Hidden gem hunting in Michigan

[ChaosTheory]

1 hour ago, MattSTL88 said:

I am playing Hidden River and Black Lake in 2 weeks and can report back if desired.

Yes, if you think of it, please do.

[supergriff34]

On 7/8/2025 at 5:44 PM, ChaosTheory said:

Yes, if you think of it, please do.

Im playing hidden river tomorrow. 

[MattSTL88]

On 7/8/2025 at 4:44 PM, ChaosTheory said:

Yes, if you think of it, please do.

First time at Black Lake was enjoyable. I thought the conditions were great and the people I was paired with (who play there often) said things have improved a lot since last year. Apparently they just got new sand, I got up and down from the bunker on back-to-back holes for probably the first time in my life, so I was fond of it obviously. There are a few poorly-designed holes IMO, but for what I paid ($62 on a Tuesday), it's hard to advise against giving it a play.

 

Hidden River was excellent as always. If and when I can retire to Northern Michigan, it's under strong consideration of where I would join. Conditions were great and I think the layout is very good. Bring bug spray though, was pretty bad both times I have played now, which is not uncommon for Northern Michigan.

[ChaosTheory]

23 minutes ago, MattSTL88 said:

First time at Black Lake was enjoyable. I thought the conditions were great and the people I was paired with (who play there often) said things have improved a lot since last year. Apparently they just got new sand, I got up and down from the bunker on back-to-back holes for probably the first time in my life, so I was fond of it obviously. There are a few poorly-designed holes IMO, but for what I paid ($62 on a Tuesday), it's hard to advise against giving it a play.

 

Hidden River was excellent as always. If and when I can retire to Northern Michigan, it's under strong consideration of where I would join. Conditions were great and I think the layout is very good. Bring bug spray though, was pretty bad both times I have played now, which is not uncommon for Northern Michigan.

 

Thanks!  We are heading up in a few days.  Those two are on my list. 

 

[JamesUK]

On 5/29/2025 at 5:07 PM, MichiganGolf83 said:

You've got a pretty good list so far.  I'll add Hemlock in Ludington, kind of in between Bahle Farms and Grand Rapids but closer to the water.  It fits all of your criteria in my opinion but maybe not as well known as the ones you have listed.

 

Thanks, this was a great tip. What a dictionary definition of a hidden gem! Was first out on a cool, sunny morning and had the place to myself. Beautiful course, some lovely routing.

 

This and Bahle Farms were my favourites.

[Pepetito]

On 5/29/2025 at 4:27 PM, MattSTL88 said:

not to hijack the thread, but do you have another course in that area you like more? reason I ask is I am heading up there in July and already playing Hidden River, but was planning on trying Black Lake as my second round. I've done the Boyne courses and liked those, but wanted to try something new 

Black lake was very cool. But hard. I recommend 

[Pepetito]

On 7/28/2025 at 2:00 PM, MattSTL88 said:

First time at Black Lake was enjoyable. I thought the conditions were great and the people I was paired with (who play there often) said things have improved a lot since last year. Apparently they just got new sand, I got up and down from the bunker on back-to-back holes for probably the first time in my life, so I was fond of it obviously. There are a few poorly-designed holes IMO, but for what I paid ($62 on a Tuesday), it's hard to advise against giving it a play.

 

Hidden River was excellent as always. If and when I can retire to Northern Michigan, it's under strong consideration of where I would join. Conditions were great and I think the layout is very good. Bring bug spray though, was pretty bad both times I have played now, which is not uncommon for Northern Michigan.

Hidden River is great. Better than black lake imo. Absolutely love it

[cassel191919]

3 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

Hidden River is great. Better than black lake imo. Absolutely love it

Very good course, not as good as Black Lake at least in my golf circle.

[Pepetito]

12 minutes ago, cassel191919 said:

Very good course, not as good as Black Lake at least in my golf circle.

Certainly BL is harder