever posted.

I know it’s early in the season but it should be unrealistic to pay more than $30 for a course that has aerated greens, especially if they don’t fill the holes with sand. Unfortunately every green at this course was under these conditions. On top of that the course appears to not have been well taken care of in a couple years, although the back nine was in slightly better shape. I’ve grown up hearing how amazing this course is and yes the course layout and views are spectacular but currently the course is not.
I do want to point out that the people that worked there were as nice as I’ve encountered golfing but I would advise anyone to golf somewhere else until the conditions improve.

Legend has some great challenging holes and always like it for demanding you bring your game.

Sadly, due to level of heavy rain and ppl who have no respect for the course… chewed up sections with the carts…

Till next year…

The Legend golf course continues to be one of the best courses in Michigan.
Unfortunately, the clubhouse facilities have suffered from a lack of investment and reflect very poorly on Shanty Creek and The Legend course.
Restrooms - dumpy
Arnie's Grill - IS NOT A GRILL. It's like an old cafeteria that nobody takes care of. The patio, which has a great view over the Summit course, is a mossy, paint peeling, AstroTurf bummer.

Returned to Shanty for some fall golf. Had some very nice weather. On my next visit to the area I'll probably just skip playing Legend.....HawksEye was already closed for the season....would much rather play that instead. Legend is definitely not a 5 star and it's simply not even a 4 star for the overall conditions and what they charge.

The Legend simply put is getting a tad "long in the tooth" with age. It desperately needs a solid rehab or renovation in a number of areas. Especially the cart paths.....many are crumbling and for a resort course of this stature it's really been neglected. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy playing Legend but Shanty needs to pay attention and invest some funds in to what was their featured 18 holes years ago....otherwise they'll start getting real push back for what they charge to play it. It's a 50/60 course at most right now....definitely not towards the c-note range. The clubhouse/bathroom facilities for the Legend/Summit courses are also is old, smelly and tired. The pretty Legend flower logo in the hillside at the first tee only goes so far guys. Recommend play however Cedar River (and now Hawk's Eye) are the courses not to miss at Shanty. 3.75 stars. Legend is downgraded from my 4 star plus plus previous reviews.

The layout changed and the painted markings could be better. The course was awesome! Definitely coming back.

I've never before played on a course as wet as this. It wasn't just parts of the course that were wet, it was the entire course including the sand bunkers, some of which still held water. The small amount of rain we had did not justify the water on the course. I suspect there is a lot of clay under the soil and there are obviously drainage issues. The tee boxes and fairways were like wet sponges, although the large and difficult greens were still fast and unreceptive. We were advised that due to the wetness of the fairways, the carts must stay on the cart path, so there was a lot of walking during our round that we hadn't anticipated. I've played this course before when it was drier, but today the course should have been closed; playing on a course this wet and difficult takes the fun out of golf.

Glorious day. accommodating staff wonderful weather highlight of golf weekend great finishing hole

Condition was pristine. Course was a challenge but fair. We loved it! Very amenities which is probably lack of staff at this time. Could have used a course ranger other than that great experience.

Gorgeous and challenging course! Well maintained (cart path was a little rough) but the course itself is beautiful. Nice layout with challenging hazards, hole #7 is a beast. Definitely a shot placement course, fun, and will definitely play again!