All Things Michigan Golf.....The Three Putt

[Pepetito]

2 hours ago, CRDuffy21 said:

I live in SE Michigan, near the Novi area and joined a private club. Our course is extremely firm and fast. It's playing spectacularly for this early in the year. Maybe other areas hit with more rain that we have in our area, but everything is pretty firm right now down here. 

What club?

[golfortennis]

On 5/7/2024 at 7:13 AM, odshot68 said:

On a side note, it seems this site has died off over past few years. Have people migrate elsewhere or just moved on?

 

Doubt people have gone elsewhere.  I think it's more the people who made the site what it is are either no longer playing golf, or are no longer with us.  Plus, how much new is there really?  What topic, including courses where to play, haven't been discussed ad nauseum?  

 

I also think the addictive nature of the site also leads the reverse:  clean breaks.  I know one banned member who has said the time it has freed up not being able to be on here was significant.

 

That's my thought anyway, but who knows?

[Pepetito]

I'll add some activity.  Our 16-man group just very recently settled on our planned annual trip for summer 2025.  Havent booked all of this except the lodging and one of the rounds but anyways.  Staying in Indian River a mile from Indian River GC and playing (hopefully):

 

Afternoon Day 1: Otsego Tribute

Morning Day 2: Hidden River

Afternoon Day 2:  Indian River GC

Morning Day 3: Black Lake

 

Havent played any of these so I'm pretty pumped even though its a year away.

Edited May 22, 2024 by Pepetito
edit

[MattSTL88]

1 hour ago, Pepetito said:

I'll add some activity.  Our 16-man group just very recently settled on our planned annual trip for summer 2025.  Havent booked all of this except the lodging and one of the rounds but anyways.  Staying in Indian River a mile from Indian River GC and playing (hopefully):

 

Afternoon Day 1: Otsego Tribute

Morning Day 2: Hidden River

Afternoon Day 2:  Indian River GC

Morning Day 3: Black Lake

 

Havent played any of these so I'm pretty pumped even though its a year away.

Love Hidden River and Indian River GC isn't too bad either. Haven't played the other two but have heard great things about Black Lake, which will be crossed off my list next summer when I am up there too

[Pepetito]

17 minutes ago, MattSTL88 said:

Love Hidden River and Indian River GC isn't too bad either. Haven't played the other two but have heard great things about Black Lake, which will be crossed off my list next summer when I am up there too

Indian River GC is def the one I'm anticipating the least (not that I think its a dump or anything) but its only a mile from our lodging and its the 4-man scramble round so the bar is low lol.

[MattSTL88]

6 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

Indian River GC is def the one I'm anticipating the least (not that I think its a dump or anything) but its only a mile from our lodging and its the 4-man scramble round so the bar is low lol.

I would say that is a good expectation to have. Not a dump, but nothing special. However as someone from Missouri where it's humid and dried out most places, I was pleasantly surprised by the conditions there. 

I'll be up there in July 2025 for family vacation so let me know if you need a sub for one of those rounds lol. 

[Pepetito]

Just now, MattSTL88 said:

I would say that is a good expectation to have. Not a dump, but nothing special. However as someone from Missouri where it's humid and dried out most places, I was pleasantly surprised by the conditions there. 

I'll be up there in July 2025 for family vacation so let me know if you need a sub for one of those rounds lol. 

haha.  Interestingly enough, the trip is June 29-July 2, 2025 lol.

[MattSTL88]

2 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

haha.  Interestingly enough, the trip is June 29-July 2, 2025 lol.

dang, later in July for me, but I'd welcome a recap since I'd be looking for one more round then, Black Lake, Hidden River, and last year did the Arthur Hills course at Boyne

[Pepetito]

11 minutes ago, MattSTL88 said:

dang, later in July for me, but I'd welcome a recap since I'd be looking for one more round then, Black Lake, Hidden River, and last year did the Arthur Hills course at Boyne

Arthur Hills at BH is one of my favs.  Only played it once...in 2021...but man what a fun course.

[1puttTUT]

Black Lake and the Tribute are probably my two favorite courses in NE Michigan. Rick Smith Signature at Treetops is right there as well.

[birdiestobogeys]

A more detailed map of the dozen 

[Pepetito]

49 minutes ago, 1puttTUT said:

Black Lake and the Tribute are probably my two favorite courses in NE Michigan. Rick Smith Signature at Treetops is right there as well.

Love to hear that.

[SnowbirdTom]

Headed north to Manistee in four weeks.  Two rounds at Manistee National (Retreat/Revenge) and a bonus booking at Arcadia Bluffs for the third day.  Got real lucky with the short lead time to find a Bluffs twosome open on the day we wanted.

[postfold]

I hope you bought a lottery ticket after scoring that time.  That's a huge win. 

 

I haven't even bothered to look at up north courses knowing things are so booked.

[1puttTUT]

On 5/26/2024 at 9:18 AM, SnowbirdTom said:

Headed north to Manistee in four weeks.  Two rounds at Manistee National (Retreat/Revenge) and a bonus booking at Arcadia Bluffs for the third day.  Got real lucky with the short lead time to find a Bluffs twosome open on the day we wanted.

 

I'd like to know how Manistee National is these days. I haven't played there in 15 years. 

[SnowbirdTom]

9 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

I'd like to know how Manistee National is these days. I haven't played there in 15 years. 

 

We played there last fall on a Group Golfer deal, 2 rounds and a night's stay for $125 each.  Screaming deal, but the week we scheduled the trip, they were aerating Revenge and it was closed to play. Two rounds on Retreat was nice, we played white tees the first round, switched back a set for the second.  Made a trip of it and added rounds at Pilgrim's Run and The Mines on the way back south with an AirBnB night in GR.

 

Course was in excellent shape, greens were well conditioned and putted true/fast.  Staff was outstanding and the food onsite was delicious.  Lodging was ok and very convenient for the course.  They added a short course to the resort last year.  We'll do it again when the Group Golfer deal comes around. 

 

 It was so much fun, we're going back with a full wallet. 😄 This time, we're using Hilton points and staying at the Manistee Hampton Inn Waterfront and paying full greens fees. 

[N8dogg2669]

On 5/22/2024 at 7:57 AM, Pepetito said:

I'll add some activity.  Our 16-man group just very recently settled on our planned annual trip for summer 2025.  Havent booked all of this except the lodging and one of the rounds but anyways.  Staying in Indian River a mile from Indian River GC and playing (hopefully):

 

Afternoon Day 1: Otsego Tribute

Morning Day 2: Hidden River

Afternoon Day 2:  Indian River GC

Morning Day 3: Black Lake

 

Havent played any of these so I'm pretty pumped even though its a year away.

 

Otsego Tribute could be one of the best hidden gems in Michigan. I love that course. To be honest, the course in the front, not sure its name, but it is a blast to play with a large group. it's like a perfect twilight golf course for the boys. We are going up at the end of June and we are staying at The Loon, but making a trip up to the Tribute and 9 on the front course. I played Black Lake last year, can't say i was a fan. 

[Pepetito]

41 minutes ago, N8dogg2669 said:

 

Otsego Tribute could be one of the best hidden gems in Michigan. I love that course. To be honest, the course in the front, not sure its name, but it is a blast to play with a large group. it's like a perfect twilight golf course for the boys. We are going up at the end of June and we are staying at The Loon, but making a trip up to the Tribute and 9 on the front course. I played Black Lake last year, can't say i was a fan. 

I'd love to see a review of the courses and your trip once you get back.

[Pepetito]

14 hours ago, 1puttTUT said:

 

I'd like to know how Manistee National is these days. I haven't played there in 15 years. 

Last year we did our trip there. Our entire group of 16 stayed at the Mackenzie Cottage which is behind one of par 3's of the Retreat.  We played both the Retreat and the Revenge (plus Arcadia Bluffs and South).

Course conditions were solid.  The cottage was solid.  Our entire group really enjoyed our trip.  A bonus is that Manistee will book your rounds at Arcadia for you if you book a package with them.

Edited May 30, 2024 by Pepetito
edit

[3_Jack_Par]

2 hours ago, N8dogg2669 said:

 

Otsego Tribute could be one of the best hidden gems in Michigan. I love that course. To be honest, the course in the front, not sure its name, but it is a blast to play with a large group. it's like a perfect twilight golf course for the boys. We are going up at the end of June and we are staying at The Loon, but making a trip up to the Tribute and 9 on the front course. I played Black Lake last year, can't say i was a fan. 

That's "The Classic". Originally "Hidden Valley" back in the day. it is a fun scramble course -- there's some doglegs that you can really try to cut off big chunks if you have  a safe one out there.

 

[N8dogg2669]

7 hours ago, 3_Jack_Par said:

That's "The Classic". Originally "Hidden Valley" back in the day. it is a fun scramble course -- there's some doglegs that you can really try to cut off big chunks if you have  a safe one out there.

 

Yeah we always scramble on that course. It’s always been the “add on” or the extra 9 when some of the guys aren’t done for the day. Really really enjoy that place and the atmosphere. It’s just a fun time for sure. 

[3_Jack_Par]

13 hours ago, N8dogg2669 said:

Yeah we always scramble on that course. It’s always been the “add on” or the extra 9 when some of the guys aren’t done for the day. Really really enjoy that place and the atmosphere. It’s just a fun time for sure. 

I've had a lot of good times there, but it's been a while since I've been. I'm glad that it sounds like new ownership has brought it back from the brink of shutting down, because the Tribute is a really great course.

 

[mrfitz]

On 5/16/2024 at 9:53 AM, Pepetito said:

Also played Shanty Creek - Legend for the first time in about seven years.  Has some nice views and greens were in fantastic shape but just not my favorite type of golf course.

Played a couple weeks ago. Greens were nice, the rest of the course was in terrible shape. No sand in the bunkers, mud everywhere, and we had a twosome in front of us who were totally clueless - after they'd hole out they'd go back and replay their pitch and putt while we watched from the fairway.

[1puttTUT]

31 minutes ago, mrfitz said:

Played a couple weeks ago. Greens were nice, the rest of the course was in terrible shape. No sand in the bunkers, mud everywhere, and we had a twosome in front of us who were totally clueless - after they'd hole out they'd go back and replay their pitch and putt while we watched from the fairway.

 

That's a tough course that you really have to plot your way around vs just ripping driver.

 

I definitely prefer Cedar River!

[bbury10]

Doing the Annual Up-North Michigan trip to the U.P this year. Staying at the Island Resort Casino. Playing both courses on property, Sweetgrass and Sage Run. Also making the drive to Greywalls and Timberstone other days.

 

Anyone else do this trip before? Tips, must stops, places to eat etc. Played Greywalls before and plan to make a night out of it in Marquette, but other than that will all be a new experience.

[Amarsuperstar]

On 5/31/2024 at 6:59 PM, bbury10 said:

Doing the Annual Up-North Michigan trip to the U.P this year. Staying at the Island Resort Casino. Playing both courses on property, Sweetgrass and Sage Run. Also making the drive to Greywalls and Timberstone other days.

 

Anyone else do this trip before? Tips, must stops, places to eat etc. Played Greywalls before and plan to make a night out of it in Marquette, but other than that will all be a new experience.

Did the same thing a few years ago. Smart to stay a night in Marquette. The replay rate is nice at Greywalls if you’re interested. Lagniappe is the best place I’ve eaten in Marquette. 

[King_Slender]

Just played Washtenaw Golf Club and have to say I loved it.  The cart paths obviously need some maintenance, which haven't been touched since it was private a decade ago and the range is a bit of a joke, but just a really fun course.

 

We usually play anywhere nearish to Novi - Lyon Oaks, Moose Ridge, Northville Hills, Coyote Preserve, and I knew that Polo Fields had bought Washtenaw and got it back into shape in the last 5 years.  

 

Greens were the best we've played on this year and my biggest takeaway was that they don't build golf courses like that any more.  It's 125 years old and what I loved was the variety of the green complexes and hole design. You really don't get that with modern golf courses, which all seem to have what I'd call "potato chip" greens.  

 

The course was built around Paint Creek and has a variety of cool, memorable holes.  

 

If you haven't played it, I'd recommend it.

[3_Jack_Par]

2 hours ago, King_Slender said:

Just played Washtenaw Golf Club and have to say I loved it.  The cart paths obviously need some maintenance, which haven't been touched since it was private a decade ago and the range is a bit of a joke, but just a really fun course.

 

We usually play anywhere nearish to Novi - Lyon Oaks, Moose Ridge, Northville Hills, Coyote Preserve, and I knew that Polo Fields had bought Washtenaw and got it back into shape in the last 5 years.  

 

Greens were the best we've played on this year and my biggest takeaway was that they don't build golf courses like that any more.  It's 125 years old and what I loved was the variety of the green complexes and hole design. You really don't get that with modern golf courses, which all seem to have what I'd call "potato chip" greens.  

 

The course was built around Paint Creek and has a variety of cool, memorable holes.  

 

If you haven't played it, I'd recommend it.

Dave Kendall is part of the ownership group that owns Washtenaw now. They bought it maybe 4 or 5 years ago -- I can't remember if Polo Fields sold it to someone else before that, or if the current owners bought it from them, but it's been a while since Washtenaw was affiliated. They have been working on making some updates to the course (tree removal, reshaping/expanding some greens, etc.) and I think there may be a larger renovation coming in the next few years.

[1puttTUT]

On 5/31/2024 at 6:59 PM, bbury10 said:

Doing the Annual Up-North Michigan trip to the U.P this year. Staying at the Island Resort Casino. Playing both courses on property, Sweetgrass and Sage Run. Also making the drive to Greywalls and Timberstone other days.

 

Anyone else do this trip before? Tips, must stops, places to eat etc. Played Greywalls before and plan to make a night out of it in Marquette, but other than that will all be a new experience.

 

We did a similar trip last year, except we played Wild Bluff on the first day, then got up early and drove to Greywalls for 36. Next day we played Sage Run and Sweetgrass. 

 

We stayed at the casinos and didn't really venture out except for breakfast in Marquette. The courses were fantastic and everything is so cheap up there, but I'm not really a casino guy so I missed our typical rental condo common area hang, grilling food and smoking cigars. 

[Pepetito]

On 5/31/2024 at 6:59 PM, bbury10 said:

Doing the Annual Up-North Michigan trip to the U.P this year. Staying at the Island Resort Casino. Playing both courses on property, Sweetgrass and Sage Run. Also making the drive to Greywalls and Timberstone other days.

 

Anyone else do this trip before? Tips, must stops, places to eat etc. Played Greywalls before and plan to make a night out of it in Marquette, but other than that will all be a new experience.

The way we did it was (coming up from metro detroit):

 

Day 1: Left after work, drove to St Ignace and stayed the night.

Day 2: Woke up early...headed to Timberstone, played 18, stayed the night onsite there.  They have a good bar/restaurant at the clubhouse/hotel.

Day 3: Woke up, headed to Greywalls, played 18, headed to Blackrocks Brewery down the road for food and a beer (food was food trucks if i recall), then drove the 70 mins to check in at Island Resort and Casino.

Day 4: 36 holes (Sage Run and Sweetgrass)

Day 5: 6 hour drive home

 

I loved every second of it.  If it wasnt six hours away, I"d do it every year.

We actually had the No Laying Up guys two groups ahead of us at Greywalls.  That was cool.