Lucky us! Northern Michigan is a golf mecca, as we all know.  The Two Guys Who Golf were fortunate enough to tour over 20 premier golf properties in July, 2001.
Following is our review of golf courses and resorts in the areas visited. All 21 golf courses have informational pages (and web links) on our Michigan detailed listings web catalog of courses to play. Visit our web catalog for more information or to view each properties web site. Our next project for Michigan will be a resort listing page, with extensive info designed to help you choose accommodations and create your own golf package. Visit our (work in progress) Ontario,
Arizona and Las Vegas area golf vacation destination sites for similar information for those areas. When planning a trip, check out our web catalogs and tour reviews for useful information, directions and web links. Be sure to visit our discount site for possible savings on golf and accommodations in Michigan, Ontario, Arizona and Las Vegas. Look for some spectacular FREE GOLF packages, which will be offered online by the Two Guys Who
Golf this fall and winter. Registration is free. Email us with your web address so we can inform you of promotions ahead of time. We keep our e-mailing list confidential - you will not receive junk mail!  LAKEWOOD SHORES RESORT (800-882-2493) in Oscoda features outstanding golf and accommodations. Nestled among
northern Michigan hardwoods, the resorts 80 rooms range in style from hotel units to 1 and 2 bedroom suites, many with Jacuzzi tubs. Each unit has a porch with nice views of the golf property. Adjacent is a complimentary (and well-conditioned) "wee links" 18 hole par 3 course. Step out your door and begin on the hole of your choice. The length of the holes varies from 50 - 105 yards, with sand bunkers, water and heather coming into play. This unique feature
of Lakewood Shores Resort allows guests and their families to practice or enjoy a leisurely and fun round. Play barefoot or dress to kill; play 18 or just a few holes before or after dinner - your choice.  Tigger and Sparky grabbed a brew after 36 holes on the championship courses and dinner, and practiced their short game until dark…If you
have a group, this is a great way to end the evening with a friendly (or competitive) skins game. It is also a wonderful place for children and beginners to hone their game and have fun! Outstanding golf/accommodations packages are available, and great deals are offered during the spring and fall seasons. We highly recommend Lakewood Shores for a golf getaway. If you can't get enough golf - this is the place to be. Three distinctive championship courses are on
property. All feature outstanding conditioning. Especially noteworthy is the quality and design of their tee boxes and putting surfaces. Click here to view their web site (www.lakewoodshores.com)
 The GAILES is an outstanding Kevin Aldridge design (Indianwood, Blackheath)
which recreates the look and feel of the famed seaside courses in Scotland. Large double greens, meandering burns, sod-faced pot bunkers and long fescue grasses are some of the distinctive features. The Gailes is one of a kind and a "must play"  in Michigan. It was rated the
# 1 best new resort course in the US in 1993 and is recognized
annually as one of the state's finest. We loved our experience there, which included opportunities for some unique golf shots. Play it on a cool, windy day and you will feel like you are in the British Open!
The SERADELLA (designed by Bruce Matthews) is a perfect resort course, though it plays quite long (6500 from the whites)
This parkland design has generally wide fairways and large, well-conditioned greens. Water comes into play on 5 holes and there is minimal fairway bunkering. 50,000 meticulously arranged perennials and annuals line the Serradella and resort complex. This is a fun course to play. The ninth and 18th holes finish around ponds and provide beautiful views from the clubhouse. The  BLACKSHIRE (also designed by Kevin Aldridge) is their newest course (opened June 2001) and was designed to create the look and feel of the famous Pine valley CC. It offers a rugged feel with hardwoods, large sand waste areas and undulating greens. We enjoyed our round thoroughly on this unique looking course, but were often affected by misjudgments in yardage and pin placements. All three Lakewood Shores courses honor the
ancient Scottish tradition - leaving it to you to judge where the holes are located on the greens (ie- no pin placement information). In time, the Blackshire will mature into one of the premier courses in the state.  GARLAND RESORT (877 4-garland) in Lewiston is a blend of sophistication and rusticity. The lodge is
the largest log structure this side of the Mississippi. There is an outdoor swimming pool and indoor lap pool, fitness room, 2 hot tubs and sauna. An elegant dining room and spacious sports bar are also on property. Our room in the south wing featured a fireplace and in-room jacuzzi.  The complex is built on 3,500 acres, which is home to abundant
wildlife including deer, eagles, and wild boar. Garland offers great stay and play golf packages with their 4 championship golf courses and a variety of accommodations available. All 4 courses feature great conditioning and very good pin placement and yardage information. There is a huge putting/chipping green and a grass driving range. The onsite golf academy offers various instructional programs. We found our 2-night stay
to be convenient for golf and relaxing at night. The rooms are extremely comfortable with upscale amenities - this is a triple A 4 diamond resort. The golf courses were well groomed and offered enough variety to keep play interesting. During winter, Garland is transformed into a wonderland of outdoor activities including skating, cross-country skiing and sleigh riding. Click here for their web site (www.garlandusa.com). Scroll down for a review of their courses.
 The FOUNTAINS was our favorite course - an outstanding layout featuring elevation changes and beautiful, rolling fairways with exquisite bunkering. The opening hole is a relatively short par 4, which gives you a reasonable chance to start strong. Holes 2 through 13 are gorgeous to look at and fun to play. If you are able
to play only one of the Garland courses, we highly recommend the Fountains. We found it to be one of the top courses on this tour, with many memorable holes (especially # 10). Without question, it is worth the few extra bucks charged to play this course.
 REFLECTIONS has a layout similar to the many of the courses
found up north, with elevation changes and rolling fairways. It does not start as strong as the other Garland courses, and it has more of a rustic feel. Regarded as the easiest to score on (of the 4 courses) because of its readable and consistent putting surfaces, the Reflections packs some punch in the middle holes. There are a variety of wide open and tight, tree-lines fairways with some water hazards. Hit the ball reasonably straight and you can do well on this
, the shortest of the Garland courses.
 The MONARCH plays fairly long (with some tough opening holes) and features water hazards on all but four holes. Many towering white pines and mature trees line the fairways. The layout is visually pleasing with all the water and greenside bunkers. Our
advice - warm up before your round on the Monarch. Get off to a decent start and things will get easier. The opening holes will require length and accuracy.
 The SWAMPFIRE course is a true test, with water hazards on 16 holes. Tee shots are especially important - as the angle of your
approaches to the well-conditioned greens will determine how well you avoid the many hazards. The greens do not look visually difficult, but generally have more break than it seems. The Swampfire will favor the long hitter, and will require your complete attention, as there are not really any easy holes. It is one of the most beautiful of the courses on property.
While the Swampfire and Monarch look somewhat similar, the Fountains and Reflections feature
a variety in terrain, providing a distinctive quality and giving Garland a great combination of courses to play.  THUNDER BAY RESORT (8OO-729-9375) in Hillman is a conveniently located resort, featuring comfortable accommodations in suites, villas and chalets. Prices are quite reasonable. The Thunder
Bay specialty is golf packages. 54, 72 and 90 hole Sunrise Challenges are available featuring a combination of golf on their resort course along with premier properties including Elk Ridge, Black Lake, Red Hawk and The Dream. You could stay there for nearly a week and play a different outstanding course each day. Dramatic designs, a friendly staff and great food are all available at Thunder Bay. Our whirlpool suite was comfortable and very roomy (great for a family or golf group)
. There is no swimming pool - but it was not missed. The public access site to Lake Avalon is just 12 minutes away. There is a small beach - and excellent swimming in the cool, crystal clear, spring fed lake - highly recommended for a midday break. An enclosed hot tub is available on the TB property.
 The Thunder Bay Resort course is a mid-length layout with a
traditional design. There is no pretentiousness here. This is a simple layout and a good bargain for the area - with wonderful and friendly service. The greens were well groomed and the fairways and greens had ample yardage markers and pin placement systems. This is a great warm-up round for some of the more challenging and upscale golf courses in the area. Many folks we talked to played Thunder Bay exclusively during their stay there.
You can really save with their stay and play packages - and play some great courses for minimal surcharges. Click here for their website (www.thunderbaygolf.com)
 THE DREAM (888-te-dream) is a visually stunning design with elevation changes and rolling fairways
lined with mature trees. The conditioning from tee to green was outstanding. Many of your approach shots will be to elevated, well-bunkered greens. The first hole is a very playable par 5 - but it gets tougher from there. Longer hitters will benefit. The fairways are well marked and The Dream has a good pin placement system. We found the greens to be very true. If you have not had the chance to play this course yet, it will be worth your time to check it out - a beautiful piece of
property. Click here to view their web site (www.teedream.com)
ELK RIDGE (800-626-4355) is impressive! The view of the first  fairway and of the 10th green (from the clubhouse) is as good as it gets. This is a wonderful northern Michigan layout with a wide variety of holes that will keep
you on your toes. Over 400 acres featuring strategic doglegs, elevation changes, elaborate bunkering, scenic vistas, abundant wetlands and wildlife - we recommend Elk Ridge without hesitation. It was one of the top courses and best deals on this tour. Our round on a Sunday morning took less than 4 hours. Clocks on each hole let you know if you are behind or ahead of schedule. This system serves as
a polite reminder to keep up with the pace of play. You will love the layout and conditioning. In comparison with many upscale northern Michigan courses, their green fees are a bargain. Bring your "A" game and enjoy. Click here for their web site (www.elkridgegolf.com)  BAY HARBOR (231-439-4028)
boasts 27 of the most breathtaking holes in the Midwest. We played the Links and the Quarry nines, considered to be the best combination at Bay Harbor. The Links plays along the Lake Michigan shoreline with incredible views (with sheer drop-offs at the cliffs) of Traverse Bay. This is prime property, developed into a "must play once in a lifetime" course. Driving along the shoreline you will appreciate the fact that they developed this land into a course open for public play.
It is easy to figure out why top dollar is charged to play here. The Quarry nine is another unique piece of property, with a section routed through the 40-foot gorges of a former shale quarry. The "look" of the middle holes is hard to describe. Unique shot making opportunities abound. Some of the
holes look intimidating, but actually play quite fairly. The Quarry finishes with two outstanding holes along the shoreline, leading to the luxurious clubhouse. The Preserve nine winds through hundreds of acres of forested hardwoods and features the longest freshwater shoreline of any course in the country. We did not have the time in our busy schedule to play the Preserve, but have heard that it is a typical Northern Michigan layout with great conditioning and tremendous views.
Bay Harbor is the most upscale priced course in the Boyne repertoire. Expect to pay top dollar. But consider this - of all the premier courses on this tour - Bay Harbor was in a class by itself (rated in the country's "SWEET SIXTEEN" by golf Digest). Click here for the Boyne web site (www.boyne.com) SHANTY CREEK  (800-678-4111) is a full service resort with 4 outstanding golf courses. Located in Bellaire,  Shanty Creek has received numerous awards for its golf and accommodations, and is recognized as one of the top resorts in the Midwest. 600 various accommodations are available, including hotel
rooms, suites, chalets and condominiums. Our suite overlooking the 18th green at Cedar River Village was top notch with first class amenities and a wonderful view from our balcony. Weiskopfs Lounge served excellent, quick and healthy fare. The pool area with 2 Jacuzzis and a changing area with showers was much appreciated. Cedar River joins Schuss Mountain and the Summit Village to comprise this 4,500 acre resort, which is also famous for its 2 separa te alpine ski areas featuring 46 downhill runs. We played all four courses during our 2-night stay and highly recommend Shanty creek for golf enthusiasts. Visit their website for more info on golf, accommodations, conference facilities, dining, fitness center and spa, real estate and other attractions. (www.shantycreek.com)  THE LEGEND is the signature course of Shanty Creek. This Arnold Palmer design has long been rated as one of the top 4 resort courses in the country, and the top resort course in the Midwest. We were impressed with the conditioning, character and layout of this course, which demands your utmost concentration. There are some incredibly challenging holes - but
put the ball in play and you will usually be rewarded with a fair lie. Hole # 7, a downhill par 5, has been named the top golf hole in the state and one of the top 50 in the US. From what we had heard of the legend, we were prepared for a tough round. While extremely challenging, we found it to be fair, at least from the blues (the whites play very short and the tips are too much for us). Choose your medicine wisely, as the slope rating reaches 140.
 CEDAR RIVER impressed us as a course equal to the Legend. This Tom Weiskopf design features outstanding conditioning for a relatively new course, and a layout that will challenge you on every shot. It seemed a bit more playable than the Legend, with large greens that were easy to read. We decided to play from the whites, as the blues were quite long (over 6500 yards). This
turned out to be a good choice as the opening hole is a tough and long par 4. The par 3's were of a reasonable length and provide relief from the challenging par fours. The 18th is an amazing closing hole. Don't fall asleep and count your score before your work is finished, as this closing hole has the capability to change a descent round into a bad one (and vice versa). Play Smart on Cedar River - and enjoy the beauty!
THE SUMMIT  is the original Shanty Creek course and the most player friendly track of the group. Conditions are not up to par with the Legend and Cedar River, but the track is interesting and fun to play - and the price is right! The fairways are mostly open, winding through the subtle hills and valleys of Antrim County. Though relatively short, the Summit plays
tougher than it looks with many uphill tee shots and strategically placed trees. It is a good Northern Michigan design and a great warm-up for some of the more challenging tracks on the property.  SCHUSS MOUNTAIN plays longer than the Summit (6400 yards from the whites) but is also very player friendly and fun to play. There are generally wide
landing areas, even on the many holes with doglegs. The par threes were long, but with minimal hazards. The greens were vast, averaging over 7000 Sq. Ft. Conditions were very good from tee to green. What makes this course special is the serene golf experience you will find. We rarely saw another golfer on the course, as the holes are quite secluded, with no adjacent fairways. The wetlands, hills, valleys and
mature forests provide a natural setting with abundant wildlife. We thoroughly enjoyed Schuss Mountain - one of the most popular courses in the area (keep it together on the closing hole - as it plays tough!)
 ST. IVES (800-972-4837) in Stanwood was 1 of only 16 courses in the US
to receive the prestigious 5-star rating from Golf Digest in 1999. They have a beautiful clubhouse and restaurant with an outdoor patio, along with a grass driving range and large chipping/putting green. The course itself is beautiful and challenging. Be sure to warm up, as the opening hole is a tough par 4 that can put you in a bind in a hurry. What follows is a layout featuring rolling fairways, doglegs, elevated greens and excellent conditioning. Though some of
the holes run adjacently, mature trees and the natural terrain serve as a buffer. Take a look around you on the middle holes - it is an outrageous view. More impressive are holes 14 through 18 - winding around a lake with views matched only by the Quarry at Bay Harbor. Playing here is a treat and a first class experience. By the spring of 2002, St Ives will feature a resort with 44 rooms and upscale facilities for those who want to stay and play. Click here for the St. Ives website.
The resort accommodations will especially come in handy because St. Ives has added a new course - The TULLYMORE.  The Tullymore opens gently, allowing you to score reasonably well on the front nine. Back to back par threes is a unique feature. Hopefully, you can make the turn with a good score, as the back
really packs some punch. The Tullymore design will grow on you. The back nine is absolutely gorgeous, and features many hazards, which will challenge your shot making ability. Huge snaking bunkers - of the deep variety seen in Scottish designs - protect many of the greens and some fairways. They have immaculate white sand, which is aesthetically pleasing and not too difficult to hit out of - as long as they are greenside. Avoid the beginning of the traps on the short side of the
putting surfaces or your options will not be pleasant. The overall beauty of this course is brought about by these uniquely shaped bunkers and the Scottish accent of the rolling fairways, sculpted tee boxes and high grasses. The conditioning does not represent a first year course. Tullymore is definitely ready for play. It was one of the most outstanding golf experiences on this tour!  THE THOROUGHBRED at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury (231-893-4653) is about 1-½ hours west of St. Ives and one of the most challenging courses in Michigan. The par 4 2nd (pictured here) has been rated as the toughest par four in the state - a 446 yard dogleg with a rolling fairway and considerable marshland. This is a typical northern Michigan layout with hardwoods, pines, wetlands and lakes bordering their bent grass fairways. The
greens were smooth and quick with severe undulations - the most challenging putting surfaces we encountered. Course knowledge (especially of the greens) is a big advantage here, as it is extremely difficult to 1 or 2 putt if you are on the wrong side of the green. If you are looking for a challenge - check out the Thoroughbred. Beat your handicap and you are the Man! (or woman). The Double JJ Resort specializes in a western theme and has
extensive activities designed for golfers, families, adults and children. Various types of accommodations and resort facilities are available. Click here to view their website (www.doublejj.com)
MT PLEASANT is a great place for a weekend getaway or a mini golf vacation. Bucks Run, The Pohlcat, Riverwood, and The Pines at Lake Isabella are within minutes of town. St. Ives and
Tullymore are 35 minutes away. The Holiday Inn is a great resort (not your standard Holiday Inn) with an indoor and outdoor pool. Jacuzzi, sauna, work out facility, and a nice restaurant. The HI offers good deals on golf packages at all the above mentioned courses, and also has accommodations available at adjacent Green Suites (popular with golfers). Holiday Greens, an executive course is located behind the property. We visited the HI and were impressed with the
facilities and would highly recommend it. Call 800 292-8891 for more info. Visit www.mtpleasant.net for the Mt. Pleasant Visitors/Convention Bureau (also 800-772-4433). They can also help you with golf and accommodation packages. The Soaring Eagle is a nice casino resort with great facilities. Unlike the Detroit casinos, the Soaring Eagle has $5 gaming tables - even during the
busiest periods. On the negative side, they don't seem to cater to golfers. Prices for accommodations and golf packages are quite high, especially on weekends. I paid $6.75 for a drink in the casino and $1.75 for .75 cent cookie. The general feeling amongst patrons I spoke with is that there is real price gouging going on. If you stay there, enjoy the wonderful facilities but do not expect Las Vegas type perks in exchange for your gambling patronage.  THE POHLCAT (800 292-8891) is one of the most pleasant courses to play in the state. The opening holes enable you to get off to a decent start - and there are enough challenging holes to keep you on your toes. # 17 and 18 are among the finest closing holes anywhere. This championship design (by Dan Pohl) features play over and aroun d the Chippewa River, with fairways cut through mature forest. Sparky has played the Pohlcat at least a half dozen times and has thoroughly enjoyed each experience there. This is an extremely fun course to play, and is highly recommended on any visit to Mt. Pleasant. The practice facilities (grass driving range and two large putting greens) and clubhouse are also exceptional. You can
enjoy lunch on the patio of their wooden clubhouse, overlooking the 18th. Click here for their website
(www.pohlcat.net)  BUCKS RUN (877-89BUCKS) had the distinction of being the last round on our tour. It turned out to be one of our most enjoyable. We were paired with Dan and Bob Johns from
Kalamazoo (Dan is a 5 handicap who shot the round of his life). Bucks Run is an incredible, Jerry Matthews designed golf course. The views of the 9th and 18 holes from their expansive clubhouse are as good as it gets. The layout varies from tight tree lined fairways to doglegs over and around water hazards and marshes.  While challenging, Bucks Run is fair, providing good lies on the fairways if you hit a
decent tee shot. The course is well marked and well conditioned. The greens were hard and fast, so be sure to land short and run it to the hole. Bucks Run is only 1 year old and will only get better. Highly recommended! A great finishing course! Click here for their web site.
Although we did not get a chance to play RIVERWOOD during our tour, RIVERWOOD (800) 882-5211 has been a fixture in Mt.
Pleasant for a long time - featuring 27 holes , a spacious clubhouse, fairway villa  accommodations and a reputable restaurant. LPGA pros Kelly Robbins, Cindy Figg-Currier, and PGA pro Dan Pohl all honed their games at one time on Riverwood. The resort specializes in golf packages and outings, and is very reasonably priced with midweek
specials and unlimited golf. A 24 lane bowling alley is also on property in case your putts are not dropping. Located just minutes from the casino. 31/2 stars (Golf Digest) Click here to view their web site. Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments on this tour or individual properties - or to offer suggestions. Remember to RESPECT THE GAME! Replace divots and repair your ball marks on the greens! | 
