By Jason Bruno
Ah, cool crisp 58 degree mornings with a freshly brewed coffee in your hand, breezy 72 degree afternoons on the golf course . . . it’s not fall in New England – it’s summer in Northern Michigan. Wherever you are right now probably doesn’t quite measure up to the splendor of this region from late spring to early fall. It’s a short golf season this far north, but it’s a spectacular place to be. 18, 36 or even 54 holes in a day are possible here, where chasing the sun with friends or family happens a bit later than just about anywhere in the America. The scenery is magnificent, the evening air is brisk, and the dark sky glistens with stars . . . this is Gaylord, Michigan.
On a recent trip to the Gaylord area, we sampled several of the areas most popular golf destinations including Treetops Resort, Otsego Resort, Michaywe Pines, Black Lake Golf Club, and Gaylord Country Club. In a moment, we’ll provide the information for how you can visit and play these same courses (and about a dozen more in the area).
Treetops Resort
Our first stop was Treetops Resort’s 9 hole par 3 course. This dramatic parcel of one-shotters is the ideal appetizer to get the week of golf underway, especially after a long day of travel.
Treetops seems like an endless expanse of scenic terrain featuring hillsides and ravines that provide shot-shaping variety as well as dramatic eye candy. It’s not only the amazing naturescapes that will dazzle you, the Signature course at Treetops (designed by Rick Smith) is the original layout at Treetops and remains a perennial favorite of resort visitors. The par 3’s on the Signature course (above) aren’t as dramatic as they are on the 9 hole short course, but they are no less a challenge and are just as picturesque. https://www.treetops.com/
So how did a small town like Gaylord, of just over 4,000 people become a such a popular golf destination? Four reasons: 1) – The land in Northern Michigan, specifically in Gaylord and it’s surrounding towns is remarkably beautiful and scenic. 2) – The town of Gaylord is themed like an Alpine skiing village and the people are extraordinarily friendly. 3) -once it’s been experienced, word travels fast. 4) – The Gaylord Golf Mecca marketing team knows hospitality and they’re talented at networking and showing off the area. Led by Paul Beachnau and Christi Walcott , the Gaylord Golf Mecca was created in 1987, and is currently the nation’s second longest-running golf cooperative (consisting of 16 golf course members and 21 lodging partners consisting entirely of small towns within the Northern Michigan area).
Indian River
Indian River Golf Club recently celebrated their 100 year anniversary (founded in 1921 as the Burt Lake GC). Perhaps the most eclectic design of the courses we played along the “Mecca Trail”, it features part prairie and northwoods landscapes. In 1924, English architect Wilfrid E. Reid designed a nine-hole course during the same period when he was building Gaylord Golf club. Sixty years after it’s inception, additional land was acquired and Warner Bowen crafted what is now the present 18-hole routing. An outstanding matchplay venue, Indian River provides plenty of opportunity for high drama and excitement. http://www.indianrivergolfclub.com/
Black Lake
Black Lake Golf Club is an 18-hole course designed by longtime architect, Rees Jones, known for his restoration work on many U.S. Open courses. Jones did a fine job of utilizing the previous elements on the property including a small sand quarry. Created by and for the members of the United Auto Workers (UAW), Black Lake is open to public play, is sensibly priced, and located in Onaway, Michigan. https://www.blacklakegolf.com/
Otsego Resort
The Otsego Resort has a rich 85 year history that features awe inspiring views. The resort offers 36 holes of golf that provides uniquely different but worthy experiences. The original layout – The Classic, offers fun without the high risk reward quotient that challenges better players, and is ideal for recreational players. The Tribute course opened in late 2001, featuring all of the challenges sought by competitive and accomplished golfers with breathtaking views and dramatic elevation changes.
Otsego Resort accommodations feature 80 rooms which also includes suites, and condominiums with a wide array of amenities: mountain bike trails, heated pool, meeting and conference rooms. For more information on the Otsego Resort: https://www.otsegoclub.com
Michaywe Pines
The Pines course at Michaywe’ features a traditional style parkland layout with tree lined fairways winding through lush pine and white birch forests. Micaywe may be the most challenging of the courses we played during our visit, routinely hosting area qualifiers and events sanctioned by the Golf Association of Michigan. Michaywe was the home venue for the 1991 and 1996 Michigan Amateur Championship. The Inn the Woods Restaurant, which provides excellent dining in a casual and relaxed vibe. https://www.michaywepines.com/
Gaylord Golf Club
The final stop on our Mecca itinerary was Gaylord Golf Club, established in 1924 as Gaylord Country Club, the layout is a parkland design that’s fun, challenging, and known to always have pristine playing conditions – including a keen reputation for having some of the truest sets of greens in the area. The club relocated to its present location in 1975, where it features native flora, dramatic elevation changes, generous fairways and a challenge worthy of competitive low handicap players. Although the club is considered a private member facility, it actually allows public access at anytime, welcoming locals and visitors to “become a member for a day.” https://www.gaylordcountryclub.com/
A few of our favorite eateries in the area include Big Buck Brewery and Bennethum’s. Both restaurants feature a completely different vibe, but both are certainly worthy of a visit. The brewery focuses on Michigan-made products, with a Brew Team that creates some exceptional new beers crafted by Head Brewer Doug Mehl. Bennethum’s is a family owned establishment that specializes in upscale Pub fare and warm hospitality with an extensive menu of signature entrees.
Along with the fantastic golf in the area, Gaylord is the home of the great outdoors and activities like hiking, kayaking, rafting, incredible fishing, spacious forests, miles and miles of trails, and mountain biking. In the winter the region becomes a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders.
For more information on how to book a visit with Gaylord Golf Mecca: https://gaylordgolfmecca.com/
