By Fred Altvater
Even though I am a staunch Buckeye fan, GO BUCKS!! I appreciate the fact that Michigan has over 800 courses, plus several outstanding resorts that offer every amenity any golfer could want.
This summer we had the chance to visit three of the best resorts in Michigan, plus play one of the most historic courses in the state. In addition, the trip was even more memorable as I was able to take my oldest grandson, who had just turned 16, along on this adventure.
Boyne Resort
Our trip began at the 2019 National Golf Course of the Year, The Heather, at Boyne Highlands Resort. The Heather was the first of the ten courses built at the three Boyne locations. The Robert Trent Jones Sr. design opened for play in 1966 and has been recognized by every major media and golf rating service as one of the finest courses in the country.
The Heather is not alone at the Boyne Highlands Resort. The Ross Memorial, a replication of Donald Ross’ finest holes from around the world, The Arthur Hills Course and The Moor compliment The Heather and add variety to every golf trip.
In addition, the Fitting and Training Center at Boyne Highlands can fit the perfect set of clubs for every swing, or offer the latest technological analysis to improve your game. David McWhorter and Mike Fay are PGA Class A Professionals providing the best in swing knowledge and tips.
Belvedere Golf Club
After leaving Boyne and Petoskey, we headed south to Charlevoix to play the historic Belvedere Golf Club. This course was designed by William Watson and opened for play in 1927. Walter Hagen brought his buddies to Charlevoix to play the course and Sam Snead, Gene Sarazan and Ben Hogan all made treks to northern Michigan to play this timeless beauty.
Tom Watson’s parents summered in Charlevoix, where young Tom honed his impressive skills on the rolling hills and undulating greens of Belvedere.
Watson’s use of the natural contours helped to retain the natural flow of the course. The green complexes can be compared to the elephant burial mounds and severe runoffs at Augusta National. Three or even four-putt greens are always a concern at Belvedere.
Before we left Belvedere, we took in the hundreds of pictures on the walls of the spartan pro shop. Head Pro, Marty Joy, has framed hundreds of pictures from Belvedere’s illustrious past and they are available for viewing.
Threetops at Treetops 
Following our round at Belvedere, we headed over to Treetops Resort in Gaylord to play a late afternoon round on the famed par-3 course, Threetops.
After seeing the par-3 course at Augusta National, Rick Smith, who was the Head Professional at Treetops, convinced the owner of Treetops to build a similar short course.
The result was one of the most popular par-3 courses in the country. It played host to a made for ESPN, golf exhibition, featuring four well-known tour pros. Over the years, Phil Mickelson, Fred Couples, Andy North, Raymond Floyd and Lee Trevino all participated in the event. The Trevino plaque on the tee at No. 7 commemorates Trevino’s hole-in-one, that was the first single shot awarded a $1 million prize.
Forest Dunes
Forest Dunes is one of my favorite golf resorts in Michigan. With the Dunes Course, designed by Buckeye Great, Tom Weiskopf, plus the unique reverse-designed, The LOOP, by Tom Doak. The resort offers 54 different holes of golf.
The Dunes Course is one of Weiskopf’s finest efforts and he has had some considerable success as a golf course designer over the years. The LOOP was the first of its kind built in the U.S. and is modeled after the reverse designs in Scotland.
Last year Forest Dunes opened the giant putting green for those late afternoon, or after-dinner competitions. The driving range and practice facilities are first-class, plus we could see the newest addition to the Forest Dunes complex, the par-3 course taking shape.
This year golf carts are allowed on The LOOP for the first time, but the preferred way to play is walking, or with a caddie.
The Black course at The LOOP has been ranked No. 45 and the Red Course No. 47 on Golf Digest’s annual listing of the Top 100 Courses in the United States.
Owner Lew Thompson and his staff have done a marvelous job of turning this resort, cut out of the Michigan landscape, into one of the most enjoyable places to stay, play and dine.
Oh, did I forget to mention, the Sagamore Lodge and the Cottages are perfect for buddy’s golf trips, plus the restaurant offers a wide selection of delectable treats to satisfy any appetite.
This is only a sampling of the great golf that awaits in Michigan.
So many courses……..So little time!
