By Len Ziehm
LochenHeath Golf Club offers beautiful views of East Grand Traverse Bay, near Traverse City, Michigan. Although beautiful, it has had a rocky past. Forced to close, it was rescued due to the extraordinary efforts of a few former members and some very dedicated employees. Together they have converted LochenHeath into one of the best public courses in this golf-rich state.
Built by the well-respected designer, Steve Smyers, on what was previously a 300-acre cherry orchard, LochenHeath opened as a public course in 2002, went private in 2004, but reverted to a daily fee operation in 2008. The end result led to bankruptcy and a shutdown that lasted over two years.
Eleven members bought the club out of foreclosure in the spring of 2011 and their passion for the project made all the difference. 
“Really quite a story,’’ recounted general manager Kevin O’Brien. “The members didn’t sit by during the shutdown. They came out and kept the course alive – mowing, weeding bunkers, whatever they could do.’’
At one point the grass in the fairways was knee-high, and one of the bunkers required 65 man-hours of hand labor for it to survive.
Joe Ettawagiac, who had been the assistant superintendent, was brought back as the head man. Another former employee, chef Joseph George, was re-hired and in May, 2011 a celebratory reopening was held.
O’Brien, who joined the effort in 2013, had worked at some other top golf resorts in Michigan. He ran the highly-acclaimed Tullymore Resort for 20 years. While at Tullymore, architect Jim Engh created the resort’s namesake course that was judged America’s Best New Public and Resort Course, when it opened in 2002.
O’Brien also spent time at True North, in Harbor Springs, another course designed by Engh, until LochenHeath came calling.
“The members wanted to transition back to private, something I had done at True North,’’ said O’Brien, “but here it’s different. It’ll take nine or 10 years. We figured it’d be a long process.’’
LochenHeath can also handle buddies’ trips and girls’ golf getaways. Their cottages can accommodate up to eight guests in four separate bedrooms that open to a common living and dining area. Every room has its own bath and is near the clubhouse and practice tee.
LochenHeath also features excellent dining with outstanding menu items to please every palate.
LochenHeath has resumed its place as one of Michigan’s best golf stops and is a must-play for every golfer, when they visit the Traverse City area.
