Men have been taking their annual buddy’s golf trip for a long time. In fact, resorts count on their return each year and continually seek ways to entice more men to bring their group to their lush fairways, well-stocked sports bar and restaurant, with a menu loaded with burgers, meat loaf and mashed potatoes.
Over the past ten years, the most rapidly growing segment of the golf industry involves women. As more and more women enjoy the game, many are adding a golf trip with their favorite foursome to their annual travel itinerary.
To no one’s surprise, women’s expectations for a successful golf trip differ slightly from men. Of course, the ladies want more than one course to whet their golfing appetite, but shopping, a spa and a health-conscious dining experience are more desirable. Also, a big factor for the ladies is a resort that actively welcomes women and will make their experience fun, as well as, relaxing.
For Women in the Midwest, here is a short list of top golf resorts that check every box for a successful golf trip with your lady friends, that doesn’t require long travel.
–Boyne Resort in Northern Michigan has three spas, ten golf courses, wonderful accommodations at three different locations, plus several great dining options. The resort is located near Petosky, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor offering entertainment, additional dining and top-shelf shopping opportunities.
Relax and rewind at any one of Boyne’s spas. Enjoy soothing whirlpools, saunas, massage, body treatments, and more at the award-winning spas. A variety of services can be included in any package to fit any budget or wish list.
No lift needed here as this is such a great vantage point behind the 1st green on the Links Course at Bay Harbor Golf Club in Bay Harbor Michigan. That’s lake Michigan in the background in case you were wondering.
–French Lick Resort is located in Southern Indiana and welcomes women golfers with open arms. They don’t have just one spa, they have two. Following an enjoyable day of golf and pampering in the spa, enjoy several excellent dining options, plus the casino is the perfect place to retire, after your evening repast. If the casino seems a bit much, relax with a glass of wine and soak in the ambiance of the West Baden Inn’s beautiful atrium.
French Lick Resort is highly invested in women’s golf. It hosts the Symetra Tour for the Donald Ross Classic in June and they are the home of the Senior LPGA Championship in October on the Pete Dye Course.
–Forest Dunes has wonderful accommodations for women. The four-bedroom cottages allow your group to stay in a comfortable location close to the first tee and Sangomore’s Restaurant, in the main lodge. You can dine al fresco on the large outdoor patio, or just enjoy a nightcap by the fire pit, while you regale your friends with your day on the course.
Everything is first-class at Forest Dunes, plus the reversible “Loop” can be played in two opposite directions. The Loop gives golfers a chance to play the first course of its kind built by Tom Doak, and the Tom Weiskopf course is one of the very best you will play anywhere.
–American Club in Kohler, Wisconsin offers everything a lady could want in a golf destination. The five-star American Club has a unique history, plus it offers superior service and comfort for the demanding traveler. The Inn at Woodlake has multi-bedroom suites for groups that want to stay together. Several dining options will please any palate and the Kohler Waters Spa must be experienced at least once in your lifetime.
The American Club boasts four championship golf courses that have hosted everything from a PGA Championship to a U.S. Women’s Open. In addition, the 2021 Ryder Cup will be contested on the Whistling Straits Course.
–Gaylord Golf Mecca, in Northern Michigan, offers lots of variety, with 13 courses at eight golf resorts. Various accommodation packages are available beginning at just $75 per night.
Treetops has four championship courses, plus everyone’s favorite, Threetops, is one of the best par-3 courses in the country.
Downtown Gaylord offers shopping galore and every other type of off-the-course activity.
This is simply a sampling of the great midwestern golf resorts that cater to women’s golf groups. Get your posse together and have fun on and off the links this summer.
